Digital Commons Network^™

Pilot Data On Brain-To-Blood Efflux Of B-Amyloid Peptides In Man, Steve Meaney, Maura Heverin, Ingemar Bjorkhem,, Dorotea Religa, John Wahren, Ulf Diczfalusy

Articles

• Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and affects nearly 40,000 individuals in Ireland. • The b-amyloid peptide (Ab) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the AD and the presence of Ab plaques in the brain is diagnostic. •The hypothesis posits that Ab deposition is a critical factor in the disease process and that production and clearance of Ab are key drivers of the disease1. •Flux of Ab from the brain is believed to contribute to the overall level of Ab within in brain2 and antibody mediated brain-to-blood efflux has been observed in animal …

Risk Factors Of Cvd Mortality Among The Elderly In Beijing, 1992 - 2009: An 18-Year Cohort Study, Tao Zhou, Xia Li, Zhe Tang, Changchun Xie, Lixin Tao, Lei Pan, Da Huo, Fei Sun, Yanxia Luo, Wei Wang, Aoshuang Yan, Xiuhua Guo

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Few researchers have examined the effects of multiple risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality simultaneously. This study was to determine the associations of combined lifestyle and other factors with CVD mortality among the elderly (n = 3,257), in Beijing, China, through data mining of the Beijing Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). BLSA is a representative cohort study from 1992 to 2009, hosted by Xuan Wu Hospital. Competing risk survival analysis was conducted to explore the association between risk factors and CVD mortality. The factors focused mainly on lifestyle, physical condition, and the model was adjusted for age and gender. …

The Identity Of The Heart Patient In The Context Of The Gift Economy: Heartnet And Media Framing, Lynsey Uridge

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This health communication research examines the identity levels of the heart patient on a therapeutic website HeartNET through an empirical investigation of site interactions as manifestations of a gift economy. The thesis also explores the media’s representation of heart health in both television and print.

This research utilised a longitudinal qualitative ethnographic and netnographic approach involving twenty-six participants who completed two in-depth interviews. The first one-on-one interview occurred during the early stages of the participants’ heart journey, explored their heart story and use of interactive technology for heart health support. The second interview occurred six to twelve months later, and …

The Sustainable Action Against Hiv And Aids In Communities (Sahacom): Impacts On Health And Quality Of Life Of People Living With Hiv In Cambodia, Siyan Yi, Pheak Chhoun, Samantha Brant, Kelley Kita, Samedy Suong, Kouland Thin, Sovannary Tuot

This study evaluated the impacts of the Sustainable Action against HIV and AIDS in Communities (SAHACOM) Project on health and quality of life of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Outcome indicators from baseline documentation (2010) were compared to those obtained at midterm (2012) and end line (2014). Results showed that HIV prevalence among pregnant women aged 15–24 attending antenatal care decreased from 0.5% at baseline to 0.3% at midterm and end line. Proportion of PLHIV who were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) 12 months after the initiation of the treatment increased from 85% at baseline and midterm to 89.5% at end …

Plasma Insulin-Degrading Enzyme: Characterisation And Evaluation As A Potential Biomarker For Alzheimer's Disease, Michelle Tegg

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is increasing in prevalence due to increasing lifespan and altered lifestyle. It is the fourth major cause of death in Western countries, resulting in significant economic and social impact (Von Strauss, et al., 1999; Goate, 1997). There are no blood biomarkers currently accepted for the diagnosis of AD, and the identification of suitable biomarkers would eventually reduce the necessity for invasive, expensive and slow diagnostic procedures, as well as facilitate prognostic studies. An AD blood test would decrease the need for delaying diagnosis due to ambivalent presentation, and allow therapeutic intervention to commence at an earlier …

Caspase-12 And Rheumatoid Arthritis In African-Americans, Laura Marshall, Mohammad Obaidullah, Trista Fuchs, Naomi S. Fineberg, Garland Brinkley, Ted R. Mikuls, Evan Hermel

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine

CASPASE-12 (CASP12) has a downregulatory function during infection and thus may protect against inflammatory disease. We investigated the distribution of CASP12 alleles (#rs497116) in African-Americans (AA) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). CASP12 alleles were genotyped in 953 RA patients and 342 controls. Statistical analyses comparing genotype groups were performed using Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric ANOVA with Mann–Whitney U tests and chi-square tests. There was no significant difference in the overall distribution of CASP12 genotypes within AA with RA, but CASP12 homozygous patients had lower baseline joint-narrowing scores. CASP12 homozygosity appears to be a subtle protective factor for some aspects of RA in AA …

Correlation Of Ischemia-Modified Albumin With Sofa And Apache Ii Scores In Preoperative Patients With Colorectal Cancer, Masaaki Katoh, Kazuhiko Kotani, Alejandro Gugliucci, Hisanaga Horie, Russell Caccavello, Mamoru Takeuchi

