JournalTOCs

Western Undergraduate Research Journal : Health and Natural Sciences
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 1923-757X
Published by Western University

[18 journals]

Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Shiva Singh
- Authors: Ramon Brown
  Abstract: Dr. Shiva Singh is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Western University. Dr. Singh obtained a doctorate in genetics at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. His research looks at genetic and epigenetic factors associated with complex diseases and phenotypes with a focus on neurogenomics. Ramon Brown had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Singh to learn more about his career path and his research.
  PubDate: Sat, 23 Feb 2019 21:27:16 PST
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. David Heinrichs
- Authors: Brigid Sterling
  Abstract: Dr. David Heinrichs is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Western University. Dr. Heinrichs has a background in microbiology and obtained a doctorate at Queen's University. His research investigates the molecular basis of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, with a special focus on the mechanisms MRSA uses to acquire growth promoting nutrients. Brigid Sterling had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Heinrichs to learn more about his career path and his research.
  PubDate: Sat, 23 Feb 2019 20:11:35 PST
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Vania F. Prado
- Authors: Zi Hao (Nemo Liu
  Abstract: Dr. Vania F. Prado is a Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Western University. Dr. Prado has a background in dentistry and obtained a doctorate in biochemistry at the University of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Her focus is on neurochemical research, specifically on the cholinergic system. Zi Hao Liu had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Prado to learn more about her career path and her research.
  PubDate: Sat, 23 Feb 2019 19:41:36 PST
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Steven Kerfoot
- Authors: Adrienne Chang
  Abstract: Dr. Steven Kerfoot is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Western University. Dr. Kerfoot has a background in Zoology and obtained a doctorate in Immunology at the University of Calgary. His research focus investigates the contribution of B cells to tissue pathology and multiple sclerosis. Adrienne Chang had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Kerfoot to learn more about his career path and his research.
  PubDate: Sat, 23 Feb 2019 19:06:58 PST
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Maxwell J. Smith
- Authors: Yuxuan (Max Jiang
  Abstract: Dr. Maxwell J. Smith is an Assistant Professor at the School of Health Studies. Dr. Smith has a background in bioethics and obtained a doctorate in public health ethics at the University of Toronto. His research focus touches on a wide range of issues associated with modern biomedicine and its underlying policies. Yuxuan Jiang had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Smith to learn more about his career path and his research.
  PubDate: Sat, 23 Feb 2019 18:53:08 PST
Evolutionary GEM: Crocodilian Vocalizations
- Authors: Rachel A. Goldstein et al.
  Abstract: The clade, Archosauria, encompasses crocodilians and birds. Both crocodilians and birds exhibit vocalizations to communicate a variety of behaviours including courtship, distress, and aggression. The similarity in vocalization behaviours of modern day Archosauria suggests that vocal communication may be a conserved behavioural trait also exhibited by ancient Archosauria.
  PubDate: Sun, 27 Jan 2019 23:42:23 PST
The Effect of Texting on Balance and Temporospatial Aspects of Gait
- Authors: Emma C. Goddard et al.
  Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine effects of texting on standing balance and the temporospatial aspects of gait. It was hypothesized that texting would decrease stride velocity and increase deviation from midline while walking, as well as increase centre of pressure (CoP) excursions while standing. Fifteen participants (eleven males and four females, 21.12±1.25 years of age) performed two standing balance tasks and two walking tasks. A repeated measures experimental design was used. The standing task consisted of standing as still as possible on a force plate for 20 seconds, which was then repeated while the participant texted a standard text message (48 characters). The second task consisted of walking along a six metre straight line while being filmed posteriorly along the line of progression, and perpendicular to direction of motion. This task was completed again while texting a similar predetermined message (48 characters). Balance performance was quantified by the percentage of total time within a 5 mm radius of each participant’s centre of pressure (CoP). Gait quality was quantified using the average step length, stride velocity, and mediolateral standard deviation from midline averaged from both feet. The percentage of time spent within 5 mm of the average CoP was significantly (p
  PubDate: Thu, 18 Oct 2018 01:11:54 PDT
Interactions between lemongrass and lavender essential oils in combination
with ampicillin influencing antibacterial activity on Sporosarcina ureae
and Serratia liquefaciens
- Authors: Kurdo Araz et al.
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of various combinations of essential oils (EOs) with antibiotics on bacterial growth. The molecular mechanisms behind the effects of individual phytochemicals in EOs and antibiotics is well understood, unlike the mechanisms behind the interactions between multiple phytochemicals and antibiotics in a mixture. Serratia liquefaciens and Sporosarcina ureae were exposed to various treatments of different combinations of Lavandula officinalis (lavender oil), Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass oil) with ampicillin. For each treatment group, mean zones of inhibition (ZOI) were measured after exposure for 48 hours. Controls for both species did not yield any ZOI whereas all other treatments resulted in the inhibition of bacterial growth in both Serratia liquefaciens and Sporosarcina ureae. Statistical analyses showed that the combination of lemongrass oil and ampicillin was significantly more effective than all other treatments for Serratia liquefaciens. The lemongrass oil and ampicillin treatment was the only treatment that displayed additive effects. All treatments for Sporosarcina ureae, with the exception of the control and lavender oil treatments, showed a significantly higher mean ZOI when compared to control and lavender oil treatments. It was concluded that lemongrass oil was a better candidate to be included in antibacterial cocktails than lavender oil. However, further investigation is required to elucidate EOs that interact synergistically with ampicillin when acting on Serratia liquefaciens and Sporosarcina ureae. Additionally, further investigation into the molecular mechanisms behind the interactions of the components found in these EOs with ampicillin is required.
