Journals@UC (University of Cincinnati)
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Over-expressing a Gene Involved in Cholesterol Metabolism Correlates with Increased Radiation Resistance
No full textRecord ID: 184
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship; Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) has a high incidence of post-radiation therapy relapse. This is a major contributing factor to poor treatment outcomes in almost 50% of patients. The focus of our research is to understand and utilize the radiation resistance mechanisms of HNSCC cells to improve that outcome. By analyzing tumors pre-radiation, relapse was correlated with increased expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) is a protein that activates genes involved in cholesterol metabolism, commonly referred to as cholesterogenic genes. We hypothesized that SREBP2 activation promotes HNSCC radioresistance, so inhibiting SREBP2 will increase cell radiation sensitivity. To test this, we cloned the cDNA sequence corresponding to the activated form of SREBP2 (nSREBP2) and used the virus pLV-Eif1a-IRES-Puro, a lentivirus similar to HIV, as the plasmid backbone. After ensuring the virus contained successfully cloned DNA, it was introduced to tumor cell lines Cal27 (human) and Moc1 (mouse) and treated with the antibiotic puromycin in a process called selection. Selection confirmed nSREBP2 was overexpressed, and that host cells had increased cholesterogenic gene expression. When exposed to radiation, an increased survival rate for cells with over-expressed nSREBP2 was observed in comparison to normal cells. These results confirm that nSREBP2 protects against radiation, and are the basis for ongoing experimentation to test if inhibiting SREBP2 activation in HNSCC tumor cells makes radiation therapy more effective
Ethnic Differences in Family Support for Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals
Get PDFRecord ID: 189
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship
Program Affiliation: NA
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Family support acts as a protective factor against anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents. However, levels of family support may vary across demographics as some studies suggest ethnic minority parents may be more rejecting of SGM adolescents than White parents. This could be accounted for by the greater religiosity of African American and Latine families than White families, as the conservative values of churches often promote homophobia and negative views of SGM individuals. We propose that:1) SGM POC will report lower levels of family support/ higher levels of family rejection than White SGM; 2) racial differences in family support/rejection will be explained by racial differences in religiosity. A sample of 354 SGM-AFAB participants (47.5% African American, 32.5% White, 20.1% Latine) reported on family support, family rejection, and parents\u27 religiosity. We conducted one-way analyses of variances (ANOVA) to test for racial differences in family support, rejection, and religiosity. We then proceeded to run ANCOVAs to test for differences between race and family support while controlling for religiosity. Results: 1) White SGM reported higher levels of family support compared to SGM POC, specifically Black SGM, but levels of family rejection did not differ between ethnic groups. 2) Overall religiousness scores were higher for Black SGM compared to White SGM. However, parental religiosity did not account for racial differences in family support or rejection. Findings reinforce the need to examine the non-religious cultural factors when accounting for observed ethnic differences in family support
Investigating the Role of GAS6, a Molecule Associated with Resistance to Chemotherapy
No full textRecord ID: 238
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive type of invasive brain tumor resulting in a median survival rate of just 18 months. The progression of GBM involves the activation of specific cellular pathways, one of which is the AXL pathway. AXL is a receptor that, when activated by the molecule GAS6, has been shown to promote resistance to a wide range of cancer therapies. When GAS6 attaches to AXL, it triggers the activation of signaling events that ultimately lead to resistance against therapies. This project aimed to investigate the role of GAS6 in therapy resistance by removing (knocking-out) GAS6 from GBM cells. The findings from this experiment hold promise for advancing our understanding of how the activation of the pathway contributes to drug resistance in GBM. Such insights could potentially pave the way for the development of therapeutic strategies to fight treatment resistance and improve outcomes for patients with glioblastoma multiforme.  
Developing Career Pathways in Cincinnati\u27s Urban Agriculture
No full textRecord ID: 250
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Video
Abstract: Urban agriculture is the cultivation and distribution of food crops within an urban area. It is a practice composed of agricultural knowledge, sustainable development, and social implications. As the human population continues to grow and people migrate towards city living, it is necessary that cities develop to support a booming population while working to bridge the socioeconomic gaps related to food security and urban living. Using the guidelines of the Green Cincinnati plan, we can help develop a prosperous job market and improve the accessibility of education involving urban agriculture. Primarily, people need an incentive to join this sector of the workforce and have access to higher education and training regarding urban agriculture. To accomplish this, research must be done on what government funding is available, what are the success stories of urban agriculture plans in other cities, and what current educational and training opportunities are available in Cincinnati. Based on that research, a plan for Cincinnati can be formulated to support career pathways and education in urban agriculture. 
