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Articles 1 - 30 of 32
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
How Getting Friendly With Bacteria Can Promote Student Appreciation Of Microbial Diversity And Their Civic Scientific Literacy, Davida S. Smyth, Simon Chen, Gina Sompanya, Molly Metz, Theresa Conefrey
How Getting Friendly With Bacteria Can Promote Student Appreciation Of Microbial Diversity And Their Civic Scientific Literacy, Davida S. Smyth, Simon Chen, Gina Sompanya, Molly Metz, Theresa Conefrey
Biology Faculty Publications
ePortfolios are digital repositories where students can curate papers, projects, and reflections from individual or multiple courses across the disciplines and in a variety of formats to showcase their learning. This transparent and portable medium, which enables students to document their knowledge and abilities for assessment and career development, has been recognized by the American Association of Colleges and Universities as one of 11 high-impact practices. Using tailored rubrics, student assessment of learning gain surveys, and end-of-course exam questions, this study demonstrates how an ePortfolio assignment can be used in microbiology courses taken by majors and nonmajors to measure student …
Humidity Reduces Rapid And Distant Airborne Dispersal Of Viable Viral Particles In Classroom Settings, Antun Skanata, Fabrizio Spagnolo, Molly Metz, Davida S. Smyth, John J. Dennehy
Humidity Reduces Rapid And Distant Airborne Dispersal Of Viable Viral Particles In Classroom Settings, Antun Skanata, Fabrizio Spagnolo, Molly Metz, Davida S. Smyth, John J. Dennehy
Biology Faculty Publications
The transmission of airborne pathogens is considered to be the main route through which a number of known and emerging respiratory diseases infect their hosts. While physical distancing and mask wearing may help mitigate short-range transmission, the extent of long-range transmission in closed spaces where a pathogen remains suspended in the air remains unknown. We have developed a method to detect viable virus particles by using an aerosolized bacteriophage Phi6 in combination with its host Pseudomonas phaseolicola, which when seeded on agar plates acts as a virus detector that can be placed at a range of distances away from …
Monitoring Sars-Cov-2 In Wastewater During New York City's Second Wave Of Covid-19: Sewershed-Level Trends And Relationships To Publicly Available Clinical Testing Data, Catherine Hoar, Francoise Chauvin, Alexander Clare, Hope Mcgibbon, Esmeraldo Castro, Davida S. Smyth, Et Al.
Monitoring Sars-Cov-2 In Wastewater During New York City's Second Wave Of Covid-19: Sewershed-Level Trends And Relationships To Publicly Available Clinical Testing Data, Catherine Hoar, Francoise Chauvin, Alexander Clare, Hope Mcgibbon, Esmeraldo Castro, Davida S. Smyth, Et Al.
Biology Faculty Publications
New York City's wastewater monitoring program tracked trends in sewershed-level SARS-CoV-2 loads starting in the fall of 2020, just before the start of the city's second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. During a five-month study period, from November 8, 2020 to April 11, 2021, viral loads in influent wastewater from each of New York City's 14 wastewater treatment plants were measured and compared to new laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases for the populations in each corresponding sewershed, estimated from publicly available clinical testing data. We found significant positive correlations between viral loads in wastewater and new COVID-19 cases. The strength of the …
Tracking Cryptic Sars-Cov-2 Lineages Detected In Nyc Wastewater, Davida S. Smyth, Monica Trujillo, Devon A. Gregory, Marc C. Johnson, John J. Dennehy, Et Al.
Tracking Cryptic Sars-Cov-2 Lineages Detected In Nyc Wastewater, Davida S. Smyth, Monica Trujillo, Devon A. Gregory, Marc C. Johnson, John J. Dennehy, Et Al.
Biology Faculty Publications
Tracking SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity is strongly indicated because diversifying selection may lead to the emergence of novel variants resistant to naturally acquired or vaccine-induced immunity. To monitor New York City (NYC) for the presence of novel variants, we deep sequence most of the receptor binding domain coding sequence of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from the New York City wastewater. Here we report detecting increasing frequencies of novel cryptic SARS-CoV-2 lineages not recognized in GISAID’s EpiCoV database. These lineages contain mutations that had been rarely observed in clinical samples, including Q493K, Q498Y, E484A, and T572N and share many mutations …
Early Evidence Of The Sars-Cov-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant In Community Wastewater: United States, November–December 2021, Amy Kirby, Rory M. Welsh, Zachary Marsh, Davida S. Smyth, Et Al.
