Hyper Stable Variants Of Fgf-1-Fgf-2 Dimer,
2022
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Hyper Stable Variants Of Fgf-1-Fgf-2 Dimer, Madison Shields Mcclanahan
Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Honors Theses
Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs), including FGF-1 and FGF-2, are proteins that play a crucial role in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell migration, and tissue repair. FGF-1 and FGF-2 are useful in accelerating the healing process in the human body; however, these proteins are naturally thermally unstable, resulting in a relatively low half-life in vivo. 1,8 In efforts to improve the stability of this protein, FGF-1 and FGF-2 proteins are engineered by combining the amino acid sequences of the two proteins to form a heterodimer and obtain novel properties. These two FGF variants are chosen for their specific wound healing capabilities. …
Safety Of Silver Oxide Coated Biomaterials In Mice,
2021
Rowan University
Safety Of Silver Oxide Coated Biomaterials In Mice, Michael Klug, Darien L. Seidman, Rahyan Mahmoud, Destiny Morot, Lei Yu, Jeffrey D Hettinger, Renee M Demarest
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
It has been demonstrated that silver oxide coatings designed by our collaborators are able to prevent E. coli and P. aeruginosa attachment to biomaterials in vivo. These findings demonstrate that such coatings show promise in preventing the development of biofilm on biodevices. However, it is unknown if the use of silver oxide in this fashion is toxic in vivo. The goal of this project was to determine whether our silver oxide coatings are safe to use in vivo. To assess the toxicity of our silver oxide formula, mice were implanted with either silver oxide coated titanium discs or uncoated titanium …
Synthesis And Self-Assembly Of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers For The Fabrication Of Non-Spherical Polymersomes,
2021
The University of Southern Mississippi
Synthesis And Self-Assembly Of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers For The Fabrication Of Non-Spherical Polymersomes, Tamuka Chidanguro
Dissertations
Polymersomes, also known as polymer vesicles, have gained a lot of interest over the past two decades. These hollow spherical systems are made via the self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers and have found use in a range of areas from drug delivery, to cellular models, to nanoreactors. Their hollow nature allows them to carry hydrophilic cargo in their inner compartment and hydrophobic cargo in their membrane. Over the last decade, increasing efforts have focused on controlling the morphology of polymersomes. Research has shown that polymersome morphology plays an important role for instance in drug delivery, where tubular or rod-like vesicles …
I. Non-Degradable Polysiloxane Networks For Controlled Release Applications, And Ii. Additive Free, Degradable Silyl-Ether Furyl-Maleimide Networks,
2020
Southern Methodist University
I. Non-Degradable Polysiloxane Networks For Controlled Release Applications, And Ii. Additive Free, Degradable Silyl-Ether Furyl-Maleimide Networks, Caleb M. Bunton
Chemistry Theses and Dissertations
I. Two different series of non–degradable polysiloxane networks were prepared for the encapsulation and controlled release of a small molecule agent. For the first series, hydrosilylation was utilized to prepare networks of varying crosslink densities, as determined from swelling studies, from vinyl terminated and silylhydride functional poly(dimethyl)siloxanes. For the second series, the thiol-ene reaction was utilized to prepare networks of varying crosslink densities, as determined from swelling studies, from vinyl terminated and mercaptopropyl functional poly(dimethyl)siloxanes. Nile red dye was used as an encapsulated agent and dye release from each series of networks was measured using UV–vis spectroscopy to determine controllability …
Developing A Dissociative Nanocontainer For Peptide Drug Delivery,
2019
CUNY Graduate Center
Developing A Dissociative Nanocontainer For Peptide Drug Delivery, Michael Patrick Kelly
Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
The potency and specificity of bioactive peptides have propelled these agents to the forefront of pharmacological research. However, delivery of peptides to their molecular target in cells is a major obstacle to their widespread application. A Trojan Horse strategy of packaging a bioactive peptide within a modified protein cage to protect it during transport, and releasing it at the target site, is a promising delivery method. Recent work has demonstrated that the viral capsid of the P22 bacteriophage can be loaded with an arbitrary, genetically-encoded peptide, and externally decorated with a cell-penetrating peptide, such as HIV-Tat, to translocate across in …
Distribution And Localization Of Novel Iodine Nanoparticles In The Human Glioma 1242 Growing In The Brains Of Mice,
2018
University of Connecticut
Distribution And Localization Of Novel Iodine Nanoparticles In The Human Glioma 1242 Growing In The Brains Of Mice, Benjamin Billings
Honors Scholar Theses
Observing and designing the in vivo distribution and localization of therapeutic nanoparticles is an essential aspect of developing and understanding novel nanoparticle- based medical treatments. This study investigates novel PEGylated Iodine-based nanoparticles (INPs), an alternate composition to the more widely researched gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which may help avoid adverse effects associated with AuNPs, such as potential toxicity and skin discoloration, when used in similar applications. Determining the localization of the novel INPs within murine brains containing human glioma U-1242MG cells is critical in assisting the development of radiation dose enhancement therapy for this aggressive cancer. Radiation dose enhancement utilizes the …
Functionalizing Titanium Implants With Bioactive Peptides To Increase Osseointegration,
2018
The University of Akron
Functionalizing Titanium Implants With Bioactive Peptides To Increase Osseointegration, Neil Bernard
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Orthopedic surgeries have continued to increase, but the material of choice remains constant: titanium. Titanium has become the benchmark implant material due to its durability and non-immunogenic properties. However, while high rates of success are correlated with joint replacement surgery, certain patients with predisposed diseases such as diabetes or arthritis may have increased complications.1 This can be due to lack of osseointegration due to decreased bone formation and mineralization,2 which will lead to increased rates of infection or aseptic loosening of the implant from the bone. 3 Current methods to alleviate these complications include invasive revisional surgeries, which …
Regulation Of Prostaglandin D2 And Angiogenesis-Related Factors From Human Skin Mast Cells By Interleukin-6 And Resveratrol,
2018
University of South Carolina
Regulation Of Prostaglandin D2 And Angiogenesis-Related Factors From Human Skin Mast Cells By Interleukin-6 And Resveratrol, Cody Cody Mchale
Theses and Dissertations
Mast cells are classically recognized as the effector cells of Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity reactions (i.e. allergic reactions). Mast cells also play an important role in the innate immune response to parasitic helminth infection. Allergic disease including allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and anaphylaxis, is a major health concern in the United States with greater than 60 million Americans suffering from allergy and asthma. In addition, mast cells have more recently been implicated in non-allergic disease including various human cancers, which will affect approximately 39.6% of U.S. men and women. Therefore, understanding the immunological and molecular mechanisms that regulate mast …
Characterization Of Tetraethyl Orthosilicate-Based Dynamic Hydrogels For Use As Reversible 3-D Cell Culture Matrices,
2018
University of Montana, Missoula
Characterization Of Tetraethyl Orthosilicate-Based Dynamic Hydrogels For Use As Reversible 3-D Cell Culture Matrices, Krisitan Stipe
Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers
No abstract provided.
