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Life Line Spring 2023, Otterbein Biology And Earth Science Department

Life Line - The Biology Department Newsletter

In this Issue:

Feathered Friends Living on Campus; The Hidden Mussels of the Olentangy River; Early Assurance Program Students Graduate from HCOM; Students Present at American Society for Microbiology Microbe 2022 Meeting; Environmental Science Upgrades Its Remote Monitoring Capabilities; Speed!; UK Students Visit Local Attractions; That's a Lottl Axolotls.

Mir125a As Molecular Target Of Vitamin D Mediated Inhibition Of Cd4+ T Cell Differentiation Into Th17 Cells In Mrl/Lpr Lupus-Prone Mice, Miranda Hilt

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

The dynamic function of vitamin D in an array of immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms and its implication in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases has been the topic of much recent scholarship. Here I attempt to elucidate the molecular mechanism of vitamin D-mediated inhibition of the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into pro-inflammatory Th17 cells in MRL/lpr lupus prone mice by investigating how miR-125a expression is affected by dietary modulation of cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃). MRL/MpJ and MRL/lpr mice were split into three experimental groups and fed specially formulated diets that varied in their concentrations of vitamin D. …

Effects Of Habitat Management On Rodent Diversity, Abundance, And Virus Infection Dynamics, Nathaniel Mull, Amy Schexnayder, Abigail Stolt, Tarja Sironen, Kristian M. Forbes

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

As anthropogenic factors continue to degrade natural areas, habitat management is needed to restore and maintain biodiversity. However, the impacts of different habitat management regimes on ecosystems have largely focused on vegetation analyses, with limited evaluation of downstream effects on wildlife. We compared the effects of grassland management regimes (prescribed burning, cutting/haying, or no active management) on rodent communities and the viruses they hosted. Rodents were trapped in 13 existing grassland sites in Northwest Arkansas, USA during 2020 and 2021. Rodent blood samples were screened for antibodies against three common rodent-borne virus groups: orthohantaviruses, arenaviruses, and orthopoxviruses. We captured 616 …

Challenges In Forecasting Antimicrobial Resistance, Sen Pei, Seth Blumberg, Jaime Cascante Vega, Tal Robin, Yue Zhang, Richard J. Medford, Bijaya Adhikari, Jeffrey Shaman

Research on Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to human health. Since the 2000s, computational tools for predicting infectious diseases have been greatly advanced; however, efforts to develop real-time forecasting models for antimicrobial-resistant organisms (AMROs) have been absent. In this perspective, we discuss the utility of AMRO forecasting at different scales, highlight the challenges in this field, and suggest future research priorities. We also discuss challenges in scientific understanding, access to high-quality data, model calibration, and implementation and evaluation of forecasting models. We further highlight the need to initiate research on AMRO forecasting using currently available data and resources to galvanize the …

The Possible Role For Basigin Receptor Function In The Induction Of Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression In Human Endometrial Stromal Cells, Amy Abel

All NMU Master's Theses

10-15% of couples worldwide are affected by infertility. The leading cause of infertility is implantation failure. Molecular communication in precise time and space between an implanting embryo and a receptive uterus is essential for successful implantation. Basigin has been shown to have vital functions within the implantation process. Basigin is best known for inducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. Basigin has been shown to induce MMP expression in vitro in human endometrial stromal cell lines (HESC). Understanding how basigin induces matrix metalloproteinases within normal cellular conditions will help researchers understand how these signaling cascades flow in the framework of implantation. …

The Status Of Invasive Dusky Slug (Arion) Species In The Upper Great Lakes: A Molecular Approach, Olivia W. Hall

All NMU Master's Theses

I update the distribution of two cryptic slug species, Arion fuscus and Arion subfuscus, in the Upper Great Lakes of the United States using molecular identification methods. Arion fuscus has not previously been reported in the literature in this region, and Arion subfuscus has previously been reported as abundant. However, all previous distribution studies were determined using visual identification tools, which can result in misidentification between cryptic species. To molecularly re-examine these distribution maps, I used a mitochondrial ribosomal subunit 16S PCR amplification and subsequent SSpI and MfeI restriction enzyme digest to identify slug specimens. I collected slugs in …

Genetic Mechanisms Underlying Maladaptation In Specialized Species Interactions, Nitin Ravikanthachari

Theses and Dissertations

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

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

First, local adaptation to avoid laying eggs on …

The Effect Of Bisphenol A (Bpa) Substitutes On Cd4+ T Cell Immunity, Cassandra Poole

