bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A High-Throughput Screen of a Natural Extract Library for the Identification of Novel Antibiotics against Burkholderia cepacia
Authors: Ierulli Joseph Angelo , Horzempa Joseph 
Published: May 2022

Burkholderia cepacia is an opportunistic pathogen that is responsible for infecting many individuals with underlying lung disorders such as cystic fibrosis or chronic granulomatous disease. B. cepacia is naturally drug resistant to numerous antibiotics; because of this, it is imperative that new antimicrobial agents are developed to combat this bacterium. Therefore, to potentially identify novel antibiotics that inhibit the growth of B. cepacia, we screened a library of nearly 4000 extracts of plants, marine life, and fungi from the National Center for Natural Product Research. Here, bacteria were cultured in microtiter plates containing a rich bacterial growth medium. Library extracts were added to each well and optical density (600 nm) was measured at 24 and 48 hours to measure bacterial growth. After 48 hours, a total of 24 natural products exhibited inhibition of growth similar to that of the antibiotic control, gentamicin. These 24 extracts were then further tested using a disk diffusion assay to validate their antimicrobial efficacy. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence)
The role of FTL_1684 during Erythrocyte Invasion by Francisella tularensis.
Authors: Nachtwey Lisa Marie , Horzempa Joseph 
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a highly virulent Gram-negative bacterium, which infects numerous cell types of its mammalian host causing the disease tularemia. In addition to invading phagocytes of the human immune system as well as other non-phagocytic cells, F. tularensis is also capable of invading non-endocytic erythrocytes, a feature of tularemia that enhances tick colonization and thereby bacterial transmission. The mechanism by which F. tularensis manipulates erythrocytes for entry is still fairly unknown. Among several genes induced in the presence of erythrocytes was FTL_1684 encoding for a homologue of PrmC found in several distantly related bacterial species. PrmC encodes for a methyltransferase catalyzing the methylation of class I release factors RF1 and RF2 which facilitates effective translational termination of selective genes, many of which are required for pathogenesis. The effects of the deletion of FTL_1684 on pathogenesis and erythrocyte invasion are currently investigated. Based on potential gene function, it was hypothesized that the ΔFTL_1684 mutant of F. tularensis LVS will be attenuated in its pathogenesis as well as its ability to invade erythrocytes; ineffective translational termination may reduce expression of functional F. tularensis-associated virulence and invasion factors. PrmC homologues were furthermore suggested as novel universal drug targets and drug-mediated inactivation of PrmC as an effective way to not only aid curing tularemia but also prevent further transmission via a tick vector.
The Effect of Chemical Constituents in Roundup on the Steroidogenic Pathway of Lymnaea palustris.
Authors: Plautz Carol Zygar , Nolan Colleen J , Reddy Sneha 
Published: May 2022

We have investigated the effects of chemical constituents in Roundup on the steroidogenic pathway of Lymnaea palustris. Roundup, a commonly used herbicide that is found in run offs to streams, lakes, and ponds, contains the chemicals POEA (surfactant), Diquat Dibromide (DD), and Glyphosate. It has been established that chemical constituents in Roundup such as DD and Glyphosate alter reproduction in aquatic animals. We tested the effects of Roundup’s active ingredients (DD and Glyphosate) on Lymnaea palustris, the common pond snail. Specifically, we monitored fecundity and tested whether chronic treatment of snails in DD and Glyphosate would alter estradiol and testosterone concentration levels, thus providing a possible explanation for the altered fecundity. The snails (n=12 for each group) were placed in 350 mg/L Glyphosate or 14 mg/L DD for 3 weeks. Testosterone levels were lower in DD groups (p<0.05). A trend of lower testosterone was also observed in Glyphosate groups (p>0.05). Estradiol levels were moderately higher in Glyphosate and lower in DD, but these differences were not significant and hormone levels fluctuated over the course of the study. The fecundity of the DD snails significantly decreased, while fecundity in Glyphosate snails kept pace with controls. We further analyzed steroidogenic pathway components by conducting Western blot analysis on abundance of aromatase, which converts testosterone into estradiol. Aromatase levels are typically reduced in DD treated snails but comparable to or higher than controls in Glyphosate treated snails, although levels are highly variable.
Screening of a Natural Product Library for the Discovery of Novel Leukemia Therapeutics
Authors: Hancher Kayla Michelle , Schmitt Deanna , Horzempa Joseph 
Published: May 2022

