Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by mutant PrP prion proteins, which accumulates and impairs the function of wild-type PrPc proteins. The interaction of prion proteins with wild-type proteins converts the PrPc proteins to mutant PrP proteins. These mutant prion proteins lead to neural tissue degradation and other nervous system problems that can eventually lead to death. The use of antibodies to target and destroy prion proteins can be used to decrease PrP levels that can stop CJD progression. The binding affinities of different anti-PrP Fab antibodies are analyzed to determine which antibody best binds to PrP proteins and targets them for destruction. Through antibody-based targeting of prion proteins, potential treatment methods could be developed for CJD. In addition, the use of drugs, such as quinacrine and doxycycline, also show short-term effects in decreasing the progression of CJD. These drugs extend the average lifespan of tested subjects with CJD but also lead to the development of drug-resistant prion proteins that eventually cause the death of the subject affected by CJD.

There exist three main methods of treating distal radius fractures: closed reduction, open reduction internal fixation, and percutaneous fixation. 10 studies in the geriatric population comparing closed reduction and ORIF, and ORIF and methods of percutaneous treatment were found. DASH and PRWE scores from these studies at 1 year followup were compiled and means were compared via independent T tests. DASH scores in the ORIF and percutaneous treatment groups were better than the open reduction, although ORIF and percutaneous treatment groups were not significantly different. PRWE score analysis revealed a significant advantage of ORIF compared to percutaneous treatment, and percutaneous treatment over closed reduction and casting.

The objective of this experiment was to determine what nitrate concentration and pH would provide the most optimal growth for algae. In order to determine this, algae from the American River was taken and grown in solutions with different concentrations of nitrate, and H+ ions. It was hypothesized that the algae would grow best in solutions with neutral pH levels or solutions with high nitrate concentrations. Different amounts of sodium nitrate were added to beakers with similar amounts of water and algae in order to create environments with varying concentrations of nitrate. Different amounts of NaOH and acetic acid were added to beakers with similar amounts of water and algae in order to simulate environments with varying pH levels. This experiment was conducted in order to determine how fertilizer runoffs affect algal growth. Fertilizer run offs carry nitrate ions into rivers and lakes, which cause algal blooms to form. It was hypothesized that as the concentration of nitrate increases, the growth rate of the algae would also increase. This is due to the fact that the literature supports the idea that as nitrate is added to rivers and lakes the number of algae present increases. The results from the experiment demonstrated that the most optimal concentration of nitrate in the water for algal growth was in between 1-2 Molar and that the most optimal pH for algal growth was in between 7-8.

his research focused on the physical characteristics of Corbicula flumenia, an invasive species of clam found in the American River, and how these characteristics give it a possible survival advantage over native clam species of the river. Clams were collected from the American River and dissected, while river water and soil samples were also collected. The water and soil were analyzed for levels of coliforms such as E. coli, since this could be a food source that gives the Asian Clam an advantage over native species. The Asian clams were analyzed for their feeding efficiency of E. coli compared to algae and also compared for anatomical differences to the native species by measuring cirri size, which could increase feeding rates within these clams, giving them a competitive edge over their native competitors. It was found that there was much E. coli in the water and soil, but no significant correlation was found between clam cirri size and feeding rate. The Asian clam’s DNA and protein expression was analyzed for genetic mutations that contribute to the species’ invasive advantage.

The objective of this review is to determine the difference in caffeine content in the coffee beans from different brands that are available in Costco. Two different popular coffee bean brands were bought and tested to determine which brand would have the highest caffeine content and their relative popularity among consumers. The extraction DMC method was conducted by using chemicals such as calcium carbonate, water, and DMC. The same amount of coffee beans were boiled with water until highly concentrated solutions were formed. Extraction funnel was utilized to wash out caffeine. Then, the recrystallization and vacuum filtration was utilized to obtain caffeine in solid form. The identity of the product along with the purity of the product was determined using melting temp, IR-spectroscopy, UV-vis spectrum, and TLC plating. The mass of caffeine produced from individual coffee brands were measured and compared. It was hypothesized that robusta coffee beans would yield more caffeine than arabica coffee beans. The expected results verify those claims as the data demonstrates that the amount of caffeine extracted from 10 grams of robusta coffee would be around .8021 grams, while the amount of caffeine extracted from 10 grams of arabica coffee would be around .4321 grams. The IR graph, UV-vis graph, and TLC plate were conducted to verify the identity of the product. The predicted IR graph, UV-vis graph, and TLC plate closely matched with the literature values, which indicates that the product produced is pure caffeine. One source of error that could skew the data could be the presence of impurities from the coffee beans that react in solution while we are trying to extract the caffeine. The broader impact of this review is that by understanding the caffeine content in different products, the medical and scientific field can further determine the difference in health effects between excess and optimal caffeine consumption to the human body. Additionally, scientists can research various medical usages of caffeine to help different patients with sleep disorders.