Digital Commons Network^™

Study On The Seasonal Endobacterial Profile Of Avicennia Officinalis, Focusing On Core Bacterial Consortia Within Mangrove Pneumatophores, Devi R R, Vinod Prabhakar

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Microhabitats are smaller pockets of ecosystems with unique conditions and they serve as major contributors of species richness. Mangrove plants offer a diverse array of such microhabitats (rhizosphere, phyllosphere, endosphereetc), and the inhabitant bacteria benefit the host by providing better salinity tolerance, faster and better nutrient mobilization, protection from phytopathogens and assistance in seed germination. Identification of such beneficial bacteria,their growth requirementsandmetabolism, willhave direct application in the field of agriculture and ecosystem restoration. Hence in this study, effort has been made to elucidate the seasonal numerical and compositional profile of pneumatophore bacterial consortia of Avicennia officinalis, from the mangrove …

The Role Of Adhd As A Risk Factor In Alzheimer's Disease, Evelyn Fulmer

The Cardinal Edge

In recent years, the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has increased significantly. While these disorders initially seem unrelated, ADHD and AD pose similarities that indicate a more involved relationship between them. To understand this relationship, this review delves into the current research proposing ADHD as a potential risk factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease, examining genetic predispositions, shared risk factors, and affected mechanistic pathways that influence the aging process.

Comparison Of Efficient Deep Learning Architectures For Lactobacillus Species Identification, Dea Aisyah Rusmawati, Ishak Ariawan, Afrinal Firmanda

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Identifying microorganism species, such as Lactobacillus, is essential in ensuring the food products' quality and safety. Traditional laboratory practice requires expert knowledge and experience, but the method is expensive and time-consuming due to complex sample preparation. Faster, more accurate, and cheaper computational methods, such as transfer learning technology, are needed for the Lactobacillus species classification. The technique has been effective in a variety of image recognition contexts. Deep learning architecture can also be applied as an innovative strategy for digital image-based identification. Therefore, this research aims to compare several deep-learning architectures in classifying bacterial strains of Lactobacillus. The four architectures …

Bacterial Cellulose Production From Fermented Fruits And Vegetables Byproducts: A Comprehensive Study On Chemical And Morphological Properties, Yati Maryati, Hakiki Melanie, Windri Handayani, Yasman Yasman

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

This study aimed to produce α-cellulose from Bacterial Cellulose SCOBY (BCS) using alternative substrates from fermented fruit and vegetable byproducts: katuk leaves (KT), kale leaves (KL), guava (JB), dragon fruit (NG), and banana (PS). BCS production involved juice extraction, SCOBY inoculation, and sucrose addition, followed by 21 days of fermentation. Initially, the NG medium had the highest concentration of Total Reducing Sugars (TRS), but all media showed a decline as sugars were consumed. Fermentation reduced pH and increased total polyphenols, with KL and JB showing the highest rise (0.13-0.15 mg GAE/mL). Flavonoid levels varied, decreasing in KL and PS but …

Oceanic Breakthroughs: Marine-Derived Innovations In Vaccination, Therapy, And Immune Health, Chiara Gamberi, Chad L. Leverette, Alexis C. Davis, Moayad Ismail, Ilaria Piccialli, Nicola Borbone, Giorgia Oliviero, Caterina Vicidomini, Rosanna Palumbo, Giovanni N. Roviello

Biology

The vast, untapped potential of the world’s oceans is revealing groundbreaking advancements in human health and vaccination. Microalgae such as Nannochloropsis spp. and Dunaliella salina are emerging as resources for recombinant vaccine development with specific and heterologous genetic tools used to boost production of functional recombinant antigens in Dunaliella salina and Nannochloropsis spp. to induce immunoprotection. In humans, several antigens produced in microalgae have shown potential in combating diseases caused by the human papillomavirus, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, influenza virus, Zika virus, Zaire Ebola virus, Plasmodium falciparum, and Staphylococcus aureus. For animals, microalgae-derived vaccine prototypes have been developed …

What Drives Gut Microbial Diversity And Community Structure Among Closely-Related Host Species?, Rylee Jensen

All NMU Master's Theses

The gut microbiome (GMB) of mammals hosts an important community of microbes that perform countless micro-ecosystem services for the host and are influenced by numerous factors including host physiology, environment, and phylogeny. Phylogeny may have a unique effect on GMB diversity and community structure (i.e., a GMB profile) via phylosymbiosis, a theory in which the evolution of hosts matches the evolution of their associated microbiota. Elucidating phylosymbiosis in mammals is difficult because multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors collectively drive individual GMB variation. Thus, there is a need to simultaneously analyze the role of physiology, environment, and phylogeny on shaping host …

