Life Sciences Commons^™

Survival Of Methanogens Desiccated On Mars Soil Simulants: Implications For Life On Mars, Lanee Knight

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Because of Mars’s chemical features, it can be studied in the search for life and is a significant figure in the study of astrobiology (McKay, 2010). Dr. Kral’s laboratory studies methanogens, microorganisms in the domain Archaea, as possible life forms on Mars. Since some methanogens can withstand harsh environmental conditions and emit methane as a waste product, the growth of these microorganisms can be used as an indicator of potential life in the Mars subsurface (Kral et al., 1998). In this research, four methanogens, Methanothermobacter wolfeii, Methanobacterium formicicum, Methanosarcina barkeri, and Methanococcus maripaludi were desiccated in the …

Growth Of Methanogens On Kaolinite, A Clay That Has Been Identified On Mars, Hailey Littrell

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Methanogens have been studied as a model for life on Mars for 28 years now in the Kral lab. The discovery of methane in the Martian atmosphere by ground-based and orbital observations as well as Curiosity Rover (Formisano, V. et al., Krasnopolsky, V.A. et al., Mumma, M.J. et al.) has added relevance to these types of studies. Methanogens were chosen due to their ability to live in harsh environments, very similar to the Martian terrain. In addition to methane in the atmosphere, phyllosilicate clays have also been identified. One of those clays is kaolinite. Kaolinite has been found to not …

Stability Of Dna In Saliva Evidence Collected With Two Different Swabbing Solutions, Kuanwei Lu

Student Theses

As the significance of trace DNA has increased over time, it has become more important to optimize each process to avoid any loss of genetic material. Factors that could negatively affect the quality and quantity of DNA during transport or storage include environmental temperature, the DNA collection devices, the packaging, and possible contamination. This study compared the DNA stability of saliva stain swabs collected by moistening the swab with deionized water or Sample Keeper and stored at room temperature. Sample Keeper (Microread Genetics, Beijing) is a proprietary buffer marketed as a DNA stabilizing agent. We swabbed 110 saliva stains from …

Determination Of Common Drugs Of Abuse And Metabolites In Oral Fluid: Comparison Of Different Extraction Procedures, Melissa Koffer

Student Theses

Oral fluid has been gaining importance in forensic and clinical toxicology for many different drug testing scenarios. Oral fluid is composed of saliva, along with gingival fluid, bacteria, and food residues. Drug testing using oral fluid has many advantages over other matrices (blood, urine) such as the non-invasive collection, reduced risk of tampering, and shorter detection windows which show recent drug use. The purpose of this study was to develop an analytical method for the determination of 19 drugs of abuse and metabolites in oral fluid by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and compare three different extraction methods: liquid-liquid …

Thamnophis And Their Toxic Relationship: Testing For Intraspecific Venom Variation In The Common Garter Snake, Thamnophis Sirtalis, Grace E. Coppinger

Poster Presentations

Project Objective - Estimate intraspecific venom variation between male and female garter snakes collected from the University of South Alabama of different sizes.

Comparing The Effectiveness Of Different Forms Of Vitamin E Supplementation (Liquid Vs. Powder) On Serum Alpha-Tocopherol Concentrations In Developing Horses, Emilia Fong-Gallagher

Honors Scholar Theses

Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant in equines that has a significant role in the nutritional requirements of horses to keep bodily systems functioning at optimal levels. Vitamin E deficiency is often associated with serious incurable neuromuscular diseases such as equine motor neuron disease and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Many horses stabled in urban areas are often deficient due to the lack of adequate grazing time as their natural source of vitamin E is from grass, and therefore should receive supplementation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of different forms of Elevate vitamin E supplement on the serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations in fourteen …

Advancements In Crispr-Cas9 Gene Editing: Applications And Future Implications For Sickle Cell Disease And Β-Thalassemia Treatment, Swetha Battini

Honors Scholar Theses

This literature review explores the utilization of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in addressing Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Beta-Thalassemia. CRISPR, leveraging the Cas-9 enzyme inspired by bacterial defense mechanisms, serves as a precise molecular tool for targeted genetic modifications. The process involves guide RNA directing Cas-9 to specific DNA sites, allowing for meticulous gene editing. Focusing on the specific applications of CRISPR in SCD and Beta-Thalassemia, the review critically analyzes recent methods, including CRISPR-Cas9 editing targeting the BCL11A enhancer for SCD and the HBG1/HBG2 promoters for both SCD and Beta-Thalassemia. The synthesis of findings highlights the potential and challenges of …

