Microbiology Commons^™

Effects On The Human Microbiome: Antibiotics And Other Chemicals, Katherine Moulton

Thinking Matters Symposium

With skin being the largest organ of the human body, there is a very large surface area for a microbiome to form and live. The human microbiome is composed of different types of bacteria, fungi, and archaea, in different locations of the body. This layer can be greatly affected by daily practices including, hygiene habits, exercise, and antibiotic uses. The major objective of this study is to identify species of the human microbiome from various body sites and test their resistance to major chemicals. To achieve this objective, the mouth, ear, axillary area, hand, belly button, and foot of several …

Bioremediation: Breaking Down The Regulations Of Genetically Modified Microorganisms, Lora Katharine Naismith

Texas A&M Law Review

Environmental bioremediation is the use of biological activity to reduce the concentration or toxicity of a pollutant. A rapidly increasing population leads to a consequential increase in industrial waste and pollution, and innovators are researching numerous techniques to degrade these pollutants and prevent their spread into the environment. These techniques are expensive and often result in secondary pollutants, which limits their widespread application. Bioremediation, however, presents a cost-friendly and more efficient way to degrade pollutants with little or no secondary pollutants. This Article explores how scientists can use genetically modified microorganisms (“GMMs”) to target specific hazardous wastes that are otherwise …

Increasing The Frequency Of Periodic Spatial Disturbance Decreases Surface Attachment Protein Expression In Staphylococcus Aureus, Ivana M. Barraza

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause a variety of acute and chronic illnesses. The severity of these illnesses such as sepsis, necrotizing pneumonia, and toxic shock syndrome is measured through the virulence that S. aureus inflicts on its host. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is commonly associated with secondary infections and is challenging to treat given the limited selection of antibiotics that are effective against it. Accordingly, novel approaches to reduce S. aureus pathogenicity are required. S. aureus regulates pathogenesis through a cell-to-cell communication system referred to as quorum sensing. Effective communication determines the production of two broad …

College Of Natural Sciences Newsletter, April 2021, College Of Natural Sciences

College of Natural Sciences Newsletters and Reports

Volume 2, Issue 4

Page 1 Dean's Message
Page 2 & 3 Awards & Recognition
Page 4 Student Spotlight: Allsion Bjornstad
Page 5 Research Spotlight: Dr. Vondruska & Students
Page 6 Department Head Interviews
Page 7 Media Coverage of CNS
Page 8 Open PRAIRIE Data
Page 9 Student Club Spotlight: BMGSA
Page 10 Then & Now: Urban Geography

Anaplasma Phagocytophilum Modulates Mammalian And Arthropod Signaling For Its Survival And Transmission, Supreet Khanal

Biomedical Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are illnesses transmitted to humans and other animals by arthropods such as ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas. These arthropod vectors transmit infectious pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, to humans during blood-feeding. We have very few control strategies to treat or control these diseases. Human anaplasmosis, caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is the second most common tick-borne disease in the United States. This work defines three studies elucidating Anaplasma phagocytophilum-mediated modulation of cell signaling in mammalian cells and arthropod vector Ixodes scapularis ticks.

The first study focused on mammalian PI3 kinases signaling in regulating …

Distribution, Diversity, And Biogeography Of Anaerobic Carbon Monoxide Uptake By Microbial Communities In Soils And Sediments, Amber N. Depoy

LSU Master's Theses

Carbon monoxide (CO) is primarily known for being a toxic gas. However, CO is used by microorganisms as an electron or carbon source in a variety of respiratory processes. Different kinds of microorganisms utilize CO aerobically and anaerobically, using two distinct CO dehydrogenases (CODHs). Aerobes oxidize CO using a molybdenum-dependent dehydrogenase (Mo-CODH), while anaerobes utilize a nickel-dependent CO dehydrogenase (Ni-CODH). Studies of the biochemistry and microbiology of aerobic and anaerobic CO oxidation are extensive, but relatively little is known about the ecology of anaerobic CO oxidation. In an effort to test new hypotheses about the ecology of anaerobic CO oxidation, …

A Comparison Of Intertidal Metazoan Biodiversity Between Previously Oiled Sheared And Intact Marsh Margins And Between Multiple Salinity Zones In The Coastal Marshes Of Louisiana, Patrick M. Rayle

