An Ecological Perspective Of American Rodent-Borne Orthohantavirus Surveillance,
2023
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
An Ecological Perspective Of American Rodent-Borne Orthohantavirus Surveillance, Nathaniel Mull
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Orthohantaviruses are a global group of viruses found primarily in rodents, though several viruses have also been found in shrews and moles. Many rodent-borne orthohantaviruses are capable of causing one of several diseases in humans, and the mortality associated with these diseases ranges from < 0.1% - 50% depending on the specific etiological virus. In North and South America, orthohantavirus research was ignited by an outbreak of severe disease in the Four Corners region of the United States in 1993. However, despite the discovery of over 20 orthohantaviruses in the Americas, our understanding of orthohantavirus ecology and virus-host dynamics in this region is still limited, and orthohantavirus surveillance is generally restricted in scope to select regions and small portions of host distributional ranges. In Chapter I, I present a literature review on the current understanding of American rodent-borne orthohantavirus ecology. This review focused on under-studied orthohantaviruses, addressing gaps in knowledge by extrapolating information from well-studied orthohantaviruses, general rodent ecology, and occassionally from Eurasian orthohantavirus-host ecology. There were several key conclusions generated from this review that warrant further research: 1) the large number of putative orthohantaviruses and gaps in orthohantavirus evolution necessitate further surveillance and characterization, 2) orthohantavirus traits differ and are more generalizable based on host taxonomy rather than geography, and 3) orthohantavirus host species are disproportionately found in grasslands and disturbed habitats. In Chapter II, I present a prioritized list of rodent species to target for orthohantavirus surveillance based on predictive modeling using machine learning. Probable orthohantavirus hosts were predicted based on traits of known orthohantavirus hosts using two different types of evidence: RT-PCR and virus isolation. Predicted host distributions were also mapped to identify geographic hotspots to spatially guide future surveillance efforts. In Chapter III, I present a framework for understanding and predicting orthohantavirus traits based on reservoir host phylogeny, as opposed to the traditional geographic dichotomy used to group orthohantaviruses. This framework establishes three distinct orthohantavirus groups: murid-borne orthohantaviruses, arvicoline-borne orthohantaviruses, and non-arvicoline cricetid-borne orthohantaviruses, which differ in several key traits, including the human disease they cause, transmission routes, and virus-host fidelity. In Chapter IV, I compare rodent communities and orthohantavirus prevalence among grassland management regimes. Sites that were periodically burned had high rodent diversity and a high proportion of grassland species. However, rodent seroprevalence for orthohantavirus was also highest in burned sites, representing a trade-off in habitat management outcomes. The high seroprevalence in burned sites is likely due to the robust populations supported by the high quality habitat resulting from prescribed burning. In Chapters V and VI, I describe Ozark virus and Sager Creek virus, two novel orthohantaviruses discovered from specimens collected during Chapter IV. Both chapters report full genome sequences of the respective viruses and compare both nucleotide and protein phylogenies with related orthohantaviruses. Additionally in Chapter VI, I support the genetic analyses with molecular and ecological characterizations, including seasonal fluctuations in host abundance, correlates of prevalence, evidence of virus shedding, and information on host cell susceptibility to Sager Creek virus.
Investigating The Impact Of Edaphobacter Aggregans (Wbg-1) On Arabidopsis Thaliana Development,
2023
University of Missouri, St. Louis
Investigating The Impact Of Edaphobacter Aggregans (Wbg-1) On Arabidopsis Thaliana Development, Julia Talbert
Undergraduate Research Symposium
Acidobacteria is a phylum of bacteria that make up 50% of soil microbes. While making up a large proportion of bacteria found in soil, this phylum is largely unexplored with limited information about the bacteria and their impact on plant growth. The selected target of this study is Edaphobacter aggregans, WBG-1, which is a part of a subdivision of acidobacteria. Examining the bacteria’s effects on the development of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana will provide insight into understanding this unknown phylum of soil-dwelling bacteria. Acidobacteria are an important realm to investigate as they affect agriculture practices. With Missouri being such …
Analysis Of Microbial Abundance On Marine Snow In The Deep Ocean,
2023
Gallaudet University
Analysis Of Microbial Abundance On Marine Snow In The Deep Ocean, Matthew Qilan Thompson
Undergraduate University Honors Capstones
The ocean plays a critical role in the carbon cycle, with phytoplankton serving as a source of energy and nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) to larger organisms in upper trophic levels. Additionally, marine snow, a cluster of components including dead zooplankton, organic carbon debris, and polymers as carbohydrates, proteins, and DNA, transport these nutrients and associated microorganisms to the deeper parts of the ocean. However, the relationship between microbial abundance and particle sizes of marine snow across the water column is not well understood. Previous studies suggest that microbial abundance is lower in the bathypelagic zone (1,000m - 4,000m) …
