Life Sciences Commons^™

Testing And Optimizing Methodologies For Microplastic Extractions From Owl Pellets, Merve Seyfe, Meli̇ke Seyfe, Tolga Kankiliç, Ülkü Ni̇han Tavşanoğlu

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Microplastic pollution is a pressing global environmental concern, potentially threatening ecosystems and entering the food chain. Owls, as nocturnal carnivorous birds, are at significant risk of ingesting microplastics due to their diverse foraging habits. This study aimed to identify the most suitable procedure for extracting microplastics from owl pellets, focusing on efficiency, functionality, and cost and ensuring the extraction of both prey and microplastics without damage. Experiments were conducted on pellets from long-eared owl (Asio otus) collected from three different habitats in Ankara, Türkiye. The extraction of microplastics was then tested using various treatments (n = 25), involving different durations, …

The Role Of Iowa Gambling Task Performance In Response To Citalopram Treatment For Cocaine Use Disorder, Constanza De Dios, Robert Suchting, Charles E Green, Heather E Webber, F Gerard Moeller, Joy Schmitz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background:

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is associated with executive functioning impairments linked to serotonergic function. Previous studies reported efficacy with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram in reducing cocaine use.

Objectives:

The current study explored moderation and mediation of citalopram effects on cocaine use by performance across executive function domains.

Methods:

We conducted a secondary analysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized Bayesian adaptive trial investigating citalopram efficacy in CUD treatment-seeking adults. At baseline and mid-treatment, participants completed assessments of decision-making (Iowa Gambling Task; IGT), attention, response inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. Outcomes were longest duration of abstinence (LDA; count of consecutive …

Cardiovascular Disease And Breast Cancer Stage At Diagnosi\S, Ivan Angelov, Allen M Haas, Elizabeth Brock, Lingfeng Luo, Jing Zhao, Sharon H Giordano, Kevin T Nead

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Importance: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the leading causes of mortality in the US. Large-scale population-based and mechanistic studies support a direct effect of CVD on accelerated tumor growth and spread, specifically in breast cancer.

Objective: To assess whether individuals presenting with advanced breast cancers are more likely to have prevalent CVD compared with those with early-stage breast cancers at the time of diagnosis.

Design, setting, and participants: This population-based case-control study used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked databases from 2009 to 2020. The analysis was completed from May 2023 to August 2024. Participants were …

Dexamethasone Dose Intensity Does Not Impact Outcomes In Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: A Secondary Swog Analysis, Rahul Banerjee, Rachael Sexton, Andrew J Cowan, Aaron S Rosenberg, Sikander Ailawadhi, Shaji Kumar, Sagar Lonial, Brian G M Durie, Paul G Richardson, Saad Z Usmani, Antje Hoering, Robert Z Orlowski

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Dexamethasone is a key component of induction for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), despite common toxicities, including hyperglycemia and insomnia. In the randomized ECOG E4A03 trial, dexamethasone 40 mg once weekly was associated with lower mortality than higher doses. However, the performance of dexamethasone dose reductions below this threshold with regard to progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in NDMM has not been fully characterized. We conducted a secondary pooled analysis of the SWOG 0777 and SWOG 1211 studies of NDMM, which used lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) alone, with or without bortezomib, and with or without elotuzumab. The planned …

Nucleus-Translocated Gclm Promotes Chemoresistance In Colorectal Cancer Through A Moonlighting Function, Jin-Fei Lin, Ze-Xian Liu, Dong-Liang Chen, Ren-Ze Huang, Fen Cao, Ting Li, Hui Sheng, Zhi-Bing Liang, Kun Liao, Yi Han, Shan-Shan Li, Zhao-Lei Zeng, Song Gao, Huai-Qiang Ju, Rui-Hua Xu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Metabolic enzymes perform moonlighting functions during tumor progression, including the modulation of chemoresistance. However, the underlying mechanisms of these functions remain elusive. Here, utilizing a metabolic clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 knockout library screen, we observe that the loss of glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), a rate-limiting enzyme in glutathione biosynthesis, noticeably increases the sensitivity of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells to platinum-based chemotherapy. Mechanistically, we unveil a noncanonical mechanism through which nuclear GCLM competitively interacts with NF-kappa-B (NF-κB)-repressing factor (NKRF), to promote NF-κB activity and facilitate chemoresistance. In response to platinum drug treatment, GCLM is phosphorylated by P38 …

