2020 Abstracts

Poudyel, Kamala; Gurung, Surya (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Kamimure, Akiko (Social and Behavioral Science, Sociology)

Bhutanese refugees are often torture survivors and experience mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety and depression. However, there are few studies focusing on mental health among Bhutanese women in the US. The purpose of this proposed study is to examine mental health among Bhutanese women with a refugee background living in Utah. Specifically, this study analyzes how social support and acculturation are associated with mental health (stress) and images of mental illness. A Self-administered or interviewer-administered survey has been collected from Bhutanese women since September 2019. Preliminary results suggest stronger sense of belonging to American and Bhutanese cultures was associated with higher levels of social support. Lack of social support was associated with higher levels of stress. The notable images of people with mental illness among the participants included "People with chronic mental illness are, by far, more dangerous than the general population," and "Mental health facilities should be kept out of residential neighborhood." Those negative images were related to lower levels of understanding both American and Bhutanese cultures. It is important to maintain ethnic identity as Bhutanese as well as to learn American culture to promote social support and reduce stress. In addition, reducing negative images of mental illness may help seek help for mental health issue when they experience such problems. Strong sense of belonging to American and Bhutanese cultures is important for well-being among Bhutanese women in Utah.

Gaona-Partida, Paul; Chan, Julian; Aguilar-Alvarez, David (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Chan, Julian (Weber State University, Mathematics); Aguilar-Alvarez, David (Weber State University, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences)

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS:
Low hemoglobin (HB) levels are used to indicate anemia, which increases your risk for contracting infectious diseases and overall mortality. The rate of iron deficiency anemia in Ghana is more than triple the world average, making this condition a main health concern for the country. In this study, we sought to identify the influence of location and iron consumption on HB levels of Ghanaians.

METHODOLOGY:
Food frequency questionnaire was given to 140 participants in 5 different locations of Ghana (Jamestown, King Tower, Mole, Larabanga, University of Ghana). All food was classified as low, medium, or high iron content according to the USDA food database. Participants were categorized as adequate or inadequate iron consumers according to this classification. ANOVA and t-test analysis was conducted to determine the differences in hemoglobin level means. P-value was set at µ0.05 and HSD was used as the post-hoc test.

RESULTS/PREDICTED RESULTS:
Mole National Park population had higher HB (µ=13.3 ± 2.51) compared to Jamestown (µ=12.1 ± 1.97) (p=0.034) and Larabanga (µ=12.0 ± 1.97) (p =.032). Individuals classified as high iron consumers had significantly higher HB that their low iron consumers counterparts (µ=13.8 ± 2.42 vs µ=12.1 ± 1.97, p=0.001).

CONCLUSION:
We were able to identify foods associated with increased Ghanaians HB. Mole had higher access to iron-rich foods such as game meat, which was reflected in their HB levels. This study illustrates the importance of promoting consumption of indigenous iron-rich foods in the current Ghanaian diet to prevent iron deficiency anemia in this population.

Bergen, Makenna; Meier, Amanda; Thomas, Victoria; Banna, Jinan; Cluskey, Mary; Stokes, Nathan; Richards, Rickelle (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Richards, Rickelle (Life Sciences; Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science); Stokes, Nathan (Life Sciences; Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science); Banna, Jinan (Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (University of Hawaii at Manoa), Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences)

Background: Food insecurity among college students has been reported to be as high as 59%. Most research related to this phenomenon has used quantitative approaches. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of college students' perceptions of their own food security using qualitative methodology.
Methods: Researchers interviewed 57 college students at three universities across the western United States. A random sample of transcripts were independently coded in NVivo to determine interrater reliability. Kappa statistics ranged from 0.44-0.99 (food insecure) and from 0.73-0.99 (food secure), indicating moderate to almost perfect agreement. Percent agreement ranged from 92-100% (food insecure) and from 97-100% (food secure). Researchers then divided transcripts for final coding and overarching themes, including differences between food secure and food insecure students under each theme, were discussed.
Results: Three themes emerged to help explain drivers of food insecurity in college students: 1) transition from pre-college life to college life; 2) students' management of finances; and 3) methods and barriers to obtaining food. Differences were identified between food secure and food insecure students. Food insecure students prioritized other living expenses over food and used various strategies when funds were low: purchasing lowest cost campus meal plans, stretching food budget, buying cheaper groceries, and skipping meals. In regards to eating away-from-home, food insecure students prioritized eating at home, using discounts, or waiting to get paid before eating out. Both food secure and food insecure students reported positive aspects of using food assistance programs but believed stigma and embarrassment would deter students from using these programs. A few food insecure students expressed confusion about qualifying for these programs.
Conclusions: This study helps us better understand the context surrounding food insecurity in college students. This understanding could lead to broader solutions to helping college students become more food secure.

