Life Sciences Commons^™

The Effect Of Percussive Massage On Collagen Gene Expression In Skeletal Muscle, James Bartling, Robert D. Hyldahl, Emma Schaugaard, Mohadeseh Ahmadi

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2024

INTRODUCTION

• Exercise is a critical aspect of healthy living due in part to its effects of muscle adaptation, which are largely regulated by alterations in gene expression

• Sedentary behavior can be required by diverse life circumstances, suggesting a need to reproduce the beneficial effects of exercise by an alternative means

• Like exercise, percussive massage introduces a mechanical strain on the muscle, which could potentially replicate a similar remodeling response of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, this has not yet been studied

• Collagen 1,3,&4 are major components of the ECM that adapt in response to exercise, and …

Staying Hydrated: A Comparative Analysis Of Humectants In Human Tissue, Rachel Prince, Jason Adams, Joseph Monsen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2024

3rd Place Poster Design

Humectants are an important class of compounds that attract and retain water within a cell. When mixed with water to create wetting solutions, humectants can prevent desiccation of cadaveric specimens1. Recognizing a relative scarcity of comparative studies analyzing the effects of various wetting solutions on post-preservation cadaveric maintenance, we utilized wet-dry analysis in order to compare the effects of four common humectants on water retention in human cadaveric tissue including brain, cardiac muscle, liver, lung, skeletal muscle, and skin. We created a concentration gradient for each humectant to identify the optimal concentrations of each compound for …

Jaspine B And The Sea Sponge That Fights Cancer, Jack Davis, Jared Barrott, Adriene Pavek, Farjana Afrin, Sameena Mateen, Brendon Meldrum, Rocio Rojas, Pamela Diaz, Megan Condie, Ali Aghazadeh-Habashi, Srinath Pashikanti

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2024

Jaspine B is a natural marine product, derived from the sea sponge, Jaspis, found in some tropical climates. Jaspine B has been shown to be an effective treatment in some cancers with an upregulation of sphingomyelin synthase. This research aimed to understand the effects of Jaspine B on synovial sarcoma, and investigate its potential to be used as targeted treatment in other cancers that have an upregulation of sphingomyelin synthase

Exploring The Role Of Dopamine And Atp In Microglial Motility, Derek Langford, Jordan Yorgas, Christopher Galbraith, Channing Syme, Brayden Parker, Savannah Evans, Derek Langford, Eliza White, Erin Taylor, Lauren Ford, Hillary Wadsworth

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2024

►Recent studies from our laboratory have identified that dopamine and ATP in the Nucleus Accubmens (NAc) are co-released.

►ATP is a chemoattractant for macrophages in general, and microglia specifically, suggesting that dopamine and ATP corelease may function to alter microglia activity.

►The present work characterizes the effects of microglia activation via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on dopamine terminal function, and the effects of dopamine and ATP on microglia motility.

A Descriptive Analysis Of Severe Maternal Morbidities In Southern Arizona, Joseph Sherman

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction

Maternal morbidities and maternal deaths are rising at an alarming rate throughout the United States, despite advances in medicine and technology (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). In 2020, maternal deaths climbed to its highest peak in thirty years, at 23.8 deaths per 100,000 births (CDC 2020; CDC 2022b). Maternal morbidities have also increased by nearly 200% from 1993 to 2014 (CDC, 2021). The startling rise in both maternal morbidities and maternal deaths is likely exacerbated by limited access to healthcare and the pervasiveness of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease (Carroll, 2017; Geller …

Chimeric Claudins Reveal Role In Neural Tube Defects, Wesley Allen, Nathan Beckett, Emma Brenchley, Jacob Wengler, Lauren Hall, Cailey Winn, Meredith Mann, Sion Jung, Spencer Thacker, Rachel May, Dario Mizrachi, Micheal Stark

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2022

Claudins (CLDN), a family of proteins found in the tight junction, play a major role in membrane permeability. While claudin disruption is known to contribute to the formation of neural tube defects (NTD), current research methods rely heavily on a non-specific toxin, CPE, when exploring the importance of CLDNs within neural tube formation. This makes it difficult to identify individual CLDN’s contribution to NTD formation, creating a need for a more specific method.

