Interactions Between Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury And Methylphenidate Administration On Catecholamine Transporter Protein Levels Within The Rodent Prefrontal Cortex, 2024 Rowan University
Interactions Between Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury And Methylphenidate Administration On Catecholamine Transporter Protein Levels Within The Rodent Prefrontal Cortex, Anna Abrimian, Eleni Papadopoulos, Christopher P. Knapp, J. Loweth, Barry Waterhouse, Rachel Navarra
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
It is theorized that low concentrations of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) within in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to increased risky behavior. Our lab has shown that repeated mild TBI (rmTBI) sex-differentially increases risky behavior in a rodent model. Methylphenidate (MPH) is a psychostimulant drug used to treat symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), also driven by a hypo-catecholaminergic PFC. MPH elevates catecholamine levels by blocking DA and NE transporters, DAT and NET. While the potential of psychostimulants to treat post-TBI symptoms have been explored, the effects of sub-chronic MPH on transporter levels following …
The Effects Of Water Submersion On Skeletal Muscle Activation, Fatigue, And Whole-Body Gas Exchange, 2024 Bridgewater College
The Effects Of Water Submersion On Skeletal Muscle Activation, Fatigue, And Whole-Body Gas Exchange, Caroline Griffin, Robert J. Shute
Honors Projects
THE EFFECTS OF WATER SUBMERSION ON SKELETAL MUSCLE ACTIVATION, FATIGUE, AND WHOLE-BODY GAS EXCHANGE
C.C. Griffin. Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA.
Email: Cgriffin@eagles.bridgewater.edu
Fatigue of skeletal muscle can be affected by multiple environmental elements. Fatigue threshold can be measured by VO2 max on a cycle ergometer combined with the use of a metabolic cart and Electromyography (EMG) measurements. PURPOSE: The purpose of this experiment is to determine if water submersion affects skeletal muscle activation, fatigue, and whole-body gas exchange. METHODS: Three participants were recruited to participate in a cold and no temperature trial. Participants arrived and baseline vitals and measurements were …
Phenotypic Plasticity In Pigmentation: Investigating Coloration Patterns In Anablepsoides Hartii Population Responses To Environmental Variation, 2024 University of Texas at Arlington
Phenotypic Plasticity In Pigmentation: Investigating Coloration Patterns In Anablepsoides Hartii Population Responses To Environmental Variation, Jasdeep Kaur
2024 Spring Honors Capstone Projects
In this study, we investigated the color-changing capabilities of Trinidadian killifish, Anablepsoides hartii, through exposure to varied color conditions over defined periods of time. Our experiment aims to understand adaptive responses when killifish are subjected to different color backgrounds, exploring their mechanisms to change color. By subjecting the species to different environmental color variations, we sought to discern color change patterns, which could indicate adaptive responses related to camouflage, stress, behavior clues, and physiological adjustments. Carefully controlling environmental factors, we monitored and documented the fishes’ color changes, aiming to provide insights into the interplay between fish’s developmental plasticity and its …
Antimicrobial Activity Of Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides Felis) Gut Proteins On Different Days After Blood Feeding, 2024 Georgia Southern University
Antimicrobial Activity Of Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides Felis) Gut Proteins On Different Days After Blood Feeding, Dhruva K. Karnik
Honors College Theses
Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are a blood-feeding ectoparasitic insect and a common domestic pest found throughout the world. Because of their reliance on host blood, fleas are exposed to blood-borne pathogens; however, the flea gut lumen is a hostile environment for microbial colonization. For example, the gut epithelia differentially express immune genes in response to feeding. In the present study, we measured the antimicrobial activity of gut proteins from cat fleas at different days after feeding (2, 5, 7, and 14). Dissected flea guts were homogenized, passed through a syringe filter, and measured in a protein assay kit. …
The Purification And Thermal Stability Of The Peroxidase Enzyme In Cucurbita Moschata, 2024 Liberty University
The Purification And Thermal Stability Of The Peroxidase Enzyme In Cucurbita Moschata, Garen Hamner
Senior Honors Theses
Peroxidases are enzymes that catalyze the reduction of hydrogen peroxide to water while oxidizing organic substrates and are valuable in spheres like industrial and medical applications and histochemistry. Limitations still exist in the use of the well-studied horseradish peroxidase for certain activities due to limitations like poor thermal stability, thus the search for novel peroxidases that can overcome these limitations is an active area of research. Butternut squash peroxidase (Cucurbita moschata) (BSP) shows promise due to significant activity being found in the skin and apparent enhanced thermal stability, but an efficient purification scheme for it is lacking, as well as …
