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A Long‐Term Obesogenic High‐Fat Diet In Mice Partially Dampens The Anti‐Frailty Benefts Of Late‐Life Intermittent Fasting, Yoko Henderson, Nazmin Bithi, Jie Yang, Christopher Link, Aili Zhang, Benjamin Baron, Eran Maina, Christopher Hine

Senior Honors Projects

The global obesity pandemic coupled with ever-growing life expectancies equates to hundreds of millions of individuals with potentially longer but not healthier lives. Aging is one of the risk factors for numerous maladies such as metabolic dis- order and frailty, which are exacerbated under obesity. Thus, therapeutic approaches that address obesity to ultimately improve afected individuals’ quality of life and extend their lifespan are needed. We previously reported that the every other day (EOD) fasting initiated late-life improved metabolic, musculoskeletal, and cognitive endpoints in standard rodent diet-fed mice. In the present study, using the same dietary intervention methodology, we tested …

Growth And Survival Of Amphibians Exposed To Road Salt And Glyphosate-Based Herbicide, Jerica Eaton

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Amphibian populations are threatened by increasing levels of environmental pollution resulting from human activities. Areas with mixed land use that include agriculture and urban development experience increased contamination from surface herbicide and road deicer application. Upon entering water sources, these chemicals have the capacity to disrupt the natural dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of these contaminants on amphibian populations. I used the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) as a model, rearing larvae from hatching to metamorphosis. I subjected larvae in each of the treatment groups to varying levels of herbicide and salt concentrations. …

Refining The Use Of Stable Isotope Analysis In Detecting Wildlife Laundering, Kevin Guilfoyle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The international wildlife trade has caused significant declines in wild populations. Captive breeding can reduce the pressure on wild populations caused by overcollection, but if not properly monitored, wildlife laundering can lead to further population declines. Improving the forensic ability to detect wildlife laundering will assist in monitoring the wildlife trade and enforcing regulations, thereby aiding recovery of wild populations. Stable isotope analysis has grown in importance as a forensic tool, but improvements are needed. Here, stable isotope analysis (δ13C) on eggshells of captive bred and wild sourced island apple snails (Pomacea maculata) distinguished between the two; eggshells of captive …

Does Wing Use And Disuse Cause Behavioural And Musculoskeletal Changes In Domestic Fowl (Gallus Gallus Domesticus)?, Renée C. Garant, Bret W. Tobalske, Neila Ben Sassi, Nienke Van Staaveren, Dan Tulpan, Tina Widowski, Donald R. Powers, Alexandra Harlander-Matauschek

Faculty Publications - Department of Biological & Molecular Science

Domestic chickens may live in environments which restrict wing muscle usage. Notably, reduced wing activity and accompanying muscle weakness are hypothesized risk factors for keel bone fractures and deviations. We used radio-frequency identification (RFID) to measure duration spent at elevated resources (feeders, nest-boxes), ultrasonography to measure muscle thickness (breast and lower leg) changes, radiography and palpation to determine fractures and deviations, respectively, following no, partial (one-sided wing sling) and full (cage) immobilization in white- and brown-feathered birds. We hypothesized partially immobilized hens would reduce elevated resource usage and that both immobilization groups would show decreased pectoralis thickness (disuse) and increased …

Growth And Whole-Body Proximate Composition Of Oreochromis Niloticus Nile Tilapia Fed Pea Meal: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Tzodoq Obrero Magbanua, Janice A. Ragaza

Biology Faculty Publications

One of the most widely cultivated species in the aquaculture sector is the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). However, the rising price of fishmeal has a huge impact on its market value. Proteins derived from plants have been used to address the issue. In this study, systematic review and meta-analysis were used to quantitatively analyze the whole-body composition and growth of Nile tilapia fed pea meal. Based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis methods, the literature review and paper selection were completed. Meta-analysis was performed on the data from peer-reviewed studies that met the inclusion …

Body Condition: Seasonal Effects And Influence On Aggressive Behavior Of Ozark Zigzag Salamanders (Plethodon Angusticlavius), Ayesha Farooq

