Digital Commons Network^™

Characterization Of The Sigma Factor Proteins And The Dna Binding Protein Euo Of Chlamydia, Cory L. Blackwell

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Chlamydia spp. are prokaryotic obligate intracellular pathogens with a unique, biphasic developmental cycle in which an infectious, extracellular form termed the elementary body (EB) interconverts with a metabolically active intracellular reticulate body (RB) within host cells. Subsets of genes are differentially expressed during the developmental cycle, and these genes are believed to be responsible for the transitions between the EB and RB forms. The goal of these studies was to explore two potential mechanisms that may function in regulating developmental cycle stage‑specific gene expression in chlamydiae: a cascade of sigma factor expression and the binding of the early stage protein …

Impact Of Adjuvants On The Antibody Responses To Pre-Pandemic H5n1 Influenza Vaccines, Ali Hassan Ellebedy

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Human influenza pandemics occur when influenza viruses to which the population has little or no immunity emerge and acquire the ability to transmit among humans. Since their emergence in 1996, human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses presented a serious public health challenge. Additionally, H5N1 viruses caused significant agricultural and economic losses in the communities it has affected. Human infections with these viruses are rare but when they occur, these infections are highly fatal. A greater public health concern stems from the rapid evolution displayed by these viruses so far, which in turn might result in viruses …

The Effects Of Curcumin On Body Composition Of Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer, Henrique A. Parsons Md

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Cachexia is very common among patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and is a marker of poor prognosis. Weight loss in cachexia is due to both adipose and muscle compartments, and sarcopenia (severe muscle depletion) is associated with worse outcomes. Curcumin has shown a myriad of biological effects, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory. The ability of curcumin to attenuate cachexia and muscle loss has been tested in animal models, with conflicting results so far. The hypothesis of this study was that patients with advanced pancreatic cancer treated with curcumin for two months have less fat and muscle loss as compared to matched …

Natural History Study Of Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, Amyoplasia Type, Trisha Nichols

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Arthrogryposis or Arthrogrypsosis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) are terms used to describe the clinical finding of multiple congenital contractures. There are more than 300 distinct disorders associated with arthrogryposis. Amyoplasia is the most common type of arthrogryposis and is often referred to as the “classic” type. There is no known cause of amyoplasia and no risk factors have been identified. Moreover, there is no established diagnostic criteria, which has led to inconsistency and confusion in the medical literature. The purpose of this study was to describe the natural history of amyoplasia, to determine if there are any identifiable risk factors and …

Evaluation Of Recurrence Risks For Left-Sided Cardiac Lesions, Sarah Swain

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

It is widely accepted that hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), aortic valve stenosis with or without bicuspid aortic valve (AS/BAV) and coarctation of the aorta (CoA) occur in families more commonly with each other than with any other congenital heart defect (CHD). Genetic counseling for CHDs is currently based on empiric risk estimates derived from data collected on all types of CHDs between 1968 and 1990. Additionally, for the specific group of defects described above, termed left-sided lesions, estimates are available for sibling recurrence. Utilizing family history data from 757 probands recruited between 1997 and 2007 from The Children’s Hospital …

Cancer Management Is A Multidisciplinary Team Work, Ahmed Nadeem Abbasi

Department of Radiation Oncology

No abstract provided.

Mitigation Of Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex: Interactions Of Physiology, Immunology, Nutrition And Management, John Thomas Richeson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A series of experiments were conducted to determine the effects of on-arrival vs. delayed respiratory vaccination and exposure to persistently infected bovine viral diarrhea virus challenge on health, gain performance, and physiological and immunological measurements in newly received stocker cattle. Two experiments evaluated timing (d 0 vs. 14) of respiratory, clostridial, or both vaccinations in newly received stocker calves during stress-induced immunosuppression. In Exp. 1, calves receiving 14-d delayed vaccination of a pentavalent modified-live respiratory virus (MLV) vaccine had greater ADG during the 42-d receiving period and antibody titers against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis on d 42; however, morbidity rate did …