Staying Hydrated: A Comparative Analysis Of Humectants In Human Skin, Ayden Olsen, Rachel Prince, Craig Reeves, Cassie Peterson, Jason Adams

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2022

Humectants are an important class of compounds that attract and retain water within a cell. When mixed with water to create wetting solutions, humectants can prevent desiccation of cadaveric specimens. Recognizing a relative scarcity of comparative studies analyzing the effects of various wetting solutions on post preservation cadaveric maintenance, we utilized wet-dry analysis in order to compare the effects of four common humectants on water retention in human skin tissue. We created a concentration gradient for each humectant to identify the optimal concentrations of each compound for water retention, after which we compared water retention in tissue at the optimal …

New Treatment For Multiple Sclerosis Could Halt Disease Progression Without Weakening Immune System, Carter Helquist, Dario Mizrachi

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2022

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological and autoimmune disease in which immune cells cause demyelination of axons in nervous tissue.
• Current treatments for the disease are principally aimed at weakening the immune system to therefore weaken the autoimmune attack on the brain. This leaves patients prone to other sicknesses.
• We seek a treatment that prevents the immune cells from entering the central nervous system (CNS) thereby protecting its cells.
• We can prevent immune cells from entering the CNS by strengthening the blood brain barrier through targeting claudin 5 proteins in the tight junctions.
• This new treatment could mean increased …

A Ketogenic Diet Enhances Hippocampal Mitochondrial Efficiency, Cali E. Warren, Erin R. Saito, Benjamin T. Bikman

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive impairment are common symptoms in many neurologic disorders, as well as in nonpathological aging. Ketones have been suggested as therapeutic for their relevance in epilepsy and other neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder.

Interruption Of Junctional Adhesion Molecules Shows Developmental Defects, Wesley Allen, Nathan Beckett, Lauren Hall, Emma Holdaway, Sion Jung, Meredith Mann, Spencer Thacker, Jacob Wengler, Cailey Winn, Dario Mizrachi, Michael Stark

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2022

Development of the central nervous system, the brain and the spinal cord, starts initially with the formation of the neural tube. This vital process starts as a sheet of cells which then folds into a cylindrical structure in the early stages of embryo development (Fig1). Defects in the formation of the neural tube can lead to permanent disabilities in babies after birth. This is important to understand as current statistics show that approximately 300,000 babies are born annually with neural tube defects. (NTDs). In addition to NTDs there are many other dangerous birth defects that are important to understand as …

Identifying And Knocking Out Non-Visual Opsins In The Optic Tectum Of Zebrafish Larvae, Sarah Jarrett

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Deep brain photoreceptors (DBPs) are non-visual photoreceptors found in the brains of non-mammalian vertebrates like zebrafish. While using optogenetic techniques in our lab to photo-activate the ear (by expressing the light-gated channel: channelrhodopsin) in efforts of identifying optic tectum (OT) neurons that respond to and integrate auditory and visual stimuli, we found that violet light was able to elicit OT neuronal activity. OT activity was also detected in cases when visual and auditory stimulation was not possible due to removal of the eyes and absence of the exogenously expressed channelrhodopsin, respectively. Analyzing OT single-cell sequencing data of 7day post fertilization …

Racial And Ethnic Minority Groups Are Under-Represented And Under-Reported In Guideline-Informing Heart Failure Clinical Trials, Gerardo Gamino

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Heart failure (HF) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States that may disproportionately affect certain racial/ethnic groups. Compared with White individuals, HF may affect Black individuals at a younger age with less favorable prognosis, and this excess risk may be partially explained by differences in HF risk factor burden. It is crucial for guideline informing HF clinical trials to adequately reflect the racial/ethnic diversity in the population. We assessed the extent of reporting and representation of race/ethnicity in HF clinical trials referenced in the 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure and the …

