Pub Date : 2023-04-18DOI: 10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.969
K. Bailey
Dillapiole, a compound isolated from the plant, Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel, Hinojo), was previously discovered to have been effective at diminishing virulence factor expression of Francisella tularensis, a gram-negative bacterium with bioterror potential. The purpose of this work is to examine the therapeutic potential of dillapiole on other pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli. E. coli is a motile, rod-shaped, gram-negative bacterium that is typically found in the intestines of animals and humans and can be an opportunistic pathogen. With the increase of multi-drug resistance among various bacteria, it is important for further research on new therapeutic agents. As in previous studies involving F. tularensis, data presented here suggest that dillapiole does not directly diminish the viability of E. coli. Dubia cockroach infection assays were used to evaluate the ability of dillapiole to dampen the pathogenesis of E. coli. Roaches infected with E. coli that were subsequently treated with dillapiole exhibited similar survival to those treated with tetracycline. However, cockroaches that were treated with the vehicle (DMSO) exhibited reduced levels of survival. This finding suggests that dillapiole might be dampening E. coli pathogenesis or could be modulating cockroach immunity. Ongoing studies are focusing on the effect of dillapiole on E. coli virulence gene expression (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence).
{"title":"The Effect of Dillapiole on the pathogenesis of Escherichia coli","authors":"K. Bailey","doi":"10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.969","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.969","url":null,"abstract":"Dillapiole, a compound isolated from the plant, Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel, Hinojo), was previously discovered to have been effective at diminishing virulence factor expression of Francisella tularensis, a gram-negative bacterium with bioterror potential. The purpose of this work is to examine the therapeutic potential of dillapiole on other pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli. E. coli is a motile, rod-shaped, gram-negative bacterium that is typically found in the intestines of animals and humans and can be an opportunistic pathogen. With the increase of multi-drug resistance among various bacteria, it is important for further research on new therapeutic agents. As in previous studies involving F. tularensis, data presented here suggest that dillapiole does not directly diminish the viability of E. coli. Dubia cockroach infection assays were used to evaluate the ability of dillapiole to dampen the pathogenesis of E. coli. Roaches infected with E. coli that were subsequently treated with dillapiole exhibited similar survival to those treated with tetracycline. However, cockroaches that were treated with the vehicle (DMSO) exhibited reduced levels of survival. This finding suggests that dillapiole might be dampening E. coli pathogenesis or could be modulating cockroach immunity. Ongoing studies are focusing on the effect of dillapiole on E. coli virulence gene expression (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence). \u0000","PeriodicalId":92280,"journal":{"name":"Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75114467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-18DOI: 10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.1002
M. Scanlon, Anna Oschmann
Heavy metals are very hazardous to human health. In the USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates cosmetics so that they are safe for consumer use. However, internet shopping has made it easier for non-FDA approved cosmetics to come into the United States. People have reported serious health problems after using counterfeit cosmetics purchased online. This project focuses on analyzing commercial hair dyes for the presence of As, Cu, Fe, and Pb. Dyes were purchased locally and online, digested in aqua regia and tested with a Shimadzu AA-7000 flame atomic absorption instrument. The concentrations of Cu, Fe and Pb were below the instrument detection limits of 0.02, 0.06, 0.4 ppm respectively, and the amount of As in one sample was inconclusive due to quality control failure. Overall, no significant amounts of metals were detected in the samples. This work was made possible by NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium Grant #80NSSC20M0055, and Fairmont State University Chemistry Program.
