10/06/2011
SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
CVM FACULTY MENTOR PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS-Summer of 2012
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Kevin Anderson
Molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in cattle and small ruminants
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.
Animal Health and/or Dairy Foundation funding
1-2
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C. Scott Bailey
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Using placenta from 34 day equine embryos to model placental inflammation and identify
effective treatment.
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.
Start-Up; Grayson Jockey Club
1
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Characterizing the effect of oral probiotic therapy on vaginal flora in intact and castrated female
dogs.
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.
Various
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The use of carbetocin for control of unwanted behavior in mares through long-term estrus
suppression
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.
Various
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Students will work together and participate in all 3 studies, but be expected to take a leading role on one study.
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Anthony Blikslager
Role of alternative NSAIDs in repair of acid-injured stomach in dogs
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
10/06/2011
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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.
Application underway to Morris Animal Foundation
Study of intestinal epithelial repair following hypoxia/ reoxgenation in cultured epithelial cells
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.
Novartis, Merial (research grant), and Morris Animal Foundation
1 for each project
Ed Breitschwerdt/Ricardo Maggi
Molecular Identification of Mycoplasma infection in dogs infected with various Bartonella
species
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.
Various sources
1
Jennifer L. Davis
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of quinapril in horses.
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.
Various
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David Dorman/Barbara Sherman
Olfaction/behavioral responses in military working doges
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.
Office of Naval Research
10/06/2011
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Keven Flammer
Pharmacology of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs in companion psittacine and wild
birds.
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.
Private donors, foundations, industry
1-2
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Callie Fogle/Anthony Blikslager
This is a clinical trial investigating the COX selectivity of various NSAIDs used to treat surgical
pain in horses
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.
Startup funds, AQHA and Grayson applications submitted
1
John Gadsby
Role of macrophage derived tumor necrosis factor-a in regulating porcine corpus luteum
function.
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)
Unknown
1-2
Brian Gilger
Adequate drug delivery to the eye in the treatment of ocular diseases
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.
Morris Animal Foundation, industry, pharmaceutical
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10/06/2011
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Troy Ghashghaei
Development of treatment strategies in the models of chronic seizures and aggressive behavior
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.
NIH, American Federation for Aging Research
1-2
Marlene Hauck
Analysis of gene and protein changes following radiation and hyperthermia
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.
Internal
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Sam Jones
Investigation of neutrophil function during inflammation
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).
Morris Animal Foundation, Canine Health Foundaton
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Sophia Kathariou
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.
Unknown
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Duncan Lascelles
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
10/06/2011
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
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David Ley
Genotyping Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG)
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.
Cornell University and University of Connecticut NSF grants subcontracts
1
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Denis Marcellin-Little
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.
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Orthopedic Research Lab
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Validation of a field cooling pad for military working dogs
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.
US Army
1
10/06/2011
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Chris Mariani
Brain tumors and the central nervous system immune response.
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).
Startup funds, CVM Grant Research Award.
1
Invasive properties of canine meningiomas.
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.
Startup funds, ACVIM Foundation Funding.
1
Characterization of the immune response in meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology.
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.
Startup funds.
1
Mike Martin
Pathogenesis study for Enterococcal Vertebral Osteoarthritis.
A new worldwide disease affecting broiler breeders has been identified within the last 3 years
cause spinal abscesses to develop in primarily male chickens. These abscesses can cause up to
35% morbidity and up to 15% mortality within the affected flock. An in house research study is
being performed to recreate the disease as well as field investigations of regional outbreaks.
US Poultry and Egg Association and NC Breeder and Hatchery Association
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Adam Moeser
Role of mast cells in the regulation of intestinal epithelial barrier function during stress
It has long-been known that gastrointestinal diseases in veterinary species and humans and
profoundly influenced by stress; however, the precise mechanism remains poorly understood.