Think outside the box: Enriching learning experiences through student creativity
Get PDFThis activity encourages students to "think outside the box" through a non-compulsory mini bonus course assignment. Students would be given the option to complement their understanding and presentation of their final papers by visual or auditory means. By encouraging them to think outside the box, as this optional assignment was to be called, and to represent their final essay’s written arguments via a two-page comic strip (or, drawings, or collage, or set of memes) of at least 10 panels, or through a short (3 minute) musical composition, or a (minimum twenty verse) poem, the goal was to help them further develop their critical thinking skills and encourage them to express what they learn through creativity
Enhancing Student Learning in General Chemistry Using AI-assisted Customized Scaffolded Worksheets
Get PDFThis essay explores how AI-generated, scaffolded worksheets can significantly improve General Chemistry student performance. It highlights the usefulness of ChatGPT in creating instructional materials that accommodate a range of learning preferences and have the extra advantage of being customized to meet certain conceptual requirements. The results provide important new information about the pedagogical benefits of using AI into General Chemistry education
Efficacy of Treatment for Crohn\u27s Disease
No full textIn this presentation, we explore the efficacy and safety of treatment options for moderate to severe Crohn\u27s disease through the analysis of previously published scientific literature. We have found through our secondary analysis that Ustekinumab (Stelara) has a rapid mechanism of action and therefore might be beneficial for rapid improvement in a patient. Recent reviews have shown that Ustekinumab ranked highest for initiation of remission in patients. From this specific research, there have been some conclusions that Ustekinumab should be the preferred treatment option after the failure of an Anti-TNF option. No significant differences were found when a comparison of Infliximab and Ustekinumab was carried out, but it was found that patients treated with Ustekinumab had a higher rate of steroid-free remission. Ustekinumab can be used as a first or second line of treatment and is beneficial for specific subpopulations. Although these conclusions have been determined, there still needs to be more drug-to-drug comparisons to standardize treatment and/or management options
Cincinnati\u27s Urban Agriculture Job Market: A Current Analysis and Plan for Growth
No full textRecord ID: 72
Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Urban farming is becoming more popular in American cities due to its environmental, social, and economic benefits. Following this trend, the City of Cincinnati\u27s Office of Environment and Sustainability (OES) has set a goal in the Green Cincinnati Plan to increase the quantity of jobs in the city\u27s food and agriculture sector by 20% by 2028. The following project provides an analysis of Cincinnati\u27s current agriculture job market and recommended steps for OES to take to reach the above goal. I look at Cincinnati Public School\u27s current educational opportunities focused on agriculture, higher educational programs focused on agriculture, and current farm training programs in the Cincinnati area and give feedback about how they can grow. I identify local for-profit and not-for-profit farms already employing Cincinnatians and look at how the city can increase their market. I also collect resources and provide tips for Cincinnatians wanting to start farming in the city. Finally, by looking at other cities with successful urban agriculture programs, I give OES recommended next steps for increasing the quantity of jobs in Cincinnati\u27s food and agriculture sector. This project synthesizes vital information on Cincinnati\u27s farming and agriculture job sectors while providing feedback for improving job quantity, which will help grow urban agriculture in Cincinnati and provide its residents with its many benefits
Self-Reported Mental Health in Adults with Cerebral Palsy
No full textRecord ID: 188
Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship; Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: NA
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a nonprogressive, lifelong neurological disorder that causes problems with movement, posture, and balance. With the majority of cases occurring during prenatal development, CP is present in 2-3 of every 1,000 live births. Individuals with CP have a greater risk of chronic disease, including mental illness, than the general population. Most studies on mental health and CP focus on a pediatric population, and the aim of this study is to increase clinical knowledge of and sensitivity to mental health in adults with CP. The main research question was whether CP functional status was related to mental health. Other variables, including general health, physical health, and quality of life, were also measured. Data was collected through patient surveys and chart review. No correlation was found between either gross motor or communication functional status and self-reported mental health, which may indicate that relative differences in function are less important than the patient\u27s perceived baseline. Mental health was found to be strongly correlated with general health, quality of life, and social satisfaction. When evaluating mental health in patients with CP, providers should take into account the patient\u27s level of social integration
Bedside Report Increasing Patient Safety
No full textRecord ID: 120
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: A crucial moment to assess the status of a patient occurs during a shift change from one nurse to the next. In these moments, nurses have the ability to halt unsafe interventions before it becomes a sentinel event as well as include the patient in the conversation regarding their care. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to answer the question of how does receiving handoff report at the bedside compared to receiving handoff outside the patient\u27s room benefit patients\u27 safety and satisfaction? Nurses often feel that a bedside report takes longer than any other report. Nurses also agree with the false notion that they cannot speak freely in front of a patient and their family. Methods: Nurses on the Clinical Decision Unit at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center received an educational presentation including a poster of statistics regarding increased patient safety and an informational video demonstrating situational techniques of report proving the efficiency and effectiveness of bedside. While conducting research it was found that bedside report decreases falls, medication errors, and allows for patient communication that needs to be addressed. A pre and post test were administered to assess the knowledge gained during the educational session. Results: Results pending.