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- Title
- MITOCHONDRIAL GENETIC DIVERSITY OF THE RED-TAILED MONKEY, CERCOPITHECUS ASCANIUS, IN AFRICAN RAINFORESTS.
- Creator
- Dutra, Vitor Daniel, Detwiler, Kate M., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Cercopithecus ascanius is an African primate species encompassing five geographic types with unresolved taxonomy. Recent publications have analyzed C. ascanius genetic diversity and taxonomy; however, few publications have addressed the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of C. ascanius from wild populations. My objectives for this thesis were to determine mtDNA diversity within the C. Ascanius species and investigate C. ascanius genetic structure. Results from this thesis...
Show moreCercopithecus ascanius is an African primate species encompassing five geographic types with unresolved taxonomy. Recent publications have analyzed C. ascanius genetic diversity and taxonomy; however, few publications have addressed the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of C. ascanius from wild populations. My objectives for this thesis were to determine mtDNA diversity within the C. Ascanius species and investigate C. ascanius genetic structure. Results from this thesis support findings from previous studies wherein C. ascanius depicted high mitochondrial diversity and all C. ascanius subspecies form a monophyletic clade within the Cercopithecus genus. Analyzing additional samples of C. ascanius monkeys will strengthen molecular diversity estimation and clarify genetic structure within the C. ascanius lineage.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014325
- Subject Headings
- Mitochondrial DNA, Cercopithecus ascanius, Genetics, Phylogeny
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Dynamic pH Landscape At The Drosophila NMJ Synaptic Cleft And Its Implication In Neurotransmission.
- Creator
- Hernandez, Roberto X., Macleod, Gregory T., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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The intricate processes governing cellular pH and its impact on protein and cellular function have been extensively explored. However, our understanding of the pH fluctuations that occur during routine cellular activities and their potential to modulate cell function remains, particularly within the highly dynamic pH landscape of a synapse. Investigating the scale, directionality, and temporal characteristics of these activity-dependent pH fluctuations at synapses is of paramount interest, as...
Show moreThe intricate processes governing cellular pH and its impact on protein and cellular function have been extensively explored. However, our understanding of the pH fluctuations that occur during routine cellular activities and their potential to modulate cell function remains, particularly within the highly dynamic pH landscape of a synapse. Investigating the scale, directionality, and temporal characteristics of these activity-dependent pH fluctuations at synapses is of paramount interest, as it carries profound implications for neurotransmitter release and signal transduction. Employing both empirical and computational modeling methods, our research explores the dynamic pH environment within the synaptic cleft of Drosophila glutamatergic motor neuron Ib terminals during synaptic activity and reveals its significance in modulating neurotransmission. Contrary to popular belief, we discovered that these terminals undergo activity-dependent extracellular alkalinization in response to both single action potentials and burst stimulation. This surprising phenomenon was also observed at the mouse calyx of Held. We found activity-dependent alkalinization to be predominantly driven by Ca2+ movement across the postsynaptic membrane, and by targeting pH indicators to subcellular domains, we identified alkalinization to primarily occur within the cleft.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014346
- Subject Headings
- Neurotransmission, Drosophila, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Motor Neurons, Optogenetics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- FRAZZLED/DCC REGULATES SYNAPTOGENESIS AT A DROSOPHILA GIANT SYNAPSE.
- Creator
- Lopez, Juan, Murphey, Rodney, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Synaptogenesis is a requirement for cellular communication, but the specific molecular mechanisms underlying synaptogenesis are unclear. Here, we investigate and show the role of the protein Frazzled in synaptogenesis using the transheterozygous Frazzled loss-of-function (LOF) mutant in Drosophila. Leveraging the UAS-GAL4 expression system, we drove expression of various Frazzled/DCC gene constructs in the Giant Fibers (GF) of flies and found changes to synaptogenesis and axon pathfinding. We...