Enhanced Motivated Behavior Mediated By Pharmacological Targeting Of The Fgf14/Nav16 Complex In Nucleus Accumbens Neurons, Nolan M Dvorak, Paul A Wadsworth, Guillermo Aquino-Miranda, Pingyuan Wang, Douglas S Engelke, Jingheng Zhou, Nghi Nguyen, Aditya K Singh, Giuseppe Aceto, Zahra Haghighijoo, Isabella I Smith, Nana Goode, Mingxiang Zhou, Yosef Avchalumov, Evan P Troendle, Cynthia M Tapia, Haiying Chen, Reid T Powell, Timothy J Baumgartner, Jully Singh, Leandra Koff, Jessica Di Re, Ann E Wadsworth, Mate Marosi, Marc R Azar, Kristina Elias, Paul Lehmann, Yorkiris M Mármol Contreras, Poonam Shah, Hector Gutierrez, Thomas A Green, Martin B Ulmschneider, Marcello D'Ascenzo, Clifford Stephan, Guohong Cui, Fabricio H Do Monte, Jia Zhou, Fernanda Laezza

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Protein/protein interactions (PPI) play crucial roles in neuronal functions. Yet, their potential as drug targets for brain disorders remains underexplored. The fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14)/voltage-gated Na+ channel 1.6 (Nav1.6) complex regulates excitability of medium spiny neurons (MSN) of the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a central hub of reward circuitry that controls motivated behaviors. Here, we identified compound 1028 (IUPAC: ethyl 3-(2-(3-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)acetamido)benzoate), a brain-permeable small molecule that targets FGF14R117, a critical residue located within a druggable pocket at the FGF14/Nav1.6 PPI interface. We found that 1028 modulates FGF14/Nav1.6 complex assembly and depolarizes the voltage-dependence of Nav1.6 channel inactivation with …

Optimizing Electrode Configurations For Eeg Mild Cognitive Impairment Detection, Jiayuan He, Ning Jiang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The Optimal electrode configuration of Electroencephalograms (EEG) systems for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) detection and monitoring in non-clinical settings, i.e. number of electrodes and the positions of the electrodes, remains to be explored. In the current study, we explored the optimization of electrode configuration for MCI detection. We used a 32-channel EEG device to record the data of 21 MCI patients and 20 cognitively normal elderly (NC) undergoing working memory (WM) tasks. Based on the differential value (MCI group vs. NC group) from the Power Spectral Density (PSD) value of each electrode in θ and α frequency band during WM …

Comparison Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Testing Measures In Children, Trey R. Naylor, Mariana V. Jacobs, Michael C. Taylor Jr., Jody L. Clasey

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 65-78, 2025. There is currently an exponential increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity thus warranting the demand to appropriately measure and evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness within educational settings. The aims of this study were to (1) compare measured peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak), heart rate peak (HRpeak), and 1-min heart rate recovery (HRRec) responses obtained using a GXTmax and the PACER test; and (2) compare the VO₂peak from the GXTmax and PACER test to a PACER prediction equation (ScottEqua). Methods: This study included 32 (16 boys) children. Despite not having maturational …

A Flexible Training Approach To Improving Concurrent Training Outcomes In Remote Trainees, Christopher Bonilla, Justin R. Kilian, Robert L. Herron

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 43-55, 2025. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a flexible, trainee-driven training program in improving concurrent training outcomes for individuals training remotely. The study employed a repeated-measures, parallel group design with 18 participants randomized into either a control group with fixed workouts or an experimental group with flexible workout selection based on perceived readiness. Participants were recreationally trained at baseline. Over a 16-week period, both groups completed assessments of strength and endurance, including deadlift, push-ups, and a two-mile run. The results indicated no significant difference in overall fitness improvements between the two …

The Effects Of Augmented Feedback, Focus Of Attention, And Monetary Reward On Vertical Jump Height: A Replication Study, Javad Bakhshinejad, Jasmin C. Hutchinson, Jennifer Murphy, Lydia Trainor, Sarah Friedman, Nicholas Coker

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 13-26, 2025. Reproducibility and replicability of published empirical scientific evidence are fundamental for verifying key findings, identifying errors and/or boundary conditions, and upholding rigorous research standards. For this replication study, the primary goal was to assess the replicability of the findings from Wälchli et al. (2016), which investigated the role of augmented feedback (AF), external focus of attention (EF), and reward (RE), as well as a combination of these conditions on countermovement jump height. The original study sample included 18 resistance-trained male and female participants, while this replication included 38 (19 male, 19 female). …

Yoga Vs. Static Stretching: Recovery Impact On Male Athletes’ Post-Hiit Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure, And Heart Rate Variability Analysis, Haruthai Petviset Dr., Sasima Pakulanon Dr., Suppalerk Rusmeeroj, Buris Rukdang

