Life Sciences Commons^™

Garlic Breath And Beads Of Sweat: The Effects Of Garlic And Chili Peppers On The Growth And Ph Of Streptococcus Mutans., Lena Pitzer

Honors Projects

The purpose of this project is to provide a quantifiable and repeatable measurement of how the presence of garlic and chili pepper during the growth of a carious dentine strain of Streptococcus mutans affects the growth of the strain and surrounding pH level.This research project examines two possible alternative agents, garlic and chili peppers, due to the known antimicrobial effects of their active components, allicin and capsaicin. Prepared garlic and chili extracts were used during disk diffusion to assess and measure the zones of inhibition. The anticipated results are that there will be inhibition present with both the garlic and …

Autoantibody Reactivity In Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Characterizing Keratinocyte And Apocrine Gland Targets Across Disease Progression And Anti-Tnf-Α Treatment, Talla Hamouche

Student Theses and Dissertations

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease associated with impaired quality of life, representing one of the highest burdens among dermatological conditions. This debilitating disorder primarily affects apocrine-gland-bearing and flexural skin areas, most commonly the axillae, breast, buttocks, and groin. As lesions recur and new sites emerge, surgical excision does not guarantee prevention of disease reestablishment. Despite its substantial burden, HS remains among the least understood and most treatment-resistant inflammatory diseases. The mechanisms underlying this chronicity and the frequent failure of conventional anti-inflammatory therapies remain unresolved. An underappreciated autoimmune dimension may contribute to HS pathogenesis: the clonal …

Cross-Sectional Associations Of Metabolically Healthy Obesity, Lifestyle Factors, And Steatotic Liver Disease In Adults From The Fels Longitudinal Study, Ariana L. Garza, Audrey C. Choh, John Blangero, Cici X. Bauer, Stefan A. Czerwinski, Miryoung Lee

School of Medicine Publications

Objective: To examine the associations of metabolic health and obesity phenotypes with liver fat accumulation and hepatic steatosis in adults. Methods: We analyzed 676 non-Hispanic white adults (18–95 years; 55.8% female) from the Fels Longitudinal Study using a cross-sectional design. Participants were classified into metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) phenotypes. Metabolically unhealthy status was defined as the presence of ≥1 metabolic dysfunction, consistent with prior epidemiological definitions; secondary analyses using ≥2 were also performed. Obesity was defined using DXA-derived body fat percentage. Liver fat (%) was …

2026 - The Thirtieth Annual Symposium Of Student Scholars

Symposium of Student Scholars Program Books

The full program book from the 30th Annual Symposium of Student Scholars, held on April 22-24, 2026. Includes abstracts from the presentations and posters.

Eeg Studies Of Pre-Stimulus Activity During Turn-Taking In Naturalistic Conversation, Seyedmohamadreza Manzourolajdad

Student Works (2020-2029)

This study integrates conversational analysis principles and neural activity to investigate natural cognition and examine event-related brain changes. A wireless electroencephalography (EEG) device was used in an ecological validity setting to analyse pre-stimulus brain activity preceding conversational turns. This study aims to identify aspects of the conversation that reflect its naturalness in the aspect of listening and the corresponding brain activity by analysing the signals before and after a turn in a conversation. This research contributes to an ecologically valid understanding of natural conversation as a social action that enables seamless communication. Seven Malaysian participants (aged 19–22, M=20.46) engaged in …

From Disease To Pregnancy: Rethinking Cardiac Remodeling Through Fibroblast, Immune Cell, And Hormonal Interactions, Emily B. Ruggiero, Wayne Carver, Daping Fan, Edoe C. Goldsmith, Holly A. Lavoie

Cell Biology and Anatomy Faculty Publications

Cardiac fibrosis is a central determinant of heart failure progression and arises from pathological remodeling characterized by fibroblast activation, myofibroblast differentiation, and excessive extracellular matrix deposition. In contrast, physiological remodeling permits adaptive cardiac growth without net fibrosis. Pregnancy represents an underexplored physiological model of reversible cardiac remodeling. In response to hemodynamic load, the maternal heart undergoes hypertrophic growth that resolves postpartum, constituting a natural paradigm of fibrosis-resistant cardiac adaptation. Pregnancy and lactation are accompanied by profound endocrine and immune reprogramming of maternal tissues. We propose that this hormonal milieu orchestrates coordinated crosstalk among endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cell populations …

Effects Of Limb Dominance On Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration In A 6-Ohda Rat Model Of Parkinson’S Disease Assessed By Immunoblotting, Jasin Aziz Porshia, Deanna Chaialee, Dipesh Pokharel, Kala Venkiteswaran, Thyagarajan Subramanian, Dilshan Beligala

