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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
The Use Of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor In Ligament And Tendon Repair, Caroline O'Connell
The Use Of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor In Ligament And Tendon Repair, Caroline O'Connell
Honors Theses
The studies in this review have shown that VEGF increases tensile strength, decreases inflammation, and increases vascularization. In studies using exogenous VEGF, it was found that VEGF increases collagen type III fibers, which increases biomechanical strength, and improves graft revascularization. From the research, it can be concluded that endogenous injection of VEGF is more beneficial than exogenous due to endogenous not causing laxity of the connective tissue. VEGF is beneficial when compared to normal post-operative results due to it decreasing the duration of symptoms and decreasing healing time. Using VEGF injection treatments, patients can return to pre-injury activity at a …
The Complexity Behind The Genetics Of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Júlia Braga Kenyon
The Complexity Behind The Genetics Of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Júlia Braga Kenyon
Honors Theses
It is suggested that more than 600 genes are associated with ASD. Given the high number of potential ASD-linked genes and that the disorder is a complex spectrum, categorization of the ASD-linked genetic alterations will be useful in the attempt to determine a pattern that can ultimately assist in developing genetic risk factor analysis for the disorder. This thesis aims to analyze the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms that are impacted by such ASD-linked gene alterations and how they may give rise to ASD behaviors. By making this connection, this thesis aims to shine a light on the plausible cellular …
Relating Quantitative Ultrasound Measurements Of Two Cancer Cell Lines, Hela And Mda-Mb-231, To Biological Markers, Ashleigh Hughes
Relating Quantitative Ultrasound Measurements Of Two Cancer Cell Lines, Hela And Mda-Mb-231, To Biological Markers, Ashleigh Hughes
Honors Theses
Quantitative ultrasound is a promising alternative method for cancer diagnosis that is non-invasive and cost-effective. This experiment investigated the potential of quantitative ultrasound in diagnosing and differentiating breast and cervical cancer. Using HeLa cells and MDA cells, the speed of sound and attenuation was measured using 5, 10, and 15 MHz transducers. It was found that the speed of sound of the MDA and HeLa cells did not deviate much, with values of 1527.6±3.1 m/s and 1527.5±3.9 m/s, respectively, but the attenuation of the MDA and HeLa did vary, though error in the experiment leaves this conclusion up for debate. …
Development Of Drug-Drug Interaction Research Techniques Involving The Cyp3a4 Human Liver Enzyme, Sarah Iacoviello
Development Of Drug-Drug Interaction Research Techniques Involving The Cyp3a4 Human Liver Enzyme, Sarah Iacoviello
Honors Theses
Understanding the metabolic pathway of a drug is an integral part of pharmaceutical development. Microsomal metabolism is the industry standard to model the metabolism of the drug by the liver in vitro. Our studies employ carbamazepine (CBZ) as a CYP3A4 substrate to develop a method to investigate potential drug-drug interactions involving this enzyme. Toward this end, the metabolite of CBZ, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide (CBZ-E), was synthesized for use as a standard. The purity of the synthesized CBZ-E was 95.2%, and the percent yield was 76.16%. The use of human liver microsomes is a common incubation method used to model drug metabolism …
A Comparison Of Desmid Communities In Two New Hampshire Wetlands, Alexander Geragotelis
A Comparison Of Desmid Communities In Two New Hampshire Wetlands, Alexander Geragotelis
Honors Theses
Algae within the family Desmidiaceae were examined in this research. Samples of desmids were gathered from multiple points around two ponds, Pratt Pond in Mason, New Hampshire and Round Pond in Nashua, New Hampshire. While more species were observed in Pratt Pond, Round Pond has higher scores on both the Simpson and Shannon Indices for species diversity.
Bioactive Compounds Of Important Macroalgae In New England, Julianna Woods
Bioactive Compounds Of Important Macroalgae In New England, Julianna Woods
Honors Theses
No abstract provided.
