Digital Commons Network^™

Identification Of An Unknown Bacterial Species From A Sink Handle, Angelo Ricarte, Ahman Dye

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This project aims to identify an unknown bacterial species isolated from a sink handle. Using a series of tests, the bacterium’s physical appearance, growth conditions, and metabolic characteristics will be examined. Its shape, colony appearance, and responses to different biochemical tests will help narrow down its identity. By comparing these results with the profiles of known bacteria, this project aims to determine which species is present and better understand the types of microbes commonly found on everyday objects.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Diet And Contributing Factors: A Narrative Literature Review, Rachel Joseph, Ashley Tharpe, Sherri Ann Walker

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

Objectives: The purpose of this narrative literature review is to explore the relationship between Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and dietary habits, and identify factors that contribute to the development, progression, and potential management of NAFLD.

Methods: Search terms such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diet, and nutrition, including plant-based and vegetarian diets, were used to identify 45 peer-reviewed publications published within the last five years.

Results: Dietary factors, biological, environmental, obesity, mental health, and genetic factors can contribute to the development of NAFLD. This multisystem problem can have economic, social, and psychological consequences that affect a person’s quality …

Multi-Omics Systems-Guided Insights Of Withanolide And Other Bioactives Contributions To Anti-Stress And Endurance Outcomes In Withania Somnifera, Deepak Mundkinajeddu

Oxford ICSB

Conventional Ashwagandha standardization is largely focused on total withanolide quantification, without insights on the functional contribution of other phytochemical fractions. In this discovery-driven development program, orthogonal array–based model combined with predictive transcriptomics was used to delineate the relative biological roles of withanolide and other bioactive components within Withania somnifera extracts. Validated animal models showed that withanolide-enriched fractions significantly reduced serum cortisol (p< 0.05), while other bioactive-enriched fractions significantly increased run-time to exhaustion (p< 0.05), confirming anti-stress and endurance mechanisms. By linking the phytochemical profile with predicted biological pathway activity, the composition of the extract is rationally optimized for the development of a standardized extract (Ashwa.30), designed to deliver both anti-stress and endurance benefits at a dose of 30 mg. Clinical evaluation of the Ashwagandha extract demonstrated significant reductions in perceived stress scores and circulating cortisol levels, alongside measurable improvements in endurance parameters compared to placebo (p< 0.05), confirming translational alignment from preclinical discovery to human outcomes. Untargeted metabolomic profiling revealed enrichment of glycine and serine metabolism, methionine metabolism, phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism, and homocysteine degradation pathways. These integrated metabolic changes worked together to improve energy production, support mitochondrial repair, maintain antioxidant balance, and help reset the body’s stress response system. This work presents a systems-biology–based approach to holistic Ashwagandha standardization, integrating withanolides and complementary bioactivities. It establishes a precision-driven framework for clinically validated adaptogenic efficacy.

Alkaloid Profiling Of Narcissus Poeticus L. Bulbs And Their Inhibitory Activity Of Cholinesterases, Maël Gainche, Isabelle Ripoche, Elodie Jagu

Oxford ICSB

The Amaryllidaceae family is well known for its rich diversity of alkaloids, including lycorine- and galantamine-type structures with potent cholinesterase inhibitory properties. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical composition and cholinesterase inhibitory activity of alkaloids isolated from Narcissus poeticus L., a species native to the botanically rich Auvergne region of France. Phytochemical analysis and bioguided fractionation of bulb extracts led to the identification of three known alkaloids, pseudolycorine, norgalantamine, and 2-O-(3’-hydroxybutanoyl)-lycorine, as well as a newly characterized tetrahydroquinoline derivative, poeticine A. The inhibitory activities of these compounds against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were assessed using both a standard …

The Erosion Of The Imago Dei: A Qualitative Study Of Religious Identity Maintenance Among Affluent Professionals In Secularized Environments, Shawn Hall