Chemical Ecology, Population Dynamics And Insecticide Susceptibility Of Lesser Mealworm Alphitobius Diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Narinderpal Singh

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is a serious, cosmopolitan pest present in poultry production facilities, where it slows down weight gain in chicks, carries disease–causing organisms, and causes damage to poultry insulation. The first study estimated that the lesser mealworm densities in poultry litter applied to pastures were 3.5, 2.2 and 0.4 million larvae, adults and pupae, respectively, per hectare in Savoy, Arkansas. The repercussions of these adult beetles are that they often disperse to and reinfest poultry houses with the potential to vector disease to poultry, and disperse to invade human dwellings resulting in litigation. The …

Analysis Of Current And Potential Treatments For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Angelica M. Atkins

Senior Honors Theses

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common forms of adult leukemia in North Americans.  However, it has been shown through the analysis of clinical studies and synopses of medical research that no current treatment indefinitely cures CLL or prolongs the life of CLL patients.  Current CLL therapies are either symptomatic treatments (chemotherapy and  immunotherapy) that do not improve complete remission rates or effective treatments that target the actual cancer but have excessive morbidity and toxicity rates (stem cell transplants).  Conventional CLL treatments are inadequate according to the results of clinical trials and research of field experts.  Potential …

The Diary Of A Huntington's Disease Activist, Kenneth P. Serbin

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

The Shadow Career, Kenneth P. Serbin

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

Aids/Hiv Denialism: Patients’ Privacy Rights, Fadia Abdullah, Guadalupe Medrano

Festival of Communities: UG Symposium (Posters)

HIV is a sexually transmitted disease that develops into AIDS. There is no cure for it, only treatment. In this poster, we look at the pros and cons of disclosing this type of information. People who decide to disclose their HIV status may have various reasons for doing so, but most do it for emotional support and for prevention of spreading the disease. Those who decide to keep it private primarily do it to not face rejection, discrimination, degradation, and loss of respect. (Petronio Page 72) The problem with creating a public database is that many organizations are against the …

Should Designer Babies Be Regulated?, Alec Madriaga, Natasha Bates

Festival of Communities: UG Symposium (Posters)

Designer babies have been frequently used to help prevent genetic defect of offspring. The two main procedures that can help prevent offspring of having a genetic defect is by IVF, In Vitro Fertilization, or PGD, Preimplantation Genetic Disorder. It is a topic currently being debated ethically on whether it is okay to design a baby and how far people may take the procedures to design a baby before it gets out of hand. Two sides can be approached to this topic: Should designer babies be regulated or should it not be regulated? A concern that is plaguing the minds of …

Aids Denialism, Erika Jenel Delos Santos, Roy Llana, Jocelyn Tan

Festival of Communities: UG Symposium (Posters)

AIDS denialism is a growing issue in many parts the world. Through scholarly journal articles, book resources and other research tactics, further understanding how HIV/AIDS denialism is unethical can be distinguished. Discovering that AIDS is most prominent in South Africa explains why denialism is as critical as it is. However, the unethical aspect of AIDS denialism is in effect particularly amongst families. When a South African inhabitant realizes they have AIDS, they feel outcasted by their families due to shame. They fear as though they will be disowned because they have flaws that are unacceptable. These family values are significant …

Vaccines Controversy, Jackelin Ruiz, Keith Wellman

Festival of Communities: UG Symposium (Posters)

Our research was conducted on a Vaccine controversy which raised the question on ethics, morality, safety and effectiveness of vaccination on children. The case study we focused on was about a study done by Dr. Andrew Wakefield and twelve other Colleagues, which was published in a well know journal The Lancet. The study has recently been retracted because an investigation found that he failed to mention that his research of the MMR vaccine was funded through solicitors seeking evidence to use against vaccine manufactures (Deer, Brian). To conclude our research we compared the current vaccination rates with the rates …