Thompson, Lauren; Ramous, Caroline; Ly, Kellsey; Luu, Kiana; Margetts, Alex; Warren, Tahno; Tippetts, Trevor; Choi, Ran Hee; Symons, JD (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Symons, J. David (University of Utah, Nutrition and Integrative Physiology)

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an epidemic worldwide. Cardiovascular complications (e.g. endothelial dysfunction and hypertension) are associated with T2DM. T2DM affects the quality of life for the patient and their caregivers, and the costs for treating cardiovascular complications are unsustainable. An urgent need exists to elucidate new therapeutic targets for intervention. Our laboratory is interested in defining the contribution from the sphingolipid ceramide. We reported earlier that arterial dysfunction and hypertension that otherwise develop in mice that consume an obesogenic diet is attenuated by pharmacological inhibition of ceramide using myriocin and by germline haploinsufficiency for dihydroceramide desaturase (DES1), an enzyme required for ceramide biosynthesis. However, each study had limitations. Myriocin improved systemic glucose homeostasis, and DES1 inhibition elevated dihydroceramides, both of which could impact arterial function. In the present study, we used a novel murine model to inhibit the rate-limiting enzyme responsible for ceramide biosynthesis (serine palmitoyl transferase light chain 2; Sptlc2) specifically in endothelial cells (ECs). We hypothesized that EC specific inhibition of ceramide biosynthesis would preserve arterial function in obese mice. Six-week-old male mice with intact Sptlc2 (wild-type; WT) and EC specific deletion of Sptlc2 (iecSptlc2KO mice) consumed either standard (CON) or high fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks. qPCR results indicated Sptlc2 was knocked down > 80% in ECs but not media and adventitia from iecSptlc2KO vs. WT mice. In general, results were similar between WT and iecSptlc2KO mice concerning glucose, insulin, and pyruvate tolerance tests (indicating intact glucose homeostasis) and lean mass, fat mass, and fluid mass (indicating body composition was unaltered). Of note, intraluminal flow-mediated vasodilation was greater in femoral arteries from iecSptlc2KO vs. WT mice that consumed high-fat chow. Preventing ceramide biosynthesis specifically in ECs from mice that consume an obesogenic diet might be vasculoprotective.

Kunzelman, Jacqueline; Gabor, Rachel; Scrobotovici, Monica; Blades, Natalie; Longstreth, WT; Heckbert, Susan; Psaty, Bruce; Arnold, Alice; Fitzpatrick, Annette; Llewellyn, David; Kuzma, Elzbieta; Kamel, Hooman; Dhamoon, Mandip; Chaudhry, Sarwat; Dodson, John; Hedges, Dawson; Gale, Shawn; Erickson, Lance; Brown, Bruce; Thacker, Evan (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Thacker, Evan (Life Sciences, Public Health)

