Digital Commons Network^™

Mitochondrial Dysfunction Reactivates Α-Fetoprotein Expression That Drives Copper-Dependent Immunosuppression In Mitochondrial Disease Models, Kimberly A Jett, Zakery N Baker, Amzad Hossain, Aren Boulet, Paul A Cobine, Sagnika Ghosh, Philip Ng, Orhan Yilmaz, Kris Barreto, John Decoteau, Karen Mochoruk, George N Ioannou, Christopher Savard, Sai Yuan, Osama Hmh Abdalla, Christopher Lowden, Byung-Eun Kim, Hai-Ying Mary Cheng, Brendan J Battersby, Vishal M Gohil, Scot C Leary

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Signaling circuits crucial to systemic physiology are widespread, yet uncovering their molecular underpinnings remains a barrier to understanding the etiology of many metabolic disorders. Here, we identified a copper-linked signaling circuit activated by disruption of mitochondrial function in the murine liver or heart that resulted in atrophy of the spleen and thymus and caused a peripheral white blood cell deficiency. We demonstrated that the leukopenia was caused by α-fetoprotein, which required copper and the cell surface receptor CCR5 to promote white blood cell death. We further showed that α-fetoprotein expression was upregulated in several cell types upon inhibition of oxidative …

Follistatin Regulates The Specification Of The Apical Cochlea Responsible For Low-Frequency Hearing In Mammals, Hei Yeun Koo, Min-A Kim, Hyehyun Min, Jae Yeon Hwang, Meenakshi Prajapati-Dinubila, Kwan Soo Kim, Martin M Matzuk, Juw Won Park, Angelika Doetzlhofer, Un-Kyung Kim, Jinwoong Bok

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The cochlea's ability to discriminate sound frequencies is facilitated by a special topography along its longitudinal axis known as tonotopy. Auditory hair cells located at the base of the cochlea respond to high-frequency sounds, whereas hair cells at the apex respond to lower frequencies. Gradual changes in morphological and physiological features along the length of the cochlea determine each region's frequency selectivity, but it remains unclear how tonotopy is established during cochlear development. Recently, sonic hedgehog (SHH) was proposed to initiate the establishment of tonotopy by conferring regional identity to the primordial cochlea. Here, using mouse genetics, we provide in …

Investigating The Role Of Vasopressin Receptor 1a Expressing Neurons In Mouse Dorsal Raphe, Tirth Nimishbhai Patel

Theses and Dissertations

Human social interactions heavily impact our physical and mental wellbeing. Arginine-vasopressin (Avp) and serotonin have both been implicated in modulation of social behaviors ranging from affiliation to aggression. In male mice, Avp neurons in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) show increased activity during prosocial behavior. BNST sends Avp afferents to the dorsal raphe (DR) in the midbrain, a home to a large portion of serotonin neurons in the mouse brain. Previous data suggests that DR is activated during male prosocial behavior with a female stimulus, and Avp indirectly excites serotonin neurons. We hypothesized that DR contains a population …

Effects Of Disulfiram On The Metabolome Of Mrsa, Surya Teja Naidu

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Disulfiram, known as Antabuse®, is an oral drug for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Previous studies have indicated that disulfiram (DSF) exhibits antibacterial effects, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Our study delves into the antibacterial mechanism of DSF in MRSA through High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) metabolomics, investigating the underlying mechanism of DSF effects on thiamine and amino acid metabolism. Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) plays a crucial role as a cofactor for critical enzymes such as transketolase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase. These enzymes are integral to the carbohydrate metabolism process within bacterial cells. TPP also contributes …

Fusion, 2023, George Washington University, William H. Beaumont Medical Research Honor Society

Fusion

No abstract provided.

