Life Sciences Commons^™

Characterization Of Cisplatin-Dna Adduct Release From Cancerous And Non-Cancerous Cell Lines, Aleena Alex

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Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent that is used to treat lung, breast, esophageal, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. Despite being effective in treating a wide variety of cancer types, its cytotoxicity to off-target healthy tissues restricts its therapeutic application. The platinum atom of cisplatin interacts with DNA and results in the formation of inter-and intra-strand crosslinks, which are often referred to as DNA adducts. These adducts are mutagenic and potentially lethal to cells. The sole pathway for cells to excise intra-strand cisplatin-DNA adducts from the genome is through nucleotide excision repair. The fate of unrepaired DNA adducts is not understood …

The Role Of Suc22-S239f Mutation In Sensitizing Fission Yeast To The Replication Stress Induced By Hydroxyurea, Kajal Davi

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Genetic mutations can significantly impact the cell’s susceptibility to environmental stress. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is an established eukaryotic model for studying the cellular responses to various environmental stresses. This work investigated a missense mutation (S239F) identified in Suc22, the small subunit of the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). RNR is an essential enzyme for the biosynthesis of dNTPs required for DNA replication and repair. We found that the suc22-S239F mutation increases the susceptibility to the replication stress induced by hydroxyurea (HU), not the DNA-damaging agents such as UV, methyl methanesulfate, and CPT. HU is a drug commonly used in laboratories …

Investigating Calcium Levels During Excitation-Contraction Coupling In Model Huntington's Disease Skeletal Muscle, Pooneh Hajmirza Mohammadi Kamalabadi

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One of the less studied aspects of Huntington’s disease (HD) is its impact on skeletal muscle function. Recent studies have suggested that HD patients exhibit altered muscle function and reduced muscle strength, which may be related to defects in Ca2+ handling during excitation-contraction coupling (ECC). However, the underlying mechanisms of these alterations remain poorly understood. This study aims to determine if the myoplasmic Ca2+ during ECC is reduced in late-stage R6/2 (mouse model of HD) muscle fibers compared to age-matched controls during twitch or tetanic stimulation. Such a decrease would help explain weakness or fatigue in the model HD muscle. …

Role Of Interleukin 2 Receptor Alpha In The Cellular Response To Dna Damage, Shristi Khanal

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The interleukin 2 receptor alpha (IL-2Rα), which is integral to the functioning of the cytokine interleukin 2, has recently been found to be present in different cell types besides just lymphocytes. Previous studies done by our laboratory showed that several other non-lymphoid cells including smooth muscle cells express IL-2Rα. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) deficient in IL-2Rα exhibited increased proliferation, decreased size, and hypodiploid DNA content when compared to wild type (WT) cells. Previous studies also suggested that VSMC proliferate in response to IL-2 and that IL-2 increases following interventions to stimulate intimal hyperplasia in vivo. These findings, in total, …

Exploring The Effects Of Choline Treatment On Dystrophic Phenotype, Brooklyn Morris

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Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating progressive muscular disorder caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene affecting approximately 1 in 3,500 males. However, despite its prevalence, there is currently no cure for this disease. Mutations in dystrophin lead to enhanced inflammation, fibrosis, cell death, development, and decreased skeletal muscle function. Phosphatidylcholine, synthesized by choline, is a major phospholipid that functions in maintaining and synthesizing cell membranes and has previously been found to be decreased in DMD patients. This led us to hypothesize that the dystrophic phenotype could be improved through treatment with choline. In this study, we used …

Studies Of Selective And Reversible Inhibitors Of Calcium Entry In Immune Cells, Naga Lakshmi Gandi

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Calcium signaling is a crucial regulator in many cellular processes, from immune response modulation to gene expression and apoptosis. Here, I have investigated the dynamics of calcium entry pathways, namely, store-operated calcium entry and store-independent calcium entry using a variety of cell types such as Jurkat T cells, HEK-293 cells and murine macrophages. Using fluorescence calcium imaging and selective inhibitor compounds, I have investigated the contributions of Orai and related calcium channels to calcium entry in both immune and non-immune cell types. The results demonstrate the pharmacological modulation of store-operated and store-independent calcium entry, showing the ability of compounds such …

Investigating The Effects Of Human Astroviruses On Aquaporins And Tight Junction Proteins In Vitro, Makalia T. Robinson

