Our Experiences Researching and Presenting Our Results on the Industrial Hemp Project
Nylla Wilder and Jenna Gutierrez, Oral Presentation
Mentor – Dr. Kate Calvin
Fresh water lakes and waterways in Florida have been declining due to nutrient pollution. Large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus from animal feed, phosphate mine events and human waste have been identified as major contributing factors to this decline. Industrial hemp (Cannabis Sativa) has been shown to remove pollutants such as heavy metals and radioactive chemicals from polluted soil. This project is intended to explore and test the effectiveness of industrial hemp as a viable means of removing nitrogen and phosphorus from polluted water. Although Cannabis sativa does not do well in deep water that is not oxygenated, we developed a way of growing the plants long enough to remove excess nutrients. The hypothesis is that the excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the impaired host water will provide nutrients needed for the plants to survive. Our method of growing plants conditions the plants to seek water directly and they have demonstrated the ability to survive on the grow mats for three months. We have obtained preliminary data on the nutrient levels in the water bodies of the plants by measuring nutrient uptake per plant in four-day periods. Successful proof of concept warranted the start of a new phase of growth and analysis experiments. As a part of this research project, we have gained new experiences and we look forward to sharing our new outlook on science.
How Music Enhances Horror Films
George Gomez
Faculty mentor – Dr. Keith Cavedo
Our Experiences Researching and Presenting Our Results on the Endangered Plant, Ziziphus celata
Sarah Arnan and Toby Ellison, Oral Presentation
Mentor – Dr. Kate Calvin
Ziziphus celata, or Florida jujube, is a spiny flowering shrub native to Florida and found only on the Lake Wales Ridge in Highlands and Polk Counties. There are just a few wild populations left and it is officially listed as “endangered.” In contrast, Ziziphus jujuba is a very popular crop plant in its native China. It has been analyzed extensively and has been shown to contain several interesting compounds with medicinal value such as anti-oxidants and anti-cancer agents. Many other species of Ziziphus have been similarly analyzed. Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales, Florida) has generously provided plant samples for our project to identify bioactive compounds in Ziziphus celata. In previous work using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we established methods and successfully identified several compounds present in Ziziphus celata fruit. Current studies focus on refining sample preparation and data acquisition methods in order to identify more compounds and quantify their relative abundance. In addition to fruit, we are now targeting the analysis of stem and leaf. We have begun analyzing samples from genetically distinct plants to compare identifications and determine any differences in compounds present between the different plants. The results presented here continue our expansion of the project, the first study undertaken to analyze the chemical compounds present in Ziziphus celata. We have gained new knowledge, skills and confidence through doing this research and presenting our findings and we look forward to sharing our impressions and experiences.
Popular Film Antiheroes
Isaac Simmons
Faculty mentor – Dr. Keith Cavedo
Early Studies on the Effectiveness of Industrial Hemp as a Phytoremediator of Polluted Waters
Stephanie Basulto, Poster Presentation
Mentor – Dr. Kate Calvin
Fresh water lakes and waterways in Florida have been declining as the result of nutrient pollution. Large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer, animal feed, phosphate mine events and human waste have been identified as major contributors to this decline. These nutrients continue to exceed Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Total Maximum Daily Load threshold. Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) has been shown to remove pollutants such as heavy metals and radioactive chemicals from polluted soil. This project is intended to explore and test the effectiveness of industrial hemp as a viable means of removing nitrogen and phosphorus from polluted water. Cannabis sativa is a land plant and does not typically do well when its roots are in deep water that is not mechanically oxygenated. The goal of this project is to grow plants that will survive when placed in impaired water long enough to pull out some of the excess nutrients. The hypothesis is that the excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the impaired host water will provide the nutrients needed for the plants to survive. We have developed a method of growing plants that condition the plants to seek water directly and the plants have demonstrated the ability to survive on the mats for 3 months. We have obtained preliminary data on the nutrient levels in the water bodies, the plants, and nutrient uptake per plant in four-day periods. Successful proof of concept warranted the start of a new phase of growth and analysis experiments.
GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Ziziphus celata
Emily Boyette, Poster Presentation
Mentor – Dr. Kate Calvin
Ziziphus celata, or Florida jujube, is a spiny flowering shrub native to Florida and found only on the Lake Wales Ridge in Highlands and Polk Counties. There are just a few wild populations left and it is officially listed as “endangered.” In contrast, Ziziphus jujuba is a very popular crop plant in its native China. It has been analyzed extensively and has been shown to contain several interesting compounds with medicinal value such as anti-oxidants and anti-cancer agents. Many other species of Ziziphus have been similarly analyzed. Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales, Florida) has generously provided plant samples for our project to identify bioactive compounds in Ziziphus celata. In previous work using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we established methods and successfully identified several compounds present in Ziziphus celata fruit. Current studies focus on refining sample preparation and data acquisition methods in order to identify more compounds and quantify their relative abundance. In addition to fruit, we are now targeting the analysis of stem and leaf. We have begun analyzing samples from genetically distinct plants to compare identifications and determine any differences in compounds present between the different plants. The results presented here continue our expansion of the project, the first study undertaken to analyze the chemical compounds present in Ziziphus celata.
