Life Sciences Commons^™

Improved Whole-Mount Immunofluorescence Protocol For Consistent And Robust Labeling Of Adult Drosophilamelanogaster Adipose Tissue, Rachael K. Ott, Isaiah H. Williams, Alissa R. Armstrong

Faculty Publications

Energy storage and endocrine functions of the Drosophila fat body make it an excellent model for elucidating mechanisms that underlie physiological and pathophysiological organismal metabolism. Combined with Drosophila's robust genetic and immunofluorescence microscopy toolkits, studies of Drosophila fat body function are ripe for cell biological analysis. Unlike the larval fat body, which is easily removed as a single, cohesive sheet of tissue, isolating intact adult fat body proves to be more challenging, thus hindering consistent immunofluorescence labeling even within a single piece of adipose tissue. Here, we describe an improved approach to handling Drosophila abdomens that ensures full access of …

Development Of A Simple And Accurate Polymerase Chain Reaction Screen For Human Papillomavirus In College Students, Emily Bishop, Owen Smith, Paul E. Richardson

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is, according to the CDC, the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) with many infections developing in a person's late teens or early 20’s. HPV is a nonenveloped, relatively small, icosahedral DNA virus that infects squamous epithelial cells. This infection can happen in genital, anal, and oral cavities. 90% of these infections will self-clear in two years according to the CDC. Of the 10% of infections that do not clear in two years, they could develop into carcinomas later in life. The goal of this developmental research is to create a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that can …

Oregon State Rank Assessment For Cusick's Camassia (Camassia Cusickii), Nora Dunkirk

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

Oregon state conservation status assessment for Cusick's camassia (Camassia cusickii) using NatureServe methodology, 2024.

Characterization Of The Apical Testis And Fusome Patterning In Drosophila Melanogaster, Drosophila Simulans, Drosophila Pseduoobscura, Drosophila Affinis, And Drosophila Sechellia, Crystal L. Calise

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study uses five different species across the family of Drosophila as a tool to compare the structures of the stem cell niche and fusome within the testes of these species. Three species from Drosophila melanogaster group, D. melanogaster, D. simulans and D. sechellia, and two species from D. obscura group, D. pseudoobscura and D. affinis were observed using confocal microscopy In addition to a general comparison of male reproductive system structure and anatomy, the species were also analyzed for the presence of Fasciclin-III and α-Spectrin. As expected, species from the D. melanogaster group had the same expression pattern for …

Emerging Biomedical And Clinical Applications Of 3d-Printed Poly(Lactic Acid)-Based Devices And Delivery Systems, Allan John R Barcena, Prashanth Ravi, Suprateek Kundu, Karthik Tappa

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is widely used in the field of medicine due to its biocompatibility, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Three-dimensional (3D) printing or the systematic deposition of PLA in layers has enabled the fabrication of customized scaffolds for various biomedical and clinical applications. In tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, 3D-printed PLA has been mostly used to generate bone tissue scaffolds, typically in combination with different polymers and ceramics. PLA's versatility has also allowed the development of drug-eluting constructs for the controlled release of various agents, such as antibiotics, antivirals, anti-hypertensives, chemotherapeutics, hormones, and vitamins. Additionally, 3D-printed PLA has recently been used …

A Crisis In Clinical Research, David S Hong, Patricia Lorusso, Mario Sznol

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The clinical research pipeline is critical to ensuring continued development of novel treatments that can offer patients with cancer safe and effective options. Unfortunately, progress has slowed since the COVID-19 pandemic due to uncovered, systemic inefficiencies across critical processes. Towards initiating discussion on how to reinvigorate clinical research, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) hosted a virtual summit that characterized issues and formed potential solutions. This commentary serves to highlight the crisis facing clinical research as well as stimulate field-wide discussion on how to better serve patients into the future.