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Body condition is a measure of the size of energy reserves such as fat and protein, which can influence health and the ability to obtain resources in aggressive encounters. Individuals with better body condition ultimately experience a fitness advantage. Physiological factors such as sex, reproductive condition, and diet can influence body condition of individuals. Body condition could be affected positively or negatively after an animal is kept in captivity for extended periods of time. In the first chapter, I explore whether sex, season (fall and spring), and time in containment at the laboratory influences body condition. In the second chapter, …

Data For "Linking Previous Experiences To Behavior And Health In The Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera)"", Rebecca R. Westwick, Clare C. Rittschof, Gavin P. Brackett, Cameron E. Brown, Bethany J. Ison, Zainulabbeudin Syed, Anna M. Foose

Entomology Research Data

An organism’s ability to respond to changing conditions can be vital to its success. Indeed, plasticity is a common feature of living organisms. Much of the research in this area, though, has focused on effects caused by environmental conditions. What has received relatively less attention is how social experiences and broader features of an organism’s social environment can lead to long-lasting changes in health and behavior. This knowledge gap exists despite the well-documented existence of health and behavioral effects after social interactions in certain taxa such as humans.

Social insects such as honey bees provide an excellent opportunity to better …

Figure Set Update: An Inquiry-Based Module Aligned With The 4dee Framework For Teaching About Functional Responses And Biological Control, Rosny Jean, Linda Auker, Suann Yang, Jeremy Hsu

Open Educational Resources

THE ISSUE

Biological control agents are used in a wide range of contexts to limit damage from pests. However, the broader ecological consequences of such agents often are unclear before ecological risk assessments are performed. This Figure Set guides students to think through potential consequences of using biological control agents, and then uses a specific study to challenge students to interpret results from laboratory and caged field experiments. This Figure Set also introduces the concept of functional responses to students.

FOUR DIMENSIONAL ECOLOGY EDUCATION (4DEE) FRAMEWORK

• Core Ecological Concepts:
• Organisms
• Resources and regulators
• Communities
• Predation
• Ecology Practices:
• Quantitative reasoning and …

Microbial Communities Improve Growth Of Slow-Growing, Uncommon Legumes In A Restored Prairie, Alex Chumney

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Restored prairies are attempts at restoring native prairies, most of which have been lost. However, restoration is often challenging because native prairie plants, such as native prairie legumes, often fail to establish in restored prairies. We hypothesized legume’s failure to establish in restored prairies is due to changes in the microbial communities with which legumes have multi-mutualistic relationships: rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Additionally, we hypothesized that late successional legumes rely on multi-mutualistic relationships for establishment and growth more than early successional legumes, and would respond synergistically to rhizobia and AMF treatments. To test this, we inoculated eight native …

Foreword: Symbiotic Perspectives On The Processes Of Biology And Art, Scott F. Gilbert

Biology Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Linking Previous Experiences To Behavior And Health In The Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera), Rebecca R. Westwick

Theses and Dissertations--Entomology

An organism’s ability to respond to changing conditions can be vital to its success. Indeed, plasticity is a common feature of living organisms. Much of the research in this area, though, has focused on effects caused by environmental conditions. What has received relatively less attention is how social experiences and broader features of an organism’s social environment can lead to long-lasting changes in health and behavior. This knowledge gap exists despite the well-documented existence of health and behavioral effects after social interactions in certain taxa such as humans.

Social insects such as honey bees provide an excellent opportunity to better …

Characterisation Of Selected Microbes In Terrestrial And Simulated Extraterrestrial Habitats: Human Health And Environmental Applications, Daniel Joseph Keaney

Theses

The rapid development of the Space industry and associated technologies over the past decade is leading to the inevitable consideration of establishing human-based colonies on extra-terrestrial bodies such as the moon and Mars. With Mars being the focus of not only this body of work, but current New Space Age travel (NASA and SpaceX), a significant issue posed by Martian colonists includes establishing a safe and sustainable food source. Owing to its constantly evolving prehistoric landscape, the soils of Mars are contaminated with sodium perchlorate, a water-soluble salt that is toxic to humans, leftover from once inferred brine seeps that …

Forensic Microbiome Evidence: Fourth Amendment Applications And Court Acceptance, Trason Lasley

Catholic University Journal of Law and Technology

No abstract provided.