{"title":"Quantifying lead, copper, iron and arsenic in hair dye samples.","authors":"M. Scanlon, Anna Oschmann","doi":"10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.1002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.1002","url":null,"abstract":"Heavy metals are very hazardous to human health. In the USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates cosmetics so that they are safe for consumer use. However, internet shopping has made it easier for non-FDA approved cosmetics to come into the United States. People have reported serious health problems after using counterfeit cosmetics purchased online. This project focuses on analyzing commercial hair dyes for the presence of As, Cu, Fe, and Pb. Dyes were purchased locally and online, digested in aqua regia and tested with a Shimadzu AA-7000 flame atomic absorption instrument. The concentrations of Cu, Fe and Pb were below the instrument detection limits of 0.02, 0.06, 0.4 ppm respectively, and the amount of As in one sample was inconclusive due to quality control failure. Overall, no significant amounts of metals were detected in the samples. This work was made possible by NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium Grant #80NSSC20M0055, and Fairmont State University Chemistry Program.","PeriodicalId":92280,"journal":{"name":"Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science","volume":"110 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79258300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-18DOI: 10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.991
S. Welsh
The Appalachia Darter, Percina gymnocephala, is an endemic fish of the New River drainage in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Within the lower New River watershed, this species has a limited distribution range in the Gauley and Greenbrier river drainages, and conservation of the species could benefit from population status and threat assessments. We documented temporal changes in distribution range based on historic and current fish survey data. The range reduction of the Appalachia Darter is consistent with patterns found for other New River endemics, including the Candy Darter, New River Shiner, and Kanawha Minnow. The range reduction of the Appalachia Darter and other New River endemics in West Virginia waters likely has multiple causes, where threats could include land use, impacts to habitat and water quality, and nonnative species.
{"title":"Range reduction of the Appalachia Darter in the lower New River drainage with comments on the status of endemic fishes.","authors":"S. Welsh","doi":"10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.991","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.991","url":null,"abstract":"The Appalachia Darter, Percina gymnocephala, is an endemic fish of the New River drainage in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Within the lower New River watershed, this species has a limited distribution range in the Gauley and Greenbrier river drainages, and conservation of the species could benefit from population status and threat assessments. We documented temporal changes in distribution range based on historic and current fish survey data. The range reduction of the Appalachia Darter is consistent with patterns found for other New River endemics, including the Candy Darter, New River Shiner, and Kanawha Minnow. The range reduction of the Appalachia Darter and other New River endemics in West Virginia waters likely has multiple causes, where threats could include land use, impacts to habitat and water quality, and nonnative species.","PeriodicalId":92280,"journal":{"name":"Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science","volume":"34 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87233640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-18DOI: 10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.959
Hali Westcott, M. Reid
Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) is a notoriously invasive riparian plant species which spreads primarily through detachment and dispersal of rhizomes. Currently management options are limited, and there are no biological counters to its spread across the country besides one species. Aphalara itadori, a psyllid native to East Asia has recently been approved by the USDA to be released in the United States to control the spread of Japanese knotweed. This psyllid feeds by piercing aboveground tissues and sucking phloem from the stems and leaves. We investigated the potential role of aboveground herbivory by A. itdori on root system development and rhizome mass in a simulated herbivory experiment. We hypothesized that simulated herbivory would induce the plants to allocate more resources to aboveground tissues for defense or regrowth, potentially limiting root development and reducing rhizome mass. We conducted an experiment with 84 young Japanese knotweed plants divided into two treatment groups: control and simulated herbivory. The simulated herbivory treatment was applied weekly, and plants were harvested weekly to assess changes in rhizome mass and root system development via high resolution root scanning using WinRhizo software. We found that simulated herbivory does affect the root system, though results were inconsistent between weeks. Simulated herbivory decreased root length in week 5 and reduced rhizome mass in weeks 3 and 6. While results were idiosyncratic, they highlight that simulated herbivory may negatively impact root system development in Japanese knotweed, with potential benefits for limiting the spread of knotweed invasion.