Hughes-Stovin Syndrome, Umair Khalid, Taimur Saleem

Section of Pulmonary & Critical Care

Hughes-Stovin Syndrome (HSS) is a very rare clinical disorder characterized by thrombophlebitis and multiple pulmonary and/or bronchial aneurysms. Less than 40 published cases of HSS have been described in English medical literature so far. The exact etiology and pathogenesis of HSS is unknown, possible causes include infections and angiodysplasia. HSS has also been considered as a variant of Behcet's disease (BD). Patients with HSS usually present with cough, dyspnea, fever, chest pain and haemoptysis. The management of HSS can either be medical or surgical. Medical management includes the use of steroids and cytotoxic agents. Cyclophosphamide, in particular, is a favored …

Effect Of Screening And Management Of Diabetes During Pregnancy On Stillbirths, Madiha Syed, Hasan Javed, Mohammad Yawar Yakoob, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Background:Diabetes during pregnancy is associated with significant risk of complications to the mother, fetus and newborn. We reviewed the potential impact of early detection and control of diabetes mellitus during pregnancy on stillbirths for possible inclusion in the Lives Saved Tool (LiST).

Methods:

A systematic literature search up to July 2010 was done to identify all published randomized controlled trials and observational studies. A standardized data abstraction sheet was employed and data were abstracted by two independent authors. Meta-analyses were performed with different sub-group analyses. The analyses were graded according to the CHERG rules using the adapted GRADE criteria …

Preventive Zinc Supplementation In Developing Countries: Impact On Mortality And Morbidity Due To Diarrhea, Pneumonia And Malaria, Mohammad Yawar Yakoob, Evropi Theodoratou, Afshan Jabeen, Aamer Imdad, Thomas P. Eisele, Joy Ferguson, Arnoupe Jhass, Igor Rudan, Harry Campbell, Robert E. Black, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Background:Zinc deficiency is commonly prevalent in children in developing countries and plays a role in decreased immunity and increased risk of infection. Preventive zinc supplementation in healthy children can reduce mortality due to common causes like diarrhea, pneumonia and malaria. The main objective was to determine all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality and morbidity in children under five in developing countries for preventive zinc supplementation. Data sources/review methods: A literature search was carried out on PubMed, the Cochrane Library and the WHO regional databases to identify RCTs on zinc supplementation for greater than 3 months in children less than 5 …

Let’S Fix The Law To Help Huntington’S Families, Kenneth P. Serbin

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

Acceptance Of The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Amount College Age Adults: Survey Research, Emily Pippo

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for BSU Honors Program.

The Faceless Faces Of Huntington's Disease, Kenneth P. Serbin

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

T-Tube Management Of Late Esophageal Perforation, Irfan Qadir, Hasnain Zafar, Mubashir Zareen Khan, Hasanat Mohammad Sharif

Section of General Surgery

Esophageal perforation is a serious condition with a high mortality rate. Management strategy of such a patient depends on the extent of perforation and the time interval between perforation and diagnosis. The use of a T tube to treat delayed esophageal perforation with complete resolution and no need for future definitive surgery has been less frequently described. We adapted this principle in successful management of a 73 year old patient with four days history of fever, shortness of breath, chest pain and radiological evidence of perforation.

“So I Just Took Over”: African American Daughters Caregiving For Parents With Heart Failure, Nancy Thornton, Faith Pratt Hopp

Social Work Faculty Publications

This article examines the experiences of African American women who are caring for a parent with heart failure. Seven adult daughter caregivers completed in-depth, qualitative interviews, and a phenomenological approach was used for data analysis. Results suggest the presence of caregiving stressors, including heart failure symptoms and comorbidity, caregiving duties, social–emotional stressors, and distrust of the health system. Relevant coping strategies included valuing the caregiving role, coordinating care with siblings, taking charge, and spirituality. Social workers can play a critical role in supporting and advocating for caregivers of persons with heart failure, helping them to cope with stressors associated with …

The Analyses Of State And Federal Medical Marijuana Laws And How They Apply To Employment, Lizaveta Sergeev

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to analyze and discuss the current discrepancies in the legal system as it applies to medical marijuana in the employment sector. The laws regarding the legalization of medical marijuana are relatively new and have many constraints when applied to employment. On the federal level, medical marijuana remains illegal. Many states have passed some form of legislation legalizing medical marijuana. Unfortunately, only two states have laws that protect users from being discriminated in employment. This leaves employers and employees uncertain about what actions to take when dealing with medical marijuana in the employment sector.

