Biology Commons^™

Genomic And Metabolic Network Characterization Of Fusarium Species, Hend Hussain Mueenuddin

Theses

Fusarium covers the wide genus of fungi with over 400 species that are key in agricultural and medical practice. The purpose of the current study was to perform a comprehensive genomic profiling of the 19 Fusarium species that were captured in the National Centre of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The study was made to make a comparison of the data, based on the descriptive statistics of every species, with graphical representation images enabling clear demonstration of the numbers. The study indicated that the chromosomal numbers were in the range of 0-15, the gene count was roughly 11000 -19000, while that …

A Comprehensive Overview Of Chronic Wound Infections And Current Treatment Methods, Sarah Fakher, David J. Westenberg

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Chronic wound infections pose significant healthcare challenges due to persistent biofilms, antibiotic resistance, and impaired healing pathways. These wounds are characterized by prolonged inflammation, microbial colonization, and disrupted tissue regeneration, leading to substantial morbidity and healthcare costs. This article reviews current knowledge on chronic wound types, their pathophysiology, and the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation to examine the latest advancements in antimicrobial-based strategies aimed at addressing these challenges. It highlights how diverse materials and technologies have been engineered to improve infection management, enhance tissue regeneration, and overcome the limitations of traditional treatments as well as advances that leverage innovations such as …

Khsrp-Mediated Decay Of Axonally Localized Prenyl-Cdc42 Mrna Slows Nerve Regeneration, Matthew D. Zdradzinski, Lauren S. Vaughn, Samaneh Matoo, Kayleigh Trumbull, Terika P. Smith, Davis Noblitt, Courtney N. Buchanan, Ashley Loomis, Elizabeth Thames, Seung Joon Lee, Nora Perrone-Bizzozero, Qun Lu, Jessica M. Larsen, Jeffery L. Twiss

Faculty Publications

The small GTPase CDC42 promotes axon growth through actin filament polymerization and this growth is driven by axonal localization of the mRNA encoding the prenylated CDC42 isoform (Prenyl-Cdc42). Here, we show that axonal Prenyl-Cdc42 mRNA levels and the mRNA's translation are decreased by growth-inhibiting stimulation and increased by growth-promoting stimulation. In contrast, axonal RhoA mRNA transport and translation are increased by growth-inhibiting but unaffected by growth-promoting stimuli. Localized increase in KHSRP in response to growth inhibitory stimulation, through elevation of intracellular Ca2+, promotes decrease in axonal levels of Prenyl-Cdc42 mRNA. Distinct 3'UTR motifs regulate transport and axonal levels of Prenyl-Cdc42 …

Expanding Functionalities Of Immune Receptors Through Simultaneous Transfer Of Sensor And Helper Nlrs, Dongjiao Wang, Qibin Wu, Daowen Wang, Youxiong Que, Zheng Qing Fu

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Multilevel Selection In The Margins: A Review Of Its Representation In Undergraduate Biology Textbooks, C. A. Greene, S. J. Mcpeek, L. Mitchem, A. B. Clark, Vincent A. Formica

Biology Faculty Works

Multilevel selection (MLS) is a foundational framework that expands the concept of natural selection beyond the traditional focus on individuals or genes to larger units, like groups. Despite strong empirical support and applications in a broad range of biological fields, MLS, often referred to as group selection, has a controversial history, which has impeded its wide use and led to incorrect inferences on the sources and strength of selection. Here, we explore how MLS is currently presented to undergraduate biology students by analyzing the content of nine commonly used Evolutionary Biology and Animal Behavior textbooks. We ask whether and how …

Biophysical Processes Of Morphogenesis In Lizard Lungs, Kaleb Hill, Aaron H. Griffing, Michael A. Palmer, Bezia Lemma, Aria S. Lupo, Tony Gamble, Natalia A. Shylo, Andrej Kosmrlj, Paul A. Trainor, Celeste M. Nelson

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Background

The lungs of squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes) are highly diverse, exhibiting single chambers, multiple chambers, transitional forms with two to three chambers, along with a suite of other anatomical features, including finger-like epithelial projections into the body cavity known as diverticulae. During embryonic development of the simple, sac-like lungs of anoles, the epithelium is pushed through the openings of a pulmonary smooth muscle mesh by the forces of luminal fluid pressure. This process of stress ball morphogenesis generates the faveolar epithelium typical of squamate lungs.