{"title":"Effects of simulated psyllid herbivory on the root development of Japanese knotweed.","authors":"Hali Westcott, M. Reid","doi":"10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.959","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.959","url":null,"abstract":"Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) is a notoriously invasive riparian plant species which spreads primarily through detachment and dispersal of rhizomes. Currently management options are limited, and there are no biological counters to its spread across the country besides one species. Aphalara itadori, a psyllid native to East Asia has recently been approved by the USDA to be released in the United States to control the spread of Japanese knotweed. This psyllid feeds by piercing aboveground tissues and sucking phloem from the stems and leaves. We investigated the potential role of aboveground herbivory by A. itdori on root system development and rhizome mass in a simulated herbivory experiment. We hypothesized that simulated herbivory would induce the plants to allocate more resources to aboveground tissues for defense or regrowth, potentially limiting root development and reducing rhizome mass. We conducted an experiment with 84 young Japanese knotweed plants divided into two treatment groups: control and simulated herbivory. The simulated herbivory treatment was applied weekly, and plants were harvested weekly to assess changes in rhizome mass and root system development via high resolution root scanning using WinRhizo software. We found that simulated herbivory does affect the root system, though results were inconsistent between weeks. Simulated herbivory decreased root length in week 5 and reduced rhizome mass in weeks 3 and 6. While results were idiosyncratic, they highlight that simulated herbivory may negatively impact root system development in Japanese knotweed, with potential benefits for limiting the spread of knotweed invasion.","PeriodicalId":92280,"journal":{"name":"Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science","volume":"28 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87337695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-18DOI: 10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.1001
Eliza Keener
Eliza Keener, Dept of Engineering Technology, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV 26554, and Landon Brewer, Dept of Natural Sciences, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV 26554. Benefits of First2 Network immersive bridge programs at Fairmont State University. The First2 Network’s Immersion program at Fairmont State University provides a college bridge experience for incoming students in science, technology and engineering and math (STEM). The First2 Network’s goal is to guide and assist rural, first-generation, and other underrepresented STEM college students. The summer immersion bridge experience immerses students into college life. Students stay in dorms and learn what it’s like to be away from home while engaging in a program which includes real research projects in collaboration with professors and peer mentors, introductions to campus resources, and social events. This program helps students get acclimated to college, making it an easier adjustment. The immersive experience also provides connections and a safe space that students can go to when they have questions or need help. As students who attended the immersive program during the summer of 2022, we can say that it helped us greatly. Not only did we learn about all the resources on campus, but we got real lab experience. We were lab partners conducting analytical chemistry research on lead in paint. We performed all the lab work with supervision and guidance from chemistry professors and lab assistants. At the end of the 2 weeks, we presented our research to students, faculty, and family members. This immersion program was resume and experience building, that helped us make connections with our peers that a have persisted throughout our first year.
费尔蒙特州立大学工程技术系的Eliza Keener和费尔蒙特州立大学自然科学系的Landon Brewer，费尔蒙特州立大学，费尔蒙特，WV 26554。费尔蒙特州立大学First2 Network沉浸式桥梁课程的好处。费尔蒙特州立大学(Fairmont State University)的First2 Network浸入式课程为即将入学的科学、技术、工程和数学(STEM)学生提供大学桥梁体验。First2网络的目标是指导和帮助农村、第一代和其他代表性不足的STEM大学生。夏季沉浸式桥体验让学生沉浸在大学生活中。学生们呆在宿舍里，学习远离家乡的感觉，同时参加一个项目，包括与教授和同伴导师合作的真正的研究项目，介绍校园资源，以及社交活动。这个项目帮助学生适应大学生活，使之更容易适应。这种身临其境的体验还为学生们提供了联系和安全的空间，当他们有问题或需要帮助时，他们可以去那里。作为2022年夏天参加沉浸式项目的学生，我们可以说它对我们帮助很大。我们不仅了解了校园里所有的资源，还获得了真正的实验室经验。我们是实验室合作伙伴，对油漆中的铅进行分析化学研究。我们在化学教授和实验室助理的监督和指导下完成了所有的实验工作。在两周结束时，我们向学生、教师和家庭成员展示了我们的研究成果。这个浸入式项目是建立简历和经验的，它帮助我们与同龄人建立联系，这种联系贯穿了我们的第一年。
