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Causes Of Color Blindness: Function And Failure Of The Genes That Detect Color, Dylan Taylor Dec 2020

Causes Of Color Blindness: Function And Failure Of The Genes That Detect Color, Dylan Taylor

Senior Honors Theses

Color blindness affects nearly 10% of the entire population, with multiple types of color blindness from various genetic mutations. In the following sections, the nature of light and how the human eye perceives light will be discussed. Afterward, the major forms of color blindness and their genetic causes will be considered. Once these genetic causes have been established, the current method for diagnosing color blindness will be investigated, followed by a discussion of the current treatments available to those with color blindness. Finally, a brief discussion will address possible future work for color blindness with the hope of finding better …


Dna Aptamer-Drug Targeting Chemotherapy: Investigation Of Cell Cycle Inhibition Via S15 Aptamer – Norcantharidin Complex, Shannon Fehr Nov 2020

Dna Aptamer-Drug Targeting Chemotherapy: Investigation Of Cell Cycle Inhibition Via S15 Aptamer – Norcantharidin Complex, Shannon Fehr

Senior Honors Theses

Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in both men and women in the United States (Bray et al., 2018). Cancer treatments are often non-specific and kill many dividing cells within a patient causing unwanted side effects. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a synthetic FDA approved treatment for cancers including non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). NCTD suppresses cell proliferation by inhibiting cells from exiting the G2 phase of the cell cycle. Aptamers are short single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules with ligand directed self-annealing capabilities allowing selective binding to specific targets. This paper will discuss the hypothesized effects of using …


A Microbiome Analysis Of The Relationship Among Crayfish Ectosymbionts And Their Environment, John Hoverson Nov 2020

A Microbiome Analysis Of The Relationship Among Crayfish Ectosymbionts And Their Environment, John Hoverson

Senior Honors Theses

The purpose of this project was to determine if there are differences present between the α-diversities of the crayfish microbiome and its surrounding water and sediment. Furthermore, this project sought to discover if these differences hold when microbiomes are evaluated between crayfish of first and second stream orders. Finally, this project sought to determine if the presence of branchiobdellidan ectosymbionts on the crayfish caused further differences in the crayfish microbiome. While the hypothesized patterns between crayfish, ectosymbionts, and stream order were not found to exist, a significantly different microbiome was observed between water, sediment, and crayfish, and the α-diversity of …


Contraceptive Methods In The United States: The Question Of Abortive Mechanisms, Tara Ferenczy Oct 2020

Contraceptive Methods In The United States: The Question Of Abortive Mechanisms, Tara Ferenczy

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis reviews the many methods of contraception available in the United States. Although society’s understanding of women’s health has become a major topic, there is still a significant deficit of information regarding how the accessible methods affect women’s bodies, specifically reproductive tissue. The thesis analyzes numerous contraceptive options focusing specifically on the mechanisms of action to determine whether options have abortifacient properties so that readers may develop educated opinions regarding medical and ethical uses. Information involving strengths and limitations of each technique and the effects on both the female body and the reproductive material assist in understanding the process …


A Review Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Sophie Silver May 2020

A Review Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Sophie Silver

Senior Honors Theses

Human immunodeficiency virus, also referred to as HIV, is a devastating virus which has infected millions. Characterized as a retrovirus, HIV has an RNA genome, which is reverse transcribed into DNA upon entry into the host cell. HIV primarily affects CD4+ T cells and is diagnosed by the significant reduction of CD4+ T cells. While no cure has been discovered yet, antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been demonstrated as an effective treatment option. In the progression of HIV, additional HIV-associated diseases may arise, including HIV-associated psoriasis and sensory neuropathy. In addition to the use of ART, clinicians often prescribe …


Adverse Aftereffects Of Methotrexate As Chemotherapy On Cognitive Deficits In Rat Models, Jubin Kang Apr 2020

Adverse Aftereffects Of Methotrexate As Chemotherapy On Cognitive Deficits In Rat Models, Jubin Kang

