Life Sciences Commons^™

Intercellular Mitochondrial Transfer Contributes To Microenvironmental Redirection Of Cancer Cell Fate, Julie Sofie Bjerring, Yara Khodour, Emilee Anne Peterson, Patrick Christian Sachs, Robert David Bruno

School of Medical Diagnostics & Translational Sciences Publications

The mammary microenvironment has been shown to suppress tumor progression by redirecting cancer cells to adopt a normal mammary epithelial progenitor fate in vivo. However, the mechanism(s) by which this alteration occurs has yet to be defined. Here, we test the hypothesis that mitochondrial transfer from normal mammary epithelial cells to breast cancer cells plays a role in this redirection process. We evaluate mitochondrial transfer in 2D and 3D organoids using our unique 3D bioprinting system to produce chimeric organoids containing normal and cancer cells. We demonstrate that breast cancer tumoroid growth is hindered following interaction with mammary epithelial cells …

Ocean Acidification Mitigation: Potential Expansion Of Sav Restoration Strategy In The Chesapeake Bay, Cree N. Taylor

UROP Posters

Zostera marina is a species of marine macrophyte that has been largely prioritized in past submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) restoration initiatives within the Chesapeake Bay because of its 1) previous abundance, 2) demonstrated carbon burial abilities, and 3) observed ability for meadows of Z. marina to ameliorate low pH conditions. Due to the temperature variability and poor water quality associated with anthropogenic disturbances in the Chesapeake Bay, Z. Marina beds have experienced several die-off events with limited capacity for regrowth. This systematic review explored the possible benefits of focusing future SAV recovery initiatives on ensuring a diverse variety of SAV …

Analysis Of Differential Gene Expression In Androgen-Independent Clones Derived From The Mycap Pca Cell Line, Jessie L. Tignor, Melanie Sinanian, Richard Inho Joh, David Gewirtz, Jason Reed

UROP Posters

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a primary treatment strategy for prostate cancer (PCa), yet many tumors eventually develop androgen independence, leading to treatment resistance. To investigate the molecular changes underlying this transition, we analyzed differential gene expression in four androgen-independent (AI) clones derived from the Myc-CaP prostate cancer cell line using RNA sequencing. Gene expression profiles were compared to the parental Myc-CaP line, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using DESeq2 and edgeR. The AI clones exhibited significant downregulation of senescence-associated genes, including Ezh2 and lamin B1, suggesting a loss of senescence-related chromatin repression. Additionally, upregulation of Wnt pathway …

Acer Rubrum: Descending Towards Forest Dominance, Elyssa L. Pearson, Christopher M. Gough

UROP Posters

Acer rubrum, more commonly known as the red maple, is a hardwood, late successional species of tree commonly planted for its deciduous nature and vibrant coloring of its leaves in the beginning of autumn (Abrams, 1998). The species is very tolerant of varying light and soil moisture levels and often dominates sub and mid-canopy levels of hardwood forests (Missouri Botanical Gardens). It was hypothesized that as the I moved from an upland location to a lowland location near a wetland that the A. rubrum trees would be more productive and have a greater above ground biomass. This was not …

Using Fungal Dna Barcoding To Identify Fungal Species In A James River Park System Soil Microbiome, Erwin Murray, D Jennings

UROP Posters

Fungi in the soil have the ability to form mutualistic relationships with plant roots and improve the way they resist a variety of plant diseases and abiotic stressors, influencing the survivability of the plants. The James River Park System (JRPS) is home to a variety of ecosystems that support diverse plant and fungal populations, including native plants and invasive plants. Therefore, it is important to identify what is present in the soil microbiome. The purpose of this project is to isolate fungal sequences from soil samples collected in the JRPS to identify what fungal species are present in the JRPS …

Sars-Cov-2 Variants Of Concern: Biological Implications Of Immunogenicity And Comorbidity, Jacob Nichols

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

When coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in human populations in late 2019, there was nothing known about the virus, SARS-CoV-2, besides that it had a high degree of similarity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The prior published research on these viruses set a strong foundation for the research approaches needed to quickly stand-up medical countermeasures for treatment of COVID-19. However, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) soon revealed a high propensity to evolve new variants that could engage host cell receptors with greater affinity and escape host immunity. With each wave …

