Life Sciences Commons^™

Reducing Food Scarcity: The Benefits Of Urban Farming, S.A. Claudell, Emilio Mejia

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Urban farming can enhance the lives of communities and help reduce food scarcity. This paper presents a conceptual prototype of an efficient urban farming community that can be scaled for a single apartment building or an entire community across all global geoeconomics regions, including densely populated cities and rural, developing towns and communities. When deployed in coordination with smart crop choices, local farm support, and efficient transportation then the result isn’t just sustainability, but also increasing fresh produce accessibility, optimizing nutritional value, eliminating the use of ‘forever chemicals’, reducing transportation costs, and fostering global environmental benefits.

Imagine Doris, who is …

A Vision For A Food-Secure Future Through Permaculture, Jim Gale

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

In response to the pressing challenges of food security, sustainability, and resilience, Food Forest Abundance, led by visionary CEO Jim Gale, emerges as a beacon for permaculture-based agriculture and community development. This editorial explores the organization's pivotal role in advocating for a future where individuals, families, and communities thrive through sustainable practices and localized food systems. Central to Food Forest Abundance mission is the conviction that permaculture principles can revolutionize our approach to food security, health, and wellness by uniting agricultural and community leaders.

The catalyst for this movement was the World Farmers Market Coalition report, revealing the tangible economic, …

The Role Of Nr4a1 In Β-Cell Growth And Onset Of Type 2 Diabetes, Adam Wynn, Jeffery Tessem, Ph.D.

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Progression to type 2 diabetes (T2D) includes a loss of functional pancreatic beta cells (β-cells), which are responsible for secreting insulin and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Nr4a1 is a gene that has been shown to be involved in fuel utilization in the liver, muscles, and adipose tissues,1, 2, 3, 4 but not much is known about its role in the β-cell and T2D progression. We therefore set out to further define Nr4a1’s role in the β- cell during T2D progression. We hypothesized that the loss of Nr4a1 in the pancreata of mice would result in decreased β-cell maintenance and …

Nf Κb As A Mediator In Iron Regulation, Erik D. Marchant, Chad Hancock

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a commonly used chemotherapy drug. Although it is very effective in treating many different types of cancer, it has also been shown to induce oxidative stress in multiple tissues, partially due to severe iron-dysregulation. The effects of DOX have mostly been studied in heart tissue, because DOX has been shown to increase the risk of cardiomyopathy and other heart diseases. Besides causing damage to the heart, DOX has also been shown to contribute to muscle wasting. For this purpose, we decided to investigate how DOX causes iron-dysregulation in C2C12 myotubes, which are immortalized cells from mouse skeletal …

The Effects Of Hyperlipidemia On Β-Cells, Andrew Barlow, Trevor Lloyd, Mason Poffenbarger, Austin Ricks, Dr. Jeffery Tessem

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Diabetes’ prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate. Normally, insulin-secreting β-cells in the pancreas regulate proper glucose absorption and storage. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are characterized by decreased functional β-cell mass and insulin production (1). Diabetes also results in increased circulating glucose and fatty acid levels, which damage and destroy β-cells over time (2). Our study sheds further light on the palmitate and oleate-induced effects of gradually worsening hyperlipidemia and the mechanisms behind those effects; ultimately, promoting investigation into methods by which existing β-cells could be protected from harmful hyperlipidemia.

Iron Dysregulation Induced By Oxidative Stress Is Prevented By Curcumin In C2c12 Skeletal Muscle Cells, Jacob Anderson, Dr. Chad Hancock

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Recent studies indicate a correlation between iron dysregulation and insulin sensitivity, suggesting that iron dysregulation may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus [1]. However, the connection between iron regulation and insulin sensitivity is not fully understood. Iron is normally tightly regulated, and most iron within cells is bound to prevent aberrant production of free radicals. Non-bound iron is highly reactive via Fenton Reaction chemistry to produce hydroxyl radicals, contributing to oxidative stress and possibly to the development of insulin resistance. Not only does mismanagement of iron contribute to oxidative stress, but evidence suggests that oxidative …

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

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

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

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 …

The Role Of Nr4a1 In Maternal Obesity Induced Beta Cell Expansion, 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 examine the relationship between in utero Nr4a1 beta cell specific deletion during maternal overnutrition and obesity on beta cell mass at birth and diabetic onset. 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.

