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  • Effects of caffeine, coffee, and decaffeinated coffee on embryonic and larval development in Xenopus laevis (clawed frog), with a focus on neurulation and brain development

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    Description:
    Caffeine is a stimulant often consumed in the form of coffee. Despite its widespread use the effects of caffeine and coffee, especially on early development, are poorly understood. The research aims to study the effects of 5 ug/ml and 10 ug/ml caffeine, 0.01% coffee, and 0.01% decaffeinated coffee on neurulation and brain development in Xenopus laevis (clawed frog). The goal is to determine if caffeine and coffee are teratogenic agents for Xenopus laevis. Furthermore, the research looks at the potential teratogenic effects of decaffeinated coffee as there are few studies done in this area. Xenopus laevis embryos were incubated in four experimental solutions and a control of aged tap water. Development was observed using a stereo microscope, and pictures were taken of the different stages. It was noted that 10 ug/ml caffeine and 0.01% coffee solutions induced the same malformations and mortality in the specimens, while the 0.01% decaffeinated coffee solution induced several malformations not observed in any other group.
    Keyword:
    xenopus laevis, development, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and caffeine
    Subject:
    Biology
    Creator:
    Chalakova, Maria
    Contributor:
    Dr. Laura Twersky, Thesis Advisor
    Owner:
    lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
    Publisher:
    Saint Peter's University
    Date Uploaded:
    06/14/2022
    Date Modified:
    06/14/2022
    Date Created:
    Spring 2022
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright
    Resource Type:
    Research Paper

  • A Review on the Effects of Simvastatin (Zocor) and Atorvastatin (Lipitor) on Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia

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    Description:
    Dementia is a clinical syndrome known for its progressive cognitive decline and its interference with daily functioning. Multiple investigations have been designed and conducted on Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, followed by research on vascular dementia. Statins, also known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, have been prescribed to individuals to lower LDL-cholesterol levels and to prevent or treat cardiovascular diseases. In the past decade, statins such as simvastatin and atorvastatin have exhibited pleiotropic effects in dementia treatment as these medications work to improve learning and memory abilities in mice models. Most studies designed to observe the effects of statins in reducing the risk of dementia have been performed on rodent organisms, yet, research indicates that the zebrafish, Danio rerio, is a successful model organism. The zebrafish can be utilized as a successful model to better understand the genetics, development, behavior, and reproduction of humans. Not only do zebrafish have a great ability for learning and memory functioning, but they also possess hippocampus-like structures and PSEN1 and PSEN2 genes strikingly similar to the ones found in humans with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to this review, a suggested experiment has been designed to study two doses of simvastatin and two doses of atorvastatin in Aβ-induced zebrafish and observe how these statin types function in reducing the risk of learning and memory deficits.
    Keyword:
    Alzheimer's disease, cholesterol, atorvastatin, vascular dementia, Danio rerio, and simvastatin
    Subject:
    Biology
    Creator:
    Chacho, Chantal
    Contributor:
    Dr. Laura Twersky, Thesis Advisor
    Owner:
    lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
    Publisher:
    Saint Peter's University
    Date Uploaded:
    06/09/2021
    Date Modified:
    06/09/2021
    Date Created:
    Spring 2021
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright
    Resource Type:
    Research Paper

  • Effects of Chemical Compounds Found in Cigarette Smoke on Cognitive Ability of Mice

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    Description:
    The purpose of this experiment was to find a conclusive link between smoking and its effects on the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This was evaluated by determining whether certain elements of cigarette smoke affect cognitive ability of mice. Five different groups of mice (control, ammonium hydroxide exposure, methanol exposure, acrylamide exposure, cigarette smoke exposure) attempted to navigate a water maze to complete the Morris water escape task. The experimental method was as follows: the five groups of mice were exposed to the suspected amyloid-inducing chemicals dissolved in their drinking water. The chemical concentrations were proportional to the concentrations human smokers are exposed to in Marlboro Red Full Flavor cigarettes. Over a three week duration, the mice completed the Morris water escape task seven times, with their time to completion recorded. The expected trend was that exposure to chemicals found in cigarette smoke would lead to an increase in the time it takes for that group of mice to navigate the maze. The results obtained actually contradicted this hypothesis: it was found that the control group had the fourth best time amongst the five groups, and one of the experimental groups (acrylamide exposure) was significantly better at solving the maze than the rest. However, these results can only be regarded as preliminary; further testing must be conducted to more positively determine the correlation between chemical exposure and mouse cognitive ability.
    Keyword:
    mice, Alzheimer's disease, cigarettes, smoking, chemical exposure, and cognitive ability
    Subject:
    Biology
    Creator:
    Oladipupo, Taofik
    Contributor:
    Dr. Laura Twersky, Thesis Advisor
    Owner:
    lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
    Publisher:
    Saint Peter's University
    Date Uploaded:
    10/14/2020
    Date Modified:
    10/14/2020
    Date Created:
    Spring 2013
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright
    Resource Type:
    Research Paper

