The Sweet Pathway to Neurodegenerative Disease: An Analysis of Research Literature Trends on the Links between Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease – a Meta-Analysis

Description

This meta-study analyzes the shift in research literature that focuses on the various shared causes of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease from the years 2000 to 2022. Examining literature trends over the past two decades can offer valuable insight…

This meta-study analyzes the shift in research literature that focuses on the various shared causes of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease from the years 2000 to 2022. Examining literature trends over the past two decades can offer valuable insight into the evolving emphasis on various topics. Altogether, a total of 154 publications were collected from the Pubmed and ResearchGate databases using a non-biased protocol and methodology. Each paper was then categorized by the topics it discussed. Visual representation of the data such as bar graphs and tables were created to comprehend the trends presented in the group of papers. The collection of publications were then differentiated into years of early (prior to 2005 or 2010) and late (after 2006 or 2011) periods to perform a statistical analysis of the patterns in the timeline. The increase in publications discussing Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid beta deposition, gut microbiota, mitochondrial dysfunction, type 2 diabetes, and tau hyperphosphorylation from the early to the late period were statistically significant. This means that the increase was not due to random chance, but rather supported by evidence. This can be attributed to researchers and physicians discovering more evidence that establishes a link between specific factors, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. This reflects a genuine acknowledgment of the importance of understanding and addressing the relationship between these two pathologies. Research in the trends of literature can provide information in which areas of research are the most studied or understudied. Based on these findings, the identification of areas with limited knowledge and potential research directions can be inferred, ultimately leading to the enhancement of preventive measures and therapeutic approaches for these conditions.

Date Created
2023-05
Agent

Covid, Stress, and Their Impact on Oral Health

Description
The COVID-19 Pandemic, which nearly shut down the world for several months, had a large impact on the lives of everyone around the world. The pandemic brought many changes to daily life including the loss of jobs, online schooling, weeks…

The COVID-19 Pandemic, which nearly shut down the world for several months, had a large impact on the lives of everyone around the world. The pandemic brought many changes to daily life including the loss of jobs, online schooling, weeks in quarantine, and for some, even the loss of a loved one. It was expected that the many abrupt changes increased levels of stress, in turn having a negative impact on oral health throughout society. Aside from this, changes in everyday habits and hygiene also likely had a negative effect on oral health. The overall effect that the pandemic had on oral health was investigated through a survey that was sent out to dental offices across the United States and Canada asking about the rates of clenching and grinding, the rates of cracked teeth, the number of crowns completed, the percentage of missed appointments, and the overall oral health of patients all throughout the pandemic and prior to the pandemic. Data was also collected at St. Vincent de Paul, a public health dental clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, which included the total number of crowns, the total number of appointments, and the total number of missed appointments all before and during the pandemic. It was predicted that all of the stress indicators asked about throughout the survey would have rates that increased throughout the pandemic, as well as that the number of crowns completed and missed appointments at St. Vincent de Paul both would have increased. The majority of the results matched the predictions, supporting the hypothesis that the COVID-19 Pandemic had a negative impact on overall oral health.
Date Created
2022-12
Agent

Protection Against Basal Cell Carcinoma: Limitations in Sunscreen, Further Research, and Recommendations

148277-Thumbnail Image.png
Description

Skin cancer diagnoses and deaths continue to increase every year. With basal cell carcinoma (BCC) being the most common type of skin cancer diagnoses, establishing protective measurements against it are important. Surprisingly, sunscreen may not be as effective at protecting…

Skin cancer diagnoses and deaths continue to increase every year. With basal cell carcinoma (BCC) being the most common type of skin cancer diagnoses, establishing protective measurements against it are important. Surprisingly, sunscreen may not be as effective at protecting against basal cell carcinoma as it is for another non-melanoma type of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma. This paper aims to identify some differences between the two non-melanoma type cancers to find probable reasons sunscreen may be more effective at protecting against one over the other, as well as to find new solutions to protect against basal cell carcinoma. The results conclude that basal cell carcinoma does have UV-induced pathogenesis, in which case sunscreen is protective; however, it also revealed the need for ingredient studies and more sunscreen efficacy studies to determine other BCC pathogenesis pathways. Lastly, aided by dermatologist interviews, current interventions were established in order to provide greater protection against skin cancer. These include reforming the way commercials portray sunscreen to better educate the public about proper application and re-application, genetic testing for high-risk BCC markers, and an emphasis on sun education to the mothers of children.