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Effects of Limb Dominance on Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration in a 6-OHDA Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease Assessed by Immunoblotting

Jasin Porshia^a , Deanna Chaialee^a , Dipesh Pokharel^b,c , Kala Venkiteswaran^{b, c, d} , Thyagarajan Subramanian^{b, c, d}, Dilshan Beligala^a

^aDepartment of Biological Sciences, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH, USA

^bDepartment of Neurosciences and Psychiatry, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA

^cDepartment of Neurology, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA

^dDepartment of Neurology, Howard University, Washington, DC, …

A Single Administration Of Psilocybin Is Ineffective In Reversing Ptsd-Like Sequelae In A Rat Model Of Stress-Enhanced Fear Learning, Kylie M. King, Marisa J. Savini, Noelle M. Molnar, Evelynn J. Schneider, Savannah E. Straub, Joe Parker, Lillianna P. Puppel, Aleece K. Al-Olimat, Allison M. Bach, Phillip R. Zoladz

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Single treatments with psychedelics produce rapid, long-lasting antidepressant effects. Psychedelics may also exert anxiolytic effects and be useful in treating more complex psychiatric conditions, such as PTSD. However, less is known about the impact of these agents on PTSD-related symptoms. Thus, we aimed to determine whether a single administration of psilocybin could reverse PTSD-like sequelae induced by stress-enhanced fear learning in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were placed in Context A (circular, white conditioning box) and exposed to several uncontrollable footshocks (Stress) or no footshocks (No Stress). The next day, the rats were placed in Context B (square conditioning box with clear …

Psilocybin And The Related Tryptamine, Norbaeocystin, Exert Acute Anxiogenic Effects That Depend On Sex, Marisa J. Savini, Kylie M. King, Noelle M. Molnar, Evelynn J. Schneider, Savannah E. Straub, Joe Parker, Lillianna P. Puppel, Aleece K. Al-Olimat, Allison M. Bach, Andrew Jones, Phillip R. Zoladz

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Single treatments with psychedelics have demonstrated rapid, long-lasting antidepressant effects. However, psychedelics often produce unfavorable psychoactive effects that could worsen existing psychological distress. Thus, we compared the effects of psilocybin and the related tryptamine, norbaeocystin, on anxiety-like behavior in male and female rats. In Experiment 1, rats were treated with 1 mg/kg psilocybin (PSIL), 1 mg/kg norbaeocystin (NOR), or vehicle 30 min before a 5-min trial on an elevated plus maze (EPM) or in an open field test (OFT). On the EPM, PSIL led to decreased open arm time and fewer arm entries in males and females. NOR led to …

Program And Proceedings, The Nebraska Academy Of Sciences 1880–2026: 146th Anniversary Year, One Hundred-Thirty-Sixth Annual Meeting

Nebraska Academy of Sciences: Programs and Proceedings

Program and abstracts of the proceedings for the Nebraska Academy of Sciences 136th annual meeting, 2025

Sessions

Aeronautics and Space Science

Anthropology

Biological and Medical Sciences

Earth Sciences

Ecology, Sustainability, and Environmental Science

Physics and Engineering

General Poster Session

2026 Maiben Lecture: Shifting Extremes: Understanding Nebraska’s Changing Climate and Preparing for What Lies Ahead, Deborah Bathke

2026 Friends of Science Awards: Julie Shaffer and Irina Filina

2026 C. Bertrand and Marian Othmer Schultz Colleaguate Schoalrship Award: Piper Ryschon and Bryce Reeson

In Memoriam: Paul Royster

Ethnicity, Culture, And The Epidemiology Of Eating Disorders, Rebecca Atwell

Honors Theses

This systematic literature review addresses the research question: How does culture affect eating disorders? It examines the role of ethnicity and culture in shaping the prevalence, symptom presentation, and treatment of eating disorders across diverse populations. Although eating disorders have traditionally been studied in Western, predominantly White populations, growing evidence suggests that cultural norms, ethnic identity, globalization, and exposure to Western ideals significantly influence both the development and expression of disordered eating behaviors. Twenty peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024 were included. These studies were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO and selected …

How Pollinator Populations Can Impact Chronic Disease Risk, Kylee Cubbison

Honors Projects

This project investigates how pollinator populations can impact chronic disease risk. Pollinator populations are declining, which can have serious implications for human health. Declining pollinator populations can limit healthy food production and affordability. Poor nutrition is a major risk factor for most chronic diseases. Less healthy food available for people to consume can negatively impact diets and increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. This project aims to address a potential gap in research existing on this specific topic regarding pollinator populations and human chronic disease risk. A brochure targeted towards educating the general public on this topic was created …

