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Analysis Of Epigenetic Effects Of Genistein On Cancer Cells In Culture
No full textMentor: Dr. Pramod B. MahajanThe overall objective of our research project is to analyze the anti-proliferative effects of genistein, an
isoflavonoid found in soybeans. Soy products, including our compound genistein, have received new
marketability as a health supplement because of their anti-oxidative properties. Recent studies have documented other biological effects of genistein including anti-carcinogenic effects on certain types
of cancers. Mechanisms of such anti-proliferative effects have not been fully elucidated. Specifically
the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the anti-neoplastic activity of genistein is poorly defined. This
project explores the effect on genistein on acetylation/deacetylation of histones in two breast cancer
cell lines. Such analysis is anticipated to aid pharmacotherapeutic applications of genistein. However,
it is still unclear if genistein expresses its epigenetic modifications independently of the estrogen
receptor pathway. We hypothesize that genistein produces its effects via an epigenetic mechanism in
an estrogen receptor dependent/independent model. Clarifying the molecular mechanism by which
Genistein acts epigenetically will increase its potential use as an anti-cancer pharmacotherapy.
Therefore, we will be evaluating the histone modifications, specifically acetylation/deacetylation, of
genistein treated HTB-19(ER-negative) and HTB-20(ER-positive) breast cancer cells using an anti-acetyl lysine antibody in order to detect acetylated histones.Drake University, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical & Administrative Science
Effects of Glutamine Supplementation on Muscle Function in a Mouse Model of Spinal Cord Injury
No full textMentor: Kimberly HueySpinal cord injury (SCI) results in loss of muscle function due to the rapid breakdown of muscle contractile
proteins and high incidence of inflammation that directly hinder rehabilitation. Glutamine is
an amino acid that plays a critical role in muscle integrity and in reducing inflammation, however,
impaired glutamine synthesis occurs under stressful conditions. Glutamine supplementation can improve
clinical outcomes from acute infection to sepsis, but its effects on skeletal muscle function in
the early stages after a SCI are unknown. Based on glutamine’s benefits and clinical applicability
these experiments tested the hypothesis that glutamine treatment can preserve muscle mass, strength,
and fatigue resistance in a mouse model of SCI. Changes in muscle mass, maximal isometric force,
and fatigability will be measured 7 days after sham or spinal cord transection (ST) surgery in mice
receiving either placebo or glutamine (n=3-5/group). ST significantly reduced gastrocnemius mass
independent of saline or glutamine treatment. Maximal isometric force normalized to body or muscle
mass was not different among groups. Fatigue resistance was reduced with ST + saline, however,
glutamine supplementation prevented the loss of fatigue resistance (38±9 vs. 57±5% of max force,
respectively). Preliminary results suggest that 7 days after a SCI significant reductions in muscle fatigue
resistance can be reversed by glutamine supplementation. Additional studies can continue to
establish the protective effects of glutamine on muscle endurance with SCI, underscoring the importance
of glutamine as a therapeutic intervention to accelerate the recovery of muscle function after a
SCI.Drake University, College of Pharmacy & Health Science
Effects of Elevated Potassium and Mild Acidification on Skeletal Muscle Contractility and Fatigue in Xenopus Laevis
No full textMentor: Debora ChristensenSkeletal muscle fatigue is typically thought to involve accumulated lactic acid, increased Pi concentration,
decreased muscle glycogen, and/or increased levels of oxygen free radicals, but a clear cause of
muscle fatigue has remained elusive. Additionally, it is unclear if these factors affect type I (slow
oxidative) and type II (A: fast oxidative, B: fast glycolytic) fibers equally. Recent evidence suggests
that increasing extracellular K+ concentration reduces the contractile function of isolated rat soleus
muscle, while moderately elevated H+ levels provide a protective effect on contractile force. To study
the combined effects of mild acidification with elevated K+ on muscle contraction and fatigue, we
stimulated isolated Xenopus laevis gastrocnemius muscles to complete exhaustion following 30 minutes
of pre-incubation with one of the following solutions: normal amphibian Ringer’s (pH = 7.45),
amphibian Ringer’s with elevated (4mM) K+, amphibian Ringer’s with decreased pH (20mM L-lactic
acid), and amphibian Ringer’s with both elevated K+ and H+. Following pre-incubation in their respective
solutions, muscles were mounted on a force transducer and stimulated with supramaximal
stimuli at 60 Hz until completely fatigued. Force of contraction, muscle kinetics (latency, contraction
time, and ½-relaxation time), and time to exhaustion were measured.Drake University, College of Arts and Science
Molecular Analysis of the Effects of Resveratrol and Genistein on Signal Transduction in Cancer Cells
No full textMentors: Dr. Deepa Rao and Dr. Pramod MahajanThe overall objective of our research project is to study the effects of Genistein and Resveratrol on
cancer cell proliferation. Resveratrol, a stilbene found in high quantities in red grape skin, and Genistein,
an isoprenoid found in soy, are both available in supplement form and have exhibited antioxidative
properties. Recent studies have suggested Genistein and Resveratrol may inhibit growth of
certain types of cancer cells in culture, and that diets with higher levels of these two compounds have
shown lower incidence of certain types of cancers and inflammatory disorders. However, the precise
mechanisms of their antiproliferative effects only on certain types of cancer cells remain poorly defined.