Intrinsically Disordered Membrane Anchors Of Rheb, Rhoa, And Diras3 Small Gtpases: Molecular Dynamics, Membrane Organization, And Interactions, Chase M Hutchins, Alemayehu A Gorfe

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Protein structure has been well established to play a key role in determining function; however, intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs and IDRs) defy this paradigm. IDPs and IDRs exist as an ensemble of structures rather than a stable 3D structure yet play essential roles in many cell-signaling processes. Nearly all Ras superfamily GTPases are tethered to membranes by a lipid tail at the end of a flexible IDR. The sequence of the IDR is a key determinant of membrane localization, and interaction between the IDR and the membrane has been shown to affect signaling in RAS proteins through the …

Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia With A Novel Jak1 Mutation Responds Well To The Jak1/2 Inhibitor Ruxolitinib, Qing Wei, Jie Xu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Exogenous Gibberellic Acid (Ga3) Application In Breaking Seed Dormancy In Clematis Hirsutissima​, Ashley Grace Ogle

2024 Symposium

Seed germination in plants is controlled by several mechanisms, including the presence of phytohormones like gibberellins, as well as environmental conditions, such as temperature, light, and moisture. Germination of dormant seeds can be promoted by the exogenous application of Gibberellic Acid (GA3). GA3 acts as a natural endogenous regulator of dormancy. Clematis hirsutissima, commonly known as Sugarbowls, in the plant family Ranunculaceae, is an important perennial species that contributes to biodiversity in western prairie ecosystems by providing habitat for pollinators and wildlife; and it is also a species that shows characteristic embryo dormancy. This native to Washington, has been used …

Microplastic Accumulation In The Marsh Periwinkle (Littoraria Irrorata), Sarah Keaton, Hannah Lukhard, Eli Windy, Manar Hasan

DePaul Discoveries

Contamination of oceans by microplastics (mm) currently poses a major threat to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. Recent attention towards this issue has raised questions about the extent to which microplastics have accumulated in the environment, and has led to an increase in studies on the effects of microplastics in various organisms. However, levels of contamination in protected natural areas are still largely unexplored, yet can offer an important empirical perspective on the issue. In addition, little is known about the potential effects of microplastics on behavior in the field. This research was conducted within the protected ACE Basin National …

Detection And Quantification Of Acetaminophen In Aquatic Samples From Cádiz, Spain, Hannah R. Desmarais, Michelle N. Mikos

DePaul Discoveries

Pharmaceutical contaminants in water are becoming increasingly prevalent. This could have potentially harmful effects on human health and aquatic environments, even at low concentrations. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient of Tylenol ®, was the target compound for this study, and the aim was to determine is presence and concentration in various aquatic samples in and around the city of Cádiz, Spain. It was predicted that acetaminophen would be detected in low concentrations in river water, drain outflow, University of Cádiz saltwater flow, and lagoon water, but undetectable in the University of Cádiz sink water and fountain water. The presence and concentration …

Spatial And Temporal Analysis Of Pm 2.5 Concentrations In Chicago Along The Lakefront Trail Using Wearable Air Quality Sensors, Jacob A. Johnson

DePaul Discoveries

Mass urbanization and transportation practices have resulted in high amounts of air pollution. Air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health causing respiratory issues as well as other health complications. Certain areas of cities experience more exposure to air pollution which can also cause them to have more health issues and lower life expectancy. These areas are often associated with disinvestment and minoritized communities of color. This research explores patterns of air quality related to environmental justice areas using low-cost wearable air quality monitoring sensors attached to a bicycle. Data was collected along the Lakefront Trail stretching from Irving …

A Seasonal Decomposition Comparison Between Forest And Turf Habitats: Implications For Climate Change, Amanda Shirmer

DePaul Discoveries

Decomposition is an essential ecosystem service in which microorganisms breakdown organic matter. This process improves soil health and acts as a vital step in global carbon cycles. In this study, we examined decomposition rates and associated soil properties in turf and forest habitats across summer and fall seasons in order to determine how land management practices and climate change may be altering local decomposition regimes. Our study determined that there was a statistically significant difference between decomposition rates in turf and forest ecosystems (P=0.003) and a significant difference in decomposition rate across season (P

Postweaning Skull Growth In Living Didelphid Marsupials: The Case Of Gracilinanus Agilis And Cryptonanus Chacoensis, Iveth A. Villalobos Guerrero, Noé U. De La Sancha

