1941 research outputs found
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Assessing Coping, Caregiving Efficacy, and Relational Support in Caregivers of Individuals with Cancer : A Cluster Analytic Study
No full textAdvisor: Nicole TaylorPsychosocial research has focused on understanding the experiences of people with cancer but limited research has addressed the biopsychosocial variables affecting caregivers of individuals with cancer. We are in the early stages of developing a research project to analyze the experiences of cancer caregivers. Through our presentation at DUCURS, we will solicit feedback to assess the face validity
of our questionnaire. We are preparing to pilot this initial measure after DUCURS and have
compiled the proposed measures based on previously validated measures that have been used extensively in other studies. We will present our work on evaluating the psychometric qualities of the existing measures as well as our own unique questionnaire development methods. We will also present our hypotheses and research questions. Additionally, we will discuss the statistical methodology of cluster analysis and how we expect to use it to analyze our final data. Cluster analysis is a statistical technique used to categorize participants into clusters based on their similarity on variables of interest. Using cluster analysis, we aim to establish profiles for the caretakers of cancer patients to better
understand the mental health needs and unique psychosocial experiences of caregivers of people with cancer. We have explored variables such as depression, anxiety, coping assessment, caregiving efficiency, and relational support for inclusion in our cluster analysis. In our presentation we will also discuss the usefulness of cluster analysis for applied psychological research.Drake University, Department of Psycholog
Genotoxicity of Genistein : A Molecular Analysis
No full textAdvisors: Craige Wrenn, Pramod B. MahajanGenistein is a naturally occurring phytoestrogen found in soy products. High intakes of soy products are associated with lower incidences of cancer, especially breast cancer. Genistein may act as a chemopreventative
agent by affecting estrogen receptors, inhibiting topoisomerase II causing DNA damage,
disrupting proliferative pathways, or by acting as an antioxidant. Research, however, is limited
on possible adverse effects of genistein consumption, including gentoxicity. Levels of poly-ADPribose polymerase (PARP) and the phosphorylated histone protein H2AX are increased in the presence of DNA damage, and both were used as markers of genotoxicity in this study. Our project looked at the genotoxic effects of genistein on Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were treated with 50 mg, 100 mg, or 150 mg of genistein by insertion of genistein pellets into the neck. Our control group
consisted of rats with placebo pellets inserted into the neck. Kidney and liver samples were taken from each group and assayed for genotoxicity by SDS-PAGE followed by western blot. Protein levels of both PARP and p-H2AX were indetectable compared to positive controls indicating that no DNA damage was present. Further study is needed to verify the safety of genistein containing products.Drake University, Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Administrative Science Departmen
Assessing Microbial Diversity in Central Iowa Using DNA Fingerprinting
No full textAdvisor: Chinh DaoThe vast majority of biological diversity resides in the microbial world, and the number of differing species in kingdoms Bacteria, Fungi, Protista, and Archaea are predicted to be several million. Moreover, the diversity within bacteriophage, plant viruses, and animal viruses is thought to exceed what is found in any one of the major kingdoms of life. These microbes play important roles in the
ecosystems they occupy and one hypothesis is that this microbial diversity can be utilized as a metric to assess the status or health of an ecosystem. Conventional microbiological techniques used to assay microbial populations have largely been supplanted with molecular techniques that enable investigators to capture a more true and wider diversity and to avoid culture bias. Over the course of a four
month period, soil samples taken from Walnut Woods State Park and water samples taken from the Raccoon River were assayed by tRFLP analysis. Bulk DNA was purified from soil and water and total 16S ribosomal subunit genes were amplified and genotyped. Microbial diversity was evaluated over time, across locations, and in consideration of abiotic factors such as temperature, soil moisture,
and soil depth. Conventional microbial characterization methods were performed as comparisons. The experiments revealed a very rich microbial diversity present in the water and soil samples that were tested.Drake University, Department of Biolog
In Vitro Characterization of Resveratrol-Loaded Pluronic Micelles
No full textAdvisor: Deepa A. RaoResveratrol (RES), a polyphenol has shown various biological activities but its use is hindered due to its hydrophobicity and short biological half-life. Biological studies require mega or frequent doses of RES to be effective. Pluronics® F88, F98, F108 and F127 form polymeric micelles & can be used to
