Digital Commons Network^™

Elucidating The Adverse Effects Of Chronic Pfos Exposure On Gastrointestinal Pathology And Colorectal Cancer, Jerika Durham

Theses and Dissertations--Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to a number of detrimental health effects, including an elevated risk of cancer. One "long-chain" subtype of PFAS, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), has a long elimination half-life and a significant propensity for bioaccumulation. Because PFOS is commonly found in drinking water, the gastrointestinal system absorbs it at a high rate. Recent studies demonstrate that PFAS exposures promote intestinal inflammation and gut barrier dysfunction. However, how a long-term PFOS exposure affects colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is not known. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to understand how …

Investigating Plk1 In Pulmonary Fibrosis, Tempany Arbogast

Theses and Dissertations--Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal interstitial lung disease, with a median survival of only 2–3 years following diagnosis. In the United States, the disease contributes to more than 40,000 deaths annually, underscoring its severe clinical burden. Alveolar type II (AT2) lung epithelial cells serve as progenitors that maintain alveolar integrity by replenishing epithelial populations and producing surfactants, while fibroblasts and myofibroblasts regulate the extracellular matrix and structural support. In pulmonary fibrosis (PF) injury to AT2 cells promotes cytokine and growth factor release, driving inflammation, fibroblast proliferation, myofibroblast accumulation, and excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Aberrant AT2 cell …

Hss 404-006: Biotechnology And The Law, Mary X. Mitchell

History Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Pfas Litigation And Industry “Science”: Combating Deceptive Industry Practices, Dayna Smith

Western New England Law Review

PFAS have become a hot spot of litigation due to their growing notoriety as one of the greatest chemical threats of our time. Yet, due to concerted efforts by the PFAS industry, PFAS cases are likely to face a significant hurdle in the courtroom. Historically, industry groups have funded studies to lend support to their products, leading to a high risk of bias that has potentially far-reaching consequences. Further, there is mounting evidence that the PFAS industry actively used funding to manipulate science, while also engaging in other deceptive practices to hide potential health risks. This industry “science” then makes …

Revolutionizing The Immaculate Conception: The Limitations Of Medieval Theology And The Advancements Of John Duns Scotus, Emily G. Knoppe

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Although in the modern era, the Immaculate Conception is a controversial doctrine that prompts conflict primarily between Catholic and non-Catholic groups, during the medieval period Roman Catholics were greatly divided on the topic. Opposition to the belief hinges not only on its lack of scriptural basis and complicated theology, which some deem as placing Mary outside of the need for Christ’s redemption, but also on the fact that it was not declared dogma until 1854 by Pope Pius IX. In this thesis, I first consider how Augustine of Hippo’s original sin theology laid the foundation for avid rejection of the …

A Cadaver Story: Relationality In The Anatomy Laboratory, Stephanie Teasley

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Cadavers in the human anatomy laboratory occupy a liminal social space, a circumstance that presents a variety of challenges for anatomy students. Cadavers are intended to be scientific objects for study, but their human status makes dissection uniquely challenging. Many of the obstacles to working in the laboratory result from discomfort experienced at the thought of cutting a person (i.e. a social being). In this project, I use ‘cadaver’ to indicate a category of being created in and for the anatomy laboratory. This is distinct from the more general ‘dead body’ in that the category cadaver enables emotional distance and …

Movement And Activity Of Burbot, (Mizay; Lota Lota) In A Spring-Fed Minnesota Lake, Abigail M. Fountain

Biology Graduate Theses

Burbot (Mizay; Lota lota) are a relatively unmanaged freshwater fish, important in many local Indigenous cultures, but often overlooked or maltreated in research, conservation, and fishing practices. As such, relatively little research has been conducted on Burbot, despite ecological significance as an indicator species. A recent resurgence in popularity as a target species, however, has prompted new research to inform management policies. The objectives of this study were to summarize Burbot movement by identifying patterns in swimming activity and identify possible predictors of the movement observed. This study investigated the movements of 39 individuals implanted with acoustic transmitters in Bad …

A Vexing Case: A Newly Discovered Autoinflammatory Disease, Ashley Edwards, Md, Caroline Mcculley

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) Syndrome is a recently recognized adult-onset autoinflammatory disease that can lead to potentially lifethreatening multi-system inflammation with estimated prevalence of up to 1 in 5,000 males over the age of 50. Given its significant morbidity and mortality and high prevalence, increased awareness of this condition is of foremost importance. Herein we outline a case of VEXAS syndrome. Case Presentation: Mr. N is a 73-year-old male with a past medical history significant for hypertension and recent episode of uveitis who first presented to the hospital for significant unintentional weight loss, fevers, and abdominal …

