Life Sciences Commons^™

Power Centres: A Collaborative Development Proposal For Addressing Poverty And Related Challenges In Rural Communities In Kenya, Kennedy Okello Miruka, Kennedy Okello Miruka

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

In Homa Bay County, Kenya, a community-led development initiative called the Power Centre is transforming the fight against poverty and powerlessness. Grounded in principles of decolonization and participatory action, this project addresses the root causes of marginalization by empowering residents of Kokal Village to become active agents of change. Through a robust mixed-methods research approach, the project identifies systemic challenges and leverages existing social networks to build a sustainable, locally-owned model for development. The Power Centre implements a three-pronged strategy, focusing on increasing community participation, strengthening existing groups, and fostering collaborative networks to weave a robust support system. By addressing …

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Klaudia Sowizral

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Thelephorales fungi are considered important ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) in forest ecosystems, yet the patterns of diversity and distribution and the processes that shape them remain poorly understood. This study aims to address this research gap by conducting an exploratory analysis of Thelephorales fungi in soil and litter across various habitat types and environmental characteristics. To do so, we used data collected and synthesized by the Climush project, a multi-year, systematic sampling of macrofungal diversity across North America, that aims to assess sexual (sporocarp and spore trap data) and asexual (soil and endophyte metabarcode data) diversity and distribution in relation to …

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Sarah Luper

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Recreational trails and the presence of invasive species such as Bromus inermis can both disturb grassland community composition. Trails can act as dispersal corridors for plant material, but can also be a source of trampling and compaction. Invasive grasses like Bromus inermis can easily establish in grasslands and decrease species richness by increasing competition. Understanding these effects, this study aims to understand how both the presence of recreational trails as well as the presence of Bromus inermis affect species richness and overall community composition at Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge. Belt transect sampling took place in fall 2019 and again …

Effect Of Monoclonal Antibodies Ma-33h1f7 And Ma-8h9d4 On Pai-1 In Cells Activated With Tgfβ, Srikar Modukuri

Biotechnology Theses

This study investigates the impact of monoclonal antibody treatment on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression and secretion in transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) activated pleural human mesothelial cells. In this study, we examined total PAI-1 levels in conditioned media from human pleural mesothelial cells under various conditions using immunoblot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques (ELISA). Specifically, we targeted PAI-1 with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) MA-33H1F7 and MA-8H9D4, which bind to unique epitopes on PAI-1. A reduction in PAI-1 levels was observed between control and antibody-treated cells by immunoblot analysis of cell conditioned media. ELISA results also revealed a reduction in total …

Food Accessibility Struggles For College Students With Dietary Restrictions, Ella Schleuning

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

College is a time when many students experience independence for the first time in their lives. This is the first time they have had to do their laundry on their own, keep their room clean, and maybe most importantly, they are responsible for figuring out where they are going to eat every day, for every meal. The focus of this study is on food accessibility struggles for college students, specifically looking at Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) food on-campus, as well as students with dietary restrictions.

Since college is the first-time students are responsible for their own meals, it can often …

Patterns Of Genetic Structure In Spiders Beetles, Naiya Sims

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Spider beetles are a poorly known group of North American beetles in the family Ptinidae. Protection of biodiversity requires knowledge of species- and population-level distinctiveness, so data regarding genetic structure of spider beetles can shed light on conservation priorities. Spider beetles in the genus, Coleotestudus, are distributed broadly in the southwestern US. Given their small size and lack of flight, it is presumed that the dispersal capability of Coleotestudus is limited, leading to strong population structure on a small spatial scale. We used a three-enzyme restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (3RAD) strategy to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) throughout the genome …

Analysis Of Protein-Protein Interactions Between Legionella Pneumophilia Effectors, Briana Harness

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Legionella pneumophila an intracellular, opportunistic pathogen that is the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. A key component of Legionella’s pathogenicity is a series of effector proteins, which aid in the establishment of the Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV). The abundant library of effector proteins L. pneumophila has within its arsenal gives L. pneumophila the ability to infect several different hosts. The pathogenesis of L. pneumophila within various hosts depends on its ability to modulate the activity of its effector proteins through protein-protein interactions within effectors and eukaryotic host cell proteins. By understanding how L. pneumophila regulates its effectors, a …

