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The CDK8 Kinase Module: A Novel Player in the Transcription of Translation Initiation and Ribosomal Genes
Full text linkSurvival following stress is dependent upon reprogramming transcription and translation. Communication between these programs following stress is critical for adaptation but is not clearly understood. The Cdk8 kinase module (CKM) of the Mediator complex modulates the transcriptional response to various stresses. Its involvement in regulating translational machinery has yet to be elucidated, highlighting an existing gap in knowledge. Here, we report that the CKM positively regulates a subset of ribosomal protein (RP) and translation initiation factor (TIF)-encoding genes under physiological conditions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts and HCT116 cells, the CKM regulates unique sets of RP and TIF genes, demonstrating some conservation of function across species. In yeast, this is mediated by Cdk8 phosphorylation of one or more transcription factors which control RP and TIF expression. Conversely, the CKM is disassembled following nutrition stress, permitting repression of RP and TIF genes. The CKM also plays a transcriptional role important for promoting cell survival, particularly during translational machinery stress triggered by ribosome-targeting antibiotics. Furthermore, in mammalian cells, the activity of CDK8 and its paralogue, CDK19, promotes cell survival following ribosome inhibition. These results provide mechanistic insights into the CKM\u27s role in regulating expression of a subset of genes associated with translation
Exploring MicroRNA Pathways and Metformin\u27s Anti-Inflammatory Potential in Osteoarthritis
Full text linkAdvising the Avengers: Guiding First-Generation College Students Through Their Hero\u27s Journey
Full text linkAdvising the Avengers: Guiding First-Generation College Students Through Their Hero\u27s Journey examines the parallels between the Heros Journey archetype and the experiences of first-generation college students (FGCS). Through pop culture references from notable figures like Harry Potter, Spider-Man, and Challa, this presentation highlights unique challenges faced by FGCS, including financial barriers, achievement guilt, hidden curriculum, and imposter syndrome. Academic advisors act as essential mentors akin to Yoda and Professor X\u27s offering guidance as students navigate their transformative journeys. This presentation equips advisors with insights into the Heros Journey framework, enhancing their ability to support FGCS in overcoming challenges and realizing their potential for success in higher education and beyond. By understanding these connections, advisors can play a vital role in fostering resilience and empowerment among FGCS. Join us to discover strategies that promote their growth and development
Brave Connections and Commitments: Retention Strategies That Affirm, Motivate, And Cultivate Cultural Wealth And Belonging For Men Of Color In Community College
No full textRetention of marginalized populations - students of color and students from low-income and/or first-generation families - remains a pervasive challenge across the nation, particularly for first-year men of color attending predominantly White community colleges. Despite efforts and best practices employed at institutions across the country, these strategies require a shift in professional practice that focuses on success factors that contribute to retaining men of color in higher education (Williams Jr, 2022). Research reveals that the first year of college can be challenging for all students, particularly first-generation populations. Men of color, in particular, encounter different issues in their pursuit of academic and social success; however, they too use various forms of community cultural wealth in their first year to overcome challenges. Using these forms of cultural wealth, Community College administrators can better support first-generation men of color as they persist academically
Building Community through a Novel Narrative Platform
Full text linkTo promote connection and community building within our diverse first-generation student community, the first-generation student chairs proposed and developed a student spotlight feature. This spotlight feature allows the student chairs to share their journey and build a network of connection and support. In collaboration with First-Generation Student Support Committee leadership and the marketing and communications team, a template was created. Student leaders are sent this template when elected to the chair position. The completed spotlights are featured through a variety of media platforms throughout the institution. Future plans are to expand the opportunity to participate to the broader first-generation student community and measure the effect on support community and connection. The presenters will share information on collaboration throughout an institution to develop and sustain a program and the importance of highlighting creative means to support narrative sharing in building community
MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF NIEMANN-PICK TYPE C: INVESTIGATING GENE EXPRESSION, LIPID METABOLISM, AND MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION IN FIBROBLASTS
Full text linkNiemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC) is a progressive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the accumulation of lipids, particularly cholesterol, within cells, leading to severe neurological manifestations and developmental issues. This study employs RNA-seq to compare gene expression profiles between fibroblasts derived from a healthy individual and a patient with the NPC1 mutation. A total of 12,978 genes were analyzed, revealing 191 differentially expressed genes. Functional enrichment analysis disclosed significant associations with biological processes related to development, lipid metabolism, embryonic organ development, vascularization, and neuroinflammation. Additionally, the connection between mitochondrial function and lysosomal impairment was explored, revealing that NPC1 mutant fibroblasts exhibit diminished mitochondrial volume and impaired response to nutrient fluctuations. Our findings indicate that while NPC1 mutant fibroblasts retain some ability to recover from serum starvation, their overall mitochondrial and developmental dysregulation may contribute to the pathophysiology of NPC. This study underscores the potential for targeting specific gene networks and signaling pathways to mitigate symptoms of NPC, providing a foundation for future therapeutic investigations aiming at restoring lipid homeostasis and enhancing mitochondrial function
A QUALITATIVE PROGRAM EVALUATION OF A COMMUNITY COLLEGE MENTORING AND ADVISING INITIATIVE FOR FIRST-TIME, FULL-TIME AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN
