Life Sciences Commons^™

Phos-Tag-Based Screens Identify Novel Therapeutic Targets In Ovarian Cancer And Pancreatic Cancer, Renya Zeng

Theses & Dissertations

Multiple Phos-tag-based screens were conducted in anti-tubulin drug (paclitaxel and nocodazole)-treated cells to explore novel targets implicated in cell cycle regulation, resistance against paclitaxel, and yes-associated protein (YAP) nucleocytoplasmic transport. The Phos-tag-based screen of protein kinases identified that several proteins were degraded or phosphorylated in response to anti-tubulin drug treatment. A tyrosine kinase, fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), was significantly degraded upon anti-tubulin drug treatment, suggesting its potential role in cell response to paclitaxel. Further functional investigations identified that FGFR4 mediated paclitaxel resistance in ovarian cancer, and specific inhibitors targeting FGFR4 could sensitize ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel. Mechanistically, …

G Protein–Coupled Receptor 21 In Macrophages: An In Vitro Study, Valentina Bordano, Gemma K. Kinsella, Stefania Cannito, Chiara Dianzani, Casimiro Luca Gigliotti, John C. Stephens, Chiara Monge, Claudia Bocca, Arianna C. Rosa, Gianluca Miglio, Umberto Dianzani, John B.C. Findlay, Elisa Benetti

Articles

GPR21 is an orphan and constitutively active receptor belonging to the superfamily of G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). GPR21 couples to the Gq family of G proteins and is markedly expressed in macrophages. Studies of GPR21 knock-out mice indicated that GPR21 may be involved in promoting macrophage migration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of GPR21 in human macrophages, analyzing (i) its involvement in cell migration and cytokine release and (ii) the consequence of its pharmacological inhibition by using the inverse agonist GRA2. THP-1 cells were activated and differentiated into either M1 or …

Effects Of Music Exposure On Autobiographical Memory In Alzheimer's Patients: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Gregory Vance

Honors Theses

The progression of Alzheimer’s disease is primarily characterized by a loss of memory concerning past events, as well as a lack in ability to create new memories. While this spans across many subsets of memory, such as recognition, recall, and autobiographical memory, there seems to be a lesser impact on musical memory in those with Alzheimer’s. Multiple studies have suggested that exposure to music and introduction of music therapy can even improve other aspects of memory in Alzheimer’s patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to examine the relationship between music exposure and autobiographical memory specifically. A pool of electronic …

Determining The Distribution Of Elemental Compounds And Oxidative Potential Across Fine Particulate Matter (Pm2.5) Filters, Allie Michelle Sidwell

Honors Theses

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is a complex mixture of particles and sorbed chemicals that poses serious, adverse effects on human health such as increasing cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality. There is ongoing research into the impacts of PM_2.5 of differing chemical compositions, sampling location, and the mechanisms for the observed health effects. To conduct these analytical and toxicology studies of PM_2.5, researchers often split filters into sections. This process allows multiple, often destructive, assays to be performed. Our previous research showed chemical composition differences across PM_2.5 filters. The goal of our study was …

Restoration Through Reassembly: Evaluating The Role Of Native Plants In Combatting Chinese Tallow, Olaniyi Ajala

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Non-native, invasive species disrupt ecological processes and functions, posing a serious threat to natural ecosystems. By examining the growth metrics of the non-native, invasive tree, Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera [L.] Roxb.), hereafter tallow, across different flooding and light regimes, I investigated how restructuring native communities with valuable native species will prevent the reestablishment of tallow. I studied the changes in morphological and physiological traits of tallow when growing with water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica L.), sugarberry (Celtis occidentalis L.), and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall). I found that in the non-flooded and high irradiance treatments, tallow's growth …

Trophish: Building A Global Database Of Freshwater Trophic Interactions, Jacob M. Ridgway

Honors Thesis

Freshwater management and research frequently use the trophic data of freshwater fishes. Despite this fact, it is difficult to perform a simple search of dietary information for any one fish species. FishBase represents, to our knowledge, the largest compilation of freshwater dietary information to date. However, it excludes a large portion of the ecological literature due to its development taking place prior to the creation of most modern scientific search engines. Our project (TroPhish) is building upon FishBase by digitizing approximately 130 years of data from the fish predation literature. Data from the primary and grey (e.g. theses, dissertations, reports) …

Gut Commensals Modulate Siv/Shiv Pathogenesis And Therapeutics, Samuel Johnson

Theses & Dissertations

Despite significant advancements in combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), ongoing inflammation in the brain and gut remain two of the most significant hurdles in the health of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Additionally, a viral reservoir in each compartment inhibits cure efforts by allowing rapid viral rebound following cART interruption. Emerging understanding of the gut-brain axis (GBA) implicates each compartment in the modulation of the other in a complex bi-directional interaction mediated by vagus innervation, circulating lymphocytes, and microbiome composition and biproducts. Using multiple models of the simian (and simian-human) immunodeficiency virus (SIV/SHIV) and therapeutic intervention, I present how …

