Environmental Monitoring In Shallow Lakes: Public Health Threats In Urban Waters,
2026
Virginia Commonwealth University
Environmental Monitoring In Shallow Lakes: Public Health Threats In Urban Waters, Kyleigh E. Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
Lakes are an integral part of urban and suburban communities, providing ecological, recreational, and public health benefits. Many of these lakes are located in densely populated areas and are subject to urban influences on water quality. Algal toxins and Escherichia coli are two common recreational concerns. Algal toxins come from harmful algal blooms that are influenced by nutrient availability and temperature, while bacteria are often introduced through run-off and animal waste. Sampling every 3-4 weeks from May-October 2025 allowed for the assessment of seasonal patterns and site-specific differences across nine lakes in the Richmond area. The highest bacterial concentrations appeared …
Depemokimab: A Twice Yearly Anti-Il 5 Biologic For Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps (Crswnp) - A Narrative Review,
2026
Stanford University School of Medicine
Depemokimab: A Twice Yearly Anti-Il 5 Biologic For Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps (Crswnp) - A Narrative Review, Marn Joon Park, Joseph K. Han, Kent K. Lam
Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications
Depemokimab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-5 with enhanced binding affinity and an extended terminal elimination half‑life of 6-8 weeks. The unique pharmacodynamic features of depemokimab enable sustained suppression of type 2 inflammation with twice‑yearly subcutaneous dosing. This narrative review provides details of depemokimab's molecular profile, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics and results regarding the clinical efficacy and safety of depemokimab from recently published Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). In 528 severe adult CRSwNP patients (ANCHOR‑1/‑2 trials), depemokimab achieved Δ total endoscopic nasal polyp score by -0.70 (p < .001) and Δ nasal obstruction verbal response scale by -0.24 (p = .003) at week 52, compared to placebo. Twice‑yearly 100 mg depemokimab provides durable eosinophil suppression and with a safety profile comparable to placebo in Phase 3 trials for CRSwNP. Future work should refine biomarkers and assess comparative cost‑effectiveness and long‑term adherence, safety, and effectiveness.
Population Genomics And Evolution Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa,
2026
University at Albany, State University of New York
Population Genomics And Evolution Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Samara T. Choudhury
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium ubiquitous in diverse environments and an opportunistic pathogen in humans. It is a leading cause of chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients and of hospital-acquired pneumonia and sepsis. With a large flexible genome and abundant mobile genetic elements, P. aeruginosa exhibits high levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making it a significant public health threat. Evolutionary processes such as homologous recombination, and horizontal gene transfer generate extensive genomic diversity in this species and facilitate the spread of resistance genes. In this dissertation, I investigate the genetic and evolutionary factors shaping P. aeruginosa population structure …
The Ecological Consequences Of Horizontal Transmission Of Symbionts,
2026
University of Texas at Arlington
The Ecological Consequences Of Horizontal Transmission Of Symbionts, Bibek Singh Parajuli
Biology Dissertations
Most multicellular organisms depend on their microbial symbionts for various functions, such as digestion, nutrient supplementation, pesticide degradation, and defense. While many insects acquire their symbionts vertically from their parents, thousands of species of true bugs (Hemiptera) across different families acquire their microbial symbiont, Caballeronia, from the environment each generation. Acquiring symbionts from the environment (horizontal transmission) has various ecological consequences for the host. In this study, I used the bug-Caballeronia model 1) to understand whether the free-living symbionts benefit from association with multicellular hosts, 2) to evaluate whether host specialization on symbiont strains varies across taxonomic levels, …
Effects Of Fermented Soybean Products On The Human Gut Microbiome, Microbial Metabolism, And Host Physiology,
2026
University of Texas at Arlington
Effects Of Fermented Soybean Products On The Human Gut Microbiome, Microbial Metabolism, And Host Physiology, Shannon Moncier
Biology Dissertations
Fermented soybean products (FSPs) contain soybean-derived substrates, fermentation-associated microorganisms, and bioactive compounds that may interact with the human gut microbiome and host physiology. However, despite the growing interest in FSPs, longitudinal human studies specifically evaluating traditional Korean-FSPs (K-FSPs), particularly among United States-based populations, remain limited. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of three K-FSPs, including Cheonggukjang, Gochujang, and Doenjang, on host physiological responses, gut microbial community structure, predicted microbial functional potential, and fecal butyrate responses in healthy adults. Three independent dietary intervention cohorts were conducted using FSP formulations produced either by traditional artisan methods (Product A) …