Evaluating the Role of the Melatonin in Thyroid Cancer Cell (MDA-T41): apoptosis and metabolism modulation
Angela Huang and Jessica Crews, Poster Presentation
Mentor – Dr. Daniel Sanches
Abstract: Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, is typically known for its modulation of several physiological functions, alongside its ability to synchronize the sleep-wake rhythms. In recent years, its interactions with cancerous cells and its role in prevention and treatment have been increasingly studied. It has been demonstrated that melatonin can improve the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs and directly inhibits neoplastic cell action. In addition, while melatonin typically displays anti-apoptotic effects in normal cells, it holds pro-apoptotic effects in cancer cells. However, the mechanisms by which melatonin affects cell death, and metabolism remain unclear and seemingly differ from cell to cell. Our work aims to understand better melatonin's role in thyroid cancer cell apoptosis and metabolism. We cultured the MDA-T41 thyroid cancer cell line with varying melatonin quantities and measured cell death levels using the Realtime-Glo Annexin V Apoptosis and Necrosis assay. Our results showed that melatonin provided anti-apoptotic effects to MDA-T41 cells treated with staurosporine, an inductor of apoptotic cell death. Both apoptosis and necrosis were reduced by 50% in melatonin-treated cells twenty-four hours after staurosporine-induced apoptosis. Our next steps will be to evaluate the mechanisms and other signaling pathways involved in this apoptosis inhibition through Bcl-2 and p53 protein expression.
Oral microbiome as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease
Christopher Colon, Xander Farrow, Colten Meier, Devam Patel, Rafael Rimoldi Ibanez, Poster Presentation
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the number one cause of death globally, are a group of disorders of heart and blood vessels including hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, and congestive cardiac failure. Risk factors for CVD include genetics, diet, physical activity, stress, weight, gender, and race. Our previous work highlighted the significance of high dietary sugar in endothelial dysfunction, an important event that initiates vascular diseases. Another significant risk factor emerging for CVD is oral microbiome, which plays a crucial role in human health and disease. Healthy oral microbiome harbors commensal bacteria that provide a secondary source of nitric oxide, a molecule involved in maintaining vascular tone. Oral microbiome also harbors pathogenic bacteria like Traponema denticola and Porphorymonas gingivalis that not only cause the gum disease but can also enter the blood as evidenced by their presence in atherosclerotic plaques. Oral microbiome has been studied for many years, but recent advances in -omics technology provides an excellent way to gain deeper insights into the functional microbiome. Oral cavity consists of various niches out of which the tongue coating represents a stable microbiome. In this project, we will collect tongue coating specimens from 15 healthy individuals, extract DNA and perform whole genome sequencing (WGS). The results will provide a baseline signature for the healthy tongue coating microbiome to gain insight into the species that play a role in health and disease. This analysis provides an opportunity to discern the microbial etiology of CVD as well as an approach for early intervention.
The role of Oral Microbiota in Gingivitis
Mikhos Torralba, Jermaine Torralba, Mikylla Torralba, Ean Cheng, Poster Presentation
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel
There are around 500 to 650 species of microorganisms that can be found within the oral cavity. These Biota exist in the microbiome; a community of organisms that help to balance and maintain the health of the immune system. Oral microbiota has been found to be linked with various diseases and symptoms that all start in the mouth. Having an unbalanced microbiome can be one of the leading causes of many infections. Gingivitis is a common gum disease that results from the inflammation of the gingiva caused by by molecules derived from microbial communities. Bacteria involved in gingivitis include specific species of Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, Actinomyces, Veillonella and Treponema. Bacterial plaques form on teeth from the interactions of oral bacteria with food and can turn into tartar and cause inflammation and gingivitis. This project aims to study the oral microbiome, especially that of the tongue coating as it represents a stable community. Tongue coating specimens will be collected from 15 healthy individuals, DNA will be extracted and processed for whole genome sequencing for microbiome analysis. The analysis will include not only the bacteriome, but the mycobiome and virome as well and will shed light on healthy interactions of these communities. Studying the oral microbiome gives an opportunity for early intervention into the gum diseases. It is important to prevent and reverse gingivitis as it can go on to cause systemic diseases.
