Digital Commons Network^™

Investigation Of Neuro-Inflammatory Parameters In A Cuprizone Induced Mouse Model Of Multiple Sclerosis, Ti̇muçi̇n Avşar, Gökçe Erdem, Gökhan Terzi̇oğlu, Eda Tahi̇r Turanli

Turkish Journal of Biology

Cuprizone, copper chelator, treatment of mouse is a toxic model of multiple sclerosis (MS) in which oligodendrocyte death, demyelination and remyelination can be observed. Understanding T and B cell subset as well as their cytokines involved in MS pathogenesis still requires further scrutiny to better understand immune component of MS. The study presented here, aimed to evaluate relevant cytokines, lymphocytes, and gene expressions profiles during demyelination and remyelination in the cuprizone mouse model of MS. Eighty male C57BL/6J mice fed with 0.2% cuprizone for eight weeks. Cuprizone has been removed from the diet in the following eight weeks. Cuprizone treated …

Classification Of Bladder Cancer Cell Lines According To Regulon Activity, Aleyna Eray, Serap Erkek Özhan

Turkish Journal of Biology

Bladder cancer is one of the most frequent cancers and causes more than 150.000 deaths each year. During the last decade, several studies provided important aspects about genomic characterization, consensus subgroup definition, and transcriptional regulation of bladder cancer. Still, much more research needs to be done to characterize molecular signatures of this cancer in depth. At this point, the use of bladder cancer cell lines is quite useful for the identification and test of new signatures. In this study, we classified the bladder cancer cell lines according to the activities of regulons implicated in the regulation of primary bladder tumors. …

Fluid Shear Stress And Endothelial Cells Synergistically Promote Osteogenesis Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Via Integrin Ss1-Fak-Erk1/2 Pathway, Mingli Jiang, Qihua Shen, Yi Zhou, Wenxia Ren, Miaomiao Chai, Yan Zhou, Wen-Song Tan

Turkish Journal of Biology

Prevascularization and mechanical stimulation have been reported as effective methods for the construction of functional bone tissue. However, their combined effects on osteogenic differentiation and its mechanism remain to be explored. Here, the effects of fluid shear stress (FSS) on osteogenic differentiation of rat bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) when cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were investigated, and underlying signaling mechanisms were further explored. FSS stimulation for 1-4 h/day increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition in coculture systems and promoted the proliferation of cocultured cells. FSS stimulation for 2 h/day was selected as the optimized …

A Cytoplasmic Escapee: Desmin Is Going Nuclear, Ecem Kural Mangit, Ni̇lüfer Düz, Pervi̇n Ruki̇ye Di̇nçer

Turkish Journal of Biology

It has been a long time since researchers have focused on the cytoskeletal proteins' unconventional functions in the nucleus. Subcellular localization of a protein not only affects its functions but also determines the accessibility for cellular processes. Desmin is a muscle-specific, cytoplasmic intermediate filament protein, the cytoplasmic roles of which are defined. Yet, there is some evidence pointing out nuclear functions for desmin. In silico and wet lab analysis shows that desmin can enter and function in the nucleus. Furthermore, the candidate nuclear partners of desmin support the notion that desmin can serve as a transcriptional regulator inside the nucleus. …

Racism In Medicine And Science, Samantha Soriano

USF St. Petersburg campus Honors Program Theses (Undergraduate)

The history of racism and prejudice in the United States is not limited to segregation, slavery, and discrimination. Medical and scientific racism continue to disproportionately affect Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC). BIPOC have been used for scientific advancement without full disclosure of potential harm or adequate compensation. Scientists and medical providers have dehumanized minority individuals by disrespecting their autonomy and targeting vulnerable populations. This thesis consists of a literature review that surrounds the history of medical and scientific exploitation of people of color, ethical guidelines surrounding research, eugenics, and how assumptions affect the quality of care that minority …

Advanced Raman Spectroscopy Detection Of Oxidative Damage In Nucleic Acid Bases: Probing Chemical Changes And Intermolecular Interactions In Guanosine At Ultralow Concentration, Francesca Ripanti, Claudia Fasolato, Flavia Mazzarda, Simonetta Palleschi, Marina Ceccarini, Chunchun Li, Margherita Bignami, Enrico Bodo, Steven E.J. Bell, Filomena Mazzei, Paolo Postorino