Longwood Senior Theses

CD4+ helper T cells are an important cell of the immune system. One key factor in the mediation of the immune system in general, and T cells in particular, is the female sex hormone estrogen. Abnormal estrogen levels are associated with a variety of conditions, including autoimmune diseases, and several types of cancer, including breast cancer. BPA is a well-known estrogen mimicking compound, used in the manufacturing of plastics, epoxy resins, and polystyrenes. As the negative effects of BPA become more apparent, many BPA substitutes have been developed. While the effect of estrogen on T cells is understood, the effect …

Pathogen Risk Assessment On Arabian Felines In The United Arab Emirates, Laia Montserrat Stefano

Dissertations

The Arabian Peninsula has been known to harbour five species of felines, namely leopards (Panthera pardus), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), caracals (Caracal caracal), sand cats (Felis margarita), and wildcats (Felis silvestris). Currently, their situation in the wild is critical in the region and ex situ breeding efforts are the greatest hope to restore their populations. However, these efforts need to go hand-in-hand with focus on their health, since pathogens are known to be a serious threat to animals under managed care. Globally, the potential pathogens of these five species include viruses, …

Characterization And Genomic Analysis Of Two Escherichia Coli O157:H7 Bacteriophages Isolated From Pigeons, Mohamad I. Alolama

Dissertations

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, also known as EHEC, is a subset of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), and it has recently been identified as one of the principal foodborne pathogens. E. coli O157:H7 is the most important serotype of STEC for its role in causing foodborne illnesses. E. coli O157:H7 could cause various gastroenteritis symptoms such as diarrhea, hemolytic uremic syndrome, hemorrhagic colitis, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and may cause death. Elimination of E. coli O157:H7 during food processing and storage is a possible solution. Bacteriophages have a significant impact on bacterial populations in nature due to their ability to …

A Look Into The Physiological Impacts Of Childhood Cancers And Modeling Of Tumor Growth Rate, Erica Steiner, Kimberly Hansen, Marissa Stanton

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases present in the world. Children have different reactions to diseases and treatments; thus, it is important to study those reactions specifically in children. Knowing how children are impacted by these factors can be helpful in diagnosis and treatment of cancer. I performed this study by researching the different types of cancer I was interested in and using MATLAB to code for and simulate a growth curve of a brain tumor. I found that there are many different physiological impacts of different cancers in children. As for the modeling, I was able to get …

The Photochemical Evolution Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons And Nontronite Clay On Early Earth And Mars, Nina Kopacz, Maria Angela Corazzi, Giovanni Poggiali, Ayla Von Essen, Vincent Kofman, Teresa Fornaro, Hugo Van Ingen, Eloi Camprubi, Helen E. King, John Brucato, Inge Loes Ten Kate

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

The photochemical evolution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), an abundant form of meteoritic organic carbon, is of great interest to early Earth and Mars origin-of-life studies and current organic molecule detection efforts on Mars. Fe-rich clay environments were abundant on early Earth and Mars, and may have played a role in prebiotic chemistry, catalyzing the breakdown of PAHs and freeing up carbon for subsequent chemical complexification. Current Mars is abundant in clay-rich environments, which are most promising for harboring organic molecules and have comprised the main studied features by the Curiosity rover in search of them. In this work …

Evidence That The Inner Nuclear Membrane Is A Functional Β1-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling Platform In Astrocytes, Kelsey Benton

Dissertations (1934 -)

The noradrenergic system exerts powerful modulatory influences over fundamental brain processes including attention, arousal, learning, and memory by activating adrenergic receptors on neuronal and glial cells. In addition to triggering rapid, transient changes in cellular physiology that drive short-term behavioral actions, these G-protein-coupled receptors also initiate delayed, long-lasting changes in cellular function by regulating gene expression. For example, in astrocytes, norepinephrine-induced activation of β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) rapidly induces glucose mobilization from glycogen stores, while simultaneously initiating delayed changes in the expression of glycogen storage genes. Regulation of gene expression requires adrenergic receptor-initiated intracellular signals to reach the nuclear compartment. To …

Altered Motivation & Dopamine Subcircuit Plasticity Unique To Sex During Protracted Opioid Withdrawal, Devan Marc Gomez

Dissertations (1934 -)