Characterization Of Novel Hantaviruses In Paraguay, Ifebuche Nnamani

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The genus Orthohantavirus, is a group of tripartite, negative-sense RNA viruses of which some members are the etiologic agents for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) or orthohantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in the Old and New Worlds, respectively. Sampling of wild rodents for these viruses has increased our knowledge of their host range and continues to lead to the discovery of new orthohantaviruses species and strains. HFRS and HPS have case fatality rates of up to 15% and 40%, respectively. And in some years, morbidity rates of up to 100,000 cases can be reached, globally. The epidemiological evidence of human-to-human …

Analysing Post-Mortem Interval By Blood Metabolomics, Nishitha Reddy Nishitha Chitla

All ETDs from UAB

Accurate estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is a critical aspect of forensic investigations, aiding in time-of-death determination. This study employs High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (HPLCMS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze postmortem metabolic changes and identify potential biomarkers for PMI estimation analyses through metabolomics. Blood serum samples from ante mortem samples (AMS) and postmortem samples (PMS) were categorized into Control (0 hrs), Early PMI (25–58 hrs), and Late PMI (92–163 hrs) groups. Multivariate statistical analyses, including Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) scoring, and metabolic pathway evaluations, were conducted to assess biochemical alterations …

Effects Of Single-Cell Dietary Protein Sources On Feeding, Growth, And Resource Allocation In The Juvenile Sea Urchin Lytechinus Variegatus, Darrien Jamila De Jesus

All ETDs from UAB

An understanding of nutrition can improve culture of sea urchins, whether as a research model or in the production of seafood products. Macronutrients, including dietary protein sources, can affect growth and reproductive profiles and alter resource allocation to somatic and gametic tissues. Although sea urchins in culture can be fed natural products, diet formulations using various ingredients can be developed to reliably produce desired outcomes. Single-cell protein sources represent a potential alternative to current industry standards of animal-derived protein sources such as fish and squid meal, which are becoming increasingly overfished and expensive. In the present study, we evaluated the …

Detection Of Tetrahydrozoline In Alcoholic Beverage Residue Related To Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault Using Gc-Ms, Alyssa Simone Hampton

All ETDs from UAB

Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is an ongoing issue that remains significant in the United States and the World. DFSA can be either proactive or opportunistic, where a victim becomes impaired and is unable to provide consent. Common drugs found in DFSA cases are ethanol and cannabis. However, alternative drugs are increasingly being used to incapacitate a victim and enable a sexual assault. These include tetrahydrozoline (THZ), commonly found in over-the-counter eye drops, such as Visine®. Minimal research surrounds THZ, in which agencies may process case samples with a general drug screen, which may only detect common drugs, while THZ goes …

The Role Of Aquaporin-3 Lysine 282 Acetylation In Renal Water Balance, Nha Van Huynh

All ETDs from UAB

Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) mediates basolateral water transport in the kidney collecting duct principal cells, contributing to vasopressin-mediated urine concentration. We previously identified a novel post-translational modification of AQP3, the acetylation of lysine 282 (K282), which we hypothesized as a positive regulator of AQP3 water permeability. First, we found that collecting duct K282 acetylated AQP3 increased upon water deprivation, suggesting an involvement in renal water balance. To decipher the functional role of this modification, we utilized AQP3 acetylation (K282Q or Q) and deacetylation (K282R or R) mimetic mutant mice models generated using CRISPR/Cas9 knock-in technology. Both male and female wild-type (WT) and …

Endothelial Cell Cd36 In Alzheimer’S Disease And Breast Cancer Progression, Atul Kumar

All ETDs from UAB

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are increasingly recognized as a distinct class of innate immune cells, with CD36, an innate immunity receptor, playing a pivotal role in regulating immune function and its regulation, angiogenesis, cancer progression, brain related disorder as well as the exchange of nutrients and waste. To investigate this further, we developed EC-specific CD36 knockout mice using the translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) technique. By isolating ribosome-bound mRNA directly from vascular endothelial cells in vivo in these knockout and control mice, we conducted deep RNA sequencing and transcriptional profiling. Our findings revealed that CD36 deficiency in brain endothelia led …