The Effects Of Pain Neuroscience Education In Young Adults With Knee Pain, Jae Mcreynolds

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a pain neuroscience education (PNE) video on knee pain. Young adults with knee pain were examined, assessing an individual’s fear and avoidance behaviors based on current pain and functional capability. Fear was tested through the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) while the functional capability was assessed through the Y-Balance Test (YBT). METHODS: This single-blind, randomized control trial included twenty-one participants (experimental: n=10 and control: n=11). The experimental group received a 3-minute video related to PNE while the control group received a 3-minute video related to the anatomy of the …

Deciphering The Double-Edged Action Of Sting Pathway In Cancer, Neelabh Datta

Inquiry: The University of Arkansas Undergraduate Research Journal

Cancer cells have unstable chromosomes and damaged DNA, which can activate the cellular alarm system cGAS-STING. This mechanism detects DNA in the incorrect location (the cytosol) and produces type I interferons, which can recruit immune cells to combat cancer. However, certain tumours can bypass or use this mechanism for their own benefit. This short article examines how cGAS-STING influences the different cells of the tumour microenvironment (TME), and how it can have both anti-tumour and pro-tumour effects. It also demonstrates how additional STING signals can cause inflammation and contribute to cancer growth. To employ cGAS-STING against cancer, it is critical …

Table Of Contents, Annals Of Health Law And Life Sciences

Annals of Health Law and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Protecting Medicaid Providers And Enrollees From Payment Suspensions Based On "Credible Allegations Of Fraud:" A Lesson From New Mexico, Shawn Mathis

Annals of Health Law and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Determining The Applicability Of Milkfish (Chanos Chanos) For Skin Grafting Through Microbiological And Histological Evaluations, Janice A. Ragaza, Bianca Patrice Go

Ateneo Aquatic and Fisheries Resources Laboratory

Tilapia fish skin, rich in Type I collagen, has been shown to accelerate wound healing, reduce infection rates, and create an optimal environment for wound care. However, the potential application of other fish species, like milkfish, for skin grafting remains underexplored. Milkfish (C. chanos), an economically significant species in the Philippines, could expand the donor pool for fish skin grafting, addressing the accessibility issues in resource-limited regions where traditional graft materials may be costly or scarce. The current study investigates the feasibility of applying tilapia fish skin sterilization techniques to milkfish skin. Collected and prepared milkfish skin was …

Correlation Between Lower-Body Strength And Performance Tests Among Female Ncaa Division Ii Softball Players, Elizabeth L. Alfaro, Jocarol Shields, Javier Zaragoza, Marcel Lopes Dos Santos, J. Jay Dawes, Doug Smith

Faculty Publications - Kinesiology and Recreation

Softball is a sport that requires speed, agility, and lower-body power to be successful. Accordingly, strength and conditioning programs have focused on improving speed and lower-body power, which are beneficial to players performing softball-related tasks. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between absolute and relative lower-body strength to performance measures among female collegiate softball players. Archived data collected during pre-season performance testing for twenty-one (n = 21) NCAA Division II collegiate softball players was used for this analysis. Measurements included countermovement jump (CMJ), broad jump (BJ), linear speed (LS), 505 test for change of direction …

Propolis And Honey: Examining Antiviral Mechanisms Against Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus, J Dillenburg, Sam Mowery, Adam Dolezal

MICRO-CCS student projects

Why does honey have antiviral properties? Honey has multiple chemical and physical properties that may contribute to its inhibitory effects. Previous studies have examined a low pH level as a potential cause for its inhibitory properties. Propolis is a waxy substance that honey bees, Apis mellifera, produce and place throughout the hive to protect themselves from various infections. Propolis contains numerous plant-derived chemicals from the bee’s environment, including water-soluble chemicals that end up leeching into their food, honey1. For this experiment, we collected data on the effects of a sucrose-propolis extract diet compared to honey on Israeli acute paralysis virus …