A Forensic Assessment Of Current Water Quality Using Idexx Techniques In The Himmarshee Canal And New River In Fort Lauderdale, Florida,
2023
Nova Southeastern University
A Forensic Assessment Of Current Water Quality Using Idexx Techniques In The Himmarshee Canal And New River In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Catherine Margaret Bilodeau
All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations
Fecal contamination has continued to plague local communities around the United States and the world, especially in highly populated areas like Southern Florida. Newer techniques are beginning to be used to track microbes properly as they are found in waterways. Some more recent techniques in Microbial Source Tracking (MST) use IDEXX kits to detect fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). Two IDEXX kits Colilert-18® which detects total coliforms and Escherichia coli in water or fecal coliforms in wastewater, and Enterolert®, which targets enterococci, were used in the waterways of the Himmarshee Canal and South Fork of the New River …
Testing Of Indazole Inhibitors Of Kasa, A Vital Enzyme Of M. Tuberculosis,
2023
University of Mary Washington
Testing Of Indazole Inhibitors Of Kasa, A Vital Enzyme Of M. Tuberculosis, Karissa Highlander
Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects
Tuberculosis is a disease that affects the lungs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). Although drug treatment options exist, increased rates of antibiotic resistant strains have become more prevalent in recent years, driving a need for new treatment approaches. KasA, a β-ketoacyl synthase, has been found to synthesize parts of the cell wall and been identified as an attractive drug target. Previous medicinal chemistry research has been completed to synthesize six effective competitive inhibitors of KasA that would potentially block the enzyme from binding the substrate, preventing elongation of the backbone and creation of the mycolic fatty acids that …
Antibacterial Properties Of Devil’S Walking Stick And Winged Sumac Extracts,
2023
Arkansas Tech University
Antibacterial Properties Of Devil’S Walking Stick And Winged Sumac Extracts, Raven L. Turner, Kayla L. Medina
ATU Scholars Symposium
Many native plants are used for the treatment of various diseases. Mainly those species in high chemical compound plant families can have antimicrobial properties. We selected two native plants in Arkansas, Devil’s walking stick (Aralia spinosa), and Winged sumac (Rhus copallinum), and tested them for antibacterial properties. We used three gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and three gram-negative bacteria (Alcaligenes faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Serratia marcescens). The disc diffusion method is employed to identify any potential antibacterial properties for the two plant species. For this experiment, 6.50 g of dehydrated plant material (leaves of each plant …
Distribution Of Micropredators In The Longleaf Pine Soil Microbiome,
2023
Kennesaw State University
Distribution Of Micropredators In The Longleaf Pine Soil Microbiome, Faith Arends, Eithar Mirghani
Symposium of Student Scholars
Bacterial micropredators of the soil, like their larger-scale counterparts, play a key role in shaping their ecosystem and are thus of particular interest from an ecological standpoint. An important micropredator to study are Myxobacteria. Myxobacteria are gram-negative rod-shaped social bacteria that hunt in wolf packs to lyse their prey and facilitate their growth. Myxobacteria are a potential source of novel antibiotics, therefore, the isolation of new strains is of great interest. We investigated longleaf pine soil as a source of novel isolates. The Longleaf Pine Ecosystem is an endangered ecosystem that is of crucial importance due to its ability to …
Antibacterial Activity Of Native Plants In Arkansas,
2023
Arkansas Tech University
Antibacterial Activity Of Native Plants In Arkansas, Kayla L. Medina, Raven L. Turner, Katie Huffman
ATU Scholars Symposium
American beautyberry (Callicarpa Americana), Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) and Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) are native plants of Arkansas. Plant families with species having high chemical compounds can have antimicrobial properties. In this study, the antibacterial properties of the plants are investigated against three gram positive (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and three negative bacteria (Alcaligenes faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Serratia marcescens). The disc diffusion assay method is employed to identify any potential antibacterial properties of the plants. For this experiment, 6.41 g of dehydrated plant material (leaves for both species) was combined with 50 mL of 75% ethanol creating …
Pyrus Calleryana Extracts Reduce Germination Of Native Grassland Species, Suggesting The Potential For Allelopathic Effects During Ecological Invasion,
2023
University of Dayton
Pyrus Calleryana Extracts Reduce Germination Of Native Grassland Species, Suggesting The Potential For Allelopathic Effects During Ecological Invasion, Michaela J. Woods, Jonathan T. Bauer, Dena Schaeffer, Ryan W. Mcewan
Biology Faculty Publications
Invasive plant species’ success may be a result of allelopathy, or the release of secondary metabolites that are harmful for surrounding plant species. Allelopathy can be mediated through the abiotic environment by chemical sorption or transformation, so the substrate on which interactions occur can lead to differential outcomes in allelopathic potential. One aggressive invader, Pyrus calleryana, has become dominant in many ecosystems throughout Eastern US, and has reduced the abundance of native species where it invades. Thus, our goal was to identify if P. calleryana had allelopathic potential by testing the impact of leaf and flower leachate on gemination …
