Landscape Genetics Of The Gulf Coast Tick, Amblyomma Maculatum, 2023 Old Dominion University
Landscape Genetics Of The Gulf Coast Tick, Amblyomma Maculatum, Sara Simmons Benham
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Connectivity among populations helps to maintain genetic diversity, population stability, and resilience. The Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum, is a vector of the pathogen Rickettsia parkeri. Persistence of tick populations with high rates of R. parkeri infection poses health risks to humans and animals. Mitochondrial haplotypes were characterized by sequencing a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. A comparative study of A. maculatum and Amblyomma americanum was conducted to identify similar and unique patterns between the species within the same region. Next, I compared A. maculatum sites across three different regions of the United States. This work …
Gonads Without Glp-1: Silencing Glp-1 In The Male Somatic Gonad In Caenorhabditis Elegans, 2023 Bellarmine University
Gonads Without Glp-1: Silencing Glp-1 In The Male Somatic Gonad In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Matthew Titus
Undergraduate Theses
In C. elegans, the gene glp-1 encodes for a Notch receptor called GLP-1, one of two found in C. elegans’ genome. The gene has been previously implicated in the development of the hermaphroditic germline as well as playing a role in the mitosis/meiosis decision. Genetic screening has further identified it as potentially playing a role in the development of the male somatic gonad, making it an ideal candidate for a reverse genetic. We did this by silencing glp-1 and observing if any alterations to the gonad’s phenotype occur.
Normally this could be done by performing a gene knockout. …
Role Of Cdx4 And Sp5l In Zebrafish Development, 2023 University of Richmond
Role Of Cdx4 And Sp5l In Zebrafish Development, Wesley Tsai
Honors Theses
The Caudal Type Homeobox transcription factors cdx are a family of genes found in vertebrates that regulates body regionalization and anterior-posterior patterning. They are also responsible for regulating axial elongation, but the mechanisms behind this behavior are not known. Previous studies in mouse embryonic stem cells have shown that the cdx genes are necessary for upregulating the gene sp5 which may be linked to axial elongation. Sp5 is a zinc-finger transcription factor belonging to the specificity protein (sp) family. Our group has used in-situ hybridization experiments on zebrafish embryos to show that sp5-like (sp5l) is transcribed within tailbud tissues that …
Understanding The Expression And Role Of Pros-1 In The Male Gonad Of C. Elegans, 2023 Bellarmine University
Understanding The Expression And Role Of Pros-1 In The Male Gonad Of C. Elegans, Jack Bozik
Undergraduate Theses
The gene pros-1 is a transcription factor that is highly expressed within neuronal sheath cells, glial cells, and excretory canal cells. pros-1 plays a role in cell determination of those cell types in the nematode C. elegans, which promotes organismal development. But the degree to which pros-1 presence is important is still not fully understood, because there are many genes involved in development that when mutated or damaged can result in unexpected phenotypes or even total loss of function to a certain developmental mechanism. What makes pros-1 valuable to research is that it is a functional homologue to a …
Analysis Of Wild Rodent Gut Microbiota As A Function Of Exposure To Ticks And Tick-Borne Pathogens, 2023 University of Richmond
Analysis Of Wild Rodent Gut Microbiota As A Function Of Exposure To Ticks And Tick-Borne Pathogens, Joshua Pandian
Honors Theses
Due to advances in high-throughput parallel sequencing, researchers have conducted novel studies exploring relationships between microbiome compositions and different aspects of organism health. Some of these studies have shown that the gut microbiome of rodent models has effects on organism health and behavior and that infection with pathogens and the composition of the skin microbiome are linked to changes in gut microbiome composition. While previous studies have shown how vector microbiota impact vector behavior and pathogen transmission, the effect vectors have on reservoir species microbiomes has been a less prominent focus. We were interested in the relationships between tick parasitism, …
Mouse Genotyping Array-Based Analysis Of Variation At Single Nucleotide Polymorphic Loci In The Context Of Macro- And Micro-Environments, 2023 Western University
Mouse Genotyping Array-Based Analysis Of Variation At Single Nucleotide Polymorphic Loci In The Context Of Macro- And Micro-Environments, Freda Qi