A Bioinformatics Approach For Evaluating Evolutionary Convergence Of Gene Family Size In Hematophagous Insects, Mbemba Ceesay

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The act of blood-feeding can be nutritionally rewarding for blood-feeding arthropods. However, blood digestion can release pro-oxidant molecules such as heme and iron at potentially harmful levels. If left uncontrolled, this heme/iron can cause oxidative damage and eventually cell death. This has led to the evolution of various adaptations that protect blood-feeding arthropods against iron- and heme-associated damage. Here I postulate that the signature of this adaptation can be observed in patterns of gene family size. To test this hypothesis, I explore convergent evolutionary expansions and contractions of gene families in distinct lineages of hematophagous insects. Specifically, I compare the …

Transcriptomic Responses Of Females To Consumption Of Nuptial Food Gifts As A Potential Mediator Of Sexual Conflict In Decorated Crickets, Bert Foquet, James Rapkin, Manmohan D. Sharma, Ben M. Sadd, Scott K. Sakaluk, John Hunt

Faculty Publications – Biological Sciences

Nuptial food gift provisioning by males to females at mating is a strategy in many insects that is thought to be shaped by sexual conflict or sexual selection, as it affords males access to a female's physiology. While males often attempt to use these gifts to influence female behaviour to their own advantage, females can evolve counter mechanisms. In decorated crickets, the male's nuptial gift comprises part of the spermatophore, the spermatophylax, the feeding on which deters the female from prematurely terminating sperm transfer. However, ingested compounds in the spermatophylax and attachment of the sperm-containing ampulla could further influence female …

Can Host Traits And Environmental Conditions Predict Helminth Fecundity And Length?, Finley Melnikoff

Pitzer Senior Theses

Helminths are some of the most common parasites in the world, infecting anything from humans to plants to mice. These parasites can play a massive role in determining a host's fitness and ultimately can have consequences on their body condition, reproductive ability, and infection transmission potential. Many factors influence the potential burden helminths have on their hosts–from host traits to environmental conditions–yet helminth fecundity and length have been studied very little in relation to these factors. Helminth fecundity–or how many eggs each female worm has in its ovaries–determines the transmission of the parasite, and helminth length is correlated with fecundity, …

Effects Of Growth Factor Deprivation On Mkn-45 Spheroid Cells, Özlem Türksoy, Gökhan Terzi̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Serum and growth factor deprivation, a common cellular stressor in solid tumors, arises upon irradiation, chemotherapy, and antiangiogenesis. Spheroid body culture aims to enrich cancer stem cells by using low attachment conditions and some growth factors, such as basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor to support the spheroid formation in serum-free spheroid culture. However, spheroid culture without any growth factors can imitate the tumor environment more realistically. In this study, we aimed to identify the effect of growth factor deprivation on the MKN-45 gastric cancer cell line in terms of stemness characteristics. Materials and methods: The spheroids …

Antiadipogenic And Antiobesogenic Effects Of Pterostilbene In 3t3-L1 Preadipocyte Models, Bi̇rgül Gülnar, İpek Canatar, Si̇bel Özdaş

Turkish Journal of Biology

Since obesity causes at least 2.8 million death each year and is a major risk factor for many diseases, it is critical to evaluate alternative treatment approaches. In this context, studies on the research of natural product-based therapeutics in the fight against obesity are increasing. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the antiadipogenic and antiobesogenic efficacy of pterostilbene a natural phenolic compound in 3T3-L1 cells. The mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes were exposed to pterostilbene at different concentrations and half-maximum inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were determined by MTT assay. Oil-Red-O staining was applied to determine lipid accumulation. Phase contrast microscopy, Giemsa, …

Endothelial And Stromal Cell Contributions To Salivary Gland Injury And Repair, Amber Altrieth