Bioelectrics Publications

DNA/RNA synthesis precursors are especially vulnerable to damage induced by reactive oxygen species occurring following oxidative stress. Guanosine triphosphates are the prevalent oxidized nucleotides, which can be misincorporated during replication, leading to mutations and cell death. Here, we present a novel method based on micro-Raman spectroscopy, combined with ab initio calculations, for the identification, detection, and quantification of oxidized nucleotides at low concentration. We also show that the Raman signature in the terahertz spectral range (<100 >cm(-1)) contains information on the intermolecular assembly of guanine in tetrads, which allows us to further boost the oxidative damage detection limit. Eventually, we …

Coping Skills, Emotional Intelligence, Attachment, And Resilience On Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In Private Sector Emergency Medical Technicians, Brenda-Joyce Gonzales Orozco Markert-Green

Dissertations

Problem

Private sector Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are first responders who respond to traumatic incident scenes along with firefighters and police officers. However, news agencies and the public do not acknowledge private sector EMTs with the same vigor or accolade as public sector EMTs, nor are the risks to life, health, and mental well-being recognized among this population. Thus, the research literature has been sparse regarding how private sector EMTs experience PTSD, and what unique risk factors and needs may be present.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between PTSD symptoms and coping skills, …

An Exploratory Study Of Mathematics Anxiety In Caribbean Preservice Teachers, Franka Atwell-Chin Hong

Dissertations

The Problem

Correlational studies suggest that gender, attitudes to mathematics, mathematics performance, the number of college mathematics courses taken, and mathematics teacher efficacy beliefs may be related to mathematics anxiety among preservice teachers (Boyd et al., 2014; Gresham, 2018; Jaggernauth & Jameson-Charles, 2015). Exploratory studies of mathematics anxiety and teacher self-efficacy among elementary teachers exist in Trinidad and Tobago (Jaggernauth 2012; Jaggernauth & Jameson-Charles, 2015). However, the differences in samples, and weakness in methodology, may make it challenging to generalize the results to the preservice teacher population. In addition, no studies have found which variable or combination of variables is …

A Pilot Study Evaluating A Training For Music Therapy Students On Considerations For Lgbtq Clients, Cecilia Blair Wright

Theses and Dissertations--Music

Music therapists are expected to understand the influence of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation on the therapeutic process, yet may not be receiving education that adequately prepares them to support LGBTQ clients. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of a one-hour educational training for music therapy students on considerations for working with LGBTQ clients. The presentation included information about terminology, discrimination, healthcare discrimination, music therapy research, musical considerations, and additional resources provided as a handout. The minority stress theory and queer theory informed the development of the presentation. Exploratory analysis revealed that participants …

Songs For High Voice: An Annotated Guide To African Romances, Op. 17 By Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Makeda Danielle Hampton

Theses and Dissertations--Music

African Romances, Op. 17, composed in 1897 by African-British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912), is a collection of seven songs for high voice that is uniquely both African and American. The lyrics of this song cycle were first published in the book Majors and Minors, a collection of poems published in 1895 by Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906).

An analysis of resources supports that academic discourse in Black vocal music has been underrepresented due to the absence of centralized information, such as published scores, recorded materials, catalogs, and guides for study and performance. While in depth research focusing on the art …

Shining A Spotlight On Female African American Composer Evelyn Simpson-Curenton, Iris E. Fordjour-Hankins

Theses and Dissertations--Music

Those who are interested in learning more about Evelyn Simpson-Curenton (b. 1953) will find it challenging to find scholarly material on her life and music. She is best known for her arrangements of spirituals that were sang and recorded by Kathleen Battle and Jessye Norman (whose concert recording Spirituals in Concert was released in 1991). Simpson-Curenton is also known for her choral work, “Psalm 91,” made famous by Oakwood University’s Aeolians. Though she is self-published, her absence from compilations, volumes, and anthologies for solo voice and piano is regrettable. This dissertation provides well researched scholarly information about her musical life …

A Qualitative Study Of Burnout In Graduate Students Enrolled In Healthcare Programs, Kaylene Irizarry

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Burnout has not been defined in a universal and operational manner that is agreed upon by professionals. Burnout is prevalent among graduate students, has many negative side effects, and is not well understood. The experience of burnout varies by population. The lack of clear understanding makes assessment of burnout difficult. Assessment of burnout is difficult between groups because of the ambiguity of the construct and lack of construct validity with other terms. The purpose of this research was to identify shared themes related to burnout in graduate student populations in health-related programs and to gain insight into students’ perspectives on …

Physical And Behavioral Factors And Their Influence On Psychosocial Functioning And Adherence In Women With Celiac Disease, Joclyn R. Malys

