Life Sciences Commons^™

Which Hypothesis Best Explains The Development Of Cancer?, Ariel M. Mayer

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

There are three theories of cancer development analyzed in this review. The first theory is the immunological theory, which states that cancer is a result of the immune system failing to detect a cancerous cell in which results in uncontrolled cell growth. The second theory is the somatic mutation theory, which states that genetic mutations are a direct cause cancer. The third theory is the stem cell theory which states that cancer results from an uncontrolled stem cell. The difference in each theory helps guide a clinician’s judgment in how to treat cancer. If a clinician believes in the immunological …

The Biocompatibility Of Various Dental Materials, Amy Noble

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Dentistry is a continuously evolving field with new materials and technologies constantly innovated. The oral cavity presents a harsh environment in which restorative and implant materials must be able to withstand. Aside for meeting the appropriate physical and chemical standards, it is important that dental materials be biocompatible. Biocompatibility relates to the material’s ability to function in the body without causing harm to living tissue. It is necessary to analyze the materials being used and determine whether they interact with the body in a detrimental manner. This will enable dental professionals to choose the most beneficial material to utilize for …

Treating Anemia Of Chronic Disease, Sarit Fischer

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) is the result of altered iron metabolism, blunted erythropoiesis, and shortened red blood cell survival caused by inflammatory cytokines. Hepcidin plays a key role in anemia of chronic disease by inducing endocytosis of the iron exporter ferroportin. Iron is trapped in enterocytes, hepatocytes, and macrophages, and is unavailable for hemoglobin synthesis. When treating the underlying disease is not an option, or anemia is severe, ACD should be treated. While oral iron supplementation is not suitable for ACD, intravenous iron may be effective. Erythropoiesis stimulating agents are a common approach to treating ACD, but a large …

Is Pnc-27 And Pnc-28 The Best Way To Cure Cancer?, Miriam Silberstein

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Immunotherapeutic agents have been researched for many decades as an alternative treatment for cancer. Current research demonstrates that immunotherapy is safer than radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This is attributed to immunotherapy’s mechanism of utilizing the body’s own defense system, as opposed to absorbing harmful chemicals. Two forms of immunotherapy that have been effective in curing cancer without the added danger of chemical toxicity are PNC-27 and PNC-28. These peptides were created by a supercomputer at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in New York in 2000. PNC-27 and PNC-28 work with the MDM2 -P53 tumor suppressor complex. It acts as a competitive inhibitor …

Intra-Ocular Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibiting Agents: Indications, Efficacy, And Alternatives, Rena Shilian

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

One of the most revealing parts of the human body is the eye. In fact, systemic conditions and diseases are commonly manifested in the eye and display pathology that reflect disorders. An example of a chorioretinal vascular condition that can present itself in the eye is diabetes mellitus, which if left uncontrolled can damage the eyes and a person’s vision. Age related macular degeneration is specific to the eye, potentially leading to irreversible loss of central vision. Intravitreal injections containing vascular endothelial growth factor inhibiting agents appear to be the leading lines of defense against diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration …

Causes And Mechanisms Of Crohn’S Disease, Chana Weis

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most prevalent inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in Jewish and Caucasian populations, affecting as many as one in 250 individuals. Nevertheless, the underlying causes of both disorders are not yet fully understood and remain unknown. However, current evidence suggests that the exaggerated inflammatory response, more commonly referred to as IBD, is believed to arise from dysregulation of the gastrointestinal (GI) immune system in genetically predisposed individuals who are exposed to environmental triggers. Recent advances have identified multiple IBD susceptibility genes; however, only a few environmental determinants of IBD have been consistently identified. The …

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Effective For Treating Autism?, Malky Meyer

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized as a developmental disability caused by abnormalities in brain function. Studies link ASD with various physiological abnormalities, such as cerebral hypoperfusion, oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Studies show that diminished blood flow to the brain demonstrates a connection between several core autistic behaviors, and the hypoperfusion generally worsen with age, growing more prevalent in older children. Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy (“HBOT”) is not yet approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration ) (“FDA”), several studies performed internationally have proven its efficacy in treating people with autism. Even so, the FDA does …

Does Preimplantation Genetic Testing Increase The Risk Of Adverse Clinical Outcomes?, Robyn Weiss

