Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Model Of Shell Structure And Pattern In Mollusks, Rahnuma Islam, Bard Ermentrout, Sabrina Streipert

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Modeling Mechanisms Of Microtubule Dynamics And Polarity In Neurons, Anna Nelson, Veronica Ciocanel, Scott Mckinley, Hannah Scanlon

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

The Neural Dynamics Of Autism Spectrum Disorder And Typically Developing Individuals: Insights From Eeg Modeling And Mathematical Analysis, Sungwoo Ahn, Evie A. Malaia, Leonid L. Rubchinsky

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Pre- And Post-Synaptic Effects Of Opioids On Inspiratory Rhythmogenesis, Diego F. Morandi Zerpa, Jingzhi Zhao

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Genetic And Modifiable Risk Factors On Brain Regions Vulnerable To Ageing And Disease, Jordi Manuello, Joosung Min, Paul Mccarthy, Fidel Alfaro-Almagro, Soojin Lee, Stephen Smith, Lloyd T. Elliott, Anderson M. Winkler, Gwenaëlle Douaud

School of Medicine Publications and Presentations

We have previously identified a network of higher-order brain regions particularly vulnerable to the ageing process, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. However, it remains unknown what the genetic influences on this fragile brain network are, and whether it can be altered by the most common modifiable risk factors for dementia. Here, in ~40,000 UK Biobank participants, we first show significant genome-wide associations between this brain network and seven genetic clusters implicated in cardiovascular deaths, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and with the two antigens of the XG blood group located in the pseudoautosomal region of the sex chromosomes. We further reveal …

Exploring Imageability Through Architecture To Study Neuroscience: Preliminary Results Of A Systemic Review, Cristian Maestre, Shana Garza, Silvia Mejia-Arango, Jesus D. Melgarejo, Gladys E. Maestre

Research Symposium

Background: Neuroscience and architecture are often combined to study the impact of environment, physical spaces, colors, shapes, and buildings on brain activity and health. This is an emerging field with distinct areas examining architecture in relation to neuroscience. Among the numerous elements of architecture, imageability seems to be of particular interest. Imageability refers to the quality of a physical space that evokes strong images in people’s mind, and influence cognitive functions including visual, memory, and spatial recall. It is hypothesized that environments, spaces, and buildings with poor imageability might negatively affect cognition, behavior, and brain health. Diverse studies have been …

The Image Of Schizophrenia In Spain's Healthcare System, Meghan Webb

CISLA Senior Integrative Projects

Schizophrenia affects thousands of people in Spain and is one of the most serious mental health disorders in existence. Despite its this characteristic, schizophrenia did not always get the proper attention it deserved within the country’s healthcare system. This was largely due to the influence that the Spanish government had, and continues to have, over the healthcare system, giving it the power to choose how the disorder was represented. Therefore, what does that mean for schizophrenia in Spain’s healthcare system today? This essay will explore the ways in which schizophrenia was represented in Spain’s healthcare system through an examination of …

Are You Numb Yet?, Monica Lozano Garcia, Chelsea Erazo Macias, Victoria Cuello, Kelsey Baker

Research Colloquium

Background: Recent research has suggested that after a spinal cord injury (SCI), detrimental reorganization of neural structures favors stronger muscles while inhibiting weaker muscles. Temporary deafferentation (TD) is a technique that uses short-term anesthesia, to inactivate sensation pathways from stronger muscles so that the brain releases inhibition that was placed on weaker muscles, thereby strengthening them. Here, we seek to evaluate when peak TD is achieved to define when strength-building exercises on a weaker muscle should begin.

Methods: 5% lidocaine cream was applied to the right biceps of 7 healthy volunteers. We measured sensation every 15 minutes after …

Global Impact Of Proteoglycan Science On Human Diseases, Christopher Xie, Liliana Schaefer, Renato V. Iozzo

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

In this comprehensive review, we will dissect the impact of research on proteoglycans focusing on recent developments involved in their synthesis, degradation, and interactions, while critically assessing their usefulness in various biological processes. The emerging roles of proteoglycans in global infections, specifically the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and their rising functions in regenerative medicine and biomaterial science have significantly affected our current view of proteoglycans and related compounds. The roles of proteoglycans in cancer biology and their potential use as a next-generation protein-based adjuvant therapy to combat cancer is also emerging as a constructive and potentially beneficial therapeutic strategy. We will discuss …

Spinal Cord Injury: What About The Brain?, Monica Lozano Garcia, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Recent research has suggested that the brain may also undergo neurodegeneration after a spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we evaluated neurodegeneration in the brain of patients with SCI and related neurodegeneration to rehabilitation performance, spine degeneration, and motor function.