Effects Of Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms On The Microbial Community Within Lake Okeechobee, Fl, Usa,
2023
Nova Southeastern University
Effects Of Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms On The Microbial Community Within Lake Okeechobee, Fl, Usa, Paisley S. Samuel
All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations
The Lake Okeechobee (Lake O) watershed is a Floridian freshwater ecosystem that has been affected by the increased frequency and intensity of harmful cyanobacterial bloom (cyanoHAB) events occurring over recent decades. Lake O has several ecological and economic purposes such as providing habitats for various organisms and providing drinking water to urban communities surrounding the lake. Toxic cyanoHAB events are posing a threat to the ecosystem and economy of the lake due to the degradation of water quality. This study investigates how the microbial community structure within Lake O is affected by annual cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms over several years …
Functional Domains Of The Hsv-1 Ul37 Protein In Virus Infectivity And Retrograde Transport In Neurons,
2023
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Functional Domains Of The Hsv-1 Ul37 Protein In Virus Infectivity And Retrograde Transport In Neurons, Carolyn Clark
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Herpes simplex virus type 1 is large alphaherpesvirus with 20 envelope proteins and 23 tegument proteins. Virus entry is via fusion of the viral envelope with cellular membranes mediated by a complex of viral glycoproteins. Glycoprotein B (gB) is the only fusogenic glycoprotein, while other viral glycoproteins and membrane proteins including gD, gH, gL, gK and UL20 membrane protein modulate gB’s fusogenicity. Previously, Our laboratory developed the HSV-1 (VC2) vaccines strain with partial deletions in the amino termini of gK (ΔgK(31–68)) and the UL20 membrane protein (ΔUL20(4–22)). VC2 enters epithelial cells only via endocytosis followed by release of the capsid …
The Presence Of Tetracycline-Resistant Bacteria In A Kean University Campus Soil Sample,
2023
Kean University
The Presence Of Tetracycline-Resistant Bacteria In A Kean University Campus Soil Sample, Esther Blankson, Jessica Kobilas, Gianna Medeiros
Kean Quest
The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment is a worldwide problem that threatens human health. Bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics as the consumption of antibiotics grows. In particular, soil can be contaminated with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. As of today, there is no surveillance system that tracks the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, however, Tufts University aims to change this by implementing the Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment (PARE) project. The course-based PARE project consists of research students sampling soil in diverse locations and reporting the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The purpose of …
The Role Of Community In Immunity Against Sars-Cov-2,
2023
Kean University
The Role Of Community In Immunity Against Sars-Cov-2, Jessica Kobilas
Kean Quest
This literature review investigated the roles genes activated by social interactions had in helping to build immunity against COVID-19. Past studies have shown that individuals who are more socially connected are less likely to become ill due to social interactions strengthening the immune system through optimal exposure to bacteria and viruses in the environment. The IL-6 and TLR4 genes that are activated through social interactions and associated with cytokines have been analyzed in cases of various viral infections. Cytokines play a role in inflammation and have both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses to infections and viruses. The results suggest that the …
Interspecies Interactions Within The Host: The Social Network Of Group B Streptococcus,
2023
The Texas Medical Center Library
Interspecies Interactions Within The Host: The Social Network Of Group B Streptococcus, Marlyd E Mejia, Clare M Robertson, Kathryn A Patras
Faculty, Staff and Students Publications
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a pervasive neonatal pathogen accounting for a combined half a million deaths and stillbirths annually. The most common source of fetal or neonatal GBS exposure is the maternal microbiota. GBS asymptomatically colonizes the gastrointestinal and vaginal mucosa of 1 in 5 individuals globally, although its precise role in these niches is not well understood. To prevent vertical transmission, broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered to GBS-positive mothers during labor in many countries. Although antibiotics have significantly reduced GBS early-onset neonatal disease, there are several unintended consequences, including an altered neonatal microbiota and increased risk for other microbial …
Cancer-Specific Perturbations To Arginine Metabolism Blunt Replication And Performance Of Oncolytic Myxoma Virus,
2023
Medical University of South Carolina
Cancer-Specific Perturbations To Arginine Metabolism Blunt Replication And Performance Of Oncolytic Myxoma Virus, Parker Dryja
MUSC Theses and Dissertations