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Before 1990, options were limited for couples who were at risk for transmitting a genetic disease or a structural chromosomal abnormality to their children. Couples traditionally underwent invasive procedures such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, after which termination was offered if the fetus was found to be affected. Many couples chose not to have children at all. Since then, technological advances have allowed preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to be offered to these couples. Couples who choose PGT undergo in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where the oocyte is injected by a single sperm and is then implanted …

What Role Does Age-Associated Neuroplasticity Play In The Efficacy Of Cochlear Implantation?, Jacob Fliegelman

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Bilateral, profound-severe, congenital deafness causes widespread structural and functional changes of the auditory system. In humans, the consequences of these changes are extensive and often include detriments to language acquisition and auditory perception. Fortunately, early intervention methods, such as cochlear implantation, can significantly mitigate inevitable auditory deficiencies. This review begins by briefly addressing early stages of brain development and associated anatomical discrepancies observed in congenitally deaf subjects. Considering the deleterious effects of congenital deafness, neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to rewire itself, is of paramount importance in reversing the auditory impairments. Hence, its incorporation into the methods required for …

Full Issue: Volume 13, Number 2

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Complete .pdf file of Volume 13, number 2 of The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Effects Of High Fat Diets, Esther Abady

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

With obesity on the rise, and subsequently numerous diseases, many people are looking for newer ways to counter the effects of the influx of fatty, high sugar and unhealthy foods they are consuming. The most common and widely used method is a diet plan. The key to both a healthy and effective diet is knowing what the diet does to the body. There are short term diets which have adverse effects if kept for too long and long-term diets which are aimed for a healthy lifestyle. Every diet is based on the increased and decreased consumption of different macronutrients and …

Should Advanced Maternal Age Be A Deterrent For Attempting A Pregnancy?, Sarina Spira

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

In the developed world, the trend toward women of advanced age bearing children is very prevalent and seems likely to continue. For a variety of reasons, women are delaying pregnancy until 35 years and older when they suddenly seem keenly aware that their biological clocks are ticking. A review of various studies obtained from the Proquest and EBSCO databases indicates that there are definitely certain risks associated with advanced maternal age (AMA). As females age, the reduced number and quality of their remaining eggs contribute to reduced fertility. Congenital anomalies involving the number of chromosomes in the embryo increases as …

Is Rapamycin An Effective Anti-Aging Drug?, Basya Aboud

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Scientific and pharmaceutical advancements have revolutionized medicine. Many once- debilitating or fatal diseases can now be managed with medication. However, the search for a cure for the inevitable aging diseased state remained futile until recently. Rapamycin has been studied for its possible longevity effects, providing promising results for the development of anti-aging therapies. This paper evaluates the benefits and risks of rapamycin use. While rapamycin cannot be supported as a safe anti-aging drug, rapamycin studies have elucidated parts of the aging pathway, providing a breakthrough for anti-aging research.

Human Organ/Limb Regeneration: A Dream Or Reality?, Shmuel Sashitzky

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Organ and limb regeneration might seem like something out of science fiction, but research has been ongoing since the late 1960s and has greatly increased at the turn of the century. It is an understatement to say that this has the potential to be life changing. The need for donor transplant organs and transplant waiting lists can become obsolete and the use of immunosuppressants post-transplant will become unnecessary (leading to higher survival rates). Should this happen, trauma patients will be able to achieve complete recoveries and the reign of some congenital disorders will come to an end. Nature has provided …

Uterine Transplantation: A Review Of Some Of The Factors That Account For The Success Or Failure Of This Experimental Procedure, Rachel Stern

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Those who suffer from infertility, either due to a congenital or acquired cause and cannot or are opposed to other means, such as surrogacy or adoption, to have a child, are potential candidates for uterine transplantation. Uterine transplantation is a form of allograft transplantation, meaning that it is a transplant of tissue from a donor who is genetically different from the recipient. Additionally, it is a vascularized transplant, including donor blood vessels that will be sutured to the vasculature of the recipient (Testa et al. 2017). This procedure has been attempted around the globe with varying levels of success ranging …

What Are The Most Appropriate Treatments, Preventions And Family Planning Options For Patients With Factor V Leiden?, Simha Wolf

