Project Title: Antimicrobial Peptides on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Contact Lens Biofilms
Abstract: Ocular tissues release antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as an innate immune system response to protect against infection (Peters et al, 2010). This study investigated two AMPs, human beta-defensin 1 (hBD-1) and human neutrophil peptide 2 (HNP-2), on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus growth and biofilms.
Preliminary studies showed mostly no difference in volume alteration, some biofilm differences across bacteria, and some affect of AMP solvent acetic acid. Even at the highest AMP concentration tested (50 µg/mL), no zones of inhibition were seen and no HNP-2 MIC was determined between 1.6 and 12.5 µg/mL. However, the HNP-2 lowered bacterial growth for P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and the mixed culture. Testing on contact lenses showed similar results: little or no decrease in growth or biofilm formation with HNP-2. This suggests AMPs are not a practical treatment option for ocular infections.
Primary Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Koehl
Primary Discipline: Biology
Morgan Casto
Project Title: Determining The Effects Of Metals Present in Acid Mine Drainage On Plant Growth
Abstract: Acid mine drainage and the metals contained with it serve as a major environmental concern. The acid mine drainage can harm water quality and be detrimental to plant health. High concentration of metals within acid mine drainage reduces plant growth. Five types of plants were grown:radishes, tomatoes, alfalfa, garden nasturtium, and lacy phacelia. They were divided into three concentration groups: a control that lacks any metals, a low concentration of metal solution, and a high concentration of metals in solution. These solutions consisted of cadmium chloride, iron (II) sulfate, copper (II) sulfate, lead (II) nitrate, and zinc chloride. Each group was watered daily with their respective treatment for a period of two weeks. After the treatment was completed, the plants were dug up and their roots were cleaned and measured. At the conclusion of the experiment, the high concentration simulated AMD had the lowest amount of root growth, indicating the metal impact plant growth.
Primary Advisor: Dr. Michelle Duennes
Primary Discipline: Biology
Julian Metro and Moriah McGuier
Project Title: Electrochemical Detection of Exogenously Administered Melatonin in the Brain
Abstract: Melatonin (MT) is an important electroactive hormone that has many different physiological purposes, such as one’s circadian rhythms. Previous studies have found that controlling the concentrations of MT in the brain can help with sleep disorders as well as neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. With the ability to accurately detect MT concentrations in the brain, further applications can be studied to enhance therapeutic effects. Detection of MT has been demonstrated before; however, it has not been in real time as concentrations are altered. In this study, square wave voltammetry (SWV) is optimized to allow detection of MT at various concentrations using Carbon Fiber Electrodes (CFE), both in vitro and vivo. At a peak of 0.7 V, a MT current peak was isolated for detection from the other interferents in the brain. More importantly, there was an optimal waveform used in this study that can now be used in the future for further experiments on MT detection.
Primary Advisor: Dr. James Kellam
Secondary Advisor: Dr. I. Mitch Taylor
Primary Discipline: Biology
Stephanie Vaughn
Project Title: Reestablishment of the Gut Microbiome following Antibiotic Treatment with Probiotic Bacteria
Abstract: A disruption, or dysbiosis, of the homeostatic conditions of the gut microbiome can occur from infection or subsequent treatment like antibiotics (Buret, et al, 2019; Francino, 2015). Probiotic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus species, can restore the gut microbiome (Khavari-Daneshvar, et al, 2017). In this study, probiotic supplement on antibiotic-treated rats was tested to see if the microbiome could be restored. Sixteen rats were separated into: no treatment, probiotic supplements, antibiotic-injections, and probiotic-plus-antibiotic injection. Two bacteria colonies were discovered. Colony 1 had significantly higher concentration (p=0.0015) than Colony 2. However, contrary to predictions, rats injected with antibiotics had a higher concentration of bacteria found in their cecum compared to the other three groups. The data also showed a positive correlation between the cecum weight and number of cecum bacteria. Overall, this study did not offer positive support for probiotic use.