Senior Honors Theses

Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia have a high five-year survival rate thanks to methotrexate (MTX). However, cognitive side effects are reported, characterized as chemo brain. The study investigated if impulsiveness is part of the aberrant cognitive functions after being exposed to MTX in the early stage of physical development. Adolescent rats were injected with either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or MTX. The novel object recognition (NOR) task was conducted a month after the injections to measure the memory deficits. The discounting task was performed after the rats completed training on a fixed-ratio one schedule for both levers. The NOR test showed …


Traditional Chinese Medicine And Its Role In Women’S Health, Ezekiel Smith Apr 2020

Traditional Chinese Medicine And Its Role In Women’S Health, Ezekiel Smith

Senior Honors Theses

This paper is a literature review of traditional Chinese medicine and its role in women’s health. A search was performed and a group of 208 articles were initially found using the Liberty Summons search engine. Out of those 208 articles, only 16 were included based on various criteria. The articles were then read and analyzed and compiled into two main themes: maternal health and an “other” category. The findings resulted in strong evidence for some herbal treatments and acupuncture in a select few areas, with inconclusive evidence for other acupuncture treatments and a mixed review of the traditional “Doing a …


Inconceivable: An Analysis Of Assisted Reproductive Technology For The Church, Mary Elizabeth Gresham Apr 2020

Inconceivable: An Analysis Of Assisted Reproductive Technology For The Church, Mary Elizabeth Gresham

Senior Honors Theses

Infertility pushes the boundaries of emotional and physical health, which is why many couples inside and outside the church turn to Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) for a solution. Despite what has seemed like silence from the Church, some individuals have braved the biological confusion and ethical dilemmas to evaluate the technology. Three major ethical viewpoints have emerged that each prioritize something over medical technology, namely community, order, or human dignity. This paper serves to educate pastors and church leaders on the ever-changing biology of ART as well as give voice to Christians that have spoken out on this issue. At …


Vaccines In Current Culture: The Hpv Vaccine Controversy, Alyssa Johnston Apr 2020

Vaccines In Current Culture: The Hpv Vaccine Controversy, Alyssa Johnston

Senior Honors Theses

The use of vaccinations has drastically decreased mortality and morbidity rates related to infectious disease and has become an intrinsic part of modern health care. However, the fear of risks related to vaccines has been partially responsible for the decisions of many parents to delay or avoid vaccinating their children. The human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine specifically is one of the most controversial vaccines in current culture due to reports of new onset or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases, infertility, and even death following its administration. This review synthesizes information regarding the relevance and safety of the HPV vaccine, as well …


Spiritual And Religious Interventions For Medically High-Risk Adults: A Systematic Review, Nathanael J. Strissel Apr 2020

Spiritual And Religious Interventions For Medically High-Risk Adults: A Systematic Review, Nathanael J. Strissel

Senior Honors Theses

This systematic review is an update and expansion to the population and methods of a previous systematic review concerning spiritual and religious interventions for the well-being of terminally ill adults. After expanding the criteria to incorporate a more diverse population and including non-randomized experimental studies that contained relatively few concerns of bias, the results of the review are inconclusive due to insufficient data. The lack of usable data in the field highlights the ethical and theoretical issues with the use of experimental trials in analyzing the efficacy of spiritual and religious interventions. The development of spirituality in healthcare will remain …


Anxiety In Alzheimer's Disease, Zachary Cooper Apr 2020

Anxiety In Alzheimer's Disease, Zachary Cooper

Senior Honors Theses

Researchers familiar with Alzheimer’s disease have often noted the presence of comorbid anxiety symptomatology. Likewise, the occurrence of anxiety before the development of Alzheimer’s disease has been prevalent enough to warrant attention. This review seeks to elaborate on the pathophysiology behind these two conditions, and to accentuate overlapping aspects that promote a causal relationship between these two pathologies on the macroscopic and cellular levels. Subsequent evidence will show that these pathologies are not independent of each other, and that cellular mechanisms of pathology hint at their interrelatedness. Areas requiring further research that would clarify the relationship between Clinical Anxiety and …


A Closer Look At Muscle Breakdown: An Overview Of The Causes, Complications, And Diagnostics Of Rhabdomyolysis, Jamie Holchin Apr 2020