OBJECTIVE: We investigated two hypotheses: First, incident CHD, defined as myocardial infarction or definite angina, leads to faster long-term cognitive decline. Second, among those with CHD, treatment with CABG surgery or PCI leads to slower long-term cognitive decline.
METHODS: The Cardiovascular Health Study is a cohort of US adults aged 65+. Global cognitive ability was assessed annually up to 9 times from 1990 to 1998 with the 100-point Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS). We estimated trajectories of 3MS scores in the absence of stroke, adjusting for demographics, health behaviors, and comorbidities. For hypothesis 1, we compared 3MS trajectory after incident CHD with 3MS trajectory in the absence of CHD, censoring at first receipt of CABG/PCI. For hypothesis 2, among participants with CHD, we compared 3MS trajectory after first receipt of CABG/PCI with 3MS trajectory without CABG/PCI.
RESULTS: For hypothesis 1, of 4,122 participants, 398 had incident CHD during a mean of 5.9 years of follow-up. Model-predicted 3MS score declined faster after incident CHD, especially for CHD diagnosed at age 80 or later. For example, after incident CHD at age 85, predicted 5-year decline in mean 3MS score through age 90 was 13.9 points (95% CI: 11.0, 16.7) versus 8.9 points (95% CI: 8.1, 9.7) among those without CHD. For hypothesis 2, of 1,183 participants who had prevalent or incident CHD, 118 had their first CABG/PCI during a mean of 4.1 years of follow-up. Model-predicted 3MS score declined faster after first receipt of CABG/PCI.
CONCLUSIONS: Older adults diagnosed with incident CHD had faster average cognitive decline than those without CHD. However, treatment with CABG/PCI did not slow cognitive decline among those with CHD. This finding may be due to adverse effects of CABG/PCI on brain health or CABG/PCI recipients having more severe CHD or more cerebral atherosclerosis.

Winters, Blaine; Dustin, Tracy; Escobar, Jeana; Ostlund, Megan (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Blaine, Winters (Brigham Young University, Biology)

Background:
Evaluation of patients who have fallen varies significantly between nurses as well as health care facilities. In many cases, injuries go unrecognized or their identification is delayed due to poor or incomplete assessments and follow-up.

Purpose:
The purpose of this project was to design a standardized post-fall assessment for geriatric patients residing in long-term care and community settings.

Methods:
A literature review revealed that in the past 10 years, very few studies were conducted on post-fall assessments, and the majority of these studies were conducted outside of the United States. Due to the lack of current literature on the subject, the Advanced Trauma Life Support algorithm was used as a framework for the development of the post-fall assessment.

Outcomes:
A post-fall assessment evaluation was developed which includes the production of a standardized post-fall assessment flowchart, accompanied by a documentation guide. A training video was also produced to illustrate the use of the assessment tools and to allow nurses to practice their new skills.

Implications for Practice:
The standardized post-fall assessment tools will lead to more thorough evaluation and follow-up of patients who have fallen in long-term care or the community setting. This will lead to more rapid treatment of identified injuries as well as fewer missed injuries.

Teaching Methods:
Participants will receive training on the post-fall evaluation method, how it was developed and how it will be implemented.

Hildt, Alyssa; Anderson, Abby; Miles, Leslie; Valentine, Julie (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Miles, Leslie (Brigham young University, Nursing); Valentine, Julie (Brigham Young University, Nursing)

Purpose: To describe characteristics that impacted sexual assault (SA) patients' reports of pain and subsequent pain treatment.
Research Question(s) / hypotheses: 1. What percentage of SA patients complaining of pain received any treatment? 2. What associations exist between SA variables and reports of pain and pain treatment?
Methodology: Retrospective chart review (n=1,652) of SA examinations (2017-2018) was conducted in several counties in Utah, representing 80% of the state. 241 variables were entered into SPSS. Approximately 64% of SA cases reported pain. Descriptive statistical analysis of SA patients reporting pain was conducted on the following variables: pain location, pain severity, gender, race, age, relationship to suspect, pre-existing medical conditions, pre-existing mental illness, suspect actions, time between assault and exam, physical injuries, anogenital injuries, and pain treatment (pharmacological and non-pharmacological).
Findings: On a scale of zero to ten, reported pain mean level 5.68 with a median of six. Eight percent of patients who reported pain did not have a documented pain level, signifying an incomplete pain assessment. Three most common pain locations were the genitals (40%), abdomen/pelvis (31%), and head (24%). Those with mental illness, medical problems, or reported history of SA prior to age 14, were more likely to report pain. Despite the prevalence of pain amongst SA patients, a large majority (78%) received no documented pain treatment. However, some patients received the following: 16% NSAIDs or Tylenol; 5% narcotics; and only 0.1% received non-pharmacological treatment.
Implications: All SA patients should be assessed and treated for pain. SA examination forms should include treatment type, including treatment provided by the emergency department. Nurses should take the lead in advocating for pain treatment in SA patients.
Conclusion: This is the largest study of SA patients' pain assessment and treatment and helps create a comprehensive picture to understand patient and variables that impact pain.

