TOXIVERSE: AN ONLINE COMPREHENSIVE CHEMICAL PROFILING, MODELING, AND DATA ANALYSIS PLATFORM

Massive chemical data is now publicly available through publications and various online databases. However, most online databases only provide data unsuitable for modeling purposes and limited machine learning (ML) modeling for those data. As a public chemical toxicity evaluation tool to resolve these issues, the Toxicology Universe (ToxiVerse) portal hosts curated chemical structures and toxicological/pharmaceutical data of 26,000 compounds which can be used directly for modeling purposes. Furthermore, users can upload chemical datasets to extract all involved bioassays for compounds inside as biological profiles. ToxiVerse also features automatic QSAR modeling of uploaded datasets using multiple chemical descriptors and algorithms provided by the ToxiVerse portal synchronously and predicts target chemicals for their toxicity potentials and fundamental pharmaceutical properties. A knowledge-based deep neural network (k-DNN) is also integrated to identify potential estrogenic toxicants and their toxicity pathways. The ToxiVerse portal provides the scientific communities with a robust online public platform to obtain machine-readable datasets and perform modeling for desired toxicity and pharmaceutical properties

Case Report: Hyperkalemia Secondary to Acute Respiratory Acidosis

Hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening electrolyte disturbance, commonly associated with renal dysfunction, medication effects, and acid-base imbalances. While metabolic acidosis is a well-known cause of transcellular potassium shifts, respiratory acidosis is a less recognized but significant contributor. This case report presents a 74-year-old female with hyperkalemia in the setting of acute respiratory acidosis secondary to impaired ventilation from rib fractures. This case highlights the importance of recognizing respiratory acidosis as a potential cause of hyperkalemia and tailoring management to address the underlying issu

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF FIBER-REINFORCED ASPHALT MIXTURES: A COMPREHENSIVE LABORATORY AND FULL-SCALE INVESTIGATION

Asphalt concrete is a composite material widely used in the construction of roads; however, fatigue cracking (load associated), thermal cracking (non-load associated), and permanent deformation (or rutting) are the most challenging issues in flexible (or asphalt) pavement structures. These distresses affect ride quality and are considered the most well-known pavement deterioration types. Several modifiers have been used as potential solutions to cracking and rutting of asphalt mixtures (i.e., polymers, geogrids etc.). Among these modifiers, fibers were introduced to improve the resistance of asphalt mixtures to rutting and cracking. Addition of fibers into the asphalt mixture is always challenging because of their impact on volumetric properties and clumping while mixing. Therefore, a comprehensive study was conducted to address these challenges and subsequently evaluate the performance potential of fiber-reinforced asphalt mixture (FRAM). For this purpose, different types of fibers (carbon, glass, basalt, and polyolefin/aramid (PFA), and Sasobit coated aramid (SCA)) were used and mixtures were prepared by using a variety of laboratory equipment as well as at an asphalt plant. Results showed that a fiber dosage of 0.16% negatively impacted the volumetric properties, however, fiber dosage ≤0.05% (aramid fibers) satisfy the volumetric properties and improve the rutting potential. Laboratory Bucket mixer produce the FRAM equivalent to plant produced FRAM in terms of fiber distribution and laboratory performance Based on a comprehensive evaluation of laboratory performance, including assessments of rutting and cracking, along with a cost-benefit analysis, aramid fibers demonstrated an optimal balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. Finally, based on the findings of this study, aramid fibers offer practical benefits in terms of enhancing the longevity and performance of asphalt pavements, reducing maintenance, optimizing material usage, and ensuring roads are better suited to the climate and traffic conditions in different regions of the United State

Robust Sex Determination in the Caenorhabditis nigoni Germ Line

Sexual characteristics and reproductive systems are dynamic traits in many taxa, but the developmental modifications that allow change and innovation are largely unknown. A leading model for this process is the evolution of self-fertile hermaphrodites from male/female ancestors. However, these studies require direct analysis of sex-determination in male/female species, as well as in the hermaphroditic species that are related to them. In Caenorhabditis nematodes this has only become possible recently, with the discovery of new species. Here, we use gene editing to characterize major sex-determination genes in C. nigoni, a sister to the widely studied hermaphroditic species C. briggsae. These two species are close enough to mate and form partially fertile hybrids. First, we find that tra-1 functions as the master regulator of sex in C. nigoni, in both the soma and the germ line. Surprisingly, these mutants make only sperm, in contrast to tra-1 mutants in related hermaphroditic species. Moreover, the XX mutants display a unique defect in somatic gonad development that is not seen elsewhere in the genus. Second, the fem-3 gene acts upstream of tra-1 in C. nigoni, and the mutants are females, unlike in the sister species C. briggsae, where they develop as hermaphrodites. This result points to a divergence in the role of fem-3 in the germ line of these species. Third, tra-2 encodes a transmembrane receptor that acts upstream of fem-3 in C. nigoni. Outside of the germ line, tra-2 mutations in all species cause a similar pattern of partial masculinization. However, heterozygosity for tra-2 does not alter germ cell fates in C. nigoni, as it can in sensitized backgrounds of two hermaphroditic species of Caenorhabditis. Finally, the epistatic relationships point to a simple, linear germline pathway in which tra-2 regulates fem-3 which regulates tra-1, unlike the more complex relationships seen in hermaphrodite germ cell development. Taking these results together, the regulation of sex determination is more robust and streamlined in the male/female species C. nigoni than in related species that make self-fertile hermaphrodites, a conclusion supported by studies of interspecies hybrids using sex-determination mutations. Thus, we infer that the origin of self-fertility not only required mutations that activated the spermatogenesis program in XX germ lines, but prior to these there must have been mutations that decanalized the sex-determination process, allowing for subsequent changes to germ cell fates