Defining The Nuanced Nature Of Redox Biology In Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Emily C. Reed, Adam J. Case

Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that arises after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Despite affecting around 7% of the population, there are currently no definitive biological signatures or biomarkers used in the diagnosis of PTSD. Thus, the search for clinically relevant and reproducible biomarkers has been a major focus of the field. With significant advances of large-scale multi-omic studies that include genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data, promising findings have been made, but the field still has fallen short. Amongst the possible biomarkers examined, one area is often overlooked, understudied, or inappropriately investigated: the field of …

Evaluation Of Clinical And Radiographic Outcomes Associated With Dental Implants Subjected To Different Loading Protocols, Ahmed Abdel-Halim Hegazy, Mohamed Zaghlool Amer, Wael Mohamed Ahmed, Mohamed Mahmoud Anees

Mansoura Journal of Dentistry

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes associated with dental implants subjected to different loading protocols in the posterior maxillary region.

Patients and methods: This clinical study included 16 implants placed in patients seeking the rehabilitation of single/multiple teeth in the posterior maxillary region. The patients were distributed randomly into three groups according to the loading protocol; the 1st group received four implants subjected to conventional loading protocol, the 2nd group received six implants subjected to early loading protocol, additionally the 3rd group received six implants subjected to immediate loading protocol. The evaluation was done immediately after crown cementation …

Early Assessment Of Extremity Compartment Syndrome By Biochemical Markers In A Rat Model, Ahmet Yildirim, İbrahi̇m Özkan Önal, Zeli̇ha Esi̇n Çeli̇k, Hüsametti̇n Vatansev, Esra Paydaş Hataysal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This experimental study aimed to define a biochemical marker that will enable early diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of extremities, a mortal condition that occurs due to trauma. Materials and methods: A total of 15 Wistar rats were included in the study in which saline infusion technique, a clinically compatible ACS model, was applied. After the rats were anesthetized with ketamine-xylazine, the in-compartment pressure of the hind limb was slowly increased with saline delivered through the angiocatheter, and after reaching the target compartment pressure, the pressure level was kept with a rubber tourniquet. The in-compartment pressure level was …

Effect Of Crocin And Losartan On Biochemical Parameters And Genes Expression Of Frmd3 And Bmp7 In Diabetic Rats, Yaser Mohammadi, Mohammad Zangooei, Fatemeh Salmani, Azam Rezaei Farimani

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Diabetes is a multifactorial and growing disease, one of the severe complications of which is diabetic nephropathy (DN), which is the most common cause of chronic renal failure. FERM domain containing 3 (FRMD3) is responsible for maintaining the shape and integrity of nephron cells, and bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) helps maintain function and reduce kidney damage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of crocin and losartan on biochemical parameters and the expression of FRMD3 and BMP7 genes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five experimental groups as …

Effects Of Recurrent Ketamine Exposure On Brain Histopathology In Juvenile Rats, Ayşe Hande Arpaci, Süheyla Esra Özkoçer, Emel Güneş, Çi̇ğdem Elmas, Berri̇n Işik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Ketamine (KET) is a commonly used anesthetic agent. However, several previous studies reported that KET leads to neuronal damage in neurodevelopmental stages and has neuroprotective effects. The present experimental study aimed to determine the undesirable histopathological effects of KET in the cerebral cortex, striatum, and hippocampus after recurrent KET administration in juvenile rats. Materials and methods: After ethical approval was obtained, 32 juvenile male Wistar Albino rats were randomized into four groups: 1 mg/kg serum saline intraperitoneally (i.p.), 5 mg/kg KET i.p., 20 mg/kg KET i.p., and 50 mg/kg KET i.p. KET was administered for three consecutive days at …

Investigation Of Taurine And Aqueous Garlic Extract Diet Supplementation Effect On The Healing Of Rat Osteoporotic Fractures, Mesut Misirlioğlu, İzzet Bi̇ngöl, Coşkun Genç, Ayli̇n Akbulut, Mert Ocak, Nezi̇ha Yağmur Di̇ker, Ahmet Özmeri̇ç, Gökhan Koca, Meli̇ke Bahçeci̇tapar, Mehmet Şeneş, Ayşegül Firat, Fevzi̇ye Fi̇gen Kaymaz, Hakan Hamdi̇ Çeli̇k, İffet İrem Çankaya, Meli̇ha Korkmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: We have evaluated the effects of taurine and aqueous garlic extract (AGE) as a dietary supplement on osteoporotic fracture (OPF) healing in the ovariectomized rat femur fracture model. Materials and methods: In this experimental animal study,twenty-four osteoporosis-remodeled female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n: 8) according to their supplemented diet; control, taurine, and AGE groups. Unilateral femur middiaphysis mini-open osteotomy was stabilized with Kirschner wires. Six weeks after osteotomy, the rats were sacrificed before the femurs were harvested and OPF healing was evaluated with biochemical, histologic, microcomputed-tomography, and scintigraphic methods. Results: As an indicator of …

