Life Sciences Commons^™

Identifying And Characterizing Transgenic Lines That Drive Gene Expression In The Adult Fat Body Of The Drosophila Melanogaster, Michael Edward Meyerink

Theses and Dissertations

Adult Drosophila Melanogaster is a powerful model organism in genetic studies and has high tissue and gene homology to humans. Like humans, Drosophila tissues communicate in order to respond to physiological stimuli, such as diet, aging, and disease. The fat body, homologous to human adipocytes and hepatocytes, functions as both an endocrine and energy storage organ; and has been shown to play a critical role in many metabolic processes. The aim of this study is to characterize differences in fat body gene expression to ultimately identify if there are subpopulations of adipocytes with different functions related to fat body communication …

Evaluating Pregnancy Outcomes Of Abnormal Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening Results In A High Risk Obstetrics Practice, Olivia Kesler

Theses and Dissertations

Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) has rapidly grown in uptake since its introduction to clinical practice in 2011. In contrast to more traditional methods of screening, NIPS is the first to utilize cell-free fetal DNA for risk assessment of chromosomal aneuploidy and other conditions. Clinical validity has been established for the most common autosomal aneuploidies (Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13) and sex chromosome aneuploidies, though some laboratories screen for conditions beyond these. A screen positive does not always indicate a true positive, therefore professional guidelines recommend diagnostic testing for confirmation and informed decision making on pregnancy management. Furthermore, the …

The Utility Of Whole Exome Sequencing In Patients With Intellectual Disability And Developmental Delay As A First-Tier Diagnostic Testing Strategy, Ellen Richardson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic utility of whole exome sequencing (WES) in patients with intellectual disability (ID) or developmental delay (DD), and to determine which patients may be the best candidates for WES as a first-tier diagnostic test. The diagnostic and clinical utility of WES has emerged to be greater than that of karyotype and chromosomal microarray for patients with ID or DD of unknown etiology, which are currently recommended as first-tier diagnostic tests for these patients. The emergence of next generation sequencing has led to more rapid identification of rare and novel genetic disorders. …

Experiences With And Knowledge Of Genetics In Families Affected By Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: The Parent Perspective, Christine Maccia

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This project was conducted in order to assess how parents of a child affected by CYP21A2-related classic CAH experienced receiving genetic information, The goal was to determine their knowledge of the genetics of the condition and how that knowledge has affected different aspects of their lives such as emotional well-being. Methods: Parents of a child with classic CAH diagnosed in the past 10 years were invited to participate in an online survey via an advertisement posted in the support group, Major Aspects of Growth in Children. Survey questions consisted of demographic information, experience with the diagnostic process, knowledge of …

Assessing Social Media For Themes Of Trisomy 18 And 13, Falecia Metcalf

Theses and Dissertations

Themes within virtual communities have been explored examining topics such as prenatal diagnosis and termination for fetal anomalies, and it is known that when receiving a diagnosis of trisomy 18 or 13 parents may turn to online resources for information and emotional support. Knowledge of what content patients may encounter on various social media platforms about prenatal testing for trisomy 18 and 13 at large has not yet been established. However, this information would aid healthcare professionals in providing anticipatory guidance for patients using social media.

This study is a preliminary scan of social media to identify content areas and …

Natural Product Berbamine Enhances The Efficacy Of Doxorubicin Treatment For Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Jake Tyler

Theses and Dissertations

According to breast cancer statistics, 279,100 new cases are expected in the United States in 2020 (Siegel et al., 2020). Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer with a significantly shorter median overall survival compared to other subtypes of breast cancer. Unlike hormone-positive or HER2-positve breast cancers with effective hormonal or targeted therapies available, there has been very little clinical success from targeted therapies for TNBC. Doxorubicin (Dox) is one of the most used chemotherapy drugs. The only limitation of Dox treatment is its cytotoxicity. Berbamine dihydrochloride (BBM) is a natural benzylisoquinoline alkaloid that …

Adjustment Of A Coastal Buoyant Outflow Under Tidal And Wind Forcing, A K M Nahid Hasan

Theses and Dissertations

The discharge of brackish water from estuaries typically forms distinct coastal plumes, often visible through their color signature due to sediment load and particulate matter from rivers. The processes of mixing and dispersion of coastal plumes are subjected to natural variations in the magnitude and timing of freshwater inflows, tides and meteorological conditions. This study presents shipboard observation of the bulge region of a buoyant plume off Winyah Bay, SC. The observation comprises downward looking 600 and 1200 kHz ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) and CTD measurements. Along with standard CTD casts, water samples were collected to analyze and determine …