Show moreSynaptogenesis is a requirement for cellular communication, but the specific molecular mechanisms underlying synaptogenesis are unclear. Here, we investigate and show the role of the protein Frazzled in synaptogenesis using the transheterozygous Frazzled loss-of-function (LOF) mutant in Drosophila. Leveraging the UAS-GAL4 expression system, we drove expression of various Frazzled/DCC gene constructs in the Giant Fibers (GF) of flies and found changes to synaptogenesis and axon pathfinding. We identified decreases in electrical synaptogenesis and distinct axon pathfinding errors in Frazzled LOF mutants. Strikingly, the expression of Frazzled intracellular domain (ICD) significantly rescues both phenotypes, while full-length Frazzled protein only partially rescues these phenotypes, prompting us to explore the role of different domains within the protein. Deleting the P1 and P2 domains of Frazzled does not rescue axon pathfinding but did partially rescue synaptogenesis while deleting the P3 domain failed to rescue either phenotype. Moreover, when we drive expression Frazzled with a point-mutated P3 domain, silencing its transcriptional activation domain, it fails to rescue both synaptogenesis and axon pathfinding. These results strongly suggest that Frazzled regulates both synaptogenesis and axon pathfinding in the GFs and is necessary for synaptogenesis of the mixed electrochemical GF synapse. Our results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms governing neural circuit assembly and highlight Frazzled as a key player in axon guidance and synaptic development.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014310
- Subject Headings
- Drosophila, Synapses, Gap Junctions, Receptors, Cell Surface
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ARE SOUTH FLORIDA’S GOPHER TORTOISE POPULATION’S GENETICALLY DIFFERENTIATED FROM EACH OTHER?.
- Creator
- Rothberg, Olivia, Frazier, Evelyn, Hughes, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Gopher Tortoises are an imperiled terrestrial tortoise considered ecosystem engineers, as their burrows support over 350 species of “commensals”. Due to extensive anthropogenic habitat destruction and fragmentation, tortoise populations have significantly declined over the past 100 years. This isolation is leading to a premature loss of genetic variation, further precipitating the decline of this species. Understanding the genetic structure of this species can aid management decisions through...
Show moreGopher Tortoises are an imperiled terrestrial tortoise considered ecosystem engineers, as their burrows support over 350 species of “commensals”. Due to extensive anthropogenic habitat destruction and fragmentation, tortoise populations have significantly declined over the past 100 years. This isolation is leading to a premature loss of genetic variation, further precipitating the decline of this species. Understanding the genetic structure of this species can aid management decisions through intentionally relocating animals based on genetic units and historic gene flow, to preserve adaptive diversity and evolutionary potential on a large scale. I investigated whether Southeast Florida has a genetically distinct subpopulation of Gopher Tortoises in the unexamined southeasternmost extent of their range, from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade counties, using 9 microsatellite loci previously characterized for this species (Schwartz et al 2003) and found that our populations are only modestly differentiated from each other, and have greater genetic diversity than other populations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014362
- Subject Headings
- Gopher tortoises, Florida, South, Population genetics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Dscam1 Regulates Synapse Formation and Function in the Giant Fiber System of Drosophila.
- Creator
- Spencer, Casey L., Murphey, Rodney, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Proper formation of synapses in the developing nervous system is critical to the expected function and behavior of an adult organism. Neurons must project neurites, in the form of axons or dendrites, to target areas to complete synaptic circuits. The biochemical tool that cells use to interact with the external environment and direct the guidance of developing neurites are guidance receptors. One such guidance receptor that is extensively studied to uncover its roles in developmental...
Show moreProper formation of synapses in the developing nervous system is critical to the expected function and behavior of an adult organism. Neurons must project neurites, in the form of axons or dendrites, to target areas to complete synaptic circuits. The biochemical tool that cells use to interact with the external environment and direct the guidance of developing neurites are guidance receptors. One such guidance receptor that is extensively studied to uncover its roles in developmental disorders and disease is DSCAM (Down-Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule). To better understand the role of DSCAM in humans, a fly homolog Dscam1 was extensively characterized in the giant fiber system (GFS) of Drosophila to further explore its roles in axon guidance, synapse formation, and synapse function. The UAS-Gal4 system was used to alter the protein levels of Dscam1 within the giant fiber interneurons (GFs). A UAS-RNAi construct against Dscam1 was used to knockdown translation of all possible isoforms within the GFs. A UAS-Dscam1(TM2) construct was used to overexpress a single isoform of Dscam1 that is specifically trafficked to the axons. Confocal microscopy was used to determine the morphological changes associated with dysregulated Dscam1 levels. Visualization via fluorescent markers was accomplished of both pre- and post-synaptic cells, the GFs and tergotrochanteral motorneurons (TTMns), respectively, and synapse interface was determined as colocalization of the two cells. Additionally, the functional components of the GF-TTMn synapse, both gap-junctions, and presynaptic chemical active zones were tagged via fluorescent antibodies and quantified.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014364
- Subject Headings
- Drosophila, Cell Adhesion Molecules, Nervous System, Synapses
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ESTABLISHMENT AND APPLICATION OF WORKFLOWS FOR STRUCTURE-FUNCTION ANALYSIS OF SYNAPTIC COMPONENTS.
