Immunology and Infectious Disease Commons^™

In Vivo Imaging Of The Respiratory Burst Response To Influenza A Virus Infection, James Thomas Seuch

Honors College

The CDC estimated that seasonal influenza A virus (IAV) infections resulted in 490,600 hospitalizations and 34,200 deaths in the US in the 2018-2019 season. The longterm goal of our research is to understand how to improve innate immune responses to IAV. During IAV infection, neutrophils and macrophages initiate a respiratory burst response where reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated to destroy the pathogen and recruit additional immune cells. While ROS molecules, such as hydrogen peroxide, help clear the virus, the signaling cascade can also lead to excess neutrophil recruitment, hyperinflammation, and tissue damage. Regulatory mechanisms that trigger overactivation of neutrophils …

Functional Role Of Zebrafish Tlr Proteins, Carol H. Kim

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

Project summary.

Influenza virus infections lead to significant illness, mortality, and social disruption worldwide. Herein, the first studies establishing the zebrafish as a model for human influenza infection are presented and it is shown that influenza infection proceeds and can be resolved through similar mechanisms in zebrafish and humans (Gabor, et al.). Our laboratory has previously characterized a fish rhabdovirus infection model in the zebrafish (Phelan, et al.).

Testing The Effect Of Grapefruit Seed Extract (Gfse) On The Mastitsis-Causing Alga, Prototheca, Kendra Janelle Macdonald

Honors College

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland that costs the United States dairy industry between $1.7 and $2 billion annually [9]. Approximately 97% of mastitis infections are caused by bacteria, which can be treated with antibiotics [2]. However, mastitis infections can be caused by the alga, Prototheca. Specifically, it is P. zopfii (genotype 2) and P. blaschkeae that have been found in cows with mastitis [7]. There are currently no approved treatments for protothecal mastitis. The following experiments a tested the effects of grapefruit seed extract (GFSE) on P. zopfii (genotype 2) using spectrophotometry and plating techniques. GFSE was …

Explorations, Vol. 3, No. 2, Maryann Jerkofsky, David H. Clark, David Ebitz, Alan Davenport, David C. Smith, Erodgan Kiran

Explorations — A Journal of Research

Cover: Edmund G. Schildknecht, Seated Figure, 1929, oil on canvas, 30” x 25”, acc. no. 85.6.31, bequest of Edmund G. Schildknecht

Articles include:
"Reyes Syndrome Under Attack at UMaine," by MaryAnn Jerkofsky

"Maine Service Abroad: Using Labor Market Results for Planning Education and Training in Developing Countries," by David H. Clark

"Feeling and Form: Four American Paintings in the University of Maine Art Collection," by David Ebitz

"We Stand Corrected," Volume 3, Number 1, of EXPLORATIONS

"Confessions of a Comet Huckster," by Alan Davenport

"H.G. Wells: Socialist, Feminist, Polymath, Educator and Hero," by David C. Smith

"Supercritical Fluids and …