Forsyth Technical Community College

Abstract Description Periodontitis (PD), a leading cause of tooth and jawbone loss, is increasingly recognized as a contributor to systemic diseases, potentially mediated by inflammatory signals from the periodontal microbiome. Macrophages, through their polarization into pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes, play a critical role in PD pathogenesis. Dysregulated macrophage activity exacerbates both local and systemic inflammation, highlighting the need for targeted therapeutic strategies. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs), particularly PPARα, have emerged as key regulators of inflammation. Traditionally used in lipid metabolism disorders, PPAR agonists have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in chronic inflammatory diseases. Our research identifies significant downregulation of PPARα in Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg)-induced PD models, with PPARα activation shown to alleviate inflammation and prevent bone loss by modulating macrophage polarization. PPARα agonists inhibit NF-?B signaling, reducing M1 polarization, while enhancing M2 markers associated with tissue repair and inflammation resolution. Moreover, PPARα influences the β-catenin-TCF-4 pathway, further regulating macrophage activity. These findings establish PPARα as a key player in macrophage modulation and underscore its therapeutic potential in PD. By targeting macrophage polarization via PPARα activation, this study offers a novel therapeutic approach for PD and related systemic conditions. Topic Categories Innate Immune Responses and Host Defense: Cellular Mechanisms (INC)

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an accelerated aging disorder characterized by numerous symptoms, including early-onset atherosclerosis, with most patients suffering fatal myocardial infarctions or strokes by the second decade of life. HGPS is caused by mutations in LMNA that lead to expression of an internally truncated, farnesylated prelamin A variant called progerin, which induces loss of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Some studies have also reported that accumulation of full-length farnesylated prelamin A, which is normally completely processed to mature non-farnesylated lamin A, can also drive vascular pathology during physiological aging. To assess the effects of prelamin A expression on atherosclerosis and aortic VSMCs, we used Lmna L648R/L648R mice that express a prelamin A variant with a lysine to arginine point mutation that prevents its processing to mature lamin A. To determine if prelamin A expression has an impact on atherosclerotic plaques, we crossed Lmna L648R/L648R mice to LDL receptor-deficient Ldlr -/- mice that develop hyperlipidemia on a high-fat diet. Atherosclerotic plaque lesion area and necrotic core area were not different in hyperlipidemic Lmna L648R/L648R mice that expressed only prelamin A, and no mature lamin A, compared to hyperlipidemic Lmna +/+ mice that expressed only fully-processed mature lamin A and no prelamin A. Additionally, exclusive prelamin A expression did not result in loss of aortic VSMCs or adventitial thickening in hyperlipidemic Lmna L648R/L648R mice with atherosclerosis at 28 weeks of age. Indeed, aortic vascular smooth muscle remained normal in older Lmna L648R/L648R mice at 52 weeks of age. In contrast to the prelamin A variant progerin expressed in HGPS, prelamin A does not appear to cause vascular smooth muscle loss, promote atherosclerosis or drive vascular aging.

Stem cell therapies show promise for peripheral nerve repair, but optimal delivery requires understanding of cell fate and survival at the repair site. This protocol describes a method for longitudinally tracking amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a rat sciatic nerve injury model. AFS cells are labeled with micrometer-sized paramagnetic iron oxide (MPIO) particles and assessed for viability. The MPIO AFS cells are then seeded onto acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) by injection beneath the epineurium and implanted to repair sciatic nerve defects in rats. At multiple timepoints post-implantation, up to 4weeks, cell location is monitored using a 7-Tesla MRI, with histological confirmation via Prussian blue staining for MPIO. This protocol details methodology involving non-invasive longitudinal tracking of stem cells following transplantation, providing evidence on AFS cell survival and integration within nerve grafts. This method can be adapted for other stem cell delivery approaches in peripheral nerve regeneration research.