Assessment Of Heavy Metal Concentration In Orange-Spotted Trevally (Flavocaranx Bajad) From Two Coastal Locations In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Kholood Khaled Aljaberi

Theses

This study investigates concentration of heavy metals in the Orange-spotted Trevally (Flavocaranx bajad) from two distinct coastal areas in Abu Dhabi Emirate, Sila and Abu Dhabi. Heavy metals pollution poses a significant risk to both marine ecosystems and human health; thus it is vital to conduct comprehensive assessments of heavy metal contaminations in aquatic life. The main aim of this study is to quantify the levels of heavy metals and assess their concentrations in gill, muscle, and liver tissues of the Orange-spotted Trevally from both sites. The samples were prepared and analyzed using microwave digestion system and ICP …

Removal Of Selenium Ions From Contaminated Aqueous Solutions By Adsorption Using Lemon Peels As A Non-Conventional Medium, Alanood A. Alsarayreh, Suha Anwer Ibrahim, Salem Jawad Alhamd, Thekra Atta Ibrahim, Mohammed Nsaif Abbas

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The disposal of heavy metals from various activities has become a pervasive issue. The investigation of sustain-able, low-cost adsorbents for the remediation of these hazardous pollutants has been widely disregarded. This research emphasizes the recovery of selenium ions from contaminated water using lemon peels as a cost-effective adsorbent. The adsorption was explored in a batch unit under various operational parameters, including initial selenium concentration (1-90 ppm), pH (1-11), agitation speed (100-500 rpm), adsorbent dose (0.4-5.5 g), contact time (5-180 minutes), and temperature (25-55 °C). The BET surface area of the lemon peels was found to be 27.86 m²/g before adsorption …

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Gc-Ms), Computational Analysis, And In Vitro Effect Of Essential Oils From Two Aromatic Plants, Bubonium Graveolens And Launaea Arborescens Growing In Southwest Algeria Against Potato Cyst Nematodes, Souad Ziane, Chaouki Selles, Khaldun M. Al Azzam, Bounoua Nadia, Belal O. Al-Najjar, Ali Al-Samydai, Obada A. Sibai, El-Sayed Negim

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The study tested the nematicidal effects of essential oils from Bubonium graveolens and Launaea arborescens on the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiens. The chemical composition of the essential oils was analyzed using GC-MS. To determine the concentration that killed 50% of the nematode population (LC50), five concentrations of the essential oils were applied to the tested organisms. The effects of essential oils on the hatching of cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis sp.) eggs in vitro demonstrated a wide variety of effects ranging from no impact to mild, moderate, and strong effects, which increased dramatically with exposure duration and concentration. All the …

Skin Microbiome: Current Target For Cosmeceuticals, Priyanka Kakkar, Neeraj Wadhwa

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Skin acts as a barrier to the external environment and perform various functions like maintaining internal homeostasis, sensations to touch based stimuli, vitamin D production and defence against foreign pathogens, prevent dehydration. Skin has its own diverse microbiota like bacteria, virus, fungi that is collectively called as skin microbiome. Skin microbiome balance is disturbed (condition called dysbiosis) by both internal and external factors which lead to skin problems like acne, psoriasis, dandruff. It is important to maintain the healthy skin ecosystem. Cosmeceuticals i.e., combination of cosmetic and pharmaceuticals, is a recent trend in the skin care industry where we add …

Antimetastatic Effect Of Nanodiamond-Conjugated Quercetin Against Colon Cancer: An In Vivo Study, Firli Rahmah Primula Dewi, Sephia Tiara Marviella, Sri Puji Astuti Wahyuningsih, A'Liyatur Rosyidah, Vuanghao Lim, Lionel Lian Aun In, Amy Yi Hsan Saik, Bimaji Ariyogo, Mee Lee Looi

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Quercetin (Q) is a compound that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the colon; however, to do so, a high dose is needed, requiring a drug delivery system to target cancer endothelial cells directly. This study investigates the potency of nanodiamond-conjugated quercetin (NDQ) as an anticancer drug against colon cancer in Rattus norvegicus induced by N-methyl N-Nitrosourea (MNU). Materials and methods: This study is experimental-based and was designed using a six-group treatment method, namely normal control (KN: not treated by MNU, nanodiamond (ND), or Q); negative control (K–: treated by MNU); positive control (K+: treated by MNU …

Pterostilbene Suppresses Head And Neck Cancer Cell Proliferation Via Induction Of Apoptosis, Tali̇h Özdaş, Si̇bel Özdaş, İpek Canatar, Erdem Kaypak

