Microbial Responses To Unconventional Oil And Gas Development May Alter Ecosystem Function In Headwater Streams,
2020
West Virginia University
Microbial Responses To Unconventional Oil And Gas Development May Alter Ecosystem Function In Headwater Streams, Rachel Michaels
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)
The demand for natural gas, and the need for efficient extraction, has led to the development of unconventional oil and natural gas (UOG) techniques. Due to the novelty of UOG, the potential impacts to freshwater ecosystems are not fully understood. We used a dual pronged approach to study the effects of UOG development on microbial biodiversity and function via a laboratory microcosm experiment and a survey study of streams with and without UOG development within their watersheds. The laboratory microcosm study simulated stream contamination with produced water, a byproduct of UOG operation, using sediment collected from one high water-quality stream …
Microbial Degradability Of Terrigenous, Marsh-Exported, And Estuarine Colored Dissolved Organic Matter In Long Island Sound,
2020
CUNY City College
Microbial Degradability Of Terrigenous, Marsh-Exported, And Estuarine Colored Dissolved Organic Matter In Long Island Sound, John R. Supino
Dissertations and Theses
The Long Island Sound is one of the world's most urbanized estuaries, polluted from excess nutrients which impact the quality of water through increased biological productivity. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a sensitive indicator of anthropogenic pollution and nutrient enrichment in coastal waters as well as an important part of the carbon cycle and serves as a primary food source for aquatic food webs. Additionally, the colored portion of DOM (CDOM) impacts coastal optical properties, ocean color, and light attenuation. High levels of CDOM have been shown to inhibit the growth of phytoplankton and limit photosynthesis, damaging the food chain …
Evaluating Historical Paradigms Of Sterility In Perinatal Microbiology And Ramifications For Pregnancy Outcomes,
2020
Wayne State University
Evaluating Historical Paradigms Of Sterility In Perinatal Microbiology And Ramifications For Pregnancy Outcomes, Jonathan Greenberg
Wayne State University Dissertations
Next-generation sequencing technologies, especially 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing have allowed investigations of low microbial biomass tissues of the human body. While these sequencing methodologies have provided large amounts of reliable data for higher microbial biomass sites, such as the mouth, intestine, and vagina, tissues of low microbial biomass sites are subject to specific caveats that were not appropriately considered in early investigations of these sites. Low microbial biomass sites of particular interest have included those of the reproductive and urinary systems. Utilization of DNA sequencing methodologies have allowed researchers to challenge existing paradigms of sterility around these sites …
Hedgehog Signaling Inhibators And Their Importance For Cancer Treatment,
2020
South Dakota State University
Hedgehog Signaling Inhibators And Their Importance For Cancer Treatment, Haileselassie Tefera
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a crucial role during embryonic development as well as tissue maintenances in adults. Deregulated Hh signaling has been implicated in different diseases and conditions including cancer. Previously, the mechanisms of Hh signaling pathway and its role in cancer formation have been studied and has led to the development of therapeutic drugs. Among those agents, vismodegib and sonidegib are FDA approved drugs to treat basal cell carcinoma and other cancers. Up to date, several hedgehogs (Hh) signaling inhibitors and drugs have been made and evaluating for cancer treatment. In this review, I will discuss the …
The Oral Microbiome And Its Effects On Human Systemic Diseases,
2020
South Dakota State University
The Oral Microbiome And Its Effects On Human Systemic Diseases, Hee Chang Shin
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
In the past decade, scientists and healthcare professionals have gained interest in the microbiome and its function as part of the human body. The two most diverse microbiome environments are found in the gut and the oral cavity. While the gut microbiome has been investigated more deeply and continues to be a great interest, the oral microbiome is in comparison a more recent subject with fewer reports on the topic. The purpose of this review paper is to highlight the main human systemic diseases associated with the oral microbiome and to discuss how our understanding of the oral microbiome’s effect …
Freestanding Emergency Departments: A Possible Solution To Rural Hospital Closure,
2020
South Dakota State University
