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Detection and Quantification of Escherichia coli in Shellfish by Combined MPN-qPCR Method
No full textThere is substantial need for the rapid and efficient detection and quantification of Escherichia coli and other fecal coliforms in shellfish intended for human consumption. Outbreaks of diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) in humans have been associated with E. coli outbreaks, most commonly the O157:H7 strain due to its production of pathogenic Shiga-toxins. The current FDA- approved most probable number (MPN) method used for quantifying pathogenic E. coli in shellfish is outdated and can take up to four days to complete. In this project, two triplex quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) assays were developed using previously published primers and probes. These assays are intended to be combined with the overnight enrichment from the standard FDA MPN method for the detection and quantification of the pathogenic O157:H7 E. coli strain. The assays were validated against known amounts of Shiga-toxin producing O157:H7 from cultures and confirmed to detect the strain. This streamlined qPCR-MPN method will be troubleshooted and validated with known amounts of O157:H7 E. coli through spiking experiments and later used to enumerate E. coli from summer shellfish collections. These qPCR assays will eventually be offered as part of the standard diagnostic methods in the Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory at Roger Williams University
Reliability of Automated Scoring of The Novel Object Recognition Task in a Mouse Model of Bipolar Disorder
No full textBipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic mood disorder characterized by shifts in mood and energy. Several studies suggest the ClockΔ19 mouse may be a valid model of BD. We seek to further validate the ClockΔ19 model through our investigation of cognitive deficits that are present in human bipolar disorder using cognitive tasks such as novel object recognition. We currently use a manual scoring process to analyze behaviors in a series of cognitive tasks. Following this study, we aim to automate our behavioral scoring process using EthoVision XT to analyze behavior in ClockΔ19 mice. EthoVision XT is a video tracking software used for tracking and analyzing movement and behaviors in rodents. By using automated video tracking software such as EthoVision XT, we can analyze a wider range of behaviors at a much higher efficiency. While initial investments into video tracking software are costly, decreased labor hours involved with manual scoring offsets high software costs. Alongside these benefits of automated scoring, there is increased consistency and reliability in removing the possibility of differences between scorers in the manual scoring process. Several studies have suggested automated behavioral scoring can produce near identical results as manual scoring in rodents. In this study, we compare manual and automated behavioral scoring in the novel object recognition task (NOR) with a reliability test. We found no significant difference between manual and automating scoring using EthoVision XT
Rapid adaptation of cellular metabolic rate to the MicroRNA complements of mammals and its relevance to the evolution of endothermy
No full textThe metabolic efficiency of mammalian cells depends on the attenuation of intrinsic translation noise by microRNAs. We devised a metric of cellular metabolic rate (cMR), rMR/Mexp optimally fit to the number of microRNA families (mirFam), that is robust to variation in mass and sensitive to body temperature (Tb), consistent with the heat dissipation limit theory of Speakman and Król (2010). Using mirFam as predictor, an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process of stabilizing selection, with an adaptive shift at the divergence of Boreoeutheria, accounted for 95% of the variation in cMR across mammals. Branchwise rates of evolution of cMR, mirFam and Tb concurrently increased 6- to 7-fold at the divergence of Boreoeutheria, independent of mass. Cellular MR variation across placental mammals was also predicted by the sum of model conserved microRNA-target interactions, revealing an unexpected degree of integration of the microRNA-target apparatus into the energy economy of the mammalian cell
Positive Psychology Interventions in the Asian English Language Teaching Classroom: A Call to Action
No full textThe role of emotions in language learning has gained attention in recent years, with some researchers exploring the implications of positive psychology (PP) for second language acquisition. However, PP is relatively new in applied linguistics, and little has been published about integrating positive psychology interventions (PPIs) into language education. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to foster positive mental states in students and underlined the importance of developing resilience. This article explores the possible interaction of PPIs in language education, with examples of activities that promote linguistic development while enhancing resilience. This article also reviews the literature on PP, emphasizing the importance of developing indigenous PPIs for different cultures. Culturally appropriate PPIs that focus on gratitude, empathy, and character strengths can be integrated into language education in Asia, with examples including journaling, gratitude visits, active constructive responding, making new social connections, and identifying and using character strengths. Further research is needed to explore the intersection of PP and language education, including teacher psychology
Evaluating Conditions Contributing to Freshwater and Atmospheric Microplastic Inputs into Narragansett Bay
No full textMicroplastics pollution is a widespread and growing concern for the entire world, especially for Rhode Island due to the high urban land cover and the importance of surrounding marine life to the local economy. This study aims to look at how different conditions affect the freshwater concentrations and atmospheric fluxes of different types of microplastics to the Narragansett Bay. A custom designed atmospheric microplastic deposition collector installed on campus and used to measure atmospheric microplastic fallout. Freshwater samples were collected at different sites along three major rivers in Rhode Island. The river samples were digested using potassium hydroxide since they contained greater concentrations of organic matter than the atmospheric samples. All samples were stained with nile red. The stained samples fluoresce under a blue light, which allowed for easier microplastic counting and identification under the microscope. Blank samples were collected and analyzed for all freshwater and atmospheric samples. Data was analyzed to understand conditions contributing to increases or decreases in microplastic freshwater concentrations and atmospheric fluxes. Atmospheric microplastic fluxes were analyzed with respect to wind speed. For freshwater samples, microplastic concentrations were compared at different locations along the river relative to wastewater treatment plants and their proximity to urban/rural locations. Based on the analysis, the majority of microplastic particles in both the atmospheric and freshwater samples were fibers then fragments. In addition, greater atmospheric fluxes were measured at lower wind speeds. Data thus far do not indicate significantly greater microplastic concentrations downstream of wastewater treatment plants. This project is part of a larger long-term microplastic sampling campaign involving undergraduate researchers to develop a database of freshwater and atmospheric microplastic data. This research will help to better understand microplastic distributions across the state which is needed in order to develop effective solutions and technology to combat the abundance of microplastics that are a growing global and local issue