Reducing Stress: The Role Of The Rcl Operon In Bacterial Stress Response To Hypothiocyanite, Julia Meredith

All ETDs from UAB

The human immune system utilizes a variety of weapons against bacterial communities within the body, which allow it to control the overall microbial population. Understanding how some bacterial species are able to better deal with and survive damage by the immune system while others are not, can help us elucidate the complex relationship between us and our microbiome. One tool that immune cells use for microbial control is the potent oxidant hypothiocyanite/hypothiocyanous acid (-OSCN/HOSCN). The response mounted by Escherichia coli and other bacterial species in order to survive damage caused by HOSCN is the focus of this dissertation. In the …

Understanding Submerged Plant Microbiome And Exploring Plant Microbe Interaction Through Plasma Optimization Studies, Binoop Mohan

All ETDs from UAB

The master's thesis presents research on enhancing plant resilience and growth through the study of the microbiome of submerged aquatic plants and the application of plasma technology in agriculture. We isolated 177 endophytic microbial strains from submerged plants collected from various locations. Screening revealed 50 strains producing ACC deaminase, an enzyme that mitigates plant stress by reducing ethylene levels. Predominant genera included Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Acinetobacter. Metagenomic analysis characterized the diverse bacterial communities associated with these plants. Different plasma treatments were tested to optimize their effects on plant growth. Atmospheric jet and globe plasma treatments significantly improved root length and …

An Investigation Into The Effects Of Preservatives On Ss-Hydroxybutyrate Concentrations Measured By Commercial Ketone Meter And Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Kerry F. Murr

All ETDs from UAB

Ketoacidosis occurs when fatty acids are metabolized into ketone bodies in the liver and released into the bloodstream. This condition, which can be fatal, is commonly observed in diabetics, alcoholics, and individuals who experienced starvation or hypothermia. Although the ketone ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is an accepted biomarker of ketoacidosis, the effects of preservatives on BHB concentrations in postmortem blood are unaddressed. The first aim of this research was to determine whether preservatives affect ketone levels as measured by a point-of-care device. Paired preserved and unpreserved blood samples were obtained from the Jefferson County morgue: preserved samples in grey top tubes and …

Guts, Glory, And Gain: Exploring The Multifaceted Influences Of Physical Activity Behavior Among Adults With Crohn's Disease, Whitney Neal

All ETDs from UAB

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting approximately 1 million individuals in the United States. In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, complications such as arthralgia, sacroiliitis, and osteopenia may diminish physical fitness and exacerbate disease burden. Physical activity is a promising complementary, non-invasive strategy for managing Crohn’s disease, yet few studies have examined outcomes across the entire activity continuum from sedentary behavior to vigorous exercise. This study sought to provide a nuanced understanding of activity patterns in adults with Crohn’s disease (n=47) by comparing them with age-, socioeconomic status-, and sex-matched healthy controls (n=45), exploring Social …

Environmental Exposure To Metals In Children And Their Effects On Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oludesola Ogunesan

All ETDs from UAB

ABSTRACT As scientific understanding of environmental determinants of health advances, growing attention has turned to the role of toxic metal exposures in exacerbating neurodevelopmental outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This dissertation investigates the intersection of environmental metal exposure, biomonitoring innovation, and social factors shaping ASD severity in Alabama. Using a multidisciplinary framework, four interrelated studies explore biological, environmental, and participatory dimensions of ASD research and public health. The first study evaluates the utility of Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS) for measuring exposure to cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and mercury …

Epidemiologi Kejadian Luar Biasa Malaria Bulan September-November 2024: Studi Serial Kasus Di Kabupaten Indragiri Hilir, Provinsi Riau, Rajunitrigo Rajunitrigo, Irwan Muryanto, Renti Mahkota, Fadhil Armen, Yusni Nuryanti, Fahrul Rizal, Rabiatul Adwiyah

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Abstract

Malaria remains a public health issue in Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau, despite its elimination certification 2018. In 2024, a malaria outbreak occurred, and an epidemiological investigation was then carried out. This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics of the malaria outbreak based on person, time, and place. This study used a serial case design, analyzing all confirmed malaria cases reported in the e-SISMAL system of Indragiri Hilir Regency from September 1^st to November 30^th, 2024. Data on Anopheles Sundaicus habitats were obtained from epidemiological investigation reports. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted using the chi-square …

