Senior Research 2007

	Kari Blair The emergence, effectiveness, and ethicality of intrauterine devices The purpose of this research is to evaluate the emergence, effectiveness, and ethicality of intrauterine devices. Contraceptives are popular for individuals who desire to abstain from pregnancy. Ever since the appearance of the contraceptive known as the pill, new technology has enabled the possibility of better, more precise birth control options, in what are known today as intrauterine devices. IUD’s, no matter how miniscule, are creating controversy around the world. After many contentious issues arose during the 1960’s regarding IUD’s, the market has seen a great decline in the usage of these contraceptive devices. The objective of this research is to determine whether the effectiveness or ethicality of IUD’s play a role in its decline from the market. This report contains a review of the primary and secondary literature concerning the emergence, effectiveness, and ethicality of intrauterine devices. The categories analyzed include abortion, infertility, ectopic pregnancies, vaginal stones, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Various forms of IUDs are also analyzed for their contribution to the issue. The recent findings, although not statistically significant, suggest that problems can occur with the use of IUDs.
	Jeff Campbell A Toxicological Study of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and the Potential Adverse Health Effects Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a chemical that has been used in industrial and commercial products for the past 40 years. Until recently, it was considered chemically inert. It now poses many environmental and health problems due to its bioaccumulative properties and relatively long half-life. This review examines the toxicity of PFOS focusing on the following effects: mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic. The general pharmacokinetics are also assessed. Results of various studies have shown that PFOS has the potential to cause a range of adverse health effects. Teratology studies have shown that PFOS causes a variety of birth defects, including: delayed ossification of bone, reduced fetal weight, cleft palate, and cardiac abnormalities. Results of mutagenic studies have shown negative results. PFOS does not appear to have any mutagenic effects. There is also little support that PFOS is carcinogenic. It is not possible to draw definite conclusions on it's carcinogenicity based on current research. The pharmacokinetics of PFOS is an area that needs to be better researched as there are still many unanswered questions as to the metabolic transformations which take place in the body.
	Kirby Carr The Efficacy of Chiropractic Treatment and Diagostic Examination: A Review of the Literature Alternative medicine is gaining medical merit and public endorsement due to its increasing effectiveness, non-invasive, drug-free approach to holistic wellness. Evidence shows consumers are seeking the personal, hands-on treatment provided by chiropractic. Vertebral manipulation is the most common form of treatment and can produce both sensory and motor effects that include an increased range of motion, reduced blood pressure and more efficient nervous system function. In this review of the literature, two techniques were assessed and compared to traditional medical healthcare. Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT) incorporates a small instrument used to deliver high velocity, low impact thrust to the subluxed, or misaligned vertebrae. Two diagnostic methods are also reviewed. Applied Kinesiology is a form of diagnosis that uses manual muscle testing as a primary feedback mechanism to examine present body function. Manual palpation is an additional hands on diagnostic tool used by chiropractors to locate vertebral subluxation. Medical studies have confirmed the efficacy of chiropractic in comparison to traditional medicine such as general practitioners and physical therapy.
	Caryn Daas Making Healthcare Safer: A Critical Analysis of Patient Safety Practices and Guidelines for Central Venous Catheter Placement in an Acute Care Setting This paper tenders a comparative study in which there are provided findings from a combination of the evidence presented by clinical development, treatment, intervention, and existing recommendations from institutions across the province focused on the study of central venous lines and infection in an acute care setting. Results propose that there is a relationship between catheter related bloodstream infections and clinical practice. Reports on central venous line placement and catheter-related infections are contingent on the material of which the device is made and the innate virulence of the microorganism. Sustaining proper hand hygiene prior to catheter insertion, upholding good aseptic technique during catheter manipulation, and providing maximal sterile barrier precautions post-insertion over site are key to reducing risk for catheter related bloodstream infections associated hospital costs. An investigation of the study and outcome is also included, as is a discussion of the implication of the connection involving the factors enabling central venous catheters to be used efficiently to facilitate safe patient therapy.
	Emily Dekker Designing an inquiry-based photosynthesis laboratory series for the secondary science classroom The process of photosynthesis is one of the most complex concepts for students to grasp in the secondary life science classroom. This research aims to apply the concepts of inquiry to equip young minds with the tools to make observations, ask questions, solve problems, and design experiments. By designing laboratory activities that build these skills around the key aspects of photosynthesis, students will walk away with an understanding of this unit rather than a collection of memorized facts.
