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The Sea as a Source of Novel Antiparasitic Compounds

The Sea as a Source of Novel Antiparasitic Compounds

Primary Author: Rachel Relat

Faculty Sponsor: Roberta O’Connor

 

Primary College/Unit: College of Veterinary Medicine

Category: Medical and Life Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

PRINCIPLE TOPIC

Cryptosporidium, an intracellular parasite that causes severe diarrhea, is now recognized as a leading cause of waterborne disease worldwide, infecting both humans and valuable livestock.  Cryptosporidium infection is particularly devastating in children as it causes life-threatening diarrhea, along with developmental delays including growth stunting and cognitive impairment. Cryptosporidium is an especially important disease of immunocompromised individuals of all ages, leading to chronic, potentially fatal diarrhea. No effective treatment exists for many human or veterinary patients diagnosed with Cryptosporidium.

METHODS

To address this medical imperative, we designed a high throughput screen to test thousands of unique compounds, with the goal of discovering new, potent, anti-Cryptosporidium drugs and drug scaffolds. Our collaborators at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) have amassed a library of over 125 natural compounds, and 6500 highly enriched fractions from extracts of marine organisms. We began screening this library as it contains compounds and fractions produced by sessile oceanic animals which frequently use chemical defenses.  We screened greater than 3,600 partially purified extracts from the HBOI library by infecting cells with Cryptosporidium parvum, allowing replication, and then treating with a specific highly enriched fractions or compounds, and then measuring parasite growth after 48 hours.

RESULTS

We identified 10 extracts derived from sessile marine organisms that effectively inhibit (>80% inhibition) Cryptosporidium without damaging the host cells in which these parasites live. This work will significantly contribute to the goal of discovering effective treatments against Cryptosporidium specifically, and further the search for novel anti-parasitic drugs.

 

How Attachment May Influence Social Media Usage: Examining Use, Cyber-friends, and Platforms

How Attachment May Influence Social Media Usage: Examining Use, Cyber-friends, and Platforms

Primary author: Jordyn Randall
Faculty sponsor: Stacey Hust

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Category: Business, Communication, and Political Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Attachment is formed in infancy and has significant impact on how adults form interpersonal relationships. There are three main levels of attachment: secure, anxious, and avoidant. People who are securely attached typically had a wholesome childhood and will be better at forming relationships. Social media can have a negative impact on social skills and impact interpersonal relationships depending on how social media is used and the frequency of use. There is minimal research on how attachment styles may influence social media usage. This study aims to identify the role of attachment in how emerging adults use social media by frequency, number of friends online, and number of platforms. Additionally, the importance of childhood home status in determining attachment styles and influence on social media frequency of use. A sample of 240 undergraduate students completed an online survey asking them about demographic information, their social media usage, their parental attachment, and their peer attachment. The sample was made of more females (64%) and was predominantly White (69.5%). Results show that peer attachment was significant for high social media usage for four major social media platforms and number of online friends when childhood home status was calculated as a moderator. Parent attachment was non-significant for all analyses. This could be due to two-thirds of the participants coming from nuclear families and they had secure attachment to their parents. Possible implications for this are the importance of childhood home status and how the home status may impact relationship formation for emerging adults.

Identifying the mechanism of action of Tartrolon E, a broad-spectrum anti-apicomplexan compound

Identifying the mechanism of action of Tartrolon E, a broad-spectrum anti-apicomplexan compound

Primary Author: Gregory Bowden

Faculty Sponsor: Roberta O’Connor

 

Primary College/Unit: College of Veterinary Medicine

Category: Medical and Life Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

PRINCIPAL TOPIC

The apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium is the cause of the severe diarrheal disease, cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most important diseases of children, immunocompromised individuals, and young ruminant livestock. Currently, there is no treatment for neonatal ruminants, and the only approved treatment for immunocompromised individuals is ineffective; a new treatment is needed.  Recently we identified Tartrolon E (TrtE), a compound from shipworm symbiotic bacteria, to have broad-spectrum anti-apicomplexan parasite activity, including activity against Cryptosporidium. The purpose of this work was to uncover the mechanism of action of TrtE against apicomplexan parasites by examining gene expression during treatment.

