Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Cortisol Receptor Sensitivity As A Risk Factor For Depression, Michela Michielli

Honors Theses

In 2020, the World Health Organization reported over 264 million people across the world were suffering from depression. Studies have demonstrated that one source of depression is a hormonal imbalance involved in the stress response. Cortisol is a stress hormone regulated by the Hypothalamic-Anterior-Pituitary (HPA) Axis. Its effects on the stress response and other metabolic activities in the body are exerted through the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors (GR and MR respectively).

Our research has examined mutations known as single-nucleotide-polymorphisms (SNPs) relating to cortisol-receptor sensitivity and the behavior of cortisol in the body to investigate the link between cortisol activity and …

Diisopinocampheylborane Trifluoromethanesulfonate-Mediated Aldol Reactions Using An Aldehyde And An Amide, Camille Parker

Honors Theses

Aldol reactions are one of the most powerful reactions in organic chemistry because of the formation of new carbon-carbon bonds. A downside of aldol reactions is that they generate a mix of stereoisomers, therefore a lot of work has gone into developing methods that selectively favor a certain stereoisomer. We report an enatio and diastereoselective diisopinocampheylborane trifluoromethanesulfonate ((Ipc)₂BOTf) mediated aldol reaction with an amide and an aldehyde. Traditionally, (Ipc)₂BOTf-mediated reactions were not applied to amides, except with the use of strong bases. Here we developed a (Ipc)₂BOTf aldol reaction of amides using mild bases …

Gama-Lactams And The Reformatsky Reaction: New Tricks For Old Chemistry, Dylan Dupont

Honors Theses

DUPONT, DYLAN. An Alternative Synthetic Pathway to γ-Lactam Compounds

Through the Application of Novel Reformatsky-Type Chemistry. Department

of Chemistry, June 2020

ADVISOR: James C. Adrian Jr. Ph.D.

It is the intent of the present report to relate the results of our attempt to elucidate and optimize a novel preparation of γ-lactam compounds. To achieve this end, it is proposed that the use of novel Reformatsky-type chemistry may provide a viable means. Generally, it has herein been validated that employment of α-amino ketones in traditional Reformatsky chemistry will form the traditional Reformatsky ester-adduct, and that this adduct is capable of spontaneously …

Impact Of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms On Hpa Axis Functionality In Depression, Claire Kelly

Honors Theses

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a primary role in stress response through the regulated secretion of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol. Diseases of cortisol dysregulation such as Cushing’s syndrome (hypercortisolemia) and Addison’s Disease (hypocortisolemia) are both associated with depression. Based on this we, and others, have hypothesized that mutations in the genes for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), the closely related mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), and regulatory proteins associated with cortisol or GR function may contribute to depression in the absence of hyper- or hypo-cortisolemia. Our study investigated the genotypic frequency in the clinical population of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect …

Union College Smokers: Hurting Themselves But Helping Others? Mixed Research On The Relationship Between Smoking And Volunteering, Cameron Robertson

Honors Theses

This mixed methodology research project analyzes the relationship between smoking cigarettes and volunteer participation rates utilizing an empirical analysis of 2006 and 2010 Current Population Surveys (CPS), as well as a qualitative analysis on the perception and behaviors of Union College student smokers. Existing studies have indicated a negative association between smoking cigarettes and social participation, yet little research has been done on the specific relationship between smoking status and volunteer participation. Utilizing CPS supplements on tobacco use and volunteering, this empirical analysis finds that smoking cigarettes has a significant association with decreased volunteer participation rates. This research also includes …

Investigating The Impact Of Marijuana Legalization On Income, Education, And Depression, Wayne Fu

Honors Theses

Over the past two decades, marijuana has been the most widely used illicit drug by adolescents in the US. The drug continues to soar in popularity as both a recreational and medicinal drug despite mounting scientific research that marijuana consumption may impair cognitive function including deficits in learning, memory, motivation, and attention. Marijuana use has also been linked to exacerbation of depression and anxiety symptoms. Though federal laws still classify marijuana as an illegal substance, recent state-level legislation has sparked national debate over its legal status. In fact, 23 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical …

Psychostimulant Use Among Undiagnosed College Students: Revealing Perceptions Anddebunking The Myth Of Cognitive Benefits, Rebecca Elizabeth Shait

Honors Theses

Previous research suggests there is a rising trend of non-medical psychostimulant use on college campuses. The current study examined the prevalence of non-medical psychostimulant use, assessed students’ motivations and perceptions of the cognitive and emotional benefits, and attempted to influence their views by giving them real scenarios where psychostimulants are not effective for individuals without ADHD. Results revealed that there is a prevalence of non-medical psychostimulant use at Union College. Non-medical psychostimulant users had a more positive perception that these medications enhance performance, cognition, memory, mood/energy, and motivation to start and complete work. There were no significant interactions or differences …

Effects Of Arginine On The Kinetics Of Bovine Insulin Aggregation Studied By Dynamic Light Scattering, Michael M. Varughese

Honors Theses

In the fields of protein science and medicine, understanding the kinetics of protein aggregation are significant in the research and treatment of certain amyloid diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Previous studies have suggested that arginine can increase the solubility of certain proteins, suppress protein aggregation, and assist in the refolding of aggregated proteins; however, the molecular mechanisms by which arginine can influence protein aggregation are still unclear. Bovine insulin was employed as a model system for further understanding the effects of arginine on protein aggregation. Using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), we studied the concentration-dependent and temperature-dependent suppression of aggregation in insulin …