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine

Purpose. Critical illnesses are assessed according to the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II. Circulating ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a biomarker generated under ischemic and oxidative conditions and may reflect disease severity in preoperative patients. This study investigated the correlations of IMA with SOFA and APACHE II scores in inpatients admitted for colorectal surgery. Methods.We examined 27 patients with advanced colorectal cancers (mean age 69 years, men/women = 15/12). Correlations between SOFA and APACHE II scores in addition to preoperative serum IMA and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were analyzed. Results …

Environmental Factors And Progressive Myopia: A Global Health Problem, Jeffrey Weissman

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error whose prevalence has increased over the past three decades, leading to a growing concern and interest among both the public and scientific communities. For years, the only explanation and basis for myopia has been genetic factors. However, the genetic model does not explain the dramatic increase in prevalence. Current research suggests that the increase is also due to environmental factors, such as fewer hours of outdoor activities, early educational pressures requiring intense close work, as well as a lack of exposure to sunlight. One study compared the prevalence and risk factors for myopia …

Stem Cells As A Cure For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Chaya K. Hirsch

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease which affects approximately 30,000 Americans at any given time (alsa.org, 2010). The etiology of this terminal disease unfortunately remains an unsolved mystery and has therefore severely limited the ability to find a cure. The use of stem cells to regenerate neurons has been vastly studied and have produced very promising results. However, its practicality as a cure or treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS, is greatly compromised. Three different therapies involving stem cells were examined, Embryonic Stem Cells (ESC), induced pluripotent stem cells, (iPSC) and direct reprogramming of adult …

Biomarkers In Nsclc Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations, Suzanne Freidman

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Lung Cancer is the most common global cause of cancer related deaths in men and women (Markus, Alain, 2013). As standard radiation and chemotherapy have proved ineffective, novel target therapies are in the midst of development. This review will analyze the success of the inhibitor drugs targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutation, commonly found amongst Lung Cancer patients. Numerous studies and reviews are utilized to determine the cause of the 10% success rate currently exhibited for these drugs. The L858R and E746-A750 point mutations and deletions respectively, were found prevalent in responsive patients as well as clinical-pathological features …

The Efficacy And Safety Of The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, Gail Tessler

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The HPV virus is said to be the cause of many infections, warts, and cancers. In addition to the fact that the treatment for HPV is not always successful, not every individual knows that s/he is infected and is very likely to infect his or her partner, too. This is one factor that explains why 14 million people each year in America alone contract HPV and makes cervical cancer so threatening to many people worldwide. In light of this and the known dangers of cervical, anal, vaginal and penile cancers, the HPV vaccine was created to prevent an infection of …

Parp Inhibition: A Method Of Treating And Preventing Certain Cancers, Chana Tropper

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Breast cancer is one of the largest causes of cancer related deaths in women. Less than 5% of breast cancer cases are genetically inherited and most often develop after menopause. The BRCA gene mutation is a genetic inheritance which increases ones chances of developing breast cancer at a young age tenfold. Recent research has proposed a method of treatment in genetically inherited breast cancers by taking advantage of the impaired DNA repair pathway caused by the BRCA mutation. The combination of a BRCA mutation, which leads to deficient double strand DNA repair, and PARP inhibition, which leads to deficient single …

Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Adina Mezrahi

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

This objective of this review is to present the known data in regards to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in infants. Articles with relevant definitions, diagnosis and treatment options were evaluated. It is evident that much controversy exists in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, and there is the question as whether this disease can be called GERD. Current ability to attribute the symptoms infants present with the disease is still difficult to clarify, despite the fact that as many as 60% of infants show symptoms of this disease. The current testing options have proven to be insufficient in concretely …

Theories On Varicella Zoster Virus Reactivation Based On Shingles Patterns, Ralph Nussbaum

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Herpes zoster, a disease also known as shingles or as zoster, infects the sensory nerve ganglion and the peripheral nerve and its branches, resulting in pain to the affected dermatomes. Infection results from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus which causes varicella, or chickenpox. The varicella-zoster virus usually causes chickenpox to its host at an early age and then withdraws to the dorsal root ganglia where it enters a latency stage. The virus may reemerge at any time and infect its host with shingles. As shingles is most common in ages 50 and above, it is assumed that …

The Search For Novel Inhibitors Of The Mycobacterial Enoyl Reductase Inha, Esther Saul