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Human Astroviruses (HAstV) are positive sense non-enveloped single stranded RNA viruses. HAstV is divided into classical (serotype 1-8) and non-classical (HAstVMLB 1-3 and HAstV-VA1-5) astroviruses. Classical HAstV is known to cause diarrhea in children, elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Additionally, the etiology of nonclassical HAstV remains unknown. However, recent studies have implicated non-classical HAstV closely associated with immunocompromised patients diagnosed neurological diseases like acute encephalitis. The mechanisms by which HAstV cause diarrhea is currently unknown. Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins that regulate the movement of water and small uncharged molecules across the cell membrane in response to osmotic gradients. Tight …

Restoration Is Repairing Relationships: Bridging Indigenous And Western Sciences To Assess The Socio-Ecological Restoration Of Wild Rice (Zizania Palustris) On Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Homelands, Cassandra M. Reed-Vandam

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Manoomin (wild rice, Zizania palustris) is an ecologically and culturally significant plant relative for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC). Historically, manoomin was present across much of the Great Lakes, however, their presence has declined since the early 1900s and, by 1990, virtually disappeared within KBIC homelands. Employing ethnography, surveys, focus groups, and conversations with Ojibwa knowledge holders, this research defined successful manoomin restoration for KBIC and developed socio-ecological attributes and indicators to assess restoration presented in the Medicine Wheel Framework for Manoomin Restoration. Surface water, sediment, and pore water samples at six different manoomin sites were analyzed to …

Colombia´S National Mountain Peatland Map: Peatland Distribution, Condition And Carbon Stocks, Patrick Nicolas Skillings-Neira

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

In this research, I explore the distribution, condition, and carbon stocks of peatlands in the Colombian Andes. High mountain peatlands in Colombia, usually found within the páramos, face significant ecological challenges. Although Law 1930 (2018) mandates sustainable páramo management, it does not prohibit peatland disturbance. Undisturbed peatlands act as long-term carbon sinks, but their degradation can convert them into greenhouse gas sources. The lack of comprehensive national peatland mapping hampers effective environmental management and policy formulation. I aim to create a national-scale peatland map, assess peatland distribution, quantify degraded pasture peatlands, and report preliminary soil carbon stocks. Additionally, I compared …

Hybridization Kinetics Of Four-Way Junctions Localized On A Dna Scaffold, Katherine N. Taylor

Honors Undergraduate Theses

DNA computing is an ever-growing field with scientists trying to design structures that optimize logic gate communication to develop fast, biologically compatible, computational structures. We hypothesize that by using the principles of DNA computing, it is possible to design a DNA tile capable of studying localized DNA hybridization that can differentiate between oligonucleotides of different structural conformations. This includes synthetically manipulating DNA into a nanostructure that can perform Boolean logic functions to calculate the different rates of hybridization. To test our hypothesis, we designed a DNA Tile that incorporated a 4WJ using YES logic. Linear and hairpin single-stranded (ss) DNA …

A Tool To Automate Neuropathological Assessment In Huntington Disease Mouse Models, Samuel A. Moldenhauer

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As our life expectancy continues to rise, so does the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington disease (HD). Neurodegeneration leads to progressive regional brain atrophy, typically initiating prior to symptom onset. With the advancements of medical treatments designed to target neurodegeneration, researchers measure their impact on atrophy in animal models to assess their effectiveness. This is important because treatments designed to combat neuropathology are more likely to modify the disease itself, per contra to treatments designed to mask or treat symptoms. One method of brain region size quantification is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which while accurate, is prohibitively expensive. …

Genetic And Biochemical Analysis Of Novel Borrelia Burgdorferi Genes Bb0244 And Bb0246, Christian J. Ruiz-Rodriguez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As the cause of the most common vector-borne disease in the US, Borrelia burgdorferi continues to affect an estimated hundreds of thousands of patients each year. The spirochete boasts one of the most complex genomes in comparison to all other prokaryotes as it is fragmented across up to 21 different replicons. Moreover, the functions of a majority of the encoded genes remain unknown. Gene of unknown function, bb0244, along with putative co-transcribed genes bb0245, and bb0246 are hypothesized to be involved in the vital functions of cell division and cell wall biogenesis. B. burgdorferi lacking bb0244 demonstrate a significant growth …

Animating Animal Tracking Data In A Geospatial Context, Bruno V. Pinheiro

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In the field of ecology, animal tracking is core to understanding an animal’s behavior, space-use requirements, and suitable habitat. Utilizing the software created by this project, it is possible to visualize tracking data in its spatial and temporal context. The source code is written in R and leverages the Continuous-Time Movement Modeling (CTMM) package for statistical analysis. Utilizing CTMM, predicted or simulated movement paths can be generated with the user only needing to input their data. The Keyhole Markup Language (KML) is used to write a file containing all the animation parameters the user desires, such as the number of …

Dysbiosis In Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis Of Gut Microbiota And Its Role In Gastrointestinal Dysfunction And Disease Progression, Ayan M. Siddiqui Mr.

