Summer Research Opportunities
10/06/2011
SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
CVM FACULTY MENTOR PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS-Summer of 2012
Faculty: Kevin Anderson
Project: Molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in cattle and small ruminants
Description: Molecular epidemiology of S. aureus mastitis is investigated, including such diverse aspects as detection, sources, antimicrobial resistance, and management strategies. Recent focus has been on role of horn flies in transmission and sources of infections in heifers. Opportunities range from hands-on work at dairy farms (collecting milk samples, etc.) to laboratory studies (milk culture, pulse field gel electrophoresis, etc., and may include dairy cattle as well as dairy goats. Genotype of S. aureus is determined using pulsed field gel electrophoresis.
Funding: Animal Health and/or Dairy Foundation funding
Students: 12
Faculty: C. Scott Bailey
Project 1: Using placenta from 34 day equine embryos to model placental inflammation and identify effective treatment.
Description: This project is aimed at characterizing placental inflammatory mediators in cultured placental tissues. Students will aid in breeding management of 10-15 ponies, uterine lavage for embryo collection, and laboratory techniques, such as PCR and enzyme-immunoassay. Students will become proficient at breeding management of mares, semen collection from stallions and transrectal ultrasound of the reproductive tract.
Funding: Start-Up; Grayson Jockey Club
Students: 1
Project 2: Characterizing the effect of oral probiotic therapy on vaginal flora in intact and castrated female dogs.
Description: This project completes a study currently underway, characterizing vaginal flora in healthy dogs and those with recurrent UTI. Students will participate in physical exams, sample collections and client communication as well as basic laboratory work. Students will assist with culturing Mycoplasma sp., Lactobacillus sp. and aerobic bacteria.
Funding: Various
Students: 1
Project 3: The use of carbetocin for control of unwanted behavior in mares through long-term estrus suppression
Description: Mares will be given an oxytocin-analog during diestrus early in the breeding season and monitored for ovarian activity by “teasing” to a fertile stallion, hormonal assays and regular ultrasound exams to determine the interestrus interval.
Funding: Various
Students: 1
Students will work together and participate in all 3 studies, but be expected to take a leading role on one study.
Faculty: Anthony Blikslager
Project 1: Role of alternative NSAIDs in repair of acid-injured stomach in dogs
Description: Our laboratory focuses on mechanisms whereby gastrointestinal mucosa repairs following injury. This includes gastric injury in dogs, ischemic injury in horses, and injury in intestinal epithelial cell culture. The principal pathways we are studying are those involving prostaglandins and prostones. Both of these groups stimulate repair, and blocking prostaglandin production with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) delay repair. Because of this, the study of NSAIDs has become an additional focus of the laboratory.
Funding: Application underway to Morris Animal Foundation
Project 2: Study of intestinal epithelial repair following hypoxia/ reoxgenation in cultured epithelial cells
Description: We have previously shown that non-selective NSAIDs such as flunixin inhibit prostaglandin projection in the equine intestine, which results in reduce repair following ischemic injury. We are currently developing an in vitro model of hypoxia/ reoxgenation will be used to simulate ischemic injury, followed by assessment of recovery in the presence of NSAID’s. Experimental methods of experience include in vitro cell culture, study of hypoxia, microscopic evaluation of cells, prostanoid and COX expression studies.
Funding: Novartis, Merial (research grant), and Morris Animal Foundation
Students: 1 for each project
Faculty: Ed Breitschwerdt/Ricardo Maggi
Project: Molecular Identification of Mycoplasma infection in dogs infected with various Bartonella species
Description: The Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory has isolated several different Bartonella species from the blood of sick dogs. Similar to Bartonella spp. Mycoplasma species are also intravascular bacterial organisms that are more likely to induce a hemolytic anemia in association with co-infection or concurrent immunosuppressive diseases, such as cancer. Of additional importance, feline, procine and ovine Mycoplasma species have recently been identified as zoonotic pathogens. The study will use molecular techniques to define any potential associations between Bartonella and Mycoplasma infection in dogs.
Funding: Various sources
Students: 1
Faculty: Jennifer L. Davis
Project: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of quinapril in horses.
Description: This project will involve administration of IV and oral quinapril to adult horses and sample
Collection for measurement of plasma concentrations of quinapril and its active metabolite
(quinaprilat), as well as measurement of angiotensin converting enzyme and rennin
concentrations following administration. Students may also have the opportunity to be involved
In sample analysis using high pressure liquid chromatography.
