Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Exploratory analysis of estrogen-mediated gene expression of relaxin in the hypothalamus
No full textIntroduction: Women are eight times more likely to sustain ACL injuries than men, often attributed to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen and relaxin, a hormone influencing ligament laxity, may contribute to this disparity. Relaxin's role in altering collagen properties suggests a potential link between estrogen-regulated relaxin expression and increased injury susceptibility, particularly during the menstrual cycle's follicular phase.Objective: This study investigates estrogen's role in modulating relaxin and its receptors (RXFP-1 and RXFP-3) in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN). We aim to explore whether high estrogen phases of the menstrual cycle correlate with increased relaxin expression, potentially explaining heightened ligament injury risk in females.Methods: Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (n=6) underwent bilateral ovariectomy, followed by a seven-day recovery. Rats were injected with estrogen (10 μg, n=3) or oil vehicle (n=3) for three days and terminated on day four. Brain punches from ARC and PVN underwent RNA extraction and microarray analysis (Rat Clariom S Assay). Data were analyzed using Transcriptome Analysis Console (TAC) Software 4.0.Results: Preliminary findings indicate that estrogen increases relaxin signaling. RXFP-1 expression in the ARC of estrogen-treated rats showed a five-fold increase compared to controls. While relaxin expression in the ARC doubled under estrogen treatment, the difference was not statistically significant. In the PVN, relaxin receptor RXFP-3 expression was two-fold higher in estrogen-treated rats (p=0.07). These results suggest a potential role for estrogen in relaxin-mediated ligament laxity, particularly during the late follicular or ovulatory phase.Discussion: Our findings indicate that estrogen enhances relaxin secretion and receptor expression in the hypothalamus, contributing to ligament laxity. These insights may explain the increased susceptibility of female athletes to ligament injuries during high-estrogen phases of the menstrual cycle. However, the small sample size limits definitive conclusions.Conclusion: This exploratory study demonstrates a potential link between estrogen levels and relaxin-mediated effects on ligament integrity. Future research should include largersample sizes and investigate the systemic roles of relaxin receptors to establish robust connections between estrogen, relaxin, and injury risk
Effectiveness of hexanoic acid for the management of bacterial spot on tomato caused by Xanthomonas perforans
No full textBacterial spot of tomato (BST), caused by Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans (referred to as X. perforans thereafter), is widely distributed globally, including Florida, and reduces fruit quality and yield in tomato fields. Currently, copper-based bactericides are widely used for this disease control; however, the effectiveness of these treatments has diminished due to the emergence of copper-tolerant strains. Therefore, there is a need for novel chemical controls against BST. In this study, we investigated hexanoic acid (HA) as an alternative against copper-tolerant strains of X. perforans through laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments. In vitro experiments demonstrated HA had a lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) compared to copper sulfate, with values of 512 and 1024 mg/L for HA versus 1024 and 2048 mg/L for copper sulfate. HA exhibited bactericidal activity within 1 h at 512 and 1024 mg/L. In greenhouse trials, HA applied at 512 and 1024 mg/L two days before inoculation significantly reduced disease severity compared to untreated controls and Kocide 3000 (copper hydroxide) + Penncozeb. However, field trials indicated that while HA reduced disease severity relative to the untreated control, it did not outperform the grower standard commercial bactericide ManKocide (copper hydroxide + mancozeb), nor did it improve total yield. Previous studies have shown the antimicrobial activity of HA against various other phytopathogens, but this study is the first to demonstrate the potential of hexanoic acid for controlling BST.Entomology and Plant Patholog
When to exercise caution in co-parenting: Intimate partner violence
No full textThe Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service periodically issues revisions to its publications. The most current edition is made available. For access to an earlier edition, if available for this title, please contact the Oklahoma State University Library Archives by email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-744-6311
Carbohydrate metabolism in the Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii) during acute stress
No full textWhether glucocorticoid-responsive gluconeogenesis is an ancestral or later-derived feature of vertebrates is unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate carbohydrate metabolism of the liver in response to generalized stress in Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii). Pacific hagfish were exposed to an acute (30 min) bout of generalized stress and sampled for blood and liver at different time points during recovery (30 min, 6 h, 24 h, and 72 h). Within 6 h post-stress, blood glucose levels increased from 1.4 ± 0.1 mM to 3.3 ± 0.3 mM. Likewise, blood lactate levels increased from 3.1 ± 0.4 mM to 5.5 ± 1.3 mM. The transcriptional regulation of genes which participate in carbohydrate metabolism in the liver were examined. These findings suggest that carbohydrate metabolism is responsive to stress in hagfish, and further examination of the metabolism of the liver may shed light on the biochemical pathways involved in these responses. Our understanding of the metabolic physiology in this ancient lineage of vertebrates can contribute to our fundamental understanding of how vertebrate processes of carbohydrate handling evolved.Integrative Biolog
