Digital Commons Network^™

Comparison Of Replication-Competent, First Generation, And Helper-Dependent Adenoviral Vaccines, Eric A. Weaver, Pramod N. Nehete, Stephanie S. Buchl, Julien S. Senac, Donna Palmer, Philip Ng, K. Jagannadha Sastry, Michael A. Barry

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

All studies using human serotype 5 Adenovirus (Ad) vectors must address two major obstacles: safety and the presence of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies. Helper-Dependent (HD) Ads have been proposed as alternative vectors for gene therapy and vaccine development because they have an improved safety profile. To evaluate the potential of HD-Ad vaccines, we compared replication-competent (RC), first-generation (FG) and HD vectors for their ability to induce immune responses in mice. We show that RC-Ad5 and HD-Ad5 vectors generate stronger immune responses than FG-Ad5 vectors. HD-Ad5 vectors gave lower side effects than RC or FG-Ad, producing lower levels of tissue damage and …

Pattern Recognition Of Longitudinal Trial Data With Nonignorable Missingness: An Empirical Case Study, Julia Hua Fang, Kimberly A. Espy, Maria L. Rizzo, Christian Stopp, Sandra A. Wiebe, Walter W. Stroup

Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory: Faculty Publications

Methods for identifying meaningful growth patterns of longitudinal trial data with both nonignorable intermittent and drop-out missingness are rare. In this study, a combined approach with statistical and data mining techniques is utilized to address the nonignorable missing data issue in growth pattern recognition. First, a parallel mixture model is proposed to model the nonignorable missing information from a real-world patient-oriented study and concurrently to estimate the growth trajectories of participants. Then, based on individual growth parameter estimates and their auxiliary feature attributes, a fuzzy clustering method is incorporated to identify the growth patterns. This case study demonstrates that the …

Impact Of The Short-Term Consumption Of A Moderately High Fat Diet On Nitric Oxide Production And Bioavailibility, Kan Huang

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an essential role in the regulation of numerous biological processes. Its bioavailability is assured by a well regulated balance between NO generation and NO removal. Disruptions in this balance contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes mellitus and arthritis. Many factors contribute to the maintenance of NO bioavailability by controlling nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, NOS activity, the availability of substrates and cofactors involved in the generation of NO by NOS, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the formation and mobilization of NO reservoirs. Dietary factors have a significant impact …

Differential Effects Of Th1, Monocyte/Macrophage And Th2 Cytokine Mixtures On Early Gene Expression For Molecules Associated With Metabolism, Signaling And Regulation In Central Nervous System Mixed Glial Cell Cultures, Robert P. Lisak, Joyce A. Benjamins, Beverly Bealmear, Liljana Nedelkoska, Diane Studzinski, Ernest Retland, Bin Yao, Susan Land

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Cytokines secreted by immune cells and activated glia play central roles in both the pathogenesis of and protection from damage to the central nervous system (CNS) in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

We have used gene array analysis to identify the initial direct effects of cytokines on CNS glia by comparing changes in early gene expression in CNS glial cultures treated for 6 hours with cytokines typical of those secreted by Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes and monocyte/macrophages (M/M).

Results

In two previous papers, we summarized effects of these cytokines on immune-related molecules, and on neural and glial related proteins, …

Comparison Of Trauma Scores For Adults Who Fell From Height As Survival Predictivity, Mehmet Eryilmaz, Murat Durusu, Öner Menteş, Tahi̇r Özer, Seli̇m Kiliç, Gürkan Ersoy, Özcan Altinel, Murat Kalemoğlu, Nurkan Törer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Falls from a height and their subsequent injuries and traumas can cause morbidity and death. In the present study, ISS, NISS, RTS, and TRISS values were analyzed to assess mortality probabilities of patients who fell from a height. Materials and Methods: Patients' age, gender, height of falls (0-2 m, 3-5 m, and 6 m and above), organ pathologies, and ISS, NISS, RTS, and TRISS scores were evaluated in terms of mortality. Results: Regarding the survival rate, no statistically significant difference was found between age and gender (P > 0.05). We determined that all trauma scores were correlated with mortality, and …