Leukemia is the leading cause of death in children. The discovery of effective cancer therapies is imperative to combat this deadly disease. The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) has comprised a library of over 4,000 organic extracts derived from plants, fungi, marine, and algae species with potential anti-cancer properties. In partnership with NCNPR, we have developed a rapid and effective method for screening large quantities of these organic compounds for anti-cancer efficacy against THP-1 cells (a monocytic leukemia cell line). A microtiter-based AlamarBlue Assay was used to identify extracts that reduced the viability of the THP-1 cells. For this assay, THP-1 cells were treated with an extract from the NCNPR library and were incubated at 37˚C, 5% CO2 for 24 hours. Subsequently, resazurin was and incubated for an additional 24 hours. Change to a red color was an indicator of viability. Cells treated with extracts that produced little to no color change were identified as leads. One hundred forty-nine lead extracts have been further evaluated for toxicity to HeLa cells (a cervical cancer cell line) to determine whether these compounds may be more broadly applicable.
SHArK and SEAL investigations of mixed metal oxides with photoelectrocatalytic potential.
Authors: Ruza Ashley Nicole , Johnson Jessica Michelle , LaNeve Lindsey Marie , Harvey Erica 
Published: May 2022

The goal of our research is to find a way to help sunlight separate water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, so hydrogen can be used as a source of energy even when the sun is not shining. Though the water-splitting process occurs naturally, it is very slow. The Solar Army, a nationwide group of researchers, is searching for a safe, inexpensive photoelectrocatalyst, a substance that can speed up the sunlight-driven water splitting reaction. Instruments known as SHArK (Solar Hydrogen Activity research Kit) and SEAL (Solar Energy Activity Lab) were used to test samples containing different ratios and combinations of earth-abundant metal oxides. Ratios and metal oxides were chosen based on previously made samples containing promising results. SHArK and SEAL both test in different ways for photocurrent, an electric current activated by light. Metal oxide samples that produce substantial photocurrent could potentially be developed as photoelectrocatalysts and help the future of the planet. Our research efforts explored oxide combinations of copper, cobalt, and nickel, and of strontium, chromium, and iron. The ratios of copper, cobalt, and nickel have given null results, while the ratios of strontium, chromium, and iron have continued with positive results.
Analysis of the effect of drugs and alcohol on adult differentiated neuronal stem cells.
Authors: Knight Emily Morgan , Anthony Bruce Charles 
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study is to determines the effect of drug and alcohol on the proliferation and differentiation process of neuronal stem cells exposed both before and after induction of differentiation in culture. In addition, we examine the surviving neuron population for synaptic connections and GABA receptor expression to define gabanergeic functionality. We previously found that alcohol decreased the overall amount of neuronal stem cells through increased cell death and altered the pattern of differentiation for neurons with little effect on astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. In this study, differentiated neuronal stem cells were treated with alcohol, methamphetamine, and a synthetic opioid drug, DAMGO, to compare the effects in the cell proliferation and differentiation process after exposure. After exposure we demonstrate a substantial decrease in neuron differentiation in all tested models. Examination of postsynaptic density of the surviving neurons were examined using Shank3 antibody as a postsynaptic marker. GABAR1, an inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor, was also examined for alterations in the ability of the cells to communicate within neuron populations. Research sponsored by WV-INBRE grant P20GM103434
Hypo-virulent Cryphonectria parasitica and distribution/infection factors in southern Appalachia.
Authors: Winters Michael , Naylor Annika , LaFantasie Jordana , Thomas-VanGundy Melissa 
Published: May 2022

