Distinguishing Community Assembly Through Functional Redundancy Models.,
2023
Clemson University
Distinguishing Community Assembly Through Functional Redundancy Models., Sandra A. Tsiorintsoa, Sharon Bewick, Matthew Macauley
Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research
No abstract provided.
Towards Better Detection And Treatment Of Mycobacterial Disease.,
2023
Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
Towards Better Detection And Treatment Of Mycobacterial Disease., Laura O'Connell
ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)
Background
Mycobacterial disease is a major cause of fatality, with 1.5 million deaths per 10 million infections annually. Due to the emergence of multi- and extensively-drug resistant clinical isolates, mycobacteriophage (MP) are being investigated as an alternative to antibiotics.
Objectives
The objectives of this study were: to characterise an emerging cohort of MP, to determine suitable in vivo modes of delivery for MP including encapsulation, to examine the application of a MP-based viability assay, and to examine the functionality of MP in raw milk.
Methods
The fast-growing Mycobacterium smegmatis was used as a host in all assays to demonstrate phage …
Investigating The Ability Of Saltwater Isolates To Inhibit Biofilm Formation By Clinically Significant Pathogens,
2023
Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
Investigating The Ability Of Saltwater Isolates To Inhibit Biofilm Formation By Clinically Significant Pathogens, Monica Murphy
ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)
Background
Nosocomial pathogens are responsible for chronic and persistent infections partly due to their ability to form protective biofilms which enhance their antibiotic tolerance. Biofilm disruption combats antimicrobial resistance as dispersed cells regain antibiotic susceptibility. The goal of this study was to evaluate the antibiofilm potential of isolates from marine environments against a pathogen panel consisting of MRSA and clinical Staphylococcus aureus strains, Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli pathogens.
Method
A large bank of saltwater bacterial isolates was cultured in glucose-supplemented trypticase soy broth (TSBg) and resulting colonies were screened against the pathogen panel. Isolates of interest were further examined …
Short Chain Fatty Acid Combination Treatment Protects Against 6-Ohda And Wt Α-Synuclein Induced Decreases In Neurite Growth In In Vitro Models Of Parkinson’S Disease.,
2023
Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
Short Chain Fatty Acid Combination Treatment Protects Against 6-Ohda And Wt Α-Synuclein Induced Decreases In Neurite Growth In In Vitro Models Of Parkinson’S Disease., Alex Morris
ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)
Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuron degeneration. This degeneration is partly driven by over expression of α-synuclein (α-syn) and development of α-syn aggregates known as Lewy bodies throughout the substantia nigra. As well as motor dysfunction, PD presents with several chronic gastrointestinal comorbidities, which cause a decline of gut microbial diversity and microbially derived short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Recent in vivo studies have shown SCFAs to be neuroprotective in various degenerative disease states, suggesting that SCFAs may protect against dopaminergic degeneration.
Methods
Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were used as a model of human …
Bactericidal Effects Of Chlorine And Bacteriophages On Mycobacteria In Conventionally Treated Water.,
2023
Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
Bactericidal Effects Of Chlorine And Bacteriophages On Mycobacteria In Conventionally Treated Water., Max Kevane-Campbell
ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)
Introduction
Mycobacteria are members of the order Actinomycetales and the only genus in the family Mycobacteriaceae. The distinguishing characteristics that are found in mycobacteria include acid-fastness and the presence of mycolic acids. Mycobacteria can be commonly classified as non-spore-forming, aerobic, slender rod-shaped, and are slow-growers. Natural reservoirs that mycobacteria can be found in are aquatic and terrestrial environments. Recent studies have shown that mycobacteria that can cause skin lesions, immune and/or pulmonary dysfunctions and chronic diseases, i.e., Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis, M. kansasii, and M. xenopi, can be isolated from common household tap water. Tap water can originate from …
Development Of A Protocol For The Extraction Of Genomic Material From Fecal Matter For Metagenome And Virome Sequencing,
2023
APC Microbiome Ireland and School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Ireland.