Methods: T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted images of 13 SCI patients and 13 healthy controls were obtained. We evaluated fractional anisotropy in the motor cortex (MC), the sulci in front of the MC, the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), and the cerebral peduncles (CP) in both hemispheres to determine neurodegeneration. Statistical analysis was performed between patients with SCI …

Palmitoylation As A Regulator Of Maguk Proteins Postsynaptic Localization, Rozena Shirvani-Arani, Santiago Balderas, Yonghong Zhang, Xioaqian Fang

Research Symposium

Synaptic plasticity is the ability of the brain to make changes and the changes occur at synapses. To achieve the complicated functions, a good number of proteins are present at synapse and are called synaptic proteins. To stabilize these proteins at synapses, proteins are modified through posttranslational modifications (PTMs). The most studied PTMs include phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, palmitoylation, etc. Palmitoylation is a type of lipid modification and has received more attention recently for its contribution to protein trafficking, localization, and interaction in various synaptic plasticity. The membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family includes PSD-95, PSD-93 (also known as chapsyn-110), SAP102, …

Implementing A Bedside Rounding Tool To Reduce Inpatient Falls, Steven W. Garcia

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Each year, thousands of patients sustain falls while hospitalized, resulting in an increase in serious injuries or death. In a Neuroscience Step Down Unit (NSDU), fall rates in 2022 were higher than the NDNQI benchmark. Despite a thorough fall prevention policy, nurses inconsistently implemented preventative interventions, resulting in increased falls.

Context: The NSDU is a 15-bed inpatient unit providing intermediate-level care for patients with neurological and neurosurgical diagnoses. The unit is part of a 459-bed academic medical center and safety net hospital providing tertiary and quaternary care in southern California.

Interventions: A bedside safety rounds checklist for charge nurses …

Differential Response Of C9orf72 Transcripts Following Neuronal Depolarization, Layla T. Ghaffari, Davide Trotti, Aaron R. Haeusler

Farber Institute for Neuroscience Faculty Papers

The (G4C2)n nucleotide repeat expansion (NRE) mutation in C9orf72 is the most common genetic cause of ALS and FTD. The biological functions of C9orf72 are becoming understood, but it is unclear if this gene is regulated in a neural-specific manner. Neuronal activity is a crucial modifier of biological processes in health and neurodegenerative disease contexts. Here, we show that prolonged membrane depolarization in healthy human iPSC-cortical neurons leads to a significant downregulation of a transcript variant 3 (V3) of C9orf72, with a concomitant increase in variant 2 (V2), which leads to total C9orf72 RNA transcript levels remaining unchanged. However, the …

The Mandelbrot Set For Networks, Templates And Mutated Systems, Anca R. Radulescu

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Intermittent Synchronization In Gamma-Band Neural Oscillations, Anh Nguyen, Leonid L. Rubchinsky

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Eco-Interoception: What Plants, Fungi And Protista Have Taught My Body, Sara Riley Dotterer

Art Theses and Dissertations

To me, ecology is the relational, full-body awareness that I am made up of and deeply connected to everything around me; and for better or worse, this is reciprocal. I form ecotones, an ecological transitional zone between two ecosystems, with the world around me. I use this ecotonal lens to blur binaries and dissolve boundaries between me and the world “outside my body.” During my Masters of Fine Arts at Southern Methodist University, I have continuously explored and represented the lives of various more-than-human species outside of my body, including plants, fungi and protista through an ecotonal lens. Although these …

Investigating Physical Therapy Students’ Perceived Levels Of Self-Confidence To Apply Sensory Neuroscience Concepts, Jeanne Welch, Olawunmi Obisesan

Research Day

Purpose/Hypothesis: Guided by the theory of social constructivism, the purpose of this study was to investigate the overall impact of an experiential summative group assignment, The Great Toe Assignment (TGTA), on Doctor of Physical Therapy students’ perceptions of their level of self-confidence in applying sensory neuroscience concepts learned during an academic term. This study’s research questions were: What is the overall impact of an experiential summative group assignment on students’ perceptions of self-confidence in applying neuroscience concepts learned during an academic term? Are there any statistically significant differences in measurements of perceptions of students’ level of self-confidence measured at Week …

