Biology Commons^™

Bec-1 Survey Of Parasites In Ictalurus Punctatus (Channel Catfish) Of The Savannah River Basin At Little River In Mccormick, South Carolina, Savannah Cade, Jason Lee

SC Upstate Research Symposium

Ictalurus punctatus, more commonly known as the Channel Catfish, is common throughout the Savannah River Basin. Fifteen specimens were captured by hook and line from the Little River in McCormick County, South Carolina. The gills and viscera were examined for metazoan parasites and prevalence and mean intensity were computed. The monogenean Ligictaluridus pricei and the copepod Ergasilus arthrosis were recovered from the gills. Two digenetic trematodes (Megalonia ictaluri and Alloglossidium corti), one tapeworm (Corallobothrium fimbriatum), two nematodes (Camallanus oxycephalus and Spinitectus carolini) and one acanthocephalan (Neoechinorhynchus cylindratus) were recovered from the …

Hgs-3 The Influence Of A Tandem Cycling Program In The Community On Physical And Functional Health, Therapeutic Bonds, And Quality Of Life For Individuals And Care Partners Coping With Parkinson’S Disease, Leila Djerdjour, Jennifer L. Trilk

SC Upstate Research Symposium

Purpose Statement: Several studies have shown that aerobic exercise can have a positive impact on alleviating symptoms experienced by individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite this evidence, the potential benefits of exercise for both PD patients and their care partners (PD dyad) remain unexplored. This research project investigates the effectiveness, therapeutic collaborations, and physical outcomes of a virtual reality (VR) tandem cycling program specifically designed for PD dyads.

Methods: Following approval from the Prisma Health Institutional Review Board, individuals with PD were identified and screened by clinical neurologists. The pre-testing measures for PD dyads (N=9) included emotional and cognitive status …

Adherent-Invasive Escherichia Coli (Aiec) Promotes Mild Colitis In The C57bl/6 Il-10 Ko Mouse Model Of Crohn's Disease, Sarah Sm Zaw

Senior Theses

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Interleukin-10 knockout (IL-10 KO) mice are crucial in CD research. Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) is a subgroup of E. coli. In one study, IL-10 KO mice colonized with AIEC developed colitis in the distal colon compared to wild-type (WT) mice. I investigated how AIEC NC101 WT affects colitis severity in IL-10 KO mice of the C57BL/6 genetic background. Similar results in both genotypes would enhance mouse strain accessibility. Germ-free C57BL6 IL-10 KO mice were divided into groups: colonized with AIEC NC101 for 12, 15, or 18 weeks, or kept germ-free. Histopathological …

The Effect Of Various Polyphenols On Associative Memory Loss And Dementia In A Drosophila Melanogaster Model Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Anagha Gowda

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a prominent neurodegenerative disease (NDD), is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States; however, little is known about prevention. As a result, polyphenols (plant-based compounds) and other natural substances have been studied for their therapeutic potential in improving cognition and memory in AD cases. While the impacts of each polyphenol (phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans) contain fundamental similarities, each varies slightly in its impacts on the brain.The purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of polyphenol subgroups on associative memory in AD, tested by building an olfactory association, through the use …

The Comparative Impact Of Acesulfame-Potassium, Stevia Extract, And Monk Fruit On The Lifespan Of Drosophila Melanogaster, Beverly Holton

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), non-caloric sweetening devices, have been widely commercialized to reduce sugar consumption. This intent has associated NNS with health benefits, though reports have correlated the consumption of these substitutes with noncommunicable diseases. The interaction between NNS and distinct physiological processes has been examined, though research into the broader implications of these interactions, toward longevity, for instance, is lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of three recently FDA-approved NNS - acesulfame-Potassium (ace-K), stevia, and monk fruit - on the survival of Drosophila melanogaster, a model species for longevity research, to discern the possible impacts …

The Effect Of Rosmarinus Officinalis And Trachyspermum Ammi On The Growth Of Eruca Vesicaria Ssp. Sativa In Hydroponics Versus Natural Soil, Emna Guedhami

