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Assessment Of Genes And Mirnas Expression In Alzheimer's Disease Samples Using Single And/Or Multiplex Preferential Amplification Pcr, Samanda F. Hickman

Theses (2016-Present)

Gene expression is measurable at the RNA and protein levels. It is a process by which genes produce functional products that are either non-coding RNAs or proteins. The non-coding RNAs or proteins of gene expression ultimately affect phenotype. Non-coding RNA (or mRNA) expression is measured by Northern blot or real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), while Western blot measures protein expression. Both require software to differentiate between the amounts of end products. Statistical analysis is employed to validate any differences among the measured values and to infer a correlation between the end products of various samples. There are several neurodegenerative diseases, including …

Cytotoxic Effects Of Microplastics On A549 Lung Cancer Cells, Tykel Eddy

Theses (2016-Present)

Investigation of cytotoxic effects of 10μm polystyrene based microplastics on A549 lung cancer epithelial cell line utilized multiple in-vitro assays. Cell viability was analyzed and compared between the control and treated groups using MTT assay using three separate doses (25, 50, and 100 μL). Results indicated that dosage was not a factor, but mainly, a significant time dependency of exposure to microplastics for treated cells compared to control group. Live/Dead assay gave a visual representation of microplastic cytotoxic effects as over the course of three days there was an increase of dead cells withing the treated group, as confirmed by …

Antibiotic Resistance Trends In Coliform Bacteria Of Kittitas County Waters, Kaitlyn Holbrook, Bella Blasingim, Cruz Veronica Guillen Mejia, Holly Pinkart

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Holly Pinkart, PhD

Since the mid-1900s, antibiotics have been developed to help fight against bacterial pathogens. However, bacteria can evolve rapidly and have evolved resistance to many types of antibiotics. Using coliform bacteria collected from waters around Kittitas County, BIOL 323 students at Central Washington University have identified a variety of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Kittitas County streams and canals. Antibiotic resistance was measured from 2014-2019 and compared to data collected in 2024. This study focuses on three antibiotics, ampicillin, kanamycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. In the past (2014-2019) we saw no change in the trend of antibiotic resistance in collected …

Effect Of Coniferous Trees And Water Availability On Soil Acidification, Jessica A. Cheever

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Mary Poulson, PhD

Water availability and coniferous tree species can cause acidification and a change in soil fertility. Previous research in European forests found that rainfall, soil acidity, and conifer prevalence influenced soil quality and biodiversity. However, not much is known about these effects in the Pacific Northwest’s forests. Three forests were chosen based on a gradient of annual precipitation. The Hoh Rain Forest, the Tiger Mountain State Forest, and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest were used for wet, mesic, and dry conditions, respectively. Each location had a three-by-six grid spaced 50 meters between each plot. The location was …

Synthesis Of Nitrogen-Enriched 3d Graphene Foam For Electrochemical Sensing Of Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂), Bhargavi Dronavalli, Madhava Rao Vallabhaneni, Jatla Murali Prakash, Deepti Kolli, Dandamudi Srilaxmi

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In this work, A simple hydrothermal process was utilized to create 3D-foam-type Nitrogen-doped graphene (NDG). The synthesized material was characterized using a range of physicochemical characterization techniques. These techniques confirm that nitrogen is successfully incorporated into the carbon network, resulting in NDG. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) investigation demonstrated that NDG-modified glassy carbon electrode (NDG/GCE) displayed finite charge transfer properties against typical redox systems. NDG/GCE is identified as a simple, facile, and efficient electrocatalyst material for the estimation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). From CV analysis, it is revealed that NDG/GCE can produce a signal for electrochemical quantification of …

Draft Genome Sequences Of Staphylococcus Species Isolated From Urine Samples From Asymptomatic Females, Sandra Jablonska, Lila Nelson, Grace Finger, Alex Kula, Catherine Putonti

Biology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

The female urinary tract is host to several different Staphylococcus species, both uropathogens and commensals. To further investigate these species, we sequenced the genomes of four isolates from voided urine samples collected from asymptomatic (“healthy”) females: Staphylococcus aureus U215, Staphylococcus haemolyticus U117, and Staphylococcus hominis strains U224 and U226.