{"title":"Benefits of First2 Network immersive bridge programs at Fairmont State University","authors":"Eliza Keener","doi":"10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.1001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.1001","url":null,"abstract":" \u0000Eliza Keener, Dept of Engineering Technology, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV 26554, and Landon Brewer, Dept of Natural Sciences, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV 26554. Benefits of First2 Network immersive bridge programs at Fairmont State University. \u0000 The First2 Network’s Immersion program at Fairmont State University provides a college bridge experience for incoming students in science, technology and engineering and math (STEM). The First2 Network’s goal is to guide and assist rural, first-generation, and other underrepresented STEM college students. The summer immersion bridge experience immerses students into college life. Students stay in dorms and learn what it’s like to be away from home while engaging in a program which includes real research projects in collaboration with professors and peer mentors, introductions to campus resources, and social events. This program helps students get acclimated to college, making it an easier adjustment. The immersive experience also provides connections and a safe space that students can go to when they have questions or need help. \u0000 As students who attended the immersive program during the summer of 2022, we can say that it helped us greatly. Not only did we learn about all the resources on campus, but we got real lab experience. We were lab partners conducting analytical chemistry research on lead in paint. We performed all the lab work with supervision and guidance from chemistry professors and lab assistants. At the end of the 2 weeks, we presented our research to students, faculty, and family members. This immersion program was resume and experience building, that helped us make connections with our peers that a have persisted throughout our first year.","PeriodicalId":92280,"journal":{"name":"Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83662623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-18DOI: 10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.980
Emily Young, Jordan Gibson, Siena McGovern, Emma Beatty, Claire Kelly, Kendall Souder, Justin Rice, Ryan J. Percifield, Donald A. Primerano, Nicole Garrison, Deanna M. Schmitt
Tularemia is a potentially fatal disease caused by the Category A bioterrorism agent Francisella tularensis. Aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines can be used to treat tularemia; however, there is a high incidence of relapse and treatment failures when using these drugs. Furthermore, there is no tularemia vaccine licensed for use in the United States. Therefore, new antibiotics that target F. tularensis are being investigated. A novel family of resazurin-based antibiotics called resazomycins exhibit antimicrobial activity against F. tularensis and other Gram-negative pathogens including Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The mode of action of resazomycins has yet to be determined. To elucidate potential targets of resazurin (Rz), we screened for spontaneous Rz-resistant (Rzr) F. tularensis LVS mutants. Through the screen, 93% of all Rzr mutants sequenced contained mutations within the coding regions of FTL_0421, FTL_0895, and FTL_1504. In addition, 100% of all Rzr mutants sequenced contained a mutation approximately 50bp upstream of the gene FTL_0445. To understand the effect the mutation has on transcription of FTL_0445, RNA was isolated from wild-type LVS and an Rzr mutant (Rzr1). Quantitative reverse transcription PCR revealed FTL_0445 was upregulated in Rzr1 compared to wild-type LVS. To determine the role of FTL_0445 in Rz resistance, a FTL_0445 null deletion mutant is being generated in Rzr1 using standard molecular genetic techniques. Upon completion, the Rz sensitivity of the deletion mutant will be assessed using agar dilution assays. Understanding the role of FTL_0445 in Rz susceptibility would facilitate further development of these compounds as potential treatments for tularemia and gonorrhea.