Daines, Savannah (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Adams, Brett (College of Science, Biology Department)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when external forces cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull, resulting in an alteration of brain function. Following the initial injury, a cascade of cellular events known as the secondary injury reduces cerebral energy production and exacerbates pathological consequences. Conditions that close the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) provide effective treatment for TBI by restoring ionic balance and coupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to ATP production. mPTP closure can be achieved during ketosis when the body metabolizes ketone bodies over glucose as a primary fuel source. Administration of exogenous ketones achieves therapeutic levels of ketosis more quickly and more effectively than fasting or ketogenic diets. No studies to date have evaluated the effectiveness of exogenous ketones in treating TBI in humans. This project will evaluate current scientific literature regarding the role of ketones in TBIs and identify potential future approaches to using ketones as a therapy for TBI.

Troy Madsen, MD; Brennen Holt, MD; Chad Agy, MD; Rachelle Perkins, BS; Margaret Carlson, BS; Jacob Steenblik, MPH, MHA; Joseph Bledsoe, MD; Gerry Doyle, MD (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Madsen, Troy (University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine)

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a deadly, nondiscriminatory condition affecting all races, ethnicities, genders, and ages. There are an estimated 300,000-600,000 Americans affected every year. Sudden death is often the first symptom in a quarter of those with a PE. Chest pain is also a frequent symptom, yet it may be indicative of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Pleuritic chest pain, defined as pain worsening with inhalation, is associated with non-ACS diseases, its presence is considered when evaluating a patient's risk for PE versus ACS. The proposed project, under the supervision of Troy Madsen M.D, attempts to determine the patients' overall risk of PE or ACS when presenting to the Emergency Department with pleuritic chest pain. The project also aims to evaluate the efficacy of using pleuritic chest pain history in a PE diagnosis. PE being of the most under-diagnosed conditions affecting hospitalized patients, this study specifically looks to include pleuritic chest pain in the decision-making process for diagnosing PE. While other studies look at age, malignancy, thrombophilia, and estrogen, our study evaluates all data collected from the presentation to the ED through the thirty-day phone call to determine the prevalence of PE in those with chest pain as their chief complaint.

Murley, Jordan; Stockard, Alyssa; Payne, Andrew; Steffensen, Scott (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Steffensen, Scott (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Psychology)

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in varied physiological processes. Its main receptor in the central nervous system is tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB), and the main ligand for TrkB in the central nervous system is BDNF. It has been shown previously that activating TrkB can cause a downregulation of the chloride-exporting potassium chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2), presumably resulting in a decreased chloride gradient. It is hypothesized that this down-regulation, caused by an increase in BDNF levels, creates hyperexcitable GABA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) due to a reduced efficacy of inhibitory currents. Here we investigate this mechanism of adaptation in the context of chronic alcohol exposure. We demonstrate that BDNF levels are elevated in the VTA during withdrawal from chronic alcohol exposure. We also observe that blocking TrkB activity decreases alcohol seeking behavior. Further, we investigate the expression patterns of KCC2 in connection with chronic alcohol administration. Additional work is underway to validate this mechanism and further elucidate its putative role in alcohol dependence.

Diaz, Paula; Baptista, Gabriella; Obray, J Daniel; Steffensen, Scott (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Steffensen, Scott (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Psychology)

The prevailing view is that enhancement of dopamine (DA) transmission in the mesolimbic DA system underlies the rewarding properties of alcohol. The aim of the present study was to help reconcile the relative insensitivity of DA neurons to ethanol in vitro (EC50 = 96 mM) with the sensitivity of DA neurons in vivo (EC50 = 3 mM). To do this we investigated the role of peripheral dopamine 2 receptor (D2R) mediated neuroimmune responses in ethanol enhancement of DA release in the NAc and ethanol reward. We found that systemic administration of ethanol (0.5-4.0 g/kg) markedly enhanced DA release in the NAc while pretreatment with a peripheral-only D2 receptor (D2R) antagonist blocked these effects. A place conditioning paradigm was used to test rats for ethanol preference. Administration of a peripheral D2R antagonist before ethanol conditioning trials was found to prevent acquisition of ethanol conditioned place preference. Finally, ethanol suppression of locomotor activity in rats was attenuated by domperidone pre-administration. Domperidone pre-administration did not affect ethanol impairment of motor coordination. These findings suggest that ethanol enhancement of DA release, intoxication, and ethanol reward are all mediated, at least in part, by a peripheral mechanism involving D2Rs. These results challenge the dogma regarding direct ethanol actions on mesolimbic DA transmission and potentially provides novel pharmacological targets for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.