Interactions of Microorganisms and Their Enormous Effects on Oral Health Linking to Gastric Cancer
Toby Ellison, Poster Presentation
Faculty mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel
The world of microorganisms and their complex interactions with human habitation is a cause of wonder and alarm. For centuries, scientists have been intrigued by the discovery of bacteria and specifically, their effects on the human population. Such microbial mechanisms have revealed an enormous impact on humans' oral health, as well as an association with stomach cancers. It is known that the interactions between microorganisms and humans have reached a symbiosis that helps in the defense against pathogens, however, dysbiotic microbiome is implicated in diseases including gastric cancer. The correlation between oral health and gastric cancer arises from the presence of oral bacteria in gastric cancer. While Helicobactor pylori is more commonly known in association with gastric cancer, other gastric microbiomes are becoming more known and show linkage to oral microbes. This includes high rates of Fusobacterium, Veillonella, Leptotrichia, Haemophilus, and Campylobacter in gastric cancer tissue specimens. Worldwide, gastric cancer ranks as the fifth most common cancer and can metastasize to secondary sites affecting quality of life for patients. We plan to collect tongue-coating specimens from 15 healthy individuals, extract DNA and perform whole genome sequencing to establish microbial profiles in the specimens. Knowledge of oral microbiome profile, especially in connection to gastric cancer, will aid in treatment of gastric cancer. Identifying pathogenic oral microorganisms linked to the development of cancer will help as a preventative measure for gastric cancer.
Role of FadA secreting Fusobacterium nucleatum in initiation and progression of colorectal cancer
Angela Huang, Poster Presentation
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global disease with poor prognosis. There is an alarming increase in incidence of CRC in younger patients along with well recognized racial disparities. Recent data implicate a role of microbiome in initiation and progression of CRC. Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), an oral opportunistic pathogen, has emerged as one of the common pathogens associated with CRC. Fn transformation from commensal to pathogen requires expression of amyloid-like FadA adhesin that plays a key role in its attachment to the colonic mucosal cells resulting in inflammatory, oncogenic, and metastatic changes. CRC initiates as polyps that go on to invade the mucosal layers and metastasize. This study analyzed the significance of Fn as a biomarker in CRC as well as to understand the etiology and metastasis of CRC. Deidentified and delinked formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections from cancerous, precancerous and non-cancerous colorectal biopsies were analyzed for Fn presence and markers in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in CRC through immunofluorescence. EMT was studied through biomarkers such as E-cadherin, which is an epithelial cell surface protein, vimentin as an intracellular filament protein normally expressed in mesenchymal cells, and N-cadherin, a cell adhesion molecule that is shown to express aberrantly in some solid tumor cells undergoing EMT. As expected, E-cadherin was abundantly expressed on the surface of epithelial cells while vimentin was found in the stromal cells in the non-cancerous tissue sections. Interestingly, the E-cadherin expression was lower in the cancerous tissue and some cancerous specimens also exhibited the vimentin positive foci within epithelial cells signifying partial EMT. N-cadherin expression was not observed in any of the specimens. The presence of Fn as analyzed through the FadA staining correlated with decline in the E-cadherin expression in some cancer specimens. To further analyze the significance of Fn, a meta-analytic study was conducted from 20 studies that indicated a significant presence of Fn not only in CRC tissues but also in fecal specimens from patients with CRC. A whole genome sequencing analysis corroborated with the abundance of Fn in CRC tissue specimens. These data suggest that analysis for Fn presence offers an attractive opportunity for intervention and targeted treatment for chemo resistant tumors. EMT analysis provides an additional corroboration in early detection of cancer progression which is pivotal in successful treatment of CRC.
Is the ALK-1 Gene the Missing Link Between Vasculature and Neurodegenerative Diseases?
Isabela Potter, Lia Ayala, and George Livingston, Poster Presentation
Faculty Mentors – Drs. James Hawker and Mintoo Patel
The activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK-1) gene is expressed during endothelial tube formation. ALK-1 is a type one receptor of the Transforming Growth Factor family (TGF-β). ALK-1 protein immunoreactivity within hippocampal neurons (CA3) is reduced significantly in subjects with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The reduction of ALK-1 activity in the CA3 of patients suffering from AD may be connected to the lack of vasculature within the brain. Moreover, ALK-1 expression within brain vasculature is also decreased in AD patients. Given that ALK-1 is expressed in brain vasculature and neurons, we hypothesize that ALK-1 may be involved in neurite outgrowth and endothelial tube formation. Since it has been shown that ALK-1 and endoglin (a type III TGF-β receptor) are involved in signaling, they may be involved in both processes. We will test the effects of growth factors NGF, FGF-2, and BMP-9 on endothelial tube formation in human umbilical endothelial cells and neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells. These cells will be co-cultured to determine if neurite outgrowth and endothelial tube formation occur simultaneously. If so, are these processes mutually exclusive or dependent on one another? We will test if ALK-1 and endoglin gene expression are required for each process. Gene expression will be measured by quantitative PCR. This study is the initial investigation of cell and molecular biology of AD.
