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Articles 1 - 23 of 23
Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
Vitamin D Deficiency And Suicide, Miriam Salamon
Vitamin D Deficiency And Suicide, Miriam Salamon
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Vitamin D deficiency, in an increasingly modernized world, is a major global health issue and so is major depressive disorder (MDD) and its high fatality risk. Studies suggest that there may be a connection between the two. Several studies have found a connection between low levels of vitamin D and higher rates of major depressive disorder, depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Specifically, lower concentrations of vitamin D was seen in the subgroup of patients with suicidal thoughts when comparing with non-suicidal depressed patients. A likely reason for this may be the well- researched role vitamin D plays in regulation of …
Luteinizing Hormone And Alzheimer’S Disease: Impact And Possibilities Of Treatment, Rachel Walkin
Luteinizing Hormone And Alzheimer’S Disease: Impact And Possibilities Of Treatment, Rachel Walkin
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Alzheimer’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease that is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. An estimated 5 million Americans are afflicted nationwide and the cost to the economy is valued at 259 billion dollars. Additionally, unlike other major causes of death in the United States, there is no treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease and it is strongly tied to aging. In most cases symptoms make their first appearance in the late 60’s and gradually worsen, eventually leading to a loss of cognitive function and death. The two outstanding changes in the …
Effects Of Moderate Intake Of Alcohol On Coronary Heart Disease, Eli Derdik
Effects Of Moderate Intake Of Alcohol On Coronary Heart Disease, Eli Derdik
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
The french paradox is caused by an inconsistency with scientific experimentation: The French have a very high intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, which is associated with coronary heart disease, yet they have un-commensurately low levels of deaths due to this disease. It has been proposed that alcohol, as a part of the French diet, is the factor that helps decrease the risk of heart disease in the French population by 20-30%. Research has been gathered from many medical journals to create a larger and more accurate perspective to determine if alcohol has any effect on coronary heart disease. Experiments …
Artificial Sweeteners And Weight Gain: Fighting Or Feeding The Obesity Epidemic?, Shanna Frisch
Artificial Sweeteners And Weight Gain: Fighting Or Feeding The Obesity Epidemic?, Shanna Frisch
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Our world has developed an obsession with weight control and, as a result, has begun replacing high calorie foods with low-fat and non-caloric substitutes. Artificial sweeteners are a widely used solution to this growing problem. Though the intention when using artificial sweeteners is to lose weight, studies have shown that the opposite sometimes occurs. Researchers attempt to explain this surprising phenomenon with multiple hypotheses. Lack of appetite suppression and reward response may cause individuals to search for more food and to consume more calories. Artificial sweeteners can also have negative affects on biological mechanisms such as resting metabolic rate, as …
Biological Reasons For The Neurotoxic Effects Of Mdma (‘Ecstasy’) On The Developing Fetus, Leah Schneeweiss
Biological Reasons For The Neurotoxic Effects Of Mdma (‘Ecstasy’) On The Developing Fetus, Leah Schneeweiss
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is an illicit, recreational drug known by many individuals as ‘Ecstasy.’ MDMA has gained popularity over the past decade and has become a drug of choice at dance parties and clubs because of the stimulating and hallucinogenic effects that it has on the central nervous system. Scientists have determined that MDMA causes neurotoxic damage to adults by harming the serotonergic system in the adult brain. Researchers discovered that embryos exposed to MDMA while in utero also suffer neurotoxic deficits, although not due to impairments in the embryos’ serotonergic systems. These deficits arise because of the cortisol increase …
Mechanisms, Potential Therapies, And The Role Of Tgf-Β In The Formation Of Scars, Isaac Traube
Mechanisms, Potential Therapies, And The Role Of Tgf-Β In The Formation Of Scars, Isaac Traube
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Scarring is the inevitable outcome of wound healing. This review looks at some of the underlying mechanisms of this complex process with the aim of identifying targets for therapeutic manipulation that could result in reduced scarring or even scarless wound repair. Fetal wounds are shown to heal without scars primarily due to low levels of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 and high levels of TGF-β3 as compared to adult wounds which heal with scars. Abnormal excessive scarring in keloid and hypertrophic scars are also attributed to TGF-β. Clinical manipulation of TGF-β ratios showed promise as a therapeutic means of controlling scar formation. …
Regulation Of Ghrelin: A Possible Treatment Option For Obesity And Diabetes, Sarah Picciotto
Regulation Of Ghrelin: A Possible Treatment Option For Obesity And Diabetes, Sarah Picciotto
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Obesity is a mounting problem in America today. One major concern about obesity is that it is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, a disease that impairs insulin sensitivity and secretion. This interferes with blood glucose levels and can cause hyperglycemia, which is when there is too much circulating glucose in the blood. Ghrelin, an amino acid peptide responsible for appetite stimulation and energy balance, plays a direct role in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. In many experiments, elevated ghrelin levels are associated with decreased insulin secretion from pancreatic islet cells. Although ghrelin concentration is decreased in obese individuals …
Is There A Link Between Saturated Fat Intake And Alzheimer’S Disease?, Justin Konig
Is There A Link Between Saturated Fat Intake And Alzheimer’S Disease?, Justin Konig
