Barrett, The Honors College Thesis/Creative Project Collection

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), indicated by the absence of estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), is the most aggressive form of breast cancer characterized by high rates of metastasis and low survival. Among those diagnosed with TNBC, 34% contain Inhibitor of Growth 4 (ING4) deletion that is associated with poor patient outcomes. We previously showed that ING4 negatively regulates NF-B in breast cancer. Previous studies show parthenolide, a compound found in feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) to inhibit NF-B in cervical and gastric cancer. We hypothesized that parthenolide inhibits cytokine-induced activation of NF-B in ING4 deficient TNBC cells. To test the hypothesis, previously established vectors, v2, ING4 wildtype and v2h1, ING4-deleted were synthesized in MDA-MB 231, a TNBC cell line, using a CRISPR/Cas9 system. Inflammatory cytokines, IL-1 and TNF, were tested in ING4 wildtype or ING4 deleted cells for elicited phosphorylation of NF-B, proliferation, and migration in the presence or absence of parthenolide. The results showed that TNF or IL-1 induced translocation phosphorylation of NF-B regardless of ING4 deletion. ING4 inhibited proinflammatory cytokine induced pp65, consistent with previous studies demonstrating the negative regulation of NF-B in ING4-sufficent cell lines. We found the optimal working dose of parthenolide, 100nM, had no effect on cell proliferation in the presence or absence of IL-1. Parthenolide inhibited IL-1induced phosphorylation of NF-B regardless of ING4 deletion. Parthenolide inhibited TNF-induced phosphorylation of NF-B in ING4-deleted cell lines. Moreover, parthenolide induced migration of TNBC cells regardless of ING4 presence of absence. TNF and parthenolide treated samples in ING4-deleted cell lines were found to inhibit cell migration to basal level. These results demonstrate the difference in inhibitory mechanism of parthenolide in induced phosphorylation of NF-B through proinflammatory cytokines TNF or IL-1This is demonstrated by the exclusivity of parthenolide inhibition of TNF induced phosphorylation of NF-B in ING4-deleted TNBC cell line. In contrast, parthenolide inhibition of IL-1 induced phosphorylation of NF-B occurred regardless of ING4 deletion. These results may inhibit parthenolide as an alternative to those with ING4-deleted TNBC due to its role in inducing cancer phenotype cell migration.

Silicone wristbands consist of a porous surface with the potential to sequester organic contaminants in the environment. Their properties allow for them to be used as a novel sampling approach to assessing personal human exposure to environmental contaminants. The purpose of the study was to understand the effectiveness of silicone wristbands as sampling devices. This was addressed by identifying and quantifying pesticide recovery from exposed wristbands. Triplicate groups of wristbands were dosed with 37 persistent organochlorine or organophosphate pesticides and then extracted to estimate human exposure through recovery. Results suggest that silicone wristbands have the potential to absorb a number of pesticides and organic contaminants, although at varying rates and quantities. As more uptake and sequestration rates can be established, wristbands have the potential to serve as indicators of human exposure to a variety of pesticides and other chemical groups at trace amounts.

Beginning in the early 1990s, nuclear forensic science is a relatively young field that focuses on “re-establishing the history of nuclear material of unknown origin” (Mayer, et al. 2010, p. 1). Specifically, investigators compare these unknown materials, pre-detonation in this case, based on their characteristics and process history (Mayer, et al. 2010, p. 1). In 2010, the Committee of Nuclear Forensics made ten recommendations on the procedures that could lead to improvement in investigation methods. In particular, this paper discusses Recommendation 6: “The nuclear forensics community should develop and adhere to standards and procedures that are rooted in the applicable underlying principles that have been recommended for modern forensic science, including calibration using reference standards; cross-comparison with other methods; inter-laboratory comparisons; and identification, propagation, and characterization of uncertainties'' (Committee of Nuclear Forensics, 2010, p. 11). The main objective of this paper is to compile a literature review to determine how this recommendation was followed, if at all, and produce a list of suggestions that could complement any effort towards the improvement of the field. Out of the methods recommended, that which has fostered the most growth has been cross-comparison. For example, the need for human supervision has decreased, which has decreased the need for human error (Reading, et al., 2017, p. 6013). However, areas that would benefit from development are increasing the number of disciplines in the field (Croudace, et al., 2016, p. 128). These conclusions provided the basis for improvements to other existing studies like DNA and fingerprinting.