	Bethany Fast Controlled release of dexamethasone from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres An implantable biosensor that continually monitors and records a patient’s blood glucose levels would be invaluable in the treatment of diabetes. However, the body’s natural immune response to such a biosensor often impedes its function in vivo. An emerging tool in drug delivery, microspheres, may make an anti-inflammatory coating for such implantable devices a possibility. These studies focused on the efficacy of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres to release dexamethasone, a specific anti-inflammatory drug. All microspheres share a similar release profile in vitro: an immediate burst followed by a lag phase before a period of steady release, but we demonstrated that larger microspheres release over a longer period of time. By combining populations of both 25kD and 70kD microspheres, we attempted to produce a standardized release rate over an extended period of time, 3-months. Pre-degraded microspheres of each population were included to eliminate the burst and lag phases and create a more uniform profile. Furthermore, pre-degraded microspheres were tested in vivo to determine whether the burst effect is necessary to eliminate the inflammatory response. In vivo studies were also conducted for one month to optimize the dosage of dexamethasone required to control this response.
	Adam Gilbertsen Analysis of Expression of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) in the Frog Xenopus laevis Members of the BMP family are expressed in the form of intercellular signaling proteins in both mesenchymal and epithelial cells within developing embryos. Bone morphogenetic proteins (including BMP-4) have been found to influence lung differentiation and lung morphogenesis. It has been speculated that BMP4 limits FGF10-mediated bud out growth though the role BMP4 is not entirely clear. However, it must have a critical role as BMP4-null mice experience early embryonic death. In order to examine the role of BMP4 in lung development of Xenopus, we have examined BMP4 expression in several developmental stages. The expression of BMP-4 was found throughout Xenopus early development and also in adult lung, heart and liver tissues.
	Mark Hallstrom Implantable intraocular lenses and conventional LASIK surgery in individuals undergoing treatment for myopia: a comparison” Myopia, more commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is a vision disorder that affects millions of people around the world. In fact, nearly 30% of the U.S. population has to deal with this condition on a daily basis. Myopia is an extremely significant problem, not only because of its high prevalence, but also because it increases the risk for vision-threatening conditions such as retinal breaks and detachment, as well as glaucoma. This literature review examines the effectiveness and limitations of two surgical procedures designed to treat myopia: conventional LASIK surgery and the implantation of phakic intraocular lenses. The objective is to determine the best treatment procedure for patients who have varying degrees of myopia with little to no astigmatism. After a thorough review of the literature, it is apparent that the best treatment choice is dependent upon several factors, most notably the severity of myopia. Patients with low to moderate levels of myopia (-1.00D to -8.00D) benefit more from the conventional LASIK procedure. Studies have shown that patients with higher levels of myopia (-8.00D to -20.00D) achieve best corrected vision when undergoing the implantation of intraocular lenses.
	Dan Hendel Whether Amalgam (Silver) Tooth Fillings Cause Mercury Poisoning in Individuals: A Review Amalgam fillings are the most popular filling throughout history. These fillings have been proved to emit mercury vapor into the oral cavity which is then absorbed into the lungs. Many studies have been done to suggest that mercury from amalgam fillings may play a role in cardiovascular disorders, resistance to antibiotics, and the etiology of mental illness. This should lead dentists in the direction of administering composite resin dental fillings to their patients. Contrary to this, other studies have been done to show that mercury poisoning is not a risk to consider when having dental amalgam fillings. This review of literature describes the basis to both of these beliefs and some background research supporting these two claims. It attempts to clarify whether amalgam fillings are a serious enough threat to stop administering them entirely.
	Anna Hetland Nutritional links to breast cancer: a review of dietary causes and preventative measures of mammary tumorigenesis For a number of years, the “typical” American diet has been highly scrutinized for its role in causing obesity, high blood pressure, adult onset diabetes, and several other health concerns amongst a growing percentage of the population. Recently, various forms of cancer, namely breast cancer, have also been linked to making poor dietary choices. Researchers have proposed a physiological relationship between tumorigenesis and abnormal fluctuations in serum levels of Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their binding proteins (IGFBPs). Concentrations of these proteins are dependent partly on nutritional intake, and manipulations of diet, therefore, can have profound effects on preventing the propagation of mammary tumors. This review will analyze nutritional factors such as alcohol, protein, and saturated fat on influencing tumor propagation and progression, as well as the possible role of folate, soy, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin D in preventing the development of breast cancer.
