Genetic Causes of Classical Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Investigating a Pathogenic Single Nucleotide Variant in the COL5A1 Gene

Classical Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (cEDS) is a rare genetic disorder affecting connective tissue in the body. Common symptoms of classical Ehler’s Danlos syndrome include skin fragility, atrophic scarring, joint instability, and generalized hypermobility. Despite an increasing understanding of cEDS within the medical and scientific community, its complex and multisystem nature can make clinical diagnosis challenging. This paper examines the clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and genetic causes of the disease with a focus on the role of type V collagen and the COL5A1 gene in regards to cEDS. The specific genetic variant investigated in this paper is a single-nucleotide variant in the COL5A1 gene, resulting in a splice donor variant. As more research is conducted on the genetic aspects of cEDS, a better understanding of the clinical manifestations will hopefully provide more treatment and management options for patients

Evaluative Feedback\u27s Effect on Intellectual Self-Perception in Individuals with Trait Narcissism Following Task Performance

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of trait narcissism within an academic context, specifically relating to receiving feedback. Current research has primarily focused on narcissism in relation to social approval rather than evaluative feedback concerning task performance (Chen et al, 2024). Additionally, most research concerning trait narcissism has been conducted on cisgender, heterosexual men, highlighting a gap within the popular literature (Matsuo & DeSouza, 2016). Therefore, this study aims to further our understanding of how trait narcissism can impact academic performance and self-perception, particularly in female participants who have been largely understudied in the current literature. The data for this study was collected using a qualtrics survey through Hollins University. All participants were above the age of 18 and currently enrolled as undergraduate students at Hollins University. After participants completed two subjective tasks, they were randomly assigned one of three predetermined feedback conditions, those being positive ( you performed significantly above average ), neutral ( you performed average ), and negative ( you performed significantly below average ). After receiving feedback, participants then answered the Narcissistic Personality Inventory 13 (NPI-13), a modified version of the Latitudes of Self-Description Questionnaire (LSDQ), as well as our Externalizing Belief scale. Our hypotheses were (1) high levels of trait narcissism will result in higher self-perception in the negative feedback condition, (2) high levels of trait narcissism will result in higher self-perception across all conditions, and (3) high levels of trait narcissism will result in greater externalizing beliefs

Dancing With Ghosts: Memory and Melancholy in The Subversive Artist

This thesis examines how subversive artists use autonomy and memory to imagine new ways of existing beyond systemic violence. Through analysis of theory and performance studies, it highlights the efforts and risks these artists take to challenge representation and the political aspects of embodiment. The interconnected roles of language, power, and imagination are emphasized as essential to creating a more just and liberated world. Accompanying this research is a dance piece that responds to the sorrows within American society. Developed as an improvisational score, the dance becomes a process of reinvention, employing movement and imagination to seek collective solutions. The work aims to symbolize form as a space of possibility, utilizing duality, simple visual design elements, and dimensionality to reflect both accessibility and the transformative power of imagination. The body acts as a politicized space of potential, engaging with the current cultural moment to create a performance that both reflects and reimagines contemporary reality. The thesis ends with a reflection on how artmaking involves risk—an extension of life and a continuous struggle many try to avoid. Yet facing this struggle is itself a deeply shifting state. Each day provides the opportunity to create a world beyond sorrow. Every moment allows us to bring justice to darkness and find peace through love, if we choose. Freedom in art becomes possible when we focus on hope, selecting love as a steady guide, and following the path to uncover the transformative power of art

Dear Vincent

Dear Vincent is a play written for J. Harvey Stone’s MFA in Playwriting from Hollins University. The play is inspired by the life of Vincent van Gogh and his letters with his brother Theodore. The artist Vincent van Gogh was an avid writer to his brother Theodore. This play is inspired by, but not dictated by, the letters Vincent van Gogh wrote to his brother. Connected by hymns in Act I and by the news of the 1980s in Act II, this Vincent lives through his letters as well but ultimately has to make a decision regarding this life in letters. The writer brings his Vincent forward in time and moves him to Appalachia. The play is set in the early 1980s and Vincent is struggling. Vincent doesn\u27t know what he wants, except love. He tries preaching and missionary work. Vincent writes letters to his brother Teddy. Writing letters to Teddy seems to be the constant in Vincent\u27s life, well that and the voice of his father, who he calls Papa. Can Vincent define love in a way that he can live with? Can Vincent create himself through his hurt and healing? Or does he create in spite of it

