Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Interaction Of Drugs Of Abuse And Microrna With Hiv: A Brief Review., Sudheesh Pilakka-Kanthikeel, Madhavan P.N. Nair

HWCOM Faculty Publications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), the post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, play key roles in modulating many cellular processes. The changes in the expression profiles of several specific miRNAs affect the interactions between miRNA and their targets in various illnesses, including addiction, HIV, cancer etc. The presence of anti-HIV-1 microRNAs (which regulate the level of infectivity of HIV-1) have been validated in the cells which are the primary targets of HIV infection. Drugs of abuse impair the intracellular innate anti-HIV mechanism(s) in monocytes, contributing to cell susceptibility to HIV infection. Emerging evidence has implicated miRNAs are differentially expressed in response to chronic morphine …

The Benefits Of Inositol-Stabilized Arginine Silicate As A Workout Ingredient, S. Rood-Ojalvo, D. Sandler, Emir Veledar, J. Komorowski

Department of Biostatistics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Preparation And Characterization Of Anti-Hiv Nanodrug Targeted To Microfold Cell Of Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue, Upal Roy, Hong Ding, Sudheesh Pilakka-Kanthikeel, Andrea Raymond, Venkata Atluri, Adriana Yndart, Elena Kaftanovskaya, Elena Batrakova, Marisela Agudelo, Madhavan Nair

HWCOM Faculty Publications

The human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) still remains one of the leading life-threatening diseases in the world. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced disease morbidity and mortality. However, most of the drugs have variable penetrance into viral reservoir sites, including gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Being the largest lymphoid organ, GALT plays a key role in early HIV infection and host–pathogen interaction. Many different treatment options have been proposed to eradicate the virus from GALT. However, it becomes difficult to deliver traditional drugs to the GALT because of its complex physiology. In this regard, we developed a …

Role Of Mrp Transporters In Regulating Antimicrobial Drug Inefficacy And Oxidative Stress-Induced Pathogenesis During Hiv-1 And Tb Infections., Upal Roy, Paul Barber, Yuk-Ching Tse-Dinh, Elena V. Batrakova, Debasis Mondal, Madhavan Nair

HWCOM Faculty Publications

Multi-Drug Resistance Proteins (MRPs) are members of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) drug-efflux transporter superfamily. MRPs are known to regulate the efficacy of a broad range of anti-retroviral drugs (ARV) used in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and antibacterial agents used in Tuberculus Bacilli (TB) therapy. Due to their role in efflux of glutathione (GSH) conjugated drugs, MRPs can also regulate cellular oxidative stress, which may contribute to both HIV and/or TB pathogenesis. This review focuses on the characteristics, functional expression, and modulation of known members of the MRP family in HIV infected cells exposed to ARV drugs and discusses …

Eliciting Preferences For Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking Using A Discrete Choice Experiment: Implications For Product Regulation, Ramzi G. Salloum, Wasim Maziak, David Hammond, Rima Nakkash, Farahnaz Islam, Xi Cheng, James F. Thrasher

Department of Epidemiology

Objectives Waterpipe smoking is highly prevalent among university students, and has been increasing in popularity despite mounting evidence showing it is harmful to health. The aim of this study was to measure preferences for waterpipe smoking and determine which product characteristics are most important to smokers.

Setting A large university in the Southeastern USA.

Participants Adult waterpipe smokers attending the university (N=367).

Design Participants completed an Internet-based discrete choice experiment to reveal their preferences for, and trade-offs between, the attributes of hypothetical waterpipe smoking sessions. Participants were presented with waterpipe lounge menus, each with three fruit-flavoured options and one tobacco …

Interactive Effects Of Cocaine On Hiv Infection: Implication In Hiv-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder And Neuroaids., Santosh Dahal, Sai V. P. Chitti, Madhavan Nair, Shailendra K. Saxena

