Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Pathogenesis Of Diabetes And Its Negative Impact On The Retina: Diabetic Retinopathy, Jonathan Nelson

Senior Honors Theses

Diabetic retinopathy causes the plurality of blindness among the working class of America. This review focuses on the biochemistry and pathophysiology of the pancreatic cells during the development of diabetes as well as the effects that diabetes has on the Müller cells and pericytes of the retina at the cellular and molecular levels. In addition, the current research on some of the treatment options for diabetic retinopathy will be presented. This review is valuable to the scientific community because it presents a side-by-side summary of the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy based on the current body of research.

The Theory Of Maternal Administration Of Meclizine: An Achondroplasic Review And The Proposed Treatment Of Foramen Magnum Stenosis Within A Murine Model, Ava Perez Erickson

Senior Honors Theses

Arising from mostly de novo mutations, achondroplasia (ACH) is one of the most common, non-lethal forms of chondrodysplasia. The short stature indicative of ACH stems from a gain of function mutation within the complex FGFR3 signaling pathway—mutations mitigating the too-rapid ossification of cartilage to bone. Meclizine, an FDA-approved drug long prescribed for motion sickness, halts such a conversion and allows the reconstitution of chondrodysplasia cell lines in attempts at following a normal growth pattern. Evinced by various cell line rescues as well as increased long bone growth, it can be hypothesized that maternally administered meclizine can rescue the ACH phenotype …

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome And Insulin Resistance: An Evaluation Of Treatment Modalities And Complication Prevention, Sarah Mann

Senior Honors Theses

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive and endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age. This disorder includes multiple clinical manifestations, namely insulin resistance (IR) and infertility related to hormonal imbalances and anovulation. Despite being a common condition, its etiology and treatment modalities remain poorly defined. Without proper understanding and management of the condition, women may suffer numerous complications besides infertility such as diabetes mellitus type II (DMII), endometrial cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, further research is critical. This integrative review will create a comprehensive understanding of PCOS' pathophysiology, potential complications, treatment methods, and nursing considerations to promote the health …

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. …

A Review Of The Treatment And Prevention Options For Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, Samantha Yamasaki

Senior Honors Theses

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is a chronic lower-limb injury that effects a large population of athletes and exercisers. There is no definitive knowledge on what causes this injury, making prevention and treatment difficult. The purpose of this thesis is to identify the prevention and treatment methods for MTSS that seem the most promising. The risk factors of MTSS and possible preventative methods are first presented. Following this is an overview of both traditional and cutting-edge treatment options. One of the major conclusions reached in this thesis is that prevention of MTSS is often easier than treating it after onset. …

Spinal Cord Trauma: An Overview Of Normal Structure And Function, Primary And Secondary Mechanisms Of Injury, And Emerging Treatment Modalities, Daniel Morin

Senior Honors Theses

The structures of the spinal cord and vertebral column are designed to provide flexibility, while still providing ample protection for the spinal cord deep within. While it does offer remarkable protection against most routine trauma, the spinal cord is still vulnerable to high-force etiologies of trauma and may become damaged as a result. These events are referred to as primary injury. Following the initial injury, the body’s own physiological responses cause a cascade of deleterious effects, known as secondary injury. Secondary injury is a major therapeutic target in mitigating the effects of spinal cord injury (SCI), and much research is …

Ticked Off: An Analysis Of The Inadequate Diagnosis And Treatment Of Lyme Disease, Virginia P. Yoder

Senior Honors Theses

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States and has a high prevalence among people in the northeast. Lyme disease can be a debilitating illness if not diagnosed early, and can lead to long-term health problems for many patients. This thesis serves as a review of scientific literature on Lyme disease, with the prevalence, symptomology, the bacterial mechanism of infection, the diagnostic process, transmission, and treatment therapies. Further research and development could lead to better primary care for those suffering with Lyme disease.

A Review Of Ankylosing Spondylitis, Hannah L. Owen

Senior Honors Theses

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder that induces ankylosis of the spine (fusion of the vertebrae at their various joints) and inflammatory arthritis of peripheral joints among other symptoms. Overexpression of cytokines, the presence of genetic mutations not exclusive to the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 region, and environmental factors all have large roles in the progressive development of AS. Although a definitive pathology continues to be sought after, researchers believe the adaptive immune system in AS patients attacks fibrocartilaginous entheses (supportive connective tissue between bone and attached structures like tendon, ligament, and fascia).

AS markedly reduces proper systemic …

Skin Cancer: Causes, Prevention, And Treatment, Lauren Queen

Senior Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the causes, prevention, and treatment of skin cancer. Skin cancers are defined as either malignant or benign cells that typically arise from excessive exposure to UV radiation. Arguably, skin cancer is a type of cancer that can most easily be prevented; prevention of skin cancer is relatively simple, but often ignored. An important aspect in discussing the epidemiology of skin cancer is understanding the treatments that are available, as well as the prevention methods that can be implemented in every day practice. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop …

The Short- And Long-Term Effects Of Child Abuse And Their Implications For The Suggested Length Of Physical And Psychosocial Treatment Regimens, Christine M. Ruff

Senior Honors Theses

Child abuse is the physical, psychological, or neglectful maltreatment of a child by a caregiver. Intimate partner violence relates closely to child mistreatment. Children are not likely to disclose that their parent or guardian is abusing them. Child abuse may result in short-term consequences, long-term consequences, or death. Some negative outcomes of maltreatment include delinquency, mental health issues, physical problems, educational underachievement, and socioeconomic disparities. The cycle of mistreatment is when a parent who suffered abuse as a child is more likely to maltreat his or her own child. There are factors that protect from the consequences of mistreatment. Research …

Heterotopic Ossification: Cellular Basis, Symptoms, And Treatment, Brian Wolfe

Senior Honors Theses

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the process by which calcified bone develops in soft tissues. Because of the abnormal calcification, complications such as bone deformation, loss of range of motion, and joint immobility adversely affect patients. There are many genetic types of heterotopic ossification, namely fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, progressive osseous heteroplasia, and Albright hereditary osteodystrophy. However, this condition can also arise from surgery, burns, or traumatic injuries, so it is seen as an important area for research in the future. There are various treatments available such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and radiation therapy, as well as combinations of the two. The …