From Injury To Imprisonment: How Traumatic Brain Injury Can Lead To Violent Criminal Behavior, Kennedy O'Hara
From Injury To Imprisonment: How Traumatic Brain Injury Can Lead To Violent Criminal Behavior, Kennedy O'Hara
Honors Theses
The United States currently has over 2 million people residing in prisons and jails across the country (Bronson & Carson, 2019; Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2009). The current literature review aims to study the prevalence of brain injuries across these imprisoned populations. The results of this review can have serious implications in law, medicine, and rehabilitation services. A traumatic brain injury can have significant influence over criminal justice procedures including ability to stand trial and proper sentencing depending on the timing and intensity of the offense. In addition, TBI prison prevalence could be implicated with the future …
Stem Cell Therapy As An Alternative For Osteoarthritis Of The Knee, Jessica Wornham
Stem Cell Therapy As An Alternative For Osteoarthritis Of The Knee, Jessica Wornham
Honors Theses
In this thesis, I introduce the disease of osteoarthritis and the popular treatments in use for patients today. I will pay specific attention to the knee replacement because it is the most common treatment for end stage osteoarthritis. Finally, I will look at the up and coming stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee through an examination of case studies currently being run around the world. To conclude, I will suggest which treatment appears to be the best treatment for each specific patient.
Biodiversity Of Microscopic Green Algae From Desert Soil Crusts, Victoria Williamson
Biodiversity Of Microscopic Green Algae From Desert Soil Crusts, Victoria Williamson
Honors Theses
In the desert ecosystem, the ground is covered with soil crusts. Several organisms exist here, such as cyanobacteria, lichens, mosses, fungi, bacteria, and green algae. This most superficial layer of the soil contains several primary producers of the food web in this ecosystem, which stabilize the soil, facilitate plant growth, protect from water and wind erosion, and provide water filtration and nitrogen fixation. Researching the biodiversity of green algae in the soil crusts can provide more context about the importance of the soil crusts. Little is known about the species of green algae that live there, and through DNA-based phylogeny …
A Potential Role Of Evolution In Shaping Modern Human's Behaviors And Morals, Madeleine Sarner
A Potential Role Of Evolution In Shaping Modern Human's Behaviors And Morals, Madeleine Sarner
Honors Theses
Between eight and six million years ago there existed a common ancestor linking the human species with their great ape relatives. Following the arrival of this organism, a lineage of several different human species began to emerge around two to three million years ago in Africa. These species included Homo rudolfensis, Homo habilis, Homo ergaster, Homo erectus, Homo floresiensis, Homo heidelbergensis, Homo neanderthalensis, and Homo sapiens. By analyzing these species and the great ape relatives through literary research, it is possible to begin to investigate the potential role of evolution in constructing modern human behaviors and morals.
The (Ab)Uses Of Crispr-Mediated Human Genome Editing, Brooke Mullen
The (Ab)Uses Of Crispr-Mediated Human Genome Editing, Brooke Mullen
Honors Theses
Many deleterious genes give rise to disease. In fact, a mutation of a single gene can cause over 10,000 human disorders, including, but not limited to, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, muscular dystrophy, red-green color blindness, and Huntington disease. Such mutations, however, can now be precisely revised, removed, or replaced using gene-editing technologies. Most recently, CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to accurately repair disease-causing mutations and thus prevent the inheritance of genetic diseases. Many conditions, however, are nonlife-threatening and do not affect an individual’s quality of life. Should they be eradicated, too? What about treatable diseases? In addition to modifying existing …
Comparison Of Dha Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids And Curcumin In Ss-Amyloid Clearance And Alzheimer's Deceleration, Karly M. Stallworth
Comparison Of Dha Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids And Curcumin In Ss-Amyloid Clearance And Alzheimer's Deceleration, Karly M. Stallworth
Honors Theses
This literature review seeks to contribute information on what is already known about the neurological effects of DHA omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA O3PUFAs) and curcumin, and compare the two substances’ abilities to clear ß-amyloid and alleviate the pathophysiological burden posed by ß-amyloid accumulation. Learning about what natural dietary substances increase β-amyloid clearance has possible implications for improving the conditions of the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in terms of increasing life expectancy, creating a healthier way of life, and coming closer to eventually finding a cure.