Primary Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Koehl
Primary Discipline: Biology
Austin Sige
Project Title: The Effects of Crude Oil on the Fitness of Mollies (Poecilia latipinna) and Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Abstract: Oil pollution is a major problem in oceanic environments as it often goes unreported and has deleterious effects on marine life. I hypothesize that crude oil exposure negatively impacts the fitness of marine animals. I will use mollies (Poecilia latipinna) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) as model organisms to test the effects of crude oil on behavior, nutrition, and strength. Fish will be placed in a brackish solution (6% seawater) to represent a marine environment and help void disease. Crude oil will be added in 1 ppt and 10 ppt concentrations. The fitness of the mollies and zebrafish will be assessed via endurance swim testing, behavior and feeding analyses, PCR relative gene expression, and protein assays. The objective of my research is to promote the cleanup of oil in a timely manner by observing the negative effects it can have on marine animals within a relatively short time frame.
Primary Advisor: Dr. Michelle Duennes
Primary Discipline: Biology
Hannah Wheeler and Makayla McCandless
Project Title: The Effects of Infrasonic Sound Waves and the Administration of Probiotics on Stress, Anxiety, and Brain Physiology through Social Defeat in Female Mice
Abstract: Chronic stress over time can lead to symptoms of anxiety in humans. Many sources have cited how prescription drugs can help alleviate symptoms, but the field of research on holistic approaches to treatment is just beginning. This study researched the possible anxiolytic effects of Infrasonic sound waves as well as treatment through the administration of a probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The mechanism of social defeat was induced in female mice to observe the physiological stress response. Behavioral, chemical, and physiological tests were performed to test changes in the mice throughout the experiment. It was hypothesized that both treatment methods would decrease the physical stress response. Infrasonic sound waves would decrease corticosterone levels. Probiotics were hypothesized to increase peripheral serotonin and decrease corticosterone levels. Results showed that while some expected trends were followed, there was some deviation, which was inconclusive.
Primary Advisor: Dr. Michael Rhodes
Primary Discipline: Biology
Natalie Pavlick
Project Title: The Effects of Jasmine Essential Oil, Methyl Jasmonate, and Passiflora Incarnata on Memory and Stress in Mice after Sleep Deprivation
Abstract: Sleep deprivation is a common symptom of sleep disorders, which affect millions of Americans year-round, and even more individuals throughout the world. Sleep deprivation is often characterized by increased depressive behavior and stress, as well as decreased memory function. This experiment attempted to determine the effect several treatments have on memory and stress following sleep deprivation. This was attempted through the administration of treatments during or before sleep deprivation before using common behavioral tests to determine the treatments’ effects on memory and stress, the results of which were compared to data from the control groups, which received placebos. The behavioral tests used were the novel object recognition test (NOR), the holeboard test (HBT), and the forced swim test (FST). The broader implications of this study provide indications as to the effectiveness of traditional/homeopathic substances on the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation in mice models.
Primary Advisor: Dr. Michael Rhodes
Primary Discipline: Biology
Rachael Sarnowski
Project Title: The Relationship Between Manganese Concentrations in Tufted Titmouse Feathers and the Distance from a Metal Processing Plant
Abstract: Human exploitation of manganese has led to an increase in manganese pollution in industrial areas. Overexposure to manganese can cause manganism in humans and detrimental behaviors in chicks. This paper looked to see if higher concentrations of manganese in feathers would be found in areas with known manganese pollution than in areas without known manganese pollution. The concentrations of manganese were assessed using feathers of Tufted Titmice, collected within two areas in western Pennsylvania. One area was in close proximity to a known manganese polluter and the other area was not in close proximity to a known manganese polluter. Using the microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometer, it was found that Tufted Titmouse tail feathers in industrial areas had a significantly greater concentration of manganese than the tail feathers collected in areas without industrial pollution.
Primary Advisor: Dr. James Kellam
Primary Discipline: Biology
Nicolena Girvin
Project Title: Using DNA to Explore Disease Transmission From Trout Hatcheries to Wild Fish
Abstract: With an increase in commercially farmed fish, the spread of specific diseases, including Flavobacterium columnare, is becoming more common. Through genetic analysis and comparing it to previously known genetic markers, testing fish from both the wild waterways and hatcheries will annoy the gathering of qualitative data on the spread of disease. With the access of several species of fish, the amplification and sequencing of a color gene was done in order to compare the species to susceptibility to getting this pathogen. PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, allows for the amplification of the targeted gene. Following PCR, gel electrophoresis is done in order to identify different size particles, such as proteins and to ensure samples were testing positive for bacteria.In the end, comparison between the presence and absence of genetic markers will be done between hatchery raised trout, which will lead to the ability to determine the start of disease.
