Life Sciences Commons^™

Investigating The Effects Of Prenatal E-Cigarette Exposure On Postnatal Liver Histology, Emma Mcclellan

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

The electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) entered the American market in the mid-2000s and quickly became popular. This product poses a significant threat to youth with 1.63 million students reporting use in 2024. Adverse health effects to different organs are well known. The liver is less studied, and despite its role in detoxification of e-cigarette chemicals, is a target of injury. Unlike the known effects of cigarettes and nicotine on the liver from adult or prenatal exposure, effects of prenatal exposure to e-cigarettes on liver remain to be defined. The current study investigated the effects of prenatal exposure of e-cigarettes on liver …

Effects Of Cadmium And Diet On Metal Accumulation And Kidney Cell Death Pathways., Justin Xu

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-biodegradable environmental toxin and accumulates in the body with an estimated half-life of 30-45 years. Humans can be exposed to Cd through diet, drinking water, tobacco smoking, and industrial pollution. Cd can especially accumulate in the kidney due to the release of Cd from protein-metal complexes when filtering blood in the tubules causing oxidative stress and inducing kidney injury. Obesity is another risk factor for kidney disease therefore we examined the dual effects of Cd and obesity on the accumulation of essential metals in mouse kidneys. Starting in utero and continuing until 24 weeks postweaning, male/female …

Understanding The Properties Of Repair Protein P26 For Dry-State Preservation Of Biological Materials., Hannah Skaggs

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

The preservation of complex biological materials in the frozen state has been well established and plays a critical role in the advancement of clinical applications and the pharmaceutical industry. Cryopreservation of complex biological materials has several clinical applications, including vaccine preservation, bone marrow transplants, cell therapeutics, and increasing the shelf life of red blood cells (RBCs) for transfusion. However, many challenges are present, including the use of toxic protective agents and the financial burden of maintaining extremely low temperatures between 193.15 and – 77.6 K (Parihar, Kumar et al. 2023). Lyophilization, or freeze-drying, presents an opportunity to mitigate such challenges. …

Recombinant Expression And Purification Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis Tyrosine Kinase 1 In Escherichia Coli., Laura K. Hanna

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

The goal of this study was to optimize the expression and purification of Porphyromonas gingivalis Tyrosine Kinase 1 (Ptk1) in recombinant Escherichia coli containing the plasmids Gro_ESL and Ptk1, with a His₆ tag_, to obtain a highly pure protein sample. Various experimental conditions were tested to determine the most effective parameters for protein expression and purification, including adjustments in induction timing, buffer composition, and purification techniques.

Optimal protein expression was achieved when cells were induced at an optical density (OD) of 0.3 to 0.4. β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), which activates the lac operon, was used to induce Ptk1 expression. A …

Dual-Task Cost Of Gait Measures In Individuals With And Without Parkinson's Disease, Addison G. Miller

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Parkinson’s disease (PD), estimated to affect over one million people by 2030, is a neurodegenerative disease that damages the dopaminergic neurons located in the brain. Losing these neurons cause individuals with PD to experience impairments in basic motor and cognitive functions. Symptoms of PD often include bodily shaking, muscle stiffness, and abnormalities in gait and posture. Individuals with PD can also experience impairment when walking and performing secondary tasks, such as walking while talking, known as dual tasking. Dual tasking can lead to increased risk of falling or losing balance, as well as the inability to move freely while carrying …

Maximizing Crop Production And Profitability Through Double Cropping Corn And Soybean Systems In South Carolina, Bennett Harrelson

All Dissertations

Profitability is critical for farm sustainability, efficiency, and longevity. Over the last decade, corn and soybean commodity prices have fluctuated considerably, and more recently, extreme increases in input prices have narrowed profit margins. Non-traditional cropping systems that can boost profit are becoming of interest to farmers in South Carolina, specifically double cropping soybean behind corn. In this scenario, corn is harvested at high moisture contents and followed by ultra-late planted soybean. However, prior research related to the agronomic production practices of double cropping corn and soybean is minimal. To develop best management practices for growers interested in double cropping corn …

Evaluation Of Escherichia Coli Lithium Binding Properties, David Andrew Gonzalez

Theses (2016-Present)