Freestanding Emergency Departments: A Possible Solution To Rural Hospital Closure, Emily Steadman
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Freestanding emergency departments have become more and more common over the years and have started to pop up in many states across the country. A freestanding emergency department is a facility that provides healthcare in the form of emergency services separate from those at a hospital. FEDs can be seen as independent structures that are distinct from hospital-based emergency rooms and urgent facilities. Just as freestanding emergency departments have spread across the country in a bit of a frenzy, another prevalent issue has been sweeping the country, the closure of rural hospitals. Over the last decade rural hospitals have struggled …
Parkinson’S Disease: Current Treatment Options,
2020
South Dakota State University
Parkinson’S Disease: Current Treatment Options, Luke Kovaleski
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is caused by a lack of dopamine. This lack of dopamine has many effects on a person’s body who has Parkinson’s Disease including loss of motor control, slowed movement (bradykinesia), changes in speech, impaired posture and balance, and muscle rigidity. The object of this paper is to explore some of the many different options for treatment of symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease that are currently available. There is not one over-arching treatment that can alleviate the symptoms that are caused by Parkinson’s Disease. However, if multiple treatments are used together, a patient who is …
Role Of Adiponectin In Neuroinflammation & Neuroprotection,
2020
South Dakota State University
Role Of Adiponectin In Neuroinflammation & Neuroprotection, Nathan Stadem
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Microglial cells play a significant role in defense of the brain. However, in certain disease states, their response can lead to inflammation that can be detrimental to the survival of brain cells and have harmful effects on a person’s brain activity. Currently, the treatment options for microglial induced neuroinflammation are relatively limited. Adiponectin has recently appeared as a potential moderator of neuroinflammation as well as a promoter of neuroprotection. Adiponectin is a naturally occurring cytokine that has been shown to play a role in a multitude of processes throughout the body including potential as a microglial induced neuroinflammation. Adiponectin’s role …
Hiv Vaccine Development: The Importance Of Gp120 Variable Loop 3 For The Survival Of The Human Immunodeficiency Virus And The Potency Of The Neutralizing Antibody To Bind To The Variable Loop 3,
2020
South Dakota State University
Hiv Vaccine Development: The Importance Of Gp120 Variable Loop 3 For The Survival Of The Human Immunodeficiency Virus And The Potency Of The Neutralizing Antibody To Bind To The Variable Loop 3, Riham Hussien
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
The tendency for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to proliferate and mutate it’s trimeric envelop (Env), is one of the reasons why it’s a challenge for an antibody-based vaccine to be developed. Glycoprotein 160 (gp160,) which consists of glycoprotein 120 (gp120) and glycoprotein 41 (gp41), is the main focus for a research vaccine design. Gp120 consists of an outer membrane, inner membrane and bridging sheet. The protein is trimeric, and non-covalently binds to gp41. The outer domain is where the neutralizing antibody bind, such as 2G12, immunoglobulin G1b12, and anti-V3 antibodies. V3 stands for the Variable loop 3, gp120 has …
Intermittent Fasting (If) Promotes Longevity Through Alterations Of The Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (Mtor) And The Epigenome,
2020
South Dakota State University
Intermittent Fasting (If) Promotes Longevity Through Alterations Of The Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (Mtor) And The Epigenome, Tayt Boeckholt
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Many studies with a range of subjects from Nematodes to Homo sapiens have found intermittent fasting (IF) to significantly improve the cardiometabolic health of individuals, but how IF promotes longevity through epigenetic modulations remains a sparse understanding throughout the literature. The process of aging may be characterized by a loss of cellular identity sprouted from a disrupted epigenome rich with information for a cell, while also losing the ability to recycle ineffective cellular components. The nutrient-sensing kinase Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is disrupted during bouts of fasting which allows for the recycling of cellular components through increased autophagy. Furthermore, …
A Social Review Of The Opioid Epidemic: The History, Pathophysiology, And Effects On Rural America,
2020
South Dakota State University
