Poster Sessions

Session 1:

Professor Adam Reitzel

Assistant Professor Lorenzo Hopper 

Lance Barton

Session 2:

Senior Lecturer Pilar Zuber

Assistant Professor Lorenzo Hopper 

Assistant Professor Rick White

Postdoctoral Fellow Yevheniia Bushman

Millions of survivors are living following treatment of breast cancer. A common symptom from survivors that is associated with decreased quality of life is cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Occupational therapists (OT) assess and treat CRCI, yet are under-utilized. A barrier to utilization may be related to clinicians’ lack of education related to OT for CRCI. This study compared clinicians’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding the use of OT for CRCI and the number of referrals to OT before and after an educational intervention. Methods: This pilot study used a pre-test and post-test comparative exploratory design using a 17-item survey. Session content included interventions for CRCI, including OT, and logistical information needed to support OT referrals. OT referral rates were extracted from the electronic medical record. A convenience sample of 9 clinicians from a suburban oncology clinic. Results: Significant differences were noted between pre- and post-survey scores in 7 of 8 slider questions. Clinicians reported greater frequency in assessing for CRCI, comfort in assessing and suggesting interventions for CRCI and knowledge about OT following the educational intervention. More providers identified OT as an intervention for CRCI and fewer clinicians were unaware of available interventions for CRCI. The number of OT referrals for CRCI significantly increased in the post-intervention period. Implications: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of an educational intervention to improve knowledge, skills, and attitudes of clinicians who care for breast cancer survivors with CRCI. Increase in OT referrals suggests the many difficult symptoms related to CRCI are being addressed, which may improve quality of life among breast cancer survivors. This intervention is reproducible and can positively impact oncology clinicians broadly and patients living with CRCI related to breast and other cancers everywhere. 

Osmium (Os) is a powerful trace metal proxy used by geochemists for paleoclimate reconstruction, tracking anthropogenic mining and agricultural production, and deciphering hydrothermal environments. Because it is both redox-sensitive and a siderophilic (iron loving) element, it’s fate in natural environments is highly responsive to environmental changes and global geologic events, as reflected by the elemental and isotopic composition of Os preserved in rocks and sediments. The objective of this research is to determine the behavior of dissolved Os during mixing of seawater and high-temperature fluids venting from volcanic hydrothermal environments at the seafloor. This study specifically examines the adsorption of Os onto iron oxide minerals, which are ubiquitous minerals formed along the flanks of volcanic mid-ocean ridge environments and unexplored in its role as a sink of Os in the oceans. To better understand the fate of Os in hydrothermal systems, we perform experiments that utilize distinct Os isotopic tracer seawater solutions to quantify the rate and degree of Os adsorption onto the surfaces of iron oxide, Fe2O3 (hematite), and the degree of isotopic exchange with Os in surrounding reactant seawater solutions at pH conditions relevant to modern Earth, ~8.0. Our synthetic seawater solution contained dissolved Os with a distinct 187Os/ 188Os value of 0.107 contained in a Pyrex reactor bottle and was sampled to establish initial Os concentrations. To commence the experiment, 0.08 g of silt size iron oxide minerals were added to the homogenous experimental solution, resulting in a water to rock ratio of 2657. Time-series samples of solution were recovered to monitor the change in the dissolved Os concentration with time. After equilibration of the Os-seawater solution and Fe-oxide minerals, an isotopically enriched 190Os-bearing solution, 190Os/188Os with a ratio of 292, was introduced to the experimental reactant solution. Results of the first set of samples demonstrate 91% of Os is removed from seawater by adsorption onto iron oxide mineral surfaces and exhibits behavior similar to past studies (Goldberg et al., 2009; Yamashita et al., 2007). The second set of sample data will establish whether Os is static once adsorbed by iron bearing minerals or if it actively exchanges with Os derived in seawater. Our study presents novel results that will lead to quantifying the role of iron oxide minerals on the fate of Os from seawater and seafloor hydrothermal fluids. Our data will also lead to more a more accurate estimate of the Os residence time in Earth’s ocean basins (Peucker-Ehrenbrink & Ravizza, 2000).

Nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses, also known as 'giant viruses', because of their substantially larger genome and capsid are widespread in the marine environment. These viruses infect a broad spectrum of eukaryotic lineages, and therefore, play a significant role in regulating the diversity of their host(s), controlling microbial population dynamics, and biogeochemical cycling in the ocean. The genome of giant viruses encodes distinct genes that are not typical for other groups of viruses and are involved in diverse cellular processes. Furthermore, giant viruses play a crucial role in driving the evolution of eukaryotic planktons, because their interaction with hosts alters the host’s cell genetic diversity and composition via lateral gene transfer. Despite their pivotal influence in the marine ecosystem, the study of giant viruses has received relatively less attention compared to other groups of viruses. Therefore, this study aims to increase the understanding of the diversity and function of giant viruses in the oligotrophic ocean. Bioinformatic analysis was carried out on 702 previously collected metagenomic samples from depths ranging from 0 to 4000 meters in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Briefly, metagenomic reads were trimmed to remove the low-quality bases and adapter sequences, followed by assembly and subsequent identification, taxonomic classification, and functional annotation of viral sequences. Initial findings indicate the presence of five different orders of giant viruses, especially dominated by the order Imitevirales and Algavirales. Functional annotations revealed the presence of a diverse range of genes that are associated with different cellular processes including central carbon metabolism, replication, transcription, and DNA mismatch repair. This study will contribute towards a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity and function of giant viruses in the oligotrophic marine environment. 

Excimer formation, where colliding molecules emit unique light upon excitation, presents both challenges and opportunities in organic fluorescent systems. Traditionally considered detrimental to photoluminescence efficiency (PLQY), recent studies on polyaromatic hydrocarbons have hinted at the potential for excimers to enhance PLQY through controlled formation and relaxation. However, this phenomenon remains unexplored in state-of-the-art materials like thiazolothiazole (TTz). Our research utilized TTz-based excimers in solution-processable films, to address three key questions: 1) Can excimer formation be conserved and controlled in films? 2) Can the excimers be modulated to yield enhanced PLQY? 3) Can these properties be used to fabricate a novel excimer-based optical device? Theoretical modeling and solution-based studies were used to establish the intrinsic molecular properties. Polymer-TTz films were then fabricated and studied using steady-state and time-resolved optical spectroscopic methods. We report a high level of control over excimer formation in films. Excimer formation and relaxation is a function of TTz concentration, polymer matrix, and film fabrication method. Excimer kinetics were regulated using UV light irradiation; and PLQY was found to be enhanced by over eight folds. We also report PLQY in excimer-based films as high as 61%. These properties were utilized to fabricate stimuli-responsive smart-optical devices which can be used for steganography, anti-counterfeiting, among other applications. This study will be crucial to envision excimer management in solution-processable films and will broaden the scope of utilizing organic fluorophores for a host of advanced applications.

Incentive spirometry (IS) is one intervention used to prevent pulmonary complications after surgery. Incidence for pulmonary complications after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery are 30-60%, which greatly affects morbidity and mortality (Yazdannik et al., 2016). Patients that have poor IS use often end up with pulmonary complications including pneumonia and atelectasis. Atelectasis after surgery has been linked with post operative fevers, increased admission to the intensive care unit, early postoperative mortality, and increased length of stay (Eltorai et al., 2019). Nurses play a critical role in patient IS compliance by providing education on correct use and reminders to use the IS device. Unfortunately, IS compliance is not optimal as demonstrated in a cross-sectional survey where 86% of providers believed IS compliance was poor (Eltorai et al., 2018). While substantial evidence is available that supports IS as a treatment, there is an insufficient amount of research on improving IS compliance. The purpose of this project is to improve nurses’ knowledge on IS as it relates to IS effectiveness in reducing postoperative pulmonary complications, increase nursing compliance of IS documentation and patient education, and reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. A quasi-experimental pre and post test design was used to determine if nurses gained knowledge from an IS evidence- based education. A chart audit is being conducted to determine if reduction of pulmonary complications occurred. Nurses caring for CABG surgery patients in the immediate postoperative period were tested before and after receiving a 15-minute evidence-based IS education session on IS proper technique and effectiveness, and facility documentation requirements. To enhance patient education, an instructional video demonstrating correct IS technique was embedded in a QR code attached as a sticker on IS devices. Nurses had improved attitudes about effectiveness of incentive spirometry following the nursing education. There was a 25% increase of nurses that strongly agreed that IS is essential to patient care. There was also a 28% increase of nurses that strongly agreed that IS improves pulmonary function. 91.7% of nurses strongly agreed IS helps to prevent atelectasis and 83.3% of nurses strongly agreed that IS should be used routinely postoperatively. Nurses also gained knowledge on correct IS use. 29.2% of nurses strongly agreed that patients should use their IS device every hour. Following the nursing education this improved to 69.6%. There was 37.7% increase of nurses that believed a breath hold should be at least 3-5 seconds. There was an increase of 12.5% of nurses knew that the target inspiratory flow was achieved when the piston hovers in the target range of the IS device. Further research is needed to capture accurate IS compliance. Determining compliance by chart audit did not capture all IS use as there were several patients that did not have any IS use documented. A patient focused intervention on capturing true IS compliance would be beneficial in strengthening evidence supporting correct IS use decreasing postoperative pulmonary complications.