Using Edna To Assess Impacts Of Oyster Restoration On Ecosystem Biodiversity At A Heavily Impacted Coastal Lagoon, 2024 Student presenter
Using Edna To Assess Impacts Of Oyster Restoration On Ecosystem Biodiversity At A Heavily Impacted Coastal Lagoon, Dominique Di Domenico, Emily Bonacchi, Elizabeth Suter
Molloy Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Conference
The Great South Bay (GSB), a bar-built, temperate, coastal lagoon on the south shore of Long Island, New York, USA, is a highly modified estuary due to heavy urbanization and suburbanization in the last century. GSB historically provided up to 50% of the nation’s hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) harvest, and is the legal home of the “Blue Point” oyster (eastern oyster; Crassostrea virginica). However, due to overexploitation as well as persistent stress from ongoing nitrogen pollution and harmful algal blooms, shellfish populations are fractions of their original abundances. Restoration efforts in GSB, driven both by community efforts …
Trna Anticodon Cleavage By Target-Activated Crispr-Cas13a Effector, 2024 Rutgers University - New Brunswick/Piscataway
Trna Anticodon Cleavage By Target-Activated Crispr-Cas13a Effector, Ishita Jain, Matvey Kolesnik, Konstantin Kuznedelov, Leonid Minakhin, Natalia Morozova, Anna Shiriaeva, Alexandr Kirillov, Sofia Medvedeva, Alexei Livenskyi, Laura Kazieva, Kira S Makarova, Eugene V Koonin, Sergei Borukhov, Konstantin Severinov, Ekaterina Semenova
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research
Type VI CRISPR-Cas systems are among the few CRISPR varieties that target exclusively RNA. The CRISPR RNA–guided, sequence-specific binding of target RNAs, such as phage transcripts, activates the type VI effector, Cas13. Once activated, Cas13 causes collateral RNA cleavage, which induces bacterial cell dormancy, thus protecting the host population from the phage spread. We show here that the principal form of collateral RNA degradation elicited by Leptotrichia shahii Cas13a expressed in Escherichia coli cells is the cleavage of anticodons in a subset of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) with uridine-rich anticodons. This tRNA cleavage is accompanied by inhibition of protein synthesis, thus …
Microplastic Quantification On The Effect Of Endoparasite Communities In Florida Seabirds, 2024 Nova Southeastern University
Microplastic Quantification On The Effect Of Endoparasite Communities In Florida Seabirds, Sarah N. Prieto
All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations
Microplastics are being studied in a variety of different projects to better understand their impact and threat to wildlife species. Although there is an understanding that microplastics are affecting our wildlife, there are still questions about how coastal seabirds come to ingest them and how the ingestion is altering critical biological processes, such as that for endoparasite communities. This project aims to determine a better understanding of two main objectives: assessment of the presence of secondary ingestion of microplastics in coastal seabirds due to the fish species they prey on and relationship between microplastics and endoparasite communities' structure and state …
Exploring Pedagogical Approaches: A Comparative Analysis Of Information Delivery Methods In Fish Dissection Instruction, 2024 Bowling Green State University
Exploring Pedagogical Approaches: A Comparative Analysis Of Information Delivery Methods In Fish Dissection Instruction, Kiara Smidt
Honors Projects
The Covid-19 pandemic prompted a global shift to remote work and education, challenging traditional teaching methods. This research explores the effectiveness of audiovisual versus visual-only guides in teaching perch dissection anatomy, safety, and procedure. The study involves a cross-sectional experiment with students from an Introduction to Biology course at Bowling Green State University. Participants were divided into groups using either a video or a written guide, and their knowledge was assessed before and after the dissection. Results calculated through a Student’s t-test indicate no significant difference in overall effectiveness between the two methods, apart from labeling an anatomy diagram and …
Differential Behavioral Responses In Male And Female Mice Lacking Either Rgs2 Or Rgs4 Proteins After Acute Administration Of Antidepressants And Anxiolytics, 2024 Ohio Northern University
Differential Behavioral Responses In Male And Female Mice Lacking Either Rgs2 Or Rgs4 Proteins After Acute Administration Of Antidepressants And Anxiolytics, Hiroyoshi Matsui, Sarah Seeley, Manoranjan S. D'Souza
ONU Student Research Colloquium
