Biotechnology Commons^™

Environmental Risk Assessment Of Textile Waste From Bio-Engineered Fibers In The Fashion Industry, Aayush Pankaj Agarwal, Harshit Soral, Irmak Aktan, Karol Montserrat Gonzalez Saad, Maria Daniela Saa Espinosa, Sheetal Suhas Dhanuka, Yi Yang

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

The global fashion industry generates over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, a figure projected to increase significantly by 2030. Bio-engineered fibers, including bacterial cellulose, mycelium-based leather, and recombinant protein textiles emerge as sustainable alternatives to conventional fibers. Despite their promise, recent evidence suggests that these fibers may pose environmental risks at the end-of-life stage, such as incomplete biodegradation in landfills, microfiber shedding, and chemical leaching from dyes and coatings. The purpose of this study is to examine how these risks are represented through scientific literature, corporate sustainability reports, and policy frameworks, and to identify strategies for integrating risk …

Generating Predictive Gene Expression Signatures For Alzheimer's Disease Using Postmortem Brain Tissue, Ashley Duche

Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) Dissertations

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and tau protein aggregates. These pathological features develop in specific brain regions, but why some areas are more vulnerable to early AD-related changes remains unclear. To address this, predictive gene expression signatures were developed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying regional susceptibility to AD pathology.

Methods: This was performed using postmortem brain (PMB) tissue from participants in the Religious Orders Study and Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP), Mayo Clinic, and Mount Sinai Brain Bank (MSBB) to generate gene expression signatures from six brain …

Synthesis Of Antibody Functionalized Polyaniline/Polystyrene/N-Gqds Composite Fibermats For Sweat Based Cortisol Biosensing Applications, Ashwin James

Honors Theses

Noninvasive, wearable biosensors capable of detecting stress biomarkers in sweat require electrodes that are flexible, conductive, insoluble in water, and highly sensitive at low concentrations of analyte. In this work, bovine serum albumin blocked and anti-cmab immobilized nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots integrated polyaniline/polystyrene composite fibermat electrodes (BSA/Anti-Cmab/N-GQDs/PANI/PS electrodes) were synthesized and evaluated as a potential platform for an electrochemical cortisol biosensor in sweat based systems. Polyaniline was utilized in order to provide electrical conductivity, while polystyrene served as a carrying polymer for mechanical support and its hydrophobicity. Composite fibermats were manufactured through Forcespinning™, followed by a secondary polyaniline graft …

Antioxidant Enzymes And Osmolyte Accumulation In Okra Cultivars Under Drought Stress, Jawad Ali, Ibadullah Jan, Hidayat Ullah, Muhammad Adnan, Shah Fahad, Hassan Alsberi, Khulud Albalawi, Hakki Akdeniz, Manzoor Ahmmad, Beena Saeed, Noor Us Sabah, Mian Sayed Khan, Abdul Basir, Muhammad Romman, Ayman El Sabagh

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Drought stress brought about by worsening environmental conditions due to climate change has increasingly damaging effects on crop production systems. To mitigate these effects, several physiological and biochemical aspects of plants could be used as markers in breeding for the selection of drought-resistant cultivars. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of 8 okra cultivars (Arka Anamika, Punjab Selection, Posaswami, Tulsi, Subz Pari, Super Green, Local Multani, and Green Star) under well-watered (control), mild drought stress, and severe drought stress conditions by irrigating plants at an interval of 3, 6, and 9 d after 30 d of planting. Results …

Comparative Assessment Of Lower Limb Neuromusculoskeletal Activation And Joint Kinematics In Normal And Impaired Gait, Jack Ryan Schule

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis evaluates whether accessible and affordable technologies can provide clinically significant, quantifiable gait analysis comparable to traditional marker-based motion capture systems. Modern high-end systems offer excellent accuracy but remain financially and logistically inaccessible to many clinicians and researchers. To address this gap, a framework was developed using markerless pose estimation using the model, MediaPipe, inertial measurement units (IMUs) processed through an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), and surface electromyography (sEMG) to measure joint kinematics and neuromuscular activity during gait. An experiment was performed where data was collected from participants with both normal gait and pathologies including: Osgood–Schlatter disease, Plica Band …

Mmp-7 Expression And Rs11225307 Polymorphism In Breast Cancer And Fibroadenoma: A Molecular Study In Basrah, Iraq, Heba Jassam, Wijdan Nazar Ibraheim, Mazin Hawwaz Abdulridha, Rafid Adil Abood, Karam B. Nanjem

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Breast cancer (BC) progression relies heavily on extracellular matrix degradation, mediated in part by matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7). While overexpression of MMP-7 has been implicated in multiple cancers, data from Middle Eastern populations remain limited.