DePaul Discoveries

Ontogeny is described as the history of an organism through its lifetime including development, growth, and allometry. The ontogenetic approach in cranial dimensions has proved useful in interpreting evolutionary patterns. Among the largest Didelphidae family of Neotropical marsupials, the species of Gracilinanus agilis and Cryptonanus chacoensis are poorly known. In this study, we address three questions; Is there sexual dimorphism in these species? What is the pattern of allometry? Which allometric patterns best describe the patterns in the skull and mandible? We applied geometric morphometrics to describe and test these differences using MorphoJ. A discriminant function analysis was performed to …

The Impacts Of Urbanization On Soil: The Effect On Decomposition Rates And Microbial Communities, Maximus C. Halekakis

DePaul Discoveries

The anthropogenic impacts of industrialization have left many ecosystems polluted. Soil, being an imperative actor for ecosystem functions, is important to observe under anthropogenic change. My study examined soil organic matter decomposition, microbial biomass carbon(MBC) and the fungal to bacteria ratio(F:B) across an urban-suburban-exurban landuse gradient in San Luis Obispo, California. A cotton strip assay as well as microBIOMETER® testing was performed on three geographic locations in and outside of the city. The cotton strip decomposition acts as an indicator for organic matter breakdown as microorganisms break down the cellulose in the strips causing them to lose mass and tensile …

A Decade Of Earth-Centered Scholarship And Activism, Elizabeth Allison

CIIS Faculty Publications

Origin stories reveal the myriad causes that converge to birth a new initiative. On the occasion of its tenth anniversary, this essay looks back to document the context and intellectual lineage out of which the Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion graduate program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) emerged in 2013, and suggests some possibilities for the future of transdisciplinary education and the fields of religion and ecology (e.g. Tucker and Grim 2001), religion and nature (e.g. B. Taylor 2010), and spiritual ecology (e.g. Sponsel 2012) more broadly.

Bridging The Gap: Psychopharmacologic Education And Side Effect Screening For Non-Prescribing Mental Health Professionals, Elaine Fitzgerald

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: The United States is experiencing a growing demand for pediatric mental health support. Surges in mental health diagnoses and psychotropic medication prescriptions have occurred, compounded by a shortage of psychiatric providers. Non-prescribing mental health professionals are well-positioned to recognize psychotropic medication side effects. However, psychologists and counselors lack formal pharmacology education.

Methods: The quality improvement (QI) initiative was guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model. The evidence-based psychopharmacologic education for non-prescribers utilized a quasi-experimental pre- and post- test design. Data collected from clinicians included knowledge, confidence, and skill concerning psychotropic medications. The Psychotropic Medication Monitoring Checklist (PMMC) screen clients …

Evidence-Based Prostate Cancer Screening Interventions For Black Men: A Systematic Review, Abigail Lopez, Jared T. Bailey, Dorothy Galloway, Leanne Woods-Burnham, Susanne B. Montgomery, Rick Kittles, Dede K. Teteh-Brooks

Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Articles

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death for men in the U.S. and Black men are twice as likely to die from the disease. However, prostate cancer, if diagnosed at an earlier stage, is curable. The purpose of this review is to identify prostate cancer screening clinical trials that evaluate screening decision-making processes of Black men.

Methods

The databases PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, and PsychInfo were utilized to examine peer-reviewed publications between 2017 and 2023. Data extracted included implementation plans, outcome measures, intervention details, and results of the study. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme was used …

Confocal Microscopy Analysis Of The Testis Stem Cell Niche And Fusomes In Drosophila Bifasciata And Drosophila Yakuba, Matthew P. Gay

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of the current study is to confirm the characterization of the stem cell niche and the fusome in Drosophila yakuba and Drosophila bifasciata. The stem cell niche has been well-characterized in Drosophila melanogaster, however other species of Drosophila have been neglected. A key feature of the stem cells niche in D. melanogaster is a fasciclin-positive somatic signaling center termed the “hub”. Work from our laboratory previously demonstrated the presence of a novel fasciclin-positive zone, termed the apical complex, in D. pseudoobscura. This complex is morphologically very different from the hub. Similarly, the fusome, a spectrin-positive network …