Exploring Alternative Therapeutic Interventions For The Treatment Of Leigh Syndrome,
2018
University of South Carolina
Exploring Alternative Therapeutic Interventions For The Treatment Of Leigh Syndrome, Stephanie Martin
Theses and Dissertations
Leigh syndrome is the most common mitochondrial disease, affecting 1:40,000 live births. It manifests with symptoms including ataxia, cognitive impairment, motor difficulties, and stroke. Leigh syndrome is a genetic condition caused by mutations in either the nuclear DNA or mitochondrial DNA that affects the assembly of the electron transport chains. Death typically occurs around 2-3 years of age, due to respiratory failure, as the body cannot produce sufficient ATP for survival. The genetic basis of Leigh syndrome means that there is no cure, and current treatments of the symptoms have proven ineffective. This thesis proposes two different therapeutic approaches for …
Operation Of The Leica Sp8 Multiphoton Confocal System Using Single Or Multiple Fluorochromes,
2018
University of South Carolina
Operation Of The Leica Sp8 Multiphoton Confocal System Using Single Or Multiple Fluorochromes, Amy E. Rowley
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this thesis is to systematically examine each decision made in obtaining images on the Leica SP8 Multiphoton Confocal Microscope and discuss the basic operating parameters in order to generate publication quality images. The capabilities of the LAS X software are discussed along with an in depth discussion of each icon in order, beginning with the Configuration icon, moving then to Acquire, and a brief overview of the possible imaging processing functions within the Process icon. At the conclusion of this thesis, the reader should feel comfortable with the operation of a confocal system and understand the tradeoffs …
The Role Of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8 In Vascular Disease,
2017
University of South Carolina
The Role Of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8 In Vascular Disease, Desiree Leach
Theses and Dissertations
In response to injury, mature vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) undergo dedifferentiation, also known as phenotype modulation or switch. This process is characterized by a downregulation or loss of expression of contractile genes and concomitant with an increase in cell proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix production, thereby leading to vascular lesion formation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. The objective of my study was to determine whether cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8), a transcription-regulating kinase, plays a mediator role in vascular SMC dedifferentiation and lesion formation. Our results from immunochemical staining and Western blot revealed that CDK8 expression …
Antimicrobial Hydroxyapatite-Gelatin-Silica Composite Pastes With Tunable Setting Properties,
2017
Chapman University
Antimicrobial Hydroxyapatite-Gelatin-Silica Composite Pastes With Tunable Setting Properties, Vuk Uskoković, Shreya Ghosh, Victoria M. Wu
Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research
Bone grafting is one of the commonest surgical procedures, yet all bone substitutes developed so far suffer from specific weaknesses and the search for a bone graft material with ideal physical and biological properties is still ongoing. Calcium phosphate pastes are the most frequently used synthetic bone grafts, yet they (a) often take an impractically long time to set, (b) release the drug content too fast, and (c) do not form pores large enough to accommodate host cells and foster osseointegration. To make up for these deficiencies, we introduced gelatin and silica to pastes composed of 5–15 nm sized hydroxyapatite …
Chitosan Nanoparticle Modifications For Improved Gene Delivery In An Oral Dna Vaccine Application,
2017
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Chitosan Nanoparticle Modifications For Improved Gene Delivery In An Oral Dna Vaccine Application, Austin Helmink
Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)
Vaccines represent one of the most significant medical innovations of the 20th century, resulting in the eradication or near eradication of a handful of deadly diseases. However, many infectious diseases remain resistant to effective vaccination, largely due to a lack full immune activation by traditional protein-based vaccines. A promising alternative vaccination strategy is the emerging development of DNA vaccines, which rely upon the delivery of exogenous genetic material to host cells encoding for a viral or bacterial antigen in order to induce a robust immune response by closely mimicking live infection. The delivery of genetic material requires a carrier …
Succination Impairs Protein Folding And Promotes Chop Stability In The Adipocyte During Diabetes,
2017
University of South Carolina
Succination Impairs Protein Folding And Promotes Chop Stability In The Adipocyte During Diabetes, Allison Manuel
Theses and Dissertations