Perceptions Of Nursing Staff On Restraint Alternatives, Adelia S. Perea

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Physical restraint is often used as a nursing intervention for patients with behavioral issues despite current evidence that indicates their use is actually more harmful than helpful. Nursing staff at UNMH are required by policy to use other methods such as restraint alternatives before placing patients in restraint. However, they do not have the necessary resources or tools to comply with the policy. The NPCU conducted a quality improvement project that introduced 5 restraint alternatives followed by a survey focused on nursing perceptions. The results revealed 2 alternatives (Gamewright GoPOP sensory toy & Playtivity sensory disc) were perceived by nursing …

Toward A Comprehensive Account Of Orientation Selectivity In The Retina., Megan Zipperer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) form functionally distinct signaling channels that selectively encode features of the visual input including direction of motion, contrast polarity, size, and color. A highly conserved visual channel amongst vertebrates conveys orientation selectivity, i.e., the selective firing of neuronal cells in response to elongated stimuli along a preferred orientation. Orientation selectivity is an apparent critical computation and several studies have reported aspects of it, including cell type identity in anatomical reconstructions, and functional characterization of at least four different identified RGC types. But how cell types in the different studies relate is not well resolved; the mechanisms …

Adolescents With Family History Of Alcohol-Use Disorders Have Reduced Structural Coherence Of Anterior Insula To Nucleus Accumbens Tract, Grace Wood

Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Genetics play a significant role in predisposition towards alcohol use disorders. Analyzing the neural phenotypes related to alcohol use disorder development could allow researchers to predict one’s predisposition. The anterior insula (AIns) contributes to binge drinking tendencies while exhibiting downstream signaling towards the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). Recent research has examined this relationship simultaneously with alcohol consumption, but the genetic effect of the AIns and NAcc functional relationship prior to alcohol consumption has yet to be examined. In this study, we used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study to analyze the structural coherence of the AIns to NAcc …

Temperament & Character Account For Brain Functional Connectivity At Rest: A Diathesis-Stress Model Of Functional Dysregulation In Psychosis, Igor Zwir, Javier Arnedo, Alberto Mesa, Coral Del Val, Gabriel A. De Erausquin, C. Robert Cloninger

School of Medicine Publications and Presentations

The human brain’s resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) provides stable trait-like measures of differences in the perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning of individuals. The rsFC of the prefrontal cortex is hypothesized to mediate a person’s rational self-government, as is also measured by personality, so we tested whether its connectivity networks account for vulnerability to psychosis and related personality configurations. Young adults were recruited as outpatients or controls from the same communities around psychiatric clinics. Healthy controls (n = 30) and clinically stable outpatients with bipolar disorder (n = 35) or schizophrenia (n = 27) were diagnosed by …

Redefining Drug Education: A Neuroscience-Based Class For High Schoolers, Talia Frost-Belansky

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

There is a desperate need to move beyond abstinence-only drug education for high schoolers to address rising overdose rates and acknowledge an industry targeting teenagers for highly potent drugs. Neuroscience offers students insight into how drugs affect the reward system and alter the ability for endogenous systems to modulate essential functions. I created a lesson plan titled, “The Neuroscience of Addiction” for a class at Sehome High School for students in grades 9-12. The presentation addresses the role of dopamine in addiction, the discrepancy between drug policy and scientific understanding, how potency affects tolerance, how motivation for drug seeking evolves …

Evaluating Law Enforcement De-Escalation Tactics Used With Individuals Exhibiting Psychotic Symptomology, Jasmine Morgan

Senior Theses and Projects

This study evaluated the use of de-escalation measures utilized by police officers in the state of Connecticut. In particular, it focused on the use of training measures used in conjunction with individuals displaying symptoms of severe mental illness, more specifically psychotic disorders. Data was collected via an online software, allowing participants to undergo a series of survey and hypothetical scenario-based questions. The study examined demographic information, trainings regarding weapon exposure and mental illness, and de-escalation tactics used when interacting with individuals showing symptoms of psychosis. Regarding sample demographics, it was found that the 22 participants were mostly Caucasian (77%), male …

Role Of Nucleus Accumbens Dopamine Receptor Signaling In The Suppression Of Punished Reward Seeking, Grace M. Joyner, Anna Caroline Toburen

Senior Theses

Previous studies have shown that within the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain region associated with motivation and reinforcement learning, activity of neurons expressing the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R neurons) act as a “break” on risky behavior associated with negative outcomes. Moreover, when these neurons are stimulated, rats were found to become more risk averse. However, the impact of dopamine signaling through NAc D2R neurons in risk avoidance is still unclear. To further explore the role of NAc dopamine signaling in punished reward-seeking, we tested rats in a novel punished food-seeking paradigm in which subjects are trained to choose between a …