- Creator
- Thomas, Connon I., Kamasawa, Naomi, Murphey, Rodney, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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At the site of neuronal communication, multiple interacting components drive synapse structure and function. Synaptic vesicle pools, membrane proteins, mitochondria, and perisynaptic astrocyte processes (PAPs) are all structures that can be altered through naturally occurring plasticity mechanisms to modulate neurotransmission, and disruption of these structures can result in synapse dysfunction and disease. Due to the minute size of the synapse, electron microscopy (EM) remains the gold...
Show moreAt the site of neuronal communication, multiple interacting components drive synapse structure and function. Synaptic vesicle pools, membrane proteins, mitochondria, and perisynaptic astrocyte processes (PAPs) are all structures that can be altered through naturally occurring plasticity mechanisms to modulate neurotransmission, and disruption of these structures can result in synapse dysfunction and disease. Due to the minute size of the synapse, electron microscopy (EM) remains the gold standard for ultrastructural characterization; however, due to the complexity of EM datasets, extraction of information has become a bottleneck which places limits on the amount of data that can be collected and analyzed. A need exists for easy-to-use workflows that automate and enhance analysis throughput, to keep up with the streams of image data that are able to be produced. Here, I develop the use of AI algorithms, correlative microscopy techniques, and novel structural analysis methods to characterize postsynaptic mitochondria, PAPs, synaptic vesicles, and integral membrane proteins and their impact on synapse structure and function. I show that both postsynaptic mitochondria and PAPs in the visual cortex are positioned to support synapse structure and function; cleavage of a synaptic adhesion molecule affects synaptic vesicle accumulation in the amygdala; and presynaptic voltage gated calcium channels aggregate near active zone machinery in the brainstem. In addition, I highlight the use of virtual reality as a fast and intuitive tool for the identification and isolation of individual neurites in 3D EM. Thus, my work establishes novel technical approaches for EM and advances our understanding of neuronal communication through original research of several synaptic components.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014315
- Subject Headings
- Synapses, Artificial intelligence, Astrocytes
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SINGING FROGS, WORMY INTERLOPERS, AND HUNGRY CANNIBALS: AN INVESTIGATION OF COMPLEX LIFE CYCLES AND MULTI HOSTPARASITE INTERACTIONS.
- Creator
- Goodnight, Sarah R., McCoy, Michael W., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Complex life cycles are common across parasite taxa and frequently require trophic transfer of parasites from prey to predator; however, studies on parasite-host interactions often neglect variation in parasite life histories. Here I use two focal freshwater digenetic trematode species, Halipegus occidualis tongueworms and Haematoloechus complexus lungworms, as an empirical system to investigate how parasite life history traits drive host-parasite interactions across the life cycle. To...
Show moreComplex life cycles are common across parasite taxa and frequently require trophic transfer of parasites from prey to predator; however, studies on parasite-host interactions often neglect variation in parasite life histories. Here I use two focal freshwater digenetic trematode species, Halipegus occidualis tongueworms and Haematoloechus complexus lungworms, as an empirical system to investigate how parasite life history traits drive host-parasite interactions across the life cycle. To examine how parasite life history and host ecology influence parasite genetic patterns, I characterized the genetic diversity of within-host infrapopulations, as well as overall population genetic structure, of sympatric tongueworm and lungworm populations. Infection load and genetic diversity of host-level parasite infrapopulations increased with host trophic level, highlighting the benefits of trophic transfer and multihost life cycles. Concurrently, first intermediate host population dynamics and dispersal ability played a role in predicting population-level parasite genetic diversity and structure.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014250
- Subject Headings
- Host-Parasite Interactions, Parasites--Life cycles, Parasites--Genetics, Cannibalism in animals
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SUAEDA LINEARIS AN EMERGING SUPERFOOD SEA VEGETABLE: EVALUATING PLANT BIOMASS PRODUCTION AND MINERAL CONTENT USING FOUR HARVEST FREQUENCIES.