The Biochemical Characterization Of Cellular Retinoic Acid Binding Protein Type 1 (Crabp1), Emma Magna
The Biochemical Characterization Of Cellular Retinoic Acid Binding Protein Type 1 (Crabp1), Emma Magna
Honors Theses
The goal of this research was to express and purify Cellular Retinoic Acid Binding Protein Type 1 (CRABP1). CRABP1 binds to retinoic acid in the cell and shuttles the retinoic acid from one area in the cell to another. The overproduction of CRABP1 appears to be problematic because it can sequester the retinoic acid and prevent it from regulating gene expression. Previous studies have shown that increased levels of CRABP1 can result in tumor-promoting activity and disruption of lipid biology in the cell. Our objective was to express this protein in an inducible bacterial system, so that we could purify …
An Alternative For The Future: Growth And Lipid Production In Extremophilic Algae, Aleeza Susan Isaac
An Alternative For The Future: Growth And Lipid Production In Extremophilic Algae, Aleeza Susan Isaac
Honors Theses
Microscopic algae are a potential source of renewable fuels. Determining what conditions are most favorable to the growth and lipid production of specific algal strains can aid in the search for an alternative to fossil fuels. Desert and polar strains of Bracteacoccus bullatus were grown on different media and tracked for their growth rates over a month. In another experiment, the same strains were frozen for two hours, grown for several weeks, and subsequently harvested. The cellular lipids were chemically extracted and analyzed using a GC/MS. The results suggested that the polar strains grew best in nutrient-enriched media while the …
Characterization Of Growth And Ultraviolet Light Resistance In Four Novel Halophilic Archaea Isolates, Samantha Tepper
Characterization Of Growth And Ultraviolet Light Resistance In Four Novel Halophilic Archaea Isolates, Samantha Tepper
Honors Theses
The goal of this project was to characterize the growth and UV resistance of four unique halophilic strains, JOR-1, BOL 4-2, BOL 6-1 and BOL 5-4. Halophilic archaea are interesting to study in part because of their notably high UV resistance. Four previously uncharacterized halophilic archaea, JOR-1, a Salararchaeum from the Dead Sea sediments, BOL 4-2, a high altitude Halorubrum from the Salar de Uyuni, and BOL 6-1 and BOL 5-4, both Natrinema from a salt mine in Bolivia, were cultured, their growth rates were measured, and their relative resistance to ultraviolet light exposure was determined. It was found that …
Seasonal Prevalence Of Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis In Central Massachusetts Lithobates Catesbeianus Tadpoles, Thomas Barringer
Seasonal Prevalence Of Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis In Central Massachusetts Lithobates Catesbeianus Tadpoles, Thomas Barringer
Honors Theses
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is the etiological agent of chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease that some experts believe will lead to the extinction of nearly half of the amphibian species on this planet. Limited research has been conducted on chytridiomycosis in the Northeast United States, and most of it has primarily focused on examining Bd in different species of amphibians. In this study, we examine the presence of Bd in one species, Lithobates catesbeianus, the American Bullfrog, which has natural resistance to the pathogenic effect of Bd. Examining different regions of the country, age of L. catesbeianus, …
The Microbial Community Of Kitchen Sponges: Experimental Study Investigating Bacterial Number, Resistance And Transfer, Sydney Knoll
The Microbial Community Of Kitchen Sponges: Experimental Study Investigating Bacterial Number, Resistance And Transfer, Sydney Knoll
Honors Theses
There are over 48 million episodes of foodborne illnesses in the U.S each year, 3,000 of which result in death (CDC, 2018). Many of these cases may have been prevented with improved sanitation techniques. Previous studies results suggest that kitchen sponges are reservoirs for pathogens and can serve as vector of cross-contamination (Rossi et al., 2013). This hypothesis proposes that the moist, porous nature of kitchen sponges not only provides microbes the perfect physical and nutritional environment, but it also provides a vehicle that allows potential pathogens to move from place to place. The goal of this 12-week …
The Role Of Interferon-Β In The Treatment Of Multiple Sclerosis, Cameron Young
The Role Of Interferon-Β In The Treatment Of Multiple Sclerosis, Cameron Young
Honors Theses
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects 140 out of every 100,000 individuals in North America. MS is believed to be mediated by T cells, in which the T cells directly attack or indirectly activate immune cells for attack on the myelin sheath of neurons, which can lead to blindness, paralysis, muscle weakness, and walking difficulties. Treatment of MS involves the use of immunomodulatory therapeutics, such as interferon-β (IFN-β), to decrease the progression of demyelination within the CNS. IFN-β has been linked to many different immunomodulatory roles in the pathology of MS. Of interest, IFN-β is believed …
Relationship Of Head Circumference And Epilepsy Severity In Infants With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Alexis Levine
Relationship Of Head Circumference And Epilepsy Severity In Infants With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Alexis Levine
Honors Theses
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder, characterized by high incidence of seizures and tubers (benign cellular abnormalities that appear on brain imaging). Current literature reports an increased head circumference within the TSC population, but the implications, exact rate, or how big the increase is, remains unknown. We hypothesized that increased head circumference would correlate with epilepsy severity in infants with TSC. We examined clinical data from 121 infants diagnosed with TSC who were enrolled in the multi-site, prospective TSC autism center for excellence network (TACERN) study. We calculated each infant’s head circumference z-score from each study visit …
Midazolam And How Physiologic Changes In The Elderly Patient's Body Lead To Adverse Effects, Bradford Anderson
Midazolam And How Physiologic Changes In The Elderly Patient's Body Lead To Adverse Effects, Bradford Anderson
Honors Theses
No abstract provided.
