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COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT INSECTICIDE EXPOSURE METHODS TO ASSESS INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE IN MOSQUITOES
(2025-04-28) Rush, Emma Suzanne
Mosquito issues related to pathogen transmission and nuisance are handled by mosquito control programs throughout North Carolina and elsewhere. Field trials are a common method for evaluating the efficacy of insecticide-formulated products (FP); however, this method is cumbersome, expensive, and labor-intensive. A novel compact wind tunnel used in a laboratory setting was developed as an alternative method for evaluating FP efficacy and mosquito mortality was compared between the field trial and wind tunnel methods of exposure.
Two different FP (Biomist® 3+15 and Duet®) were applied to wild and laboratory populations of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens/quinquefasciatus. The field trial included FP application via truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) equipment to caged mosquitoes set up in a 9 x 3 grid with 100 ft distances between rows of stations. Mosquitoes were transferred to clean cages immediately post-exposure, incubated at 28°C, and mortality monitored for 36 h. Wind tunnel experiments consisted of exposing each replicate mosquito cage to aerosolized FP for 10 s, following the same post-exposure methods as in the field trial. Mosquito knockdown was recorded 2 h post-exposure, and mortality was recorded at 36 h. Mosquito mortality in the group exposed to FP at 100 ft (closest location to ULV treatment) during the field trial was similar (p>0.05) to mosquitoes exposed in the wind tunnel for Biomist® and Duet®. Mosquito mortality in the group exposed to FP 200 ft and 300 ft from the field trial spray line was similar to the wind tunnel for Duet®, but significantly lower than wind tunnel results for Biomist® (200 ft: p=0.019, 300 ft: p=0.049). There was nearly 100% mortality in the lab Ae. albopictus, wild Ae. albopictus, and lab Cx. pipiens/quinquefasciatus for Biomist® and Duet® in the wind tunnel, but field trial results varied depending on distance from the spray line and mosquito population. Wild Cx. pipiens/quinquefasciatus showed insecticide resistance in both the field trial and wind tunnel experiments for all tested FP. Based on these results, the wind tunnel could be used as a screening step for FP or a potential alternative testing method when field trials are not possible.
Investigating the role of microRNAs on the transgenerational effects of nicotine using Caenorhabditis elegans
(2025-05-01) Woollen, Victoria Rose
This project aims to investigate the effects of nicotine, the highly addictive and toxic substance in tobacco-based products, has on offspring (1st and 2nd generations, F1 and F2) using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). C. elegans are microscopic nematode worms that are used as a model organism to study epigenetic effects passed down through generations. Due to their transparency, small size, and cellular simplicity, researchers can easily observe the internal structures and processes of C. elegans. To characterize nicotine-dependence, our lab looks at three behaviors: stimulation, adaption, and withdrawal. We hypothesize that maternal nicotine exposure (F0 generation) increases susceptibility to nicotine dependence in F1 and F2 generations. To test this, F0 worms were exposed to a 61.7 µM nicotine solution or a vehicle control (K medium) at the L3 larval stage for 24 hours, then the behaviors were observed in F0, F1, and F2 generations, where the F1 and F2 generations were not exposed to nicotine. Locomotion behaviors were analyzed using WormLab. For nicotine-exposed worms, an increased speed in a nicotine-free environment indicates withdrawal, while a lower locomotion speed in nicotine-containing environment indicates nicotine adaption. To explore miRNA-mediated molecular mechanisms, RNA interference with the miRNA inhibitor anti-cel-miR-1 will knock down miR-1, which regulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) expression. Behavioral changes in miRNA inhibitor and nicotine co-treated worms will be compared to nicotine-only treated worms and vehicle controls. Statistical analyses of locomotion behaviors revealed transgenerational inheritance of nicotine-dependent behaviors and the important role of miRNA-1 in nicotine-dependent behaviors. With miR-1 inhibition in F0 generation, the nicotine-dependent behavior was cured in F0 and the following F1 and F2 generations. This represents an important finding in the mechanism of nicotine-dependent behaviors and potentially applies to the development of future miRNA-mediated therapeutic strategies.
Identification of Actin Mutants with Neurodegenerative Disease-Like Phenotypes Via Mutagensis of the Actin-ATP Interface
(2025-04-30) Becton, Maelee
Cofilin-actin rods are a well-documented stress response in neuronal cells and their persistence is frequently associated with neurodegenerative disease. However, the role of specific actin residues in promoting the formation of cofilin-actin rods and other anomalous cytoskeletal structures is largely unknown. As it is increasingly suspected that specific mutations and post-translation modifications of actin may promote neurodegenerative disease, characterizing the role of these residues in cytoskeletal dysregulation is highly relevant. In this study, we focus on the actin-ATP interface, which has been proposed as a key mediator of cofilin-actin rod formation and the propensity of actin to respond to cellular stress. Using a light and stress-gated reporter of cofilin-actin cluster formation, we determine the impact of mutants associated with Actin-ATP binding on the propensity of actin to form anomalous structures in the presence and absence of applied cellular stress. This study identifies actin mutants that promote anomalous actin inclusions in HeLa cells and characterizes the manifestation of these phenotypes in cortical neurons. Mutations to the ATP phosphate tail-binding region of actin (K18A, D154A, G158L, K213A) were found to be particularly disruptive to actin phenotypes, and in several instances promote disease-associated actin-rich structures such as cofilin-actin rods and Hirano bodies. We find that these mutant phenotypes are largely consistent between cell types and display highly unusual inclusions in cultured cortical neuron, without leading to nuclear fragmentation and apoptotic death of the transfected cells. These mutants strengthen the association of residue-specific changes in actin with large-scale phenotypic and functional changes in the cytoskeleton, further implicating them in neurodegenerative disease progression.