Microbiome Targeted Therapies In Gulf War Illness, Diana Agnes Kimono

Theses and Dissertations

Gulf war illness (GWI) is a chronic multisymptomatic disorder affecting about 30% of veterans of the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf war. Affected veterans complain of chronic symptoms which begun during or shortly after the war and persist 30 years later. This dissertation is a report of three studies which use a murine model to investigate the microbiome as a therapeutic target in GWI. Mice were exposed to pesticides and the prophylactic drug pyridostigmine bromide (PB) and studied these chemical’s impact on the microbiome in both an acute and persistence model of GWI.

The first study looks at the effect of altered …

The Use Of Polymer-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles For Amelioration Oil Toxicity And Enhancement Microbial Remediation, Amjed Alabresm

Theses and Dissertations

Oil spills from different sources such as natural seeps, waste waters, runoffs and accidental oil spills can have serious effects on the environment while also resulting in potentially major economic damage. Due to the harmful effects of crude oil components on ecosystems, a rapid response to sequestrate oil is required to minimize any resulting environmental impact. Currently used oil removal methods, in addition to their advantages, also have severe limitations. New techniques have been developed including nanotechnology to address these limitations. A new type of nanoparticle (NP), composed of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coated iron oxide (magnetite), has been successfully used to …

Dynamics Of The Loop Current System And Its Effects On Surface And Subsurface Properties In The Gulf Of Mexico, Richard James Brokaw

Theses and Dissertations

Surface circulation in the Gulf of Mexico is dominated by the Loop Current System (LCS), including the Loop Current (LC) and its associated eddies. The Gulf of Mexico (GoM) also displays long-term surface gradients of temperature and salinity due to climatological features including the intrusion of warm, saline waters from the Caribbean Sea and the seasonal deposition of freshwater from the Mississippi River System caused by seasonal increases in snow melt and precipitation over the watershed. This research aims to increase the understanding of the LCS through the investigation of its relationship with these surface gradients. A classification system of …

New Approaches To Understanding Mjo Dynamics, Casey Shoup

Theses and Dissertations

The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is a highly air-sea coupled phenomenon and is the dominant mode of intraseasonal variability in the tropics. It is easily discernible in satellite-derived sea surface salinity (SSS), which varies as a direct result of MJO precipitation from the convectively active to suppressed phases. Negative (positive) SSS anomalies are associated with the active (suppressed) phase of the MJO. We find that all three available satellite salinity missions (ESA’s Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS); NASA’s Aquarius/SAC-D, and NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP)) are capable of capturing the MJO SSS signal and that the near-equatorial SSS response is …

Development, Validation, And Application Of A Novel Method To Separate And Quantify Silver Intracellular Uptake In Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Mohammed A. Othman

Theses and Dissertations

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted tremendous attention as a potential broadspectrum antimicrobial agent to overcome multidrug resistant (MDR) infections. However, a comprehensive understanding to AgNPs bactericidal mechanism of action and the relative role of particulate versus ionic Ag in AgNPs antibacterial activity is lacking but essential for their optimization for potential medical applications. Therefore, a novel method to separate and quantify Ag internalization in P. aeruginosa was developed and validated through multimethod approach. The methods used were optical density at 600 nm (OD600), LIVE/DEAD staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and sorbed Ag liberation assays. After optimizing the method, it was …

Morphological Changes In The Visual Sensory System Of Congeneric Fishes Inhabiting Clear And Turbid Aquatic Environments, Habeeb Mohsin Hammadi Alsudani

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the histological aspects of the visual system of six species of fish. Menidia extensa and Fundulus waccamensis are found in Lake Waccamaw, which is a unique aquatic environment of the Atlantic coastal plain characterized by low turbidity, higher pH and clarity. Menidia beryllina, Menidia menidia, Fundulus diaphanus and Fundulus heteroclitus are found in the Waccamaw River, which is characterized by high turbidity. These species have undergone morphological changes likely related to inhabiting two ecological systems that differ in their environmental characteristics. We tested the hypothesis that fish modify their visual system to adapt to various environments.

