Progress 07/01/24 to 06/30/25
Outputs
Target Audience:The students disseminated their research results to fellow scientists, fish producers and the public through various meetings including professional conferences (local, state and national level) and industryworkshops. They also reached youth through our Aquatic Sciences Day program at UAPB targeted toward high school students. Changes/Problems:I will request a no-cost extension of time for this project through June 2026. Though both students are progressing nicely, some aspects of their projects are takingmore time to complete than anticipated. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Vazquez - BD Accuri C6 Plus Flow Cytometer Training Vasquez won 2different competitiveawards (2024 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Fishery Management scholarship, and USAS conference travel award). Reed - President of the UAPB Aquaculture/Fisheries Club (US Aquaculture Society rep) Both students attended multiple conferences to present their work during this period. They also participated in local community service activities and professional association activities (volunteer to assist with on-site logistics at national conferences). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Both students have presented their research results locally, and at regional and national conferences. The communications group at UAPB prepares excerpts of student research for popular audiences that are distributed through social media. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The students will continue to progress toward completion of their research projects and fulfill the program requirements for their PhD program. Additional presentations and publications are expected as they approach the end of their programs.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The two PhD students recruited for this project have continued to make good progress on their original research projects. Student 1 (Sam Vasquez): Project -The Development of Triploidy Induction Methods for Hybrid Striped Bass Production in Commercial Aquaculture. Technical progress - We adjusted the pressure shocks by lowering the pressure to 5000psi and lengthening the shock duration to five and six minutes. We also reduced the post fertilization time to 2 minutes, for the 7000 and 8000 psi treatments with a pressure shock duration of 1.5 minutes.We did shocks at the specified times post-fertilization (3 and 4 min) at exposure times (cold = 10 and 15 min; warm = 2 and 3 min) at the specified temperatures (cold = 2°C and 4°C; warm = 36°C and 38°C). Student 2 (Sonya Reed): Project - Functionalizing chitosan nanoparticles against A. hydrophila in catfish, a potential antibiotic alternative. There is a need to identify effective therapeutants other than antiobiotics to treat bacterial fish diseases.Aeromonas hydrophila causes Motile Aeromonas Septicemia (MAS) in fish, leading to significant global economic losses. Ineffective vaccines and rising antibiotic resistance necessitates alternative treatments. Plants contain bioactive compounds like phenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which offer antioxidative, antifungal, bactericidal, and bacteriostatic properties. Our prior research showed clove (Syzygium aromaticum) extracts have significant bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects against A. hydrophila without harming channel catfish ovary cells (CCO). Eugenol, the main component of clove extract, showed strong antimicrobial activity, but its volatility limits practical use. Our approach involves the functionalization of chitosan-TPP Eugenol nanoparticles (CS-TPP-E-NPs) to deliver eugenol for treating A. hydrophila in catfish. Chitosan, a natural polymer, is non-cytotoxic, immunostimulant, antimicrobial, and biodegradable. We have synthesized CS-TPP-E-NPs and currently performing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to verify and quantify the CS-TPP-E-NPs. Our Initial FTIR results have confirmed the functionalization and SEM the quality of CS-TPP-E-NPs synthesized. Collectively, these students haveworked extensively with industry partners, academic professionals and government employees to accomplish their research and professional development goals focused onimproving the US aquaculture industry.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Garc�a-V�zquez, S., Straus, D. L. and Perera, D. A. Project. 2024. The Development of Triploidy induction Methods for Hybrid Striped Bass Production in Commercial Aquaculture. American Fisheries Society 2024 Annual Meeting Honolulu, Hawaii
Sep 19, 2024. Abstract.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Garc�a-V�zquez, S., Straus, D. L. and Perera, D. A. Project. 2024. The Development of Triploidy induction Methods for Hybrid Striped Bass Production in Commercial Aquaculture. Professional Agriculture Workers Conferences 2024 - Montgomery, Alabama, Nov 17, 2024. Abstract.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Garc�a-V�zquez, S., Straus, D. L. and Perera, D. A. Project. The Development of Triploidy induction Methods for Hybrid Striped Bass Production in Commercial Aquaculture. Southern Division of American Fisheries Society 2025 - Asheville, North Carolina, Feb. 20, 2025. Abstract.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Garc�a-V�zquez, S., Straus, D. L. and Perera, D. A. Project. The Development of Triploidy induction Methods for Hybrid Striped Bass Production in Commercial Aquaculture. Aquaculture America 2025 - World Aquaculture Society Annual Meeting New Orleans, Louisiana March 9, 2025. Abstract.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Reed, S., Z. McGowan, A. Chaudhary, Q. Jiang, and G. Ramena. 2024. Functionalizing Chitosan Nanoparticles against A. hydrophila in catfish, a Potential Antibiotic Alternative. 1890 Association of Research Directors -Research Symposium, April 6-9, 2024, Nashville, TN. Abstract.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Reed, S., Z. McGowan, A. Chaudhary, Q. Jiang, and G. Ramena. 2024. Functionalizing Chitosan Nanoparticles against A. hydrophila in catfish, a Potential Antibiotic Alternative. The 10th Annual Conference of the Arkansas Bioinformatics Consortium (AR-BIC), Feb. 26-27, Little Rock, AR. Abstract.