  PubDate: Thu, 18 Oct 2018 01:11:38 PDT
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Art Poon
- Authors: Jonathan Zhao
  Abstract: Dr. Art Poon is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Western University. Dr. Poon has a background in mathematical biology and obtained a doctorate in bioinformatics at the University of California in San Diego. His research focus is on designing and implementing new computational methods to reconstruct the spread and adaptation of viruses from their genetic sequence variation. Jonathan Zhao had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Poon to learn more about his career path and his research.
  PubDate: Thu, 18 Oct 2018 00:55:59 PDT
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Brad Urquhart
- Authors: Anastasiya Vinokurtseva
  Abstract: Dr. Brad Urquhart is a Professor in the department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Western Ontario. He completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as his postdoctoral research at Western. Professor Urquhart teaches several undergraduate Pharmacology courses, including Human Pharmacology and Therapeutic Principles (Pharm3620) and Human Toxicology (Pharm4660A). In his research, Professor Urquhart focuses on patients with kidney disease and their response to therapeutics. He supervises students at the graduate level as well as 4th year Honors BMSc students. In his free time, he is an avid sports fan and loves to spend time with his family.
  PubDate: Tue, 24 Apr 2018 23:56:13 PDT
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Ali Khan
- Authors: Daniel J. Cao
  Abstract: Dr. Ali Khan is an assistant professor and scientist at the Robarts Research Institute at Western University. He completed his B. ASc. and Ph.D. in engineering science at Simon Fraser University, and afterwards received training as a postdoctoral fellow at Robarts. Dr. Khan and his lab group focus on the development of computational methods to enhance medical imaging processes, particularly those related to determining the role of the hippocampus in epilepsy. Daniel Cao, a member of the WURJ editorial review board, interviewed Dr. Khan about his career and aspirations.
  PubDate: Sat, 14 Apr 2018 15:33:00 PDT
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Burns Cheadle
- Authors: Wilson Ho
  Abstract: Dr. Burns Cheadle is an Associate Professor of Petroleum Geology in the Earth Sciences Department at Western University, and the Director of Science Professionalism and Entrepreneurship in the Faculty of Science. Dr. Cheadle believes in responsible development, and that current industry practices must be informed by good science. WURJ member Wilson Ho had the opportunity to interview him and investigate his career and research.
  PubDate: Sat, 14 Apr 2018 15:32:57 PDT
Comparison of SCAT-3 Baseline Testing and P300 ERP between Seasons in
University Football Players
- Authors: Dillon J. Richards
  Abstract: AbstractContact sport teams require their athletes to undergo baseline concussion testing for comparison to their post-concussion results. The standard test during this study was the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-3rd edition (SCAT-3). Clinically used for return to play procedure, most athletes return to baseline scores 8-10 days’ post-concussion. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive means of measuring the electro-physiological function of the brain. EEGs are the summative measure of Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) which are measures of brain activity after a specific event. P300 is an example of an ERP that is commonly used as a neurocognitive marker in concussion research. P300 can be further broken down into P3a and P3b, which relate to attention and decision making respectively. Using this technique, lasting functional deficits, beyond those that are highlighted on the SCAT-3 scores, have been noted. This study aims to evaluate the effect subconcussive impacts (SCI) have on SCAT-3 and electrophysiology from one season to the next in Canadian University football players over two seasons. Participants underwent standard SCAT-3 and EEG baseline testing at the beginning of two subsequent seasons. The EEG tests consist of two 5-minute baseline periods with eyes open and closed, followed by a 10-minute session collecting event-related potentials using a three-stimulus Oddball paradigm. Players mean scores showed increases in both number of symptoms (1±4.08) and symptom severity (1.9±6.6). Mean P3a and P3b latencies increased. Additionally, mean amplitudes decreased for both P3a and P3b. University Football players show physiological defects from accumulated SCI during a season. These deficits may accumulate each successive season without resolution. Due to their slow onset, evaluations of these changes are difficult identity. EEG measurements are sensitive to small changes in function and serve as an ideal tool to measure these changes. The SCAT-3 is less sensitive to these minor changes but still has value since it can be used acutely in sideline assessment of concussion.
  PubDate: Mon, 02 Apr 2018 20:37:15 PDT
The Effects of Footwear on Squat Movements
- Authors: Joshua W. Cohen et al.
  Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different footwear (bare feet, flat-soled shoes, and weightlifting shoes) on balance during a barbell back squat in novice and advanced participants. It was hypothesized that i) weightlifting shoes would increase balance performance in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions, and ii) advanced participants would demonstrate increased balance performance in the AP and ML direction compared to novice participants. 17 participants (9 novice and 8 advanced) performed 3 trials of a single squat repetition, using a 45lb Olympic standard barbell on a force plate, with bare feet, flat shoes, and weightlifting shoes. Squat 1 and 2 were used as warm-up repetitions and data was collected during squat 3 of each condition. Participants were characterized as either novice or advanced based on the number of training sessions they performed squats each week. Novice participants squatted with a barbell less than once per week, and advanced squatted with a barbell more than once per week. Balance performance was quantified by the percentage of time the centre of pressure (CoP) had the smallest displacement from the average CoP location. A chi-square test was performed to determine the statistically significant changes in CoP displacement between the 3 footwear conditions; accordingly, the post hoc significance interval was calculated to P0.0167). Using a 2-way ANOVA, no significant differences were found between novice and advanced participants’ root mean square values for normalized CoP in the AP or ML directions (P>0.05). Participants during the weightlifting shoe condition were found to have better regulation of balance compared to bare feet or flat shoes conditions. Additionally, it was found that novice and advanced participants did not regulate balance differently from each other during the squat movement.
  PubDate: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 11:00:12 PDT
Evolutionary GEM: Evolution of Lactase Persistence
- Authors: Xinghan (Hill Du et al.
  Abstract: Though humans are known to lose lactase ability post-weaning, some people maintain lactase production into adulthood, a condition known as lactase persistence. Global distribution patterns of lactase persistency are inconsistent; the condition is much more prevalent in some populations than others. Using results across independent studies, the existence of such a phenomenon can be attributed to positive selection on ancestral pastoralist populations. Two different hypotheses explain this positive selection: milk-independent economies, and colonic bacteria adaption.
  PubDate: Tue, 20 Mar 2018 11:00:00 PDT
The Perils of Pain: Applying Primary Prevention to Combat Canada's
Opioid Crisis
- Authors: Zoe Lofft
  Abstract: The development and promotion of the pain reliever OxyContin marks a dark chapter in modern healthcare, leaving lasting impact. Following the introduction of the drug in 1996 by Purdue Pharma, it became popularized among prescribers due to the company’s unsupported assurance of its safety and efficacy. OxyContin has been highly profitable for Purdue but has resulted in dangerous health side effects, most notably chronic addiction. In addition, the increasing prevalence of opioid addiction exacerbates health and societal problems like illicit drug use, especially the abuse of other opioids like heroine and fentanyl. The ramifications of the opioid crisis extend beyond individual health problems, causing social issues, economic burden and political tensions as well. In response to this, the Canadian National Advisory Committee on Prescription Drug Misuse created the “First Do No Harm” strategy, focusing on prevention, education, treatment, monitoring and surveillance. Although these strategies have been applied with some success, opioid-related deaths and costs continue to grow in Canada. A primary preventative approach that focuses on using epidemiological data to reduce opioid access is thought to be an important part of ongoing strategies. Primary prevention will assist in improving the health of Canadians, mitigate future opioid-related healthcare costs and ultimately contribute toward stopping their ongoing distribution. In doing so, the future Canadian healthcare landscape, families and patients alike may be spared the collateral damage opioids cause.
  PubDate: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 18:48:33 PDT
Evolutionary GEM: The Evolution of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus
- Authors: Jaiden Tu et al.
  Abstract: Since 1961, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has evolved through both single locus gene variation and horizontal gene transfer. By the late 1970s, the emergence of new SCCmec allotypes marked the beginning of a worldwide MRSA pandemic. The continuous and rapid evolution of MRSA, in response to new antibiotics, remains a major public health issue worldwide.
  PubDate: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 18:37:19 PDT
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. David Hess
- Authors: Danielle Romanchik
  Abstract: Dr. David Hess is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Western Ontario, as well as a Scientist at the Krembil Centre for Stem Cell Biology at the Robarts Research Institute. The focus of his research is on multipotent stem cells and transplantation therapies. WURJ editorial review board member, Danielle Romanchik, had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Hess and hearing his insightful story about his road to research, and current endeavours.
  PubDate: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 18:28:12 PDT
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Robert Cumming
- Authors: Amina Inaara Kassam
  Abstract: Dr. Robert Cumming is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Western University. He completed his BSc and Ph.D. at the University of Toronto and now teaches several undergraduate Biology courses. His research focuses on the changes in brain metabolism and antioxidant defenses that occur with age. Amina Kassam, a first-year representative of the Academic Affairs Committee for WURJHNS, interviewed Dr. Cumming to learn more about his career path and relay his advice for students who wish to pursue research.
  PubDate: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 18:12:17 PDT
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Andrew Pruszynski
- Authors: Joselia Carlos
  Abstract: Dr. Andrew Pruszynski is an assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario. He currently teaches a few undergraduate courses offered in the department and has been appointed Tier 2 Canada Research Chair of Sensorimotor Neuroscience. His research interests lie in the neural mechanisms that occur during sensory perception and motor control. Joselia Carlos, a WURJHNS representative, had the pleasure of interviewing him to learn more about his career in research.
  PubDate: Mon, 19 Mar 2018 18:12:13 PDT