Biological Pretreatment Of Biomass For Enhanced Biogas Production, Skylar F. Van Horne

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The biogas output efficiency of controlled anaerobic digestion (AD) can be enhanced by several different pretreatment methods to produce renewable energy. According to the literature, there are pros and cons to each pretreatment method. Biological pretreatment provides environmentally safe and renewable means for enhancing biodegradability and net energy output. Current research has yet to reliably demonstrate the ability of bacterial strains, such as Caldicellulosiruptor bescii (C. bescii), to digest common waste substrates in efficient ways. Novel methods in key intermediate molecular quantification and alkalinity tracking are used here to explore C. bescii’s ability to digest lignocellulosic material in …

Comparative Efficacies Of Calmare Therapy And Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation In Randomized Peripheral Neuropathy Subjects With Resting State Fmri Monitoring, Ty A. Bodily, Logan Edvalson, Jordan B. Peacock, Zack M. Bradshaw, Carson Hart, Cameron Ernst, Samuel Biggs, David D. Busath

Faculty Publications

Clinical reports of Calmare protocol efficacy suggest enhanced durability compared to TENS and the possibility changes in resting fMRI connectivity. The objective was to compare peripheral neuropathy pain relief and resting fMRI changes with Calmare and TENS treatments. Randomized double-blind trials performed in August 2015 and between August 2016 and November 2017, with 18 and 20 human peripheral neuropathy subjects, respectively. The initial trial examined effects of a single session while the latter trial examined the effects of a course of ten treatment sessions on consecutive weekdays. fMRI scans were examined for changes in blood flow correlations and connectivity. Subjective …

Low-Cost Diagnostics: Using Paper As A Material And Pens As An Instrument, Annie Armitstead

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIs) are equipment-free tests that produce results quickly using small sample volumes. Colored lines appear as the test runs, indicating the presence of a biomarker. LFIs are ideal in a variety of settings. Development of these assays can be complicated for small team operations, and tests are not sufficiently adaptable for low resource settings. If robust point-of-care tests can be developed on site, they can expand the reach of global diagnostics, improving health around the world. We report a simple empowering LFI (seLFI) that only requires treated printer paper and a plastic backing card. This eliminates the …

Role Of Transient Receptor Potential Channels In Epithelial Morphogenesis In Chick Embryo, Trinity Q. Waddell

Theses and Dissertations

Transient Receptor Potential channels (TRP) are a superfamily of cationic specific ionchannels that are regulated by various stimuli such as temperature, pH, mechanical stress, ligandsand ion concentration. The role of TRP channels in disease states such as autosomal dominantpolycystic kidney disease, cancer metastasis, and developmental defects lend credence to thebelief that they play an important part in epithelial morphogenesis events. The development ofsomites, neural tube closure and migration of neural crest cells to form things such as the faceand heart is a good developmental model for the aforementioned cellular processes. We haveshown that TRP channels can be found in the …

Does Family Communication Matter? Exploring Knowledge Of Breast Cancer Genetics In Cancer Families, Deborah Himes, Sarah H. Davis, Jane Lassetter Phd, Rn, Neil E. Peterson, Margaret F. Clayton, Wendy C. Birmingham, Anita Y. Kinney

Faculty Publications

Purpose: Knowledge of breast cancer genetics is critical for those at increased hereditary risk who must make decisions about breast cancer screening options. This descriptive study explored theory-based relationships among cognitive and emotional variables related to knowledge of breast cancer genetics in cancer families. Methods: Participants included first-degree relatives of women with breast cancer who had received genetic counseling and testing. Study participants themselves did not have breast cancer and had not received genetic counseling or testing. Data were collected by telephone interviews and surveys. Variables analyzed included numeracy, health literacy, cancer-related distress, age, education, and the reported amount of …

Computational Modelling Of Peptides Containing Non-Standard Amino Acids, David W. Kastner

