Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2024, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) excavate burrow systems for predatory avoidance and social organization. As such, they have evolved a suite of musculoskeletal traits in their forelimbs that are employed for scratch-digging (i.e., digging motion performed by alternating power and recovery strokes). However, the degree to which their muscular anatomy has become modified in response to the selective pressures of their semi-fossorial lifestyle is unknown. To better understand the functional capacities of their forelimb musculature, dissections of C. ludovicianus (N=9) were conducted to quantify limb mechanical advantage, muscle architectural properties, and myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform content. Compared with previous data from ground squirrels, forelimb muscle mass distribution is broadly similar with a large investment of scapular and shoulder muscle mass that accounts for two-thirds of the total forelimb muscle mass. The majority of muscles have long fascicles with correspondingly high LF/ML ratios, whereas aside from FCR and ECU, the main digital flexors/extensors, selected intrinsic shoulder flexors/extensors, and the smallest elbow extensors, most muscles have low PCSA/MM ratios. Notably, only the massive PECS was considered to be a high-power muscle by its architectural properties, although several muscles are modified for large joint torque or torque range, including PECS, LAT, and a well-developed m. triceps brachii long head. Mechanical advantage is correspondingly greatest at the shoulder joint, appreciable at the elbow joint, and low at the carpal joint. Lastly, muscle composition is faster-contracting by moderate expression of fast MHC-2B and low expression of slow MHC-1. That said, %MHC isoform content shows a predominance of MHC-2A as predicted, which progressively increases distally throughout the forelimb. These findings collectively suggest that C. ludovicianus is less-specialized among burrowing rodents as hypothesized. Its forelim (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Animal Sciences

The urgent shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources highlights the critical need for innovative and sustainable biofuel production technologies. However, a significant hurdle in biofuel production especially butanol, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol, and octanol is the toxicity of these compounds to microorganisms. Extensive process engineering efforts, including vacuum-assisted gas stripping (VAGS), have been made towards in-situ recovery of butanol to alleviate the problem of product toxicity to producing microorganisms. Despite the success of VAGS in butanol recovery, it is still riddled with the problem of excessive water removal from the bioreactor during product recovery. The ongoing use of superhydrophobic separation materials for oil recovery in oil spillage situations indicated that there could be a way to improve water/butanol separation during in-situ recovery. Thus, this study explored the use of superhydrophobic separation materials within a VAGS system for engendering significant water retention within a bioreactor and enhancing efficient recovery of biofuels, specifically butanol and high molecular weight alcohols (C4 – C8), from fermentation broths. Central to this investigation is the development of superhydrophobic and superoleophilic stainless steel meshes (SSM) using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The SSM, having a water contact angle of 156.48° was incorporated into the VAGS setup and used to enhance the recovery efficiency and economic feasibility of the biofuel production process. Experimental and modeling approaches including the use of artificial neural networks (ANN) modeling were employed to optimize the recovery conditions and assess the interplay between process parameters and system performance. Thus, the study explored the influence of several critical parameters, including mesh pore size, vacuum time, initial alcohol concentration, and bioreactor operational conditions, on the performance of th (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Animal Sciences

An estimated 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives. Equine-assisted interactions (EAI) have been reported to contribute to positive outcomes for a variety of populations. However, little is known of the how previous trauma may influence these outcomes. EAI is a comprehensive term used to refer to a variety of services that utilize horses and other equine to benefit people. Although positive outcomes have been observed among EAI participants, research reports mixed results with few studies utilizing a multifaceted approach to assess responses. Additionally, few studies have sought to investigate the impact of EAI on the equine participant. Limited evidence suggests there is little to no effect of EAI on the equine involved but these studies lack a multifaceted approach which prevents a more comprehensive understanding of the equine experience. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to 1) assess the influence of equine assisted interactions (EAI) on human biopsychosocial responses, 2) assess the influence of previous trauma type on biopsychosocial responses to EAI, and 3) to assess the influence of EAI on equine participants using a biobehavioral approach. Participants (n = 36) interacted with the same equine (n = 10) in four consecutive, weekly 30-min EAI sessions. Human biological measures included heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and salivary analytes oxytocin (OT), TNF- α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. Human psychological responses included participants' perceived quality of life, PTSD symptoms, momentary anxiety, and psychological distress. Human behavioral responses including standing, locomotion, sitting, and touch were assessed via scan sampling every 30 sec from video recorded every session. EAI sessions were video recorded to assess behavioral responses via scan sampling. Previous trauma was classified as TBI, PTSD, BOTH (PTSD/TBI), or NONE. Equine biological responses included heart rate (HR), heart (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Animal Sciences

