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Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy In Cancer, Brian Stahl
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy In Cancer, Brian Stahl
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
The development of immune-checkpoint-inhibitors (ICIs) has led to promising advancements in the treatment of patients with cancers, leading with the use of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) as a negative regulator of T cell activation in the mid-1990s. With the discovery of two ligands for program cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and promising checkpoint blockades in 2010, this sparked a cascade of hallmark immunotherapy drug patents, focusing on the mechanism of anti PD-1 and anti PD-L1 antibody inhibitors. Since then, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) cells have emerged into the immuno-oncologic scene for treatment of hematological malignancies. These genetically …
A Review Of T1d: Prevalence, Current Therapies, And Cellular Therapies For The Future, Fahd Nazir
A Review Of T1d: Prevalence, Current Therapies, And Cellular Therapies For The Future, Fahd Nazir
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells and therefore, creating an insulin deficiency within the body. A deficiency of insulin within the body disrupts homeostatic glucose control leading to hyperglycemia and therefore, the need for exogenous insulin. Global incidence of T1D has been increasing for several decades and if current trajectory trends continue, incidence could double in the next year. In addition, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Current therapies for the treatment of T1D include insulin injections, insulin-pump therapy, pancreatic transplant, and …
Interrelationships Of Systemic Changes In Hepatic Encephalopathy, Els Reuvekamp
Interrelationships Of Systemic Changes In Hepatic Encephalopathy, Els Reuvekamp
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Hepatic encephalopathy is a temporary decline in mental function that is often associated with liver disease and/or portal-systemic disease. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) symptoms can range from minor cognitive declines to coma and are known to result from excess ammonia accumulations in the blood stream subsequent to liver failure. While HE is known to result from hepatobiliary disorder, many of the physiological process underlying its development and progression remain to be elucidated. Recent studies have identified neurological, metabolic, and microbiome changes implicated in the disease state of HE. In this review, the roles of traditional pharmaceutical interventions and newly developing understandings …
Review Of A Chimeric Hemagglutinin-Based Influenza Vaccine Approach, Whitney Muck
Review Of A Chimeric Hemagglutinin-Based Influenza Vaccine Approach, Whitney Muck
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Influenza virus has affected human populations for centuries, causing an acute respiratory effect on the body. Even with scientific advancements in vaccine research, there are still serious limitations to the influenza vaccine. Varying strains and the constant recombination of the influenza virus has caused annual influenza circulation to be difficult to predict. The ongoing 40 race to develop a more efficient vaccine to broadly protect against the variety of influenza strains remains a public health priority. Many strategies have been studied to improve the current vaccine. The use of a chimeric hemagglutinin-based vaccine is in the first stages of human …
A Review Of Virus-Vectored Vaccines: Current Production Methods, Uses, Issues, And Future Perspectives, Jaden Marks
A Review Of Virus-Vectored Vaccines: Current Production Methods, Uses, Issues, And Future Perspectives, Jaden Marks
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Viral vector vaccines have recently risen to the forefront of vaccinology, but there are multiple factors that must be addressed before they achieve widespread approval and use. The concept of using viruses as vectors is not new, and numerous attempts to create vaccines that utilize virus vectors have been made in the past 25 years. Despite this, only one viral vector vaccine has gained full approval by the FDA. The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the types of viral vector vaccines, production and purification methods, current and future viral vector vaccines, the issues and …
Alzheimer’S Disease: An Overview And Current Phase 3 Disease-Modifying Biologic Treatments, Haley Jahnke
Alzheimer’S Disease: An Overview And Current Phase 3 Disease-Modifying Biologic Treatments, Haley Jahnke