LSU Master's Theses

Marshes in Louisiana are under threat from numerous natural and anthropogenic sources. A consequence of these threats are sheared marsh margins, which result from the impact of storm surge on previously oiled, weakened marsh. These conditions occurred in Louisiana marshes after Hurricane Isaac in 2012 followed the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, particularly in the shorelines surrounding Bay Jimmy. The second and third chapters of this thesis focus on the differences in biodiversity between the sheared and intact marsh margins in impacted sites in Bay Jimmy. Metabarcoding methods were used to determine community composition of the sediment within marsh …

Life Line March 2021, Otterbein Biology And Earth Science Department

Life Line - The Biology Department Newsletter

In this issue:

A Note from the Chair; The Department Welcomes Dr. Rich; Senior Research Symposium Goes Virtual; Three Department Faculty Members Win Teaching Awards; Svitana Helps NGWA Go Online; Carter '15 Earns Ph.D. in Nuclear Forensics; Revamping a Campus to Return to our Cardinal Community; Professor Uses Novel Teaching Practices During Pandemic; Otterbein Introduces Signature STEM Series to Increase Connection; Young Receives Career Award; Malacogy in a Time of COVID; COVID Conversations; Canine Rabies Vaccination in Ethiopia; The Cardinal Science Scholar Program; Bird Anatomy.

College Of Natural Sciences Newsletter, March 2021, College Of Natural Sciences

College of Natural Sciences Newsletters and Reports

Volume 2. Issue 3

Contents:

Page 1 Dean's Message
Page 2-3 Awards and Recognition
Page 4 Student Club Spotlight: MICROBIOLOGY CLUB
Page 5 Research Spotlight: Dr. Chakravarty
Page 6 Open PRAIRIE Data; Grants Awarded in CNS; Research Collquia
Page 7 A Busy Month in Review; Media Coverage of the College

Characterization, Antimicrobial And Toxicity Studies Of Silver Nanoparticles Using Opuntia Ficus Indica Leaves Extracts From Effurun, Delta State, Christiana Ogwuche, Harrison Moses

Tanzania Journal of Science

The silver nanoparticles were synthesized by reacting silver nitrate, a metal precursor with the extract obtained from the leaves of Opuntia ficus indica, which acts as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Formation of silver nanoparticles was indicated by colour change from light yellow to dark brown which was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy showing surface plasmon band at 369 nm resulting from relatively small amount of reductive biomolecules for the silver ion reduction. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis gave the morphology of the nanoparticles and showed that the silver particles were of spherical shape. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer presented …

Potential Of Fungi Isolated From Diesel Contaminated Soil To Degrade Diesel, Oluwafemi Oyewole, Ramat Raji, Suzan Okeke, Gift Chukwuma, Japhet Yakubu

Tanzania Journal of Science

Diesel is a complex mixture and a common pollutant, consisting mainly of aliphatic hydrocarbons ranging from C9 to C23 and a number of aromatic compounds. The main purpose of this study was to isolate fungi from diesel contaminated soil for biodegradation of diesel contaminated soil. Two fungal species (Aspergillus flavus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were isolated from a diesel contaminated site using cultural and biochemical characterisation. The isolates were screened for their ability to utilize diesel as carbon source. The biodegradation rate of the fungi isolated was measured by determining the optical density using spectrophotometry. The fungal isolates were further tested …

Cellulase-Producing Bacteria Isolated From Mufindi Paper Mill Industrial Effluent, Iringa Tanzania, Erick Sinza, Aneth Mwakilili, Cyprian Mpinda, Sylvester Lyantagaye

Tanzania Journal of Science

Effluent and effluent-contaminated soil samples collected from Mufindi Paper Mill Limited, Iringa Tanzania were investigated for the presence of cellulolytic bacteria. The components of cellulase are endoglucanase, exoglucanase and β-glucosidase and these are very important for complete hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose monomers. Isolates were grown on nutrient agar and screened for cellulolytic activity on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) agar plates using Gram’s iodine solution. Cellulases activities; endoglucanase, exoglucanase and β-glucosidase were assayed using CMC, avicel and cellobiose substrates, respectively by dinitrosalicyclic acid method. Out of 17 cellulolytic isolates obtained, crude enzyme extracts of only five isolates expressed all cellulases activities, the …