Effects Of Acute Exercise Intensity On Behavioral Pattern Separation, Sarah Amitin

Honors Theses

Prior work has demonstrated that acute exercise can improve memory performance. Less research, however, has determined whether this beneficial effect occurs through exercise reducing the influence of related or interfering stimuli. Thus, the present experiment evaluated if acute exercise can improve memory by reducing the interference of similar or conflicting information. A mnemonic similarity task was used where participants studied pictures of a wide variety of objects. The retrieval portion of the task displayed a set of objects in which they had to identify as old (already studied), new, or similar. The list of objects in the retrieval phase had …

Detection, Occupancy, Abundance, And Mercury Accumulation Of The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys Temminckii) In Texas, David Rosenbaum

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Land use practices and physical alterations of ecosystems result in habitat loss and fragmentation, while chemical alterations, such as pollutant input, reduce habitat quality and health of exposed organisms. Here, I investigated the effects of watershed- and local-scale environmental variables on the occupancy, abundance, and mercury accumulation of a threatened aquatic species (Macrochelys temminckii, i.e., alligator snapping turtle) within the southwestern periphery of its distribution. Hierarchical modeling suggested the distribution of the species is more affected by watershed-scale land-cover than local habitat, and provided a baseline estimate of average species abundance across its range in eastern Texas. Abundance …

Detection And Occurrence Of Nerodia Harteri (Serpentes: Colubridae) In An Upper Portion Of The Brazos River Watershed, Jessica Yates

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Semiaquatic snakes are disproportionately impacted by habitat alteration adjacent to wetlands because of their reliance on both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Brazos River Watersnakes, Nerodia harteri, are endemic natricines with one of the most restricted geographic ranges in North America. I quantified detection and site occupancy probabilities of N. harteri and its sympatric congeners (N. erythrogaster and N. rhombifer), as well as microhabitat selection within the Nerodia community. Within occupied transects, search effort was positively correlated with detecting N. harteri, whereas environmental and/or habitat variables were better predictors for detecting the sympatric congeners. Microhabitat selection between …

Assessing The Live Bait Industry And The Ecological Status Of Invasive Cyprinodontiformes (Sheepshead Minnow: Cyprinodon Variegatus And Gulf Killifish: Fundulus Grandis) In Texas Streams, Erin Shepta

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The introduction of invasive species is one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity. Once established, invasive species often cause irreversible ecological damage on native communities. Here, I investigated the pathway of introduction and ecological impacts of the sheepshead minnow (C. variegatus) and the gulf killifish (F. grandis). Both species were thought to have been introduced into inland Texas waters via bait-bucket releases and have caused native populations of their inland congeners to decline. While I did not find evidence that either species were being sold in inland shops, bait industry experts did reveal other potentially …

The Impact Of Sleep On Athletic Performance: A Review Of The Literature, Rylan J. Pratt

Honors Thesis

This paper reviewed the literature regarding sleep and athletic performance, specifically identifying the problem of sleep debt in student athletes, the effects of sleep debt, and what factors negatively influence sleep, along with how to improve sleep. The literature revealed that it is common for athletes to not get adequate sleep. Sleep debt can have psychomotor and physiological effects on the body, which decreases optimal athletic performance. The many factors that negatively impact sleep include high intensity training sessions, travel, sleep disturbances, caffeine and/or alcohol consumption, and pre-competition anxiety. Recommendations for athletes that are struggling to achieve adequate sleep include, …

Psychological Trauma Alters T-Lymphocyte Inflammation And Redox Through Sympathetic Mechanisms, Safwan K. Elkhatib

Theses & Dissertations

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a devastating psychiatric disorder characterized by distinctive symptom clusters, including intrusive memories (i.e., flashbacks), avoidance of related stimuli, affective changes, and hyperarousal. Strikingly, patients with PTSD face a significantly increased risk for a number of inflammation-driven pathologies, ranging from cardiovascular to autoimmune disease. Yet, the exact etiology of this increased risk remains unknown. The immune system is known to be strongly influenced by the sympathetic nervous system, and sympathetic overactivity is a hallmark of PTSD. Lymphoid organs, such as the spleen, are richly innervated by sympathetic nerve fibers which terminate near adaptive immune …