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Comparing genetic variation between populations can provide insight into selective pressures in the environment. The Mouse Diversity Genotyping Array (MDGA) is a low-cost, high-throughput tool developed to capture and analyze variation at single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) loci in inbred mouse strains. However, its ability to assess genetic variation in non-inbred mice and associate SNPs with the environment has not been extensively studied. First, SNPs between laboratory inbred and wild-caught mice were compared. No SNPs were associated with either macroenvironment. Instead, SNPs reflected genealogy and inbreeding strategies, consistent with the MDGA’s intended use. Second, mutations at SNP loci were compared between …
Localization Of Ctg-Repeat-Containing Transgenes In Drosophila Melanogaster Myotonic Dystrophy Models, 2023 University of Mary Washington
Localization Of Ctg-Repeat-Containing Transgenes In Drosophila Melanogaster Myotonic Dystrophy Models, Andrea Waltrip
Student Research Submissions
Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, DM1, is a multi-systemic muscle wasting disorder that results from expression of expanded CTG repeats in the DMPK gene in humans. Three transgenic Drosophila melanogaster lines have been created containing 60, 250, or 480 CTG repeats to model DM1. The transgenic repeats are expressed using the GAL4/UAS system. Expression of long-repeat transgenes ((CTG)250 and i(CTG)480) produces phenotypes consistent with DM1, relative to control lines ((CTG)60). The precise chromosomal location of insertion of the transgenes has not been reported. We used classical genetic approaches to localize CTG-repeat transgene insertion to a specific …
Effects Of Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms On The Microbial Community Within Lake Okeechobee, Fl, Usa, 2023 Nova Southeastern University
Effects Of Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms On The Microbial Community Within Lake Okeechobee, Fl, Usa, Paisley S. Samuel
All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations
The Lake Okeechobee (Lake O) watershed is a Floridian freshwater ecosystem that has been affected by the increased frequency and intensity of harmful cyanobacterial bloom (cyanoHAB) events occurring over recent decades. Lake O has several ecological and economic purposes such as providing habitats for various organisms and providing drinking water to urban communities surrounding the lake. Toxic cyanoHAB events are posing a threat to the ecosystem and economy of the lake due to the degradation of water quality. This study investigates how the microbial community structure within Lake O is affected by annual cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms over several years …
Dataset Of Rna-Seq Transcriptome Of The Fetal Liver At Day 83 Of Gestation Associated With Periconceptual Maternal Nutrition In Beef Heifers, 2023 Auburn University
Dataset Of Rna-Seq Transcriptome Of The Fetal Liver At Day 83 Of Gestation Associated With Periconceptual Maternal Nutrition In Beef Heifers, Wellison J.S. Diniz, Alison K. Ward, Kacie L. Mccathy, Cierrah J. Kassetas, Friederike Baumgaertner, Lawrence P. Reynolds, Pawel P. Borowicz, Kevin K. Sedivec, James D. Kirsch, Sheri T. Dorsam, Tammi L. Neville, J. Chris Forcherio, Ronald Scott, Joel S. Caton, Carl R. Dahlen
Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications
Herein, we present a dataset based on the RNA-Seq analysis of liver tissue from bovine female fetuses at day 83 of gestation. The findings were reported in the main article, “Periconceptual maternal nutrition affects fetal liver programming of energy- and lipid-related genes”[1] . These data were generated to investigate the effects of periconceptual maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation and rates of body weight gain on the transcript abundance of genes associated with fetal hepatic metabolism and function. To this end, crossbred Angus beef heifers ( n = 35) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × …
Epigenetics In Forensic Science, 2023 Bowling Green State University
Epigenetics In Forensic Science, Reagan Faunce
Honors Projects
DNA methylation can be useful for forensic scientists because it can be used to differentiate between the DNA of identical twins, determine the age of a contributor of a DNA sample, and help us understand the actions and tendencies of violent criminals. Research shows that DNA methylation changes over time and can be caused by traumatic events, suggesting that methylation increases with age. Prior studies of DNA methylation at the promoters of the EDARADD, TOM1L1, and NPTX2 genes have been able to predict age within 5.2 years and a study of the ASPA, EDARADD, PDE4C, and ELOVL2 genes predicted age …
Soil Microbial Community Composition Of White Oak Mountain, Tennessee, 2023 Southern Adventist University
Soil Microbial Community Composition Of White Oak Mountain, Tennessee, Matthew Gano, Timothy D. Trott
Research in Biology
Abstract - Soil microbial communities are responsible for nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems and have symbiotic and parasitic relationships with the plant community. However, little is known about the factors that determine the soil microbial community composition. In this study we examined how spring wildflower diversity and geographical factors influence the soil microbial community composition of the second growth oak hickory forests of White Oak Mountain in Southeast Tennessee. The characterization of the soil microbial community was completed with 16S/18S/ITS rDNA amplicon sequencing of total DNA extracted from soil samples that were normalized for each sample plot. Here we characterize …
