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Fda-Approved Drugs As Potential Covalent Inhibitors Of Key Sars-Cov-2 Proteins: An In Silico Approach, Murat Seri̇lmez, Anwar Abuelrub, İsmai̇l Erol, Serdar Durdaği

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 necessitated rapid development of effective therapeutics, prompting this study to identify potential inhibitors targeting key viral and host proteins: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), main protease (Mpro), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Methods: We used covalent docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to screen FDA-approved compounds against these targets using diverse covalent reaction mechanisms. Top-ranking compounds underwent further evaluation through MD simulations to assess binding stability and conformational dynamics. Results: Several promising drug repurposing candidates were identified: bremelanotide, lanreotide, histrelin, and leuprolide as potential RdRp inhibitors; azlocillin, cefiderocol, and …

Antiinflammatory Effects Of Cucurbitacins And Sorafenib In Hepg2 Cells By Modulating The Iκb/Nf-Κb/Cox-2 Pathway Through Akt Signaling, Muhammed Mehdi̇ Üremi̇ş, Yusuf Türköz, Nuray Üremi̇ş

Turkish Journal of Biology

Aim: Cucurbitacins possess antitumor, antiproliferative, and antiinflammatory properties. This study aims to examine the antiinflammatory effects of CuD, CuI, and CuE on NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2, and Akt and compare their cytotoxic and antiinflammatory effects on HepG2 cells with sorafenib, the primary chemotherapeutic agent used in HCC treatment. Methods: Cytotoxic effects of cucurbitacins and sorafenib on HepG2 cells were evaluated using MTT and LDH assays, along with Annexin V, MMP, and comet assays. Levels of proteins related to the Akt/NF-κB pathway and COX-2, iNOS, and NO were also measured. Results: Our study showed that CuD, CuI, CuE, and sorafenib have antiproliferative …

Dietary Organic Selenium Supplementation Improved Some Gross Morphological Parameters And Biochemical Characteristics Of Testes In Young Male Kids, Nadia Rahim, Moolchand Malhi, Asma Babar, Muhammad Awais Soomro, Shazia Rahim

Journal of Bioresource Management

Selenium (Se) plays a vital role in improving reproductive health in ruminants. This study evaluated the impact of Se supplementation on testicular health in young male goats. Twenty goats (2–3 months old, 8.5–10 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups: Control (C, n=10) receiving a basal diet (0.037 mg Se/kg) and Se-Yeast (SY, n=10) supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg diet. The trial lasted eight weeks. Results showed that testis weight was significantly higher in the SY group (26.8 ± 2.5 g) compared to C (22.4 ± 2.1 g, p < 0.05). Testis length, width, and circumference also increased significantly in SY goats (4.5 ± 0.3 cm, 2.9 ± 0.2 cm, and 7.4 ± 0.4 cm, respectively) compared to control (3.9 ± 0.4 cm, 2.5 ± 0.3 cm, and 6.7 ± 0.5 cm; p < 0.05). Serum cholesterol was higher in SY (135.27 ± 2.34 mg/dl) than in C (121.15 ± 8.74 mg/dl, p = 0.02), while triglycerides were lower (95.99 ± 1.37 vs. 114.38 ± 1.84 mg/dl, p = 0.0003). HDL increased (51.97 ± 2.10 vs. 45.02 ± 1.32 mg/dl, p = 0.03), and LDL decreased (54.23 ± 1.81 vs. 61.27 ± 1.56 mg/dl, p = 0.02) in SY group. Total serum protein rose significantly (8.14 ± 0.79 vs. 5.25 ± 0.06 mg/dl, p = 0.03), as did testosterone levels (1.95 ± 0.08 vs. 1.43 ± 0.06 ng/ml, p = 0.002). In conclusion, selenium supplementation significantly improved testicular morphology, lipid profile, protein levels, and testosterone, indicating enhanced reproductive health in goats.