The Role Of Nr4a1 In Β-Cell Glucose Stimulated Insulin Secretion And Cellular Survival, Kevin Garland, Jeffery Tessem

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In 2010, diabetes was the 7th leading cause of death in America, and as of 2014, 9% of the world’s adult population was affected by it. In both Type I (T1D) and Type II diabetes (T2D), a loss of β-cell mass and overall function is observed. β-cells essentially stop proliferating after adolescence, therefore developing mechanisms to increase function and/or induce proliferation in β-cells could serve as a powerful treatment and even a cure for both T1D and T2D. Overexpression of the β-cell transcription factor Nkx6.1 induces β-cell proliferation (1) and up-regulates expression of the nuclear receptor Nr4a1 (2). Nr4a1 has …

Defining Nkx6.1 Binding Partners In Young And Aged Pancreatic Islet, Sean Kang, Dr. Jeffery Tessem

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Diabetes is an increasing epidemic that deserves more attention. Those affected by diabetes are restricted to either strict diets or remedial insulin supplementation. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are directly related to a decrease in functional β-cell mass. Exciting research has revealed Nkx6.1 to be an influential transcription factor which induces β-cell proliferation, protects against apoptosis and enhances insulin secretion when overexpressed 1 . Our recent findings indicate significant β-cell proliferation is limited to β-cells from adolescent rats, with a severe decrease in proliferation as the animal ages. 2 Nkx6.1 expression is present in every stage of development, …

Cebp/Α Increases Functional Β-Cell Mass, Jason Ray, Jeffery Tessem

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are major global health concerns. Diabetes is characterized by impaired management of glucose in the bloodstream, which is due to decreased pancreatic functional β-cell mass. Functional β-cell mass is determined from the insulin secretion rate and the number of β-cells, which is determined from cellular proliferation and death rates. Increasing functional β-cell mass could cure diabetes either by enhancing pancreatic islets prior to transplantation, or by strengthening endogenous cells. Although β-cells stop proliferating around adolescence, β-cell proliferation resumes during conditions such as pregnancy and obesity (1), demonstrating that the molecular pathways necessary for replication …

Tear Analysis: High-Speed Video Capture Of The Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear, Devon Smith, Steven Cook

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The tearing of the ACL is among one of the most common sports injuries seen during this era. Research shows that annually there are more than 80,000 documented cases of ACL tears occurring with a 15x greater possibility of re-tearing after reconstruction.1 Currently, there is no digitally filmed data on how the fiber bundles unravel during an induced ACL tear. Published studies utilize a Porcine ACL as the highest anatomically comparative model to Human ACL. We are looking to create a grade 3 ACL tear in both human and porcine ACL’s, and film them at high-speed while it unravels. We …

Effects Of Nixtamalization On Maize Processing In Malawi, Annica Cooper, Frost Steele

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Malawi is a small country in southeastern Africa. The main crops that rural Malawians grow for food are maize, legumes, and dark, leafy greens. Due to this restrictive diet, many Malawians are at risk for several nutritional deficiencies. In a survey conducted of Malawian families at the School of Agriculture for Family Independence (SAFI), families reached an average of only 18.3% of their calcium needs. A calcium deficiency, especially early in life, can lead to low bone mass and low vitamin D levels, which leads to rickets or osteomalacia. An ancient Mesoamerican tradition called nixtamalization turns maize into a great …

Is Hdac1 Mediated Β-Cell Proliferation Dependent On Decreased P15 Expression?, Kyle Kener, Jeffery Tessem

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The body maintains normoglycemia through pancreatic β-cells which sense elevation in circulating glucose levels and secrete insulin to maintain the correct blood glucose concentration. A decrease in functional pancreatic β-cell mass leads to Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Each form has different initial causes, but both forms ultimately result in decreased functional β-cell mass. Functional β-cell mass is defined as the rate of glucose stimulated insulin secretion multiplied by the total β-cell mass. The total β-cell mass is a function of cellular proliferation and death rates. β-cells have a very low proliferation rate, therefore determining the mechanisms that induce …

Determining The Mechanism Of Cocoa-Derived Epicatechin Enhancement Of Glucose Stimulated Insulin Secretion, Benjamin Bitner, Jeffery Tessem

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Due to recent increases in incidence, diabetes is now classified as a global epidemic. Diabetes results from the eventual destruction of β-cell mass, which causes decreased insulin secretion. Increasing functional β-cell mass may provide a cure for diabetes. A previous study has shown that oligomeric procyanidins were effective in preventing weight gain, fat mass, impaired glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance in a mouse obesity model¹. This was the first long-term feeding study to examine the activities of cocoa constituents on diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.

Identifying The Upstream Target Of Resveratrol In Breast Cancer Cells, Jeffrey Mecham, Jason Kenealey

Journal of Undergraduate Research

One commonly disrupted pathway in many different cancer cells lines revolves around the tumor suppressor protein _p53. Approximately half of human cancers exhibit direct, inactivating mutations of _p53, while the majority of the remainder either elevate inhibitors, reduce activators, or deactivate downstream targets of _p53¹. The central role of _p53 in preventing tumorigenesis stems from its ability to induce controlled cell death of unhealthy cells, along with DNA repair and cell cycle arrest.

