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- Title
- REVERSAL OF SEX AND AGE-DEPENDENT SOCIAL DEFICITS IN DAT VAL559 MICE.
- Creator
- Shatkhin, Steven L., Trivigno, Catherine, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
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Dopaminergic dysfunction has been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The dopamine transporter (DAT) is responsible for the reuptake of synaptic dopamine and critical dopaminergic signaling. The DAT Val550 mutation, a mutation identified in two boys with ASD, drives an aberrant dopamine efflux into the synaptic cleft and leads to alterations in dopamine homeostasis in DAT Val559 mice. Previous research found that DAT Val559 mice display...
Show moreDopaminergic dysfunction has been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The dopamine transporter (DAT) is responsible for the reuptake of synaptic dopamine and critical dopaminergic signaling. The DAT Val550 mutation, a mutation identified in two boys with ASD, drives an aberrant dopamine efflux into the synaptic cleft and leads to alterations in dopamine homeostasis in DAT Val559 mice. Previous research found that DAT Val559 mice display unique patterns of social behavior that are dependent on sex. Here we explore the effects that sex and age have on sociability and look at the level of differential effect that sulpiride, a D-2 receptor antagonist, has on the social and anxiety behaviors of the DAT Val559 mice. Our results show distinct impacts of sulpiride on the behavior of wild type or DAT Val559 mutant mice that are dependent on the sex and age of the mice. To fully understand neuropsychiatric disorders, we need to consider the further effects that age and sex have on neurophysiology.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00275
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- TESTING FOR CHYTRID FUNGUS INFECTION IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA CRUSTACEANS.
- Creator
- Turn, Jeffrey, Trivigno, Catherine, Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, chytrid fungi (Chytridiomycota) species known for their lethality in amphibians by chytridiomycosis, were tested for in crayfish (Procambarus alleni and Procambarus fallax) and eastern grass shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus). From 2019 to 2020, these crustaceans were gathered from 21 sites in southeastern Florida and were frozen, dissected, and swabbed with sterile swabs. Samples from the same site were pooled together and...
Show moreBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, chytrid fungi (Chytridiomycota) species known for their lethality in amphibians by chytridiomycosis, were tested for in crayfish (Procambarus alleni and Procambarus fallax) and eastern grass shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus). From 2019 to 2020, these crustaceans were gathered from 21 sites in southeastern Florida and were frozen, dissected, and swabbed with sterile swabs. Samples from the same site were pooled together and sent to the San Diego Zoo Amphibian Lab for TaqMan PCR to verify the presence of chytrid fungi. Excluding the positive control, the results from the TaqMan PCR returned negative for the presence of either chytrid fungi species. This could indicate that these chytrid fungi are not yet present at the sites tested, or that these crayfish and shrimp species do not act as vectors for chytrid fungus in Southeast Florida. Alternatively, chytrid infection may be seasonal in Southeast Florida.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003727
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Combination of Sulindac and Metformin as a Therapeutic Target in Lung Cancer.
- Creator
- Butler, Heather, Trivigno, Catherine, Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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Sulindac is an FDA approved, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that exhibits anti-cancer properties. Metformin is and FDA approved, anti-diabetic drug that also has documented anti-cancer properties. The goal of this project was to explore if a dual-combination of sulindac and metformin in the presence of a chemical oxidizing agent is more effective in killing lung cancer cells while not inducing cell death in normal lung cells. Our data shows that a triple-drug combination of sulindac,...
Show moreSulindac is an FDA approved, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that exhibits anti-cancer properties. Metformin is and FDA approved, anti-diabetic drug that also has documented anti-cancer properties. The goal of this project was to explore if a dual-combination of sulindac and metformin in the presence of a chemical oxidizing agent is more effective in killing lung cancer cells while not inducing cell death in normal lung cells. Our data shows that a triple-drug combination of sulindac, metformin, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide induce significant cell death in lung cancer cells but did not induce significant cell death in normal lung cells.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003700
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Courtship and Mating in Drosophila Flies: The Effects of Social Behavior on Mating Drive.
- Creator
- Nwiloh, Anita, Trivigno, Catherine, Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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Courtship is the series of behaviors that fly pairs engage in before potentially mating. These behaviors play a huge role in the mating success between fly pairs and certain variables such as the courtship index is used to measure this relationship. This study will analyze the unblinded results of distinct fly pairs from different strains , specifically the Canton S. and Dahomey strains, after being isolated to test their mating success. The statistical data of the fly pairs’ courting and...