	Eric Hull Leishmania’s Effects on the Jak-STAT pathway in Human Macrophages Leishmania sp. are protozoan parasites that infect humans through the sandfly causing Leishmaniasis. There are three forms of Leishmaniasis: cutaneous, visceral, and mucocutaneous. (Phlebotomus sp. or Lutzomyia sp.). The amastigote form of Leishmania sp., which causes Leishmaniasis, lives within the macrophages of its vertebrate hosts. Macrophages are phagocytic cells that play an important role in the bodies immune system and respond to IFN-gamma with protein phosophorylation that commences the Jak-STAT pathway. IFN-gamma is a cytokine that is released when certain viruses, bacteria, or protozoa are detected in the body. The Jak-STAT pathway induces transcription of certain genes in the cell that protects it from invading pathogens. By stimulating RAW264.7 macrophage cells and running Western blots on their lysates it was found that LPG (a protein found on surface of Leishmania) affects the IFN-gamma induced protein phosphorylation.
	Brooke Johnson Failure Rate of CEREC Technology Related to Amount of Occlusal Surface Structure of Teeth CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramics, is a new and booming technology used in most dental facilities as a new way for tooth restoration. CEREC restorations are partially replacing more traditional gold or gold alloy restorations for reasons that would include a more natural white color, the possible higher durability and strength of the ceramic used in the CEREC, and also their time efficiency. Different sizes or different amounts of material are needed for different patients dependent on their certain situations. This study, done at a dental office in Edina, Minnesota from June-August 2006, looks at all the CEREC restorations that were done between a 17 week period to determine if failure rates are influenced by size. The study includes a total of 1,112 CEREC restorations of various sizes over approximately a 2.7 year period. The data reveals that the overall failure rate is only 3% of the total amount of CEREC restorations done. The highest failure rate was seen with the largest CEREC restoration, which is full ceramic, and known as a crown. The next highest failure rate: 3 surface, followed by >4 surface, then 2/3 crown, with 2 surface porcelain/ceramic restoration being the least likely to fail.
	Dan Judd Sequence and expression of the FGF-10 gene in Xenopus laevis During mammalian lung morphogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal interactions govern the development and early branching of the pulmonary system. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling has been shown to play an essential role in regulating lung epithelial development. FGF-10 is a key developmental gene expressed in the mesenchyme of the lung and instructs the branching of epithelial tissue. The absence of fgf-10 results in lung agenesis. In this study, when and where fgf-10 is expressed was determined. In addition, the FGF-10 gene was isolated from Xenopus laevis based on similarity to other organisms including Mus musculus and X. tropicalis.
	Jordan Kronberg Comparison of Two Techniques in the Estimation of Avian Populations in Rum River Central Regional Park Ornithologists have a variety of techniques that they can use to estimate bird populations in the wild. Two popular bird census methods are the point count census method and the capture of birds using mist nets. The purpose of this study was to compare these two methods of surveying bird populations in Rum River Central Regional Park. During the summer of 2006, we mist netted and banded birds several times at the park as part of the MAPS program. We were interested in seeing if the captures we recorded with the mist nets were representative of the population that is actually utilizing the park as determined through the point count surveys. The results between the two methods were statistically different. In all cases, the results of the mist net captures yielded far fewer individual birds compared to the results of the point count surveys. Using mist nets as a census method also resulted in much less variety in the numbers of species observed when compared to the point count survey method. As a result, we conclude that point count surveys yield more accurate population data. Also, limitations of mist netting as a survey method prevented us from accurately
	Mel Lasch Effects of Varying Environments on Bird Populations Animal species richness and abundance have often been considered on the level of resource availability, vegetation structure, and the size of the habitat patch. This paper examines the relationship between the specifics of canopy height and the organizations of song-bird populations in two MAPS program locations. More recently, researchers are realizing that the surrounding habitats should also be considered. Extreme edge effects, such as riparian woodlands adjacent to agriculture or wetland, are more important than the existence of forest edge per se (Saab 1999). Research was conducted during the summer of 2006. Banding, as well habitat assessment was done in each location. Also, correlations between the two sites (each with varying habitat and vegetation structure) were observed. This study will allow for the MAPS program to determine the number of migrating song birds in specific locations, in relation to habitat choice selection.
