Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons in the motor cortex and spinal cord. Recent evidence suggests that the purine receptor P2X7 (P2X7R) plays a central role in the pathology of ALS. Previous research indicates that P2X7R activation by oxidatively modified heat shock protein 90...
Dwelling on the bottom of large rivers to high alpine streams, freshwater sculpins (genus Cottus) occur in high densities across the Pacific Northwest, with 21 currently recognized species found in the Pacific Northwest. Sculpin fill many ecological roles, with some species serving as important prey sources, and others competing with...
Postmortem diagnostics play an important role in the ability to understand the cause of death of an animal. However, removal from oxygen supply, either by surgical excision or at death, leads to cell and tissue decomposition. Knowledge about factors impacting reliability of test results is extremely important for accurate diagnostics....
Post-mortem examinations were performed on 29 deceased Persian kittens from 13 different litters, and 30 deceased Devon Rex kittens from 18 different litters in order to identify gross anatomical abnormalities. Fifteen kittens were stillborn (8 Devon Rex, 7 Persian), 17 kittens died during the first day of life (16 Devon...
There are over two million pet rabbits in the United States. Many rabbits are obtained as adults from pet stores and humane societies. Pet rabbit owners may elect to perform ovariohysterectomy (spay) surgeries on female rabbits to prevent unwanted pregnancies as well as to eliminate the possibility of reproductive disorders...
Aging is a major risk factor for the deterioration of biochemical pathways that lead to many chronic neurodegenerative disorders (i.e. Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's Disease). Cellular senescence is a hallmark of aging, a condition characterized by stable growth arrest resulting in a cell that no longer divides, but is metabolically active....
Objectives: Nitrate, found abundantly in green leafy vegetables, may improve exercise performance by increasing the availability and utilization of metabolic fuels that require less oxygen for energy production. However, it is not known if this performance effect occurs at the peak exercise intensity. We hypothesize that supplemental nitrate treatment will...
This review investigated the cognitive effects of intergenerational trauma. Through a literature review, 622 articles across two databases were examined using bibliography and literature review software to analyze such effects. Six articles were identified and discussed as well as their implications for future research. The supporting articles demonstrated clear cognitive...
BCL11B, also known as CTIP2, is a transcription factor which plays a critical role in the regulation and development of many tissues and organ systems, including the skin. A 2019 study by Goos et. al. uncovered a novel point mutation in BCL11B gene that converted the Arginine(R)-3 residue to a...
Falls in older adults are a significant issue in the United States. Many older adults are advised to participate in fall prevention exercise programs in an attempt to increase strength and stability, but it is unclear what role limb dominance and potential limb asymmetry has in exercise performance. The purpose...