Liberty University Research Week

While sociological research has extensively documented the decline of religious affiliation (the "rise of the Nones"), fewer studies examine the erosion of theological anthropology, the fundamental beliefs about the nature of the self among religious adherents who remain active within faith communities. Drawing on twenty years of qualitative participant observation in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, this study investigates how affluent Christians maintain or fail to maintain a "Bipartite" (Soul-Body) worldview while embedded in highly secularized, technocratic professional environments. Utilizing a reflexive ethnographic design and NVivo-supported thematic analysis, the research identifies a phenomenon of "Ontological Dissonance," where adherents profess orthodox …

Temporal Variation In Dna Methylation Over 115 Years Post Introduction Facilitate Success Of House Sparrows, M. Ellesse Lauer, J. Dylan Maddox, Kevin D. Kohl, Mark Ravinet, Lynn B. Martin, Aaron W. Schrey

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

House sparrows (Passer domesticus) have colonized most continents within the last 200 years. As such, they represent a unique study system for understanding the role that epigenetic mechanisms play in an individual’s responses to rapid environmental changes. DNA methylation facilitates the introduction success of non-native sparrows by compensating for reduced genetic diversity and supporting changes to phenotypes. In non-native populations of house sparrows, more recently introduced populations have higher variance in DNA methylation and respond to simulated infections with a greater magnitude of change in DNA methylation. To determine how DNA methylation changes temporally across 115 years post …

So You've Landed In A Fantasy World By Josiah Lebowitz, Nancy Martsch

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

So You've Landed in a Fantasy World by Josiah Lebowitz; book review.

Aubusson Weaves Tolkien: The Woven Adventure, Nancy Martsch

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

Aubusson weaves Tolkien. The woven adventure/ Aubusson tisse Tolkien. L’aventure tissée: review of the catalogue of the exhibition held at the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie in Aubusson, France, June 28 - September 30, 2024. The exhibition showcased 14 tapestries and 2 carpets based on Tolkien's illustrations. This catalogue is available in both French and English editions.

Evaluation Of Fasted And Fed Gastrointestinal Transformation Of Withania Somnifera Plant Extracts And Bioactive Compounds Via Uplc-Ms/Ms And Untargeted Metabolomics, Sarah Barr, Wendy Strangman, R. Thomas Williamson, Amala Soumyanath, Melissa Bollen

Oxford ICSB

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a widely consumed botanical supplement recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. Despite its extensive use, limited information exists on how its complex chemical composition changes during gastrointestinal digestion. An untargeted UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics approach enables analysis of discrete changes in complex mixtures. Previous in vitro studies of W. somnifera relied on simulated gastric and intestinal models composed primarily of buffers and digestive enzymes. This study advances those methods by incorporating bile salts and phospholipids under fasted and fed conditions to better simulate physiological digestion of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of W. somnifera root and leaf. …

Unmasking Ashwagandha Controversy: Safety, Toxicity, And Adulteration, Tahir Maqbool Mir

Oxford ICSB

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic shrub valued for its roots, which support systemic health. Increasing use has raised safety concerns about adulteration and hepatotoxicity. The roots of ashwagandha are primarily preferred for systemic health, while the leaves were traditionally reserved for topical applications to treat joint inflammation and promote wound healing.  Although generally considered safe, ashwagandha supplements have been linked to drug-induced liver injury, including cholestasis, jaundice, and pruritus. Reports from various organizations like LARB in the Netherlands indicate a rise in liver toxicity cases, possibly due to cytotoxic withafrin A and DNA-damaging withanone. A major concern is widespread …

Determinants Of Opioid-Relevant Exposure From 7-Hydroxymitragynine Products In The Evolving U.S. Marketplace, Igor Koturbash, Scott Alsbrook, George Pro

Oxford ICSB

Kratom’s U.S. market has rapidly evolved from largely botanical powders and capsules to products enriched in 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent mu-opioid receptor agonist that is typically present only at trace levels in leaf material. To quantify downstream behavioral health burden and contextualize it with real-world signals of product diffusion, we analyzed National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data (2021-2023) alongside public health alert trends and systematic online product surveillance. In NSDUH, 5.8% of adults met criteria for serious mental illness (SMI). SMI increased by 150% among adults with combined opioid use disorder (OUD) and kratom use between 2021 …