Examining The Different Soil Horizons Of White Oak Mountain, Tn And Their Effect On The Soil Microbial Community, 2023 Southern Adventist University
Examining The Different Soil Horizons Of White Oak Mountain, Tn And Their Effect On The Soil Microbial Community, Ji Won Moon, Timothy D. Trott
Research in Biology
Soil microorganisms participate in the diverse interaction within virtually all ecosystems, consequently affecting the associated human and animal population. Identifying how edaphic variables alter the functional and taxonomic diversity of the soil microbial community requires an examination of total microbial soil diversity and abundance. This research study examined the effect of soil depth and horizon on the soil microbial community composition of White Oak Mountain. The soil microbial community was characterized by 16S/18S/ITS rDNA amplicon sequencing of the DNA extract of six samples from the three major soil types identified: HcE, MoE, and uMvC. OTU clustering analysis and both alpha …
A Meta-Narrative Review: Efficacy Of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (Nipt) In The Detection Of Sex Chromosomal Aneuploidy In Singleton Pregnancy, 2023 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
A Meta-Narrative Review: Efficacy Of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (Nipt) In The Detection Of Sex Chromosomal Aneuploidy In Singleton Pregnancy, Tien T. Dao, Arianna Fields, Annie Huynh, Nikkita Mcghee, Christian Pellegrini
Research Methods Poster Session 2023
Abstract:
Objective: To assess the efficacy of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) as a screening method for Sex Chromosomal Aneuploidy (SCA) and its application in clinical practice.
Methods: Searches on Pubmed and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Research Medical Library was performed to identify primary research articles published between January 2018 to April 2023.
Results: The average combined SCA's PPV was 46.08%. The average PPV for 45, X, 47, XXX, 47, XXY, and 47, XYY was 26.05%, 44.82%, 50.21%, and 62.99%, respectively. The average PPV for 46, XY was 1.18%; however, there is a lack of statistical data for 46, XY. NIPT …
Analysis Of The Population Structure And Migration Habits Of The Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates Pipiens) At Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, 2023 Olivet Nazarene University
Analysis Of The Population Structure And Migration Habits Of The Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates Pipiens) At Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Gretchen A. Brinkman
Scholar Week 2016 - present
Massive amphibian declines of recent years have pushed researchers to pursue population genetics surveys and to assess the status of these essential components of many ecosystems. The Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) has been continuously experiencing population declines across the continental United States due to a combination of habitat loss and environmental change. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie houses a considerable portion of Northern Leopard Frog (L. pipiens) in Illinois, and within this location, two creeks provide ideal conditions to support these animals. Because this prairie restoration project is a relatively recent development, further assessments on the …
The Presence Of Tetracycline-Resistant Bacteria In A Kean University Campus Soil Sample, 2023 Kean University
The Presence Of Tetracycline-Resistant Bacteria In A Kean University Campus Soil Sample, Esther Blankson, Jessica Kobilas, Gianna Medeiros
Kean Quest
The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment is a worldwide problem that threatens human health. Bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics as the consumption of antibiotics grows. In particular, soil can be contaminated with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. As of today, there is no surveillance system that tracks the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, however, Tufts University aims to change this by implementing the Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment (PARE) project. The course-based PARE project consists of research students sampling soil in diverse locations and reporting the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The purpose of …
The Role Of Community In Immunity Against Sars-Cov-2, 2023 Kean University
The Role Of Community In Immunity Against Sars-Cov-2, Jessica Kobilas
Kean Quest