Lithium is a commonly used element in everyday items such as batteries, electronics and industrial applications. With the common use of lithium comes the problem of what to do with lithium waste. This problem calls for the need of an efficient environmentally friendly recovery process. This study investigates the potential of Escherichia coli for lithium biosorption in aqueous solutions. Although the roles of copper and Bacillus coagulans were initially explored for comparative biosorption potential, they were not used in experimental trials. This study explores the potential of E. coli and its potential for lithium biosorption in water solutions. Lithium chloride …

Morphology Of Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus Dolomieu) In Arkansas, Robert Laroche

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The Smallmouth Bass, Micropterus dolomieu, is one of the most important game fishes in Arkansas. Three distinct lineages are recognized from different river basins: the Northern, Neosho, and Ouachita Smallmouth Bass. Understanding the biodiversity within this species complex inhabiting different water bodies in Arkansas is important for effective management of the fisheries resource and to guide conservation efforts. But current data on distribution of distinct forms are insufficient to guide management. The primary goals of the study presented here was to quantify morphological characteristics to identify distinct lineages of Smallmouth Bass, and to determine their specific locations within Arkansas streams …

The Prevalence Of Cytauxzoon Felis In Southern United States, Anna Haynes

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Cytauxzoonosis, caused by transmission from a tick infected with the pathogen Cytauxzoon felis, is considered an emerging tick-borne disease in domestic felines. While not as fatal in other vertebrates such as the reservoir host Lynx rufus (bobcat), in domestic cats, infection is fatal nearly 100% of the time. This study sought to screen ticks pulled from felines for the pathogen across three states in an area identified as a hotspot. Out of 80 ticks screened, 12 tested positive for the pathogen. The positive population of ticks came from 3 neighboring counties in Southern Missouri: Jasper, McDonald, and Newton. McDonald …

Growth Of Methanogens Using Pyrite As An Energy Source: Implications For Life On Mars, Mckenzie K. Ragan

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The search for life beyond Earth has been the motivating factor for many scientist’s research in the past and currently. Specifically, the efforts have largely been focused on Mars. Mars exhibits qualities that are similar to the life-harboring characteristics of Earth, creating the possibility for life to exist on Mars. Mars’ subsurface conditions may be ideal for specific microorganisms to thrive, providing a haven away from the harsh surface conditions (Mancinelli, 2000). It is known that one of the most important elements to support life, H₂O is found in the subsurface of Mars, along with an atmosphere lacking …

Protein Intake And The Wellbeing Of Postmenopausal Women: Investigating Sleep, Mood, And Quality Of Life, Aleesha Imran

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Postmenopausal women commonly experience declines in sleep quality, mood, and overall wellbeing, with limited non-pharmacological options available to address these concerns. This randomized controlled trial investigated whether daily beef consumption as part of a higher-protein diet could improve sleep, mood, and quality of life over four weeks. Participants were randomized to either a standard protein intake control group or a treatment group consuming a high-protein diet with daily lean beef.

The treatment group showed modest improvements in subjective sleep quality and perceived health compared to controls, although these changes were not statistically significant. Fatigue, however, significantly decreased in the treatment …

Metabolic Responses Of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells In Collagen I Hydrogels, Caroline R. King

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Peripheral nerve injury affects approximately 44 in 1 million people in the United States every year and can lead to incomplete nerve recovery and loss of motor and sensory function. A significant amount of energy is required for nerve injury repair. A lack of energy allocation to the injury site hinders repair. Current treatments include hollow nerve guidance conduits, decellularized nerve grafts, and autografts. However, they are limited by factors such as donor site morbidity and sustained immunosuppressive treatments. Using three-dimensional collagen I hydrogels laden with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) can assist in neural regeneration. Three-dimensional collagen scaffolds aim to …

The Relationship Between Oxidative Stress And Partner Opposition In Conflict Resolution, Jenna Thomas

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Given the inevitability of conflict in romantic relationships, understanding its biological impact is crucial for developing conflict resolution strategies that promote physical health. While many studies highlight relationship conflict’s negative effects on bodily systems, few examine how specific facets of conflict, such as opposition, impact the body. Partner opposition may contribute to oxidative stress, a biological marker associated with poor physical health, by activating the amygdala. This study investigated the association between partner opposition and oxidative stress in 126 couples expecting their first child. Participants attended a lab session where problem-solving discussions were recorded to assess oppositional behavior and urine …