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) presents a substantial public health threat due to its ability to cause severe infections such as urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. Recent evidence suggests that birds, particularly poultry, may serve as reservoirs for ExPEC strains pathogenic to humans. Avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC), the avian counterpart of ExPEC, causes multisystemic infections known as colibacillosis, resulting in high morbidity, mortality, and economic losses in poultry production. Current APEC control methods, relying on antibiotics and vaccines, face challenges due to rising multidrug resistance and vaccine failures against heterologous serotypes, highlighting the need for novel alternatives. In this study, we synthesized derivatives of a previously characterized piperazine-based quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI), QSI-5, through structural modifications preserving the piperazine core. This resulted in six derivatives, which were screened against APEC O78 using the autoinducer-2 indicator bacteria Vibrio harveyi BB170 to evaluate their efficacy in quorum sensing (QS) inhibition. Two derivatives such as 1-(naphthalen-2-ylmethyl)-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (OA4-108) and 1-((5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methyl)-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (OA4-109) exhibited enhanced activity at a 50 µM concentration, showing 100% inhibition in the screening assay. These two analogues also inhibited the bacterial motility and biofilm formation and displayed minimal to no toxicity on chicken and sheep red blood cells, chicken and human macrophage cells (HD-11, THP-1), and human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2). Additionally, they reduced the survival of APEC O78 in HD-11 and THP-1 cells. In vivo analysis using the wax moth model demonstrated the non-toxicity of these molecules, along with improved larval survival rates and reduced APEC load. Furthermore, OA4-108 and OA4-109 also showed quorum-sensing inhibition in multiple u (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Animal Sciences

Salmonellosis continues to be one of the major public health concerns worldwide causing a gastrointestinal disease. Poultry meat and eggs are recognised as one of the major sources of Salmonella food poisoning in humans. Our study evaluated the protective efficacy of mannose-conjugated chitosan-nanoparticle (mChitosan-NP) based oral subunit vaccine consisting of outer membrane proteins and flagella of Salmonella Enteritidis against Salmonella colonization in the intestines of broilers by incorporating two known mucosal adjuvants, c-di-GMP (stimulator of interferon gene agonist) and whole cell lysate (WCL) of Mycobacterium smegmatis. We try to identify the optimal dose of c-di-GMP and WCL adjuvants by using three different amounts (2.5µg, 10µg and 50µg/dose) in vivo to potentiate the efficacy of Salmonella subunit vaccine formulation. In vitro analysis revealed that mChitosan-NP Salmonella vaccine and mChitosan-NP adjuvant formulations were carrying high positive charge (Zeta potential +20-25mV), size 235-260nm, and polydispersity index 0.35-0.52, conducive for in vivo studies. Subsequently, the vaccine-adjuvant formulations were evaluated for efficacy in vivo in broiler chickens by challenging with Salmonella Enteritidis. Our data showed that mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP WCL 10µg/dose formulation reduced over 0.5 log10 reduction of challenge bacterial load comparable to a commercial live vaccine at both day post challenge 4 and 10. The systemic and mucosal antibody responses were found superior in adjuvanted mChitosan-NP Salmonella vaccine groups. Additionally, most of the vaccine groups had an increased frequency of B cells compared to mock group at day post-challenge 4, associated with upregulation of TGF-β mRNA at day post-challenge 10. Overall, mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP WCL 10 µg/dose and mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP GMP 50µg/dose performed well in inducing immune responses and efficacy.