This literature review investigated the roles genes activated by social interactions had in helping to build immunity against COVID-19. Past studies have shown that individuals who are more socially connected are less likely to become ill due to social interactions strengthening the immune system through optimal exposure to bacteria and viruses in the environment. The IL-6 and TLR4 genes that are activated through social interactions and associated with cytokines have been analyzed in cases of various viral infections. Cytokines play a role in inflammation and have both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses to infections and viruses. The results suggest that the …
Dataset Of Rna-Seq Transcriptome Of The Fetal Liver At Day 83 Of Gestation Associated With Periconceptual Maternal Nutrition In Beef Heifers, 2023 Auburn University
Dataset Of Rna-Seq Transcriptome Of The Fetal Liver At Day 83 Of Gestation Associated With Periconceptual Maternal Nutrition In Beef Heifers, Wellison J.S. Diniz, Alison K. Ward, Kacie L. Mccathy, Cierrah J. Kassetas, Friederike Baumgaertner, Lawrence P. Reynolds, Pawel P. Borowicz, Kevin K. Sedivec, James D. Kirsch, Sheri T. Dorsam, Tammi L. Neville, J. Chris Forcherio, Ronald Scott, Joel S. Caton, Carl R. Dahlen
Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications
Herein, we present a dataset based on the RNA-Seq analysis of liver tissue from bovine female fetuses at day 83 of gestation. The findings were reported in the main article, “Periconceptual maternal nutrition affects fetal liver programming of energy- and lipid-related genes”[1] . These data were generated to investigate the effects of periconceptual maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation and rates of body weight gain on the transcript abundance of genes associated with fetal hepatic metabolism and function. To this end, crossbred Angus beef heifers ( n = 35) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 ×2 …
Assessment Of Anti-Hiv-1 Guide Rna Efficacy In Cells Containing The Viral Target Sequence, Corresponding Grna, And Crispr/Cas9., 2023 Thomas Jefferson University
Assessment Of Anti-Hiv-1 Guide Rna Efficacy In Cells Containing The Viral Target Sequence, Corresponding Grna, And Crispr/Cas9., Alexander G Allen, Cheng-Han Chung, Stephen D. Worrell, Glad Nwaozo, Rebekah Madrid, Anthony R. Mele, Will Dampier, Michael R. Nonnemacher, Brian Wigdahl
Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene editing system has been shown to be effective at inhibiting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Studies have not consistently used a trackable dual reporter system to determine what cells received the Cas9/gRNA to determine the overall knockdown of HIV. Some studies have used stably transduced cells under drug selection to accomplish this goal. Here a two-color system was used that allows tracking of viral protein expression and which cells received the CRISPR/Cas9 system. These experiments ensured that each gRNA used was a perfect match to the intended target to remove …
Remote Sensing In Mapping Biodiversity – A Case Study Of Epiphytic Lichen Communities, 2023 Finnish Environment Institute
Remote Sensing In Mapping Biodiversity – A Case Study Of Epiphytic Lichen Communities, Ida Palmroos, Veera Norros, Sarita Keski-Saari, Janne Mäyrä, Topi Tanhuanpää, Sonja Kivinen, Juha Pykälä, Peter Kullberg, Timo Kumpula, Petteri Vihervaara
Aspen Bibliography
In boreal forests, European aspen (Populus tremula L.) is a keystone species that hosts a variety of accompanying species including epiphytic lichens. Forest management actions have led to a decrease in aspen abundance and subsequent loss of suitable habitats of epiphytic lichens. In this study, we evaluate the environmental responses of epiphytic lichen species richness and community composition on aspen, focusing on the potential of remote sensing by combined hyperspectral imaging and airborne laser scanning to identify suitable habitats for epiphytic lichens. We measured different substrate and habitat parameters in the field (e.g., aspen diameter and bark pH) …
A Rare Metastatic Mesenteric Malignant Pecoma With Tsc2 Mutation Treated With Palliative Surgical Resection And Nab-Sirolimus: A Case Report, 2023 Thomas Jefferson University
A Rare Metastatic Mesenteric Malignant Pecoma With Tsc2 Mutation Treated With Palliative Surgical Resection And Nab-Sirolimus: A Case Report, Luke Meredith, Timothy Chao, Avinoam Nevler, Atrayee Basu Mallick, Rajan Singla, Peter Mccue, Wilbur Bowne, Wei Jiang, Md, Phd
Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers
BACKGROUND: Malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are exceedingly rare malignant mesenchymal neoplasms with characteristic morphological and immunohistochemical (IHC) patterns. However, some malignant PEComas are poorly differentiated with atypical histopathological features, making a definitive diagnosis difficult. PEComas are most commonly found in females and often show either TSC1 or TSC2 alterations, which result in the activation of the mTOR pathway, or TFE3 fusions. Given these molecular characteristics, mTOR inhibitors have recently been approved by the FDA in the treatment of malignant PEComas, particularly in those with TSC1/2 alterations. Therefore, molecular analyses may be helpful for both the diagnostic workup of …