Digital Commons Network^™

Role Of Ras Proteins In Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors, Nicole Marie Brossier

All ETDs from UAB

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) arising in patients with neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) are null for the tumor suppressor neurofibromin, a negative regulator of signaling from both classic Ras (H-Ras, N-Ras and K-Ras) and R-Ras (R-Ras, R-Ras2/TC21, M-Ras/R-Ras3) subfamily members. Treatment of these tumors with Ras-targeted agents such as farnesyltransferase inhibitors has proven unsuccessful, likely due to the inability of these agents to successfully target all of the Ras isoforms regulated by neurofibromin. Thus, determining which Ras isoforms are critical for MPNST pathogenesis would be of therapeutic value. In this dissertation, we first review the clinical manifestations of NF1 …

Molecular Piracy In The Mobilization Of Staphylococcus Aureus Pathogenicity Island 1, Michael Spilman

All ETDs from UAB

Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophage 80α is a temperate, double-stranded DNA phage that serves as a "helper" phage for the mobilization of several S. aureus pathogenicity islands (SaPIs), including SaPI1. When mobilized by 80α, SaPI1 genomes are packaged into smaller phage-like transducing particles composed of 80α capsid (gp47), scaffolding (gp46) and portal (gp42) proteins. In this dissertation, I utilize electron microscopy and biochemistry to tease apart the structural and genetic controls and consequences of SaPI1 as a molecular pirate. More specifically, I show that two SaPI1 proteins shift assembly from 63-nm, T = 7 icosahedral capsids to 47-nm, T = 4 capsids, …

Calcium Dynamics Of Glial Cells And Genetic Influences On Behavior Of The Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans, Randy Franklin Stout

All ETDs from UAB

A major challenge in neuroscience is understanding how the different neural cell types work together to process information and produce a behavioral output. Glial cells of the human brain have long been thought to act as support for the fundamental cell to cell communication at the core of cognition: neuronal synaptic communication. Research over the past several decades measuring glial activity and experimentally controlling glial cells in rodent model systems has shown that the two macroglia sub-types of glial cells (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) have active roles in establishment, maintenance, and modulation of synaptic communication in the mammalian brain. Much of …

Analysis Of Gaba And Glutamate In The Mouse Dorsal Striatum, Stella Wisidagamage

Wayne State University Theses

ABSTRACT

ANALYSIS OF GABA AND GLUTAMATE IN MICE BRAIN

by

STELLA WISIDAGAMA

May 2011

Advisor: Dr. Tiffany Mathews

Major: Chemistry (Analytical)

Degree: Master of Science

GABA and glutamate are the predominant inhibitory and excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS), respectively. However, their altered levels cause several neurological diseases including Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. It is important to measure their levels in the extra- and intracellular environments to better understand and develop improved therapeutics that will treat these neurological disorders. The principle aim of this study is to study the impacts of different endogenous …

Significant Inhibition Of Corneal Scarring In Vivo With Tissue-Selective, Targeted Aav5 Decorin Gene Therapy, Rajiv R. Mohan, Ashish Tandon, Ajay Sharma, John W. Cowden, Jonathan C. K. Tovey

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

PURPOSE. This study tested a hypothesis that tissue-selective targeted decorin gene therapy delivered to the stroma with adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5) inhibits corneal fibrosis in vivo without significant side effects.

METHODS. An in vivo rabbit model of corneal fibrosis was used. Targeted decorin gene therapy was delivered to the rabbit cornea by a single topical application of AAV5 (100 L; 6.5 1012 g/mL) onto the bare stroma for 2 minutes. The levels of corneal fibrosis were determined with stereomicroscopy, slit lamp biomicroscopy, -smooth muscle actin ( SMA), fibronectin, and F-actin immunocytochemistry, and/or immunoblotting. CD11b, F4/80 immunocytochemistry, and TUNEL assay …

Evaluation Of The Relationship Between Clinical Parameters Of Mineral And Bone Disease, Fibroblast Growth Factor 23, And Related Medication Use Among Hemodialysis Patients, Magdalene Marie Assimon

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Background

A Comparison Of Two Different Fluorochrome Stains For The Detection Of Acid-Fast Bacilli In Sputum Specimens*, Vi̇ldan Avkan Oğuz, Nurbanu Sezak, Aygün Öztop, Nur Yapar, Süheyla Sürücüoğlu, Ayşe Yüce