Show moreCourtship is the series of behaviors that fly pairs engage in before potentially mating. These behaviors play a huge role in the mating success between fly pairs and certain variables such as the courtship index is used to measure this relationship. This study will analyze the unblinded results of distinct fly pairs from different strains , specifically the Canton S. and Dahomey strains, after being isolated to test their mating success. The statistical data of the fly pairs’ courting and mating behaviors, which has been output from the Jupyter Python program, will be analyzed. Furthermore, the supporting tables and graph will be used to distinguish between significant differences of the two strains, and the possible reasons for these differences will be further discussed in the final section.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003718
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Caregiver Burden and its Effects on the Diet and Nutritional Status Of Family Caregivers Of the Older Adult with Dementia.
- Creator
- Nwiloh, Abigail, Trivigno, Catherine, Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
Dementia is a disease commonly found in older adults which impairs proper cognitive function and the ability of dementia patients to carry out daily tasks. Hence, there is a need for caregivers who can assist the patients by taking them through their daily living activities. Prior research has primarily been focused on the impact of this disease on the patient's quality of living without shedding ample light on the struggles that caregivers face. Caregivers undergo high-stress levels relative...
Show moreDementia is a disease commonly found in older adults which impairs proper cognitive function and the ability of dementia patients to carry out daily tasks. Hence, there is a need for caregivers who can assist the patients by taking them through their daily living activities. Prior research has primarily been focused on the impact of this disease on the patient's quality of living without shedding ample light on the struggles that caregivers face. Caregivers undergo high-stress levels relative to the number of tasks they carryout for their patients and other contributing factors. Burdens that each dementia caregiver faces can take a toll on their physical and emotional health. This paper highlights the effects of caregiving on the caretakers’ nutrition and physical health and proposes a method for investigating the impacts of telehealth nutritionist intervention on the diets of caregivers and their dementia patients.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003717
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Recent Advances and the Ethical Implications of Anti-Aging Research.
- Creator
- Phelan, Christine, Trivigno, Catherine, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
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Throughout recorded history there have been accounts of trying to slow and reverse the natural aging process. From the quest for the Fountain of Youth, to the discovery of telomeric degradation, aging has been a hot research topic for centuries. Due to an aging population, anti-aging research has become a magnet for geneticists and researchers. There is great hope in the strive towards anti-aging therapies, and a variation of methods have been developed that have experimentally slowed aging....
Show moreThroughout recorded history there have been accounts of trying to slow and reverse the natural aging process. From the quest for the Fountain of Youth, to the discovery of telomeric degradation, aging has been a hot research topic for centuries. Due to an aging population, anti-aging research has become a magnet for geneticists and researchers. There is great hope in the strive towards anti-aging therapies, and a variation of methods have been developed that have experimentally slowed aging. Yet the biggest hurdle for anti-aging researchers is to try and balance improving lifespan without compromising, or even ignoring, healthspan. Quality of health, or one’s healthspan, is necessary to consider when developing ethical anti-aging therapies. In this review, research behind aging processes and anti-aging therapies will be presented, and the benefits and/or ethical dilemmas that arise will be discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00157
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Impact of a Traumatic Brain Injury.
- Creator
- Hemmen, Sarah, Trivigno, Catherine, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
-
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnosis is devastating for any family. This devastation is often increased and emphasized by the evident lack of resources for these families and caregivers, to maneuver through the steps of recovery. TBI's have been given the nicknae of "the silent epidemic,” and there is increasing, though still minimal, recognition or discussion of this injury. This thesis looks at the causes, types, and frequencies of traumatic brain injuries, as well as the psychological,...
Show moreA traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnosis is devastating for any family. This devastation is often increased and emphasized by the evident lack of resources for these families and caregivers, to maneuver through the steps of recovery. TBI's have been given the nicknae of "the silent epidemic,” and there is increasing, though still minimal, recognition or discussion of this injury. This thesis looks at the causes, types, and frequencies of traumatic brain injuries, as well as the psychological, financial, and burden experienced by the parents, siblings, and caregivers in addition to the patient themselves. We can conclude that more resources need to be made available to help families and caregivers of TBI patients maneuver through the recovery processes as well as maintain their overall health and family dynamic.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00144
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- RECENT ADVANCES AND THE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF ANTI-AGING RESEARCH.