Modulating Acute Stress Reactivity: Behavioral Interventions And Caffeine-Linked Stress Physiology In College Students, Kaitlyn Smith

Honors Theses

College students frequently rely on caffeine to manage academic demands, yet its physiological and psychological effects on acute stress remain poorly understood. Although caffeine is known to increase cardiovascular arousal and self‑reported anxiety, little research has compared different caffeine sources within the same individuals or examined whether brief behavioral interventions can buffer these effects. Self‑affirmation, a short writing exercise centered on personal values, has been shown to reduce stress reactivity, but its interaction with caffeine‑induced arousal has not been tested. This within‑subjects study examines how coffee, energy drinks, and a no‑caffeine control influence acute cardiovascular and self‑reported stress responses, and …

Mitochondrial Dna Replication Is Regulated By Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondrial Contact Sites, The Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter, And Manganese, Amaia Lopez De Arbina, Angelica Zamudio-Ochoa, Mikel Muñoz-Oreja, Diego Perez-Rodriguez, Laura Mosqueira-Martín, Rebecca Lasalandra, Marina Villar-Fernandez, Uxoa Fernandez-Pelayo, Laura Rodriguez-Gomez, Seungtae Lee, Francisco Gil-Bea, Nerea Osinalde, Ainara Vallejo-Illaramendi, Dmitry Temiakov, Antonella Spinazzola, Ian Holt

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Mitochondrial DNA replication occurs at contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria (ERMCS). Beyond the known role of the tubular ER protein RTN4, the factors regulating this process are poorly defined. Here, we show that repressing the ER protein ERLIN2 in human fibroblasts depletes ER-mitochondrial contact sites and inhibits mitochondrial DNA replication, as does silencing RTN4 or the ER-mitochondrial tether GRP75. GRP75 or RTN4 scarcity also decreases the level of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), whose inhibition blocks mitochondrial DNA synthesis. Because ERMCS depletion did not diminish mitochondrial calcium, and MCU complex can transport manganese, we tested whether …

Quantification Of Mouse Tracheal Epithelial Cell Differentiation With Cilia Defects, Olivia V. Allen

Honors Thesis

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder that affects 1 in every 7,500 live births. PCD results from motile cilia defects, impairing mucociliary clearance and causing chronic respiratory infections. Our lab studies include three PCD mouse lines — bgh (Spef2), nm1054 (Cfap221), and Cfap54^gt/gt (Cfap54). Prior transcriptomic data led us to hypothesize that PCD mutant mouse tracheal epithelial cells (MTECs) exhibit reduced differentiation into ciliated cells. MTECs from the trachea of the Wild Type (WT) and the PCD mutant mouse lines were cultured at an Air Liquid Interface (ALI) to start …

Identification Of Lipid Quantitative Trait Loci Linked With Cardiometabolic Disease In Asian Indians And Europeans: A Genome-Wide Association Study And Mendelian Randomization, Madhusmita Rout, Christopher E. Aston, Ravindranath Duggirala, Harald H. H. Goring, Oliver Fiehn, Dharambir K. Sanghera

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Genetic mechanisms that predispose people to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remain poorly understood, partly because of a lack of sufficient data on non-European ethnic groups. Extending these evaluations to diverse cohorts is essential for gaining insights into the molecular pathways involved in disease development among human populations. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the genetic connection between the human lipidome and cardiometabolic disorders. We conducted a metabolite genome-wide association study (mGWAS) in a Punjabi population from India, along with multi-layer replication studies using the UK Biobank and other independent European and non-European cohorts.

Methods …

Quantifying Sleep Wake Rhythms In The Hospital Environment With Digital Technologies, Carsten Skarke, Nadim El Jamal, Michael V. Genuardi, Thomas G. Brooks, Antonijo Mrčela, Nicholas F. Lahens, Makayla Cordoza, Sean Sarles, Amarachi Mbadugha, Dineth R. Karunamuni, Shikhar Gupta, Charles J. Bae, Amita Sehgal, Thomas P. Cappola, Jacob T. Gutsche, Pavan Atluri, Nimesh D. Desai, Michael A. Acker, Gregory R. Grant, Richard J. Schwab, Ilene M. Rosen, Garret A. Fitzgerald