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is associated with enduring psychological withdrawal symptoms believed to contribute to drug abuse. Amongst these are shifts in motivational states, wherein pursuit of drug consumption exceeds that of non-drug rewards, reinforcing escalated opioid use and relapse vulnerability. A critical regulator of behavioral reinforcement, the mesoaccumbal dopamine system is thought to be both necessary and sufficient for opioid motivation. However, previous research into its involvement in opioid withdrawal has been limited to acute rather than protracted timepoints, global neuroadaptations rather than those in subcircuits, and overwhelmingly focused on males over females. Using a rodent model of self-administration …

Targeted Mapping Of Oryza Sativa Chilling Tolerance Candidate Genes Using Multiple Stress-Relevant Quantitative Traits, Naoki Simon Shimoyama

Dissertations (1934 -)

Developing chilling tolerant accessions of domesticated Asian rice is a potential source of significant crop improvement to address the needs of a growing global population. The uniquely chilling sensitive nature of the tropically originating Oryza sativa make it the most important staple crop that could gain the maximum benefit from improved tolerance to low temperature stress. However, mechanisms underlying this complex trait are not fully understood. Oryza sativa has two major varietal groups with different levels of chilling tolerance, JAPONICA and INDICA, providing an ideal tool to investigate mechanistic differences in the chilling stress tolerance responses within this important crop …

A Review Of The Forensic Applications For The Analysis Of Biological Fluids Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Raghavi Patel

Biological Sciences

The use of science to compile information to assist in solving crimes is known as forensic science. Numerous bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, saliva, and vaginal fluid, are frequently discovered at crime scenes. This makes it crucial for forensic scientists to use analytical methods to examine these fluids to learn more about the crime, including the offender, victim, time since deposition, and other details. Although there are many techniques, the focus of this paper is fluorescence spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a rapid, inexpensive, and non-destructive technique used for forensic examination (Weber & Lednev, 2022). Fluorescence spectroscopy can be used …

E-Cigarette Aerosols Of Propylene Glycol Impair Bk Channel Activity And Parameters Of Mucociliary Function, Michael D Kim, Samuel Chung, Nathalie Baumlin, Liang Sun, Neerupma Silswal, John S Dennis, Makoto Yoshida, Juan Sabater, Frank T Horrigan, Matthias Salathe

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Propylene glycol (PG) is a common delivery vehicle for nicotine and flavorings in e-cigarette (e-cig) liquids and is largely considered safe for ingestion. However, little is known about its effects as an e-cig aerosol on the airway. Here, we investigated whether pure PG e-cig aerosols in realistic daily amounts impact parameters of mucociliary function and airway inflammation in a large animal model (sheep) in vivo and primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) in vitro. Five-day exposure of sheep to e-cig aerosols of 100% PG increased mucus concentrations (% mucus solids) of tracheal secretions. PG e-cig aerosols further increased the activity …

Dnmt3a-Coordinated Splicing Governs The Stem State Switch Towards Differentiation In Embryonic And Haematopoietic Stem Cells, Raghav Ramabadran, Jarey H Wang, Jaime M Reyes, Anna G Guzman, Sinjini Gupta, Carina Rosas, Lorenzo Brunetti, Michael C Gundry, Ayala Tovy, Hali Long, Tianpeng Gu, Sean M Cullen, Siddhartha Tyagi, Danielle Rux, Jean J Kim, Steven M Kornblau, Michael Kyba, Fabio Stossi, Rachel E Rau, Koichi Takahashi, Thomas F Westbrook, Margaret A Goodell

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Upon stimulation by extrinsic stimuli, stem cells initiate a programme that enables differentiation or self-renewal. Disruption of the stem state exit has catastrophic consequences for embryogenesis and can lead to cancer. While some elements of this stem state switch are known, major regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that this switch involves a global increase in splicing efficiency coordinated by DNA methyltransferase 3α (DNMT3A), an enzyme typically involved in DNA methylation. Proper activation of murine and human embryonic and haematopoietic stem cells depends on messenger RNA processing, influenced by DNMT3A in response to stimuli. DNMT3A coordinates splicing through recruitment …

Neurogenetic Function Of Host Cell Factor-1, Victoria Lynn Castro

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Neural precursor cells (NPCs) are the stem-like cells of the developing brain. These cells differentiate into the differentiated cell types of the central nervous system. If disruption occurs in the number of total NPCs formed or their survival, various disorders including learning disabilities, behavioral problems, or epilepsy can occur. This dissertation describes how the HCFC1 gene controls the proliferation and differentiation of NPCs. HCFC1 encodes for a transcriptional co-factor that regulates the growth and metabolism of stem cells, including NPCs. Mutations in HCFC1 cause cblX syndrome, a neural developmental disorder that affects the nervous system and causes microcephaly, epilepsy, and …

