Category Archives: Biochemistry

University of Houston researchers snag $1.8M to develop cancer-fighting virus – InnovationMap

Viruses attack human cells, and that's usually a bad thing some Houston researchers have received fresh funding to develop and use the evil powers of viruses for good.

The developing cancer treatment is called oncolytic virotherapy and has risen in popularity among immunotherapy research. The viruses can kill cancer cells while being ineffective to surrounding cells and tissue. Basically, the virus targets the bad guys by "activating an antitumor immune response made of immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells," according to a news release from the University of Houston.

However exciting this rising OV treatment seems, the early stage development is far from perfect. Shaun Zhang, director of the Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling at the University of Houston, is hoping his work will help improve OV treatment and make it more effective.

We have developed a novel strategy that not only can prevent NK cells from clearing the administered oncolytic virus, but also goes one step further by guiding them to attack tumor cells. We took an entirely different approach to create this oncolytic virotherapy by deleting a region of the gene which has been shown to activate the signaling pathway that enables the virus to replicate in normal cells, Zhang says in the release.

Zhang, who is also a M.D. Anderson professor in the Department of Biology & Biochemistry, has received a $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue his work.

Zhang and his team are specifically creating a new OV called FusOn-H2 and based on the Herpes simplex 2 virus.

Our recent studies showed that arming FusOn-H2 with a chimeric NK engager (C-NK-E) that can engage the infiltrated natural killer cells with tumor cells could significantly enhance the effectiveness of this virotherapy, he says. Most importantly, we observed that tumor destruction by the joint effect of the direct oncolysis and the engaged NK cells led to a measurable elicitation of neoantigen-specific antitumor immunity.

Shaun Zhang is the director of the Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling at the University of Houston and M.D. Anderson professor in the Department of Biology & Biochemistry. Image via UH.edu

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Far From the Biliary Tree: A Case of Overlapping Autoimmune Liver Disease in a Patient Presenting With Sicca Symptoms – Cureus

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is achronic autoimmune condition with many extrahepatic manifestations that are commonly encountered as a patient's primary presenting complaints. Rarely, PBC co-exists as an overlapping syndrome with other liver-related autoimmune conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Presented is a rare case of PBC with features of AIH diagnosed in a patient who initially presented with hemoptysis and worsened sicca symptoms due to advanced Sjgrens syndrome. The patient had a three-year evolution of abnormal liver biochemistry and was found to be a heterozygous carrier for hereditary hemochromatosis (H63D mutation). Given that patients with PBC-AIH are at an increased risk of complications compared to isolated disease from either disorder, early diagnosis and prompt management can helpspare patients from cirrhosis, liver failure and transplantation, or even death.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by the progressive destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts. Various genetic and environmental interactions trigger an autoimmune response against biliary epithelial cells, which leads to cholestasis and fibrosisand can ultimately result in liver cirrhosis and failure [1]. The global incidence rate of PBC differs widely among geographic areas, ranging from 40 to 400 per million individuals with a peak incidence in the fifth decade of life and a 10:1 predominance in females compared to males [2]. Symptoms of PBC related to cholestasis typically develop within two to four years of diagnosis and include fatigue, pruritus, dyslipidemia, fat-soluble malabsorption, and osteoporosis, though up to 61% of cases are asymptomatic [2-3]. PBC also has many associations with extrahepatic autoimmune disease, most notably Sjgrens (up to 73%), thyroid dysfunction (up to 23.6%), cutaneous scleroderma (up to 12.3%), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (5.6%) [4-6]. The diagnosis of PBC is made if two of the following three criteria are met: (1) biochemical evidence of cholestasis through the elevation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to two times the upper limit of normal, (2) presence of antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) with a titer greater than 1:40, (3) histologic evidence of nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis and interlobular bile duct destruction [7-8].

Rarely, PBC can co-exist as an overlapping syndrome with other liver-related autoimmune conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). This phenomenon is present in 1-3% of patients with PBC and 7% of patients with AIH [8]. A PBC-AIH overlap syndrome can be diagnosed using the Paris criteria with 92% sensitivity and 97% specificity [9].