Early Evidence Of The Sars-Cov-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant In Community Wastewater: United States, November–December 2021, Amy Kirby, Rory M. Welsh, Zachary Marsh, Davida S. Smyth, Et Al.
Biology Faculty Publications
Notes from the Field: Early Evidence of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant in Community Wastewater — United States, November–December 2021
Covers: California, Colorado, New York City, Houston
Maternal Weight Affects Placental Dna Methylation Of Genes Involved In Metabolic Pathways In The Common Marmoset Monkey (Callithrix Jacchus), Laren Narapareddy, Derek E. Wildman, Don L. Armstrong, Amy Weckle, Aleeca F. Bell, Crystal L. Patil, Suzette D. Tardif, Corinna N. Ross, Julienne N. Rutherford
Maternal Weight Affects Placental Dna Methylation Of Genes Involved In Metabolic Pathways In The Common Marmoset Monkey (Callithrix Jacchus), Laren Narapareddy, Derek E. Wildman, Don L. Armstrong, Amy Weckle, Aleeca F. Bell, Crystal L. Patil, Suzette D. Tardif, Corinna N. Ross, Julienne N. Rutherford
Biology Faculty Publications
Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulation of placental DNA methylation (DNAm) is a mechanism linking maternal weight during pregnancy to metabolic programming outcomes. The common marmoset, Callithrix jaccus, is a platyrrhine primate species that has provided much insight into studies of the primate placenta, maternal condition, and metabolic programming, yet the relationships between maternal weight and placental DNAm are unknown. Here, we report genome-wide DNAm from term marmoset placentas using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. We identified 74 genes whose DNAm pattern is associated with maternal weight during gestation. These genes are predominantly involved in energy metabolism and homeostasis, including the regulation …
Vector Mosquito Surveillance Using Centers For Disease Control And Prevention Autocidal Gravid Ovitraps In San Antonio, Texas, Joel A. Obregón, Michelle A. Ximenez, Estefany E. Villalobos, Megan R. Wise De Valdez
Vector Mosquito Surveillance Using Centers For Disease Control And Prevention Autocidal Gravid Ovitraps In San Antonio, Texas, Joel A. Obregón, Michelle A. Ximenez, Estefany E. Villalobos, Megan R. Wise De Valdez
Biology Faculty Publications
Mosquito surveillance in large urban areas of the southern USA that border Mexico has become increasingly important due to recent transmission of Zika virus and chikungunya virus in the Americas as well as the continued threat of dengue and West Nile viruses. The vectors of these viruses, Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus, co-occur in residential areas, requiring vector control entities to deploy several different trap types, often expensive and labor-intensive, to surveil these ecologically different species. We evaluated the use of a single trap type, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention autocidal gravid …
Diet, Digestion And Energy Intake In Captive Common Marmosets (Callithrix Jacchus): Research And Management Implications, Michael L. Power, Jessica Adams, Kirsten Solonika, Ricki J. Colman, Corinna N. Ross, Suzette D. Tardif
Diet, Digestion And Energy Intake In Captive Common Marmosets (Callithrix Jacchus): Research And Management Implications, Michael L. Power, Jessica Adams, Kirsten Solonika, Ricki J. Colman, Corinna N. Ross, Suzette D. Tardif
Biology Faculty Publications
Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are susceptible to intestinal inflammation which leads to chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and vitamin D deficiency. We examined food intake and digestion in three mixed-sex groups of adult marmosets maintained on three commercial base diets. Animals underwent two consecutive 4-day digestion trials. Body mass stayed constant. Feces and diet were assayed for Mn, fat, and gross energy (GE). Apparent digestibility of dry matter (ADDM) was calculated by the total collection method and from dietary and fecal Mn; the methods produced correlated results (r = 0.658, p < 0.001). Apparent digestibility of energy (ADE) was calculated from ADDM and the GE of feces and diet; apparent digestibility of fat (ADfat) was calculated from ADDM and fecal fat. ADDM and ADE varied by diet (p < 0.001). We found poor digesters on all three diets. The concentration of fecal fat was inversely related to ADE (r = −0.729, p < 0.001). High fecal fat (>10%) was associated with ADfat of zero, consistent …