A Closer Look At Muscle Breakdown: An Overview Of The Causes, Complications, And Diagnostics Of Rhabdomyolysis, Jamie Holchin

Senior Honors Theses

Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of myocytes in skeletal muscle. This condition can be triggered by a variety of things including crush injury, drugs, prolonged exercise, and venom. Although the causes can vary, the general pathophysiology of rhabdomyolysis is similar. Increased intracellular calcium ion levels instigate the breakdown of cellular and certain organelle membranes of muscle cells. Reactive oxygen species form, ATP is depleted, and the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which regulates muscle contraction, is also damaged. Necrosis ensues, leading to toxic intracellular components spreading throughout the body. Rhabdomyolysis can then lead to several complications including acute renal injury and heart arrhythmias, …


The Role Of Diet In The Onset Of Depression: A Biochemical Connection Between Nutrition And Mental Health, Katlin Wildeman Apr 2020

The Role Of Diet In The Onset Of Depression: A Biochemical Connection Between Nutrition And Mental Health, Katlin Wildeman

Senior Honors Theses

Depression is a major clinical concern, having a complex onset and the presence of multiple, often unidentifiable causes. Depression affects millions of individuals worldwide, with a high prevalence in regions of the world with a Western-style diet as compared to regions with a Mediterranean diet. A Western-style diet consists of foods high in sugar, fat, and processed meats and grains, whereas the Mediterranean diet contains significantly more vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and whole grains. The link between diet and mental health disorders has implications for individuals of all ages who are hesitant to turn to medication. In addition to presenting …


Modulator Therapy For Cystic Fibrosis: An Exploration Of Current Research, Jessalyn Rombocos Apr 2020

Modulator Therapy For Cystic Fibrosis: An Exploration Of Current Research, Jessalyn Rombocos

Senior Honors Theses

Developing a drug therapy that addresses the root cause of cystic fibrosis (CF) by increasing CFTR protein levels has long been a research challenge. After genetic therapy failed because a suitable delivery system could not be found, researchers began searching for small organic molecules that could act as chaperones for CFTR. These molecules, known as modulators, allowed CFTR to be assembled correctly and function similarly to wild type CFTR. Since 2012, four modulator drugs have been developed, tested, and approved by the FDA. In October 2019, Trikafta was approved as the first triple-combination modulator drug and has completely revolutionized CF …


Genetic Relationships And Therapeutic Options For Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Hailie Shertzer Apr 2020

Genetic Relationships And Therapeutic Options For Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Hailie Shertzer

Senior Honors Theses

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of cancer among children and can be lethal to the adult population. Though 80% of patients with ALL reach complete remission after treatment, about 20% of those diagnosed fail to remain cancer-free. Genetic rearrangements are the hallmark of relapsed ALL, but the mechanism by which these rearrangements occur is still unclear. Recent research suggests these mutations may be detectable during initial diagnosis. If researchers are able to accurately assess the probability of relapse during diagnosis by analyzing the genome of the leukemic cells, the likelihood of administering effective therapy would increase. …


The Effects And Implications Of Vaping On The Youth Population, Julia Sisson Apr 2020

The Effects And Implications Of Vaping On The Youth Population, Julia Sisson

Senior Honors Theses

Youth today have adopted the “cessation tool” known as the e-cigarette as a form of recreational activity. An examination of the history of tobacco use and prevention enables a fuller understanding of the problem presented by this product. Youth around the country are addicted to the sensation of vaping and are largely unaware of the associated health dangers. To address this growing issue among adolescents, vaping and its impact on the youth population should be carefully examined by health professionals. Although an overall solution has not yet been determined, there are several ways to impede the spread of the vaping …


Development And Management Of Canine Adverse Food Reactions And Its Connections To The Grain-Free Dog Food Movement, Savannah Dunn Apr 2020

Development And Management Of Canine Adverse Food Reactions And Its Connections To The Grain-Free Dog Food Movement, Savannah Dunn

