West Liberty University

Francisella tularensis is a pathogenic bacterium and the causative agent of the disease tularemia. Because of the virulence of this bacterium and the potential for weaponization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified F. tularensis as a Category A Bioterrorism Agent. Therefore, the need for new treatments for tularemia is critical. In this work, we screened a cataloged library of natural extracts to identify those that inhibit the growth of F. tularensis only during infection of THP-1 monocyte cells. One of the most promising extracts identified in this screen was derived from Foeniculum vulgare (fennel). Using bioassay-guided fractionation, the fennel extract was fractionated, and the bioactive compound was isolated and structurally elucidated as the phenylpropanoid dillapiole. We subsequently confirmed that dillapiole alone could limit the replication of F. tularensis in infected THP-1 cells, but not outside of this infection model. Investigations on host responses suggested that dillapiole was not substantially augmenting the immunity of these THP-1 cells. We then investigated the potential virulence modulation activity of dillapiole. To test this hypothesis, RNA-seq analysis was carried out on F. tularensis bacteria that were treated with dillapiole. This showed that dillapiole caused a significant downregulation of genes controlled by the transcriptional regulators MglA and SspA, including those encoded in the Francisella pathogenicity island. Western blotting validated these findings as both IglA and IglC expression was diminished in F. tularensis LVS bacteria treated with dillapiole. Because dillapiole dampens the virulence gene expression of F. tularensis, we concluded that this compound has potential to be used as a novel therapeutic for tularemia with a unique mechanism of action.

The angiosperm Podostemum ceratophyllum (Hornleaf Riverweed) (Podostemaceae) is native to the montane and Piedmont regions of eastern North America where it grows submerged in swift-water riverine habitats. Ecologically, Hornleaf Riverweed provides habitat for aquatic invertebrates and fish, and is grazed on by a variety of consumers, including geese, turtles, and crayfish. Only 1 population has been documented in the state of Ohio, in the Grand River (Ashtabula County). Hornleaf Riverweed is listed as endangered in Ohio. The lone Ohio population was last surveyed 24 years ago (September 2000). Here, I document the status of this unusual aquatic species of conservation importance in Ohio.

Abstract The adaptationist dogma among research on animal colors has recently come into question, as several studies have suggested that bright, conspicuous colors in animals are not always adaptive, but evolutionarily neutral. However, demonstrating that a color trait is evolutionarily neutral is complicated—there is no consensus as to what qualifies as sufficient evidence for a color trait to be considered neutral. Our study discusses these issues while investigating the function of coloration in a conspicuously colored blue crayfish, Cambarus monongalensis, which inhabits semi-terrestrial burrows and rarely interacts with the surface. By correlating sex and size with color variables, we found that three body regions of C. monongalensis do not vary in color with respect to sex or size, thereby rejecting two of our adaptive hypotheses. Additionally, visual models of crayfish and predators suggest that crayfish may not be able to distinguish body colors across the body and against backgrounds, but that predators can distinguish these colors. By integrating these results with prior studies, we discuss how bright colors in crayfish may are an ideal system to investigate the neutral theory of color evolution. Ultimately, such research may challenge the adaptationist dogma amongst research on animal color and other phenotypes.

Cambarus chasmodactylus (New River Crayfish) is one of the largest crayfish species occurring in the Appalachian Mountains and occupies a niche similar to several highly imperiled crayfishes within the same region. While conducting a controlled mesocosm study assessing the impacts of contaminants on crayfish growth, development, and reproductive status, we recorded an observation where New River Crayfish neonates clustered around the head of an untreated, reference maternal crayfish after molting. This neonate head-clustering behavior did not appear to impact the female during the 3-week period the behavior was observed. Further observations are needed to determine if this behavior occurs across other crayfish species, and if it is displayed outside of captive conditions.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that leads to increased concentration of thyroid hormones (THs), such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). An increase in these circulating THs, or thyrotoxicosis, in utero can lead to developmental conditions such as craniosynostosis. Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of cranial sutures during development. This study focused on the development of sagittal and coronal sutures within crania of both juvenile mice and embryonic chickens following in utero thyroxine exposure. In previous studies, the murine model of induced thyrotoxicosis has shown a widening of the sagittal suture and a narrowing of the coronal suture. We hypothesized that we would see a similar morphology in the murine and avian crania following our model for induced thyrotoxicosis. For the (1) murine model, pregnant dams were given levothyroxine (synthetic thyroxine; 667 ng per day) or a vehicle dose (no treatment) daily to their drinking water. At 3 weeks post-natal, skulls from pups were then harvested. In the (2) avian model, 25 ng thyroxine or saline (control) was injected into the air cell of fertilized chicken eggs on days 11 and 15 post-fertilization. At 19 days post-fertilization, skulls from chicken embryos were then harvested. All crania were whole-mount stained with Alizarin red and Alcian blue, photographed, and measured from both treatment and control groups. This data was then analyzed in R-Studio using unpaired t-tests to determine significance. This morphological study supports our previous findings demonstrating that the coronal and sagittal sutures undergo differential development with increased thyroxine exposure.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other antibiotic-resistant strains of S. aureus present a significant risk due to limited treatment options available to combat potentially life-threatening infections caused by these bacteria. Since staphylococci, including MRSA strains, can populate the microbiota of individuals, we hypothesized that antagonistic bacteria would also be present among these microbes. Therefore, sample swabs were collected to identify bacteria from the human microbiota capable of killing or inhibiting the growth of MRSA. Bacillus aerius was identified to have the most pronounced anti-MRSA activity and was selected for further analysis. Cellular extracts of B. aerius alone did not inhibit the growth of MRSA so we hypothesized that a cell-to-cell interaction was responsible. Microscopy studies indicate that B. aerius impedes the growth of MRSA, potentially by inducing cytotoxicity.