deliver RES. Micelles were prepared by equilibrium (E) or solvent casting (SC) with either 10 % or 20 % w/w RES loading. Micelles prepared by E of 20% w/w RES showed a correlation with the critical micelle concentrations of the Pluronic® used. Micelles prepared by SC with 10 % w/w RES
were stable for 48 hr and approached equilibrium solubility over 12 days. Micelles prepared by SC with 20 % w/w RES were able to fully solubilize RES but approached equilibrium solubility rapidly. Cytotoxicity (IC50) studies in human ovarian cancer cell line, SK-OV3 using RES and all Pluronic® micellar formulations with 10 % w/w RES were done. RES alone had IC50 values of 92.00 ± 17.24 μM RES Pluronic® formulations F88, F98, F108 & F127 had IC50 values of 49.69 ± 9.28 μM, 84.57 ± 7.48 μM, 53.12 ± 11.45 μM and 79.15 ± 21.84 μM respectively, indicating slightly greater potency than RES alone. In conclusion, RES Pluronic® formulations prepared by SC form meta-stable systems of different stabilities based on initial loading. Cytotoxicity studies show all RES formulations are at least as potent as RES alone.Drake University, Department of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical & Administrative Science
Disability Challenges the Ethics of Running Culture
No full textAdvisor: Catherine EvansThis article reviews moral dilemmas the running community is currently facing as a result of the participation of athletes with medical conditions in competitive events. A detailed review of the experiences and treatment of athletes’ with respiratory conditions demonstrates new challenges the sport of
running will need to address. Michael McBride and Lyn Cole are two COPD patients that represent the push to accommodate physically disabled athletes. McBride participated in the Boston Marathon, dragging an external oxygen supply behind him on a cart. People with disabilities, like him, are using exercise as an element of their treatment plans. McBride and Cole found that training and participation
in competitive running events provides them with motivation and an enjoyable sense of achievement.Drake University, Department of Psycholog
Spectroscopic Characterization of Solvatochromic Dyes
No full textAdvisor: Mark F. VithaLinear solvation energy relationships (LSERs) are used to quantify the intermolecular interactions between solvents and several organic dyes – di-8-ANEPPS, Coumarin 30, Coumarin 153, and 6-hydroxyflavone. LSERs evaluate the sensitivity of a dye’s frequency of maximum absorbance, nmax, to solvent acidity (), basicity (β), polarity/polarizability (π*), and excess polarizability (E). The
34 quantification of the sensitivity of a dye to these parameters (, β, π*, and E) allows for the characterization of a dye’s ability to interact through hydrogen bond accepting, hydrogen bond donating, dipole-dipole interactions, and excess polarizability, respectively. UV-visible spectroscopy is used to
measure the wavelength of maximum absorbance of each dye solvent pair. These wavelengths are
used to develop an LSER for each dye. The regression analysis for Coumarin 30 data yields the LSER equation max = 26.75 – (0.93 ± 0.10) π* - (0.55 0.05) + (0.12 0.07) βπ – (0.35 0.12)E. The equation shows a large shift in Coumarin 30’s max to lower frequencies attributed to the solvent’s polarity and the solvent’s ability to donate a hydrogen bond. This data suggests that Coumarin 30 has
a greater separation of charge in its excited state than its ground state. The results for di-8-ANEPPS show that increasing solvent acidity and solvent polarity decrease the frequency of maximum absorption. This means di-8-ANEPPS is a better hydrogen bond donor as well as more polar in the excited state relative to when it is in its ground state. LSERs for the other dyes will also be presented. Because the dyes’ sensitivities to their chemical environment will be known from the LSERs, they will
then be used to characterize system such as surfactant solutions that are used to enhance oil recovery for reservoirs.Drake University, Department of Chemistr
HPLC with Fluorometric Detection of Brain Catecholamines in a Pharmacodynamic Study Between Two Popular Antidepressants
No full textAdvisor: Alan L. MyersDrug-drug interactions are a serious concern in US health care today, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually. Bupropion (Wellbutrin®) is a well-established monocyclic antidepressant that is also used in the treatment of smoking cessation. Sertraline (Zoloft®) is a commonly prescribed 28
selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI), and is used in the treatment of depression and other mood anxiety disorders. Interestingly, bupropion and sertraline are often co-prescribed in mentally ill patients, yet the danger and clinical consequences of a potential drug-drug interaction between these drugs is poorly studied. Recent studies indicate that sertraline is a potent in vitro inhibitor of bupropion clearance, suggesting potential in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) consequences following their co-administration. The aim of this study was to evaluate bupropion brain PD following repeated administration of sertraline in male CF-1 mice. An automated highpressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) system coupled to a fluorescence detector was used to determine whole brain concentrations of three major catecholamines: norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT). The retention times for NE, DA, isoproterenol (IS) and 5HT were 6.0 min, 13.0 min, 22.0 min and 33.0 min respectively. Following 6 days repeated treatment of either
