Conflict Analysis on Everybody Loves Raymond
Alyssa Fernandez
Faculty Mentor: Michael D. Reiter, Ph.D.

Interpersonal conflicts are part of everyday life and can be seen from minor disagreements with friends, families, spouses, and others to major disputes, which may be deciding factors for the future of certain relationships. An interpersonal conflict is a struggle between two people because they have conflicting goals or needs or because of some misunderstanding (Beebe, Beebe, and Redmond, 2005). People experience conflicts or disagreements because their needs, such as the need for power, belonging, and freedom, are not the same; there are not enough resources to meet each individual’s goals; or they become too competitive and the goals are no longer the primary issue (Cupach & Canary, 1997).

Streptococcus pyogenes: A versatile human pathogen
Maria E. Cevallos
Faculty Mentor: Jason Rosenzweig, Ph.D.

Streptococcus pyogenes is one of the most medically relevant genera of Gram positive bacteria. S. pyogenes belongs to Group A streptococcus (GAS), the most pathogenic streptococci. S. pyogenes is exclusively a human pathogen that is known for its ability to cause a wide array of infections ranging from superficial pharyngitis and impetigo to invasive life threatening conditions including septicemia, necrotizing fasciitis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The dissemination of S. pyogenes within a human host is dependent upon virulence factors aimed at host immune system evasion leading to infection. More specifically, S. pyogenes’ virulence factors are required for bacterial dissemination, adherence, colonization and host-cell entry. Other virulence factors enable the evasion of phagocytosis, and survival within the phagocyte. The plethora of virulence factors explains the variety of S. pyogenes infections and its recent epidemiological resurgence world-wide. Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of S. pyogenes pathogenesis is crucial in helping scientists develop new therapies for this human health threat. In the following review, the most potent virulence and virulence-associated factors of S. pyogenes will be discussed along with their mechanisms of action.

Yersiniae Virulence Factors: Type III Secretion System
Jessica Blanco
Faculty Mentor: Jason Rosenzweig, Ph.D.

Several Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria have evolved a complex protein secretion system termed the Type Three Secretion System (TTSS) to deliver bacterial effector proteins into host-cells that then modulate host-cellular functions. These bacterial devices are evolutionarily related to the flagellar apparatus. Although the TTSSs are substantially conserved among different species, the effector molecules they deliver are species-unique. There exist three human pathogenic Yersiniae. Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis cause self-limiting gastro-enteric diseases and infect mesenteric lymph nodes, while Yersinia pestis is transmitted by fleas and can be aerosolized, causing the lethal disease known as plague (also known as Black Death). The TTSS is composed of over 20 proteins making up the injectisome (inserted directly into the host-cell), in addition to translocator, regulator, and modulator proteins, as well as chaperones for several effector proteins. Today, plague is still a health concern due to the ability of Y. pestis to be aerosolized. No effective vaccines are currently available to the public. However, research is being implemented to create a vaccine that can be widely used. The purpose of this paper is to update the state of the Yersiniae TTSSs by providing a review of recently published primary articles.