2020 Abstracts

Wilson, Seth; Taylor Adam; Bursell, Madeline; Frandsen, Paul; Stewart, Russell; Steeneck, Amy (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Frandsen, Paul (Brigham Young University, Plant and Wildlife Sciences)

Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) have evolved to produce silk with adhesive and elastic properties in aqueous environments. The silk is used in several ways by different species within the order such as case making, retreat making and using the silk as an anchor in the stream. Previous research on caddisfly silk has focused on understanding the evolutionary changes in the H-fibroin gene, the main protein found in caddisfly silk, which underlies the structural transformation behind these phenotypic properties that allow for diverse usage of the silk across the order (Ashton et al. 2013). Understanding the genetic foundation of the silk is crucial to understanding the phenotypic interactions that determine the unique qualities of caddisfly silk. An accurate assembly of the caddisfly genome will allow us to resolve the H-fibroin gene that plays an integral role in the formation of the caddisfly silk. Next-generation sequencing, Oxford Nanopore, and PacBio will allow us to sequence long reads that can span repetitive regions of the genome. These regions have made it difficult to resolve the H-fibroin gene as there are many repetitive motifs found in the gene. We will combine this next-generation sequencing with second-generation sequencing, Illumina and Sanger Sequencing to optimize the assembly. In this study, we used a combination of next-generation sequencing technologies to assemble the complex H-Fibroin gene in order to look at the underlying genetic structure of the silk protein. We identified unique repetitive motifs in the gene that contribute to the silk's adhesive strength and elasticity when in aqueous environments.

Errigo, Isabella; Abbott, Benjamin; Reimer, Jessica; Glenn, Jeff; Chaney, Robert; Freeman, Andrew; Frei, Rebecca; Howe, Peter, Mendoza, Daniel; Kelly, Kerry; Summers, Laura; Johnston, James; Carter, Thom; Bratsman, Samuel; Stacey, Audrey; Wilson, Derrek; Lange, Leslie (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Abbott, Benjamin (Life Sciences, Plant and Wildlife Sciences)

Recent medical and economic research has found that air pollution causes much more damage to our health and economy than previously understood. Globally, 16% of all deaths are attributable to air pollution—15 times more than from all wars and other forms of violence. However, translating these research findings into policy and behavior change at local levels remains a major challenge, partially because of mismatch between the spatial scale of the air pollution research (often national or global) and governance frameworks (typically multi-scale from local to regional). Here, we tested the effectiveness of expert assessment as a tool to resolve research-policy mismatch. We distributed a questionnaire to over 80 researchers living in Utah, asking for quantitative estimates of human health and economic costs of air pollution, and recommendations for what policy actions would be most effective at reducing those costs. Expert responses of air pollution costs varied widely, but were consistently higher than recent public health studies, indicating that experts were including a more complete suite of factors, or that they were biased. We discuss the response of Utah policymakers to these results and present a framework of involving local researchers to increase the assimilation of data into decision making.

Edvalson, Logan; Davis, Morgan; Busath, David (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Busath, David (Life Sciences, Physiology & Developmental Biology)

A significant research focus in influenza pathogenesis has been directed towards growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and their respective phosphorylation cascades. Several recent studies have implicated RTK signaling cascades, that are classically associated with cancer, with increased viral titer. A portion of these studies have focused on early segments of the signaling cascade while others' efforts focus in the late segments. Experiments performed in our lab have identified two receptor pathways—PDGF and VEGF—that, when the receptor inhibited, reduces the efficiency of the influenza virus. These data were achieved using compounds, and variants of compounds, already approved for human use in cancer. Although the drug oseltamivir is already approved for influenza treatment, there is concern for the development of viral drug resistance. The introduction of several types of infection blockers similar to the ones identified by our, and others, laboratories can mitigate viral resistance; like the introduction of several types of antibiotics has reduced bacterial resistance. We hypothesize that these pathways work in multiple parts of the infection cycle ranging from viral endocytosis to the budding off of new virions. Experiments are now under way to determine the specific interactions in these pathways that are important in the viral life cycle.