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 0, Biology

Regurgitation and reingestion (R/R) is a common behavior in zoo-housed gorillas, characterized by the regurgitation of recently consumed food and subsequent reingestion of the regurgitant. Its etiology is currently unknown. Alterations of diet composition and presentation have shown some effect in reducing the behavior. One previous study eliminated the behavior in two gorillas with a change to a diet higher in fiber and lower in starch. This diet also led to a significant decrease in the gorillas' insulin levels. These findings combined with insulin's potential role in lower esophageal sphincter relaxation dysfunction, inspired my current research to explore the association between gorilla R/R and elevated insulin levels. First, the current prevalence of R/R in the North American zoo-housed gorilla population was established. Next, an enzyme immunoassay was validated for use measuring insulin in gorilla saliva. This allowed for an in-depth case study on the relationship between R/R rates and decreasing insulin in one zoo-housed gorilla, as well as a larger scale multi-institutional analysis on the comparison of insulin levels between gorillas that frequently regurgitate and those that do not. Prevalence results revealed that R/R is observed in approximately 60% (n=178 gorillas) of the current national zoo-housed gorilla population (n=296), with approximately 14% (n=41) of those gorillas regurgitating frequently (i.e. exhibiting the behavior multiple times per day). Results of the case study revealed markedly higher fasted and postprandial salivary insulin levels in the gorilla known to regurgitate frequently compared to her troop members. Results also revealed higher variability in insulin levels of the frequent regurgitator. The gorilla's salivary insulin levels were decreased using a medication used to treat hyperinsulinemia, however, there was no concurrent decrease in R/R rates. Her insulin levels at the study's conclusion, though lower than baseline, did not d (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Animal Sciences

When providing cattle feed, a total mixed ration (TMR) is recommended compared with traditional component feeding. Feeding of mixed rations improves production by reducing feed sorting or selective eating, feed intake, waste, and costs, manual labor, and metabolic diseases. However, production of mixed rations requires a specialized mixer that can be expensive and requires staff training and regular maintenance. Some forages also require prior processing before addition to a TMR mixer. When all aspects are considered, providing TMR to cattle in small farming enterprises is difficult. In Ohio, most farms (about 53%) consist of less than 50 head of cattle being finished for marketing. Therefore, the cost of feed wastage may be less compared with the costs of implementation of a TMR system of feed management. The objective of the research reported in this thesis was to determine if farms with a component feeding system can produce cattle with similar growth rates and beef of a similar carcass quality as those with a TMR system of feed management. I hypothesized that there would be no detectable difference between enterprises having a TMR as compared with a component-feeding system for finishing cattle to market if we maintained diet composition ratios and with slick bunk management. Angus-Simmental cattle (n = 59) were provided feed utilizing either a: 1. TMR feeding system(n = 29) (TMRS) or 2. Component-fed system (n = 30) (CFS) for feed management. Cattle were penned individually and had access to individual feed bunks where the feed processed the two different ways was placed once daily. The feed bunk for cattle in the CFS treatment had a wooden plank bolted to the original bunk that bisected the bunk and created two smaller, equivalent bunk spaces. For both treatments, slick bunk management was implemented that required animals to eat all the feed in both bunks before the amount of feed offered the following day would occur. Prior to slaughter, steers were weighe (open full item for complete abstract)

PHD, Kent State University, 2024, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Biological Sciences

