HUMAN BLOOD CELL ISOLATION: THE CRITICAL FIRST STEP IN OUR LABORATORY’S IMMUNOBIOLOGY EXPERIMENTAL PROTOCALS

HUMAN BLOOD CELL ISOLATION: THE CRITICAL FIRST STEP IN OUR LABORATORY’S IMMUNOBIOLOGY EXPERIMENTAL PROTOCALS Victor Rivero1 Paul W. Denton1, [email protected] 1Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE The Denton Immunobiology Laboratory focuses on enhancing human natural killer (NK) cell killing capabilities, particularly in the context of combating cancer. NK cells are immune cells that have the ability to kill diseased cells via two mechanisms: direct killing, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). We recently published our novel approach to testing both methods of killing by using NK cells derived from the same human donor. Our testing approach allows us to evaluate the impacts on human NK cell functions by any number of immunotherapeutic strategies. To do any of this work, we need human NK cells. Therefore, we obtain blood products from anonymized healthy human donors via a procurement service. From these products, we isolate a subset of white blood cells, called peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which includes the desired NK cells. Because this PBMC isolation process is so critical to the eventual success of any NK cell experiment in our laboratory, we put a strong emphasis on cross training each lab member to perform this task. This presentation will focus on the major steps of the PBMC isolation process up to, but not including the NK cell enrichment aspects of the laboratory’s research efforts. The presentation will also detail the key outcomes of the PBMC isolation process. The project described was supported by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Grant # 5P20GM10342

Policy Creation for Racial Equity in State Government: Case Study of Vermont

Public organizations have faced longstanding challenges in addressing social equity issues. Public administrators and policy leaders continue to be called to focus on social equity when delivering public goods (Soni, 2000). Because of the demands from the public and the technical skills needed to answer issues about social equity in public policy contexts, state governments have moved to hire executive-level positions to mitigate their challenges. This presentation explores this topic by answering the question: What are the criteria and reasons for a state government to form a racial equity-focused administrator position? Using Vermont as a case study, this research investigates the reasons behind a racial equity-focused administrator role in Vermont. The state was selected because Vermont has employed a unique strategy that created an administrator position at their governor\u27s cabinet level through a bill passed by the state\u27s legislative branch. A qualitative case study was conducted using secondary data, including media reports, legislative records, official press releases, and passed legislation bills, to uncover the narrative and reasons behind the creation of the position. Findings suggest that shared outcomes of the legislators are crucial to informing the formulation of policy that created a race-conscious role. This research provides an in-depth examination of the use of a race-conscious administrative process to answer the call for social equity in public policy and administration

Interfacing Neuroscience with Superheroes, Zombies, Cyborgs and Droids: The Story of PowerWoman

I took a Neuroscience class called Superheroes, Zombies, Cyborgs & Droids where I designed an original superhero character and explained the character’s abilities using neuroscience principles. I designed a superhero named PowerWoman and I wrote her story describing every ability in detail. Her real name is Dr. Serena Smith. She was once a brilliant neuroscientist who was driven by her passion to understand the mysteries of the human brain. Serena dedicated most of her time in a hidden laboratory in the basement of her house and researching information on how the brain functions and to understand the theories of a human brain connected to life. One night an experiment went awry, and as a result she gained superpowers. Her abilities include telepathic reach, enhanced neurosensory perceptions, and cognitive ability to manipulate the neural pathways of others. I created my superhero as a woman because our fictional entertainment media lacks female representation. This project was a new experience for me. It allowed me to explore my creativity and thoughts. This course taught me neuroscience concepts related to nervous system structure and function. It impacted me as a student by allowing me to combine neuroscience hypotheses to explain fictional character’s powers and behaviors. This course was a meaningful experience that expanded my knowledge. It is a wonderful opportunity for other students to take this course in the future to showcase how creativity, innovation, and science are interconnected

The Effectiveness of Dry Needling for Decreasing Pain and Improving Overall Function in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis.

Clinical scenario: Dry needling has become a common practice in managing knee OA pain as related to the treatment of active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). However, existing hip OA studies do not appear to consider the use of DN and targeting MTrPs. The purpose of this study was to determine the short-term effects of DN in active MTrPs of the hip muscles to manage symptoms in patients with hip OA. Clinical question: In patients with hip osteoarthritis, is dry needling an effective intervention to decrease pain and improve function? Summary of key findings: Three high-quality randomized double-blind controlled trial (RCT) studies were included for his critically appraised topic (CAT). The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) was used to score the articles and determine the quality of the clinical trials. Clinical bottom line: There is moderate evidence supporting the use of DN for short–term benefits in patients with hip OA. Strength of recommendation: Grade B evidence supports the use of DN in patients with hip OA. While evidence across the three randomized controlled trials is consistent, patient-evidence outcomes are limited in the research

The Impacts of Decarceration on Individuals Who Remain in Incarcerated

After rising incarceration rates, many states have adopted new statutes, policies, and practices to reduce their prison populations (Caudill et al., 2014; Clark, 2020). These operational changes have resulted in structural changes such as: reduced proportions of low risk incarcerated individuals, decommissioning of housing units, and greater rates of transfers. Using a large sample of inmates from the Washington State Department of Corrections, we examine if large decreases in prison population affect inmate misconduct and behaviors. We employ a longitudinal design to capture key policy and statute changes that drastically decarcerated the Washington State prison population between 2018 and 2023