Adaptation Of A Microbial Detection Array As A Monitoring Tool Revealed The Presence 2 Of Mosquito-Borne Viruses And Insect-Specific Viruses In Field-Collected Mosquitoes, Estelle Martin, Monica K. Boruck, James Thissen, Selene Garcia -Luna, Mona Hwang, Megan R. Wise De Valdez, Crystal J. Jaing, Gabriel L. Hamer, Matthias Frank
Adaptation Of A Microbial Detection Array As A Monitoring Tool Revealed The Presence 2 Of Mosquito-Borne Viruses And Insect-Specific Viruses In Field-Collected Mosquitoes, Estelle Martin, Monica K. Boruck, James Thissen, Selene Garcia -Luna, Mona Hwang, Megan R. Wise De Valdez, Crystal J. Jaing, Gabriel L. Hamer, Matthias Frank
Biology Faculty Publications
Several mosquito-borne diseases affecting humans are emerging or re-emerging in the United States. The early detection of pathogens in mosquito populations is essential to prevent and control the spread of these diseases. In this study, we tested the potential applicability of the Lawrence Livermore Microbial Detection Array (LLMDA) to enhance bio-surveillance by detecting microbes present in Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Culex mosquitoes that are major vector species globally, including in Texas. The sensitivity and reproducibility of the LLMDA was tested in mosquito samples spiked with different concentrations of dengue virus (DENV) revealing a detection limit of >100 but <1000 pfu/mL. Additionally, field-collected mosquitoes from Chicago, Illinois and College Station, Texas of known infection status (West Nile virus (WNV) and Culex flavivirus (CxFLAV) positive) were tested on the LLMDA to confirm its efficiency. Mosquito field samples of unknown infection status, collected in San Antonio, TX and the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), TX were run on the LLMDA and further confirmed by PCR or qPCR. The analysis of the field samples with the LLMDA revealed the presence of cell fusing agent virus (CFAV) in Ae. …
Getting To The Root Of Selenium Hyperaccumulation—Localization And Speciation Of Root Selenium And Its Effects On Nematodes, Christine N. Prins, Laura J. Hantzis, Jose R. Valdez Barillas, Jennifer J. Cappa, Sirine C. Fakra, Cecilia Milano De Tomasel, Diana H. Wall, Elizabeth A. H. Pilon-Smits
Getting To The Root Of Selenium Hyperaccumulation—Localization And Speciation Of Root Selenium And Its Effects On Nematodes, Christine N. Prins, Laura J. Hantzis, Jose R. Valdez Barillas, Jennifer J. Cappa, Sirine C. Fakra, Cecilia Milano De Tomasel, Diana H. Wall, Elizabeth A. H. Pilon-Smits
Biology Faculty Publications
Elemental hyperaccumulation protects plants from many aboveground herbivores. Little is known about effects of hyperaccumulation on belowground herbivores or their ecological interactions. To examine effects of plant selenium (Se) hyperaccumulation on nematode root herbivory, we investigated spatial distribution and speciation of Se in hyperaccumulator roots using X-ray microprobe analysis, and effects of root Se concentration on root-associated nematode communities. Perennial hyperaccumulators Stanleya pinnata and Astragalus bisulcatus, collected from a natural seleniferous grassland contained 100–1500 mg Se kg−1 root dry weight (DW). Selenium was concentrated in the cortex and epidermis of hyperaccumulator roots, with lower levels in the stele. The …
Ideating Idna: Lessons And Limitations From Leeches In Legacy Collections, M. E. Siddall, M. Barkdull, M. Tessler, M. R. Brugler, Elizabeth Borda, E. Hekkala
Ideating Idna: Lessons And Limitations From Leeches In Legacy Collections, M. E. Siddall, M. Barkdull, M. Tessler, M. R. Brugler, Elizabeth Borda, E. Hekkala
Biology Faculty Publications
Indirect methods for conducting faunal inventories present great promise, and genomic inventories derived from environmental sources (eDNA) are improving. Invertebrate ingested DNA (iDNA) from terrestrial leeches in the family Haemadipsidae has shown potential for surveying vertebrates and biodiversity monitoring in protected areas. Here we present an initial, and critical, evaluation of the limitations and biases of current iDNA protocols for biodiversity monitoring using both standard and NGS barcoding approaches. Key findings include the need for taxon relevant multi-locus markers and reference databases. In particular, the limitations of available reference databases have profound potential to mislead and bias eDNA and iDNA …