Towards The Design Of A Super Fgf1-Fgf10 Chimera, Megan Brown, Suresh Thallapuranam

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The Fibroblast Growth Factor family consists of 23 different fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) that are each involved in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation and tissue repair. Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) are different tyrosine kinase receptors. There are four FGFRs in the human body, each binding to different combinations of FGFs. Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) is the only FGF that can bind with all four types of fibroblast growth factor receptors. Therefore, it is the most powerful mitogen. However, FGF1 has low thermodynamic stability under the physiological conditions. Prior work in the Kumar lab has constructed several points …

The Expression Of Intestinal Tight Junction Proteins Induced By 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-Glycosides Supplementation To Reduce Bacterial Chondronecrosis With Osteomyelitis Lameness In Broilers, Kennedy M. Hicks

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO) is a leading cause of lameness in broiler chickens, impacting animal welfare and commercial poultry production. Supplementation using organic trace minerals, vitamin D, probiotics, and prebiotics has been studied to mitigate BCO lameness incidences in broiler chickens. Our previous study demonstrated that feeding Panbonis®-G-1,25(OH)₂D₃ from Solanum glaucophyllum, containing 1 µg/kg G-1,25(OH)₂D₃, to broilers for the first 28 days of their production cycle reduced BCO lameness by approximately 50%. In this study, we investigated the impact of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D₃ supplementation on the expression of tight junction …

A Nano-Scale Approach To Controlled Apoptosis In Brain Cancer Through Magneto-Mechanical Actuation, Sakura Rieck

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this study, we investigate the effects of cell therapy and magneto-mechanical actuation (MMA) to treat glioblastoma (U87). MMA approach employs super low-frequency alternating magnetic fields (AMF) to actuate intracellular PEGylated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (PEG-SPIONs). Magnetic forces are translated into mechanical agitation on PEG-SPIONs, which can disrupt key cellular components. We explored two ways in which the MMA approach can be used to combat cancer growth. First, we investigated MMA directly in U87 cells. Preliminary observations indicate that PEG-SPIONs are intracellularly taken up by the U87 cells via micropinocytosis. Cell-counting kit-8 toxicity assays revealed a cytotoxic effect of MMA …

Immune Function Modulation By Temperature On Isolated Rainbow Trout Macrophages, Abby Hunter

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Fever is an evolutionary mechanism that enhances immune function, yet the molecular and metabolic responses to fever temperatures in ectothermic species remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated how fever temperatures (19° C) influence macrophage function and metabolic activity in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), rather than normal temperatures (16° C). Using a rainbow trout monocytic cell line, RTS11, and primary head kidney-derived macrophages (HKCs), we examined the effects of fever temperatures on nitric oxide (NO) production, gene expression, protein synthesis, and energy metabolism. We found that fever temperatures increased NO production in both cell types, with further …

The Impact Of Dimerization And Condensate Formation On Notch Signaling Outcomes, Tyler Michael William Lawton

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Communication between cells is the cornerstone of multicellular life. This communication is facilitated through signal transduction, wherein an environmental que activates a transducer on the surface of the cell or within it. This signal is recognized and transmitted in a way that integrates every other signal that the cell is receiving at the time, culminating in a dynamic dance of molecular components producing finely tuned responses to the cellular environment. Notch signaling facilitates direct communication between neighboring cells, as well as response to various microenvironmental stimuli, to influence cell differentiation and fate. As insinuated above, these communication pathways do not …