Stoner, David; Clark, Debbie; Bufton, Ali (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Stoner, David (S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Wildland Resources Department)

A challenge facing Utah mule deer is habitats with older shrubs and little to no regeneration of young plants, or habitats being replaced with cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum)—both in critical winter ranges. Forested habitats provide cover but when there is little understory, there isn't enough forage. Hunting funds the management of big game animals. If there is inadequate funding, there will not be funding for habitat. Thus population objectives will not be met. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) may alter activity schedule during the hunting season by selecting restricted hunter access areas, including agricultural lands. Here we test the hypothesis that deer alter activity schedules in space (accessible and WILD sites) and time in response to human presence. We defined WILD as being further than 100 meters away from a human or OHV trail, or road. Our research question asks if accessible roads have an effect on mule deer activity schedule in response to hunting pressure, as indexed by access differences. We predicted that increased human activity during the hunting season would cause reduced deer activity during daylight. We expect more deer detections in September, less in October (hunting season), and an increase in November during the rut. Spatially we expect higher buck detection rates in remote areas, with no change in activity schedule, or are active in the day. The study area is in the Bear River Range east of Logan, Utah. We are using Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) Sampling Design. We used camera trap data from October 2017 through December 2017 to measure (1) detection rates of bucks (photos/camera-day), and (2) activity times (diurnal, crepuscular, or nocturnal) by sex-age class. We controlled for habitat type by grouping cameras within common elevation bands and plant communities. Reduced hunter success may result in decreased hunting interest with economic implications for mule deer conservation.

Olsen, Lindsey; Frandsen, Paul (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Frandsen, Paul (Life Science, Plant and Wildlife)

Trichoptera (caddisflies) have evolved to become the most diverse, exclusively aquatic insects, yet many of the genomic changes that contribute to Trichoptera's the success of this order of insects are still unknown. Trichoptera and Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) are reciprocally monophyletic meaning that they both share their most recent common ancestor. Despite being closely related, Trichoptera have evolved into the most diverse, exclusively aquatic insects, whereas, Lepidoptera have evolved to become a diverse, almost exclusively terrestrial insect (Holzenthal et al. 2007). Trichoptera and Lepidoptera are the subjects of scientific inquiry because they are both capable of spinning silk. Trichoptera produce silk as larvae and use it to make cases or fixed retreats. Trichoptera silk is of particular interest because its properties allow for it to be an underwater adhesive. While other research has focused primarily on the evolution of Trichoptera silk, little research has been done to identify the evolutionary innovations that allowed Trichoptera to adapt and diversify in an aquatic environment. Our research focuses on identifying the genomic basis of their evolutionary innovations. We report the genome annotation of four newly sequenced Trichoptera species Hesperophylax magnus, Parapsyche elsis, Philanisus plebeius, and Rhyacophila brunnea. These annotations will reveal levels of homozygosity, conserved elements, and gene duplications. We then conducted a genome-wide search for gene family expansions and retractions using CAFE, in order to identify genomic regions that could contribute to Trichoptera's unique qualities and evolutionary history.

Holzenthal R. W., R. J. Blahnik, A. L. Prather, and K. M. Kjer, 2007 Order Trichoptera Kirby, 1813 (Insecta), Caddisflies*. Zootaxa 1668: 639—698. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.1668.1.29

Johnson, Erik; Johnson, Ellie; Johnson; Jerald (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Johnson, Jerald (Brigham Young University, Biology)

It seems counterintuitive that organisms should evolve handedness (or what we might more broadly refer to as "lateralization"). Individuals who can forage equally well with both hands, who can kick equally well with both feet, who can detect stimuli and orient equally well in both directions, and so on—these individuals should be favored relative to those who are either right handed or left handed. Yet in humans, and in several other species, handedness is common, but we still no very little about why. Here we explore this question using a tropical freshwater fish species with an unusual anatomy. Males have a modified fin—the gonopodium—that they use to internally inseminate females. Interestingly, males are either right or left handed for this structure, which terminates with either a dextral or sinistral twist. In this study, we ask a simple question: is there a link between male gonopodium morphology and male behavioral lateralization. We use a detour test approach to determine how males approach different stimuli, turning either to the left or right to more clearly see each type of stimulus. We focus on how males approach potential mates, predators, and novel items. We predict that males with a dextral gonopodium will orient differently than those with a sinistral gonopodium, consistent with the idea that there is link between behavioral lateralization and morphological handedness. If true, it would suggest that reproductive morphology could be linked to brain and behavioral lateralization in vertebrates.