White-tailed deer are one of the most widespread mammalian herbivores throughout both North and South America. Throughout much of this broad geographic range, deer populations occur at densities that greatly exceed historic estimates. At high densities, deer can negatively suppress juvenile tree growth, inhibit plant regeneration, and alter plant communities which can have long-term cascading effects on small mammals, birds, and plants. Anthropogenic development can help support overabundant deer populations by creating novel foraging opportunities via disturbance regimes and supplementary foraging opportunities. Moreover, apex predators that can help regulate deer populations have been extirpated from many areas, which enables deer populations to reach high densities. The objectives of this dissertation are to identify how white-tailed deer use anthropogenic landscapes at multiple spatial scales, determine the plant chemical properties that influence deer forage selection, and discern how unique predator communities influence the spatiotemporal activity of deer in multiple ecosystems. My first study developed a novel method to measure activity densities of white-tailed deer in multiple habitats that also excluded non-target species from interfering with data collection. In my second study, I measured the activity densities of deer in forest ecosystems that are fragmented by anthropogenically developed meadows. I found that during times of the year when resources are abundant across the landscape, deer preferred meadow patches that contained an abundance of plants that provided deer with a better foraging opportunity than the adjacent forest patches. The third study in this dissertation examined how plant chemistry and volatile scent-cues influence the forage selection of white-tailed deer. During summer I found that deer preferred plants with higher carbohydrate content, likely due to these plants providing fat reserves before winter. Whereas during winter, deer we (open full item for complete abstract)

Ed.D., Antioch University, 2024, Education

Farmed animal sanctuaries provide lifelong care to formerly farmed animals. Many strive to educate their community about farmed animals and promote more compassionate lifestyles, such as veganism. Important to this is cultivating empathy and concern for the well-being of individual farmed animals. Essential to well-being is agency, which is the capacity of a living being to engage with their environments and to make choices for themselves. Farmed animals outside of sanctuaries have had their agency systematically suppressed and denied. Sanctuary educators can bring awareness to this and inspire alternative, agency-centered relationships with not only farmed animals but all living beings. To aid in this endeavor, this practice-based dissertation included the development of a resource guide for sanctuary staff and volunteers about recognizing, supporting, and teaching about the agency of farmed animals in sanctuary education. Following Stephen Brookfield's (2021) Materials Development Dissertation outline, this paper describes the inspirations for creating these materials and the development process in detail. This process included inviting scholars and practitioners to review the materials and offer feedback, which is shared in this paper. This paper also reports on how the materials will be disseminated to have the most impact on the field. There is also discussion on the broader implications of this work in countering oppression and facilitating more equitable and compassionate ways of coexisting with all beings. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Animal Sciences

Doppler ultrasonography allows for the assessment of corpus luteum (CL) blood flow which can be utilized as an indirect method of pregnancy diagnosis at ~21 days after artificial insemination (AI) in cattle. The research presented herein spans four experiments designed to evaluate factors with the potential to affect the diagnostic performance of Doppler ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle. In the first experiment, the objective was to evaluate the effect of pulse repetition frequency (PRF) setting on the diagnostic performance of Color flow Doppler ultrasonography (CFDU) in beef cattle. Suckled beef cows were evaluated by CFDU utilizing three PRF settings (720 Hz, 9600 Hz, 1500 Hz) at 21 days after AI. All three PRF settings had robust sensitivity (> 93%), irrespective of whether subjective luteal blood flow scores (LBFs) or objective LBF percentage (LBF%) was employed for diagnosis. Notably, specificity and accuracy were significantly greater for LBFs than LBF%; however, diagnostic performance was not significantly different between PRF settings. In the second experiment, the objective was to evaluate the effect of Doppler mode, CFDU and power Doppler ultrasonography (PWDU), on the diagnostic performance of Doppler ultrasonography in beef cattle. Pregnancy diagnosis was determined in suckled beef cows and heifers at 21 days after AI using CFDU, PWDU, CL volume, and circulating progesterone (P4). Sensitivity was > 96% for each assessment method, and specificity was not significantly different between iii the four methods. Conversely, accuracy tended to be greater for CFDU than for CL volume, while accuracy for PWDU and P4 was intermediate. In the third experiment, the objective was to determine the effect of P4 administration and day of examination on the accuracy of CFDU for pregnancy diagnosis in beef cattle. Beef heifers were randomly assigned to receive an intravaginal P4 device (CIDR) on day 15 after AI or remain untreated (Control). Pregnancy (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Animal Sciences