Date Created
2021-05
Agent

Root Canal Therapy: Understanding the Foundations of Endodontic Diagnosis and Treatment

Description
My thesis consisted of both a self-directed study and a creative project. I worked with Dr. Michael Grabow, an endodontist of 20 years, to understand the scientific and technical aspects of root canal therapy. The first phase of the thesis…

My thesis consisted of both a self-directed study and a creative project. I worked with Dr. Michael Grabow, an endodontist of 20 years, to understand the scientific and technical aspects of root canal therapy. The first phase of the thesis was a review of dental biology, tooth development, morphology, physiology, radiology, and endodontics. The second phase was the creative project in which I learned the technical process of performing a root canal. In this phase, I observed Dr. Grabow execute root canal therapy on live patients and extracted teeth (obtained from an oral surgeon). I then completed root canals of my own on extracted teeth, under the instruction and oversight of Dr. Grabow.
Date Created
2020-12
Agent

The Future of Regenerative Medicine in Professional Sports

131429-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Regenerative medicine is a relatively new area of interest among researchers and physicians alike and has truly come to light within the last twenty years. Its purpose is to “regenerate” cells in our body to return tissue and organs systems…

Regenerative medicine is a relatively new area of interest among researchers and physicians alike and has truly come to light within the last twenty years. Its purpose is to “regenerate” cells in our body to return tissue and organs systems to their normal functions by utilizing innate cell mechanisms. Uses have ranged from growing completely new body tissue in labs, to promoting the repair of damaged neurons. More recently, the use of regenerative medicine techniques such as stem cell and platelet rich plasma therapy has seen significant growth throughout high level and professional sports. Beginning in the early 2000s, treatments quickly gained popularity as professional athletes began using them as an alternative to surgery, but this came before any concrete scientific support. This thesis paper will analyze the current statistical data supporting the use of platelet rich plasma and stem cell therapy and associated regulations to describe the connection between regenerative medicine and sports.
Date Created
2020-05
Agent

Waxing Teeth: Creating Anatomically and Functionally Correct 3D Dental Models

132261-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
What does it mean to wax a tooth? Creating dental wax-ups is a procedure utilized across the field of dentistry among professionals, lab technicians, and even dental students. The process of waxing a tooth involves many steps, instruments, and knowledge…

What does it mean to wax a tooth? Creating dental wax-ups is a procedure utilized across the field of dentistry among professionals, lab technicians, and even dental students. The process of waxing a tooth involves many steps, instruments, and knowledge of dental anatomy. To simplify, waxing a tooth involves utilizing dental wax and heat to create a three dimensional model of a specific tooth and its anatomy. This process is often used in education of dental students in an attempt to teach essential skills needed in a dental career. Dental waxing can help students learn specific anatomical differences between teeth and how varying teeth work together aesthetically and functionally (Abdalla 2018). This process involves diving into characteristics of teeth involving heights of contour, convex and concave surfaces, marginal ridges, embrasures, and point angles. Such skills and knowledge, as mentioned by Dr. Ticole Nguyen, were essential in her education at Texas A&M’s Baylor College of Dentistry. More specifically, Dr. Nguyen stated not only does learning how to create wax ups aide students in development of their anatomical understanding, but it also provides opportunities to prepare for future procedures such as fillings and creating crowns. When a waxed up tooth is complete, it is referenced as a “working model.” The term working model is not just a term, but carries with it the detail and thought required to create a functioning and visually accurate tooth - a tooth that works (Nguyen 2015).
Date Created
2019-05
Agent

Testing the Effect of Retrograded Resistant Starch in Pasta on Postprandial Glycemic Response

132975-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Resistant starch is defined as a portion of starch that bypasses breakdown and absorption in the small intestine. Several studies have shown a relationship between resistant starch consumption and decreased postprandial blood glucose. RS3 in particular, is formed when a…

Resistant starch is defined as a portion of starch that bypasses breakdown and absorption in the small intestine. Several studies have shown a relationship between resistant starch consumption and decreased postprandial blood glucose. RS3 in particular, is formed when a starch containing food changes its chemical structure after it is cooked and then cooled. This characteristic enables a food to lower its glycemic index after it has been cooled enough to promote retrogradation and can potentially be used as a dietary intervention to control blood glucose in diabetics and individuals with insulin resistance. Although many studies have been done on rice and potatoes, pasta has not been tested as extensively. This investigation examines the effect of RS3 in pasta on postprandial glycemic response in 13 healthy participants. After consuming 2 bagels the night prior and coming in to the lab in a fasted state, the test subjects were given a warm or cold pasta dish to consume. Blood glucose samples were taken at fasting, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes for both the hot and cold dish. Analysis of the results indicated that there was an average of a 4.1 mg/dl decrease in blood glucose at 30 min and a 2.4 mg/dl decrease at 60 min for the cold pasta. This was followed by a 3.9 mg/dl increase at 90 min and 3.3 mg/dl increase at 120 min. Although these results show a small difference in postprandial glucose response, statistical analysis did not deem it significant difference.
Date Created
2019-05
Agent