Primary Advisor: Dr. Michelle Duennes
Primary Discipline: Biology
Joseph Heath
Project Title: Development of a Cost Effective CRISPR/Cas9 Transfection Protocol for use in Danio rerio
Abstract: CRISPR/Cas9 is a cutting-edge genome editing tool with a variety of uses and applications. Though the theoretical applications of this technology are easily accessible, the process of utilizing it in a laboratory setting is somewhat daunting. This study examines the use of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in zebrafish (Danio rerio), which are an ideal model organism for this technique. The CRISPR/Cas9 components (gRNA and Cas9 RNA) were delivered through the novel use of a lipofectamine reagent. The genes edited during this investigation were IGF-1 and SLC45A2. IGF-1 was mutated in the region of the genome encoding the protein’s E-Domain, highlighting its importance. The SLC45A2 gene generated a mutation that impacted a solute carrier commonly found in melanocytes, leading to a form of oculocutaneous albinism. Each of these mutations provided insight on both the developmental process of the zebrafish and the utilization CRISPR/Cas9 in the species
Primary Advisor: Br. Albert Gahr O.S.B.
Primary Discipline: Biology
Justin Hoffman
Project Title: Characterization of Semaphorin 3A Based Motor Neuron Degradation Via Quantitative PCR and Axonal Growth Cone Assessment
Abstract: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal, progressive neurodegenerative disease. In the familial form of this disease mutation and overexpression of SOD1 and increased intracellular signaling by Semaphorin 3A results in motor neuron degradation. It was hypothesized that blocking Semaphorin 3A signaling would decrease the expression of mutant SOD1 gene and protect motor neurons . To test this, Semaphorin 3A protein was added to cultured wild type or mutant SOD1 mouse motor neurons in the presence or absence of either a blocking antibodies to Semaphorin 3A or its receptor Neuropilin-1. Interestingly, treatment with Semaphorin 3a protein did not upregulate SOD1 expression or substantially enhance the expression of downstream genes NADH, GUC1A1, and PLXNA1in either cell type. Blocking antibodies decreased expression of these genes, to a greater extent in wild type than mutant cells. Antibody treatment maintained neurite growth cones, while Semaphorin 3A alone reduced growth cones.
Primary Advisor: Dr. Bruce Bethke
Primary Discipline: Biology
Louis Bou Samra
Project Title: Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Acts to induce Wound Healing
Abstract: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a large chain polymer found throughout extracellular matrix. It exists in low or high weight forms depending on states of injury. This experiment tested the effects of high and low weight HA on wound healing in HFF-1 (Human Foreskin Fibroblast) cells in culture. We utilized scratch assays, immunofluorescent receptor capping, and gene expression of genes implicated in wound healing. Low weight HA was hypothesized to have a significant effect on wound healing, receptor compartmentalization, gene expression. Monocultures were scratched and given high or low weight HA, and wound void repopulation was analyzed at 24 and 48 hours. Receptor compartmentalization of TGF-βRI at 24 hours was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Expression of ID-1 and ID-3 at 24 and 48 hours were measured by real-time PCR in low and high weight-treated cells. Low weight HA was found to have significant effects on void repopulation, receptor compartmentalization, and gene expression.
Primary Advisor: Dr. Bruce Bethke
Primary Discipline: Biology
Sabrina Defeo
Project Title: Probiotic Organisms as Mitigators of Intestinal Enteropathy in a Rodent Model of Celiac Disease
Abstract: Celiac disease is an illness that affects 1% of the human population internationally. The disease manifests due to an autoimmune response triggered by gliadin, a grain protein in the gluten family, and leads to intestinal enteropathy and malnourishment. This study investigated the protective role of gut mycobiota and microbiota in the development of an induced celiac state. It was hypothesized that the consumption of the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii and the bacterium Bifidobacterium longum by neonatal Wistar rats fed gliadin protein would reduce gliadin-induced intestinal enteropathy compared to rats fed gliadin alone. This was expected to be manifested through increased intestinal villus lengths, decreased villus widths, and decreased gastric expression of the hormone ghrelin. The data indicates that litters treated with probiotic organisms gained a greater amount of weight than untreated animals, but less than that of pups who solely received gliadin. Ghrelin expression was expected.
Primary Advisor: Dr. Bruce Bethke
Primary Discipline: Biology