Oncolytic virotherapy (OV) is a class of immunotherapy for treatment of malignancy. Using viruses that exhibit natural coincidental tropisms for cancer, or others that have been engineered to the same effect, intentional infection of lesions leads to two therapeutically beneficial effects: (1) direct destruction of the infected tumor through virally-mediated cell lysis, and (2) recruitment of an otherwise blunted or absent anti-cancer immune response to affect both local and disseminated disease. A surfeit of cancer-specific changes are accumulated during progression from first genetic insult to clinical detection, presenting a dramatically altered underlying biology of cell and tissue. The viruses employed …
Mycorrhizal Symbioses And Plant Interactions,
2023
CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via dei Fiori 8, 51012 Pescia, PT, Italy
Mycorrhizal Symbioses And Plant Interactions, Domenico Prisa
Karbala International Journal of Modern Science
The growing interest in mycorrhizal fungi in agriculture is related to their symbiotic relationships with cultivated plants. Thanks to functional genomics approaches, mycorrhizae and symbioses with host plants have emerged for their fea-tures. Besides improving nutritional supply, plant-fungal interactions increase plants' tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity and cold, as well as their resistance to diseases. Recent studies have investigated the interactions between plants and mycorrhizae, however the mechanisms often remain unclear. Indeed, plants in the field are affected by various stresses and results often appear contradictory. This review is aimed at presenting the most relevant studies in …
Growth Response Of Not-Ready-To-Distribute Tea (Camellia Sinensis (L) O. Kuntze) Seedlings Due To Application Of Biofertilizer At Various Concentrations And Intervals,
2023
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran
Growth Response Of Not-Ready-To-Distribute Tea (Camellia Sinensis (L) O. Kuntze) Seedlings Due To Application Of Biofertilizer At Various Concentrations And Intervals, Intan Ratna Dewi Anjarsari, Santi Rosniawaty, Johannes Yesse Panggabeaan
Jurnal Kultivasi
The plantation rejuvenation program makes the need for ready-to-distribute tea seedlings getting higher. Meanwhile, the nursery's seedlings are mostly not ready to distribute. This study aimed to determine the response of not-ready-distribute tea seedlings due to the application of biofertilizers at various concentrations and intervals. This experiment was carried out at Gambung Tea and Quinine Research Center Nursery, conducted from December 2021 to February 2022 at an altitude of 1,350 meters above sea level (asl). The experimental method used was a randomized block design with eight treatment combinations, namely: control (no fertilizer); urea fertilizer every two weeks; Biofertilizer 5 mL …
Chemical Reprogramming Takes The Fast Lane,
2023
The Texas Medical Center Library
Chemical Reprogramming Takes The Fast Lane, Emily J Park, Srikanth Kodali, Bruno Di Stefano
Faculty, Staff and Students Publications
Small molecule-induced cell fate transitions are characterized by low efficiency and slow kinetics. An optimized chemical reprogramming approach now facilitates the robust and rapid conversion of somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells, unlocking exciting avenues to study and manipulate human cell identity.
Application Of A Novel Lytic
Jerseyvirus Phage Lpsent1 For The
Biological Control Of The
Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella
Enteritidis In Foods,
2023
King Abdulaziz University
Application Of A Novel Lytic Jerseyvirus Phage Lpsent1 For The Biological Control Of The Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Enteritidis In Foods, Rashad R. Al-Hindi, Mona G. Alharbi, Ibrahim Alotibi, Sheren A. Azhari, Khloud M. Algothmi, Ahmed Esmael
Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications
Non-typhoidal Salmonella is the tremendously predominant source of acquired foodborne infection in humans, causing salmonellosis which is a global threat to the healthcare system. This threat is even worse when it is combined with the incidence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains. Bacteriophage therapy has been proposed as a promising potential candidate to control a diversity of foodborne infective bacteria. The objective of this study designed to isolate and characterize lytic phages infecting zoonotic multi-drug resistant and strong biofilm producer Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis EG.SmE1 and then apply the isolated phage/s as a biocontrol agent against infections in ready-to-eat food articles including …
Development, Optimization, And In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation Of Azelaic Acid Transethosomal Gel For Antidermatophyte Activity,
2023
The British University in Egypt
Development, Optimization, And In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation Of Azelaic Acid Transethosomal Gel For Antidermatophyte Activity, Ali Nasr, Noha Badawi, Yasmine Tartor, Nader Sobhy, Ali Nasr
Pharmacy
Treatment of dermatophytosis is quite challenging. This work aims to investigate the antidermatophyte action of Azelaic acid (AzA) and evaluate its efficacy upon entrapment into transethosomes (TEs) and incorporation into a gel to enhance its application. Optimization of formulation variables of TEs was carried out after preparation using the thin film hydration technique. The antidermatophyte activity of AzA-TEs was first evaluated in vitro. In addition, two guinea pig infection models with Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes and Microsporum (M.) canis were established for the in vivo assessment. The optimized formula showed a mean particle size of 219.8 ± 4.7 nm and a …