Remediation Impacts Metal Concentrations And Metal Tolerant Bacteria In Soils Of The Missouri Tri-State Mining District,
2026
Missouri State University
Remediation Impacts Metal Concentrations And Metal Tolerant Bacteria In Soils Of The Missouri Tri-State Mining District, Ophelia R. Pettington
Graduate Theses/Dissertations
After over 100 years of Zn and Pb mining in the Tri-State mining district (TSMD), former mines continue to be sources of metals. Metal contaminated soils can be remediated using plant-microbe interactions. Plants manipulate their microbiome and recruit microbes to increase metal tolerance. Remediating bacteria are site-specific and identifying native microbes can accelerate remediation efforts. Studies relating microbes and metal concentrations in remediated areas in the TSMD are scarce. I collected root and bulk zone soils associated with Andropogon virginicus from remediated and non-remediated sites in Webb City, MO. I used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to evaluate the bacterial …
A Tale Of Two Microbialities: Stromatolites And Microbially Induced Sedimentary Structures,
2026
Old Dominion University
A Tale Of Two Microbialities: Stromatolites And Microbially Induced Sedimentary Structures, Nora Noffke, Stanley M. Awramik
OES Faculty Publications
Microbialites are biosedimentary structures built by microbial mats. Five microbialite groups are distinguished: stromatolites, thrombolites, dendrolites, leiloites and microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS). This contribution discusses the two most abundant microbialite groups in marine settings, stromatolites and MISS. Microbial interactions with clastic sediment are very similar in both stromatolite and MISS formation. However, in stromatolites, syngenetic carbonate production caused by photoautotrophic and heterotrophic metabolisms and by calcimicrobes also takes place. More so, carbonate may precipitate within the extracellular polymeric substances. Due to the various carbonate forming processes as well as recrystallisation, the microscopic mat fabrics within stromatolite laminae are rarely …
Regional Oceanographic Controls On Water Column Nitrogen Fixation In Northern Australian Waters,
2026
University of Southern California
Regional Oceanographic Controls On Water Column Nitrogen Fixation In Northern Australian Waters, Douglas G. Capone, Ajit Subramaniam, Yubin Raut, Joseph P. Montoya, Margaret R. Mulholland, Rachel Ann Foster, Miles Furnas, Edward J. Carpenter
OES Faculty Publications
Large blooms of the diazotrophic cyanobacteria, Trichodesmium, have been re-ported along the north coast of Australia and are readily evident in remote sensing images. During a research cruise in November 1999, we sampled from Townsville to Broome, examined Trichodesmium population densities and their rates of carbon and N₂ fixation alongside microscopy-based cell counts of them and other cyanobacte-rial diazotrophs. Additionally, we also enumerated the picophytoplankton community using flow-cytometry, measured bulk chlorophyll concentrations, carbon and N₂ fixation rates, and water column hydrography, enabling comparison of diazotrophic and picophytoplankton functional groups across the system. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis of physicochemical oceanographic …
Regulation And Localization Of Urease In Sporosarcina Pasteurii: Implications For Coastal Protection,
2026
University of North Florida
Regulation And Localization Of Urease In Sporosarcina Pasteurii: Implications For Coastal Protection, Amar Kosovac
UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Coastal erosion is a persistent problem exacerbated by global warming. As the climate changes, the southeastern coast is likely to experience an increased frequency and intensity of storms, which can significantly damage the coastline. The coast is crucial as it serves as a habitat for numerous animals, supports tourism, and underpins infrastructure. Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is a novel method to enhance erosion resistance in sandy soils using the non-pathogenic bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii. S. pasteurii produces urease to catalyze urea into bicarbonate, which drives the precipitation of calcium carbonate. Maximal expression of urease is a limiting factor for …
The Geminivirus Al2 Protein Interacts With Host Proteins Involved In The Plant Antiviral Response,
2026
Northern Illinois University
The Geminivirus Al2 Protein Interacts With Host Proteins Involved In The Plant Antiviral Response, Pheobean Atieno Odongo
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
Geminiviruses are economically important plant DNA viruses infecting a broad range of plant species and causing devastating crop diseases, resulting in up to 100% crop loss. As a result of these heavy losses on food and cash crops, these viruses represent a new threat to global food security and sustainability. In this research, I use Tomato golden mosaic virus (TGMV) to study host-virus relationships with an overall goal of developing sustainable and eco-friendly crop resistance. TGMV belongs to the Geminivirus subgroup, Begomovirus, that is characterized by a split genome consisting of two single-stranded circular DNAs. The TGMV genome encodes proteins …
Management-Driven Shifts In The Bison Fecal Microbiome And Its Relationship To Stec Prevalence,
2026
Northern Illinois University