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The early diagnosis of active tuberculosis still depends on the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in stained sputum smears. In this study, our aim was to investigate the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of two different fluorochrome stains. Materials and methods: A total of 1013 sputum specimens were collected from 642 patients. Three smears and cultures were prepared from each specimen. Double-blind and prospective laboratory procedures were performed. Slides were stained with a commercial auramine/acridine orange kit (Stain 1), an in-house preparation of auramine- rhodamine/KMnO4 (Stain 2) and a Ziehl-Neelsen stain (EZN). Results: Of the 1013 specimens, 101 were culture positive. Among …

Metabolic Profile And Insulin Resistance In Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, Mustafa Şahi̇n, Berri̇n Berçi̇k İnal, Şahi̇n Öğreden, Özgür Yi̇ği̇t, Hale Aral, Güvenç Güvenen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The following metabolic parameters were assessed in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) diagnosed by polysomnography (PSG): leptin, IFG (ımpaired fasting glucose), thyroid functions, thyroid autoantibodies, lipid parameters, insulin levels, HOMA-IR index, CRP, obesity, and metabolic syndrome frequency. Materials and methods: Three patient groups were defined based on apnea-hypoapnea index (AHI) levels (Group I: n: 11 male (M)/19 female (F); Group II: n: 19 M/10 F; Group III: n: 21 M/10 F) and 2 control groups (obese (n = 18 M/12 F) and normal (n = 12 M/18 F)) were included with comparable BMI value and age. Results: The …

Development And Validation Of The Turkish Version Of The Mnread Visual Acuity Charts, Şefay Aysun İdi̇l, Deni̇z Çalişkan, Namik Bariş İdi̇l

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To design and validate a Turkish version of the MNREAD acuity charts. Materials and methods: A vocabulary was created using high-frequency words that appear in Turkish schoolbooks used by 8-year-old children in the third grade. In total, 125 sentences were generated. The sentences were read by 2 groups (20 adults and 20 primary school students), and reading time and verbal mistakes were recorded. Thereafter, persistent verbal mistakes and sentences with extreme high and low mean reading speeds were excluded. Finally, the validity of the participants' reading speed as measured with the MNREAD Turkish version was determined by comparing it to …

Can Obstructive Apnea And Hypopnea During Sleep Be Differentiated By Using Electroencephalographic Frequency Bands? Statistical Analysis Of Receiver-Operator Curve Characteristics, Erdem Uçar, Necdet Süt, Tevfi̇k Gülyaşar, İlhan Umut, Levent Öztürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate whether electroencephalographic (EEG) frequency bands are applicable in distinguishing abnormal respiratory events such as obstructive apnea and hypopnea in patients with sleep apnea. Materials and methods: The polysomnographic recordings of 20 patients were examined retrospectively. EEG record segments were taken from C4-A1 and C3-A2 channels and were analyzed with software that uses digital signal processing methods, developed by the study team. Percentage values of delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands were evaluated through discriminant and receiver-operator curve (ROC) analysis to distinguish between apneas and hypopneas. Results: For the C4-A1 channel, delta (%) provided the highest discriminative value …

Piracetam Reverses Haloperidol-Induced Catalepsy In Mice, Omar Abdel Salam, Somaia Nada

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the memory-enhancing drugs piracetam, vinpocetine, and ginkgo biloba for their ability to reduce catalepsy in mice treated with haloperidol. Haloperidol is a classic neuroleptic drug that induces motor abnormalities and cognitive impairment due to a blockade of dopamine D2 receptors in the striatum. Materials and methods: Catalepsy was induced by intraperitoneal haloperidol (2 mg/kg) administration. The drugs being tested were either administered intraperitoneally (IP) along with the dosage of haloperidol or 30 min prior to the introduction of the haloperidol. Catalepsy was measured using the bar test. Results: The administration of haloperidol (2 mg/kg, IP) resulted in significant …

Clinical Significance And Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec (Sccmec) Characterization Of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Isolated From Blood Cultures, Gürkan Mert, Abdullah Kiliç, Orhan Bedi̇r, Ahmet Celal Başustaoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To describe the true coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) bacteremia rate compared with contaminants, and to determine the SCCmec types in methicillin-resistant staphylococci and evaluate the diversity between methicillin-resistant CoNS (MRCoNS) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates during a 10-month study period. Materials and methods: The true CoNS bacteremia or bloodstream infection episode was defined on the basis of previous studies on CoNS bacteremia and the definitions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. SCCmec types were determined by using the real-time PCR method. A total of 357 staphylococci isolates, including 313 CoNS and 44 S. aureus, were obtained from 462 …