Effects Of Time On Ph, Total Bacteria Counts, And Total Hydrocarbon Contents In The Bioremediation Of Crude Oil Contaminated Soil Using Indigenous Bio-Stimulants, Ita Uwidia, Osalodion Uwidia

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of time on pH, total bacteria counts, and total hydrocarbon contents in the bioremediation of crude oil contaminated soil using pig waste and sawdust as bio-stimulants. Dried soil samples (500 g each) were weighed each into seven different plastic bowls, and each bowl was contaminated with 10 g of crude oil. Six of the contaminated soil samples in six of the plastic bowls were amended with a combination of pig waste and sawdust as bio-stimulants in the ratio of 1:1 in amounts of 150 g, 125 g, 100 g, 75 g, 50 …

The C. Neoformans Cell Wall: A Scaffold For Virulence, Christine Chrissian

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Cryptococcus neoformans is a globally distributed opportunistic fungal pathogen and the causative agent of life threatening cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised individuals, resulting in ~180,000 deaths each year worldwide. A primary virulence-associated trait of this organism is the production of melanin. Melanins are a class of diverse pigments produced via the oxidation and polymerization of aromatic ring compounds that have a characteristically complex, heterogenous, and amorphous structure. They are synthesized by representatives of all biological kingdoms and share a multitude of remarkable properties such as the ability to absorb ultraviolet (UV) light and protect against ionizing radiation. Melanin production in fungi …

Inhibition Of Biofilm Formation By The Synergistic Action Of Egcg-S And Antibiotics, Shrameeta Shinde, Lee Lee, Tinchun Chu

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Biofilm, a stress-induced physiological state, is an established means of antimicrobial tolerance. A perpetual increase in multidrug resistant (MDR) infections associated with high mortality and morbidity have been observed in healthcare settings. Multiple studies have indicated that the use of natural products can prevent bacterial growth. Recent studies in the field have identified that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, could disrupt bacterial biofilms. A modified lipid-soluble EGCG, epigallocatechin-3-gallate-stearate (EGCG-S), has enhanced the beneficial properties of green tea. This study focuses on utilizing EGCG-S as a novel synergistic agent with antibiotics to prevent or control biofilm. Different formulations of …

The Effect Of An Acidified-Gypsum Mixture On Broiler Litter Urease-Producing Bacteria And Nitrogen Mineralization, Taylor Chapman, Christopher D. Burt, Dave Bachoon, Miguel L. Cabrera, Christopher Horacek

Graduate Research Showcase

Broiler chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) production is one of the largest agricultural sectors in the state of Georgia. Broiler litter produced by broiler facilities is rich in organic nitrogen (N), specifically urea, which can be mineralized by poultry litter urease-producing bacteria (PLUP) forming ammoniacal-N (NH₃/NH₄⁺). A large portion of NH₃/NH₄⁺ can be lost as ammonia (NH₃) gas, which negatively impacts bird health and profitability. The release of NH₃ from litter is strongly influenced by the pH of the litter. Flue-gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) has been suggested …

Disruption Of Cellular P-Bodies During An Adenovirus Infection​, La`Quita Randolph, Kevin Neubrecht, Kasey A. Karen

Graduate Research Showcase

Adenovirus has made major contributions in medicine by serving as a model DNA virus to study other viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV). Adenoviruses are a diverse family of nonenveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses that are ubiquitous to animals and humans. There are over 67 serotypes of human adenoviruses that can cause a variety of illnesses including, gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis and respiratory infections. Adenovirus can cause these infections by invading host cells and producing an environment that is favorable for viral replication. During the early phases of infection, adenovirus expresses various viral proteins such as E4 11k, which has multiple functions. One …

Monitoring Lake Sinclair, Margaret Blackledge

Graduate Research Showcase

Algae, a polyphyletic group of aquatic primary producers, play a great part in earth’s biosphere. They produce half of the world’s oxygen and are major contributors to aquatic biodiversity. When conditions are favorable to a species, algae will bloom. Some algal species will produce algal toxins during a bloom as a potential mechanism to concentrate carbon. Due to the integral part they play in aquatic food webs, nutrient cycling and the potential for harmful algal blooms, algal communities are monitored to determine the health and safety of aquatic environments. Lake Sinclair in middle Georgia is a good model where in …

