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The Effect Of Anti-Angiogenic Agents Jfd And F16 On The Cell Cycle Arrest And Apoptosis Mechanisms In U87 And T98 Glioblastoma Cells, Sri Vaishnavi Konagalla, Ritu Upadhyay

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord, with a 5-year survival rate of only 5%. Two novel anti-angiogenic agents, JFD and F16, have been developed and seem to be favorable for treating GBM. They work by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels that plays a pivotal role in tumor growth. JFD is a small molecule that was developed for blocking vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). F16 is the second small molecule that can cross the blood brain barrier and block angiogenesis in tumors …

The Effects Of Forced Exercise On Traumatic Brain Injury, Courtney Mai, Drew Smith, Juanita Castillo, Karla Munoz

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a worldwide public health problem that can alter daily function and quality of life. TBIs affects approximately 1.5 million people in the United States annually and 300,000 of these TBIs are sports-related. Sports-related TBIs are generally known as concussions and have garnered attention due to the neurobehavioral outcomes that could arise from athletic training or exercise. This study aims to examine how forced exercise can affect TBI. This study was conducted by inducing stress via forced exercise and mild TBIs. Behavioral tests included elevated zero maze, novel object recognition, open field, and sucrose preference. Currently, …

The Impact Of Playing Music In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Amaya Allen, Angela Razo

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at increased risk for developmental delays, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, parents and caregivers are susceptible to an increased risk for trauma due to the hospital admission. This occurs secondary to the medical environment, including negative medical touch and unnatural motoric and sensory stimulation to the developing brain. The purpose of this scoping review of the literature, is to determine if music therapy in the NICU decreases stress and trauma.

A scoping review will be completed of peer reviewed articles assessing the impact of music therapy on infants in the NICU and …

The Relationship Between Minority Communities, Health Care, And Sexual Literacy, Samantha Grady

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Within the medical field, there is evidence of disparities related to the race/ethnicity of individuals, specifically in minority communities (Guzzo & Hayford, 2012). This issue is highly prevalent, and multiple studies have been conducted attempting to find the root cause (Richardson & Norris, 2010; Guzzo & Hayford, 2012). This study aimed to not only understand the background between minority communities, sexual literacy knowledge, and healthcare access but to also conduct a pilot project that spread information about reproductive health to a predominantly Latinx community in Sarasota, Florida. Additionally, the values and culture of those communities were investigated to identify the …

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 …

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 …

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 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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Nfl Draft Trainee Performance Profiling By Position, Maria Berrocales, Aidan Rohman

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The purpose of this study was to profile NFL draft trainees on physical and performance characteristics. Fifty-four players were categorized into Big, Big-skill, and Skill groups. We measured body fat (BF%), lean body mass (LBM), total mass, sprinting forces and ground contact time (GCT), jump height (JH), jump absolute (AJP), and relative (RJP) power, and reactive strength (RS). ANOVA determined between-group differences. Profiles were viewed via Z-score radar plots. There was a significant between-group difference in characteristics, F(24, 76)=5.18, p<0.001;Wilk's Λ=, partial η²=0.621. Post-hocs showed Skill had greater JH (p<0.001), RJP (p<0.001), and RSI (p=0.005) versus Big. Big had greater values versus …

Photodynamic Inactivation (Pdi) Of Microorganisms With Nitrogen Substituted Meso-Pyridyl Porphyrin Structures, Tiffany Pakela, Sanjana Sivaiah, Trisha Jaganathan

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) is an antimicrobial approach targeting pathogens independent of antibiotic resistance. The growing international concern for the rise in drug resistant microorganisms has driven for research in approaches that will keep these microbes from developing any immunological adaptations. Photosensitizers are molecules activated by light that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) lysing and causing cell death in structures of microbes and in diseased mammalian cells. The photosensitizers applied in this experiment are meso-Tetra(N-methyl-_-pyridyl)porphine tetrachloride structures. Three variations of the nitrogen placement were used to understand the interactions between such and the bacterial cell wall of Escherichia coli. These …

Regulatory Roles For Stress Responsive Transposable Elements In Rice, Jenna Handal, Michael Egozi, Andy Pereira Ph.D.

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Transposable elements, or mobile DNA sequences, are known for their structural and functional roles in the rice genome. As sources of genetic variation and drivers of evolution, transposable elements have been extensively studied for their regulation of gene expression and alteration of phenotypic traits. In addition, transposable elements are shown to be activated in response to various biotic and abiotic stresses. As the global temperature rises, heat stress threatens crop production worldwide. Research has shown that heat stress hinders optimal rice growth, development, and yield. Concern for food security amidst a growing population calls for development of novel methods to …

Sex-Specific Differences Resulting From High Fat Diet Observed In Microglial Responses Across Varying Brain Regions, Divya Komandooru, Divya Papaiya, Anshika Motiani, Shalet James, Zachary Lawrence

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Microglia are the resident immune cells in the nervous system, as they activate and release cytokines in response to immune challenges and maintain brain homeostasis. Consumption of a high fat diet and resulting metabolic disease (e.g. obesity and type 2 diabetes) alters microglial activity; however, studies have yet to explore sex differences in the effects of high fat diet/metabolic disease on microglia across several brain areas concurrently. This is vital given the heterogeneity of microglial distribution, morphology, and function across various pathological states. Male and female C57Bl/6J mice were fed either a low fat (LF; 10% fat) or high fat …