Thatcher, Spencer; Eyere, Gloria (Dixie State University)
Faculty Advisor: O'Brien, Erin (College of Science, Engineering, and Sciences; Biological Sciences Department)

Dwarf bear-claw poppies (Arctomecon humilis Coville) are an endemic species of wildflower in Washington county Utah. These poppies only flower for about a month during the summer. There are currently seven known locations where these poppies are found. Conservation efforts to protect these populations includes research to understand the reproductive success of each site. Populations with low reproductive success may indicate the need for additional efforts or interventions to save this unique species. Four specific locations were monitored over a three-year period. Poppies in these areas were tagged and studied during their flowering seasons and individual inflorescences were bagged and collected to determine struggling locations and their correlating issues related to population decline. Seeds were split into two groups: immature and mature and were weighed and counted. A large percentage of immature seeds may indicate a resource or pollinator issue for the population. A low overall seed production may indicate that a resource limitation or other stressor is reducing the population viability.

Ekpo, Idongesit; Yates, Joshua; Tessem, Jeffery; Hill, Jonathan (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Tessem, Jeffery (Life Sciences; Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science); Hill, Jonathan (Life Sciences, Physiology and Developmental Biology)

By the year 2040, an estimated 642 million people are expected to have diabetes globally. Diabetes results from an elevation of metabolic stressors, such as glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Current treatment methods for diabetes are not curative and do not help us understand its pathogenesis. A more effective method involves exploring the pathogenesis of diabetes by probing the genetic variation involved in diabetes so that we can understand the disease better and develop curative methods to combat it. Gene therapy is a method for determining genetic variation in disease and CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing tool that can be used. Because of its convenience, CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to create many forward genetic screens. We use the CRISPR-Cas9 tool to create a knockout forward genetic screen of all the genes in the INS-1 Ꞵ-cell line that are required for _-cell survival of metabolic stressors. We hypothesize that the gene knockouts generated by the CRISPR-Cas9 system will help us identify genes that are involved in the mechanistic pathways of these metabolic stressors. Here we present the results of our forward genetic screen.

Caten, Reilly; Valentine, Julie; Miles, Leslie (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Valentine, Julie (Brigham Young University, Nursing); Leslie, Miles (Brigham Young University, Nursing)

In the United States, there is a push to mandate submission and testing of all sexual assault kits. A typically-overlooked benefit of testing sexual assault kits is the exoneration of wrongfully accused suspects. Sexual assault kits include DNA samples from the victim of sexual assault, and occasionally are submitted with DNA samples collected from the identified suspect for comparison. Inclusion of suspect samples is beneficial because it can lead to a DNA match with samples collected from the victim or exclude the suspect as the source of DNA. For a sexual assault kit to meet the criteria for "excluded the suspect" a DNA profile had to be developed from analysis of the sexual assault kit evidence which excluded the named suspect with submitted DNA sample.

A large retrospective study of 2,727 sexual assault kits with completed DNA analysis found 66 cases in which DNA findings excluded the suspect. Findings will be presented on descriptive data on cases in which the named suspect was excluded: relationship between victim and suspect, victim loss of consciousness/awareness at time of assault, alcohol/drug use during the assault, suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault, and multiple perpetrator sexual assault. Each of these cases excluding a suspect represents an individual who was erroneously identified, but DNA analysis findings excluded the identified suspect.

Testing sexual assault kits uses science to aid in the establishment of justice. Sexual assault kit testing transcends accusations and labeling to provide factual evidence supporting the claims of the innocent, whether they are identified as victim or suspect. Additionally, the liberation of an unjustly accused suspect promotes the correct identification and conviction of the responsible perpetrator. Thus, mandated testing of sexual assault kit promotes justice for victims of sexual assault and innocent suspects alike.

L'Ecuyer, Katia (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Gazdik Stofer, Michaela (Utah Valley University, Microbiology)

Streptococcus agalactiae most commonly known as Group B streptococcus (GBS), are encapsulated gram-positive bacteria encountered in approximately 15-40% of pregnant women's urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts. While most women are asymptomatic, GBS colonization of newborns as they pass through the birth canal can lead to sepsis. GBS bloodstream infections are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity amongst infants in the United States. In recent years, several studies have examined the benefits of oral probiotics to promote a healthy vaginal flora and assessed the inhibitory activity of lactobacilli against urogenital pathogens, with mixed results. The purpose of our research is to examine the effect of Lactobacilli on the growth of different GBS serotypes in the vaginal environment using in vitro culture competition experiments. Previously published microbiome studies were used to determine the dominant species found in the vaginal microbiota. We are examining the growth rate of GBS when co-cultured with vaginal microflora species, both individually and as a mixed community. This will provide a baseline regarding what strains of GBS could easily colonize the vagina in high levels when in competition with different normal flora communities. Different species of probiotic Lactobacilli will then be added to the vaginal culture collection to examine if there is an effect on GBS growth. Our goal is to identify probiotic species that prevent or slow the growth of GBS in a vaginal community.