Teaching Humanities To Medical Students: Moving From The Classroom To The Clinic, Andrew S. Freiberg, Cheryl Dellasega, F. Jeffrey Lorenz, Matthew Darok, Maria Holstrom-Mercader

Health Professions Education

Purpose: While humanistic practice is an essential component of medical school curricula, there are few applied experiences that instill humanistic behaviors. Since 2008, we have offered an innovative clinical rotation, where instead of clinical duties, students “shadow” pediatric oncology patients and their families, employing narrative medicine to provide insights into the experience of illness, navigating health systems issues, and the complexity of interdisciplinary care.

Methods: Using qualitative methods, a trained research team analyzed the 120 student narratives submitted from 2008 through 2019. Statements that exhibited humanism were extracted and reduced to five common themes.

Results: The narratives …

Analysis Of Mutations In Bmpr2 Gene Associated With Hypertension, Elaine Vanterpool, Keury C. Ruiz

Student Posters

Mutations in the BMPR2 gene are primarily recognized for their role in the development of blood vessels, however, they have also been associated with the pathogenesis of high blood pressure, specifically in regards to altered vascular function and the endothelial cell signal. Early detection and targeted treatment, as well as lifestyle changes, are pivotal in reducing the risk of serious complications associated with high blood pressure. Recent genetic research and personalized medicine have demonstrated the potential to enhance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of high blood pressure, particularly through the identification of genetic mutations in the BMPR2 gene.

Analyzing The Inhibition Of Chemical Compounds On Protease In P. Aeruginosa, Elaine Vanterpool

Student Posters

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative, bacillus-shaped opportunistic pathogen, notorious for invading immunocompromised individual leading to secondary infections. These opportunistic microbes typically are implicated mild to more severe infections including burn or wound infections to more serious systemic infections. The bacterium Ps. aeruginosa utilizes a variety of virulence factors to enhance the pathogenicity of the organism. Virulence factors secreted by Ps. aeruginosa include its pili, adhesins, capsule, exotoxin A, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The proteases produced by Ps. aeruginosa are powerful virulence factors that can lead to tissue destruction and immune invasion. It is imperative that we find ways of regulating the …

Gata1 Gene Variants Associated With Myeloproliferative Syndrome And Its Impact On Hematopoiesis, Elaine Vanterpool, Marliza Mendez Del Orbe

Student Posters

Myeloproliferative syndrome (MPS) are rare blood cancers that originate from an abnormal mutation in a stem cell within the bone marrow, leading to excessive production of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. These disorders affect approximately 20,000 individuals annually in the United States, with around 295,000 people currently living with the condition. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the pathogenicity of GATA1 gene variants associated with MPS.

An Analysis Of Ftl Variants Associated With Cataracts Disease, Elaine Vanterpool, Joram Kisaka

Student Posters

Cataract is an eye disease that clouds the eye's natural lens, which is used to focus light on the retina. This eye disease causes symptoms such as blurry vision, double vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts are tied to the gene called Ferritin Light Chain (FLT), which is found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and plays a role in encoding the light subunits of the ferritin protein. The purpose of this research study was to identify the Ferritin Light Chain mutations that cause cataracts.

An Examination Of Lacc1 Variants Linked To Rheumatoid Arthritis, Elaine Vanterpool, Rochelle Gunter

Student Posters

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease with an annual diagnosis rate of 70 cases per 100,000 people. This is a disease that is usually identified by the abnormal entry of immune cells, such as B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, and innate lymphoid cells, into the synovial tissues of the joints. When these immune cells infiltrate the joints, they can become too active, thereby contributing to the chronic inflammatory response characteristic of the disease. The objective of this study is to identify and evaluate the pathogenic potential of LACC1 variants implicated in the pathogenesis of arthritis. Simple ClinVar identified LACC1 as a …

The Duality Of The Bard1 Gene, Elaine Vanterpool, Khadra Burden

Student Posters

Breast cancer is the 2nd most diagnosed cancer in women in the United States (Mayo Clinic). Cancer is the overproduction of cells. In other words, cancer-infected cells continue to grow and may cause large growths called tumors. Although there have been innumerable strides in breast cancer research, the exact cause for breast cancer is not yet known (Mayo Clinic). It is believed that factors such as family history of the disease, early menstruation age, and obesity can increase an individual’s chances of having breast cancer. One of the well-known genes associated with breast cancer is BRCA1. A much less researched …

An Analysis Of Androgen Receptor (Ar) Variants In Breast Cancer, Elaine Vanterpool, Jordae Smith

Student Posters

The androgen receptor (AR) is a steroid-hormone activated transcription factor that regulates gene expression in response to testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). While AR has been extensively studied in prostate cancer, emerging research suggests its role in breast cancer, particularly in estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study investigates AR variants associated with breast cancer, assessing their pathogenicity and potential impact on prognosis and treatment.