This study examined MMP-7 gene expression and polymorphism patterns, with emphasis on rs11225307, in breast cancer versus benign fibroadenoma (FA) tissues among women in Basrah, Iraq. Thirty-seven BC and twenty-three FA patients were enrolled. MMP-7 mRNA expression was quantified using qRT-PCR and normalized to β-actin, while polymorphisms were analyzed through Sanger sequencing of eight SNPs and allele-specific PCR for rs11225307. Statistical significance was set at …

Assessing The Role Of Social Media As A Complementary Source In Pharmacovigilance: Insights From Faers, X (Formerly Twitter), And Askapatient Data Across Multiple Drug Classes, Nwanneka Okere

Dissertations

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) pose significant public health challenges yet remain substantially underreported in traditional pharmacovigilance systems. Social media platforms and patient-reported outcome forums have emerged as potential complementary sources for capturing real-time patient experiences with medications, but their integration with established surveillance systems remains underexplored.

Purpose: This study examined ADR reporting patterns across FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), X (formerly Twitter), and Askapatient to evaluate whether patient-generated digital data can complement traditional pharmacovigilance systems for enhanced drug safety monitoring.

Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design analyzed 107,753 reports representing 289,740 individual ADR occurrences for …

Fostering Entrepreneurial Thinking And Practice Through Teaching And Learning Integration, Mohammad G. Sabbir

Learning and Educational Center Virtual Teaching and Learning Conference

This session explores an innovative, evidence-based approach to integrating entrepreneurial thinking into undergraduate neuroscience education through hands-on gene editing experiences. Using the commercially available Bio-Rad CRISPR/Cas9-based “Out of the Blue” kit for bacterial LacZ gene editing, students are guided not only through the scientific principles underlying modern gene editing technologies but also through the entrepreneurial challenge of replicating and manufacturing the kit using existing lab resources. This model empowers students to extend their learning beyond the classroom by engaging in cost-effective, scalable biotechnology practices—particularly valuable for institutions with limited funding. Classroom-based research demonstrates increased student engagement, deeper conceptual understanding, and …

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. …

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 …

Renoprotective Potential Of Ciprofloxacin, Prednisolone, And Infliximab In Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis Rats, O. A. Oyesola, O. E. Olayemi, B. I. Kukoyi

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with systemic manifestations, including renal impairment mediated by oxidative stress, inflammation, and electrolyte imbalance. This study investigated the renoprotective potential of ciprofloxacin, prednisolone, and infliximab in rats with acetic acid–induced UC. Fifty male Sprague–Dawley rats (180–200 g) were divided into five groups (n = 10): control, UC control, UC + ciprofloxacin (50 mg/kg, p.o.), UC + prednisolone (4 mg/kg, p.o.), and UC + infliximab (5 mg/kg, i.p.). UC was induced by rectal instillation of 4% acetic acid, and treatments were administered for 42 days. Serum urea, creatinine, electrolytes, and malondialdehyde (MDA) …

Purple Tomatoes Boost Nutrition Crop Value And Create New Opportunities For United States (U.S) Agriculture, Tariq Alam

Agronomic Crops

The agricultural landscape in the United States is continually evolving, with growers and the tomato industry seeking innovative ways to meet consumer demands while enhancing profitability. The introduction of both bioengineered and classically bred anthocyanins-enriched purple tomatoes presents a unique opportunity for U.S. growers to cultivate a high-value crop that appeals to niche markets and commands premium pricing. Bioengineered purple tomatoes achieve high anthocyanin levels through the introduction of snapdragon transcription factors, while classically bred 'Indigo Rose' purple tomatoes are developed via classical breeding methods, providing an alternative for consumers who prefer traditionally bred products. Specifically, the purple tomato holds …