Elucidation Of Gene Regulation That Allow Salmonella Enterica To Survive In Low Magnesium Condition S, Fiona Lindsay-Olivera, Brooke Burris, James Slauch

MICRO-CCS student projects

Background

• The increased virulence of Salmonella enterica in extraintestinal infections has been attributed to its ability survive and replicate in macrophage phagosome.
• Salmonella can adapt to low pH and low Mg2+ conditions encountered in the phagosome. ¹
• To counteract the low magnesium conditions in the macrophage phagosome and ensure viability, intracellular polyamine (PA) production is critical. ¹
• Salmonella can synthesize putrescine in addition to other polyamines.

Assessing The Stability Of Food Safety Relevant Soil Samples: A Survival Study Across Sampling Methodologies, Ray Elementi, Erin Kealey, Matthew Stasiewicz

MICRO-CCS student projects

Big Picture: Develop an effective & scalable soil sampling method optimized for screening a variety of preharvest agricultural fields to improve produce safety.

This Project:

• Assess the stability of aggregative soil samples when stored under refrigerated conditions (30°F/1.11°C).
• Determine if the stability of the collected samples is impacted by sample type and/or wetting agent used.

The Impact Of Long-Term Nitrogen Addition On Legume-Rhizobia Symbiosis, Hayden Harbison, Danyang Duan, Angela Kent

MICRO-CCS student projects

Introduction

• Soybean-Bradyrhizobium symbiosis enables natural nitrogen fixation in the nodules of a legume's root system.
• Long-term application of nitrogen fertilizer, commonly used in traditional agriculture, can causes microevolution in soil microbiomes that impact mutualism (Weese et al. 2015).
• Reduced mutualism often decreases plant performance and productivity.
• This study examines how soybean- Bradyrhizobium symbiosis is impacted by fertilization history, by examining nodule health and legume productivity.

Diversity Of Squash Plant Floral Volatiles Mediating Beetle Attraction, Bow Politowicz, Esther Ngumbi

MICRO-CCS student projects

Why do beetles like some squash flowers more than others? Flowers emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are integral for defensive and communicative plant abilities. Certain floral volatiles of squash plants have been known to attract pests like cucumber beetles, while others appear more immune. This study expands on the observation that some squash plants are more infested with pests than others. It aims to decipher which specific floral volatiles are influential in this phenomenon and reveal which squash varieties of Cucurbita maxima have higher/lower levels of these important floral volatiles.

The Friendliest Bradyrhizobia - The Spectrum Of Partner Quality Amongst Soybean's Symbiont, Adam Zwawi, Katy Heath, Amanda Griffin

MICRO-CCS student projects

No abstract provided.

Detecting Interactions Between Mps3 In Linc Complex And Ndj1 In Nuclear Pore Complex In Mechanically Stressed Yeast, Dean Boecher, Rebecca Adams

[Archive] Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

The mechanisms of how mechanical stress is translated into cellular action and structural reorganization within the nuclear envelope are largely unexplored. The Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex is a transmembrane protein complex that connects the actin cytoskeleton to the lamin nucleoskeleton, enabling mechanical forces to be translated between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. A better understanding of the translation of physical forces into cell responses can be gained through confirming the existence of interactions between LINC complex proteins and nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), which control the exchange of biochemical signals and macromolecules in and out of the nucleus …

United States Center For Safesport: A Case Study On Wrestling Coaches’ Perspectives, Rachel Silverman, Chris Corr, Michael S. Carroll

Publications: Kinesiology and Sport Sciences

The U.S. Center for SafeSport (SafeSport) was founded to prevent sexual abuse in sport and provide educational training around abuse prevention. According to SafeSport’s centralized disciplinary database, 80 USA Wrestling coaches have been listed as ineligible, suspended, restricted, or permanently ineligible from 2005 to 2023. This case study sought to examine wrestling coaches’ perspectives on SafeSport and its effectiveness in preventing sexual abuse in the sport of wrestling. Twelve wrestling coaches participated in semi-structured interviews and described the effectiveness of SafeSport, how SafeSport should be enforced, and strategies to successfully implement SafeSport. Participants indicated the value of SafeSport to bring …