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Despite technology being developed to address the food shortages due to increasing population, current methods of cultivating crops are not sufficient. Scientists are addressing this issue by researching biostimulants that stimulate plant growth without harming the environment and researching the use of hydroponics, a way of growing crops without soil. The purpose of this study was to combine the use of essential oils and growing methods (hydroponics and soil) and measure its impact on the height of E. sativa. It was hypothesized that if E. sativa was grown hydroponically with added Rosmarinus officinalis (REO) and Trachyspermum ammi (TEO) over time, …

The Effect Of Crystalline Phase On The Toxicity Of Tio2 Nanoparticles To Chlorella, Jisoo Lee

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Nanoparticles (NPs), or particles with dimensions that go below 100 nanometers, can be released into the environment in various ways, such as through cosmetic products like sunscreen. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a commonly used nanoparticle in sunscreen, and it has the potential to be harmful to various aquatic organisms including algae. The purpose of this study was to examine how the crystalline phase of TiO₂ NPs (brookite or rutile) influenced their toxicity to the microalgae species Chlorella. It was hypothesized that brookite phase TiO₂ NPs would inhibit the growth of Chlorella more than rutile phase TiO …

The Combined And Individual Effects Of Azadirachta Indica L. Oil And Nahco3 On The Inhibition Of F. Oxysporum, Neya Murugesan

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

F. oxysporum is the causal agent of Fusarium wilt. This disease is known to penetrate the roots of plants and wilt the vascular system. The most common method for control is through the use of synthetic fungicides, which are known to cause adverse effects on the environment and human health. Thus, it is necessary that more methods of biocontrol be explored. Current literature shows that various salts and essential oils are effective for the biocontrol of F. oxysporum. However, the two types of substances have not yet been tested together, causing a gap in current research. Due to the antifungal …

The Effect Of The Addition Of Carrot Seed Oil And Raspberry Seed Oil On The Uv Intensity Of A Sunscreen, Isra Siddique

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

With continuous developments in research indicating the potential health risks of chemical sunscreen filters, the novel approach of incorporating natural oils with UV light blocking properties has been explored. Natural oils extracted from fruit and vegetables have been proven to possess photoprotective properties, but their effectiveness in combination with synthetic sunscreen filters has not been as thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of carrot and raspberry seed oil to an SPF 30 sunscreen would decrease the UV intensity of UVB light passing through the sunscreen and oil mixture. It was hypothesized that if …

The Effect Of Exposure To Lentinula Edodes And Flammulina Velutipes On The Biodegradation Of Crystallized Polylactic Acid, Iraine Taine

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Crystallized polylactic acid (CPLA) is a prevalent bioplastic which, despite being biodegradable, is extremely resistant to decomposition in natural environments. As a result, CPLA waste contamination is rapidly becoming a prevalent issue. Lentinula edodes and Flammulina velutipes are two widespread white-rot fungi whose capabilities for bioplastic degradation have not been examined. This study aimed to determine a natural approach for reducing plastic waste by evaluating the ability of L. edodes and F. velutipes to degrade CPLA bioplastic. It was hypothesized that CPLA samples would decrease in mass when individually treated with L. edodes and F. velutipes due to their similarities …

Table Of Contents

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Environmental Bacteriophage Presence In Drainage Ponds At Coastal Carolina University, Hailey Oldfield, Alexei E. Chesnutwood, Gabriella A. Caldwell, Shiraz C. Cohen, Paul E. Richardson

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Developing A Safe And Effective Papillomavirus Screen To Be Used On College Students At A South Carolina University, Owen R. Smith, Nicole E. Frantz, Emily E. Bishop, Rahjai G. Thomas, Paul E. Richardson

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Modulation Of Eif2Α Signaling And The Integrated Stress Response By Targeted Therapeutic Attenuation Of Pkr Activity Contributes To Protection Of Dyt-Prkra Cells From Apoptosis, Kenneth L. Frederick

