Journals@UC (University of Cincinnati)
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Fighting Cancer with Novel Antibiotics
No full textRecord ID: 191
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship; Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: NA
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Despite current therapies, tumor relapse and therapy resistance present as significant obstacles to successful management of cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in the development and recurrence of cancer. CSCs are a subpopulation within tumors capable of self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types within tumors. Furthermore, CSCs are thought to drive tumor recurrence after treatment. Even if the majority of tumor cells are eliminated by therapy, CSCs can survive and repopulate the tumor, leading to cancer relapse. However, identifying and effectively targeting CSCs remains a significant challenge. Recent studies have shown that specific antibiotics can effectively inhibit various types of CSCs (breast, ovarian, prostate, lung, pancreatic, melanoma, and glioblastoma cancers). Due to the impact of antibiotics on CSC function, targeting CSCs is a promising strategy for improving outcomes in cancer patients by preventing recurrence and enhancing treatment efficacy. Our preliminary studies have identified several extracts from bacterial antibiotic producers that can inhibit multiple CSC-derived tumorsphere types (breast, lung, and prostate) in cultured human cancer cell lines. Tumorsphere formation is a widely accepted technique used to quantitate CSC activity and a reliable method to screen for novel anti-CSC agents. Our objective for this Spring semester is to analyze the gene expression patterns of CSC-associated markers and their impact on tumorsphere quantity and dimensions within cultured A549 human lung cancer cells, compared to healthy lung cells. These studies will provide a baseline for assessing changes in gene expression patterns and tumorsphere morphology following treatment with bacterial extracts.  
Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Outcomes and Resilience among Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals
Get PDFRecord ID: 206
Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: McNair Scholars Program
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: In the general population people of color (POC) usually have lower levels of depression and anxiety, than their White counterparts. This is called the racial paradox because POC experience higher levels of discrimination and racism. Sexual gender minorities (SGM) have multiple marginalized identities, this might lead to worsen negative health outcomes, also known as double jeopardy. This study investigates that 1) SGM-AFAB individuals who are POC will report better mental health outcomes than those who identify as White and 2) racial differences in resilience will be explained by racial differences in resilience, due to having earlier exposure to discrimination. A total of 388 SGM-AFAB participants (43.0% African American, 26.8% Latine, 30.92% White) reported on anxiety, depression and resilience levels. ANOVA results were conclusive with hypothesis 1, as POC SGM-AFAB participants had lower scores of depression compared to their White counterparts. Specifically, Black SGMs had significantly lower scores of depression in comparison to White SMGs. Black and Latine participants had lower anxiety scores compared to White participants. Black participants had significantly lower anxiety compared to both Latine and White participants. In partial alignment with hypothesis 2, Black participants had significantly higher resilience scores than Latine and White participants. ANCOVA results indicate that resilience does account for depression levels between Black and White participants. Additionally, resilience does account for anxiety levels between Black and Latine participants, but not Black and White participants. Results indicate how Black SGM individuals may have earlier exposure to resilience to combat negative mental health outcomes. 
Analyzing Strategies for Completing a Comprehensive Biodiversity for Cincinnati Incorporating Citizen
No full textRecord ID: 252
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship; Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Due to climate change, the Earth is experiencing its sixth mass extinction event. This crisis is concerning because biodiversity is directly tied to ecosystem health and ecosystem services. Healthy, biodiverse ecosystems can perform ecosystem services efficiently and effectively. In response to our climate crisis, the Green Cincinnati Plan was developed to reduce greenhouse emissions and enhance the natural environment. One priority action identified in the Green Cincinnati Plan is to complete a Biodiversity Assessment for Cincinnati, incorporating citizen science. The goal of this study is to examine and analyze how Biodiversity Assessments have been successfully completed in other cities, understand the current efforts to survey biodiversity in Cincinnati, and use this information to suggest a strategy to accomplish the priority action. In this presentation I will describe how other cities have completed Biodiversity Assessments and incorporated citizen science. This will provide necessary information for Cincinnati officials to reference moving forward. 
Acute Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Performance
No full textRecord ID: 332
Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Physical activity has been shown to boost cognitive performance by increasing neural activity. Previous studies in the literature have shown strong agreement in the benefits of pre-performance exercise, but the superior exercise type (e.g., anaerobic, aerobic, other) remains uncertain. The purpose of our study was to identify which exercise type had the largest impact on a Stroop test, designed to simulate a recall-type exam students may take in class. Twenty-two healthy individuals ages 18-25 completed the study. Conditions consisted of a baseline test where no exercise was completed prior to the Stroop test and then three additional timed test sessions where aerobic, anaerobic, or meditation exercises were completed, with the order of the three exercise sessions randomized. Aerobic exercise involved cycling on a stationary bike at 13 mpg with 1kg of resistance. Anaerobic exercise consisted of three sets of body-weight exercises (wall sits, planks, isometric hold with TheraBand). A video-based guided meditation was watched for the meditation session. The exercises were followed by the completion of the Stroop test where total attempts and correct attempts were recorded. After all three sessions, participants rated which type of pre-test exercise helped increase Stroop test performance the most. We hypothesized that pre-test anaerobic exercise would yield the highest Stroop test scores, but that all three pre-test exercise activities will yield higher scores than the baseline Stroop performance. These outcomes may help identify how short, single bouts of exercise can increase performance in cognitive-type tests, a strategy students could utilize to increase academic performance. 
