Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Autoantibodies To The Ny-Eso-1 Tumor Antigen In Metastatic Melanoma: Sialylation Of The Fc Region Of Immunoglobulin G Induces Differential Expression Signatures Of Inflammatory Molecules During Dendritic Cell Differentiation And Maturation, Martin Oaks, Nathaniel Rein, John O. Richards, James Shaffer

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: We tested the hypothesis that different glycoforms of antibodies from patients with metastatic melanoma have different functional effects on human dendritic cell differentiation and maturation.

Methods: Antibodies to the cancer antigen NY-ESO-1 were affinity-purified from patients with melanoma and further fractionated into different glycoforms by lectin chromatography. Sialic acid-rich and sialic acid-poor fractions of these immunoglobulin G antibodies (IgG) were added to dendritic cell cultures during both differentiation and maturation, and the resulting cellular messenger RNA (mRNA) and culture supernatants were tested by microarray and enzyme-linked immunoassay for molecules related to inflammatory pathways.

Results: We identified unique mRNA and …

2014 Scas Annual Meeting Program

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Genotypic And Phenotypic Characterization Of Aerosolized Bacteria Collected From African Dust Events, Christina A. Wilson, Robin L. Brigmon, Chris Yeager, Garriet W. Smith, Shawn W. Polson

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Twenty-one bacteria were isolated and characterized from air samples collected in Africa and the Caribbean by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Isolates were selected based on preliminary characterization as possible pathogens. Identification of the bacterial isolates was achieved using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) profiling, the BIOLOG Microlog^® System (carbon substrate assay), and repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP)-PCR analysis. The majority of isolates (18/21) were identified as species of the genus Bacillus. Three isolates were classified within the Bacillus cereus senso lato group, which includes Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Bacillus …

Remembering To Perform Actions In The Future: Can Intentions Pop Into Mind?, Gilles O. Einstein

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Role Of Vitamin A In Retinal Diseases, Rosalie K. Crouch, Masahiro Kono, Peter H. Tang

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Vitamin A has an essential role in vision in that it forms the photosensitive pigments that absorb light and initiate the visual process. However, vitamin A and its analogues also have critical roles in maintaining the structural integrity of the retina. Disruption of the metabolism of vitamin A results in several blinding diseases. This review focuses on our recent studies on the role of a protein critical to the processing of vitamin A, RPE65. The absence or dysfunction of this protein causes the childhood blinding disease Leber congenital amaurosis.

Scas Officers And Council Members 2014-2015

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Histological Evaluation Of The Cryo-Destruction Of The Zona Glomerulosa (Outermost Layer) Of The Adrenal Cortex, Huda Ahmed, Jonida Pone

Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato

The outer portion, or cortex, of the adrenal gland produces three hormones, two of which are highly critical to normal function of the body. The cortex itself is divided into three layers, each responsible for a certain hormone synthesis. The outermost layer (zona glomerulosa) produces aldosterone, a hormone involved in the regulation of body sodium, blood volume, and blood pressure. The middle layer produces co rticosterone, a hormone that is active in a variety of biological functions, and necessary for life. Due to its effects on blood volume, aldosterone has been implicated in the development of hypertension, or high blood …

Crohn’S Disease Linked Polymorphisms Associated With Autophagy Contribute To Th17 Cell Induction Through Increasing The Expression Of Il-1Β And Tnf-Α, Daniel Clayton Morse

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

Abstract

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have linked polymorphisms in autophagy genes to Crohn’s Disease (CD). Interestingly, recent studies have shown that defective autophagy leads to increased levels of the cytokines IL-1b and TNF-a, which play a critical role in Th17 cell differentiation. This is significant because CD is marked by a Th17 cell mediated inflammatory response. This article examines the manners in which defective expression of autophagy linked proteins, can indirectly amplify and sustain Th17 cell induction through increasing the production of Th17 positively differentiating cytokines (IL-1b and TNF-a) and decreasing the production …

Fty720 (Fingolimod) Provides Insight Into The Molecular Mechanisms Of Multiple Sclerosis, Madelyn Elizabeth Crawford

