$500 is Available Per Student at UA Cossatot Through the Fall Cares Act Grant
Stanford Epidemiologist Discusses COVID-19 Death Rate, Herd Immunity, Mutation
Sister Station, KUAF in Fayetteville, invites you to listen in to a two-part interview with Erin Mordecai, an assistant professor of biology at Stanford University, about COVID-19. Part one of the conversation includes discussions about the death rate, herd immunity and whether the virus has the potential to mutate. Click on the KUAF link below.
Stanford Epidemiologist Discusses COVID-19 Death Rate, Herd Immunity, Mutation
In a two-part interview, we speak with Erin Mordecai, an assistant professor of biology at Stanford University, about COVID-19. Part one of the conversation includes discussions about the death rate, herd immunity and whether the virus has the potential to mutate.
New Nano Drug Candidate Kills Aggressive Breast Cancer Cells, U of A Researchers Say
July 20, 2020
Whit Pruitt, University Relations
Hassan Beyzavi
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed a new nano drug candidate that kills triple negative breast cancer cells.
Triple negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive and fatal types of breast cancer. The research will help clinicians target breast cancer cells directly, while avoiding the adverse, toxic side effects of chemotherapy.
Their study was published in June issue of Advanced Therapeutics.
Researchers led by Hassan Beyzavi, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, linked a new class of nanomaterials, called metal-organic frameworks, with the ligands of an already-developed photodynamic therapy drug to create a nano-porous material that targets and kills tumor cells without creating toxicity for normal cells.
Metal-organic frameworks are an emerging class of nanomaterials designed for targeted drug delivery. Ligands are molecules that bind to other molecules.
“With the exception of skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in American women,” said Beyzavi. “As we know, thousands of women die from breast cancer each year. Patients with triple negative cells are especially vulnerable, because of the toxic side effects of the only approved treatment for this type of cancer. We’ve addressed this problem by developing a co-formulation that targets cancer cells and has no effect on healthy cells.”
The chemical structure of multi-functional, anticancer drug candidate. Image provided by Hassan Beyzavi, University of Arkansas.
Researchers in Beyzavi’s laboratory focus on developing new, targeted photodynamic therapy drugs. As an alternative to chemotherapy – and with significantly fewer side effects – targeted photodynamic therapy, or PDT, is a noninvasive approach that relies on a photosensitizer that, upon irradiation by light, generates so-called toxic reactive oxygen species, which kill cancer cells. In recent years, PDT has garnered attention because of its ability to treat tumors without surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.
Beyzavi’s laboratory has specialized in integrating nanomaterials, such as metal-organic frameworks, with PDT and other and therapies. Metal-organic frameworks significantly enhance the effectiveness of PDT.
Doctoral student Yoshie Sakamaki from Beyzavi’s laboratrory prepared the nanomaterials and then bio-conjugated them with ligands of the PDT drug to create nanoporous materials that specifically targeted and killed tumor cells with no toxicity in normal cells.
In addition to cancer treatment, this novel drug delivery system could also be used with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or fluorescence imaging, which can track the drug in the body and monitor the progress of cancer treatment.
This collaborative project also included contributions from U of A research groups through Julie Stenken, professor of analytical chemistry; Yuchun Du, associate professor of biological sciences; and Jin-Woo Kim, professor of biological and agricultural engineering.
The American Cancer Society estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer in 2019 and 41,760 deaths. Currently there are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Since 2007, breast cancer death rates have been steady in women younger than 50 but have continued to decrease in older women. This decrease is believed to be the result of earlier detection and better treatments.
Triple negative breast cancer is aggressive and lacks estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, which means it cannot be treated with receptor-targeted therapy. It is difficult to treat with existing chemotherapy and often requires surgery because it quickly metastasizes throughout the body.
Cytotoxic chemotherapy is the only approved treatment for this type of breast cancer. More than 80% of women with triple negative breast cancer are treated with chemotherapy regimens that include anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin, which can cause cardiotoxicity as a serious side effect. Furthermore, chemotherapy treatment of breast cancer cell lines using either 5-FU, cisplatin, paclitaxel, doxorubicin or etoposide have shown multi-drug resistance.
Beyzavi joined the University of Arkansas in 2017 after serving as a research associate at Harvard University. Before that he was a postdoctoral awardee at Northwestern University under the co-guidance of Nobel Laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart.