{"title":"Role of FTL_0445 in Francisella tularensis Susceptibility to Resazurin","authors":"Emily Young, Jordan Gibson, Siena McGovern, Emma Beatty, Claire Kelly, Kendall Souder, Justin Rice, Ryan J. Percifield, Donald A. Primerano, Nicole Garrison, Deanna M. Schmitt","doi":"10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.980","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.980","url":null,"abstract":"Tularemia is a potentially fatal disease caused by the Category A bioterrorism agent Francisella tularensis. Aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines can be used to treat tularemia; however, there is a high incidence of relapse and treatment failures when using these drugs. Furthermore, there is no tularemia vaccine licensed for use in the United States. Therefore, new antibiotics that target F. tularensis are being investigated. A novel family of resazurin-based antibiotics called resazomycins exhibit antimicrobial activity against F. tularensis and other Gram-negative pathogens including Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The mode of action of resazomycins has yet to be determined. To elucidate potential targets of resazurin (Rz), we screened for spontaneous Rz-resistant (Rzr) F. tularensis LVS mutants. Through the screen, 93% of all Rzr mutants sequenced contained mutations within the coding regions of FTL_0421, FTL_0895, and FTL_1504. In addition, 100% of all Rzr mutants sequenced contained a mutation approximately 50bp upstream of the gene FTL_0445. To understand the effect the mutation has on transcription of FTL_0445, RNA was isolated from wild-type LVS and an Rzr mutant (Rzr1). Quantitative reverse transcription PCR revealed FTL_0445 was upregulated in Rzr1 compared to wild-type LVS. To determine the role of FTL_0445 in Rz resistance, a FTL_0445 null deletion mutant is being generated in Rzr1 using standard molecular genetic techniques. Upon completion, the Rz sensitivity of the deletion mutant will be assessed using agar dilution assays. Understanding the role of FTL_0445 in Rz susceptibility would facilitate further development of these compounds as potential treatments for tularemia and gonorrhea.","PeriodicalId":92280,"journal":{"name":"Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science","volume":"20 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135972606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-18DOI: 10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.1015
Y. Panta
This presentation outlines my project experience as a Fulbright Teaching/Research Scholar in the Institute of Engineering- Tribhuvan University, Nepal. My project and the institutional collaboration in Nepal were mainly related to sharing tools and techniques on effective teaching practices, and active learning, with a focus on training effective teaching practices and exploring their impacts on the teaching and learning process in Nepal. University educators of Nepal were hosted with interactive presentations and workshops on these topics. In addition to these presentations and workshops, great experience of mentoring teaching faculty, co-advising research projects/thesis works and attending education forums were also gained. Faculty survey outcomes reveal the importance of workshops for faculty development and student success. Project experience including its challenges, and opportunities will be discussed in this presentation. This project was funded by the U.S. State Department- Fulbright program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, hosted by the Institute of Engineering (IOE), Tribhuvan University, and was supported by West Virginia University, West Virginia University Institute of Technology and the United States Educational Foundation (USEF), Nepal.
{"title":"Fulbright Project Experience in Nepal: Promoting Effective Teaching Practices and Active Learning for Student Success and Faculty Development","authors":"Y. Panta","doi":"10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.1015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.1015","url":null,"abstract":"This presentation outlines my project experience as a Fulbright Teaching/Research Scholar in the Institute of Engineering- Tribhuvan University, Nepal. My project and the institutional collaboration in Nepal were mainly related to sharing tools and techniques on effective teaching practices, and active learning, with a focus on training effective teaching practices and exploring their impacts on the teaching and learning process in Nepal. University educators of Nepal were hosted with interactive presentations and workshops on these topics. In addition to these presentations and workshops, great experience of mentoring teaching faculty, co-advising research projects/thesis works and attending education forums were also gained. Faculty survey outcomes reveal the importance of workshops for faculty development and student success. Project experience including its challenges, and opportunities will be discussed in this presentation. \u0000This project was funded by the U.S. State Department- Fulbright program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, hosted by the Institute of Engineering (IOE), Tribhuvan University, and was supported by West Virginia University, West Virginia University Institute of Technology and the United States Educational Foundation (USEF), Nepal.","PeriodicalId":92280,"journal":{"name":"Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science","volume":"28 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74684296","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-18DOI: 10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.952
Liliana Adamo, C. Sipe
Regulated stem cell proliferation during development is critical to produce and organize all the cell types required in the adult organism. In some developing organisms that experience intermittent periods of starvation, stem cell physiology adapts dynamically, presumably to ensure optimal development. In the developing Drosophila brain, there are two populations of neuroblasts (neural stem cells) that respond differently to dietary nutrient starvation: one subtype is sensitive to systemic nutrient levels and ceases dividing, while the other continues to divide regardless of dietary nutrient availability. Previous work has shown that this behavior is mediated by a cell-intrinsic genetic program involving the Eyeless and myc transcription factors. We set out to understand whether arrest of neuroblast proliferation plays a role in larval survival during starvation. We forced all neuroblasts in the developing brain to continue to proliferate during dietary nutrient withdrawal by overexpressing myc and Eyeless and measured larval survival over time. Larvae with abnormal enforced neuroblast proliferation died at a faster rate than control larvae, suggesting that the arrest of neuroblast proliferation is critical for larval survival during periods of starvation. Our results are consistent with the idea that neuroblasts which arrest their proliferation are involved in reallocating nutrients to the other persistently dividing neuroblast subtype in a form of nervous system sparing.