Emergence Of Caenocoris Neri (Germar, 1847) On Fig Trees In The Oases Of Southeastern Algeria, Nacima Diab, Tesnim Deghiche, Khalila Bengouga, Vasily Vladimirovich Verkhoturov

Journal of Bioresource Management

The article considers materials related to current areas of fundamental research in the field of agricultural entomology in Algeria. The most important issues of agricultural entomology in Algeria include identifying patterns of general trends in the dynamics of geographic ranges of phyto-entomophagous under the influence of climatic and anthropogenic factors, as well as studying the adaptation of insects to new habitats and food supply. In a notable discovery during insect sampling conducted in the oasis ecosystem during the summer of 2019, researchers recorded and identified individuals of the species Caenocoris nerii (Germar, 1847) for the first time. These insects were …

Mis-Splicing-Derived Neoantigens And Cognate Tcrs In Splicing Factor Mutant Leukemias, Won Jun Kim, Edie I Crosse, Emma De Neef, Inaki Etxeberria, Erich Y Sabio, Eric Wang, Jan Philipp Bewersdorf, Kuan-Ting Lin, Sydney X Lu, Andrea Belleville, Nina Fox, Cynthia Castro, Pu Zhang, Takeshi Fujino, Jennifer Lewis, Jahan Rahman, Beatrice Zhang, Jacob H Winick, Alexander M Lewis, Robert F Stanley, Susan Dewolf, Brigita Meškauskaitė Urben, Meril Takizawa, Tobias Krause, Henrik Molina, Ronan Chaligne, Priya Koppikar, Jeffrey Molldrem, Mathieu Gigoux, Taha Merghoub, Anthony Daniyan, Smita S Chandran, Benjamin D Greenbaum, Christopher A Klebanoff, Robert K Bradley, Omar Abdel-Wahab

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mutations in RNA splicing factors are prevalent across cancers and generate recurrently mis-spliced mRNA isoforms. Here we identified a series of bona fide neoantigens translated from highly stereotyped splicing alterations promoted by neomorphic, leukemia-associated somatic splicing machinery mutations. We utilized feature-barcoded peptide-MHC dextramers to isolate neoantigen-reactive T cell receptors (TCRs) from healthy donors, patients with active myeloid malignancy, and following curative allogeneic stem cell transplant. Neoantigen-reactive CD8+ T cells were present in the blood of patients with active cancer and had a distinct phenotype from virus-reactive T cells with evidence of impaired cytotoxic function. T cells engineered with TCRs recognizing …

Enhancement Of Phenolic, Flavonoid, And Biological Activi-Ties In Fermented Pea (Pisum Sativum) Extracts Via Frac-Tionation, Anastasia Fitria Devi, Euis Filailla, Setyani Budiari, Hani Mulyani, Nina Artanti

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In this study, peas were fermented for 24 h using either Rhizopus oligosporus or Aspergillus oryzae. The resulting fermented peas, along with unfermented peas, were extracted using either methanol or water. The methanol extracts showed greater improvements following fermentation compared to the water extracts, as shown by the IC₅₀ values, which progressed from >500 to ≤200 µg/mL, as determined via the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) method. Consequently, further fractionations focused on the methanol extracts of the fermented peas. Six bands were resolved on thin-layer chromatography plates for each extract. Their positions demonstrated significant effects (p < 0.05) on bioactivity. The bottom band (i.e., Band 1) exhibited approximately 70% inhibition, as determined via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and 35% inhibition according to the ABTS method, while the other bands displayed lower to negligible inhibition. Band 5 displayed 85–97% cytotoxicity, while Band 1 did not show any cytotoxicity. The total phenolic content (TPC) of Band 1 and the total flavonoid content (TFC) of Band 6 increased 4.4- and 8.9-fold, respectively, compared to those of the unfractionated extracts. Furthermore, a correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between TFC and the three observed bioactivities. The different cultures significantly (p < 0.05) affected the antioxidant activity of either the fermented pea extracts or the resulting bands, as determined via the DPPH method. These results indicated that fermentation enhanced the antioxidant activity of peas. Subsequent fractionations separated and concentrated compounds from the fermented peas, improving the bioactivities, TPC, and TFC of the resulting fractions.