Bpa Adsorption On Microplastics In Different Chemical Conditions, Addison Zehren

University Honors Program Senior Projects

Microplastics (plastic particles < 5 mm in size) are increasingly seen as a health and environmental issue, both for their direct effects when ingested by living organisms and for their ability to adsorb and concentrate other pollutants. Current water treatment processes do not adequately remove microplastics from municipal water supplies, so a thorough understanding of how microplastics affect water quality is needed. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of certain water quality parameters on the ability of polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) to adsorb Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is an endocrine disruptor (chemically like estrogen) used in plastics which can be released into the environment and act as a water pollutant. Water quality chemical parameters investigated were chloride, nitrate, phosphate, and copper ions. Concentrations of each solute were selected based upon Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines and previous results obtained from testing Chicago River water samples. A constant amount of PS MPs and BPA were added to each sample and the mixtures were shaken for 5 days to allow time for the BPA to adsorb. The samples were then filtered and the amount of BPA left in the water was determined by measuring its UV absorbance on a UV-vis spectrophotometer. BPA concentrations decreased in the water indicating that it had been adsorbed onto the microplastic surface, with the highest adsorption present with copper, which reduced BPA concentrations from 6.7 mg/L to 3.9 mg/L. Statistical analyses showed differences between copper, phosphate, nitrate, and chloride (df = 9, p = 0.002). Future work can apply these results to investigate the implications of pollutant transportation in urban waterways like the Chicago River.

The Effects Of Pfos Exposure On Zebrafish Dopaminergic Neurodevelopment, Allison G. Fletcher

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of environmental contaminants that cause disruptions to the nervous and endocrine systems. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) is considered one of the most disruptive PFAS to the nervous system, and may disrupt neurodevelopment of the dopaminergic system, which has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders like Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in humans. I hypothesized that early life PFOS exposure disrupts the development of the dopaminergic system. To test this hypothesis, I exposed zebrafish to 0.05, 0.5, and 5.0 mg/L PFOS through 5 days of embryonic and larval development. To assess acute effects of PFOS on the …

A Proposed Organizational Model To Increase Women Coaches In Elite Alpine Skiing: Learning From The U.S. Cross-Country Initiative, Anika Anna Angriman

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Despite the tremendous growth in girl’s and women’s participation in sports following the implementation of Title IX in 1972, women’s participation as sport coaches did not follow the same trajectory. In fact, women remain significantly underrepresented in sports coaching. Research highlights ongoing barriers within the sports industry's patriarchal structure, and although strategies have been proposed to improve women’s representation, the lack of progress over the past two decades indicates their limited effectiveness. A more comprehensive, multidimensional approach is essential to address this issue across the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal levels. Purpose: This study proposes a model to increase …

The Regulatory Role Of Collagen Α1(Xi) Amino-Terminal Domain Isoforms In Collagen Fibrillogenesis, Abu Sayeed Chowdhury

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Collagen α1(XI) is a minor fibrillar collagen involved in the critical regulation of collagen fibrils, such as nucleation, assembly, and regulation of fibril diameter. The amino-terminal domain consists of an amino-propeptide (Npp) domain and a variable region, which is the result of alternative splicing from exon 6A, 6B, 7, and 9. The spliced variants involving Npp, with the combinations of exon 6A, 6B, 7, and 9 gives rise to different isoforms with very distinctive chemical nature. The Npp of collagen α1(XI) chain is retained on the surface of the collagen fibril for an extended period of time and may play …

Moderate-To-High Velocity Eccentric Torque Differences In Older Female Adults, Ayla Mae Gabel

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: As individuals age, they are often confronted with age-related physical declines that can impede their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and elevate the risk of experiencing falls. While multiple factors may contribute to these physical decrements, muscular power diminishes more rapidly than strength across the lifespan, and serves as a more reliable predictor of fall risk among community-dwelling older adults. This early loss of power may be associated with low physical activity levels, age-related muscle atrophy, or impaired neuromuscular function; however, these findings are inconclusive. One area warranting further investigation involves exploring the contribution of different …

Regulation Of The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Through Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor 2 Activation And Androgens Acting On Androgen Receptors In Mice Exposed To Repeat Stress Conditions, David Reilly

Biological Sciences

The hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA)-axis is the body’s main neuroendocrine mechanism for regulating stress. It has been shown in both animal and human models that anxiety and depression like behavior is more prevalent in females compared to males. Studies have shown evidence that suggests there are sex differences in the HPA-axis that likely contribute to the observed sex difference. It has been shown that anxiety related behavior and HPA-axis responsiveness is correlated with androgens acting on androgen receptors (AR). The role of androgens acting on AR has a more unclear role in stress behavior and HPA-axis regulation when subjected to chronic …

Optimization And Personalization Of Fitness Routines Using Mathematical Models, Tyson M. Kerr