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 79-91, 2025. Heart rate and heart rate variability indicate an athlete's cardiovascular recovery and autonomic balance after intense exercise. While stretching aids recovery, its effects on autonomic balance are inconsistent. Yoga’s combination of postures, breathing, and relaxation may further activate the parasympathetic system, making it a promising tool for sports recovery. This study employed a crossover design to examine the effects of yoga and stretching on post 30-min session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) recovery in male athletes. Twenty athletes of Mae Fah Luang University (Age 20.95±0.99 years old, VO2max 42.53±4.79 ml/kg/min) were given …

An Exploratory Study Comparing The Metabolic Responses Between The 12-3-30 Treadmill Workout And Self-Paced Treadmill Running, Michael W.H. Wong, Dustin W. Davis, Olivia R. Perez, Bianca Weyers, Devin Green, Alan Garcia, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 56-64, 2025. The fitness movement in the United States has evolved substantially since its emergence in the late 20th century, with social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok now playing a pivotal role in disseminating fitness programs and associated claims. One program that has gained considerable popularity is the 12-3-30 treadmill workout (12-3-30), which involves walking at a 12% grade at 3 mph for 30 minutes. Despite widespread claims about its effectiveness in burning fat and calories, there is a lack of peer-reviewed scientific studies evaluating these claims. The present study investigated metabolic responses …

The Psychometric Performance Of State Mindfulness Scales Around Sitting And Walking On Desert Trails: A Pilot Study, Dustin W. Davis, Elias M. Malek, Rob Salatto, Marcus M. Lawrence, Jacob W. Manning, Mark Debeliso, Merrill R. Landers, Graham Mcginnis, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 27-42, 2025. State mindfulness is a dynamic construct reflecting current mindfulness, or purposeful attention to the present moment with openness, non-judgment, non-reactivity, and acceptance. Despite its popularity and research in psychology and medicine, measuring state mindfulness remains a challenge. Validity and reliability of the State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) and State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity (SMS-PA) in applied settings like nature require more data to be established. This pilot study aimed to evaluate these scales and introduce a new, one-item scale, the Visual Analog Scale-Mindfulness (VAS-M), for quicker mindfulness assessment. Participants completed the SMS, …

The Relationship Between Lower-Body Flexibility And Running Performance In A Half Marathon Downhill Running Event, Logan Petty, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 1-12, 2025. Although previous studies examining treadmill or relatively flat overground running events have found relationships for running performance and flexibility, no study has examined these outcomes during downhill events, including between sexes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between lower body flexibility and running performance in recreational adult male and female distance runners competing in a downhill half marathon race. Recreational (n=11 male, n=19 female) adult distance runners completed this study. On the day prior to the race, participants performed a standardized warm-up, …

An Agent-Based Model Of Microglia And Neuron Interaction: Implications In Neurodegenerative Disease, Cheyenne Ty, Amanda Case, Emmanuel Mezzulo, Abigail Penland, Kamila Larripa

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

Whether immune cells protect or harm the brain is an open question depending on context, and their role is implicated in multiple diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other neurological disorders. Microglia, a specific type of immune cell in the central nervous system, play a key role in homeostasis, and genes associated with an elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease correspond with deficiencies in their behavior. We created an agent-based model that incorporates inflammatory signaling, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis of damaged neurons and allows the exploration of crucial pathways in the maintenance of brain health. We specifically investigated pathways related to …

On Solving Differential Equations Describing The Ecology Of Shallow Lakes: A Comparison Of Classical And Modern Computational Methods Through Python, Vruddhi Kapre, Jeffrey R. Anderson, Alessandro Maria Selvitella

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

In this exposition paper, we describe some computational methodologies to solve numerically differential equations modeling the shallow lake ecosystem, with particular focus on the dynamics of the phosphorus. We describe in detail Python implementations of classical algorithms, like Runge-Kutta, and more modern approaches, including physics-informed neural networks.