Coevolutionary Signals In Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Capture Residue Contacts And Long-Range Functional Interactions, Eunna Huh, Melina A Agosto, Theodore G Wensel, Olivier Lichtarge

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Upon ligand binding to a G protein-coupled receptor, extracellular signals are transmitted into a cell through sets of residue interactions that translate ligand binding into structural rearrangements. These interactions needed for functions impose evolutionary constraints so that, on occasion, mutations in one position may be compensated by other mutations at functionally coupled positions. To quantify the impact of amino acid substitutions in the context of major evolutionary divergence in the G protein-coupled receptor subfamily of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), we combined two phylogenetic-based algorithms, Evolutionary Trace and covariation Evolutionary Trace, to infer potential structure-function couplings and roles in mGluRs. We …

Biohydrogen Production Of A Co-Culture Consisting Of Halophytic Cyanobacterium Phormidium Keutzingianum And Activated Sludge Bacteria Using Different Exogenous Carbon Substrates And Salt Concentrations, Maitha Mohammed Al Nuaimi

Theses

Various studies have proved the ability of different types of cyanobacteria and algae to produce hydrogen (H₂) by splitting water molecules into H₂ and oxygen (O₂) using specialized enzymes (hydrogenase and nitrogenase enzymes) through the biophotolysis process. However, the production of O₂ acts as the main process inhibitor. Several researchers studied this O₂ sensitivity and proposed effective solutions to regulate O₂ concentration. By co-culturing algae with aerobic bacteria, the consumption of the resulting oxygen could be attained and thus reducing the sensitivity of the enzyme to the evolved O₂. In …

Acoustic Telemetry Provides Insights For Improving Conservation And Management At A Spawning Aggregation Site Of The Endangered Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus Striatus), Richard S. Nemeth, Elizabeth Kadison, Jonathan Jossart, Mahmood Shivji, Bradley Wetherbee, Jordan Matley

Biology Faculty Articles

Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus, Serranidae) were one of the most important fishery species in the Caribbean, but are now listed as critically endangered. Population collapse in most places occurred primarily by fishers targeting their spawning aggregation sites, where thousands of fish gathered during full moon periods from December to April. Identifying management options for protecting this vulnerable period is crucial for their survival. In the US Virgin Islands, we tagged 24 Nassau grouper with acoustic transmitters at a fish spawning aggregation (FSA) site called the Grammanik Bank, a 1.5 km2, marine protected area (MPA) closed each year from …

Prevalence Of Endoparasites And Haematology In Redbelly Tilapia From A Shallow Tropical Reservoir In Ghana, Elliot H. Alhassan, Samuel A. Osei, Akwasi Ampofo-Yeboah, Samuel O. Dandi

Tanzania Journal of Science

The goal of this study was to assess common endoparasites on Tilapia zillii in the Tono Reservoir, as well as to investigate the mean intensity and prevalence of these parasites. A total of 175 fish specimens were examined during the study. Endoparasites of three metazoans and one protozoan were observed from the Tilapia zillii gills, intestines, and stomach. The findings showed that the most common endoparasites affecting Tilapia zillii are Ichthyopthirius multifiliis, Bothriocephalus sp., Contracaecum sp., and Dactylogyrus sp. Also, Contracaecum sp had the highest prevalence of 29.71, followed by Bothriocephalus sp (18.86), Ichthyopthirius multifiliis (12), and Dactylogyrus sp (6.86). …

Evidence Of Distinct Genetic Stocks Of The Bottlenose Wedgefish (Rhynchobatus Australiae) In The Indo-West Pacific, Rehema J. Simwanza, Cyrus Rumisha

Tanzania Journal of Science

Populations of the bottlenose wedgefish (Rhynchobatus australiae) in the Indo-West Pacific (IWP) have declined by nearly 80% in recent decades. In response, IWP countries are establishing sanctuaries to provide refuge for the fish. However, little is known about the genetic stock structure of the fish in the region. Hence, this study analysed partial sequences (610 base pairs) of the cytochrome oxidase subunit (COI) gene from eight bottlenose wedgefish populations in the IWP to assess the genetic stock structure of the fishery. The sequences revealed that Western Indian Ocean (WIO) populations are genetically distinct from those in the West Pacific (WP) …

