Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a kind of bacterium that is frequently observed in both human and animal digestive tracts. While the majority of E. coli strains are harmless, some are pathogenic and can have substantial negative effects on health. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a disorder that can result in renal failure, anemia, and low platelet count, is one such consequence. Exposure to specific E. coli strains, especially those that generate Shiga toxin, is frequently linked to the development of HUS. A specific Shiga-toxin generating strain is OH157:H7 and it is known for being linked to a majority of HUS developments. This particular strain will be examined in further depth according to multiple studies done by various researchers. Even though the OH15:H7 strain is quite apparent concerning HUS, other strains will be discussed because many other diagnoses of HUS have been linked to other E. coli strains throughout the world. HUS is an extremely impactful disease that currently has no cure. There are many different ways in which to treat HUS in its developing stages and onset stages, but there have also been studies that discuss the possible negative effects of antibiotic treatment. This paper seeks to inform about the effects E. coli has on developing HUS and its varying treatment options through the most current studies.
This study evaluates soil management practices that can sequester carbon efficiently, leading to an increased food production and quality. Specifically, we focused on hugelkultur and compared it to more traditional farming techniques, to see the efficiency of this method in storing soil carbon. In order to evaluate its effectiveness, we took soil samples from different fields in a farm with diverse farming practices; one of which was an established hugelkultur area. When the results came in, there were many different results depending on the sample, but it was observed that the soil sample from the field in which hugelkultur was used had great soil health quality, with all the indicators having high ratings. This shows that, if all the conditions are met, hugelkutur is a great soil management practice for carbon sequestration, and henceforth, high-quality food production and growth.
Analysis, of model plant Arabidopsis thaliana root growth and guard cell aperture in stressful environment conditions is a beneficial way to understand overall plant growth and development. We examined the effects of scaffold protein RACK1 on small RNAs miR393 and its regulation of A. thaliana primary roots, lateral roots, and guard cells as the plant was exposed to sodium
chloride (NaCl). Our results on individual mutant analysis support the hypothesis that genetic loss of RACK1A causes regulation of miR393 as A. thaliana primary root length, lateral root number, and guard cell aperture all point to the plant being more sensitive to NaCl stress. We propose a theoretical method of creating double and triple mutants, using a more efficient way to produce mutants in plants using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and bioinformatics. With double mutants, we seek to further confirm that RACK1s regulation of miR393 affects plant growth and development by modulating root growth and guard cell aperture.
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.
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.
The human gut microbiome is more important to health than most people realize. It is filled with trillions of microbes ranging from fungi to bacteria and viruses. This paper focuses on preservatives and emulsifiers and the effects they have on the gut microbiome. These two food additives affect different types of bacteria differently. Emulsifiers and preservatives increased bacteria that tend to have negative effects on the body, while decreasing beneficial bacteria. This can have many different effects on the body from Crohn's disease to dysbiosis and even increase antimicrobial resistance in bacteria. This review looks to explain why preservatives and emulsifiers have such negative effects, why it is such a relevant and important topic, and alternatives to preservatives or emulsifiers, or ways to mitigate the effects of these two food additives.
This study focuses on scientific literacy and how we can extend our findings from our previous work on socioscientific engagement, where Meta-Epistemic Reasoning Practices (MERPs) are defined as a situated epistemic resource model that indicates that participants may be shifting between aims, ideals, and reliable processes (AIR model) as they work through a situation. Since MERPs could interact on the domain-general strategic knowledge for mechanistic reasoning, we decided to focus on epistemic heuristics for mechanistic reasoning, how these can be applied with the use of MERPs, and with the science ideas citizens used to construct a mechanism to evaluate contextual relevance of an authentic SSI. WE conducted interviews with 7 members of a town that had recently experienced hurricane-induced flooding. Participants included activists, policy makers, planners, scientists, and infrastructural managers, rather than students in order to explore diversity. We included "levels," like levels of description, to characterize a system, as well as the analysis of science-related ideas for mechanistic reasoning of each participant. WE found that participants used a combination of science and situational knowledge for evaluating causal propositions, that MERPs guide the use of a diverse set of aims and ideals, and that different individuals integrate different science ideas, where together the community rises to a more sophisticated evaluation of the SSI proposal. By studying the real world we aim to incorporate constructive civic engagement into the classrooms, and empower the next generation of citizens, not only future scientists.
Hyperthyroidism is a pathological disorder caused by the excess production of thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in the thyroid gland, inducing oxidative stress. Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the most manufactured substances worldwide, is primarily used in the production of polycarbonate and epoxy resins found in plastics. It is widely studied because of its teratogenic and endocrine-disrupting potential. It causes thyroid hormones and reactive oxygen species (ROS) to increase by its inhibition mechanism, leading to thyroid toxicity. Studies show that some products can have protective effects against BPA exposure. Both melatonin and vitamin D are known for their antioxidant properties and homeostatic functioning of the mitochondria by reducing ROS production. This means that a possible synergistic relationship between melatonin and vitamin D could ameliorate the effects of BPA-induced thyroid toxicity. The purpose of this study is to review the effects of oxidative stress on the thyroid caused by BPA and the possible protective effects and antioxidant mechanisms of melatonin and vitamin D against BPA-induced thyroid toxicity.