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a prolonged immune- mediated inflammatory response that targets myelin. Nearly all of the drugs approved for the treatment of MS are general immunosuppressants or only function in symptom management. The oral medication fingolimod, however, is reported to have direct therapeutic effects on cells of the central nervous system in addition to immunomodulatory functions. Fingolimod is known to interact with sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors, and the most widely- accepted theory for its mechanism of action is functional antagonism of the receptor. This review examines significant neuromodulatory effects achieved by functional antagonism of the …

Investigating The Viability Of Two Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia Isolates After Air-Drying, Samantha Lane, Joanna Brooke

DePaul Discoveries

Abstract

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a water-borne infectious bacterium that is found in both clinical (hospitals) and non-clinical environments. This human pathogen is commonly recovered from respiratory tract infections. A recent study at a hospital in Taiwan suggested that dry patient charts can serve as a vehicle of transmission of this bacterium⁷. As S. maltophilia is not commonly isolated from dry surfaces, this current study tested the hypothesis that this pathogen can remain viable for some time on a dry surface. This study was designed to determine how long S. maltophilia could remain viable after air-drying by observing …

Characterizing The Response Of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae Species To The Application Of A Phage Cocktail, Steven Liu

Symposium

Project Summary: The application of bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections is known as phage therapy, which takes advantage of bacteriophage’s natural ability to infect and lyse bacterial hosts. Phages have been shaped by billions of years of evolution to be highly specialized deliverers of bactericidal agents to the cytoplasm of their target bacteria. Ever since discovery of bacteriophages in 1915, phage therapy was recognized as a potentially powerful tool for eliminating bacterial infections. The effectiveness of phage therapy can be increased by creating a mixture of multiple phages to target a wider variety of bacterial strains. Furthermore, phage therapy has …

In Adult Smokers Unwilling Or Unable To Quit, Does Changing From Tobacco Cigarettes To Electronic Cigarettes Decrease The Incidence Of Negative Health Effects Associated With Smoking Tobacco? A Clin-Iq, Jennifer Brown, Brandon Brown, Peter Schwiebert, Kalyanakrishnan Ramakrisnan, Laine H. Mccarthy

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Data from a randomized controlled trial and systematic review support the claim that switching from tobacco cigarettes to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) can reduce the short-term negative health effects of smoking. In adult smokers unwilling or unable to quit, exhaled carbon monoxide levels, total number of cigarettes smoked, and exposure to nitrosamine chemicals were reduced within a 12-month period. While the e-cigarette industry remains largely unregulated thus far, these studies provide encouraging hope in the uphill battle toward helping patients make informed and healthy choices.

Health Care Information Technology: Securing The Electronic Health Record With Biometric Technology, Alyssa Iacona

The Review: A Journal of Undergraduate Student Research

The principal focus of this paper is to examine the integration of biometric technology into healthcare’s information technology systems. Biometric technology, a rapidly evolving mechanism, analyzes specific anatomical and physiological features of an individual for identity verification (Perrin, 2002). Moreover, as the federal government has mandated all health records to be electronic in 2014, the implementation of biometrics has become a prevalent means of security. In an effort to adhere to the patient privacy laws authorized by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), biometric recognition is currently used to restrict access to verified health care providers and detect …

Effects Of Body Armor And Load Carriage On Lower Limb Joint Movement, Huiju Park, Donna Branson, Adriana Petrova, Semra Peksoz, Carla Goad, Aric J. Warren, Bert Jacobson, Panagiotis Kamenidis

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments

This study investigated the impact of body armor weight and load magnitude and distribution on the lower extremities during walking. Range of motion (ROM) was assessed while seven healthy, male, right-handed, military university students walked while wearing seven different garments of varying weights (0.06 kg, 9 kg, 18 kg, and 27 kg) and load distributions. Decreased pelvic rotation found with an increase in weight implies decreased mobility by restricting the leg’s swing to propel the body forward. Increased ROM for pelvic tilt found with increased weight results from increased forward inclination suggesting an increased possibility for fatigue and musculoskeletal pain …

Measuring Pain Withdrawal Threshold Using A Novel Device In "Pseudo-Continuous" Mode, A. H. Walker, S. Thurman, N. Martinez, S. Burns, M. Dobretsov