Type 2 diabetes mellitus has been diagnosed in ~21 million people in the United States and is closely correlated with obesity, prompting the need for a detailed understanding of adipocyte metabolism in the development of diabetes. The intake of excess nutrients surpasses the energy requirements of the cell and leads to increased mitochondrial stress in the adipocyte. We have shown that this is associated with increased levels of the mitochondrial metabolite fumarate. Fumarate can react with cysteine thiol groups to form the chemical modification S-(2-succino)cysteine (2SC), also termed protein succination. Succination is significantly increased in the adipose tissue of type …
Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor M1’S Impact On Fear Extinction Learning,
2017
University of South Carolina
Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor M1’S Impact On Fear Extinction Learning, Joshua R. Mcelroy
Theses and Dissertations
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can occur following a traumatic event like combat, assault, or disaster. Individuals with PTSD are unable to extinguish fear memories which can become chronic and disabling. However, it remains unclear why some individuals exposed to a traumatic event develop PTSD while others are resilient. Acetylcholine plays a critical role in fear learning, but its role in fear extinction is less well understood. In this investigation, we used a rat model of fear extinction to determine if individual differences in extinction learning are correlated with markers of cholinergic signaling. Cholinergic markers …
The Role Of Inflammation In Atherosclerosis,
2017
University of South Carolina
The Role Of Inflammation In Atherosclerosis, Fatma Saaoud
Theses and Dissertations
Atherosclerosis is both a chronic inflammatory disease and lipid deposition disorder characterized by accumulation of lipids, fibrous tissue, and inflammatory cells in the arterial wall. Thus, investigating the role of inflammation and the immune system in the progression of atherosclerosis may help in the development of novel therapeutics for atherosclerotic disease. Current atherosclerosis therapy is aimed at lipid targets and focused primarily on reducing plasma cholesterol levels. Clinical and experimental data support the critical role of inflammation in atherosclerosis and suggest that reducing inflammation even without affecting lipid levels may reduce the event rate of cardiovascular disease. Yet, no pure …
Synergism Of Quercetin And Sodium Butyrate For Controlling Growth Of Glioblastoma,
2017
University of South Carolina
Synergism Of Quercetin And Sodium Butyrate For Controlling Growth Of Glioblastoma, Matthew Alan Taylor
Theses and Dissertations
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), or simply glioblastoma, is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor, with a prevalence of approximately 20,000 new cases per year in the United States and a 3-year survival rate of just 2%. Quercetin (QCT) is a dietary flavonoid that can be found in common foods such as red kidney beans, cilantro, and onions. Despite little evidence showing any benefits through dietary intake of QCT, various studies show its promising anti-cancer results in vitro. In glioblastoma, QCT is able to cause significant amounts of apoptosis through a variety of mechanisms. These include activation of caspase-9 and …
Garlic Inhibits Inflammation During Dengue Infection,
2017
University of South Carolina
Garlic Inhibits Inflammation During Dengue Infection, Alex R. Hall
Theses and Dissertations
Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes significant human disease and mortality in the tropics and subtropics. There has been a recent global trend of increased epidemic activity, and DENV infection is considered a serious emerging health problem worldwide. A relatively unexplored approach to develop new treatments for dengue virus infection and the prevention of severe disease development is through investigation of natural medicines. Inflammation plays both beneficial and harmful roles during the host response to dengue virus infection. Several studies have proposed that it is the oxidative stress response induced by dengue virus infection that is responsible …
Functional Role Of The Homeobox Transcription Factor Six1 In Neoplastic Transformation Of Human Keratinocytes,
2017
University of South Carolina
Functional Role Of The Homeobox Transcription Factor Six1 In Neoplastic Transformation Of Human Keratinocytes, Maria Hosseinipour
Theses and Dissertations
The homeobox transcription factor SIX1 contributes to both tumor development and progression. Numerous studies have determined that the inappropriate expression of embryonic genes, in particular transcription factors, contributes to carcinogenesis. SIX1 is essential for the development of numerous organs including the auditory and olfactory system as well as the kidney, by promoting proliferation, survival and migration of progenitor cells during embryogenesis. SIX1 has also been shown to increase cancer cell proliferation, survival and invasion. The aberrant expression of SIX1 occurs in numerous adult and pediatric cancers. We have previously determined that our in-vitro model system for HPV16-mediated tumorigenesis shares many …