The Role Of Curcumin Against Paclitaxel-Induced Oxidative Stress And Dna Damage In Testes Of Adult Male Rats, Esra Balcioğlu, Özge Göktepe, Fazi̇le Cantürk Tan, Pinar Bi̇lgi̇ci̇, Bi̇rkan Yakan, Sai̇m Özdamar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Paclitaxel is a widely used drug for the treatment of cancer, but it possesses toxic effects on male reproductive system. Administering paclitaxel with an antioxidant has become a strategy for preventing the side effects of paclitaxel. Although curcumin is an antioxidant, data concerning the effect of curcumin on paclitaxel-induced testis tissue are lacking. The present study was established to examine the protective impact of curcumin against testicular damage induced by paclitaxel. Materials and methods: In the study, 40 Wistar albino male rats were used and randomly divided into 4 groups (n:10). The control group received only saline solution; the …

An Experimental Study: The Effect Of S. Boulardii On Abemaciclib-Induced Diarrhea, İbrahi̇m Ethem Cakcak, Yusuf Emre Ayti̇n, Sezi̇n Sayin, Ahmet Küçükarda, Ali̇ Gökyer, İvo Gökmen, Erkan Özcan, Selçuk Korkmaz, Ebru Taşteki̇n, İrfan Çi̇çi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In our study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on abemaciclib-induced diarrhea model, which is a commonly used drug in breast cancer. Materials and methods: Thirty rats were divided into 3 groups as control (Group 1), abemaciclib (Group 2), and abemaciclib + Saccharomyces boulardii (Group 3) groups. The clinical status, body weight, and defecation status were monitored daily. At the end of the 15-day experiment period, the rats were killed with high-dose anesthesia and the resected small intestine segments were evaluated histopathologically. Lesions were classified according to thickening of the villus, inflammation and edema of …

Evaluation Of The Effects Of Three Natural Products And A Hemostatic Agent On Wound Healing: An Experimental Study, Ayşe Çeli̇k Yilmaz, Di̇lek Aygi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: People have used many natural materials such as plant leaves, roots, liquids derived from plants, and animal products to treat wounds throughout history. It can be said that the research on wound care in recent years have focused on traditional and natural products again. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sweetgum oil, propolis, silk protein, and Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) on wound healing in an experimental excisional wound model. Materials and methods: Including 36 Balb/c inbreed mice in the study were divided equally into four groups. Two circular excisional wounds were created on the dorsal skin of …

Postnatal Surgery For Myelomeningocele In Neonates: Neurodevelopmental Outcomes, Melek Akar, Gülşah Çeti̇n, Mi̇ne İnal, Mehmet Helvaci, Ni̇hal Olgaç Dündar, Firat Ergi̇n, Özgün Uygur, Si̇nem Akbay, Nai̇l Özdemi̇r, Meltem Koyuncu Arslan, Mehmet Yekta Öncel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The study aims to evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcomes of neonates with myelomeningocele (MMC) operated in the postnatal period. Materials and methods: This is a prospective follow-up study in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. Neurodevelopmental outcomes of term neonates operated for MMC and healthy term newborns were compared with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development -Third Edition (BSID III) at 12-18 months. Results: A total of 57 cases were included in the study (patient group = 27; control group = 30). Demographic data between the groups were similar. Cognitive, linguistic, and motor composite scores of the patient …

Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy For The Diagnosis Of Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease: Pitfalls And Challenges, A Single Center Experience, Kemal Can Tertemi̇z, Ayli̇n Özgen Alpaydin, Nurcan Güler, Volkan Karaçam, Duygu Gürel, Naci̇ye Si̇nem Gezer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is a minimally invasive technique of the diagnosis of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLD). The aim of this study is to determine the clinical-radiological and histopathological characteristics of patients in whom cryobiopsy contributes to the diagnosis. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, we searched for the medical records of patients who underwent TBLC from July 2015 to March 2020 at the pulmonology department of our university hospital clinic. Radiological images were evaluated by a chest radiologist experienced in DPLD. Prediagnosis was indicated by clinical-radiological findings. The final diagnosis was determined by the contribution of …

Can Amniotic Fluid Protect Developing Fetal Lungs Against The Harmful Effects Of Oxidative Stress?, Levent Korkmaz, Cumali̇ Alan, İsmai̇l Topal, Mahi̇r Tayfur, Ali̇seydi̇ Bozkurt, Cebrai̇l Gürsul, Osman Baştuğ

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Preterm births cause fetuses to be born without completing the development of their organs. Due to this undesirable situation, it is the pulmonary tissue which has to be most exposed to harmful effects of extrauterine environment. Early disappearance of the prophylactic and constructive effects of amniotic fluid (AF) on developing tissues, such as pulmonary tissue, facilitates the formation of pulmonary morbidities resulting from oxygen. Setting out from this knowledge, we wanted, in addition to assessing the beneficent effects of AF on pulmonary tissue, to study the importance of AF in morbidities of this tissue thought to originate from oxygen. …

Decreased Circulating Microrna-21 And Microrna-143 Are Associated To Pulmonary Hypertension, Zekeri̇ya Düzgün, Lati̇fe Meral Kayikçioğlu, Çağdaş Aktan, Buşra Bara, Fatma Zuhal Eroğlu, Burcu Yağmur, Vi̇ldan Bozok Çeti̇ntaş, Meli̇ke Bayindir, Sanem Nalbantgi̇l, Asli Teti̇k Vardarli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by maladaptation of pulmonary vasculature which is leading to right ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure. miRNAs play a crucial role in the regulation of many diseases such as viral infection, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and pulmonary hypertension (PH). In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern of eight human plasma miRNAs (hsa-miR-21-3p, hsa-miR-143- 3p, hsa-miR-138-5p, hsa-miR-145-3p, hsa-miR-190a, hsa-miR-204-3p, hsamiR-206, hsa-miR-210-3p) in mild-to-severe PH patients and healthy controls. Materials and methods: miRNAs were extracted from the peripheral plasma of the PH patients (n: 44) and healthy individuals (n: 30) by using the miRNA …

The Impact Of Antiphospholipid Antibodies In Takayasu Arteritis, Esra Firat Şentürk, Abdulsamet Erden, Alper Sari, Berkan Armağan, Levent Kiliç, Umut Kalyoncu, Ömer Karadağ, Şazi̇ye Şule Apraş Bi̇lgen, Sedat Ki̇raz, Ali̇ İhsan Ertenli̇, Ali̇ Akdoğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The significance of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) is controversial in Takayasu arteritis (TA). This study was conducted to explore the frequency of aPL and their association with disease-related complications in TA. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the presence of anti-cardiolipin (aCL), anti-beta 2 glycoprotein- 1(aß2G1) antibodies, and lupus anticoagulant (LA) in TA patients. TA patients admitted to the Department of Rheumatology of Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine between December 2015 and September 2016 who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for TA were consecutively enrolled in the study. Patients were grouped according …

Tularemia Seroprevalence In Humans In The Region Of The Hittite-Arzawa War (Inner Aegean Region), Where The First Biological Weapon Was Used 3300 Years Ago, İsmai̇l Davarci, Canan Eryildiz, Duygu Perçi̇n Renders, Ufuk Berberoğlu, Şaban Gürcan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: According to Egyptian records, tularemia emerged in the Canaan region, where it was first identified and spread to Anatolia over the Euphrates. It was used as an active biological weapon for the first time in the Hittite-Arzawa War in 1320-1318 BC. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of tularemia in the Inner Aegean Region, which is thought to be the region where this war was fought 3300 years ago. Materials and methods: Tularemia seropositivity in humans was investigated in 27 villages/neighborhoods in 3 districts in each of Manisa, Kütahya, and Uşak provinces. Before the study, the participants were …

