Fetal Programming Of A Hyperactive Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis,
2013
Brigham Young University
Fetal Programming Of A Hyperactive Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis, Joshua P. Thatcher, Dr. James P. Porter
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Cardiovascular diseases have become among the most widespread of adult diseases in the United States. Over the last few decades, the United States has experienced a dramatic increase in the rate of diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus Type II, Obesity and Hypertension.
Aspirin And Low-Molecular Weight Heparin Combination Therapy Effectively Prevents Recurrent Miscarriage In Hyperhomocysteinemic Women.,
2013
Institute of Reproductive Medicine
Aspirin And Low-Molecular Weight Heparin Combination Therapy Effectively Prevents Recurrent Miscarriage In Hyperhomocysteinemic Women., Pratip Chakraborty, Sayani Banerjee, Piyali Saha, Shyam Sundar Nandi, Sunita Sharma, Sourendra K. Goswami, Baidyanath Chakravarty, Syed N. Kabir
Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology
The management of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) still remains a great challenge, and women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are at a greater risk for spontaneous abortion. Treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) has become an accepted treatment option for women with RPL; however, the subgroup of women, who are likely to respond to LMWH, has not been precisely identified. The present study evaluated the efficacy of LMWH with reference to PCOS and associated metabolic phenotypes including hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), insulin resistance (IR) and obesity. This prospective observational study was conducted at Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Kolkata, India. A total of 967 …
Histological Validation Of Iron As An Imaging Biomarker For Amyloid Beta And Tau Depositions In Alzheimer’S Disease,
2013
Brigham Young University
Histological Validation Of Iron As An Imaging Biomarker For Amyloid Beta And Tau Depositions In Alzheimer’S Disease, Ashley Salin, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
At present, no one can diagnose a patient with Alzheimer’s disease until postmortem examination. It was our goal to change that theory and make it possible to diagnose varying degrees of Alzheimer’s through Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Analysis of the spatial overlap of non-heme iron, phosphorylated tau protein, and Amyloid Beta depositions in consecutive tissue slices of the hippocampus of post-mortem subjects ultimately facilitated characterization and detection of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s through MRI’s.
Three-Dimensional Characterization And Mapping Of Gluteus Medius Muscle Fibers,
2013
Brigham Young University
Three-Dimensional Characterization And Mapping Of Gluteus Medius Muscle Fibers, Kylen Zibetti, Dr. Jonathan Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The human body is amazingly complex. Every structure and function affects multiple other structures and functions in a very automated way. Going from sitting to standing includes thousands of activated neurons, millions of contracting muscle fibers, and perfect balance coordinated between the semicircular canals and brain. With so much to study it was difficult to narrow it down. I decided though that I wanted to better understand anatomy, and especially the very fine anatomy of the hip because I am interested in gait pattern. After working with Dr. Wisco, I concluded that I would create a three dimensional model of …
Lipid Regulation After Induction Of The C-Met Pathway In Mdck Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
Lipid Regulation After Induction Of The C-Met Pathway In Mdck Cells, Kristen Alexander, Dr. Marc Hansen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
A key characteristic of cancer is metastasis of the primary tumor to other locations in the body. Hepatocyte-growth factor (HGF) is a highly characterized and studied factor that induces epithelial cell scattering, through the c-met pathway, and mediates a similar response to metastasis (Cecchi, et al., 2012, Lai, et al, 2012). Trademarks of the c-Met pathway, as stimulated by HGF, include proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, cell survival and migration (Bozkaya, et al., 2012). When activated in cancer patients, the c-Met pathway leads to a poor prognosis (Wang, et al., 2003). The scientific community is trying to understand characteristics and cellular changes …
The Role Of Wnt Ligands In The Development Of Limb Musculature,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Role Of Wnt Ligands In The Development Of Limb Musculature, Jordan Huber, Dr. Jeffery Barrow
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The Wnt family of secreted proteins consists of 19 family members (in the mouse) and is known to signal through multiple pathways that regulate crucial processes in the development of almost all tissues. Dissecting the roles of individual Wnts has been hampered due to functional redundancy that exists between family members. By making a conditional allele of the O-acyltransferase, Porcupine (Porcn), that is required for the secretion of all Wnt ligands, and a tissue specific enhancer to drive Cre expression, we are able to eliminate the secretion of all Wnt ligands in tissues of interest. We eliminated the secretion of …
Cellular Mechanisms Underlying The Operations Of The Brain’S Memory Center,
2013
Brigham Young University
Cellular Mechanisms Underlying The Operations Of The Brain’S Memory Center, Spencer Bella, Dr. Jeffrey Edwards
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Participating in mentored research funded by ORCA has again provided me with valuable research experience and taught me valuable lessons about the research process. Although due to certain setbacks my project was not able to progress to the point of conclusive results, the results we have at this point may show support of our hypothesis. Other members of Dr. Edwards’ lab will continue the project as I have graduated and am pursuing further education elsewhere.