Exploring Environmental Health Awareness And Knowledge In 9th – 12th Grade Students: A Mixed Methods Approach, Crystal Stephens

All ETDs from UAB

EXPLORING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE IN 9TH – 12TH GRADE STUDENTS: A MIXED METHODS APPROACH CRYSTAL T. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES ABSTRACT Safe environments provide accessibility and community protections preventing residents from exposure to contaminants or facing health risks. Unfortunately, environmental exposures such as air pollution and neighborhood-level concerns can adversely impact human health. Environmental justice communities are overburdened with increased adverse environmental exposures and subsequent health disparities. Adolescents may be more vulnerable to exposure risks and provide an opportunity to introduce environmental health education. With their power of peer association and determination, adolescents can influence the health and …

Support Needs Of Agrarian Women To Build Household Livelihood Resilience: A Case Study Of The Mekong River Delta, Tran Thi Ngoc Tran

Dissertations

Problem

Rural livelihood faces significant challenges due to the increasing frequency and severity of climate change impacts. However, the development of women’s livelihood resilience remains constrained by gender-blind policies, limited sex-disaggregated data, and a lack of integration of gender-specific needs and priorities in resilience-building interventions. This study aims to address these critical gaps. This study aims at exploring the perceived support needs of rural agrarian women in building household livelihood resilience to climate change. Specifically, it seeks to (1) understand how household livelihood resilience is perceived by rural agrarian women, and (2) identify the support they require to effectively adapt …

Translating Cardiovascular Clinical Practice Guidelines On Nutrition Therapy: Validation Of The Portfolio Diet Toolkit For Healthcare Providers, Gabrielle Viscardi, Sahba Eskandari, Alyssa Chen, Nicholas Chiang, Meaghan E. Kavanagh, Songhee Back, Micheal Vallis, Mary J. Scourboutakos, Vasanti S. Malik, Cyril W.C. Kendall, David J.A. Jenkins, John L. Sievenpiper, Laura Chiavaroli

Department of Family and Community Medicine Faculty Publications

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death in Canada. Although the Portfolio Diet, a dietary pattern of cholesterol-lowering foods, is supported by CVD clinical practice guidelines, its uptake in clinical practice remains limited. This study assessed the content and face validity of a healthcare provider (HCP)-facing toolkit (infographic and video), designed to support implementation of the Portfolio Diet.

Methods

HCPs were recruited for a 2-round evaluation. They assessed the toolkit using a questionnaire. Content validity of the infographic was assessed using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = irrelevant to 4 = extremely relevant) and face validity of …

Beyond Strong: A Phenomenology Of Women Executives And The Connection Between Leadership And Fitness, Nozomi Bullock

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Senior-level executive leaders’ work in a dynamic, competitive, 24/7 business environment can be physically rigorous, mentally demanding, and emotionally isolating. The same holds true for women pursuing senior-level leadership roles in corporate America. Women who achieve and succeed in such roles remain the minority: Outsiders in elite spaces who are held to higher standards and overly scrutinized. Among senior-level executive women leaders, those committed to a fitness and training regimen including weightlifting constitute an even smaller minority. Senior-level executive roles require stamina, resilience, and courage—qualities that make up the foundation of the mindset of fitness and strength training (Foyster et …

Modelling The Hydrologic Impact Of Land Cover On Stormwater Detention Basins In Harris County, Tx, Kabita Sapkota

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Harris County on the upper Gulf Coast in Southeast Texas is susceptible to both riverine and coastal flooding due to intense, short-duration thunderstorms, slow-moving frontal systems, and tropical hurricanes. Low-lying terrain, clay soils with poor drainage, high annual rainfall, and a widespread network of bayous and streams all contribute to frequent flooding. To reduce the impacts of urbanization and the loss of surface storage, the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) built detention basins throughout the county to temporarily store stormwater runoff and release it slowly, lowering peak flows and preventing downstream flooding and erosion. These basins vary in land …

Analysis Of Mapt On Alzheimer’S Disease, Elaine Vanterpool, Marc Morgan Jr.