Risk Factors For Icu Mortality In Patients With Hematological Malignancies: A Singlecenter, Retrospective Cohort Study From Turkey, Şahender Gülbi̇n Aygencel Bikmaz, Onur Gökçe, Meryem Merve Haşi̇moğlu, Nazlihan Boyaci, Melda Türkoğlu, Zeynep Arzu Yegi̇n, Zübeyde Nur Özkurt, Abdullah Münci̇ Yağci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Patients with hematological malignancies (HM) often require admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to organ failure, disease progression or treatment-related complications, and they generally have a poor prognosis. Therefore, understanding the factors affecting ICU mortality in HM patients is important. In this study, we aimed to identify the risk factors for ICU mortality in our critically ill HM patients. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of HM patients who were hospitalized in our medical ICU between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018. We recorded some parameters of these patients and compared these parameters …

Characteristics Of Children With Cat Sensitivity: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study, Ezgi̇ Ulusoy Severcan, Nevzat Başkaya, Ayşegül Ertuğrul, Zeynep Şengül Emeksi̇z, İlknur Bostanci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Animal dander is one of the most common respiratory allergens in children, and there is evidence that cat sensitivity is a risk factor for asthma and allergic rhinitis. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate children with cat sensitivity and to identify their demographic and clinical characteristics. Materials and methods: Patients who were found to be sensitive to cats following skin prick tests performed in our allergy clinic over a period of one year (and two control groups), were included in the study. Patients in the study and control groups filled in a questionnaire including demographic and clinical …

Enhanced Central Sympathetic Tone Induces Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (Hfpef) In Rats, Shyam S. Nandi, Kenichi Katsurada, Michael J. Moulton, Hong Zheng, Kaushik K. Patel

Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogenous clinical syndrome characterized by diastolic dysfunction, concentric cardiac left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis with preserved systolic function. However, the underlying mechanisms of HFpEF are not clear. We hypothesize that an enhanced central sympathetic drive is sufficient to induce LV dysfunction and HFpEF in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to central infusion of either saline controls (saline) or angiotensin II (Ang II, 20 ng/min, i.c.v) via osmotic mini-pumps for 14 days to elicit enhanced sympathetic drive. Echocardiography and invasive cardiac catheterization were used to measure systolic and diastolic …

A Critical Role For Staphylococcal Nitric Oxide Synthase In Controlling Flavohemoglobin Toxicity, Ryan M. Singh, Sujata S. Chaudhari, Sasmita Panda, Elizabeth H. Hutfless, Cortney E. Heim, Dhananjay Shinde, Abdulelah A. Alqarzaee, Margaret F. Sladek, Vineet Kumar, Matthew C. Zimmerman, Paul D. Fey, Tammy Kielian, Vinai Chittezham Thomas

Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology

Most coagulase-negative staphylococcal species, including the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis, struggle to maintain redox homeostasis and grow under nitrosative stress. Under these conditions, growth can only resume once nitric oxide (NO) is detoxified by the flavohemoglobin Hmp. Paradoxically, S. epidermidis produces endogenous NO through its genetically encoded nitric oxide synthase (seNOS) and heavily relies on its activity for growth. In this study, we investigate the basis of the growth advantage attributed to seNOS activity. Our findings reveal that seNOS supports growth by countering Hmp toxicity. S. epidermidis relies on Hmp activity for its survival in the host under NO stress. …

Investigating Novel Ispe Inhibitors Of The Mep Pathway In Mycobacterium, Seoung Ryoung Choi, Prabagaran Narayanasamy

Journal Articles: Pathology and Microbiology

In a recent effort to mitigate harm from human pathogens, many biosynthetic pathways have been extensively evaluated for their ability to inhibit pathogen growth and to determine drug targets. One of the important products/targets of such pathways is isopentenyl diphosphate. Isopentenyl diphosphate is the universal precursor of isoprenoids, which are essential for the normal functioning of microorganisms. In general, two biosynthetic pathways lead to the formation of isopentenyl diphosphate: (1) the mevalonate pathway in animals; and (2) the non-mevalonate or methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) in many bacteria, and some protozoa and plants. Because the MEP pathway is not found in mammalian …

Cortical Demyelination And Depression-Like Behavior Are Associated With Histaminergic Dysregulation In A Mouse Model Of Peripheral Inflammation, Danielle Germundson-Hermanson

Biomedical Sciences Posters and Presentations

▪ Demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system are increasing in prevalence world-wide1,2 and manifest as motor, behavioral, and/or cognitive defects3 . The etiology and pathophysiology of demyelinating diseases remain unclear.