Since the early 1980s, intense coral bleaching events have yielded increasingly expansive coral reef ecosystems devoid of recovery. Commonly distinguished as the “rainforest of the sea,” the biodiversity of coral reef ecosystems is unparalleled by any other marine ecosystem. Recent global changes—primarily increased sea surface temperature (SST)—have threatened the continued prosperity of corals, thereby threatening the innumerable lives of organisms depending on reefs. Efforts to protect coral reefs have been initiated, yet questions still remain: exactly how much of the mutualistic dinoflagellate algae dwelling within coral tissue are expelled from the first encounter of environmental stress? This study focuses on imposing stress-inducing temperature change to candy cane corals, Caulastrea furcata, from an ideal water temperature of 27ºC to elevated levels of 29 ºC and 30 ºC, in the span of two days. After the corals experienced these higher temperatures, they were immediately reverted to ideal conditions. The corals were monitored over the course of several weeks to determine the degree to which recovery was made. The change in zooxanthellae density was determined from multiple extraction periods and coral color was categorized via the Siebeck et al. Color Reference Card. Results indicated that the corals experiencing 29 ºC had better recovery than 30 ºC, and that more than half of the algae were expelled in immediate response to this thermal stress.
Staphylococcus aureus is the cause of a variety of infections that range from mild to severe. It is a bacterium that can interfere with the proper functions of the respiratory muscles and be fatal. It is the cause of various diseases ranging from abscesses to toxic shock syndrome. Many strains of S. aureus have exhibited antibiotic resistance and the antibiotics that are currently in the market have severe side effects. Hence we sought to understand natural treatments, as opposed to artificial treatments, to inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation. This may lead to the rescuing of lives, as S. aureus biofilm formation is a key virulence factor of this pathogen. By examining effective dosage levels of olive and coconut oil-based soaps to inhibit biofilm formation, this investigation seeks to find natural remedies for S. aureus infections. A standard crystal violet assay was used to test the antibacterial activities of the agents, extra virgin olive & coconut oil-based soaps. Even though there was skewing of results due to contamination of the wells, the overall trend supports our hypothesis that the agents possess antimicrobial properties that inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation. We have also found that the threshold value of agents for inhibition of S.aureus biofilm formation lies between 0.1% and 0.01%. More diluted concentrations of those agents are not as effective against S. aureus biofilms.
Stroke is the second leading cause of death throughout the world, and the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer. The incidence of stroke has been gradually increasing with the aging population, and the outcome is often detrimental. It has been shown that the greatest impact on this disease comes from early prevention and intervention. The purpose of this study was to establish an area in patients showing no symptoms with moderate carotid stenosis (50-79%) to help identify the individuals and risk factors that lead a patient to a higher risk for stroke. The severity of carotid artery stenosis and plaque composition determine the treatment options. The two imaging modalities utilized in assessing plaque intensity are the Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA). However, there remained an unknown correlation between components of plaque composition defined by ultrasound versus MRA. My objective was to find the correlation between the two components. With this objective, a hypothesis for the trial was formulated: Ultrasound is equally able to measure plaque volume and heterogeneity when compared with MRA. Twenty subjects who underwent a carotid artery ultrasound and were found to have moderate stenosis, were referred for carotid artery MRA. These imaging modalities assessed percent stenosis severity and plaque heterogeneity index. From the obtained data, the hypothesis was validated as there was no statistical significant difference between plaque volume and heterogeneity of the carotid plaque estimated by either Ultrasound or MRA.
The experiment was performed to determine the effects of microwave and cell phone radiation on ocular development and lens opacity in Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Our model system for these studies is the amphibian developing retina, a derivative of the diencephalon of the forebrain. In order to examine the tadpoles, MS-222 was used as an anesthetic. To induce amplexus, we injected 500 IU of chorionic gonadotropin into the dorsal lymph sacs of both male and female Xenopus laevis. Embryos were exposed to microwave and cell phone radiation during all stages of embryonic development. Morphological changes in the developing eye were monitored photographically and a qualitative assay was used to assess lens opacity. Results from the experiments have been inconclusive. Deaths of tadpoles were experienced but were tied to outside circumstances.
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.
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.
Socioscientific Reasoning (SSR) is the reasoning practices that a person uses to make sense of and think of solutions for SocioScientific Issues (SSI). In 2016, Romine et al. designed a Quantitative Assessment of Socioscientific Reasoning (QuASSR) to assess and characterize SSR; however, characterization of the independent dimension of SSR was not achieved. Our study builds upon and improves QuaSSR by using a new model of epistemic cognition called the vAIR model, which is a community-oriented framework that accounts for limitations of the previous SSR model. The vAIR model of SSR is designed to more clearly distinguish the dimensions of SSR and their interactions in evaluating information in the context of how students reason through a complex issue regarding their school and their diet. The instrument’s design consists of a survey-type assessment programmed to select personally meaningful context through a series of questions and then present the participant with an argument exchange
scenario, embedded with elements of SSR, that asks them to evaluate and choose which side makes the best arguments based. The instrument records the participants' selections and helps observe epistemic cognition patterns that can help us understand how SSR takes place and how it is affected by epistemic dimensions.