Empathy and Education-Integrating Trauma Informed Care into the College Experience

The connection between first-generation students and trauma has been a well-known topic for quite some time. First-generation students may not only face stressors such as financial stress, low self-esteem, cultural displacement, and lack of academic preparation and guidance, but research has also shown first-generation students to report higher scores of adverse childhood experiences (ACES). As college staff and faculty it is our duty to integrate trauma-informed care into first-generation students experience. By approaching our daily interactions with a trauma-informed lens it can promote their mental well-being, and ultimately support their academic success

Is Increased Screen Time Associated with a Higher Prevalence of Myopia in Elementary-aged Children Globally?​

Background: The onset of myopia in children has emerged as a significant public health concern, especially with increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity following the COVID-19 pandemic. The global prevalence of myopia is expected to rise significantly, with children being particularly vulnerable. Various studies have explored how screen time, near-work activities, and outdoor exposure influence the increasing prevalence of myopia in pediatric populations worldwide. Hypothesis: This paper aims to evaluate whether increased screen time, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, is associated with a higher prevalence of myopia in young children, providing a more robust understanding of this relationship across studies in different countries. Methods: Specific terms and limitations were applied to PubMed and Embase searches. Search strings included “myopia,” “screen time,” “school-aged,” “elementary school,” and “prevalence,” limited to the last 20 years. Of 707 publications screened, 23 were included. Six reviewers independently assessed relevance based on age range, outcomes, and pandemic timing. Results: Most studies indicated a positive correlation between increased screen time and myopia prevalence. Several studies showed a rise in myopia during the pandemic, linked to reduced outdoor time. Some studies found no significant association. Data varied in screen time definitions, SER reporting, and methodology. Many studies were limited by recall bias, sample size, or lack of standard refraction methods. Conclusions: Myopia prevalence in children appears to rise with increased screen time and reduced outdoor exposure. Further research and public health guidelines are needed to mitigate risk and promote protective factors like outdoor activity and early screening

Effects of Social Isolation on Cecum Opioid Receptor Expression and Affective Behavior

BACKGROUND Psychological stress can induce gastrointestinal symptoms and exacerbate existing gastrointestinal disorders, indicating an interaction between the central and enteric nervous systems. Central nervous system activation of opioid receptors stimulates sympathetic outflow to the enteric nervous system, delaying motility and reducing gastrointestinal secretions, producing a similar clinical presentation to IBS. HYPOTHESIS We hypothesize that social isolation induces anxiety states, disrupting homeostatic noradrenergic activity in the brain and gut, leading to neurophysiological changes in the cecum characterized by altered expression of opioid receptors. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were housed in either group (control) or socially isolated conditions. Affective behavior was assessed using the Open Field, Elevated Plus Maze, Three-Chamber Social Isolation, and Defensive Shock Probe Burial tests. Cecal tissue was collected, cleaned, and processed for mRNA extraction and purification. RT-qPCR was used to quantify δ, κ, and μ opioid receptor expression. RESULTS Socially isolated rats exhibited decreased social behavior, increased neophobia, and more passive coping strategies compared to controls. μ opioid receptor (MOR) expression was significantly elevated in the socially isolated cohort compared to the control. δ and κ opioid receptor expression was undetectable by qPCR, suggesting low expression in the cecum and minimal involvement in gut opioid signaling. CONCLUSIONS Behavioral changes associated with social isolation stress correspond with increased MOR expression in the cecum. This upregulation may mediate stress-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction and represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention in stress-related GI disorders

Children Born to Mothers with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of Pediatric Outcomes

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), comprising Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, frequently affects women during their reproductive years. While the impact of IBD on pregnancy has been widely studied, less is known about the long-term health outcomes in children born to affected mothers, particularly in the context of in utero exposure to immunosuppressive therapies. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that children born to mothers with well-managed IBD experience normal growth and development, with minimal risk for immune-related complications, despite potential exposure to biologics and other IBD medications during gestation. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms included “IBD and Fetal Health,” “Fetal Development in IBD,” “Biologics AND “pregnancy with IBD,” and “IBD and pregnancy.” Inclusion criteria focused on studies evaluating postnatal outcomes such as immune development, infection rates, growth parameters, and risk of IBD in offspring. Results: Findings from multiple cohort studies, including data from the PIANO registry, suggest that most children demonstrate normal growth and developmental trajectories. Biologic exposure, particularly to anti-TNFα agents, does not appear to significantly increase neonatal infections or immune dysfunction. While there is a modest genetic predisposition for IBD, maternal disease activity or medication use was not directly linked to pediatric disease onset. Conclusions: Children born to mothers with IBD generally have favorable long-term outcomes. Continued research is essential to further assess immune development, especially following biologic exposure in the third trimester, and to develop evidence-based pediatric follow-up guidelines

Recruitment and Retention of Men of Color in a Higher Education Initiative Program

This thesis is on the recruitment and retention of men of color in higher education initiative programs. The study focuses on the Project Educate Men program at Mid-Atlantic University. The purpose of the study was to understand how recruitment and retention could be improved in programs like Project Educate Men and what makes students who enter through such programs successful and unsuccessful. This study also discusses mentorship relationships between mentors and their mentees and what makes for strong relationships and communication amongst the individuals. The findings in this multiple methods study yielded that a program like Project Educate Men is effective and needed, but having a male of color do the recruiting for the program could help increase the recruitment numbers and lead to increased numbers in retention numbers. This was also suggested as a recommendation for the program. In addition to the latter being a recommendation from the findings, another recommendation was to evaluate the scholar and mentor relationship at the end of each academic year, because every relationship is different