Evaluation Of The Knowledge Of Hospital Cleaning Staff About Prevention Of Nosocomial Infections, Tansu Yamazhan, Meltem Işikgöz Taşbakan, Şebnem Çalik, Hüsnü Pullukçu, Oğuz Reşat Si̇pahi̇, Sercan Ulusoy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: Detection of risk groups and infection sources and awareness of the routes of transmission of infections are important for prevention of hospital infections. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the knowledge level and the behavior models of hospital cleaning staff about nosocomial infections. Materials and Methods: A 21-item questionnaire about nosocomial infections was administered to the hospital cleaning staff. Results: Out of 290 hospital cleaning staff, 240 (82.7%, 122 male, 118 female, aged 36.2±8.7) were included in the study. When evaluated according to their educational status, 55.4% had graduated from primary school. Fifty-four percent of the staff had …

Effects Of Peer And Group Education On Knowledge, Beliefs And Breast Self-Examination Practice Among University Students In Turkey, Özgül Karayurt, Akli̇me Di̇cle, Arzu Tuna Malak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: To determine the effects of peer and group education on knowledge and beliefs about breast cancer and performance of breast self–examination (BSE). Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 193 female university students, of whom 59 were assigned to peer education and 134 to group education. Data collected at baseline and after six months included sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of breast cancer and BSE and performance of BSE forms, and Champion´s Health Belief Model Scale. Data were analyzed using the chi-square, McNemar chi-square, independent Student´s t, and paired Student´s t tests. Results: Mean knowledge scores increased from 42.08 …

Relation Between Objectively Measured Growth Determinants And Ambulation In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Ni̇lüfer Kutay Ordu Gökkaya, Asli Çalişkan, Di̇lek Karakuş, Hali̇l Uçan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a well-known neurodevelopmental condition beginning in early childhood and persisting throughout one´s life span. Feeding problems and eating impairments in CP children are well documented in the literature. The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of linear growth retardation and the other growth determinants in this patient group and to identify the contributing factors and their relationship with ambulation. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and prospective study was carried out between March 2007 and July 2007 in our pediatric inpatient rehabilitation service, and a total of 34 CP patients (22 male, 12 …

The Significance Of Dna Ploidy In The Malignant Potential Of Colorectal Adenocarcinomas, Ümi̇t Çobanoğlu, Hayretti̇n Çiray, Yavuz Tekeli̇oğlu, Yavuz Özoran, Etem Alhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between flow cytometric DNA ploidy and the potential for invasiveness and lymph node metastasis in colorectal adenocarcinomas. Materials and Methods: The study included 40 colorectal carcinoma cases that were examined with flow cytometry and light microscopy. DNA ploidy in 4 different areas (deep tumor tissue, superficial tumor tissue, normal adjacent mucosa, and lymph node metastasis) was analyzed with flow cytometry and compared with invasiveness and lymph node metastasis Results: Statistically significant differences in DNA content were observed between the deep and superficial layers of tumor tissues. The rate of …

Epidemiology Of Human Rabies In Turkey: 1992-2007, Turan Buzgan, Hasan Irmak, Gül R. Yilmaz, Mehmet Ali̇ Torunoğlu, Ahmet Safran

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Rabies continues to be a public health problem in Turkey; however, the number of reported cases has decreased in recent years and 1-2 cases of human rabies are reported annually to the Ministry of Health (MoH). Epidemiological and demographic features, clinical findings, and prophylaxis of human rabies reported to the MoH between 1992 and 2007 were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Rabies has been reported in Turkey since 1930. Data on human rabies have been available from the MoH since 1992. In this study, data on human rabies were analyzed retrospectively. The provinces, rabies risk exposure date, age, gender, type …

Progression Of Binocular Vision Following Cataract Surgery*, İlknur Akyol Salman, Murat Arslankurt, Osman Dursun, Ahmet Yazici, Orhan Baykal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To investigate the progression of binocular vision of patients after cataract surgery in the early postoperative period. Materials and methods: Eighty four cataract patients were evaluated at postoperative 1 and 3 months after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber monofocal lens implantation. For the evaluation of the grades of binocular vision, synoptophore was used. Stereoscopic acuity was measured with the Titmus Stereotest. Results: Evaluation at postoperative 3 months was associated with a significantly higher proportion of patients with stereopsis (P = 0.004), better levels of stereoacuities (P < 0.001) than the evaluation at postoperative 1 month. Significantly higher visual acuities (P = 0.001) and lower interocular difference in refraction values (P = 0.023) were also noted at postoperative 3 months. The level of stereoscopic acuity was not significantly correlated with the level of visual acuity, interocular visual acuity difference, interocular difference in refraction, and the age of patients (P > 0.05). In patients without fusion, suppression was found in the operated eyes with favorable …