Funding: Various
Students: 1-2
Faculty: David Dorman/Barbara Sherman
Project: Olfaction/behavioral responses in military working doges
Description: The project will evaluate olfactory abilities and behavioral responses in Labrador Retrievers that are used to detect improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Canine performance is assessed using behavioral tests and physiological changes (e.g., alterations in heart rate, breathing rate) using telemetry. This project will also examine responses of dogs to a sound stressor. Students participating in the project will contribute to dog training and testing, sample collection (blood and/or saliva), data analysis including evaluation of telemetry and videography data and conduct of field studies a NC facility that trains dogs for the U.S. Marine Corps. Students with an interest in animal behavior or military veterinary medicine are especially encourages to apply.
Funding: Office of Naval Research
Students: 1-2
Faculty: Keven Flammer
Project: Pharmacology of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs in companion psittacine and wild birds.
Description: The disposition and potential side effects of drugs will be investigated after dosing birds by various routes. We are currently working on long acting injectable drug formulations and delivery of drugs orally and potentially via medicated food or water. The goal is to establish safe and effective dosage regimens that cause the least amount of stress to the birds. The project will provide experience in assessing drug pharmacology and pharmacokinetics; avian restraint, examination and laboratory sample collection; and assessment of bird behavior and health. Project availability is tentative but should be confirmed by early 2012.
Funding: Private donors, foundations, industry
Students: 1-2
Faculty: Callie Fogle/Anthony Blikslager
Project: This is a clinical trial investigating the COX selectivity of various NSAIDs used to treat surgical pain in horses
Description: Blood biochemistry and hematology will also be used to look for changes indicative of clinical or subclinical NSAID toxicity. The signalment, presenting complaint, surgical procedure, and details of post-operative care and NSAID treatment for each horse will be analyzed to determine the incidence of and risk factors for renal and gastrointestinal toxicosis following NSAID administration. The student will be involved in collection of samples and data, and in performing the assays to determine the level of activity of COX-1 and COX-2 in whole blood.
Funding: Startup funds, AQHA and Grayson applications submitted
Students: 1
Faculty John Gadsby
Project: Role of macrophage derived tumor necrosis factor-a in regulating porcine corpus luteum function.
Description: Students will join in ongoing studies utilizing an in vitro cell culture model to examine the role of TNF-a on the acquisition of corpus luteum sensitivity to prostaglandin F2a, which has implications for the development for new drug treatment regimens for estrus synchronization in female swine. Students will gain experience in cell isolation, culture, hormone/cytokine/prostaglandin analysis by EIA or RIA, RNA and protein analysis, and in working with animals (handling, injections, surgery and post-surgical monitoring)
Funding: Unknown
Students: 1-2
Faculty: Brian Gilger
Project: Adequate drug delivery to the eye in the treatment of ocular diseases
Description: The objective of this study is to evaluate different methods of drug delivery to the eye, including suprachoroidal drug delivery and delivery from the intraocular lenses. Imaging techniques (MRI, endoscopy), photography and pharmacology will be dusted to determine if drug penetrate into the eye.
Funding: Morris Animal Foundation, industry, pharmaceutical
Students: 1
Faculty Troy Ghashghaei
Project: Development of treatment strategies in the models of chronic seizures and aggressive behavior
Description: Dr. Ghashghaei’s lab is actively developing novel stem cell-based and molecular approaches to treat various neurobiological conditions with potential application and impact in veterinary neurology. Current efforts are directed towards treatment of seizures and affective aggression. Mouse genetics is utilized in developing the models and cutting edge technologies are employed in developing treatment strategies.
Funding: NIH, American Federation for Aging Research
Students: 1-2
Faculty: Marlene Hauck
Project: Analysis of gene and protein changes following radiation and hyperthermia
Description: This project will evaluate changes induced in canine soft tissue sarcomas from an ongoing clinical trial at the genet and protein level. This person will work closely with a graduate student evaluating the effects of radiation/hyperthermia on the expression of genes and proteins that are proposed markers for changes in oxygenation status. Technique may include, but are limited too, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, PCR primer design, RNA extraction and cell culture.
Funding: Internal
Students: 1
Faculty: Sam Jones
Project: Investigation of neutrophil function during inflammation
Description: Neutrophils are key effector cells during inflammation. In spite of their essential role in host defense, they also produce tissue damage that can worsen disease. We are investigating the mechanism of neutrophil migration seeking new targets for anti-inflammatory therapy using cellular function assays, protein biochemistry (electrophoresis, western blotting), molecular biology (real time PCR).
Funding: Morris Animal Foundation, Canine Health Foundaton
Students: 1
Faculty: Sophia Kathariou
Project: Genetic and genomic studies with foodborne bacterial pathogens, especially Campylobacter and Listeria. Focus areas include molecular epidemiology (mostly through DNA-based subtyping tools and analysis of pathogen population structure); resistance to antimicrobials, disinfectants and heavy metals, pathogenesis; host adaptations and genomic basis thereof.