Mesenchymal Stem Cells As Cornerstones Of Regenerative Medicine: Mechanisms, Applications, And Future Perspectives, Hasan M. Agha, Mohammed A. Abdalqader, Jantson Hoh, Yacoub Wassouf, Khudhur Abbas Ahmed Al-Saadawi, Amjad Abdulhadi Mohammed, Muneer Mohammed Saleh Alsayadi

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Regenerative medicine is a multidisciplinary domain focused on restoring, repairing, or replacing damaged tissues and organs by harnessing the body’s inherent healing abilities with sophisticated biological and technical techniques. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become fundamental among many stem cell types because to their self-renewal, multipotency, paracrine signaling, and immunomodulatory capabilities. Their therapeutic adaptability has been shown in orthopedic, cardiovascular, neurological, dermatological, and immune-mediated illnesses, underscoring their clinical significance. Nonetheless, obstacles like donor heterogeneity, senescence during in vitro growth, restricted engraftment, and regulatory impediments persist in limiting repeatability and broad clinical use. Recent advancements are enhancing the capabilities of MSCs …

Evaluating The Pros And Cons Of Common Dental Polymers In Dentistry: Review, Ali Kadhim Wadday, Sukaina Tuama Ghafel, Lina M. Shaker

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Dental polymers play a central role in modern dentistry, offering versatility in applications ranging from removable dentures and prosthetic frameworks to implant abutments and bioactive scaffolds. Common materials like PMMA, PEEK, and nylon are valued for their formability, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic properties, while emerging biopolymers including chitosan and alginate offer promising biocompatible alternatives. However, both conventional and bio-based polymers exhibit limitations in terms of chemical stability, mechanical wear, and microbial adhesion. Recent advancements in polymer science have expanded the material palette through innovative biopolymer formulations and advanced surface engineering techniques such as antimicrobial coatings and nanocomposites, introducing novel solutions for …

Characterization Of Mannosidases (Man) In Tetrahymena Thermophila Using Bioinformatics Tools, Cynthia Wen

Publications and Research

Mannosidases are a type of glycoside hydrolase (glycosidase) that facilitate the hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds in mannose-containing polysaccharides and glycans, including those found in glycoproteins. Their main role is to cleave specific linkages involving D-mannose residues, effectively trimming or degrading mannose-rich oligosaccharides. These enzymes are crucial in N-glycosylation pathways, which are essential for proper protein folding, glycoprotein maturation, and the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism in eukaryotic cells.

There are two main types of mannosidases: alpha-mannosidases and beta-mannosidases. In humans, several of these enzymes exist, including those found in the endoplasmic reticulum (alpha-mannosidase I), those in the Golgi apparatus (alpha-mannosidase II), …

Detection Method For Escherichia Coli Using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Targeting The Yhav Gene, Muktiningsih Nurjayadi, Anisa Fitriyanti, Royna Rahma Musie, Gusti Angieta Putri, Puan Aqila Azizah, Helzi Angelina, Grace Grace, Ananda Indah Putri Sihombing, Agus Setiawan, Jefferson Lynford Declan, Gladys Indira Putri, Dandy Akbar Juliansyah, Siti Fatimah, Ayu Berkahingrum, Irma Ratna Kartika, Fera Kurniadewi, Vira Saamia, Shyi-Tien Chen, Bassam Aboemolak, Hesham Ali El Enshasy

Makara Journal of Science

Escherichia coli is a foodborne pathogenic bacterium that can cause diarrhea, while yhaV is a virulence-associated gene linked to the toxin–antitoxin system in E. coli. This study was aimed at evaluating the confirmation, specificity, and sensitivity of a yhaV gene primer using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The yhaV-targeting PCR successfully amplified a DNA fragment with an amplicon length of 207 bp (base pairs) under an annealing temperature optimized to a range of 54 °C to 62 °C via gradient PCR. The PCR using the primer pair produced a consistent Ct (cycle threshold) of 14.14 ± 0.05 and showed …

