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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
The Effect Of Nr4a3 On Functional Beta Cell Mass, Jeffery S. Tessem
The Effect Of Nr4a3 On Functional Beta Cell Mass, Jeffery S. Tessem
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The academic objectives of this Mentoring Environment Grant (MEG) were to 1) train undergraduate students in the scientific process to prepare them in careers as physicians and scientists, and 2) to determine if the in vitro phenotypes observed in Nr4a3 deficient beta cell lines are translatable to the Nr4a3 KO mouse. . We were successful in accomplishing these objectives, as evidenced by the training of four undergraduate students, presentation of research and local and national meetings, and initial preparation of a manuscript reporting our findings. While we did have difficulty breeding these mice, this study gives us the basis of …
Is Mafb Essential To Β-Cell Growth And Proliferation?, Aaron Leifer, Jeffery Tessem
Is Mafb Essential To Β-Cell Growth And Proliferation?, Aaron Leifer, Jeffery Tessem
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Project Purpose: Our goal is to determine if MafB is necessary for β Cell proliferation and glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Project Importance: Approximately 29.1 million people are affected by type 1 or type 2 diabetes in the United States, according to 2014 National Diabetes Statistic Report. In addition, these 29.1 spent or lost 245 billion dollars combined. A cure for diabetes would result in not only a better life style but would also save billions of dollars. Project Profile Body: Both forms of diabetes are ultimately caused by decreased functional β-cell mass. β-cell transplantation is a possible treatment for …
Decreasing Nutrient Deficiencies In Malawi Through Nixtamalization: A Sustainable Maize Fortification Method, Brooke Carroll, Frost Steele
Decreasing Nutrient Deficiencies In Malawi Through Nixtamalization: A Sustainable Maize Fortification Method, Brooke Carroll, Frost Steele
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of this study was to address several nutritional deficiencies in a typical Malawian diet through an ancient Mesoamerican process known as nixtamalization. Calcium and niacin, both crucial micronutrients, are both increased through this maize treatment process. It requires an alkaline solution, which we created from wood ash, to process maize and incorporate these nutrients into a new product. Since the taste, texture, flavor, and appearance of the maize changes with nixtamalization, a panel of native Malawians were invited to taste several variants of the nixtamal product in contrast to one made with traditional maize and relay their opinions …
Accumulation And Retention In Brain Of Supplemental Selenium Is Determined By Dietary Composition, Robert Fender, Merrill Christensen
Accumulation And Retention In Brain Of Supplemental Selenium Is Determined By Dietary Composition, Robert Fender, Merrill Christensen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
It is estimated that over 6 million Americans suffer from the neurodegenerative diseases of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s combined, with 1 in 4 Americans suffering from some type of mental illness (1). Oxidative damage and inflammation, which is a recognized hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases, can be prevented by antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase whose key component is selenium and which relies on a selenium delivering protein called selenoprotein P (2). Since neurodegeneration that affects so many people can potentially be avoided by understanding how selenium is accumulated in and delivered to body tissue, understanding how and where selenium is accumulated …