For PBC alone, early initiation of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to slow disease progression is associated with a long-term survival benefit and minimal side effects such as headaches, motility issues, and weight gain. Along with interval monitoring of liver biochemical tests, recommendations for immunizations for hepatitis A and B are given to individuals without serologic evidence of immunity, in addition to abstention from heavy alcohol use. In general, evidence is limited to making treatment recommendations for patients with PBC as well as features of AIH, though it includes UDCA with or without a component of immunosuppression [8].

A 52-year-old female with a history of Sjgrens and rheumatoid arthritis presented to the clinic with worsening sicca symptoms and persistent cough with hemoptysis over the past two weeks. She also reported fatigue and arthralgias. She had been seeing a rheumatologist and had been started on azathioprinetwo years prior, in addition to pilocarpine for dry eyes. She was also taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. The patients vital signs were all within normal limits. Her physical exam was notable for a non-tender liver edge palpated six centimeters below the mid-clavicular costal margin with negative shifting dullness or fluid wave. Other pertinent negatives included the absence of icteric sclera,skin hyperpigmentation, gland or lymph node prominence or tenderness, focalizing lung findings, active synovitis or contractures, palmar excoriations, or cutaneous vasculitis.

On review of her medical chart, she had an extensive rheumatologic workup notable for positive antinuclear antibody (ANA), positive anti-SS-A with negative anti-SS-B,positive salivary gland biopsy, and positive rheumatoid factor (RF). She also had a history of consistently elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) transaminases with normal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and normal total and direct bilirubin levels. Labs were obtained at her clinic visit and notable for elevated AST 237 IU/L, ALT 223 IU/L, GGT 169 IU/L, and normal ALP 101 IU/L with otherwise normal complete blood count and mildly elevated values on the lipid panel (Table 1).

Based on her autoimmune history and elevated transaminases, an expandedrheumatologic workup was performed, notable for a positive anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) 128.6 U (normal < 20.0 U), negative anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA) 11.0 U (normal < 19 U), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) 287 mg/dL (normal 87-352 mg/dL). The patient was referred to a gastroenterologist and found to have a normal esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Upon genetic analysis, the patient was noted to be a carrier for hereditary hemochromatosis (heterozygous carrier for H63D mutation). The rest of her workup was negative, including hepatitis panel, alpha-1-antitrypsin, double-stranded DNAand anti-Smith/ribonucleoprotein antibodies, SCL-70 (scleroderma) antibody, and centromere antibody.

Imaging with ultrasound demonstrated hepatomegaly with fatty infiltration of the liver (Figure 1). The patient was evaluated by a pulmonologist forher cough and hemoptysis and a CT chest was performed. CT imaging demonstrated prominent mucus and debris along the trachea with subpleural reticulations possibly due to respiratory involvement of her Sjgrens syndrome (images were unable to be obtained for inclusion in this article). It also noted questionable hepatic surface lobulation that could represent early cirrhosis morphology. With a positive AMA and biochemical pattern of cholestasis and hepatocellular injury, the patient was referred forliver biopsy, which revealed extensive inflammatory infiltrate consisting of lymphocytes and plasma cells surrounding portal tract structures, with the presence of interface hepatitis into lobular parenchyma (Figure 2). No evidence of malignancy was noted.

The patient met the criteria for diagnosis (Table 2) and was started on UDCA at 15 mg/kg. She was alsocontinued on azathioprine at a therapeutic dose of 2 mg/kg for AIH. At the three-month follow-up, the patient had down-trending transaminases and was reporting subjective improvement in symptoms of fatigue and arthralgias.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare but potentially life-threatening autoimmune cholestatic disease of the liver that, when left undiagnosed and untreated, can culminate in end-stage liver cirrhosis. Similar to the patient presented in this case report, PBC has a peak prevalence for those between their fourth and sixth decades of life with a predominance for women [2-3]. Diagnostic criteria for primary hepatic autoimmune diseases rely on biochemical evidence of either cholestasis or hepatocellular damage, presence of auto-antibodies, and histopathological features on liver biopsy [7-9]. While present in fewer than 10% of patients with either PBC or AIH, the overlapping syndrome (PBC-AIH) is well-represented in the current case [8]. There are several subtypes and classifications of this condition, though, like other autoimmune disorders, it can be thought to exist on a spectrum of primary tissue involvement. It is hypothesized that patients with underlying bile duct destruction (characteristic of PBC) also possess a genetic predisposition to develop a hepatitic pattern of liver injury (more consistent with AIH), and thus can also be referred to as PBC, hepatitic form [10].