Senior Honors Theses

Canine Adverse Food Reactions include immunologically-mediated food allergies as well as non-immunological food intolerances. Although popular belief holds grains are responsible for AFR, the majority are aggravated by the common protein sources found in commercial dog foods. Elimination diets, a time-intensive method in which suspected allergens are removed from the dog’s diet, are the most effective form of diagnosis, though alternative techniques including patch testing and serum antibody tests have been explored. Presently, avoidance of allergens is the recommended management approach. The erroneous association of grains with AFR has led to the rise of grain-free dog food. However, these nontraditional …


Skin Lightening Treatments: A Review On The Effect Of Intravenous Glutathione In The Disease States Of Women, Buhle Mthombeni Apr 2020

Skin Lightening Treatments: A Review On The Effect Of Intravenous Glutathione In The Disease States Of Women, Buhle Mthombeni

Senior Honors Theses

The skin bleaching industry is a global business with a vast array of anti-melanogenic choices including glutathione. Glutathione is synthesized in vivo but has been used as a bodily supplement by medical personnel to aid in preventative medicine. Known for its antioxidant properties, glutathione has been used for its anti-melanogenic effects. Intravenous glutathione requires more investigation to determine its safety for usage. It continues to be distributed to the cosmetic industry despite antagonism from the Philippine FDA. This study will research the potential effects of intravenous glutathione on women and it will propose the biochemical mechanisms of glutathione in induced …


An Investigation Into Differences In The Infant Intestinal Microbiome Based On Method Of Delivery, Savannah Whitney Apr 2020

An Investigation Into Differences In The Infant Intestinal Microbiome Based On Method Of Delivery, Savannah Whitney

Senior Honors Theses

The infant intestinal microbiome is greatly influenced by method of delivery in relation to bacterial composition, diversity, and richness. The intestinal tracts of cesarean delivered infants are more likely to be colonized with skin microbiota like Clostridium, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Corynebacterium, and have less bacterial diversity and richness than their vaginally delivered counterparts, who are more likely to be colonized with Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus, which are common vaginal bacteria. These microbial differences make cesarean delivered infants more likely to develop allergies, asthma, eczema, gastrointestinal conditions, obesity, and diabetes, among other diseases. Though vaginal seeding has been proposed …


Comparisons Of Celiac Disease And Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, Victoria Thomas Apr 2020

Comparisons Of Celiac Disease And Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, Victoria Thomas

Senior Honors Theses

Celiac disease (CD) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) are often confused or grouped together due to their commonalities. However, this is careless behavior because there are clinically significant differences between the two diseases. Similarities between them include varying degrees of damage or permeability in the lining of the small intestine, involvement of the innate immune system, alleviation of symptoms upon implementation of a gluten-free diet (GFD), and the possibility for complications if the pathology is not adequately treated. Despite these similarities, minor details such as the following make CD and NCGS worth differentiating: the question of gluten as the true …


A Literature Review On Intermittent Fasting, Kylie Carrero Apr 2020

A Literature Review On Intermittent Fasting, Kylie Carrero

Senior Honors Theses

Intermittent fasting has been instructed in the Bible as an implied part of daily living. This paper has reviewed the physical benefits of intermittent fasting. In healthy test subjects, it has led to higher levels of autophagy, gut health, and lifespan. In non-healthy test subjects, it has proven beneficial in cancer treatment, as well as in protection against and/or attenuation of the effects of neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The possible mechanisms underlying these benefits have been discussed in this review.


Shift Work: Gut Health And Metabolic Disease, Hailey Lane Jan 2020

Shift Work: Gut Health And Metabolic Disease, Hailey Lane

Senior Honors Theses

The number of people engaged in shift work continues to rise, and with it the research linking shift work to various diseases and conditions. Shift work changes the body’s sleeping patterns and circadian rhythms which has an effect on all parts of the body including the heart, immunity, cancer development, and inflammatory processes. Altered sleeping patterns and circadian rhythms change the composition and anatomy of the gut and microbiome, which in turn affects the development of metabolic diseases. Shift work also changes one’s eating patterns and habits. Altered eating habits similarly changes the composition and anatomy of the gut and …