Digital Commons Network^™

Probiotic Biogeography In The Neonatal Intestine, Sierra Hansen

All ETDs from UAB

Neonatal infection remains a leading cause of both neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in preterm infants. Probiotic bacteria have been demonstrated to protect against the development of neonatal intestinal dysbiosis, however, formulations and efficacy vary substantially, highlighting a critical gap in the current understanding of the mechanisms governing probiotic efficacy in this population. This gap is exacerbated by regulatory standards which favor economic expansion over scientific rigor. Furthermore, current studies on probiotic efficacy largely rely on indirect or relative readouts of intestinal bacterial burden. Herein, we directly quantify the probiotic effects of Ligilactobacillus murinus V10 and Escherichia coli Nissle …

Standardizing Sea Urchin Husbandry: Tank Effects, Gamete Production, And Co-Culture, Raven Amber Edwards

All ETDs from UAB

This dissertation seeks to further knowledge of sea urchin husbandry in three major areas that have so far not been investigated substantially: optimal conditions for housing sea urchins in a lab-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), impacts of repetitive spawning regimens on reproductive output, and co-culture utilizing juvenile oysters. All studies utilize a commercial recirculating aquaculture system that is relatively novel for culturing sea urchins. The first chapter investigated the influence of housing conditions on sea urchin growth outcomes. Under the conditions of this study, the size of the tank showed limited influence on growth; however, stocking density was found to …

Winter Supplementation Of Beef Cows In The Intermountain West, David Secrist

All Current Publications

Feed costs are the most significant expense of most ranching operations in the Intermountain West. Year-round grazing opportunities, hay cost and availability, calving season, cow size, milk production, and feeding logistics are all considerations in a supplementation program. The key to effective winter feeding is to balance the cost/benefit ratio of the supplementation programs while meeting nutritional demands at a minimal cost.

Editorial: A Step-By-Step Statistical Decision Framework For A Gender-Inclusive Approach In Sport And Exercise Science Research, James W. Navalta, Dustin W. Davis, Jafra D. Thomas, Whitley J. Stone

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(1): 1010-1029, 2025. The conflation of sex and gender in sport and exercise science research has led to gaps in representation and understanding of gender-inclusive outcomes. This invited editorial presents a framework to guide researchers in conducting statistical analyses that account for multiple gender identities beyond the traditional binary classification. The invited editorial guides deliberation on whether to test for sex or gender differences in sport or exercise science research. It prompts investigators to answer the question, “Is there a valid, literature-supported rationale for investigating sex or gender differences?” If “yes”, we propose approaches that …

The Cost Of Malnutrition In Older Adults In The Mountain West, 2020, Taylor Volk, Anirudh Polagani, Olivia K. Cheche, Kristian Thymianos, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Health

This fact sheet presents 2020 data on the annual costs of disease-associated malnutrition for adults aged 65 years and older across the five Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The data are sourced from “Advancing Policies for Quality Malnutrition Care in Older Adults: A Toolkit for State Legislators,” a report published by Defeat Malnutrition Today and Women in Government.

Optimizing Plant Nutrient Uptake: Cost Function Sensitivity Analysis Of The Fun Model, Gabriel Alpay, Joshua B. Fisher, Renato K. Braghiere, Edward R. Brzostek, Gabriella R. Dauber, Kara Allen, Rosemary A. Fisher

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

This study explores the cost functions of the Fixation & Uptake of Nutrients (FUN) model, which aims to optimize the amount of carbon used when plants acquire their necessary nutrients from the soil to maximize nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake while minimizing the carbon cost. Specifically, we aimed to quantify the sensitivity of FUN outputs to the parameters belonging to the cost of nitrogen and phosphorus uptake functions by arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi. We present three dimensions of sensitivity analysis: (1) adjusting all parameters at the same time; (2) keeping one parameter constant while varying the other; and, …