Small, Christina; Obray, J Daniel; Steffensen, Scott (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Steffensen, Scott (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Psychology)

Recent studies have shown that administration of dopamine in the periphery (outside of the brain) produces a robust enhancement of dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens and alleviates cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia-like and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like phenotypes in rodent models. Despite this, the mechanism whereby peripheral administration of dopamine produces these effects is unknown as dopamine does not cross the blood brain barrier. Activation of dopamine 2 receptors on circulating leukocytes encourages extravasation and can trigger production and release of cytokines such as TNF-_ and IL-10 as well as IL-1_. IL-1_ and IL-10 are both known to enhance dopamine release. In this study we demonstrate that the effects of intravenous dopamine on dopamine release in the NAc are mediated by peripheral dopamine 2 receptors. Additionally, we show that intravenous dopamine is rewarding and that these rewarding effects can be blocked by antagonism of peripheral dopamine 2 receptors. As many drugs of abuse enhance plasma dopamine levels this research elucidates a secondary pathway which may play a role in the development of substance use disorders.

Lauren Schagel; Julie Valentine; Leslie Miles (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Valentine, Julie (Brigham Young University, Nursing); Miles, Leslie (Brigham Young University, Nursing)

Question: What is the impact of time between assault and evidence collection on the development of CODIS eligible DNA profiles?

Learning Overview/Synopsis: After attending this presentation, attendees will understand the length of time between sexual assault and evidence collection can be extended to five to six days post-assault and develop an eligible STR DNA profile.

Impact on the Forensic Science Community: This presentation will impact the forensic community by providing individuals with knowledge about the length of time in which victims can receive a sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE) to obtain a DNA profile of their perpetrator.

Synopsis/Abstract: The methodology of the study is an exploratory, retrospective design of over 2,700 submitted and analyzed sexual assault kits from a Mountain West state in the United States. Review of the current literature on time between assault and evidence collection indicate male DNA (Y-STR DNA) can be recovered up to 7 days post-coitus from a cervico-vaginal swab and develop a Y-STR profile.

Findings: In our large-scale, retrospective study of 2,727 sexual assault kits, probative STR DNA CODIS eligible profiles were developed in 39% of kits. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression analysis found that for every 24 hours that passes between assault and SAFE, there is a 10% reduction in the development of a CODIS eligible DNA profile. The longest length of time between assault and exam and development of CODIS eligible profile in our study was 122.5 hours, over 5 days. This finding supports the testing of DNA samples collected five to six days post sexual assault due to the possibility of developing a CODIS eligible profile.

Conclusion: This retrospective study is impactful due to large-scale of the sample size. The 2,727 sexual assault kits used in this study are representative of what sexual assault looks like in modern society.

Holdaway, Bailey; Emily, Martin; Kettenring, Karin (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Kettenring, Karin (S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Watershed Sciences Department);

Seeds are the primary revegetation method for Great Salt Lake wetlands, however, the density and the priority timing to sow seeds are not clear to wetland managers due to a lack of Great Salt Lake specific revegetation research. Having too low a native seed sowing density could allow unwanted species like the non-native invasive plant Phragmites to reinvade. Too high of a density and density-dependent mortality of sown native seeds could occur, resulting in wasted seeds and unneeded costs for resource-limited managers. In addition, the priority timing (i.e., the relative time and order that seeds are sown) of sowing is also vital for revegetation to favor natives over unwanted invasives. Therefore, our research goal was to determine the optimal seed sowing density and timing priority for reestablishing Great Salt Lake native wetland plant communities. We conducted an outdoor mesocosm experiment with two native sowing densities (3 and 5x the standard sowing density in the region) and three native seed mix sowing timings (4, 2, or 0 weeks prior to sowing Phragmites seeds). We determined the cover of the native plant community and Phragmites at the end of the growing season across the 6 treatment combinations. We found the greatest reduction in Phragmites cover when the native seed mix was sown 4 weeks prior to Phragmites, particularly at the higher native sowing density. A 2-week priority effect did not significantly benefit native species over Phragmites. These results suggest that native seed mixes in Great Salt Lake wetland restorations need to sown much earlier in the summer growing season than when Phragmites seeds germinate and at a very high density to reduce Phragmites cover overall. Though, managers may need to greatly reduce Phragmites seed densities in the seed bank and in the vicinity of restoration sites before revegetation efforts begin.