- Creator
- Matthews, Amanda Ruth, Davis, Megan, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Suaeda linearis is an edible halophyte crop with nutraceutical properties that is native to Florida. This study investigated how the biomass production and mineral content of aquacultured S. linearis was affected by harvest frequency during a 10-week period using four different harvest treatments. Under the first treatment (T1) plants received zero intermittent harvests, the second (T2) received harvests every five weeks, the third (T3) received harvests every 3.3 weeks, and the fourth (T4)...
Show moreSuaeda linearis is an edible halophyte crop with nutraceutical properties that is native to Florida. This study investigated how the biomass production and mineral content of aquacultured S. linearis was affected by harvest frequency during a 10-week period using four different harvest treatments. Under the first treatment (T1) plants received zero intermittent harvests, the second (T2) received harvests every five weeks, the third (T3) received harvests every 3.3 weeks, and the fourth (T4) received harvests every 2.5 weeks. The results indicate that biomass production and mineral content were both strongly affected by harvest treatment. Intermittent harvesting decreased biomass production and conversely, intermittent harvesting increased the quantities of certain desirable minerals in S. linearis. Early harvests of the study plants were small, suggesting that 13-15 weeks after germination is the earliest time a harvestable yield can be achieved from S. linearis.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014279
- Subject Headings
- Salt-tolerant crops, Halophytes, Aquaculture
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- EVALUATION OF Β-GLUCAN AND PEDIOCOCCUS ACIDILACTICI SYNBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTATION IN AQUACULTURED FLORIDA POMPANO (TRACHINOTUS CAROLINUS).
- Creator
- Morgan, Ashley Noel, Page, Annie, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Evidence that supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, or combinations of both (synbiotics) enhances the health, growth, and survival of aquacultured teleosts has sparked significant research into their application. This study evaluates the effects of β-glucan and Pediococcus acidilactici synbiotic supplementation in aquacultured Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus). The first study defined embryonic and larval organogenesis. The gastrointestinal tract is differentiated, but not yet...
Show moreEvidence that supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, or combinations of both (synbiotics) enhances the health, growth, and survival of aquacultured teleosts has sparked significant research into their application. This study evaluates the effects of β-glucan and Pediococcus acidilactici synbiotic supplementation in aquacultured Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus). The first study defined embryonic and larval organogenesis. The gastrointestinal tract is differentiated, but not yet fully functional within the first seven days post hatch evidenced by the absence of gastric glands, gastric mucous cells, lipid vacuoles in the anterior intestines, and the persistence of acidophilic supranuclear vesicles. Synbiotics may serve as a source of exogenous digestive enzymes prior to complete gastrointestinal maturation. The second study investigated hematological, serum biochemical, and protein electrophoretic changes with and without β-glucan and P. acidilactici symbiotic supplementation. Significant decreases in blood urea nitrogen and carbon dioxide concentrations were observed in supplemented Florida pompano compared to controls and may represent enhanced mucosal tissue health, urea excretion, and osmoregulatory function associated with supplementation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014240
- Subject Headings
- Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus, beta-Glucans, Pediococcus acidilactici, Aquaculture
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Incubation temperature, morphology, and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle hatchling hydrodynamics.
- Creator
- Moyle, Alexis K., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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High nest incubation temperatures can result in numerous physiological and behavioral outcomes in sea turtle hatchlings, including body characteristics for efficient swimming. This project examined the effects of incubation temperature on yolk metabolization, body morphology, buoyancy, swimming kinematics, and blood chemistry to better understand variations in locomotor performance in loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle hatchlings of South Florida. Nest temperatures, body measurements,...
Show moreHigh nest incubation temperatures can result in numerous physiological and behavioral outcomes in sea turtle hatchlings, including body characteristics for efficient swimming. This project examined the effects of incubation temperature on yolk metabolization, body morphology, buoyancy, swimming kinematics, and blood chemistry to better understand variations in locomotor performance in loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle hatchlings of South Florida. Nest temperatures, body measurements, and blood samples were collected in conjunction with swim-trial force measurements and video recordings. Data suggest hatchlings from nests with higher incubation temperatures tend to be significantly smaller in size, less buoyant, and display lower power stroke frequencies. These variations between hatchling morphology and performance indicate hatchlings from high temperature nests (i.e., >33°C) may exhibit weaker swimming abilities. The results of this study provide a further understanding of the effect of incubation temperatures on hatchling physiology and early survival in their important frenzy period.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014268
- Subject Headings
- Loggerhead turtle, Eggs--Incubation, Sea turtles--Ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Evolved differences in interaction rules underlie the loss of social behaviors in the Mexican tetra.