The current dissertation addresses the growing concern of resistance to anticoccidial medications in Eimeria affecting commercial turkey production in the US. This research aims to assess the efficacy of various anticoccidial medications by blending contemporary research with a historical data review to understand resistance dynamics. Fecal samples from turkey farms (n = 24) in the Midwest region of the US were collected between 2019 and 2023 for anticoccidial susceptibility testing of Eimeria. The research tested samples against six commonly used anticoccidial medications: Amprol (Amprolium), Avatec (Lasalocid), Coban (Monensin), Coyden (Clopidol), Stenorol (Halofuginone Hydrobromide) and Zoamix (Zoalene). To complete each test, anticoccidials were administered to independent groups of turkeys that were inoculated with test samples and were monitored for oocyst shedding, which was then compared back to a non-treated group to calculate the relative oocyst output. A completely randomized block design and the SAS 9.4 Proc GLIMMIX procedure were employed for the quantitative evaluation of medication efficacy based on oocyst count reduction, with significance established at P ≤ 0.05. Our findings indicate that Coyden outperformed the other medications with sensitivity against Eimeria detected in 54.17% (13 out of 24 farms) except Stenorol which showed intermediate effect staying between Coyden and other medications with 33.33% (5 out of 15 farms) sensitivity. Contrarily, Zoamix 4.7% (1 out of 21 farms), Amprol 9.5% (2 out of 21 farms), Avatec 9.5% (2 out of 21 farms) and Coban 9.5% (2 out of 21 farms) shown significantly lesser sensitivities. Coban indicated reduced sensitivity in 42.86% (9 out of 21 farms) , while Amprol and Stenorol each exhibited reduced sensitivity in 38.10% (8 out of 21) and 46.67% (7 out of 15) of farms, respectively. Moreover, Zoamix, Avatec, Amprol, and Coban exhibited the highest resistance, with 76.19% (16 out of 21 farms), 71.43% (15 out (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Animal Sciences

Listeria monocytogenes is an invasive, zoonotic, foodborne pathogen that causes human listeriosis. L. monocytogenes is a resilient pathogen capable of surviving and even proliferating under various environmental conditions. Its capacity to persist in soil, manure, water, and various farm environments necessitates an investigation to safeguard consumers and maintain the reputation of small specialty crop farms. Small specialty crop farms (SSCFs) are an important and growing sector for crop production in the USA. Currently, there is little information on the prevalence and genetic landscape of the L. monocytogenes from SSCFs. Bridging this knowledge gap would help understand potential public health risks associated with the L. monocytogenes coming from these farms. The goal of our study is to understand the prevalence and genomic diversity among the isolates in the SSCF niche by characterizing pangenome, serogroups, antimicrobial resistance genes, and virulence genes. We collected, tested, and processed dairy and poultry manure, soil, water, and produce samples (n = 1842) for L. monocytogenes from 15 SSCF between 2016 to 2020. Isolates were analyzed through Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). The overall prevalence of L. monocytogenes on SSCF was 7.17% (132/1842 samples). Based on positive samples, the prevalence of L. monocytogenes was 23.2% (n=53/228) in dairy manure, 11.0% (n=14/127) in water, 6.2% (n=31/500) in produce, 3.6% (n=28/777) in soil, 2.9% (n=6/210) in poultry manure. From these 132 positive samples, 347 isolates were obtained and were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS). Pangenome analysis detected the presence of 2,036 core genes. In silico serotyping of L. monocytogenes detected the presence of four serotypes 1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c, and 4b, implicated in human infections. Analysis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes identified the presence of 10 genes: abc-f, fos(X), mecA, vanZ, mprF, mprB, vga(G), ampC, group_1242, and tetR. In addition, an arsenic- (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, History

