Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Inflammatory Cytokines In Alzheimer's Disease, Moha Jayram

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most frequent cause of dementia and disability in the elderly, results in non-reversible neurodegenerative alterations of the brain such as synaptic and neuronal loss, extracellular amyloid deposits, and intra-cellular deposition of degenerate filaments. It has been hypothesized that inflammatory cytokines have been linked to Alzheimer disease (AD) neurodegeneration and disease progression. To test this hypothesis a systematic review and data meta-analysis was conducted from thirty prevalent studies. Identified representative studies from various counties were found using national studies using the search query Alzheimer’s Disease:Inflammation:Cytokines:Dementia:Progression. All of the studies included data from the elderly adult population with …

The Tale Of Traditional Tobacco As Told Through The Hummingbird Brings Back Tobacco Cherokee Legend, Natalie Toops

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Hummingbird Brings Back Tobacco is a Cherokee legend which emphasizes the cultural, spiritual, and medicinal properties of tobacco. The plot of this story will align with the research of, and presentation on, traditional tobacco. The story begins with a connected community praying for healing and wisdom through tobacco rituals. Suddenly, the community suffers as their tobacco was stolen by the Dagul’ku geese who wanted the benefits for themselves. In the end, the heroic hummingbird reclaims the community’s tobacco thus restoring their spirit. The paradox of tobacco for many Native American communities confounds anthropological study. Tobacco has been revered as a …

Understanding The Link Between Parity And Dementia, Chana Vogel, Aditi Gorthy, Isabelly Dos Santos

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Dementias, including Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, are devastating diseases and as the aging population increases, their incidence does as well. Given the striking sex/gender difference in the prevalence of dementia, it is urgently important to understand the unique social and biological factors that predispose females. There is growing concern over potential impacts of ovarian hormones (e.g., oral contraceptive use and hormone replacement therapy during/after menopause), but reproductive experience is wildly understudied as a risk factor for dementia. Dementia is characterized by cognitive difficulties likely caused by impaired hippocampal plasticity and function. Intriguingly, postpartum females typically experience reduced hippocampal plasticity, volume, …

Using X-Ray Crystallography To Inform Small Molecule Drug Design, Ilana Kolomiyets, Shreya Surti

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This project involves organic synthesis, X-ray crystallography, and the design of small molecule drugs. The ultimate goal of this project is to better understand the forces that affect the conformation of small molecules in order to develop more effective cancer therapeutics. The key molecule in this project is in reminiscent of an indole-2-carboxamide, and past research has shown that these molecules have antitumor and apoptotic effects against a variety of cancer cells. The crystals of this molecule were orthorhombic in P2₁2₁2₁ with unit cell dimensions a = 14.0111(1), b = 17.7521(1), c = 45.0224(3) and …

When Having More Can Be Risky: Women's Resources Predict Experience As A Victim, Kortne Bajor, Tamara Bogdanova, Ariana Gonzalez, Nissipriya Pilli

Undergraduate Student Symposium

People accumulate different kinds of resources that they use to solve problems, including the problems of finding, attracting, and retaining a mate. Mate retention behaviors include all behaviors that function to maintain a long-term partner’s investment in the current relationship. Some of these behaviors are benefit-provisioning and function by enticing a person’s continued investment in the relationship by offering gifts, compliments, or other positive inducements. Previous research has demonstrated a relationship between men’s resource accumulation and men’s use of cost-inflicting versus benefitprovisioning mate retention behaviors. The objective of the current study is to further investigate the relationship between resources and …

X-Ray Crystallography Of Self-Assembling Materials, Shreya P. Surti, Ilana Kolomiyets, Zachary C. Pizzo

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This research represents an interdisciplinary collaboration between NSU and KAIST, a leading research university in South Korea, and involves organic synthesis, X-ray crystallography, and materials selfassembly. This research informs the design of a new generation of self-assembling materials with improved physical properties for biomedical and technological applications.