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The long-term research goals of this laboratory are to investigate the basic mechanisms by which
psychological stressors influence intestinal function and disease susceptibility. To date, our
work has focused on the role of intestinal mast cell in the regulation of the intestinal epithelial
barrier dysfunction triggered by psychological stress. Elucidationof the pathways linking central
stress responses and intestinal diseases will have important implications to understanding stressrelated intestinal disorders in veterinary and human patients. Such disorders include
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and infectious diarrhea.
My laboratory utilizes a variety of models spanning from in vitro cell culture to in vivo animal
models using mice and pigs.
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National Institutes of Health (NIH)
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Nancy Monteiro-Riviere
Developing alternative animal models for cats and dogs
Our laboratory is developing innovative in silico and in vitro methods to assess safety of novel
pet food ingredients for dogs and cats. Studies will develop and assess the utility of using target
organ cell cultures in cats and dogs to assess potential toxicity of novel dietary components. In
addition to canine and feline cell culture lines, rodent and human cells will also be utilized to
bridge the pet data to the existing human epidemiological and rodent toxicology data. Data will
provide an overall in silico and in vitro models for safety screening of novel raw materials and
ingredients.
Private Industry
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Paul Mozdziak
Participate in a trial, using the hen as a model organism, of an agent to prevent ovarian cancer.
Responsibilities would be to monitor flock health, identify moribund birds, necropsy birds,
sample collection, and potentially sample analysis. Note that the position would require travel (in
a university vehicle) to the Piedmont Research Station.
Unknown
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Natasha Olby
Identifying prognostic indicators for dogs with encephalitis
Looking for prognostic indicators for dog suffering from encephalitis. The study hypothesis is
the brain stem swelling on MRI predicts a poor outcome. In order to examine this problem, the
student will use a morphometric index of brainstem size to correlate brainstem swelling with
outcome. It will involve measurements on MRIs, reviewing medical records and making contact
with owners to determine outcomes.
Unknown
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Stepping sequence of dogs with disc herniations
Looking at the recovery of a normal stepping sequence in dogs following acute disc herniations.
The project will involve analysis of videotape data all ready collected in addition to helping with
ongoing collection of data.
10/06/2011
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Morris Animal Foundation
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Mark G. Papich
Influence of protein binding on drug disposition.
A series of medications will be administered, each with high plasma protein binding. Samples
will be collected in the animals to determine whether or not one drug is capable of displacing
another. Because only unbound dogs produce a pharmacologic effect, this study will determine
if such interactions increase the risk of an adverse effect.
Uncertain
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Jorge A. Piedrahita
Work on developing methods to culture and differentiate stem cells from different species into
specific tissue types.
Project will involve cell and tissue culture and molecular biology
American Kennel Club, NIH
1
Assist with generation and characterization of transgenic swine.
Project will involve reproductive technologies such as in vitro oocyte maturation, as well as
generation of transgenic cell lines vie electroporation. Techniques include cell and tissue culture,
swine ovary aspiration/oocyte maturation, and molecular biology.
NIH
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Lysa Posner
Neurosteroid Anesthetic in Bull-Frogs
Project will compare the use of alfaxalone (a neurosteroid anesthetic) in Bull-frogs administered
by both immersion and injection.
Internal
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Jim Riviere
Dermal absorption of topical medications
The focus of our research is to model the dermal absorption of topically applied compounds. We
are attempting to develop an understanding of how mixtures and formulations modify chemical
absorption and learn how this information can be applied across species ranging from pigs to
laboratory rodents, dogs, cows and humans.
Animal Health Companies, NIH, USDA
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Korinn Saker
Feline mammary gland organ culture system as a model for nutritional intervention studies.
Feline mammary tumors have been identified as appropriate models for human breast cancer
(HBC) studies based on similarities in hormone receptor – negative and metastatic
characteristics. Specific nutrients and functional foods may have been shown to hinder cancer
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cell proliferation and promote apotosis in human cell lines. The objective of this summer project
is continue investigations regarding nutritional intervention aspects of specific nutrient-enriched
foods against transformed cells utilizing the feline mammary gland organ culture system
Unknown
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Mitigating stress-related gastrointestinal and immune system in shelter dogs through nutritional
intervention strategies.