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Peptides represent a class of abundant and potent pharmaceutic compounds. Despite their appeal, the design, synthesis, and engineering of biologically relevant peptides remain a challenge. Chapter 1 introduces the various computational methods that will be used. Chapter 2 focuses on the incorporation of a special class of amino acids called bulky dehydroamino acids into the turn of β-hairpins to proteolytically stabilize peptides. Our results suggest that dehydroamino acids confer proteolytic stability by favoring a more folded state. Chapter 3 describes the structural calculations of a rare anticancer peptide called Yaku’amide using a combined molecular mechanics/quantum mechanics hybrid method. The …

Frost450, A Novel Microtubule Targeting Agent: Resistance And Cross-Resistance In An Ovarian Cancer Cell Line, Jonathan Chancellor Fox

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Drug resistance remains problematic for chemotherapy treatments. As primary treatment strategies tend to lose potency against cancer, there is a need for treatment options that overcome drug resistance mechanisms. FROST450, a novel microtubule destabilizing agent, has proven anticancer effects that overcome taxane and multidrug resistance. However, to better understand the clinical potential of FROST450, in this study we examine the mechanisms and implications of acquired FROST450 resistance in an A2780 ovarian cancer cell line. Results indicate FROST450 resistance is associated with increased mitochondrial respiration and with changes in gene sequence or expression level of proteins associated with microtubules, and that …

Using Non Stem-Cells To Understand Early Tumor Growth, Jake Hogan, Heiko Enderling, Joel Brown, Robert A. Gatenby

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2018

Tumors of similar size and shape can exhibit different responses to the same treatment. Targeted therapy aims to better treat these tumors by classifying them according to genotypic traits. A better understanding of how tumor traits such as non-stem cells influence tumor growth could improve targeted therapy. We hypothesize that the production of non-stem cells may aid tumor growth in avascular tumors (tumors lacking blood vessels).

Differential Expression Of Mtor Related Molecules In The Placenta Of Patients With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Or Preeclampsia, Katherine Price, Brent Kimbler, Nekel Knowlton, Kelsey Hirschi, Paul Reynolds, Juan Arroyo

Student Works

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is involved in placental growth and function during pregnancy. The mTOR pathway responds to nutrient availability and growth factors regulating protein transcription and cell growth. mTOR disruptions are associated with the development of obstetric complications which may result in adverse health outcomes for the mother and/or fetus. The purpose of this study is to identify the differing placental expression of various mTOR-associated proteins during normal gestation (Control), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE). Immunohistochemistry was used to stain human placenta for activated proteins (phospho; p)AKT, (p)ERK, (p)mTOR, (p)p70 …

Regulation Of Trophoblast Invasion By Pyruvate Kinase Isozyme M2 (Pkm2), Juan Mejia, Parker Hall, Kelsey Hirschi, Paul R. Reynolds, Juan Arroyo

Student Works

The Pyruvate kinase isozymes M2 (PKM2) protein is a metabolic enzyme that regulates the final step of glycolysis. This enzyme is present in highly proliferating cells such as those present in embryonic tissues, cancer and in the placental trophoblast. We recently studied PKM2 protein in the human placenta at term. Our results demonstrated upregulated placental PKM2 during preeclampsia (PE) where trophoblast invasion is decreased and hypoxia is present. Our objective was to determine the cytosolic and nuclear PKM2 expression pattern and determine PKM2 regulation of trophoblast cell invasion. Trophoblast cells were cultured in normoxic and hypoxic conditions and real time …

Differentiation And Containment Of Derived Pancreatic Beta Cells, Caden Duffy, Alonzo Cook Ph.D.

Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference

Currently, the only permanent cure for Type 1 Diabetes is a pancreatic or islet transplant. With the shortage of donors, we are progressing research towards alternative therapies by differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells into derived pancreatic β-cells that can be transplanted and used as treatment for Type 1 Diabetes. We are investigating methods to increase the yield of fully derived, insulin producing pancreatic β-cells and are additionally researching the use of hydrophilized expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for use in cell containment devices. These devices could offer a future alternative for islet transplantation in human patients.