Results

Here, we compared embryonic lung development in brown anoles, leopard geckos, and …

Isolation And Characterization Of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria From Soils In The Uae And Their Effect On Plant Salt Tolerance, Layla Zayed Almazrouei

Theses

Plants are constantly challenged by environmental stresses that restrict their growth and productivity. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), soil salinity is a critical barrier to agriculture, particularly for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), which is highly sensitive to moderate salinity levels (>2.5 dS m⁻¹). This study explored the potential of plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), especially actinobacteria, to enhance salt tolerance in tomato. The objective was to evaluate the effects of rhizosphere-competent (RC) and non-rhizosphere-competent (NRC) PGPR on plant physiology and yield in saline sandy soils. Actinobacterial strains were isolated from the tomato rhizosphere and screened to produce 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic …

Screening For Potential Plant Growth‐Promoting Rhizobacteria (Pgpr)-Assisted Phytoremediation To Mitigate Lead Toxicity In Uae Soils, Zeinab Mohamed Abdalla

Theses

This study investigates the potential of lead (Pb)-tolerant actinobacteria that possess 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACCD) activity and plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits to serve as a biological tool for enhancing the growth of corn (Zea mays L.) under Pb stress. The primary objective of this research was to isolate and characterize novel, Pb-tolerant, rhizosphere-competent actinobacteria and to evaluate their efficacy in mitigating Pb toxicity, reducing its uptake, and promoting biomass accumulation in corn grown in contaminated soil. A total of 43 actinobacterial isolates were obtained from Pb-contaminated rhizosphere soil and screened for Pb tolerance, rhizosphere competence, ACCD activity, and PGP traits. …

Enhancement Of Antimicrobial Activity Of Truncated Cecropin B Peptides With The Substitution Of Tryptophan Residues, Sarah Smith, Christopher Feudale, Josephina R. Vermillion, Joseph Feudale, Joshua Do, Sabrina Arroyo, Juan Barrera, Madeleine Whitsitt, Marion Duval, Colby Grames, Bret Hatzinger, Makenzie Hilling, Tia Kean, Jasayle Rivera, Mia Shum, Hannah Zyra, David Rovnyak, Moria C. Chambers

Faculty Journal Articles

Cecropins are a class of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) expressed by insects that have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity. However, cecropins are also long (40–45 amino acids) peptides, making their adaptation for therapeutic use challenging. Here, we present a series of 16 amino acid-long peptides derived from cecropin B from Drosophila melanogaster. The native truncated peptide is cationic and expected to form an amphipathic α-helix, but does not have antimicrobial activity. The incorporation of two Trp residues, depending on the position in the peptide backbone, results in antibacterial activity compa-rable to that of full-length cecropin B against the gram-negative bacteria …

Comparison Of Metal Nanoparticles As Antifungal Agents: Efficacy, Mechanisms, And Toxicity Against Candida, Aspergillus, And Cryptococcus, Ahmed Falah Imran, Hayder Hameed Saeed, Khaldoon Jasim Mohammed

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cryptococcus neoformans are the invasive fungi whose diseases are becoming a growing health issue in the global community, particularly in immunocompromised people. The increasing resistance of the conventional antifungals and the shortage of the existing treatment methods require alternative methods. The present review is an evaluation of the antifungal activity of metal-based nanoparticles, including silver (Ag), copper (Cu), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and selenium (Se) in relation to the three predominant pathogenic fungi. It also talks about their mode of action, relative efficacy, toxicity and their possible future clinical …

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Leading To A New Diagnosis Of Sweet Syndrome And Monoclonal Gammopathy Of Unknown Significance, Nidhi Rawat, Meron Gebrehiwot, Jason Raw, Jeyaprakash Ramachandran

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

We present a rare case of Sweet syndrome with underlying monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) which initially presented as upper respiratory tract infection.

Case Presentation

A 52-year-old woman presented with a complaint of sore throat for 6 days, productive cough and fever for 5 days, and red, pruritic, circular, tender rashes on face, arms and trunk for 2 days. There was a past history of similar self-limiting rashes presenting intermittently for 1.5 years. She also reported to be taking tablet ibuprofen, as required for the past 1-2 years, for cervical spondylosis. On integumentary examination, widespread, red, tender, annular …

Phenological Shifts In Nesting Behavior Of Leatherback Sea Turtles, Dermochelys Coriacea, Along Central And Southeastern Florida Beaches, Frank Jesse Dejohn

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Climate change is altering environmental conditions worldwide, affecting the timing and success of critical life-history events in many species. The timing of leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) nesting behavior is closely linked to seasonal and local environmental conditions, yet multi-decadal shifts in nesting phenology associated with climate change remain poorly understood. Using long-term leatherback nesting and saturation tagging data (2000––2025), I first examined patterns in emergence dates, emergence times per night, and the number of nesting leatherbacks per night over this 26-year period. Moreover, I examined the impact of environmental covariates including day length, water temperature, precipitation, wind speed, barometric …

Exploring Stem Cell Therapies For Chronic Diseases, Ashley Thompson

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Research Assistant At The University Of Minnesota Advanced Research And Diagnostics Laboratory, Vishnu Vundamati