This dissertation uncovers how, why, and where the modern pet dog originated. The average dog's transition from a working animal to a nonworking companion in the nineteenth-century United Kingdom constituted the dog's most radical alteration of purpose since their initial domestication prior to the establishment of agricultural civilization. This dissertation contends that the modern family dog originated during the long-nineteenth century (1780-1920) primarily in Victorian Britain—the initial nation altered by the interlocking forces of industrialization and urbanization. These processes provided the necessary cultural and material preconditions to reconceptualize this traditional working animal as a nonworking companion. These phenomena also provided the necessary infrastructure to manufacture commodities—from biscuits to soap—that became necessary to maintain dogs. Family dogs altered domestic and urban environments, individual and collective habits, local and global economic markets, and traditional human and canine behaviors. British pet culture surged beyond national boundaries to become the global norm governing appropriate human-dog interaction. Fundamental English practices—such as leash laws—remain normal today alongside British breeds that garner worldwide favor. Despite their integral presence in modern Western culture, however, there remains no holistic—nor interdisciplinary—narrative explaining how the typical dog transformed from a working animal to a nonworking companion. In this sense, this project rectifies this pronounced historiographical absence and knowledge gap for the broader dog-owning public. Answering this question necessitates adopting an interdisciplinary perspective entangling humans and nonhumans since Britons were not solely responsible for creating pet dogs. Rather, dogs actively shaped this process. Understanding dogs in their own right—their cognitive, sensory, and physical capabilities—hinges on including insights from animal s (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Animal Sciences

Bovine coronaviruses (BCoVs) are important members of the Betacoronavirus genus, Embecovirus subgenus in Orthocoronavirinae subfamily within the Coronaviridae family. They can cause enteric or/and respiratory diseases in cattle. However, the mechanisms for BCoV tissue tropism and pathogenesis are still unknown and could be due to interactions of viral, host, and environmental factors. There are limited studies to investigate whether co-infection with other bovine pathogens, environmental factors (such as season of the year) and host factors (such as beef vs dairy; age, such as pre- vs post-weaning; and the level of pre-existing BCoV antibodies) contribute to enteric or respiratory tropism. In our study, we isolated recent BCoV strains and compared them with historical strains to study the evolution of BCoVs. Bovine fecal samples were collected from dairy calves, dairy cows, and beef cattle in Georgia by Dr. Palomares Lab at the University of Georgia. Bovine fecal and nasal samples from asymptomatic veal calves from an Ohio farm were provided by Dr. Habing's Lab at The Ohio State University. We detected BCoVs from both nasal (n=10) and fecal samples (n=156) and isolated BCoV strains from enteric samples. The BCoV genomic sequences of five strains BC7, BC8, BC9, BC39, and BC47 were characterized, and they all belong to genogroup II by phylogenetic analyses. Sequence analyses were performed to compare the mutations between the historical and current viruses and between the viruses isolated from respiratory and enteric samples. We found that one pair of samples BC8 and BC18 from the same calf, but different collection sites (fecal and nasal sites), showed two amino acid differences in the spike (S) protein; We predicted the locations of these two amino acid residues in the 3D protein structures. Reverse genetics is a state-of-the-art technology to study viral factors, but until now no infectious clones have been generated for BCoVs, and this has hampered in-dept (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Animal Sciences