Development Of A Protocol For The Extraction Of Genomic Material From Fecal Matter For Metagenome And Virome Sequencing, Keith Coughlan
ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)
With the advent of increasingly more accurate and reliable sequencing methods, the requirement for extraction methods yielding large volumes of high-quality genomic material has become progressively more significant. While the analysis of genomic material through bioinformatics can offer some methods of “cleaning” and standardizing data, it is essential that the “wet lab” aspects of data produce abundant amounts of high-quality genetic material. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to develop an optimized method of DNA extraction for fecal material sequencing in microbiome and virome investigations. The samples used for the optimized protocol are infant fecal samples collected and stored …
Mycobacteriophage: A Demonstration Of The Reduction Of M. Smegmatis In Various Matrices.,
2023
Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
Mycobacteriophage: A Demonstration Of The Reduction Of M. Smegmatis In Various Matrices., Laura O'Connell
ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)
Background
Mycobacterial disease is a major cause of fatality worldwide, with approximately 1.5 million deaths for every 10 million infections. These infections are difficult to treat due to the intrinsic resistance of its mycolic acid rich cell wall to many antibiotics. There is potential for mycobacteriophage (MP) to be used therapeutically for multidrug- and extensively-drug resistant infections. Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2 155 is a useful substitute for slow-growing pathogenic mycobacteria, as it propagates quickly under lab conditions. This feature of M. smegmatis increases the pace of analysis, by ensuring the quick isolation and characterisation of MP and acting as a …
In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity Of Cell-Free Supernatants From Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (Abu) Isolates Against Multi-Drug Resistant Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli (Upec),
2023
Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity Of Cell-Free Supernatants From Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (Abu) Isolates Against Multi-Drug Resistant Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli (Upec), Ciara Kenneally
ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)
Background
Multi-drug resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) cause > 80% of community acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs) and > 40% of nosocomial UTIs. Preliminary evidence suggests a beneficial role for UPEC’s commensal counterparts, asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU), in establishing bacterial interference against UPEC. The aim of this study was to analyse the antimicrobial activity of cell free supernatants (CFS) from ABU isolates against UPEC.
Methods
In vitro antagonistic effects of nine uncharacterised ABU isolates were compared against the inhibitory affect induced by the prototype ABU isolate, E. coli 83972. Turbidimetric growth assays were performed using the CFS of the ABU isolates against eight …
Investigating The Thermotolerance Of Cronobacter Sakazakii In Powdered Infant Formula,
2023
Department of Physical Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
Investigating The Thermotolerance Of Cronobacter Sakazakii In Powdered Infant Formula, Fiona Ryan O'Connor
ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)
Background
The powdered infant formula (PIF) sector is a growing global market, with Ireland at the forefront of the European exports market; reaching €1.5bn and accounting for 35% of all dairy exports in 2015. However, a major concern associated with PIF is the risk of contamination with the neonatal pathogen Cronobacter sakazakii. Although PIF undergoes thermal treatment during manufacture, it is possible that re-contamination of the product may occur via later processing measures. We investigated the resistance of C. sakazakii to thermal inactivation following inoculation in commercial PIF as a potential treatment for contaminated powder.
Method
Five strains of C. …
Urobiome Screening For Antimicrobial Peptides Against Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli,
2023
Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland
Urobiome Screening For Antimicrobial Peptides Against Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli, Jennifer Jones
ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)
BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide. As global incidences of UTIs caused by multidrug resistant bacteria continue to increase, so too does the demand for novel antimicrobial therapies.
Due to its relatively understudied nature, the urinary microbiome represents a niche with an untapped source of potentially novel antimicrobials (e.g., bacteriocins). Improvements to bacterial culturing and sequencing techniques have highlighted these potential alternative treatments and control strategies to target antibiotic resistant uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC).