Management-Driven Shifts In The Bison Fecal Microbiome And Its Relationship To Stec Prevalence, Ritesh Ray
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
Contamination of meat samples from pathogens such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), especially in ruminants, is an ever-growing issue for the safety of global meat production. Recent studies have reported STEC in the livestock and food industry with a limited focus on wildlife. Although cattle serve as the primary reservoir for STEC, American bison (Bison bison bison) is the largest ruminant inhabiting North America, sharing similar genetics, and grazing habits, making them an ideal alternative STEC reservoir. Re-introduction for prairie conservation and meat farming has brought bison herds closer to anthropic environments than before. Recently bison meat has become …
Exploring The Application Of Wastewater Monitoring To Determine The Prevalence And Diversity Of Influenza On The Campus Of West Virginia University,
2026
West Virginia University
Exploring The Application Of Wastewater Monitoring To Determine The Prevalence And Diversity Of Influenza On The Campus Of West Virginia University, Lakyn Renee Sanders
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)
Influenza viruses (IV) affect populations globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that IV are responsible for an estimated 3-5 million infections and 290,000 – 650,000 deaths annually1–3. More specifically, the 2019-2020 IV season is associated with an estimated 38 million illnesses and 22,000 deaths in the United States alone4. IV are rapidly spread between individuals through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or aerosolized virus particles2. Traditional IV infection monitoring relies on clinical screening of patients presenting influenza-like symptoms, commonly through the use of multi-target panel tests such as the BioFire …
The Role Of Temperature And Carbon Source In Nutrient Acquisition For Peptidoglycan Synthesis In A Gfp-Expressing Borreliella Burgdorferi,
2026
West Virginia University
The Role Of Temperature And Carbon Source In Nutrient Acquisition For Peptidoglycan Synthesis In A Gfp-Expressing Borreliella Burgdorferi, Barrett-Anne Conner Briggs
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States with an estimated yearly incidence rate of more than 300,000 cases. Borreliella burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease, is transmitted by the bite of an infected Ixodes scapularis tick and can cause debilitating pathologies affecting numerous body systems. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, joint pain, and a characteristic bull’s eye rash (erythema migrans) at the site of the tick bite. The timely and appropriate use of antibiotics effectively treats early Lyme disease; however, uncomfortable side effects reduce treatment compliance. If left untreated, long-term complications can arise including facial …
Exploring The Interplay Of Operational Conditions, Microbial Communities, And Water Quality In Drinking Water Ozone-Biofiltration,
2026
West Virginia University
Exploring The Interplay Of Operational Conditions, Microbial Communities, And Water Quality In Drinking Water Ozone-Biofiltration, Kara Yvonne Cunningham
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)
Ensuring reliable access to safe drinking water is a growing global challenge as water utilities face variable source water quality driven by population growth, land‑use change, and climate change impacts. To address these challenges, utilities are implementing advanced treatment technologies designed to improve reliability under variable source water conditions. Ozone-biofiltration has emerged as a treatment approach that can reduce a wide range of natural and anthropogenic contaminants. However, despite its increased use, there is limited insight into the biological processes shaping filter function or how they respond to operational and environmental changes. Advances in molecular microbiology and high-throughput sequencing now …
Plant Invasion Patterns In Understory And Soil Microbial Communities Of North Central West Virginia Mixed Hardwood Forests,
2026
West Virginia University
Plant Invasion Patterns In Understory And Soil Microbial Communities Of North Central West Virginia Mixed Hardwood Forests, Isabelle Marie Uganski
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)
Invasive plants alter forest ecosystems by reducing species richness, habitat heterogeneity, and nutrient cycling as they rapidly displace native plants. Invasive plant composition can influence soil health through altering soil microbial associations and communities. By studying the mechanisms in which invasives alter above- and below-ground communities, we can better understand whole-ecosystem impacts and inform management decisions. This study examined the relationships between co-occurring invasion on above and belowground communities of mixed hardwood forests of north central West Virginia. Despite distinctive associations with aboveground characteristics (native diversity, native tree regeneration, and leaf litter density) we detected limited changes to soil microbial …
Role Of The Osaa Transcription Factor Gene In Development, Secondary Metabolism And Virulence In The Mycotoxigenic Fungus Aspergillus Flavus,
2026
Northern Illinois University
Role Of The Osaa Transcription Factor Gene In Development, Secondary Metabolism And Virulence In The Mycotoxigenic Fungus Aspergillus Flavus, Farzana Ehetasum Hossain