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Progress 07/01/23 to 06/30/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences included other students, research scientists, extension agents, and fish producers. Changes/Problems:It was necessary to obtain a second change in scope of the project to allow recruitment of MS students only. This was done because there is no longer time to support a new PhD student through a full course of study (3 years). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Sam Garcia participated in a workshopto learn R Syntax (statistical analysis) and applications for data analysis, isualization and dissemination (Aquaculture America meeting, 2024). He was also trained (by the manufacturer) to use the BD Accuri C-6 Plus Flow Cytometer in 2024. Sam was also trained on-farm (Keo Fish Farm, Keo Arkansas) to use instruments to apply pressureto induce triploidy in HSB eggs. Sonya Reed (who has a computer science background) was trained in conventional fish health lab techniques, and is learning to interpret data generated from Fouriee Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy to verify and quantify the CS-tPP-E-NPs. She and her Professor are collaboratingwith colleagues in biomedical sciences at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Both students have made two poster presentations each on their work at professional association meetings (see details under products). They published abstracts in association with those meetings. Sonya also defended her dissertation proposal in 2024. Sam was selected as a Fellow to participate in the 77th Annual Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agency Conference - Minorities in Natural Resources Conservation (Based on 2023 abstract, not reported previously). Sam also won a 2024 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Fishery Management Scholarship ($2500) based on a written description of his work. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Sam will begin the evaluation of electrical shocks as a method of inducing triploidy in the next period. He will also complete and defend his dissertation proposal. Now that the composition and integrity of the chitosan nanoparticles have been confirmed, Sonya will begin testing the nanoparticles for efficacy against a catfish pathogen (A. hydrophila). Both students will continue to take coursework according to their programs of study, and to attend meetings and make presentations based on their research.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Two PhD students (one hispanc and one African-American) were recruited for the project and are actively engaged in their coursework, training, and research. The scope of the project was revised to allow recruitment of an MS student to fill the remaining slot. Recruiting is still underway for that position. One student - Sam Garcia - is actively engaged in his dissertation work entitled: The development of triploidy induction methods for hybrid striped bass production in commerical aquaculture. He is working with an industry partner (Keo fish farm) and conducting much of his work on farm.Objective: To develop a methodology for triploid hybrid striped bass production that would maximize the embryos' survival and percentage triploidy. Goal:This project aims to evaluate three triploidy induction methods that have been used successfully with other commercial aquaculture species to determine an optimum methodology for triploid production in the sunshine bass. The three methodologies include thermal shock, hydrostatic pressure shock, and electrical shock. Hydrostatic pressure shocks (different pressures for different durations) were tested in years 1 and 2 in combination with different temperatures. Better survival was obtained at 5000 psi for 5-6 minues. The second student - Sonya Reed - was recruited last year and began her coursework and dissertation work. Her project is titled: Functionalizing chitosan nanoparticales against A. hydrophila in catfish, a potential antibiotic alternative. Summary of results so far: Aeromonas hydrophila causes Motile Aeromonas Septicemia (MAS) in fish, leading to significant global economic losses. Ineffective vaccines and rising antibiotic resistance necessitates alternative treatments. Plants contain bioactive compounds like phenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which offer antioxidative, antifungal, bactericidal, and bacteriostatic properties. Our prior research showed clove (Syzygium aromaticum) extracts have significant bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects against A. hydrophila without harming channel catfish ovary cells (CCO). Eugenol, the main component of clove extract, showed strong antimicrobial activity, but its volatility limits practical use. Our approach involves the functionalization of chitosan eugenol nanoparticles(CS0TPP-E-NPs)to deliver eugenol for treating A. hydrophila in catfish. Chitosan, a natural polymer, is non-cytotoxic, immunostimulant, antimicrobial, and biodegradable. We have synthesized CS-TPP-E-NPs and currently performing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to verify and quantify the CS-TPP-E-NPs. Our Initial FTIR results have confirmed the functionalization and SEM the quality of CS-TPP-E-NPs synthesized.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Garc�a-V�zquez, Samuel., Bhattarai, S., Perera, D. A. and Straus, D. L. 2024. The development of triploidy induction methods for hybrid striped bass production in commercial aquaculture. American Fisheries Society, Southern Division meeting, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Jan. 31-Feb. 4. (Abstract, poster presentation)
Garc�a-V�zquez, Samuel, Bhattarai, S., Perera, D. A. and Straus, D. L. 2024. The development of triploidy induction methods for hybrid striped bass production in commercial aquaculture. Aquaculture America, San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 19-21. (Abstract published online, www.was.org, poster presentation).