A Comparison Of Different Management Techniques For Myocardial Protection In Acyanotic Congenital Cardiac Patients, İbrahi̇m Duvan, Bariş Durukan, Alper Gürbüz, Cem Yorgancioğlu, Meti̇n Demi̇rci̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: It has already been shown that terminal warm blood cardioplegia (TWBC) supports myocardial protection in pediatric patients when it is administered after cold blood cardioplegia. However, the myocardial protective effects of TWBC applied after cold crystalloid cardioplegia (CCC) is still a subject of debate. Materials and methods: Twenty acyanotic congenital cardiac patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 10. In the control group (CG), moderate hypothermia, topical cooling, and cold crystalloid cardioplegia were performed for the protection of the myocardium. In the other group (TWBCG), the same procedure was supported using TWBC just before the unclamping of the …

Primate Phylogenomics: Developing Numerous Nuclear Non-Coding, Non-Repetitive Markers For Ecological And Phylogenetic Applications And Analysis Of Evolutionary Rate Variation, Zuogang Peng, Navin Elango, Derek E. Wildman, Soojin V. Yi

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Genetic analyses are often limited by the availability of appropriate molecular markers. Markers from neutrally evolving genomic regions may be particularly useful for inferring evolutionary histories because they escape the constraints of natural selection. For the majority of taxa however, obtaining such markers is challenging. Advances in genomics have the potential to alleviate the shortage of neutral markers. Here we present a method to develop numerous markers from putatively neutral regions of primate genomes.

Results

We began with the available whole genome sequences of human, chimpanzee and macaque. Using computational methods, we identified a total of 280 potential …

Complementary Responses To Mean And Variance Modulations In The Perfect Integrate-And-Fire Model, Joanna R. Wares, Todd W. Troyer

Department of Math & Statistics Faculty Publications

In the perfect integrate-and-fire model (PIF), the membrane voltage is proportional to the integral of the input current since the time of the previous spike. It has been shown that the firing rate within a noise free ensemble of PIF neurons responds instantaneously to dynamic changes in the input current, whereas in the presence of white noise, model neurons preferentially pass low frequency modulations of the mean current. Here, we prove that when the input variance is perturbed while holding the mean current constant, the PIF responds preferentially to high frequency modulations. Moreover, the linear filters for mean and variance …

Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms Of Toxin Resistance For Endoplasmic Reticulum Translocating Toxins, Christopher Massey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the site of co- and post-translational modification for secretory proteins. In order to prevent vesicular transport and secretion of misfolded or misassembled proteins, a highly regulated mechanism called ER-associated degradation (ERAD) is employed. This pathway recognizes misfolded proteins in the ER lumen and targets them to the cytosol for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation via the 26S proteasome. Sec61 and Derlin-1 are ER pores through which export occurs. AB-type protein toxins such as cholera toxin (CT), Shiga toxin (ST), exotoxin A (ETA), and ricin have evolved means of exploiting the ERAD pathway in order to reach …

Comparison Of Clinical And Histopathologic Findings Of Pathergy Test With Disposable/Sharp And Nondisposable/Blunt Needles In Behcet´S Disease, Ayşe Serap Karadağ, Gülfer Akbay, Mehtap Aydin, Hesna Müzeyyen Astarci, Meral Ekşi̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether using blunt instead of sharp needles presented any advantage and whether the histopathological interpretation prevailed over the clinical interpretation. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 60 Behçet´s disease (BD) patients and 20 control subjects. The pathergy test was applied to all subjects intradermally with sharp and blunt needles and the histopathology of each test result was studied. Results: In the active period of BD (40 patients), positive test results were obtained in 34 (85.0%) patients using blunt needles and in 13 (32.5%) using sharp needles (P = 0.0001). …

Comparison Of Gliclazide Treatment With Diet Therapy On Acute Phase Protein Levels In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Ramazan Memi̇şoğullari, Fati̇h Akçay, Abdurrahman Coşkun, Uğur Korkmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: It is known that there is a relationship between diabetic complications and chronic inflammation characterized by alterations in circulating acute phase proteins. It has been emphasized that inflammation contributes to diabetic complications and that gliclazide -an antidiabetic sulfonylurea - decreases the development of such complications. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether gliclazide or diet treatment has an effect on serum levels of acute phase reactants, markers of inflammation. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 clinically healthy subjects were evaluated prospectively. Twenty-six patients were treated with proper diet and daily gliclazide …