Investigating the Potential of Mycorrhizal Fungal Inoculants in Prairie Ecosystem Restoration
No full textRecord ID: 231
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: This research investigates the influence of mycorrhizal fungal inoculants on native plant vitality and soil health through greenhouse experiments and soil analyses. Our goal is to elucidate the intricate relationships between mycorrhizal fungi, native plants, and overall ecosystem health, with the aim of enhancing sustainable practices in restoration efforts. By measuring plant growth parameters and soil health indicators, we aim to uncover the mechanisms through which mycorrhizal fungal inoculants affect the establishment and vigor of native plant species in prairie ecosystems. The outcome of this research will provide valuable insights into the role of mycorrhizal fungi in promoting native plant resilience and fostering soil health. These findings have the potential to revolutionize prairie ecosystem restoration practices, informing more effective and sustainable approaches. Moreover, our research contributes to a deeper understanding of symbiotic relationships in ecosystems, transcending disciplinary boundaries and enriching the collective knowledge base. This knowledge empowers practitioners, policymakers, and conservationists to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to the preservation and restoration of prairie ecosystems for future generations
Impacts of Hydrological Conditions on Fish Diversity and Populations in a Small Urban Stream
No full textRecord ID: 280
Program Affiliation: NA
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: The characteristics of urban streams create stressors for fish that cause dramatic shifts in population dynamics. These characteristics include, a flashy hydrograph, increased nutrient input, loss of biodiversity, and channelization. Hydrology is a major factor that impacts fish compositions because it determines habitat availability in streams. Hydrology is especially important in urban streams, as urban fish communities already face habitat degradation compared to natural streams. Urban streams are populated by fewer species that are more tolerant to changes caused by urbanization, but these species are still affected by changing hydrology. Using a five-year dataset collected in four sites within Cooper Creek, an urban headwater stream in Cincinnati, OH, we analyze variations in fish population and community structure in response to habitat availability in wet and dry years in an urban stream. The two focuses of this study are understanding (1) how fish community composition and (2) population characteristics (e.g., size distribution, body condition) change in wet versus dry years. Cooper Creek is inhabited by tolerant pioneer species like Creek Chub, Western Black nose Dace, Central Stoneroller, and a few more species present in the lower reaches of the creek. In this study we hypothesize that there is a correlation between fish community composition/population characteristics and the amount of rainfall in a year. We predict that in wetter years with more rainfall there will be greater habitat availability. This will result in better population numbers, larger fish, and more well rounded size distributions
Development of Metal Nanoparticles as Catalysts for a Color-Changing Reaction
No full textRecord ID: 283
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Detection of toxins, cancers, and other harmful substances is a key challenge and area of development in modern medicine. The analytes can be detected using a catalytic reaction with a fluorescent dye and appropriate catalysts. In this project, the goal is to optimize the preparation of the catalyst to maximally intensify the color change of the dye, so that the catalyst can be used in subsequent sensor development. The research task is to synthesize a series of metal nanoparticle catalysts and evaluate their efficiency in catalyzing the color-changing reaction. In the future, we plan to integrate these metal nanoparticles into sensing schemes for applications
Optimizing Soft Leather Production from Back Cut Skins: Sustainable Practices at Ethiopian Nile Crocodile Farms
No full textThis research addresses the significant challenges in converting back cut skins of Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) into soft leather. The process is complicated by the skins’ inherent hardness and distinct texture. Sourced from the Arba Minch Crocodile Farm, these skins are aesthetically pleasing due to their unique scale patterns. However, they are often overlooked by leather manufacturers because of their rigidity and the complexities involved in processing. Our study proposes a critical modification in the pickling and chrome tanning process, specifically designed to improve fiber opening and separation. This method effectively transforms the durable back cut skins into flexible, soft leather, enhancing their applicability in various leather goods. Furthermore, the research encompasses an extensive evaluation of the raw materials, focusing on their fat and nitrogen composition. Advanced techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy analysis, along with visual examinations and physical tests, affirm the modified tanning process’s efficacy in producing soft leather from crocodile back cut skins. These findings underscore the potential of this refined approach not only to overcome processing challenges but also to expand the use of back cut skins in the leather industry. This research not only offers new opportunities for product diversification but also promotes sustainable practices at Ethiopian Nile Crocodile Farms, contributing to innovative and environmentally responsible leather production methods
Challenges of Lab-Scale Study and the Influence of Wet-Finishing Agents in the Leather Dyeing Process
No full textThe leather production process includes several interconnected steps. Dyeing is a critical step as it is responsible for the attractive visual appearance and quality properties that meet customer expectations. Obtaining homogeneous leather with effective dyeing is a challenge for tanneries, as leather is a complex and heterogeneous material. Effective dyeing depends on good execution of the process, raw materials and the performance of previous steps. To reduce costs and optimize processes, laboratory-scale tests precede industrial implementation. However, scaling-up from lab-scale to industrial scale production requires a deep understanding of critical variables that directly affect dyeing quality and efficiency. This work investigates factors that affect dyeing, aiming to understand the transition from the laboratory scale to the industrial scale. Bath exhaustion and dye penetration tests were used to evaluate the influence of the variables mass, retanning agent, dyeing auxiliary and type of agitation on leather dyeing. Results show that the influence of retanning, dyeing and fatliquoring agents on leather dyeing demonstrated that for small pieces of leather, the difference in thickness will affect more on the dye penetration than on the exhaustion of the bath due to the low mechanical action generated. While the exhaustion will be more affected by the products used. For leathers with different masses, the greater mass was more influenced by the products used, presenting a shorter penetration time when retanning, dyeing auxiliary and higher dye concentration were used, a behavior expected for leather. This improvement with the use of auxiliaries is associated with the mechanical action caused by the greater mass of the drum, which was not possible with the smaller mass