In the swine industry, weaning is a critical period due to changes in the environment and disruption of feed intake. In neonatal pigs, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is still developing and relies on the diet to provide nutrients for growth and development. The lack of nutrients hinders GIT growth and development leading to villus atrophy. As a result, the GIT cannot restore and maintain normal physiological functions because nutrients from the diet cannot be effectively absorbed and utilized. Previously, antibiotics were the standard to resolve the negative effects of weaning including disruption of feed intake. However, the concern about antibiotic resistance has elicited the use of alternative methods to mitigate those negative effects. Lactic acid bacteria have been recognized to possess probiotic properties and modulate host physiology. Probiotics are used as direct-fed microbials in the swine industry to optimize pig performance and production efficiency. In the nursery, probiotics have been shown to mitigate post-weaning diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli (ETEC) and modulate health parameters, but the data are inconsistent. Microbial genome sequencing could help better define the mechanisms of probiotic mode of action and dose required to improve probiotic efficacy. The experiments conducted for this thesis aimed to determine if LAB Pediococcus acidilactici PECh3A, which has been genome sequenced for determining gut physiology mechanisms, expresses probiotic properties in vitro by conducting dose response analysis and investigate interactions with intestinal porcine enterocyte jejunum cells (IPEC-J2) and ETEC (3030-2: K88ac LT and STb). A growth curve of P. acidilactici was conducted to determine colony-forming units (CFU)/mL concentrations over a 15-hour growth period. Based on the results of the growth curve a dose-response analysis was investigated on concentrations; 108, 109, and 1010 CFU/mL across different probiotic property test (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts in English, Cleveland State University, 2023, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Our Bodies Like Rivers is an essay collection that meditates on the geographical and psychological landscape of home, Appalachia, climate change, and the anxieties and ironies of living in the Anthropocene. From environmental catastrophe, to the opioid crisis, to the plight of consumer, to the health and subtle changes of home and the ones we love, these essays all point to an interconnectedness. Our collective sickness and health is a body of water, without boundary or distinction. This work guides us through the wreckage of modern society and seeks to show us how we might go on.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2023, Ohio State University Nutrition

Optimal piglet performance is fundamental to the profitability of the swine industry. Dysregulated gut homeostasis has been associated with neurological disorders, and conversely, neurological/brain diseases can affect the gut environment. Cumulatively the nutritional, psychological, and environmental challenges early in a piglet's life leads to increased morbidity and mortality in the swine industry. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a gram-negative bacterium associated with gastrointestinal (GI) disfunction and diarrhea disease in young animals worldwide, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) also referred to as endotoxin, is a glycolipid component of its cell wall. Dietary nutrients in the early neonatal period not only provide essential sustenance for growth, but also are critical for intestinal, immunologic, and neurological development. Both long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) have been implicated in gut barrier function, inflammatory response, neurodevelopment, and gut microbiota. The first objective of this research is to define the local intestinal barrier function mechanisms of LC-PUFA that drive the protection of the barrier during ETEC challenge. Using the intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) model, pretreatment with LC-PUFA showed various protective properties. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) significantly enhanced the barrier integrity by increasing transepithelial electrical resistance and decreasing fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran flux across the epithelial barrier. Arachidonic acid (ARA) and DHA tended to increase protein abundance of membrane tight junction (TJ) protein (occludin), while increasing nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR). In the presence of ETEC, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) protected against a decline in membrane TJ claudin-1 protein. All three LC-PUFA alleviated the ETEC-induced up-regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFB) p65 and decreased lactat (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2023, Animal Sciences

Intranasal vaccination has important implications for generation of vaccine-induced cross protective immunity against mucosal infections, including influenza A virus (IAV). In this study, intranasal delivery of an adjuvanted nanoparticulate vaccine platform was developed and characterized. The whole inactivated swine influenza virus (OH10-H1N2) and STING-activating ADU-S100 adjuvant was either surface adsorbed or entrapped in mannose-chitosan nanoparticles (m-Chit-NPs). The m-Chit-NPs were optimized by studying NPs size distribution, zeta potential and cytotoxicity. A cross protective study was performed using a heterologous challenge infection in vaccinates using CA09-H1N1 IAV in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) pigs following prime-boost vaccination. Samples from animals were evaluated for viral loads in the nose, antibody as well as innate and adaptive cellular immune responses both at systemic and respiratory tract. Physical characterization of m-Chit NPs showed that these particles are suitable for mucosal vaccination with zeta potential ≥ +15 mV, polydispersity index of <0.5, size diameter of around 350nm and 1:9 antigen (Ag)/NPs mass ratio for both loading methods with 75% cell viability. Animal study results show that m-Chit-NP intranasal vaccination induced cross reactive secretory IgA antibodies in both upper and lower airways exceeding those in FluSureXP™ - a commercial swine influenza virus vaccine. Between mucosal vaccine groups, the Ag entrapped vaccine induced higher virus specific neutralizing activity in serum, whereas surface adsorbed vaccine induced high virus neutralization and hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) activity in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Mucosal vaccination induced high gamma interferon and IL-17A secreting cytotoxic T lymphocytes and T-helper/memory cells both systematically and in tracheobronchial lymph nodes, especially pronounced in Ag and adjuvant entrapped vaccinates. Viral replication was reduced substantially in the nose (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2023, Animal Sciences