The Inherent Values Of Observation And Description: A Case Study In The Spiny Solanums Of Australia, Christopher T. Martine

Faculty Journal Articles

The basic exploratory effort of doing descriptive biology is an avenue by which we can deepen our knowledge about taxa and the natural phenomena that drive their diversification. As Conniff (2011) wrote in The species seekers, “we still live in the great age of discovery”, and much like that historically recognized period of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries there remains today a distinct need for the sort of work that might have been attributable to the naturalists of that time. The careful observation of how organisms go about their lives, including how they interact with one another …

Streptococcus Anginosus Of The Urogenital Tract: Evidence Of The Same Strain Across Anatomical Sites Of The Same Females, Helen Appleberry, Jennifer Garcia-Israel, Leah Boger, Swarnali Banerjee, Alan J. Wolfe, Catherine Putonti

Biology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Background: Streptococcus anginosus has been found to colonize multiple anatomical sites of the human body, including the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, skin, vagina, blood, and urinary tract. It is frequently isolated from catheterized urine samples obtained from adult females most often with lower urinary tract symptoms, but also on occasion from those without symptoms. Our prior genome analysis of 166 S. anginosus genomes identified two distinct groups, one – which we here call group Urinae – exhibits a tropism for the urinary tract. Results: Here we sequenced 100 isolates collected from different urogenital sites, including isolates from urine (both catheterized …

Draft Genome Sequences Of Staphylococcus Hominis Strains O226 And O218 And Micrococcus Luteus O220 Isolated From The Buccal Swabs Of Healthy Individuals, Sandra Jablonska, Lila Nelson, Grace Finger, Alex Kula, Catherine Putonti

Biology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

To investigate the genomic features of rare oral commensals in healthy individuals, we present the draft genome sequences of Staphylococcus hominis strains O226 and O218 and Micrococcus luteus strain O220. All three of these isolates were purified from buccal swab samples collected from healthy female participants.

Synthesis And Characterization Of Fe-Zn Bimetallic Nanoparticles Via Two-Step Laser Ablation And Their Antibacterial Activity, Hudhaifa M. Mohammed, Sahar Naji Rashid

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In this study, Nd: YAG laser at a wavelength of (1064 nm), energies of (300 and 400 mJ), and a pulse repetition rate of (3 Hz) was used to synthesize metallic nanoparticles from iron and zinc individually using a one-step pulsed laser ablation approach, followed by the two-step synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles. The physical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were then investigated using UV-visible (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The results of characterization of the obtained NPs confirmed the formation of core-shell nanocomposites, as evidenced by the increased absorbance intensity of …

Employing Seca Recombinant Protein To Generate Polyclonal Antibodies For The Rapid Identification Of Phytoplasma, Arik Arubil Fatinah, Muhaimin Rifa'i, Estri Laras Arumingtyas, Sri Widyarti

Makara Journal of Science

Phytoplasma, a plant pathogen that threatens plant health, can induce diseases such as yellow wilt, virescence, phyllody, and witches’ broom. Although early detection methods using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies have been developed, synthetic peptides offer advantages such as higher titers, predictable antigenic characteristics and superior sensitivity and specificity. Epitope mapping plays a key role in designing peptide antigens and includes gene synthesis, transformation, expression assessment, large-scale production, and purification. A study using New Zealand male White rabbits was conducted to generate antibodies against phytoplasma. The SecA (395–470) sequence, obtained from the preprotein translocase meets the criteria of being non-homologous, nonallergic, …

Enhancing Science Learning Outcomes With Sitaya Miniature Media: A Quantitative Study Of Elementary Education, Gilang Kripsiyadi Praramdana, Hamdan Hamdan, Agus Gunawan, Fauziah Dwi Hijriani

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This study investigates the impact of SITAYA Miniature media on the learning outcomes of grade VI students in science subjects at SDN 2 Darma. Conventional teaching methods, often less engaging for students, were identified as a significant factor contributing to low academic performance. The study employed a quantitative research approach, with a randomized sample of 43 students divided into an experimental group (24 students) and a control group (19 students). Pretest and posttest data were collected using a structured test instrument, and statistical analyses, including normality, homogeneity, t-tests, and N-Gain tests, were conducted to assess the effectiveness of SITAYA Miniature …

Green Synthesis Of Copper And Silver Nanostructured Particles From Eremurus Plant Extract And Comparison Of Their Optical Properties And Antibacterial Activities, Doaa Ayad Kamil, Ali F. Al-Rawaf, Mohammed Yarub Hani, H.H. Obeed, Tabarek Falah Deindee, Mohammed Ridha Shaeed