Postural Stability And Functional Capacity In Recreational Athletes With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Tolga Saka, Yavuz Yildiz, Ferhat Deni̇z, Bülent Hazneci̇, Ufuk Şeki̇r, Taner Aydin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate postural stability and functional capacity in recreational athletes with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1 DM) and to compare them with healthy recreational athletes. Materials and Methods: Sixteen recreational athletes with T1 DM (21.4 ± 2.1 years of age, 174.3 ± 7 cm height, 64.5 ± 10.1 kg weight, 10.9 ± 5.3 body fat percentage [BFP]) and 19 healthy recreational athletes (21.9 ± 2.5 years of age, 173.1 ± 5.2 cm height, 66.1 ± 4 kg weight, 14.4 ± 1.5 BFP) participated in this study. Postural stability was measured by using the …

The Effects Of The Diet And Diet+Exercise On Changes In Weight During Adolescence, Çeti̇n Yaman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: This study was carried out in 2121 primary school students in the Sakarya province of Turkey. The body mass index (BMI) of these 2121 students, between 10 and 14 years old, was calculated from their height and weight measurements. Two hundred twenty-nine students with a BMI value of 26 or above were included in the study. Materials and Methods: Diet and diet+exercise were applied to the subjects for 14 weeks under the supervision of expert dieticians and sports trainers. The subjects' heights and weights were measured by the same staff at the end of the 14-week period and their …

The Effect Of Anterior Nasal Packing With Airway Tubes On Pulmonary Function Following Septoplasty*, Hani̇fi̇ Kurtaran, Nebi̇l Ark, Fati̇h Sadikoğlu, K. Şeri̇fe Uğur, Türker Yilmaz, Zeki̇ Yildirim, Davut Aktaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To investigate the effects of nasal packing with airway tubes on pulmonary function following septoplasty. Materials and methods: Fifty patients who were operated for nasal septal deviation between 2006 and 2008 were included in our study. Nasal packs with airway tubes were used for all patients following septoplasty. Pulmonary function tests and PO2 measurements with pulse oximetry were performed preoperatively and in the second postoperative day just before removal of the nasal pack. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV_1), FEV_1/FVC (FEV_1%), Forced Expiratory Flow (FEF_{25-75}%), and PO2 values were compared. Results: The mean age …

Evaluation Of Lower Urinary System Symptoms And Neurogenic Bladder In Children With Cerebral Palsy: Relationships With The Severity Of Cerebral Palsy And Mental Status, Si̇bel Ünsal, Canan Çulha, Hakan Tunç, Murat Kurt, Sumru Özel, Ali̇ Atan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate lower urinary system symptoms, to determine bladder type in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to determine the relationship between bladder type, and the severity of CP and mental status of the children. Materials and Methods: The study included 41 children with CP. Subjects were first asked to provide information concerning lower urinary system symptoms. Urodynamic examination was performed in 41 children with CP. The severity of CP was determined according to the Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS). The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale was used to determine intelligence quotients (IQ). After urodynamic examination, subjects …

Cognitive Impairment Among Type-2 Diabetic Subjects And Its Relationship With Long-Term Complications, Oğuz Teki̇n, Serdar Çukur, Remzi̇ Karadağ, Ayşe Tunca, Olgun Göktaş, Adem Özkara, Bünyami̇n Işik, Sevsen Cebeci̇, Ramazan Yi̇ği̇toğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Studies about relationships between diabetes mellitus, diabetic complications, and cognitive functions have been initiative factors for this study. We evaluated various relations between procedure of the disease, diabetic complications, and cognitive functions among diabetic subjects. Materials and methods: Type-2 diabetic patients were evaluated for their disease status, complications, and cognitive functions (by Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) test). We compared MMSE results of the patients with the control group. Results: We evaluated 75 patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus and 49 control subjects. Orientation (P = 0.006), attention and calculation (P = 0.002), and total (P < 0.001) scores of the control group were significantly greater compared to the diabetic group. We observed negative correlation between the length of disease and cognitive functions within the diabetic group. Recall scores of the diabetic subjects with 6 and less HBAIC levels were significantly greater than those with 6.1 and greater levels (P = 0.049). We observed negative relations between registration scores and retinopathy, but not between orientation and total scores and hypertension among diabetic subjects. Conclusion: Type-2 diabetes mellitus may destroy cognitive function. Length of disease, high serum HBAIC levels, hypertension, and retinopathy are significant additional risk factors. We conclude that cognitive function assessment should be routine procedure in the management of type-2 diabetes mellitus.