Fungal Endophyte Alternaria Tenuissima Can Affect Growth And Selenium Accumulation In Its Hyperaccumulator Host Astragalus Bisulcatus, Stormy D. Lindblom, Ami L. Wangeline, Jose R. Valdez Barillas, Berthal Devilbiss, Sirine C. Fakra, Elizabeth A. H. Pilon-Smits
Fungal Endophyte Alternaria Tenuissima Can Affect Growth And Selenium Accumulation In Its Hyperaccumulator Host Astragalus Bisulcatus, Stormy D. Lindblom, Ami L. Wangeline, Jose R. Valdez Barillas, Berthal Devilbiss, Sirine C. Fakra, Elizabeth A. H. Pilon-Smits
Biology Faculty Publications
Endophytes can enhance plant stress tolerance by promoting growth and affecting elemental accumulation, which may be useful in phytoremediation. In earlier studies, up to 35% elemental selenium (Se0 ) was found in Se hyperaccumulator Astragalus bisulcatus. Since Se0 can be produced by microbes, the plant Se0 was hypothesized to be microbe-derived. Here we characterize a fungal endophyte of A. bisulcatus named A2. It is common in seeds from natural seleniferous habitat containing 1,000– 10,000 mg kg-1 Se. We identified A2 as Alternaria tenuissima via 18S rRNA sequence analysis and morphological characterization. X-ray microprobe analysis of A. …
Aging Research Using The Common Marmoset: Focus On Aging Interventions, Corinna N. Ross, Adam B. Salmon
Aging Research Using The Common Marmoset: Focus On Aging Interventions, Corinna N. Ross, Adam B. Salmon
Biology Faculty Publications
Traditional animal models have been used to make seminal discoveries in biomedical research including a better understanding of the biology of the aging process. However, translation of these findings from laboratory to clinical populations has likely been hindered due to fundamental biological and physiological differences between common laboratory animals and humans. Non-human primates (NHP) may serve as an effective bridge towards translation, and short-lived NHP like the common marmoset offer many advantages as models for aging research. Here, we address these advantages and discuss what is currently understood about the changes in physiology and pathology that occur with age in …
The Development Of A Specific Pathogen Free (Spf) Barrier Colony Of Marmosets (Callithrix Jacchus) For Aging Research, Corinna N. Ross, Steven Austad, Kathy Brasky, Celeste J. Brown, Larry J. Forney, Jonathan A. Gelfond, Robert Lanford, Arlan Richardson, Suzette D. Tardif
The Development Of A Specific Pathogen Free (Spf) Barrier Colony Of Marmosets (Callithrix Jacchus) For Aging Research, Corinna N. Ross, Steven Austad, Kathy Brasky, Celeste J. Brown, Larry J. Forney, Jonathan A. Gelfond, Robert Lanford, Arlan Richardson, Suzette D. Tardif
Biology Faculty Publications
A specific pathogen free (SPF) barrier colony of breeding marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) was established at the Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies. Rodent and other animal models maintained as SPF barrier colonies have demonstrated improved health and lengthened lifespans enhancing the quality and repeatability of aging research. The marmosets were screened for two viruses and several bacterial pathogens prior to establishing the new SPF colony. Twelve founding animals successfully established a breeding colony with increased reproductive success, improved health parameters, and increased median lifespan when compared to a conventionally housed, open colony. The improved health and longevity of marmosets …
Assessment Of Intra And Interregional Genetic Variation In The Eastern Red-Backed Salamander, Plethodon Cinereus, Via Analysis Of Novel Microsatellite Markers, Alexander C. Cameron, Jeffry J. Anderson, Robert B. Page
Assessment Of Intra And Interregional Genetic Variation In The Eastern Red-Backed Salamander, Plethodon Cinereus, Via Analysis Of Novel Microsatellite Markers, Alexander C. Cameron, Jeffry J. Anderson, Robert B. Page
Biology Faculty Publications
