Digital Commons Network^™

Inhibition Of Oncogene-Induced Inflammatory Chemokines Using A Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor., Katharine C Degeorge, Brent R Degeorge, James S Testa, Jay L Rothstein

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTI) are small molecule agents originally formulated to inhibit the oncogenic functions of Ras. Although subsequent analysis of FTI activity revealed wider effects on other pathways, the drug has been demonstrated to reduce Ras signaling by direct measurements. The purpose of the current study was to determine if FTI could be used to inhibit the inflammatory activities of a known Ras-activating human oncoprotein, RET/PTC3. RET/PTC3 is a fusion oncoprotein expressed in the thyroid epithelium of patients afflicted with thyroid autoimmune disease and/or differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Previous studies have demonstrated that RET/PTC3 signals through Ras and can …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Naturally Occurring Polymorphisms In Hiv-1 Vpr: Potential Impact On Ctl Epitopes., Alagarsamy Srinivasan, Velpandi Ayyavoo, Sundarasamy Mahalingam, Aarthi Kannan, Anne Boyd, Debduti Datta, Vaniambadi S Kalyanaraman, Anthony Cristillo, Ronald G Collman, Nelly Morellet, Bassel E Sawaya, Ramachandran Murali

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

The enormous genetic variability reported in HIV-1 has posed problems in the treatment of infected individuals. This is evident in the form of HIV-1 resistant to antiviral agents, neutralizing antibodies and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) involving multiple viral gene products. Based on this, it has been suggested that a comprehensive analysis of the polymorphisms in HIV proteins is of value for understanding the virus transmission and pathogenesis as well as for the efforts towards developing anti-viral therapeutics and vaccines. This study, for the first time, describes an in-depth analysis of genetic variation in Vpr using information from global HIV-1 isolates …

Serum Homocysteine Levels In Highway Toll Collectors And The Relationship With Intima-Media Thickness Of The Carotid Artery, Ramazan Memi̇şoğullari, Beşi̇r Erdoğmuş, Hami̇t Hakan Alp, Cahi̇t Bi̇lgi̇n, Peri̇ Meram Arbak, Özlem Yavuz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: A relationship between air pollution and increased intima-media thickness (IMT) has been recently reported, but its etiology is not yet well understood. We aimed to determine whether exposure to exhaust particles, which are important air pollutants, is associated with increased serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels and whether elevated Hcy levels are associated with increased IMT. Materials and Methods: Serum Hcy levels were measured by fluorometric high performance liquid chromatography in 65 male highway toll collectors (HTCs) and 43 healthy male volunteers. IMT was measured with Doppler sonography by an experienced radiologist. Results: Serum Hcy levels (14.5 ± 4.9 mmol/L, P < 0.005) and IMT (0.757 ± 0.18 mm, P < 0.001) were higher in the HTC group than in controls (12.0 ± 2.8 mmol/L and 0.612 ± 0.11 mm, respectively). A positive correlation was found between Hcy level and IMT both in the HTC group (r = 0.36; P < 0.005) and in the control group (r = 0.36; P < 0.05). Conclusions: Exposure to exhaust particles may cause an increase in oxidative stress because of an increase in serum Hcy levels, which consequently may lead to an increase in IMT. Nevertheless, further studies on the subject are needed before drawing a firm conclusion.

Prevalence Of The Metabolic Syndrome In A Rural Turkish Population: Comparison And Concordance Of Two Diagnostic Criteria, Ayfer Gemalmaz, Serpi̇l Aydin, Okay Başak, Güzel Di̇şçi̇gi̇l, Aslihan Karul

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: This study was performed to compare the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MES) according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) definitions in a population-based sample and to determine the concordance of the definitions. Materials and Methods: A total of 244 adults aged >=20 years (145 women and 99 men), selected systematically from household registration cards in a rural village in West Anatolia, were analyzed. Kappa test was done to examine the agreement between the definitions. Results: The mean age of the group was 46.9 ± 14.9 years. The prevalence of MES using ATPIII …

Survival Of Salmonella Typhi And Shigella Flexneri In Different Water Samples And At Different Temperatures, M. Hami̇dullah Uyanik, Hali̇l Yazgi, Ahmet Ayyildiz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the survival of Salmonella typhi and Shigella flexneri, which have significance for public health, in various aqueous media (distilled water, 0.9% NaCl solution, chlorinated water) and at different temperatures. Materials and Methods: The water samples mentioned above were contaminated with approximately 5 x 10^5 bacteria/ml of S. typhi and S. flexneri, and then stored at 37 ºC, room temperature, in refrigerator (4 to 6 ºC) and in deep freezer (-20 ºC). From the water materials prepared accordingly, cultures were done beginning in the first 24 hours and later every other day for …