- Creator
- Paz, Alexandra M., Duboué, Erik, Kowalko, Johanna E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Animals display a remarkable variety of social behaviors that are necessary for survival. Despite the importance of social behaviors, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the evolution of such behaviors are largely unknown. The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, is a powerful model for studying how behaviors evolve, including social behavior. A. mexicanus exists as a schooling surface form and a non-schooling cave form. Here we have utilized this model in order to investigate how...
Show moreAnimals display a remarkable variety of social behaviors that are necessary for survival. Despite the importance of social behaviors, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the evolution of such behaviors are largely unknown. The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, is a powerful model for studying how behaviors evolve, including social behavior. A. mexicanus exists as a schooling surface form and a non-schooling cave form. Here we have utilized this model in order to investigate how differences in the behavior of individuals result in differences at the level of emergent group social behaviors. We begin by reviewing how fish have contributed to the study of social behavior in Chapter 1, then continue to dissect differences in the schooling and shoaling behavior of adult surface and cave fish in Chapter 2, and finally address ontogenic differences that result in these differences in Chapter 3. All-in-all this, work reveals how evolution may act on the behavior of individuals to produce differences in relevant group behaviors.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014255
- Subject Headings
- Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, Social behavior in animals
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Studies On Means to Enhance the Effectiveness of Dienogest in the Therapy of Endometriosis.
- Creator
- Tran, Kimberly, Hartmann, James X., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that affects one in ten women, where ectopic endometrial cells grow outside of the uterus. Lesions are estrogen dependent but progesterone resistant due to decreased progesterone receptor activity. This study investigated whether a combination of dienogest, a synthetic progesterone, and calcitriol, vitamin D’s active form, had an additive or synergistic effect in the therapy of endometriosis. Experiments were conducted on immortalized endometriotic...
Show moreEndometriosis is an inflammatory disease that affects one in ten women, where ectopic endometrial cells grow outside of the uterus. Lesions are estrogen dependent but progesterone resistant due to decreased progesterone receptor activity. This study investigated whether a combination of dienogest, a synthetic progesterone, and calcitriol, vitamin D’s active form, had an additive or synergistic effect in the therapy of endometriosis. Experiments were conducted on immortalized endometriotic epithelial (12Z) and stromal (22B) cell lines. Results revealed that the combination therapy effectively inhibited cell viability in spheroids, limited proliferation, and reduced cell migration in cell monolayers of lipopolysaccharide- induced cells. Concentrations of prostaglandin E2, a key inflammatory cytokine, were measured from the supernatants of 12Z cells. The combination did not alter CD44 and progesterone receptor levels on the surface of 12Z cells. Further testing in a mouse model is necessary to determine the efficacy of the combination in vivo.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014262
- Subject Headings
- Endometriosis--Treatment, Dienogest, Calcitriol
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Inhibition of the Growth and Spread of Human Prostate Cancer.
- Creator
- Yi, Zoey, Hartmann, James, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Prostate cancer, the most frequent non-skin cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males within the United States. Men diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer have a 5-year survival rate of approximately 30%. Goals of this study were to produce a combination of compounds that are effective against the disease with minimal side effects on normal cells, especially those of the immune system. This study showed KBU2046 in combination with calcitriol, limit proliferation...
Show moreProstate cancer, the most frequent non-skin cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males within the United States. Men diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer have a 5-year survival rate of approximately 30%. Goals of this study were to produce a combination of compounds that are effective against the disease with minimal side effects on normal cells, especially those of the immune system. This study showed KBU2046 in combination with calcitriol, limit proliferation, inhibit migration, and are cytotoxic in a testosterone dependent human prostate cancer cell line. Organic compounds, ellagic acid and curcumin were tested alone and in combination with either calcitriol or KBU2046. No combinations were as effective as KBU2046 and calcitriol in inhibiting migration and proliferation of LNCaP cells. The findings of this study support further investigation into therapeutic use of a combination of KBU2046 and calcitriol in prevention and remission of human prostate cancer.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014242
- Subject Headings
- Prostate--Cancer, Prostate--Cancer--Treatment--Research, Prostate--Cancer--Prevention, Calcitriol
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- CAN GENOMIC AND ALGAL SYMBIONT DATA PREDICT CORAL RESTORATION SUCCESS? CORAL AND ALGAL SYMBIONT SEQUENCING IN A MULTI-SPECIES SOUTH FLORIDA CORAL RESTORATION EXPERIMENT.