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In the present investigation, silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanostructured particles were synthesized from Eremurus plant by means of an environmentally benign methodology in which plant extracts served as both reducing and stabilizing agents. The resultant nanostructured particles were subjected to characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). XRD analysis confirmed development of Ag nanostructured particles with face-centered cubic (fcc) structure and also Cu nanostructured particles with cubic form. Moreover, the average crystallite dimensions obtained for Ag and Cu were 18.3 nm and 65.7 nm, …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Epoxy Resin Co-Doped With 2,5-Diphenyloxazole And Cerium Fluoride Nanoparticles For Radiation Detection, Akapong Phunpueok, Jaruwan Seangrit, Sarawut Jaiyen, Krittiya Sreebunpeng, Wuttichai Chaiphaksa, Kewalee Nilgumhang, Voranuch Thongpool

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

This paper presents the fabrication and characterization of a plastic scintillator prepared from epoxy resin doped with 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO) and cerium fluoride nanoparticles (CeF₃ NPs) for radiation detection. The CeF₃ NPs were prepared by a chemical process and examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); it was found that the prepared particles were true CeF₃ NPs with an average particle size of approximately 17 nm. The CeF₃ NPs were co-doped with PPO into epoxy resin and formed into a plastic scintillator of 3 cm in diameter and 2 cm in length. Analysis of …

Multiscale Modelling Of Eg5: Structural Insights Into Microtubule Interactions, Atp Hydrolysis, And Allosteric Inhibition Mechanisms, Soundarya Priya Alexandar Ms

Theses and Dissertations

The mitotic kinesin EG5 is essential for spindle bipolarity and accurate chromosome segregation during cell division, making it a validated anti-cancer target. Unlike conventional microtubule-targeting agents, EG5 inhibitors offer mitosis-specific action, reducing neurotoxicity. Although inhibitors targeting EG5’s allosteric site-I have been extensively studied, mechanistic insights into inhibition at site-II, and their combined effects, remain underexplored. This thesis systematically investigates the structural and dynamic mechanisms underlying EG5 function and its inhibition using an integrative computational approach.

Conformational analysis, coarse-grained dynamics, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, and protein network analysis were performed on EG5 motor domain structures and EG5-microtubule complexes. Results show that …

Hybrid Path Planner For Centralized Multi-Robotic Long-Vehicle Based On Adaptive Dimensionality And Grey Wolf Algorithm, Noor Kadhim Ayoob, Ali Hadi Hasan

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The present robot planning methods pay no attention to the impact of the robot's size and the space it occupies in the environment on path planning. This paper presents a centralized hybrid method to plan optimal paths for multiple robotic long vehicles (RLVs) competing with each other to reach one common goal, taking into account the space that must be available to the RLV at each step to avoid narrow spaces that are too small to pass through. The environment analysis for each RLV is improved by assigning constant weight to the obstacles and calculating two new parameters: safety (SF) …

Population Genomic Assessment Of The Endangered Cumberland Darter (Etheostoma Susanae), Hilary Canada

Student Theses and Dissertations

The Cumberland Darter (Etheostoma susanae) is an endangered species of freshwater fish endemic to the tributaries of the Cumberland River above the Cumberland Falls in Kentucky and Tennessee. Once recognized as a subspecies of Johnny Dater (E. nigrum), E. susanae was elevated to species level based on morphological and mtDNA variation. Habitat degradation and modification is a primary concern for the species with its preference for slow-flow streams. Fragmented populations increase the risk of disrupting historic gene flow between tributaries which could potentially result in genetically distinct populations. In 2011, E. susanae was listed under the Endangered Species Act by …

Barriers To Achieving Graduated Responsibility: Preparing Pathology Residents For Independent Practice, Bronwyn H. Bryant, Balaram Puligandla, Hailey L. Gosnell, Kristen Johnson, Stephanie Barak, Mary P. Berg, Satyapal Chahar, John M. Childs, Julie Katz Karp, Amanda Lofgreen, Cindy B. Mccloskey, Barbara E. C. Knollmann-Ritschel, Kristie L. White, W. Stephen Black-Schaffer

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Allowing pathology residents to practice with high levels of autonomy helps prepare them for independent practice. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) recently added to the core requirements that residents must have opportunities to perform assigned clinical responsibilities under oversight supervision-defined as review and feedback after care is delivered. To understand the current state of resident autonomy, pathology residency programs were surveyed (32 responses) about the highest level of supervision achieved by senior residents for common pathology tasks, as well as the most significant barrier to achieving oversight supervision for each task. Each task was assigned a "supervision …

Essential Role Of Protein Kinase R In The Pathogenesis Of Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease, Amit Prabhakar, Rahul Kumar, Meetu Wadhwa, Abhilash Barpanda, Joseph Lyons, Asavari Gowda, Simren Gupta, Ananyaa Arvind, Prajakta Ghatpande, Arun P. Wiita, Brian B. Graham, Giorgio Lagna, Akiko Hata