Through analysis of the software packages CRYSTALS and Mercury, the structure of the molecule was found. The X-ray crystal’s parameters were found to be triclinic in P1 with a = 8.7008(5), b = 11.5507(7), c = 12.8580(8), a = 69.8418(18), b = 80.9295(18), g = 88.4199(18) and a unit cell volume of 1197.41(7) …

A Review Of Healthcare-Related Decisions Faced By Women At Risk For Hereditary Breast Cancer, Rathika Manikandan, Ilan Nedjar

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Hereditary breast cancer is defined as cancer that results from pathogenic mutations that are generationally inherited. In the U.S., hereditary cancer accounts for 5-10% of all cancer cases. Furthermore, approximately 264,000 newly diagnosed breast cancer cases are linked to pathogenic mutations. Pathogenic mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, and other genes are linked to a higher lifetime risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer; women with these pathogenic mutations have lifetime risk of breast cancer up to 85% and lifetime risk of ovarian cancer up to 54% . Previvors are defined as individuals with an identified pathogenic mutation prior to a …

A Review Of Treatment Options For Women Facing Hereditary Breast Cancer, Ilan Nedjar, Rathika Manikandan

Undergraduate Student Symposium

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes, which produce proteins that aid repair damaged DNA. Women who carry a pathogenic mutation in BRCA1/BRCA2 genes have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Furthermore, BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic mutations are associated with more aggressive breast cancer types (i.e., triple negative) and higher recurrence rates (10.5%) than for breast cancer of non-carrier patients. Consequently, BRCA1+/BRCA2+ breast cancer patients require a specialized treatment approach. The objective of this literature review is to summarize the various treatment options offered to BRCA1+/BRCA2+ breast cancer patients. Peer reviewed articles were found through multiple databases such as PubMed and …

A Scoping Review Of The Role Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas) In Pediatric Populations, Sheril Mathew

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are endocrine disrupting chemicals that can have a profound and negative impact on children's growth and development, leading to a higher risk of endocrine-related diseases and disorders. PFAs can be absorbed through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact and accumulate in the body due to resistance to degradation. Furthermore, children have been found to absorb 50% more of these chemicals compared to adults, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, widespread exposure to PFAS has been documented in the US population. …

A Search For A Solution To Antibiotic-Resistance: Uncovering Phage From Soil Samples That Bind To A Type Iii Secretion System Of Yersinia Pestis, Shruti Patel, Ritika Vonguru, Kenya Reid, Jewel Mousa, Megha Kurian

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has recently become a major global health concern, requiring new methods to successfully combat these highly resistant microbes. One promising alternative to traditional antibiotics is phage therapy, where bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) are utilized to target and kill bacteria. This study primarily focuses on discovering phages that are effective against Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis), the bacteria responsible for bubonic and pneumonic plague. One distinctive aspect of Y. pestis is its utilization of a type III secretion system (T3SS), a needle-like structure used to inject host cells with toxins that lead to infection. …

A Simple Method To Assess Porphyrin Basicity Using Competition Studies, Pranav Madadi, Ofek Gur, Ayush Desai

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Competition studies of three freebase porphyrins (H2OEP, H2OETPP, and H2TPP) were carried to assess their basicities. These porphyrins were selected because they are a good representation of natural occurring ones. In each experiment, the resultant UV-vis spectra were obtained by mixing and analyzing two porphyrins in a double-sided cuvette in which one was protonated using either trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) or hydrochloric acid (HCl) while the other was kept as a freebase. After mixing, the two porphyrins “compete” available protons, thus the most basic of them will acquire most of the protons. By adjusting the ratios of dications and freebases we …

Accommodations Needed For Asd Patients During Dental Care, Krystal Eischen Olsen

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This project aimed to investigate caregiver perspective regarding dental provider care for visits for their child[ren] with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a developmental disorder that affects communication, sensory processing, and behavior. ASD can cause problems regarding oral health care and treatments due to the overwhelming sensations experienced by the patient, resulting in refusal behaviors regarding prevention, maintenance, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health care needs (Zhou et al., 2020). Dental providers aren’t extensively trained on treatment or support techniques recommended for this population, leading to a drop-off in patient care and a lack of caregiver training or support …

Acute Toxicity Study Of Novel Melanoma Actives In Mice, Trisha Seal, Samaya Danthurthy