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

Postoperative clinical care is prone to circadian desynchronization that may influence health outcomes. In an exploratory, feasibility-oriented and signal-exploration effort, we collected 1.8 million data points using 11 remote sensors during preoperative, in-hospital and post-discharge settings in 13 elective cardiac surgery patients (5.2% enrolled from 252 screened). We found that room traffic continued during nighttime with ≥1 visit/h. Sound levels exceeded the recommended 45 dBA threshold (51.9 ± 3.3 vs. 48.3 ± 4.2 dBA during nighttime). Brightness dropped at night (89.9 ± 87.7 to 3.7 ± 9.8 lux), but bright light exposures occurred. Ambient room temperature lacked sleep-inducing diurnal variability. …

Biomechanical Effects Of Bilateral Torsion And Skeletal Fusion: A Case Study, Linnéa Forbes

Honors Projects

As part of both a personal endeavor and an academic project, I have investigated the aetiology and treatment of seemingly idiopathic and debilitating leg pain in a patient over the past 10 years. Via collaboration with medical professionals at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Premier Physical Therapy, and Cincinnati Women’s TriHealth, I have identified sources of pain at the anatomical level. The combination of internal femoral torsion, external tibial torsion, pes planus, and bony fusions appear to be major perpetuators of the pain. An effective treatment continues to be evasive. To date, I have attempted to find answers through genetic approaches, …

Optimizing Itpa R178c Assays Via Hplc, Jared J. Reisnouer, Wally D. Pines

2026 Symposium

Two of the major nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA (Adenine and Guanine) are derived from the purine Inosine Monophosphate (IMP). IMP may occasionally form the noncanonical nucleotide Inosine Triphosphate (ITP) within the cell and become incorporated into DNA during replication, leading to potentially lethal errors. To combat this, human cells produce the “housekeeping” enzyme Inosine Triphosphatase (ITPA) to revert ITP to IMP. A mutation of this protein that replaces the 178th amino acid Arginine with Cysteine (R178C) is associated with a fatal infantile encephalopathy. Previous assessments of enzyme-substrate binding and catalysis for ITPA variants have been run at a …

Transgenic Plant Cells For The Cost-Effective Production Of Pharmaceutical Proteins, Maria Gambaro

Create@State

Plant-based systems are becoming an important method for producing pharmaceutical proteins because they can be more cost-effective, and safer compared to traditional production methods which commonly use mammalian cells. This project aims to develop a transgenic plant cell system that can produce a pharmaceutical protein using molecular cloning techniques. A transgenic plant cell has the DNA of another plant integrated into its genome, altering its gene expression to produce different proteins. To begin, a plasmid carrying the gene of interest and the DNA components needed for expression will be designed. The plasmid will then be used to introduce the gene …

Swosu Research And Scholarly Activity Fair 2026, Swosu Office Of Sponsored Programs

SWOSU Research and Scholarly Activity Fair Programs

On behalf of the University Research and Scholarly Activity Committee (URSAC) and the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, we are pleased to welcome you to the Thirty-Fourth SWOSU Research and Scholarly Activity Fair.

Geographical And Anatomical Microbiome Variation In Invasive Green Iguanas (Iguana Iguana), Amanda A. Diaz

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

The common green iguana (Iguana iguana) was introduced to South Florida in 1965 and has since been an especially pernicious threat both environmentally and economically. This highly invasive species is also expanding in range and populations at an astonishing rate. Understanding how this reptile is able to adapt and thrive in novel environments is of imperative need in order to begin managing their disruptive populations. Notwithstanding their negative impacts and significance, the microbiome of wild populations has not yet been characterized. Here, using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, this study is the first to characterize the microbiome composition …

The Impact Of State And Federal Policies On Academic Researchers: Findings From A National Survey, Dylan Ruediger, Chelsea Mccracken, Jonathan Barefield

Copyright, Fair Use, Scholarly Communication, etc.

Key findings

● State and federal policies targeting divisive concepts or DEI are shaping research agendas at scale and across disciplines. Twenty percent of all respondents, and 29 percent of researchers working in states with divisive concepts or similar laws, reported having avoided certain research topics because of state laws and policies.

● Eight percent of respondents representing a wide range of disciplines reported having had a federal grant cancelled in 2025.