Study Of Myl3 Mutation Variants And Their Association With Cardiac Amyloidosis, Elaine Vanterpool, Kyla Tucker

Student Posters

Cardiac Amyloidosis is a rare serious, pathological, clinical progressive disease that is caused by the buildup of amyloid fibrils deposited at the cardiac level. The excess amyloid fibrils deposited in the myocardium leads to this critical condition. Cardiac amyloidosis is best treated when diagnosed in its initial stages. The purpose of this study was to identify and assess the clinical significance and pathogenicity of the Myosin light chain 3 (MYL3) its variants, and the potential link to cardiac amyloidosis. For this study, Simple ClinVar was utilized to identify MYL3 as one of the genes correlated with Cardiac Amyloidosis and variants. …

Silver Nanoparticles And Natural Compounds Can Modulate Proteolytic Activities Of Escherichia Coli, Elaine Vanterpool

Student Posters

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium that naturally resides in the human gastrointestinal tract as a commensal microorganism. While non-pathogenic strains contribute to digestion and vitamin production, certain pathogenic strains can cause a wide range of diseases, from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe illness. A key factor in its pathogenicity is the production of protease enzymes that break down proteins which play a crucial role in bacterial survival and virulence. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of different antibacterial compounds in inhibiting the function of both secreted and cell-associated E. coli protease activity.

Analysis Of Kcnj2 Variants Associated With Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, Elaine Vanterpool, Kerenlaime Bautista

Student Posters

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a cardiac disorder characterized by an accessory electrical pathway, leading to tachycardia and arrhythmias. It is diagnosed via electrocardiogram (ECG), showing a shortened PR interval and delta wave. WPW is typically managed with medications, catheter ablation, or surgery. Although primarily caused by anatomical anomalies, emerging research suggests genetic factors, including ion channel mutations, may contribute to the condition. The KCNJ2 gene encodes an inward-rectifier potassium channel critical for cardiac excitability. Mutations in KCNJ2 are linked to Andersen-Tawil syndrome, a disorder featuring arrhythmias and muscle weakness, raising questions about its role in WPW. This study investigates whether …

An Analysis Of Htt Involvement In Huntington’S Disease, Elaine Vanterpool, Micah Andrews

Student Posters

Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of striatal neurons. These striatal neurons are essential in cognition, motor function, decision-making, motivation, reinforcement, and reward perception. Affected individuals may show symptoms such as isolation, lack of motivation, depression, mood swings, and personality changes. This study’s purpose is to analyze and highlight the variants of the HTT gene in the pathogenesis of Huntington’s disease.

An Analysis Of Dnajc13 Variants Associated With Parkinson’S Disease, Elaine Vanterpool, Rhadames M. Batista-Mendez

Student Posters

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons, leading to motor impairments such as tremors, rigidity, and postural instability. Affecting millions worldwide, PD has been linked to both genetic and environmental factors. This study aims to identify and assess the pathogenicity of DNAJC13 variants associated with Parkinson's disease.

An Analysis Of Dguok Variants Associated With Mitochondrial Dna Depletion Syndrome, Elaine Vanterpool, Ethan Harris

Student Posters

Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome(MDDS) is a clinically heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive mitochondrial disorders that reduces the number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the affected cells. This disease is characterized by the disruption of hepatocytes, skeletal muscle, and cerebral function. This study's purpose is to identify and assess the pathogenicity of DGUOK variants associated with MDDS.

