College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
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Skeletal muscle mass and composition during mammalian hibernation
Get PDFHibernation is characterized by prolonged periods of inactivity with concomitantly low nutrient intake, conditions that would typically result in muscle atrophy combined with a loss of oxidative fibers. Yet, hibernators consistently emerge from winter with very little atrophy, frequently accompanied by a slight shift in fiber ratios to more oxidative fiber types. Preservation of muscle morphology is combined with down-regulation of glycolytic pathways and increased reliance on lipid metabolism instead. Furthermore, while rates of protein synthesis are reduced during hibernation, balance is maintained by correspondingly low rates of protein degradation. Proposed mechanisms include a number of signaling pathways and transcription factors that lead to increased oxidative fiber expression, enhanced protein synthesis and reduced protein degradation, ultimately resulting in minimal loss of skeletal muscle protein and oxidative capacity. The functional significance of these outcomes is maintenance of skeletal muscle strength and fatigue resistance, which enables hibernating animals to resume active behaviors such as predator avoidance, foraging and mating immediately following terminal arousal in the spring
Morality and the Extra-Medical Use of Drugs
Get PDFNota bene - The following is one of three major papers written forty-five years ago as a requirement for the Master of Arts in Theology degree. The author has revisited the topic in an addendum attached to this article to consider how the moral theologian can view extra-medical marijuana use in the twenty-first century. Originally written in 1971 at http://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/sot_papers/594
An Analysis of Bacterial Contamination of Chicken Eggs and Antimicrobial Resistance
Get PDFChicken eggs are a major component of American diets, with an average yearly consumption of approximately 250 eggs per person (American Humane Society). While highly nutritious, eggs are also one of the leading causes of food poisoning and food borne illness in the United States. Eggs may become contaminated by a number of different types of bacteria during production, including Salmonella, a group of bacteria that, according to the CDC, causes more than 1.2 million cases of food borne illness in the United States every year. In an effort to decrease the frequency of bacterial contamination, many food producers have begun to treat their livestock and poultry with antibiotics, as a method of preventing and treating illness within the population. In some cases, antibiotics have also been used as growth-promoters. While this practice frequently improves the overall health and productivity of the flock, it also contributes to the development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics (Singer, Hofacre Avian Diseases). This phenomenon has been observed and studied with the emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a pathogen commonly affecting humans. According to the National Institute of Health, MRSA has developed as a result of bacterial adaptation due to repeated administration of antibiotics. As antibiotics commonly used to treat S. aureus increase in the environment, those bacteria that are randomly resistant to antibiotics persist, resulting in an increased frequency of bacterial resistance. As the use of antibiotics in egg production increases, antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella and other bacteria are likely to emerge, contributing to increased food borne illness and decreased ability to treat infections.
In the egg industry, chickens are often raised under a variety of conditions from industrialized production farms to personal hen houses. The quality of the egg is frequently attributed to its production process, leading producers to advertise production methods like vegetarian food and cage free environment for their chickens. Factors like these are boasted to suggest better health benefits and less pathogen contamination and, furthermore, promote sales. However, these claims have not been thoroughly investigated. In an effort to develop a better understanding of egg contamination during production, this experiment utilized a variety of chicken eggs, including those from commercial, local, and private chicken producers. Within these groups, also included were organic, vegetarian fed, free range, farm fresh, and antibiotic free production methods. Bacterial samples were cultured and isolated from the shell, Albumin (egg white), yolk, and outer shell membrane, and some were later identified using 16S DNA sequencing. In an effort to identify emerging bacterial resistance, the samples were tested for resistance to antibiotics and cleaners that are commonly used in egg production and are approved by the USDA for use on laying hens. It was hypothesized that differences in production (free range vs. caged, organic vs. non-organic, vegetarian fed vs. normal feed, etc.) would affect the diversity of bacterial contaminants and the areas of the egg they would be able to contaminate. Additionally, it was hypothesized that eggs coming from chickens previously exposed to antimicrobials and antibiotics would exhibit more resistance. Finally, the experiment was expected to reveal trends in the types and strains of bacteria are able to penetrate various membranes within the egg
Antibiotic resistant bacteria in Minnesota lakes
No full textThe purpose of this study is to examine the occurrence and pattern of antibiotic resistance among bacteria found in lakes on the Saint John\u27s University campus and in Avon, MN from summer 2015 to spring 2016. By analyzing the affect temperature has on the pattern of antibiotic resistant bacteria, the data will provide comprehensive information that is imperative to understand the characteristics and extent of antibiotic resistance. This study will support efforts to regulate antibiotic consumption and misuse by contributing data that shows the existence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in our local aquatic communities and how the fluctuating seasons play a role in this resistance pattern
Collegebound: history, outcomes and the future of outdoor orientation at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John\u27s University
Get PDFOutdoor orientation programs at four-year colleges and universities have a rich history of easing student\u27s transition into college and helping students be successful. Collegebound is the outdoor orientation program for first year or transfer students at St. Ben\u27s and St. John\u27s. This program itself has a rich history with almost 30 years of trips that began in 1987. Recently the program grew nearly 50% in one year alone and received its highest participation rate in its history with 63 student participants in 2015. Collegebound is more than just a wilderness trip, but rather an experience that fosters community, learning, healthy risk taking, and leadership development. Outdoor orientation programs provide significant benefits to students and the future of this program will benefit both students and the institutions in years ahead. Learn not only about the history of this beneficial program but also about outdoor orientation programs across the country, program outcomes and how they continue to be successful
Sigma Gamma Epsilon 2016 W.A. Tarr Awards
Get PDFThe W. A. Tarr Award was established in March of 1949, to distinguish exceptional students in the Earth sciences. Thirty-one individuals received the Tarr Award during the 2015-2016 academic year. A brief history of the W.A. Tarr Award and the qualifying criteria for the award are provided