Inhibition Of Nek2 And Proteasome Activity,
2013
Brigham Young University
Inhibition Of Nek2 And Proteasome Activity, Jessica Flory, David Bearss
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Nek2 is a kinase that promotes centrosome separation during the cell cycle. Our lab has shown that Nek2 over-‐expression is the best predictor of a poor outcome in multiple myeloma therapy, but the mechanism is unknown. The standard therapy for treating multiple myeloma is use of Bortezomib, an inhibitor of the proteasome (which degrades proteins). Mitosis is often triggered by the degradation of proteins that are unnecessary for the cell to divide. The evidence that Nek2 over-‐expression can predict the outcome of multiple myeloma therapy leads us to the hypothesis that Nek2 affects proteasome activity in multiple myeloma cells. The …
Endocannabinoid Biosynthetic Enzymes In Hippocampal Stratum Oriens Interneurons,
2013
Brigham Young University
Endocannabinoid Biosynthetic Enzymes In Hippocampal Stratum Oriens Interneurons, Ryan Williamson, Dr. Jeff Edwards
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The hippocampus is thought to mediate learning and memory by altering the strength of synapses within its circuitry [1]. The plastic nature of these synapses allows the brain to alter the sensitivity of neurons to excitatory input. Improper regulation of synaptic plasticity may cause memory loss associated with neurodegenerative disease [2].
Effects Of Tlr-4 Blockers On The Severity Of Oa In Rage Knockout Mice,
2013
Brigham Young University
Effects Of Tlr-4 Blockers On The Severity Of Oa In Rage Knockout Mice, Jeffrey Kartchner, Dr. David Kooyman
Journal of Undergraduate Research
As the population in the US continues to age, osteoarthritis (OA) is becoming a larger issue, currently effecting over 27 million people1. Presently, pharmaceutical options aim to lessen the effects of the disease, while no preventative treatment is currently available. Much of the current arthritis research is targeted at the effects of inflammation on the progression of OA. Our lab has shown in previous research that mice lacking the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) are protected from OA2. Other labs have shown the possibility of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) involvement in the progression of the disease as well3. …
Genetic Comparison Of Bear Lake Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus Clarki Utah), Yellowstone Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus Clarki Bouveri), And Bonneville Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus Clarki Utah),
2013
Brigham Young University
Genetic Comparison Of Bear Lake Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus Clarki Utah), Yellowstone Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus Clarki Bouveri), And Bonneville Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus Clarki Utah), Jared Tadje, R. Paul Evans
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Geologic evidence indicates that there was a volcano about 30,000 years ago in Southern Idaho. Before the volcano, Bear Lake was connected to the Snake River, but lava flow from this volcano separated them. Currently, a river connects Bear Lake to the Lake Bonneville region surrounding the Great Salt Lake (Fig. 1). Many people believe that the Bear Lake cutthroat trout evolved from other cutthroat subspecies in the Lake Bonneville Region. My hypothesis is that they are more closely related to the cutthroat subspecies in the Snake River system, and that they evolved together before the volcano separated them. I …
Analyzation Of The Cellular Mrna Content For 6 And Cyclooxygenase In Rat Adrenal Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
Analyzation Of The Cellular Mrna Content For 6 And Cyclooxygenase In Rat Adrenal Cells, Sean David Paulsen, Dr. Allen M. Judd
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Recent neuroimmunoendocrine research has focused on points of convergence between what have traditionally been labeled the “nervous,” “immune,” and “endocrine” systems. We are beginning to realize that the walls marking the boundaries of these systems are not as exclusive as once thought. Certain commonalities or areas of overlap exist. One such point of convergence between the endocrine and immune systems is the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Understanding Cancer Metastasis: The Role Of Zyxin In Actin Dynamics,
2013
Brigham Young University
Understanding Cancer Metastasis: The Role Of Zyxin In Actin Dynamics, Nicholas Bishop, Dr. Marc D. Hansen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My research aims to elucidate the protein interactions at cell-cell contacts (adherens junctions or AJ’s) by studying the fluorescence recovery of three known AJ proteins (zyxin, VASP, and actin) after photobleaching. At AJ’s, zyxin interacts with VASP (Vasioukhin et al., 2000) which in turn encourages the polymerization of actin (Vasioukhin et al., 2000). Mutation of certain regions of zyxin may reveal their role in zyxin-VASP binding and regulation. The effects of altering VASP activity should be evident in actin turnover rate. In Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP), regions of cell-cell adhesions with fluorescently labeled zyxin, VASP, or actin are bleached …
Averting Uncertainty: A Practical Guide To Physical Activity Research In Australian Schools,
2013
Queensland University of Technology
Averting Uncertainty: A Practical Guide To Physical Activity Research In Australian Schools, Jerome N. Rachele, Thomas F. Cuddihy, Tracy L. Washington, Steven M. Mcphail
Australian Journal of Teacher Education