Impact Of Nature-Based Tourism On Bird Vocalization Rate In The Bajo Del Tigre Reserve, Monteverde, Costa Rica, Abby K. Bressette, Adriana Arias Aguilar

Environmental Studies Publications

Nature-based tourism benefits economies, communities, and conservation initiatives, but it can also have unintended negative effects on wildlife. For birds, vocal communication is essential, yet it can be disrupted by anthropogenic noise. In this study, I used passive recording to examine how human visitation impacts the rate of bird vocalizations in the Bajo del Tigre Reserve in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Overall, bird vocalization rate was not affected by visitation (p > 0.05), but species-specific differences were found. Vocalizations of the lesser greenlet showed no significant change with visitation (p > 0.05). In contrast, the orange-billed nightingale-thrush exhibited a decrease in vocalization rates …

Circadian And Age-Related Variations Of Amino Acids Levels In Drosophila Brains: Correlations And Descriptive Dimensions, Sandrine Parrot, Jacob Crehan, Chloé Aman, Philippe De Deurwaerdère, Matthew S. Thimgan, Laurent Seugnet

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

A comprehensive view of whole-brain amino acid levels holds the potential to provide valuable insights into the brain's state, given the mutual interconnections through metabolism, food intake, and neurotransmission. We tested this concept by evaluating free amino acid levels in single Drosophila brains across 24 h and at two different ages. A large proportion of these amino acids displayed time-of-day variations, and a subset exhibited age-dependent variations. Cross-correlation analysis of the data sets confirmed broad time-of-day and age dependent interconnections between amino acids. Factor Analysis of Mixed Data revealed further data structuration along key amino acids. For example, 50% of …

Dataset Supporting "Functional Trait Responses Of Alternanthera Philoxeroides To Increasing Salinity: Stress Tolerance, Avoidance And Escape Strategies Support Invasiveness With Sea Level Rise, Brenda J. Grewell*, Blanca Gallego-Tévar, Jesús M. Castillo, Caryn J. Futrell, Rebecca E. Drenovsky, Nathan E. Harms, Paul D. Pratt

Alligator Weed Salinity Exp for NeoBiota

No abstract provided.

Evaluating A Pilot Nutrition Education Curriculum For Autistic Young Adults: Rev It Up! For Asd, Samantha Schaap

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

Objective: People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have poor diet and exercise behaviors, which lead to higher prevalences of overweight/obesity and diet-related diseases. Young adults with ASD are particularly understudied regarding nutrition educational approaches; thus, our study aimed to examine the impact of Rev It Up! for ASD, an adapted Extension nutrition and physical activity curriculum adapted for this population.
Methods: The Rev It Up! curriculum was reviewed by four experts in autistic education to identify adaptations needed for the Rev It Up! for ASD pilot. The intervention was conducted in 10, 90-minute sessions from February-April 2025, where students participated …

Editorial: Frontiers In The Midlands Society Of Physiological Sciences (2023-2024), Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Hong Zheng, Surabhi Chandra, Harold D. Schultz, William C.W. Chen

Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology

No abstract provided.

Neuroma Prevention By Nerve To Artery Coaptation: A Pilot Study, Tyler D. Ragsdale, Peter K. Firouzbakht, Benjamin A. Nwadike, Grant R. Kolar, John Tracy Watson, Vikas Dhawan

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Purpose: Neuroma formation is a notable complication that can occur following amputation. Newer techniques are proving to be successful in preventing neuroma formation by providing the proximal nerve segment with an end organ to help with organized growth. Redirecting arterial blood flow to the nerve endings may be an effective mechanism of preventing neuroma formation. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that by coapting the proximal end of a transected nerve with a functional artery as a vascular end organ, neuroma formation can be prevented. Methods: Six Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the control and experimental groups. Subjects …

Growing South Dakota (Winter 2025), College Of Agriculture, Food And Environmental Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

[Page] 2 Native Plant Initiative on a mission
[Page] 4 Gees give back
[Page] 7 Christensen named assistant dean
[Page] 8 Fennell honored in plant biology
[Page] 9 New ag communication faculty
[Page] 10 SDSU Extension awards
[Page] 12 Veterinary medicine class welcomed
[Page] 13 Coulter honored
[Page] 14 National beef award winners
[Page] 15 Department celebrates 100 years
[Page] 16 Southeast Research Farm growing
[Page] 18 Saving the flock
[Page] 22 Energize conference inspires
[Page] 24 BeefSD helping producers
[Page] 25 SDSU Extension retirements
[Page] 26 New food safety testing service
[Page] 27 Bringing back bison
[Page] 28 Jackrabbits …

Bioinformatics Analysis Of The Mbl2 Missense Variants Associated With Cystic Fibrosis, Elaine Vanterpool, Kiar-Ra Cameron

Student Posters

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease commonly recognized by thick mucus and loud coughs. The manifestation of these symptoms is due to the inability of chloride ions to diffuse out of the cell. Thus, preventing osmosis resulting in a thick mucus on the lung’s surface. Those who suffer from this disease have difficulty breathing and require a modulator with a vest to increase gas exchange in the lungs. Moreover, the disease can result in much pain due to coughs, which destroys ciliated epithelial cells. Patients who have cystic fibrosis can suffer from pneumonia and other bronchial infections. They …

The Pulse Winter 2025, Southern Adventist University

The Pulse – School of Health and Kinesiology Newsletter

The Winter 2025 edition of The Pulse covers the School of Health and Kinesiology intramural program, ropes course recertification, Gym-Masters performances, and the proposed Giving Day Project.