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia and ultimately death. Currently, there is no treatment available for this disease. The aging of the population will only increase the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, making it ever more important to find an effective method of prevention. Dietary intervention is a practical and affordable method of intervention. The brain is a fat rich organ, and dietary fats are critical for proper development of the brain. A literature review was conducted to determine whether there is a link between saturated fat intake and Alzheimer’s disease. According to the literature reviewed, saturated fat …
The Hormones Of The Placenta, Shaya Oratz
The Hormones Of The Placenta, Shaya Oratz
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
The human pregnancy begins with fertilization and implantation. As the embryo evolves and develops within the uterus of the mother, the placenta is formed. The placenta is a transient organ that develops to meet and accommodate specific needs during pregnancy. Its two major functions are the exchange of nutrients and gases between the mother and fetus and its role as an endocrine unit. Through the production and release of many hormones the placenta works to regulate the many necessary physiological changes in the mother in order to maintain the pregnancy, meet the needs of the developing fetus and prepare the …
Cytoplasmic Actin: Structure And Function, Justin Konig
Cytoplasmic Actin: Structure And Function, Justin Konig
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Cytoplasmic actin plays a crucial role in cellular structure, cell motility, intracellular transportation, and the cell cycle. Two isoforms of cytoplasmic actin have been identified, β and γ. Although their amino acid sequence is nearly identical, these two isoforms are encoded by different genes located on different chromosomes. Recent research has found that, despite their similarities, the two isoforms of cytoplasmic actin have distinct functions. This paper will review the structural and functional differences between the two isoforms, concluding with a discussion of some mutations that have been linked to disease.
Can Marijuana Be Harmful When Used Prenatally Or During Adolescence?, Penninah Dean
Can Marijuana Be Harmful When Used Prenatally Or During Adolescence?, Penninah Dean
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Marijuana is a popular recreational drug with a strong following campaigning to legalize it for both medicinal and recreational use. This paper serves to illustrate the harmful effects of marijuana use as it pertains to prenatal, adolescent and adult use. By understanding the methods of absorption and mechanism of interaction in the body, we can see a correlation between the effects of marijuana and its toxicity. Through extensive research of case studies on marijuana use we were able to determine marijuana’s harmful effects physically, developmentally and cognitively. Through these methods of research, it can be concluded that marijuana has detrimental …
The Carcinogenic Effects Of Aspartame, Devora Sara Gelbfish
The Carcinogenic Effects Of Aspartame, Devora Sara Gelbfish
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Aspartame, one of the most common artificial sweeteners, is used as a food additive worldwide. Because of early experimentation with rats linking aspartame to higher risk of cancer, there is much concern regarding the safety of aspartame. However, analytical review and numerous subsequent studies have disproven previous experimentation and reaffirmed that aspartame consumption in humans does not increase the risk of cancers. At the current time there is no credible evidence to support the idea that aspartame is carcinogenic. The evidence confirms that at current levels of consumption aspartame is a safe alternative to sucrose.
Do Photoperiodic Changes In Melatonin Secretion Detrimentally Affect The Female Reproductive Cycle?, Riki Szlafrok
Do Photoperiodic Changes In Melatonin Secretion Detrimentally Affect The Female Reproductive Cycle?, Riki Szlafrok
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Melatonin, better known as "the hormone of darkness," is secreted by the pineal gland during the night and helps us fall asleep. Because its internal regulation depends on light, melatonin is part of chronobiology, the study of biological mechanisms and their adaptations to lunar and solar related rhythms (Klein et al. 1991). Therefore, photoperiod changes greatly impact melatonin concentration, influencing changes in neuronal and hormonal mechanisms of the photo neuro-endocrine systems, namely reproduction. Research has shown that a disruption in the circadian rhythm of melatonin due to photoperiod changes detrimentally affects the rhythmic function of the female reproductive cycle. Research …
Melatonin And Its Effect On Learning And Memory, Nechama Leah Bauman (Cahn)
Melatonin And Its Effect On Learning And Memory, Nechama Leah Bauman (Cahn)
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Melatonin is a neurohormone produced by the pineal gland and secreted into the body in a circadian rhythm. Melatonin is known to be involved in many vital body functions, including sleep, reproduction, and immune response. Exogenous melatonin, sold as over the counter natural supplements in drugstores, is commonly taken by many people to help cure various ailments. Melatonin also plays a role in the hippocampus. This paper investigates the effects of melatonin on long-term potentiation in the hippocampus. Long-term potentiation, described as a long-lasting strengthening of synapses between nerve cells, is thought to be responsible for long-term memory retention. It …
How Biological And Non-Biological Disease Modifying Drugs Are Used In The Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Esther Mantel
How Biological And Non-Biological Disease Modifying Drugs Are Used In The Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Esther Mantel
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
The following is an excerpt from the introduction to this article: Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disease that leads to chronic inflammation of the joints and the surrounding tissue. Effects of the inflammation are pain and destruction of the bone and cartilage, which leads to severe disability and, possibly, shorter life expectancy. That is why early diagnosis and aggressive treatment is a fundamental strategy to stop the progression of the disease and suppress the inflammation before the damage is irreversible.