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Isoniazid (INH), one of two first-line drugs used to treat tuberculosis (TB), has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of InhA, the mycobacterial enoyl reductase. However, the increasing resistance to INH makes it imperative to find alternative drugs that are as effective as the first-line drugs, yet active against INH-resistant strains. Since InhA has been validated as an excellent target of TB, there have been attempts to find novel inhibitors of InhA. Through rational drug design, a variety of high affinity InhA inhibitors were synthesized. Triclosan itself was observed to be a suboptimal inhibitor of InhA with a K …

Altering Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress In A Model Of Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury Controls Cellular Fate And Ameliorates Neuropsychiatric Symptoms, Aric Flint Logsdon, Ryan Coddington Turner, Brandon Peter Lucke-Wold, Matthew James Robson, Zachary James Naser, Kelly Elizabeth Smith, Rae Reiko Matsumoto

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Pharmacy

Neuronal injury following blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) increases the risk for neuropsychiatric disorders, yet the pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Blood-brain-barrier (BBB) disruption, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and apoptosis have all been implicated in bTBI. Microvessel compromise is a primary effect of bTBI and is postulated to cause subcellular secondary effects such as ER stress. What remains unclear is how these secondary effects progress to personality disorders in humans exposed to head trauma. To investigate this we exposed male rats to a clinically relevant bTBI model we have recently developed. The study examined initial BBB disruption using Evan’s blue (EB), …

It’S Playoff Time – And A Reminder That Brain Health Comes First, Kenneth P. Serbin

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

The Toxoplasma Gondii Cyst Wall Protein Cst1 Is Critical For Cyst Wall Integrity And Promotes Bradyzoite Persistence, Tadakimi Tomita, David J. Bzik, Yan Fen Ma, Barbara A. Fox

Dartmouth Scholarship

Toxoplasma gondii infects up to one third of the world's population. A key to the success of T. gondii as a parasite is its ability to persist for the life of its host as bradyzoites within tissue cysts. The glycosylated cyst wall is the key structural feature that facilitates persistence and oral transmission of this parasite. Because most of the antibodies and reagents that recognize the cyst wall recognize carbohydrates, identification of the components of the cyst wall has been technically challenging. We have identified CST1 (TGME49_064660) as a 250 kDa SRS (SAG1 related sequence) domain protein with a large …

Sensitization Of Human Cancer Cells To Gemcitabine By The Chk1 Inhibitor Mk-8776: Cell Cycle Perturbation And Impact Of Administration Schedule In Vitro And In Vivo, Ryan Montano, Ruth Thompson, Injae Chung, Huagang Hou, Nadeem Khan, Alan Eastman

Dartmouth Scholarship

Chk1 inhibitors have emerged as promising anticancer therapeutic agents particularly when combined with antimetabolites such as gemcitabine, cytarabine or hydroxyurea. Here, we address the importance of appropriate drug scheduling when gemcitabine is combined with the Chk1 inhibitor MK-8776, and the mechanisms involved in the schedule dependence.

Creating A Christmas Memory For A Huntington’S Family, Kenneth P. Serbin

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

Interactions Of Peptide Triazole Thiols With Env Gp120 Induce Irreversible Breakdown And Inactivation Of Hiv-1 Virions, Arangassery Bastian, Mark Contarino, Lauren D. Bailey, Rachna Aneja, Diogo Rodrigo Magalhaes Moreira, Kevin Freedman, Karyn Mcfadden, Caitlin Duffy, Ali Emileh

Dartmouth Scholarship

Background: We examined the underlying mechanism of action of the peptide triazole thiol, KR13 that has been shown previously to specifically bind gp120, block cell receptor site interactions and potently inhibit HIV-1 infectivity.

Results: KR13, the sulfhydryl blocked KR13b and its parent non-sulfhydryl peptide triazole, HNG156, induced gp120 shedding but only KR13 induced p24 capsid protein release. The resulting virion post virolysis had an altered morphology, contained no gp120, but retained gp41 that bound to neutralizing gp41 antibodies. Remarkably, HIV-1 p24 release by KR13 was inhibited by enfuvirtide, which blocks formation of the gp41 6-helix bundle during membrane fusion, while …

‘Alive And Well’ Captures Struggle Against Untreatable Brain Disorder, Kenneth P. Serbin

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

In Vivo Bioluminescence Imaging To Evaluate Systemic And Topical Antibiotics Against Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus-Infected Skin Wounds In Mice, Yi Guo, Romela Irene Ramos, John S. Cho, Niles P. Donegan, Ambrose L. Cheung, Lloyd S. Miller

Dartmouth Scholarship

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) frequently causes skin and soft tissue infections, including impetigo, cellulitis, folliculitis, and infected wounds and ulcers. Uncomplicated CA-MRSA skin infections are typically managed in an outpatient setting with oral and topical antibiotics and/or incision and drainage, whereas complicated skin infections often require hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, and sometimes surgery. The aim of this study was to devel

