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Investigating the Role of Endothelin-1 in Reactive Astrocytosis
Get PDFGlaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy which results in blindness for many patients, even with treatment. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a vasoactive peptide known to be aberrantly upregulated in the eyes of individuals with glaucoma. Optic nerve head astrocytes (ONHA) are the resident glial cell of the optic nerve head and are among the first cell types to undergo changes to a reactive phenotype. In this thesis, we investigated the role of ET-1 overexpression and its putative role in eliciting a reactive phenotype in ONHA by inducing lentiviral-mediated over-expression of EDN1. ONHA transduced with EDN1 (ONHA ET-1) were verified to be overexpressing the gene and expressing the ET-1 peptide at increased levels. ONHA ET-1 demonstrated a reactive morphology and increased proliferation in comparison to vehicle control. ET-1 Overexpression was associated with significant reductions to genes and proteins of the elastin pathway, and increases to downstream target phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal Kinase
Correlation Between Preterm Infants’ Birth and NICU Clinical Health Status and DNA Methylation of NR3C1 exon 1F and HSD11B2 Promoters
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When Systems Fail: An Analysis of EU Energy Policy Throughout the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
No full textThe Russian invasion of Ukraine sparked the “first truly global energy crisis” which impacted every continent on the planet, and involved all fossil fuels (International Energy Agency, 2023). After the invasion, many European Union (EU) nations struggled to maintain a stable energy system due to surging prices and blocked pipelines impacting the region’s energy security.
Energy instability contributed to economic instability as the EU scrambled to maintain consumer prices, and when policies failed to maintain the existing energy system, the environment suffered as well, leading to increased deforestation and wood-burning activity. The EU’s emergency energy regulation has since ended; however, impacts are ongoing.
Using Germany as a case study for analyzing the crisis due to its central role in the crisis’ cause and formation, this study aims to answer: What are the structural and political elements which contributed to the crisis? What has been the economic, social, and environmental impacts on the public? And which stakeholders are involved in the crisis’ formation, continuation, and cessation
Investigating the Reinforcing Effects of Optogenetic Stimulation of Lateral Hypothalamus Projections to the Laterodorsal Tegmental Nucleus and Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus in Mice
Get PDFPrevious studies have shown that in both mice and rats, glutamatergic inputs from the Laterodorsal Tegmental Nucleus (LDTg) to the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) result in rewarding effects. Little is known about the role of afferent inputs to the LDTg in reward function. The Lateral Hypothalamus (LH) is a critical part of the brain’s reward circuitry and projects to the LDTg. We plan to test whether optogenetic excitation of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) glutamatergic input to the LDTg is reinforcing in mice
Spectrophotometric Analysis of Water Color Paint Quality
Get PDFDue to the variety of quality and price ranges of watercolor paints available on the commercial market, the ability to test the quality of watercolor paints can be a major benefit to artists. One method of test- ing paint quality would be using spectrophotometry. By shining a light through a sample of watercolor paint suspended in water it is possible to find the parts per million (ppm) and color of a paint sample by comparing the initial and final intensity of light. We will construct a visible light spectrophotometer comprised of a visible light source that can be split into specific wavelengths, a solution of watercolor in water in a cuvette, a photodiode to measure the trans- mittance, and a software to collect and plot the data. For a few specific wavelengths of light beam, we’ll measure transmittance varying the color of watercolor and concentration of watercolor. The end goal of this project is to determine the parts-per-million (ppm) of different qualities of watercolor. We will be using two different types of lasers, red ( 630 nm) and blue ( 445 nm), and comparing the different watercolor brands using the same shade of paint. In this project, it is also possible to check which color has the most ppm. We believe that the more expensive brand of paint will have a larger ppm
The Role of Ephrin-B2 in Frequency Map Formation in the Cochlear Nucleus
Get PDFOur initial study indicates that ephrin-B2 is differentially expressed in the CN during tonotopic map formation. To assess its role in guiding auditory nerve fiber growth, we performed a stripe assay and found that ephrin-B2 signaling repels auditory nerve fibers in a regional and stage-dependent manner. Additionally, ephrin-B2 mutant mice exhibit altered auditory brainstem responses and broader isofrequency bands of neural activation in response to pure-tone sound stimulation. These findings suggest that ephrin-B2 plays a role in establishing precise tonotopic organization in the auditory brainstem, which is essential for maintaining accurate auditory processing
Study of UV Sensitivity on mus109 and Marionette Gene Rescue
Get PDFThe mus109 gene in Drosophila melanogaster, homologous to human DNA2, plays a critical role in DNA repair and genomic stability. Mutations in mus109 increase sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents like UV radiation. This study investigates whether the marionette (mrn) gene, which encodes a subunit of the TFIIH complex also involved in DNA repair, can rescue the UV-sensitive phenotype of mus109IS mutants. Survival assays were conducted using various UV exposure times on progeny from crosses between mus109IS mutants and either mus109D2 or mrn mutants. Results confirmed the UV sensitivity of mus109IS/mus109D2 flies, while mus109IS/mrn progeny exhibited increased survival, suggesting a potential compensatory role of the mrn gene in DNA repair. Despite some experimental challenges, such as fly escape and timing inconsistencies, the findings support further exploration of genetic interactions between mus109 and mrn in DNA damage response pathways. This work enhances our understanding of conserved mechanisms of genome maintenance relevant to human health and disease
Barriers to Reproductive and Fertility Care for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA)-Identifying Women in the United States
Get PDFMiddle Eastern and North African (MENA)-identifying women in the United States face unique barriers to reproductive healthcare accessibility. Economic constraints, limited health literacy, and misclassification within U.S. health data sets further marginalize MENA women, neglecting their specific health needs across policy and medicine. Through a dual feminist and race-conscious bioethical lens, I analyze how the intersectionality of race, gender, class, and religion shapes reproductive healthcare experiences for this group. I aim not only to critique existing healthcare inequities but also to explore solutions that promote reproductive justice for MENA women in the United States
Seasonal and Environmental Influences on Snake Captures in Northern Indiana
No full textMidwestern snake populations have been declining, yet, snakes are challenging to capture and study due to their cryptic nature. We examined how the time of sampling, coverboard type, and temperature influenced the capture rates and sizes of Common Gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) and Dekay’s Brownsnakes (Storeria dekayi). We deployed coverboards (rubber or carpet) at 20 sites across northern Indiana and found that T. sirtalis captures peaked in July and August, and both species had smaller sizes in August. Coverboard type had no significant effect. These findings provide insight into snake ecology, particularly seasonal patterns, and habitat preferences, informing future conservation efforts