Infectious Prions In Brains And Muscles Of Domestic Pigs Experimentally Challenged With The Bse, Scrapie, And Cwd Agents, Francisca Bravo-Risi, Fraser Brydon, Angela Chong, Kane Spicker, Justin J Greenlee, Glenn Telling, Claudio Soto, Sandra Pritzkow, Marcelo A Barria, Rodrigo Morales

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Experimental studies suggest that animal species not previously described as naturally infected by prions are susceptible to prion diseases affecting sheep, cattle, and deer. These interspecies transmissions may generate prions with unknown host ranges. Pigs are susceptible to prions from different origins, including deer chronic wasting disease (CWD), sheep scrapie, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Here, we studied prions in brains and muscles from pigs previously infected with these different prion sources. Specifically, we measured the total prion protein (PrP) and PK-resistant PrP by western blot. Seeding activity in these tissues was evaluated using the protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) …

Evaluating The Impact Of Zoa Energy Drink On Muscular Strength, Psychomotor Vigilance, And Mood In Active Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Jose J. Rojas, Jason M. Curtis, Flavia F. Pereira, Cassandra Evans, Kaelan Jones, Alyana Andal, Juan Carlos Santana, Hena Thakkar, Jose Antonio

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

This study evaluates the effects of ZOA Energy Drink, a commercially available energy beverage, on muscular strength, sustained attention, and mood in exercise-trained individuals. Using a randomized, blinded, two-arm design, 24 participants (15 males, 9 females; age = 31.8 ± 8.4 years) were assigned to consume either ZOA Energy Drink or a caffeine-matched placebo. The primary outcomes included psychomotor vigilance (PVT), mood state (POMS), handgrip strength, and push-up performance. Baseline body composition was also assessed using bioelectrical impedance.

Results revealed no statistically significant differences between the ZOA and the caffeine matched control groups in psychomotor vigilance (p = 0.155), mood …

Beneficial Effects Of Performlytetm, A Prodosomed Phytonutrient-Enriched Electrolyte Formulation, In Enhancing Neuro-Muscular Synergy, Immune Competence, Cellular Aerobic Glycolysis And Sports Performance, Bernard William Downs, Samudra P. Banik, Bruce S. Morrison, Tandra Chakraborty, Manashi Bagchi, Sanjoy Chakraborty, Steve Kushner, Debasis Bagchi

Publications and Research

An optimised sports nutrition formulation achieving the correct blend of electrolytes with antioxidants and vitamins is integral towards meeting the demanding performance in professional sports arena. In this work, we describe a pilot study carried out to understand the effect of a novel phytonutrient- and electrolyte-fortified sports nutrition composition, PerformLyte^TM, developed in our laboratories, in boosting the performance of trained male cyclists. PerformLyte^TM is a unique fortified formulation comprising of polyphenolic antioxidants, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, as well as carotenoids, sulforaphanes, exotic spices, sea water-derived electrolytes, and vitamin C, encapsulated in proprietary patent-pending Prodosome absorption technology, enabling sustained …

Integrative Techniques To Alleviate Abiotic Stress In Plants Using Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria And Fungi: Mechanisms, Interactions, And Applications, Muhammad Naseem, Amjad Iqbal, Muhammad Qadir, Anwar Hussain

All Works

No abstract provided.

Defining Breast Epithelial Cell Types In The Single-Cell Era, G Kenneth Gray, Eric G Carlson, Tatyana Lev, Bailey Marshall, Austin D Reed, Alex P Sánchez-Covarrubias, Alecia-Jane Twigger, Aleix Puig-Barbe, Aatish Thennavan, Ayodele Omotoso, Lyndsay M Murrow, Deeptiman Chatterjee, Siyuan He, Sara Pensa, Brian Aevermann, Norbert K Tavares, Natalie Chen, Jason A Hilton, Kerrigan Blake, Yunlong Liu, Kiet Phong, Zev J Gartner, Devon A Lawson, Alexander Swarbrick, Camila O Dos Santos, Sophia H L George, Joan S Brugge, Mark A Labarge, Harikrishna Nakshatri, Nicholas Navin, Kai Kessenbrock, Walid T Khaled