Stehn, Christopher; Colman, Howard; Boucher, Kenneth; Grossman, Allie H; Holmen, Sheri L (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Holmen, Sheri (University of Utah, Surgery)

Despite therapeutic advances in the treatment of melanoma, development of brain metastases continues to be a major cause of treatment failure. Prognosis for patients with brain metastases is exceedingly poor, therefore the development of sensitive and specific biomarkers to predict which melanoma patients are at highest risk for disease progression are needed. To accomplish this goal, we developed a novel combined molecular/clinical/pathologic predictor of brain metastasis risk. We first analyzed multiple gene expression datasets including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; n = 437) and an independent series from the European Genome-Phenome Archive (n = 183) and identified a list of 60 consensus genes that is robustly predictive of development of melanoma brain metastases (p < 0.05; FDR 5%). Next, we performed a similar analysis of association of miRNAs and melanoma brain metastasis risk which identified a set of miRNAs with significant predictive power. An optimized combined set of 15 mRNA and miRNA markers was a better predictor of brain metastasis risk than either mRNA or miRNA list alone when applied to the TCGA data set. The combined predictor was most sensitive in separating patients with no metastases from those with either brain metastases or systemic metastases. Current efforts are focused on optimizing miRNA and mRNA separation of patients specifically with brain metastases from those with other metastases using a machine learning linear classifier, and with integrating the expression classifier with other clinical and pathologic predictive factors including: age, stage, thickness, location, histology, ulceration, and gender. The sensitivity and specificity of the resulting clinical/molecular predictor will be validated in an independent retrospective patient dataset, and subsequently implemented in a prospective brain metastasis screening trial to determine real-world utility of this approach in preparation for prospective brain metastasis adjuvant/chemoprevention trials utilizing both immunotherapy and targeted therapy approaches.

Villanueva,Xitlalli; Berthelemy Nicole (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Berthelemy, Nicole (Weber State University, Zoology)

Introduction: Mercury, originating from mining and industrial activity, has been accumulating in the Great Salt Lake water and has contaminated its food web. Some of the mercury chloride (HgCl) is transformed by benthic bacteria to the more toxic monomethyl mercury (MeHg). While the effect of HgCl on the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana has been described, little is known about the effects of MeHG on this shrimp, except that it is more toxic. We correlated the tissue mercury concentrations to the amount of mercury present in the sea-water (SW). We also tested the ability of the shrimp to depurate mercury accumulated in the tissues.
Results: - Adult Artemia survived at least one week when exposed to concentrations ranging from 10-9 to 10-5g/L HgCl or MeHg. Shrimp exposed to 10-4g/L HgCl or MeHg died within two days.
Fertility was influenced by mercury exposure. The number of offspring per brood produced by females exposed to 10-6g/L or less HgCl was around 150, significantly higher than the average 80 offspring per brood produced by females exposed to 10-6g/L MeHg. When exposed to 10-5g/l HgCl and MeHg, the females brood size was 47 and 24, respectively.
- Artemia is able to maintain low level of tissue mercury, up to exposure to 10-6g/L HgCl and 10-7 g/L for MeHg. Exposure to higher mercury concentrations leads to much higher mercury levels, about 35 ppm HgCl for SW reaching 10-5g/L and 300 ppm with exposure to 10-4 MeHg.
Discussion: While both HgCl and MeHg are lethal to the shrimp, after a few days exposure, at concentration higher than 10-6 g/L, MeHg has a stronger effect on fertility, with brood size near half the size. Also, MeHg, the organic form of mercury, is accumulated in much higher level than the inorganic form. The organic form has a better ability to cross cell membranes. Since the mercury levels in the Great Salt Lake reach 55 ng/L (= 0.055 10-6g/L) and 30 ng/L (0.03 10-6 g/L) for HgCl and MeHG, respectively, the brine shrimp population is likely not affected by this pollutant.
Conclusion: Mercury has a strong effect on Artemia metabolism. We will study, next, the shrimp response to the oxidative stress induced by the mercury exposure.

