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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Site Directed Mutagensis Of Bacteriophage Hk639 And Identification Of Its Integration Site, Madhuri Jonnalagadda Dec 2008

Site Directed Mutagensis Of Bacteriophage Hk639 And Identification Of Its Integration Site, Madhuri Jonnalagadda

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Bacteriophages affect bacterial evolution, pathogenesis and global nutrient cycling. They are also the most numerous and diverse group of biological entities on the planet [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Members of the Lambda phage family share a similar genetic organization and control early gene expression by suppressing transcription, a process known as antitermination. Transcription antitermination in Lambda is mediated by a phage-encoded protein whereas in lambdoid phage HK022, antitermination is mediated by a phage-encoded RNA molecules. Recent results suggest that another bacteriophage called HK639 also appears to use RNA-mediated antitermination. To characterize this newly identified phage we generated site …


Trypanosoma Cruzi In Wild Raccoons And Opossums From Kentucky, Brian Chad Groce Aug 2008

Trypanosoma Cruzi In Wild Raccoons And Opossums From Kentucky, Brian Chad Groce

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Only 6 autochthonous cases of human Chagas disease have been documented in the U.S.A., however, as many as 5% of immigrants from Latin America may be infected with the etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi. The parasite has been isolated from a variety of wild mammals, particularly in the southeastern region of the U.S.A. The goal of our study was to determine if the sylvatic cycle of T. cruzi infection occurs in Kentucky, and, if present, to assess the prevalence of infection in Warren and Barren counties. Raccoons and opossums were live-trapped between June and December, 2007. Animals were anesthetized with …


Use Of Origanum Vulgare Essential Oil To Combat Human Pathogenic Yeasts, Amber Adams Apr 2008

Use Of Origanum Vulgare Essential Oil To Combat Human Pathogenic Yeasts, Amber Adams

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

With the outbreak of autoimmune diseases, pathogenic yeasts have begun to pose a serious medical threat. This threat is compounded as more of these yeasts evolve resistance to existing antifungal drugs. In the ever-widening search for new, effective antifungal treatment, the realm of herbal medicine offers some interesting and potentially valuable alternatives. Origanum vulgare is one herb that has demonstrated broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi alike. This study undertook to examine the effects of the essential oil of Origanum vulgare on Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Rhodotorula rubrum, and Cryptococcus albidus, with the hypothesis that Essential Oil of …