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Dual Investigations into Broiler Health: Mitochondrial Gene Expression in Ascites Susceptibility and G-1,25(OH)₂D₃-Driven Modulation of Bone and Gut Integrity in Lameness
No full textModern broiler production faces persistent challenges from metabolic and skeletal disorders, particularly ascites and bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO), which compromise animal welfare and production efficiency. This dissertation examines two key factors that contribute to these conditions: mitochondrial gene expression associated with pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) and the role of intestinal barrier integrity in mitigating lameness. In the first study, the expression of mitochondrial genes COXII and ATP6 was evaluated in the breast, thigh, and lung tissues of three broiler genetic lines—ascites-susceptible (SUS), ascites-resistant (RES), and unselected relaxed (REL). While no significant expression differences were observed in muscle tissues, SUS birds exhibited notably lower COXII expression in the lungs (p = 0.022), with a similar trend in ATP6, indicating a potential link between impaired mitochondrial function and ascites susceptibility. These results suggest that oxygen utilization and mitochondrial adaptation in lung tissue are critical in ascites resistance. In the second study, the efficacy of glycosylated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (G-1,25(OH)₂D₃) as a dietary intervention for BCO lameness was evaluated through its effect on intestinal tight junction gene expression. Cobb 500 broilers were reared on wire and litter flooring, with BCO induced via aerosol exposure carrying pathogenic bacteria from the wire flooring pen, and were assigned to diets containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 µg/kg of G-1,25(OH)₂D₃. The 1.0 µg/kg dose significantly reduced lameness incidence (53.7%; p \u3c 0.001) while enhancing the expression of MUC4, OCLN, and CLDN2 in the jejunum, indicating improved gut barrier function. Although the 2.0 µg/kg dose produced similar gene expression outcomes, the 1.0 µg/kg level was identified as the most cost-effective strategy. Together, these findings contribute to a broader understanding of how mitochondrial function and intestinal health influence broiler resilience to metabolic and skeletal disorders. Targeted genetic selection and nutritional modulation, such as G-1,25(OH)₂D₃ supplementation, offer promising approaches to enhance broiler performance while addressing welfare concerns. Further research is recommended to investigate the long-term physiological effects of these interventions and their role in preventing poultry diseases
An Integrated Skeletal Muscle Methylome-transcriptome Profile in Pre-clinical Colorectal Cancer Cachexia Models and Chemotherapy Aggravating the Effects of Cachexia
No full textCancer cachexia is a wasting syndrome characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle affecting cancer patients’ independence and quality of life. Cancer cachexia affects up to 80% of cancer patients and is responsible for 30-40% of cancer-related deaths. Previous studies have demonstrated sex-specific differences in the onset and progression of cancer cachexia; however, these differences remain underexplored. To date, pharmacological and nutritional interventions are largely ineffective in preventing or reversing cachexia. Chemotherapy, a first-line cancer treatment, is known to trigger cachexia by itself complicating prognosis and therapy response. In addition, epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), are known to impact other types of muscle atrophy but remain unexplored in the context of cancer cachexia. Therefore, this dissertation aimed to investigate DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns during the onset, progression, and severity of colorectal cancer cachexia across biological sexes (Aim 1, Chapter 3), and to define how chemotherapeutic treatments interact with cancer to influence muscle atrophy in a sex-specific manner (Aim 2, Chapter 4). To achieve Aim 1, I employed a novel experimental design including: (1) effective chemotherapy (tumor reduction), (2) ineffective chemotherapy (no change in tumor size), and (3) chemotherapy- only, non-cancerous control groups, allowing for the evaluation of cachexia driven by cancer, chemotherapy, or both. I found that while chemotherapy and cancer induce similar phenotypic effects in males, chemotherapy in females exacerbates multi-organ alterations. In addition, my findings suggest muscle wasting in chemotherapy-treated mice may occur through mechanisms distinct from those driven by cancer alone, potentially involving DEPTOR dysregulation. For Aim 2, I utilized transcriptomic and methylomic data, and their integration, from two colorectal cancer cachexia models of varying severity. By analyzing multiple time points, I characterized the molecular progression of cachexia and identified sex-specific differences. Notably, I found that early methylome dysregulation was associated with impaired signaling associated with muscle regeneration and activation of neurodegenerative pathways in both sexes. Overall, this dissertation advances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle wasting during cancer cachexia onset and progression. It also highlights the distinct pathways activated by chemotherapeutic agents in males and females and their differences, underscoring the importance of including female population in cachexia research and for sex- specific preventive and therapeutic strategies
The Impact of Politics and Identity on Instagram: Exploring the Impacts on Social Connections
No full textThis study investigates how political and identity signals on Instagram-specifically pronoun usage, LGBTQ+ representation, support for political figures, and religious expression-influence perceptions of political leaning, perceived similarity (homophily), and willingness to connect or engage with both individuals and brands. Using a between-subjects experimental design, 222 participants were exposed to mock Instagram profiles systematically varying these indicators. Results from a chi-square test of independence revealed that political indicators in profiles significantly shaped participants’ perceptions of users’ political leanings. Among the indicators, support for a political figure repeatedly reported as the strongest predictor of perceived political leaning, social similarity, and willingness to connect, while pronoun use had a smaller but still significant effect on engagement. Differently, LGBTQ+ support and religious expression had limited impacts on social perception or connected behaviors. These findings highlight the important role of obvious political cues in online social sorting and echo chamber formation, underscoring the tendency for users to seek out like-minded connections and avoid those whose views oppose their own. The study contributes to the knowledge of online identity signaling and its effect on division and inclusivity in digital environments. Limitations include the use of a convenience sample and mock profiles, as well as statistical constraints, suggesting the need for further research with more diverse samples and real-world contexts
