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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.

A Mixed Methods Study to Investigate Student Attitudes and the Effect of Person-Centered Videos Intervention on Students’ Attitudes towards individuals with Disabilities

A Mixed Methods Study to Investigate Student Attitudes and the Effect of Person-Centered Videos Intervention on Students’ Attitudes towards individuals with Disabilities

Primary Author: Amira Albagshi

Faculty Sponsor: Susan Banks

 

Primary College/Unit: College of Education

Category: Arts and Education Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

Negative attitudes towards individuals with disabilities in inclusive education affect the success of inclusion (Werner, Peretz, & Roth, 2015). Students’ negative attitudes lead to decreases in students’ with disabilities academic performance and social outcomes and increase teachers’ frustration in teaching and managing their classrooms. The Mere Exposure Effects (Zajonc, 1968) and Parasocial Contact Hypothesis (Allport, 1954) have been combined in this study by using the person-centered video intervention. The intervention provided 3rd-8th grade students an indirect exposure by showing examples of individuals with disabilities in doing daily activities.

 

Mixed methods design was conducted by using the Chedoke-McMaster Attitudes toward Children with Handicaps (CATCH) scale and by conducting a focus group interview with students. ANOVA and t-test were used to analyze the pre and post-survey to measure all three attitude components (affective, behavioral, and cognitive). Results showed that the intervention had different impacts on each attitude component in terms of gender and grade level.

 

Results showed that viewing person-centered videos helped some of the typically developing students to recognize the strengths and positive aspects of individuals with disabilities instead of focusing on their challenges.

 

The findings would support the idea of teaching a disability curriculum for students to understand some challenges that affect students with special needs. Showing students videos of individuals with disabilities in their daily life activities can change the negative notion about people with disabilities as being needy and hopeless. Disability curriculum will help in creating more positive and supportive learning environments to all students in inclusive classrooms.

 

Optimum Conditions for Pelleting Dairy Manure Compost

Optimum Conditions for Pelleting Dairy Manure Compost

Primary Author: Femi Alege

Faculty Sponsor: Pius Ndegwa

 

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

Category: Engineering and Environmental Science

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

PRINCIPAL TOPIC

Excess manure-nutrients near locations of animal production is a major threat to environmental health in such areas. This is due, mainly, to the bulkiness and high moisture content (MC) of manure or manure-compost. The overall goal of this study is to concentrate nutrients and reduce MC via pelleting to enhance nutrients transport, utilization, and storage to mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts at the source.

 

METHOD

The optimum conditions for pelleting dairy manure compost were investigated with MC ranging from 10 – 35% (w.b.) and two die sizes (6-mm and 8-mm). The relationship between MC, pellet recovery, and pellet durability, as well as the effect of pelleting on nutrients concentration, were also determined. Properties and nutrient analyses of products were determined according to established ASABE and TMECC standard procedures.

 

RESULTS/IMPLICATIONS

Results showed that pelleting reduced the MC by >40% and increased the nutrients’ concentration by about 25%. The optimum MC for pelleting with the 6-mm and 8-mm dies were approximately 27 and 21%, respectively. No significant differences were observed between pellets recovery and pellets durability at MC between 20 and 30% for either die. Pellets produced within these conditions will thus reduce production downtime, materials wastage, costs of energy and labor, and the overall cost of transportation of the nutrients. The significant reductions in MC and increased nutrients concentration in the pellets significantly reduce transportation cost of the manure-nutrients to other regions where they can be beneficially applied on the land with less potential negative impact on the environment.

 

Improved Design of Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol and Polypropylene-Based Packaging for Microwave-Assisted Thermal Sterilization and Pasteurization

Improved Design of Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol and Polypropylene-Based Packaging for Microwave-Assisted Thermal Sterilization and Pasteurization

Primary Author: Saleh Al-Ghamdi

Faculty Sponsor: Shyam Sablani

 

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

Category: Engineering and Environmental Science

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Abstract

Principal Topic

Oceans are full of plastic waste and plastic packaging production and transportation have an environmental burden of greenhouse emissions. To reduce this pollution and the plastic production footprint. The aim of this study was to design a reduced thickness of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and polypropylene (PP)-based trays for microwave-assisted thermal processing.

Method

We designed multilayered packaging with high barrier performance resulting in symmetrical and asymmetrical layers’ structures that were subjected to conventional and microwave-assisted thermal food sterilization and pasteurization processes. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) or structural, mechanical, and barrier properties were measured before and after thermal processing and during the shelf life. Oxygen ingress into the package was monitored utilizing nondestructive fluorescence sensors. Model food was used as a color-changing indicator sensitive to O2.

Results/Implications

Results showed that PALS did not reveal any apparent increase in free volume after sterilization process. Mechanical properties showed better performance for the new reduced thickness design.  Barrier properties changed after microwave-assisted thermal sterilization. Oxygen ingress during shelf life was negligible for pasteurized trays. However, conventional sterilization showed higher O2 ingress than microwave-assisted sterilization. Model food showed great potential and the feasibility of reducing the package thickness without food quality deterioration. We have obtained better or comparable packaging performance with a 24% overall reduction in package thickness. These findings showed the possibility of reducing package thickness resulting in a reduction of the overall used material that can translate to less carbon footprint and better financial and environmental choices.