The patient presented in this case report met the Paris criteria for PBC-AIH both on histology as well as an elevated ALT and presence of anti-AMA antibody. Though not meeting diagnostic criteria (5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)), she also had an elevated GGT at 3.1 times ULN. Her past medical history of several extrahepatic autoimmune diseases is consistent with other cases of PBC-AIH. PBC is known to have associations with Sjgrens syndrome in more than half of individualsand to a lesser extent, with thyroid dysfunction, RA, and cutaneous scleroderma[4-6]. Though a majority of patients eventually diagnosed with PBC are asymptomatic, this patient had multiple symptoms on presentation. She presented with cough and hemoptysis along with xerostomia and dry eyes, all potentially attributed to her Sjgrens diagnosis. She was found to have hepatomegaly both on clinical exam and ultrasound imaging, as well as three years of worsening liver transaminases that prompted an expanded autoimmune work-up.

This case highlights the importance of primary care physicians to not only be familiar with the criteria for autoimmune liver diseases but also to not devalue minor changes in liver biochemistry. Though she had been previously followed by a rheumatologist, the patient had been lost to follow-up and her medical record revealed several inconsistencies regarding the interpretation of her autoimmune laboratory findings between specialists and generalists that she had seen in the past. She had also been noted to have an extensive history of alcohol consumption throughout her medical record. While her AST and ALT abnormalities have been attributed to this, her AST:ALT ratio was inconsistent with this assertion.

Interestingly, this patient was also found to be a heterozygous carrier for hereditary hemochromatosis (HH). On discussion with her gastroenterologist, it is difficult to discern the patients elevated ferritin as related to excess collection versus an acute phase reactant given her history of autoimmune disease. In general, HFE H63D heterozygous carriers rarely develop clinically significant iron overload syndromes [11] though may be at increased riskfor breast and colorectal cancers [12-13]. As of the time of this publication, there are no reports in the literature regarding increased rates of PBC or AIH in those with the H63D mutation.

Compared to patients with PBC alone, individuals with PBC-AIH have higher rates of portal hypertension, esophageal varices, gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, and liver failure [14-15]. Studies have demonstrated death or liver transplantation in PBC-AIH at rates twice as high compared to PBC alone at six-year mean follow-up [14] and nearly four times as high compared to AIH alone at the two-year follow-up [16]. At 10 years following diagnosis, 44-48% of patients with PBC-AIH progress to cirrhosis [8,15], and transplant-free survival ranges from 52-92% [8-9,14].

Goals of management for autoimmune liver disease include suppression of the underlying pathogenic process as well as treatment of acute symptoms that result from chronic cholestasis, including pruritus, fatigue, and xerostomia. Evidence is limited regarding specific treatment recommendations for diseases with overlapping characteristics. The 2018 practice guidelines from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidelines concede that the clinical benefit and harm of adding immunosuppressive medications require further study, and recommend tailoring pharmacotherapy to the predominant histologic pattern (PBC or AIH) [17-18]. The 2017 practice guidelines from the European Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (EASL) recommend that in addition to UDCA, immunosuppression be given, or considered, in patients with severe to moderate interface hepatitis, respectively [19]. A meta-analysis for the comparative treatment of various overlap syndromes demonstrated that combination therapy with UDCA and immunosuppression may be superior to both UDCA alone and to steroids with or without azathioprine with respect to biochemical improvement and transplant-free survival [8]. The authors concede, however, that these studies are limited by the inclusion ofpatients with a wide range of histologic severity. Additionally, it has been reported that the degree of baseline interface activity on biopsy (pathognomonic of AIH) is a more accurate predictor of failure with UDCA monotherapy compared to the addition of immunosuppressive therapies [19].