Pregnancy And Postpartum Effects Of Electronic Cigarettes On Maternal Health And Vascular Function In The Fourth Trimester, Amber Mills, Duaa Dakhlallah, Anand Ranpara, W. Travis Goldsmith, Paul D. Chantler, Yue-Wern Huang, Jonathan Boyd, I. Mark Olfert

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Pregnancy is a vulnerable time with significant cardiovascular changes that can lead to adverse outcomes, which can extend into the postpartum window. Exposure to emissions from electronic cigarettes (Ecig), commonly known as "vaping," has an adverse impact on cardiovascular function during pregnancy and post-natal life of offspring, but the postpartum effects on maternal health are poorly understood. We used a Sprague Dawley rat model, where pregnant dams are exposed to Ecigs between gestational day (GD)2-GD21 to examine postpartum consequences. Litter and dam health were monitored during the weaning period, and maternal vascular and endocrine function were assessed after weaning. Exposure …

Suprameatal Tubercle Classification; Its Implementation On Clinical Cases, Humberto Reyna Mendez, Jose Alfredo Espinosa Mora, Laura Ubaldo Reyes, Alberto Angeles Castellanos, Ignacio Mora Magaña, Mauro Alberto Segura Lozano, Rachel Blue, John Yk Lee, Diego Mendez Rosito

Archives of Neurosurgery

Abstract:

Background: The suprameatal tubercle (SMT) is a variable prominence of the petrosal surface of the temporal bone that lies above the internal acoustic meatus. An enlarged SMT may present an obstacle during surgeries of the posterior fossa, including microvascular decompression or by itself cause trigeminal neuralgia.

Methods: Based on our prior study of 200 temporal bones, its data collection and establishing a classification of the SMT this extension study exemplifies its clinical application.

Results: According to the classification of the SMT four selected cases are clinically and anatomically correlated to exemplify the utility of this classification.

Conclusion: The SMT …

The Importance Of Older Seniors Attempting To Stay Fit, Moses A. Hutchens

CSU Tower Day

Fitness is important to all but is indeed important to seniors. Partaking in fitness positively contributes to seniors in all fascists of life. Seniors attempting to stay fit is essential as it improves their mental health, physical health, and social well-being while stimulating independence and longevity. Mentally, exercise helps relieve depression and anxiety, boosts cognitive function, and improves sleep. Staying active also promotes better balance and mobility, reducing the risks of falls and making daily duties easier. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and bones, improves heart health, weight management, and enhances joint function. These help reduce the risk of conditions like …

Investigating The Impact Of Roundup® Exposure On Hearing In Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus), Joshua W. Adams, Daniel E. Holt

CSU Tower Day

Tower Day 2025 Undergraduate Poster 3rd place Winner

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) such as Roundup® are used extensively worldwide, yet their potential to disrupt fish sensory physiology has remained relatively unexplored. Previous studies have established that glyphosate exposure can induce various neurotoxic effects in fish and other vertebrates—ranging from oxidative stress to altered neurotransmitter systems and anxiogenic-like responses. Despite these documented impacts, no published research has directly assessed whether glyphosate compromises auditory function in fish.

Here, we address this knowledge gap by examining the hearing sensitivity of farm- raised Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) following a 96-hour exposure to Roundup® (3 mg/L …

Characterizing The Regulatory Interaction Between Fliz And Hild In Salmonella, Kennedy K. Harris, Gracious Donkor, Matthew Georgiou, James Slauch

MICRO-CCS student projects

• Salmonella Typhimurium utilizes a Type Three Secretion System (T3SS) encoded on Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1 (SPI1) to invade host intestinal cells.
• The T3SS is a needle-like structure that penetrates intestinal cells and injects effector proteins into the cell's cytoplasm to induce uptake of Salmonella.
• Expression of the T3SS is controlled by HilA, which is in turn regulated by three transcriptional regulators: HilD, RtsA, and HilC (Fig. 1B). HilD is the main regulator of HilA.
• FliZ is a regulator of flagellar genes which also post-translationally controls the protein activity of HilD. FliZ induction increases activation of the hilA promoter.