Experiential Advertising: The Immersive Evolution of Marketing
Get PDFExperiential advertising is revolutionizing marketing by creating immersive, emotionally resonant brand environments that foster consumer engagement and loyalty. This thesis explores the integration of experiential design in commercial branding, emphasizing how sensory-driven storytelling enhances brand identity and consumer connections. Through case studies such as the Gucci Garden in Florence, this research highlights the effectiveness of flagship stores, pop-ups, and sensory campaigns in transcending traditional advertising methods. Employing firsthand observations and analytical frameworks, the study identifies critical design strategies, including interactive installations and curated spaces, that reshape retail environments into platforms for emotional connection and advocacy. Findings reveal that experiential design drives tangible business outcomes, from heightened brand visibility to stronger consumer loyalty, by transforming retail and advertising spaces into hubs of shared narratives. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how design can strategically bridge the gap between commerce and culture, offering actionable insights for brands aiming to thrive in a competitive, experience-driven marketplace
Connecting Biological Engineering Education with Hands-On Internship Experience
Get PDFMy honors thesis examines how my time in the biological engineering program and internship experience have prepared me for my future career. It highlights the skills I developed, the lessons I learned, and how these experiences shaped my job search and career decisions.
In my thesis, I share details about my internship. I described what I worked on, the places I visited, and the hands-on experience I gained. I talk about how my coursework provided a strong foundation and how my internship allowed me to apply those concepts in real-world engineering settings. I also discuss the technical and professional skills I developed, from working in an office environment to interacting with clients and visiting project sites.
I also reflect on my post-graduate job search, how my internship experience opened up new opportunities, and the factors that contributed to my decision in choosing a job. Additionally, I make recommendations for how the biological engineering program could be improved for future students.
Overall, my time in the biological engineering program and my internship experience have given me the knowledge, skills, and confidence to begin my career as a biological engineer. This thesis reflects that journey and the impact these experiences have had on my professional growth
Parental Expectations on Pediatric Care for Children
Get PDFChildhood pediatrics is a major factor for a full and healthy childhood for all children from adolescence to adulthood. However, the physical health aspect has been the main focus through most primary care clinics and hardly focuses on the mental health side. Mental health issues which involve anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are more prominent than they have ever been, as up to 30% of children have experienced mental health issues such as posttraumatic stress disorder, especially in recent pandemic years (Meherali et al., 2021). This study employed a non-experimental, quantitative analysis utilizing online close-ended survey questions. The type of survey chosen for this study was an anonymous, self-reporting survey due to the nature of the questions being asked about their children’s healthcare. Compared to previous studies, this study found that parents believe that their pediatricians can make accurate evaluations related to health concerns for children, but are skeptical of evaluations in other health areas, such as mental health. For example, 42.9% of parents believed their child’s pediatric physician could make an accurate evaluation on their child’s mental health. Through this research, the opportunity has arisen to amplify areas that need improvement in pediatrics. The researcher wanted to make it a goal to understand what parents expect for their children and what type of care they desire to make sure that their children are healthy in every way possible. The researcher was able to obtain results that accurately represented the need for a further understanding of mental health in pediatrics
The Role of Geographic Area on Juvenile Delinquency: Evidence from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Get PDFThis study explores the relationship between geographic area and juvenile delinquency, with particular attention to how this relationship varies across the following settings: large metropolitan areas, small metropolitan areas, and rural areas. Using nationally representative data from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the analysis focuses on youth under the age of 18 and incorporates additional social factors such as parental involvement, gender, grade level, and race/ethnicity. Results from my negative binomial regression models demonstrate that geographic area did not play significant role in delinquency overall. Income showed notable variation by geographic setting: in rural areas, even modest increases in household income were associated with significantly lower delinquency, while no such pattern was observed in large or small metropolitan areas. Findings indicate that higher levels of parental involvement are consistently associated with lower rates of juvenile delinquency across all geographic areas. Gender also played a significant role, with female youth less likely to report engaging in delinquent behavior, particularly in large metro and rural areas. These findings suggest that while some protective factors, like parental involvement, are universally effective, the impact of structural factors like income may be more context-specific. As a result, prevention strategies should consider both the social and geographic contexts in which youth live to more effectively address and reduce juvenile delinquency