Our patient had already been started on azathioprine for her other rheumatological conditions two years prior to her initial presentation to our clinic. Therefore, given her extrahepatic autoimmune diseases that prompted early immunosuppression, she had theoretically been spared from several years of additional damage due to her PBC-AIH. Relapse rates of AIH up to 90% have been demonstrated when discontinuing immunosuppression. Despite this, a withdrawal trial of immunosuppressives can be consideredonce remissionhas been established (normalization of aminotransferases) and maintained for 24 months[19-20]. She was also started on UDCA after confirming the diagnosis with a biopsy and therefore is now on combination UDCA with immunosuppressive therapy. Long-term monitoring for patients with PBC includes liver biochemical and function tests every three to six months in addition to annual screening for thyroid dysfunction and bone mineral densitometry. Of note, our patient did have a degree of long-bone osteopenia on a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. We also recommended screening for colorectal and breast cancer given her increased risk with HH carrier status.

Primary liver autoimmune conditions are often associated with extrahepatic manifestations, either as a result of chronic cholestatic symptoms or as distinct, laboratory-identifiable syndromes.Therefore, in patients with a significant rheumatological disease history or when a primary autoimmune workup is being performed in the context of abnormal liver biochemistry, PBC and AIH must both be considered. The Paris diagnostic criteria can be used with a high degree of both sensitivity and specificity to either distinguish or correlate these conditions.Based on the current evidence, early initiation of UDCA with immunosuppressive therapies has been shown to help delay cirrhosis, liver failure and transplantation, and even death.

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Far From the Biliary Tree: A Case of Overlapping Autoimmune Liver Disease in a Patient Presenting With Sicca Symptoms - Cureus

Biochemistry Breakthrough May Soon Have Asthmatics Breathing Easier – SciTechDaily

A breakthrough discovery could result in more effective asthma treatments.

Scientists have discovered differences in the biochemistry of asthmatic and non-asthmatics which could lead to more effective treatments.

An important discovery that could lead to more effective treatments for the worlds 262 million asthma sufferers was recently made in research led by Edith Cowan University (ECU).

It found that severe asthmatics have a distinct biochemical (metabolite) profile detectable in their urine, compared to mild-to-moderate asthmatics and healthy individuals. The study was led by Dr. Stacey Reinke (ECU) and Dr. Craig Wheelock (Karolinska Institute, Sweden).

To identify and better understand different subtypes of severe asthma, researchers analyzed urine samples from more than 600 participants across 11 countries as part of the U-BIOPRED study, a Europe-wide initiative.

The team of researchers discovered a specific type of metabolite, called carnitines, decreased in severe asthmatics.

Carnitines play an important role in cellular energy generation and immune responses.

Further analyses found carnitine metabolism was lower in severe asthmatics.

These new findings will help enable researchers to work towards new, more effective therapies for asthmatics.

Dr. Reinke, from ECUs Centre for Integrative Metabolomics and Computational Biology, said it is vital asthma treatment is improved.

Asthma affects 2.7 million Australians and there were 417 asthma-related deaths in Australia in 2020, she said.

Severe asthma occurs when someones asthma is uncontrolled, despite being treated with high levels of medication and/or multiple medications.

To identify and develop new treatment options, we first need to better understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease.

One way to do this is to examine the bodys chemical profile, or metabolome, which provides a snapshot of a persons current physiological state and gives useful insight into disease processes.

In this case, we were able to use the urinary metabolome of asthmatics to identify fundamental differences in energy metabolism that may represent a target for new interventions in asthma control, Dr. Reinke said.

Dr. Reinke said it can be difficult and invasive to investigate the lungs directly but fortunately, they contain a lot of blood vessels.

Therefore, any biochemical changes in the lungs can enter the bloodstream, and then be excreted through the urine, she said.

These are preliminary results, but we will continue to investigate carnitine metabolism to evaluate its potential as a new asthma treatment target.