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
Aspergillus flavus colonizes oil-seed crops, contaminating them with aflatoxins; highly carcinogenic mycotoxins that cause severe health and economic losses. Genetic studies may reveal new targets for effective control strategies. Here, we characterized a putative WOPR transcription factor gene, osaA, in A. flavus. Our results revealed that osaA regulates conidiation and sclerotial formation. Importantly, deletion of osaA reduces aflatoxin B1 production, while, unexpectedly, transcriptome analysis indicated upregulation of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes, suggesting post-transcriptional or cofactor-mediated regulation. Cyclopiazonic acid production also decreased in the absence of osaA. In addition, the osaA mutant exhibited upregulation of genes in the imizoquin and aspirochlorine clusters. …
Combating Antibiotic Resistance With Plasmid-Dependent Phages,
2026
University at Albany, State University of New York
Combating Antibiotic Resistance With Plasmid-Dependent Phages, Rhiannon T. Mariano
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
The alarming rise of carbapenem-resistant bacteria poses an urgent global health threat, driven in large part by the horizontal spread of carbapenemase-encoding plasmids (Ma et al., 2023). These plasmids are often highly mobile and transmissible, enabling rapid dissemination of resistance genes across diverse bacterial populations. Their mobility is largely mediated by conjugation, a process dependent on the formation of pili, which serve as physical bridges for plasmid transfer between cells (Murray et al. 2022; San Millan and MacLean 2017; Virolle et al. 2020). Beyond their role in gene exchange, these pili also act as entry points for a unique class …
The Coral Microbiome Under Climate Change: Shifting Symbiotic Interactions,
2026
Old Dominion University
The Coral Microbiome Under Climate Change: Shifting Symbiotic Interactions, Katherine E. Parker, Kate M. Quigley
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
Host–microbe symbioses are central to organismal health, yet these complex partnerships are often strongly shaped by the environment. Climate change is increasingly altering environmental conditions, disrupting the balance of host–microbe interactions and pushing them along a continuum from mutualism (both partners benefit) toward parasitism (one partner gains at the other’s expense). Reef-building corals provide a clear example of this vulnerability, as the coral holobiont, an ecological unit comprising diverse photosynthetic algal symbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) and other microbial partners, depends largely on these mutualistic interactions for nutrition, immunity, and stress tolerance. Increasingly, evidence suggests that under heat stress, the algal symbionts retain …
Development Of Shigella Flexneri Detection Method By Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Targeting The Sfmd Gene,
2025
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jakarta 13220, Indonesia
Development Of Shigella Flexneri Detection Method By Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Targeting The Sfmd Gene, Muktiningsih Nurjayadi, Puan Aqila Azizah, Agus Setiawan, Ananda Indah Putri Sihombing, Anisa Fitriyanti, Grace Grace, Gusti Angieta Putri, Helzi Angelina, Royna Rahma Musie, Jefferson Lynford Declan, Gladys Indira Putri, Dandy Akbar Juliansyah, Siti Fatimah, Tiara Fahriza, Irma Ratna Kartika, Fera Kurniadewi, Novitasari Novitasari, Bassam Abomoelak, Hesham Ali El Enshasy, Shyi-Tien Chen
Makara Journal of Science
Shigella flexneri can cause shigellosis, which results in high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or death. This study developed a detection method based on real-time polymerase chain reaction that targets the sfmD gene of S. flexneri given that the virulence factor encoded by this gene is thought to facilitate adhesion to a host surface. The proposed method involves primer design, DNA isolation, the optimization of primer annealing temperature, and confirmation, specificity, and sensitivity tests. A sfmD primer with an amplicon length of 155 bp was annealed to the target DNA at an optimized temperature of 60 ℃ (range 54 °C–62 °C). This …
Seroprevalence And Risk Determinants Of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection In Pregnant Women In Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study,
2025
Department of Basic and Applied Zoology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal Pakistan
Seroprevalence And Risk Determinants Of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection In Pregnant Women In Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study, Tajul Haram, Kamran Khan
Journal of Bioresource Management
Toxoplasma gondii is a globally important zoonotic parasite, and maternal infection during pregnancy may cause miscarriage, congenital anomalies, or severe neonatal complications. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 367 pregnant women attending hospitals in District Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and associated risk factors. Blood samples were analyzed using Immunochromatographic Test (ICT) for initial screening, and positive cases were confirmed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Overall, 34.6 % (127/367) of women tested positive. While no significant differences were observed across age groups, gestational trimesters, or abortion history, higher prevalence was noted in women …