Reed, Sonya, and G. Ramena. 2024. Functionalizing chitosan nanoparticles against Aeromonas hydrophila in catfish, a potential antibiotic alternative. Association of Research Directors meeting, Nashville, Tennessee, April 6-9. (Abstract published in conference book of abstracts, poster presentation).
Reed, Sonya, and G. Ramena. 2024. Functionalizing chitosan nanoparticles against Aeromonas hydrophila in catfish, a potential antibiotic alternative. Arkansas Bioinformatics Consortium (AR-BIC), North Little Rock, Arkanasas, Feb. 26, 27. (Abstract published in conference program, poster presentation).
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Progress 07/01/22 to 06/30/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Sam Garcia Vazquez (PhD student) and his major Professor haveinteracted with fish producers and faculty at a federal agency (Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center) to set up his research project. He is currently collecting and processing data collected on-farm at UAPB and SNARC. Changes/Problems:Due to the difficulty in recruiting 3 PhD students, we requested and received a change in scope of the project to allow us to recruit 3 MS students to carry out remaining project objectives. The budget was modified accordingly. We received approval for this change in scope and are proceeding to recruit the MS students. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As reported in the previous section, the PhD student is learning how to use lab instrumentation needed to carry out his research project. He is working closely with a commercial fish producer and a USDA/ARS scientist, in addition to hisUAPB Professor. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The PhD student will continue to develop his research proposal, take classes, and engage in meetings and other professional development activities. We anticipate that the new MS students will be recruited by Fall, 2023. Those students will be engaged in the range of research and professional development activities described in the original proposal, but appropriate for the MS level.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
One PhD student (Sam Vazquez) was recruited and is gathering baseline data to support his project on developing triploid hybrid striped bass. The student is working with a fish producer and a scientist at a Federal lab, in addition to his major Professor at UAPB (Perera). The student is receiving training on use of analytical instrumentation needed to do his project. Since we were only able to recruit 1 PhD student for the project during the recruitment period, I requested a change in scope to allow us to recruit under-represented MS students instead. We are in the process of advertizing 3 new MS fellowships to carry out other project objectives.
Publications
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Progress 07/01/21 to 06/30/22
Outputs
Target Audience:During this period we focused on recruiting students who could meet all of the requirements for the 3 PhD Fellowships. We targeted Universities, professional association websites, and social media sites. Changes/Problems:Despite advertizing these fellowship opportunities broadly and frequently, we have not been able to recruit students who can meet all requirements (GPA and test scores to meet regular admission requirements for our PhD program, US citizen, under-represented group in our field, and MS degree in a science field). Recently, I submitted a request for a change in scope of the project to allow us to recruit qualified students for our MS program(if we could not find qualified PhD applicants). We were asked to continue to target PhD applicants through the end of this calendar year (Dec. 31, 2022). We are continuing to do that. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will continue to distribute our Flyer about the NNF PhD Fellowships through multiple outlets, and personally reach out to contacts who can assist us in identifying qualifed applicants for these fellowships.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This period we focused entirely on Objective #1 - recruiting qualified students for the 3 PhD Fellowships. Currently, we have two prospects who are in the process of completing their applications. They are most likely to enter in Spring 2023 since the Fall semester begins shortly.
Publications
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