Reference: Urinary metabotype of severe asthma evidences decreased carnitine metabolism independent of oral corticosteroid treatment in the U-BIOPRED study by Stacey N. Reinke, Shama Naz, Romanas Chaleckis, Hector Gallart-Ayala, Johan Kolmert, Nazanin Z. Kermani, Angelica Tiotiu, David I. Broadhurst, Anders Lundqvist, Henric Olsson, Marika Strm, sa M. Wheelock, Cristina Gmez, Magnus Ericsson, Ana R. Sousa, John H. Riley, Stewart Bates, James Scholfield, Matthew Loza, Frdric Baribaud, Per S. Bakke, Massimo Caruso, Pascal Chanez, Stephen J. Fowler, Thomas Geiser, Peter Howarth, Ildik Horvth, Norbert Krug, Paolo Montuschi, Annelie Behndig, Florian Singer, Jacek Musial, Dominick E. Shaw, Barbro Dahln, Sile Hu, Jessica Lasky-Su, Peter J. Sterk, Kian Fan Chung, Ratko Djukanovic, Sven-Erik Dahln, Ian M. Adcock and Craig E. Wheelock on behalf of the U-BIOPRED Study Group, 30 June 2022, European Respiratory Journal.DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01733-2021

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Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) reverse transcriptase (RT) structure and biochemistry reveals remarkable similarities to HIV-1 RT and…

Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) reverse transcriptase (RT) structure and biochemistry reveals remarkable similarities to HIV-1 RT and opportunities for HERV-Kspecific inhibition | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences  pnas.org

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UA Researchers Develop Way to Test Water for Metal Pollutants – The University of Alabama

Research involving The University of Alabama created an easier way to detect harmful levels of heavy metals in water, which could help improve human health by boosting detection efforts by regulatory agencies, water utilities and commercial fishing.

Dr. Marco Bonizzoni

The new analytical method for detecting harmful levels of heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead was created by combining chemical array sensing methods developed at UA with polymer synthesis capabilities at the University of Southern Mississippi, according to findings recently published in Advanced Functional Materials.

The work is part of a larger, multiyear collaboration led by the University of Mississippi and supported by the National Science Foundation to develop advanced polymer-based, selective sensing technologies for detecting and analyzing pollutants in the coastal aquatic ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico, which host important fisheries, aquaculture, trading ports, and off-shore oil exploration and production industries.

The new method proved to be unusually robust and sensitive even in complex and challenging samples, down to the extremely low concentrations relevant for environmental monitoring applications in fresh- and saltwater, said Dr. Marco Bonizzoni, UA associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry.

Our method for these analyses uses less complex instrumentation, yet achieves sensitivity similar to established lab-based standard techniques, Bonizzoni said. Additionally, our system is simpler and more rugged than existing techniques, potentially opening the path towards development of a portable device for and point-of-sampling measurements.

At low levels, heavy metals are ubiquitous in the environment and some are essential nutrients for the ecosystem. At increased levels, mostly from human intervention, they threaten human, animal and ecosystem health. Exposure to heavy metals has been linked to neurological disease, organ failure and cancer.

Methods for their rapid and simple detection are a scientific and technological priority. Water utilities regularly monitor these potential contaminants in municipal water. Government regulatory agencies track heavy metals in waters as a proxy for potential contamination of marine life such as fish sold for consumption.

Bonizzoni, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and his group created a simple method for detecting harmful levels of heavy metals in water.

Current methods require lugging water samples taken on location back to a lab for analysis, which is time consuming and requires additional measures to ensure the sample isnt contaminated. The new method could simplify this process greatly by allowing for direct on-site measurements.

For now, researchers demonstrated they can simplify analysis by testing samples taken from the site of the Deep Water Horizon oil spill in the Gulf, gathered by a group led by Dr. Alan Shillerfrom Southern Mississippi. The site near the destroyed oil rig and subsequent massive oil spill into the ocean in 2010 released heavy metals into the environment.

Former UA graduate student Dr. Michael Ihde, now a faculty member at Williams College, led the Bonizzoni groups efforts to combine their method for using an array of receptors in a chemical sensor with the polymer synthesis capabilities from a group led by Dr. Jason Azoulay at Southern Mississippi and his graduate student Joshua Tropp.