Sex-Specific Effects Of High-Fat And Ketogenic Diets On Cognition And Hippocampal Neurogenesis In C57b16/J Mice, Shalet James, Zachary Lawrence, Iliana Uribe, Ariana Hernandez, Eleanor Wind, Blanche Tamiya, Victoria Pulido-Correa, Natalia Noto, Yazmin Restropo

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Poor diet and metabolic diseases (obesity, Type 2 diabetes), are associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, and depression. Previous studies suggest that high-fat diet results in sex-specific effects in mice, including adult hippocampal neurogenesis, neuroinflammation, and performance on cognitive-behavioral tasks. The ketogenic diet, a popular weight loss regimen, is characterized by a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, and moderate-protein diet. Under carbohydrate restriction, the body enters ketosis, producing ketones bodies as a source of energy. While the ketogenic diet is very high in fat content, it may also possess neuroprotective properties against brain aging and neurodegenerative …

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 …

Behavioral Responses Of Aplysia Californica To Three Amino Acids, Adrian Ditore

Undergraduate Student Symposium

For the sea slug Aplysia californica, chemical detection allows the location of food, avoidance of predators, and ability to encounter potential mates. This is an important sensory modality because other sensory structures (optical and acoustic) are limited. It is hypothesized that food is detected via concentration gradients of specific food-derived amino acids in the water column. This study examines the behavioral reactions of Aplysia to L-alanine, L-serine, and L-methionine at a concentration of 20 mM in contrast to a food stimulus. Test subjects were placed in an aquarium and 50 mL of the amino acid was added near the …

Are Students In Broward County, Fl, Who Get Less Sleep More Likely To Experience Depressive Symptoms?, Kelly Nyman, Alissa Lopez, Lauren Herrera

Undergraduate Student Symposium

It is commonly known that sleep can significantly affect overall health in both physical and mental states, but can getting less sleep be an attributing factor to high school students experiencing symptoms of depression? In this study, we will determine whether less sleep is associated with feelings of sadness or hopelessness which are common symptoms of depression. Finding a link between the two could allow us to implement sleep education programs that would lower rates of depression in high school students. Using data collected from the 2019 YRBSS from Broward County, Florida, data was run comparing high school students who …

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 …

Effects On High Fat And Ketogenic Diet On Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Pathology In Male And Female Mice, Nitish Dundigalla, Shalet James, Iliana Uribe, Zachary Lawrence, Ariana Hernandez, Blanche Tamiya, Eleanor Wind

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, affecting 25% of Americans. Interestingly, NAFLD is associated with neurological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, cognitive dysfunction/dementia. Given the high rates of these diseases, understanding risk and protective factors for NAFLD is crucial. Individuals with obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and related conditions are prone to NAFLD. While consumption of high fat/Western diet increases risk, there is evidence to suggest that ketogenic diet, which is high in fat but low in carbohydrates, may protect against NAFLD. Biological sex may influence NAFLD, but the evidence is conflicting …

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.

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 …

Exercise As A Natural Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonist To Treat Binge Drinking Withdrawal, Eleanor Wind

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Binge drinking is a serious public health problem in the United States that is especially prevalent among college students. The results of a national survey reported 33% of full-time college students aged 18-22 engaged in binge drinking during the previous month. Positive results have been demonstrated in clinical trials that treated alcohol abuse with aerobic exercise. Research in animal models aims to answer remaining questions regarding implementation across sexes and age groups by studying underlying neurobiological mechanisms. One such mechanism is the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) of the endogenous brain opioid system. In animal models, administration of a KOR antagonist …

Investigating The Metal-Binding Properties Of Chitosan And Bisphosphonate Functionalized Chitosan, Andrew Brandea, Ashley Rodriguez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Functionalized polymers can be used as chelating agents to remove heavy metal contaminants from water. Chitosan is a biologically derived and commercially available polymer with a wide variety of clinical and industrial applications. The primary amine pendant group on the repeat unit of chitosan has the potential to act as a metal binding site due to the presence of a lone pair on the nitrogen atom. The purpose of this study was to functionalize deacetylated chitosan with a tridentate group to enhance its metal binding potential through the addition of more ligand binding sites. Specifically, a multicomponent Moedritzer-Irani reaction was …

Munkgeeroachy: A Gordonia Rubripertincta Bacteriophage Isolated From Soil, Ashley Janke

Undergraduate Student Symposium

There are many bacteria that are growing resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative therapies. Bacteriophage therapy, the use of viruses to treat bacterial infections, is a promising alternative. The goal of this project was to isolate and identify phages from soil samples that infect Gordonia rubripertincta. G. rubripertincta is a gram-positive bacterium that is typically found in soil and aquatic habitats. Gordonia species are rapidly becoming associated with human and animal diseases. Infections of G. rubripertincta have typically been found after various surgical procedures such as the applications of catheters, or the use of …

Red Dog Loess, A Last Glacial Dust Deposit, White River Badlands, S.D., Lakshmi Srikari Ravulaparthi, Ian Chang, Haley Perkins, John Nichols, Curtis Frye

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Understanding the detrimental effects of prehistoric climate change is essential to understanding our potential for future global climate disasters. During the Last Glacial Period (LGP) beginning around 70 thousand years ago, as Earth’s temperature dropped, the midcontinent grew increasingly dry, resulting in the ecological collapse of the Great Plains grassland ecosystems. Due to the breakdown of the grasslands, wind eroded the Great Plains, depositing vast amounts of windblown dust (loess). These loess deposits form valuable midcontinental agricultural deposits in Nebraska and Iowa. This study aims to identify the origin of the loess found on mesas in the White River Badlands …