Prior to its decline and functional extinction due to an invasive blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica) in the early 20th century, the American chestnut was a key dominant tree species in most eastern deciduous forests. The infection mechanism, and associated factors affecting rates of infection, must be understood if a hybrid chestnut species is to be reintroduced within native range tree stands. The focus of our work was on on the blight fungus itself. Our objectives were to: 1) determine the possibility of hypo-virulent (or less infectious) strains of the fungus being present at our research site, 2) identify factors correlated with infection rates at the site, and 3) examine possible connections between infection and chestnut mortality rates and factors like chestnut type, family, and site location. We sampled each of four types of chestnut (Pure American/Chinese and two hybrids [B3F2 and B3F3]) at the St. George research site where we characterized cankers and tree environment in addition to culturing canker samples under lab conditions. We did not find evidence of hypo-virulent strains of the chestnut blight at the research site, which could be attributed to hypo-virulent fungus having relatively low success rates due to inhibited sporulation. There was no significant relationship between chestnut species/lineage and infection/mortality rates. This research could inform the development and success of hybrids used in the reintroduction of American chestnut in the future.
Analysis of the effects of drugs and alcohol on neuronal stem cell differentiation.
Authors: Shelton Lauren Nicole , Anthony Bruce 
Published: May 2022

Drug and alcohol abuse lead to neuronal cell loss and altered CNS plasticity that effects one’s ability to understand and learn new information, as well as restructure pathways important in abstinence based recovery processes. Plasticity relies, in part, on stem cells in several regions of the adult brain that expand, migrate, differentiate and establish new neurons and supportive glial cells. Previous studies suggest that drugs of abuse, including alcohol, methamphetamine and opioids reduce the number of stem cells and affect migration and differentiation processes. Our study examined differentiation of E14 rat neuronal stem cell differentiation after drug insult. In this study, differentiated neuronal stem cells were exposed to single doses of alcohol, methamphetamine, and DAMGO (opioid agonist) to recreate the effects of adult substance abuse. We examined cells, after 5 days, to determine differentiation processes and cell numbers. Synaptogyrin-1 antibody was used to determine neuronal connectivity, and Glutamine Receptor Type 1 antibody was used to determine glutamate neurotransmission. Cells were also stained for synaptic vesicle expression. We show substantial cell loss with alterations in vesicle packaging and synaptic cleft formation. Research sponsored by WV-INBRE grant P20GM103434.
The Analysis of DNA Damage and Cell Loss due to Alcohol and Opiate Drug Exposure on Undifferentiated Stem Cells.
Authors: Thomas Connor Levi 
Published: May 2022

In Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), alcohol promotes mental and physical alterations accredited to vicissitudes in the proliferation, differentiation, migration, and cell death in cells within the developing neural crest. Studies show that oxidative stress and changes in cellular proliferation (S-Phase) in these cells plays a role in single and double stranded DNA breaks, leading to a heightened amount of apoptosis in exposed stem cell populations. Opiate drug abuse is common across the world, but the cellular impact is poorly understood. The way that opiate drugs affect the neural crest cells may relate to the alcohol induced apoptotic pathway. It is thought that dose may play a role in the magnitude of the cell loss from alcohol, opiate drugs may also follow this standard. Our hypothesis is that alcohol and opiate drug induced DNA damage is similar and causes an overall increased amount of apoptosis among cell populations. We used a comet assay to analyze the type and extent of DNA damage, caused by single doses of alcohol, methamphetamine, and DAMGO (opioid agonist). We show increased cell losses and heightened amounts of single and double stranded DNA breaks. Research sponsored by WV-INBRE grant P20GM103434.
HALEY K. MCGUFFIN and GREG E. POPOVICH, Dept of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV, 26201. Losing 100 pounds: case-study analysis of the implementation of hypercaloric “cheat” meals to facilitate progressive weight loss.
Authors: McGuffin Haley K 
Published: May 2022