Theses and Dissertations

Luteolin is a natural flavonoid present in vegetables, fruits, and medicinal herbs that possesses anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of luteolin on the integrated stress response (ISR), which is an evolutionarily conserved intracellular signaling network essential for adapting to environmental stresses to maintain healthy cells. Dysregulated ISR is involved in the etiology of many human diseases including the movement disorder DYT-PRKRA which is caused by mutations in the PRKRA gene. PRKRA encodes for PACT, the protein activator of interferon-induced, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated protein kinase PKR.PACT-mediated PKR activation regulates the …

Diversity, Function, And Phenotypic Plasticity Of Cryptophyte Phycobiliproteins, Kristiaän Merritt

Theses and Dissertations

Cryptophytes are a group of unicellular eukaryotic algae that can be found in a wide range of underwater habitats. Part of their ecological success can be attributed to their diverse array of cryptophyte phycobiliproteins (Cr-PBPs), a pigment class that captures wavelengths of light that are poorly absorbed by chlorophylls. Cryptophytes gained photosynthesis via secondary endosymbiosis in which their ancestor engulfed a red algal endosymbiont. Following endosymbiosis, they deconstructed the red algal photosynthetic machinery to form the Cr-PBP. Since then, the Cr-PBPs have diversified into at least 9 spectrally distinct forms. I investigated the diversity of Cr-PBP light absorption across 76 …

The Effects Of Variations In Light And Nutrient Availability On Phytoplankton And Zooplankton, Jake Anthony Swanson

Theses and Dissertations

Aquatic ecosystems experience a wide range of variation in resource availability; two of the resources that are most essential to phytoplankton and zooplankton are light and nutrients. Light can vary in both its color and intensity; these variations can directly impact phytoplankton by altering the amount and color of light available for photosynthesis. Nutrient variability, particularly increases in nutrient levels, also alter phytoplankton communities by favoring the growth of certain taxa such as cyanobacteria.

To understand whether phytoplankton respond differently to changes in light availability I investigated whether the diversification of cryptophytes, phytoplankton with diverse light-capturing pigments, showed evidence of …

Consolidated Chamber Design And Protocol For Olfactory Conditioning Assay With Drosophila Melanogaster, Sasha Bronovitskiy, Andres Castillo, Michael Yan, Fang Ju Lin

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

The olfactory conditioning assay is widely used in Alzheimer’s disease research to quantify learning and memory in Drosophila melanogaster. The assay tests ability to recall an aversive conditioned stimulus of scent paired with electrical shock when presented a choice between shock-associated and unrelated scents. The T-maze, a commonly used apparatus for olfactory conditioning assays, employs an elevator mechanism to transfer live flies from the shock-delivering training chamber to the scent selection point. This elevator mechanism is known to cause fly casualty. T-mazes are not commercially available and often difficult to reproduce. Other existing variations of olfactory conditioning apparatuses use …

Table Of Contents

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Local Translation And Focal Adhesions Are Dysregulated In Down Syndrome, Ashlyn Gotberg, Nikita Kirkise M.S., Kristy Welshhans Ph.D.

Senior Theses

During cellular migration, fibroblasts sense extracellular cues through membrane complexes at their leading edge and can respond to these cues via local translation. Local translation is the process in which mRNAs are transported to subcellular regions and translated in response to specific cues. There is evidence that local translation may be dysregulated in the neurodevelopmental disorder, Down syndrome, which is caused by the triplication of chromosome 21 and results in genome-wide dysregulation of protein expression. To determine if dysregulated local translation contributes to Down syndrome, we used three sets of primary fibroblasts from individuals with Down syndrome and apparently healthy …

Using Podcasts To Bring National Estuarine Research Reserves Into The Classroom For Grades 6-12, Kaitlyn M. Dirr

Senior Theses

In a typical classroom setting, there are significant challenges to exposing students to concepts related to earth sciences and the environment. These challenges are exacerbated when conveying lessons about geographic areas with limited access, such as oceans and coastlines (Louv, 2010). It is now more important than ever for environmental education to improve and adapt to our changing world. Educators may have the opportunity to bring these subjects to life by using media content such as podcasts to introduce students to new places and the scientists, managers and educators that work in those spaces. In the United States, there exists …

Genetic Mechanisms Underlying Maladaptation In Specialized Species Interactions, Nitin Ravikanthachari

Theses and Dissertations

Adaptation has been used as the framework to understand the power of natural selection in structuring biodiversity and driving biological interactions. However, recent examples have indicated that many organisms are maladapted to their local conditions. Maladaptation can result from various causes including rapid environmental change, novel environments, interplay of evolutionary forces (viz: gene flow-selection balance) and anthropogenic disturbance.