HWCOM Faculty Publications

Substantial epidemiological studies suggest that not only, being one of the reasons for the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but drug abuse also serves its role in determining the disease progression and severity among the HIV infected population. This article focuses on the drug cocaine, and its role in facilitating entry of HIV into the CNS and mechanisms of development of neurologic complications in infected individuals. Cocaine is a powerfully addictive central nervous system stimulating drug, which increases the level of neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) in the brain, by blocking the dopamine transporters (DAT) which is critical for DA …

Single-Incision Single-Instrument Adnexal Surgery In Pediatric Patients, Tara Loux, Gavin A. Falk, Michaela Gaffley, Stephanie Ortega, Leopoldo Malvezzi, Colin G. Knight, Cathy Burnweit

HWCOM Faculty Publications

Pediatric surgeons often practice pediatric gynecology.Thesingle-incision single-instrument (SISI) technique used for appendectomy is applicable in gynecologic surgery. Methods.We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients undergoing pelvic surgery from 2008 to 2013. SISI utilized a 12mm transumbilical trocar and an operating endoscope. The adnexa can be detorsed intracorporeally or extracorporealized via the umbilicus for lesion removal. Results. We performed 271 ovarian or paraovarian surgeries in 258 patients. In 147 (54%), the initial approach was SISI; 75 cases (51%) were completed in patients aged from 1 day to 19.9 years and weighing 4.7 to 117 kg. Conversion to standard laparoscopy was due …

Individual And Neighborhood Predictors Of Mortality Among Hiv-Positive Latinos With History Of Injection Drug Use, Florida, 2000–2011, Diana M. Sheehan, Mary Jo Trepka, Kristopher P. Feenie, Guillermo Prado, Purnima Madhivanan, Frank R. Dillon, Lorene Maddox

Department of Epidemiology

No abstract provided.

Drd2 And Drd4 Genes Related To Cognitive Deficits In Hiv‑Infected Adults Who Abuse Alcohol, Karina Villalba, Jessy G. Devieux, Rhonda Rosenberg, Jean Lud Cadet

Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Background

HIV-infected individuals continue to experience neurocognitive deterioration despite virologically successful treatments. The causes of neurocognitive impairment are still unclear. However, several factors have been suggested including the role of genetics. There is evidence suggesting that neurocognitive impairment is heritable and individual differences in cognition are strongly driven by genetic variations. The contribution of genetic variants affecting the metabolism and activity of dopamine may influence these individual differences.

Methods

The present study explored the relationship between two candidate genes (DRD4 and DRD2) and neurocognitive performance in HIV-infected adults. A total of 267 HIV-infected adults were genotyped for polymorphisms, DRD4 …

Assessing The Prevalence Of Autoimmune, Endocrine, Gynecologic, And Psychiatric Comorbidities In An Ethnically Diverse Cohort Of Female Fibromyalgia Patients: Does The Time From Hysterectomy Provide A Clue?, Larry Brooks, Joseph Hadi, Kyle T. Amber, Christopher L. Lariche, Tamar Ference

HWCOM Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Activation Of Relaxin Family Receptor 1 From Different Mammalian Species By Relaxin Peptide And Small-Molecule Agonist Ml290, Zaohua Huang, Courtney Myhr, Ross A.D. Bathgate, Brian A. Ho, Xin Hu, Jingbo Xiao, Noel Southall, Elena Barnaeva, Irina U. Agoulnik, Juan J. Marugan, Marc Ferrer, Alexander I. Agoulnik

HWCOM Faculty Publications

Relaxin peptide (RLN), which signals through the relaxin family peptide 1 (RXFP1) GPCR receptor, has shown therapeutic effects in an acute heart failure clinical trial. We have identified a small-molecule agonist of human RXFP1, ML290; however, it does not activate the mouse receptor. To find a suitable animal model for ML290 testing and to gain mechanistic insights into the interaction of various ligands with RXFP1, we have cloned rhesus macaque, pig, rabbit, and guinea pig RXFP1s and analyzed their activation by RLN and ML290. HEK293T cells expressing macaque or pig RXFP1 responded to relaxin and ML290 treatment as measured by …