  • Effects of Green Tea and Triphala Extract, Individually and in Combination, on Weight Loss in Danio rerio (Zebrafish)

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    Description:
    There is an obesity epidemic occurring worldwide, not just in the United States. Although there are many alternatives when it comes to treatment, such as proper exercise and keeping a well-nutritious diet limited in processed food and sugar, there have been several recent studies into Ayurvedic herbal remedies for the disease. A lot of these Ayurvedic herbal medicines were used popularly throughout India, as they have strong beliefs in their natural healing properties.Two particularly popular Ayurvedic remedies used for weight loss medication are green tea (Camellia sinensis) and Triphala (an Indian Ayurvedic compound consisting of various ground up Indian dried fruits). Two different concentrations of two Ayurvedic medicines were tested on zebrafish with diet-induced obesity (the fish were fed a diet high in fat), to see if different concentrations increase the potency of their effect on weight-loss. Also, green tea and Triphala extracts were combined to be tested for possible synergistic effects.
    Keyword:
    Triphala Extract, homeopathy, Ayurvedic herbal remedies, weight loss, and Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
    Subject:
    Biology
    Creator:
    Kim, Wonja
    Contributor:
    Dr. Laura Twersky, Thesis Advisor
    Owner:
    lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
    Publisher:
    Saint Peter's University
    Date Uploaded:
    06/10/2020
    Date Modified:
    06/10/2020
    Date Created:
    April 20, 2020
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright
    Resource Type:
    Research Paper

  • The Potential Use of Selected Organic Natural Products, Individually and in Combination, as Antifungal and Antibacterial Agents Against Candida albicans

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    Description:
    The purpose of this research was to determine the antifungal and antibacterial properties of organic raw honey, organic castor oil, and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum). The fungus, Candida albicans, and microbes found in common places were used to conduct the experiment. These organic solutions possess antibacterial and antifungal properties. There were several groups observed in this experiment: the control, honey vs. fungi, honey vs. bacteria, castor vs. fungi, castor vs. bacteria, honey/castor mix vs. fungi, honey/castor mix vs. bacteria, holy basil vs. fungi, and holy basil vs. bacteria. The petri dishes were first made by making nutrient agar. Afterwards, the C. albicans samples were spread onto the plates and incubated for several days. Once the fungus grew, the organic solutions were placed onto them and left alone for one day in the incubator. The same steps were taken for the bacterial part of the experiment. Results showed that all the plates with honey and castor oil had the best effect against the fungi. Castor oil by itself had zones of inhibition indicating no growth around the areas where the oil was placed. The honey was only effective in high dosages. Lastly, the holy basil was effective in regard to its antibacterial and antifungal activity. This study helped investigate which solution was more suitable to use in modern medicine to fight fungal and bacterial infections, more specifically, Candidiasis.
    Keyword:
    holy basil (ocimum tenuiflorum), candida albicans, natural medicine, candidiasis, organic castor oil, antibacterial, antifungal, and organic raw honey
    Subject:
    Biology
    Creator:
    Patel, Bhavtik
    Contributor:
    Dr. Laura Twersky, Thesis Advisor
    Owner:
    lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
    Publisher:
    Saint Peter's University
    Date Uploaded:
    06/09/2020
    Date Modified:
    06/09/2020
    Date Created:
    April 20, 2020
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright
    Resource Type:
    Research Paper

  • Effects of Sucralose, Saccharin, Rebaudioside (in Stevia) and Aspartame on Development in Xenopus laevis (Clawed Frog)