Spruance, Lori; Augustine, Madi (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Spruance, Lori (Life Sciences, Public Health)

Youth sport programs are an opportunity to increase physical activity, but the food environment may be detrimental to improving and maintaining health. From a previous study, parents indicated that they would like guidance and direction in a top-down approach from coaches and administrators; yet, understanding the administrator experience relative to the youth sports food environment remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to understand that experience. Semi-structured qualitative interviews will take place with administrators across the state of Utah. Interviews will be recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis will be conducted to identify salient themes. A peer-reviewed publication and multiple presentations will result from the study conducted.

Hansen, Wade; Stockard, Alyssa; Anderson, Elizabeth; Yorgason, Jordan; Sudweeks, Sterling; Wu, Jie; Steffensen, Scott (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Steffensen, Scott (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Psychology); Yorgason, Jordan (Life Sciences, Physiology & Developmental Biology); Sudweeks, Sterling (Life Sciences, Physiology & Developmental Biology)

The prevailing view is that enhancement of dopamine (DA) transmission in the mesolimbic underlies the rewarding properties of ethanol (EtOH) and nicotine (NIC). Although the dogma is that EtOH enhancement of DA neural activity contributes to enhancement of DA transmission, DA neurons are not sensitive to rewarding levels of EtOH. However, VTA GABA neurons are sensitive to low-dose EtOH. We have shown previously that EtOH modulation of DA release in the NAc is mediated by α6-containing nicotinic receptors (α6*-nAChRs), that α6*-nAChRs mediate low-dose EtOH effects on VTA GABA neurons and EtOH preference, and α6*-nAChRs may be a molecular target for low-dose EtOH. The aim of this study was to evaluate EtOH effects on VTA GABAergic input to CINs and DA release in the NAc. Using DIO channel rhodopsin-2 (ChR2) viral injections into the VTA of VGAT Cre mice, we found that VTA GABA neurons send an inhibitory projection to CINs, replicating what has been demonstrated by others. Low-dose EtOH (IC50 = 10 mM) decreased optically-evoked IPSCs (oIPSCs) on CINs and enhanced (EC50 = 10 mM) CIN-mediated spontaneous DA release. Surprisingly, oIPSCs on CINs were not blocked by typical GABAA receptor (GABAAR) antagonists, but by GABAR rho-1 antagonists, suggesting involvement of atypical GABARs on CINs that are postsynaptic to VTA GABAergic input. The α6-conotoxin MII blocked the effects of EtOH on spontaneous DA release and optically-evoked DA release in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) ChR2 mice. Chronic administration of NIC enhanced EtOH consumption in the drink-in-the-dark procedure and EtOH preference in the CPP procedure and concomitantly enhanced expression of α6*-nAChRs in VTA GABA neurons, without affecting other nAChR subunits. Taken together, these findings suggest that VTA GABA neuron inhibitory input to CINs is modulated by α6*-nAChRs and sensitive to low-dose EtOH, which may underlie the rewarding properties of EtOH.

Pehkonen, Eliza (Salt Lake Community College)
Faculty Advisor: Seaboch, Melissa (Salt Lake Community College, Anthropology)

Precipitation-associated behaviors have been observed in several species of primate including bonobos (e.g., building leafy shelters), chimpanzees (e.g., drinking, rain dancing displays), and mantled howler monkeys (e.g., licking rain from the air, altering typical behavior based on weather and season). The purpose of this study is to determine if mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) exhibit precipitation-associated vocalizations. A. palliata is well known for its vocalizations, which are the loudest sound made by any terrestrial mammal and are used for a wide variety of communicative purposes, such as attracting mates, defending territory, and deterring predation. Given the purpose with which A. palliata vocalizes and the existence of precipitation-associated behaviors within primate species, including A. palliata, it was hypothesized that A. palliata would vocalize in association with climatic events (precipitation and thunder). To test this hypothesis, 41.75 hours of data were collected on A. palliata over a two-week time period during the rainy season at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. All-occurrence sampling was used to record the timing and duration of all A. palliata vocalizations, precipitation, and thunder events. Events were considered accompanied if they occurred within five minutes of one another. Of the 59 observed vocalization events 53% were associated with climatic events. Of the 20 observed precipitation events 90% were accompanied by vocalizations and of the 37 observed thunder events 57% were accompanied by vocalization. Associated vocalizations occurred before, during and after climatic events, however, during or after were most common. The data indicate an association between A. palliata vocalization and precipitation, confirming the hypothesis. Further research is warranted to investigate a possible purpose of precipitation-associated vocalizations, an understanding of which could provide further insight into A. palliata's behavioral interaction with climatic events.