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Single-cell studies on breast tissue have contributed to a change in our understanding of breast epithelial diversity that has, in turn, precipitated a lack of consensus on breast cell types. The confusion surrounding this issue highlights a possible challenge for advancing breast atlas efforts. In this perspective, we present our consensus on the identities, properties, and naming conventions for breast epithelial cell types and propose goals for future atlas endeavors. Our proposals and their underlying thought processes aim to catalyze the adoption of a shared model for this tissue and to serve as guidance for other investigators facing similar challenges.

Positive Changes In Functional Capacity, Muscle Strength And Body Composition After Short Time Of Resistance Training Periodization In Older Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Ericles Vieira

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 949-970, 2025. We investigated the effects of a new approach with mixed session periodization resistance training (MSP) on functional performance, muscular strength, and body composition in older women. Twenty-one participants were tested before and after the intervention (10 weeks) and were allocated for convenience into two groups according to their available time; our schedule made two classes available, one at 6 a.m. (MSP), and one at 7 a.m. (active group-control). Results were analyzed through a mixed-model analysis with repeated measures. There was a group vs. time interaction for timed up and go (p < 0.001, η_{p …}

Cocoa Polyphenols Modulate The Mouse Gut Microbiome In A Site-Specific Manner, Marcus Hayden, Eliza C. Stewart, Mohammed F. Almatani, Jeremy Case, Samuel Rice, Giovanni Rompato, Korry J. Hintze, Abby D. Benninghoff

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Student Research

Background/Objectives: The dietary modulation of the gut microbiome is a promising strategy for mitigating gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Cocoa powder is rich in polyphenols, including (−)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin, which have been associated with beneficial effects on gut health and microbiome modulation. Importantly, changes in the bacterial populations associated with the gut mucosal layer may have different health impacts compared to changes in cecal or fecal microbiomes. This study investigated the effects of cocoa polyphenol supplementation on microbiome composition across the cecal, fecal, and mucosal compartments in a mouse model of colitis. …

Genome-Wide Association Study And Genomic Prediction Of Leaf Spot (Stemphylium Vesicarium) Resistance In Spinach Diversity Panel, Gehendra Bhattarai, Bo Liu, James Cor, Ainong Shi

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Stemphylium leaf spot (SLP), caused by Stemphylium vesicarium, has emerged as an increasing threat to spinach production in the United States, with widespread outbreaks reported across major spinach-growing regions over the past two decades. The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate global USDA spinach germplasm collections and commercial cultivars for resistance to S. vesicarium; (2) perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genomic regions associated with resistance; and (3) conduct genomic prediction (GP) to enhance selection accuracy. A total of 311 diverse spinach genotypes, including USDA germplasm accessions and commercial cultivars, were evaluated under greenhouse conditions at the …

P.L.A.Y. For All Pilot: Effects Of A Community-Based, Inclusive After-School Program On Physical Activity And Motor-Skill Outcomes, Allison R. Tsuchida, Karl-Richard Hennebach, Erin E. Centeio

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

After-school programs for physical activity (PA) can contribute to helping children and youth achieve the suggested 60 minutes a day of PA. Previous research also suggests that developing motor competency can positively impact long-term PA participation. Additionally, parent and peer support can help children and youth overcome barriers to PA participation. The primary purpose of this pilot research study was to determine the effects of an inclusive after-school program on PA levels and motor-skill outcomes for children with and without disabilities. A secondary purpose was to examine parental support for physical activity and children’s physical activity and motor skills. 38 …

Life-History Stage-Dependent Effects Of Food Supplementation On Gut Microbiome Diversity In Sialia Sialis (Eastern Bluebird), Marcella D. Baiz, Allison Cornell