Development Of A Laboratory Aquaculture System For Education And Research: Experimental Culture Of Fathead Minnows, Jill Crunkilton

Liberty University Research Week

As global fish consumption rises and wild stocks continue to decline, aquaculture has become essential for meeting protein demands sustainably. To prepare college-level graduates for careers in this expanding field, hands-on education in aquaculture systems and fish husbandry is critical. This project focuses on the development of a laboratory aquaculture system centered on the experimental culture of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), a model species widely used in aquatic research and toxicity testing. The system will serve dual purposes: (1) providing students with experiential training in aquaculture techniques, including breeding, water quality management, and biosecurity; and (2) establishing a platform for …

Detection Of 17Α Ethynylestradiol And 17Β Estradiol In Wastewater, Kezia J. Lemke

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Environmental estrogens act as endocrine disrupting chemicals, thereby affecting the metabolism, synthesis, and receptors of hormones. For this reason, estrogens can have serious health consequences for aquatic wildlife by negatively affecting their reproductive abilities. Synthetic estrogens, such as 17α ethynylestradiol, the synthetic analog of 17β estradiol, are particularly potent, and are shown to have more harmful effects at lower concentrations. This illustrates the importance of developing sensitive and efficient methods for 17α ethynylestradiol and 17β estradiol detection, so that areas of high concentration can be recognized and methods to decrease the estrogen concentrations can be put in place. To this …

Characterization Of Bacteria In Cattle Specimens, Jacob D. Hanson, Josie M. Tieskoetter

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Cattle nasal cavities provide a favorable environment for microbial colonization and can habit a wide population of bacteria, including opportunistic and pathogenic species. The objective of this research was to isolate, characterize, and identify bacteria present is nasal swap specimen collected from multiple calves. Samples were cultured and analyzed using selective and differential media, Gram staining, spore staining, and a range of biochemical assays. Several bacterial species were identified including the genus Corynebacterium and Streptococcus while some isolates could not be identified using classical biochemical methods alone. These results demonstrate that calf nasal specimens commonly contain diverse bacterial populations, some …

Analysis Of Ovarian Structure And Cell Health In Drosophila Melanogaster After Toxic Metal Treatment, Brooke E. Helling

Research & Creative Achievement Day

This project examines how the application of multiple histological and fluorescent stains can be used to visualize the structure of fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) ovaries, including how toxic metal exposure may affect ovarian tissue. Ovaries were dissected from adult female flies, and some flies were first treated with toxic metals to observe possible changes in cell structure. The samples were stained with DAPI to label nuclei, antibody stains to detect specific proteins within the ovary, and apoptosis stains to identify cells undergoing programmed cell death. After staining, the ovaries were imaged using a fluorescence microscope to compare how healthy and …

Relationships Among Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Reactivity, And Heart Rate Variability, Miriam Bowser

Liberty University Research Week

Ability emotional intelligence (EI) and trait EI have been correlated with heart rate variability (HRV), suggesting adaptive regulation facilitated by the autonomic nervous system. Emotional reactivity (ER) is also positively correlated with EI, possibly because individuals with higher EI are more sensitive to emotional information. The current study utilizes a cross-sectional design (N = 71) to measure trait and ability EI, self-reported emotional reactivity, and HRV. The current study found no relationships among trait and ability EI, suggesting that they encompass distinct underlying constructs. EI did not have a relationship with HRV, which could be due to the study’s small …

Bitten: A Survey Of Tick-Borne Diseases, Maggie Milhorne, Sara Grant, Tristan Davis, Alan L. Gillen

Liberty University Research Week

Tick-borne diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the United States, particularly in the region of Central Virginia. Ticks carry parasites (Babesia), bacteria, viruses, and toxic sugars (alpha-gal) that can be transmitted during blood meals. Lyme disease, caused by the pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne disease in the Eastern United States. Symptoms are flu-like with a characteristic bullseye rash (erythema migrans). Recently, the prevalence of Alpha-gal syndrome has risen in Central Virginia, marked by an allergic response to the alpha-gal sugar molecule, which is present in red meat. Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills is credited with discovering Alpha-gal syndrome and …