Efficacy Of Pethidine And Tramadol In The Suppression Of Postoperative Shivering: A Comparative Study, Ahmed Jaber Ibrahim, Hussien Ibrahim Hayal, Ahmed R.Y. Al-Sawad, Shahab Abdulla, Ralela Makline

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Postoperative shivering is a common complication that can affect patient comfort and stability. Pethidine and tramadol are widely used to relieve this symptom, but their relative effectiveness and safety remain under investigation. In this randomized trial, 50 patients (aged 25–35 years) with postoperative shivering were divided into two groups: one group receiving intravenous tramadol (n = 25 patients) and one group receiving pethidine (n = 25 patients). Onset of drug action, vital signs, and side effects were systematically assessed. Pethidine had a significantly faster onset of action than tramadol (12.20 ± 0.35 min vs 7.16 ± 0.28 min, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding body temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturation, or blood pressure (P < 0.05). Side effects, such as dizziness (16% vs. 8%), nausea and vomiting (20% vs. 8%), and nausea alone (48% vs. 20%), were more common and showed a statistically significant increase in the tramadol group. Both drugs were effective in suppressing postoperative tremor, but pethidine demonstrated superior efficacy, a faster onset of action, and a better safety profile. These results confirm pethidine as the recommended choice at an intravenous dose of 0.5 mg/kg.

The Physiological Impacts Of Nano-Ceramic Window Films In Hot-Climate Architecture: Theoretical Biological Study, Lina M. Shaker, Shahab Abdulla, Ralela Makline

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

This research explores the integration of nano-ceramic window films as a passive architectural strategy to improve both energy performance and occupant biological well-being in commercial buildings. The biological objective centers on enhancing health, comfort, and physiological stability by regulating thermal, optical, and radiative indoor conditions. Simulations on a three-story, 2,000 m² building demonstrated that high-performance films reduced indoor temperatures by up to 3.5°C, lowering thermal stress and core body heat load. Ultraviolet (UV) transmission was curtailed to as low as 1%, significantly decreasing skin damage doses below 0.2 MED/day. Select films maintained optimal Equivalent Melanopic Lux (EML) levels (up to …

The Best Cut: Evaluating Block, Sliced, And Diced Cartilage In Dorsal Augmentation Rhinoplasty, Trimartani Koento, Mirta Hediyati Reksodiputro, Mikhael Yosia

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the nasal shape and function, with dorsal augmentation playing a crucial role in nasal reconstruction. Autologous cartilage grafts, particularly from the rib, are widely used due to their structural integrity but pose challenges such as postoperative warping, graft shifting, and resorption. The evolution of cartilage grafting techniques has progressed from block to sliced and diced cartilage to enhance long-term stability and aesthetic outcomes. Block cartilage provides excellent structural support but is prone to warping due to intrinsic stress. Sliced cartilage reduces warping risk while offering greater flexibility, whereas diced cartilage allows for …

Genetic And Geographic Profiling Of Fragrance-Associated Badh2 Mutations In Rice From China, Laos, And Vietnam, Lenie A. Quiatchon-Baeza, Venea Dara Daygon, Mariafe N. Calingacion, Melissa A. Fitzgerald

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Fragrance in rice is a culturally and economically significant trait in Asia and around the world. This study aimed to develop a genetic and geographic profile of the fragrance-associated BADH2 mutations (badh2.1 and badh2.11) in 1,067 rice varieties from China, Laos, and Vietnam, which are part of the International Rice Genebank Collection. Seventy-three varieties were found to carry the common eight-base pair (bp) deletion in exon 7 of the genes (badh2.1, also known as badh2.7), primarily from indica varieties, with some belonging to japonica, javanica, and intermediate varieties. Conversely, 59 varieties possess the recently identified badh2 allele, badh2.11 (also known …

Evaluation Of Semen Characteristics And The Impact Of Storage Time In Dong Tao And Ho Indigenous Chickens, Phan Nhan, Nguyen Thi My Phuong