Biology Faculty Publications

Diet can be an important health factor that links fitness to an individual’s ecology. The gut microbiome responds to diet changes and plays an important role in host physiology. Dietary interventions are known to impact gut microbiome composition, but long-term effects and to what extent these impacts vary among individuals at different life-history stages are unclear. To address this question, we performed a supplemental feeding experiment by providing live mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) to Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird) during the chick-rearing period. We produced 16S metabarcoding data to quantify gut microbiome diversity from fecal samples of adults and nestlings …

Dietary And Consumer Behaviors In Individuals Currently Using Substances: A Cross-Sectional Study Based On Nhanes (2013 - 2018), A Sarah Cohen, Marylou Cardenas-Turanzas, Audrey Lopez, Tiffany Champagne-Langabeer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Substance use disorders (SUD) are associated with metabolic dysregulation and nutritional deficiencies. Studies show that incorporating nutrition interventions into treatment may improve physical and psychological health. This study sought to explore dietary and consumer behavior in individuals currently using substances.

Methods: Data from the 2013 - 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used for this cross-sectional study. Individuals 18 - 69 who were currently using marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, or injected unprescribed drugs were compared with individuals not using substances. Dietary and consumer behavior, including alcohol consumption was assessed. Analyses were performed using Stata I/C version 15. …

Examining The Role Of The M1 Motif Of Abcr1 Srna In Agrobacterium Tumefaciens, Daniel Arango-Cardona

Theses and Dissertations

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a gram-negative alphaproteobacterium that is one of the causative agents of crown gall tumors on plants. Its ability to transform plants using its T-DNA has been studied to improve plant-mediated transformation. sRNAs are small regulatory RNAs that play a role in gene expression in a variety of organisms and bind to target proteins or mRNAs. A. tumefaciens contains two sibling sRNAs, called AbcR1 and AbcR2, which are conserved among alphaproteobacteria. A. tumefaciens AbcR1 and AbcR2 are closely related, exhibiting 69% sequence identity, similar secondary and tertiary structure, and a conserved motif, M2, believed to direct target interactions. …

Effects Of Acute Caffeine Ingestion On Physical Performance And Skill Execution In Volleyball Players: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Raoof Negaresh, Shihab Aldin A. Al-Riyami, Alireza Paahoo, Rastegar Hoseini, Juan Del Coso

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 922-948, 2025. It is well established that oral caffeine administration (3-9 mg/kg) is ergogenic, enhancing numerous aspects of physical performance including strength and power. However, the extent to which these effects translate to volleyball-specific skills remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of acute caffeine ingestion on performance outcomes in volleyball-specific actions. A systematic review of published studies was conducted using scientific databases from their inception through December 2024 (registered in PROSPERO, CRD420251006314). We included studies with blinded crossover experimental designs that compared caffeine ingestion to a placebo …

Dairy And Food Science News, Sept 2025, Department Of Dairy And Food Science

Dairy & Food Science News

Message from the Department Head
Dairy Drive Football Game
Dairy Foods Research @SDSU: Opportunities Galore Webinar
Faculty Updates
Faculty Surveys and Studies
Recruitment Updates & Opportunities
2025 Burger Bash
Meet our Jacks
Student Updates
2025 Eminent Leader in Agriculture, Family and Community
Events & Calendar

Growth Performance And Yield Of Two Bioguma Sorghum Varieties Cultivated During The Rainy Season [Research Note], M. Umar Harun, Irmawati Irmawati, Marlin Sefrila, Astuti Kurnianingsih, Chandra Irsan

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Sorghum is a cereal crop with significant potential, considering its benefits as a food, feed, or bioethanol source. Aside from being a drought-tolerant plant, sorghum can grow in different land conditions, with varieties Bioguma 1 and 2 considered to have high yield potential. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the growth and yield of these 2 sorghum varieties using a randomized block design with 3 replicates. The results showed that Bioguma 1 had a significantly better growth performance and produced a higher yield compared with Bioguma 2. Considering its higher disease resistance, growth, and yield, Bioguma 1 could be used …