Biology

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare and severe subtype of pulmonary arterial hypertension, characterized by progressive remodeling of small pulmonary arteries and veins with no therapies. Using a mitomycin C–induced (MMC-induced) rat model, we previously demonstrated that protein kinase R–mediated (PKR-mediated) integrated stress response (ISR) drives endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling. To determine whether PKR is the primary mediator of ISR and the pathogenesis, we treated control (Ctrl) and PKR-knockout (KO) mice with the same dose of MMC. Consistent with rat data, Ctrl mice displayed ISR activation, vascular remodeling, and pulmonary hypertension after MMC treatment, while KO mice showed …

Investigating Soil Co2 Flux Among Varying Soil Types During Inundation Conditions, Jennifer Volk, Arya Patel

The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal

Land use change has contributed to the increase of carbon dioxide (CO₂) release, exacerbating global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. CO₂ is also naturally produced in the soil via microbial respiration which breaks down soil organic matter (SOM). Several studies have investigated factors affecting CO₂ flux from soils, but few have compared CO₂ flux from a range of soil types under controlled conditions with varying water levels. This study subjected intact soil cores from six different soil types to varied periods of inundation and dry events using the same water and timing. During each event, CO …

Cells Stably Expressing Shrna Against Myo10 Display Altered Cell Motility, Joanna A. Mas, Chase E. Cristella, Vu Hao M. N. Phan, Lillian S. Wendt, Charlotte A. Rose, Abigail Ali, David F. Carpio, Christine Cole, Paige Embley, Jack E. Hoskins-Harris, Delia Johnson, Noelle Ledoux, Hannah W. Lwin, Sarah Salah, Erin Weisbart, Stacey J. Criswell, Omar A. Quintero-Carmona

Biology Faculty Publications

Myosin-X (MYO10) is an actin-based motor protein involved in cytoskeletal dynamics, membrane interactions, and integrin-mediated adhesion. To investigate MYO10's cellular roles, we generated MYO10 knockdown (MYO10KD) HeLa and COS7 cell lines using lentiviral shRNA. Compared to wild-type cells, both MYO10KD lines showed reduced proliferation and impaired cell migration in wound assays. Additionally, there were fewer edge filopodia in HeLa cells. Furthermore, MYO10KD cells demonstrated increased spreading on laminin-coated substrates, suggesting altered integrin activation and cytoskeletal linkage. Our results reinforce MYO10’s importance in cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration. These MYO10KD lines provide an accessible cell culture model for future study of …

Ground-Based Modeling Of Deep-Space Risks To The Spleen And Intestine In Mice, Edith Nathalie Pineda Sotomayor

Theses and Dissertations

Deep-space missions, such as those planned for the cis-lunar space and Mars, pose unique challenges to astronaut health due to prolonged microgravity (MG) exposure and low-dose chronic irradiation (CIR). Understanding the impact of these stressors on secondary lymphoid tissues, such as the spleen and intestine, is crucial for ensuring crewmembers' well-being, given the impracticality of conducting this research with human samples. Using a ground-based facility, we exposed C57BL/6 female and male mice to CIR (1.74 Gy at a dose rate of 0.0029 Gy/h) and/or simulated MG (SMG) via hind limb unloading (HLU) for one month. Spleen and intestinal tissues were …

Efficacy Of Pethidine And Tramadol In The Suppression Of Postoperative Shivering: A Comparative Study, Ahmed Jaber Ibrahim, Hussien Ibrahim Hayal, Ahmed R.Y. Al-Sawad, Shahab Abdulla, Ralela Makline

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Postoperative shivering is a common complication that can affect patient comfort and stability. Pethidine and tramadol are widely used to relieve this symptom, but their relative effectiveness and safety remain under investigation. In this randomized trial, 50 patients (aged 25–35 years) with postoperative shivering were divided into two groups: one group receiving intravenous tramadol (n = 25 patients) and one group receiving pethidine (n = 25 patients). Onset of drug action, vital signs, and side effects were systematically assessed. Pethidine had a significantly faster onset of action than tramadol (12.20 ± 0.35 min vs 7.16 ± 0.28 min, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding body temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturation, or blood pressure (P < 0.05). Side effects, such as dizziness (16% vs. 8%), nausea and vomiting (20% vs. 8%), and nausea alone (48% vs. 20%), were more common and showed a statistically significant increase in the tramadol group. Both drugs were effective in suppressing postoperative tremor, but pethidine demonstrated superior efficacy, a faster onset of action, and a better safety profile. These results confirm pethidine as the recommended choice at an intravenous dose of 0.5 mg/kg.