The red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) has long-served as a model system in ecology, evolution, and behavior, and studies surveying molecular variation in this species have become increasingly common over the past decade. However, difficulties are commonly encountered when extending microsatellite markers to populations that are unstudied from a genetic perspective due to high levels of genetic differentiation across this species’ range. To ameliorate this issue, we used 454 pyrosequencing to identify hundreds of microsatellite loci. We then screened 40 of our top candidate loci in populations in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio—including an isolated island population ~ 4.5 km off the …
Nicotinamide Is An Endogenous Agonist For A C. Elegans Trpv Osm-9 And Ocr-4 Channel, A. Upadhyay, A. Pisupati, T. Jegla, Matthew Crook, K. J. Mickolajczyk, M. Shorey, L. E. Rohan, K. A. Billings, M. M. Rolls, W. O. Hancock, W. Hanna-Rose
Nicotinamide Is An Endogenous Agonist For A C. Elegans Trpv Osm-9 And Ocr-4 Channel, A. Upadhyay, A. Pisupati, T. Jegla, Matthew Crook, K. J. Mickolajczyk, M. Shorey, L. E. Rohan, K. A. Billings, M. M. Rolls, W. O. Hancock, W. Hanna-Rose
Biology Faculty Publications
TRPV ion channels are directly activated by sensory stimuli and participate in thermo-, mechano- and chemo-sensation. They are also hypothesized to respond to endogenous agonists that would modulate sensory responses. Here, we show that the nicotinamide (NAM) form of vitamin B3 is an agonist of a Caenorhabditis elegans TRPV channel. Using heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes, we demonstrate that NAM is a soluble agonist for a channel consisting of the well-studied OSM-9 TRPV subunit and relatively uncharacterized OCR-4 TRPV subunit as well as the orthologous Drosophila Nan-Iav TRPV channel, and we examine stoichiometry of subunit assembly. Finally, we show that …
Reduced Leukocyte Infiltration In Absence Of Eosinophils Correlates With Decreased Tissue Damage And Disease Susceptibility In Δdblgata Mice During Murine Neurocysticercosis, P. K. Mishra, Q. Li, L. E. Munoz, Chris A. Mares, E. G. Morris, J. M. Teale, A. E. Cardona
Reduced Leukocyte Infiltration In Absence Of Eosinophils Correlates With Decreased Tissue Damage And Disease Susceptibility In Δdblgata Mice During Murine Neurocysticercosis, P. K. Mishra, Q. Li, L. E. Munoz, Chris A. Mares, E. G. Morris, J. M. Teale, A. E. Cardona
Biology Faculty Publications
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the most common helminth parasitic diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and the leading cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide. NCC is caused by the presence of the metacestode larvae of the tapeworm Taenia solium within brain tissues. NCC patients exhibit a long asymptomatic phase followed by a phase of symptoms including increased intra-cranial pressure and seizures. While the asymptomatic phase is attributed to the immunosuppressive capabilities of viable T. solium parasites, release of antigens by dying organisms induce strong immune responses and associated symptoms. Previous studies in T. solium-infected pigs have shown that the …
Pharmaceutical Inhibition Of Mtor In The Common Marmoset: Effect Of Rapamycin On Regulators Of Proteostasis In A Non-Human Primate, M. Lelegren, Y. Liu, Corinna N. Ross, S. Tardif, A. B. Salmon
Pharmaceutical Inhibition Of Mtor In The Common Marmoset: Effect Of Rapamycin On Regulators Of Proteostasis In A Non-Human Primate, M. Lelegren, Y. Liu, Corinna N. Ross, S. Tardif, A. B. Salmon
Biology Faculty Publications
Background: Inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) has emerged as a viable means to lengthen lifespan and healthspan in mice, although it is still unclear whether these benefits will extend to other mammalian species. We previously reported results from a pilot experiment wherein common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) were treated orally with rapamycin to reduce mTOR signaling in vivo in line with previous reports in mice and humans. Further, long-term treatment did not significantly alter body weight, daily activity, blood lipid concentrations, or glucose metabolism in this cohort. Methods: In this study, we report on the molecular consequences of rapamycin …
Metabolic Consequences Of Long-Term Rapamycin Exposure On Common Marmoset Monkeys (Callithrix Jacchus), Corinna N. Ross, A. Salmon, R. Strong, E. Fernandez, M. Javors, A. Richardson, S. Tardif
Metabolic Consequences Of Long-Term Rapamycin Exposure On Common Marmoset Monkeys (Callithrix Jacchus), Corinna N. Ross, A. Salmon, R. Strong, E. Fernandez, M. Javors, A. Richardson, S. Tardif