The use of artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and saccharin, are becoming more prevalent due to its popularity for low calorie diets and sugar alternatives, especially to those with diabetes. Artificial sweeteners have been found to cause adverse health effects ranging from headaches to cancer (Whitehouse, 2008). However, much of the research that has been done on the harmful effects of aspartame and saccharin is centered on their possible carcinogenic effects.
Little to no research has been conducted on the effects of aspartame and saccharin on the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome has been linked to the progression of multiple disorders based on the alterations in its composition. Studies have also found a bidirectional interaction between the gut microbiome and the brain (Ma, 2019). As many side effects of artificial sweeteners have
been reported in relation to the nervous system, we will explore if these artificial sweeteners are affecting the health of the gut microbiome. The aim of this study is to discuss the effects of aspartame and saccharin on human health, with emphasis on the gut microbiome.
Candida albicans is one of the most prominent forms of Candidiasis, accounting for more than 75% of all Candidal infections. Aside from its growing prevalence, it is also becoming one of the most resistant strains against antifungal medication. This increase in resistance to allopathic medication has fueled a homeopathic movement in medicine. Homeopathy has recently become a well-known alternative to traditional allopathic medication and has shown success in inhibiting fungal growth in certain strains. Due to the growing amount of resistant strains of fungi due to adaptation to antifungal medication mechanisms, seeking alternative treatments can prevent the rise of a fungal epidemic resistant to known treatments. In this study, 5 separate antifungal agents will be tested on their efficacy of inhibiting fungal growth and their fungicidal properties on cultured C. albicans on Sabouraud dextrose agar plates. The agents being tested are Eucalyptus globulus, Ocimum basilicum, Boiron Benzoicum Acidum 30c, Kali Iodatum 30c, and 100mg Ketoconazole. Growth inhibition rate and fungicidal properties were tested using individual treatment. Results showed that in the growth inhibition trial, Ocimum basilicum had the largest zone of inhibition with Eucalyptus globulus following. The allopathic group showed similar inhibition
rates with Benzoicum Acidum and Kali Iodatum showing more inhibition than allopathic Ketoconazole. Fungicidal efficacy was tested in a similar protocol. Data showed that no individual agent had an effective fungicidal effect on Candida albicans, only causing a minimal reduction on the surface in the fungal colony. All data was analyzed using the ANOVA statistical analysis method, and all trials were replicated 10 times to minimize human error and obtain clear results.
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.
Scientific literacy has been a growing topic of discussion, with claims about the usefulness of science being the root of it. Even so, the goals of education writ suffers from a lack of empirical basis to support these claims about usefulness. Considering some citizens don't have domain-specific knowledge of science, we recognize the notion that science can be useful it if can help citizens when making everyday decisions. We used an anonymous survey to ask individuals to describe meaningful decisions they face in everyday life and if they view science as relevant to those decisions. Our results show that most participants have an interest in diet, medical health, and exercise, while using knowledge that they views as fact, sourced from their own experience or undistinguished. Even though they recognized science as relevant to their everyday decisions, they mostly did not consider multiple sources or bias. By understanding what respondents found meaningful and how they source and view that knowledge, we were able to get a better vision of how science can play a role in someone's life. Our results show we can also provide empirical evidence in order to create a skeletal frame that further studies could use to determine what people find to be relevant.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability highlighted by a series of diagnostic criteria including social communication and social interaction deficiency, and the presence of repetitive behavioral and interest patterns that have the potential of continuing throughout life. Although autism spectrum disorder has always been on the radar of health professionals everywhere, it has garnered much attention and prevalence over the past few decades. There is no known cure for autism spectrum disorder at this time, and it is not clearly known as to why the number of children affected by it continues to rise exponentially. Over the
years, research surrounding treatment for those with autism spectrum disorder has
revolutionized, bringing to light new therapy treatment techniques, focusing on sensory-motor adaptation, balance, nutrition, and sensory integration. Occupational therapists help children individually with autism spectrum disorder in school settings, in clinical settings, and even in home settings. However, an occupational therapist is just one title on a list of health professionals who work together to improve the lives of those with autism spectrum disorder and
their families By working with a team of well-equipped doctors, occupational therapists, educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, and other qualified professionals, the person with autism spectrum disorder is set up for a lifetime of growth and success, despite the challenges ASD brings. The purpose of this research is to explore the treatment options for autism spectrum disorder in children, evaluating what works best across each age group. In order to complete this thesis, a plethora of literature surrounding the realm of occupational therapy
treatment as well as autism spectrum disorder was studied, and interviews with professionals were conducted. Once all the information had been collected, conclusions were drawn and comparisons were made.