Health Risks Of Very Low Cholesterol, Menachem Nagar
Health Risks Of Very Low Cholesterol, Menachem Nagar
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Cholesterol is a molecule central to all human physiological processes at systemic as well as cellular levels. Cholesterol, combined with Apolipoprotein B as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been the focus of scientific research because the molecule has been proven to play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease, a disease of pandemic proportions. Considerable scientific and medical attention has been devoted to identifying the role and management of high levels of total serum cholesterol in order to address this global health burden, creating large scale awareness regarding lowering cholesterol concentration in circulation. However, the same molecule, combined into various …
The Effect Of Melatonin On The Ovaries, Jaclyn Starr
The Effect Of Melatonin On The Ovaries, Jaclyn Starr
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Melatonin is a very small molecule whose effects can be both detrimental and beneficial to the ovaries depending on its concentration. Too much of anything is usually not good and so is the case with melatonin. Very high doses can be damaging, but in the right amount melatonin may be able to combat various diseases and increase the chances for fertility in women.
The Role Of Ghrelin And Leptin In Obesity: Is Exogenous Administration Of These Hormones A Possible Drug Therapy?, Peri Eckstein
The Role Of Ghrelin And Leptin In Obesity: Is Exogenous Administration Of These Hormones A Possible Drug Therapy?, Peri Eckstein
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Ghrelin and leptin are two hormones that have been recognized to have a major influence on energy balance. Leptin is a mediator of long term regulation of energy balance, suppressing food intake and thereby inducing weight loss. Ghrelin, on the other hand, is a fast acting hormone, playing a role in meal initiation. As a growing number of people suffer from obesity, understanding the mechanisms by which various hormones and neurotransmitters influence energy balance has been a subject of intense research. This paper provides background on leptin and ghrelin hormones, their role in food intake and body weight in humans, …
Vitamin D3, Aryeh Grossman
Vitamin D3, Aryeh Grossman
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
The following is the introduction of this article: Vitamin D is the only vitamin that is free. It can be easily obtained from exposure to sunlight and yet more than 60% of Americans are Vitamin D deficient (Ginde et al., 2009; Bones, Vitamin D, and Calcium, n.d). The significance of Vitamin D can’t be emphasized enough and is often overlooked. Some its profound effects are apparent in the prevention of various diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular disease et cetera. Many lives can be spared each year just by taking Vitamin D. From cancer alone, 23,000 deaths can …
Pompe’S Disease And The Effects Of Alpha-Glucosidase Deficiency, Aaron Richler
Pompe’S Disease And The Effects Of Alpha-Glucosidase Deficiency, Aaron Richler
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
The following is an excerpt from the introduction of this article: The energy that the body needs in order to function is obtained from carbohydrates that we get through our diet. These carbohydrates are monosacharides, disaccharides and polysacharides. The polysaccharides and disaccharides are hydrolyzed to monosaccharide’s such glucose (which comprises roughly 80%) fructose and galactose. Most cells convert the fructose and galactose to glucose. The body can use the glucose or store it. If energy is needed, glucose can be oxidized through the many reactions of glycolysis which gives a net production of 2 ATP and 2 NADH from one …
Aspartame: A Sweet Toxin?, Atara Rena Degani
Aspartame: A Sweet Toxin?, Atara Rena Degani
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanyl-methyl ester, commonly known as aspartame, is one of the most widely used and controversial sweeteners. Many have questioned the safety of this chemical, concerned that it may be neurotoxic and carcinogenic. Numerous studies have been conducted on the three basic constituents of aspartame: aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol; scientists have tried to determine whether the ingestion of aspartame will cause a significant increase in blood plasma levels of these chemicals, and whether such an increase is dangerous. This review analyzes various studies conducted on the health effects of these metabolitic byproducts of aspartame.
Atherosclerosis And Antioxidants, Yehoshua Lewis
Atherosclerosis And Antioxidants, Yehoshua Lewis
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Cellular lipid oxidation is a known cause for the cascade leading to the formation of lipid laden foam cells, which can cause of atherosclerosis. While statins and antioxidants have recently come under question in the amelioration of atherosclerosis, Flavonoids have recently been touted as a powerful antioxidant and suppresser of atherosclerosis. This paper will attempt to show why statins and vitamin E have come under scrutiny, and how the desired effects of Flavonoids can be attributed to the role it plays in increased paraoxonase-1 activity (a known anti inflammatory associated with HDL), decreased C- Reactive protein activity, and increased nitric …
Folic Acid And Neural Tube Defects, Rachel Leah Feinstein
Folic Acid And Neural Tube Defects, Rachel Leah Feinstein
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
The following is an excerpt of this article: Neural tube defects (NTD) are the most common types of birth defects. Research shows that folic acid taken periconceptionally greatly reduces the risk of having a NTD affected child. This paper will explain the role that folate plays in the metabolism, specifically in synthesizing methionine. It will bring evidence to show that methionine is crucial for normal neural tube development. In addition, it will explore the genetic factor involved in folate metabolism and possible folate deficiency.