METHOD

We studied the mechanism of action of TrtE using the model apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Changes in gene expression during treatment were determined by RNA-sequencing and verified by RT-qPCR. We investigated the potential function of the responsive gene using bioinformatics and immunofluorescence assays. To examine the effect of this gene on parasite susceptibility to TrtE, we deleted the gene using CRISPR/Cas9.

RESULTS

RNA-sequencing data revealed that T. gondii responds to TrtE treatment by upregulating TGME49_272370 (TERG) in a rapid dose-dependent manner. TERG encodes for an unknown protein with multiple predicted transmembrane domains. Immunofluorescence assays located the TERG protein to punctate areas throughout the cytoplasm. The deletion of TERG resulted in a 22% increase in parasite susceptibility to TrtE. In uncovering the mechanism by which TrtE inhibits T. gondii parasites, we may identify a shared pathway critical to apicomplexan parasite survival and advance the search for a new treatment for cryptosporidiosis.

 

‘We’re Here to Help’: Students of Color Experiences and Satisfaction with Health and Emergency Services at Washington State University

‘We’re Here to Help’: Students of Color Experiences and Satisfaction with Health and Emergency Services at Washington State University

Primary author: Brianne Posey
Faculty sponsor: Patricia Maarhuis

Primary college/unit: Cougar Health Services/Health Promotion
Category: Physical and Social Sciences

Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Background: People of color may face barriers to care services. Some of these barriers stem from financial and geographic disadvantage, while other barriers stem from negative experiences with practitioners and staff. Patient satisfaction with care services is an important factor in retention. Previous studies have concluded that patient experiences and satisfaction scores significantly predict whether a patient maintains a continuing relationship with a practitioner. Research Objectives: Researchers sought to examine the self-reported experiences and satisfaction scores of minority students at Washington State University. Data: A survey questionnaire was distributed to 200 students of color regarding their experiences and satisfaction with four Washington State University, Pullman campus and community emergency and health care services: 1) Cougar Health Services Medical Clinic (CHS), 2) Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), 3) Washington State University Police Department (WSU PD), 4) Pullman Police Department (Pullman PD). Analysis: Quantitative descriptive analysis was performed along with qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Participant experiences such as friendly staff, trauma informed interviewing, and culturally respectful and inclusive language were associated with higher satisfaction scores and students being more likely to return. Oppositely, experiences such as long wait times, incorrect diagnosis, and high cost of treatment were associated with lower satisfaction scores and students being less likely to return. Conclusion: This study provides data about factors important to patient satisfaction with care services for a selected group of college students. Recommendations for improving satisfaction among students of color are provided.

I work for my own: The effect of psychological ownership on emotional labor

I work for my own: The effect of psychological ownership on emotional labor

Primary Author: Lu Yuan

Faculty Sponsor: Jenny Kim

 

Primary College/Unit: Carson College of Business

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

PRINCIPAL TOPIC

Service workers experience stress not only from frivolous behavioral tasks but emotional display rules required during customer contacts. Stress grows even larger when authentic emotions differ from required expressions during work. Psychological ownership in the organization induces affective attachment, makes employees consider the organization as their extended self and feel responsible for customers to benefit the firm. Consequently, personal goals keep consistent with organizational goals and this enables employees to display genuine, positive emotions and service behavior. This influence of psychological ownership on employees’ customer-oriented behavior and emotional acting, which refers to emotional labor, have drawn little attention up to now.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of employees’ psychological ownership on their emotional labor directly and indirectly through customer orientation. Additionally, this paper explores how job autonomy interacts with customer orientation and affects employees’ deep and surface acting behavior.

METHOD

Survey data were collected from 251 employees in 4 Chinese 5-star hotels. All the variables were measured by reliable scales developed and validated by existing studies. SEM was employed for the paths analysis.