A Quantitative Appraisal Of The Genuine Contribution Of Turkey And Turkish Universities To Science, Altan Onat

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To assess quantitatively the cumulative and genuine contribution of Turkish universities to science in the main fields over the past 30 years. Materials and methods: In the Citation Reports section of the Web of Science, over 70 main scientific institutions were searched; and publications that received 60 or more citations by May 2010 were selected. Papers having more than a minor share by international authors were excluded. Results: Only 47 universities and 6 institutions generated articles that were cited >-60 times. These publications, numbering 541, received a total of 51.215 citations. Eight universities (İstanbul University, İstanbul Technical University, Hacettepe University, …

An Evaluation Of The Undergraduate Occupational Health Internship Program At Kocaeli University's Faculty Of Medicine, Cavi̇t Işik Yavuz, Onur Hamzaoğlu, Çi̇ğdem Çağlayan, Ni̇lay Eti̇ler

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the industrial occupational health internship program being used in Kocaeli University's Faculty of Medicine and determine its effect on student success. Materials and methods: This quasi-experimental program evaluation, which uses a pre- and post-test design in order to assess the success of our workplace-based program, hopes to test the standards of achievement by senior students. These students have all been trained in the Public Health Department for 2 months during their last year in the Faculty of Medicine and spent 1 week of this period in the health units of various industrial workplaces operating in the area. All …

Documentation Of Small Intestine Atresias: A Single-Institution Experience In Turkey (22 Cases), Naci̇ye Ümi̇t Bayol, Demet Eti̇t, Süheyla Cumurcu, Deni̇z Altinel, Fatma Nur Aktaş, Rafet Beyhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the associated anomalies and causes of death in a neonatal autopsy series with intestinal atresias over an 8-year period from the archives of our department. Intestinal atresia, meaning the complete absence of a segment of the intestine or complete occlusion of the intestinal lumen, is the most common cause of gastrointestinal obstruction in neonatal autopsy series. There is an approximately equal sex distribution. Materials and methods: From the archives of our records, 22 cases with intestinal atresia were reevaluated. The patients' demographic data were noted. Anomalies associated with intestinal atresia were grouped into systemic categories and the main …

The Second Step In Vitro Trial Of Ankaferd® Bloodstopper®: Comparison With Other Hemostatic Agents, Emre Huri̇, Kadi̇r Turgay Akgül, Mehmet Özgür Yücel, Hesna Müzeyyen Astarci, Hüseyi̇n Üstün, Rüştü Cankon Germi̇yanoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the efficacy of Ankaferd Bloodstopper (ABS) and compare ABS with the other hemostatic agents still used in urologic surgery. Materials and methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: Group T (traditional), partial nephrectomy (PN) with hilar control as per the conventional technique; Group G (Glubran 2), conventional PN followed by the application of Glubran 2; Group F (FloSeal), FloSeal application to the resected area of the kidney; Group C (Celox), Celox was applied; Group A (ABS), Ankaferd was used. Warm ischemia time (WIT) and hemostasis time (HT) were recorded and histopathologic features were compared among the …

Phylogeny And Adaptive Evolution Of The Brain-Development Gene Microcephalin (Mcph1) In Cetaceans, Michael R. Mcgowen, Stephen H. Montgomery, Clay Clark, John Gatesy

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Representatives of Cetacea have the greatest absolute brain size among animals, and the largest relative brain size aside from humans. Despite this, genes implicated in the evolution of large brain size in primates have yet to be surveyed in cetaceans.

Results

We sequenced ~1240 basepairs of the brain development gene microcephalin (MCPH1) in 38 cetacean species. Alignments of these data and a published complete sequence from Tursiops truncatus with primate MCPH1 were utilized in phylogenetic analyses and to estimate ω (rate of nonsynonymous substitution/rate of synonymous substitution) using site and branch models of molecular evolution. We also tested …

Unfolded Protein Response In Cancer: The Physician's Perspective, Xuemei Li, Kezhong Zhang, Zihai Li

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a cascade of intracellular stress signaling events in response to an accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Cancer cells are often exposed to hypoxia, nutrient starvation, oxidative stress and other metabolic dysregulation that cause ER stress and activation of the UPR. Depending on the duration and degree of ER stress, the UPR can provide either survival signals by activating adaptive and antiapoptotic pathways, or death signals by inducing cell death programs. Sustained induction or repression of UPR pharmacologically may thus have beneficial and therapeutic …

Analysis Of Positional Candidate Genes In The Aaa1 Susceptibility Locus For Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms On Chromosome 19, John H. Lillvis, Yoshiki Kyo, Gerard Tromp, Guy M. Lenk, Ming Li, Qing Lu, Robert P. Igo Jr, Natzi Sakalihasan, Robert E. Ferrell, Charles M. Schworer, Zoran Gatalica, Susan Land, Helena Kuivaniemi

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a complex disorder with multiple genetic risk factors. Using affected relative pair linkage analysis, we previously identified an AAA susceptibility locus on chromosome 19q13. This locus has been designated as the AAA1 susceptibility locus in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database.