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The management of Venous Thromboembolism in terms of treatments and prevention has been well researched for patients who have been discovered as positive for Factor V Leiden genetic clotting disorder, in either the homozygous or the heterozygous genotype. In fact, the research and development of new agents called Direct oral anticoagulants aim to treat and prevent clotting events while minimizing the risks of bleeding. Although several risk factors have been identified in relation to VTE, Factor V Leiden mutation presents a seemingly higher risk due to its unpredictable incidences of clotting events, even in patients with optimal health characteristics. Yet, …

What Is The Future Of Organoids?, Michelle Freilich

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The term organoid refers to a miniature version of any organ of the body. An organoid is artificially produced in vitro from stem cells or tissue that possess the ability to recapitulate and form the three-dimensional structure of the organ they were once a part of. Scientists have learned to create a culture for the organoid that mimics its original micro cellular environment, allowing the 3-D structure to self-organize and develop into miniature organs. The purpose of this paper is to explore the many advancements of organoid technology, and how this progress has benefited the medical field. Organoid technology allows …

The Effects Of Fetal Microchimerism On Maternal Health, Matti Miller

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

No abstract provided.

Advancements In Vaccine Development: Measles Vs. Covid-19, Sarah Ziegler

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

As an ever-progressing field of study, vaccine development has made headway over the past decades. By doing a comparative study between development of the measles vaccine in the mid-20th century, and the ongoing development of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2020, many of the insights and advancements in the field can be easily highlighted. First, the knowledge and experience gained over those decades has helped the vaccine developing process become more efficient. With more vaccines in production, or at least under study, it is more likely to have a related precedent to build upon, as opposed to relying on a successful …

Effective Treatments For Nicotine Addiction, Chaya Shor

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Nicotine dependence as a result of smoking is a chronically relapsing disorder with detrimental effects. However, fortunately for smokers, an armamentarium of smoking cessation aids is available in the forms of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), non-nicotinic drugs (namely varenicline and bupropion), and the novel nicotine vaccines, each with their own mode of action to moderate nicotine addiction. This paper analyzes the mechanism of action associated with nicotine addiction and the various methods of combat, or at the very least, attenuation of the addiction.

Is Fecal Microbiota Transplantation A Safe And Effective Treatment For Gastrointestinal Diseases?, Shaindel Pinsky

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a method of transferring feces from an individual with a healthy microbiome to a patient whose healthy gut bacteria is deficient. While this method is not a new one, it is constantly being explored and studied to determine if it can be an effective way to treat patients with different bowel diseases. The main target of most of these studies are patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infections. Many studies were done to determine if the method is safe, and which method is most effective, as well as who can be a good donor or recipient …

The Formation And Manifestation Of Kidney Stones, Adina Peikes

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Conclusion:

As more research is done on kidney stones it becomes abundantly clear that even more research is needed. There are an innumerable amount of factors to take into account when determining the best course of treatment for persons with renal calculi. The patient’s occupation, ethnicity, BMI, family history, and region of residence are all contributing aspects. Stone composition may be very varied from case to case. Treatment that was successful for one may be detrimental for the other. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each case is unique and requires its own analysis and diagnosis. One thing is universal though, …

Parkinson’S Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Research, And Interventions, Alexander Labkowsky

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

This paper covers several pathogenic theories of Parkinson’s disease (PD); the physiology and biological pathways involved. This includes a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) route, a nuclear DNA route, and other hypotheses about idiopathic PD. The subsequent discussion of PD symptoms utilizes a neurological perspective, analyzing the neuroanatomical systems involved, and how they are treated. This includes medications and surgical techniques that are employed in an effort to manage symptomatology and increase health-related quality of life.

Treating Carcinomas Through Integrin Α6Β4 Modification And Inhibition, Pearl Singer

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Integrin α6β4 is a membrane protein which is expressed in both normal and cancerous epithelia. In normal cells, it is involved in adhesion to the basal membrane. In carcinomas, however, it takes on cell signaling roles related to survival and migration. Due to its key role in cancer progression, it is now being considered as a therapeutic target. This paper examines how we can affect integrins, with a specific focus on integrin α6β4, to reinforce their ability to prevent migration of cancer cells and progress toward metastasis.

Full Issue: Volume 14, Number 1, Fall 2020

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Complete .pdf file of Volume 14, number 1 of The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences. Published Fall 2020.