To dissect the genetic mechanisms underlying maladaptation, I used the interaction between Pieris macdunnoughii (Remington) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) which lays eggs on an invasive mustard Thlaspi arvense (L.) (Brassicaceae), which is lethal to the larvae.

First, local adaptation to avoid laying eggs on …

The Effects Of Salinity And Acetaminophen On The Aquatic Snail Physa Acuta, Michelle Sackey-Ansah, Megan Mackey, Daniel Elias, Jason Doll, Alyssa Brookhart

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Pharmaceuticals are increasingly detected in water bodies, and their presence can negatively impact aquatic organisms. This effect can be amplified when combined with increasing salinity in freshwater ecosystems. Acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic that is commonly found in river, streams, and waters where it is discharged directly. Therefore, organisms present in these locations (e.g., insects, snails, amphibians, and fish) are likely to be affected by acetaminophen. In this study, we determined the effects of elevated salinity (0.68 g/L), acetaminophen (500 µg/L) and combined elevated salinity (0.68 g/L) and acetaminophen (500 µg/L), on the growth, reproduction, and movement of the …

Epidemic Time Series Similarity Is Related To Geographic Distance And Age Structure, Tad Dallas, Grant Foster, Robert L. Richards, Bret D. Elderd

Faculty Publications

Objective

More similar locations may have similar infectious disease dynamics. There is clear overlap in putative causes for epidemic similarity, such as geographic distance, age structure, and population size. We compare the effects of these potential drivers on epidemic similarity compared to a baseline assumption that differences in the basic reproductive number (R₀) will translate to differences in epidemic trajectories.

Methods

Using COVID-19 case counts from United States counties, we explore the importance of geographic distance, population size differences, and age structure dissimilarity on resulting epidemic similarity.

Results

We find clear effects of geographic space, age structure, …

Insectdisease: Programmatic Access To The Ecological Database Of The World’S Insect Pathogens, Tad Dallas, Colin J. Carlson, Patrick R. Stephens, Sadie J. Ryan, David W. Onstad

Faculty Publications

Curated databases of species interactions are instrumental to exploring and understanding the spatial distribution of species and their biotic interactions. In the process of conducting such projects, data development and curation efforts may give rise to a data product with utility beyond the scope of the original work, but which becomes inaccessible over time. Data describing insect host–pathogen interactions are fairly rare, and should thus be preserved and curated with appropriate metadata. Here, we introduce the insectDisease R package, a mechanism for curating, updating and distributing data from the Ecological Database of the World's Insect Pathogens, a database of insect …

The Phytoremediation Of Escherichia Coli In Contaminated Water By Lemna Minor, Salvinia Minima, And Azolla Caroliniana, Madison Han

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

The Effectiveness Of Lithium Chloride In Eliciting A Taste Aversion Response In Blaptica Dubia, Ava Phelps

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Spirulina Major And Oscillatoria On Reducing The Acidity Of Freshwater Containing Antibacterial Liquid And Bar Soaps ., Kartik Valluri

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Rice Bran Oil As A Repellent For Aedes Aegypti Compared To Mineral Oil And Effective Natural Repellents, Aleena Chattha

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

A Latitudinal Signal In The Relationship Between Species Geographic Range Size And Climatic Niche Area, Tad Dallas, Andrew Kramer

Faculty Publications

Species with broader niches may have the opportunity to occupy larger geographic areas, assuming no limitations on dispersal and a relatively homogeneous environmental space. Here, we use data on a large set of mammal (n = 1225), bird (n = 1829) and tree (n = 341) species to examine the 1) relationship between geographic range size and climatic niche area, 2) influence of species traits on species departures from this relationship and 3) sensitivity of these relationships to how species range size and climatic niche area are estimated. We find positive geographic range size–climatic niche area relationships for all taxa, …