Trivigno, Catherine

Previous research implicates the gut-brain axis in mental health, but factors such as cultural diet and other circumstances that influence the gut-brain axis have not been extensively studied. This thesis aims to investigate cultural factors and other factors, including seasonal and economic conditions, that may influence diet and therefore, the gut microbiota, and in turn, the gut-brain axis. To explore this connection, the relationship between components of diet and changes in the gut microbiota composition was reviewed. To understand how those factors may interact to impact anxiety and depression via the gut-brain axis, a host of influences should be considered, including diet as one of many complexities that contribute to an individual’s mental health. This thesis proposes recommendations for mental health professionals, public health policy, and future research to effectively support the mental health of individuals with conditions, such as anxiety and depression, with the respect and mindfulness they deserve.

Pancreatic cancers are difficult to treat with a 13% survival rate. Factors such as hypoxic niches within the cancer promote drug resistance, while enzymes such as membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) are linked to disease etiology. MT1-MMP’s transmembrane region is implicated in cancer invasion and metastasis. However, little is known about the cytoplasmic tail (MT1-MMP-CT). Recent studies have linked MT1-MMP-CT and the transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible-factor-1-subunit-alpha (HIF-1α); a transcription factor that is stable only under hypoxia. This study uses flow cytometry to quantify the co expression of HIF-1α and MT1-MMP-CT among human pancreatic cell lines, under both normoxia and hypoxia. This study seeks to understand more about the relationship between MT1-MMP and HIF-1α in normoxic and hypoxic conditions within pancreatic cancer.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. It is characterized by the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to cognitive decline and memory deficiencies. Exercise has been shown to induce neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. However, the effects that exercise has on neuronal morphology are not fully understood. In this preliminary study I used APPswe/PSEN1dE9 mice, a mouse model of AD, to quantify the morphological changes caused by exercise in the mice via access to a running wheel. The results showed that exercise caused significant morphological changes in the brains of females but not males. These findings increase our knowledge of the role exercise may have as a therapeutic and provide insight into the importance of sex differences regarding potential therapeutics for those with AD.

Dopaminergic dysfunction has been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The dopamine transporter (DAT) is responsible for the reuptake of synaptic dopamine and critical dopaminergic signaling. The DAT Val550 mutation, a mutation identified in two boys with ASD, drives an aberrant dopamine efflux into the synaptic cleft and leads to alterations in dopamine homeostasis in DAT Val559 mice. Previous research found that DAT Val559 mice display unique patterns of social behavior that are dependent on sex. Here we explore the effects that sex and age have on sociability and look at the level of differential effect that sulpiride, a D-2 receptor antagonist, has on the social and anxiety behaviors of the DAT Val559 mice. Our results show distinct impacts of sulpiride on the behavior of wild type or DAT Val559 mutant mice that are dependent on the sex and age of the mice. To fully understand neuropsychiatric disorders, we need to consider the further effects that age and sex have on neurophysiology.

The opioid crisis is a critical problem in the United States. Therefore, the ethicality of prescribing opioids to those recovering from drug addiction must be considered. Opioids may be prescribed to treat postoperative pain, which poses an ethical dilemma as the prescription of these drugs to recovering addicts can lead to relapse. While addiction can impair one’s ability to make rational decisions, there are cases in which those in recovery are autonomous and are therefore capable of self-determination which should not be denied. This paper aims to assess the concepts of autonomy and drug addiction to propose treatment follow-up options for clinicians and patients which may prevent relapse from occurring in postoperative settings where opioid prescription is indicated for the patient’s well-being. It is argued that opioids can be prescribed to former drug users in an ethical way under specific parameters including the implementation of patient-specific treatment plans.

Throughout recorded history there have been accounts of trying to slow and reverse the natural aging process. From the quest for the Fountain of Youth, to the discovery of telomeric degradation, aging has been a hot research topic for centuries. Due to an aging population, anti-aging research has become a magnet for geneticists and researchers. There is great hope in the strive towards anti-aging therapies, and a variation of methods have been developed that have experimentally slowed aging. Yet the biggest hurdle for anti-aging researchers is to try and balance improving lifespan without compromising, or even ignoring, healthspan. Quality of health, or one’s healthspan, is necessary to consider when developing ethical anti-aging therapies. In this review, research behind aging processes and anti-aging therapies will be presented, and the benefits and/or ethical dilemmas that arise will be discussed.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnosis is devastating for any family. This devastation is
often increased and emphasized by the evident lack of resources for these families and caregivers,
to maneuver through the steps of recovery. TBI's have been given the nicknae of "the
silent epidemic,” and there is increasing, though still minimal, recognition or discussion of this
injury.
This thesis looks at the causes, types, and frequencies of traumatic brain injuries, as well
as the psychological, financial, and burden experienced by the parents, siblings, and caregivers in
addition to the patient themselves. We can conclude that more resources need to be made available
to help families and caregivers of TBI patients maneuver through the recovery processes as
well as maintain their overall health and family dynamic.

Throughout recorded history there have been accounts of trying to slow and reverse the
natural aging process. From the quest for the Fountain of Youth, to the discovery of telomeric
degradation, aging has been a hot research topic for centuries. Due to an aging population,
anti-aging research has become a magnet for geneticists and researchers. There is great hope in
the strive towards anti-aging therapies, and a variation of methods have been developed that have
experimentally slowed aging. Yet the biggest hurdle for anti-aging researchers is to try and
balance improving lifespan without compromising, or even ignoring, healthspan. Quality of
health, or one’s healthspan, is necessary to consider when developing ethical anti-aging
therapies. In this review, research behind aging processes and anti-aging therapies will be
presented, and the benefits and/or ethical dilemmas that arise will be discussed.

Sulindac is an FDA approved, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that exhibits anti-cancer properties. Metformin is and FDA approved, anti-diabetic drug that also has documented anti-cancer properties. The goal of this project was to explore if a dual-combination of sulindac and metformin in the presence of a chemical oxidizing agent is more effective in killing lung cancer cells while not inducing cell death in normal lung cells. Our data shows that a triple-drug combination of sulindac, metformin, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide induce significant cell death in lung cancer cells but did not induce significant cell death in normal lung cells.

Dementia is a disease commonly found in older adults which impairs proper cognitive function and the ability of dementia patients to carry out daily tasks. Hence, there is a need for caregivers who can assist the patients by taking them through their daily living activities. Prior research has primarily been focused on the impact of this disease on the patient's quality of living without shedding ample light on the struggles that caregivers face. Caregivers undergo high-stress levels relative to the number of tasks they carryout for their patients and other contributing factors. Burdens that each dementia caregiver faces can take a toll on their physical and emotional health. This paper highlights the effects of caregiving on the caretakers’ nutrition and physical health and proposes a method for investigating the impacts of telehealth nutritionist intervention on the diets of caregivers and their dementia patients.