Researchers prepared bright fluorene-based light-emitting charged polymers with appended metal binding groups, and studied their interactions with metal pollutants, developing methods for their ultrasensitive detection and discrimination.

Through the collaboration, we made new polymers, we combined them in a physical sensing system, and we measured complex and challenging samples with it, Bonizzoni said.

After demonstrating this proof of principle, the research team will focus on streamlining the procedure to fit inside a portable sensing system that could be operated by most anyone as a self-contained testing device deployed on a boat or, possibly, on a buoy that passively and continuously monitors the water; however, that future is several steps away.

Contact

Adam Jones, UA communications, 205-348-4328, adam.jones@ua.edu

The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the states flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the states largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

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UAPB Alumnus Recommends a UAPB Education in Aquaculture/Fisheries for Research, Job Opportunities – UAPB News

Will Hehemann|School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences

Andrew Maina, originally from the east African country of Kenya, says his lifelong interest in science led him to enroll in the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluffs (UAPB) graduate program in aquaculture/fisheries.

My father was a pharmacist, and I also started to get interested in science in elementary school, he said. In high school, I became really interested in biology. My love for the outdoors and wildlife started in Kenya but continues to play a part in my life in my new home of North Carolina. I frequently go hiking and birdwatching.

During his undergraduate studies at the University of Eastern Africa in Baraton, Kenya, Maina took a course on marine biology. This experience made him curious about studying a discipline of science largely new to him.

I became interested in further studying fish because they have unique physiologies compared to other groups of animals, he said. I visited with Dr. Rebecca Lochmann, chair of the UAPB Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries. Our conversation about her research on catfish piqued my interest. I had previously taken a graduate course in chemical separations and biochemistry at the University of Florida, which gave me the theoretical background in the type of tools and techniques used in her lab for research.

In 2012, he enrolled in the graduate program and started conducting research on channel catfish nutrition under the mentorship of Dr. Lochmann.

In the lab, I was able to build an entirely new skill set as we used biochemistry techniques and separation chemistry to investigate the nutritional composition of fish muscle and whole fish, Maina said. Dr. Lochmann was influential in providing guidance throughout my graduate studies and also in giving me opportunities to attend large conferences and present my original research.

After graduating from UAPB in 2016, Maina was employed by Smithers, a company that provides independent testing services for a range of industries and products.

I was hired as a study director for channel catfish nutrient equivalency studies with various genetically modified organisms (GMO) grain varieties meant for export to the Asian market, he said. We were testing catfish feeds formulated to incorporate GMO grains. Our job was to ensure GMO grains used in these feeds were similar enough to non-GMO strains. We also made sure the feeds did not have any negative effects on catfish growth.

Maina currently works for Catalent, Inc., a global pharmaceutical company, where he is responsible for performing drug substance and drug product stability analysis.

Before they hit the market, medicines must be tested to make sure whatever components listed on the label are actually in the tablet in those precise measurements, he said. Our work helps ensure that any drug released to the market is in full compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards.

Maina said he recommends an education at the UAPB Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries for students looking to gain quality research experience. In addition to the labs on campus, he said students can also pursue collaborative opportunities with organizations such as the Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas.

The research skills I gained at UAPB continue to help me in my career, he said. During my studies, I enjoyed working with professors and students from different backgrounds on research that truly supported Arkansas and the region.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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28-year-old Becomes First Black Woman to Earn PhD in Biochemistry at Florida International University – YEN.COM.GH – Yen.com.gh

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Student-athlete, Chantrell Frazier, has made history as the first Black woman to earn a doctoral degree in Biochemistry at Florida International University.

Frazier, 28, began her college journey at Historically Black College or University (HBCU), where she earned her bachelor's degree to give her the proper foundation to prepare her for graduate school.

It was also the same reason that inspired her to attend Savannah State University (SSU), according to Atlanta Black Star.

After making history, Frazier looks forward to continuing her studies at a postdoctoral teaching fellowship at Framingham State University in Massachusetts.

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The trailblazer plans to become a chemistry professor and champion the next generation of STEM leaders.

Still on education, YEN.com.gh previously reported that Lerato Jaca triumphed adversity to achieve her goals, becoming the first person in her family to bag a degree in 2020.