▪ We have previously observed cortical demyelination in our mouse model of non-anaphylactic cow’s milk allergy4 . The demyelination was associated with depression-like behaviors and region-specific increases in brain histamine and H3 receptor (H3R) levels4,5 .

❖ The brain’s central histaminergic system is tightly controlled and regulates many behaviors. Additionally, signaling through H3R plays a crucial role in oligodendrocyte differentiation, and thus, demyelination and remyelination6 .

▪ We hypothesized …

Prenatal Buprenorphine Exposure Reduces Expression Of Myelin Proteins In Neonatal Longs-Evans Rat, Christopher James Grahe

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In the USA and especially in WV, there has been a surge in the rise of opioid use disorder (OUD), and with it a rise in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). What makes this rise in NAS so unfortunate is that the Medications for OUD (MOUD) do not prevent the development of NAS. Although the relationship between MOUD and NAS is still unclear, it is thought that buprenorphine, one of the main substances used to treat OUD in pregnant women, may feed into the development of NAS, which may affect mental and physiological development and cause other health problems. Via understanding …

An Intravenous Pancreatic Cancer Therapeutic: Characterization Of Crispr/Cas9n-Modified Clostridium Novyi-Non Toxic, Kaitlin M. Dailey, James M. Small, Jessica E. Pullan, Seth Winfree, Krysten E. Vance, Megan Orr, Sanku Mallik, Kenneth W. Bayles, Michael A. Hollingsworth, Amanda E Brooks

Journal Articles: Pathology and Microbiology

Clostridium novyi has demonstrated selective efficacy against solid tumors largely due to the microenvironment contained within dense tumor cores. The core of a solid tumor is typically hypoxic, acidic, and necrotic-impeding the penetration of current therapeutics. C. novyi is attracted to the tumor microenvironment and once there, can both lyse and proliferate while simultaneously re-activating the suppressed immune system. C. novyi systemic toxicity is easily mitigated by knocking out the phage DNA plasmid encoded alpha toxin resulting in C. novyi-NT; but, after intravenous injection spores are quickly cleared by phagocytosis before accomplishing significant tumor localization. C. novyi-NT could be designed …

Bacteria Commonly Associated With Central Nervous System Catheter Infections Elicit Distinct Csf Proteome Signatures, Matthew K. Beaver, Dragana Noe, Ishwor Thapa, Hesham Ali, Jessica Snowden, Tammy Kielian, Gwenn Skar

Journal Articles: Pathology and Microbiology

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt infection is a common and devastating complication of the treatment of hydrocephalus. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential as these infections can lead to long-term neurologic consequences including seizures, decreased intelligence quotient (IQ) and impaired school performance in children. Currently the diagnosis of shunt infection relies on bacterial culture; however, culture is not always accurate since these infections are frequently caused by bacteria capable of forming biofilms, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa resulting in few planktonic bacteria detectable in the CSF. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify a …

The Antibacterial And Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of Probiotics Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (Mrsa), Punploy Klawkla

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Background: Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the types of microorganisms in a person’s natural f lora, associated with several diseases like asthma, type 2 diabetes, and atopic dermatitis (AD). Reports indicate that Staphylococcus aureuscolonizes about 60%-100% of AD skin, causing barrier dysfunction through virulence factors such as superantigens, enzymes, and other proteins. These factors disrupt skin homeostasis by affecting keratinocytes and immune cells. Additionally, dysbiosis in AD skin is marked by a reduction in commensal microbes like Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium spp. In recent years, probiotics have been studied in both live bacteria and bacterial lysate forms. Most studies …