Adaptive Aquatics: Training Swim Instructors to Work with Individuals with Disabilities

133112-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
This thesis project examines the nature of aquatic exercise and the applicability and advantages it has for individuals living with a developmental disability. Specifically, this project will be taking a look at the discontinuation of the Red Cross adapted aquatics…

This thesis project examines the nature of aquatic exercise and the applicability and advantages it has for individuals living with a developmental disability. Specifically, this project will be taking a look at the discontinuation of the Red Cross adapted aquatics certification in the early 2000's. This certification was specifically meant for swim instructors to teach those with disabilities. However, this program was cut in 2004 and has not been replaced in the current Red Cross literature, excluding a single chapter of limited scope and does not include in-person training. Therefore, this project is meant to be a multifaceted study of the history, benefits, and limitations of re-instituting this and similar programs that help prepare aquatics teachers to aid individuals with disabilities, specifically individuals living with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder. The primary goal of this project is to take an understanding of aquatics as a method of healing and apply these findings in order to promote the continued growth of aquatic exercise in a way that will make it more accessible to individuals who may not be able to participate in such an environment otherwise. This paper will also be exploring future endeavors related to adapted aquatics groups, and what steps should be taken to bolster awareness and participation, both through the Red Cross and other organizations. For this project I will be relying not only on current journalistic literature, but also my own experiences as an instructor of Red Cross swimming lessons, and the Sioux Falls based group, Adaptive Aquatics.
Date Created
2018-12
Agent

Ambassador Handbook

133439-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Arizona State University and Banner Thunderbird Hospital have partnered to provide pre-med students with an internship at a local emergency department. Students entering into this program will have access to each patient's vital signs, medical imaging, lab tests, and medications.…

Arizona State University and Banner Thunderbird Hospital have partnered to provide pre-med students with an internship at a local emergency department. Students entering into this program will have access to each patient's vital signs, medical imaging, lab tests, and medications. This access presents students with an opportunity to learn about a variety of tools used in the assessment and treatment of emergency room patients. In order to enhance the amount of knowledge students take away from the program, I created a handbook summarizing a variety of diagnostic tests and medications. The first section of the handbook (assessment) is spilt up into the three following categories: vital signs, medical imaging, and lab tests. The second section (treatment) consists of one category, medications. Each section was written with emphasis on basic physiology, and is intended to provide pre-med students with a foundation for building further medical knowledge. Although this handbook was tailored to the information students are most likely to encounter working in Banner Thunderbird Hospital's emergency department, it is still appropriate for any student interested in learning about emergency medicine.
Date Created
2018-05
Agent

Characterization of 18kDa Mitochondrial Translocator Protein in Relation to Neuropathological Elements of Neurodegenerative Diseases

133956-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Neuroinflammation is mediated by activated microglia, the chief immune response of the central nervous system. Mitochondrial 18kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is upregulated in activated microglia and has been used in PET scans to analyze peripheral and central inflammation with TSPO…

Neuroinflammation is mediated by activated microglia, the chief immune response of the central nervous system. Mitochondrial 18kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is upregulated in activated microglia and has been used in PET scans to analyze peripheral and central inflammation with TSPO radioligand [18F]DPA-714. To test the hypothesis that TSPO is involved in microglial mediation of inflammatory responses to Aβ and other Alzheimer’s pathological elements, TSPO expression was evaluated in relation to microglia specific markers (IBA1 and LN3 antibodies) and markers for AD pathology, Aβ (6E10 antibody) and hyperphosphorylated tau (AT8 antibody). To test that TSPO is involved in inflammatory pathways, HEK cells transfected with TSPO plasmids were assessed for oxidative stress in response to Alzheimer’s disease pathogenic agents, β Amyloid (Aβ), and Parkinson’s disease α-synuclein (α-syn).

Fluorescence microscopy of TSPO transfected HEK cell cultures labeled with Carboxy-H2DCFDA and treated with Beta Amyloid (Aβ) and α-synuclein (α-syn) resulted in DAPI fluorescing Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) nuclei in blue and Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) fluorescing reactive oxygen species (ROS) or oxidative stress in cell cytoplasm in green. Preliminary study suggests TSPO transfected cells may be used to test oxidative stress with disease pathological elements (Aβ and α-synuclein). In IHC, TSPO immunoreactivity was observed in IBA1 and LN3 marked microglia with varying degrees of expression. Beaded structures were also observed with TSPO immunoreactivities, possibly representing microglia processes. TSPO immunoreactivity was observed in and surrounding amyloid plaques and p-tau immunoreactive neurites. This demonstrates that TSPO is predominantly expressed in microglia and are closely associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathological elements, suggesting involvement of TSPO-expressing microglia in neurodegenerative processes.
Date Created
2018-05
Agent
Subscribe to Washo-Krupps, Delon