Use Of Cre-Lox Mice As A Model For Ependymogenesis, Poorva Bagchee

Honors Scholar Theses

Stem cells in the lateral ventricles of the brain undergo a process of development within the ventricular-subventricular zone. In early development neuroepithelial cells divide to form more neuroepithelial cells or convert to radial glial cells (RGCs). These RGCs, or stem cells, then divide to form neurons or other glial cells such as ependymal cells, which form a single-layered ependyma along the ventricular wall. These stem cells divide in two ways: symmetrically, producing two ependymal cells or asymmetrically, yielding one neural stem cell and ependymal cell. To further study this process the Cre-lox system in mice will be used. By breeding …

Identifying A Target Protein And Ligands For Autoimmune Disorders, Sarah Caruthers

Computational and Data Sciences (MS) Theses

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by unprovoked inflammatory responses that lead to tissue degradation. Patients suffering from SLE display an overexpression of master regulatory protein HIF-1 HIF-1is a transcription factor for pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A), which is highly involved in inflammatory reactions within the body. To search for a treatment for SLE, computer aided drug discovery techniques were utilized. The transcription factor complex for IL-17A was reconstructed through multiple protein docking techniques. The heteroprotein complex was profiled using 3D macromolecular visualization software and binding cavities within HIF-1 were calculated. Molecular docking simulations were run on the …

Genetics Of Lrg1 And Its Association With The Cardiometabolic Risk Traits In Mexican American Children And Adolescents, Aaron Rene Reyna

Theses and Dissertations

Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) has become a major topic of research due to an increasing number of studies demonstrating its unique role in the pathogenesis of multiple human diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. LRG1 has recently been identified as an adipokine, a signaling molecule secreted by adipose tissue. Furthermore, it has been correlated with intercellular signaling that promotes diet-induced hepatosteatosis and insulin resistance in mice. In this study, LRG1 serum concentrations were measured in a family-based cohort of 571 non-diabetic Mexican American children and adolescents aged 6-17 years old (mean age = 11.76 years and females = 48.2%) to …

Foxo4 Impacts Akt In Glioblastoma Multiforme, David Uribe

Theses and Dissertations

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive cancer with patients surviving 13 months on average after diagnosis. The PI3K-PKB/AKT pathway is conserved from flies to mammals. The PI3K signaling pathway aids in the growth and survival of tumor cells. Forkhead box transcription factors subclass O (FOXO1, FOXO3, and FOXO4) act as tumor suppressors in some contexts. In GBM, our group and others showed that FOXO transcription factors drive stem gene expression to promote growth and survival. We disrupted the FOXO4 gene in U87MG cells using CRISPR Cas9 genome editing and performed RNA-seq to identify targets of this …

Development And Application Of Environmental Dna (Edna) Techniques To Detect Rough-Footed And Yellow Mud Turtles: A Seasonal Field Study To Detect Turtle Edna, Sakib Tahmid Rishan

Theses and Dissertations

The application of environmental DNA (eDNA) has improved the ability of humans to detect the existence and geographical distribution of aquatic organisms. The present study highlights the development and application of eDNA techniques to detect rough-footed mud turtles and yellow mud turtles in different areas in Texas. Both mud turtle species were successfully detected in lakes/resacas using direct eDNA sampling techniques. Moreover, passive eDNA sampling techniques were conducted using different membrane filters to detect mud turtle species. The findings indicated that only the mixed cellulose esters (MCE) filter membranes effectively identified eDNA of yellow mud turtles in the fall, but …

Effects Of Nitrogen Or Phosphorus Depletion On Lipid Production In Bracteacoccus Sp. And Tetrastrum Sp., Cassandra J. Po

Theses and Dissertations

As global energy demands have risen in the past decades, various species of microalgae have been chosen and used as sources of lipids for third-generation biofuel. I selected two species of green microalgae, Bracteacoccus sp. and Tetrastrum sp., from isolates from South Texas to determine their potential as sources of biofuel. For comparison, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was used as a model organism. To evaluate lipid productivity under different nutrient regimens, the microalgae were grown in nutrient-replete growth media until the population had reached the end of the logarithmic phase (roughly 14 days), and then transferred into growth media depleted of nitrogen …

Role Of Interferon-Induced Protein With Tetratricopeptide Repeats 3 (Ifit3) In Hiv-1 Associated Neurodegenerative Disorder And Alzheimer’S Disease, Ranjit Kumar Das

Theses and Dissertations

The advent of cART has revolutionized the management of HIV-1 infection and saved the lives of millions of people worldwide. Yet, HAND continues to be clinically relevant with aging people with HIV-1 (PWH). The underlying mechanism of HAND remains poorly understood. In this regard. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(STAT1) and IFIT3 genes have been shown to induce neuroinflammation and neuronal cell death. However, the role of IFIT3 in HAND pathology has not been well established. Therefore, the present work investigated the significant role of IFIT3 gene in development of HAND. In the current study, …

Sheep Grazing Influences The Abundance, Diversity, And Community Composition Of Wild Bees And Other Insects In Livestock Pastures, Roshani Sharma Acharya, Timothy B. Leslie, Joan Burke, Kusum Naithani, Emily Fitting, Kelly Loftin, Neelendra K. Joshi