RESULTS/IMPLICATIONS

Results demonstrate psychological ownership has a positive, direct influence on deep acting and an indirect influence on deep acting through customer orientation. Conversely, psychological ownership shows a direct, negative association with surface acting, and an indirect association with surface acting through customer orientation. Further, the positive influence of customer orientation on deep acting is stronger in a high-autonomy condition. This moderation effect does not show for surface acting.

 

To Highlight or Summarize? The Benefits of Constructive Learning in Geology.

To Highlight or Summarize? The Benefits of Constructive Learning in Geology.

Primary Author: Rachel Wong

Faculty Sponsor: Olusola Adesope

 

Primary College/Unit: College of Education

Category: Arts and Education Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Learning strategies that college students frequently utilize include highlighting or summarizing. However, based on Chi and Wylie’s ICAP framework (2014), these strategies are not equally effective. The framework identifies four modes of cognitive engagement in learning – passive, active, constructive, and interactive, defined by the overt learning activities that learners participate in. As learners’ engagement increase from passive towards interactive, they are likely to develop a deeper understanding of the material. Based on the framework, highlighting is classified as active and summarizing as constructive, implying that summarizing should result in greater learning.

 

This study was conducted with undergraduate geology students. Students were randomly assigned to either the highlighting or summarizing condition. All students completed a 5-item pre-test. The learning material consisting of six paragraphs, presented individually, aligned with students’ curriculum. In the highlighting condition, students highlighted key words for each paragraph while students in the summarizing condition summarized each paragraph after reading. All students completed immediate and delayed retention and transfer questions, with the delayed questions administered a week later.

 

Results indicated that the summarizing condition outperformed the highlighting condition on both immediate retention (d = 0.52) and delayed transfer (d = 0.54). The findings from this study provide empirical support for the ICAP framework, indicating that a constructive mode of engagement is more beneficial than an active mode of engagement. Since this study was conducted in an authentic learning environment, the findings are even more impactful for educators and students who are interested in identifying strategies to improve learning.

 

A Feasibility Study On 3D Printed Biopsy Needles: Pronged Tips And INternal Features Affect On Tissue Yield

A Feasibility Study On 3D Printed Biopsy Needles: Pronged Tips And INternal Features Affect On Tissue Yield

Primary Author: Anika VanDeen

Faculty Sponsor: Roland Chen

 

Primary College/Unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture

Category: Engineering and Environmental Science

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal Topic

Cancer is an ever-prevalent disease accounting for a large portion of medical services. With an aging world population, it is imperative to have efficient and non-invasive diagnostics. Biopsy methods such as core needle biopsy (CNB) and fine needle aspiration (FNA) are some of the most common practices used to garner an accurate diagnosis.

Methods

This study explores the feasibility of using 3D printing to fabricate biopsy needles with advanced designs that cannot be manufactured using traditional methods. We focus on enhancing the needle tip geometry as well as the addition of an internal feature to help improve tissue yield amounts. Four needle designs were tested, two with a bevel shaped tip, and two with a five-pronged tip, both with and without the internal feature.

 

Results/Implications

Average total yield for the beveled needle with no feature (n=10), was 3.217 mg (s=0.9104), and for the beveled needle with feature, five-pronged needle without feature, and the five-pronged needle with feature (n=22), measured 8.31 mg (s=3.07 mg), 16.16 mg (s=12.21), and 26.34 mg (s=12.94), respectively. There is a statistical difference in yield tissue amounts between the five-prong needle with and without feature (p=0.01). The pronged-tip design with the internal feature is shown to have a significant effect on tissue sampling efficiency. The 3D printed needles do create higher insertion force than that of the stainless-steel needles. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using 3D printing to fabricate biopsy needles with enhanced tissue sampling efficiency.