Mixed Medullary-Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma : A Report Of Two Cases, Özge Han, Tuba Ünal, Selda Seçki̇n, Sezer Kulaçoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Mixed medullary-follicular carcinoma is an uncommon tumor of the thyroid. It is characterized by histological and immunohistochemical features of both follicular and parafollicular C cells. We report two female patients, aged 26 and 78 years, with mixed medullary-follicular carcinoma. Histologically, the tumors are composed of follicular carcinoma areas and solid nests of polygonal cells consistent with medullary carcinoma. Immunohistochemically, thyroglobulin and calcitonin positivity was detected. Precise diagnosis of mixed medullary-follicular carcinoma is essential for accurate treatment and follow-up.

Twin Sisters With Unique Septate Uterus And Longitudinal Vaginal Septum, Ni̇lgün Öztürk Turhan, Candan İltemi̇r Duvan, Hi̇lal Yuvaci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The septate uterus is the most common form of structural uterine anomalies. A rare developmental variant is a complete septate uterus with cervical duplication and a complete vaginal septum. Experiences with these unique uterine anomalies are limited only to case reports. Although there have been a few families in which members are affected similarly, there are no reports in the literature describing dizygotic twins with the same congenital uterine malformation, as seen in our cases. A 28-year-old woman and her dizygotic twin sister who had spontaneous abortion history were identified in our practice with complete septate uterus, cervical duplication and …

Ear Lobule Flap For Reconstruction Of A Near Total Auricle Defect, Bi̇rol Ci̇velek, Ercan Demi̇rbağ, Uğur Çakmak, Tayyar Selçuk, Seli̇m Çelebi̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

A number of surgical procedures can be performed for partial auricular defects occurring due to various causes. The most appropriate reconstruction method should be employed with regard to the defect dimensions and the status of local adjacent tissues. We present a case of near total excision of external ear due to recurrent basal cell carcinoma and the reconstruction of the defect with ear lobule flap.

What Influences Herbal Medicine Use? - Prevalence And Related Factors, Serpi̇l Aydin, Ayfer O. Bozkaya, Mümtaz M. Mazicioğlu, Ayfer Gemalmaz, Ali̇s Özçakir, Ahmet Öztürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: The use and cost of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) has been gaining in importance worldwide. Herbal medicine is one of the most commonly used methods. To understand the effectiveness, reliability, and quality of CAM and provide standardization in its analysis, its prevalence and the factors influencing its use must be identified. This study was conducted to identify the prevalence of CAM use and the effective factors in our population. Materials and Methods: A stratified multistage probability sampling design was used in this cross-sectional, population-based study, which was conducted in Aydin. Participants were interviewed face to face by trained interviewers with …

Bilateral Galactocele In A Male Infant, Hakan Döneray, Behzat Özkan, Fazli Erdoğan, Ahmet Bedi̇i̇ Salman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Temporary breast enlargement may be seen in normal newborn and adolescent boys. Cysts of the breast are uncommon in childhood. Galactocele, defined as an encysted collection of milk products, is an extremely rare cause of breast enlargement in infants and children. We herein report a male infant with bilateral galactocele who was otherwise healthy, and we also review the literature.

Evaluation Of Serological Tests For The Diagnosis Of Visceral Leishmaniasis, Selçuk Kiliç, Ayşegül Taylan Özkan, Cahi̇t Babür, Gönül Tanir, Henk Dfh Schallig

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis that affects both animals and man. VL is seen sporadically in the Aegean, Mediterranean, Black Sea and central Anatolian regions of Turkey. The aim of this study was to evaluate serological tests for the diagnosis of VL. Materials and Methods: The performance of two agglutination tests based on freeze-dried whole promastigote Leishmania antigen, i.e. Fast Agglutination Screening Test (FAST) and Direct Agglutination Test (DAT), an Indirect Immunofluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT), and an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) using soluble antigen were compared to parasitological diagnosis in the serum specimens of 59 patients with the …

The Impact Of Patient Education On Diabetes Empowerment Scale (Des) And Diabetes Attitude Scale (Das-3) In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Nazli Atak, Kenan Köse, Tanju Gürkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: This study was conducted to assess the impact of a brief, patient-centered education program on perceived self-efficacy and attitudes towards diabetes of patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled study was designed and conducted to assess the impact of education using the DES (Diabetes Empowerment Scale) and DAS-3 (Diabetes Attitude Questionnaire-3), which were administered using a pre- and post-test design. A patient-centered education program was developed on the basis of the data supplied from patients' responses to a knowledge pre-test and the ´´Teaching Letters`` prepared by the Diabetes Education Study Group (DESG) of the European …