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disease caused by cell damage leading to brain changes such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Alois Alzheimer was a clinical psychiatrist and neuroanatomist in Germany who first discovered Alzheimer’s Disease through microscopic viewing of Auguste D’s brain. Through more research following Dr. Alzheimer’s death, they began to stage AD. The six stages are: pre-clinical, mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe, and very severe. The current treatments approved by the FDA work to slow the progression of AD, rather than modify the disease. There are currently three Disease-Modifying Biologic clinical-trial drugs on the market …
Oral Microbiome And Its Effect On Respiratory Disease, Cole Pudwill
Oral Microbiome And Its Effect On Respiratory Disease, Cole Pudwill
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
The oral microbiome is composed of several different types of bacteria that can affect how our body operates. There are over 700 different bacteria living in our mouths. These bacteria can be helpful and harmful to our bodies, but they are synergistic in a way. There are several factors such as age, diet, smoking, and oral care that affect bacterial makeup. When there 10 is a significant difference, our immune system becomes weakened and respiratory disease set in. The immune system then works to return the microbiome back to homeostasis. When this fails, the diseases become chronic. Thus, the oral …
Non-Invasive Biomarkers For The Diagnosis Of Endometriosis And Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Chandana Kamaraj
Non-Invasive Biomarkers For The Diagnosis Of Endometriosis And Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Chandana Kamaraj
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Benign gynecological disorders can affect a high percentage of women of reproductive age, ages 15-44 years. These conditions can affect the lifestyle of the individual and can be associated with infertility. The gold standard to identify and diagnose endometriosis requires invasive surgical procedures, while the Rotterdam Criteria is used to identify and diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome. The purpose of this paper is to discuss, describe, and characterize potential non-invasive biomarkers that are present in various pathological stages of both endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. These biomarkers include CA125, Serum galectin-9, hsa-miRNA-154-5p, miRNA-93, miRNA-320 and ET-1, miRNA-222, miRNA-146a, and miR-30c used …
The Importance Of Care Coordination Of Patients With Multimorbidity: An Evaluation Of The Patient-Centered Medical Home Model, Mary Boksa
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
The rise in multimorbidity among various patient populations has made fragmentation of care an increasingly common issue due to the need for specialized care of each chronic condition and complexity of treatment plans. Implementation of care coordination intervention models has been identified as an essential component in combating this fragmented nature of our current health care system. This is done by providing an organized model of care and improving communication between all parties involved in care and treatment plans. This literature review will begin with a brief discussion on the importance of care coordination and components needed for implementation and …
The Relationship Between Land Use Change And Disease Prevalence, Allison Bjornstad
The Relationship Between Land Use Change And Disease Prevalence, Allison Bjornstad
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Zoonotic disease outbreaks are becoming more novel and are increasing in frequency. This increase can be partially attributed to land use changes including deforestation, urbanization, and cultivation. Land use change alters disease prevalence by causing an increase in contact rates between disease hosts and humans. Land use changes also alter species compositions in the area to contain more competent disease hosts. Each pathogen can react to these changes in different ways. The specific reactions that each pathogen has to land use changes should be further researched so proper mitigation steps can be taken. Once the effects of land use change …
Polycystic Kidney Disease: An Examination And Review Of Disease Type, Presentation, Treatment, And Prognosis, Zoey Mann
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a ciliopathy that primarily presents as renal cysts. Inherited as either a dominant (ADPKD) or recessive (ARPKD) mutation, PKD is one of the most commonly inherited kidney diseases. ADPKD is caused by the inheritance of a mutation in either PKD1 or PKD2, which code for the polycystin-1 and -2 proteins, respectively. The less severe form of PKD, ADPKD is typically adult-onset, with the possibility of extremely late-stage presentation. In addition to renal cysts, hepatic and pancreatic cysts are common, as well as other non-cystic symptoms including headache and hypertension. ARPKD is caused by the inheritance …
Current And Future Perspectives In The Treatment Of Fracture Nonunions, Zebadiah Nelson
Current And Future Perspectives In The Treatment Of Fracture Nonunions, Zebadiah Nelson