Full text linkDuane W. Reid A QUALATATIVE PROGRAM EVALUATION OF A COMMUNITY COLLEGE MENTORING AND ADVISING INITIATIVE FOR FIRST-TIME, FULL-TIME AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN 2024-2025 Monica Reid Kerrigan, Ed.D. Doctor of Education This study examines the experiences of African American male students within the Operation Achievement initiative at Unique College, a community college in New Jersey with an enrollment of over 8,000 students across its four campuses, located in both urban and suburban settings. The educational challenges faced by African American male students have been widely researched, with many studies highlighting the risk factors that hinder their academic achievement. Variables such as race and gender continue to affect the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of these students. This qualitative program evaluation evaluated Operation Achievement, an initiative designed to improve not only retention and graduation rates but also the overall experience of African American male students at Unique College. Through a series of structured interviews with current students, alumni, and staff, this research provides a deep understanding of the success of Operation Achievement at Unique College. By giving voice to the students and staff involved in Operation Achievement, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding educational achievement and equity for African American males, while offering valuable insights into the practices that have the greatest impact on student retention and success
AUTISM CARE CONTINUUM: EXPLORING SPECIALTY SERVICES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN WITHIN U.S. ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS
No full textAutistic people—particularly adults—experience high rates of co-occurring mental health problems and often report unmet service needs. Although several barriers to accessing quality care are well-documented, the broader landscape of autism-specific services across the lifespan remains under-researched. This two-part thesis aimed to address this gap by examining the availability of autism-specific services, as well as patterns in service utilization and associated costs, among autistic children and adults. The first study employed a systematic web-scraping protocol and data extraction procedure to identify and characterize autism specialty services offered by U.S. academic medical centers. This work revealed a general lack of autism specialty services for autistic adults, especially with respect to post-diagnostic supports, and uneven geographic distribution of services across the U.S. The second study analyzed population-level Medicaid claims data to compare service use and expenditures between autistic children and adults. The odds of utilizing psychiatric inpatient/ER services increased by 35-125% for autistic adolescents and adults compared to children, despite similar rates of outpatient service use. Sex, race/ethnicity, and co-occurring mental health conditions further predicted psychiatric service utilization. Findings highlight disparities in autism-specific services, underscoring the need for more equitable, comprehensive support across the lifespan
Reframing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Biological Basis of Disease and Recommendations for Supporting Patients.
No full textMyalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a worldwide challenge. There are an estimated 17-24 million patients worldwide, with an estimated 60 percent or more who have not been diagnosed. Without a known cure, no specific curative medication, disability lasting years to being life-long, and disagreement among healthcare providers as to how to most appropriately treat these patients, ME/CFS patients are in need of assistance. Appropriate healthcare provider education would increase the percentage of patients diagnosed and treated; however, in-school healthcare provider education is limited. To address the latter issue, the New Jersey Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association (NJME/CFSA) has developed an independent, incentive-driven, learning program for students of the health professions. NJME/CFSA offers a yearly scholarship program in which applicants write a scholarly paper on an ME/CFS-related topic. The efficacy of the program is demonstrated by the 2024-2025 first place scholarship winner\u27s essay, which addresses the biological basis of ME/CFS and how the healthcare provider can improve the quality of life of ME/CFS patients. For the reader, the essay provides an update on what is known regarding the biological underpinnings of ME/CFS, as well as a medical student\u27s perspective as to how the clinician can provide care and support for ME/CFS patients. The original essay has been slightly modified to demonstrate that ME/CFS is a worldwide problem and for publication
Impact of Extended Reality on Robot-Assisted Surgery Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textRobot-assisted surgeries (RAS) have an extremely steep learning curve. Because of this, surgeons have created many methods to practice RAS outside the operating room. These training models usually include animal or plastic models; however, extended reality simulators have recently been introduced into surgical training programs. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine if extended reality simulators can improve the performance of robotic novices and how their performance compares to the conventional training of surgeons on surgical robots. Using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic review was performed searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane library for studies that compared the performance of robotic novices that received no additional training, trained with extended reality, or trained with inanimate physical simulators (conventional additional training). Articles that gauged performance using GEARS or time to complete measurements were included, while articles that did not make this comparison were excluded. A meta-analysis was performed on the 15 studies found using SPSS to compare the performance outcomes of the novices after training. Robotic novices trained with extended reality simulators showed a statistically significant improvement in time to complete (Cohen\u27s d = -0.95, p = 0.02) compared to those with no additional training. Extended reality training also showed no statistically significant difference in performance in time to complete (Cohen\u27s d = 0.65, p = 0.14) or GEARS scores (Cohen\u27s d = -0.093, p = 0.34) compared to robotic novices trained with conventional models. This meta-analysis seeks to determine if extended reality simulators translate complex skills to surgeons in a low-cost and low-risk environment