As the opioid epidemic continues to rise, so does the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Neonatal abstinence syndrome, or NAS, is a withdrawal condition that occurs when a fetus has been exposed to addictive drugs prior to birth, most commonly opioids. Newborns with NAS can experience a variety of symptoms at and after birth, including trembling, sleep problems, seizures, and vomiting. Women who use opioids during pregnancy have a much higher risk of their newborn developing NAS. If a woman is suspected of using drugs during her pregnancy, the newborn will likely be tested toxicologically for NAS or other exposure to drugs. There is debate about the procedures that are used to determine who is tested and who is not. Institutions are currently being left to make their own decisions about how newborn toxicology tests will be performed and who receives such tests. Unless a mother self-reports her use, a test may not be performed unless certain factors are observed. This leaves room for variation and inconsistency across the board. Guidelines have been created in some institutions regarding several indicators of drugs abuse during pregnancy. However, this is not consistent between institutions across the nation and allows for the possibility of misdiagnosis or the lack of one altogether. Standards should be implemented regarding these toxicology tests for newborns to ensure all cases of infants with NAS are identified and able to be treated. This paper will examine neonatal abstinence syndrome, how toxicology testing is performed in newborns, why standards should be implemented, and provide a comparison between an upcoming and a current method of testing in newborns for NAS.

Throughout the year I had the opportunity to work on a business venture that utilized dendrites as a unique identifier. Dendrites themselves are completely unique, random, branching structures that occur everywhere in nature. This creative project was inspired by the shape of the dendrite and I created a series of 12 paintings reflecting on my own unique college journey.

Wounds are a routine, daily reality. It is a testament of the ingenuity of our ancestors to have survived minor or major wounds without the benefit of 21st century techniques or knowledge. They had to design innovative methods for treating injuries through deadly trial and error as well as observation with which modern people must no longer concern themselves. Human beings have long survived without the help of modern, Western medicine through the use ancient remedies. Some of these methods included the use of honey, silver, and leeches. However, these ancient remedies were held in high esteem for good reasons, and in fact, some of these methods are still being used today due to their effectiveness. This thesis serves to inspect the historical background and current uses of these ancient remedies while also inspecting the biochemical properties that preserved their place in modern, Western medicine. Lastly, student experiments were designed based on this research to educate students on biochemical reactions that occur between these ancient remedies and the human body.

The decision to disclose or not disclose information is a personal choice. When medical information is learned, a patient has to make decisions about disclosure. This qualitative research project has the goal of understanding how Latinx participants' cultural values, experiences from this community, and other factors influence the decision to disclose in a romantic relationship. Twelve interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide and the main themes found from analysis of the data cultural and relational influencers. This thesis serves as a resource for healthcare professionals to better understand their Latinx patient population in times where disclosure is encountered.

The decision to disclose or not disclose information is a personal choice. When medical information is learned, a patient has to make decisions about disclosure. This qualitative research project has the goal of understanding how Latinx participants' cultural values, experiences from this community, and other factors influence the decision to disclose in a romantic relationship. Twelve interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide and the main themes found from analysis of the data cultural and relational influencers. This thesis serves as a resource for healthcare professionals to better understand their Latinx patient population in times where disclosure is encountered.

Managing plastic waste is a challenge for a small island nation like American Samoa. As a result, they need access to alternative products that will benefit their environment. The alternative products must also be equally cost-effective for local restaurants in order for them to be a viable option. The study concluded that Polylactic Acid (PLA) was the best material for take-out containers, paper was the best for cups, and wood was the best for utensils. Future research should focus on any other alternatives that become available for shipment to American Samoa, effects caused by an increase in cornstarch-based products (i.e., PLA take-out containers), and the satisfaction of both the restaurants and their customers based on the recommendations provided in this study.