The …

Circulation Changes In The Arctic Ocean And Subarctic Seas And Their Connections To The Global Ocean And Climate, Rachel Elizabeth Nichols

Theses and Dissertations

Salinity and freshwater fluxes are important tools for monitoring the amount of freshwater entering and exiting the Arctic Ocean. Satellite-derived salinity provides a way to study surface advective freshwater fluxes; however, sea ice contamination, among others, remains an obstacle in the accuracy and reliability of these measurements. In this study, salinity and surface freshwater fluxes are calculated using NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) and the ESA’s Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS), Argo, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast’s Ocean Reanalysis version 4 (ORAS4). ORAS4 compares well to Argo in the subarctic seas and is used for comparison …

Bacterial Water Quality Monitoring As Citizen Science In Congaree National Park, South Carolina, Shea Mccarthy

Theses and Dissertations

Congaree National Park aims to preserve its natural and cultural resources while protecting these benefits for current and future enjoyment. Hydrologic features make up a large portion of the park and attract visitor recreation. There are several known sources of pollution that enter these waterways, mainly from upstream sources of waste discharge. The national park and its surrounding areas hold great ecological significance, however, there are many threats to the surface water quality in this area. Water quality degradation can impact the ecosystem, wildlife, and visitor experience. This project specifically considers exposure to fecal contamination in surface waters from upstream …

Potential Role Of The Large Protein Titin In The Development Of Heart Failure, Mary M. Prickett

Senior Theses

I will be exploring the impact of the large protein Titin on heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). It was hypothesized that myocardial Titin plays a significant role in the progression of HFpEF through isoform, N2BA and N2B, changes. It was hypothesized that an increase in the quantity of N2B Titin, less compliant, and a decrease in N2BA Titin, more compliant, will be observed as HF progresses, contributing to an increase in passive stiffness involved in heart contraction. I will cover a detailed report on the role of Titin in HFpEF and propose research methods to explore further.

The Effect Of Physical Activity And S-Equol On Neurogenesis In The Hiv-1 Transgenic Rat, Jeremy M. Lapointe

Senior Theses

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the effect of physical activity and the administration of s-equol on rates of neurogenesis in HIV-1 transgenic rats. HIV-1 is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to the wide range of cognitive impairment described as HAND. Neurogenesis is a newly discovered process that involves the birth of new neurons during our adult life within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Therefore, inducing neurogenesis may be a proper therapeutic that can mitigate some of the cognitive destruction seen as a result of HIV-1 infection. Physical activity has shown to increase the rate of neurogenesis …

A 24 Hour Naproxen Dose On Gastrointestinal Distress And Performance During Cycling In The Heat, Dawn M. Emerson, J Mark Davis, Stephen Cl Chen, Toni M. Torres-Mcgehee, Craig E. Pfeifer, Charles C. Emerson, Joseph D. Bivona, Justin V. Stone

Faculty Publications

Using a double-blind, randomized and counterbalanced, cross-over design, we assessed naproxen's effects on gastrointestinal (GI) distress and performance in eleven volunteers (6 male, 5 female). Participants completed 4 trials: 1) placebo and ambient); 2) placebo and heat; 3) naproxen and ambient; and 4) naproxen and heat. Independent variables were one placebo or 220 mg naproxen pill every 8 h (h) for 24 h and ambient (22.7 ± 1.8°C) or thermal environment (35.7 ± 1.3°C). Participants cycled 80 min at a steady heart rate then 10 min for maximum distance. Perceived exertion was measured throughout cycling. Gastrointestinal distress was assessed pre-, …

Model Sensitivity To Topographic Uncertainty In Meso- And Microtidal Marshes, Karim Alizad, Stephen C. Medeiros, Madeline R. Foster-Martinez, Scott C. Hagen

Faculty Publications

Light detection and ranging (Lidar) derived digital elevation models are widely used in modeling coastal marsh systems. However, the topographic error in these models can affect simulations of marsh coverage and characteristics. We investigated the relevance and impact of this error in micro- and mesotidal systems. Lidar-derived and RTK-adjusted topography were each used in a dynamic marsh model, and the resulting marsh coverages were examined. For two microtidal sites (Apalachicola, FL, USA, and Grand Bay, MS, USA) using solely lidar-derived topography, the model produced Cohen Kappa values of 0.1 for both estuaries when compared with National Wetland Inventory data indicating …