Biology Faculty Publications
Rapamycin has been shown to extend lifespan in rodent models, but the effects on metabolic health and function have been widely debated in both clinical and translational trials. Prior to rapamycin being used as a treatment to extend both lifespan and healthspan in the human population, it is vital to assess the side effects of the treatment on metabolic pathways in animal model systems, including a closely related non-human primate model. In this study, we found that long-term treatment of marmoset monkeys with orally-administered encapsulated rapamycin resulted in no overall effects on body weight and only a small decrease in …
Developmental Origins Of Pregnancy Loss In The Adult Female Common Marmoset Monkey (Callithrix Jacchus), J. N. Rutherford, V. A. Demartelly, D. G. Layne Colon, Corinna N. Ross, S. D. Tardif
Developmental Origins Of Pregnancy Loss In The Adult Female Common Marmoset Monkey (Callithrix Jacchus), J. N. Rutherford, V. A. Demartelly, D. G. Layne Colon, Corinna N. Ross, S. D. Tardif
Biology Faculty Publications
Background: The impact of the intrauterine environment on the developmental programming of adult female reproductive success is still poorly understood and potentially underestimated. Litter size variation in a nonhuman primate, the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus), allows us to model the effects of varying intrauterine environments (e.g. nutrient restriction, exposure to male womb-mates) on the risk of losing fetuses in adulthood. Our previous work has characterized the fetuses of triplet pregnancies as experiencing intrauterine nutritional restriction. Methodology/Principal Findings: We used over a decade of demographic data from the Southwest National Primate Research Center common marmoset colony. We evaluated differences between …
Genomics Of A Metamorphic Timing Qt:: Met1 Maps To A Unique Genomic Position And Regulates Morph And Species-Specific Patterns Of Brain Transcription, Robert B. Page, M. A. Borley, D. K. Kump, S. R. Voss
Genomics Of A Metamorphic Timing Qt:: Met1 Maps To A Unique Genomic Position And Regulates Morph And Species-Specific Patterns Of Brain Transcription, Robert B. Page, M. A. Borley, D. K. Kump, S. R. Voss
Biology Faculty Publications
Very little is known about genetic factors that regulate life history transitions during ontogeny. Closely related tiger salamanders (Ambystoma species complex) show extreme variation in metamorphic timing, with some species foregoing metamorphosis altogether, an adaptive trait called paedomorphosis. Previous studies identified a major effect quantitative trait locus (met1) for metamorphic timing and expression of paedomorphosis in hybrid crosses between the biphasic Eastern tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum) and the paedomorphic Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum).We used existing hybrid mapping panels and a newly created hybrid cross to map the met1 genomic region and determine the effect of met1 on larval growth, …
Aging Phenotypes Of Common Marmosets (Callithrix Jacchus), Corinna N. Ross, K. Davis, G. Dobek, S. D. Tardif
Aging Phenotypes Of Common Marmosets (Callithrix Jacchus), Corinna N. Ross, K. Davis, G. Dobek, S. D. Tardif
Biology Faculty Publications
Characterizing the phenotypic changes associated with aging in a short-lived primate is necessary in order to develop better translational models for human health, aging, and disease research. A population of conventionally housed marmoset monkeys was assessed to determine if phenotypes of body composition, hematology, and morphometrical measures were associated with age or risk of death. We found that the cause of mortality in older marmosets was more likely to be due to cardiac and chronic kidney disease than in younger marmosets. Older marmosets have decreased fat mass, morphometric measures, and serum albumin. Older marmosets are more likely to show a …
Linear Methods For Analysis And Quality Control Of Relative Expression Ratios From Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Experiments, Robert B. Page, A. J. Stromberg
Linear Methods For Analysis And Quality Control Of Relative Expression Ratios From Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Experiments, Robert B. Page, A. J. Stromberg
Biology Faculty Publications