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Although there have been promising advances in melanoma drug discovery, the average overall survival of patients with late-stage metastatic melanoma is approximately 3 years, which suggests a need for identifying new melanoma targets. We previously reported a discovery of melanoma actives acting via binding and down regulating human nuclear ribonuclear protein H1/H2 (hnRNP H1/H2), which is a novel target with unknown toxicity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to study the safety of novel anti-melanoma compounds 2155-14 and 2155-18 in mice. The methodology of the study involved injecting male and female Balb/C mice three times a week for three …

An Applied Ergonomic Analysis And Comparison Of Laparoscopic Surgical Tool Handles, Sebasthian Del-Valle, Komi Touglo-Midodji, Emmanuel Espindola, Mackensey Mcclendon

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which surgeons operate with a camera to view the operating area and instruments inserted through minor incisions. This surgery has many benefits, including faster patient recovery, but it can also be physically demanding for surgeons. Significant muscle fatigue and cognitive effort have been observed in surgeons as they engage in prolonged use of these instruments. The handles of these instruments are not ergonomic. The purpose behind this research project is to design and test an alternative to the standard laparoscopic instrument handles. Applying human factors and ergonomics principles, we sought to …

An Impartial Supreme Court? Evaluating The Role Of Public Opinion In Supreme Court Rulings, Alexis Lass

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Susceptibility to public opinion is a phenomena faced by most political leaders, whether that be in City Halls or the United States’ Senate. Regardless, when separation of powers was conceptualized and the Supreme Court of the United States was created, the intent was to have a particular branch that didn’t make the law, but interpreted it, impartially, with a lack of partisanship opinion. In recent years, researchers have noticed a pattern of Supreme Court rulings aligning perfectly with public opinion, making field experts and citizens alike, question the integrity of the institution. The current study seeks to better understand the …

Decoding Phages: Complete Genome Sequence Analysis Of Two Novel Bacteriophages, Alyssamiracle And Fribs8, Mansi N. Gandhi, Bianca A. Gonzalez, Anjaly Kappen, Samantha Lopez, Elisabeth Loranger, Oren Gaston Nedjar, Alyssa Ortiza, Shivani K. Patel, Vir J. Patel, Narindra Ramnath-Manohar, Joel A. Sanchez, Bhavya Soni, Autumn Taylor, Sadhika Uppalapati, Sarah Ballarin, Naitik K. Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Bacteriophages (phage) are viruses that infect bacteria and are considered the most abundant biological entity in the world. Recently, phage has been utilized in biotechnological applications including their use as biocontrol agents in food preservation, sanitizers, wastewater treatment, bioremediation of oil spills, and combating antibiotic resistance. Therefore, decoding and analyzing the genetic composition of novel bacteriophages is critical to their potential use in these emerging applications. Through the SEAPHAGES (Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science) program at NSU, our goal was to analyze the genomes of two recently discovered bacteriophages, Alyssamiracle and Fribs8. These phages infect Gordonia …

Establishing The Microbial Volatile Organic Compound (Mvoc) Profile Of Enterococcus Faecalis, A Causative Agent Of Infective Endocarditis, Using Headspace-Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Hs-Spme-Gc-Ms), Anjana Reddy

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening infection of the heart which is usually bacterial in nature. The treatment of this disease relies greatly on its early diagnosis, which typically utilizes a blood culture to confirm the presence and identity of the bacteria. However, during the early stages of the disease, a patient’s blood culture may test negative despite having the disease, a phenomenon known as Blood Culture Negative Endocarditis (BCNE). Thus, alternative diagnostic routes must be considered, such as by utilizing the microbial volatile organic compound (mVOC) profile of bacteria that commonly cause IE, such as Enterococcus faecalis (E. …

Postpartum Depression: The Effects Of Misdiagnosis On Maternal And Infant Health, Karen Jurando-Lopez, Shreya Madhudi, Niral Paveen

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Postpartum depression is a psychiatric disorder that has been recognized since 460 B.C., thousands of years before it was officially classified in 1926. Although awareness of postpartum depression, its signs, and treatment of women affected by the disorder has been increasing throughout the century, around 66% of postpartum depression cases are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Postpartum depression negatively impacts the development of mothers and optimal development of a child as it fosters an unhealthy environment. Detecting postpartum depression at an early stage, such as the postnatal period, allows for it to be treated as soon as possible to minimize the …

Biopiracy: The Exploitation Of Medicinal Plants From Countries And Communities, James Murray