A Comparison of TNF-α Expression by Cyanidin-3-O-Lathyroside and Dexamethasone: A Proposed Study

Both during and after cancer treatment, chronic inflammation becomes an issue due to systemic TNF-α production. When a suppressant is given to a patient to combat these issues, the entire NF-kB response is shut down, leading to a lack of an immune system response. This research proposal puts forward a modification of a recent study on Cyanidin-3-O-lathyroside to see whether or not this substance can improve chronic inflammation treatments, specifically in cancer patients. This study will utilize an in vitro macrophage model using RAW 264.7 cells found in mice. The cells will be induced with Lipopolysaccharide and injected with Cyanidin-3-O-lathyroside. Changes in cytokine levels will be monitored post injection. With this research proposal, finding a minimum effective concentration of Cyanidin-3-O-lathyroside can help optimize doses that are essential to drug development. By studying this compound, we hope to have a better understanding of how these compounds can impact pharmacological research, and enhance drug discovery efforts in treatment of chronic inflammation

The Indoor Mycobiome: Air Quality, Ventilation, and the Potential for Exposure to Fungal Pathogens

Indoor air quality plays a crucial role in human health, specifically within built environments such as college campuses where individuals spend extended periods of time indoors. This study investigates the indoor mycobiome of Hollins University, focusing on how ventilation, moisture, and environmental conditions influence fungal presence and possible exposure. Using surface and air sampling, environmental measurements (temperature, humidity, CO2), and student surveys, we assess the distribution of fungi across campus spaces and student perceptions of the role of fungi in the environment. This study aims to better understand air quality, fungal exposure, and wellbeing in campus environments

The Impacts of Wing-flashing by Northern Mockingbirds on Foraging, Parental Care, and Reproductive Success

Foraging efficiency may be enhanced by flashing patches of white wing and tail feathers and has been documented in several avian species. Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos, NOMO) exhibit this “wing-flashing” (WF) behavior while foraging, during displays, and in response to predators. In NOMOs, WF has been hypothesized to increase foraging success, but previous findings are inconclusive. To further investigate the biological role(s) of WF behavior in NOMOs, the ventral surface of white primary feathers of male NOMOs were artificially darkened and the foraging and provisioning rates of undarkened (control) males and their mates were compared. While foraging, undarkened males performed significantly more prey strikes than darkened males; however, when foraging without WF, prey strike success did not differ between darkened and undarkened males. There was no clear effect of darkening on the provisioning rate of males. Body condition (mass/tarsus3) of experimental nestlings was similar to control nestlings, but experimental nestlings had significantly lower mass and had shorter tarsus lengths compared to control nestlings. Additionally, experimental nestlings fledged significantly later than control nestlings. These findings suggest that artificial darkening of white wing patches of NOMO males may negatively impact the quality of parental care, contributing to lower mass, shorter tarsus, and a longer time to fledge for nestlings

An Analysis of the Phytochemical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Aloe barbadensis on Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial properties of different parts of the aloe plant. Specifically, we examined how aloe gel, latex, and leaves affected the growth of pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We analyzed the chemical composition of each aloe component using high performance liquid chromatography. Using a disk diffusion assay, the gel, latex, and rind extracts, along with control and standard solutions were tested for their antibacterial efficacy against three ESKAPE pathogens: S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa. The aloe components showed no inhibition of bacterial growth, while the antibiotics used as positive controls were effective. These findings suggest that further investigation of the aloe components is warranted

Marijuana Use, Perceived Social Connection and Bonding Experience in Emerging Adulthood

With state specific marijuana legalization, use among emerging adults (18-29 years) has increased. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between marijuana use (MU), perceived social connection (PSCM) and bonding experiences (BEM). Participants (N = 52, M = 21.77, SD = 2.05) completed surveys assess frequency, social connection and bonding. Result showed marijuana use was positive associated with perceived social connection (r = .359, p = .010) and bonding experience (r = .442, p = .001). Daily users reported higher social connection and bonding than monthly users, suggesting possible identification with cannabis culture. These finding indicate that marijuana use may enhance social and bonding experiences in emerging adulthood, although further research is needed to determine whether these effects reflect genuine connection or if the psychoactive effects of marijuana are contributing to the perceived sense of connection and bonding