Endorsement of artificial intelligence guidelines across leading endocrinology journals: A cross-sectional analysis
No full textBackground: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing Endocrinology research by enhancing data analysis, systematic reviews, and clinical applications. However, its application raises concerns regarding transparency, ethical use, and reproducibility. This study evaluates how leading journals in the field of Endocrinology address these challenges and opportunities through their author instructions and policies.Methods: A cross-sectional review of the top 100 peer-reviewed Endocrinology journals ranked by the 2023 SCImago SJR indicator was conducted. Data were extracted from each journal’s “Instructions for Authors” to evaluate AI-related policies, including AI-specific reporting guidelines, authorship criteria, and the use of AI in manuscript preparation and image generation. Correlational analyses were performed to explore the relationship between AI policies and journal characteristics.Results: Of the 100 journals evaluated, 76% addressed AI use in their instructions, with most prohibiting AI authorship while requiring disclosure of AI involvement in submissions. AI-generated content was allowed by 30% of the journals, while 65% approved AI-generated images. Journals with higher impact factors were more likely to include detailed AI policies, but significant gaps in standardization and guidance remain.Conclusion: While many Endocrinology journals recognize AI’s role in research, few endorse AI-specific RGs, limiting the standardization and transparency of AI use. We advocate for the adoption of comprehensive guidelines to promote ethical, reproducible, and high-quality research in the era of AI-driven innovation
Assessing regenerative agricultural techniques on soil health, crop yield and nutritional quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)
No full textRegenerative agriculture plays an important function in improving soil health, optimizing resource management, alleviating climate change while improving nutrient cycling, water quality and availability. The minimum disturbance of the soil and covering the soil are important components of regenerative agriculture that was researched in this study. We examined the effects of three different tillage systems (no-tillage, reduced tillage, and conventional tillage) and three mulch types (plastic mulch, biodegradable mulch, and no mulch) on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) vegetative growth, yield, nutritional quality, soil properties, and soil microbial community. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design including nine treatments in three replications. This study was conducted at the World Vegetable Center Experimental site in Taiwan. Tillage and mulch did not improve soil health in one okra season. Okra grown in no tillage with plastic mulch exhibited significantly higher heights than all other treatments combinations. Plastic mulch improved okra yields significantly and the combination of no tillage in plastic mulch and biodegradable mulch and reduced tillage in plastic mulch significantly increased okra yield than other treatments combinations. However, the combination of no tillage with plastic mulch treatment significantly increased the number of okra pods than other treatments combinations. Interestingly, the combination of tillage and mulch treatments had no significant effect on the nutritional quality of okra. No tillage and plastic mulch had higher unique operational taxonomic units in the soil bacterial community indicating enhanced microbial diversity. In conclusion, using plastic mulch as soil covering significantly increased okra plant growth and yield. Farmers and policy makers are recommended to reduce tillage by using reduced tillage or no tillage practices in combination with plastic mulch to improve soil health and produce higher yield. This study highlights the potential of regenerative agricultural practices such as no tillage and mulching to enhance okra productivity, soil health and microbial diversity while promoting sustainable agricultural systems
EIDs: West Nile virus in the Central Flyway
No full textIntroduction/Objectives: Climate change is slowly altering environmental conditions. It is also enabling spread of vector-borne diseases to new geographic areas. In the Central Flyway region, which includes the region of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas to the Dakotas, rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are expanding the range of diseases like West Nile virus (WNV). Warmer winters in northern parts of the Central Flyway like North Dakota and South Dakota, and warmer winters at the southern end in Texas, have been linked to increased WNV cases. Texas led the United States in cases reported by residents in 2024. We examine how warmer winters in the Dakotas and Texas contribute to the proliferation of mosquito species-Culex tarsalis in the Dakotas and Culex quinquefasciatus in Texas-both of which are primary vectors for WNV. The objective is to explore the relationship between