Diversity Of Uv Resistance In The Halophilic Archaea, Rafael Hamawi
Diversity Of Uv Resistance In The Halophilic Archaea, Rafael Hamawi
Honors Theses
Members of halophilic archaea, like Halobacterium, are remarkably resistant to ultraviolet light (UV). However, it is unclear to what extent other halophilic archaea share this phenotype, despite the common generalization that halophilic archaea are UV resistant. Species of halophilic archaea found in salt flats at high altitude, where the atmosphere is of a lesser density than at sea level, experience an increased intensity of UV. It was hypothesized that strains of halophilic archaea that reside at a high altitude in the Salar de Uyuni in the Andes Mountain would be more UV resistant than strains isolated at sea level. …
Crabp1 Regulation Of Fas Rna In Mouse Mammary Gland Ascs, Fabiola De Varona Colon
Crabp1 Regulation Of Fas Rna In Mouse Mammary Gland Ascs, Fabiola De Varona Colon
Honors Theses
Introduction: The cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (Crabp1) promotes tumor growth and is expressed in adipocyte stromal cells (ASCs-L) present during lactation. One known function of Crabp1 is the binding and retention of retinoic acid (RA) in the cytoplasm. This can prevent RA regulated transcription of other genes. Research has shown that Crabp1 is also responsible for the inability of ASC-Ls to retain lipid. This study hoped to connect these two functions of Crabp1 and hypothesized that Crabp1 limits lipid accumulation through Fatty acid synthase (FAS) transcriptional regulation. FAS is an example of a gene that is regulated by …
Vesicle-Membrane Tethering: The Interaction Of Sec1 And Exocyst Subunit Sec6, Lauren O'Connor
Vesicle-Membrane Tethering: The Interaction Of Sec1 And Exocyst Subunit Sec6, Lauren O'Connor
Honors Theses
The exocyst complex is a multi-subunit tethering complex that is used in the process of exocytosis. There are eight subunits in the complex, and these subunits interact with each other as well as proteins outside of the complex to facilitate membrane fusion. Prior research has shown that the exocyst subunit Sec6 and Sec1 from the Sec1/Munc18 (SM) family, a known regulator of membrane fusion, interact with each other. In this experiment, the goal was to crosslink the two proteins and in turn work to identify the interacting amino acid residues that are responsible for the proteins’ interaction. To do this, …
Is Stem Cell Transplantation A Practical Treatment For Macular Degeneration?, Zachary Slepchuk
Is Stem Cell Transplantation A Practical Treatment For Macular Degeneration?, Zachary Slepchuk
Honors Theses
No abstract provided.
The Progression Of Neurological Impairment In Sport-Related Brain Injuries, Nicole Leo
The Progression Of Neurological Impairment In Sport-Related Brain Injuries, Nicole Leo
Honors Theses
Millions of Americans sustain traumatic head injuries each year when participating in various high and low-risk activities. Athletes, in general, are more prone to sustaining brain injuries than others, particularly those that participate in collision sports. This thesis discusses brain damage and long-term effects incurred by collision sport-related traumatic brain injuries such as the formation of amyloid-beta plaques in brain tissue and the increased possibility of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. In addition, brain development and plasticity over time are reviewed revealing the concept that brain plasticity and brain development are key processes that occur throughout childhood, adolescence, and …