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and nonmotor symptoms, including gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction. Symptoms such as constipation, bloating, and nausea often show early signs before the onset of motor symptoms. Recent research has suggested an essential role of the human gut microbiome and gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut microbiota composition, in the pathogenesis of PD. This thesis aims to assess the potential relationship between gut dysbiosis and PD by conducting a meta-analysis, focusing on differences in gut microbiota between PD patients and healthy controls and evaluating their implications for GI dysfunction and PD progression. The …

Assessing The Organic Acids-Solubilized Collagen Derived From The Skin Of Unicornfish (Naso Reticulatus Randall, 2011) On Physicochemical And Structural Characteristics: Toward Alternative Source For Industrial Applications, Dayang Fazrianie Harianto, Abdul Aziz Jaziri, Rossita Shapawi, Ruzaidi Azli Mohd Mokhtar, Wan Norhana Md. Noordin, Masmunira Rambli, Nurul Huda

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Converting skin by-product of unicornfish (Naso reticulatus Randall, 2011) into a valuable commodity like collagen is a good strategy to explore alternative sources for land-based animals. Additionally, marine fish collagens are preferable due to their safer and great properties. This project aimed to compare extractability of collagens prepared with three organic acids (i.e., acetic, lactic and citric acids), and their characteristics were also discussed. Collagen extracted with citric acid (CSCUS) (7.10%) had a significantly higher yield (p

Combating Corporate Fraud Through The Lens Of Corporate Governance In Malaysia, Emelia A. Girau, Dgku Habibah Ag Kee, Betsy Jomitin, Sazali Zainal Abidin, Imbarine Bujang

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The increasing incidence of corporate fraud in major global companies has drawn significant scrutiny to the effectiveness of corporate governance in mitigating such fraudulent activities. Despite substantial improvements in corporate governance practices and the implementation of new regulatory frameworks aimed at curbing corporate fraud, instances of fraud continue to rise. If this situation persists, it will become a serious impediment to making substantial progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The objective of this study is to explore the interplay between corporate governance attributes, whistleblowing policies, and the likelihood of corporate fraud occurrences within the context of Malaysia. The …

Fostering Corporate Resilience: Assessing Risk Management Committee Effectiveness In Malaysia’S Telecommunication And Media Sector Pre- And During The Covid-19, Flicia Rimin, Siti Rahayu Beli, Anastasiah Harbi, Imbarine Bujang, Jamaliah Said

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted organizations, underscoring the critical role of financial factors in determining performance. Maintaining a healthy financial stance during crises necessitates effective risk management, prompting the exploration of a Risk Management Committee (RMC) as a focal point for addressing risk issues and managing internal controls. A study spanning 2017 to 2021 assessed 11 listed companies in the Telecommunication and Media Sector, revealing that a combined RMC did not enhance financial performance, indicating its ineffectiveness during the crisis. The study advocates for a separate risk management committee due to the audit committee’s limitations in performing both functions. …

Sustainability Innovation, Firm Competitiveness, Export Performance, And Sales Growth: A System Dynamics Approach, Budi Harsanto, Joval Ifghaniyafi Farras, Egi Arvian Firmansyah

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

In recent times, the interplay between sustainability innovation, firm competitiveness, export performance, and sales growth has garnered significant attention. Research on sustainable innovation's effects on firm competitiveness, export performance, and sales growth remains limited, especially concerning specific contexts like Halal Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The study proposes to bridge this gap by developing a System Dynamics model that considers firm competitiveness, sales growth, export performance, and sustainable innovation. This research uses the system dynamic method which is carried out in four stages. The first stage, analyzing the system mechanism for sustainable innovation, the second stage, building correlations between …

Thriving In Turbulent Times: The Dynamic Link Between Economic Condition And Fintech Business Lending Success, Nur ‘Asyiqin Ramdhan, Imbarine Bujang, Amirul Afif Muhamat, Ninuk Dewi Kesumaningrum