Fish Species And Diversity Database To Monitor Environmental Impacts Of Lake Hydaway Expansion, Lance Jones, Ella Mason, Sean Genota

Liberty University Research Week

Lake Hydaway’s recent expansion from 6 to 31 acres altered the habitat available for fish in the Opossum Creek watershed. This presents the opportunity to study the current fish populations and monitor changes in species composition and health over time. This long-term project seeks to create a standardized species database which will be used for various research purposes due to no such database or monitoring programs currently existing. Four representative sites of Opossum Creek were selected, two upstream and two downstream of Lake Hydaway. Each site was geolocated for reliable repeatability. Each site was sampled using backpack electrofishing following the …

Beyond Labeling: Examining Mpox As A Sexually Transmitted Infection- ¿A Literature Review¿, Rachel Williams, Ashlan Killeen, Eunice Onwuka

Liberty University Research Week

Introduction

Since 2022, Mpox outbreak trends have marked a shift in the epidemiology of the disease which has long been treated as a zoonotic infection. This is due to emerging patterns of cases of Mpox linked with sexual transmission, particularly in non-endemic regions reporting over 100,000 cases across 122 countries. This pattern has raised growing concerns regarding sexual transmission of Mpox necessitating further investigation.

Aim/Objective

This literature review examines current epidemiological, clinical/virological evidence to evaluate Mpox as an STI beyond labelling. and provides foundational context for a forthcoming systematic review examining priority populations affected during the 2022–2025 global outbreak.

Proposed …

Sensing Volatile Organic Compounds Via Photonic Crystals Of The Morpho Zephyritis Butterfly, Parker Abila

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Molecular Basis Of 24-Methyl Cholesterol As An Anti-Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Agent In The Context Of Altered Cellular Glucose Metabolism, Josiah Chung, Merritt Smith, Zachary Wang

Liberty University Research Week

Cancer remains a major global cause of mortality, with kidney cancer representing a significant portion of newly diagnosed cases each year worldwide and in the United States. In Virginia alone, more than one thousand new kidney cancer cases are reported annually. The majority of these cancers are classified as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accounting for roughly 70% of diagnoses. ccRCC tumors exhibit substantial metabolic reprogramming that supports rapid proliferation and survival under fluctuating nutrient conditions. Because of this metabolic dependence, targeting pathways involved in glucose uptake and cellular energy production has emerged as …

Bilateral Accessory Plantaris Muscles With Variant Origins And Insertions: A Case Report, Kingsley Ampong, Christian Furno, Faith Ekoh, Jack Kauffman

Liberty University Research Week

The plantaris muscle typically originates at the lower portion of the lateral supracondylar line of the femur and oblique popliteal ligament of the knee joint and inserts medial to the Achilles tendon at the calcaneal tuberosity. The function is unclear as it may be absent in some individuals. If present, the tendon is often mistaken for the tibial nerve, which is why it is known as the “fool’s nerve.” This case study involves the discovery of a bilateral plantaris muscle duplication in an 88-year-old Japanese woman during a routine cadaveric dissection. This deviates from the more common unilateral presence of …

When Microbiology Meets Public Health: Exploring Metabolites From Dictyostelium Discoideum For Infection Control, Rebekah Figuereo

Liberty University Research Week

Background: The social amoeba, slime mold, formally known as Dictyostelium discoideum, produces novel chlorine-containing antimicrobial compounds that can be used to improve antimicrobial resistance by targeting and preventing bacterial spread by inhibiting bacterial growth. This bridges microbiological discoveries with public health applications, thereby strengthening infection control strategies. Current research connects the slime mold to infection recovery/intervention/control.1

Methods: A systematic review of peer-reviewed journal articles, biochemical databases, and experimental findings was conducted. Scientific databases featured PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Chemical Abstracts Service, ScienceDirect, and Scopus.