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Fracture nonunions comprise one of the serious clinical complications in orthopedics. Fracture nonunions result when the time to union is greater than 6 to 9 months. It is estimated that approximately 5% to 10% of all fractures progress to fracture nonunion due to a host of complicating patient variables and risk factors. New scoring systems have emerged which help in directing the treatment strategies. Fracture nonunion management should be directed toward maintaining the diamond concept which introduces osteogenic cells lines, an osteoconductive scaffold for those cells to grow, as well as the necessary growth factors, and a stable mechanical microenvironment. …
Association Between Colorectal Cancer Prevalence And Patients Age, Race And Sex, Arsiema Fisuh
Association Between Colorectal Cancer Prevalence And Patients Age, Race And Sex, Arsiema Fisuh
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Colorectal cancer is one of the top leading causes of cancer deaths affecting people of different ages, sex and races disproportionately. The American Cancer society researchers have studied that lack of physical activities, smoking, consumption of red meat, and heavy alcohol use to be high risk factors for developing colorectal cancer in addition to genetic inheritances. Previous research studies have shown that disparities in cancer screening, socioeconomic status and others impacts on colorectal cancer prevalence and death. The objective of this project is to review the existing literature to better understand the disparities in colorectal cancer prevalence and deaths in …
Guillain-Barre Syndrome: A Review Of Current Diagnostic Tools, Treatments, And Research, Kaitlyn Hespen
Guillain-Barre Syndrome: A Review Of Current Diagnostic Tools, Treatments, And Research, Kaitlyn Hespen
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare post-infection inflammatory disorder. It is caused by the cross-reactivity of antibodies produced from a recent infection which then attack the gangliosides of the peripheral nervous system. Guillain-Barre syndrome includes multiple subtypes which are categorized based on both disease course and symptoms, which include length of progression phase, pain, and cranial nerve involvement. This paper will serve as a review of diagnostic tools and treatment options used for Guillain-Barre syndrome patients. It will also discuss recent research on these topics as well as studies on viral outbreaks which may be linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome. These will …
Antidepressant Effects On Rem Sleep, Mitchel Adams
Antidepressant Effects On Rem Sleep, Mitchel Adams
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Individuals who deal with depression are typically prescribed antidepressants in order to alleviate the depressive symptoms that they may be having. Polysomnographic sleep research has revealed that depression is associated with altered sleep architecture and distorted REM sleep quality.2 Specifically, increased REM sleep duration and density have proved to be markers that predict recurrence and relapse for depressed individuals. REM sleep serves to stimulate regions of the brain that are important with learning and memory consolidation. However, an increased duration of REM sleep in depressed individuals proves to be unfavorable. Antidepressants drugs aim to weaken sleep quality, which is …
Freestanding Emergency Departments: A Possible Solution To Rural Hospital Closure, Emily Steadman
Freestanding Emergency Departments: A Possible Solution To Rural Hospital Closure, Emily Steadman
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Freestanding emergency departments have become more and more common over the years and have started to pop up in many states across the country. A freestanding emergency department is a facility that provides healthcare in the form of emergency services separate from those at a hospital. FEDs can be seen as independent structures that are distinct from hospital-based emergency rooms and urgent facilities. Just as freestanding emergency departments have spread across the country in a bit of a frenzy, another prevalent issue has been sweeping the country, the closure of rural hospitals. Over the last decade rural hospitals have struggled …
How Exercise Impacts The Brain And Cognition, Cody Larson
How Exercise Impacts The Brain And Cognition, Cody Larson
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Physical exercise has been shown to impact the brains composition and functionality. The changes that arise in the structure of brain, as result of engaging in physical exercise, give rise to cognitive changes. Structural changes are observed most notably in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. These changes are preceded by elevations in cerebral blood flow, and growth factors, resulting increased neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Frequency, duration, intensity, and type of physical exercise can have differing effects on the brain. Moderate intensity aerobic exercise presents the most profound improvements in memory, and inhibitory control over time.