Prevalence Of Schistosoma Haematobium Infection Among School-Age Children In Afar Area, Northeastern Ethiopia, Abraham Degarege, Zeleke Mekonnen, Bruno Levecke, Yohannes Negash, Jozef Vercruysse, Berhanu Erko

Department of Epidemiology

In this study, the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infection was determined among school-age children living in the Middle and Lower Awash Valley, Afar Regional State of Ethiopia. Between February and May 2014, urine samples were collected from 885 school-age children (5–16 years of age) from the Middle (n = 632; 4 villages) and Lower (n = 253; 3 villages) Awash Valley. All samples were processed using urine filtration to detect and quantify S. haematobium eggs. In addition, a subset of the urine samples was tested for hematuria using a urine dipstick (n = 556). The overall prevalence was …

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices And Beliefs About Medical Male Circumcision (Mmc) Among A Sample Of Health Care Providers In Haiti, Jessy G. Devieux, Anshul Saxena, Rhonda Rosenberg, Jeffrey D. Klausner, Michele Jean-Gilles, Purnima Madhivanan, Stephanie Gaston, Muni Rubens, Harry Theodore, Marie-Marcelle Deschamps, Serena P. Koenig, Jean William Pope

Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Background

Haiti has the highest number of people living with HIV infection in the Caribbean/Latin America region. Medical male circumcision (MMC) has been recommended to help prevent the spread of HIV. We sought to assess knowledge, attitudes, practices and beliefs about MMC among a sample of health care providers in Haiti.

Methods

A convenience sample of 153 health care providers at the GHESKIO Centers in Haiti responded to an exploratory survey that collected information on several topics relevant to health providers about MMC. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the responses and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine opinions of …

Non-Oral Drug Delivery Strategies: From Early Diagnosis To Advanced Treatments, Claudia Trenkwalder, Werner Poewe, Fabrizio Stocchi, Stuart H. Isaacson

HWCOM Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Predictors Of Waterpipe Smoking Progression Among Youth In Irbid, Jordan: A Longitudinal Study (2008-2011), Rana Jaber, Purnima Madhivanan, Yousef Khader, Kenneth Ward, Wasim Maziak

Department of Epidemiology

No abstract provided.

Dj1 Expression Downregulates In Neuroblastoma Cells (Sk-N-Mc) Chronically Exposed To Hiv-1 And Cocaine, Upal Roy, Venkata Atluri, Marisela Agudelo, Adriana Yndart, Zaohua Huang, Madhavan Nair

HWCOM Faculty Publications

Background: HIV-associated neurological disorder (HAND) has long been recognized as a consequence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the brain. The pathology of HAND gets more complicated with the recreational drug use such as cocaine. Recent studies have suggested multiple genetic influences involved in the pathology of addiction and HAND but only a fraction of the entire genetic risk has been investigated so far. In this regard, role of DJ1 protein (a gene linked to autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinson’s disease) in regulating dopamine (DA) transmission and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in neuronal cells will be worth investigating in …

Infant Mortality In Twin Pregnancies Following In-Utero Demise Of The Co-Twin, Boubakari Ibrahimou, Hamisu M. Salihu, Muktar H. Aliyu, Gary English, Getachew Dagne

Department of Biostatistics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Multifunctional Nanoparticles For Theranostic Applications, Supriya Srinivasan

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Multifunctional agents for the management of highly heterogeneous diseases, like cancer, are gaining increased interest with the intent of improving the diagnostics and therapy of cancer patients. These agents are also important because more than one treatment modality is typically used for cancer therapy in the clinic. Further, nanotechnology offers a platform where more than one agent can be combined to help provide improved cancer diagnosis and therapy. Near-infrared light-activatable phototherapeutic agents have great potential in vivo. Body tissues have minimum absorption in the near- infrared range. They also have been shown to enhance the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapeutic …

Previous Preterm Birth And Current Maternal Complications As A Risk Factor Of Subsequent Stillbirth, Boubakari Ibrahimou, Cynthia Anozie, Cara De La Cruz, Hamisu Salihu