	Charles Meadowcroft A review of the Aquatic Ape Theory The Aquatic Ape Theory states that humans went through an aquatic or semi-aquatic stage in our evolution. This theory seems to account for many distinct features seen in human anatomy and physiology. Using the principle of convergent evolution, it states that life in an aquatic environment explains the majority of these features. This in turn discredits the major theory that the transition from ape to hominid to human didn’t occur in a savannah environment. Using fossil evidence, comparative physiology and anatomy of specialized organs, the paper offers a critical examination of the Aquatic Ape Theory, treating it as a serious scientific theory. Within this paper there are both supporting arguments and critical analysis of the major supporting arguments that the Aquatic Ape theory entails. The results of this research are to shed some light on to the legitimacy of this wide spread phenomena of human origin. Through comparisons of the two leading theories (Savannah theory/Aquatic Ape theory) of human development/evolution there will be a clarification of how this theory came about and the major flaws and advantages of supporting this theory.
	Aimee Munson The Affects of Alcohol on the Body The prevalence of alcohol abuse among all ages and types of people is a large problem worldwide and has numerous short and long-term, far-reaching adverse affects upon the body. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) often develops in fetuses of mothers that drink and is manifested through delayed fetal growth, central nervous system (CNS) impairments, heart defects, malformations of the facial features and skeleton, and other anomalies. Alcohol begins to influence the body upon absorption, and the brain is among the quickest affected organ. The action of alcohol on the brain is to act as a CNS depressant, influence several neurotransmitters, and produce intoxication, which is evident in both cognitive and motor deficiencies. Prolonged alcohol abuse increases susceptibility to serious secondary issues, such as brain degeneration. Common diseases that result throughout the body include: liver cirrhosis and disease, gastritis, pancreatitis, heart and vascular disease, upper respiratory and digestive tract cancer, and injuries due to motor accidents and careless behavior. Malnutrition is frequent among drinkers because alcohol diminishes consumption, absorption, and storage of important nutrients. Chronic drinking alters neurons in the brain and interrupts their homeostatic state, which allows the development of an addiction. Development of alcoholism follows a predictable progression that begins as what is perceived as a harmless habit, but dangerous dependence and withdrawal symptoms along with interruption of normal life quickly ensues. Treatment, although difficult due to relapse, is possible via medications and other forms of therapy.
	Cara Patton The effects of LPG and IFN-γ on activation of MAP Kinase signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 cells Leischmania spp. are parasites which infect macrophages in humans and cause cutaneous, subcutaneous, and visceral forms of the disease leischmaniasis. The mechanism of Leischmania’s entrance into the macrophage and evasion of destruction is not understood; however, the cell surface molecule lipophosphoglycan (LPG) has been shown to play a key role in the parasite’s survival in the bloodstream, entrance into the macrophage, and survival in host cells. IFN-γ is the most potent stimulant of macrophage activation produced by the human body, and has been shown to activate MAP Kinase pathways, especially ERK2. By analyzing through Western blotting the activation of ERK2 and p38 MAP Kinase signaling pathway proteins, the experiment evaluated the effect of LPG and IFN-γ on RAW 264.7 macrophage activation. LPG and IFN-γ were shown to activate the p38 pathway, but neither was shown to activate ERK2 in these cells.
	Laura Pinckney Ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO4) in drinking water shows no significant effect on hematological parameters of male mice (Mus musculus) Vanadium is an important trace element found in the earth’s surface and has been increasingly used in steel production around the world. Recent studies have attempted to demonstrate that minor amounts of vanadium as a pollutant in ground water may interfere with erythropoietic function in rats and mice. The objective of the project herein was to determine whether vanadium as a water pollutant had any negative hematological effects, specifically on whole blood hemoglobin and hematocrit. Three groups of male mice were tested for eight weeks. Group 1, the control group (n=8) received distilled water; group 2 (n=8) received 0.2 mmol ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO4) in their drinking water; and group 3 (n=8) received 1.0 mmol NH4VO4. Venous blood was obtained from tail snips at 0, 4, and 8 weeks in order to determine hematocrit. Half of the mice from each group were sacrificed after the first 4 weeks of the experiment and the remainder after 8 weeks. After sacrifice, blood was collected for use in hemoglobin assays. A two-way variance test only showed a significant decrease (P <0.05) in the hematocrit of the low concentration vanadium group (0.2 mmol NH4VO4) during the first 4 weeks. There were no significant changes in time in the more concentrated 1.0 mmol NH4VO4 mice. There was also no statistical difference in hematocrit among all three groups after 8 weeks on the treatments. The depressed hematocrit at 4 weeks in the 0.2 mmol NH4VO4 group rebounded after 8 weeks. The percent change in the 0.2 mmol group was near significantly higher (p=0.0554) than in the 1.0 mmol group, suggesting that between 4 weeks and 8 weeks there was indeed a rebound in the 0.2 mmol group. Similar to the hematocrit, there were no other significant differences between groups and over time in the hemoglobin assay.
