Tag: 2021

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Antioxidant Content of Grass and Grain

Comparison of Antioxidant Content in Complex Pasture vs. Conventional Feed for Beef Cattle by Time

Esha Garg, 2nd year
Viji Jambunathan, 2nd year
Srikar Kesamneni, 3rd year
Humza Ali, 4th year

Abstract

Grass-finished beef is generally considered healthier than grain finished beef in part because the omega-6/omega-3 ratio is reported to be lower. However, complex pasture mixtures are also purported to contain higher concentrations of plant secondary metabolites; the consumption of which is thought to be important for human health. The objective of this study was to compare the carotenoids and chlorophyll in complex pasture vs conventional feed.
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Ventral Pallidum Role in Social Play Behavior

Role of the Ventral Pallidum in the Regulation of Social Play Behavior in Juvenile Rats
Elie Huez, 4th year

Abstract

Social play behavior is a rewarding behavior and displayed by juveniles of many mammalian species. Engagement in social play behavior is important for the development of social competence throughout life. Children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show social play deficits, which may contribute to their life-long social deficits.
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COVID-19 Impact on Low-Income Families

The COVID-19 Pandemic Negatively Affected Low-Income Families’ Lives: A Descriptive Study

Nandini Koneru, 2nd Year and Meghana Jalagam, 2nd Year

Abstract

First documented in December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID-19, has spread across the world rapidly to cause a massive global pandemic. In addition to the health crisis, families are facing challenges to their everyday life, specifically families under the poverty level. However, limited studies were conducted among low-income families with young children; thus, this study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 on low-income families’ lives.
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Marijuana, Cigarette Smoking, and Adenomyosis Risk

2021 MSUFCU Runner up Biology oral presentation for the Lyman Briggs Research Showcase
A Novel Case-Control Study on Marijuana and Cigarette Smoking and the Risk of Adenomyosis
Grace Joachim, 4th year

Abstract

The uterine condition adenomyosis can produce substantial symptoms, including painful menses and heavy menstrual bleeding. Although the etiology of adenomyosis remains enigmatic, estrogen plays a central role in disease development. Two common exposures that may alter estrogen concentrations and affect adenomyosis risk are marijuana and cigarette smoking.
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Bicalutamide as Treatment for Kennedy’s Disease

2021 MSUFCU Grand Prize Award for the Lyman Briggs Research Showcase
FDA Approved Drug Bicalutamide Rescues Male Mice from Kennedy’s Disease
Mackenzie Greene, 3rd year

Abstract

Kennedy’s Disease (KD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a polyglutamine expansion, or CAG repeat, in the Androgen Receptor (AR) gene. This disease affects only males, usually emerges mid-life, and is characterized by marked deficits in muscle strength and coordination. Male mice with the KD allele develop muscle weakness around puberty as testosterone levels surge, suggesting that levels of testosterone may contribute to disease development in mice with mutated AR.
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Vertebrate CtBP C-Terminal Conservation

Structural and Sequence Conservation of the CtBP Corepressor C-Terminal Domain Across Vertebrate Species

Kalynn Bird, 3rd year
Madeline Niblock, 3rd year

Abstract

The C-terminal Binding Protein (CtBP) is a transcriptional corepressor that regulates gene expression and functions as a tumor suppressor. The CtBP catalytic core resembles an NAD(H)-dependent dehydrogenase, and binding to the NAD(H) cofactor enables formation of dimers and tetramers. The less conserved C-terminal domain (CTD) has not been structurally characterized and a functional role remains elusive. Some organisms, like Drosophila, have a single CtBP gene with multiple splice isoforms that encode variant “short” and “long” CTDs. Vertebrates encode two paralogous genes, CtBP1 and CtBP2.
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Oxybenzone and Mammary Gland Development

2021 MSUFCU Honorable Mention Award for the Lyman Briggs Research Showcase
Effects of Oxybenzone on Epithelial Ductal Development in Murine Mammary Glands
Calista Busch, 2nd year

Abstract

Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3; BP-3) is a putative endocrine disrupting chemical, and common ingredient in sunscreens and many personal care products. Endocrine disrupting chemicals can interfere with the normal action of reproductive hormones. BP-3 is found in the urine of as much as 98% of the U.S. population.
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A Review of COVID-19 Vaccine Candidates

A Review of Current COVID-19 Vaccine Phase III and Emergency Use Authorization Candidates
Ashley Atkinson, 3rd year

Abstract

As the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 continues into 2021, it is important to analyze available data for promising vaccine candidates. The purpose of this review is to summarize vaccine types and gather and evaluate public data regarding the safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of twenty different COVID-19 vaccines in phase III trials as well as those authorized for emergency use.
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Structuring Synthetic Communities

Directed Spatial Structure and Patterning in Synthetic Communities

Daniel Ducat, Principal Investigator
Lisa Yun, Ph.D. Candidate
Kimberly Watson, 4th year

Abstract

Microbial communities play a foundational role in system regulation. The spatial structure of these natural communities in the environment is something that cannot be controlled in synthetic cultures yet. In order to achieve this, the adhesin pair of SpyTag and SpyCatcher was used. In Synechococcus elongatus (S. elongatus), SpyTag-FLAG was used for immunofluorescence, confirming the expression, transport, and display of the protein on the outer membrane (OM) via SomA.
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Transracial Adoptee Psyche and Mental Health

2021 MSUFCU Diversity & Inclusion Award for the Lyman Briggs Research Showcase
Effects of Adoption on the Psyche and Mental Health of Transracial Adoptees
Abi Otwell, 4th year

Abstract

Transracial adoptees form a small minority group that is subject to an intriguing combination of social pressures that creates distinct stressors on mental health. Attempts to navigate two or more cultures when developing their racial/cultural self-identity can cause transracial adoptees to feel isolated from multiple social communities.
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