Cv: Mallory Havens (Biology), Mallory Havens

Biology Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Clinical Applications Of Probiotics: A Comprehensive Review Of Benefits And Challenges, Riyam Wissam Hassan

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help balance microbes in intestines and promote growth beneficial bacteria, they vary between bacteria, yeasts, and fungi and they are helpful to human health when taken in adequate and suitable amounts. In addition to maintaining intestinal health and help with digestion and absorption, also inhibiting development and preventing spread of harmful microorganisms. It exists in different forms, in the intestines and in the foods, products fermented, and in the pharmaceutical supplements. Because human health depends largely on the interaction between humans and these microorganisms known as probiotics, it has found that these organisms have vital …

Influence Of Variable Climate On Mechanical Properties Of Composite Materials: An Experimental Study, Alexandra Tazhibaeva, Safaa M.R.H. Hussein, Mikhail Kuznetsov, Farid Shakirzyanov, Nikita Kharin, Igor Muravyev, Timur Agliullin, Gulshat Saleeva, Victor Mitryakin, Oleg Morozov, Oskar Sachenkov

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

This study investigates the degradation of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composites, fabricated via non-autoclave molding, under tropical climatic conditions across three regions over three years. Forty specimens (10 control, 30 exposed) with 2x2 twill weave and 0°/90° fiber orientation were subjected to tensile and compressive testing, microscopy, and X-ray computed tomography. Control specimens established baseline properties, while exposed specimens underwent three-year weathering. Statistical and principal component analyses revealed significant mechanical degradation, with tensile strength decreasing by up to 16.1% (p

Impact Of Plasma-Activated Water On Breast Cancer Cell Viability, Maryam G. Jasim, Hammad R. Humud

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Plasma-activated water (PAW) was generated using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma system operating with a 1:1 mixture of nitrogen and argon gases to evaluate its cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Water samples were divided into five groups: 0 minutes (control), 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes of plasma exposure. The resulting PAW was applied to cultured cells, and cell viability was assessed 24- and 48-hour post-treatment. Viability was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results showed an apparent time-dependent increase in cytotoxicity. At 24 hours, cell mortality rates were 1.9%, 40.7%, 48.1%, 53.6%, …

Age-Dependent Changes In Reproductive Behaviour And Success In A Long-Lived Beetle (Bolitotherus Cornutus), C. A. Greene, L. D. Mitchem, Vitor Dos Anjos , '21, E. D. Brodie Iii, Vincent A. Formica

Biology Faculty Works

Age-related changes in behaviors often result in shifts in an individual’s competitive ability, reproductive success, and fitness. However, how mating behaviors, aggression, and mating success simultaneously change as individuals age in natural populations remains understudied. Investigating these age-dependent effects in wild populations could reveal how age-specific patterns shape social dynamics and influence natural selection. In this study, we ask how behaviors associated with mating and reproductive success vary across age in a wild metapopulation of a long-lived beetle, Bolitotherus cornutus. We used both cross-sectional and longitudinal data from a multi-year field study of individually marked beetles to investigate how …

Draft Genome Sequence Of Staphylococcus Aureus N208 Isolated From A Nasal Swab Of A Healthy Female, Sandra Jablonska, Lila Nelson, Grace Finger, Alex Kula, Catherine Putonti

Biology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Staphylococcus aureus, a common member of the healthy human microbiota, is an opportunistic pathogen. To investigate the genomic features of this species in healthy individuals, we present the draft genome sequence of S. aureus N208, isolated from a nasal swab collected from a healthy female participant.

Systematics And Phylogeography Of Mundochthonius Chamberlin, 1929, In The Pacific Northwest (Chelicerata, Pseudoscorpiones), Amanda Rai Montoya-Cowan

Dissertations and Theses

Understanding the processes that drive genetic divergence and species formation is central to evolutionary biology. Invertebrates with low dispersal ability, such as pseudoscorpions, are especially prone to cryptic diversification due to their occupancy of niche microhabitats and sensitivity to landscape barriers. Despite their ecological roles as predators and bioindicators, pseudoscorpions remain one of the least studied arachnid groups, with limited taxonomic resolution and few integrative studies. This research focuses on the genus Mundochthonius in the Pacific Northwest, particularly M. pacificus, a morphologically conserved species whose true diversity and distribution remain poorly understood.

Field surveys guided by a GIS-based habitat …