- Creator
- Phelan, Christine, Trivigno, Catherine, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
-
Throughout recorded history there have been accounts of trying to slow and reverse the natural aging process. From the quest for the Fountain of Youth, to the discovery of telomeric degradation, aging has been a hot research topic for centuries. Due to an aging population, anti-aging research has become a magnet for geneticists and researchers. There is great hope in the strive towards anti-aging therapies, and a variation of methods have been developed that have experimentally slowed aging....
Show moreThroughout recorded history there have been accounts of trying to slow and reverse the natural aging process. From the quest for the Fountain of Youth, to the discovery of telomeric degradation, aging has been a hot research topic for centuries. Due to an aging population, anti-aging research has become a magnet for geneticists and researchers. There is great hope in the strive towards anti-aging therapies, and a variation of methods have been developed that have experimentally slowed aging. Yet the biggest hurdle for anti-aging researchers is to try and balance improving lifespan without compromising, or even ignoring, healthspan. Quality of health, or one’s healthspan, is necessary to consider when developing ethical anti-aging therapies. In this review, research behind aging processes and anti-aging therapies will be presented, and the benefits and/or ethical dilemmas that arise will be discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00173
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF THE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF PRESCRIBING OPIOIDS TO PATIENTS IN RECOVERY.
- Creator
- Shank, Marissa, Trivigno, Catherine, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
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The opioid crisis is a critical problem in the United States. Therefore, the ethicality of prescribing opioids to those recovering from drug addiction must be considered. Opioids may be prescribed to treat postoperative pain, which poses an ethical dilemma as the prescription of these drugs to recovering addicts can lead to relapse. While addiction can impair one’s ability to make rational decisions, there are cases in which those in recovery are autonomous and are therefore capable of self...
Show moreThe opioid crisis is a critical problem in the United States. Therefore, the ethicality of prescribing opioids to those recovering from drug addiction must be considered. Opioids may be prescribed to treat postoperative pain, which poses an ethical dilemma as the prescription of these drugs to recovering addicts can lead to relapse. While addiction can impair one’s ability to make rational decisions, there are cases in which those in recovery are autonomous and are therefore capable of self-determination which should not be denied. This paper aims to assess the concepts of autonomy and drug addiction to propose treatment follow-up options for clinicians and patients which may prevent relapse from occurring in postoperative settings where opioid prescription is indicated for the patient’s well-being. It is argued that opioids can be prescribed to former drug users in an ethical way under specific parameters including the implementation of patient-specific treatment plans.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00216
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF EXERCISE AND SEX DIFFERENCES ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF HIPPOCAMPAL NEURONS IN A MOUSE MODEL OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE.
- Creator
- Schwab, Jason, Trivigno, Catherine, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
-
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. It is characterized by the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to cognitive decline and memory deficiencies. Exercise has been shown to induce neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. However, the effects that exercise has on neuronal morphology are not fully understood. In this preliminary study I used APPswe/PSEN1dE9 mice, a mouse model of AD, to quantify the...
Show moreAlzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. It is characterized by the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to cognitive decline and memory deficiencies. Exercise has been shown to induce neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. However, the effects that exercise has on neuronal morphology are not fully understood. In this preliminary study I used APPswe/PSEN1dE9 mice, a mouse model of AD, to quantify the morphological changes caused by exercise in the mice via access to a running wheel. The results showed that exercise caused significant morphological changes in the brains of females but not males. These findings increase our knowledge of the role exercise may have as a therapeutic and provide insight into the importance of sex differences regarding potential therapeutics for those with AD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00273
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- EXAMINATION OF LOCAL AND LONG DISTANCE EFFECTS OF NUCLEOTIDE SUBSTITUTIONS IN SECONDARY RNA STRUCTURES.
- Creator
- Giachetti, Daniela, Trivigno, Catherine, Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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Researchers are currently designing RNAs for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, and an understanding of the factors that affect stability of these RNAs could inform the design of new RNA constructs. This project involved the use of in silico experiments to investigate the effects of different nucleotide substitutions on the stability of RNAs using EteRNA, a publicly available, online computer modeling software developed by researchers at Carnegie Mellon and Stanford Universities to...
Show moreResearchers are currently designing RNAs for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, and an understanding of the factors that affect stability of these RNAs could inform the design of new RNA constructs. This project involved the use of in silico experiments to investigate the effects of different nucleotide substitutions on the stability of RNAs using EteRNA, a publicly available, online computer modeling software developed by researchers at Carnegie Mellon and Stanford Universities to study RNA folding. It was determined that while many types of single nucleotide substitutions can alter the stability of secondary structures, such as loops, the stability of adjacent structures was not affected.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00075
- Format
- Document (PDF)