A Social Review Of The Opioid Epidemic: The History, Pathophysiology, And Effects On Rural America, Holly J. Goehring
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
One of the more pressing issues in modern day health care is the nationwide heath care crisis known as the opioid epidemic. The beginning of this literature review will focus on the history of opioid use and early prescription rates, as well as the summary and definitions of the drugs involved in the current opioid epidemic. The review then shifts to the pathophysiology of addiction involving the activation of opioid receptors and opioid use disorder. The main focus of this literature review is the societal impacts of the opioid epidemic, making special reference to the economic burden and effects on …
Antidepressant Effects On Rem Sleep,
2020
South Dakota State University
Antidepressant Effects On Rem Sleep, Mitchel Adams
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Individuals who deal with depression are typically prescribed antidepressants in order to alleviate the depressive symptoms that they may be having. Polysomnographic sleep research has revealed that depression is associated with altered sleep architecture and distorted REM sleep quality.2 Specifically, increased REM sleep duration and density have proved to be markers that predict recurrence and relapse for depressed individuals. REM sleep serves to stimulate regions of the brain that are important with learning and memory consolidation. However, an increased duration of REM sleep in depressed individuals proves to be unfavorable. Antidepressants drugs aim to weaken sleep quality, which is …
Impact Of Chytrid Fungus Pathogen On The Skin Microbiome Of Frogs In Northern Idaho And Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Washington,
2020
Eastern Washington University
Impact Of Chytrid Fungus Pathogen On The Skin Microbiome Of Frogs In Northern Idaho And Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Washington, Philip M. Campos
EWU Masters Thesis Collection
Amphibians worldwide are under threat from the infectious disease chytridiomycosis, which is caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Bd is associated with the population declines of an estimated 501 species, 90 of which are presumed or confirmed extinct, making this the greatest documented loss of biodiversity attributed to a disease. Researching the amphibian skin microbiome may provide solutions to conservation of amphibians. Two main relationships have been observed between Bd and the microbiome: 1) bacteria producing antifungal metabolites can inhibit Bd and improve survival against the disease and 2) infection by Bd is believed to affect the composition …
Evaluation Of The Symbiotic Relation Between Endophyte And Poplar Trees Exposed To Landfill Leachate,
2020
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Evaluation Of The Symbiotic Relation Between Endophyte And Poplar Trees Exposed To Landfill Leachate, Catalina Vega Hurtado
Masters Theses
“The contamination of soil and groundwater from leachate leakage from landfill has turned, nowadays, into a global public issue. One of the main concerns about this pollutant is the potential threat to human and ecosystem health. The current research studied endophyte bacteria in association with poplar trees (Populus sp.), as a method of bioremediation of landfill leachates. The objective of the project was to identify treatment strategies that may improve plant performance (survival rates, plant fitness, and degradation efficacy) with the purpose of being implemented in phytoremediation plots, aimed to intercept and treat landfill leachate, before the contamination of watershed. …
A Susceptibility Study Of Urinary Isolates To Methenamine Hippurate And Its Metabolites,
2020
Loyola University Chicago
A Susceptibility Study Of Urinary Isolates To Methenamine Hippurate And Its Metabolites, Nancy Sloan
Master's Theses
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections in adult women. Treatment is one of the most common reasons for antibiotic prescription. the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections coupled with the shortage of new antibiotics creates an urgent need for alternative non-antibiotic treatments. One alternative is methenamine hippurate (MH), which is a non-antibiotic prophylaxis. It is reported to be active against some common uropathogens including Escherichia coli and Enterococcus species, but its effects on the newly discovered bladder microbiota (urobiome) are undocumented. Given this knowledge gap, this study aimed to evaluate the drug's spectrum of susceptibility on …
Investigating The Role Of Hypusine In Viral Translation And Infection,
2020
Loyola University Chicago
Investigating The Role Of Hypusine In Viral Translation And Infection, Jeremy Joseph Esin
Master's Theses