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    Description:
    Artificial sweeteners are a relatively recent addition to the human diet. These substances, developed to fight rising obesity and diabetes rates by providing a low calorie sugar substitute, have become very popular among consumers. The result has been increased consumption of chemicals whose effects on the human body are not fully understood. The purpose of these experiments is to determine the effects of the artificial sweeteners sucralose, saccharin, rebaudioside (in Stevia) and aspartame on development of Xenopus laevis embryos. Trials consisted of four experimental groups and one control group. Each experimental group consisted of one artificial sweetener dissolved in aged tap water at a concentration of 10 µg/ml. The control group was exposed only to aged tap water. The rate of subsequent development was measured and photos were taken of specimens to record any morphological changes. Results, with the exception of a single saccharin trial, indicated that the rate of development was unaffected by the artificial sweeteners. However, in several trials individuals in the aspartame group presented with tail defects in which the tail appeared underdeveloped and curved.
    Keyword:
    saccharine, sucralose, aspartame, artificial sweeteners, and Stevia
    Creator:
    Graffin, Robert
    Contributor:
    Dr. Laura Twersky, Thesis Advisor
    Owner:
    lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
    Publisher:
    Saint Peter's University
    Date Uploaded:
    10/23/2019
    Date Modified:
    10/23/2019
    Date Created:
    May 2016
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright
    Resource Type:
    Research Paper

  • The Effects of Creatine Monohydrate on Renal Function in Wistar Rats

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    Description:
    Creatine is a supplement taken to aid athletes and fitness aficionados alike with their workout. Previous studies have been done to prove the effects creatine has on a workout as well as studies on rats to investigate the benefits of creatine on different aspects of health, mainly the nervous system; however, there is minimal data available about the risks. Wistar rats are excellent subjects for human related studies due to the mammalian traits shared between them. Protein over-consumption affects the kidneys and bone via calcium loss; this is a concern with creatine since it is a protein. The rats in the control group did not consume creatine while the rats in the experimental group consumed 1g.kg-1. per day for four weeks. Their urine was collected tested for calcium andd protein weekly. .Increased concentrations were indicative of renal damage. At the end of the four weeks, the rats were euthanized and the kidneys of each were examined in order to best determine the extent of predicted damage to the kidneys. In order to ensure that creatine use was not being overestimated, a research survey was conducted on thirty six members of the Saint Peter's University Biology Department of varying ages yielding results that 22.2% of participants use/have used creatine and 62.5% of those participants used the supplement for 2 months or more.
    Keyword:
    renal function, medicine, and creatine monohydrate
    Creator:
    Kelly, Laura
    Contributor:
    Dr. Laura Twersky, Thesis Advisor
    Owner:
    lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
    Publisher:
    Saint Peter's University
    Date Uploaded:
    10/23/2019
    Date Modified:
    10/23/2019
    Date Created:
    May 2016
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright
    Resource Type:
    Research Paper

  • A study of the effects of Allura Red AC (Red 40) and Tartrazine (Yellow 5) individually and in combination, on development of Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog).

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    Description:
    The consumption of artificial food dyes is a topic of controversy in the United States. In contrast, many European nations opted for natural alternatives after studies suggested that they cause hypersensitivity in children. Two of the most prevalent food dyes, Red 40 and Yellow 5, are heavily debated as carcinogens and are solidly linked to ADHD in children. The purpose of this study is to use the model organism, Xenopus laveis, the African clawed frog, to observe the effects of these dyes separately and together. Specimens will be incubated in different concentrations of Red 40, Yellow 5, or both at either 2.5μg/ml or 5μg/ml. There will be one control group and eight experimental groups. These groups will be exposed to the dyes from metamorphosis stage 48 (Nieuwkoop and Faber) until adulthood. They were observed by determining how long movement lasted once it began. The results suggest a strong link to hyperactivity and possible effects on development, such as different mortalities among the groups. Tadpole length was in terms of length, and any malformations were documented. A review was also conducted on dyes present in common products available to consumers, which will be discussed.
    Keyword:
    food dyes, Xenopus laevis, public health, cancer, hyperactivity, and ADHD
    Creator:
    Fils, Brittanie
    Contributor:
    Dr. Laura Twersky, Thesis Advisor
    Owner:
    lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
    Publisher:
    Saint Peter's University
    Date Uploaded:
    10/23/2019
    Date Modified:
    10/23/2019
    Date Created:
    May 2019
    Rights Statement:
    In Copyright
    Resource Type:
    Research Paper