Stevens, Andrew; Hicks, Joseph; Savage, Ryland; Bailey, Bruce (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Bailey, Bruce (Life Sciences, Exercise Science)

Purpose: This study examined the effect that differing exercise intensities have on subjective ratings of vitality both immediately following the condition and after 60 minutes of intense cognitive testing.
Methods: These findings come as a secondary analysis of a larger randomized crossover study that examined the effects of differing exercise intensities on cognitive performance. We recruited 228 men and women in roughly equal numbers to participate in the study. Each participant reported to the study lab four times one week apart. During the first day the participants ran a VO2 max test to establish pacing and baseline values. During the next three visits the participant completed a subjective vitality questionnaire before exercise, after 40 minutes of exercise or watching a video, and after 60 minutes of cognitive testing. The exercise conditions of vigorous (70% VO2 Max), moderate (35% VO2 Max) and sedentary activity (watching a video) were randomly assigned each week.
Results: The vitality rating before exercise was not significantly different between the three conditions with a mean rating of 19.9 ± 8.6 cm. After the sedentary condition, subjective ratings of vitality decreased from 19.9 cm to 12.5 cm after the condition and increased to 15.0 cm after the cognitive testing, remaining below pre-exercise values. After the moderate exercise condition, vitality did not change significantly after exercise (20.2 cm to 21.0 cm) but was lower following the cognitive tasks (15.9 cm). Vitality was slightly elevated following the vigorous exercise condition (19.8 cm to 21.3 cm) but went down after the cognitive tasks (17.1 cm). Vitality ratings did not differ significantly between exercise conditions at any time. The sedentary condition was lower than both exercise conditions after the 40-min intervention (p<0.001) and was lower than the vigorous exercise condition after the cognitive tasks (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Sedentary tasks may reduce subjective feelings of energy and vitality and this subjective evaluation remains suppressed after a period of cognitive exertion. Feelings of vitality and energy remain similar before and after exercise (vigorous or moderate) but then reduce after cognitive exertion. Vigorous exercise may be slightly beneficial for subjective feeling of vitality after exercise and following extended cognitive exertion.

Mueller, Kaeli; Kaitlyn, Golden; Johnson, J.B. (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Johnson, Jerry (Brigham Young University, College of Life Sciences);

Human-induced changes to the environment are causing declines in many of the world's species. Studying model organisms, such as Poeciilidae fishes, can provide crucial information about a variety of other species (Johnson & Bagley, 2011). Alfaro, a monophyletic genus within the family Poeciilidae (Bagley & Johnson, 2014), has the potential to become an exemplary model species. There is currently much scientific knowledge about the two distinct reproductive tactics of Poeciliid males. However, studies about the presence of this trait are lacking for Alfaro. Therefore, I propose adding to the current knowledge about Alfaro cultratus by researching the presence of two distinct sets of traits that accompany different male reproductive tactics. The hypothesis is that male Alfaro will show similar physical characteristics to other Poeciliids, but that these traits will not differ across varying habitats. Measurements of deceased Alfaro specimens will be analyzed to identify differences in physical traits. This will be followed by a live experiment, in which the male size differential is expected to mirror that of the deceased specimens. This research will produce novel information about Alfaro cultratus because its life history strategies have yet to be described. Many intriguing evolution questions could follow.

References:

Bagley, J. C., & Johnson, J. B. (2014). Testing for shared biogeographic history in the lower Central American freshwater fish assemblage using comparative phylogeography: Concerted, independent, or multiple evolutionary responses? Ecology and Evolution, 4(9), 1686—1705.

Johnson, J. B., & Bagley, J. C. (2011). Ecology and Evolution of Poeciliid Fishes, Chapter 4, Ecological drivers of life-history divergence.