{"title":"Uncontrolled neural stem cell proliferation affects larval survival during dietary nutrient withdrawal.","authors":"Liliana Adamo, C. Sipe","doi":"10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.952","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.952","url":null,"abstract":"Regulated stem cell proliferation during development is critical to produce and organize all the cell types required in the adult organism. In some developing organisms that experience intermittent periods of starvation, stem cell physiology adapts dynamically, presumably to ensure optimal development. In the developing Drosophila brain, there are two populations of neuroblasts (neural stem cells) that respond differently to dietary nutrient starvation: one subtype is sensitive to systemic nutrient levels and ceases dividing, while the other continues to divide regardless of dietary nutrient availability. Previous work has shown that this behavior is mediated by a cell-intrinsic genetic program involving the Eyeless and myc transcription factors. We set out to understand whether arrest of neuroblast proliferation plays a role in larval survival during starvation. We forced all neuroblasts in the developing brain to continue to proliferate during dietary nutrient withdrawal by overexpressing myc and Eyeless and measured larval survival over time. Larvae with abnormal enforced neuroblast proliferation died at a faster rate than control larvae, suggesting that the arrest of neuroblast proliferation is critical for larval survival during periods of starvation. Our results are consistent with the idea that neuroblasts which arrest their proliferation are involved in reallocating nutrients to the other persistently dividing neuroblast subtype in a form of nervous system sparing.","PeriodicalId":92280,"journal":{"name":"Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science","volume":"33 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80602027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-18DOI: 10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.957
Mariah Cashbaugh, Joseph Horzempa, Shania Davis, Elio Delatore
Francisella tularensis is a gram-negative intracellular pathogen that produces a severe infection known as Tularemia. RNA-Seq data revealed that in the presence of erythrocytes, several genes encoding putative transcriptional regulators were modulated: FTL_0671, FTL_1199, and FTL_1665. Gene deletion strains were constructed using Francisella tularensis LVS. The objective of this project was to screen these gene deletion strains for attenuation. A multifaceted approach was utilized to determine the level of replication within macrophages and overall attenuation in vivo. Transforming the bacteria with green fluorescent protein allowed a plate reader to visualize and quantify intracellular growth in macrophages. However, inconsistencies in the data from these experiments led to the utilization of a gentamicin protection assay. This protocol provided a more accurate and reliable method of determining intracellular replication. The results of this experiment revealed a significant increase in the replication of FTL_1665 within macrophages. We sought to determine if these results would translate to hypervirulence in a live model. A chicken embryo infection model confirmed that FTL_1665 was significantly hypervirulent in vivo. In the future, we plan to experiment with the upregulation of the target gene to produce an attenuated strain. This gene may also serve as a potential drug target.