Mediterranean Diet Is An Effective Method For Treating Type 2 Diabetes In Adults, Amy Bois

Health Sciences Undergraduate Publications

Type 2 diabetes has been a health issue for many years, and as more people throughout the world become obese or overweight this issue becomes more serious. Type 2 diabetes is called insulin resistance which means the body does not use insulin properly. At first the pancreas will make extra insulin, but over time the pancreas is not able to keep up and cannot make enough insulin to keep blood glucose at normal levels. Type 2 diabetes is most common in adults who are obese or overweight, and this health problem can be life-threatening. There is no cure for type …

Humans' Bonding With Their Companion Dogs: Cardiovascular Benefits During And After Stress, Rebecca A. Campo, Bert N. Uchino

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study examined whether having one's companion dog present during and after stress posed similar cardiovascular benefits as having a close friend present, even when the relationship quality for both the companion dog and friend was highly positive. Positive aspects of relationship quality for participants' dog and friend were not associated with one another, suggesting that these relationships exist independently. Additionally, compared to participants with a close friend present, those with their dog present had lower heart rate and diastolic blood pressure (p's < .05) while undergoing the stressors, and tended to have lower heart rate and systolic blood pressure (p's < .09) when recovering from stressors. This study indicates that even when relationship quality is similarly high for companion dogs and friends, dogs may be associated with greater reductions in owners' cardiovascular reactivity to stress, particularly if there is a potential for evaluation apprehension in the human friendships. These findings support the value of the human- companion animal relationship in promoting human welfare.

A Comparison Of Prostatic Acid Phosphatase With Testosterone And Prostate Specific Antigen For The Serodiagnosis Of Prostate Cancer In Adult Males, Hannah R. Rice

Honors Theses

Cancer is a hyperplastic cellular malignancy that affected 1,436,000 people (newly diagnosed cases) in the United States last year. The top three most frequent forms of cancer were lung, prostate, and breast. Oncogenesis is associated with both genetic predisposition and environmental onslaught, with a mixture of the two being required for the malignancy to progress. Tumor markers, circulating serum factors, are used in the diagnosis of cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of this malignancy, affecting 230,110 men in 2004 alone. Diagnosis of prostate cancer is currently performed using results of an assay for prostate specific …

Identification Of Biomarkers Associated With Ascites Incidence In Broilers, Kaylee Rowland

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Poultry is key in genetic research due to breeding feasibility, relatively short generation interval, and distinct phenotypes. It is estimated that 8% of broiler deaths annually can be attributed to ascites, an economically important disease that has been challenging the industry for the past 2 decades. Genetically selected ascites resistant (RES) and susceptible (SUS) chicken lines have been established and maintained by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Intensive research efforts have been made to reveal physiological and biochemical characteristics for the incidence of ascites. Since the whole genome of the major ancestral chicken, the Red Jungle Fowl, has been sequenced, …

In Vitro Analysis Of Short Chain Fatty Acids And Human Fecal Microbiota Stimulated By Pectin Sources, Byungjick Min

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As interest increases for colonic health, various studies have been conducted to investigate functional ingredients for host health and prevention of chronic disease in humans such as colon cancer and Type 2 diabetes. In particular dietary fiber has been reported to have beneficial effects on colonic health. More recently, dietary fiber has been categorized based on its characteristics and numerous studies have been conducted to determine correlations with chronic diseases. Pectin is a naturally occurring biopolymer that has been used in various applications for purposes of pharmaceutical and biotechnology. Pectin is a soluble dietary fiber and can be entirely fermented …

Sympathetic Nerve Modulation Of Joint Pathology In Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis, Carlo Anthony Wood

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: There is increasing data suggesting a net increase in sympathetic tone plays an important role in rheumatoid arthritis. Several studies have reported altered distribution and density of autonomic nerves in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and animal models for the disease. This provides anatomical evidence that supports a neurally-mediated drive in inflammation and joint destruction. Methods: Adult rats were injected with complete Freund’s adjuvant. At 12 days post immunization, animals were randomly placed into a drug treatment group (SH1293, which interacts with - and ß2-ARs), an adjuvant arthritic group, or a control group. These animals were sacrificed at 14, 21, …

Radiosensitization Of Head & Neck Carcinoma Cells By Linifanib, A Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Heng-Wei Hsu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Tumor angiogenesis is a hallmark of advanced cancers and promotes invasion and metastasis. Over 90% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) express angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Since radiotherapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for HNSCC, it is imperative to identify the interactions between antiangiogenic therapy and radiotherapy, and to develop combination therapy to improve clinical outcome. The mechanisms between antiangiogenic agents and ionizing radiation are complicated and involve many interactions between the vasculature, tumor stroma and tumor cells. The proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells rely on angiogenesis/blood vessel formation. …