Chou, Audrey; Duffy, Alexandra; Johnson, Jerald (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Johnson, Jerald (Brigham Young University, Biology)

Upon injury, fish release chemicals that cause fear and a dramatic change in behavior in nearby members of the species. Chemical alarm cues are released from injured epidermal tissue and provide an early warning signal for individuals to detect the presence of an active predator, and potentially increase the chances of individual survival. This research project investigates the conservation of alarm cue recognition and response across species boundaries by measuring the behavioral response of Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora to the alarm cues from five different species. Since these species will be of known phylogenetic relatedness, we will determine conservation of alarm cue response as a function of phylogenetic distance. I will also discuss the method of quantifying behavioral response through the use of a two-choice flume tank to measure both changes in activity and spatial avoidance upon alarm cue exposure.

Jones, Dalton (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Schramm, Katharina (Science, Botany)

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are an important agricultural crop around the world. In order to produce food with less impact on the environment, many researchers are looking to utilize natural systems to maximize production with minimal inputs. Maximizing tomato defenses is one possible way to increase productivity. Tomatoes produce both physical and chemical defenses in response to the stress. Increasing the number of trichomes on the plant is a physical means of deterring insects from eating the plant. Trichomes come in two forms glandular trichomes and non-glandular trichomes. The non-glandular trichomes are strictly a physical defense while the glandular trichomes produce chemical defensive compounds against a wide variety of insects. Most land plants can form a symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). This symbiosis has been shown to increase nutrient supply, decrease drought stress, and prime plant defenses, all increasing a plant's ability to withstand herbivory stress better. This study examines the response of trichomes and the number of chemical defenses after insect herbivory has occurred with the additional support of the AMF symbiosis. Treatments were exposed to Manduca sexta to stimulate trichome and chemical production. The extracted leaves were analyzed via gas chromatography to examine the make-up of the tomato's chemical defenses. The growth rates of M. sexta were recorded to examine the effects of tomato's chemical defenses after feeding the insects the induced tomato leaves. Measuring trichome density quantifies the change in physical defenses. The addition of the AMF increased the plant defenses, both the number of trichomes present on the plants and the quantity of the chemical defenses. Insects feeding on plants with increased defenses were also shown to have decreased growth. This study shows an alternative strategy for the use of commercial pesticides, lessening the impact of tomato crops on the ecosystem.

Brunetti, Bryce; Escarate, Ashley; Conway, Matthew; Slezak, Cyrill; Kopp, Olga (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Kopp, Olga (Utah Valley University, Biology); Slezak, Cyrill (Utah Valley University, Physics)

Purpose:
This study evaluates the effect of electrohydraulic shockwaves on Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. This system could be a great alternative to the use of antibiotics, and potentially life-saving technology that could save billions of dollars.

Background:
The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a global threat. Staphylococcus aureus is typically harmless, but this gram-positive species has become highly resistant and extremely pathogenic. Strains like MRSA and VRSA have the highest rate of drug resistance and are the leading cause of chronic bacterial infections via bacterial biofilms on medical devices. Biofilms are an aggregation of microbes that excrete an extracellular matrix providing an ideal environment for gene exchange and quorum sensing. Their complexity hinders the diffusion of antimicrobials. A proposed method to prevent device-associated infection is shockwave sterilization and therapy. A shockwave is a high-energy wave causing a sudden change in temperature, pressure and density in the medium. This study investigates the potential disruption of bacterial biofilms by electrohydraulic shockwaves.

Methods:
E. coli and S. aureus biofilms were grown on polystyrene plates. Biofilms were treated with shockwaves (0.19mJ/mm2, 300 pulses, 3 Hz) in a water bath and compared with those treated with Vancomycin. Cell viability was determined through XTT/menadione absorbance and specific biofilm formation through crystal violet absorbance.

Results:
Current testing has shown that electrohydraulic shockwaves have a bacteriostatic effect on biofilms. Other finding show potential for shockwaves to increase bacterial susceptibility to lower levels of antibiotics.

Conclusions:
Device-associated infections are a serious threat to patients' health. The diminishing effectiveness of antibiotics in treating and preventing infections along with evolution of mass resistance in bacteria have given rise to the term "post-antibiotic era." The better understanding of electrohydraulic shockwaves bacteriostatic effect could lead to more effective treatments for antibiotic resistant bacteria such as S. aureus.