Preventative health has become central to contemporary health care, identifying youth physical activity as a key factor in determining health and functioning. Schools offer a unique research setting due to distinctive methodological circumstances. However, school-based researchers face several obstacles in their endeavour to complete successful research investigations; often confronted with complex research designs and methodological procedures that are not easily amenable to school contexts. The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical guide for teachers (both teacher educators and teaching practitioners) seeking to conduct physical activity-based research in Australian school settings, as well as discuss research practices. The …
Molecular Modeling And Dynamics: Development Of A Model For The Glcosphingolipid Gt1b,
2013
Brigham Young University
Molecular Modeling And Dynamics: Development Of A Model For The Glcosphingolipid Gt1b, Dustin Danowski, David Busath
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Botulinum Neurotoxin (BoNT) is currently being widely researched a a possible treatment for many medical conditions, as well as for cosmetic purposes. However, the mechanism describing how this family of toxins interact with their receptors to cause endocytosis is not well understood. We have developed a model of the GT1b ganglioside receptor of BoNT that may be used for Molecular Modeling and Dynamics simulations. The development of such a model is necessary to understand the mechanism of BoNT endocytosis, which then helps us determine possible uses and dangers of the toxin as a medical treatment. We had planned to complete …
Does Snap-25 Act As A V-Snare?,
2013
Brigham Young University
Does Snap-25 Act As A V-Snare?, Nathan La Monica, Dr. Dixon Woodbury
Journal of Undergraduate Research
SNAP-25, a protein that is found abundantly in the brain, is a key player in the process of releasing neurotransmitters. Vesicles, or small spheres of lipid membranes, contain neurotransmitters and have numerous proteins that extend outward from the vesicle. To release the neurotransmitters proteins on the vesicle bind with proteins on the pre-synaptic membrane causing the fusion of the two membranes. SNAP-25 along with Syntaxin (membrane bound protein) and Synaptobrevin (vesicle bound protein) work together to form a complex called the SNARE complex (Bowen, 2004). The current theory on how this complex works is that SNAP-25 has to be bound …
Modifying The Apical Ectodermal Ridge In Embryological Development Of Vertebrates,
2013
Brigham Young University
Modifying The Apical Ectodermal Ridge In Embryological Development Of Vertebrates, Lauren Clough, Dr. Jeffery R. Barrow
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Vertebrate embryonic limb development is a complex process that involves many genes and processes. Patterning takes place along three axes, including the proximal-distal axis of the limb. The Apical Ectodermal Ridge (AER) helps to guide development along the proximal-distal axis, but the genetic and cellular mechanisms whereby it performs its roles are not well understood. This study attempted to discover whether the AER is able to recruit limb cells through oriented cell division through experiments with surgical manipulation of the AER in chicks and genetic manipulation in mice. By using cellular markers to determine apoptotic and mitotic indices, we have …
An In Vitro Examination Of The Effect Of Cholesterol On Vesicle Exocytosis,
2013
Brigham Young University
An In Vitro Examination Of The Effect Of Cholesterol On Vesicle Exocytosis, Brandon Forbes
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Neurons communicate to other cells by releasing neurotransmitter through a process called exocytosis. Exocytosis of neurotransmitter containing vesicles to their plasma membranes is via the SNARE protein complex. Studies that have examined the SNARE protein complex, using an in vitro lipid bilayer model, have thus far not examined the effects of cholesterol on the SNARE driven fusion. As a research hypothesis, I expect that cholesterol will have a positive effect on the rate of SNARE driven fusion events.
Correlation Between Mc540 Fluorescence And Ps Exposure In Apoptotic Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
Correlation Between Mc540 Fluorescence And Ps Exposure In Apoptotic Cells, Liz Gibbons, Dr. John Bell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of my project was to further study cell membrane changes during apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This was an extension of the research being done by Dr. Bell and my fellow students on the susceptibility of cells to the enzyme secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). This enzyme hydrolyzes cell membranes, but only those with certain lipid properties. In general, only cells that are dead, injured, or dying display significant susceptibility to sPLA2 while healthy cells resist hydrolysis (Nielson, 2000). We use fluorescent probes to study these membrane lipid properties and how they change as the cells undergo apoptosis. These …
The Relationship Between High-Salt And Estrogen On Blood Pressure Under Basal And Stressed Conditions In The Female Offspring Of Sprague Dawley Rats That Were Subjected To High Or Normal Salt Diets During Pregnancy,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Relationship Between High-Salt And Estrogen On Blood Pressure Under Basal And Stressed Conditions In The Female Offspring Of Sprague Dawley Rats That Were Subjected To High Or Normal Salt Diets During Pregnancy, Brandon G. Wilkinson, Dr. James Porter
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one leading cause of death in the United States. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a form of CVD and affects nearly 1 in 3 American adults. Men are more likely than women to develop hypertension until 45 years of age. However, percentages of women diagnosed with hypertension rise to exceed that of men around 45-54 years of age.1 This trend in hypertension is a clear age-related sex dimorphism. The trend suggests that following the onset of menopause, women have a higher risk of hypertension, a risk that continues to rise with age.2-3 Current research …