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Biopiracy is the appropriation of knowledge and biological resources of medicinal plants from indigenous communities. In addition, researchers and organizations secure patents over medicinal plants resulting in a monopoly over the use of them. This has caused local communities where the plant originated from to be excluded from proper financial compensation. Many people are unaware of what biopiracy is and how it may negatively impact communities. The goal of this project is to raise awareness about biopiracy and its harmful effects on indigenous communities. I will discuss two plant species widely known for their medicinal capabilities in the local communities …

Synthesis Of Amino-Functionalized Methacrylamide And Methacrylate Monomers, David Kurian, Rehan Contractor, Naga Ganti, Saipranavi Reddy Kethireddy

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Amino-functionalized monomers have versatile applications in the field of medicine. Their current applications include enhanced nucleic-acid based drug delivery as well as the formation of polyplexes for non-viral gene delivery. The cationic amino group in these monomers conjugates with negatively charged amino acids and DNA. One of the most common amino-functionalized monomers is 2- aminoethyl methacrylamide (AEMA). To synthesize the methacrylamide, ethylene diamine is reacted with methacrylic anhydride (or methacryloyl chloride) via nucleophilic acyl substitution. The most prevalent synthesis involves the use of a tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) protection group to ensure that only one of the amino groups is functionalized. This …

Closing The Racial Academic Achievement Gap In The United States Through Culturally Responsive/Relevant And Social Justice Pedagogical Practices In Mathematics Education, Travis Roberson

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Due to the lingering effects of the United States' centuries-long state-sanctioned oppression and segregation of African Americans, African Americans and other minorities have consistently underperformed academically compared to white students, also known as the “racial academic achievement gap.” Research suggests that culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP), a relatively new theory in education, has been known to increase participation, engagement, and academic achievement in classrooms, especially in mathematics classrooms. The purpose of this literature review is to synthesize connections between CRP and the racial academic achievement gap to discover whether utilizing CRP in the classroom on a nationwide basis is a viable …

Boldness And Endurace In Wild And Domesticated Sailfin Mollies, Claire Scobie

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Environment is known to influence physiological and behavioral differences, even within the same species. We compared the boldness and endurance levels of sailfin mollies (Poecilia latipinna) from domestic environments (pet stores) and wild habitats. We caught wild sailfin mollies from several freshwater sites in the South Florida area and purchased sailfin mollies from pet stores. We then used a boldness testing apparatus with a shelter and obstacles, recording each trial in a series of images. The time fish spent in latency (within the shelter while doors were open) was recorded and the recording of movement around the tank …

Characterizing The Types Of Representations Subject To Research Studies And Interventions Centered Around The Representational Competence Framework Within Chemistry Education, Nabiha Atiquzzaman

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Since its introduction, the Representational Competence Framework by Kozma and Russell has captured the attention of many researchers and practitioners in science education. According to this framework, representational competence is a set of skills and practices that allow a person to reflectively use representations, singly or together, to think about, communicate and act on chemical phenomena. Furthermore, developing representations has been suggested to be essential for developing expertise in subjects like Chemistry. Thus, as part of a large collaborative project among three universities, we have been working on reviewing the literature on the use and incorporation of the Representational Competence …

Differentiation Of Stress Response In Children With Autism, Devanshi Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) process stressors differently than children with neurotypical development and have a poor response to stress. Furthermore, it is not clear if children with ASD are able to regulate appropriately in order to bounce back from a stressful experience. As such this study appraised results from big data in order to examine the stress response of children with neurotypical development compared to children with ASD. Data from a previous study in which neurotypical children and children with ASD were recruited from public events and from educational programs were analyzed using machine learning methods as a …

Effect Of Methylphenidate On Alzheimer's And Dementia, Smrithi Mukund, Priyanka Prasanna, Aishwarya Muppoor, Maheen Khan