Mercury Content In The Baleen Plates Of Rorqual Whales, David L. Taylor, Ava Cieplinkski, Max Ajemian, Matthew Savoca

Student Research Symposium

Mercury is a persistent environmental contaminant posing significant risks to wildlife health due to its propensity for bioaccumulation in organismal tissues. This study investigated total mercury concentrations in the baleen plates of rorqual whales (Family Balaenopteridae), specifically the Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), Blue whale (B. musculus), and Rice’s whale (B. ricei). Archived baleen samples were sourced from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and analyzed for total mercury (Hg) content (ppm dry weight) using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Male Fin and Blue whales from the Antarctic, South Pacific region (1947-1948), with body lengths ranging from 21 to 24 m, exhibited …

Winona State University Improving Our World Blog: 2013-2022, Winona State University

Winona State University Blogs

The Winona State University (WSU) Improving Our World Blog articles and entries from September 2013-February 2022. Note: there may be format coding in the document.

Winona State University Rochester Blog:2014-2023, Winona State University

Winona State University Blogs

The Winona State University (WSU) Rochester Blog includes articles and entries from May 2014-March 2023. Note: there may be format coding in the document.

Winona State University Campus Life Blog: 2013-2022, Winona State University

Winona State University Blogs

The Winona State University (WSU) Campus Life Blog includes articles and entries from October 2013- October 2022. Note: there may be format coding in the document.

Winona State University Wellness Blog: 2013-2023, Winona State University

Winona State University Blogs

The Winona State University (WSU) Wellness blog includes articles and entries from February 2013-February 2023. Note: there may be format coding in the document.

Environmental Biology Masters Capstone, Antonio Gonzalez-Pita

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Human wildlife interactions (HWI) pose a complex challenge for wildlife managers. Human encroachment into wildlife habitat and the growing number of outdoor recreationists are increasing the frequency of contact and conflict, especially in regions such as the Front Range of Colorado. Geographic information systems (GIS), which use a combination of remote sensing and environmental survey data, allow for predictive spatial analyses of where human wildlife interactions are likely to occur. I used publicly reported observations of moose to create spatial predictive maps in a species distribution model framework. Slope and elevation were shown to be the strongest predictors of HWI, …

Supporting Information For “Using Drones Equipped With Thermal Cameras To Locate And Count Quail Individuals And Coveys: A Case Study Using Northern Bobwhite Colinus Virginianus In Mississippi, Usa”, Jared A. Elmore

Publications

Drone flights were conducted over bobwhite individuals and coveys and information was collected on the date, time of flight, number of individuals estimated in the covey, and number of individuals flushed from the covey (i.e., actual number of individuals). We also report season of flight and the thermal sensor used for each flight. NA denotes that flush or capture was not attempted.

Ants And Spices: Investigating The Repellent Effects Of Household Spices On Ants: A Study Of Chili, Coriander, And Cumin Powders, Abhishikta Pradhan

2024 REYES Proceedings

The aim of this study was to test the ant-repellent potential of household spices, namely chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder, against ants (Formicidae). The experiments were conducted using sticky note paper as a substrate, on which granulated sugar was placed as bait. In the control baits, only granulated sugar was used, while in the treatment baits, granulated sugar mixed with each spice was used. The baits were placed near ant nests. One hour after placing the baits, the number of ants on the control and treatment baits was counted for each control-treatment pair (five pairs in total, with …

Cardamom Spice: A Potential Ant Repellent, Deepanshi Gupta

2024 REYES Proceedings

This novel research has been conducted to identify the efficacy of cardamom powder to repel ants (Formicidae) in the households and analyze the ant behavior towards the spice. The study was done using a bait and a substrate along with a spice. Granulated sugar was used as a bait material with butter crackers as a substrate. The granulated sugar was topped over the substrate in the control sample while the cardamom powder was added on top of the sugar in the treatment sample. The control sample (no cardamom powder) and treatment sample (with cardamom powder) were kept at a distance …