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Injury and disease can contribute to excess accumulation of extracellular matrix, which if persistent, results in fibrosis, impeding proper organ function. The salivary gland can develop fibrosis following irradiation treatment for cancer therapy, Sjögren’s Disease, and other causes; however, it is unclear which stromal cells and signals participate in injury responses and disease progression and which cells may be important for restoring proper organ function. Two stromal populations that are implicated in injury and repair are the endothelial cells, lining the inner surface of blood vessels, and pericytes, that wrap around the vessels. One stromal pericyte population, expressing the transcription …

Regulatory Mechanisms In The Drosophila Germline, Shane Breznak

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

To launch the next generation, all sexually reproducing animals must undergo the process of producing mature eggs and sperm. This process is known as gametogenesis. During gametogenesis key developmental checkpoints are met to ensure proper egg and sperm production. Model organisms, such as Drosophila melanogaster, have been used to study gametogenesis to gain insight into the conserved mechanisms that can be attributed to human infertility and disease due to the availability of genetic tools, quick life cycle and the conservation of regulatory mechanisms. During Drosophila oogenesis there are many key developmental transitions that must be completed to produce a fully …

Gross Ecosystem Product Accounting Of A Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System: The Longxian Rice–Fish Symbiotic System, Jianfang Liu, Qian Zhang, Qianyi Wang, Yaoping Lv, Yingqi Tang

Research, Publications & Creative Work

The Rice–Fish Symbiotic System in the Longxian village is the first Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in Asia. This paper examined the value transformation mechanism of the Longxian Rice–Fish Symbiotic System from the micro perspective of material cycle and energy flow and quantified its economic value using the gross ecosystem product (GEP). Using the InVEST model and ArcGIS tools, the GEP was estimated to be approximately CNY 116.51 million (approx. CNY 252,624 per hectare per year). The ecosystem regulating service value occupied more than 80% of the GEP. Within the regulating ecosystem services, the climate regulation value was the …

Tsrna-15797-Modified Bmsc-Derived Exosomes Mediate Lfng To Induce Angiogenesis In Osteonecrosis Of The Femoral Head, Shanhong Fang, Mengqiang You, Jie Wei, Peng Chen

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is an ischemic disease characterized by the impairment of angiogenesis. We have previously elucidated the role of tsRNAs and BMSC exosomes in ONFH, but whether tsRNA-modified BMSC exosomes promote angiogenesis in ONFH remains unclear. Methods: The expression of angiogenesis-related tsRNA in plasma exosomes from ONFH patients was examined by q-PCR. The function of tsRNA in HUVECs was identified by CCK-8 and angiogenesis assay. Exosomes purified from tsRNA-15797 overexpressed BMSCs were cocultured with HUVECs to examine their role in angiogenesis. The molecule mechanism of tsRNA-15797-modified exosomes was explored by RNA sequencing, dual-luciferase assay, and …

Sustainability Practices In Aquaculture: Using Algae Turf Scrubber Biomass To Raise Black Soldier Flies As An Alternative Feed In Blue Tilapia, Oreochromis Aureus, Culture, Michelle C. Lowery

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Since the 1980s, non-algal aquaculture has grown to encompass 49% of all seafood production in response to a growing human population and increased seafood demand (FAO, 2022). Hurdles exist to aquaculture sustainability, including dependence on wild sourced fishmeal (FM) and the impacts wastewater discharge. It takes 4-5 tons of wild forage fish to produce one ton of dry FM (Miles and Chapman, 2006) and as aquaculture is primarily conducted in earthen ponds and public open water bodies (FAO, 2022), finfish culture can have a high impact on the surrounding environment by discharging excess nutrients. This study used algae turf scrubber …

Mycorrhizal Feedbacks Influence Global Forest Structure And Diversity, Camille S. Delavaux, Joseph A. Lamanna, Jonathan A. Myers, Richard P. Phillips

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

One mechanism proposed to explain high species diversity in tropical systems is strong negative conspecific density dependence (CDD), which reduces recruitment of juveniles in proximity to conspecific adult plants. Although evidence shows that plant-specific soil pathogens can drive negative CDD, trees also form key mutualisms with mycorrhizal fungi, which may counteract these effects. Across 43 large-scale forest plots worldwide, we tested whether ectomycorrhizal tree species exhibit weaker negative CDD than arbuscular mycorrhizal tree species. We further tested for conmycorrhizal density dependence (CMDD) to test for benefit from shared mutualists. We found that the strength of CDD varies systematically with mycorrhizal …

