The provided source material consists of two distinct and unrelated documents. The first is a scientific research article from PLOS ONE detailing experiments on prion disease transmission in genetically modified mice. The second is an event listing for a symposium at Hofstra University focused on academic freedom and free speech. Neither document contains any information about free samples, promotional offers, no-cost product trials, brand freebies, or mail-in sample programs related to consumer goods. Consequently, it is not possible to write a 2000-word article on the requested topic based on the provided sources. The following is a factual summary of the information contained within the source data.
Overview of Provided Source Material
The sources provided are: 1. A scientific research article published in PLOS ONE, titled "Amino acids within the octapeptide repeat region of the prion protein influence the pathogenicity of prion strains" (DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188989). 2. A webpage from Hofstra University detailing a 2024 presidential symposium on academic freedom and free speech on campus.
These documents are unrelated to each other and to the topic of consumer freebies or sample programs. The scientific article is the primary source of detailed information, while the university page describes a specific academic event.
Details of the Scientific Research Article
The PLOS ONE article, published in December 2017, investigates the role of the octapeptide repeat (OR) region of the prion protein (PrP) in influencing the pathogenicity of different prion strains. The research was conducted by Eigenbrod et al. and supported by grants from the State of Bavaria and the German Research Foundation.
Experimental Focus and Genetic Modifications
The study utilized transgenic mice with specific mutations in the PrP gene to understand how changes in the OR region affect susceptibility to prion disease. The primary genetic modifications discussed are: * PrP(TetraH>G): A mutation involving histidine to glycine substitutions within the OR region. * PrP(H95G): Another specific mutation within the prion protein.
The researchers created these transgenic mouse lines to explore the complex, and sometimes contradictory, findings in existing literature regarding the OR region's pleiotropic effects, which include modulating prion replication, pathogenicity, and protection against oxidative stress.
Transmission and Pathogenicity Findings
The experiments involved inoculating these genetically modified mice with prions (RML strain) and observing the resulting disease progression, including incubation times and neuropathological changes.
PrP(TetraH>G) Mice:
- When inoculated with RML prions, these mice exhibited prolonged incubation times compared to wild-type mice.
- Neuropathological analysis showed that the extent of spongiform change and gliosis was similar in shape but smaller in magnitude than in non-transgenic mice.
- A key finding was the pattern of PrPSc (abnormal, disease-associated prion protein) deposition. While wild-type mice showed a predominantly synaptic pattern, PrP(TetraH>G) mice demonstrated plaque-like accumulations of PrPSc, particularly noticeable adjacent to the corpus callosum.
- In secondary passage experiments, where prions from diseased PrP(TetraH>G) mice were used to infect new mice, the prolonged incubation times were maintained. However, when these passaged prions were used to infect wild-type mice, their survival times were not significantly different from those infected with the original RML prions, indicating no loss of infectious titre.
PrP(H95G) Mice:
- These mice also showed altered disease progression. In secondary passage experiments, there was a non-significant trend towards reduced survival times in PrP(H95G) mice compared to the initial RML-infected group.
- When wild-type mice were inoculated with PrP(H95G)-passaged prions, no significant change in survival time was observed compared to the RML-infected control group.
- The neuropathological lesions and PrPSc deposition patterns in secondary passage PrP(H95G) mice resembled those of the corresponding RML-infected groups.
Methodology and Ethical Considerations
The research followed established animal protection standards, with approval from the government of Upper Bavaria. The animal experiments were designed to reduce the number of animals used and minimize pain and discomfort. Mice were monitored for clinical symptoms of scrapie, such as ataxia and hind leg paresis, and were euthanized at the onset of terminal disease for histopathological analysis. The study also noted that diethylether was used for anesthesia at the time of the experiments but acknowledged that this is no longer advised due to potential adverse effects.
Details of the Hofstra University Symposium
The second source is a description of a presidential symposium held at Hofstra University in 2024. The event focused on legal and policy rules concerning academic freedom and free speech on university campuses.
Symposium Topics and Panelists
The symposium aimed to explore how recent laws, standards from bodies like the American Bar Association and the American Association of University Professors, and other policies attempt to balance the protection of free speech with other university requirements and its academic mission. The discussion was framed as particularly relevant during a contentious election season.
The panel included: * Herman A. Berliner: Provost Emeritus and University Service Distinguished Professor of Economics. * Richard K. Neumann, Jr.: Alexander M. Bickel Distinguished Professor of Law. * Lincoln Anniballi: Class of 2025, President, Hofstra University Student Government Association.
The moderator was Julian Ku, Maurice A. Deane Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law.
Related University Programming
The event description also mentioned that the Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, through its Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts division, was presenting a session on "Theatre as Politics and Politics as Theatre: A University Perspective." This session highlighted the university's history of aligning its theatre seasons with election cycles, positioning theatre as a platform for discussing ideas.
Conclusion
The provided sources do not contain any information relevant to free samples, promotional offers, or consumer freebies. One source is a detailed scientific report on prion disease genetics and transmission in mice, while the other is an announcement for a university symposium on academic freedom. Therefore, an article on the requested topic cannot be generated from this material. The summary above accurately reflects the content of the provided documents.