Choices On Sampling, Sequencing, And Analyzing Dna Influence The Estimation Of Community Composition Of Plant Fungal Symbionts, Jonathan A. Cale, Natalie Scott, Gregory J. Pec, Simon M. Landhäusser, Justine Karst

Publications: Biology

Plant root symbionts, namely mycorrhizal fungi, can be characterized using a variety of methods, but most of these rely on DNA. While Sanger sequencing still fulfills particular research objectives, next‐generation sequencing currently dominates the f ield, thus understanding how the two methods differ is important for identifying both opportunities and limitations to characterizing fungal communities. In addition to testing sequencing methods, we also examined how roots and soils may yield different fungal communities and how disturbance may affect those differences. We sequenced DNA from ectomycorrhizal fungi colonizing roots of Pinus banksiana and found that operational taxonomic unit richness was higher, …

Optimized Microbial Recombinant Production Of Hiv-1 Anti-Envelope Antibody Fragments With Applications To Single Particle Tracking Of Virus Assembly, Merissa Michelle Bruns

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In my findings, I have established a set series of protocols to recombinantly produce, purify and apply various fluorescent probes in vitro for the fluorescent labeling and study of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (Env) protein during HIV viral assembly. There remains insufficient knowledge about the molecular dynamics and interactions of HIV-1 Env protein with its counterpart, Gag, on the inner host cell surface during assembly of a mature virus particle. There also remains an insufficient amount of data for the understanding and clarification of the mechanism of action of a known host cell HIV-1 restriction factor, …

Green Team - Ecological Restoration Of Plaster Creek, Jia Luchs, Caleb Mathai, Rachel Warners, David Warners, Deanna Geelhoed

Student Papers and Reports

Plaster Creek, though its watershed is home to many potential stewards in Grand Rapids, is the most polluted creek in West Michigan. The Green Team, a branch of Plaster Creek Stewards, is a group of students that work during the summer with a focus on research, education, and working directly to restore Plaster Creek. The team works toward this goal through urban green infrastructure, utilizing native plants to manage stormwater. Two Calvin students, Caleb Mathai and Jia Luchs, one high school intern, Ben Zwart, and twelve high school students living in the Plaster Creek watershed were hired by PCS this …

Characterization Of Microbial Populations In Landfill Leachate, Umut M. Bicim, Hanna Fulford, Lori A. Hoagland, Alejandro R. Sanchez, Amisha D. Shah, Inez Hua

Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship

In the United States, municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills remain a potential mining source of recoverable materials, including but not limited to critical, precious, and rare earth metals found in electronic waste. This is possible due to collectible leachate that filters through MSW landfills, carrying metals, nutrients of value, and microbes—some of which may hold key metal bioleaching properties—within. The purpose of this study is to begin analyzing leachate from MSW landfills in the American Midwest to understand the composition of microbial communities within these landfills. Landfill leachate samples sourced in northern Indiana, representing the landfill process during unique times …

The Influence Of Infant Formula On The Growth Of Commensal And Pathogenic Streptococcus Species In The Infant Oral Cavity, Geneva Waynick

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The oral microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms that can both reflect and greatly influence the health of the human host. A number of diseases are associated with dysbiotic oral microflora in infants and children, including dental (e.g. dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease), and gastrointestinal diseases (e.g. pediatric appendicitis, celiac disease, and pediatric inflammatory bowel disease). A variety of factors can influence the composition of the oral microbial community in infants, including gestation length, mode of delivery, feeding method, and diet. This study focuses on the effects of diet on the growth of a commensal bacterium (Streptococcus …

Identification Of Loci Influencing Teosinte Crossing Barrier 1 (Tcb1) Efficacy In Maize By Quantitative Trait Loci (Qtl) Mapping And Genome-Wide Association Study (Gwas), Namrata Maharjan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pollen cross-contamination has been a major problem for maize breeders. Various mechanical methods applied to avoid the contaminations are ineffective. The genetic factors related to maize fertilization can be used to develop an effective method to prevent pollen contamination. Pollen rejection ability controlled by Teosinte crossing barrier 1 (Tcb1) is such a genetic system. Silks possessing dominant Tcb1-s reject pollen possessing the recessive allele (tcb1). Successful fertilization occurs when Tcb1-s pollen falls upon tcb1 silks. The efficacy of dominant Tcb1-s was, however, reduced when repeatedly backcross with maize inbred lines, which suggests that there are modifiers to Tcb1-s. To find …