Many weight-loss strategies employ the use of systematic refeeding, commonly referred to as “cheat” meals. This approach may be used to prevent stagnation or to re-initiate weight loss once a plateau has been reached. It is believed that cheat meals improve adherence and maintain metabolic rate. The purpose of this case study was to determine the effect of cheat meals on prolonged weight loss while avoiding stagnation on a hypocaloric diet. The subject was a 38-year-old sedentary female (weighing 300 lbs at a height of 5’2”, with an unremarkable medical history. We compared average weekly weight loss with the weight loss experienced after consuming cheat meals. She lost an average of 2.38 pounds per week and a total of 117.9 pounds in 74 weeks. The weeks when she followed the guidelines of her diet but did not observe meaningful loss were interpreted as reaching a sticking point. In this instance, she would implement a cheat meal to re-initiate progress. A common cheat meal consisted of primarily an increase in carbohydrates above her recommended 1,000-1,245 daily calorie intake. Hypercaloric meals cause an acute but transient increase in body weight in the following days. During the next 3-4 days after the refeeding, she frequently experienced a new low in body weight. Preliminary results indicate that cheat meals continued the weight loss trend by permitting adherence and presumably maintaining metabolic rate.
Treatment strategy for responders in a combinatorial OXP and IL12 therapy based on a calibrated cancer model
Authors: GIANNINY DALLAS , Wang Zhijun , Wang Qing , Klinke DAVID J. 
Published: May 2022

When used in combination, the chemotherapy drug Oxaliplatin (OXP) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) have shown to be effective in eliminating pre-existing liver metastatic colorectal cancer in a murine model. To explore the effects of various treatment strategies on tumor control, we conducted simulation experiments based on a calibrated mathematical model using ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The experiments presented in this work focused on treatment effects of a group of responders who survived two treatment cycles of combined OXP and IL12 therapy and responded well to the third treatment cycle using the same treatment protocol. Our model simulations suggest that it may be possible for responders to reduce the strength of IL-12 in the current combination therapy with minimal impact on efficacy and in addition, increased OXP dose in the combination treatment results in reduced tumor burden for responders. Furthermore, our model demonstrates diminishing returns beyond four treatment cycles. The results of this model could provide potential directions for researchers to construct more efficient and effective treatment regimens for human patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. This project was supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence.
Influence of Non-Equidiffusivity and Boundary Conditions on Finger Flame Acceleration
Authors: Alkhabbaz Mohammed 
Published: May 2022

MOHAMMED ALKHABBAZ and V’YACHESLAV AKKERMAN, Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505. Influence of Fuel Nonequidiffusivity and Wall Boundary Conditions on Finger Flame Acceleration in Pipes Among the mechanisms of premixed flame acceleration in pipes, finger flame acceleration (FFA) experiences the following scenario: an initially hemispherical flame embryo, ignited at a closed end of a tube or a channel with one end open, at its centerline, eventually acquires a convex, finger-like shape. This is accompanied by powerful acceleration, which lasts until the flame skirt contacts a sidewall of a pipe, and is followed by flame deceleration and formation of a concave, tulip flame. Previous theoretical studies of FFA employed conventional simplifying assumptions – such as equidiffusive (Le=1) combustion and ideally slip, adiabatic walls – which are not the cases in the practical reality. In contrast, the present work investigates the impacts of the Lewis number, Le, and various wall boundary conditions on FFA. The study is performed by means of the computational simulations of combustion equations, with fully-compressible hydrodynamics, transport properties and Arrhenius chemical kinetics. Evolutions of the major flame parameters, such as the locus and velocity of the flame tip as well as the flame surface area, are observed. It is shown that Le>1 flames are intrinsically thickened and thereby propagate slightly slower than equidiffusive ones, however the effect is minor. In contrast, Le<1 flames propagate faster due to the onset of the diffusional-thermal instability. As for the wall conditions, various mechanistic (slip/nonslip) and thermal (adiabatic/isothermal) boundaries are employed and compared. Unlike other acceleration mechanisms, such as that due to wall friction, it appears that sidewalls provide a minor impact on FFA, presumably, because this acceleration occurs mainly far from the walls.
Application of various shear stress calculation methods with respect to different bridge abutment lengths
Authors: Lee Jun Seon , Hong Seung Ho 
Published: May 2022