Relative expression quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) experiments are a common means of estimating transcript abundances across biological groups and experimental treatments. One of the most frequently used expression measures that results from such experiments is the relative expression ratio (RE), which describes expression in experimental samples (i.e., RNA isolated from organisms, tissues, and/or cells that were exposed to one or more experimental or nonbaseline condition) in terms of fold change relative to calibrator samples (i.e., RNA isolated from organisms, tissues, and/or cells that were exposed to a control or baseline condition). Over the past decade, several models of …
Development Of A Semi-Field System For Contained Field Trials With Aedes Aegypti In Southern Mexico, L. Facchinelli, L. Valerio, J. G. Bond, Megan R. Wise De Valdez, L. C. Harrington, J. M. Ramsey, M. Casas-Martinez, T. W. Scott
Development Of A Semi-Field System For Contained Field Trials With Aedes Aegypti In Southern Mexico, L. Facchinelli, L. Valerio, J. G. Bond, Megan R. Wise De Valdez, L. C. Harrington, J. M. Ramsey, M. Casas-Martinez, T. W. Scott
Biology Faculty Publications
Development of new genetic approaches to either interfere with the ability of mosquitoes to transmit dengue virus or to reduce vector population density requires progressive evaluation from the laboratory to contained field trials, before open field release. Trials in contained outdoor facilities are an important part of this process because they can be used to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of modified strains in settings that include natural environmental variations without releasing mosquitoes into the open field. We describe a simple and cost-effective semi-field system designed to study Aedes aegypti carrying a dominant lethal gene (fsRIDL) in semi-field conditions. We …
Genetic Elimination Of Dengue Vector Mosquitoes, Megan R. Wise De Valdez, D. Nimmo, J. Betz, H.-F. Gong, A. A. James, L. Alphey, W. C. Black Iv
Genetic Elimination Of Dengue Vector Mosquitoes, Megan R. Wise De Valdez, D. Nimmo, J. Betz, H.-F. Gong, A. A. James, L. Alphey, W. C. Black Iv
Biology Faculty Publications
An approach based on mosquitoes carrying a conditional dominant lethal gene (release of insects carrying a dominant lethal, RIDL) is being developed to control the transmission of dengue viruses by vector population suppression. A transgenic strain, designated OX3604C, of the major dengue vector, Aedes aegypti, was engineered to have a repressible female-specific flightless phenotype. This strain circumvents the need for radiation-induced sterilization, allows genetic sexing resulting in male-only releases, and permits the release of eggs instead of adult mosquitoes. OX3604C males introduced weekly into large laboratory cages containing stable target mosquito populations at initial ratios of 8.5-10:1 OX3604C:target eliminated the …
Attenuated Response Of Aged Mice To Respiratory Francisella Novicida Is Characterized By Reduced Cell Death And Absence Of Subsequent Hypercytokinemia, Chris A. Mares, J. Sharma, S. S. Ojeda, Q. Li, J. A. Campos, E. G. Morris, J. J. Coalson, J. M. Teale
Attenuated Response Of Aged Mice To Respiratory Francisella Novicida Is Characterized By Reduced Cell Death And Absence Of Subsequent Hypercytokinemia, Chris A. Mares, J. Sharma, S. S. Ojeda, Q. Li, J. A. Campos, E. G. Morris, J. J. Coalson, J. M. Teale
Biology Faculty Publications
Background: Pneumonia and pulmonary infections are major causes of mortality among the growing elderly population. Age associated attenuations of various immune parameters, involved with both innate and adaptive responses are collectively known as immune senescence. These changes are likely to be involved with differences in host susceptibility to disease between young and aged individuals. Methodology/Principal Findings: The objective of this study was to assess potential age related differences in the pulmonary host response in mice to the Gram-negative respiratory pathogen, Francisella novicida. We intranasally infected mice with F. novicida and compared various immune and pathological parameters of the pulmonary host …
Microarray Analysis Of A Salamander Hopeful Monster Reveals Transcriptional Signatures Of Paedomorphic Brain Development, Robert B. Page, M. A. Borley, J. J. Smith, S. Putta, S. R. Voss
