Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal最新文献

{"title":"INNOVATX Global Health Case Competition 2023 – Presented by McMaster Friends of MSF","authors":"Alison Slade, Shanzey Ali, Saismetha Visnukumar, Iqra Chaudhry","doi":"10.26685/urncst.537","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26685/urncst.537","url":null,"abstract":"McMaster Friends of MSF (FoMSF) is a student-led club at McMaster University that supports Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Canada, a humanitarian relief-based organization that helps countries across the world. McMaster FoMSF organized the INNOVATX Global Health Case Competition to provide undergraduate students with the chance to problem-solve, enrich their skills, and above all, gain valuable exposure to global health. This year’s competition focused on the health consequences of the Syrian civil war. In particular, participants aimed to tackle a specific health-related issue of their choosing, which is currently affecting approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees living in Lebanon, especially those residing in one of the country’s official refugee camps. After a round of written submissions and another round of live presentations, the briefing notes from the four winning teams have been published in this conference book. To learn more about McMaster FoMSF or the INNOVATX Global Health Case Competition, please visit our Instagram (@mac_fomsf) or Facebook (McMaster Friends of MSF) pages. Disclaimer: The views expressed throughout this case competition and publication are solely those of the McMaster FoMSF team and INNOVATX participants and do not reflect those of MSF Canada, McMaster University, or any other organization.","PeriodicalId":245521,"journal":{"name":"Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal","volume":"206 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122606427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effects of Metformin and Myo-Inositol on Hyperandrogenism, Insulin Sensitivity, and Fertility in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Literature Review","authors":"Garene A. Matossian, Isabella M. Buklarewicz, Vaneeza A. Moosa","doi":"10.26685/urncst.483","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26685/urncst.483","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-metabolic disorder that occurs due to a hormone imbalance in the ovaries. It can cause the development of fluid-filled cysts on the follicles, causing infertility. Further, PCOS can cause insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, increasing the amount of glucose and testosterone levels in the body. As a result, PCOS symptoms could include irregular or absent periods, weight gain, hirsutism, and more. PCOS patients are also at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure. Currently, there are no cures for PCOS, but it can be managed with lifestyle changes, contraceptive pills for irregular periods, and fertility treatments. Two of these treatments include inositol and metformin. The objective of the study is to ascertain how these therapies affect PCOS symptoms such as hyperandrogenism, insulin sensitivity, and infertility. Methods: Primary articles were found through the PubMed and OVID-Medline databases to investigate the effect of inositol or metformin on PCOS. Keywords such as PCOS, inositol, metformin, myo-inositol, insulin sensitivity, androgens, and fertility were used. Research published before 2010 was excluded. Results: The results found that metformin and inositol decreased the amounts of free testosterone and glucose in women with PCOS. Further, oocyte quality and production were improved in women taking metformin and inositol. These results were seen in women of all ages and of all BMIs. Discussion: Both metformin and MI are shown to significantly improve PCOS symptoms of hyperandrogenism, insulin sensitivity, and fertility issues. Although some limitations were present within the review and the studies examined due to exclusions, the review presents a comprehensive outlook on the impact of the interventions mentioned. Establishing a foundation for clinical trials would allow for the integration of these interventions into healthcare settings. Conclusion: A combination of both metformin and inositol, as well as diet and lifestyle changes can significantly improve the symptoms and life quality of individuals with PCOS. Future research would benefit from further studies done into investigating the combined effects of metformin and MI, as well as further assessment of secondary symptoms, as well as regarding the dosage of myo-inositol and metformin.","PeriodicalId":245521,"journal":{"name":"Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal","volume":"92 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116092065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Infusion of Lanosterol to Restore Cholesterol Metabolism in R6/2 Mice: A Research Protocol","authors":"Tony Lin, Abha Ranjitkar, Eden Samson, Tracy Xie","doi":"10.26685/urncst.503","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26685/urncst.503","url":null,"abstract":"Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant, neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and drastic behavioural changes. The mutant huntingtin gene contains a CAG trinucleotide repeat resulting in a polyglutamine expansion in the mutant huntingtin protein (muHTT). While the mechanisms are not yet fully understood, muHTT is linked to the disruption of nerve and glial cells, particularly in their role in synthesizing cholesterol. Abnormal interactions between muHTT and sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP), which are transcription factors that control the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, are implicated in HD. About 25% of the human body’s total cholesterol is found in the brain and is involved in many vital roles, such as synaptogenesis, axonal growth, and creating efficient synaptic transmissions. Cholesterol biosynthesis is shown to be diminished in HD models, along with decreased levels of cholesterol precursor molecules, thus lowered cholesterol levels may be linked to the symptoms and progression of HD. This protocol aims to increase cholesterol biosynthesis by infusion of lanosterol, a cholesterol precursor, in R6/2 mice via osmotic mini-pumps. Three increasing doses of lanosterol will be administered to three groups of R6/2 mice, while one R6/2 and one wild type group will receive saline. These doses will be administered continuously over 7 weeks, starting from age 6-weeks when mice begin displaying progressive R6/2 symptoms until age 12-weeks when they show end-stage disease. Seven weekly rounds of tests will be conducted to assess motor and cognitive functioning, consisting of a rotarod performance test, Morris Water Maze test, and Novel Object Recognition test. At age 12-weeks, the mice will be sacrificed for immunohistochemistry analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and flow cytometry to compare muHTT aggregate numbers, cholesterol levels, and striatal neuron count between the treatment and control mice. As a result of restored cholesterol homeostasis, amelioration in motor defects, cognitive performance, and striatal neuron survival rate in lanosterol-receiving mice compared to controls are expected. These anticipated results would suggest that lanosterol infusion via osmotic mini-pumps holds therapeutic potential and could be used to improve the prognosis of HD patients.","PeriodicalId":245521,"journal":{"name":"Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal","volume":"149 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133679544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Therapeutic Potential of HDAC Inhibitors for Dopamine Deficiency in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Research Protocol","authors":"A. Huynh, Jillian Cruzana, Sushmita Kiri","doi":"10.26685/urncst.495","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26685/urncst.495","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes with epigenetic down-regulatory functions that are linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Dopamine deficiency in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is associated with memory deficits characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) may counter HDAC downregulation of dopamine, increasing VTA dopamine. This investigation hypothesizes that HDACi can increase net VTA dopamine concentration and thus improve memory in Tg2576 transgenic mice models of Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: Firstly, a promoter for each of the 18 HDACs will be individually delivered into mice VTA to identify those decreasing local dopamine concentrations, which will be measured using microdialysis and a Paired-Samples T-Test. Secondly, an HDACi corresponding to each HDAC will be selected and longitudinally injected into the mice while measuring VTA dopamine concentration using microdialysis and a Paired-Samples T-Test to indicate the HDACi countering HDAC-induced dopamine downregulation. Lastly, the dopamine receptor antagonist flupentixol will be injected into the VTA as mice undertake the Novel Object Recognition Test. Performance will indicate whether HDACi-induced increases in VTA dopamine improve memory and learning function. Results: Lower post-measurement scores are expected for HDACs that decrease VTA dopamine concentration relative to baseline means. Greater post-measurement scores are expected for HDACi that increase VTA dopamine concentration relative to pre-measurement scores. The lowest mean exploration times are expected for HDAC delivery, then HDACi injection with flupentixol, no treatment, and finally HDACi alone. Tg2576 mice are expected to have lower mean exploration times than healthy B6.SJL mice. Discussion: The first two experiments identify HDACs that decrease net VTA dopamine concentration and HDACi that increase it through Paired-Samples T-Tests. The final experiment investigates whether dopamine rehabilitation caused by HDACi can produce tangible memory improvements. A two-way ANOVA test will determine if exploration times between the four treatment groups are statistically significant, concluding whether learning and memory improved by manipulations alone. Conclusion: The memory and learning of Tg2576 Alzheimer’s mice models are expected to improve through the inhibition of dopamine-decreasing HDACs in the VTA. This protocol offers a preliminary strategy towards identifying the HDACs and HDACi relevant to dopamine deficiency in Alzheimer’s disease.","PeriodicalId":245521,"journal":{"name":"Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal","volume":"77 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115237509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of the Effect of Substrate Stiffness on the Efficacy of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 in Inducing Pro-Regenerative Astrocyte Phenotype: A Research Protocol","authors":"Rohan Krishna, Noam Silverman, R. Phan","doi":"10.26685/urncst.498","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26685/urncst.498","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Astrocytes are glial cells essential for neuronal development and repair and