Engineering Fret Biosensors For Microrna Presence/Absence Analysis, Nicholas E. Larkey, Sean M. Burrows

Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference

No abstract provided.

Insulin Treatment Increases Myocardial Ceramide Accumulation And Disrupts Cardiometabolic Function, Aimee Elizabeth Hodson

Theses and Dissertations

Prevalence of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide. Millions of people are already affected by T2DM and estimates predict over half a billion people will likely be suffering from the disease by 2030. T2DM is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular dysfunction is the leading cause of mortality among type 2 diabetics. Treatment for T2DM has changed over time. Though it was once known as insulin independent, a large portion of type 2 diabetics are now treated with insulin injections. However, type 2 diabetics treated with insulin are more likely to suffer …

The Role Of Hypoxia On Pyruvate Kinase M2, Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin, Mitochondrial Function, And Cell Invasion In The Trophoblast, Rebecca Lutz Kimball

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis will be organized into two chapters discussing the role of hypoxia in the human placenta. The goal of this thesis is to characterize pyruvate kinase M2, mammalian target of rapamycin, mitochondrial function, and cell invasion in hypoxic conditions in the trophoblast. Understanding the mechanisms of placental metabolism can lead to further treatments for placental diseases. Chapter one covers the background of intrauterine growth restriction, hypoxia, placental metabolism, and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). Little is currently understood about the role of the mitochondria in placental diseases. Expression of PKM2, trophoblast cell invasion, and mitochondrial function is shown to be …

Third Ventricle Width As A Metric For Fast And Efficient Detection Of Atrophy In Traumatic Brain Injury, Christopher Scott Finuf

Theses and Dissertations

In an average year more than 1.7 million people will experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States. It is known that atrophy occurs across a spectrum for TBI patients, ranging from mild to severe. Current conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods are inconsistent in detecting this atrophy on the milder end of the spectrum. Also more contemporary imaging tools, although efficient, are too time consuming for clinical applicability. It is for these reasons that a quick and efficient measurement for detecting this atrophy is needed by clinicians. The measuring of third ventricle width had the potential to …

The Anatomy Of Porcine And Human Larynges: Structural Analysis And High Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of The Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve, Nena Lundgreen Mason

Theses and Dissertations

The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) innervates all the intrinsic muscles of the larynx that are responsible for human vocalization and language. The RLN runs along the tracheoesophageal groove bilaterally and is often accidentally damaged or transected during head and neck surgical procedures. RLN palsy and vocal cord paralysis are the most common and serious post op complications of thyroid surgeries. Patients who suffer from RLN injury can develop unilateral or bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). Theoretically, selective reinnervation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle would be the best treatment for BVFP. The phrenic nerve has been shown in several studies to …

Iron As A Biomarker For Alzheimer’S Disease, Samual Barlow, Dr. Jonathan Wisco

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the highest causes of death in the United States. After the age of 65, the chance of getting Alzheimer’s doubles every five years. As the average lifespan of Americans increases, the importance of understanding AD and finding more efficient ways to treat it increases as well. The earlier AD is treated, the more effectively we are able to treat it. Non-heme iron (Fe) has been shown to spatially correlate with Abeta. Since Fe causes a signal dropout in susceptibility-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), this imaging modality could possibly be used as a way to …

Differential Receptors For Advanced Glycation End-Products (Rage) Expression In Preeclampsia, Intrauterine Growth Restriction And Gestational Diabetes, Kristen Lena Alexander

Theses and Dissertations

Preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and gestational diabetes (GDM) increase the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The roles of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) are already well documented concerning inflammation, hypoxia and oxidative stress. AGEs bind to its receptor, Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE), and activate an inflammatory pathway. This pathway alters the efficacy of invasive trophoblast cells and in the placenta and can result in placental dysfunction. We hypothesized that the placental dysfunction found in PE, IUGR, and GDM resulted from an over activation of the RAGE-mediated inflammatory pathway. Using human placental samples, we found …