Tag: Poet

Annika Poet

The Dangers of Selective Breeding in Horses: An Overview of Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis

Impressive the Quarter Horse was not just the first Champion of the AQHA World Championship Show, but the index case of an autosomal dominant genetic disorder called Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP). HYPP is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the sodium channels which replaces the normal amino acid leucine with phenylalanine. As a result, the channels occasionally become “stuck” open, leading to an abnormally high concentration of potassium in the extracellular space. HYPP causes attacks that are characterized by muscle weakness, paralysis, and involuntary recumbency. The muscle fibers become unable to maintain a stable membrane potential, though not all muscles throughout the body may be affected by an attack. Treatments focus on lowering the intake of potassium, maintaining normal exercise, and diuretics to increase the excretion of ions in the urine. HYPP can also be seen in humans with many of the same symptoms and triggers. In Quarter Horses, HYPP is paired with desirable muscle structure and traits which means a disease that could be breed out is found in almost 4.4% of Quarter Horses.

BIOL 311, Anatomy and Physiology 1

Tammy Bovee

Womack 100

11 – 11:30 AM

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Annika Poet

A Deadly and Particular Virus: An Overview of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is an acute, highly contagious, and lethal virus has become an epidemic across the world, targeting domestic, livestock, and wild rabbits as well as many species of hares. RHDV was first reported in China in 1984, however, there is substantial evidence supporting the existence of a mutation from widespread non-pathogenic viruses. Currently, the strain RHDV2 is the most common in the US. Found in the genus Lagovirus and family Caliciviridae, RHDV is made of single-stranded RNA enclosed with an icosahedral capsid with two distinct sections: VP60 and VP10. The mortality rate of RHDV is 90-100% with rabbits dying on average 24-72 hours after the first signs of infection. RHDV impacts the ability of blood to clot and targets the liver specifically, prompting the liver cells to undergo apoptosis which creates lesions. As RHDV simultaneously spreads through contact to bodily fluid or fecal matter and is able to persist in the environment for about 90 days, controlling the virus involves biosecurity measures, slaughter of infected livestock rabbits, and vaccination developed through Medgene. Though studies are working to develop additional mechanisms for vaccination, there is no cure for RHDV.

BIOL 320, Cell Biology

Paul Allee

Womack 100

11:30 AM – Noon

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Annika Poet

Cinnamaldehyde and functional isomers: structure-activity analysis and antibacterial properties mediated through dihydropteroate synthase in Gram +/-  bacteria.

Cinnamon oil has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. More recently, it has been shown to have antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. We have investigated the antibacterial properties of cinnamaldehyde, a component of cinnamon oil, against two gram-positive (Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium) and two gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens) which are facultative anaerobic. When compared to other functional isomers, the aldehyde group and length of the aryl chain are important factors in determining antibacterial activity. Further, additions to the aromatic ring show small differences while additions to the aryl chain significantly abolish the effects. Together, these results suggest a “lock and key”, leading us to hypothesize that the mechanism of action of cinnamaldehyde is an enzyme/receptor mediated event. To test this hypothesis, we established bacterial growth curves to show cinnamaldehyde is bacteriostatic rather than bactericidal. Additionally, in our pharmacological studies, we have shown for the first time that cinnamaldehyde acts as an inhibitor of dihydropteroate synthase, a key component of folate metabolism. Results show that cinnamaldehyde is in competition with known substrates. As dihydropteroate synthesis is only found in microorganisms, this enzyme represents an ideal target for the development of novel antibacterial/antimicrobial agents. 

BIOL 496, Research

Colin Willis & Paul Allee

Bucher Room, 10 AM – Noon

W100, 1:30 – 2 PM

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The State of Teaching at Bushnell University

In the Fall 2023 term, a call went out for nominations of Bushnell students who had demonstrated by their observable behaviors that they were committed to approaching their classes as opportunities to learn, not simply to manipulate the class environment for high grades or other indirect rewards. Those nominees were named Bergquist Laureates. The award is named for Dr. Tim Bergquist, the founder of ACE Day, who loved to encourage students to be scholars. At noon, the Bergquist Laureates will participate in a panel whose topic is the elements of Bushnell classes that help them learn, things that do not help them learn, and things they wish they would see that would help them learn. Bushnell faculty are invited to attend to listen.

The panelists:

  • Ezekiel Aldaco
  • Albert Allen
  • Christopher Kamkar
  • Grace Kitchens
  • Annika Poet
  • John Stephens
  • Matthew Wilhite

L203 (click here to view the live stream)

Noon – 1 PM

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Annika Poet

A Functional Model of the Hip and Knee Joint

The ball and socket joint of the hip and the hinge joint of the knee are clear demonstrations of various physics concepts. I will be discussing mechanical advantage, the forces involved, and the movements involved in gait. There will be a moving model demonstration built to show the places muscles are attached and the direction they pull towards.

PHYS 201, Introduction to Mechanics

Jonathan Alfson

L203 (click here to view the live stream)

11:30 AM – Noon

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Annika Poet

Dogs: A Species Unlike Any Other

This presentation will cover the uniqueness of domesticated dogs. I will cover artificial selection and a small history of the domestication of wolves into dogs. I will explain the American Kennel Club and the multitude of breeds of dogs with their purposes. Lastly, I will examine the differences in the different breeds throughout the years. 

BIOL205- General Biology

Dr. Paul Allee

10am – L204

Annika Poet

The Subject of Carrots, Eggs, and Waistcoats

The European rabbit or Oryctolagus cuniculus is a mammal that has been spread across the globe. They can be found wild on every continent except Antarctica, where they can only be found domesticated with humans. A group of rabbits is called a fluffle. In the media, rabbits are popular creatures. They are known for their ability to multiply in a short amount of time. They are connected with colorful eggs full of candy or money around Easter time. They wear waistcoats and worry about the time of their pocket watch. They comically evade hunters while munching on only carrots. In reality, rabbits have nothing to do with laying eggs, teatime, or Elmer Fudd. In fact, carrots are not the best for rabbits due to the large sugar content and the possibility of addiction. Rabbits are seen as cuddly, quiet, numerous, and simple. But rabbits are anything but simple. They create complex tunnels and social groups that connect and protect wild rabbits. To show they are happy, rabbits fling themselves into the air. As the third most popular pet, domesticated rabbits are about as common as dogs or cats. It is important to understand the origins of domestic and wild rabbits and the significant role they play in the global ecosystem. Rabbits are lagomorph mammals that have spread around the whole globe. They have unique qualities such as their ears, eyes, and dewlap. By synchronizing their hind legs, rabbits jump at high speeds with precise directional control. Rabbits are herbivores, preferring tender and new growth over stems. The ideal environment for wild rabbits consists of an abundant food source, cover from predators, and decent dirt. However, rabbits can adapt to whatever environment. They have five different life stages and reproduce quickly. Rabbits are territorial creatures who will fight if needed, but their best chance of survival is escape. There are many natural predators of rabbits in the wild: mammals, reptiles, and raptors. This presentation will cover different aspects of wild and domestic rabbits and the complexity of this overlooked animal.

BIOL 200 – General Biology

Paul Allee

2:00pm – 2:30pm P103