Mastitis induces losses in milk yield and undesirable changes in milk composition. The mechanisms behind reduced milk production during mastitis remains unknown. Two studies were conducted to investigate the effects of sterile inflammation on mammary gland metabolism via changes in milk and venous blood composition. In the first study, one udder half of each primiparous Holstein cow (n = 4) in mid-lactation was infused with oyster glycogen; the other control udder half with saline. Cows were milked in tie stalls every 8 h for 5 d. Udder half milk samples were collected for analysis. Results showed milk of oyster glycogen udder halves had an increased and sustained recruitment of immune cells, increased concentrations of protein, and decreased concentrations of lactose compared to control udder halves. There were no detectable changes in fat concentrations or milk yield between udder half treatments. In the second study, primiparous Holstein cows (n = 4) were fitted with venous catheters in the left and right subcutaneous abdominal veins. Two billion cfu of formalin-fixed Staph. aureus were subsequently infused into one udder halve (FX-STAPH) of each cow; the other udder half was infused with saline (SAL). After FX-STAPH challenge, blood sampling commenced every 2.6 h till the end of the study and blood samples were analyzed using a portable blood analyzer (iStat Alinity) while plasma samples were stored for wet lab chemistry. Milk of FX-STAPH udder halves had an increased and sustained SCS, increased concentrations of protein, and decreased concentrations of lactose compared to control udder halves. Milk of FX-STAPH udder halves had increased concentrations of lactate compared to SAL udder halves. There were no changes in fat concentrations or milk yield between udder half treatments in the second study. Venous blood of FX-STAPH udder halves had marginally greater saturated and partial pressures of oxygen, greater anion gap values, and concentrations of glucose, but (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2023, Environment and Natural Resources

Animal husbandry produces aggravate emission of greenhouse gases, including that of methane (CH4). CH4 is produced as a byproduct of enteric microbial degradation and resulting fermentation in the rumen. The potential of biochar to influence ruminal methanogenesis has been actively discussed. Biochar is able to reduce CH4 emissions from soils. The methanogenesis processes in ruminants and soils are similar; however, research information on the effect of biochar on CH4 production in rumen is scanty. The study aims to investigate the influence of biochar on ruminal methanogenesis. In the project, biochar's optimal dosage, its electrochemical properties and chemical profile were analyzed. It was found that biochar has the potential to absorb different anions, including NO3-. The effect of biochar's oxidation state on its nitrate sorption capacity was characterized as well but no association was observed. The effect of biochar on ruminal methanogenesis under the conditions of low forage, high forage, and almond hulls-containing diets is evaluated during an in vitro experiment with rumen fluid samples taken from Jersey cows. Based on the results, biochar reduces CH4 formation. The mechanism can be based on the possible ability of the material to absorb hydrogen, preventing it from reacting with CO2 to produce CH4 in the rumen. NO3- in the rumen gets broken down to NO2- , which can depress methanogens activity but also is considered toxic when absorbed into the blood system. Biochar is able to absorb NO3- , however, in the ruminal environment it showed low NO3- absorption. Along with CH4 concentration, such measurements and as VFA production, DNA concentration, NDF, NDFD, DM, pH, N content, NO3/NO2 content. Redox potential, electrical conductivity, N-NH4 content were taken to confirm that the treatments are safe to be used in vivo.