- Creator
- Bell, Sydney L., Voss, Joshua D., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) emerged in 2014 and has since spread across Florida’s Coral Reef (FCR) and the Caribbean. This thesis is part of a larger project assessing the efficacy of restoring SCTLD-susceptible corals Montastraea cavernosa, Orbicella faveolata, and Pseudodiploria clivosa in SCTLD endemic areas. As part of Florida’s largest coral restoration experiment to date, 1,152 cement bases with 5,760 coral fragments from 99 source colonies were outplanted across six regions...
Show moreStony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) emerged in 2014 and has since spread across Florida’s Coral Reef (FCR) and the Caribbean. This thesis is part of a larger project assessing the efficacy of restoring SCTLD-susceptible corals Montastraea cavernosa, Orbicella faveolata, and Pseudodiploria clivosa in SCTLD endemic areas. As part of Florida’s largest coral restoration experiment to date, 1,152 cement bases with 5,760 coral fragments from 99 source colonies were outplanted across six regions throughout FCR and monitored monthly over two years for survival, disease, and growth. Before outplanting, coral tissue samples were collected for high-resolution 2bRAD and ITS2 sequencing to genotype the corals and characterize their initial algal symbiont communities. Neither host genetic lineages nor algal symbiont types significantly affected SCTLD susceptibility or survival, negating the hypothesis of SCTLD-resistant “super coral” lineages. Results from this study will inform the feasibility and design of future coral restoration efforts in SCTLD endemic zones to maintain or enhance coral biodiversity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014204
- Subject Headings
- Corals--Diseases, Coral reef restoration
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Plastic Debris in the Marine Environment: Fate, Fragmentation, and Niche Opportunities of the Plastisphere.
- Creator
- Bos, Ryan P., Mincer, Tracy J., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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The goal of this dissertation was to examine the fate and fragmentation of plastic debris in the marine environment and characterize the microbial communities colonizing naturally occurring substrates and geologically recent plastic inputs in the ocean using analytical chemistry and genomic techniques. Altogether, the data presented herein reveal the presence of heretofore undescribed plastic accumulation zones in the ocean and depict a stark contrast in microbial traits between early and...
Show moreThe goal of this dissertation was to examine the fate and fragmentation of plastic debris in the marine environment and characterize the microbial communities colonizing naturally occurring substrates and geologically recent plastic inputs in the ocean using analytical chemistry and genomic techniques. Altogether, the data presented herein reveal the presence of heretofore undescribed plastic accumulation zones in the ocean and depict a stark contrast in microbial traits between early and mature plastic biofilm stages. These data further suggest that emergent plastic biofilm properties can be forecasted across environmental gradients, with the largescale genomic characteristics of early colonizers varying little across conditions. Chapter I of this thesis is an introduction to the current body of work regarding the plastisphere. Chapter II explores the ‘cradle to grave’ fragmentation, transformation, and transport of model microplastic particles and single-use plastic items in an artificial beach setting. Chapter III presents the first metagenomic insights into early biofilm formation on virgin microplastic surfaces in the marine environment and how early colonizers self-assemble, compared to mature, taxonomically, and metabolically diverse biofilms residing on free-drifting plastic pollution. Chapter IV further investigates microbial adaptations for initial colonization of virgin control and plastic surfaces and examines biofilm assemblage dynamics by employing metagenomics on a 16-day time series in a wastewater treatment facility. Chapter V synthesizes observations from the previous core chapters and discusses what these findings mean in a broader ecological and evolutionary perspective. Appendix 1 is a reprint of the manuscript describing the distribution of microplastics beneath the inner and outer plastic accumulation zones of the South Atlantic Subtropical Gyre. Appendix 2 is a submitted manuscript detailing the isolation, characterization, and selective adaptations of Vibrio bacteria colonizing eel leptocephali, free-drifting plastic pollution, Sargassum, and seawater in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014127
- Subject Headings
- Plastic scrap, Plastic scrap--Environmental aspects, Biofilms, Fragmentation (Chemistry)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- MIGRATORY PATTERNS AND SEXUAL SEGREGATION IN THE BLACKTIP SHARK, CARCHARHINUS LIMBATUS, OFF THE UNITED STATES EAST COAST.