Epigenetic Modifications Due To Maternal Diet, Amanda Thaler
Epigenetic Modifications Due To Maternal Diet, Amanda Thaler
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Obesity is a growing exponentially to be a health issue globally. Worldwide the rate of obesity has nearly doubled since 1980, with approximately 200 million adult men and 300 million adult women now being considered obese. We are also seeing growing percentages of woman of reproductive age being considered obese (BMI>30). Maternal obesity is known to increase the likelihood of developing complications during the pregnancy such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. These conditions create the environment for the growing fetus that are more difficult than that of a healthy pregnancy. The Developmental programming hypotheses links the environment of development …
A Social Review Of The Opioid Epidemic: The History, Pathophysiology, And Effects On Rural America, Holly J. Goehring
A Social Review Of The Opioid Epidemic: The History, Pathophysiology, And Effects On Rural America, Holly J. Goehring
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
One of the more pressing issues in modern day health care is the nationwide heath care crisis known as the opioid epidemic. The beginning of this literature review will focus on the history of opioid use and early prescription rates, as well as the summary and definitions of the drugs involved in the current opioid epidemic. The review then shifts to the pathophysiology of addiction involving the activation of opioid receptors and opioid use disorder. The main focus of this literature review is the societal impacts of the opioid epidemic, making special reference to the economic burden and effects on …
Intermittent Fasting (If) Promotes Longevity Through Alterations Of The Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (Mtor) And The Epigenome, Tayt Boeckholt
Intermittent Fasting (If) Promotes Longevity Through Alterations Of The Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (Mtor) And The Epigenome, Tayt Boeckholt
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Many studies with a range of subjects from Nematodes to Homo sapiens have found intermittent fasting (IF) to significantly improve the cardiometabolic health of individuals, but how IF promotes longevity through epigenetic modulations remains a sparse understanding throughout the literature. The process of aging may be characterized by a loss of cellular identity sprouted from a disrupted epigenome rich with information for a cell, while also losing the ability to recycle ineffective cellular components. The nutrient-sensing kinase Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is disrupted during bouts of fasting which allows for the recycling of cellular components through increased autophagy. Furthermore, …
The Oral Microbiome And Its Effects On Human Systemic Diseases, Hee Chang Shin
The Oral Microbiome And Its Effects On Human Systemic Diseases, Hee Chang Shin
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
In the past decade, scientists and healthcare professionals have gained interest in the microbiome and its function as part of the human body. The two most diverse microbiome environments are found in the gut and the oral cavity. While the gut microbiome has been investigated more deeply and continues to be a great interest, the oral microbiome is in comparison a more recent subject with fewer reports on the topic. The purpose of this review paper is to highlight the main human systemic diseases associated with the oral microbiome and to discuss how our understanding of the oral microbiome’s effect …
Hiv Vaccine Development: The Importance Of Gp120 Variable Loop 3 For The Survival Of The Human Immunodeficiency Virus And The Potency Of The Neutralizing Antibody To Bind To The Variable Loop 3, Riham Hussien
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
The tendency for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to proliferate and mutate it’s trimeric envelop (Env), is one of the reasons why it’s a challenge for an antibody-based vaccine to be developed. Glycoprotein 160 (gp160,) which consists of glycoprotein 120 (gp120) and glycoprotein 41 (gp41), is the main focus for a research vaccine design. Gp120 consists of an outer membrane, inner membrane and bridging sheet. The protein is trimeric, and non-covalently binds to gp41. The outer domain is where the neutralizing antibody bind, such as 2G12, immunoglobulin G1b12, and anti-V3 antibodies. V3 stands for the Variable loop 3, gp120 has …
Parkinson’S Disease: Current Treatment Options, Luke Kovaleski
Parkinson’S Disease: Current Treatment Options, Luke Kovaleski
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is caused by a lack of dopamine. This lack of dopamine has many effects on a person’s body who has Parkinson’s Disease including loss of motor control, slowed movement (bradykinesia), changes in speech, impaired posture and balance, and muscle rigidity. The object of this paper is to explore some of the many different options for treatment of symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease that are currently available. There is not one over-arching treatment that can alleviate the symptoms that are caused by Parkinson’s Disease. However, if multiple treatments are used together, a patient who is …
Hedgehog Signaling Inhibators And Their Importance For Cancer Treatment, Haileselassie Tefera
Hedgehog Signaling Inhibators And Their Importance For Cancer Treatment, Haileselassie Tefera
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a crucial role during embryonic development as well as tissue maintenances in adults. Deregulated Hh signaling has been implicated in different diseases and conditions including cancer. Previously, the mechanisms of Hh signaling pathway and its role in cancer formation have been studied and has led to the development of therapeutic drugs. Among those agents, vismodegib and sonidegib are FDA approved drugs to treat basal cell carcinoma and other cancers. Up to date, several hedgehogs (Hh) signaling inhibitors and drugs have been made and evaluating for cancer treatment. In this review, I will discuss the …