In general dogs housed in a shelter setting exhibit a high incidence of stress colitis. The diet and
feeding management of these dogs varies greatly across shelter settings. Poor nutrition and an
altered GI mucosal environment can lead to abnormal GI function. Additionally, plan of
nutrition and current health status can influence response to vaccination. Both of these aspects
will be evaluated in shelter dogs with the focus on identifying appropriate interventions to
optimize health.
Unknown
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Philip L. Sannes
Epithelial cell differentiation in the lung
Projects investigating how cells move on and react to connective tissue matrices. Techniques
include microscopy (immunohistochemistry), protein separation (electrophoresis), and molecular
biology (blotting, PCR)
NIH
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Geof Smith
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Elimination of hetacillin from the mammary gland following extended therapy in dairy cattle.
Hetacillin is an intramammary antibiotic approved for the treatment of mastitis in dairy cattle. It
is approved for administration once every 24 hours for a total of 3 days. However it is
commonly used in an extended manner (5-10 days at a time). This project will focus on how this
might potentially affect the milk withdrawal interval. Students will gain experience with dairy
cattle and also with laboratory analyses (ie HPLC, etc) and pharmacokinetics.
Boehringer Ingelheim
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Steven Suter
Genetic analysis of in canine B and T-cell lymphoma
Canine lymphoma is the most common tumor in dogs. Although treatable, this disease is
essentially incurable, with the vast majority of dogs succumbing to chemotherapy resistant
disease within 12-14 months after diagnosis. In order to develop more effective therapeutics
against canine lymphoma it is essential to understand the underlying molecular underpinnings of
this disease. The summer student in my lab will use a variety of molecular techniques to begin to
elucidate the gene expression abnormalities in canine lymphoid cell lines and cells isolated from
dogs with B and T cell lymphoma. The techniques employed will include PCR, QRT-PCR
(quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR), and western blot analysis. We will examine a number
of genes that have been implicated in human non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, since this and the dog
disease are biologically and phenotypically very similar.
Internal
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10/06/2011
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Sid Thakur
Molecular characterization of Antimicrobial Resistant Salmonella and Campylobacter.
The emergence and spread of multidrug resistant bacterial strains has become a major concern
among public health officials and the general public.
Bacterial pathogens become resistant to different antimicrobials through a number of
mechanisms, including enzymatic degradation of the antimicrobial, mutation in the antimicrobial
target site,
active efflux of the antimicrobial across the cell membrane, decrease in the cell wall permeability
to antimicrobials, and the development of alternate metabolic pathways to circumvent
antimicrobial interference.
Antimicrobial resistant Salmonella and Campylobacter are responsible for causing the highest
number of bacterial foodborne infections in humans.
Food animals have often been implicated in foodborne outbreaks. The student will focus on
characterizing and identifying the resistance causing mechanisms in these two important
pathogens isolated from
commercial and antimicrobial free pigs. The students will learn and utilize tools including PCR,
Pulsed field gel electrophoresis, Plasmid analysis, Sequencing to determine the antimicrobial
resistance causing mechanisms.
USDA
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Mary Tompkins/Jonathan Fogle
Immunology- FIV pathogenesis research
The summer student will learn basic flow cytometry staining techniques will examine alterations
in phenotype and function in T cells from FIV – infected cats. Other techniques utilized may
include PCR, western blotting and ELISA.
NIH, private
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Jeffrey A. Yoder
Innate immune responses in fish.
Multiple projects are available that focus on the forms, functions and regulation of cell surface
receptors involved in the innate immune response of fish to viral infection and cancer.
Techniques used include RNA/DNA/protein purification, PCR, gel electrophoresis, cell culture,
RNA in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, Western analyses, and/or transgenic zebrafish
NSF, NIH
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