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most prevalent causes of death worldwide, and the discovery of anticancer agents for its prevention is very important. Pterostilbene (PS) is a trans-stilbene reported to be beneficial in managing various cancers. The objective of the study was to evaluate the cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic and anti-migrative effect of PS on HEp-2, SCC-90, SCC-9, FaDu and Detroit-551 cell lines. Materials and Methods: MTT and live/dead assays were employed to assess cell-viability, while cell migration test was performed to evaluate wound healing capacity. The mRNA, protein and intracellular expression level of CASP-3, BAX …

A Review Of Biomass-Based Natural Coagulants For Water Pollution Remediation: Impact Of Properties And Coagulation Operational Parameters, Nur Faizzah Husna Mohammad Ali, Megat Ahmad Kamal Megat Hanafiah, Sabiha Hanim Saleh, Mohd Tajudin Mohd Ali, Shariff Ibrahim

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

The rapid growth of cities, industries, and population has made tackling water scarcity increasingly challenging as the global demand for clean drinking water continues to rise. Consequently, extensive research in water and wastewater treatment, specifically focusing on the coagulation process, has ensued. Coagulation plays a critical role in water treatment, and its effectiveness depends on the type of coagulant used. However, the widespread use of chemical coagulants raises concerns for the environment and public health. Consequently, there has been growing interest in exploring natural alternatives derived from plants and animals. This review examines how the properties of natural coagulants, as …

Hopper Hues, Hope S. Sohn

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Artist Statement

From the elusive to the invasive, the insect world is often underrepresented in art. I created this piece to illustrate the beauty and intricacy of Romalea microptera, an invasive and destructive grasshopper species. Despite its impact on the environment, the beauty of this organism is apparent. A cascade of different appearances marks its life span until it reaches its final form; an array of oranges, pinks, and yellows.

What causes the division in public opinion on insects? What traits cause the recoil? There is beauty in both the beetle and the grasshopper, not just the butterfly. Expanding our …

Identification Of An Ionic Mechanism For Erα-Mediated Rapid Excitation In Neurons, Meng Yu, Na Yin, Bing Feng, Peiyu Gao, Kaifan Yu, Hesong Liu, Hailan Liu, Yongxiang Li, Olivia Z Ginnard, Kristine M Conde, Mengjie Wang, Xing Fang, Longlong Tu, Jonathan C Bean, Qingzhuo Liu, Yue Deng, Yuxue Yang, Junying Han, Sanika V Jossy, Megan L Burt, Huey Zhong Wong, Yongjie Yang, Benjamin R Arenkiel, Yang He, Shaodong Guo, Pierre Gourdy, Jean-Francois Arnal, Francoise Lenfant, Zhao Wang, Chunmei Wang, Yanlin He, Yong Xu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The major female ovarian hormone, 17β-estradiol (E2), can alter neuronal excitability within milliseconds to regulate a variety of physiological processes. Estrogen receptor-α (ERα), classically known as a nuclear receptor, exists as a membrane-bound receptor to mediate this rapid action of E2, but the ionic mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that a membrane channel protein, chloride intracellular channel protein-1 (Clic1), can physically interact with ERα with a preference to the membrane-bound ERα. Clic1-mediated currents can be enhanced by E2 and reduced by its depletion. In addition, Clic1 currents are required to mediate the E2-induced rapid excitations in multiple brain ERα …

Temperature Affects Nest Box Selection, Nest Success, And Nestling Size In A Southeastern Population Of Eastern Bluebirds, Katie Stumpf

Georgia Journal of Science

Given the critical role of temperature in avian reproduction, rising global temperatures will likely impact reproductive success of many bird populations. We examined the effect of nest box temperature, nest box color, entrance orientation, distance to forest cover, and distance to water on net box selection, nest success, and nestling size in eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) in central Georgia. White painted nest boxes had significantly cooler temperatures than control nest boxes (P < 0.05). However, model selection revealed that eastern bluebird females selected control boxes, despite their overall warmer temperatures. Nest success was associated with year, likely because of high nest predation during the warmer 2022 breeding season (P < 0.05). Nest success was also associated with cooler nest boxes, possibly because incubating females spend more time incubating which can reduce predation risks. Larger nestlings fledged from painted nest boxes, nest boxes with cooler temperatures, and nests from 2021, which we attribute to decreased thermoregulatory demands enabling faster nestling growth in cooler boxes and years. These seemingly opposing results suggest there may be an optimal temperature range where nest box temperature maximizes reproductive fitness while minimizing energetic demands on incubating adults. Determining this temperature range can help target management efforts to ensure specific goals are met.