Synthesis Of Gold Nanoparticles Using Hordeum Vulgare Leaf Extract And Their Antibacterial Activity, Mohamed M. Sehree, Shakir Ghazi Gergees, Pakhshan A. Hassan

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Plant extracts and gold nanoparticles are promising alternatives for combating antibiotic resistance in light of the increasing bacterial resistance. Leaf extract of barley was used to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Barley gold nanoparticles (BL-AuNPs) were produced by adjusting some reaction parameters. These BL-AuNPs were characterized through employing the UV-visible spectroscopy technique, the scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). BL-AuNPs were tested for antibacterial efficacy against two strains of Gram-negative bacteria, clinically isolated and considered as multidrug-resistant pathogens, Acinetobacter baumannii and Salmonella typhi. The antimicrobial efficiency of the compounds was evaluated …

The Impact Of Microplastics On Water Quality, Heavy Metals, And Health Risks In Bioflocbased Tilapia Farming Systems, Dian Rizky Afriani, Deswati Deswati, Rahmiana Zein, Putri Ramadhani

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Along with microplastics, pollution of heavy metals, including iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), in freshwater ecosystems poses a serious environmental threat that can adversely affect human health. This study investigates the use of biofloc technology to reduce microplastic and heavy metal contamination while improving water quality. By utilizing microbial aggregates that capture microplastic and heavy metal particles through flocculation and biosorption processes, four experimental treatments were applied, i.e.: A (without biofloc and microplastics); B (with biofloc, without microplastics); C (with biofloc and low-density polyethylene microplastics); and D (with biofloc and high-density polyethylene microplastics). The results indicate that fish …

Effects Of Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract/Nanosilver On Immune Cells, Pathogen, And Breast/Colon Cancer Cell Line Growth, Mohammad Y. Alshahrani, Essam H. Ibrahim, Abeer S. Alahmari, Mona Kilany, Ramadan Taha, Haitham I. El-Mekkawy, Amr Ahmed El-Arabey, Ahmed Ezzat Ahmed

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Commiphora myrrha grows in various places of the world and is used for many purposes. The objectives of this study were to examine the biological influences of C. myrrha resin extract (MRE) alone or with its biogenic nanosilver on microbial, immune, and cancer cell growth. C. myrrha resin was boiled to prepare the MRE. Functional groups in the MRE were explored using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). MRE was used to synthesize nanosilver that was characterized using an ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis)-spectrophotometer and X-ray diffraction. In vivo experiments included the untreated group (G1) and MRE-orally treated group (G2). Cancer cell lines, HCT-116 (colon) …

The Effects Of Melatonin And Pgpr Applications On Phenolic Compounds, Organic Acids, And Agromorphological Characteristics In Strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa Duch.) Fruits By Multivariate Analysis, Akgül Taş

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

In this study, melatonin, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and PGPR + melatonin were applied to the Festival and Kabarla strawberry varieties and the effects of these applications on fruit quality were investigated. The parameters of fruit weight, fruit width and length, soluble solids content (SSC), pH, titratable acidity (TA), phenolic compounds, organic acids, and vitamin C parameters were examined. The analysis shows that significantly better results were obtained in terms of fruit weight, fruit width, fruit length, and SSC values in all fruits treated with melatonin, PGPR, and PGPR + melatonin, although there was variation between the strawberry varieties. …

Green Biosynthesis Of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles Using Saccharum Munja Leaf Extract As A Catalyst For Callus Induction In Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus L.) Plants, Ishtiaq Ahmad, Sameed Arshad Chaudhry, Maryam Maryam, Aysha Arif Chahel, Riaz Ahmad, Mehmet Ramazan Bozhüyük, İbrahi̇m Bozkurt, Magda Abdel-Rahman, Konstantin Korolev

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The common name of a wild grass native to Pakistan with both edible and medicinal properties is Saccharum munja Roxb. (S. munja). Prior research has investigated various plant species for the green biosynthesis of nanoparticles to circumvent issues related to their physical and chemical production. This study presents the first evidence of synthesizing cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4NPs) using S. munja leaf extract (SMLE) as both a reducing and a capping agent. This study investigated their ability to induce in vitro callus formation in Dianthus caryophyllus L. (carnation). In this study, Co3O4NPs were synthesized using varying quantities of SMLE to achieve …