Results: Metabolites produced by Dictyostelium discoideum demonstrated antimicrobial activity by inhibiting bacterial growth, including …

The Effects Of Natural Products And Food Additives On Lysosome Function, Gianna Miller, Meghan Gardiner

Liberty University Research Week

Gastric disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affect at least 20% of the United States population. The most common pharmacological intervention is the use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs are converted into their active forms upon entry into acidic environments, and while their intended function is to inhibit parietal proton pumps in the stomach and reduce gastric acid secretion, there may be off-target effects in other areas with low pH, such as lysosomes. These organelles mediate the recycling and degradation of cellular materials. The current research seeks to examine the effect of PPIs on lysosomal function. Previous …

Qcm Characterization Of A Molecularly Imprinted Polymer For Pfoa Detection, Elizabeth Montgomery

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Active Barrier Cream Against Poison Ivy (Urushiol), Amanda Witherell, Annalee Gardner, Luthien Jones

Liberty University Research Week

Urushiol is an immunotoxic compound composed of a 3-substituted catechol and an alkyl side chain that contains 0-3 degrees of unsaturation. It is the substance in poison ivy that causes a negative response when it contacts skin. Commercial barrier creams currently exist that claim to protect the skin against urushiol but only serve to form a barrier between the oil and skin. This project aims to create a barrier cream that both forms a physical layer to protect the skin and neutralizes the urushiol as it sits on the cream. To neutralize the urushiol, it is proposed that either the …

Development Of A Teaching-Laboratory Protocol For The Separation Of Adulterant Compounds Caffeine And Quinine Used In Illicit Drugs, Rachel Boktor

Liberty University Research Week

Adulterant compounds are added to illicit drugs to dilute their potency, mimic their effects, and cheapen production. Adulterants caffeine (21%) and quinine (20%) are most frequently combined with fentanyl. Despite their prevalence, there is limited empirical literature on the physical separation of adulterant mixtures. This study aimed to develop a traditional bench-scale separation scheme for isolating legal adulterants from a binary mixture. We hypothesize that differences in water solubility and extraction behavior of caffeine and quinine would enable their separation into distinct fractions. The separation scheme involved selective dissolution, gravity filtration, liquid-liquid extraction, drying, and solvent removal. Following physical separation, …

Computer Vision For Ovarian Follicle Analysis, My Nhien Tang, Cameron Kauffman, Ian Davidson, Jumana Rizk, Maria Mendoza Lopez, Noam Kimbro, Tan Loc Nguyen, Will Starling

Liberty University Research Week

The present study investigates the ability of computer vision technology to count primordial follicles in the primate ovary. The number of primordial follicles, i.e., ovarian reserve, reflects the ovary’s potential of supporting endocrine and reproductive function in females. Follicle counting has been used in translational and clinical studies to assess ovarian health and response to regulatory factors or toxic substances. This critical process is currently performed manually by experienced laboratory personnel. Existing research on computer vision software’s ability to count follicles has yielded limited results. Therefore, in reaction to the labor-intensive, time-consuming nature of manual follicle counting and technological growth …

From Exposure To Detection: Health System Barriers To Diagnosing Asbestos-Related Diseases In Developing Countries, Matthew-Riece Castanares, Luke Montgomery

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Establishing Local Protocols For Monoclonal Antibodies Production Using Hybridomas, Kingsley Ampong

Liberty University Research Week

Monoclonal antibodies are currently one of the most effective tools in biomedical research, diagnostics and therapeutic development. Hybridoma technique, which involves the fusion of immortal myeloma cells with stimulated B cells to produce an infinite supply of monoclonal antibodies. A stock of antibodies produced from offspring of a single hybridoma cells is the best way of producing monoclonal antibodies. These hybridoma cultures produce antibodies that are specific to a single target, or antigen. The targets for these monoclonal antibodies are almost limitless and can include enzymes, hormones, internal structures on bacteria, viruses and other eukaryotic cells as well as receptors. …