Entomology and Plant Pathology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Pollinators contribute to the establishment of perennial native forages, but little is known about the effect of grazing practices on pollinator abundance and diversity in livestock pasture ecosystems. Grazing reduces floral resources available to bees and other insects, and as a result, may influence their communities. The main objective of this study was to examine the impact of sheep grazing on bees and other non-bee insects in livestock pasture established with seed mixes of native forb/legume/grass and warm season grasses. Each pasture was divided into two halves (in a split-plot design) using an electric fence in which one plot was …

Cyanoacrylate Deposition Onto Sebum With Pretreatment Of Amine, Isaac Baltz

Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Honors Theses

Super glue, or ethyl cyanoacrylate, fuming is commonly used in forensic science to develop latent fingerprints on nonporous surfaces[7]. Fingerprints are primarily made up of the oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands better known as sebum. Previously it has been shown that exposure of fingerprints to diisopropylamine dramatically increases the deposition of cyanoacrylate polymers on the fingerprints[1]. However, the heterogeneity of any series of real fingerprints made it difficult to quantitatively assess this effect. This heterogeneity includes not just the amount of sebum but the presence of unknown amounts of proteins, amino acids, and other potential nucleophiles which catalyze the …

Resonant Perceptions: Exploring Autistic Aesthetics Through Embodied Cognition, James Hutson, Piper Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Alternative Energy And Protein Feed Sources For Sheep And Cattle, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

During dry times and drought there are a wide range of alternative feedstuffs producers may consider using to maintain stock. Some of these feeds can have health risks associated with them and should not be used as the sole food source as they often lack sufficient energy and protein.

Breeder And Heifer Management For Rangeland Cattle, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

This section contains information relating to breeder and heifer management for rangeland cattle. Topics covered include body condition score, heifer management and breeder management.

Malt Quality Parameters For Malting Barley, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Have you ever wondered how beer is made and what makes barley varieties different from each other in the eyes of the brewer? The barley malting process and main barley malt quality characteristics are briefly described on this page.

Effective Furrow Sowing For Water Repellent Soils, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Furrow sowing creates micro-relief, small ridges, and furrows into which water can be harvested. Sloping water repellent surfaces induce run-off, which collects at the base of the sown furrow, enhancing water entry through increased hydraulic pressure.

Doing Links: The Neuroscience Of Technology Addiction, Ali Hatfield

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

What’s the difference between fentanyl and Facebook? Vicodin and video games? Whippits and WhatsApp? They all have the capacity to be addictive, and your kids are much more likely to experience one over the other. Addiction is an umbrella term describing the use of something in a dependent and problematic way, often referring to specific clinical afflictions such as substance abuse disorder or gambling [1]. Addictions and their symptoms derive from neurobiological changes that occur throughout the nervous system in response to a certain stimulus, such as a drug. Common behaviors associated with addiction include preoccupation with and increasing tolerance …

It’S Getting Hot In Here, So Maintain Situational Awareness, Abby Zavadil

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

Everybody In The Club Gettin' Tipsy: Alcohol's Effects On Behavior And Cognition, Lauren Barrabee

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

Letter From The Professor: Resilience, Hewlet G. Mcfarlane

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

Scientific Kenyon: Neuroscience Edition (Full Issue)

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

Ditching Magic For Memory: The New Mushroom In Town, Dani Buch

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

What Does Aaron Hernandez Have In Common With Your High Schooler?, Sam Lee

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Mettl21a In Kras-Driven Cancers, Xiaojie Yang

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Abstract

More than 100 lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) were predicted to be present in the human proteome, and many were implicated in cancer etiology. However, the catalytic activity and substrate specificity for many of these enzymes remain unknown. Our work aimed to explore the role of Methyltransferase like 21A (METTL21A), amember of the little-studied seven β- strand family of candidate lysine methyltransferases (KMTs), and its role in regulating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC) tumorigenesis. Through the meta-analysis of publicly available gene expression datasets, I found that METTL21A is significantly downregulated in PDAC and LUAC versus normal tissue, and …

Oxidative Phosphorylation In Melanoma Brain Metastases: A Regulator Of The Tumor Immune Landscape, Renato A. Guerrieri

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Previously, we demonstrated via RNA-sequencing analysis of murine intracranial melanoma tumors that pharmacologic inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) results in increased expression of genes consistent with activated anti-tumor immune responses. The central hypothesis of this dissertation is that OXPHOS plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and immune regulation of melanoma brain metastases (MBMs).

The functional significance of OXPHOS was assessed through genetic inhibition, involving knockout (KO) of key regulatory genes such as Ppargc1a (PGC1a) and Ndfus4 (NDUFS4), a component of mitochondrial complex I. PGC1a KO in an RCAS-TVA mouse model of autochthonous lung and brain tumors developing from primary …