The unique epibiotic-parasitic relationship between Nanosynbacter lyticus type strain TM7x, a member of the newly identified Candidate Phyla Radiation, now referred to as Patescibacteria, and its basibiont, Schaalia odontolytica strain XH001 (formerly Actinomyces odontolyticus), require more powerful genetic tools for deeper understanding of the genetic underpinnings that mediate their obligate relationship. Previous studies have mainly characterized the genomic landscape of XH001 during or post TM7x infection through comparative genomic or transcriptomic analyses followed by phenotypic analysis. Comprehensive genetic dissection of the pair is currently cumbersome due to the lack of robust genetic tools in TM7x. However, basic genetic tools are available for XH001 and this study expands the current genetic toolset by developing high-throughput transposon insertion sequencing (Tn-seq). Tn-seq was employed to screen for essential genes in XH001 under laboratory conditions. A highly saturated Tn-seq library was generated with nearly 660,000 unique insertion mutations, averaging one insertion every 2-3 nucleotides. 203 genes, 10.5% of the XH001 genome, were identified as putatively essential.

BackgroundWe investigated the association between dietary nitrate intake and early clinical cardiometabolic risk biomarkers, and explored whether the oral microbiome modifies the association between dietary nitrate intake and cardiometabolic biomarkers.MethodsCross-sectional data from 668 (mean [SD] age 31 [9] years, 73% women) participants was analyzed. Dietary nitrate intakes and alternative healthy eating index (AHEI) scores were calculated from food frequency questionnaire responses and a validated US food database. Subgingival 16S rRNA microbial genes (Illumina, MiSeq) were sequenced, and PICRUSt2 estimated metagenomic content. The Microbiome Induced Nitric oxide Enrichment Score (MINES) was calculated as a microbial gene abundance ratio representing enhanced net capacity for NO generation. Cardiometabolic risk biomarkers included systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HbA1c, glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and were regressed on nitrate intake tertiles in adjusted multivariable linear models.ResultsMean nitrate intake was 190[171] mg/day. Higher nitrate intake was associated with lower insulin, and HOMA-IR but particularly among participants with low abundance of oral nitrite enriching bacteria. For example, among participants with a low MINES, mean insulin[95%CI] levels in high vs. low dietary nitrate consumers were 5.8[5.3,6.5] vs. 6.8[6.2,7.5] (p=0.004) while respective insulin levels were 6.0[5.4,6.6] vs. 5.9[5.3,6.5] (p=0.76) among partcipants with high MINES (interaction p=0.02).ConclusionHigher dietary nitrate intake was only associated with lower insulin and insulin resistance among individuals with reduced capacity for oral microbe-induced nitrite enrichment. These findings have implications for future precision medicine-oriented approaches that might consider assessing the oral microbiome prior to enrollment into dietary interventions or making dietary recommendations.

Chronic low-grade inflammation plays a role in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. Recent studies have shown that periodontitis can affect the central nervous system by activating inflammatory mediators in the brain. However, only a few studies have examined the association between periodontitis and bipolar disorder. Here, we aimed to review the current evidence on the association between periodontal diseases and bipolar disorder, its potential mechanisms, and future research directions. Studies so far suggested that periodontal diseases were more common in patients with bipolar disorder than in the general population. Patients with bipolar disorder generally have poor oral hygiene owing to poor self-care, smoking, alcohol abuse, and the effects of psychotropic medications. Proposed mechanisms underlying this association include the effects of inflammatory mediators, direct invasion of oral microbiota, modulation of the neurotransmitter system, and impact on the vagus nerve and hypothalamus-pituitary- adrenal axis. Additional clinical studies examining the prevalence of periodontal diseases and their association with the clinical features of bipolar disorder are necessary. Clinical studies targeting the treatment of periodontal diseases for primary or secondary prevention of bipolar disorder are warranted.