Smith, June; Mishra, Niharika (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Oberg, Craig (Weber State University, Microbiology); Culumber, Michele (Weber State University, Microbiology)

Non-dairy food options have become a growing cultural necessity, however, providing fermented or probiotic supplemented non-dairy alternatives is difficult. Little is known about the activity and survival of probiotic cultures in dairy alternatives. We evaluated the activities of several probiotics at various concentrations and in different combinations in oat, almond, and coconut beverages. Probiotic culture strains of Streptococcus thermophilus (YFLO1), Lactobacillus rhamnose (LGG), L. casei (Casei 431), and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB12), and commercial probiotic mixtures, YFLO2, and Fresh Q, were inoculated in MRS broth, transferred to MRS agar plates, and incubated anaerobically for 24 hours at 37_. BB12 was grown anaerobically in MRS + cystine broth and agar. Isolated colonies were assayed on API 50 CH panels, and a carbohydrate use panel was developed for each organism. Oat, almond, and coconut beverages were inoculated in duplicate with the isolated strains and incubated in a water bath at 40_. The pH was recorded at regular intervals for up to 41 hours. The oat beverage had the most rapid and significant pH change, when incubated with either YFLO1, casei431, and LGG, dropping between 1.5 to 3 pH units over 3 hours depending on the culture. The almond and coconut beverages did not show rapid pH change with the organisms tested. Due to the quick decrease in pH change, further tests on the oat beverage. It was inoculated with Lactobacillus casei 431, LGG, and YFLO1. Organisms were tested at 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% concentrations in oat beverage in triplicate. These inoculations were again incubated at 40°C and pH monitored after 5 hours, then plated on MRS agar plates after 24 hours. Final ranged between 1.0 x 109 - 1.8 x 109 for the 1% inoculum. It appears that these organisms survive, and may even grow in the oat beverage. This research demonstrates that probiotic cultures can grow in non-dairy beverages and can ferment the available carbohydrates and decrease pH. These results provide insights that can be used for beverages, yogurt, ice cream, and other fermented food production.

Armitstead, Annie; Grether, Lara; Creech, Kealani (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Watt, Richard (Brigham Young University, Biochemistry)

Lateral Flow Immunoassays (LFI) are simple tests that detect specific levels of antigens or antibodies in patient samples. Requiring only a few minutes, small sample sizes and no read-out equipment, LFI�s are an invaluable and time efficient testing technique. Made up of multiple layers they facilitate the capillary flow of a sample through protein detection zones and can be developed to detect virtually any disease or condition.

Despite the attractive attributes of these tests, the assembly of an LFI strip requires expensive machines, trained personnel, and materials not easily accessible to low-resourced labs or clinics. Developing an innovative point-of-care platform designed to be streamlined, low-cost, and intelligible to the unskilled would open the door of medicine to even the most underprivileged clinics in the world.

We are currently developing a paper LFI that uses a single sheet of copy paper with the ability to filter whole blood as well as replacing high-priced machines with stencils and pens which can still deliver detection proteins to the designated test zones. This avenue of testing is supported by previous experiments we have done with protein pens and tagged antibodies. Using anti-mouse and anti-hCG antibodies as our control and test lines respectively, we spike our sample with hCG mouse antibodies tagged with nanoparticles, and we are able to see binding of both proteins with their respective antibodies. We have seen results in our new testing technique that is easily comparable with currently commercialized LFI's: visual results of binding within 1 min, successful transformation of printer paper into a functional binding platform, and consistent protein binding at a 1/10^5 concentration. Once this concept can be translated to different inks in order to diagnose a plethora of varying conditions, we'll be able to detect diseases and other important biomarkers no matter the limiting low-resource circumstances.