Methods

Nine candidate genes were selected from the AAA1 locus based on their function, as well as mRNA expression levels in the aorta. A sample of 394 cases and 419 controls was genotyped for 41 SNPs located in or around the selected nine candidate genes using the Illumina GoldenGate platform. …

Avian Cerebellum Specialization In Relation To Acrobatic Courtship Displays In Manakins (Pipridae), Steven Ray Wilkening

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The courtship displays of male manakins (Pipridae) involve an array of acrobatic and postural elements. Previously it was found that species with elaborate displays exhibit specializations in motor planning and coordination areas of the brain. Several studies have suggested a relationship between cerebellum (Cb) morphology and distinct motor-related functions for the anterior Cb (somatosensory, flying, hopping/walking), posterior Cb (vision, audition, flying, hopping/walking), and vestibular Cb (flying, hopping/walking, vestibular). The anterior, posterior and vestibular Cb as well as basic morphological features of the Cb were measured and tested for a relationship with courtship display complexity in manakins. I compared Cb morphology …

Synthesis Of 3-Phenylpyrazolopyrimidine-1,2,3-Triazole Conjugates And Evaluation Of Their Src Kinase Inhibitory And Anticancer Activities, Anil Kumar, Israr Ahmad, Bhupender S. Chhikara, Rakesh Tiwari, Deendayal Mandal, Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

A series of two classes of 3-phenylpyrazolopyrimidine-1,2,3-triazole conjugates were synthesized using click chemistry approach. All compounds were evaluated for inhibition of Src kinase and human ovarian adenocarcinoma (SK-Ov-3), breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-361), and colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29). Hexyl triazolyl-substituted 3-phenylpyrazolopyrimidine exhibited inhibition of Src kinase with an IC50 value of 5.6 µM. 4-Methoxyphenyl triazolyl-substituted 3-phenylpyrazolopyrimidine inhibited the cell proliferation of HT-29 and SK-Ov-3 by 73% and 58%, respectively, at a concentration of 50 µM.

Hydrolysis Of Amelogenin By Matrix Metalloprotease-20 Accelerates Mineralization In Vitro, Vuk Uskoković, Feroz Khan, Haichuan Liu, Halina Ewa Witkowska, Li Zhu, Wu Li, Stefan Habelitz

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

In the following respects, tooth enamel is a unique tissue in the mammalian body: (a) it is the most mineralized and hardest tissue in it comprising up to 95 wt% of apatite; (b) its microstructure is dominated by parallel rods composed of bundles of 40 – 60 nm wide apatite crystals with aspect ratios reaching up to 1:10,000 and (c) not only does the protein matrix that gives rise to enamel guides the crystal growth, but it also conducts its own degradation and removal in parallel. Hence, when mimicking the process of amelogenesis in vitro, crystal growth has to …

Distinct Domains Of Bax Are Involved In Mitochondrial Bioenergetics And Apoptosis, Ge Zhang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Apoptosis is essential for cellular homeostasis and is also a pathologic feature of various diseases. The balance between Bcl-2 family proteins determines whether a cell will live or die. Bax, a member of the BCL-2 family proteins, is a pro-apoptotic protein that exists in both a soluble, cytoplasmic form and a membrane-bound form. Upon apoptotic stimuli, Bax undergoes a conformational change and translocates to the mitochondria, initiating apoptotic events. However, little is known about whether Bax is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function under non-apoptotic conditions, and how Bax binds to mitochondria to exert its activity. Here, we investigate …

Sirna-Mediated Inhibition Of The Hiv-1 Transactivator Of Transcription, Alexander Jureka, Pricilla Simon, William Jackson