Photoredox catalysis is a process that uses a light-activated catalyst, or a photocatalyst, to drive chemical redox reactions. We have previously developed thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole (TTz) fluorescent dyes that we can now demonstrate work as viable photocatalysts. These catalysts are cheaper than previous alternatives and may allow for the production of pharmaceuticals and drug precursors at lower costs. Initial trials have reported high isolated yields ranging from 60-90%, and high turnover numbers (~745) with an accompanying small mole percent of catalyst. We have also conducted additional studies using fungi-derived perylenequinone-like molecules that achieve similar results.

Geochemical-rich fluids produced by deep-sea hydrothermal vents support diverse chemosynthetic microbial communities. Chemoautotrophic members use these rich fluids to transform CO2 into biomass, a crucial process to atmosphere CO2 balance and Earth’s biogeochemical cycles. Additionally, viruses within these habitats modulate biogeochemical cycling through host cell lysis and manipulation of host metabolic processes. However, the interplay between viruses, their chemosynthetic host, and their viral impact on dark carbon fixation are poorly understood. This study presents a novel approach using metagenomics combined with 13C DNA stable-isotope probing (DNA-SIP) to explore viruses-host interactions and their impacts on dark carbon cycling at deep sea hydrothermal vents. Vent fluids from Axial Seamount, an active underwater volcano on Oregon's west coast, were collected through the research vessel Thomson equipped with the remotely-operated vehicle Jason. Analysis of the recovered metagenomic assembled genomes revealed the presence of diverse thermophilic chemoautotrophic prokaryotes, such as members of the phyla Cyanobacteria, Campylobacteria, and Crenarchaeota. Moreover, recovered double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) phages exhibited the presence of auxiliary metabolic genes associated with carbohydrates, amino acids, cofactors/vitamins, and energy metabolisms. Our results highlight the importance of the viral mediation of dark carbon cycling within deep-sea hydrothermal systems and the potential to advance the understanding of chemosynthetic organisms and their correlation with viruses in the deep sea biosphere.

Prior evidence shows ADPKD patients are more likely waitlisted or undergo kidney transplant (KTP) and less likely to die than matched controls. We aimed to compare cases to controls at date of KTP. A case-cohort analysis of inpatients ≥18 yrs. with index admission for KTP and CKD stages 4-5 or ESKD was conducted using 2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Cases had diagnosis of ADPKD and/or PKD-Unspecified. Index admissions were excluded if ARPKD, discharged in Dec. or death occurred. Propensity scores of being a case were generated using logistic regression given gender, discharge quarter and severity of illness. A 11% random sample of controls were used in a greedy 1:1 match to cases. Descriptive statistics tested for differences (p≤0.05) in patient/hospital characteristics and inpatient resource use. Majority of patients were male (56.4%) with a moderate-to-major loss of function (90.6%). Mean (SD) age was ~54 (12) yrs. with cases being slightly older (55 [11] vs. 53 [14] p<0.0001). More cases had CKD stages 4 (6.9% vs. 2.5%) and 5 (1.2% vs. 0.4%) (p<0.0001) than ESKD diagnosis. More cases were dialysis naïve (37.7% vs. 19.6% p<0.0001). Cases had moderate-to-major likelihood of dying (82.0% vs. 74.2%) while controls had mild-to-moderate (75.4% vs. 74.0% p=0.0018). Controls were sicker than cases (mean [SD] CCI score of 3.45 [1.47] vs. 2.62 [1.02] p<0.0001). Mean (SD) LOS was longer for controls (5.8 [4.46] vs. 5.7 [3.62] p<0.0001). Total charges were higher for controls ($267K [$143K] vs. $255K [$129K] p<0.0001), but CCR-adjusted costs were higher for cases ($64K [$25K] vs. $63K [$26K] p<0.0001). Cases were healthier with shorter LOS but higher cost of index admission for KTP than controls. Greater complexity of the transplant surgery due to enlarged native kidneys requires a more costly and higher level-of-care with longer surgical time and anesthesia exposure, thus, greater resource use.

Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune disease that affects 1% of people globally, with an exponential increase over the last three decades. CeD occurs in a subgroup of individuals with a genetic predisposition and may involve environmental triggers. The CeD immune response is activated by ingestion of the gluten protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Currently, the only evidence-based management for CeD is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD), which has been associated with improved QoL across CeD populations. However, GI disease has also been reported to increase risk for disordered eating (DE). The onset of DE following GI disease diagnosis may be explained by a preoccupation with avoiding certain foods, creating an increased cognitive focus on eating. Combined with sociocultural attitudes toward eating promoted across public media, this cognitive focus may act as a mechanism for DE development in CeD populations. Further, individuals with CeD living in rural, low-income communities may be at a particularly heightened risk given high rates of DE amongst populations facing food insecurity (FI). Despite a growing evidence base suggesting GI disease and FI each increase risk for DE, the psychosocial impact of these intersecting experiences remains limited. This review will identify literature examining the association between FI and DE amongst CeD populations. The primary databases utilized were PubMed and PsycInfo, with a focus on articles studying adults with GI conditions as well as adolescents and adults living with FI. A preliminary literature search resulted in 10 articles reporting an association between GI disease and subsequent DE. The preliminary search also resulted in 7 articles reporting notably higher rates of DE amongst food-insecure populations compared to the general population. The key words most heavily utilized to find work exploring this association included 'celiac disease', 'disordered eating', 'food insecurity', and 'gluten-free'.

Wild soybean (Glycine soja) is the wild ancestor of domesticated soybean (Glycine max), and an untapped reservoir of genetic resources that can protect from pathogens, including soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines). SCN is the most damaging soybean pest causing over 1.5 billion annual soybean yield loss in the US. Soybean is one of the most important crops in the world, however, it has been challenged by SCN for decades. Appling SCN-resistant soybean cultivars provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option to manage this devastating pest in large-scale agricultural settings. However, previously developed soybean cultivars largely rely on SCN-resistance mechanisms from a few germplasms, primarily PI 88788. As SCN adapts to existing soybean defenses, these genetic lines are proving less effective against SCN, while the need for soybean and soy products increases. To develop new soybean cultivars to meet significant agriculture challenges, we identified new SCN resistance genotypes in wild soybean. We then developed an advanced mapping population with SCN-resistant G. soja, ‘S54’, crossed with the SCN-susceptible 'Raleigh'. We evaluated the SCN resistance levels of the mapping population when challenged with SCN HG type 1.2.5.7 (formerly "Race 2") in greenhouse conditions. Our preliminary analysis identified three significant QTLs on chromosomes 5, 13, and 19 (LOD > 2.5). These QTLs, especially the QTL on chromosome 19, provide useful information on new SCN resistance that can be utilized to develop diverse soybean lines through marker-assisted selection and genome editing. By mapping the SCN-resistance genes found in wild crop relatives, we will be able to investigate novel resistance mechanisms for the improvement of this vital world crop.

Campus-based food pantries are becoming increasingly popular as a way to support students who are experiencing food insecurity. However, there is limited information available about how effective these pantries are in meeting the needs of students. This cross-sectional study assessed utilization and satisfaction with a client-choice campus food pantry at a southeastern U.S. university. A convenient sample of 138 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at UNC Charlotte who had used the pantry during the summer 2022 semester were recruited for the study. Study participants completed a validated 14-item survey that addressed pantry use, frequency, awareness, and satisfaction across various criteria. The second phase of the study involved conducting qualitative analysis to help clarify the experiences of pantry users and identify additional areas of support based on the survey responses. Eight students who were parents or guardians of minors were invited to participate in a 60-minute semi-structured virtual focus group. Results were based on descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Of 138 students, 80 completed the survey (52.3% response rate), with three participating in the focus group. Students reported high satisfaction levels for the pantry staff (78.75%), location (63.75%), and hours of operation (52.5%). However, lower satisfaction rates were observed regarding the pantry meeting food needs (37.5%) and nutritional requirements (35%). Additional support areas identified included financial aid (71.3%), career services (30%), health services (20%), housing (18.8%), and transportation (13.8%). Findings from the focus group highlighted concerns about fresh produce availability, lack of awareness of resources, and the need for cooking staples.The implications of these study findings could inform the development of targeted interventions, policies, and programs to improve the campus pantry services and ensure equal access to resources for all students.