	Kenneth Quam Aortic Stenosis and a Bicuspid Aortic Valve The bicuspid aortic valve and the sequential development of aortic stenosis, the narrowing of the aorta, is an extremely significant problem because it afflicts approximately two percent of the entire population. The bicuspid aortic valve can be developed during cardiogenesis from some gene mutation or the condition may develop later in life through scarring and calcification. The bicuspid aortic valve and aortic stenosis have the capacity together to cripple the entire circulatory system. The aortic stenosis causes the left ventricle of the heart to pump extensively harder than a normal heart would need to. This causes the build of muscle inside the left ventricle, inhibiting the normal volume of blood to flow through. The lesser amount of blood flowing enhances the condition of the aortic stenosis, which, in a cyclic pattern, causes the left ventricle to work harder still. This condition will be fatal if there is no course of action taken to help the symptoms or repair the aortic valve. However, there are several treatment options that a person with a bicuspid aortic valve and aortic stenosis can choose from. Prescription drugs to help with the symptoms, if surgery is not an option, valvuloplasty, aortic valve replacement, and root replacement. If a patient chooses to have aortic valve replacement surgery, there are several valves he or the cardiovascular surgeon could choose from; the bovine valve, porcine valve, the human valve, or the mechanical valve (favored valve). The high success rate of surgery greatly reduces the symptoms and side effects from a bicuspid aortic valve, which is why surgery is the suggested treatment from most cardiovascular surgeons.
	Robert Richmond Temporal and Spatial Expression of Gata-6 in Xenopus laevis The role of Gata-6 as a transcription factor has been elucidated in certain model organisms and has been shown to be a necessary component of proper lung development in mice. The model organism Xenopus laevis is an ideal candidate for further studies dealing with lung development and comparison of gene function. This study examined the role of Gata-6 during the course of lung development, along with the expression of this gene in a selected number of adult tissue types using RT-PCR and gel electrophoresis techniques. The outcome of this study showed Gata-6 expression before and during lung embryogenesis, throughout early embryonic development, and in all tissue types examined. These results are consistent with other research showing Gata-6 as a possible factor for proper lung morphogenesis in Xenopus laevis.

	Marin Rosenvold Investigation of Types of Toothbrushes and Toothpastes on Teeth and the Gumline Consumerization in America surrounds us in every aspect of our life, and products concerning ones dental health are no exception. Although there are a plethora of products, it does not necessarily mean all are good and safe for ones teeth. This study was twofold in order to help sort out what products are good. The first question asked was regarding toothbrushes and which type could possibly be able to prevent the most amount of caries in a patients mouth. The next topic that was under study pertained to the kind of toothpaste, and if, in turn, this affected abrasion along a patient’s gumline
	Zach Schmidt Development of Goat anti Mouse (Gt x Ms) IgM Specific-Agarose Gel from Gt x Ms IgM Affinity Purified Antibody The purpose of this study was to develop a new product to bring to market for obtaining goat anti mouse IgM specific-agarose gel from goat anti mouse IgM affinity purified antibody product. An initial mouse IgM product was purified and quantitatively tested using the ELISA technique via optical density measures to test for levels of cross reactivity with other IgM and IgG products. Acceptable optical density measures provided values <.05, or below five percent cross reactivity. Goat IgG, Mouse IgG, Human IgG, and Rat IgG all exceeded acceptable levels, and cross reactivity was removed with size exclusion chromatography and confirmed with antibody purification from blood serum via affinity chromatography. Quantitative ELISA tests confirmed that final levels of cross reactivity were below five percent. 2,2,2-tricholoethanol polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to specify binding affinity of the final goat anti mouse IgM product. Binding specificity revealed unacceptable levels of binding affinity between goat IgG and the final goat anti mouse IgM product.