Steeple Chase
Pamela Roebuck, Poster Presentation
Faculty mentor – Karla Respress
Abstract: In my photographic series titled Steeple Chase, I wanted to capture the simple yet striking architecture of steeples. While running daily errands in downtown Sebring, one steeple would always catch my attention, so one day, I decided to snap a picture of it. I then noticed another steeple across the street and decided to snap a picture of that one as well. Soon found myself chasing steeples. In this series, I explore how people see what is presented differently; some see beauty, other religion, and some have spoken of and eerie quality to them. I, on the other hand, see the lines, shapes, and textures of the steeples against the backdrop of the sky
The Life and Works of Peter Powell Roberts
Ariana Perez, Poster Presentation
Faculty mentor – Karla Respress
Abstract: Peter Powell Roberts was a prolific Florida artist specializing in semi-abstract paintings of the minutia of Florida landscape. Despite his local notoriety, information about Roberts' personal life and how it relates to his artistic oeuvre is incomplete. Culminating one year's worth of research, I have completed 5 panels that illustrate a timeline of the Life and Works of Peter Powell Roberts. Focus is placed on the classification of his artistic styles and his artistic growth as an early pioneer of digital art, an art professor, and an artist.
The Evolution of Gospel Music
Mya St. Louis, Poster Presentation
Faculty mentor – Jason Fitzgerald
Bacterial Art: Where Science meets Arts
Angela Huang, Rosemarie Klein, Devam Patel, Josie Wilson, Zoe Zozzaro, Poster Presentation
Faculty Mentors: Karla Respress, Garret Lee, Anthony Record, Mintoo Patel
Science and Arts have drawn inspiration from each other since the time of Charles Darwin and Alexander Fleming and both arts and science have benefited from and contributed to technological advances. This project derives inspiration from the emerging field of Bio Art where biotechnology is used to create artwork. We integrated art, engineering, biology, and photography in this project. Genetically modified E.coli strains were used as paint to create art pieces on an agar plate. E coli transformed with plasmids containing genes for chromogens such as green fluorescent protein, blue chromogen, purple chromogen, and pink chromogen were used to produce bacterial colonies of different colors. These bacteria were grown on LB agar plate containing Ampicillin to maintain selective pressure and isopropyl β-D-thiogalactopyranoside to induce the expression of chromogen gene. Initially, art principles were used to create a template for the artwork. Some designs required stamps of unique designs which were created with 3D printing. Finally, cell cultures were used as paint to draw designs on agar plates. The plates were then incubated for 48 hours in a 37oC incubator, after which colorful designs were visible because of growth of bacteria into bacterial colonies. Images of the bacterial designs were captured following photography principles and used to create displayable art pieces. This interdisciplinary project served a learning opportunity for art, engineering, photography and molecular and microbiology principles.
How Can Appropriate Staffing and Nurse Retention Prevent Burnout?
Maria Zuniga, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
Effective Change of Shift Beside Report
Diana Merilus, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
Are You Embarrassed by Your Blood Culture Contamination Rates in the Emergency Department? Here's What to Do
Lizbeth Macedo, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
Nurse Watches How Can They Help with Alarm Fatigue and Patient Safety
Nicole Ghent
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
Facilitating Group Therapy in an Inpatient Psychiatric Setting
Susana Gonzalez, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
Preventing Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries
Evelia Cabrera, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
How Quality Sleep Affects Health Outcomes of Patients in The Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Anthony Pacheco-Moran, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
Nurse’s Role in Preventing the Readmission of Patients with Heart Failure
Alejandra Trevino, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
Teenage Suicide
Marisa Tolentino, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
Reducing Risk of Venous Thrombus Emboli (VTEs) in Hospitalized Patients
Richenda Trenchfield, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
Ventilation Acquired Pneumonia (VAP) Prevention in a Critical Care Setting
Dalal Zaban, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
Preventing Hospital Readmissions in Patients over 65 years old Living with Diabetes
Yuri Estrada, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
Reducing Nurse Burnout Improves Patient Outcomes
Teresa Baker, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
How can virtual nurses amongst other resources help nurse-to-patient ratios on a step-down unit?
Giselle Mendez, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo
Implementation of Interventions to Prevent Surgical Site Infections
Cindy Pierre-Louis, RN, BSN Student
Faculty Mentor - Dr. Kathleen Cappo