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Urginea Maritima (L.) Baker (Liliaceae) Extract Induces More Cytotoxicity Than Standard Chemotherapeutics In The A549 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Nsclc) Cell Line, Hakan Bozcuk, Mustafa Özdoğan, Oktay Aykurt, Fati̇h Topçuoğlu, Hasan Öztürk, Deni̇z Eki̇nci̇, Asuman Karadeni̇z, Ayli̇n Mutlu, Durmuş Burgucu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Urginea maritima (Um) is a plant native to especially Turkey and the Mediterranean area. In this study, we investigated whether Um extract exerted cytotoxicity on cancer cells. Materials and methods: We made various extracts of Um. These extracts in varying concentrations were added to an A549 NSCLC cell culture, alone or with gemcitabine and/or cisplatin. Growth inhibition was tested by the MTT assay and an Annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection kit Results: The onion Um extract (1 µg/mL) was more cytotoxic than cisplatin (1 µg/mL), gemcitabine (1 nm/mL), and leaf Um extract (1 µg/mL) with P < 0.001, P = 0.097, and P < 0.001, respectively. The efficacy of Um extract was further improved by the addition of an antioxidant cocktail to an IC_{50} value of 0.02 µg/mL. Conclusion: Um extract has been shown for the first time to be a strong candidate for drug development in solid tumors. Our studies continue to further define the specific antitumor compound(s) in this extract.

Evaluation Of Gdx Parameters By Using Information Theory, Umut Arslan, Banu Bozkurt, Ahmet Ergun Karaağaoğlu, Murat Tanju İrkeç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the performance of GDx parameters in the diagnosis of glaucoma by using information theory and compare the results obtained using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, which is a traditional method. Materials and methods: Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was measured in 270 eyes with glaucoma and 81 normal eyes with scanning laser polarimeter (NFA GDx version, 1.0.08), and 14 GDx parameters were calculated. Both ROC curve analysis and information theory were used to determine the best GDx parameters. The best cut-off points of these parameters were obtained using information theory for glaucoma prevalence (Pr) of 1%, 2%, …

Relationship Between Pon1 Phenotype And Headache Duration In Migraine Patients, Şahbetti̇n Selek, Recep Alp, Selen İlhan Alp, Abdullah Taşkin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The available data on the activity of paraoxonase-1 (PON1) in patients suffering from migraine without aura (MWoA) is scarce. The present study was conducted to fulfill the objective of investigating the probability of an association between PON1 phenotype distribution and headache duration in patients suffering from MWoA. Materials and methods: Seventy-six patients who suffer from MWoA and were not experiencing attacks at the time and 65 healthy volunteers were enrolled for the purpose of evaluation in the present study. Results: The levels of serum paraoxonase, arylesterase activities, and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) were determined for these subjects. The results obtained revealed …

Immunomodulatory Role Of Leptin Treatment In Experimental Sepsis Caused By Gram Negative Bacteria, Cemi̇le Koca, Havva Şahi̇n Kavakli, Özlem Alici

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effect of leptin treatment on circulating inflammatory cytokines and on tissue damage in experimental rat model of gram-negative sepsis. Materials and methods: Adult male Wistar rats, 28 in total, were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 7): sham, leptin, sepsis, and sepsis group treated with leptin (sepsis+leptin). Sepsis was induced by intraperitoneal (ip) injection of 2 × 10^{10} CFU of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Leptin and sepsis+leptin groups received a single dose ip 0.1 mg/kg leptin, while sham group received 1 mL of ip saline. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after the induction of sepsis. Blood …

A Determination Of The Factors That Affect The Level Of Pediatric Nurses' Liking Of Children, Yurdagül Erdem, Veli̇ Duyan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Every person under the age of 18 is a child. One's attitude towards children is made up of the person's basic beliefs about children and their reaction to the idea of being with children. Pediatric nurses are expected to understand children's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development, to advocate for children, and to show affection towards and interest in children. This study is conducted to determine the level of liking of children of nurses who are working at pediatric clinics. Materials and methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 207 nurses employed at pediatric clinics of university and state hospitals. …

The Effects Of Taping And Foot Exercises On Patients With Hallux Valgus: A Preliminary Study, Banu Bayar, Suat Erel, İbrahi̇m Engi̇n Şi̇mşek, Erkan Sümer, Kiliçhan Bayar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the effects of taping and foot exercises on patients with hallux valgus. Materials and methods: The study included 20 female patients. The subjects were divided into 2 groups, the study and control groups. The study group was treated with taping and foot exercises, and the control group was treated only with foot exercises. A goniometer was used to determine the angle of hallux valgus. Foot pain intensity was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS), and walking ability was evaluated using the walking ability scale (WAS). Results: At the end of the 8-week treatment period, a significant decrease …