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This project aims to develop a mathematical model for generating personalized workout plans tailored to individual fitness goals, preferences, and constraints. By leveraging optimization techniques such as linear programming and genetic algorithms, the model will address key questions, including how to maximize efficiency and consistency in workout plans and which methodologies are best suited for specific fitness objectives. The model involves data collection on user inputs and exercise attributes, defining objective functions for different goals, and integrating constraints like session duration. The implementation will utilize the Python library PuLP to prototype the model, alongside a user-friendly interface for input and …

Comparing Non-Invasive Survey Techniques For Southern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys Volans) In Nebraska, Jay Winfield

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is a threatened species in Nebraska that occurs along the Missouri River in the southeastern corner of the state, but recently, a population was discovered in the city of Lincoln. The method in which G. volans established a population in Lincoln is unknown. A survey of the current distribution in Nebraska is long overdue, thus the most effective survey methods need to be determined. This study investigated and compared two noninvasive survey techniques, ultrasonic detectors and trail cameras, that have recently been used successfully to survey for a similar species, the northern flying squirrel, …

Investigating The Effects Of Sod1 Knockout On Oxidative Stress And Stress Coping Styles In Zebrafish Using Crispr Technology, Tai Prauner, Ryan Wong

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Reactive oxygen species are byproducts of cellular metabolism that, when not efficiently neutralized, can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids. Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is an antioxidant enzyme that converts superoxide radicals into less harmful molecules. While its molecular function is well documented, the role of SOD1 in shaping stress-related behavior remains underexplored. This project aimed to establish foundational tools for studying the behavioral impact of SOD1 knockout across proactive and reactive stress-coping styles in zebrafish.

To support future gene-editing experiments, microinjection and breeding protocols were refined across wildtype AB, proactive, and reactive zebrafish lines. No embryos were injected with CRISPR-Cas9 …

What’S The Best Way To Store Toxic 1080 Baits?, Heather M. Crawford, Ricarda Fenske, Gerard Smith, Teen Ryan, Jamie (Frog) Taylor, Daniel Carlisle, Debbie Dowden, Dean Butcher, Tracey L. Kreplins, James Miller, Malcolm S. Kennedy, Patricia A. Fleming

Biosecurity Research Articles

Being able to store toxic baits could allow livestock producers to target ‘hot spots’ of predator activity, supplementing or even replacing broadscale baiting, therefore avoiding potential risk of bait-resistant populations. We compared 1080 dose recovered from dried meat baits (DMB; camel, horse and kangaroo) and sausage baits stored by different methods (shed, locked transport box, freezer, cryo-vacuumed) to identify whether they were still lethal, and address concern that freezing/thawing could result in loss of the water-soluble 1080 toxicant. We developed a bait collection method to halt microbial activity (preserving 1080 dose), al-lowing collection of baits manufactured under field conditions by …

Decoding Bacterial Resilience: Srnas And Sigma Factors In Stress Adaptation And Persistence Of Salmonella, Anita Nguyen

Honors Theses

Small RNAs (sRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules in bacteria that function primarily to regulate gene expression, including those associated with stress. The Borchert Lab has identified 173 sRNAs and > 500 sRNAs that are responsive to desiccation and carbon starvation (c-starvation), respectively. Prokaryotic transcription involves an RNA Polymerase (RNAP) that transcribes DNA into RNA. RNAP involves sigma factors, which recognize promoters for the initial steps of RNA synthesis. The Borchert Lab has determined that there are significant overlaps between sRNAs expressed in cells subjected to both short-term durations and long-term durations of carbon starvation. Salmonella enterica serovars can have outbreaks associated …

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Exoenzyme Y Enzymatic Activity Inhibits Exoenzyme S-Induced Caspase Activation But Not Cytotoxicity In Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells, Connor Holm

Honors Theses

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is the most common cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care unit patients. P. aeruginosa utilizes a type III secretion system that injects exoenzymes U, S, T, and/or Y into the host cell cytosol. A majority of clinically isolated P. aeruginosa strains express ExoY often in combination with ExoU and ExoT, or ExoS and ExoT. Host signaling mechanisms in response to intoxication with individual exoenzymes have been extensively studied, yet little is known about host cell response to co-intoxication. In this study, pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) were infected with P. aeruginosa strains expressing different combinations …