are thus a highly promising target for regenerative therapies for neurodegenerative disease. Neurodegeneration has been connected to the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. ECM's structural properties, such as stiffness, influence the phenotypic outcomes of growing cells. Notably, astrocytes are induced into an A2 (pro-regenerative) phenotype when grown on stiff substrates or exposed to specific signalling molecules, particularly fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4). Given that the ECM can bind and sequester growth factors, it is possible that matrix stiffness may modulate the efficacy of these molecules. Methods: In this in vitro study, rat primary cortical astrocytes will be cultured on soft and stiff substrates and exposed to varying amounts of FGF-2 and BMP-4. This study aims to determine the effect of substrate stiffness on the efficacy of FGF-2 and BMP-4 in promoting pro-regenerative phenotype. Cell proliferation and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression are key indicators of reactive astrocytes, including pro-regenerative astrocytes. 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine staining will be used to analyze proliferation. GFAP expression will be determined using anti-GFAP antibody conjugated with Alexa Fluor 594. Further, pro-regenerative phenotypic genes Clcf1, Tgm2, and Ptgs2 will be detected via polymerase chain reaction to differentiate from pro-inflammatory astrocytes, a separate category of reactive astrocytes. Anticipated Results: We hypothesize there will be a greater positive correlation between the concentration of FGF-2 or BMP-4 and expression of markers of pro-regenerative phenotype under stiff substrate conditions, compared to softer substrate, thus indicating dependency or synergy between FGF-2 or BMP-4 and extracellular matrix-dependent pathways. Discussion: The correlation between FGF-2 or BMP-4 concentration and the prominence of A2 astrocyte phenotype indicators will be graphed and reported along with a comparison of these correlations between soft and stiff substrate groups. The authors will attempt to conclude whether substrate stiffness significantly effects the activities of FGF-2 or BMP-4. Conclusion: We hope the results of this proposed study will inform the development of neuroregenerative therapies involving astrocytes by indicating the necessity for greater focus on either the application of signalling molecules or modification of ECM.","PeriodicalId":245521,"journal":{"name":"Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal","volume":"104 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126703475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating the Effects of Metformin and Inositol in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Research Protocol","authors":"M. Aziz","doi":"10.26685/urncst.473","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26685/urncst.473","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), an androgen hormone excess and ovarian dysfunction disorder is linked to insulin resistance, metabolic disorders, and obesity. Inositol, a natural sugar compound is effective in regulating insulin levels and follicle stimulating hormones. Metformin, a biguanide drug which is used for Type 2 Diabetes treatment controls glucose levels and insulin resistance. Using inositol and metformin together for treatment of PCOS has been suggested to be beneficial for individuals with PCOS. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of metformin and inositol in improving insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, weight, menstruation, and ovulation. Methods: A total of 36 women between ages of 25-35 clinically diagnosed with PCOS will be recruited to participate in a six-month double- blinded controlled trial. Participants were classified to normal BMI (18.5-24.0 kg/m2) and overweight/obese BMI (25.0-29.9 kg/m2 and >30 kg/m2) and were randomized into one of the following treatments: 500 mg of metformin with 4 g of inositol, 250 mg of metformin twice daily or two placebo sugar pills. Over the 6-month period, blood tests for blood sugar, insulin levels and testosterone levels, weight assessment on scale, menstruation questionnaire and ultrasound will be used to assess improvement in symptomology. Anticipated Results: It is anticipated that in both BMI groups, there will be a decrease in insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism with metformin and inositol use. There should be a reduction of weight in both BMI groups with increased effect seen in overweight/obese BMI. Menstruation and ovulation are anticipated to become more regular in both BMI groups using metformin and inositol. Discussion: Studies have found that metformin significantly improves insulin resistance, decrease circulating free androgens, and increases sex hormone binding globulin. Inositol has been seen to decrease insulin resistance, LH/FSH ratio and free androgen in women with PCOS. The combination of metformin and inositol is seen to improve hormonal and biochemical parameters and have a significant effect on menstrual cycle length. Conclusion: The combination of metformin and inositol may have synergistic effects that will PCOS symptomology and improve quality of life.","PeriodicalId":245521,"journal":{"name":"Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal","volume":"361 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122811533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating the Insulin Sensitizing Effects of Metformin and Myo-Inositol in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol","authors":"Nadine Abou-Seido, Manaal