Matching Items (2)
Filtering by

Clear all filters

136192-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Is it possible to treat the mouth as a natural environment, and determine new methods to keep the microbiome in check? The need for biodiversity in health may suggest that every species carries out a specific function that is required to maintain equilibrium and homeostasis within the oral cavity. Furthermore,

Is it possible to treat the mouth as a natural environment, and determine new methods to keep the microbiome in check? The need for biodiversity in health may suggest that every species carries out a specific function that is required to maintain equilibrium and homeostasis within the oral cavity. Furthermore, the relationship between the microbiome and its host is mutually beneficial because the host is providing microbes with an environment in which they can flourish and, in turn, keep their host healthy. Reviewing examples of larger scale environmental shifts could provide a window by which scientists can make hypotheses. Certain medications and healthcare treatments have been proven to cause xerostomia. This disorder is characterized by a dry mouth, and known to be associated with a change in the composition, and reduction, of saliva. Two case studies performed by Bardow et al, and Leal et al, tested and studied the relationships of certain medications and confirmed their side effects on the salivary glands [2,3]. Their results confirmed a relationship between specific medicines, and the correlating complaints of xerostomia. In addition, Vissink et al conducted case studies that helped to further identify how radiotherapy causes hyposalivation of the salivary glands [4]. Specifically patients that have been diagnosed with oral cancer, and are treated by radiotherapy, have been diagnosed with xerostomia. As stated prior, studies have shown that patients having an ecologically balanced and diverse microbiome tend to have healthier mouths. The oral cavity is like any biome, consisting of commensalism within itself and mutualism with its host. Due to the decreased salivary output, caused by xerostomia, increased parasitic bacteria build up within the oral cavity thus causing dental disease. Every human body contains a personalized microbiome that is essential to maintaining health but capable of eliciting disease. The Human Oral Microbiomics Database (HOMD) is a set of reference 16S rRNA gene sequences. These are then used to define individual human oral taxa. By conducting metagenomic experiments at the molecular and cellular level, scientists can identify and label micro species that inhabit the mouth during parasitic outbreaks or a shifting of the microbiome. Because the HOMD is incomplete, so is our ability to cure, or prevent, oral disease. The purpose of the thesis is to research what is known about xerostomia and its effects on the complex microbiome of the oral cavity. It is important that researchers determine whether this particular perspective is worth considering. In addition, the goal is to create novel experiments for treatment and prevention of dental diseases.
ContributorsHalcomb, Michael Jordan (Author) / Chen, Qiang (Thesis director) / Steele, Kelly (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Letters and Sciences (Contributor)
Created2015-05
135592-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
The stress levels of the average person in today's society are extremely high and this can have a massive effect on health, especially on the cardiovascular system. The two most common types of stress, acute and chronic, effect the cardiovascular system differently. Acute stress comes from a short term source

The stress levels of the average person in today's society are extremely high and this can have a massive effect on health, especially on the cardiovascular system. The two most common types of stress, acute and chronic, effect the cardiovascular system differently. Acute stress comes from a short term source of perceived danger, such as giving a presentation in front of a crowd, or being chased by a wild animal. Chronic stress is the dull anxiety that hangs around consistently and comes from long-term sources of stress, such as a negative work environment or feeling trapped in a poor relationship. A review of the available research literature shows that while acute stress can have positive or negative effects on the body, chronic stress is consistently damaging to cardiovascular health. The adrenaline rush associated with acute stress can increase focus and improve performance through a variety of physiological reactions such as increased heart rate and changes in blood flow to support the most vital organs. Chronic stress sufferers have an increased chance of heart disease, heart attack, and a variety of other problems due to the negative consequences of chronic stress such as high blood pressure. The high negative impact chronic stress and excessive amounts of acute stress can have leads to the conclusion that stress needs to be regulated and limited. Prioritizing health by getting sufficient sleep, taking time to exercise, and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation can all help to minimize stress levels and the dangerous potential consequences of excess stress.
ContributorsJarrett, Jacqalyn Renee (Author) / Oberstein, Bruce (Thesis director) / Murphree, Julie (Committee member) / College of Letters and Sciences (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05