About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 2.7 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.
Tuesday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 861
Active Positive: 63
Recovered: 789
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,939
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 178
Active Positive: 45
Recovered: 132
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,921
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 65
Active Positive: 17
Recovered: 47
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 993
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 104
Active Positive: 16
Recovered: 88
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,814
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 35
Active Positive: 15
Recovered: 20
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 2,210
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (07.21.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
VIDEO: CARES Act Steering Committee Meeting Monday (07.20.20)
The CARES Act Steering Committee, created by Governor Asa Hutchinson to recommend the best use of federal COVID-19 aid, meets virtually at 3:30 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2020.
UAC Colts/Lady Colts Golf Tournament in De Queen August 29th
Proton Cancer Treatment Center Coming to UAMS in Little Rock
Cancer patients in Arkansas will soon have an alternative to radiation therapy, which can damage healthy tissues and have long-term consequences.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Baptist Health and Proton International have signed a letter of intent to build a proton treatment center at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center in Little Rock. In a joint announcement, the consortium said the center will be the first such facility in Arkansas and one of about 40 nationwide.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/first-proton-treatment-facility-planned-arkansas-fight-cancer
First Proton Treatment Facility Planned For Arkansas To Fight Cancer
Cancer patients in Arkansas will soon have an alternative to radiation therapy, which can damage healthy tissues and have long-term consequences. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Baptist Health and Proton International have signed a letter of intent to build a proton treatment center at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center in Little Rock.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update for Monday
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 857
Active Positive: 68
Recovered: 780
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,895
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 169
Active Positive: 37
Recovered: 131
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,816
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 63
Active Positive: 15
Recovered: 47
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 959
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 103
Active Positive: 16
Recovered: 87
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,793
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 32
Active Positive: 15
Recovered: 17
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 2,170
UA Cossatot Face Mask Procedure
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (07.20.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, July 20, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. (Click on Play Button Above)
UA Cossatot Board of Visitors Elect Officers to Serve at July Meeting
On Monday, July 13, 2020, the UA Cossatot Board of Visitors met for their July summer meeting to discuss the upcoming academic year. The board also elected three members to serve as officers for the next fiscal year.
At the meeting, it was decided that Kathy Beavert would serve as Chair of the Board of Visitors. Robert Martinez was elected to serve as Vice-Chair, and Tim Pinkerton accepted the position of Secretary.
Kathy Beavert is a resident of Murfreesboro, and Robert Martinez lives in De Queen. In 2000, both Beavert and Martinez became members of the college’s Board of Trustees. In 2001, they became members of UA Cossatot’s Board of Visitors. Nashville resident, Tim Pinkerton became an official Board of Visitors member in 2018.
The college’s Board of Visitors consists of nine total members. Other members of UA Cossatot’s Board of Visitors include Tyler Davis of Ashdown, Jay Dooley of De Queen, Jimmy Tumey of Ashdown, Barbara Horn of Foreman, Dr. Glen Lance of Nashville, and Angie Walker of De Queen.
The next Board of Visitors meeting is scheduled to take place in September 2020
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Arkansans who may have concerns about going to the polls this November while the health crisis continues can make plans now to ensure their vote counts.
Arkansas law allows voters to request absentee ballots if they will be "unavoidably absent" on Election Day or if they have illnesses or physical disabilities. Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston has interpreted this law to allow the ability to vote with an absentee ballot due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an interpretation that Governor Hutchinson and both the Republican and Democratic party leaders are in agreement.
Thurston said voters could now begin requesting absentee ballots from the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office or their local county clerk. To receive an absentee ballot, you must be a registered voter. The voter registration deadline is October 5.
The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot by mail is October 27, though a voter can pick up an absentee ballot in person until November 2, the day before the election.
All absentee ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 3, to be counted, Thurston said. Note: On your application, you may designate how you wish to receive your ballot: by picking it up in person, by mail, or bearer.
The absentee voting requirements are different from the universal vote-by-mail system in place in some states, which send a ballot by mail to every registered voter. In Arkansas, a voter must request an absentee ballot. Absentee voters are also required to submit a copy of their photo ID with their ballot.
For more information on how to download an absentee ballot application and how to contact your county clerk, visit our website at www.arkansashouse.org.