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disease with physiological symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and anemia. Weight change before and after treatment is common among women with Celiac disease. The relationship between the physical manifestations of Celiac disease and their effects on psychosocial functioning is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the magnitude of weight change on depression, body image, and eating behaviors. This cross-sectional study used data that were collected via online anonymous surveys from 140 women with Celiac disease. Functioning and adherence were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), The …

Resources For Higher Education Faculty: Development Of The Growth Mindset Curriculum For College Instructors, Angela Gwathney

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Student’s implicit theories of intelligence within higher education influences their academic performance. A two-part study was conducted to assess educator’s implicit theory of intelligence within high academia. Participants in Study 1 included instructors within higher education institutions who have been administered a Google survey inquiring about their teaching pedagogies, personal characteristics, and demographic. Results indicated that faculty, in general, hold a growth mindset about their students but also hold some fixed mindset beliefs. In addition, there were few differences between instructors from Community Colleges vs Four-Year Institutions or between Public vs Private Institutions. These results suggest that students are no …

Addressing Cultural Considerations Of African Americans In Interdisciplinary Care, Ashley M. Smith

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Communication and appreciation for culturally significant factors are essential to the helping relationship between the patient and the interdisciplinary team members in the health care setting. Historically, the relationship between African Americans and health care professionals in the American health care system has been one of mistrust based on unequal treatment, stereotypes, and other factors negatively affecting rapport. The main purpose of this study was to identify the cultural considerations within the Black and African American communities and their impact on the relationship between interdisciplinary care team members and their African American patients. This study used a qualitative grounded theory …

Differences In Internalizing Symptoms And Cognitive Functioning In Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Sluggish Cognitive Tempo, Avery B. Ducey

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) is a recently identified mental health construct. Currently, no widely accepted diagnostic criteria for SCT exist, and it is not recognized in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5). There is debate in the psychological community as to whether SCT is better conceptualized as an atypical presentation of attentiondeficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or a unique symptom cluster comprised of ADHD and additional psychological and neurocognitive symptoms. When controlling for ADHD symptomatology, SCT has been found to be associated with internalizing symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, as well as …

Examining Physicians’ Attitudes And Knowledge Regarding Medical Marijuana, Philip Kaplan

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit substances in the U.S. and its rapid implementation as a form of treatment has sparked significant national attention and debate among clinicians. In the United States, medical marijuana (MM) may be recommended as a form of treatment by certified physicians. The purpose of this study was to examine licensed physicians’ support for recommending MM for various health conditions, their perceived knowledge regarding its efficacy as treatment, and their attitudes toward MM. This study employed a correlational design utilizing a self-administered, online survey (PCOM REDCap) to collect quantitative information from licensed and …

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress And Oncomir-Associated Chemotherapeutic Drug Resistance Mechanisms In Breast Cancer Tumors, Leila Mehdizadehtapeh, Pinar Obakan Yerli̇kaya

Turkish Journal of Biology

Breast cancer, as a heterogenous malign disease among the top five leading causes of cancer death worldwide, is defined as by far the most common malignancy in women. It contributes to 25% of all cancer-associated deaths after menopause. Breast cancer is categorized based on the expression levels of cell surface and intracellular steroid receptors [estrogen, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2)], and the treatment approaches frequently include antiestrogen, aromatase inhibitors, and Herceptin. However, the management and prevention strategies due to adverse side effects stress the patients. The unsuccessful treatments cause to raise the drug levels, leading to …

Effects Of Bradykinin On Proliferation, Apoptosis, And Cycle Of Glomerular Mesangial Cells Via The Tgf-Ss1/Smad Signaling Pathway, Ji Dong, Li Ding, Liuwei Wang, Zijun Yang, Yulin Wang, Ying Zang, Xuexia Cao, Lin Tang

Turkish Journal of Biology

We aimed to assess the effects of bradykinin (BK) on the proliferation, apoptosis, and cycle of glomerular mesangial cells via the transforming growth factor-ß 1 (TGF-ß1)/Smad signaling pathway. Rat glomerular mesangial cells, HBZY-1, were divided into normal group (untreated), model group (5 ng/L TGF-ß1), BK group (5 ng/L TGF-ß1 + 1 ng/L BK), and inhibitor group [5 ng/L TGF-ß1 + 1 ng/L LY2109761 (TGF-ß1-specific inhibitor)]. The cell proliferation, cycle, apoptosis, expression of type I collagen (Col-1), and protein expressions of Col-1, TGF-ß1, and phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2) were detected by EdU labeling, flow cytometry, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) dual staining, immunofluorescence …