Land Cover Change As A Proxy Of Changes In Wildlife Distribution And Abundance In Tarangire-Simanjiro-Lolkisale-Mto Wa Mbu Ecosystem, Thobias Anthony, Nyimvua Shaban, Cuthbert Nahonyo

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study analyzed the land use and land cover (LULC) changes from 2000 to 2020 and examined its influence on wildlife distribution and abundance. LULC from satellite imagery for 2000, 2012 and 2020 were acquired from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Supervised classification along with a maximum likelihood algorithm was used to classify satellite imagery into eight LULC classes: bareland, woodland, wetland, shrubland, grassland, waterbodies, cropland and built-up land. The results showed that grassland, wetland and woodland had declined, while shrubland, cropland and built-up land increased from 2000 to 2020. Grassland, wetland and woodland decreased from 48.1%, 14.1% and …

Recruitment Behaviour In An African Meliponine Bee Species (Hymenoptera, Apidae: Meliponini): Understanding Glandular Origin And Pheromonal Components, Bridget O. Bobadoye, Olaniyi T. Alamu, Jennifer A. George-Onaho, John A. Ete, Ayangbade E. Ayandokun, Ifeoluwa S. Agboola, Olubusola T. Adeoye, Popoola J. Adekola

Tanzania Journal of Science

Meliponine bees are speculated to use a variety of communication mechanisms to effectively recruit workers of a colony to collect sufficient amounts of food to nourish the entire nest population. Mechanisms used to convey such information include thoracic vibrations and trophallaxis within the nest; footprint secretions and pheromone marks deposited in the field, or a combination of these signals and cues. There have been numerous discrepancies about the origin of trail pheromone production from the head, thorax, abdomen and leg regions of meliponine bees. Because the glandular origin of pheromone marks deposited by African meliponine bee’s species has not yet …

Generation Of Electricity By Using Microbial Fuel Cell Prototype Fed By Sewage: Case Study At The University Of Dar Es Salaam, Mahir M Said, Asia A Saad, Geoffrey R John, Aviti T Mushi

Tanzania Journal of Science

The access to electricity is still not reliable in Tanzania. Whilst, there are several locations within the country that have wastewater cites that are not economically used to produce electricity. At the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), there are main grid power, and few scattered solar panels. This study was intended to bridge the divide between the current increasing power demands of the UDSM by exploiting not so much used sources, such as electric energy from wastewater. This study was undertaken to develop a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) prototype fed by sewage in Dar es Salaam, for electricity generation …

Interdisciplinary Diffusion Lab, Sable Rosana Canales, Chloe Gaban

Andrews University Teaching and Learning Conference

Diffusion is a principle in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Students can model the rate of diffusion based on particle size by contrasting blue and yellow dyes. Two petri dishes containing agar-agar receive a drop of dye at the center. The radius of expansion is recorded over time and variance increases linearly with time. Diffusion constants vary by particle size, allowing for a size ratio comparison between blue and yellow dyes. Relating the data to cells, students predict that smaller molecules diffuse into living cells, whereas larger molecules need some assistance from protein channels as in facilitated diffusion.

Using Augmented Reality For Geometry Learning: Indonesian Elementary School Teachers' Experiences, Asep Nuryadin, Karlimah Karlimah, Dindin Abdul Muiz Lidinillah, Ika Fitri Apriani, Ikairn Rachmawati Putri, Lilis Susilawati, Ginna Islamiati, Dede Nurhidayah

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This study aims to discover Indonesian elementary school teachers' experiences (n = 257) of using Augmented Reality (AR) for learning, especially related to one of the topics in mathematics learning, namely, geometry. AR is considered to be an alternative instructional media that can be utilized for teaching geometry, including the topic of three-dimensional shapes. A questionnaire consisting of both close-ended and open-ended questions was used to collect data in this study. This study has successfully revealed teachers' use of digital instructional media during the COVID-19 pandemic, their familiarity with AR, frequency of AR use for geometry learning, and challenges in …

Application Of The Recitation Method To Improve The Competence Of Medical Laboratory Technology Students In The Immunology Field, Patricia Gita Naully, Perdina Nursidika

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

An accredited mid-level MLT (Medical Laboratory Technology) must have the competence to perform medical laboratory examinations from pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic stages in several fields, one of which is immunology. Many D3 MLT students are facing obstacles to passed the immunology course. This obstacle is not only experienced by students of D3 MLT but also by medical students, pharmacy students, and similar majors. The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of recitation method in the form of animation video making and immunology based device on the competence of Diploma 3 (D3) MLT students. This research is a …