Funding: Unknown
Students: 1-2
Faculty: Duncan Lascelles
Projects: A variety of projects will be offered, depending on the research needs and ongoing projects in the laboratory. They all revolve around assessment of pain, or pain relieving methods and the neurobiology of pain in cats and dogs
1. Evaluation of the validity of an owner assessment form for the measurement of feline musculoskeletal pain
2. Thermal (hot and cold) and mechanical threshold testing in dogs as a measure of allodynia / hypersensitivity. This work will include gait analysis and evaluation.
3. Neurobiology of chronic pain – evaluation of changes in central nervous system tissues as a result of chronic pain
4. Evaluation of factors affecting normal activity in cats as measured using accelerometry
Description: Depending on the project chosen by the student, they will be exposed to a variety of techniques, and be directly mentored by members of the lab. Students will be exposed to and taught: appropriate bench-top techniques; clinical lameness evaluation; statistical evaluation of data; radiographic interpretation; use of pressure sensitive systems to record limb use; data collection management; presentation and writing skills. Students will be involved with tissue collection from cadavers, client owned dogs, and / or research animals.
Funding: Pharmaceutical Companies; Morris Animal Foundation; Donations
Students: 1-2
Faculty: David Ley
Project: Genotyping Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG)
Description: Genotyping MG by various methods is evaluated using reference and vaccine strains, and isolates from house finches with conjunctivitis. Genotyping methods may include random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), multi-locus and single-locus sequence typing (MLST and SLST) with a goal of optimizing cost/time efficiency and discriminatory power. Genotyping method(s) will be used to study the molecular epidemiology of the disease (house finch conjunctivitis) and molecular evolution of the pathogen (MG). This will be a laboratory-based experience and will not involve field work.
Funding: Cornell University and University of Connecticut NSF grants subcontracts
Students: 1
Faculty: Denis Marcellin-Little
Project 1: Validation of goniometry in the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) and the Cockatiel (Nymphyicus hollandicus)
Description: This study seeks to establish reference values for flexion and extension of wing joints in pigeons and cockatiels. The study will measure the wing joints both from physical examination and radiographs to determine the validity (accuracy, using radiography as gold standard, intraobserver repeatability, and interobserver repeatability) of goniometry in birds. We anticipate that the differences between goniometric and radiographic measurements will be small and clinically insignificant. We anticipate that there will be differences between the two species tested.
Funding: Orthopedic Research Lab
Students: 1
Project 2: Validation of a field cooling pad for military working dogs
Description: This study will assess the effectiveness of a cooling pad that is intended for use in military working dogs working in hot conditions. Conditioned military working dogs will be enrolled in the project. The dogs’ response to the mats will be assessed. Positive and negative control methods will be used.
Funding: US Army
Students: 1
Faculty: Chris Mariani
Project 1: Brain tumors and the central nervous system immune response.
Description: This project focuses on characterization of the immune response to brain tumors, both experimental neoplasms, as well as spontaneous tumors occurring in small animal veterinary patients. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop effective immunologic therapies for these tumors, as the current standard of care (surgery, radiation therapy +/- chemotherapy) remains inadequate. Experimental techniques utilized may include histology and immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, protein analysis (e.g., Western blot, ELISA), and nucleic acid analysis (e.g., northern blot, RT-PCR, in situ hybridization).
Funding: Startup funds, CVM Grant Research Award.
Students: 1
Project 2: Invasive properties of canine meningiomas.
Description: Meningiomas are the most common brain tumor in dogs. However, in contrast to human meningiomas, canine meningiomas often have poorly defined margins, and invade adjacent brain tissue. This complicates definitive treatment, as surgical therapy alone is usually unsuccessful. This purpose of this project is to investigate the invasive nature of these tumors through a variety of methods, which may include histology and immunohistochemistry, western blotting, gelatin and casein zymography, and ELISA.
Funding: Startup funds, ACVIM Foundation Funding.
Students: 1
Project 3: Characterization of the immune response in meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology.
Description: Meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology is a common problem in dogs, and encompasses such entities as granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME), steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) and necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) of pugs, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers and other breeds. This project looks to characterize the immune response in these diseases, including cellular infiltrates and cytokine levels. Identification of a genetic basis or predisposition for these conditions is also of interest. Techniques utilized may include flow cytometry, histology and immunohistochemistry, cytokine analysis by measuring RNA or protein levels, and genotyping of affected animals.