Department of Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Purpose. To examine the association between previous preterm birth and the risk of stillbirth. Methods. This population-based retrospective cohort study analyzed live births and stillbirth records in Missouri (1989–1997). The main outcome of interest was stillbirth occurrence while the exposures were prior preterm birth. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed using logistic regression. Results. Women who had a previous preterm birth have 63% increased odds of stillbirth in singleton pregnancies and 75% increased odds in twins as compared to those who did not have a preterm birth in a prior pregnancy (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI = …

Differing Roles Of Autophagy In Hiv-Associated Neurocognitive Impairment And Encephalitis With Implications For Morphine Co-Exposure, Seth M. Dever, Myosotys Rodriguez, Jessica Lapierre, Blair N. Costin, Nazira El-Hage

HWCOM Faculty Publications

We investigated the role of autophagy in HIV-infected subjects with neurocognitive impairment (NCI) ± HIV encephalitis (HIVE), many of which had a history of polysubstance abuse/dependence, using post-mortem brain tissues to determine whether differences in autophagy related factors may be more associated with NCI or NCI-encephalitis. Using qRT-PCR, we detected significant differences in gene expression levels with SQSTM1, LAMP1 higher in HIV-infected subjects without NCI while ATG5, SQSTM1 were then lower in HIV infection/NCI and ATG7, SQSTM1 being higher in NCI-HIVE. Immunohistochemical labeling of these autophagy associated proteins (also including Beclin 1 and LC3B) in Iba1-positive microglial cells showed generally …

Proliferative And Glycolytic Assessment Of The Whole-Body Bone Marrow Compartment, Mohammed Goryawala, Malek Adjouadi, Seza Gulec

HWCOM Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Fibonacci Series, Golden Proportions, And The Human Biology, Dharam Persaud, James P. O'Leary

HWCOM Faculty Publications

Pythagoras, Plato and Euclid’s paved the way for Classical Geometry. The idea of shapes that can be mathematically defined by equations led to the creation of great structures of modern and ancient civilizations, and milestones in mathematics and science. However, classical geometry fails to explain the complexity of non-linear shapes replete in nature such as the curvature of a flower or the wings of a Butterfly. Such non-linearity can be explained by fractal geometry which creates shapes that emulate those found in nature with remarkable accuracy. Such phenomenon begs the question of architectural origin for biological existence within the universe. …

Investigation Of Bilingualism Knowledge Of Speech-Language Pathologists And Speech-Language Pathology Students, Michelle Leon

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to administer a survey to obtain information on practicing Speech-Language Pathologists’ (SLPs) knowledge of bilingual issues, while also considering whether any academic background on bilingualism guides SLP’s diagnostic and treatment options. This was done by comparing survey results of practicing SLPs with different academic backgrounds on bilingualism with current Master’s students registered at the Communication Sciences and Disorders Masters’ program at Florida International University (FIU). The survey consisted of 26 questions that examined participant’s history, and bilingual knowledge.

Data was collected from 89 surveys. Data analyses showed that students and SLPs with a strong …

Parent-Child Interactions In The Presence Of Risk For Adhd With And Without Language Impairment, Sisan Walker Angel

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to analyze how parent-child interactions differ in discourse structure, communicative function and linguistic behaviors between children who are at high-risk for developing a behavioral disorder such as ADHD, and those who are at high-risk for developing a behavioral disorder with a co-occurring language impairment. Participants consisted of 20 children ages three to five years old and their parents. A five-minute parent-child interaction was video recorded and analyzed using an adapted version of the “Coding parent/child interaction as a clinical outcome: a research note” designed by Law, Barnett, and Kot (1999).

Results revealed slight differences …

Complementary And Alternative Medicine And Japanese Chronic Disease Patients’ Quality Of Life And Perceived Stress, Hideaki Tanaka

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This mixed methods study examined the association between the frequency of five lifestyle-related complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices and perceived quality of life (QOL) and stress among patients in Japan diagnosed with chronic disease, and also examined why patients decided to receive Okada purifying therapy [(OPT) biofield therapy]. Data from 1,190 patients were analyzed using bivariate and multiple regression analysis, followed by analysis of one-on-one in-depth interviews conducted among 25 patients on reasons why patients decided to practice OPT. Grounded theory methodology was used to analyze transcribed interview data.