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This study aimed to understand how FinTech business lending was affected by the pandemic crisis, which caused small businesses to struggle with limited access to funds. During this crisis, demand for alternative financing, like peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, surged. However, P2P lending faces challenges related to information imbalances, especially during crises, when transparency and economic conditions impact investor decisions in Malaysia. We examined factors like platform interest rates, loan duration, investment size, bank lending rates (BLR), inflation, and the crisis using ARDL analysis. Our long-term analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between investment size and P2P lending, while economic conditions had …

The Perspective Of Cash Flow Risks On Earnings Measurement, Daisuke Suzuki, Junpei Yamada, Shoji Kamimura

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The essence of earnings in financial statements is significantly influenced by changes in the economic environment. The main objective of this paper is to elucidate a universal principle capable of explaining any types of earnings measurements. To achieve this, we examine the factors influencing earnings by modeling them from a cash flow perspective. Consequently, this paper directs the attention away from stocks and flows, placing emphasis on the risks inherent in income and expenditure in the context of earnings measurements. It highlights the crucial role of these risks in earnings. Additionally, we illustrate that adjusting these risk tolerances enables the …

Evaluation Of Common Complications Following Tetralogy Of Fallot Surgical Repair By Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Zainab Ahmad Ramadan, Mohamed Salah Ayyad

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: The operative procedures for correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) concentrates on the impact of pulmonary valve regurgitation (PR) on the function of right ventricle (RV) pointing to alleviating right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) narrowing, and minimizing the PR degree at the same time, closing ventricular septal defect (VSD). Various complications could be encountered after TOF repair as; PR, dilated RV with/without impaired function, RVOT residual obstruction/ dilatation, residual VSD, tricuspid regurge (TR), aortic root dilatation with/without regurge and significant difference in differential pulmonary flow. Objective: Address the most common complications that could be encountered following TOF surgical repair, …

Association Between Serum Procalcitonin Level With Exacerbation Severity In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients, Dalia Abdellateif Abdelghany, Shimaa R. Hendawy, Rania Mostafa, Heba Wagih Abdelwahab

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: There is a significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations. Individuals with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had considerably higher mean serum procalcitonin levels (PCT) compared to individuals with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to previous investigations. Objective: This study aimed to assess whether procalcitonin levels were associated with the severity of exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: thirty-nine patients who were suffering from an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were included. Included patients were classified as having either no respiratory failure, …

Study Of Serum Bilirubin In Relation To Stable Chronic Coronary Artery Disease Severity And Outcome After Percutaneous Intervention, Khaled E Mahfouz, Ahmed W Suliman, Mahmoud A Youssef, Adel M Osman

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Bilirubin is endogenous antioxidant and increased its physiological concentrations reduce severity of coronary artery disease with better prognosis after PCI. Objective: Assess serum bilirubin level in patients with stable chronic coronary artery disease and correlate it with the severity of this disease and outcome after PCI. Methods: Cross sectional prospective observational study included 203 Patient with stable chronic coronary artery disease divided into 2 groups according to bilirubin: group I ≤ 0.6mg/dl group II > 0.6 (up to 1.2) mg/dl 100 cases underwent elective coronary angiography and PCI with full clinical examination, laboratory tests: total serum bilirubin, creatinine, lipid profile, …

Evaluation Of Low Dose Intrathecal Bupivacaine With Dexmedetomidine In Geriatric Patients Undergoing Traumatic Hip Surgery, Rania E. Elbadrawy, Sherine A Bakrey, Reem Abdelraouf Elsharkawy

Mansoura Medical Journal

Abstract: Background: Spinal anesthesia (SA) is typically utilized during surgical treatment of severe hip fractures. Searching for early ambulation and reduction of frequency and severity of hypotension, and after adding dexmedetomidine (DEX), different intrathecal (IT) dosages of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine had been used to determine the lowest dosage that will result in a good block without hemodynamic instability. Methods: At random, 78 patients were divided into three groups. A 7.5 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine was administered in the first group10 mg in the second and 12.5 mg in the third group. Dexmedetomidine (5 μg) was added to each group. …

The Effect Of Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Retrolaminar Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block On Opioid Consumption After Pediatric Open-Heart Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Non-Inferiority Study, Ahmed Abdellatif Elsayed Abdelwahab, Ghada Fathy Elrahmawy, Ibrahim Ibrahim Abdelbaser, Rania Elmohamady Elbadrawy