The overall objective of the study was to assess the acute behavioral effects of currently used antidepressants and anxiolytics in male and female mice lacking regulator of G protein-signaling (RGS) proteins 2 and 4 and their wild-type counterparts. RGS 2 and 4 proteins negatively modulate signaling pathways of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which play an important role in mediating the effects of monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters in turn play an important role in the action of antidepressant and anxiolytic medications. The study was undertaken because no studies till date have systematically assessed the behavioral …
Ordinal-Level Biomass Of Insects Collected On And Off Prairie Dog Colonies, 2024 Fort Hays State University
Ordinal-Level Biomass Of Insects Collected On And Off Prairie Dog Colonies, Colby Cook, Chad Zerr, Lorelei E. Patrick
SACAD: John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days
Ordinal-level Biomass of Insects Collected On and Off Prairie Dog Colonies
Colby Cook, Chad Zerr, and Lorelei Patrick
Recent work has shown that bats in Colorado and Kansas are more active over prairie dog colonies. It is hypothesized that the reason for this is increased abundance and richness of insects found on colonies versus off colonies. Sampling from 2022 indicated that insect biomass was not different between location types, but suggested that the relative abundance of insect orders may differ. Additional insect sampling was conducted in 2023. Light traps were deployed on the same nights, one on a prairie dog …
"The Relevant History And Medical And Ethical Future Viability Of Xenotransplantation", 2024 Augustana College, Rock Island Illinois
"The Relevant History And Medical And Ethical Future Viability Of Xenotransplantation", Morgan Janes
Augustana Center for the Study of Ethics Essay Contest
Xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs or tissues from one species to another, presents a complex nexus of medical, ethical, and cultural considerations. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted landscape of xenotransplantation, beginning with a thorough examination of its relevant historical trajectory. From early experiments to recent advancements, we chart the evolution of this field, setting the stage for a nuanced discussion. We then confront the central issue: the true medical viability of xenotransplantation and the looming specter of operative risk. By scrutinizing the ethical dilemmas inherent in xenotransplantation through a multicultural lens, we illuminate the diverse perspectives that …
In Silico Identification Of Small Molecule Agonist Binding Sites On Kcc2, 2024 Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
In Silico Identification Of Small Molecule Agonist Binding Sites On Kcc2, Kenyon Mitchell, Alfred Amendolara, Ruth Hunter, Jaden Miner, Andrew Payne
Annual Research Symposium
Purpose: Potassium-Chloride Cotransporter 2 (KCC2) is a neuronal membrane protein specific to the central nervous system. It is responsible for removing Cl- ions from the intracellular space, maintaining a normal Cl- gradient essential for proper function at inhibitory synapses. Dysregulation causes an upward shift in the Cl- reversal potential resulting in a hyperexcitable state of the postsynaptic neuron. Existing literature indicates that KCC2 may be involved in the addiction pathway of a variety of drugs of abuse, including opioids and alcohol. This makes KCC2 an attractive potential drug target when treating substance use disorders. A novel direct KCC2 agonist, VU0500469, …
Checking For Ticks: Analyzing The Efficiency Of Different Tick Collection Methods, 2024 Pepperdine University
Checking For Ticks: Analyzing The Efficiency Of Different Tick Collection Methods, Peter Briggs, Lawson Trimmell, Javier Monzón
Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium
Ticks are the most important arthropod disease vectors in both North America and Europe. Field collection of wild ticks is vital for research on the ecology of vector-borne diseases. Dragging and trapping are the two most common methods for collecting wild ticks. Dragging involves a researcher pulling a canvas through a field to collect ticks searching for a host, while trapping exploits ticks’ natural attraction to carbon dioxide to lure them onto a canvas where they get caught on tape. Our study aimed to evaluate which of these two methods is more effective. We chose six sites across three states, …
Distinguishing Leukemic Cells Using Fractal Chromatin Patterns And Machine Learning, 2024 Brigham Young University - Provo
Distinguishing Leukemic Cells Using Fractal Chromatin Patterns And Machine Learning, Abigail Gordhamer, Ryan Cordner, Paul Young
Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2024
One of the most important tests in the clinical laboratory is the Complete Blood Count, which involves identifying the white blood cells in a patient’s blood. The respective counts of the different white blood cell types correlate with various states of health and disease and are critical to diagnosing diseases such as leukemia. Leukemic cells (blasts) are considered especially difficult to distinguish, and it is of the upmost importance that these cells are identified correctly. To aid in the process of leukemic cell identification, we quantified fractal patterns in the chromatin of white blood cells and used the data to …