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The study of pain and analgesia is an important area of biomedical research that has led to a significant number of advances in the treatment of acute and chronic pain. This study introduces a novel approach to mechanical testing of pain withdrawal of a rat hind paw to a stimulus. This systematic method involves a modified electronic esthesiometer controlled by an IDEA drive that allows for consistency in experiments. The device gives the experimenter computer control of the step size and velocity of approach of the probe stimulus. We discuss here some of the limitations in the current techniques used …

Pediatric Reference Intervals For Plasma And Urine Essential Amino Acids In A Turkish Population, Eni̇s Maci̇t, Murat Kizilgün, Erdi̇nç Çakir, Abdulbaki̇ Karaoğlu, Emi̇n Özgür Akgül, Muzaffer Öztosun, İbrahi̇m Aydin, Fevzi̇ Nuri̇ Aydin, Mehmet Ağilli, Türker Türker, Recai̇ Oğur, Yasemi̇n Gülcan Kurt, Hüsametti̇n Gül, Tuncer Çayci, Esi̇n Özkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To establish age- and sex-specific reference intervals for essential amino acids in a healthy Turkish pediatric population. Materials and methods: A total of 945 clinically healthy children (531 boys and 414 girls, ranging in age from birth to 14 years) were enrolled. Plasma and urine amino acids' concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Concentrations of essential amino acids in plasma were higher in girls than in boys in the age groups of 0-1 months and 7-14 years; however, there was no difference in the other age groups. Concentrations of essential amino acids in urine were higher in girls …

Anti Tnf-\Alpha Therapy Might Be Responsible For An Increased Incidence Of Varicocele In Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis, Ömer Yilmaz, Yunus Ugan, Mahmut Yener, Mehmet Umul, Mustafa Kayan, Aykut Recep Aktaş, Eli̇f Ni̇sa Ünlü, Bünyami̇n Kisacik, Bumi̇n Deği̇rmenci̇, Meltem Çeti̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the effects of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-\alpha) therapy on the frequency of varicocele in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using color Doppler ultrasound. Materials and methods: The patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with AS who were on anti-TNF-\alpha treatment and patients with AS who were not regularly taking any antiinflammatory drugs. Thirty-one healthy volunteers were included as controls. Results: Left-sided varicocele was determined in 14 patients of Group 1 (44%), 10 patients of Group 2 (33%), and 7 of the controls (23%). There was a statistically significant difference only between Group 1 and controls (P = …

Comparing The Fatty Acid Levels Of Preterm And Term Breast Milk In Turkish Women, İbrahi̇m Aydin, Özden Turan, Fevzi̇ Nuri̇ Aydin, Esi̇n Koç, İbrahi̇m Murat Hirfanoğlu, Mesut Akyol, Muzaffer Öztosun, Emi̇n Özgür Akgül, Hi̇lmi̇ Demi̇ri̇n, Seli̇m Kiliç, Mehmet Kemal Erbi̇l, Taner Özgürtaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Lipids are the main source of calories and considered very important in infant growth. We aimed to compare fatty acid composition of term and preterm breast milk. This is the first study that compares the fatty acid levels of preterm and term breast milk in Turkish women. Materials and methods: Breast milk samples were obtained from mothers of term (n = 15) and preterm (n = 15) infants on postnatal days 3, 7, and 28. Fatty acid composition of human breast milk was determined longitudinally by gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results: There were 31 fatty acids measured in the milk samples. In …

The Role Of Ct And Mri In The Diagnosis Of Sigmoid Volvulus, Sabri̇ Selçuk Atamanalp, Abdulmeci̇t Kantarci, Bünyami̇ Özoğul, Abdullah Kisaoğlu, Refi̇k Seli̇m Atamanalp