Yaqub, Angelique Desouza","doi":"10.26685/urncst.476","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26685/urncst.476","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic dysregulation. Insulin resistance (IR) is a common hallmark of PCOS and contributes to metabolic dysfunction. A combination of lifestyle changes and symptom management treatments can help manage the condition. Metformin and myo-inositol (MI) have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce excess androgen levels in women with PCOS, but there is a lack of research on the effects of combinatory therapy of MI and metformin. This study aims to investigate the hypothesis that a combination of MI and metformin will result in improved insulin sensitivity and clinical outcomes of PCOS. Methods: The study is a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial examining 60 women diagnosed with PCOS that demonstrate the presence of IR. Participants are randomized to one of the following treatments over a six-month period: metformin (MET), inositol (INO), combined metformin and inositol (MET-INO) or placebo-control (CON). BMI, LH:FSH ratio, and the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were assessed at day 0, day 84 and day 168. Anticipated Results: It is anticipated that the MET-INO group will have the most profound effects following intervention, with a decrease in BMI by 3-4%, a decrease in LH:FSH ratio by 30-40%, and a decrease in HOMA-IR by 1-1.5. MET group is expected to have a significant decrease in BMI by 2-3%, a decrease in LH:FSH ratio by 20-30%, and a decrease in HOMA-IR by 0.5-1.5. The INO group is anticipated to experience a significant decrease in BMI by 1-2%, a decrease in LH:FSH ratio by 10-20%, and a decrease in HOMA-IR by 0.2-0.4. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that a combination therapy of metformin and MI may offer a more effective treatment option for improving insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS, compared to metformin or inositol treatment alone. These results have important implications for patients with PCOS and clinicians managing their care. Future studies should further investigate the effectiveness and long-term effects of these treatments.","PeriodicalId":245521,"journal":{"name":"Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal","volume":"144 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114515373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Contextualizing Mental Health Comorbidities in SUD Patients Leading to Increased Risk of Overdose: A Systematic Literature Review","authors":"David Walji, Emily Li","doi":"10.26685/urncst.504","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26685/urncst.504","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Despite increased awareness of the risk associated with drug overdose, it remains a significant public health concern in North America. In the case of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), comorbid mental illness has been found to increase risk of overdose. This systematic review aims to identify, assess and contextualize common comorbidities associated with SUD that have contributed to overdose occurrences. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify major comorbidities associated with SUD. PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were utilized. Peer-reviewed primary studies were included if they examined the prevalence of SUD in conjunction with a comorbidity involving mental illness. To establish a correlation with real-world overdose cases, the collected data was compared with coroner data to determine if current drug and comorbidity research in literature was reflective of the most prevalent forms of overdose in the general population. Results were summarized following the PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 60 papers investigating SUD with a comorbidity involving mental illness comorbidity were identified. Alcohol and cannabis were the most frequently studied substances, while Depressive and Anxiety disorders were the most common mental illness comorbidities examined. Geographically, these findings were consistent with studies from the US. However, in Canada, opioids were the most extensively studied substances, with Depressive and Neurodevelopmental disorders being the most commonly investigated mental illness comorbidities. Discussion: Comparison with coroner data suggests that greater research focus should be directed towards substances with greater potential for harm and fatal overdose. This emphasis on specific drugs can help improve overall mortality rates among SUD patients with comorbid mental illnesses. In Canada, this could involve conducting further research on stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine, and in the US with fentanyl. Conclusion: A disconnect between the substances studied in the literature and their real-world impact was found. Bridging this gap is essential to develop evidence-based interventions for comorbid SUD. More research on SUD, mental health comorbidity and overdose trends are needed to improve relevance to real-world scenarios.","PeriodicalId":245521,"journal":{"name":"Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal","volume":"4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132561298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effect of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment: A Scoping Review","authors":"S. Shannon","doi":"10.26685/urncst.479","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26685/urncst.479","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Patients with breast cancer experienced