Role Of Adiponectin In Neuroinflammation & Neuroprotection, Nathan Stadem
Role Of Adiponectin In Neuroinflammation & Neuroprotection, Nathan Stadem
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Microglial cells play a significant role in defense of the brain. However, in certain disease states, their response can lead to inflammation that can be detrimental to the survival of brain cells and have harmful effects on a person’s brain activity. Currently, the treatment options for microglial induced neuroinflammation are relatively limited. Adiponectin has recently appeared as a potential moderator of neuroinflammation as well as a promoter of neuroprotection. Adiponectin is a naturally occurring cytokine that has been shown to play a role in a multitude of processes throughout the body including potential as a microglial induced neuroinflammation. Adiponectin’s role …
Comparative Optic Nerve Head Physiology: Glaucoma Induced Retinal Ganglion Cell Apoptosis By Disruption Of The Translaminar Pressure Gradient And Reduced Neurotrophic Signaling, Cassidy Christopherson
Comparative Optic Nerve Head Physiology: Glaucoma Induced Retinal Ganglion Cell Apoptosis By Disruption Of The Translaminar Pressure Gradient And Reduced Neurotrophic Signaling, Cassidy Christopherson
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness, and the second leading vision loss neurodegenerative disease affecting millions worldwide. Glaucoma is characterized as a group of eye disorders which are initially asymptomatic but may progress to significant optic nerve head damage and vision loss with time. Early stages of glaucoma often go undetected, leading to irreversible damage to the optic nerve head prior to patients seeking medical care. Glaucoma leads to vision loss via death of retinal ganglion cells. Retinal ganglion cell apoptosis is thought to begin due to interference with the normal transmission of neurotrophic signals that arrive by …
Pathogenesis Of Cte: A Review Of Ptau, Lewy Bodies, And Cytokine Involvement In Cte, Karter Keefer
Pathogenesis Of Cte: A Review Of Ptau, Lewy Bodies, And Cytokine Involvement In Cte, Karter Keefer
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Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a neuropathological disease that develops years after experiencing repetitive traumatic brain injuries. In recent years, this disease has been gaining recognition from professional, college, and high school teams that participate in contact sports. The purpose of this paper is to review available information about this neurodegenerative disease. Only limited published experiments are available on this disease. Research on CTE has been limited by the fact that patients can only be diagnosed with the disease by a post mortem autopsy. Many experiments were analyzed regarding different CTE pathologies, symptoms, and treatments. Articles used in this paper …
A Review: The Association Of Asthma And The Microbiome, Kathleen Olson
A Review: The Association Of Asthma And The Microbiome, Kathleen Olson
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The microbiome gut-lung axis has been associated with asthma. Asthma is a respiratory disease that presents itself in many different ways. The microbiome is the bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses found in a particular environment. The association of the microbiome gutlung axis in an asthmatic individual compared to a healthy individual has shown that different types and/or concentrations of bacterial genera are present in an asthmatic individual compared to a healthy individual. A causal relationship between the microbiome and asthma has not yet been identified. The aim of this review is to present the association of asthma and the microbiome …
A Review Of Asthma Treatments: Monoclonal Antibody, Corticosteroid, Leukotriene Modifier, And Bronchodilator, Alec Williams
A Review Of Asthma Treatments: Monoclonal Antibody, Corticosteroid, Leukotriene Modifier, And Bronchodilator, Alec Williams
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Medical research has created multitudes of medications to help control the symptoms of asthma. Asthmas effects the respiratory system in different ways, creating unique challenges to researchers and doctors alike to create or a manage the symptoms of asthma. Identifying the common treatment methods and understanding their effect on the human physiology can aid in treating patients. The goal of this review is to identify the common medications used to treat asthma, how these medications work on the human’s physiology, as well as bring to light a new upcoming medication with greater asthma control. As asthma research continues, the need …
Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation (Ibs-C) Treatment Efficacy And The Emerging Importance Of Serotonin, Meghan Schenk
Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation (Ibs-C) Treatment Efficacy And The Emerging Importance Of Serotonin, Meghan Schenk
Biology and Microbiology Graduate Students Plan B Research Projects
Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) affects a large proportion of the population. It decreases quality of life for the patient both physically and mentally. Patients report higher levels of mental health issues and other gastrointestinal maladies compared to the normal population, in addition to an IBS diagnosis. Patients have increased healthcare visits and costs, raising insurance rates for all, and also results in more missed time from work. There are limited treatments available for IBS-C, and medicinal and non-medicinal modalities are differentially prescribed to patients throughout the country. Recently, serotonin has emerged as a key mediator of normal gut …