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study aimed to evaluate the semen quality of 2 indigenous Vietnamese chicken breeds, Dong Tao and Ho, and to assess their reproductive potential for breeding and conservation programs. Semen samples were collected from 10 roosters of each breed and analyzed for macroscopic and microscopic traits. The results indicated that both breeds exhibited semen quality within acceptable physiological ranges. Mean semen volume was 0.47 mL in Dong Tao and 0.48 mL in Ho roosters; pH values were 7.47 and 7.42, respectively. Semen color scores (2.39 vs. 2.35), sperm concentrations (2.11 vs. 1.92 × 109/mL), and mass activity scores (3.79 vs. …

Ai-Powered Multi-Omics Integration For Predictive Modeling Of Genotype-Environment-Phenotype Relationships, You Wu

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This dissertation presents a series of machine learning frameworks for modeling genotype–environment–phenotype relationships through integrative predictive modeling of multi-omics data. The work addresses three major axes of biological complexity: modeling biological information transmission cross-levels from genes to proteins to phenotypes, predicting molecular features cross-scale from cells to tissues to organisms, and translating phenotypes cross-species from model systems to humans. Each proposed method also tackles key machine learning (ML) challenges in the biomedical domain, including data scarcity, domain shift, out-of-distribution (OOD) generalization, and hierarchical modeling. Specifically, this dissertation introduces five novel deep learning algorithms: MultiDCP predicts drug-induced transcriptomic and viability responses …

Low-Cost Cutaneous Protoporphyrin Ix (Ppix) Detection (Cpd) Device For Follow-Up Monitoring Of Patients After Photodynamic Therapy, Md Asaduzzaman Rasel

Graduate Masters Theses

Background: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) utilizes specific wavelengths of light to activate photosensitizing chemical compounds, known as photosensitizers, which induce the generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) for the targeted destruction of cancer cells. Among various photosensitizers for PDT, Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is widely employed in oncology and dermatology due to its natural in situ generation via the metabolic conversion of 5- aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a non-phototoxic prodrug. Systemic administration of ALA after 3-6 hr drug delay leads to peak PpIX accumulation in tissues, facilitating therapeutic and diagnostic applications. However, PpIX can persist in the skin for 24–48 hours post-treatment, …

Antibiogram Development For Neonatal Intensive Care Unit In A Referral Hospital In Sana'a City, Yemen, Mohammed A. Kubas, Massoud K. Rassam, Amaal A. Alsayani

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Neonates have an immature immune system, making them highly susceptible to infections. Treatment failure in newborns may result from antibiotic resistance, a significant challenge in the management of infectious illnesses worldwide. So the main objective of this research was to develop a newborn-specific antibiogram at the University of Science and Technology hospital (USTH) in Sana’a, Yemen. A retrospective analysis was conducted using microbiological data from the USTH database during the period from January 2021 to March 2022, antibiogram was generated and analyzed using the WHONET application. Gram-positive bacteria were the most frequently isolated pathogens in neonates, followed by gram-negative bacteria. …

Biosorption Of Crystal Violet Onto Fenugreek Seed Powder: Comprehensive Optimization Through Response Surface Methodology And Elucidation Of Dye Uptake Mechanism, Hasan M. Agha, Zaher Mundher Yaseen, Wafaa Raji Alfatlawi, Khansaa Al-Essa, Abdallah Reghioua, Hussein A. Kazem, Lee D. Wilson

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

This work investigates the efficacy of fenugreek seed powder (FSP), an agricultural product, as an economical and sustainable biosorbent for the extraction of crystal violet (CV) dye from aqueous environments. The biosorbent was analyzed using XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDX, validating its amorphous structure, surface functional groups, and porous shape. Batch biosorption tests were adjusted utilizing a Box–Behnken design (BBD), incorporating three independent variables: FSP dose (0.02–0.1 g/100 mL), pH (4–10), and time (5–60 min). The model exhibited exceptional prediction accuracy (R² = 0.99, CV = 2.12%) and recognized all three variables as statistically significant (p < 0.05). The maximum CV removal attained was 91.8% efficiency at an FSP dose of 0.1 g/100 mL, pH 7, and a time of 60 minutes. FTIR examination indicated changes in the –OH, C=O, and C–O functional groups, signifying their participation in dye interaction, whilst SEM pictures validated dye deposition on the biosorbent surface. The biosorption process was ascribed to electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and pore filling. These findings underscore FSP as a viable, economical biosorbent for the removal of cationic dyes in wastewater treatment applications.