A Comprehensive Review Of Fermentation Technologies In Food Processing: From Traditional To Cutting Edge, Pragati Singh, Niharika Arya, Shalini Sharma, Ankita Sharma, Prasad Rasane, Supriya Singh Gaur, Sawinder Kaur, Mahendra Gunjal, Hasan Kiliçgün, Jyoti Singh

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Fermentation technologies play crucial roles in food processing, offering various advantages, including enhanced flavor profiles, extended shelf life, and improved nutritional qualities. This paper provides a comprehensive overview on the major types of fermentation as well as effects of various factors such as substrate composition, temperature, pH, oxygen availability, and microbial strain selection on the process. Despite its widespread application, traditional fermentation processes face limitations related to yield optimization, contamination risks, and process consistency. Recent advancements have significantly enhanced fermentation efficiency, product quality, and scalability, ultimately expanding the applications beyond food and beverage production into pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, biofuels, and waste …

2025 Nebraska Custom Rates For Livestock-Related Agricultural Services, Glennis Mcclure

Cornhusker Economics

Conclusion

The 2025 livestock custom rates report serves as a valuable reference for cost benchmarking and service pricing in Nebraska’s livestock sector. While most rates have remained stable, producers and service providers should refer to multiple years’ reports to understand trends and regional variation. As always, actual service rates will vary based on job complexity, geographic location, provider availability, and market demand.

Participation in Future Surveys

To strengthen future reports, producers and service providers are encouraged to participate in upcoming surveys. Interested individuals may register at the following URL: https://cap.unl.edu/nebraska-custom-rates-survey-sign

The 2025 Custom Service Rates Related to Livestock Production in …

A Review Of Plant–Microbe Interactions In The Rhizosphere And The Role Of Root Exudates In Microbiome Engineering, Anagha Wankhade, Emma Wilkinson, David W. Britt, Amita Kaundal

Biological Engineering Student Research

Microbial interactions within the rhizosphere are fundamental to plant health, influencing nutrient availability, stress tolerance, and pathogen resistance. Beneficial microbes, such as plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs), including bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, enhance plant resilience through mechanisms like nutrient solubilization, phytohormone production, and pathogen suppression via antimicrobial compounds and siderophores. Root exudates, composed of sugars, organic acids, and secondary metabolites, act as chemoattractants that shape the rhizosphere microbiome by recruiting beneficial microbes. Microbial metabolites can, in turn, modulate plant physiology and exudate profiles, thereby reinforcing mutualistic interactions. Stress conditions alter exudate composition, enabling plants to attract specific microbes that aid in …

Systematic Review: Recent Developments In Magnetic-Nanoparticle-Based Dna Extraction, Stanley Evander Emeltan Tjoa, Mudasir Mudasir, Edi Suharyadi, Budi Setiadi Daryono

Makara Journal of Science

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a research object for various molecular fields of study, and DNA extraction is a basic procedure in molecular biology laboratories. DNA extraction methods are evolving, from several steps using organic solvents to recent technology using magnetic nanoparticles as adsorbents for the purification step. The use of magnetic nanoparticles for DNA extraction is magnetizing because it is simple without heavy machinery, such as centrifugation and organic solvents. The application of this method is extensive and diverse. This systematic review summarizes current development trends for some aspects of this DNA extraction system from the magnetic nanoparticle synthesis method, …

Synthesis Of Carboxymethyl Cellulose From Nypa Fruticans For Coating Metformin On Zn-Based Metal-Organic Framework Nanohybrid As A Bionanocomposite Drug Delivery System, Delviani Delviani, Viola Giary Rizkillah Maharani, Putri Nur Shadrina, Tri Warni, Regina Wan Azizah, Indra Lasmana Tarigan, Madyawati Latief