Limited Thermal Plasticity In High Mountain Tropical Water Bear, Juan Manuel Carvajalino-Fernández, Valentina Diaz-Galvis, Alan Dante Torres-Jaramillo

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Tardigrades, a phylum of microscopic organisms well known for their resistance to extreme conditions thanks to adaptations such as cryptobiosis, in which they are able to suspend their metabolism until more favorable conditions arise. These organisms are found in a wide range of environments, and high Andean mountains are not the exception, even though weather conditions are highly variable during the day, let alone a month. An experiment was thus conducted at 2600m in Bogotá, Colombia to evaluate the resistance of Macrobiotus sp. found on trees, three sets of fifteen tardigrades were exposed to 20 °C, 30 °C and 40 …

The Growth Of Ethanol In Brazil: Sugarcane, Corn, And A Few Other Things, Fabio Mattos

Cornhusker Economics

Although we can expect more ethanol produced from corn in the coming years, it is unclear whether it will keep expanding at the same pace as in recent years or how much it will contribute to total ethanol production.

One point to keep an eye on is the typical dynamics of markets. If supply and demand conditions and price movements make corn-ethanol more profitable, ethanol plants in Brazil will keep increasing their production. If it makes more economic sense to produce corn-ethanol (as it happened recently), they will use more corn to produce ethanol.

Supply and demand conditions for ethanol, …

Artificial Light At Night On Nesting Beaches Of The Green Turtle, Chelonia Mydas, In The Eastern Mediterranean And Its Possible Effect On Populations, Noam Leader, Yaniv Levy, Oğuz Türkozan

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Artificial light associated with coastal development is becoming one of the major threats to coastal biodiversity. Sea turtles are coastal breeders, and it is well-known that hatchlings tend to move toward lighter objects on the beach, which prevents them from reaching the sea. It is, therefore, essential to identify the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on the nesting beaches. Here, we investigated ALAN levels using imagery from satellites at important green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting beaches in the Mediterranean. Mean August radiance levels at nesting beaches ranged from 0.00473 nW/cm2sr (Northern Cyprus-South Karpaz Beach) to 14.44 nW/cm2sr (Turkey …

Spatial And Temporal Nesting Pattern Of Sea Turtles In Alas Purwo National Park, And Itsimplications For Conservation Management Practices, Nia Kurniawan, Novita Kusuma Wardani, Noviyani Utami, Muhammad Asyraf Rijalullah, Miftah Farid Assiddiqy, Awang Gitayana, Hartono Hartono, Muhammad Fathoni, Andreas Bandang Hardian

Turkish Journal of Zoology

As a sea turtle conservation area, Alas Purwo National Park (APNP) shows different patterns in the four species of turtles thathave nesting records, such as an increase in Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), stability in Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), anda decline in Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). During the survey, which lastedfrom January to July 2023, we discovered that each type of sea turtle preferred nesting sites at specific hypothetical stations, except forthe L. olivacea, which nested at all hypothetical stations along Pancur-Cungur Coast. We also discovered that it is highly encouragedto continue relocations that have …

Modeling Habitat Suitability And Current Distribution Of The Relicted Maghreb Magpie (Pica Mauritanica), Kamel Eddine Mederbal, Mohcen Menaa, Abdallah Aouadi, Lamia Boutabia, Lamia Bensaâd-Bendjedid, Khalladi Mederbal, Amira Bouderbala, Abderrahmane Chebli, Salah Telailia

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The Maghreb Magpie (Pica mauritanica) is an endemic bird to North Africa, encompassing Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Unfortunately, its population is facing a significant decline primarily attributed to habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from urbanization and agricultural practices. Due to the lack of studies on habitat requirements of Pica mauritanica on a large scale, investigating the habitat preferences of this species and thereby understanding the potential threats, remains crucial for effective conservation strategies. We performed species distribution modeling (SDM), incorporating both occurrence records and predictor variables, to investigate the potentially suitable habitat and the factors influencing the distribution of the …