Student Posters

Alzheimer’s is the 7 th most common cause for death in humans and unfortunately has no cure. Coincidentally the gene MAPT (microtubule-associated protein tau) increases chances of obtaining Alzheimer's. The purpose of this study is to discover the mutation that resides within this gene. A website database called Simple Clinvar was used to generate information concerning Alzheimer’s disease and the different genetic variants associated with the disease. The SIFT algorithm was used to show whether the changes in amino acid sequences of the MAPT gene can affect protein function. PolyPhen was another prediction algorithm used to predict the influence that …

Electrochemical Strategies For Microrna Quantification Leveraging Amplification And Nanomaterials: A Review, Alexander Hunt, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have emerged as critical biomarkers in various diseases, including cancer. Their stability in bodily fluids and role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors make them attractive targets for non-invasive diagnostics. However, conventional detection methods, such as Northern blotting, RT-PCR, and microarrays, are limited by low sensitivity, lengthy protocols, and limited specificity. Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative, providing high sensitivity, rapid response times, portability, and cost-effectiveness. These biosensors translate miRNA hybridization events into quantifiable electrochemical signals, often leveraging redox-active labels, mediators, or intercalators. Recent advancements in nanomaterials and signal amplification …

Weighted Family History Density Of Substance Use: Influence On Participant Substance Use Onset, Escalation, And Duration, Carleigh A. Litteral

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Substance use disorders impose a staggering toll on the United States (U.S.), straining healthcare systems, destabilizing communities, and profoundly impacting both individuals and families. Approximately one in six Americans aged 12 and older had a past-year substance use disorder in 2022 (Key Substance Use, 2022), and nearly one-third of adults experience a substance use disorder in their lifetime (Wu, 2010), contributing to an economic burden exceeding $400 billion annually (National Drug Threat Assessment, 2011). Family history of substance use disorders is a key predictor of vulnerability, with individuals who have affected relatives being 2–8 times more …

Exploring The Effects Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Of The Right Inferior Frontal Gyrus On Inhibitory Control In Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Colton Rippey

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Background: The right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) is implicated in stop signal reaction time (SSRT) performance – a common measure of inhibitory control – and emotional expression and control. Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exhibit poorer stop SSRT performance, which is associated with rIFG hypoactivity. Neuromodulation of the rIFG with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can significantly improve inhibitory control and reduce fearful responding to threatening stimuli. Research has yet to test the effects of multifocal tDCS targeting the rIFG on inhibitory control or emotional reactivity in individuals with PTSD.

Methods: The current study aims to examine the impact …

The Effects Of Plx 3397 On Fentanyl Escalation In Male And Female Sprague-Dawley Rats, Jakob Shaykin

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Purpose: A hallmark characteristic of opioid use disorder (OUD) is a persons’ ‘loss of control’, which leads to the compulsion to seek and obtain opioids, resulting in increased consumption. This phenomenon is known as ‘escalation of drug intake’. Chronic opioid use causes microglial reactivity and subsequent release of proinflammatory cytokines leading to neuroinflammation, weakening one’s executive control over drug taking and ultimately leading to greater use. Previous research in our laboratory has explored heterogeneity of fentanyl intake in extended access (6-hr) sessions and identified distinct endophenotypes of fentanyl intake. Moreover, we have observed a positive correlation between Treml1 expression …

A Case Of Acromegaly, Zhiwei Zhang, Donald Eagerton

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Evolution Of Bacteria: The Subsequent Relationships Between Different Species And Their Hosts, Helen Appleberry

Dissertations

To explore the relationship between two recently identified bacterial species (S. anginosus and S. urinae), three aims were designed. First, niche ranges were identified via two metagenome databases. Different niche ranges were identified between the two groups. S. urinae was more specific to the urogenital tract. S. anginosus appeared to be present across human anatomical niches. Secondly, specific genes to the S. urinae group were identified. This gives insight into the genomic and phenotypic differences previously identified. Thirdly, a temporal study was created to view S. urinae in female urine over 8 weeks. This showed stability in the urinary microbiome …