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a neurogenerative disorder that causes impairments in cognitive abilities, behavior, and personality. AD is distinguished by extracellular plaques containing beta-amyloid proteins and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. Current FDA-approved drugs for AD have questionable efficacy and carry potential risks. Methylphenidate (Ritalin), a stimulant drug currently used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, has been used off-label to treat AD patients, primarily for relieving the symptom of apathy. While our literature review suggests that relatively short-term (< 6 weeks) use in patients with AD and related diseases is safe and effective in clinical trials, little is known about the longer-term effects of the drug in this population. More work is needed, as there is also a paucity of animal research investigating chronic effects of methylphenidate in rodent models of AD and related disorders. Findings from animal studies in wild-type rodents on chronic use of methylphenidate, as well as cell culture studies, have reported adverse effects of methylphenidate, including increases in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, vascular impairments (e.g. blood brain barrier dysfunction), and altered cognitive-behavioral performance. While the clinical significance of methylphenidate treatment in AD patients may be unclear, studies over longer periods of time including testing on animal models will help us understand how methylphenidate treatment can affect our brain activity in the long term and how it can be administered more safely and effectively.

Effects Of Altered Tpp-1 Expression In Human Neural Progenitor Cells, Nitisha Gajavalli, Julia Langman

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Batten’s Disease or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) is a pediatric autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder due to a deficit of the lysosomal protease tripeptidyl peptidase (TPP-1). The lack of TPP-1 leads to an accumulation of lysosomal waste and cell death. The disease is characterized by language delays, seizures, cognitive and motor decline, blindness, as well as early death. Currently, a clinical trial of the experimental treatment Brineura® (Cerilponase Alfa) is the only approved treatment for CLN2. The clinical trial involves infusion of human recombinant TPP-1 (rhTPP-1) into the ventricles of the brain. Diffusion models suggest the protein …

Evaluation Of Mdm2 Regulation On Aurkb Expression And Cell Death In Lung Cancer, Lohita Sunkara, Saaketh Palli

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This research examines the molecular mechanisms by which MDM2 regulates AURKB in lung cancer cells. In the United States alone nearly 238,340 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023. Hence, the need for new anti-cancer drugs and treatment methods is still persisting to fight against this deadly disease. This study explores the intracellular link between MDM2 and AURKB, to determine how manipulating this molecular mechanism can lead to cell cycle arrest and cancer cell death.

Lung cancer cells were treated with RG7388, an MDM2 inhibitor, and Barasertib, an AURKB inhibitor. Following treatments, the cells were lysed, and western …

Faulty Hip And Pelvis Biomechanics Do Not Differentiate Between 5k Performance In Ncaa Division Ii Cross-Country Runners, Maya Varghese, Shandon Marshall, Isabella Rivero

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Excessive hip adduction (HADD) and contralateral pelvis drop (CPD) angles during running are associated with running-related injuries. Their influence on performance is less known. Therefore, we aimed to determine if HADD and CPD could differentiate between high and low race performers, and if there were relationships between CPD, HADD and race performance. 26 healthy male and female NCAA Division II cross-country runners participated in this prospective study. They underwent 3D motion analysis of their HADD and CPD during pre-participation physical examinations. Times from the first race of the season were converted to International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) points and …

How The Molecular Vibrations Of Water May Prevent Skin Cancer, Colette Costello, Angelina Georg, Jarlynn Ramirez, Jenna Handal, Ramson Munoz Morales

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Studies have shown that when DNA absorbs ultraviolet light it can become structurally damaged leading to a mutation and possibly skin cancer. However, exposing skin to sunlight rarely leads to a mutation. This indicates that after the ultraviolet light is absorbed by the DNA the energy from the light can either cause a structural change to the DNA (a mutation) or be dissipated in a way that does not damage the DNA. Absorption of ultraviolet light causes molecular vibrations in DNA and these vibrations are what likely leads to structural changes in the DNA. One way the structural changes could …

Geographically Based Risk Evaluation Of Disease States And Sleep Disorders Impacting Readiness Across Active-Duty Army Installations From Military Medical Databases In Fiscal Year 2021, Nandan Shastry

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The impact of sleep disorders and disease states on active-duty soldiers’ readiness is a clinically relevant and significant topic. This is due to the high comorbidity of sleep disorders and a wide variety of other condition, ranging from substance abuse to obesity. Patient data collected from military health databases can be used to establish possible relationships. The current study performed a risk assessment of sleep disorders, obesity, tobacco use, and general substance abuse based on geographical distribution of active-duty Army installations through a comprehensive analysis of the Office of the Army Surgeon General Health of the Force (HoF) report, specifically …