- Creator
- Bowers, Mary Elizabeth, Kajiura, Stephen M., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Many marine species distributions have shifted poleward in response to global climate change. Many environmental characteristics will be affected by climate change including temperature and phytoplankton concentration; yet, photoperiod will remain the same. It is imperative to gather baseline distribution data on migratory species so that these shifts can be measured and mitigated. Sex-specific differences in reproductive strategies cause sexual segregation, sex-specific differences in...
Show moreMany marine species distributions have shifted poleward in response to global climate change. Many environmental characteristics will be affected by climate change including temperature and phytoplankton concentration; yet, photoperiod will remain the same. It is imperative to gather baseline distribution data on migratory species so that these shifts can be measured and mitigated. Sex-specific differences in reproductive strategies cause sexual segregation, sex-specific differences in spatial distribution. Female blacktip sharks exhibit a synchronous, biennial reproductive cycle in which one year of reproduction is followed by a resting year. Acoustic telemetry can be used in conjunction with collaborative networks to track migratory species over great distances. However, the irregular spacing of acoustic receivers often results in sporadic detection data, which can lead to skewed distribution information. This project developed and tested an analysis process to regularize sporadic acoustic detection data. Those regularized data were then applied to cluster analyses to determine the seasonal spatial distributions of blacktip sharks, Carcharhinus limbatus, off the United States East Coast and corresponding environmental correlates of latitudinal movement. Sexes of this population were investigated separately and in combination. Differences in distribution were evaluated between sexes, and within females, between reproductive states. These data showed that the U.S. East Coast blacktip shark population distributes from Palm Beach County, FL to Long Island, NY and exhibits sexual segregation, in which females display a more truncated migratory pattern than males.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014172
- Subject Headings
- Blacktip shark, Carcharhinus limbatus, Fishes--Migration
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- HYPOSALINITY STRESS TOLERANCES OF THE CORALS MONTASTRAEA CAVERNOSA AND PORITES ASTREOIDES IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA AND IMPLICATIONS FOR COASTAL FRESHWATER MANAGEMENT.
- Creator
- Davis, Haley A., Voss, Joshua, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Coastal development shifts natural hydrology through water redirection, increased impervious surfaces, and increased connectivity to the coastal ocean through inlets. In Southeast Florida, watershed alterations can cause flash-freshening in nearshore coastal habitats, threatening coral reef ecosystems. This study assessed the hyposalinity tolerance threshold of two prominent scleractinian corals in Southeast Florida. In a series of experiments, we determined that Montastraea cavernosa corals...
Show moreCoastal development shifts natural hydrology through water redirection, increased impervious surfaces, and increased connectivity to the coastal ocean through inlets. In Southeast Florida, watershed alterations can cause flash-freshening in nearshore coastal habitats, threatening coral reef ecosystems. This study assessed the hyposalinity tolerance threshold of two prominent scleractinian corals in Southeast Florida. In a series of experiments, we determined that Montastraea cavernosa corals have an LC50 of 19 PSU but can survive for at least 21 days at an intermediately stressful salinity of 25 PSU. Porites astreoides corals demonstrated an LC50 of 19 PSU, but experienced mortality when exposed to 25 PSU for 17–18 days. Prior to mortality, corals displayed decreased polyp activity, altered coloration, and decreased tissue integrity. These data suggest that lower-volume, longer-duration releases of freshwater from reservoirs may preserve coral health in Southeast Florida.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014207
- Subject Headings
- Montastraea, Porites, Coral reef ecology--Florida, Hydrology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Relocation and Flood Impacts on Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) Nest Success.
- Creator
- Esposito, Lisa Anne, Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Sea level rise threatens loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nests laid close to the high tide line (HTL) with inundation from washover. Boca Raton, Florida is a relatively steep, dynamic beach with changes in beach morphology even during nonactive hurricane seasons. One potential solution to conserve sea turtle nests is to relocate nests laid at or below the HTL closer to the dune. In this study, I examined reproductive success for in situ vs relocated nests. Relocation did not decrease...
Show moreSea level rise threatens loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nests laid close to the high tide line (HTL) with inundation from washover. Boca Raton, Florida is a relatively steep, dynamic beach with changes in beach morphology even during nonactive hurricane seasons. One potential solution to conserve sea turtle nests is to relocate nests laid at or below the HTL closer to the dune. In this study, I examined reproductive success for in situ vs relocated nests. Relocation did not decrease reproductive success, while nests left near the HTL were at risk of washout. During a dry season, nests that experienced one to three days of washover had significantly higher reproductive success than nests that experienced no washover. Relocation can be a useful method to preserve nests against sea level rise, but nonrelocated nests near the HTL may sometimes benefit from washover to cool the nests during hot and dry years.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014177
- Subject Headings
- Loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta, Sea turtles--Nests
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Utilization of Genomic Tools to Enhance the Commercial Aquaculture of the Florida Pompano Trachinotus carolinus.
