The neuroendocrine system of the gut plays a significant role in regulating intestinal motor and sensory functions, as well as modulating inflammation in the intestine. The intestinal mucosa is the dominant site of serotonin (5HT) synthesis in mammals, with more than 95% of the intestinal 5HT being present in the...
Blastocystis spp. is a common intestinal parasite in humans and animals that has been associated with acute or chronic digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. Serotonin mediates intestinal motility, sensation, and secretory function in the normal intestinal tract. Serotonin (5-HT) signaling is decreased in animal models of colitis, as...
Cyclic nitramines are a class of compounds that include most of the commonly used explosives today. These are among the most common toxicants released into the environment as a result of human activity, generated on military ranges, battlefields, and production sites. Of these, hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5- triazine (RDX) is of particular interest,...
Perennial ryegrass (PRG, Lolium perenne) is a hardy cool-season grass that is infected with the endophytic fungus Neotyphodium lolii, which enables the plant to be insect repellant and drought resistant, lowering the use of insecticides and fertilizers. However, this fungus produces the compound lolitrem B (LB, m/z 686.4) which causes...
Cyclic nitramines released into all environmental compartments through anthropogenic activities are toxic and possibly carcinogenic and mutagenic. Soils on military ranges, located throughout the world in various climatic regions and close to human activities, are especially susceptible to cyclic nitramine contamination. The properties of soils on military ranges will directly...
The anaerobic and highly reductive conditions found in the ovine rumen are considered favorable for the degradation of the nitroaromatic explosives such as hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). In this study, we used stable-isotope-probing to determine the bacteria responsible for the degradation of RDX in the rumen. Results indicate 10 μg mL⁻¹ (45...
A study was conducted to evaluate the developmental toxicity of three commonly detected mycotoxins in food (deoxynivalenol, patulin, and zearalenone) using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. Mycotoxin exposures were carried out at five concentrations (0.0064, 0.064, 0.64, 6.4, and 64 μM). Morphological and photomotor screenings were conducted at 24 hours...
Declines in populations of anadromous salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.) in the Columbia River drainage basin have resulted in extensive programs to annually release large numbers of hatchery-raised juvenile salmonids in an effort to support salmonid restoration. The Pacific Flyway population of Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia) has grown from around 3,500 nesting...
This is a case study of the cooperative development of an ocean condition forecasting tool by Oregon commercial fishermen, Oregon State University (OSU) scientists, and OSU student software engineers. Ocean condition forecasting models developed by OSU scientists were used to create an online tool to assist decision-making for fishermen. This...
The primary goal of my studies was to elucidate the mechanisms for the well-recognized interaction between two nutrients, vitamins E and K. The outcomes from my studies assess mechanisms for adverse effects of vitamin E and provide novel information on mechanisms for vitamin K homeostasis. These findings will provide information...