To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program focused on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and safe sex practices among college students who are Greek life members by enhancing the knowledge and attitudes regarding sexual health and promoting healthier sexual behaviors.

Significance: Sexual health education (SHE) is crucial in reducing the burden of STIs among young adults. Comprehensive sexuality education can lead to positive risk reduction outcomes, such as delayed initiation of sex, a decreased number of sexual partners, and frequency of sex. 

The study utilized a pre-post intervention quantitative design. A convenience sample of eighty-three sorority and fraternity members aged 18-24 participated in the study, which included a 60-minute educational session focusing on aspects of sexual health, including transmission, prevention, and safe sex practices. Participants were surveyed using the STD Knowledge Questionnaire. Of the 55 Greek life members who completed the pre-test, 23 completed the post-test. A paired-sample t-test showed that there was a statistically significant difference in STD-KQ scores pre- and post-intervention, t(22) = 4.51, p < .001, 95%CI [3.36, 9.08]. The average STD-KQ scores significantly increased from 8.65 ± 5.69 pre-intervention to 14.87 ± 5.69 post-intervention, indicating a significant improvement in STI knowledge and attitudes among the participants post-education. Additionally, the respondents also reported an increased awareness of STDs and safe sex practices. The findings highlighted the positive impact of targeted sexual health education in a university setting, especially with Greek life. These results underscored the need for universities or college health centers to prioritize and integrate sexual health education with a structured, informative approach within the curriculum or patient visits.

Following Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) guidelines, emergency department workers should rely on end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) monitoring to ensure cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is high-quality. Failing to provide high quality CPR can decrease survival rates by 30%. In a large tertiary care hospital-based emergency department, ETCO2 monitoring was not consistently utilized during resuscitations, despite workers having proper CPR and ACLS training and access to ETCO2 monitoring devices. The purpose of this project was to determine if high-fidelity simulation training on the use and value of ETCO2 monitoring affected emergency department staff’s resuscitation self-efficacy and device utilization during clinical resuscitations. Twenty-eight interprofessional emergency department healthcare workers including registered nurses, respiratory therapists, paramedics, and emergency doctors participated in high-fidelity adult cardiac arrest simulation scenarios. Mean comparison of resuscitation self-efficacy survey scores were analyzed pre- and post-simulation. Results showed a significant pre-post survey total average resuscitation self-efficacy improvement from 3.99 to 4.52 (t= 6.83, p < .001). Participant role difference did not impact statistical significance (ps > .590). Ten adult emergency department cardiac arrest events prior to high-fidelity simulation and twenty adult emergency department cardiac arrests events post high-fidelity simulation were retrospectively analyzed for device utilization. Results showed a non-significant improvement in device utilization (t= -1.96, p= .081), however clinical practice was positively impacted as utilization doubled from 20% to 45%. Overall, results indicated high-fidelity simulation can have a significant improvement in resuscitative confidence of emergency department healthcare workers, which in future studies may translate to higher survival rates for adults in cardiac arrest.

Over 1.7 million people in the U.S. acquire healthcare associated infections (HAIs) annually, and the situation has been worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence has shown that fomites, such as environmental surfaces and medical devices, play a critical role in the transmission of HAI. Our study systematically reviews findings from studies that provided quantitative evidence on the contact pattern and/or rank of high-touch surfaces (HTS). We systematically searched 4 major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane Database) for articles published before June 30, 2023 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines (Registration No: CRD42023408483). Relevant search terms we used, including Fomites (eg. Bed Rails) AND Contact Pattern AND Healthcare Setting (e.g., Emergency Department OR ICU) AND HAI (eg Clostridiodes difficile). We also searched for relevant articles in the reference list. A total of 2,826 studies were screened across all four databases with 7 studies meeting the eligibility criteria. The fomite which was most frequently touched was the bed rail. Other most frequently ouched surfaces are supply carts, bed surfaces, patient files/notes, medication carts, bedside tables, and Intravenous pump. Common mutually touched fomites were bedside rail, patients’ body, patient notes, bedside table and hand washing faucet handles. Only 2 studies utilized a covert observational technique, the other 5 applied either direct observation or did not state explicitly. Conclusion Our study provides empirical data which is important for the prioritization in cleaning and disinfection practices, development of HAI prevention and control protocols, and the optimization of cleaning and disinfection resources. We suggest that more rigorous studies quantifying high-touch fomites, especially those including detailed contact duration, sequence and temporal variations, be conducted.