Practitioner Perceptions Regarding The Practices Of Soccer Substitutes, Samuel P. Hills, Jon N. Radcliffe, Martin J. Barwood, Shawn M. Arent Ph.D., Cscs*D, Fissn, Facsm, Fnak, Carlton B. Cooke, Mark Russell

Faculty Publications

Despite empirical observations suggesting that practitioners value the use of substitutions during soccer match-play, limited research has sought to substantiate such claims. This study used online surveys to assess the perceptions of practitioners within professional soccer about the use and practices of substitutes. Thirty-three practitioners completed one of two surveys (each requiring both open and closed questions to be answered), depending upon whether their primary role related mostly to tactical (‘tactical practitioners’; n = 7) or physical (‘physical practitioners’; n = 26) aspects of player/team management. Thematic content analysis of responses identified four higher-order themes: ‘impact of substitutions’, ‘planning and …

Recombination And Gene Loss Occur Simultaneously During Bacterial Horizontal Gene Transfer, Bert Ely

Faculty Publications

Bacteria can acquire new genes by incorporating environmental DNA into their genomes, yet genome sizes stay relatively constant. In nature, gene acquisition is a rare event so it is difficult to observe. However, the Caulobacter crescentus CB2A genome contains 114 insertions of genetic material from the closely-related NA1000 strain, providing a unique opportunity to analyze the horizontal transfer of genetic material. Analyses of these insertions led to a new model that involves preferential recombination at non-homologous regions that are flanked by regions of homology and does not involve any mutational processes. The net result is the replacement of segments of …

An Artificial Habitat Increases The Reproductive Fitness Of A Range-Shifting Species Within A Newly Colonized Ecosystem, Zachary J. Cannizzo, Susan Q. Lang, Bryan Benitez-Nelson, Blaine D. Griffen

Faculty Publications

When a range-shifting species colonizes an ecosystem it has not previously inhabited, it may experience suboptimal conditions that challenge its continued persistence and expansion. Some impacts may be partially mitigated by artificial habitat analogues: artificial habitats that more closely resemble a species' historic ecosystem than the surrounding habitat. If conditions provided by such habitats increase reproductive success, they could be vital to the expansion and persistence of range-shifting species. We investigated the reproduction of the mangrove tree crab Aratus pisonii in its historic mangrove habitat, the suboptimal colonized salt marsh ecosystem, and on docks within the marsh, an artificial mangrove …

The Bioethical Significance Of “The Origin Of Man’S Ethical Behavior” (October 1941, Unpublished) By Ernest Everett Just And Hedwig Anna Schnetzler Just, Theodore Walker Jr.

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Abstract –

E. E. Just (1883-1941) is an acknowledged “pioneer” in cell biology, and he is perhaps the pioneer in study of egg cell fertilization. Here we discover that Just also made pioneering contributions to general biology and evolutionary bioethics.

Within Just’s published contributions to observational cell biology, there are substantial fragments of his theory of ethical behavior, a theory with roots in cell biology. In addition to such previously available fragments, Just’s fully developed theory is now available. This recently discovered unpublished book-length manuscript argues for the biological origins of ethical behavior (evolving from cells to humans, within a …

Implementation Of A Novel Return-To-Ride Concussion Management Policy For Collegiate Hunter/Jumper Equestrian Athletes, Devon Serrano, Velyn Wu

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

A concussion return-to-participation protocol specific to equestrian is critical in the safe return of athletes to their respective discipline. When the care of the hunter/jumper equestrian teams became the responsibility of the Sports Medicine staff at Sweet Briar College, a return-to-participation concussion management policy was needed to ensure the safety of the equestrian student-athletes. A quality-improvement project focusing on the development of a “Return-to-Ride” protocol was started in the fall semester of 2016. The Sports Medicine staff collaborated with the Sweet Briar College riding center to create and ensure compliance of the protocol. The intended aim of developing this protocol …

Quality Improvement In Athletic Training Education On Female Athlete Triad, Kristen A. Paloncy-Patel, Melissa R. Penkalski, Shannon M. Hauschildt, Natalie B. Allen