Makara Journal of Science

Diabetes is a common and rapidly spreading disease that affects 6.6% of the world’s population. Metformin hydrochloride (HCl) is an effective oral pharmacological treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients because of its capability to reduce glucose levels and the risk of hypoglycaemia. However, gastrointestinal sensitivities to this drug can cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and stomach ache. An alternative is controlled release technology by coating metformin with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and zinc-metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF) through the encapsulation method. Therefore, this study aimed to coat metformin formulations using CMC in a Zn-MOF to control release into the body and minimise …

Isolation And Selection Of Bacillus Spp. As Candidate Probiotics For Use In Chickens, Adilah Adawiah, Komang Gede Wiryawan, Anja Meryandini

Makara Journal of Science

The growth rate of chickens can be improved by using probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics. Bacillus spp. as probiotics are particularly beneficial due to ability to form spores, which remain stable as commercial products over extended periods. This study aimed to isolate and select Bacillus spp. from Jasinga soil as probiotic candidates for chickens. A total of 15 isolates obtained of these, 12 were identified as Bacillus spp based on microscopic observations and screening test including ascertaining hemolysis, protease, amylase, and cellulase activities. Only six isolates exhibited gamma hemolysis and the ability to hydrolyze proteins, starch, and cellulose. Isolates BTJ1.1, …

A Study On Combined Effect Of Monoterpenoid Essential Oils And Polyphenols From Grape Pomace On Selected Pathogenic And Probiotic Bacteria Strains, Haona Bao, Cosmas Mwendwa Muasya, Fur-Chi Chen, Agnes Kilonzo-Nthenge, Ying Wu

Food and Animal Sciences Faculty Research

In the current study, the combined effects of essential oils (EOs) and polyphenols (PPs) were investigated as potential antibiotic alternatives. Thymol and carvacrol at a ratio of 1:1 was used as the EO due to their well-proven synergistic antimicrobial effect. The PPs were an extracted and freeze-dried product from grape pomace. The treatment solutions were prepared at the EO to PP ratios of 0:10, 3:7, 5:5, 7:3, and 10:0, at total concentrations ranging from 0 to 1000 ppm. The minimum inhibition concentrations were examined on the pathogenic bacteria strains, namely Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, and Enterococcus cloacae, and a …

Cholesterol Metabolism Regulated By Camkk2-Creb Signaling Promotes Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer, Chenchu Lin, Thomas L Pulliam, Jenny J Han, Jiaqian Xu, Carlos Vera Recio, Sandi R Wilkenfeld, Yan Shi, Manoj Kushwaha, Sarah Bench, Eduardo Ruiz, Sanjanaa Senthilkumar, Jayasurya Dileep, Peter D A Shepherd, Nora M Navone, Albert R Klekers, Elizabeth M Whitley, Michael M Ittmann, Livia S Eberlin, Wenyi Wang, Daniel E Frigo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains an incurable disease in need of improved treatments. CAMKK2 is an emerging therapeutic target whose oncogenic effects in prostate cancer have, to date, been largely attributed to its activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Here, we demonstrate that CAMKK2 promotes prostate cancer growth through an alternative downstream pathway involving CAMKI and CREB. Unbiased transcriptomics identify CREB-mediated transcription as a CAMKK2-regulated process, findings that we validate using diverse molecular, genetic, and pharmacological approaches in vitro and in vivo. CAMKK2 promotes CREB phosphorylation/activation through CAMKIα independently of AMPK, CAMKIV, or other CAMKI isoforms. Functionally, the CREB family …

Modulation Of Pulmonary Epithelial Paracellular Permeability By Pneumolysin From Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Alexandra S. Tamayo Moreira

Biology Theses

Pneumolysin (PLY), a key virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), disrupts airway epithelial barriers, yet its cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We aim to elucidate recombinant pneumolysin (rPLY)’s effects on Calu-3 bronchial epithelial barrier integrity and underlying pathways. This study investigates the effects of non-lytic and lytic PLY concentrations (5, 15, 30 µg/mL) to test the hypothesis that PLY increases epithelial paracellular permeability by affecting the anatomy and physiology of epithelial tight junctions. To address the hypothesis that PLY increases paracellular permeability through disruption of tight junction integrity in Calu-3 cells in a time- and dose-dependent …