Remodeling Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer's Aggressive Profile And Metabolic Signature By Natural Alkaloid Berberine, 2024 Touro College and University System
Remodeling Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer's Aggressive Profile And Metabolic Signature By Natural Alkaloid Berberine, Tara Elizabeth Jarboe
NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare, fatal cancer with a five-year survival of 4%. Universally diagnosed at stage IV, anaplastic thyroid cancer is characterized by its lack of differentiation, rapid proliferative rate, highly inflammatory tumor microenvironment, and metabolic dysregulation. Refractory to all established therapies, anaplastic thyroid cancer requires a novel therapeutic approach that targets all of these drivers of anaplastic thyroid cancer carcinogenesis. We propose natural alkaloid berberine as a therapeutic with multitarget efficacy to alter mitochondrial metabolism and reprogram anaplastic thyroid cancer’s aggressive phenotype. Our in vitro model uses monocyte cell line U937, anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines T238 …
A Dietary Variety: Analyzing The Impacts Of Diverse Vs Worm-Exclusive Diets On The Blanding’S Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii), 2024 University of Nebraska-Lincoln
A Dietary Variety: Analyzing The Impacts Of Diverse Vs Worm-Exclusive Diets On The Blanding’S Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii), Caitlin F. Copenhaver
Honors Theses
The endangered Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) is a species with a generally diverse diet in their freshwater wetland habitats; they consume prey such as crayfish and snails. In captivity, these options often become more limited due to logistical reasons. As ex situ conservation efforts such as captive rearing and head-starting are becoming more popular for this species, it will be important to gain more insight on how these more limited diets might affect these turtles. This study describes a comparison between diets in six captive Blanding’s turtles from September to November of 2023, with three turtles receiving only …
Isokinetic Versus Isotonic Resistance Training: Defining The Mechanisms Of Hypertrophy And Exercise Execution Methods, 2024 Concordia University St. Paul
Isokinetic Versus Isotonic Resistance Training: Defining The Mechanisms Of Hypertrophy And Exercise Execution Methods, George Daughtry
Doctorate in Kinesiology
Abstract
Purpose: To determine strength changes and hypertrophy differences at the biceps brachii between an isokinetic bicep curl machine created by C&M Machines and preacher curl exercise with a standard curl bar. The study also aimed to determine the effectiveness of the aforementioned machine and to give insight into this unique method of training.
Methods: A medical clearance form and a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire was implemented to evaluate ability to exercise. 10 subjects (n=10) were recruited, were 20.3 years old (20 +/- 2), and were cleared for rigorous exercise. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group …
Characterizing Hypoxia, Neutrophil Persistence And Revascularization In The Murine Db/Db Model Of Type Ii Diabetic Impaired Skin Healing, 2024 Western University
Characterizing Hypoxia, Neutrophil Persistence And Revascularization In The Murine Db/Db Model Of Type Ii Diabetic Impaired Skin Healing, Michael R. Grynyshyn
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Impaired skin healing represents a significant clinical burden. In the diabetic, inflammatory aberrations, hypoxia and insufficient angiogenesis all result in negative wound healing outcomes - repeated infections, poor perfusion and ultimately amputation. Previous research has reported comparable levels of neutrophils in closed wounds up to 4-12 weeks old. Our study interest was in investigating the dynamics of hypoxia resolution, neutrophil persistence and angiogenic response in the db/db model. Contrary to our hypothesis, we observed significantly higher hypoxic load in the wild types at days 3 and 7. Additionally, we observed significantly elevated neutrophil numbers at day 7 db/db wound bed …
Evaluation Of Novel Therapeutic Agents For The Treatment Of Chronic Dry Eyes, 2024 Roseman University of Health Sciences
Evaluation Of Novel Therapeutic Agents For The Treatment Of Chronic Dry Eyes, Lilian Huynh, Evonie Villarete, Surajit Dey
Annual Research Symposium
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular condition, where disrupted tear film stability and ocular surface inflammation affected between 5% to 34% of the worldwide population in 2015 and posed a challenge to conventional ophthalmic treatments. Recent advances have led to potential novel therapeutics aiming to alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes.