Nanoformulation of Curcumin to Improve Pharmacologic Activity

Found in the plant Curcuma longa (turmeric), curcumin demonstrates a diverse array of medicinal properties with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and neuroprotectant activities. One promising application of curcumin in the treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has gained scientific interest. The toxic structures, made out of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides aggregate in the brain tissue, can cause irreversible neuronal damage, manifesting in clinical signs associated with AD. Research has found curcumin able to bind to Aβ structures to ultimately inhibit toxic structure formation. Curcumin can also serve as a fluorescent probe to monitor the formation of senile plaques, since it interacts differently with various Aβ species. Such diagnostic and therapeutic potential can be hindered by the lack of drug delivery systems developed to ensure the efficient delivery of curcumin to the target site. Being a lipophilic(hydrophobic) substance, the low water solubility of curcumin prevents adequate drug transport in aqueous environment. One method of delivery involving nanoformulation through use of liposomes shows promise to increase curcumin’s solubility for its delivery, along with protection of loaded curcumin from premature degradation. In our research, curcumin was loaded into liposomes under different conditions. The stability of liposomes loaded with curcumin over time was investigated. Our research would assist scientists in therapeutic and remedial drug development to maximize the pharmacologic activities of curcumin

Heart rate variability as a measure of cardiovascular health in individuals with spinal cord injury

Individuals living with chronic spinal cord injury have impaired cardiovascular health and autonomic function. This project will explore the impact of spinal cord injury on autonomic function, and whether exercise and/or passive heating interventions can improve heart rate variability and restore cardiovascular health

Impact Of Resource Update: Autism Support, Healthcare & Advocacy

Resource database updates are key factors in the progression and access of quality healthcare for all. Northeast Arc’s Autism Support Center promotes inclusivity, access, and awareness to the community. Providing up to date, reliable, and accurate information across a variety of fields (i.e. advocacy, intervention, support, events, and healthcare providers) is critical for this population. The purpose of this senior-level internship was to create and organize a reliable database for Northeast Arc and the community they serve while adhering to HIPAA policies and protocols. Approximately 150 professionals on the North Shore with a variety of expertise were contacted via telephone and email. Information provided from each contact was placed onto the resource database

Lack of Utilization of Nutrition Services Among Community-Dwelling Elders and Reasons for Underutilization

As the elderly population grows, the need for services to help in the care of elders in the community expands. This poster provides evidence-based recommendations and emphasizes the key role primary care providers play in the education and initiation of referrals to the use of community-based nutrition services for eligible elderly patients

Thumbnail for: Physcial Activity and Its Importance for Brain Injury Survivors

https://digitalcommons.salemstate.edu/hsppd_images/1047/thumbnail.jp

Thumbnail for: COVID-19 and Hospice Care: Safety Protocols and Policies for End of Life Care

https://digitalcommons.salemstate.edu/hsppd_images/1056/thumbnail.jp

An Investigation into the Endophytic Medicinal and Biological Properties of Solidago sempervirens

The study of medicinal plants is a rapidly growing area of research. Historically, medicinal plants have been used in traditional medicine from which many modern medicines are inspired. Plant essential oils are promising natural products as they exhibit biological, medicinal, and nutritional properties. Endophytes are microbes that are found in plants and have symbiotic relationships with the plants they reside in. Endophytes are relatively less-studied microorganisms that present various benefits due to their bioactive metabolites. The purpose of this research is to grow and isolate endophytes from locally-grown goldenrod and analyze the medicinal properties of this plant based on the compounds found in it

Climate & Equity Webinar

A webinar on Climate & Equity moderated by Elizabeth Henry with Rep. Adrian Madaro, Dr. Gaurab Basu, and Dr. Marcos Luna.The panelists discussed:Health equity and disproportionate environmental burdens on communities of color in MAProgress and opportunities for environmental justiceMinority participation in green industriesAchieving a green and equitable recovery for the Commonwealt

The Effects Stress and Anxiety Have on Cognition Performance

The purpose of this study was looking into the effects of stress and anxiety on undergraduate students’ cognition performance. Specifically, my main study hypothesis is that stress and anxiety has a negative effect on students’ cognition performance, similar to previous research conducted with undergraduates in Midwestern schools that found students who reported stress affecting their academic performance had lower GPA (Frazier et al., 2018). Fifty-two students who were enrolled at colleges and universities participated in my study. Participants ranged from 18-39 years of age, and were primarily enrolled in courses full-time. The study was conducted through an online survey and consisted of questions on stress and anxiety, attention span, memory, and how overwhelmed participants reported feeling in the past month

Mental Health Stigmas Among Salem State Students

Within this research proposal we will be discussing mental illness and the stigmas that surround it. The effect of not speaking on the matter has resulted in backlash and negative connotations for receiving help. Many individuals have struggled without assistance. This research proposal will delve into the issue of mental illness and the stigmas that surround it. In many cultures, mental illness has been looked upon as something to be ashamed of, resulting in a neglected system for treatment. People suffering with mental health issues are reluctant to seek help, and when they do seek help, adequate treatment is not available