Analysis Of Dmd Variants Associated With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Elaine Vanterpool, K’Sia Byass

Student Posters

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is an X-linked recessive disorder that causes muscle weakness. This disease is characterized by frequent falls, difficulty walking, running, jumping, or scoliosis. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 1 in every 5000 boys worldwide causes a gene tic mutation that prevents the production of dystrophin. This study aims to identify and assess the pathogenicity of DMD variants associated with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Genetic mutations responsible for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy have been reported. Studies regarding DMD and its specific role in causing Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy have been reported to be accurate and effective. X-linked inheritance patterns are applied to this disease's …

Investigating Alk, Phox2b, And Brca2 Gene In Relation To Neuroblastoma, Elaine Vanterpool, Joshua Henry

Student Posters

One of the biggest mysteries of cancer today is Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastomas are malignancies originating from the early nerve cells of the sympathetic nervous system, often known as neuroblasts. Neuroblasts can occur anywhere throughout the sympathetic nervous system. About one-third of infants are diagnosed with neuroblastoma by the time they turn one year old and the disease frequently starts in infancy. By the age of five, almost 75% have a diagnosis. Neuroblastomas are present in some newborns, but they are not identified until later, when the child or infant starts exhibiting symptoms. Adult cases of NB are quite rare. The majority …

The Syntax Of Sports Class 7: Information Flow, Patrick Barry

Books

What can sports fans who start “the wave” at a big stadium teach us about getting people to speak up in class or at an important meeting? What can the poet Maya Angelou and the boxer Joe Louis teach us about streamlining sentences and paragraphs? And how exactly do we get our ideas to flow in powerfully persuasive ways? Explore these and other questions in the seventh volume of The Syntax of Sports, a series based on the innovative and highly interdisciplinary courses Professor Patrick Barry teaches at the University of Michigan.

Beyond The Surface: Lgbt+ Minority Stress & Social Safety, Violet Lewis

A with Honors Projects

Presentation about minority stress in the LGBT+ community surrounding the recent political climate and how we can use social safety to deter the impacts.

State Responsibility For Disrupting Earth’S Climate System: Anticipating The Icj Advisory Opinion, Natalia Urzola, Nicholas A. Robinson, Léonore Gaboardi Carandell, Daye Chen, Bryce Clark, Madison Routledge Pettus

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Faculty Publications

In 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will deliver an advisory opinion on the legal obligations of nations with respect to the mounting damage caused by climate change. This ruling will definitively restate applicable international law, provide a basis for new global policy decisions within the U.N. General Assembly, and provide a predicate for new lawsuits in national courts. To be effective, remedies for breaching a government's duties to avert climate change will require a “collective remedy,” not merely financial compensation. This ruling was sought by law students from the South Pacific and elsewhere; this Article, also by young …

Investigation Of Heterosynaptic Long-Term Potentiation Of Non-Nociceptive Synapses, Synaptically Relevant Kinase Discovery, And Virtual Screening For A Pkmz Inhibitor In Hirudo Verbana", Avery Franzen

Dissertations and Theses

There is a considerable lack in efficacy for current chronic pain treatments. One therapy that has gained attention are cannabinoid-based medications. However, preclinical and clinical trials do not produce anti-nociceptive results consistently and occasionally produce pro-nociceptive results. Understanding this ambiguity between anti-nociceptive and pro-nociceptive effects is vital to cannabinoids’ future utilization. One symptom of chronic pain conditions is allodynia in which pain is perceived following non-painful stimuli. This may be due to non-nociceptive afferents activating nociceptive circuitry in an abnormal manner. Using the medicinal leech, Hirudo verbana, we have begun to elucidate mechanisms by which endocannabinoids strengthen non-nociceptive afferent synapses. …

The Role Of Grades On Learning In Higher Education, Kindra Schneider

Dissertations and Theses

This study examines grading in higher education from two distinct perspectives: graduate students’ perceptions of a grading scheme that utilizes rubrics and self-assessment and instructors’ perceptions of academic freedom in grading. The first study examined graduate students’ perspectives on a grading scheme utilizing rubrics and self-assessment. Data from focus groups and journals revealed four main themes: the importance of clear expectations, enhanced synergy between rubrics and self-assessment when transparency increased, bias towards rubrics based on more exposure, and mixed feelings surrounding perceptions of self-assessment and its influence on learning. The second study investigated non-tenured faculty’s perceptions of academic freedom in …

Social Anxiety And Cannabis Use Context, Brooke Beckius

Dissertations and Theses

Cannabis use is highly prevalent among young adults in the United States, with many experiencing associated problems. Social anxiety has been identified as a significant risk factor for cannabis use and related consequences; however, it remains unclear whether cannabis facilitates or inhibits social engagement among socially anxious individuals. Solitary cannabis use is consistently linked to use-related problems, but the term “solitary use” may encompass distinct contexts—such as social preparatory use, use to aid sleep, or use while spending time alone. The present study aimed to examine how cannabis use influences social engagement among socially anxious individuals and test how specific …