In Silico Investigation Of The Anticancer Activity Of Natural Isoquinoline Alkaloids Targeting The Monoamine Oxidase A Enzyme, Reham A. Al-Anssari, Anwar H. Ali, Ola Adel Al-Saad, Shaker A.N. Al-Jadaan

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) has recently been identified as a candidate for cancer therapy due to its roles in tumor development and growth. Conventional approaches for the discovery of MAO-A inhibitors are both costly and time-consuming. The objective of this work was to apply in silico methods to predict natural isoquinoline alkaloids capable of acting as potent MAO-A inhibitors, and to establish this class of compounds as potential sources of a cost-effective anticancer therapy. Twenty-one natural isoquinoline alkaloids were subjected to a multistep computer-aided drug discovery protocol. The compounds were initially screened for pharmacokinetic (ADME), toxicity, and drug-likeliness properties by …

Enhanced Meropenem Activity And Stability Following Load In Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanofiber Scaffolds With Sitagliptin As Quorum Sensing Inhibitor On Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Samar A. Salim, Abdelrhman Mohsen, Mohamed Emara, Taghrid Elmahdy

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Background The increasing resistance of bacteria to conventional antibiotics poses a significant health challenge. Innovative strategies, such as combining antibiotics with agents like quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs), have been developed to combat this issue. QSIs enhance antibiotic efficacy without inhibiting bacterial growth, minimizing the risk of resistance. Aims Evaluate the combined effect of Sitagliptin (STG) as a QSI with Meropenem (MER), fabricate drug-loaded Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) nanofibers, and investigate their antimicrobial activity against standard Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) and carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA). Methods The combinatorial effect was assessed using a checkerboard assay. PVA/STG, PVA/MER, and PVA/STG/ MER nanofibers were fabricated …

Biogenic Calcite Precipitation For Coastal Sand Stabilization: A Synergistic Approach Using Marine Bacteria And Natural Fibers, Aparna Gs

Theses and Dissertations

Coastal erosion, driven by natural forces such as waves, tides, winds, and currents and further intensified by anthropogenic activities like urbanization, climate change, and coastal infrastructure development, poses a significant threat to shoreline stability. Conventional erosion control methods, including jetties, embankments, and artificial reefs, often face limitations in sustainability and effectiveness. In this context, microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) has emerged as a promising ecofriendly solution for ground stabilization.

The present study investigates the potential of an indigenous ureolytic marine bacterium, Bacillus sp. N₉, isolated from the coastal sediments of Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, for coastal sand stabilization. The strain was …

Genomic Surveillance Of Indian Klebsiella Pneumoniae And Exploration Of Resistance Inhibitors, Abhirami Ks Ms

Theses and Dissertations

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important ESKAPE pathogen that causes life threatening infections. The strains exhibiting multidrug-resistance (MDR) and hypervirulence are the priority pathogens for which immediate treatment and dissemination prevention strategies are required. To address this, genome profiling was performed to understand the AMR patterns, role of episomes, phages, virulence determinants and its association with sequence types.

The study includes 267 publicly available Indian K. pneumoniae genomes over a period of ten years and four sequenced isolates. Whole genome analysis revealed the widespread presence of diverse β-lactamase genes, with β-lactam resistance being predominant. Genes such as blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-1B and blaOXA-232 …

Agricultural Biotechnology In The Courts: Judicial Opinions And Commentary, Drew L. Kershen

Faculty Articles

Seven jurisdictions from around the world have issued judicial opinions that address fundamental issues about the governance and regulatory systems of agricultural biotechnology. This article summarizes these legal proceedings and describes their impact upon agricultural biotechnology. The article then provides a commentary and critique of the legal proceedings and resulting judicial opinions.