Polyamines are small, positively charged, molecules found in eukaryotic cells with roles in cellular function and viral infection. in previous work we have shown RNa viruses, including bunyaviruses, to be sensitive to polyamine depletion, but exact mechanisms are unknown. Bunyaviruses are emerging pathogens that cause encephalitis, hemorrhagic fevers, and meningitis. Rift Valley Fever Virus is a bunyavirus that infects both humans and livestock with severe mortality and morbidity. in previous work done with Rift Valley Fever Virus polyamine depleted results in noninfectious interfering particles without affecting the shape or size of the particles. Here, I investigate a specific metabolic pathway …
Survival Of Enterococcus FaeciumIn Turkey Litter Under Different Temperature And Moisture Combinations,
2020
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, Department of Biological Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Survival Of Enterococcus FaeciumIn Turkey Litter Under Different Temperature And Moisture Combinations, Steven G. Mcbride, Benjamin Holland, Pradeep Vasudevan, Joanna B. Mott
Virginia Journal of Science
Untreated poultry litter introduces a substantial load of fecal pathogens to the environment, impacting agriculture, public health and ecosystem function. There is substantial evidence that temperature and moisture are the primary drivers of fecal bacteria survival across ecosystems. However, both temperature and moisture effects have been shown to be modulated by the matrix in which the fecal bacteria are living. This context dependence highlights the importance of understanding fecal bacteria survival in a variety of matrices in order to implement effective waste management plans. In this study, we determined the survival patterns of Enterococcus faecium in post-use turkey litter under …
The Persisting Threats Of Cholera: A Cyclical Public Health Problem In Ghana,
2020
Wright State University
The Persisting Threats Of Cholera: A Cyclical Public Health Problem In Ghana, Rita Laryea Amediavor
Browse all Theses and Dissertations
The prevalence of communicable diseases continues to be one of the continent's leading causes of deaths. Cholera is a waterborne disease triggered by toxigenic strains of the Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio Cholerae O1 strain and less common O139 strain. with symptoms such as severe acute watery diarrhea and vomiting leading to dehydration, progressing to hypovolemic shock and death if not treated timely due to its short incubation period (Pasetto et al., 2018). West African countries are largely portrayed as endemic to cholera, though the dynamics of outbreaks in these developing countries remain largely uncertain. The purpose of the study is to …
Microbial Interactions Between Compost Bedded Pack Barn Bedding And Teat Exposure In Transition Dairy Cattle,
2020
University of Kentucky
Microbial Interactions Between Compost Bedded Pack Barn Bedding And Teat Exposure In Transition Dairy Cattle, Tanya Lynn France
Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences
Compost bedded pack barns utilize composting methods which provide a soft surface for dairy cows to lie on. This requires optimal microbial growth, which may increase the exposure of mastitis-causing pathogens to the teats of early lactation animals. Bedding characteristics, bedding bacteria, and bacterial counts on the teat skin, teat ends, and in the milk of early lactation dairy cows housed on a compost bedded pack were assessed over a 6-month time. The main objective was to determine the relationship between environmental effects (bedding characteristics and weather conditions) and cow-level (teat skin, teat end, milk) bacteria counts over time in …
Isothermal Environmental Heat Energy Utilization By Transmembrane Electrostatically Localized Protons At The Liquid-Membrane Interface,
2020
Old Dominion University
Isothermal Environmental Heat Energy Utilization By Transmembrane Electrostatically Localized Protons At The Liquid-Membrane Interface, James Weifu Lee
Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications
This study employing the latest theory on transmembrane electrostatic proton localization has now, for the first time, consistently elucidated a decades-longstanding bioenergetic conundrum in alkalophilic bacteria and more importantly discovered an entirely new feature: isothermal environmental heat utilization by electrostatically localized protons at the liquid-membrane interface. It was surprisingly revealed that the protonic motive force (equivalent to Gibbs free energy) from the isothermal environmental heat energy utilization through the electrostatically localized protons is not constrained by the overall energetics of the redox-driven proton pump system because of the following: (a) the transmembrane electrostatically localized protons are not free to move …