Targeting Androgen Receptor On Glioblastoma, Nan Zhao

Theses & Dissertations

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain malignancy. The standard treatment of this tumor is surgery, followed by radiation with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide. GBM cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proposed to be responsible for radioresistance. It is necessary to identify novel therapeutic agent(s) that can pass the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enhance radiation effects. Targeting the androgen receptor (AR) is promising in treating glioblastoma (GBM) in cell culture, and flank implant models but the mechanisms remain unclear. AR antagonists, including enzalutamide, are available for treating prostate cancer patients in the clinic and can pass the BBB; thus, …

Comparative Analysis Of Aflatoxin Content In Bitter Almond Fruits (Prunus Dulcis Var. Achchiq) Growing In Various Geographical Region Uzbekistan By High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Abdukhalil Tojikulov, Khabibjon Kushiyev, Tulkin Djuraev, Hasan Bekpulatov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of the study was to optimize the process of extraction of aflatoxins secreted by fungi of the genus Aspergillus from almonds, as well as to analyze the content of aflatoxins using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An HPLC LC 2030 C3D Plus (Shimadzu) column Shim-pack GIST-HP C18 150x4.6 mm 3 µm (Shimadzu) was used at a ratio of H₂O/H₃C-CN = 40/60 as an eluent at a thermostat temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. Based on the analysis on a fluorescent detector RF-20A with an excitation wavelength of 365-450 nm and a flow rate of 0.5 …

Researching Of The Shelf Life And Quality Of Margarine Enriched In Inulin, Shakhnozakhon Salijonova, Akbarali Ruzibayev

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Extensive research is being carried out in the world on the effective use of non-traditional plant raw materials, its production in margarine, mayonnaise and similar oil and fat products. In this aspect, special attention is paid to improving targeted technological processes, developing margarine formulations from local raw materials, increasing the nutritional and biological value of products, efficient use of natural raw materials and expanding the range of products. The aim of the study is to study the shelf life of the obtained diabetic low-calorie margarine based on the extract of Jerusalem artichoke tubers. Based on the research, it was determined …

Using Color To Identify Neotropical Parrots In Early Modern European Art: Recognizing Limitations And Avoiding Pitfalls Through Integration Of Scientific And Artistic Knowledge, Deniz Martinez

The Confluence

Colorful Neotropical parrots were amongst the first and most frequent exotic animals to be imported by Europeans from the “New World” of the Americas, becoming key figures in what would become known as the Columbian exchange. There has been an ongoing effort to locate and identify images of Neotropical parrots in the visual record of early modern Europe, with the classification of many remaining unsettled in the scholarship. Proper identification of these images can be valuable data for reconstructing historical biogeography and transatlantic trade; especially compelling is the potential of certain “mystery parrots” in the visual record to support the …

Effects Of Caffeine On Agility Tests On One Women's Collegiate Volleyball Team, Sarah Monnier, Erika Smith-Goodwin, Eric Dick

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeine on agility tests (3-step approach,2-hand vertical leap,5-10-5 drill) on a women’s collegiate volleyball team at one Division III institution.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT
Vertical jump measuring device measured 3-step approach and 2-hand vertical leap measurements. A stopwatch measured the 5-10-5 drill.

Effects Of Rock Steady Boxing On Parkinsons Patients, Hannah Hall, Jennifer Walker, Erika Smith-Goodwin

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
Rock Steady Boxing’s (non-profit organization) program goal is improving Parkinson’s patients’ quality of life through a non-contact, boxing-based fitness class. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Parkinson’s patients perceived improvement on proprioception from one hospital-based Rock Steady Boxing Program. The program was led by athletic trainers and physical therapists.

MAIN.OUTCOME.MEASURE
Likert scale survey was used with one fill in the blank question.

Comfort Levels Of Male Collegiate Student Athletes In Reporting Symptoms Of Eating Disorders, Maryn Herring, Erika Smith-Goodwin, Jennifer Walker

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the comfort levels of male student athletes at a Division III college in reporting symptoms of eating disorders to Athletic Trainers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT
Likert scale questions with one open ended question.

Rodeo Athletes' Perceptions Of The Available Onsite Medical Care Provided, Rachel R. Kesterson, Erika Smith-Goodwin, Jennifer Walker, Perry Denehy

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the medical care perceptions of rodeo athletes at one Southwest Ohio rodeo as compared to others.

MAIN.OUTCOME.MEASURE
The survey was made of 23 Likert-scale questions.

Mens' And Womens' Diii Soccer Athletes Anxiety Levels Due To Balancing Academic And Team Responsibilities, Kathleen Monnig, Jennifer Walker, Erika Smith-Goodwin

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate anxiety levels due to balancing academic and team responsibilities in one Division III womens’ and mens’ soccer teams.

MAIN.OUTCOME.MEASURE
5-point,6-point Likert scale.