Manned spaceflight poses significant physiological and psychological challenges, with microgravity, irradiation, confinement, and social isolation contributing to stress-related health risks. Microgravity in particular causes cardiovascular, muscular, immune, and cognitive changes, often accompanied by elevated glucocorticoid (GC) stress-hormone levels mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, conflicting evidence exists regarding GC elevation, and little is known about how stress-responsive neurons adapt during and after microgravity exposure. This study investigates how simulated microgravity, modeled in rodents by hindlimb unloading (HU), impacts corticotropin-releasing factor-positive neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN-CRF neurons), key regulators of the HPA axis. We have developed a modification of the HU paradigm that facilitates longitudinal in vivo recording of brain activity using implanted electrodes of fiber-optic cannulae. Using fiber photometry to track PVN-CRF neuron activity in real time, we hypothesize that HU causes prolonged increases in PVN-CRF activity and heightened reactivity to subsequent stressors, with greater effects seen in longer HU durations. These findings will shed light on the neural adaptations to microgravity and the long-term effects on stress circuits. By identifying how stress responses are altered in microgravity, this research may guide strategies to mitigate stress-linked health challenges in spaceflight.

This empirical study investigates the relationship between mindfulness and online engagement among Bangladeshi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners during the Covid-19 pandemic. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from the Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS) and the Online Student Engagement Scale (OSES) with qualitative data from open-ended responses. A total of 215 university students participated in the study, providing insights into their mindfulness levels and engagement in online learning. Quantitative analyses, including descriptive and regression analyses, revealed no significant correlation between mindfulness and online engagement. Reliability analysis indicated that while the OSES demonstrated acceptable internal consistency for this population, the LMS showed poor reliability across subscales, raising concerns about its validity for Bangladeshi EFL students. Qualitative data were analysed using descriptive phenomenology, which highlighted a shift in students' locus of control during online learning, often manifesting as feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Participants reported that mindfulness practices did not adequately mitigate pandemic-related stress or support their engagement. The findings suggest that mindfulness alone may not be effective in enhancing student engagement in online EFL contexts within non-Western settings. The study calls for policymakers to prioritise the development of resilient online learning infrastructures, improve internet accessibility, and incorporate culturally sensitive approaches to student well-being in digital education environments.

https://youtu.be/RzKWRGm-J34 BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine if Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) are related to physiological measures of health. ACE’s are associated with an increase in the inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation is linked to diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, and cancer as well as immunologic conditions. Lifestyle choices such as exercise and dietary habits may potentially counteract those inflammatory changes related to higher ACE’s due to the anti-inflammatory properties associated with those choices. METHODS Participants visited the Exercise Physiology Lab and first completed an informed consent. Following that, participants were given the two survey instruments: ACE’s assessment and Simple 7 assessment. Participants were to complete each survey assessment and place the completed assessments in a sealed manilla envelope. After completing the survey instruments, participants had resting blood pressure, height, weight and body composition (Tanita body fat scale) measurements completed. Following the resting measures participants put on a Polar telemetry strap and started a self-selected warm-up on the treadmill. After a 5-min warm-up, participants started a Bruce Protocol treadmill test that was terminated at 80% of age-predicted maximum heart rate or a request to stop or for any reason signifying cardiopulmonary distress . A correlational analysis was conducted using SPSS v30. RESULTS In total12 participants (8 female, 4 male) were analyzed. Body mass index (BMI) and age of first occurrence for the ACE’s assessment were correlated, p = 0.045, r = -0.587. Other correlations were trending towards significance but due to a smaller sample size, significance was not achieved. ACE’s and stage RPE (p = 0.084, r = 0.519), heart rate at test termination (p = 0.054, r = 0.568) and resting arterial pulse pressure (p = 0.097, r = -0.502) were not significantly correlated. ACE’s assessment part 2 regarding support systems had a trending correlation with resting mean arterial pressure (p = 0.097, r = -0.501). CONCLUSIONS ACE’s may have a long-term physiological impact from psychological stress at a younger age. Data showed those with an earlier age of adverse experiences, correlated with a higher BMI. High BMI is associated with many chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, metabolic diseases and cancer. With other data trending toward significance, further investigation into ACE’s and health values should be explored to determine the long-term impact of psychological damage from childhood.