Genetic And Geographic Profiling Of Fragrance-Associated Badh2 Mutations In Rice From China, Laos, And Vietnam, Lenie A. Quiatchon-Baeza, Venea Dara Daygon, Mariafe N. Calingacion, Melissa A. Fitzgerald

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Fragrance in rice is a culturally and economically significant trait in Asia and around the world. This study aimed to develop a genetic and geographic profile of the fragrance-associated BADH2 mutations (badh2.1 and badh2.11) in 1,067 rice varieties from China, Laos, and Vietnam, which are part of the International Rice Genebank Collection. Seventy-three varieties were found to carry the common eight-base pair (bp) deletion in exon 7 of the genes (badh2.1, also known as badh2.7), primarily from indica varieties, with some belonging to japonica, javanica, and intermediate varieties. Conversely, 59 varieties possess the recently identified badh2 allele, badh2.11 (also known …

Identification And Characterization Of Peptide Responsive Histone Modification Genes During Root Nodule Symbiosis In Medicago Truncatula, Shivani Dharam

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

Nitrogen (N) is an essential but limiting macronutrient for crop growth in agroecosystems. Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) is a critical biological process where atmospheric Nitrogen is converted into ammonia by Nitrogen fixing the bacteria called rhizobia, forming mutualistic relationships with legume plants. These interactions are mediated by several signaling pathways and may involve epigenetic modifications like DNA methylations, histone modifications, where gene expression is altered without any change in DNA sequence. Histones are proteins provide structural support to DNA. However, genes encoding enzymes for these post translational modifications are poorly investigated in the Leguminosae family. This project aims to answer …

Understanding Performance And Egg Quality Parameters In A Pastured Egg-Type Poultry Breed, Biswajit Kumar Biswas

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of rearing systems on performance, egg quality, and ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility in laying hens (65 weeks of age). A total of 66 hens were distributed into two rearing systems: Cage (2 birds/replication, total 12 birds in 6 replications) and pasture (9 birds/replication, total 54 birds in 6 replications), and reared on three levels of energy diet (11.50 MJ/kg, 12.50 MJ/kg, and 13 MJ/kg). The birds were reared from d 1 to 14 (diet 1), d 15 to 28 (diet 2), and d 29-42 (diet 3). The average temperature, wind speed, and humidity were …

Fisheries Occasional Publication No. 149 - Economic Contribution Of Wild-Catch Fishing In Western Australia, 2024: Beyond Gross Value Of Production, Dipesh Maharjan, Vilaphonh Xayavong, Ben Fraser, Rebecca Thomas

Fisheries Occasional Publications

The wild-catch fishing industry plays a significant role in Western Australia’s economy, particularly in regional communities. This report summarises the economic contribution of the commercial wild-catch fishing sector in 2024, based on REMPLAN’s input-output (I-O) modelling methodology and DPIRD data and analysis. This report focuses on key economic indicators including total economic output, gross value added (GVA), and employment (FTEs).

Key findings:

• Total Economic Output of the wild-catch fishing industry is $1.22 billion (total value of goods and services produced, including intermediate inputs)
• Gross Value Added (GVA) of the wild-catch fishing industry is $487 million (value of profit, wages, salaries …

Comparison Of Gonad Development Between Wild And Hatchery-Bred Silver Therapon Leiopotherapon Plumbeus (Teleostei: Terapontidae) During An Annual Reproductive Cycle, Frolan A. Aya, Samantha Ally V. Bismonte, Mary Jane P. Sayco, Luis Maria B. Garcia

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study compared gonad development between wild-sourced and hatchery-bred silver therapon Leiopotherapon plumbeus. Wild fish from the east bay area of Laguna de Bay, Philippines, and hatchery-bred stocks grown to adult size in outdoor tanks were sampled, and somatic condition, gonad histology, gonadosomatic index (GSI), gut index (GI), and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were assessed during the annual reproductive cycle. Hatcherybred fish condition was generally better than that of wild-sourced fish as a consequence of readily available food resources and environmental conditions. Hatchery-bred male GSIs were significantly higher than in wild male fish in November to February, coinciding with low water …