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Biol 3400 Microbiology/Lab (Tiny Earth) With Dr. Garcia, Noura Naami

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Mentored Structural Biology Of Human Pathogens (Msbio-Path) Summer Program, Harani Athwale

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Biol 1000/1001 Introduction To Biology Research I/Ii (Sea Phages), George Vasilakis

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Radiofrequency Ablation Research At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Maanya Chitrapu

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Student Athletes Abroad - Pre-Health Costa Rica, Bridget Mcgrath

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Science Alive - Stem Education Outreach, Brianna Bourke, Maggie Luo, Amaan Khan

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Md Anderson University Outreach, Sanjana Ananthula, Tulsi Desai

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Summer 2025 Surgical Internship At The Medical University Of Graz, Caroline Rodriguez Chang, Rochelle Avezki, Irene Murathe

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Discover Eden Ecology Internship, South Africa, Daphne De Sedas, Gabriella Flora, Reagan Spahr

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Analyzing The Implications Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) For Active Learning And Assessment Globally In Healthcare And Stem, Vinay Munlapudi, Santanu De

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Optometric Internship For Biol4950: Eyes On Southern, Ella Weinlick

Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Impacts Of Microplastics On Bacterial Community Dynamics In Mangrove Sediments, Al Maha Sulaiman Alshamsi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a growing threat to global ecosystems, particularly in coastal habitats like mangroves, which serve as vital carbon sinks. This study investigates the specific impacts of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and adipic acid (AA) on microbial community assembly in mangrove sediments, with a focus on sequential arrival of different MPs. Based on MP identity, early arrival of specific MP before others can significantly impact microbial community composition and their functioning. However, the impacts of the sequential arrival of MPs on microbial communities have never been studied. This research fills this important knowledge gap by using novel …

Integrating Microbial Communities With Above- And Below-Ground Carbon And Multispectral Satellite Data In Mangrove Forests, Huda Ahmed Alshalan

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Mangrove ecosystems are vital blue carbon sinks increasingly threatened by human activities and climate change, especially in arid, hypersaline regions. This study examines Avicennia marina, the dominant UAE mangrove species, recognized for its significant carbon retention capability0. Its biomass and stability are influenced by sediment chemistry, and bacterial diversity and community structure which drive nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition—key processes sustaining soil fertility and carbon sequestration. Remote sensing enables large-scale assessment of mangrove distribution and density, but single spectral indices often miss ecological variability in the fragmented UAE mangrove habitats. Combining multiple spectral indices with field data improves detection, …

Enzymes Of Calendula Officinalis L. As Affected By Foliar Application Of Nano-Nitrogen And Potassium Fertilizers, Under Water Stress Conditions, Aqeel Abdulabbas Alsudani, Qais Hussain Abbas Al-Semmak

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Water stress is a major environmental factor that limits the growth and productivity of Calendula officinalis L. To alleviate its negative effects, recent approaches have increasingly focused on nano-fertilizers that enhance plant antioxidant defenses. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar application of nano-nitrogen (0, 2, and 4 mL L⁻¹) and nano-potassium (0, 2, and 4 g L⁻¹) fertilizers under two irrigation regimes (100% and 50% of field capacity) on the activity of key antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD). The results revealed that irrigation at 50% field capacity significantly increased CAT, …

Microplastic Pollution In Marine Ecosystems: Sources, Impacts, Andstakeholder-Based Solutions, Seren Acarer Arat

Turkish Journal of Biology

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles of anthropogenic origin with a size range of 1–5000 μm. Marine MP pollution is increasingly recognized as a significant global environmental challenge. MPs, which enter marine ecosystems from land- and marine-based sources, pose physical, chemical, and biological risks due to the adsorption of various pollutants and the formation of biofilm layers. MPs are found in various organisms from lower to higher trophic levels of the marine food web. The negative effects of MPs on marine organisms depend on their abundance, their characteristics, and the exposure time of organisms to MPs. MPs can adversely affect various …

Application Of Biological And Green Nanomaterials In Wastewater Treatment: Techniques For The Effective Removal Of Dyes, Heavy Metals, And Organic Pollutants, Emi̇ne Sena Kazan Kaya, Zeynep Ci̇ğeroğlu, Tansel Kemerli̇ Kalbaran, Başak Temur Ergan, Zeynep Mi̇ne Şenol, Meral Yildirim Yalçin

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Wastewater from industrial, agricultural, and residential sources poses significant environmental and public health risks due to the presence of dyes, heavy metals, and organic pollutants. Conventional treatment methods are often inadequate for the complete removal of these pollutants. Therefore, the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient treatment techniques has become increasingly important. The aim of this review is to evaluate the application of biological and green nanomaterials in wastewater treatment and to compare their effectiveness against different types of pollutants (dyes, heavy metals, and organics).

Materials and methods: This review provides detailed information on the removal of …