When a bridge abutment occupies a significant part of the channel width, the water surface elevation in the upstream of the bridge rises in comparison to that which would occur without the bridge, and this phenomenon is called backwater effect. Due to the backwater in the bridge approach section, several of bed shear stress estimation methods shows an inaccurate result because approach uniform flow might not be assumed depending on the degree of backwater amount. Thus, in this laboratory study, seven widely used shear stress formulas are applied in the bridge approach section subjected to the backwater according to the abutment length, and the results are compared for their validation. For the detailed velocity and turbulence measurements, 3D downlooking Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) was used and three different lengths of bridge abutment were constructed in the laboratory to simulate various degree of backwater effect for shear stress calculation in the approach section. The experimental comparison shows that the methods using Reynolds stress and Turbulence Kinetic Energy concept were the most suitable of calculating shear stress in the approach section under severe backwater condition. For other methods leading to inaccurate estimations, the calibrating coefficient is suggeste
The Effects of Roundup and its Chemical Constituents on Learning and Long-Term Memory Consolidation in Lymnaea palustris
Authors: Robinson Aaron F , Nolan Colleen J , Plautz Carol Zygar 
Published: May 2022

Environmental contamination from herbicide use is a prevalent problem. Roundup is a widely used herbicide that consists of two active ingredients: Glyphosate and Diquat Dibromide (DD). Previous work has shown that these compounds have negative impacts on development, fecundity, and other processes. We analyzed the effects of chronic exposure to Roundup, Glyphosate, and DD on learning and memory in the pond snail, Lymnaea palustris. L. palustris was treated with Roundup, Glyphosate, or DD for 1-2 weeks. Snails were operantly conditioned according to standard procedures. The results indicated that at concentrations of Roundup and DD legally allowed in human drinking water for a 1-week treatment, learning was not inhibited; however, memory formation was impaired. At the same concentration for 2 weeks, or at a 5-fold higher concentration for 1- and 2-week treatments, both learning and memory are significantly impaired. A 1-week treatment with Glyphosate impairs memory but not learning. Western Blot analysis was conducted to detect changes in Protein Kinase C (PKC) abundance, which has been shown to be linked to learning and memory. Previous work in our laboratory has shown a positive correlation between the abundance of PKC and memory consolidation in control snails; this increase is abolished upon exposure to Roundup or its constituents. Our findings suggest that Roundup and its constituents have damaging effects on learning and memory in invertebrates. Similar effects may occur in vertebrates because of the high level of conservation of learning and memory processes across species.
Determining the role of the pilD gene in Francisella tularensis susceptibility to resazomycins.
Authors: Pancake Jacob , Schmitt Deanna 
Published: May 2022

Antimicrobial resistant strains (AMRs) of bacteria have become such a severe worldwide issue that the United Nations General assembly met in 2016 to discuss the topic of AMRs. Due to the increase in the number of antibiotic-resistant strains, new therapeutics against AMRs must be developed. Resazomycins are resazurin-based compounds that exhibit antimicrobial activity against F. tularensis as well as other Gram-negative bacteria including N. gonorrheae. The mode of action of these antibiotics is not understood. Approximately half of forty-eight resazurin-resistant F. tularensis isolates had a mutation in the genes FTL_0959 (pilD) and FTL_1306 (dipA). The objective of this project is to determine how pilD affects F. tularensis susceptibility to resazomycins. In F. tularensis, pilD encodes for the cytoplasmic membrane peptidase responsible for processing the prepilin subunits in type IV pilin assembly proteins. We are currently working to generate a pilD null deletion mutant using standard molecular genetic techniques. We will first confirm the sensitivity of the pilD deletion mutant to resazomycins. Understanding the role of pilD in resazomycin susceptibility would facilitate further development of these compounds as potential treatments for tularemia and gonorrhea.