University of Evansville

Gene model for the ortholog of Thor ( Thor ) in the D. yakuba May 2011 (WUGSC dyak_caf1/DyakCAF1) Genome Assembly (GenBank Accession: GCA_000005975.1 ) of Drosophila yakuba . This ortholog was characterized as part of a developing dataset to study the evolution of the Insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway (IIS) across the genus Drosophila using the Genomics Education Partnership gene annotation protocol for Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences.

Introduction: Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is integral to intestinal homeostasis and inflammation, contributing significantly to the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This cytokine's pro-inflammatory roles have prompted the development of mirikizumab, a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody targeting IL-23p19. Our meta-analysis, the first of its kind, assesses the efficacy and safety of mirikizumab in managing ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov, were used to conduct a systematic literature review of studies focusing on mirikizumab's effectiveness and safety. We extracted data regarding endoscopic, clinical and symptomatic remission. Dose-dependent response, adverse events, and overall efficacy when compared with placebo were also evaluated. Rstudio was used to pool outcome data under the common effects (CE) model. RevMan 5.4 calculated rush risk ratios (RR) and mean differences (MDs) within a random-effects model. Results: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating IBD management with mirikizumab against placebo were included. For all doses (Figure 1), there was a significant improvement in endoscopic and clinical remissions and responses (P , 0.005), and symptomatic and histologic remissions (P , 0.005). mirikizumab 200 mg dosing displayed the highest efficacy across all outcomes, as shown in Figure 1, except for endoscopic remission. For all doses, IBD questionnaire scores at 12 weeks showed major improvement. Reduction was seen in fecal calprotectin levels and bowel urgency (P , 0.005). Mirikizumab lowered the risk of serious AEs (RR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.28-0.72, P 50.0008) but did not significantly reduce all-cause mortality (RR 0.16, 95% CI: 0.01-4.03, P 50.27). Its effects were more pronounced in Crohn's disease than in UC, despite only 1 RCT focusing on Crohn's disease. Table 1 summarizes the results. Conclusion: Mirikizumab, particularly 200 mg dosing, demonstrated significant efficacy in IBD treatment, with major improvements across endoscopic, clinical, symptomatic, and histologic measures. Mirikizumab improved the patient's quality of life, as evidenced by positive IBD questionnaire scores and a significant reduction in bowel urgency. The decrease in fecal calprotectin levels underscores its strong anti-inflammatory effects, serving as a reliable treatment response biomarker. However, further trials are needed to confirm these findings and to integrate mirikizumab into treatment protocols for managing IBD.

The professional identity of scientists has historically been cultivated to value research over teaching, which can undermine initiatives that aim to reform science education. Course-Based Research Experiences (CRE) and the inclusive Research and Education Communities (iREC) are two successful and impactful reform efforts that integrate research and teaching. The aim of this study is to explicate the professional identity of instructors who implement a CRE within an established iREC and to explore how this identity contributes to the success of these programs. 97 CRE instructors from the Science Education Alliance (SEA) iREC participated in a 2-year, multi-stage, qualitative research project that involved weekly reflective journaling, autoethnographic description, small group evaluation and writing, and large-scale community checking. The resulting description of professional identity consisted of shared values (inclusivity, student success, community membership, ownership/agency, science, overcoming failure, and persistence), specified roles (mentor, advocate, scientist, educator, motivator, collaborator, community builder, learner, evaluator and project manager) and a stated sense of self (dedicated, resilient, pride in students, multiskilled, valued, community member, responsible and overworked). Analysis of individual reflective diary entries revealed how a professional identity underpinned and facilitated the ways in which faculty addressed challenges that arose and worked toward the success of every student. It is the self-concept of the professional identity of the instructor in the context of the CRE classroom that directed the extended commitment and effort that these instructors evidently put into their work with students, which facilitated student engagement, student persistence, and their collective scientific output. The study concludes that a professional identity of STEM faculty in the context of a CRE and iREC combines being a researcher and educator, and that this integrated identity is central for current initiatives aimed at transforming undergraduate STEM education.

Context Musculoskeletal disorders (MSKD) are currently the leading contributor to disability worldwide. Unlike other prevalent and disabling healthcare conditions such as CVD, risk factors associated with MSKD are not commonly discussed or integrated into current medical practice, rehabilitation practice or wellness programs. The primary purpose of this review is to describe the known risk factors most closely associated with MSKD. The secondary purpose is to propose a clinical model to manage MSK health aimed at maximizing the healthy pursuit of a physically active and healthy lifestyle. Evidence acquisition In this review the most common MSKD risk factors, with a focus on those that can be easily screened in clinical practice are presented. The importance of understanding the magnitude and number of risk factors present as well as the multidimensional nature of MSKD risk is discussed. Results A total of 11 MSKD risk factors were identified. Most of the risk factors are modifiable, and the evidence associated with modifiability for the most prominent risk factors is reviewed. Researchers have found that often patients are discharged from care with several known MSKD risk factors. In such instances, local pain and dysfunction are managed well, but expanding our rehabilitation care to include comprehensive risk factor management would ultimately benefit the patient and reduce healthcare costs. Conclusion The most common MSKD risk factors are discussed and a clinical framework to individualize intervention is proposed. Addressing key risk factors within rehabilitation may be an important step to reduce the enormous and growing burden these disorders are having on society. Level of Evidence 5

In this paper, we use the recent appearance of LLMs and GPT-equipped robotics to raise questions about the nature of semantic meaning and how this relates to issues concerning artificially-conscious machines. To do so, we explore how a phenomenology constructed out of the association of qualia (defined as somatically-experienced sense data) and situated within a 4e enactivist program gives rise to intentional behavior. We argue that a robot without such a phenomenology is semantically empty and, thus, cannot be conscious in any way resembling human consciousness. Finally, we use this platform to address and supplement widely-discussed concerns regarding the dangers of attempting to produce artificially-conscious machines.