The Effects Of Pikfyve Inhibitor Ym201636 On Claudins And Malignancy Potential Of Nonsmall Cell Cancer Cells, Eda Doğan, Zekeri̇ya Düzgün, Zafer Yildirim, Berri̇n Özdi̇l Bay, Hüseyi̇n Aktuğ, Vi̇ldan Bozok Çeti̇ntaş

Turkish Journal of Biology

PIKfyve is an evolutionarily conserved lipid and protein kinase enzyme that has pleiotropic cellular functions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate 5-kinase (PIKfyve) inhibitor, YM201636, on nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells growth, tumorigenicity, and claudin (CLDN) expressions. Three NSCLC cell lines (Calu-1, H1299 and HCC827) were used to compare the effects of YM201636. Cytotoxic effects of YM201636 were analysed using XTT assay. Malignancy potential of cells assesses with wound healing and soft agar colony-forming assays. mRNA and protein expressions of claudins were analysed by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Our results revealed that …

A Novel Rock Inhibitor: Off-Target Effects Of Metformin, Aysun Özdemi̇r, Mustafa Ark

Turkish Journal of Biology

In drug discovery, most small molecules cannot cross many stages, only a few can become drug candidates. Once the drug molecule is approved and marketed, nontarget effects that are not easily distinguishable from the actual target of the drugs might be evaluated. This situation restricts the treatment. Thus, the discovery of new drugs is a very long and expensive process. In recent years, without developing new drugs, the approach of using different and new target molecules in new indications apart from the indications of licensed drug molecules has gained importance. In this study, using the connectivity map program, it was …

Arid4b Alters Cell Cycle And Cell Death Dynamics During Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation, Gözde Güven, Nihal Terzi Çizmeci̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Biology

Cell division and death play an important role in embryonic development. Cell specialization is accompanied with slow proliferation and quiescence. Cell death is important for morphogenesis. Gene expression changes during differentiation is coordinated by lineage-specific transcription factors and chromatin factors. It is not yet fully understood how alterations in gene expression and cell cycle/death mechanisms are connected. We previously identified a chromatin protein Arid4b as a critical factor for meso/ endoderm differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). The differentiation defect of Arid4b-deficient mESCs might be due to misregulation of cell proliferation or death. Here, we identified a role for …

Detection Of Grain Yield Qtls In The Durum Population Lahn/Cham1 Tested Incontrasting Environments, Issame Farouk, Ahmad Alsaleh, Jihan Motowaj, Fatima Gaboun, Bouchra Belkadi, Abdelkarim Filali Maltouf, Zakaria Kehel, Ismahane Elouafi, Nasserelhaq Nsarellah, M. Miloudi Nachit

Turkish Journal of Biology

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var durum) is tetraploid wheat (AABB); it is the main source of semolina and other pasta products. Grain yield in wheat is quantitatively inherited and influenced by the environment. The genetic map construction constitutes the essential step in identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to complex traits, such as grain yield. The study aimed to construct a genetic linkage map of two parents that are widely grown durum cultivars (Lahn and Cham1) in the Mediterranean basin, which is characterized by varying climate changes. The genetic linkage map of Lahn/Cham1 population consisted of 112 recombinant inbred …

Increased Ribonuclease Activity In Solanum Tuberosum L. Transformed With Heterologous Genes Of Apoplastic Ribonucleases As A Putative Approach For Production Of Virus Resistant Plants, Andrii Potrokhov, Daria Sosnovska, Olga Ovcharenko, Irena Budzanivska, Volodymyr Rudas, Mykola Kuchuk

Turkish Journal of Biology

Viral pathogens seriously decrease the yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) -an important agricultural crop. Therefore, there is a demand for potato cultivars resistant to multiple viruses. Ribonucleases (RNases) are supposed to be engaged to antiviral response in plants. Heterologous RNase gene expression provides a tool for production of cultivars with multiple resistance to viruses and viroids. Transgenic potato cultivars Luhivs'ka and Lasynak with heterologous genes bov and ZRNase II of apoplastic RNases from Bos taurus and Zinnia elegans respectively were obtained via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The presence of bov and ZRNase II transgenes was confirmed by PCR analysis. RNase activity …

Genomic Chronicle Of Sars-Cov-2: A Mutational Analysis With Over 1 Million Genome Sequences, Osman Mutluhan Uğurel, Oğuz Ata, Di̇lek Balik