She understood what it meant for a Black girl to glean such a feat, more so, make history.

In a post on Twitter, Jaca disclosed that she graduated from the University of Cape Town, UCT, making history as her family's first graduate and doctor.

Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Ray Curtis Petty Jr, ESQ is the definition of a fighter who overcame cycles of obstacles life threw at him to achieve his goal as a legal brain, becoming the first lawyer in his family.

Undaunted by the mountain of difficulties and childhood inadequacies, he triumphed and made history as his family's first-generation attorney.

Recounting his story on his Instagram account, he recalls being told by his teachers that he should be in special education classes. His coaches also doubted his ability to remember a playbook as a child, he said.

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Designing the next generation of nanoscale electronics | Rowan Today | Rowan University – Rowan Today

Amid an ongoing semiconductor shortage delaying the production of cars, phones, computers, and televisions, a new research collaboration between Rowan University and Butler University seeks to develop computational tools for designing the next generation of nanoscale electronics. The $222,559 grant was awarded by the National Science Foundation.

It is becoming increasingly more difficult to create these computer chips.

The classical computing architectures are starting to reach their development potential, said principal investigator Erik Hoy, Ph.D., an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry in the College of Science & Mathematics. What we're looking to contribute to is the next generation of computer architectures.

These next-generation devices are incredibly small, but have enormous potential. Hoy and his research team will partner with a team from Butler University to develop new techniques to study these devices on a molecular level more effectively. Previous methods have limitations in their treatment of molecular electronic interactions, and a more comprehensive methodology is needed to ensure that nanoscale architectures deliver their promised performance gains.

Hoys software will treat electronic interactions in these devices to a degree that has not been done before. The software will help determine if nanoelectronics-based computer chips will function as engineers hoped. This tool will then be made publicly available for any researcher to use.

In the long run, it's intended to address a key supply chain problem, Hoy said. Were going to provide new tools, so that when people go to build these devices, they can predict their properties accurately so they know the device will behave as expected.

The grant will support Rowans materials science and engineering program by heavily involving both graduate and undergraduate students throughout the research.

One of my key goals is to help build the next generation of materials science and nanoscience-focused students in the U.S., Hoy said.

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Plant-based testosterone in pine pollen could be a goldmine for forestry – New Zealand Herald

Pine pollen is the fine yellow powder released by pine trees every spring that forms part of the reproductive life cycle of the tree. Photo / Supplied

Pine pollen containing a rare natural source of plant-based testosterone could prove a goldmine for New Zealand's forestry sector.

Pine Pollen New Zealand Limited, trading under the name Bio Gold, has received $288,500 in Government funding through the Ministry for Primary Industries' Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures) to lay the foundations for a pine pollen industry in New Zealand.

"Pine pollen has been consumed for health and wellbeing in China, South Korea and Japan for more than 3000 years," Bio Gold founder Carl Meyer said.

"It's been found to contain a naturally occurring testosterone, and lately there's been a new wave of interest from the natural health industry in the United States and Canada."

Common reasons for taking pine pollen as a dietary supplement include supporting energy levels, hormonal balance, immune function, and overall wellbeing.

"We've furthered our research and development work for the past 18 months with the help of SFF Futures funding to understand how the biochemistry of New Zealand pine pollen differs in relation to factors such as species, genetics, location, and more," Meyer said.

"We've also compared our pollen to that from overseas and it's looking very promising."

Pine pollen is the fine yellow powder released by pine trees every spring that forms part of the reproductive life cycle of the tree.

The powder is produced inside the catkin (male flowers) of pine trees.

"We've spent years working out which specific type of Pinus radiata yields the best pollen it's not a matter of using any old pine tree," Meyer said.

"It's very complex, and you've got to really know what you're doing. Safety and quality are our top priorities."

Meyer said the final product was expensive because the seasonal window for pine pollen was often less than three weeks.

Bio Gold's pollen was currently harvested near Hanmer Springs and Kaikura from trees on land owned and operated by Ngi Tahu Forestry, he said.