climate change, these mosquito species, and the spread of West Nile Virus, and to highlight the urgency of adaptive public health strategies.Methods: Mixed methods were used, researching both qualitative evidence from climate data, disease surveillance reports, and health studies specific to the Central Flyway region, along with quantitative data from recent disease surveillance. The analysis includes empirical studies on how climate change affects the distribution of mosquito species, including C. tarsalis and C. quinquefasciatus . Case studies of local health system responses to these emerging diseases are also reviewed.Results: Research analysis revealed patterns showing how increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation in the Central Flyway are expanding the range of C. tarsalis and C. quinquefasciatus. Warmer winters in the Dakotas are resulting in higher populations of C. tarsalis, leading to higher incidences of WNV in the northern parts of the Central Flyway. Warmer winters in Texas have caused a similar rise in C. quinquefasciatus. This is further contributing to the spread of WNV. The study shows a need for health systems that are integrated in ways that consider both environmental changes and health system capacity to handle emerging infectious diseases due to climate change.Conclusions: A public health approach with multiple facets is needed to address the growing threat of West Nile Virus in the Central Flyway. Some of the key recommendations to address this threat include strengthening of local, regional and national disease surveillance systems and improving antimicrobial stewardship. In addition, regional cooperation is needed to prevent the further spread of West Nile Virus. Policy development and increased healthcare capacity are both needed to address the impact of climate-driven disease spread
Integrated post-stack seismic inversion, multi-attribute analysis, and machine learning for carbon storage
No full textThe Gulf of Mexico known for its prolific hydrocarbon potential and extensive oil and gas infrastructure, makes it a promising candidate for carbon dioxide storage. The significant carbon storage potential of depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and saline aquifers could significantly contribute to addressing climate change mitigation. Within this region, Mississippi Canyon Block 118 (MC-118) presents both opportunities and challenges for CO2 storage implementation. While MC-118 has abundant 3-D seismic data, it faces two main limitations: a scarcity of direct subsurface measurements from well logs, and structural deformation from salt tectonics that have caused faulting and reduced data quality at various depths. This research evaluates MC-118's carbon storage potential through advanced seismic analysis techniques, including post-stack inversion and machine learning methods such as K-means clustering and self-organizing maps. The study identified storage capacity in several phases. First in chapter two, using the Department of Energy's (DOE) methodology and the Offshore CO2 Saline Storage (OCSS) Calculator alongside post-stack seismic inversion, a potential storage capacity of 10-20 megatons of CO2 was estimated in reservoirs with existing well control. In the third chapter, self-organizing maps were employed to identify additional storage reservoirs in areas lacking well data. This analysis relied on various seismic attributes, with Aberrancy, Similarity, Peak Frequency, Envelope, and Curvature proving most effective for identifying key geological features including gas hydrates, high-quality sands, salt structures, and faults. Finally, in chapter three, by comparing self-organizing maps with K-means clustering and post-stack inversion results, the research identified an additional 2 megatons of potential storage capacity in areas without well control. This study also examined the potential for these unsupervised machine learning methods for fault identification, which is crucial for understanding both seal integrity and reservoir compartmentalization
Emergent queer patterns: Publication, conversation, and representation
No full textThis project uses both established and novel approaches to collect and analyze data around the usage of the term queer as well as conceptualizations that include queer theory, methodology, rhetoric, embodiment, and representation within and around rhetoric and writing studies. There is a heavy emphasis on emergent patterns and disruptions of ideas within data sets collected in three distinct ways: from article analysis found in rhetoric and composition journals; with semi-structured interviews of rhetoric and composition scholars that work with the aforementioned queer concepts; and through visual rhetoric applied to imagery found in the card game Magic: The Gathering around embodied representation of the LGBTQ+ community. An autoethnographic thread runs throughout the dissertation in order to ethically engage with the various research subjects as a member of each community in question. Results from each chapter feed into the construction of the next as this research finds patterns in publication, then addresses and disrupts some of those same patterns through the interview work and applies key emergent points to the visual representations produced and used in a billion-dollar game.
Findings from this research vary and include patterns on normalized conceptualizations of queer, antinormative disruption of accepted ideas, and readability of non-normative and LGBTQ+ bodies being linked to danger and related imagery being segregated in multiple ways