Characterization Of Amino Acid Residues Integral To Neuronal Binding Of Amyloid Beta Protein In Alzheimer’S Disease, Nicole C. Olson

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Purpose:  Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from over-production and neuronal accumulation of amyloid-beta proteins (Aβ40/Aβ42). The glycine residue at position 33 and histidine residues at positions 13 and 14 are involved with binding and internalization of these proteins, actions potentially inhibited by substituting or sterically hindering these residues with an antibody specific to positions 2-11 (IgG-4.1). Rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells differentiated with nerve growth factor were used as a neuronal model to determine whether substitution and/or antibody block amyloid-beta’s neuronal interactions.

Methods:  PC12 cells were incubated with fluorescein-labeled-amyloid-beta-40 (F-Aβ40) or substituted F-Aβ40 derivatives (F-Aβ40-H13,14G, F-Aβ40-H13,14G;G33A), with or without …

Helicobacter Pylori: Association With Gall Bladder Disorders In Pakistan, Javed Yakoob, M. R. Khan, Z. Abbas, W. Jafri, R. Azmi, Z. Ahmad, S. Naeem, L. Lubbad

Department of Medicine

Helicobacter species colonise the biliary tract and therefore this study explores the relationship between of Helicobacter pylori and cholecystitis. Bile and gall bladder tissue samples were obtained from 144 Patients who underwent cholecystectomy. Of these, 89 had chronic cholecystitis with cholelithiasis, 44 had gall bladder carcinoma and 11 had gall bladder polyps. Histopathology examination included special staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC), while Helicobacter species (H. pylori, H. bilis and H. hepaticus) were detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequencing and BLAST query of PCR products was undertaken and samples were considered to contain H. pylori if both PCR and IHC …

Can We Stop The Stroke Epidemic In Pakistan?, Ismail A. Khatri, Mohammad Wasay

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Vulnerability, Risk Perception, And Health Profile Of Marginalized People Exposed To Multiple Built-Environment Stressors In Worcester, Massachusetts: A Pilot Project, Timothy Downs, Laurie Ross, Robert Goble, Rajendra Subedi, Sara Greenberg, Octavia Taylor

Sustainability and Social Justice

Millions of low-income people of diverse ethnicities inhabit stressful old urban industrial neighborhoods. Yet we know little about the health impacts of built-environment stressors and risk perceptions in such settings; we lack even basic health profiles. Difficult access is one reason (it took us 30 months to survey 80 households); the lack of multifaceted survey tools is another. We designed and implemented a pilot vulnerability assessment tool in Worcester, Massachusetts. We answer: (1) How can we assess vulnerability to multiple stressors? (2) What is the nature of complex vulnerability-including risk perceptions and health profiles? (3) How can findings be used …

Huntington’S Disease, Loneliness, And Love, Kenneth P. Serbin

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

Screening Of Metal-Based Azole Derivatives Antiparasitic Activity On Trypanosoma Cruzi And Leishmania Major, Teresia A. Carreon^, Linda Herrera, Miguel Vasquez, Roberto A. Sanchez-Delgado, Rosa A. Maldonado*

COURI Symposium Abstracts, Spring 2011

The trypanosomatids Leishmania major and Trypanosoma cruzi are parasites that affect millions of people worldwide. Leishmaniasis is naturally transmitted via sandflies while T. cruzi is transmitted by kissing bugs. Due to immigration and deployment to endemic regions, lack of screening in blood banks and climatic changes these neglected diseases have become a growing health concern in the United States. The lack of vaccines to prevent/treat the diseases and the toxicity of current treatments supports the need for new drug treatments. Azole compounds inhibit the sterol synthesis pathway of these parasites, which has been validated as a drug target. T.cruzi epimastigote …