Life, Death And Energy: What Does Nature Select?, James H. Brown, Chen Hou, Charles A.S. Hall, Joseph R. Burger

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Evolutionary biology is poised for a third major synthesis. The first presented Darwin's evidence from natural history. The second incorporated genetic mechanisms. The third will be based on energy and biophysical processes. It should include the equal fitness paradigm (EFP), which quantifies how organisms convert biomass into surviving offspring. Natural selection tends to maximize energetic fitness, formula presented, where formula presented is mass-specific rate of cohort biomass production, formula presented is generation time, formula presented is fraction of cohort production that is passed to surviving offspring, and formula presented is energy density of biomas. At steady state, parents replace themselves …

Replacing Traditional Labs With Virtual Labs For First-Year Biology Nonmajors, Tyjuanna R. Strickland Labennett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this study was the absence of a critical examination of laboratory exercises used with first-year nonbiology majors and the deployment of virtual laboratories in the biology department at the project site university without critical analyses associated with the efficacy of virtual labs. Grounded in Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning, this quantitative, correlational study was conducted to investigate the comparative effectiveness of virtual versus traditional face-to-face (F2F) laboratories for first-year nonbiology majors as measured by final course grade. A cohort of 184 students in an introductory biology course for non-majors formed the dataset, procured from the …

Characterization Of Developmentally Downregulated Nfe2l3 In Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival And Axon Regeneration, Lucy Homer

Holster Scholar Projects

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are central nervous system projection neurons essential for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. Damage to RGCs, caused by conditions such as glaucoma and traumatic optic neuropathy (TON), may lead to vision loss or blindness, as adult RGCs lack regenerative capacity. This study focuses on Nfe2l3 (Nrf3), a developmentally downregulated transcription factor known to mediate cellular responses to oxidative stress, a key pathological event following optic nerve injury. We hypothesized that overexpressing Nfe2l3 in RGCs would enhance their survival and promote axon regeneration after optic nerve crush (ONC) injury. To test this, we …

It’S A Question At The ‘Root’ Of The Problem: Fungal Associations Of Dionaea Muscipula (Venus’ Flytrap) Roots In Its Native Habitat, Anna A. Carnaggio, Michelle M. Barthet

Biology

Carnivorous plants survive in harsh habitats with limited nutrients and a low pH. Much focus has been placed on carnivorous trap evolution as the primary mechanism to increase nutrient acquisition through insect digestion. Soil microbiome, however, may also play a pertinent role in nutrient acquisition influencing plant vigor and overall success. Dionaea muscipula, commonly known as the Venus’ flytrap, is endemic to rims of the Carolina Bays located in southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, where D. muscipula survives in nutrient poor soils with a vestigial root system. We utilized a combination of microscopy, plating, and metagenomics, to investigate …

Cytotoxic Potential Of Fungi In The Genus Ganoderma, Abril Chao, Omobolanle A. Ayangade, Braham Dhillon, Navi Gill

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom forming fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. G. lucidum, also known as lingzhi or reishi, is consumed in several Asian cultures to promote health and longevity. Bioactive molecules with anticancer properties have been isolated and characterized primarily from the species Ganoderma lucidum, and the cytotoxic potential of other species in the genus Ganoderma remains relatively unclear. Bioactive molecules isolated from mushroom fruiting bodies are demonstrated to have cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines. Triterpenes and polysaccharides are the two major groups of compounds that exhibit antitumor and anti-inflammatory …

Systematic Review On Isolation, Purification, Characterization, And Industrial Applications Of Thermophilic Microbial Α- Amylases, Rugaiyah A. Arfah, Sarlan Sarlan, Abdul Karim, Anita Anita, Ahyar Ahmad, Paulina Taba, Harningsih Karim, Siti Halimah Larekeng, Dorothea Agnes Rampisela, Rusdina Bte Ladju

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The α-amylase enzyme, sourced from diverse organisms, including plants, animals, and bacteria, plays a crucial role in multiple industries, notably food processing sectors like cakes, fruit juices, and starch syrup. Research identifies thermophilic organisms as prime sources of this enzyme thriving at temperatures ranging from 41°C to 122°C. The enzyme purification was carried out using liquid-liquid extraction, which involved the exchange of substances between two liquid phases that were immiscible or partially soluble. The optimal temperature for α-amylase was 45 to 90°C. The best pH for bacterial and fungal α-amylases ranged from 5.0 to 10.5 and 5.0 to 9.0. Based …

Investigating The Synergistic Antibacterial Effects Of Ulva Lactuca And Fucus Vesiculosus Extracts On The Growth Of Staphylococcus Epidermidis, Bryan Lee