Howard County Farmers Market Monday, 20 June, Beginning at 3 p.m.
For those who may not be able to come to the Friday morning market, we will be having a Monday afternoon market day tomorrow, starting at 3pm. We have a few vendors who will be bringing their items to the market. Here is who's coming and what they plan to bring:
- Wildflowers -
Garden fresh onions, cucumbers, jams & jellies, honey, comb honey
- Threat Farm -
Free-range eggs
- Double J Farm -
Raw honey
- Wenta Farm -
Hand-picked Figs, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes
- Threat Farm -
Free-range eggs, green tomatoes, peppers
- Double J Farm -
Raw honey
We request you wear protective masks and follow social distancing of 6 feet separation from others as you shop at the market. Most importantly, please stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We want everyone to have a safe time while at the market.
WIC and SNAP Accepted by participating vendors. We thank you for your patronage!
Sunday's COVID-19 Updated Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 846
Active Positive: 61
Recovered: 776
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,849
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 167
Active Positive: 38
Recovered: 128
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,791
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 60
Active Positive: 13
Recovered: 46
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 945
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 101
Active Positive: 16
Recovered: 85
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,759
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 30
Active Positive: 13
Recovered: 17
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 2,154
Paola Castillo, 24, of Texas Hospitalized with COVID-19 for 79 days
A 24-year-old Texas woman was recently discharged from the hospital after spending 79 days fighting for her life after contracting the coronavirus. She was admitted to the facility on April 27 after she began to experience symptoms of COVID-19 including: difficulty breathing, coughing and a fever, which she first noticed about six days prior to her hospitalization. She presented to the emergency room after her condition became unmanageable from home.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/texas-woman-covid-mask-coronavirus
Texas woman, 24, hospitalized with COVID-19 for 79 days: I should have worn a mask
A 24-year-old Texas woman was recently discharged from the hospital after spending nearly 80 days fighting for her life after contracting the novel coronavirus. Paola Castillo of North Richland Hills was discharged from Medical City North Hills this week after 79 days in the hospital.
Arkansas State Fair Canceled For 2020
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (News release) – The board of directors for the Arkansas Livestock Show Association, the organization that produces the annual Arkansas State Fair, announced Friday the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was scheduled for October 16 – 25, 2020.
https://www.fox16.com/news/breaking-news/arkansas-state-fair-canceled-for-2020/
Arkansas State Fair canceled for 2020
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (News release) - The board of directors for the Arkansas Livestock Show Association, the organization that produces the annual Arkansas State Fair, announced today the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's event was scheduled for October 16 - 25.
Saturday's COVID-19 Maps and Numbers from the Arkansas Department of Health
The Arkansas Department of Health has released the latest COVID-19 numbers for the state and area counties in southwest Arkansas.
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 842
Active Positive: 61
Recovered: 772
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,826
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 161
Active Positive: 39
Recovered: 121
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,770
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 58
Active Positive: 12
Recovered: 45
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 943
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 98
Active Positive: 14
Recovered: 84
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,752
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 27
Active Positive: 12
Recovered: 15
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 2,130
Ozark Natural Science Center Facebook Live Campfire Concert this Saturday
The Ozark Natural Science Center virtual campfire concert, which will take place via Facebook this Saturday from 4-5 p.m., will feature songs and stories about the Ozarks. The event will be on the Ozark Natual Science Center’s Facebook Page and will feature performances by Still on the Hill, and Tater, Mater and Squarsh.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/science-center-hosts-virtual-campfire-concert
Science Center Hosts Virtual Campfire Concert
Becca Martin-Brown from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette tells us about the Ozark Natural Science Center virtual campfire concert , which will take
Namida Lab Expands COVID-19 Antibody Testing in Arkansas
Namida Lab, a private biotech startup headquartered in Fayetteville, offers FDA-approved commercial COVID-19 serology antibody testing to the public and expanded blood collection locations around the state.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/namida-lab-expands-covid-19-antibody-blood-test-sites-arkansas
Namida Lab Expands COVID-19 Antibody Blood Test Sites in Arkansas
Namida Lab, a private biotech startup headquartered in Fayetteville, offers FDA-approved commercial COVID-19 serology antibody testing to the public and expanded blood collection locations around the state.