 

Assessing Organic Tomato Production In Palouse Soils With Biochar Amendment

Assessing Organic Tomato Production In Palouse Soils With Biochar Amendment

Primary Author: Elvir Tenic

Faculty Sponsor: Amit Dhingra

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal topic

Current large scale agricultural methods can be seen as a double edged sword: industrial crop production systems provide plentiful food production but led to detrimental impacts to already fragile ecosystems. For all the positive aspects of organic agriculture, there is strong evidence that organic systems overall produce lower crop yields.  Overcoming yield decreases with an emerging technology being implemented globally is the organic soil amendment biochar (BC).  Experimental evidence of BC amended soil showed improved carbon storage, water holding capacity, nutrient delivery, and has led to increased crop yields although detrimental impacts to crop productivity have also been reported.

Method

Hypotheses: BC amended soils would increase water retention, microbial activity and nutrient cycling leading to increased tomato yields.  Eggert Organic Farm soil was supplemented with either no BC, 1 ton/ha or 2 ton/ha of BC and tomato plants were grown during summer of 2019.  Plant biomass, tomato fruit, and soil samples were collected for analysis.

Results/implications

Plant dry biomass demonstrated a reduction in weight with increased BC application but tomato yields indicated an early increase in crop productivity in BC amended soils with final yields comparable to controls soils.  Fruit ˚BRIX in BC amended plants were similar to controls.  No detrimental impacts were found in our study indicating a positive role of BC amendment in Palouse soils. Future analysis of microbial activity from collected soils will shed light on plant/microbe interactions in BC amended soils.

 

An Exploratory Study of Dress within the LGBTQ+ Community.

An Exploratory Study of Dress within the LGBTQ+ Community.

Primary Author: Lauren Summers

Faculty Sponsor: Jihyeong Son

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Dress is the lens for identity classification of gender/sexual orientation, religion, tribe, profession etc. A study on dress identification scheme used by the LGBTQ+ group is scant, and the complexity within the community regarding gender identity speculation needs to be investigated. The purpose of this study was to understand how LGBTQ+ people use dress as a symbol to communicate their identity within the community. The symbolic interaction theory introduced by Cooley (1902) and Mead (1934)explains the formation of communicative symbols and the interactivity of social members of society. The qualitative research method was used in order to gather a holistic understanding of the community’s use of dress as a symbol and appearance management. Five participants were interviewed face to face or via phone call. The interview data were transcribed and thematic analysis revealed that members of the LGBTQ+ use certain dress techniques such as belt loops, piercings, hairstyles/cuts, and rainbow pins as symbols of their gender identity and identifying others who are a part of their LGBTQ+ community. The study also revealed that members are influenced by the symbols used in their interaction with each other and depending on what symbol is being used it can either positively or negatively affect how those in the community interact with each other. However, the participants expressed that the symbolic use of dress by the community is non-discriminatory and felt no pressure to conform within the community.

 

Mental Health First Aid: Increasing student pharmacist preparedness to respond through simulation

Mental Health First Aid: Increasing student pharmacist preparedness to respond through simulation

Primary Author: Easton Stoner

Faculty Sponsor: Jennifer Robinson

 

Primary College/Unit: College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Category: Medical and Life Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety are common mental health conditions that are present in our communities and classrooms.  Student pharmacists have historically reported feeling under prepared to support those in need during a mental health crisis. Research teams from Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CPPS) collaborated with The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy to establish a meaningful educational intervention focused on training student pharmacists with the skills and confidence needed to respond to a mental health crisis.

In the of fall 2019, a Mental Health Human Patient Simulation activity was integrated into an already established Mental Health First Aid elective course with an enrollment of 60 doctor of pharmacy students. For the simulation, students were placed into groups of 5-6 and each group participated in three patient simulations: depression with suicidal ideation, depression with no suicidal ideation, and a manic episode. To measure the effectiveness of the course overall, students completed a pre-course and post-course survey to rate confidence in providing mental health first aid.

Results show that students leave the course feeling more confident and rated their preparedness to provide mental health first aid much higher post- course when compared to pre-course ratings. With the rates of suicidal ideation and deaths by suicide being so high, the implications and applicability of this research can be applied to students in all fields in the hope of decreasing the incidence of death by suicide in our communities.