● Eleven percent of respondents reported that federal and state policies restricting research activities are compelling them to seek employment out of state, to leave the academy, or …

Maternal Inflammation Alters Nuclear And Mitochondrial Dna Methylation Patterns In Neonatal Brain Monocytes, Andrew Ebenezer, Jonathan Hicks, Brooke Hollander, Alexander Hone, Mona Batish, Robert Akins, Adam Marsh, Elizabeth Wright-Jin

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a common birth complication that can cause death or lifelong disabling conditions like cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. It is well established that maternal infection and inflammation are significant risk factors for HIE but reasons for this increase in neurological risk to the offspring remain unknown. Inflammation or infection are associated with epigenetic changes and may contribute to the increased risk of neurodevelopmental disability in exposed offspring. Here, we analyzed and compared DNA methylation patterns in brain monocytes isolated from control, maternal immune activation (MIA), and an inflammation sensitized HIE (IS-HIE) CF-1 mouse model …

The Effects Of Hurricane Helene On Mental Health And Physical Activity, Hunter Smathers, Robyn York, Jarrett Walbolt

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Hurricane Helene brought widespread damage to Southern Appalachia, disrupting utilities, health care, and recreation. While natural disasters are linked to declines in mental and physical health, few studies have examined their effects on distinct types of physical activity (PA).

Purpose: This study evaluated the effects of Hurricane Helene on perceived stress, depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology, and intentional (exercise for health benefits) and incidental (physical labor or transportation) PA. Evacuation status influence was also explored.

Methods: Twenty participants completed assessments four weeks before (BASE), immediately after (0POST), and four weeks after landfall (4POST). Measures included the Perceived …

Exploration Of A Relationship Between The Activities Of Trail And 4’-Trifluoromethoxychalcone., Abigail C. Ernst

Undergraduate Theses

Cancer is the overgrowth of dysregulated or mutated cells that affects 1 in 3 Americans. Chalcones are natural products with many possible derivatives, such as 4’-trifluromethoxychalcone (4TF), developed in Dr. Krzysiak’s lab, which exhibit anticancer activity against cancer cell lines. Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) is a tumor surveillance cytokine that acts on two receptor types: death receptors and decoy receptors. One way cancer cells can become resistant to TRAIL is by upregulating decoy receptors and/or downregulating death receptors. In this study, MTS assays evaluated the potential relationship between TRAIL and 4TF that sensitizes A549 cells to TRAIL. The …

Relationship Between Supplement Use And Eating Disorder Symptoms, Hannah Segura, Lisa Menegatos, Danielle Morabita, Maegan Nation

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Background: Eating disorders encompass a spectrum of cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms related to eating and compensatory weight management behaviors. Supplement usage is becoming increasingly common, especially among younger populations. Using supplements has been shown to put adolescents at an increased risk for body dysmorphia, disordered eating behaviors, as well as other potentially harmful health effects, like electrolyte complications, heart issues, or even death. However, there is less research done on supplement usage in the college student population, especially in men. Across the past 10 years, supplement use in college students has increased 19.5%. Overall, there is a lack of …

Potential Applications Of Thymus Vulgaris In Dental Care: A Review Of Antimicrobial And Oral Health Benefits, Lakenzia Z. Ham

Undergraduate Research Conference

This research proposal focuses on how common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) can be used in dental care. There has been more interest in natural products for dental health because some common dental treatments can have side effects or lead to antibiotic resistance. Thyme contains natural compounds like thymol and carvacrol that help kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and prevent buildup on teeth.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the current scientific literature to see the effectiveness of thyme in preventing common oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Research shows that thyme can fight bacteria …

Understanding The Role Of Lipid Metabolism On Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis, Luke Fischer, Kylie Foss, Jacob Lewis, Joshua Lewis, Emma Steinhardt, Megan Vangarven, Cody Rozeveld

Celebration of Research

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer due to late-stage detection and early metastasis. Other than smoking, one of the few known risk factors for pancreatic cancer is obesity (1). On the cellular level, excess fat can promote cell migration and invasion (2). However, the exact fat utilization pathway remains unknown. We propose that lysosomes may be exploited in pancreatic cancer to break down fat and provide energy for metastasis and invasion.

Quantifying And Validating The Decrease Of Ciliogenesis Genes In Mouse Models With Pcd, Mia X. Kellenberger, Casey Mckenzie, Lance Lee

Celebration of Research

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disease affecting one in 16,000 children and results from structural or functional defects of motile cilia1. Lack of functioning cilia may result in reduced respiratory function, subfertility or infertility, and hydrocephalus due to a reduced ability to clear fluids and particles. A cilium consists of nine microtubules centered around a central pair complex1. Mutations in genes Spef2 (bgh), Cfap221 (nm1054), or Cfap54(Cfap54gt/gt), which encode proteins located in the central pair complex, result in PCD2,3,4. We previously utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in early and late deuterosomal cells, …