Influence Of Age At Harvest And Packaging Conditions On Color Stability Of Bovine Psoas Major Muscle, Xiao Lu, Xin Luo, Sulaiman K. Matarneh

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science Student Research

This study investigated the effect of cattle age on the color stability of Psoas major steaks under different packaging conditions, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film packaging, high-oxygen-modified atmosphere packaging (HiOx-MAP), and carbon monoxide modified atmosphere packaging (CO-MAP), over a 14-day storage period. Steaks from old cows had a greater myoglobin content than those from young animals (p < 0.05), resulting in a darker beef color. Regardless of animal age, steaks in PVC and HiOx-MAP exhibited poor color stability during storage, as evidenced by the low color intensity and high surface metmyoglobin (MetMb; p < 0.05). These samples also exhibited a reduced MetMb reducing activity (MRA) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and higher 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels, with these effects being evident in steaks from mature cows. In contrast, steaks stored in CO-MAP had greater redness, MRA, and OCR, along with lower surface MetMb and TBARS levels (p < 0.05), contributing to the limited discoloration of steaks from both age groups. These findings suggest that while both harvest age and packaging affect the shelf stability of bovine steaks, packaging plays a more significant role. CO-MAP proved to be more effective than aerobic packaging and may mitigate age-related differences in color stability.

Updated Take Estimates Of Marine Turtles In The Guajira Peninsula, Venezuela, Royner Carrasquero-Labarca, Matthew Ware, Jordano Palmar, Daniela Rojas-Cañizales, Héctor Barrios-Garrido

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

The Guajira Peninsula is one of the most important foraging grounds areas for marine turtles in Venezuela. There, five species converging: the green turtle, hawksbill, loggerhead, leatherback, and olive ridley. The Wayuú indigenous people are inhabits of the Guajira Peninsula. They have a close relationship with these animals, and for generations, they have used these species as subsistence resources. Marine turtle take has always occurred in this area and has historically been high; it is still happening now, but the current extent is unknown. For that reason, we aimed to assess and update the estimate for marine turtles take in …

Temporal Changes In Soil Organic Carbon And Other Near-Surfacesoil Properties Under Native Tallgrass Prairie In The Arkansasriver Valley, Katie Jansson, Kristofor R. Brye, Mike Richardson, Lisa S. Wood

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

One climate-change mitigation pathway is soil carbon (C) sequestration. Native prairies have long been known for their soil C sequestration abilities, but the full extent of their sequestration capacity is not completely understood, particularly across diverse regions. This study evaluated the effects of soil depth and soil map unit-prairie combination on changes in various soil properties from 2018 to 2022 in the top 20 cm of two native tallgrass prairies in west-central Arkansas. Soil bulk density, pH, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, total C (TC), soil organic matter (SOM), and Mehlich-3 extractable soil nutrients were evaluated from the 0- to 10-cm …

The Enigmatic Samuel Aughey: Nebraska’S Pastor Naturalist, Hugh H. Genoways, Margaret R. Bolick, Mary Anne Andrei

Zea E-Books Collection

Samuel Aughey at age 39 became the first Professor of Natural Science at the new University of Nebraska in Lincoln, serving from 1871 to 1883. He was an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, with an addendum degree from Pennsylvania College (now Gettysburg College) in 1856 and an A.M. degree two years later. His early pastoral work was in Pennsylvania, but in 1864 he became a home missionary to a church in Dakota City, Nebraska. Aughey’s career at the university was marked with successes and honors, but also criticism and questions about his basic knowledge of the sciences. While …

Protocol For Assessing Mobilization Of Peritoneal B Cells To The Pre-Metastatic Omentum In An Orthotopic Mouse Model Of Ovarian Cancer, Wonjae Lee, Hironari Akasaka, Honami Naora

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The omentum is a visceral adipose tissue that undergoes dynamic immunological changes prior to and following metastasis. Here, we present a protocol for assessing the mobilization of peritoneal B cells to the pre-metastatic omentum in a mouse ovarian cancer model. We describe steps for isolation and adoptive transfer of peritoneal donor B cells and their detection in the omentum of recipient mice. This protocol could be utilized to study the mobilization of peritoneal B cells to the omentum in other pathological contexts. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Lee et al.