{"title":"Screening putative transcriptional regulators in Francisella tularensis for attenuation using a multifaceted approach.","authors":"Mariah Cashbaugh, Joseph Horzempa, Shania Davis, Elio Delatore","doi":"10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.957","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.957","url":null,"abstract":"Francisella tularensis is a gram-negative intracellular pathogen that produces a severe infection known as Tularemia. RNA-Seq data revealed that in the presence of erythrocytes, several genes encoding putative transcriptional regulators were modulated: FTL_0671, FTL_1199, and FTL_1665. Gene deletion strains were constructed using Francisella tularensis LVS. The objective of this project was to screen these gene deletion strains for attenuation. A multifaceted approach was utilized to determine the level of replication within macrophages and overall attenuation in vivo. Transforming the bacteria with green fluorescent protein allowed a plate reader to visualize and quantify intracellular growth in macrophages. However, inconsistencies in the data from these experiments led to the utilization of a gentamicin protection assay. This protocol provided a more accurate and reliable method of determining intracellular replication. The results of this experiment revealed a significant increase in the replication of FTL_1665 within macrophages. We sought to determine if these results would translate to hypervirulence in a live model. A chicken embryo infection model confirmed that FTL_1665 was significantly hypervirulent in vivo. In the future, we plan to experiment with the upregulation of the target gene to produce an attenuated strain. This gene may also serve as a potential drug target.","PeriodicalId":92280,"journal":{"name":"Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90741648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-18DOI: 10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.960
Tailynn Varney, Kristy Henson
Eye color is a physical characteristic that varies from person-to-person. Due to a range of difference in pigmentation of the iris, people with different eye colors tend to see the world differently. For those with lighter eyes, it may be more difficult to see clearly in environments with certain light conditions or intensities. Throughout a person’s life, they encounter several different forms of light ranging from natural sunlight to artificial lighting. In my research, I investigated whether a person’s eye color influences their vision in artificial lighting compared to natural lighting. Preliminary results show that light did influence visual acuity. However, there was no correlation between eye color and light influenced vision changes. To assess vision, participants were asked to cover each eye and read a Snellen eye chart. This was completed a total of 4 times. Using two separate eye charts, each with a different color background behind the chart, participants were tested at 10 and 20 feet away from the charts. Each test was presented in a room with only artificial light, and outside of the building in natural light. This information can help individuals ensure that the change in vision, if any, caused by different kinds of light does not negatively influence their everyday life. In extreme situations those with eyes more sensitive to certain types of light could cause harm to themselves or others around them. Having this information about oneself is helpful to all people, not just those with a history of eye issues.
{"title":"Does Eye Color Affect Vision Acuity in a Variety of Light Conditions?","authors":"Tailynn Varney, Kristy Henson","doi":"10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.960","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v95i2.960","url":null,"abstract":"Eye color is a physical characteristic that varies from person-to-person. Due to a range of difference in pigmentation of the iris, people with different eye colors tend to see the world differently. For those with lighter eyes, it may be more difficult to see clearly in environments with certain light conditions or intensities. Throughout a person’s life, they encounter several different forms of light ranging from natural sunlight to artificial lighting. In my research, I investigated whether a person’s eye color influences their vision in artificial lighting compared to natural lighting. Preliminary results show that light did influence visual acuity. However, there was no correlation between eye color and light influenced vision changes. To assess vision, participants were asked to cover each eye and read a Snellen eye chart. This was completed a total of 4 times. Using two separate eye charts, each with a different color background behind the chart, participants were tested at 10 and 20 feet away from the charts. Each test was presented in a room with only artificial light, and outside of the building in natural light. This information can help individuals ensure that the change in vision, if any, caused by different kinds of light does not negatively influence their everyday life. In extreme situations those with eyes more sensitive to certain types of light could cause harm to themselves or others around them. Having this information about oneself is helpful to all people, not just those with a history of eye issues. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":92280,"journal":{"name":"Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73163131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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