Despite the ubiquitous approach of multi-tasking in the workplace and home, research suggests that multi-tasking is not an effective strategy for productivity. Women multitask more than men do and are also perceived to be better multitaskers than men. The purpose of this paper is to share research on multi-tasking and its effects on productivity and to assist women in making informed decisions about whether multi-tasking is a strategy or a pitfall for career advancement. We discuss the perspectives on why women multi-task, the challenges associated with multi-tasking, and propose solutions. We conclude this paper by outlining successful strategies for career advancement in professional and personal spaces in a modern era where multi-tasking is the defacto coping strategy. Successful strategies include mindfulness, domestic sourcing, and the effective use of executive control functions such as goal switching and rule activation. We also discuss the importance of revisiting one's ethos, pathos, and logos

Asthma is one of the most common pediatric chronic physical conditions. Youth with comorbid asthma and anxiety/depressive symptoms tend to have less controlled asthma and an increased use of health services in schools. The purpose of this integrative review was to examine the literature on educational and behavioral/ cognitive behavioral skills interventions for children with asthma and anxiety/depressive symptoms. Five electronic databases and forward/backward citations were searched. Eleven peer reviewed articles were retained for review. Main findings of the limited evidence suggest that educational and behavioral/cognitive behavioral skills programs may increase asthma knowledge and asthma-related self-efficacy while reducing anxiety/depressive symptoms. One study showed a decrease in use of quick relief inhalers and another had increased adherence to asthma controller medication. The literature indicates that educational and cognitive behavioral skills programs can have a positive impact on children with asthma and symptoms of anxiety/depression. School-based skills programs had better retention than outpatient programs.

ABSTRACT Working through the COVID-19 pandemic, many community colleges were driven to continue operations in a time of extreme uncertainty, all while dealing with enrollment declines, helping those already marginalized through wrap around services, and transforming educational service delivery in an online environment. Throughout rapidly changing circumstances of the pandemic and post-pandemic environments, equity-minded leaders are prompted to ask, “Are we doing enough?” The current article describes the COVID-19 responses of two community colleges in North Carolina, Forsyth Technical Community College, an urban institution serving the areas in and around Winston-Salem, and Wilkes Community College, serving a three-county service area in a more rural area of the North Carolina mountains. The approaches of the two colleges from different geographic areas shows both common and unique challenges, as we describe how they took action to (1) maintain continuity, (2) address enrollment declines and engage the disengaged, and (3) lead for the future through academic, workforce, and equity initiatives. The colleges benefited from a strong commitment among their faculty and staff to convert to virtual service delivery, engaged in bold actions that will pay dividends for years to come, and experienced their share of challenges implementing safety protocols. Some of the post-pandemic recommendations based on the experiences of the two colleges include: expecting greater demand for virtual learning, considering the needs of colleges from diverse geographies, committing to varied forms of communication in crisis, staying innovative even in uncertain times, and considering the needs of the whole student.

BackgroundVitamin D is critical for bone physiology. In this study, we quantified Vitamin D Binding Protein (VitDBP) levels in saliva as a measure of Vitamin D during orthodontic tooth movement.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, saliva samples were collected from 73 orthodontic patients for 4 timepoints for the first six months of orthodontic treatment, along with dental casts at the beginning and the end of the study period. The saliva was measured for VitDBP as a biological marker for bone apposition and clinical tooth movement. We used the absolute change in Little's Irregularity Index as a quantitative measure for alignment. In addition, we measured the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in saliva as a marker of bone turnover.ResultsBoth low (< 2.75 ng/ml) and high (> 6.48 ng/ml) VitDBP levels were associated with reduced tooth movement. Significant (p < 0.05) seasonal changes in VitDBP using a two-season year model were found with lower levels observed in the summer (Apr–Sept) than in the winter (Oct–Mar).ConclusionsClinically significant orthodontic tooth movement is associated with an optimal range of VitDBP in saliva. Normal levels of VitDBP correlated with more orthodontic tooth movement, suggesting a "normal" range of salivary content of VitDBP. Given the strong trend that is independent of the confounding factors (ex. age, race or gender), the predictive value or salivary VitDBP for tooth movement should be studied in larger cohorts in future studies.