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Letter to the Editor

Clinical And Prognostic Importance Of Chromosomal Abnormalities, Y Chromosome Microdeletions, And Cftr Gene Mutations In Individuals With Azoospermia Or Severe Oligospermia, Zeynep Ocak, Uğur Üyetürk, Muhammet Murat Di̇nçer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To illustrate the importance of genetic screening in the assessment of fertility and the correct diagnosis in patients with azoospermia or severe oligospermia. Materials and methods: This study examined 500 patients with reproductive failure, having fewer than 5 million sperm/mL detected in at least 2 consecutive spermiograms, who presented at a medical genetics polyclinic between 2008 and 2012. Metaphase preparations obtained from cell cultures were stained by trypsin-Giemsa banding. After DNA isolation, Y chromosome loci, including AZFa (SY84, SY86), AZFb (SY127, SY134), AZFc (SY254 SY255), and AZFd, were amplified by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers. Thirty-five patients with congenital …

Effects Of The Medial Or Basolateral Amygdala Upon Social Anxiety And Social Recognition In Mice, Yu Wang, Shanshan Zhao, Xu Liu, Qunying Fu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Though social anxiety and social recognition have been studied extensively, the roles of the medial or basolateral amygdala in the control of social anxiety and social recognition remain to be determined. This study investigated the effects of excitotoxic bilateral medial or basolateral amygdala lesions upon social anxiety and social recognition in mice. Materials and methods: Animals at 9 weeks of age were given bilateral medial or basolateral amygdala lesions via infusion of N-methyl-D-aspartate and then were used for behavioral tests: anxiety-related tests (including open-field test, light-dark test, and elevated-plus maze test), social behavior test in a novel environment, social recognition …

Effects Of Intraabdominal Pressure On Mean Platelet Volume During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Rüçhan Bahadir Celep, Şahi̇n Kahramanca, Mustafa Özsoy, Cem Azili, Süleyman Çeti̇nkünar, Ahmet Oğuz Hasdemi̇r, Hakan Güzel, Gülay Özgehan, İbrahi̇m Çolhan, Tevfi̇k Hadi̇ Küçükpinar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Intraabdominal hypertension is a common occurrence, especially in intensive care unit patients, and it has high mortality and morbidity rates. The onset is commonly insidious and the poor prognosis is attributed to the long delay in diagnosis. Unfortunately, diagnosis is often delayed until loss of function in the affected tissues has already occurred. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of mean platelet volume (MPV) in assessing the risk of intraabdominal hypertension. Materials and methods: Pneumoperitoneum during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy was used as a model for intraabdominal hypertension. The study included 103 patients who met the …

Effects Of Whole-Body Vibration On Plasma Sclerostin Level In Healthy Women, Muharrem Çi̇dem, Yunus Karakoç, Hakan Ekmekçi̇, Suat Hayri̇ Küçük, Murat Uludağ, Kerem Gün, Şafak Sahi̇r Karamehmetoğlu, İlhan Karacan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine whether plasma sclerostin levels are affected by applying whole-body vibration treatments. Materials and methods: Following a pilot study, the present prospective, randomized, controlled single-blind study was performed on 16 healthy volunteer women (ages 20 to 40 years). Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups, and whole-body vibration was applied to the treatment group but not to the controls. The plasma sclerostin levels were measured before the treatment and at the 10th minute after whole-body vibration on the 1st, 2nd, and 5th days of application. Results: The plasma sclerostin level measured at 10 min after the whole-body vibration treatment …

Refeeding Hypophosphatemia: A Potentially Fatal Danger In The Intensive Care Unit, Ramazan Coşkun, Kürşat Gündoğan, Süleyman Baldane, Muhammet Güven, Murat Sungur

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the overall and comparative incidence of refeeding hypophosphatemia (RH) between enteral and parenteral nutrition in general adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Materials and methods: This study was performed as a retrospective analysis. A total of 117 patients who received enteral and parenteral nutrition were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, type of nutrition, daily energy intake, and serum phosphorus levels before and after the initiation of the nutrition were recorded for 7 days. Results: The mean age of the patients was 65.8 ± 16.7 years. RH was found in 61 patients (52.14%). There was no significant difference …

Immunohistochemical Investigation Of Galectin-3 In The Skin Of Mice Applied With Origanum Hypericifolium Essential Oil And Irradiated With Ultraviolet B, Pinar İli̇, Nazan Keski̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To demonstrate galectin-3-immunoreactivity in the undiluted essential oil of Origanum hypericifolium when applied to the ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiated skin of mice. Materials and methods: Female BALB/c mice were allocated to 4 groups, each comprising 6 mice (Group 1: control; Group 2: UVB irradiated control; Group 3: undiluted O. hypericifolium essential oil applied; Group 4: undiluted O. hypericifolium essential oil applied before UVB irradiation). One week prior to UVB irradiation, the undiluted O. hypericifolium essential oil was applied to the shaved dorsal skin of mice 3 times a week. Subsequently, the mice were irradiated 3 times per week with UVB …

Gleason Score At The Margin Can Predict Biochemical Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy, In Addition To Preoperative Psa And Surgical Margin Status, Sidika Şeyma Özkanli, Itir Ebru Zemheri̇, Asif Yildirim, Hati̇ce Deni̇z Gür, Mevlana Derya Balbay, Serkan Şenol, Ahmet Oğuz Özkanli, Erdal Alkan, Tülay Zengi̇nki̇net, Abdullah Aydin, Turhan Çaşkurlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the relation between biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer and the extent of positive surgical margins (PSMs), Gleason score (GS) of the tumor at the margins, and preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Materials and methods: A total of 94 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy were recruited for this study and received postoperative follow-up care for 2 years. All specimens were evaluated for surgical margin status, PSM length, GS at positive margin, size of tumor, multifocality, invasion of seminal vesicle, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion. PSM was defined as a prostate tumor. Results: Out of 94 patients, 34 patients …

Diastolic Function Of The Right Ventricle Is Impaired In Experimental Type 2 Diabetic Rat Models, Ya Miao, Wei Zhang, Yuan Zhong, Ming Zhong, Xiao Ma

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate diastolic function alterations of the right ventricle (RV) by echocardiography in type 2 diabetic rat models. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: a control group (n = 8) and a diabetic group (n = 16, with 11 remaining at the end of the experiment), which was fed a high-fat and high-calorie diet and injected with streptozotocin (STZ). RV diastolic functional alteration of rat models was studied by the tricuspid flow Doppler (Ep, Ap, and Ep/Ap) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) (Em, Am, and Em/Am) of the lateral tricuspid annulus. RV structural alteration of …

Comparison Of The Efficacy Of Prednisolone, Montelukast, And Omalizumab In An Experimental Allergic Rhinitis Model, Mete Kaan Bozkurt, Baykal Tülek, Banu Bozkurt, Nalan Akyürek, Mehmet Öz, Aysel Kiyici

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To compare the efficacy of prednisolone, montelukast, and omalizumab in reducing allergic symptoms and inflammation at tissue level in an experimental allergic rhinitis model. Materials and methods: Forty Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into 5 groups as naive (NS/NC), sensitized/challenged (S/C) by subcutaneous ovalbumin antigen injection, and montelukast-, prednisolone-, and omalizumab-treated groups. A nasal allergen challenge was performed every day from day 20 to day 26. The number of sneezes and nasal/eye rubbing movements, IL-4 and CysLT levels in serum, nasal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids determined by ELISA, and histopathological findings of nasal mucosa, sinus, and lung tissues were compared. …

Detection Of Kinase Amplifications In Gastric Adenocarcinomas, Muhsi̇n Özdemi̇r, Murat Öznur, Evri̇m Çi̇ftçi̇, Beyhan Durak Aras, Hüseyi̇n Aslan, Hande Saygili, Kevser Setenay Öner, Serdar Mustafa Erkasap, Ayşegül Özakyol, Özgül Paşaoğlu, Oğuz Çi̇li̇ngi̇r, Sevi̇lhan Artan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the incidences of copy number aberrations of receptor kinases and their relations in Turkish patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Materials and methods: The prevalence of genomic copy number aberrations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/topoisomerase IIa (TOP2A), centrosome-associated kinase aurora A (AURK A), centrosome-associated kinase aurora B (AURK B), and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) genes and polysomies of related chromosomes were analyzed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) in tumor samples from 35 patients with gastric cancer. Results: There were 28.6%, 65.7%, 20.0%, 17.1%, 60.0%, and 45.7% cases considered FISH-positive for EGFR, …