Protocol For Establishing Genetically Engineered Murine Lung Organoids Mimicking Cell Plasticity And Regeneration, Bongjun Kim, Jae-Il Park

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Lung endothelial cells (LuECs) play crucial roles in lung regeneration and support lung organoids (LOs). However, detailed guidelines for LO culture using LuECs have not been reported yet. Here, we present an efficient protocol for generating and culturing murine LOs that mimic regeneration. We describe steps for the isolation of LuECs and lung epithelial cells, followed by LO culture. We also describe how to establish genetically engineered LOs using viral transduction. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Kim et al.

Crayfish Microhabitats Provide A Close Association With Benthic Microbiomes To Support Cleaning Symbionts., Kyle J. Harris, John Hoverson, Matthew Becker, Matthew M. Cooke Mr

NEXUS: The Liberty Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Stream ecosystems promote variable microhabitats along a longitudinal gradient. These microhabitats support dynamic biotic assemblages. One such microhabitat in freshwater streams involves the external surface of crayfish. We investigated the microbiome of crayfish exoskeletons and the surrounding environment (water and substrate) in association with the presence and abundance of crayfish cleaning ectosymbionts (branchiobdellidans). These ectosymbionts actively consume the biofilm on crayfish as they live and reproduce in association with crayfish microhabitats. Sequenced microbes of the environment and crayfish were compared for dominant taxa. While the sample types (water, substrate, and crayfish) had significantly different microbiomes, there was not a significant …

Sustainable Fishmeal Alternatives: Impact Of Partially Defatted Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) Meal On Growth And Health Of Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola Lalandi), Luke Pilmer, Lindsey Woolley, Alan J. Lymbery, Michael Salini, Chinh Dam, Md Javed Foysal, Gavin Partridge

Fisheries Research Articles

Reducing fishmeal (FM) in aquaculture diets is essential for improving sustainability and reducing reliance on marine resources. Black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larvae meal is a promising alternative protein source. This study evaluated the effects of replacing FM with BSF meal on the growth and health of juvenile yellowtail kingfish (YTK) (Seriola lalandi, initial weight ~22 g). Fish were reared in 24 tanks (three replicates per treatment) and fed for 33 days under controlled conditions. Eight diets were tested: a control (40% FM) and seven diets with BSF meal replacing FM at 25%, 50%, or 75%, …

Branching Corals Modulate Their Hydrodynamic Environment, Enhancing Capture Rates Of Evasive Prey, Kelsey Daniels

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Reef-building corals obtain nutrients through two primary means: autotrophy (via mutualism with photosynthetic zooxanthellae) and heterotrophy (via feeding). The latter form of resource acquisition is understudied and many aspects of predator-prey interactions between coral and naturally occurring prey species remain unexplored. In this thesis, I elucidate the role of branching coral morphology in shaping the colony’s local hydrodynamic environment and describe how this environment impacts prey capture, particularly among evasive and hydrodynamically sensitive, but highly abundant prey such as copepods. I used acrylic cylinders of three sizes in aquaria to model the structure of coral branches across the range of …

Using Stomach Content Analysis To Determine The Trophic Ecology Of Omosudis Lowii, A Deep-Sea Predator In The Gulf Of Mexico, Claire De Noyo

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Little is known about the feeding dynamics of deep-sea communities, despite their significant ecological importance. Deep-pelagic communities contribute to marine biodiversity and ecosystem stability while directly offsetting climate change via carbon sequestration. Omosudis lowii is an understudied, deep-sea fish found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, including the Gulf of Mexico. Omosudis lowii have large jaws and distensible stomachs, allowing them to capture prey items larger than their body size. The present seminal study used stomach content analysis to quantitatively describe the O. lowii trophic ecology, providing baseline data regarding diet composition, feeding selectivity, and factors that impact prey selection. …