Microarray Analysis Of A Salamander Hopeful Monster Reveals Transcriptional Signatures Of Paedomorphic Brain Development, Robert B. Page, M. A. Borley, J. J. Smith, S. Putta, S. R. Voss
Biology Faculty Publications
Abstract. Background. The Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is considered a hopeful monster because it exhibits an adaptive and derived mode of development - paedomorphosis - that has evolved rapidly and independently among tiger salamanders. Unlike related tiger salamanders that undergo metamorphosis, axolotls retain larval morphological traits into adulthood and thus present an adult body plan that differs dramatically from the ancestral (metamorphic) form. The basis of paedomorphic development was investigated by comparing temporal patterns of gene transcription between axolotl and tiger salamander larvae (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum) that typically undergo a metamorphosis. Results. Transcript abundances from whole brain and pituitary were …
Microarray And Cdna Sequence Analysis Of Transcription During Nerve-Dependent Limb Regeneration, J. R. Monaghan, L. G. Epp, S. Putta, Robert B. Page, J. A. Walker, C. K. Beachy, W. Zhu, G. M. Pao, I. M. Verma, T. Hunter, S. V. Bryant, D. M. Gardiner, T. T. Harkins, S. R. Voss
Microarray And Cdna Sequence Analysis Of Transcription During Nerve-Dependent Limb Regeneration, J. R. Monaghan, L. G. Epp, S. Putta, Robert B. Page, J. A. Walker, C. K. Beachy, W. Zhu, G. M. Pao, I. M. Verma, T. Hunter, S. V. Bryant, D. M. Gardiner, T. T. Harkins, S. R. Voss
Biology Faculty Publications
Background: Microarray analysis and 454 cDNA sequencing were used to investigate a centuries-old problem in regenerative biology: The basis of nerve-dependent limb regeneration in salamanders. Innervated (NR) and denervated (DL) forelimbs of Mexican axolotls were amputated and transcripts were sampled after 0, 5, and 14 days of regeneration. Results: Considerable similarity was observed between NR and DL transcriptional programs at 5 and 14 days post amputation (dpa). Genes with extracellular functions that are critical to wound healing were upregulated while muscle-specific genes were downregulated. Thus, many processes that are regulated during early limb regeneration do not depend upon nerve-derived factors. …
Rapid Dissemination Of Francisella Tularensis And The Effect Of Route Of Infection, S. S. Ojeda, Z. J. Wang, Chris A. Mares, T. A. Chang, Q. Li, E. G. Morris, P. A. Jerabek, J. M. Teale
Rapid Dissemination Of Francisella Tularensis And The Effect Of Route Of Infection, S. S. Ojeda, Z. J. Wang, Chris A. Mares, T. A. Chang, Q. Li, E. G. Morris, P. A. Jerabek, J. M. Teale
Biology Faculty Publications
Background. Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis is classified as a Category A bioweapon that is capable of establishing a lethal infection in humans upon inhalation of very few organisms. However, the virulence mechanisms of this organism are not well characterized. Francisella tularensis subsp. novicida, which is an equally virulent subspecies in mice, was used in concert with a microPET scanner to better understand its temporal dissemination in vivo upon intranasal infection and how such dissemination compares with other routes of infection. Adult mice were inoculated intranasally with F. tularensis subsp. novicida radiolabeled with 64Cu and imaged by microPET at 0.25, 2 …
Transcriptional Response Of Mexican Axolotls To Ambystoma Tigrinum Virus (Atv) Infection, J. D. Cotter, A. Storfer, Robert B. Page, C. K. Beachy, S. R. Voss
Transcriptional Response Of Mexican Axolotls To Ambystoma Tigrinum Virus (Atv) Infection, J. D. Cotter, A. Storfer, Robert B. Page, C. K. Beachy, S. R. Voss
Biology Faculty Publications
Background: Very little is known about the immunological responses of amphibians to pathogens that are causing global population declines. We used a custom microarray gene chip to characterize gene expression responses of axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) to an emerging viral pathogen, Ambystoma tigrinum virus (ATV). Result: At 0, 24, 72, and 144 hours post-infection, spleen and lung samples were removed for estimation of host mRNA abundance and viral load. A total of 158 up-regulated and 105 down-regulated genes were identified across all time points using statistical and fold level criteria. The presumptive functions of these genes suggest a robust innate immune …