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Natural Sciences

Shady Khader, Michael Leem Jeremy Dry, Elle McGovern, Dr. Melville Vaughan, Dr. John Nail, and Dr. Christina Hendrickson "Dandelion Seed Extract Disrupts Key Metabolic Pathways in Cervical Cancer Cells鈥�

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, necessitating new treatments. Dandelion Seed Extract (DSE) has demonstrated anticancer potential by disrupting metabolic pathways. This study investigates DSE's effects on lipid and glucose metabolism in HeLa cells (cervical cancer cells) and HDF cells (human dermal fibroblasts). Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant downregulation of key metabolic genes in HeLa cells, including CYP24A1, CYP1B1, IDI1, PDK4, GALM, INSIG1, MSRB1, and SLC2A6. Notably, PDK4 was significantly upregulated in HDF cells, while other genes were downregulated. Specifically, PDK4, which regulates glucose metabolism, showed a fold change (FC) of -5.43 in HeLa cells and 7.54 in HDF cells. Despite the downregulation of lipid metabolism genes in HDF cells, most were less downregulated compared to HeLa cells. These findings suggest that DSE selectively disrupts lipid and glucose metabolism in HeLa cells while upregulating PDK4 in HDF cells, highlighting its potential as an anticancer treatment.

Falak Maarouf, Conner Broeker, Syd Burch, and Lauren Pogue 鈥淐omparison of the Anticancer Effects of Dandelion鈥檚 Whole Extract and Seed Extract鈥�

Dandelion whole extract (DWE) and dandelion seed extract (DSE) exhibit distinct anticancer properties, differing in both potency and mechanism of action. DWE is effective at higher concentrations (4鈥� 8 mg/mL) and primarily disrupts focal adhesion pathways, impairing cancer cell attachment and migration. In contrast, DSE demonstrates significantly greater potency, with effective dose ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 mg/mL, and influences multiple cellula pathways. DSE modulates Wnt signaling, downregulates DNA repair genes, and alters key metabolic pathways, suggesting a broader impact on cancer cell proliferation and survival. These differences highlight the potential of DSE as a more efficient anticancer agent at lower concentrations, possibly due to its ability to simultaneously target multiple critical signaling mechanisms. Understanding these mechanistic variations can inform therapeutic strategies, optimizing the use of dandelion extracts for cancer treatment. Further research is warranted to elucidate their full pharmacological potential and clinical applications.

Kayla Nguyen 鈥淐haracterizing Developmental and Cardiovascular Defects in an Avian Model of Maternal Phenylketonuria鈥�

Maternal phenylketonuria (MPKU), a syndrome in the developing fetus when dietary phenylalanine (Phe) intake is uncontrolled in the mother with phenylketonuria (PKU), is associated with congenital anomalies including cranial defects, cardiovascular malformations (CVMs), and growth restrictions. This study aimed to establish an avian MPKU model, focusing on early developmental defects and CVMs at HH34, a developmental stage when heart development is complete. Embryos were exposed to 2500渭M Phe via in-ovo yolk injection, allowed 48 hours to develop, and dissected. At HH14-17, India ink was injected into the yolk for imaging and scoring. At HH34 tissues were removed to expose the heart and vessels, and contrast dye was injected. High Phe exposure led to morphological changes including developmental/growth delays, anterior/posterior abnormalities, and torsion defects. This study lays the foundation for future research on the mechanisms of Phe-induced cardiac defects, enhancing the understanding of MPKU and the possibility of developing novel treatments.

Healthcare & Nursing

Korbin Cardoza 鈥淓xploring the Genetic and Social Disparities of Diabetes in US Hispanic Communities鈥�

Hispanics in the United States consistently have the highest diabetes mortality rate, claiming upwards of 100,000 people annually. This often-forgotten population leads the country in diabetes-affiliated deaths by around 60% and also have an approximate 50% higher rate of diabetes diagnosis than non-Hispanic groups. Despite these eyebrow raising numbers, the factors driving these statistics remain sparsely studied. This project seeks to understand the role of the SLC16A11 gene, a variant genetic factor that appears disproportionately in Hispanic populations, and how it increases type 2 diabetes susceptibility. Furthermore, this study evaluates social barriers, such as language differences, and limited healthcare access, that hinder the reception of proper diabetes management. By evaluating both genetic and systematic factors driving these disparities, this review hopes to achieve a holistic understanding of the modern-day diabetes epidemic in the Hispanic communities of the United States.

Steven Miller 鈥淭ransitioning from Military Service to Nursing Education鈥�

Veterans bring a lot of unique skills and perspectives with them when they enter nursing school, many of which come from their time in the military. The training they receive, along with the discipline and resilience they build in the military, can be helpful as they work through nursing classes and clinical training. Adjusting to college life after military service can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding a new routine, managing mental health, and fitting in with classmates. Recently, colleges and universities have been offering more resources to help veterans transition into higher education, especially in high-demand fields like nursing. This support reflects a broader focus on helping veterans enter the healthcare field, where skilled workers are needed. This paper will discuss how military experience impacts veterans' nursing education by looking at areas like academic performance, adaptability, social integration, and support services.

Erin Reynolds 鈥淚mplementing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in Primary Rural Healthcare to Improve Health Outcomes of Chronic Conditions鈥�

Chronic health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and hypertension are known to exist at higher rates in rural communities, largely due to limited access to primary care. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have been identified as a potential resource for reducing the primary care provider shortage. This paper evaluates whether implementing APRNs in rural primary care improves health outcomes in chronic conditions. A literature review of peer-reviewed studies from 2019 to 2024 was conducted. Research findings indicate that APRNs contribute to preventing chronic disease complications while increasing access, reducing costs, and improving the quality of care. However, challenges including financial constraints, professional isolation, and practice authority should be further evaluated and addressed through policy changes, educational support, and collaborative care models. APRNs play a critical role in