Differential Expression Of Interferon-Induced Protein With Tetratricopeptide Repeats 3 (Ifit3) In Alzheimer's Disease And Hiv-1 Associated Neurocognitive Disorders, Armando Garces, Bryan Martinez, Roberto De La Garza, Deepa Roy, Kaylie-Anna Vallee, Jerel Adam Fields, David J. Moore, Hansapani Rodrigo, Upal Roy

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

The United Nations projects that one in every six people will be over the age of 65 by the year 2050. With a rapidly aging population, the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) becomes a major concern. AD is a multifactorial disease that involves neurodegeneration in the brain with mild dementia and deficits in memory and other cognitive domains. Additionally, it has been established that individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) experience a 5 to 10-year accelerated aging and an increased risk of developing HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Despite a significant amount of clinical evidence pointing towards a potential overlap between …

Differentiating Pc12 Cells To Evaluate Neurite Densities Through Live-Cell Imaging, Jordyn Karliner, Diane E Merry

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Although PC12 cells are a valuable tool in neuroscience research, previously published PC12 cell differentiation techniques fail to consider the variability in differentiation rates between different PC12 cell strains and clonal variants. Here, we present a comprehensive protocol to differentiate PC12 cells into equivalent neurite densities through live-cell imaging for morphological, immunocytochemical, and biochemical analyses. We detail steps on optimized substrate coating, plating techniques, culture media, validation steps, and quantification techniques.

Atmosphere(S) For Architects: Between Phenomenology And Cognition, Michael A. Arbib, Elisabetta Canepa, Bob Condia, Federico De Matteis, Tonino Griffero, Robert Lamb Hart, Mark Alan Hewitt, Suchi Reddy, Mikaela Wynne

NPP eBooks

Interfaces 5 was born to home the dialogue that the neuroscientist Michael A. Arbib and the philosopher Tonino Griffero started at the end of 2021 about atmospheric experiences, striving to bridge the gap between cognitive science’s perspective and the (neo)phenomenological one. This conversation progressed due to Pato Paez’s offer to participate in the webinar “Architectural Atmospheres: Phenomenology, Cognition, and Feeling,” a roundtable hosted by The Commission Project (TCP) within the Applied Neuroaesthetics initiative. The event ran online on May 20, 2022. Bob Condia moderated the panel discussion between Suchi Reddy, Michael A. Arbib, and Tonino Griffero. The RESONANCES project was …

A Single-Case Alternating Treatments Design Utilzing Quantitative Electroencephalography To Observe And Measure Mental State Trends During Individual Participant Non-Nature-Based Small Initiative Adventure Therapy Experiences, Patrick Lane Robert Mcmillion

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This single-case alternating-treatments design research study observed and measured mental state trends during the counseling approach known as Adventure Therapy (AT) using quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). Participants wore a qEEG headset while participating in a multi-stage AT experience. Two problems were addressed in this study. The first was the lack of research in AT utilizing other empirical measures beyond subjective report surveys and the outcomes of specific programs. The second was the lack of neuroscientific measurement of counseling approaches and interventions within the field of counseling in general. There is a need for empirical evidence supporting AT to address access barriers …

The Role Of The Nlrp3 Inflammasome In Alzheimer's Disease, Ethan S. Terman

Undergraduate Research Posters

This study examines the consequences of Alzheimer’s in rat and mice test subjects. The goal is to identify the effects of certain NLRP3 inhibiting drugs and to see if there are any noticeable effects in regards to impeding the pathological development of Alzheimer’s disease. The results are visualized by implementing the immunohistochemical process to identify neurodegeneration in the brain and to assess the expression levels of amyloid beta as an indicator of Alzheimer’s pathology. Other tests are also conducted on these transgenic mice to gauge cognitive functioning levels during the onset of their disease, those being behavior tests, but not …

Treatment Of Anxiety By Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Retrospective Chart Review, Rhea Gandhi

CMC Senior Theses

Surgical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was FDA cleared for depression (2005) and epilepsy. (1997). In the surgical procedure, a pacemaker is implanted below the collarbone (clavicle) and connected to the vagus nerve in the neck. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a non-surgical alternative to VNS and there is evidence supporting its effectiveness for several conditions. Advantages include lower cost and fewer adverse side effects.

Anxiety is tied to excess or unopposed sympathetic nervous system activity, while the parasympathetic nervous system, especially the vagus nerve, is relatively underactive. This study aimed to investigate a potential impact of regular tVNS stimulation …