Electrical Sensing In Non-Excitable Cells To Promote Galvanotaxis And Tissue Survival, Anyesha Sarkar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Weak DC fields have been shown to induce polarity, cell migration and cell proliferation in 2D cultures in vitro. To understand the mechanism by which non-excitable cells sense such weak EFs, we have investigated the mechanism of cathode-directed water flow (electro-osmosis) in the boundary layer of cells by reducing it with neutral, viscous polymers. Our results indicate that low molecular weight polymers decrease cathodal migration and promote anodal migration in a concentration dependent manner. High molecular weight polymers do not affect directionality and can be explained using porosity and hydraulic permeability between the polymers. These results provide the first evidence …

The Role Of Conserved Poly(A) Sequences In The 3'Utr Of Zika Virus Gene Expression, Kristen Kaytes

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Following its discovery in 1947, Zika virus garnered little attention in the global stage until 2015, when a rapidly spreading epidemic brought the virus, and its devastating clinical manifestations to light. Zika virus pathologies include Congenital Zika Syndrome, a known causative of microcephaly, as well as spontaneous miscarriages and the development of Guillain Barré syndrome. Despite recent advances in research, the molecular biology of Zika virus is largely unknown.

College Of Natural Sciences 2021 Year-End Publication, College Of Natural Sciences

College of Natural Sciences Newsletters and Reports

Page 2 Welcome, Table of Contents
Page 3 Our Departments: Highlights From 2021
Page 4 Overview of the College
Page 5 Overview of Bold & Blue
Pages 6, 7 Announcing the First Endowed Professorship in the College of Natural Sciences
Page 8 Spooky Science, Astronomy Outreach, SDSU Chemistry Research Features on Journal Cover
Page 9 Students Win Business Plan Competition With Aims to Improve Shelf Life of Produce, Summer Researchers
Page 10 NIH Grant Helps Unravel Rare Inflammatory Genetic Disorders, International Excellence in South Dakota
Page 11 The Next Frontier of Science Education: Virtual Reality, SDSU Researchers Uncover how Cancer …

Polycystic Kidney Disease: An Examination And Review Of Disease Type, Presentation, Treatment, And Prognosis, Zoey Mann

Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a ciliopathy that primarily presents as renal cysts. Inherited as either a dominant (ADPKD) or recessive (ARPKD) mutation, PKD is one of the most commonly inherited kidney diseases. ADPKD is caused by the inheritance of a mutation in either PKD1 or PKD2, which code for the polycystin-1 and -2 proteins, respectively. The less severe form of PKD, ADPKD is typically adult-onset, with the possibility of extremely late-stage presentation. In addition to renal cysts, hepatic and pancreatic cysts are common, as well as other non-cystic symptoms including headache and hypertension. ARPKD is caused by the inheritance …

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: A Review Of Current Diagnostic Tools, Treatments, And Research, Kaitlyn Hespen

Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare post-infection inflammatory disorder. It is caused by the cross-reactivity of antibodies produced from a recent infection which then attack the gangliosides of the peripheral nervous system. Guillain-Barre syndrome includes multiple subtypes which are categorized based on both disease course and symptoms, which include length of progression phase, pain, and cranial nerve involvement. This paper will serve as a review of diagnostic tools and treatment options used for Guillain-Barre syndrome patients. It will also discuss recent research on these topics as well as studies on viral outbreaks which may be linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome. These will …

Current And Future Perspectives In The Treatment Of Fracture Nonunions, Zebadiah Nelson

Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects

Fracture nonunions comprise one of the serious clinical complications in orthopedics. Fracture nonunions result when the time to union is greater than 6 to 9 months. It is estimated that approximately 5% to 10% of all fractures progress to fracture nonunion due to a host of complicating patient variables and risk factors. New scoring systems have emerged which help in directing the treatment strategies. Fracture nonunion management should be directed toward maintaining the diamond concept which introduces osteogenic cells lines, an osteoconductive scaffold for those cells to grow, as well as the necessary growth factors, and a stable mechanical microenvironment. …