The Role Of Cdk5r1 In Β-¬Cell Survival From Apoptosis, Amanda Hobson, Jeffrey Tessem

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are classified as a decrease in functional ß-cell mass, which results in impaired blood glucose regulation. Functional ß-cell mass is defined as the glucose stimulated insulin secretion rate multiplied by the total cellular mass which is determined by the proliferation and cell death rates. Though ß-cell mass proliferation rates generally decrease by adolescence, obesity and pregnancy have been shown to be times of significant ß-cell proliferation (1). This implies that the inherent molecular pathways necessary for ß-cell proliferation are present, but highly regulated. Discovering the molecular pathway of ß-cell proliferation could lead to diabetes …

Determining If C-Fos Protects Β-Cells From Apoptosis, Kyle Kener, Jeffery Tessem

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Diabetes, a disease characterized by the inability of the body to maintain a normal blood glucose level, continues to affect the lives of many. In both Type I and Type II diabetes, eventual β-cell destruction results in decreased β-cell mass. Regeneration of functional β-cells and protection of such, could help reverse the effects of this disease and could possibly lead to a cure. Many studies have been done to increase functioning β-cell mass, but protecting regenerated β-cells from further apoptotic insults could greatly increase the effectiveness of β-cell transplants and other future treatments of the disease.

This Project Focused On The Effects Of Palmitate On Transcription Factors, Nr4a1 And Nr4a3. All Experiments Were Preformed On A Beta Cell Line. The First Experiment Was Done To Show If Palmitate Effected Proliferation Of Nr4a1 And Nr4a3 Knockout Cell Lines. This Experiment Was Preformed Adding .2 Mmol Palmitate To All Cells And Comparing Them To Untreated And Treated Unknocked Down Cell Lines. This Showed Exactly What Was Expected Which Was That Proliferation Was Decreased In Nr4a1 And Nr4a3 Knockdown Cell Lines., Jordan Tingey, Jeffery Tessem

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This project focused on the effects of palmitate on transcription factors, Nr4a1 and Nr4a3. All experiments were preformed on a beta cell line. The first experiment was done to show if palmitate effected proliferation of Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 knockout cell lines. This experiment was preformed adding .2 mmol palmitate to all cells and comparing them to untreated and treated unknocked down cell lines. This showed exactly what was expected which was that proliferation was decreased in Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 knockdown cell lines.

The Role Of Hdac1 In Increasing Β-Cell Glucose Stimulated Insulin Secretion And Apoptosis Resistance, Carrie Draney, Jeffery Tessem

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes affects more than 9% of the American population and the incidences of diabetes continue to increase at a startling rate. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes impede β- cell function (insulin secretion) by destroying β-cell mass. Increasing proliferation and function of β-cells could potentially be used as a cure for diabetes. Research has shown that the homeobox β-cell transcription factor Nkx6.1 induces β-cell proliferation. We have found that Nkx6.1 upregulates expression of HDAC1 and this project will allow us to further define the specific role of HDAC1 in increasing β-cell proliferation. We hypothesize …

Determining If C-Fos Regulates Glucose Stimulated Insulin, Benjamin Bitner, Jeffery Tessem

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Increasing a patient’s functional β-cell mass may provide a cure for both types of diabetes. Previous studies have shown that overexpression of the homeodomain transcription factor Nkx6.1 stimulates β-cell proliferation, increases glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and decreases apoptosis¹. Functional β-cell mass is defined by the number of β-cells, which is dependent on proliferation and apoptosis rates, multiplied by the ability to secrete insulin. Increasing β-cell proliferation or insulin secretion while decreasing apoptosis could be used as a treatment to produce β-cells for islet transplantation, a potential cure for diabetes.

Optimization Of Selenium Chemoprevention In Prostate Cancer Cells, Xiuqi Li, Merrill Christensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States (1). However, most men will die with prostate cancer rather then from it (2). Because prostate cancer exhibits a long latency period, high incidence rate, and significant morbidity but low mortality, its prevention remains an active field of research.

C-Fos Enhances Functional Β-Cell Mass, Jason Ray, Jeffery Tessem

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are major global health concerns. Both types of diabetes result in loss of functional β-cell mass, which is defined as the β-cell number multiplied by insulin secretion rate. The number of β-cells is derived from the cellular proliferation and death rates. Increasing functional β-cell mass could cure diabetes through pancreatic islet transplants or by strengthening endogenous cells. Various groups have shown that the β-cells proliferation rate is extremely low after adolescence in the majority of the population. However, β-cell proliferation has been shown to increase during physiological conditions such as pregnancy and obesity (1). …

Role Of Microbial Fermentation On Degradation Of Folic Acid In Micronutrient Fortified Corn Masa Prior To Baking, Chad Hancock

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Evaluation of how well the academic objectives of the proposal were met This was an intensive project, which turned out to be a great opportunity for our students. We had one graduate student and four to five undergraduate students working on it at any given time. Due to attrition in the lab, we had about 16 undergraduates who were involved across the course of the entire project. Students learned the nuances of a very challenging multi-day, microbial assay for folic acid, and also learned many other laboratory skills and became quite proficient in microbial enumeration and isolation. The importance of …