- Creator
- King, Laura Elizabeth, Wills, Paul S., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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The goal of this project is to gain access to valuable genetic information that will be utilized to create a genetics-based selective breeding program. This selective breeding program will be implemented to produce and maintain a healthy and diverse breeding stock of the Florida Pompano Trachinotus carolinus. The Florida Pompano is a popular food fish found in abundance off Florida's east and west coasts. There has been interest in the aquaculture of this species for decades with minimal...
Show moreThe goal of this project is to gain access to valuable genetic information that will be utilized to create a genetics-based selective breeding program. This selective breeding program will be implemented to produce and maintain a healthy and diverse breeding stock of the Florida Pompano Trachinotus carolinus. The Florida Pompano is a popular food fish found in abundance off Florida's east and west coasts. There has been interest in the aquaculture of this species for decades with minimal success. With recent improvements in aquaculture systems and nutrition, now is the time to bring this fish to commercialization. The main research objectives of this study are to create a bioinformatics workflow to generate a draft whole-genome of the Florida Pompano, identify variation sites within this genome, and run a comparative analysis with two closely related Trachinotus species, Permit T. falcatus and Palometa T. goodei. These two species were chosen because they are found in the same environment as the Florida Pompano but grow to substantially different sizes. To sequence and assemble the whole genome of the Florida Pompano, a hybrid method was applied using long and short-read sequencing technologies. The draft genome was found to be 733.5 Mb in length with a total of 26,891 protein-coding genes. Sites of variation within this assembled genome were identified using a 2b-RAD sequencing method on 62 individuals collected off Florida’s east and gulf coasts.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014181
- Subject Headings
- Florida pompano, Aquaculture, Genomics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- DEVELOPING PLASMA-BASED DIAGNOSTICS: FROM PANCREATIC DUCTAL ADENOCARCINOMA TO HIV.
- Creator
- Makler, Amy, Asghar, Waseem, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
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Plasma-based diagnostics are ideal for detecting a variety of diseases because they offer a method of detection that is minimally invasive, readily available, and easy to use for monitoring patients as they progress through a disease or respond to treatment. The only serum marker for PDAC is CA19-9 which lacks specificity, has limited sensitivity, and is unreliable for early detection. It is therefore of great importance to develop a diagnostic that is viable for screening and early detection...
Show morePlasma-based diagnostics are ideal for detecting a variety of diseases because they offer a method of detection that is minimally invasive, readily available, and easy to use for monitoring patients as they progress through a disease or respond to treatment. The only serum marker for PDAC is CA19-9 which lacks specificity, has limited sensitivity, and is unreliable for early detection. It is therefore of great importance to develop a diagnostic that is viable for screening and early detection. Exosomal miRNA were determined via bioinformatics analyses and then examined in PDAC cell lines to identify markers with greatest potential. These markers were then examined in plasma from PDAC patients and control groups. Four markers, miR-93-5p, miR-339-3p, miR-425-5p, and miR-425-3p, emerged as the most viable biomarker panel with the ability to detect PDAC in 100% of the early stages (N=5) compared to CA19-9 which showed increased levels in only one patient with early stage PDAC. Additionally, the diagnostic has a specificity of 80% and a sensitivity of 94.7%, making it comparable to CA19-9, and may even be beneficial for use in conjunction with CA19-9. A plasma-based diagnostic was also developed for multi-strain HIV-1 detection utilizing the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method. LAMP primers were developed against the integrase and vpr regions of the HIV-1 genome. They were tested first in cultured HIV samples and then examined for their ability to amplify HIV-1 subtypes A-G. The integrase primer set provided a reliable means of diagnosing all 55 strains and isolates in under 30 minutes, whereas vpr was inconsistent and exhibited high variability in detecting the HIV subtypes. Our limit of detection for B-subtype with integrase was 30 viral copies/reaction. This could provide the basis for a novel, point-of-care diagnostic for use in underdeveloped regions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014141
- Subject Headings
- Plasma, Biomarkers, Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal, HIV-1, Diagnosis
- Format
- Document (PDF)