Effect of UVB Radiation and Different Temperatures on Growth in 500 Day Old Malayan Box Turtles (Cuora amboinensis)
We compared growth in hatchling Malayan box turtles raised with or without UVB light. UVB radiation allows the formation of vitamin D3 by the skin. Vitamin D3 can also be gained through the diet. The turtles in this study were fed Reptomin pellets which contain vitamin D3. We wanted to know if the UVB radiation was necessary for the successful rearing of Malayan box turtles when they were consuming a diet rich in Vitamin D3. Sixteen hatchlings were exposed to UVB radiation from 5.0 Reptisun lights with a minimum level of 20 mW/cm2 for 12 hours per day for about 500 days. Another 16 turtles had the same UVB lights, but with a protective UVB sleeve that reduced the UVB output to 0. No significant differences were observed in carapace length, plastron length, width, height, weight, or density (weight/scl) (p>0.05). All turtles had firm solid shells. Turtles were housed on four vertically stacked shelving units. Each shelf housed turtles from both study groups. The higher shelves were warmer and had larger, hungrier turtles than the lower shelves. There were no significant differences between adjacent shelves, however the top shelf (1) and the next lowest (2) had significantly longer (CL), heavier, or wider (just tank 1 vs 4) turtles than the lowest shelf (4). The presence or absence of UVB radiation in this study had no effect on growth rates, while warmer temperatures caused an increase in growth rates and abnormal curling of the carapace.
Dept of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV
P154 • Rachel L. Davis, Richard M. Austin
The Effect of Exercise on the Hydration Status of American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus)
Dehydration as a consequence of exercise can be a contributing factor to desiccation. Dehydration in anurans can lead to impairment of oxygen transport, necessary increased reliance on glycolysis, and diminished performance of both cardiac and skeletal muscle. We examined the relationship between exercise and water loss in American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus). We compared two treatments in mean water loss, a control group, in which subjects were restrained from exercise, and an experimental group, in which subjects were forcefully exercised. We weighed each specimen before and after each trial, which lasted 15 min, and interpreted weight loss during each trial as water loss. We then tested for differences in weight loss with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), setting initial weight as the covariate. The results indicated no significant difference in water loss between exercised and non-exercised toads. This may be a result of the desiccation-resistant integument characteristic of toads.
Dept of Biology, Piedmont College, Demorest, GA
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P155 • Ashley M. Bondurant
A Demographic Analysis of Student Carriers of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus In a College Community
Staphylococcus aureus is considered part of the normal flora of the human body in most individuals, but if left untreated it can cause serious health problems like pneumonia and endocarditis, making it the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infection. Over-prescription of antibiotics, specifically beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin and cephalosporins, has led to antibiotic resistant strains, one of which is methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA and Staphylococcus aureus are transmitted through hand-to-hand contact and contact with a contaminated surface. In this study, I have examined the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA on the High Point University campus by analyzing data collected from previous MRSA research teams and adding to the sample size using their same method by swabbing nasal passages of students. Over 600 samples were collected and grown on Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) plates, a selective and differential media that differentiates Staphylococcus species. Positive samples were isolated and grown on MSA plates, and using the Kirby Bauer method they were exposed to oxacillin discs (1 μm) and were defined as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant. Once all samples were collected, data was then compiled analyzing the demographics at High Point University based on the total student population size, gender and ethnic ratios, and affiliation with sports teams, clubs or Greek life. Future directions will be to monitor the trends of MRSA and Staphylococcus aureus infections on campus using statistical methods to determine if there were any trends associated with individuals who tested positive as carriers for MRSA.
Biology Dept, High Point University, High Point, NC
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P156 • Katherine A. Rigby1, Victoria J. Frost2
Antimicrobial Properties of Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) on Selected Bacteria Strains
Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L., Scrophulariaceae) has been used by the Catawba Indians to treat illnesses such as, bronchitis, asthma, dry coughs, and other pulmonary issues. Earaches and inflamed skin conditions can be treated with an infusion of commercially available oil and mullein flower extract. There have been a number of reviews describing the use of plant extracts for medicinal purposes and some amount of published scientific data to verify the antimicrobial properties of this particular species of plant. The objective of this study was to further examine the possible antimicrobial activity of mullein leaf, flower, and stem extracts on five selected bacteria strains, including those in the genus Mycobacterium, using the disc diffusion method. The leaf extract was obtained by decoction and rotary evaporation while the flowers and stems were saturated in mineral, corn, and olive oils before being tested against the bacteria. Experiments were done in triplicate and zones of inhibition were measured and compared to antibiotic controls. Initial results have demonstrated that the flower extract obtained by olive and corn oil saturation has some inhibitory effects against bacterial growth. The leaf extract was effective against Mycobacterium smegmatis and Staphylococcus aureus. Further analysis aims to identify if these results are statistically significant and may give further explanation as to why this plant has been traditionally used to treat lung and skin conditions.
1 Dept of Biology, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC; 2 Dept of Biology, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC
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P157 • Alec L. Perry, Dinene L. Crater
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