Exploring The Possible Correlation Between Levator Origin Distance and Craniofacial Syndrome Diagnosis.
(2025-04-22) Jones, Loghan Katherine-Lee
Authors: Loghan Jones; Imani R. Gilbert, MS; Samantha J. Power, MS; Taylor D. Snodgrass, MS; Jamie L. Perry, PhD
Title:
Exploring the possible correlation between levator origin distance and craniofacial syndrome diagnosis.
Introduction/Background:
Velopharyngeal closure is a phenomenon that occurs during oral speech production and swallowing. This closure is primarily completed through retraction and elevation of a velopharyngeal muscle known as the levator veli palatini muscle. The levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle originates from the petrous portion of the temporal bones and then inserts into the velum (Perry, 2011). Literature has suggested that the distance between the two originating portions of the LVP may be highly correlated to craniofacial syndromes (i.e., 22q11.2. deletion syndrome); however, this study had a small sample size (i.e., n=15) and only included one craniofacial syndrome (Kollara et al., 2019). As the LVP origin-to-origin distance measurement has been shown to be significantly shorter in one craniofacial syndrome compared to healthy peers, the overarching purpose of the present study is to determine if LVP origin to origin distance varies significantly compared to individuals with and without a variety of craniofacial syndromes.
Methodology:
In accordance with the Institutional Review Boards at the University of East Carolina University, 165 children were enrolled in this study. The control group and the patient group were matched by age (+/- 1 year), sex, and race. MRI data was obtained for each subject. MRI data will be analyzed in Amira 3D Visualization Software in order to obtain measurements related to levator angle of origin and levator origin to origin distance.
Results:
Data analysis is still ongoing and is expected to be completed by March 2025.
Closure:
The analysis of the potential relationship between LVP origin distance and craniofacial syndrome diagnosis is an important aspect of cleft and craniofacial care as this correlation can possibly lead to accurate diagnosis of a variety of craniofacial syndromes. By investigating this topic, the quality and efficiency of overall cleft care can be improved.
References:
Perry, J. L. (2011). Anatomy and physiology of the velopharyngeal mechanism. Seminars in Speech and Language, 17;32;(2), 083-092. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1277712
Kollara, L., Baylis, A. L., Kirschner, R. E., Bates, D. G., Smith, M., Fang, X., & Perry, J. L. (2019).
Velopharyngeal Structural and Muscle Variations in Children With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: An Unsedated MRI Study. The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal : official publication of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, 56(9), 1139–1148. https://doi.org/10.1177/1055665619851660
Facilitators and Barriers to Treatment and Harm Reduction Services for Perinatal Persons with Opioid Use Disorder in North Carolina
(2025-04-28) Yang, Susan
Background: Opioids are effective for pain relief but pose risks of dependence, addiction, withdrawal, and overdose. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) during the perinatal period, defined as pregnancy through the first year after birth, can lead to significant health risks for both perinatal persons and neonates, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Treatment options like methadone and buprenorphine and harm reduction measures such as syringe service programs and Narcan distribution aid those with OUD. They can improve maternal and neonatal health, but stigma and legal fears deter many from seeking help. Addressing barriers and improving access to treatment and harm reduction measures can enhance outcomes for perinatal individuals with OUD.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify treatment and harm reduction facilitators and barriers for perinatal persons with OUD in North Carolina.
Methods: This qualitative descriptive study utilized secondary data collected in the parent study titled “Exploring Facilitators and Barriers to Harm Reduction Services in North Carolina with An Emphasis on Rural, Historically Marginalized Communities, and Pregnant or Parenting People.” Thematic analysis was used to analyze six (n=6) in-depth interviews with healthcare workers and OUD program staff in North Carolina.
Results: Analysis found facilitators to treatment and harm reduction included organizational resources, cross-sector collaborations, transportation, and building rapport with clients. Conversely, barriers to treatment and harm reduction services included lack of funding, restrictions with funds and services, and stigma and fear. Additionally, a notable finding was the lack of involvement by perinatal persons in these programs, likely due to the stigma surrounding perinatal substance use disorder (SUD) and the limited availability of perinatal-specific resources.
Discussion: This research identified several facilitators and actionable barriers to treatment and harm reduction for people who use substances in North Carolina. However, a primary finding was that few services are being provided to perinatal persons and their neonates. This research highlights the complexity of providing treatment and harm reduction services for the perinatal population and the need to develop interventions to increase treatment specifically for this population.