 

Predicting Access to Healthful Food Retailers with Machine Learning

Predicting Access to Healthful Food Retailers with Machine Learning

Primary Author: Modhurima Amin

Faculty Sponsor: Jill McCluskey

 

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

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Many U.S. households lack access to healthful food and rely on inexpensive, processed food with low nutritional value. Surveying access to healthful food is costly and finding the factors that affect access remain convoluted owing to the multidimensional nature of socioeconomic variables. We utilize machine learning with census tract data to predict the modified Retail Food Environment Index (mRFEI), which refers to the percentage of healthful food retailers in a tract, and two binary measures: food deserts— where no healthful-food retailers exist, and food swamps, where healthful-food retailers are considerably outnumbered by less healthful retailers. Our model optimally identifies ten demographic variables that detect food deserts and swamps with 100% prediction accuracy in sample and 78% out of sample. We find that food deserts and swamps are intrinsically different and require separate policy attentions. Food deserts are mainly wide, lightly populated rural tracts with low ethnic diversity. Commercial supercenters might find it unprofitable to operate there owing to low population density. Contrarily, swamps are predominantly small, densely populated, urban tracts, with more non-Caucasian residents who lack vehicle access. Therefore, while community supported agriculture might work better for food deserts, limiting unhealthy retailers might be better for food swamps to solve the problem of healthy food access. Overall access to healthful food retailers is mainly explained by population density, presence of Caucasian population, and income. We also show that our model can be used to get a sensible prediction of access to healthful food retailers for any U.S. census tract.

 

Determination of thermal inactivation kinetics (D- and z-values) of Salmonella in brownie batter

Determination of thermal inactivation kinetics (D- and z-values) of Salmonella in brownie batter

Primary Author: Monipel Ansong

Faculty Sponsor: Minto Michael

 

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

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal Topic: Salmonella can be introduced into bakery products through ingredients such as flour, milk, cocoa powders, and eggs. Studies have shown that Salmonella can survive under adverse environmental conditions over time; therefore, it is vital to study the thermal inactivation kinetics (D- and z-values) of Salmonella in bakery products such as brownie batter. The aim of this study was to determine the D- and z-values of a 5-serovar Salmonella cocktail in brownie batter.

 

Methods: All-purpose flour was inoculated with a 5-serovar Salmonella cocktail (Enteritidis, Senftenberg, Typhimurium, Montevideo and Newport) and used to prepare brownie batter. This study implemented a randomized complete block design with three replications as blocks. The batter was subjected to heat treatment using thermal-death-time disks in hot water bath at 64, 68, 72 and 76C for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 min, respectively. The Salmonella population was enumerated using injury-recovery media (brain heart infusion agar overlaid with xylose lysine deoxycholate agar). The graphs for calculating D- and z-values were plotted using Microsoft Excel, and D- and z-values were calculated as absolute values of the inverse of slopes.

 

Results/implications: The D-values of 5-serovar Salmonella cocktail in brownie batter were 53.4±5.38, 27.2±2.04, 10.7±0.72 and 4.6±0.49 min at 64, 68, 72 and 76C, respectively; whereas, z-value of the Salmonella cocktail was 11.1±0.71C. D-values from this study provide the basic information about the thermal resistance of Salmonella in brownie batter at the start of baking and could help the bakery industry to optimize cooking parameters ensuring the safety of brownies.

 

Cellulose nanocrystal dispersions protect reproductive buds of tree fruit from cold damage by forming a thermal barrier

Cellulose nanocrystal dispersions protect reproductive buds of tree fruit from cold damage by forming a thermal barrier

Primary Author: Brent Arnoldussen

Faculty Sponsor: Matthew Whiting

 

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

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Every year, tree fruit growers lose money from cold damage to reproductive buds or flowers eventually become the future fruit and yield. The Food and Agriculture Organization reported that cold damage has caused more economic losses to crops than any other weather hazard. The potential losses from cold damage are predicted to increase with variable weather patterns resulting from climate change. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) represents a new generation of renewable nano-biomaterials, with many unique physical and chemical properties, including their low thermal conductivity. Our team has synthesized a CNC dispersion that can be sprayed onto trees, forming a thin and durable insulating film on the surface of the buds. Thermal image analysis shows apple and cherry buds treated with 3% CNC dispersions lose 16.5% less thermal energy into the environment in cold conditions than the control. As such, analysis of internal freezing events of CNC coated apple buds with digital scanning calorimetry showed that lethal freezing occurred 3.2°C lower than in the control 1 day after application and 5.5°C lower after 3 days. Large scale field test of 2.5% CNC solutions applied using a commercially available orchard sprayer showed that CNC treated trees are given 5.8°C of protection as long as 7 days post application. The results of this work suggest that the use of CNC could represent an advancement in cold damage prevention in fruit crops. The significant and long-lasting protection offered by CNC could allow for a reduction in  economic losses from cold damage