vehicle control or sertraline 15 mg/kg, mice were administered single dose bupropion 50 mg/kg. At 60 min post-dose whole brain tissues were isolated and later analyzed by HPLC. Our results demonstrate that there were no statistical differences in any brain catecholamine levels between bupropion
and bupropion plus sertraline treated mice.Drake University, Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Administrative Science
Electromyographical Analysis of Three Differenct Cross-Training Shoes in Standard Squat and Maximum Vertical Jump Exercises
No full textAdvisor: David S. SenchinaElectromyographical analysis (EMG) was performed on 9 male subjects during completion of 2 exercises (standard squat and maximum vertical jump) in 3 different cross-training shoe models. EMG electrodes were placed on the rectus femoris (quads), biceps femoris (hamstrings), tibialis anterior (shins), and gastrocnemius (calves) and muscle activity was measured during each exercise. Exercises
were divided into 3 movement phases specific to each for analysis. Shoe model was not a significant factor for either exercise based on muscle activity; however, some differences in participants subjective scores of comfort (but not stability) were found. For squats, there was a main effect of phase such that more muscle activity was produced during lowering than holding steady in the crouched position or rising. There was a main effect of muscle such that the tibialis anterior was significantly
more active than all other muscles; similarly, the rectus femoris was more active than the
biceps femoris and gastrocnemius, and the biceps femoris was more active than the gastrocnemius. For maximum vertical jump, there was a main effect of phase such that time from takeoff to landing resulted in the greatest mean and maximal muscle activation, and the lowest minimum muscle activation (explained by takeoff and flight time, respectively). There was a main effect of muscle such that the gastrocnemius produced the most activity and the rectus femoris produced the least. Additionally, knee angle dynamics, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (squats), and time-to-completion (maximum vertical jump) did not differ by shoe model within the same exercises.Drake University, Department of Biology, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Progra
The Minimum Skew Rank of Simple Graphs to Strict Powers
No full textAdvisor: L.M. DeAlbaEvery simple graph can be represented by an adjacency matrix. The minimum skew rank of a graph is the smallest possible rank of all skew-symmetric matrices whose non-zero entries correspond to edges of the graph. Extensive work has established methods for finding the minimum skew rank of simple graphs. The strict power of a graph, G(S) is generated by walks of exactly s steps on G. We examined the minimum skew rank of strict powers of paths using known results for n-partite complete graphs, forbidden subgraphs, algorithms for edge coverings and cut vertex reduction. We will present our method of using Wolfram Mathematica to generate the strict powers of graphs and discuss the patterns discovered in the minimum skew rank of such graphs.Drake University, Department of mathematics and Computer Scienc
A New Technique for Studying Implicit Relational Learning in Adult Humans : Multiple-Object Tracking Task
Get PDFAdvisor: Olga LazarevaAdult humans readily learn to respond to relations, but it is normally assumed that their ability to verbalize relations plays a critical role. To study relational learning in absence of verbalization, we developed a new technique using a multiple-object tracking task. In this task, participants are told to
track four out of eight objects cued at the beginning of the trial. At the end of the trial, a single object is cued, and participants respond whether they tracked it (yes/no task). The display contained two
strips of different width but participants were not informed about their presence.
The participants were randomly assigned to Informative and Random conditions. In Informative condition, the location of object cued at the end of the trial predicted the correct response. If the answer was "yes", then the cued object was located next to the narrower strip; otherwise, it was located next
to the wider strip (or vice versa). In Random condition, the cued object was located next to either strip, so that its location was not predictive of the correct answer. Postexperimental questionnaire showed that participants in Informed condition were not aware of predictive role of object location;
nonetheless, they were more accurate than participants in random condition, providing evidence of implicit relational learning in this new experimental paradigm. Our results suggest that ability to verbalize relations may not be essential for demonstrating relational learning.Drake University, Department of Psycholog