Dynamics of Peer Victimization and Self-Esteem in Brazilian Adolescents: A Focus on Gender Minority Youth

Our study examined the impact of peer victimization on self-esteem in Brazilian adolescents, as influenced by gender identity. Structural equation modeling confirmed the negative influence of victimization on self-esteem in cisgender boys, girls, and gender minority youth (GMY) as well. Notably, GMY reported significantly more victimization and significantly lower self-esteem

ASSESSING THE THEORETICAL CORRELATES OF SEXUAL AND PHYSICAL VICTIMIZATION IN ADULTHOOD

As research on victimization continues to adapt, scholars have begun to examine how certain variables in childhood affect the likelihood of being victimized in adulthood—much of which is focused on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Studying the impact of early experiences on later victimization outcomes is important for the field so practitioners can intervene early in an individual’s life before they experience further trauma. However, past research has neglected to use a comprehensive approach (e.g., using multiple theoretical frameworks, assessing the frequency of ACE occurrences). The current study addresses these gaps in the literature by assessing the impact of variables related to three frameworks on adulthood sexual and physical assault victimization: (1) state dependence theory, (2) population heterogeneity theory, and (3) target congruence theory. The respondents answered the ACE indicator questions using a Likert scale ranging from “never” to “very often.” Because of the varying frequencies, these answers were coded in two ways: (1) a more conservative approach in which only answers of “often” and “very often” were coded as “yes” for having experienced, and (2) a more inclusive approach in which answers of “rarely,” “sometimes,” “often,” and “very often” were coded as “yes” for having experienced. Both of these coding variations were examined in model estimations to determine whether they affected the substantive findings. Data were analyzed from an online survey administered by YouGov and completed by a national sample of adults (N = 1,693). Findings indicated support for all three theories. Factors related to state dependence theory (i.e., child sexual abuse), population heterogeneity theory (i.e., substance use), and target congruence theory (i.e., physical neglect, having an incarcerated family member, being Black or Hispanic) were positively correlated with both sexual and physical assault victimization in adulthood. Some variables, namely running away before age 18, were associated with adult sexual victimization only, while others, including impulsivity, substances in the home, and relying on strangers, were associated with adult physical victimization only. Regarding coding variations, some of these variables (i.e., substances in the home, physical neglect, having an incarcerated family member) were correlated with both sexual and physical assault victimization for just one of the ACE coding variations, while others (i.e., child sexual abuse, substance use) were correlated with both sexual and physical assault victimization regardless of the ACE coding variation. These findings provide direction for future research, such as using multiple theoretical approaches and coding ACEs with different variations, as well as guide future policymaking in the area of childhood trauma and adult victimization

Reducing Employee Burnout: The Mediating Role of Creativity

Employee burnout represents both a significant financial cost for organizations, and a significant health detriment for society. Scholars estimate that burnout costs the U.S. economy over $125 billion dollars yearly and other researchers attribute over 120,000 worker deaths each year to workplace accidents or medical conditions associated with burnout. The present study explores the role that creativity plays in reducing employee burnout by identifying two highly relevant creativity constructs: creative adaptability and creative process engagement (CPE). A sample of 436 working adults were recruited to respond to two survey batteries separated by a lag of three weeks. The results of a series of parallel mediation models demonstrate that both CPE and creative adaptability partially mediate the relationship between challenge demands and two dimensions of burnout: exhaustion and cynicism. No association was observed between hindrance demands and creativity, and challenge demands failed to predict the reduced professional efficacy dimension of burnout. Additionally, CPE emerged as the stronger antecedent of both exhaustion and cynicism scores. While observed effect sizes were small, the standardized path coefficients between CPE and burnout dimensions were approximately twice as strong as those observed between creative adaptability and burnout. Implications for theory and practice are discussed

Research Challenges in Combating Terrorist Use of Explosives in the United States 2024

As expressed in the original 2008 report, Research Challenges in Combating Terrorist Use of Explosives in the United States, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are generally easy to develop, difficult to combat, and cause disproportionate physical and psychological harm to the citizenry. Research, development, test, and evaluation options to assist domestic counter-IED efforts are plentiful, easily overwhelming the ability of government and industry to fund. This updated report outlines 10 challenge areas where concentrated research can be most beneficial when combating IED use in the homeland and is a summation of interagency efforts to analyze operational capabilities and gaps, as well as their associated research needs

Bold and shy zebrafish vary in their use of egocentric cues to navigate a T-maze

Animals navigate their environment using spatial cognitive mechanisms that rely on allocentric or egocentric cues. Allocentric cues are the external features of an environment, egocentric cues are based upon the body’s orientation. Though these cues are often interinvolved in spatial cognition, they involve distinct brain regions and contribute to learning and memory in distinct ways. Evidence suggests that individuals might vary in their reliance on allocentric or egocentric strategies based on their personality types. We investigated whether bold and shy zebrafish vary in their reliance on allocentric and egocentric cues to navigate a T-maze and find a shelter. Shy individuals are less pattern bound and more likely to be attentive to the environment while bold individuals are more likely to form patterns. We expected that bold fish would rely more heavily on egocentric cues, while shy fish would rely more on allocentric cues. This study gives novel insight into cognitive differences between individuals of different personality types that influence their interactions with the environment