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

There are significant health risks associated with the female athlete triad (Triad), therefore early detection and prevention is key. Athletic trainers often serve as the frontline defense and can have a crucial role in identifying the Triad. Yet knowledge, confidence, and practice standards in the recognition, referral and treatment is lacking. The purpose of the following Quality Improvement document is to provide athletic trainers with a framework for improving Triad-specific knowledge, confidence, and practice standards. The 2014 Female Athletic Triad Coalition consensus statement provides an evidence-based risk stratification system for detection and referral of the Triad. The Coalition suggests including …

Point-Of-Care Research: Retrospective Analysis Of The Evaluation And Classification Of Tendon Pathology In Athletic Training, Ashley J. Reeves, Russell T. Baker, Scott W. Cheatham, Alan Nasypany

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Tendon pathology has been studied across healthcare professions but remains poorly understood. Imaging and clinical findings have been used to diagnose tendon pathology, but these findings are discrepant. It is vital that clinicians use sound clinical judgment to determine the most accurate clinical diagnosis and treatment options given documented clinical findings. The purposes of this study were to assess athletic trainers’: 1) documented clinical findings for patients presenting with tendon pain, 2) use of documented findings to inform clinical diagnosis of tendon pathology, and 3) change in tendon pathology classification when presented with a novel diagnostic term. A total of …

Functional Balance Assessment Of Firefighters During Mass-Screening Examinations, Rachel M. Eiler, Zachary K. Winkelmann, Kenneth E. Games

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Firefighters are tactical athletes who are required to complete rigorous tasks as part of their job functions. The focus of this clinical outcomes assessment was to assess functional balance assessment through the use of the anterior reach test with and without personal protective equipment (PPE) during a mass-screening examination. The screening was completed with 61 active firefighters in a local fire department with access to athletic training services. The results of the anterior reach assessment identified a significant difference of a firefighter’s anterior reach when donning and doffing PPE. Anterior reach distances were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) on the right leg with (mean = 55.78 cm ± 7.53 cm) and without PPE (mean = 58.92 cm ± 6.47 cm). Similarly, significant decrements (P = 0.003) in left leg anterior reach distance in firefighters donning (mean = 57.67 cm ± 8.25 cm) and doffing (mean = 59.82 cm ± 6.31 cm) PPE. Clinical application of these findings suggests that healthcare providers working with tactical athletes, specifically firefighters, should consider the risks associated with donning PPE such as functional balance deficits.

Deep Vein Thrombosis In Lower Extremity Of A Female Collegiate Volleyball Athlete: A Case Study, Lucas D. Dargo, Kendra Borton, Rachel Roths, Zachary Dougal

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in deep veins in the body, usually in the lower extremity. DVT is commonly seen in older or hospitalized patients. This case is unique because the patient is a 20-year-old female division III collegiate volleyball athlete, which is not the typical age or population affected by DVT or clotting disorders. The patient presented with swelling, pain, and decreased knee flexion (3/5) and plantarflexion (4/5) strength in her left lower extremity. These impairments reduced her ability to walk or run. The patient’s athletic trainer (AT) initially diagnosed her with a left …

Posterior Glenoid Dysplasia As A Secondary Finding To Labrum Tear And Subscapularis Strain: A Case Study, S. Andrew Cage, Brandon J. Warner, Diana M. Gallegos

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The purpose of this disablement model case study was to describe the case of a collegiate baseball pitcher suffering from a labral lesion and supraspinatus strain that may have been the result of posterior glenoid dysplasia. Despite gross instability and glenohumeral external rotation weakness, the patient was initially able to continue to pitch. While posterior glenoid dysplasia has been described in literature, there have not been studies that have evaluated soft tissue changes that may be associated with this bony morphology abnormality. In this case, the patient reported to the athletic training staff complaining of pain, tightness, and a “clunking” …

The Effects Of The Myokinesthetic System On Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome In The Physically Active: A Case Study, Rodrigo E. Martinez, Evelyn Benitez-Lopez, Lindsey Larkins

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a common pathology in physically active people and one of many overuse leg injuries present in weight bearing athletes, with the highest prevalence in runners. Researchers have extensively explored treatment for MTSS, but a long-lasting and effective treatment option has not been established. This case report aimed to explore the effects of The MyoKinesthetic SystemTM (MYK), a form of manual therapy, on two athletes diagnosed with MTSS. Patient one is a 19-year-old male rugby player with a previous history of MTSS, who reported leg pain while running which progressed to constant pain. Patient two …