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

This study investigates the antibacterial properties of extracts from marine macroalgae, Ulva lactuca (green algae) and Fucus vesiculosus (brown algae), individually and in combination, with a focus on combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance requires the exploration of alternative antimicrobial agents derived from natural sources. Utilizing the agar well diffusion method, the study evaluates the inhibitory effects of the algae extracts on Staphylococcus epidermidis. Chloramphenicol serves as the positive control, while 5% dimethyl sulfoxide acts as the negative control. The combination of Ulva lactuca and Fucus vesiculosus extracts did not exhibit a significantly greater antibacterial effect than …

Biology Department Publications: 2005, Sam Lindgren

Biology Department Bibliographies

This document is a noncomprehensive list of publications made by graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members in the Biology Department in 2005. It indexes those publications available through major databases, and serves as an archival record of the Department’s robust scholarly contributions.

Biology Department Publications: 2014, Sam Lindgren

Biology Department Bibliographies

This document is a noncomprehensive list of publications made by graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members in the Biology Department in 2014. It indexes those publications available through major databases, and serves as an archival record of the Department’s robust scholarly contributions.

Biology Department Publications: 2017, Sam Lindgren

Biology Department Bibliographies

This document is a noncomprehensive list of publications made by graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members in the Biology Department in 2017. It indexes those publications available through major databases, and serves as an archival record of the Department’s robust scholarly contributions.

Biology Department Publications: 2009, Sam Lindgren

Biology Department Bibliographies

This document is a noncomprehensive list of publications made by graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members in the Biology Department in 2009. It indexes those publications available through major databases, and serves as an archival record of the Department’s robust scholarly contributions.

Investigating The Role Of The Static And Hyperviscous Mucus Defect On The Development Of Bacterial Infection In The Cystic Fibrosis Rat, Mikayla Murphree-Terry

All ETDs from UAB

INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF THE STATIC AND HYPERVISCOUS MUCUS DEFECT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF BACTERIAL INFECTION IN THE CYSTIC FIBROSIS RAT MIKAYLA MURPHREE-TERRY GRADUATE BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES - MICROBIOLOGY ABSTRACT Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, resulting in dysfunctional CFTR. In the lungs, CFTR dysfunction results in dehydrated mucus that is adherent to epithelia. In the gut, thick mucus can mix with feces to form an obstruction, known as distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS). Additionally, CF mucus has a higher percentage of solids. The main solid component of …

Drivers Of Microparticles Abundance In Freshwater Fish And Macroinvertibrates, Elizabeth Kazmierczak

Master's Theses

Anthropogenic microparticles (MP) (i.e., particles < 5 mm) are defined as materials of manufactured origin found in the environment. They are widespread and a rapidly emerging global contaminant. MP include microplastics (< 5 mm), as well as other microfibers or particles, which can be synthetic, semi-synthetic and non-synthetic. Rivers are a critical source of plastics to oceans, and MP within rivers are retained in part though biological processes, including ingestion. MP ingestion by freshwater biota varies by proximity to point sources (e.g., wastewater treatment plants; WWTP), overall environmental concentrations, and trophic level and functional feeding groups, but few studies have examined these factors together. In our first study we examined fish collected in the North Shore Channel of the Chicago River to determine MP abundance within organisms. We then compared trophic position (i.e., δ15N) and proximity to a WWTP. With all species combined, MP concentration were not significantly different across study sites, but stable isotopes increased downstream. Considered individually, MP abundance relative to WWTP proximity varied by species, which we attributed to habitat preference and mobility. In a second project, we collected macroinvertebrates from three different watersheds in North America and compared the abundance of MP in macroinvertebrates to concentration within the environment (i.e., water column, surface, and benthic). Functional feeding groups were a significant predictor in the amount of microparticles found in macroinvertebrates. Additionally, the concentration of water column microparticles showed a positive relationship with all macroinvertebrate’s microparticle abundance. Results will aid in understanding the ecological impacts of MPs on aquatic food webs and the pathways in which they can enter.

Autophagy And Meiotic Fidelity In C. Elegans, Kaitlin E. Kosinski

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved multi-step recycling process in which cellular material is enclosed in the double membrane-bound autophagosome, which fuses with the lysosome to degrade its contents. Autophagy is essential for development and cellular adaptation to environmental or intracellular stress and is an important regulator of germline stem cell homeostasis in the model nematode C. elegans. We sought to determine if autophagy is important for genome stability during meiosis and found that the core adult C. elegans autophagy genes bec-1, atg-7, unc-51, and atg-18 were all required for proper meiotic development of oocytes. Loss of these …