METHODS: Expanded quantitative urine culture (EQUC) was used to culture bacterial isolates from mid-stream urine samples. Urinary isolates …
Examining The Absorbance Maximum, Protein Concentration And Antimicrobial Activity Of Seaweed Extracts,
2023
Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
Examining The Absorbance Maximum, Protein Concentration And Antimicrobial Activity Of Seaweed Extracts, Claudia Kenneally
ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)
Background
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has highlighted the need for novel antimicrobials. Antimicrobial compounds can be isolated from various marine sources, including seaweed, which contain pigments and proteins. This study focuses on screening seaweeds for potential antimicrobial compounds.
Methods
Four seaweed types (A, B, C, D) were collected from beaches in Cork, Ireland, and extracts of each were prepared using both methanol (-M) and water (-H2O). The absorbance maximum (λmax)of seaweed extracts was determined from 220 – 800 nm to investigate potential pigment interference at 600 nm. The bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay was preformed …
Bioengineered Nisin A Derivatives Display Enhanced Activity Against Clinical Neonatal Pathogens,
2023
Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
Bioengineered Nisin A Derivatives Display Enhanced Activity Against Clinical Neonatal Pathogens, Anna Desmond
ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)
Neonatal infection is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in infants. Globally, neonatal pathogens are increasingly becoming multi-drug resistant, indicating the need to discover novel alternative treatment strategies. Nisin is an antimicrobial peptide that exhibits broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including a wide variety of clinical pathogens. Nisin can be used in combination with antibiotics to improve their efficacy. This study examined the activity of nisin and bioengineered derivatives against multi-drug resistant Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus capitis isolates and investigated the potential synergy between nisin peptides and selected antibiotics. Whole genome sequence analysis of the strains revealed …
Tracing Evolution Of Gene Transfer Agents Using Comparative Genomics,
2023
Dartmouth College
Tracing Evolution Of Gene Transfer Agents Using Comparative Genomics, Roman Kogay
Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations
The accumulating evidence suggest that viruses and their components can be domesticated by their hosts, equipping them with convenient molecular toolkits for various functions. One of such domesticated system is Gene Transfer Agents (GTAs) that are produced by some bacteria and archaea. GTAs morphologically resemble small phage-like particles and contain random fragments of their host genome. They are produced only by a small fraction of the microbial population and are released through a lysis of the host cell. Bioinformatic analyses suggest that GTAs are especially abundant in the taxonomic class of Alphaproteobacteria, where they are vertically inherited and evolve …
The Effects Of Vaping Coil Temperature On The Viability Of Veillonella Parvula And Streptococcus Mutans,
2023
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
The Effects Of Vaping Coil Temperature On The Viability Of Veillonella Parvula And Streptococcus Mutans, Marvelous O. Aluko
Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity
No abstract provided.
Development Of A Novel Serum Formulation For The Treatment Of C. Acnes,
2023
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Development Of A Novel Serum Formulation For The Treatment Of C. Acnes, Ariana G. Ngue
Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity
Acne impacts 85% of people between 12-24 years of age. Even after puberty, acne continues to impact a large portion of the population. The treatments are diverse and include prescription drugs. Through this research, a novel formulation was created for the skin to treat acne. This formulation incorporates salicylic acid, a non-prescription acne treatment, as well as a polymeric carbohydrate (hyaluronic acid) known to be a component of skin and involved in the healing of skin. Through an internship with Island Lux Essentials, a company devoted to making all natural body care products, a novel serum formulation was created to …
Sars-Cov-2: Tale Of A Microscopic Murderer,
2023
Collin College
Sars-Cov-2: Tale Of A Microscopic Murderer, Josiah P. Garner
Quest
Independent Study
Research in progress for BIOL1406: Biology for Science Majors I
Faculty Mentor: Amina Tassa, Ph.D.
I am delighted to introduce Josiah Garner’s “SARS-CoV-2: Tale of a Microscopic Murderer.” This independent study assignment explores the impact of a novel, deadly, and worldwide virus. The assignment also examines the fast development of vaccines to control the spread and reduce the symptoms of the virus.