Our project focuses on studying the anti-proliferative effects of Resveratrol and Genistein on
signal transduction pathways in two human breast cancer cell lines and one human ovarian cancer cell
line in culture. Specifically, this poster presents results examining the role of phosphorylation of two
signal transduction enzymes, PDK1 and Akt1.Drake University, College of Pharmacy & Health Science
Impairment: IASB - FASB Comparison
Get PDFThis paper focuses on the accounting concept of impairment of long lived assets and goodwill. The objective is to identify the differences between the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board’s (IASB) standards on impairment and to recommend a converged standard that will be acceptable to both bodies. Information for the research was obtained through primary sources such as the FASB Codification, Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts and International Accounting Standards. Information obtained from the FASB and IASB web sites, other professional research, and trade articles supplemented the primary sources. The paper identified three differences between the FASB and IASB for impairments: (1) the methods of determining impairment and its calculation, (2) the allocation of goodwill, and (3) the reversal of goodwill. We recommend there should be a two-step process to test for impairments
An Exploratory Study on the Purpose, Structure, Format and Use of Syllabi at a Midwest Four-Year Undergraduate Private University
Get PDF1 online resource (134 leaves)The purpose of this study was to explore how instructors at a mid-sized Midwest
four-year undergraduate private university view the purpose, structure, format and use of
their course syllabi. The theory of structural functionalism and a quantitative research
approach were employed. A group administration approach was used to distribute the
paper surveys during college, school or department meetings.
It was found that the syllabi purposes that instructors viewed as essential and
useful were: a Communication Mechanism, a Planning Tool for Instructors, a Course
Plan for Students, and a Contract. The instructors refer to syllabi for (1)
schedule/calendar/assignments, (2) policies, (3) as a reminder, (4) for grading, and (5) for
expectations.
The top ranked components by instructors were Academic Honesty;
Plagiarism/Cheating; Textbook(s) & ISBN; Calendar/Outline/Assignments; Instructor
Expectations of the Students; Requirements for Homework, Etc.; Grading Scale;
Disability Services; Objectives; Academic Conduct; Goals; Attendance; Assessment
Criteria; Makeup & Late Assignments; and Disclaimer on Syllabus.
Over 60% indicated they learned to create their syllabi through unofficial
templates and informally through previous experience as a student. And all instructors
indicated that syllabi have either no effect (27.0%) or a positive effect (67.5%) on student
learning.
The purpose of a syllabus as a part of the structure and function of the higher
education system will differ depending on the role of the person using it. As institutions continue to adjust to accreditation and the public’s demand for quality, the purpose and
function of the syllabus will continue to change and adjust. An initial step to assist in this
process of change would be to provide instructor workshops and training sessions related
to syllabi design
Analysis Of Candidate Genes That Suppress Chromosome Loss In Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Mutants With Defects In Chromosome Transmission
No full textMentor: Heidi SleisterErrors in the eukaryotic cell cycle and processes that maintain genome stability can result in abnormal
chromosome number and structure (e.g., in humans- Down Syndrome, cancer). The common baker’s
yeast S. cerevisiae is a great model system for the analysis of chromosome transmission as yeast artificial
chromosomes (YACs) can be lost or rearranged without harming the cell. In an effort to identify
proteins important for chromosome transmission, yeast mutants that display increased loss of a
YAC during cell division were generated. Suppressor analysis resulted in the isolation of both single
and high copy yeast genomic plasmids that improve the chromosome loss defect in these mutants.
Subsequent analysis revealed multiple candidate genes present within the suppressor plasmids. Each
gene is being individually cloned and assayed for suppression of chromosome loss.Drake University, College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Biolog
Carbon Sequestration in the Drake Prairie
No full textMentor: David Courard-Hauri ; Kathryn SzramekWhile land use alterations currently result in the addition of about 2 gigatons of carbon to the atmosphere
annually, changes in bioproductivity and soil storage have the potential to serve as an important
managed sink as well. Reforestation and afforestation have received the most attention in this regard,
but native grasslands, with high short-term production of belowground biomass, may also provide
significant sequestration opportunities when compared with agricultural systems and managed
turfgrass, although this claim is controversial in the literature. In order to determine whether significant
differences in soil carbon content could be observed between a historical turfgrass and restored
prairie system, we measured soil carbon levels at sixteen sites in and around Drake’s restored prairie
fragment north of Meredith Hall. Soil samples were taken in roughly 15 cm increments to a depth of
one meter (where possible), and carbon content was determined through destructive heating.Drake University, College of Arts & Science
Distribution and Prevalence of Bacteria Found on the Door Handles of Olin Hall, Drake University
Get PDFMentor: Chinh DaoFomites are inanimate objects that serve in the spread of infectious disease. Our hypothesis was that
door handles may aid in the spread of microbes between individuals and that they may be a reservoir
of microbial contamination. In our experiments, we assessed the prevalence of specifically the Gram
negative bacteria that were found on door handles of Olin Hall. It was hypothesized that during times
where the building was near its peak usage, a larger percentage of the bacteria sampled from the door
handles of Olin Hall would be Gram negative. The results showed that 20% of the total colonies were
Gram negative bacteria. Our hypothesis was rejected, though further statistical analysis revealed an
interesting observation and the data showed differences in prevalence of Gram negative bacteria
found on individual doors.Drake University, College of Arts & Science