"However, we're also open to exploring additional partnerships with other forest owners across New Zealand, as well as connecting with entrepreneurs, investors, and health companies to help scale things up. We encourage people to reach out to us.

Callaghan Innovation had helped with research, including providing funding for a top Master's student to investigate biochemistry and extraction on an even deeper level, Meyer said.

"The University of Canterbury has also assisted with harvesting trials, and we're developing technology that's able to do large-scale harvesting."

Bio Gold has developed two prototype products so far.

One is a concentrated liquid "Supercharge" extract to support energy levels, sports and exercise performance, libido, and vitality.

The other is a raw powder that can be added to smoothies and drinks for overall wellbeing.

"Establishing this industry means New Zealanders will be able to enjoy any benefits that pine pollen offers," Meyer said.

"Our local customers love the pollen, and we're getting excellent feedback from them. We're also looking at high-value export opportunities."

Steve Penno, MPI's director of investment programmes, said Bio Gold had identified an opportunity to increase the value of New Zealand's forestry industry, and create new jobs in regional communities.

"Investing in this high-value product is helping Bio Gold fast-track their research and take this initiative to a full-scale operation."

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Plant-based testosterone in pine pollen could be a goldmine for forestry - New Zealand Herald

Researchers Develop Next-Gen Cancer Therapy – University of Houston

Oncolytic viruses are those that can kill cancer cells while leaving nearby healthy cells and tissues intact. Image of cancer cells courtesy: GettyImages

Shaun Zhang, director of the Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling at the University of Houston and M.D. Anderson Professor in the Department of Biology & Biochemistry, has created a new oncolytic virus, pushing oncolytic cancer therapy forward.

Among the most promising anti-cancer treatments in recent years, oncolytic virotherapy (OV) has emerged at the top of the pack of immunotherapy. Oncolytic viruses are those that can kill cancer cells while leaving nearby healthy cells and tissues intact. In oncolytic virotherapy, the treatment also exerts its influence by activating an antitumor immune response made of immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells.

But sometimes those natural killers limit the oncolytic viruses, and so despite the exciting development in the OV field in recent years, there is room for improvement to tackle some limitations, including the relatively weak therapeutic activity and lack of means for effective systemic delivery.

Those improvements are now being made in the lab of Shaun Zhang, director of the Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling at the University of Houston and M.D. Anderson Professor in the Department of Biology & Biochemistry. Zhang has received a $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support his work.

We have developed a novel strategy that not only can prevent NK cells from clearing the administered oncolytic virus, but also goes one step further by guiding them to attack tumor cells. We took an entirely different approach to create this oncolytic virotherapy by deleting a region of the gene which has been shown to activate the signaling pathway that enables the virus to replicate in normal cells, said Zhang.

The different approach consists of Zhangs lab creating a new oncolytic virus called FusOn-H2, based on the Herpes simplex 2 virus, (HSV-2, commonly known as genital herpes). Its the first of its kind. They arm the virus with a NK cell engager, resulting in what Zhang calls the two birds with one stone strategy to enhance therapeutic effect of the new oncolytic virus. This engager forms a bridge between NK cells and tumor cells, resulting in the killing of the engaged tumor cells.

Our recent studies showed that arming FusOn-H2 with a chimeric NK engager (C-NK-E) that can engage the infiltrated natural killer cells with tumor cells could significantly enhance the effectiveness of this virotherapy, said Zhang. Most importantly, we observed that tumor destruction by the joint effect of the direct oncolysis and the engaged NK cells led to a measurable elicitation of neoantigen-specific antitumor immunity.

Zhang and team believe that this armed FusOn-H2 will produce a three-pronged effect to enhance the antitumor efficacy against solid tumors in colon and lung cancer, which they expect to come in waves.

The first wave comes immediately after the armed virus is administered and it derives primarily from administration of the virus. The second wave comes from the natural killer cells doing their work while the third wave is the outcome of a series of chain events that ultimately result in inducing neoantigen-specific antitumor immunity.

We hypothesize that the combination of the high potency of the three-pronged therapy with the improved systemic delivery will lead to effective treatment of metastatic diseases, said Zhang.

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Researchers Develop Next-Gen Cancer Therapy - University of Houston