Josiah’s paper focuses on the early history of the emergence of COVID-19, the world response, and vaccine development. He demonstrates critical thinking skills and effectively utilizes various research methods to obtain and communicate his information. Josiah …
College Of Natural Sciences Newsletter, September - October 2023,
2023
South Dakota State University
College Of Natural Sciences Newsletter, September - October 2023, College Of Natural Sciences
College of Natural Sciences Newsletters and Reports
Page 1 Dean's Message
Page 2 New Faculty an Staff for the Fall 2023 Semester
Page 3 Awards
Page 4 Student Ambassadors in CNS
Page 5 Meet our Jacks
Page 6-8 Events
Page 9-11 Media Coverage of CNS
Page 12-13 Spring 2023 Dean's List
Page 14 Open PRAIRIE Data
A Review On Validation Of Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Elisa) Techniques For Detection And Quantification Of Different Contaminant In Aquatic Environment,
2023
School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
A Review On Validation Of Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Elisa) Techniques For Detection And Quantification Of Different Contaminant In Aquatic Environment, Sanwal Aslam, Zhen Zhang, Ali Muhammad
Journal of Bioresource Management
In world, contaminants and microbes are considered as serious problem in house water supplies as well as in aquatic environment for life. As a result, different countries are working to set level of these contaminants and microbes in domestic supply of water and in aquatic environment. In addition to these scientists are also working on reliable sampling and then their suitable analysis method for accuracy. It is also very important to improve and give justification for analytical techniques used in laboratories, which enable us to monitor level of various contaminants in aquatic environment. In this review, we have focused on …
Ochrobactrum, Bacillus And Enterobacter Isolates Of Hot Water Spring Augment The Growth Of Zea Mays Seedlings,
2023
Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, 54590-Lahore, Pakistan
Ochrobactrum, Bacillus And Enterobacter Isolates Of Hot Water Spring Augment The Growth Of Zea Mays Seedlings, Noor-E-Saba Naz, Rida Batool, Nazia Jamil
Journal of Bioresource Management
Hot springs situated at high altitudes is a kind of remarkable ecosystem for the exploration of microbial flora. It was hypothesized that hot springs can harbor bacteria with plant growth-promoting and exopolysaccharides (EPS) producing ability that can favour the growth of plants. For the investigation of this hypothesis, seven EPS producing bacterial isolates were isolated from a water sample of hot water spring of Tattapani, Azad Kashmir and characterized morphologically and biochemically. Three out of seven isolates (BE1, BN1 and BN3) showed significant production of EPS (14-15 mg / 100 ml). Growth kinetics study revealed that optimum EPS production was …
Multiple Rsv Strains Infecting Hep-2 And A549 Cells Reveal Cell Line-Dependent Differences In Resistance To Rsv Infection,
2023
Baylor College of Medicine
Multiple Rsv Strains Infecting Hep-2 And A549 Cells Reveal Cell Line-Dependent Differences In Resistance To Rsv Infection, Anubama Rajan, Felipe-Andres Piedra, Letisha Aideyan, Trevor Mcbride, Matthew Robertson, Hannah L. Johnson, Gina Marie Aloisio, David Henke, Cristian Coarfa, Fabio Stossi, Vipin Kumar Menon, Harshavardhan Doddapaneni, Donna Marie Muzny, Sara Joan Javornik Cregeen, Kristi Louise Hoffman, Joseph Petrosino, Richard A. Gibbs, Vasanthi Avadhanula, Pedro A. Piedra
Research Symposium
Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major viral driver of a global pediatric respiratory disease burden disproportionately borne by the poor1. Thus, RSV, like SARS-CoV-2, combines with congenital and environmental and host-history-dependent factors to create a spectrum of disease with greatest severity most frequently occurring in those least able to procure treatment.
Methods: Here we apply whole genome sequencing and a suite of other molecular biological techniques to survey host-virus dynamics in infections of two distinct cell lines (HEp2 and A549) with four strains representative of known RSV genetic diversity.
Results: We observed non-gradient patterns of RSV …