The Role Of Herbal Medicines In Central American Indigenous Communities; Improving Accessibility To Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment, Sarai Ortega

CMC Senior Theses

Indigenous communities in Central America have used various plant medications to treat illnesses and diseases for centuries. Clinicians must consider improving traditional healthcare methods that are intrinsic to indigenous communities in order to increase access to effective treatments, particularly for diseases that these communities are more at risk for. This work aims to propose a method to identify whether traditional preparations of five plants (Anacardium occidentale L., Hamelia patens Jacq., Momordica charantia L, Neurolaena lobota L. R. Br. Ex Cass., and Tecoma stans L. juss. ex Kunth) can reduce blood glucose levels in rats with type two diabetes. Additionally, …

Epilepsy And Treatment Resistance, Eva Kowalsky

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Epilepsy is one of the most common debilitating neurological conditions. Individuals with epilepsy experience frequent seizures. Seizures are caused by hyperexcitable and hyper-synchronized neurons. Anti-seizure medications typically work to normalize the electrical activity in the brain. Many epileptic disorders are caused by genetic mutations, most of which cause mutations in ion channel mechanics. 30% of individuals with epilepsy do not respond to classic anti-seizure medications. A combination of factors typically contributes to treatment resistance. Individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy must turn to novel approaches for seizure relief. These approaches include following a ketogenic diet, using CBD products, utilizing a neurostimulator device, …

The Effects Of Nausea And Vomiting On Mother And Child, Mayane Bensoussan

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects that can occur during pregnancy. On one hand, it can lead to its severe form called hyperemesis gravidarum, which can lead to hospitalization for electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, muscle weakness, or arrhythmias. On the other hand, nausea and vomiting may be an indication of a statistically healthier fetus. Benefits of maternal nausea and emesis to the developing fetus include improved neural development, decreased risk for congenital heart defects, and decreased incidence of miscarriages. Additionally, benefits to the mother include decreased risk for lung, cervical, and rectal cancer. The mothers also had an overall decreased …

The Impact Of Maternal Health On Breastfeeding Duration, Yael Weinberg

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The mechanism of breastfeeding is a complex biological process beginning with hormone production from the pituitary gland and ending with the ejection of milk from the breasts. Mothers are recommended to breastfeed exclusively for six months and then continue for another six with the addition of solid food. However, despite the countless health benefits associated with lengthened breastfeeding for both mother and infant, many women dismiss this recommendation. This paper aims to research the aspects of maternal health that can derail the recommended duration of breastfeeding, focusing on emotional health, nutritional intake, and various diseases or surgeries. It is found …

Do The Benefits Of Growth Hormone Outweigh The Risks?, Michael D. Goodstein

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Growth hormone treatment was introduced in the 1950s to confront growth hormone deficiency and metabolic irregularities. In 2003, however, the FDA approved growth hormone treatment for patients with abnormal growth rates unlinked to growth hormone deficiency. The treatment has become largely available to the general public, making the safety of growth hormone treatment an extremely important subject. This paper clarifies the benefits and efficacy of growth hormone treatment and analyzes the potential associated risks, including cancer and diabetes.

Pharmaceuticals From Natural Products: The Utility Of The Phylogeny, Shaimaa Magdy Saad

Selected Full-Text Master Theses 2021-

About 60% of approved drugs during the last 30 years are either directly or indirectly from natural products. Previous studies have shown that the phylogeny has predictive utility in drug discovery. In this study the pharmacological applications of various naturally-derived drugs were mapped on the phylogeny reconstructed from DNA sequences of the source organisms to decipher phylogenetic patterns that may facilitate drug discovery. A multi-step approach was employed starting with a literature search to compile a comprehensive list of pharmaceutical drugs derived from natural sources. A phylogeny was reconstructed from the source organisms and their pharmacological uses mapped on the …