Turkish Journal of Biology

Use of information technologies to analyse big data on SARS-CoV-2 genome provides an insight for tracking variations and examining the evolution of the virus. Nevertheless, storing, processing, alignment and analyses of these numerous genomes are still a challenge. In this study, over 1 million SARS-CoV-2 genomes have been analysed to show distribution and relationship of variations that could enlighten development and evolution of the virus. In all genomes analysed in this study, a total of over 215M SNVs have been detected and average number of SNV per isolate was found to be 21.83. Single nucleotide variant (SNV) average is observed …

Host Variations In Sars-Cov-2 Infection, Doruk Altiok, Eli̇f Zeynep Savci, Büşra Özkara, Kami̇l Alkan, Di̇lara Sultan Namdar, Gi̇zem Tunçer, Buğrahan Regai̇p Kilinç, Evren Sui̇çmez, Güneysu Çeti̇n, Si̇nan Ünal, Beyza Dönmüş, Zeynep Yağmur Karagülleoğlu, Di̇lrüba Beyza Uncuoğlu, Cansu Tekeli̇, Hani̇fe Ayşegül Mendi̇

Turkish Journal of Biology

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the zoonotic pathogen that causes the "Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19)", and COVID-19 itself is yet to be thoroughly understood. Both the disease as well as the mechanisms by which the host interacts with the SARS-CoV-2 have not been fully enlightened. The epidemiological factors -e.g. age, sex, race-, the polymorphisms of the host proteins, the blood types and individual differences have all been in discussions about affecting the progression and the course of COVID-19 both individually and collectively, as their effects are mostly interwoven. We focused mainly on the effect of …

Pathogenesis And Treatment Of Cytokine Storm In Covid-19, Mehmet Soy, Gökhan Keser, Mehmet Pami̇r Atagündüz

Turkish Journal of Biology

COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that killed a large number of patients around the world. A hyperinflammatory state resulting in a cytokine storm and adult respiratory distress syndrome seems to be the major cause of the death. Many mechanisms have been suggested in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 associated cytokine storm (COVID-CS). Insufficient viral clearance and persistence of a strong cytokine response despite inadequate antiviral immunity seem to be the main mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis. The diagnosis of COVID-19 is based on relatively constant clinical symptoms, clinical findings, laboratory tests, and …

Novel Approaches For Covid-19 Diagnosis And Treatment: A Nonsystematic Review, Şebnem Gari̇p Ustaoğlu, Hakan Kaygusuz, Mehmet Di̇nçer Bi̇lgi̇n, Feri̇de Severcan

Turkish Journal of Biology

Since COVID-19 pandemic has been continuously rising and spreading, several original contributions and review articles on COVID-19 started to appear in the literature. The review articles are mainly focus on the current status of the pandemic along with current status of the corona diagnosis and treatment process. Due to some disadvantages of the currently used methods, the improvement on the novel promising diagnosis and treatment methods of corona virus is very important issue. In this review, after briefly discussing the status of current diagnosis and treatment methods, we present to the scientific community, novel promising methods in the diagnosis and …

An Update Comprehensive Review On The Status Of Covid-19: Vaccines, Drugs, Variants And Neurological Symptoms, Ebru Özkan Oktay, Sali̇h Tuncay, Tuğba Kaman, Ömer Faruk Karasakal, Öznur Özge Özcan, Tuğçe Soylamiş, Mesut Karahan, Muhsi̇n Konuk

Turkish Journal of Biology

Various recently reported mutant variants, candidate and urgently approved current vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), many current situations with severe neurological damage and symptoms as well as respiratory tract disorders have begun to be reported. In particular, drug, vaccine, and neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been developed and are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Here, we review lessons learned from the use of novel mutant variants of the COVID-19 virus, immunization, new drug solutions, and antibody therapies for infections. Next, we focus on the B 1.1.7, B 1.351, P.1, and B.1.617 lineages or variants of …

Neuropathy In Covid-19 Associated With Dysbiosis-Related Inflammation, Busra Aktas, Belma Aslim

Turkish Journal of Biology

Although COVID-19 affects mainly lungs with a hyperactive and imbalanced immune response, gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms such as diarrhea and neuropathic pains have been described as well in patients with COVID-19. Studies indicate that gut-lung axis maintains host homeostasis and disease development with the association of immune system, and gut microbiota is involved in the COVID-19 severity in patients with extrapulmonary conditions. Gut microbiota dysbiosis impairs the gut permeability resulting in translocation of gut microbes and their metabolites into the circulatory system and induce systemic inflammation which, in turn, can affect distal organs such as the brain. Moreover, gut microbiota …