Influence Of Varying Levels Of Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum Inoculant On The Physicochemical Characteristics And Degradation Kinetics Of Corn Silage, Christian V. Lualhati, Kimberly Turaja, Le Chan P. Yu, Jonalyn M. Sandro, Angelica Maghirang Maria, Jimmy C. Espina Jr., Cedric M. Nerona, Reynald D. Amido, Mary Rose De Guia, Gerald Guadayo, Menandro M. Loresco, Arnel N. Del Barrio

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study evaluated the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as an inoculant on the physical (color, odor, texture), chemical characteristics (pH, total soluble sugars [TSS], Flieg point [FP], dry matter [DM], organic matter [OM], ash, crude protein [CP], neutral detergent fiber [NDF], acid detergent fiber [ADF], and hemicellulose), and fermentation kinetics of corn silage. Treatments were 0% (T1), 1% (T2), 2% (T3), and 3% (T4) concentration of L. plantarum applied to corn before ensiling for 21 d. Afterwards, an in situ experiment was immediately conducted to test the digestibility of corn silage at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h …

Evaluation Of Semen Characteristics And The Impact Of Storage Time In Dong Tao And Ho Indigenous Chickens, Phan Nhan, Nguyen Thi My Phuong

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study aimed to evaluate the semen quality of 2 indigenous Vietnamese chicken breeds, Dong Tao and Ho, and to assess their reproductive potential for breeding and conservation programs. Semen samples were collected from 10 roosters of each breed and analyzed for macroscopic and microscopic traits. The results indicated that both breeds exhibited semen quality within acceptable physiological ranges. Mean semen volume was 0.47 mL in Dong Tao and 0.48 mL in Ho roosters; pH values were 7.47 and 7.42, respectively. Semen color scores (2.39 vs. 2.35), sperm concentrations (2.11 vs. 1.92 × 109/mL), and mass activity scores (3.79 vs. …

Ai-Powered Multi-Omics Integration For Predictive Modeling Of Genotype-Environment-Phenotype Relationships, You Wu

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This dissertation presents a series of machine learning frameworks for modeling genotype–environment–phenotype relationships through integrative predictive modeling of multi-omics data. The work addresses three major axes of biological complexity: modeling biological information transmission cross-levels from genes to proteins to phenotypes, predicting molecular features cross-scale from cells to tissues to organisms, and translating phenotypes cross-species from model systems to humans. Each proposed method also tackles key machine learning (ML) challenges in the biomedical domain, including data scarcity, domain shift, out-of-distribution (OOD) generalization, and hierarchical modeling. Specifically, this dissertation introduces five novel deep learning algorithms: MultiDCP predicts drug-induced transcriptomic and viability responses …

A Pestel-Swot Matrix Analysis Of Sustainable Aquafeed Sector: A Case Of Kenya's Fish Feed Sector, Esther Magondu, Lucy Njogu, Kevin Ouko, Jimmy B. Mboya, Mavindu Muthoka, Rodrigue Yossa, Jonathan Munguti, Mary A. Opiyo, Menaga Meenakshisundaram, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Kevin Obiero

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Global demand for seafood continues to rise, positioning aquaculture as a critical pathway for improving food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods. In Kenya, the aquaculture sector remains constrained by structural challenges, with fish feed accounting for 60%–70% of production costs and limiting sectoral growth, particularly for smallholder farmers. This review critically analyzes Kenya's fish feed sector through an integrated PESTEL-SWOT framework, drawing on a scoping review of academic literature, policy reports, and sector development studies. The paper highlights key macro-level drivers, including fragmented policy implementation, dependency on imported ingredients, and climate-related risks, and connects these with internal industry dynamics such …