difficulties making appointments, treatment delays, and delayed screening during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of these challenges for individuals with breast cancer diagnoses, it is believed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental effect on these patients’ mental health. The purpose of this review was to examine the effect of COVID-19 on the mental health of breast cancer patients undergoing treatment through a scoping review. Methods: The methods were guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework, described in the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, and the reporting is compliant with PRISMA-ScR Checklist. Searches were conducted in the databases Medline via OVID and CINAHL from February 2023 to March 2023, with studies being published only from January 2020 to present. Inclusion criteria were breast cancer patients receiving breast cancer treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy, observational studies such as cross-sectional, and studies that measured the impact on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were then extracted using a charting form. Results: A total of 21 studies were included. Either depression, anxiety or stress or a combination of them were examined in all the studies that were included. Thirteen of the studies included used the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and/or the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) for their measures. Seventeen studies showed that while undergoing active treatment during COVID-19, there were increased levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Four studies that were included did not see a difference in these mental health outcomes during the pandemic. Discussion: Many studies stated the importance of how mental health interventions can be key to preventing higher rates of depression and anxiety. As such, the mental health of breast cancer patients must be prioritized by introducing changes to health care distribution and through providing psychological interventions to these patients. Conclusion: This scoping review demonstrated that breast cancer patients had increased rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health outcomes during the pandemic. Future research should be conducted to examine the effects on psychological interventions that focus on improving mental health in breast cancer patients.","PeriodicalId":245521,"journal":{"name":"Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal","volume":"11 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125311601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Long Term Antidepressant Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment Resistant Depression – A Research Protocol","authors":"Gurleen K. Multani","doi":"10.26685/urncst.478","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26685/urncst.478","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Individuals with treatment resistant depression (TRD) are those with severe major depressive disorder who fail to respond to conventional pharmacological treatment. As a result, novel technologies in the field of neuromodulation have been investigated to alleviate depressive symptoms in this population. One such neuromodulation therapy is deep brain stimulation (DBS), in which electrodes are neurosurgically implanted into target regions of the brain associated with depression, such as the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC). While previous studies have explored the use of DBS as a therapy for TRD, few studies with adequate statistical power have explored the sustained antidepressant effects of DBS when targeting the sgACC of the brain. Methods: This study aims to explore the long-term effects in DBS patients for TRD by measuring changes in cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolic rate in the sgACC, and its correlation to changes in self-reported depressive symptoms. Forty-five participants will be enlisted into this study. Psychometric evaluation and positron-emission topography imaging will be conducted prior to neurosurgery. Electrodes will be implanted into the sgACC, with extension wires attaching the electrodes to the internal pulse generator. In the six-week blinded phase, progressive increases in stimulation will be administered within the blinded group and sham stimulation in controls. The three-month open label phase will administer the same degree of high-frequency biphasic stimulation to the control and blinded groups and assess depression scores, neuroimaging, and adverse events. After cessation of active stimulation, a one-year, three-year, seven-year, and ten-year follow-up will monitor changes in antidepressant effects of DBS using simple linear contrasts and paired-sample t-tests. Expected Results: This study expects to find a sustained antidepressant response marked by decreases in sgACC metabolism and cerebral blood flow, and a reduction in self-report depression scores. Discussion: The use of DBS shows promise as a successful treatment intervention with sustained long-term effects for individuals with TRD. Additional secondary outcomes to be expected are improved quality of life and health behaviours. Conclusion: Though minor fluctuations are expected due to the presence of comorbidities, this study expects to showcase the long-term efficacy of deep brain stimulation for treatment resistant depression.","PeriodicalId":245521,"journal":{"name":"Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal","volume":"54 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123687808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}