The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) has banned the use of all cannabinoids including cannabidiol (CBD) by their athletes. Several studies have been done to prove the advantages and disadvantages of cannabis, but research is lacking that centers specifically on CBD, and even less research that spotlights the effects of CBD on athletes. This quantitative research study will explore the outcomes of CBD on the body and how that does or does not correlate with the NCAA’s reasons for banning cannabidiol. This experiment will take place on hamsters due to their similarities to humans on the physiological level and investigate the following questions: • What are cannabinoids and how does CBD differ from the others? • What are the NCAA’s reasons for banning this substance? • What has been proven or disproven about cannabinoids and CBD in the past? • How does the body react to CBD? • Do the findings regarding cannabinoids and CBD support the NCAA’s claims about CBD? Cannabis has a negative connotation due to its varying legality across the country and the cynical language surrounding this plant also allows for endless personal opinions. The indicated quantitative study looks to eliminate personal views throughout the investigation and provide conclusive answers to my proposed questions. Although this study may not change the rule it will give a better look into why it is in place and clarify its validity.

The unfolded protein response (UPR) and apoptosis are cellular responses to endoplasmic reticulum stress, involving key regulators such as X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). These regulatory proteins are thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of coronary heart disease due to their involvement with aberrant protein formation or function. XBP1 is activated from splicing of the mRNA by an ER stressor sensor IRE1-alpha, and then it induces expression of genes involved in cell protein unfolding and ER-associated degradation. PERK alters protein synthesis and subsequently activates CHOP to push a cell towards apoptosis. The Hamilton lab studies cardiovascular diseases and uses molecular mechanisms to discover new therapeutic approaches to prevent and treat arrhythmias in the heart. ln this study, we investigated the interplay of UPR pathways and ER stress levels in a coronary heart disease rat model via cross examination of ER stress markers XBP1, PERK, and CHOP. Western blotting was used to assess the protein expression and activation status of these markers. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used on ventricular myoctyes from cardiovascular mutant rats to assess translational modifications affecting the UPR and apoptotic pathways both qualitatively and quantitatively in cells under stress condition. Our findings of these proteins in cardiovascular tissues provides further insight into their involvement with the UPR pathways and ER stress response in a cardiovascular model.

Forensic chemistry and toxicology have evolved since the first criminal proceedings. When a crime is committed, recovered biological samples are prepared, analyzed, then stored for any requested analyses. However, if the analytical results are appealed, these samples may need to be retested at a later date. Retesting evidentiary samples over extended periods of time can present ongoing challenges. Previous studies have shown that concentrations of specific substances in biological tissues may change over time depending on storage conditions, chemical stability, or tissue type. As a result, these factors can influence the outcomes of criminal proceedings. Since trial decisions rely on expert testimonies of respective fields, understanding factors that impact analytical results and data interpretation is crucial. This study aims to examine the effects of storage in a laboratory refrigerator on two commercially available substances, spiked into animal liver, serum, or bile tissues. Tissues were spiked with one of two commercially available substances (ibuprofen or Kratom), stored at positive 4 oC, and sampled over the course of 6 weeks. Following organic extraction and esterification, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) was used to identify and quantify analyte concentrations of ibuprofen or Kratom. Peaks were identified based on retention time and the NIST reference library. The results of this study will assess the storage stability of the spiked substances in standard laboratory conditions.

The purpose of this research is to contribute to the general knowledge of egg allergens by comparing two commercial ELISA assays from R-Biopharm on their abilities to detect and quantify whole egg powder (WEP) and ultimately egg protein residues. More specifically, how the latter differ in processed and unprocessed sugar cookie spike matrices in kits RIDASCREEN R6402 and R6411. ELISA methods R6402 and R6411 were first conducted in a buffer matrix and secondly in a spiked matrix where WEP was added directly into a raw dough and baked cookie samples. The recovery and quantification of the R-Biopharm kits yielded results closely following the advertisement of each methodology. Both R6402 and R6411 detected 5, 10, and 50 ppm WEP in a buffer, raw dough, and baked cookie matrices. All results were within the range of the standard curves of each respective kit and therefore quantifiable. In the R6402 spiked matrix, there was a higher percentage of recovery raw than baked. Further, in R6411 spiked matrix, the 9.2 extraction procedure is preferrable to 9.1 in baked over raw in 10 and 50 ppm WEP. It would be appropriate to utilize R6411 when identifying egg residue in a processed food matrix. Therefore, in commercial testing for egg residue in a wide range of food products, R6411 would be most preferable as it performed better in quantification of 10 and 50 ppm WEP of processed food in a spike matrix.