Cut-Off Value Of D-Dimer In Pulmonary Thromboembolism And Pneumonia, Ayşegül Karalezli̇, H. Canan Hasanoğlu, Selda Kaya, Eli̇f Babaoğlu, Z. Ci̇bali̇ Açikgöz, Asi̇ye Kanbay, Derya Öztuna

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: The differential diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and pneumonia remains difficult in emergency rooms. High D-dimer levels in the pneumonia may be misdiagnosed as PTE on the basis of similar clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings. Since D-dimer elevation may also be seen in pneumonia cases, the comparison of D-dimer values in patients diagnosed as pneumonia and PTE, in order to determine a cut-off value between the 2 diseases, was aimed in this study. Materials and methods: Patients in the community acquired pneumonia (CAP) group were classified according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2001 criteria. Groups III and IV …

Acute Pancreatitis As An Atypical Presentation Of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura And Cystic Fibrosis, Murat Çakir, Beri̇l Di̇lber, Mukaddes Kalyoncu, Embi̇ya Di̇lber, Ayşe Aksoy, Erol Erduran

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare clinical entity in childhood. Two children, aged 10 and 14 years, were hospitalized for acute abdominal pain. Clinical and laboratory findings were compatible with AP. Both patients were given supportive medications. Two days after admission, the first patient had purpuric lesions on both buttocks and lower extremities, and occult bleeding. The clinical picture was consistent with Henoch-Schonlein purpura, with pancreatitis and gastrointestinal involvement. The patient’s clinical condition improved rapidly after administration of prednisolone. The second patient had digital clubbing on physical examination, and positive sweat chloride test results led to the diagnosis of cystic …

Short Term Outcomes Of The Use Of High Dose Intravenous Methylprednisolone For Acute Optic Neuritis In A Central Anatolian Population, Yasemi̇n Özdamar, Gölge Acaroğlu, Bayazit İlhan, Seyhan S. Özkan, Kuddusi̇ Teberi̇k

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of optic neuritis (ON) cases treated with high dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in a tertiary referral clinic in Ankara, Turkey. Materials and methods: Consecutive patients in the past 5 years with acute isolated ON, who were treated with IVMP and had a follow-up of at least 3 months, were reviewed. Symptoms and findings, results of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), etiologies, visual outcomes, and side effects of the treatment were evaluated. Results: Etiological causes could be elicited in 57 (85.1%) of 67 patients; the most common of which was multiple sclerosis (MS). …

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry For The Determination Of Methylprednisolone In Rat Plasma And Liver After Intravenous Administration Of Its Liver-Targeted Dextran Prodrug, Shuang-Qing Zhang, Helen R. Thorsheim, Suman Penugonda, Venkateswaran C. Pillai, Quentin R. Smith, Reza Mehvar

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

A specific and sensitive liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometric method for quantitative determination of methylprednisolone (MP) in rat plasma and liver was developed and validated using triamcinolone acetonide as an internal standard. Liquid-liquid extraction using tert-butyl methyl ether was used to extract the drug and the internal standard from plasma and liver. The separation of MP was performed on a C(18) column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile:0.5% formic acid aqueous solution (85:15, v/v) over 4 min. The assay was based on the selected reaction monitoring transitions at m/z 375 -> 161 for MP in plasma, 375 -> 357 for …

Faculty Should Consider Peer Review As A Means Of Improving Students' Scientific Reasoning Skills, Briana Timmerman, Denise Strickland

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Generation Of A Retroviral Vector That Expresses An Anti-Hiv-1 Tat Hammerhead Ribozyme, Lindsey E. Padgett, William H. Jackson

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Downregulation Of Hiv-1 Vif By A Hammerhead Ribozyme Expressed From A Retroviral Vector, Audrey M. Hendley, William Jackson

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Metabolomic Investigation Of A New Rat Model Of Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease, Hayley White

Theses : Honours

Metabolomics is complementary to genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics; however, it has the capacity to reflect the activities of the organism at a functional level. Metabolomics can therefore be used as a diagnostic tool by identifying the up- or down-regulation of metabolites in the cell, tissue, plasma, serum or urine. Specifically, these are, but are not limited to, identifying biomarkers of disease, monitoring drug treatments, and monitoring surgical procedures such as organ transplant. Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) makes up 5-8% of patients requiring kidney dialysis and/or transplantation and of these, an estimated 50% of patients progress to end-stage renal …