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background Pain following open cardiac surgery in pediatric patient is crucial for the anesthesiologist Objective to compare a single-shot US-guided bilateral thoracic retrolaminar block (TRLB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) as regarding 24 hours postoperative opioid analgesic requirements as primary outcome, while time to first rescue analgesic, the post-operative pain score and rate of block-related complications were secondary outcomes Methods Each study group included 50 patients. TRLB group received 0.4 ml/kg bupivacaine (BPV) 0.25% injected under US guidance bilaterally as the needle touched the lamina of the T4 vertebra; while ESPB group received 0.4 ml/kg BPV 0.25% injected under …

Testing The Strength Of Thin Feather-Edge Monolithic Multilayered Zirconia Crowns: A Pilot Study With A Novel Acoustic Test, Estelle Saab, Camille Haddad, Maher Abboud, Maha Daou, Amine Zoghbi

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Limited research has explored the mechanical characteristics of recently introduced multilayered monolithic zirconia (MZC) crowns with feather-edge margins design. Moreover, most of the conventional techniques for evaluating the mechanical behavior of brittle dental ceramics rely on destructive tests, making it impossible to precisely evaluate real strength values due to premature crack initiation detection failure.

Objectives: The main objective of the study was to assess the load capacity of translucent multilayered monolithic zirconia crowns with feather-edge margin thicknesses of 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm. Additionally, the research introduced a novel non-destructive acoustic emission testing (AET) technique in the …

Disability Reduction Following A Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program For Low Back Pain: Large Vs. Small Improvement Subgroup Analyses Of Physical And Psychological Variables, Christian Larivière, Richard Preuss, Marie-France Coutu, Michael J. Sullivan, Nicolas Roy, Sharon M. Henry

Études primaires

Background: Little is known about why patients with low back pain (LBP) respond differently to treatment, and more specifically, to a lumbar stabilization exercise program. As a first step toward answering this question, the present study evaluates how subgroups of patients who demonstrate large and small clinical improvements differ in terms of physical and psychological changes during treatment. Methods: Participants (n = 110) performed the exercise program (clinical sessions and home exercises) over eight weeks, with 100 retained at six-month follow-up. Physical measures (lumbar segmental instability, motor control impairments, range of motion, trunk muscle endurance and physical performance tests) were …

Effect Of Personalized Spinal Profile On Its Biomechanical Response In An Emg-Assisted Optimization Musculoskeletal Model Of The Trunk, C. Larivière, A.H. Eskandari, H. M., F. Ghezelbash, D. Gagnon, A. Shirazi-Adl

Études primaires

Recent developments in musculoskeletal (MS) modeling have been geared towards model customization. Personalization of the spine profile could affect estimates of spinal loading and stability, particularly in the upright standing posture where large inter-subject variations in the lumbar lordosis have been reported. This study investigates the biomechanical consequences of changes in the spinal profile. In 31 participants (healthy and with back pain), (1) the spine external profile was measured, (2) submaximal contractions were recorded in a dynamometer to calibrate the EMG-driven MS model and finally (3) static lifting in the upright standing challenging spine stability while altering load position and …

Comparative Evaluation Of Different Spinal Stability Metrics, Amir Hossein Eskandari, Farshid Ghezelbash, Aboulfazl Shirazi-Adl, Christian Larivière

Études primaires

Direct in vivo measurements of spinal stability are not possible, leaving computational estimations (such as dynamic time series and structural analyses) as the feasible option. However, differences between different stability assessment approaches and metrics remain unclear. To explore this, we asked 32 participants to perform 35 cycles of repetitive lifts with and without load (4/2.6 kg for males/females). EMG signals and 3D kinematics were collected via 12 surface electrodes and 17 inertial sensors, and three dynamical stability measures were computed: short and long temporal and conventional maximum Lyapunov exponents (LyE) and maximum Floquet multipliers (FM). A dynamic subject-specific EMG-assisted musculoskeletal …

Reliability And Minimal Detectable Change Of The Mx3 Hydration Testing System, Ian Winter, Josie Burdin, Patrick B. Wilson

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Assessing hydration status outside of laboratories can be challenging given that most hydration measures are invasive, stationary, costly, or have questionable validity. This study investigated the within-day, test-retest reliability, and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the MX3 Hydration Testing System (MX3 Diagnostics), a relatively low cost, noninvasive, and portable method to measure saliva osmolality. Seventy-five adults (44 men, 31 women; 29.6±10.8 yr, 171.1±9.2 cm, 79.1±15.4 kg) presented two saliva samples approximately 3 to 5 minutes apart. Fluid intake was avoided for at least 5 minutes prior to sample collections. For each sample collection, a researcher used the MX3 to tap …