Effects Of Tiktok On The Mental Health Of Men's And Women's Soccer Teams At One Institution, Hayley Suchland, Erika Smith-Goodwin, Eric Dick

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the social media platform, TikTok, on the mental health of Division III Men’s and Women’s soccer players at one institution.

MAIN.OUTCOME.MEASUREMENT
Likert scale survey.

Comparison Of Rehabilitation Programs Following A Latarjet Procedure: A Level 3 Case Study, Philip Wienkamp, Lisa S. Jutte

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
Anterior shoulder dislocations cause chronic disability, often requiring surgery. Latarjet procedures are considered when the anterior glenoid fractures during shoulder dislocation. Latarjet procedures show positive outcomes with low dislocation recurrence rates, although rehabilitation guidelines are not well established. This Level-3 CASE report will compare two rehabilitation protocols.

UNIQUENESS
Our patient’s progress was significantly delayed compared to Murphy et al.’s patient. Although they had similar strength and ROM deficits in week 2, our patient required an additional 15 weeks to make similar gains. Also, our patient did not begin aggressive overhead activity until 10 weeks after Murphy et al.’s patient. …

A 12-Year Retrospective Analysis Of Vo2max Values In College-Aged Student Athletes, Michelle Wilson, Scott Swanson

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
To examine VO₂max values in a cohort of exercise physiology students over a 12-year time period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT
Student’s VO₂max values were examined for the effects of gender (males vs. females) and athletic status (athlete vs. non-athlete). Significance was set at p

Exploring The Relationship Between Athletic Identity On Certain Coping Mechanisms In Adolescent Athletes, Jessica Steger, Laura Harris

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
(1) To describe athletic identity and coping mechanisms in an adolescent athletic population, and (2) to examine the relationship between athletic identity and coping mechanisms in an adolescent population.

MAIN.OUTCOME.MEASURES
Descriptive statistics were calculated for the summated AIMS-7 score and three CISS-SSC subscale scores. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between each AIMS-7 subscale and CISS-SSC subscale. Additionally, three independent t-tests were conducted with the independent variable, low, moderate, or high AIMS score, and the dependent variables, avoidance, emotion, or task-focused CISS-SSC score. Alpha level was set at 0.05 for all analyses.

Reliability And Utility Of A Lumbopelvic-Hip Complex Stability Assessment In Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain, Erika Zambarano, Neal Glaviano, Amanda Murray

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
Lumbopelvic-hip complex (LPHC) stability is related to altered movement patterns that are present in individuals with PFP. Current studies measuring LPHC function in PFP primarily assess endurance and not stability. A test of isolated LPHC stability, the Seated Trunk Control Test (STCT) was recently developed and test-retest reliability for the STCT has been shown to be excellent in a healthy population. To improve the clinical usefulness of the STCT, we aimed to establish test-retest reliability for individuals with PFP. We hypothesized the STCT would show good-to-excellent reliability. We also compared STCT performance between healthy individuals and those with PFP. …

Caring For Pregnant And Postpartum Athletes: Athletic Trainers, Strength Coaches, And Athletic Coaches, Aly Matejka, Stephanie Born

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
A survey was created to assess the experience, education, and self-perceived competence of treating and/or training pregnant and postpartum athletes among athletic trainers, strength coaches, and coaches.

Academic Resilience Of Athletic Training Students During Covid-19 Pandemic, Brandon J. Gallimore, Laura Harris, Janet E. Simon

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
(1) To describe resilience in athletic training students enrolled in professional coursework during the spring 2020 semester, and (2) to determine the association between resilience and academic performance during the spring 2020 semester.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Descriptive statistics for GPA were calculated for Fall 2019, Spring 2020, cumulative Fall 2019, cumulative Spring 2020 (ie., current), change in cumulative GPA, and ARS-30 total score. The primary analysis was a Pearson correlation between change in cumulative GPA and ARS-30 total score. A secondary analysis was conducted to evaluate change in cumulative Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 GPA with a paired t-test. …

The Effects Of A 6-Week Intrinsic Foot Morphology, Kinematics, And Kinetics In Individuals With Pes Planus, Rebecca Marszalek, Janet E. Simon, Robert Wayner

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

CONTEXT
The intrinsic foot muscles are vital in supporting the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Individuals with pes planus have poor foot morphology, strength, and biomechanics, warranting an intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
At pre-intervention, foot posture and arch height were assessed via the Foot Posture Index-6 and the Navicular Drop test, respectively. Cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis was assessed using ultrasound as an indirect measure of strength. Biomechanical measures, including peak rearfoot eversion, peak tibial internal rotation, peak rearfoot eversion moment, and center of pressure excursion, were collected using 3D-motion capture and an instrumented treadmill. At post-intervention, these …