Public health organizations leverage death certificate data to pinpoint public health challenges, allocate funding, and prioritize research. Past studies have underscored the challenges in determining causes of death and precise mortality rates associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in older adults. A 2021 report by the Alzheimer’s Association revealed the prevalence of AD to be 1 in 5 for persons aged 76-84 and 1 in 3 for persons aged 85 and older. Ganguli and Rodriguez (1999) reported dementia as the cause of death in 58% of individuals diagnosed with either probable or possible AD in Pennsylvania. In South Carolina, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death, and factors that increase cardiovascular disease are usually considered secondary factors to the development of AD (NCHS, 2019). The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision guides coroners to classify and code causes of death (Kramarow &amp; Tejada-Vera, 2018). Prior to 1994, AD was not among the list of causes available for selection for ranking on death certificates (Hoyert &amp; Rosenberg, 1997). However, between 2000 and 2019, reported deaths from AD increased more than 145% while reported deaths from heart disease decreased (Alzheimer’s Association, 2021). The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine and identify the reported cause of death in individuals diagnosed with AD. Based on results from previous research, we hypothesized that AD would not be listed as the cause of death for most of the descendants. Methodology: A prospective, population-based study was conducted on a cohort of persons (N = 78,534) previously diagnosed with AD and died between 2014-2019. Vital records and the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Registry were evaluated to ascertain their reported cause of death. Descriptive analyses were conducted to determine the frequencies of social demographics (race and gender). Confounding variables, such as age at diagnosis, were computed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Data/Evidence: AD was identified as the leading cause of death for all racial groups, except Native American/American Indian (n =62). Among all racial/ethnic groups, Black/African American descendants with AD had the smallest risk of all-cause mortality (HR .87; CI .85, .89). Females (60.3%) were more likely to be diagnosed with AD compared to males (39.7%), but male patients faced a higher risk of death (95% CI: 1.33, 1.37). Results/Conclusion: Our ability to diagnose AD has expanded, allowing for better recognition of symptoms and diagnostic testing. Our study did not reveal underreporting of AD as a cause of death in individuals with AD in South Carolina. And while females are more likely to be diagnosed, males face a higher risk of dying. Significance: Accurately determining the cause of death for people diagnosed with AD is crucial for informing public health interventions and advancing research to develop tailored strategies for prevention and management. Further research is needed to develop protocols around the classification of deaths among those diagnosed with AD and comorbidities to ensure they are properly reported. With the inclusion of more data, we will have better insights into the impact of modifiable health factors on individuals with AD.

Cisplatin is one of the most widely used drugs for treating various solid cancers, including testicular, ovarian, head and neck, bladder, lung, melanoma, and several others. Cisplatin elicits many anticancer activities by generating DNA lesions, notably inter- and intra-strand DNA crosslinks (ICL). The side effects of cisplatin as a chemotherapy drug commonly result in acute kidney injury (AKI). One of the rising players in AKI is APE2, an AP endonuclease highly upregulated in mice after cisplatin treatment. However, the molecular mechanism of APE2’s role in the repair and signaling pathway following mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage remains unresolved. To further investigate the molecular mechanisms of APE2’s role in cisplatin treatment and its potential biological significance in mtDNA repair and signaling, we use human kidney cells to uncover APE2’s mechanism in mtDNA stability. We have demonstrated that APE2 is significantly upregulated after 10 µM cisplatin treatment for 24 hours. APE2 abundance increases in mitochondria and nuclei after cisplatin treatment, verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. Based on time course analysis, APE2’s mRNA is significantly upregulated after 6-hour treatment and reaches peak protein expression after 12 hours. Importantly, we have found that APE2 knockdown impaired a cellular checkpoint signaling in response to mtDNA damage after cisplatin treatment. In addition, we have found the coupling of DNA damage response and immune response induced by mtDNA damage. Our findings in mtDNA damage repair and signaling will provide novel insights into how mtDNA stability is maintained and potential implications to novel cancer therapeutics in the future.