Results of multiple regression analysis indicated that engaging in arts …

Barriers To Nutrition Counseling With A Registered Dietitian (Rd) And Its Association With Dietary Intake, Nutrition Status, Disease Outcomes And Substance Abuse In People Living With Hiv (Plwh)., Christina D. Fleetwood

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between nutrition and HIV is multifactorial. Nutrition counseling provided by a Registered Dietitian (RD) has the potential for improving disease risk outcomes for PLWH. To determine barriers to access nutritional counseling with an RD in PLWH, and evaluate the relationship of this counseling on dietary intake, nutritional status, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and HIV-disease outcomes.

This is a cross-sectional study of a consecutive convenience sample of 130 PLWH on stable ART from the MASH cohort. After consenting, participants completed a survey on types and frequency of nutritional services received in the last 12 months, and on barriers to access …

New Therapies For Relapsed Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Based On Peptide Analogs Of Hypothalamic Hormones, Andrew V. Schally, Norman L. Block, Ferenc G. Rick

HWCOM Faculty Publications

It is a pleasure to contribute our presentation at the International Prostate Forum of the Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) to this special issue of the Asian Journal of Andrology.

Hiv-1 Gp120 And Morphine Induced Oxidative Stress: Role In Cell Cycle Regulation, Thangaval Samikkannu, Deep Ranjith, Kurapati V.K. Rao, Venkata Alturi, Emely Pimentel, Nazira El-Hage, Madhavan Nair

HWCOM Faculty Publications

HIV infection and illicit drugs are known to induce oxidative stress and linked with severity of viral replication, disease progression, impaired cell cycle regulation and neurodegeneration. Studies have shown that morphine accelerates HIV infection and disease progression mediated by Reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress impact redox balance and ROS production affect cell cycle regulation. However, the role of morphine in HIV associated acceleration of oxidative stress and its link to cell cycle regulation and neurodegeneration has not been elucidated. The aim of present study is to elucidate the mechanism of oxidative stress induced glutathione synthases (GSS), super oxide dismutase …

Diet Self-Efficacy And Physical Self-Concept Of College Students At Risk For Eating Disorders, Leslie D. Frazier, Joan A. Vaccaro, Stephanie Garcia, Negar Fallahazad, Kapil Rathi, Alice Shrestha, Nancy Perez

Department of Dietetics and Nutrition

Background: Both eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction affect a high proportion of college students. Self-esteem and self-efficacy may be protective factors for eating disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate diet self-efficacy, the confidence to maintain or lose weight, and its association with physical selfconcept using data from an online survey of health literacy, body image, and eating disorders.

Study Population and Methods: This cross-sectional study collected online survey data from college students within the United States. The inclusion criteria allowed for 1612 college students, ages 17-35 years (597 males, 1015 females) belonging to the following racial/ethnic …

Assessing The Prevalence Of Autoimmune, Endocrine, Gynecologic, And Psychiatric Comorbidities In An Ethnically Diverse Cohort Of Female Fibromyalgia Patients: Does The Time From Hysterectomy Provide A Clue?, Larry Brooks, Joseph Hadi, Kyle T. Amber, Michelle Weiner, Christopher L. Lariche, Tamar Ference

HWCOM Faculty Publications

Background: This retrospective chart review investigated differences in the prevalence of medical comorbidity between women with fibromyalgia (FM) (n=219) and a control group women with chronic pain (CP) without FM (n=116). The specific aims were to compare the prevalence of autoimmune, psychiatric, endocrine, gynecologic pathology, the relationship between timing of gynecologic surgery, and pain onset. We additionally sought to compare the number of comorbidities in an ethnically diverse cohort.

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of patients seen in FM or CP clinics at an academic medical center in 2009–2010.

Results: Logistic regression modeling found that gynecologic, endocrine, and …