	Derek Slagter The Relationship between Abundance and Diversity to Wetland Location and Land Use in the Avian family Anatidae One of the issues wildlife biologists continue to deal with is the growing human populations in urban areas and its affect on wetlands and their inhabitants. Using the point-count method, diversity indices, and ArcGIS software this study examined the relationships between land use as well as wetland location and the abundance and diversity of the avian family Anatidae. Nine study sites were selected along a North-South transect located in and near the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Five urban wetlands were observed along with four relatively rural wetlands throughout the months of September-November in 2006. My findings indicated that there was a greater abundance of waterfowl in the urban sites, but diversity was lower than the rural sites. Using ArcGIS software and aerial photos I was able to determine whether land-use or area of wetland had an impact on the results
	Blake Stanley Caulophyllum thalictroides induces Mild Bradycardia on Frog Hearts in situ Caulophyllum thalictroides (blue cohosh) is an herbal supplement used to induce uterine contractions during labor. The supplement contains active alkaloids and saponins which cause the uterus to contract. However, little is known about its clinical effects on other smooth muscle tissue such as the heart. My research is involved with examining the effects of the extract on the hearts of 12 female frogs. Frogs were sacrificed and dissected exposing the heart tissue to connection with a force transducer. The extract was applied in 4 different amounts 72uL, 144uL, 360uL, and 840uL directly to the heart. Four groups of three frogs were created and each group was subject to just one of the specified doses. The force the heart exerted after application was measured by the use of a force transducer and powerlab software. I compared the means of each of the frog’s heart rates by conducting ANOVA tests to determine the significance of bradycardia. The lowest doses exhibited bradycardia effects immediately, whereas high doses initially demonstrated tachycardia followed by bradycardia. After 3 minutes of application all heart rates returned within 10% of a control frog heart rate. Since blue cohosh is being used to promote uterine contractions, it is relevant to determine its effects elsewhere in the body.
	Abbie Stark The Effect of Sucralose and Sucrose On Activity Levels of Mus musculus The sweetener, sucralose is claimed to be non-metabolically usable by humans. Previous research has indicated that sucralose had no influence on the blood sugar levels in humans; however, little to no research has been conducted regarding the direct impact of sucralose on the energy levels of animals as shown through the amount of activity they display. Analysis of Mus musculus given a constant availability for fluid intake of sucralose indicated no discernable difference when compared to each individual animal’s activity when the fluid available was either water or sucrose. Neither was there a significant correlation indicated between an increased fluid intake of any of the substances and the activity output. However, there was a consistent increase of fluid intake for sucrose over sucralose.
	Danielle Thibert The Effects of Leishmania donovani Lipophosphoglycan on Interferon-γ-Inducible Gene Expression in Macrophages Macrophages are multifunctional leukocytes that are central to host responses to infectious disease. In spite of their potent antimicrobial capabilities, a number of clinically significant pathogens survive intracellularly in macrophages; these organisms include parasitic protozoa in the genus Leishmania. In the study presented here, the effect of Leishmania donovani lipophosphoglycan (LPG) on gene expression in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage was assessed both in the absence and presence of Interferon-γ (IFNγ). IFNγ is one of the most potent known stimuli of macrophage function. Genes which are significant for several antimicrobial and immunostimulatory functions of macrophages were assessed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and included interleukins -1β, -6, -12, and -18, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and class I and class II major histocompatibility molecules. The data revealed that (i) RAW 264.7 cells are responsive to stimulation with LPG alone, and as previously reported are strongly activated by IFN-γ; (ii) pre-treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with LPG alters IFNγ-dependent patterns of gene expression; (iii) LPG stimulation potentiates gene expression in RAW 264.7 cells previously stimulated with IFNγ.
	Abe Voyen The Non-Surgical Treatments for Low Back Pain: A Review Low back pain (LBP) is the most common cause of job-related disability and its treatment costs Americans over $50 billion dollars per year. Even with this widespread prevalence, the guidelines for treatment are rather obscure. There are many different forms of treatment that are used for low back pain, however rarely are the treatments matched with particular symptoms that have indicated greater analgesia. This is in part due to the difficulty in diagnosing the etiology of the pain, but also reviews tend to skip over correlations between the treatment and the diagnosis. This review attempts to give indications of when the chief non-surgical treatments are most effective. The treatments of interest will be: medication, traction, spinal manipulation, exercise, acupuncture, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Each treatment contain subsets or variations that give more insight and contribute to the aim of the study, which is to provide the best course of action in cases of LBP that do not require surgical treatment methods.