Seckel Syndrome With Spontaneous Chromosomal Instability, Abdulgani̇ Tatar, Zeynep Ocak, Hakan Döneray, Ergi̇n Işik, Ahmet Yeşi̇lyurt, Behzat Özkan, Sitki Öztaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Seckel syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, bird-headed face and mild mental retardation. It is a disorder involving the DNA damage-response genes. Failure in the DNA damage response and repair process can cause chromosomal instability. In addition, it is possible that there are several loci responsible for this syndrome, and variety in the molecular pathogenesis is the cause of phenotypic heterogeneity. Three different loci have been reported thus far. The effect of the locus with mutation on phenotype may be used in the subgrouping of Seckel syndrome. We report a case with Seckel …

Cisplatin Causes Oxidation In Rat Liver Tissues: Possible Protective Effects Of Antioxidant Food Supplementation, Aslihan Avci, Recep Çeti̇n, İmge B. Ergüder, Erdi̇nç Devri̇m, Bülent Kiliçoğlu, Özden Çandir, H. Serdar Öztürk, İlker Durak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible molecular mechanism of cisplatin hepatotoxicity and to establish whether some natural antioxidant foods, namely dried black grape and tomato, may provide protection against cisplatin hepatotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight rats were used throughout the study. Cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) in a single dose (10 mg/kg). Antioxidant food supplementation was started three days before cisplatin treatment. There were 7 animals in each group (control, cisplatin, cisplatin plus dried black grape and cisplatin plus tomato juice). Rats were sacrificed 72 h after the treatment. The livers were removed and prepared for …

The Importance Of Serum Procalcitonin Levels In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations, Cantürk Taşçi, Arzu Balkan, Nuri̇ Karadurmuş, Satilmiş İnal, Seli̇m Kiliç, Meti̇n Özkan, Hayati̇ Bi̇lgi̇ç, Kudret Eki̇z

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable, but progressive disease and hospital admissions of patients with COPD are frequently due to acute exacerbations. Acute phase reactants are capable of demonstrating the inflammation; however, they cannot be employed to make a difference between bacterial and nonbacterial causes of the inflammation. Recently, measurement of procalcitonin (PCT) levels appears to be useful in order to minimize this problem. The aim of this study was to examine whether the treatment arrangements based on serum PCT levels in patients presenting with COPD acute exacerbations will be appropriate or not. Materials and …

Stressor- And Corticotropin Releasing Factor-Induced Reinstatement And Active Stress-Related Behavioral Responses Are Augmented Following Long-Access Cocaine Self-Administration By Rats, John R. Mantsch, David A. Baker, David M. Francis, Eric S. Katz, Michael A. Hoks, Joseph P. Serge

Biomedical Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Rationale Stressful events during periods of drug abstinence likely contribute to relapse in cocaine-dependent individuals. Excessive cocaine use may increase susceptibility to stressor-induced relapse through alterations in brain corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) responsiveness.

Objectives This study examined stressor- and CRF-induced cocaine seeking and other stress-related behaviors in rats with different histories of cocaine self-administration (SA).

Materials and methods Rats self-administered cocaine under short-access (ShA; 2 h daily) or long-access (LgA; 6 h daily) conditions for 14 days or were provided access to saline and were tested for reinstatement by a stressor (electric footshock), cocaine or an icv injection of CRF and …

Droid: The Drosophila Interactions Database, A Comprehensive Resource For Annotated Gene And Protein Interactions, Jingkai Yu, Svetlana Pacifico, Guozhen Liu, Russell L. Finley Jr

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Charting the interactions among genes and among their protein products is essential for understanding biological systems. A flood of interaction data is emerging from high throughput technologies, computational approaches, and literature mining methods. Quick and efficient access to this data has become a critical issue for biologists. Several excellent multi-organism databases for gene and protein interactions are available, yet most of these have understandable difficulty maintaining comprehensive information for any one organism. No single database, for example, includes all available interactions, integrated gene expression data, and comprehensive and searchable gene information for the important model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. …

A Stable Explant Culture Of Her2/Neu Invasive Carcinoma Supported By Alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin Expressing Stromal Cells To Evaluate Therapeutic Agents, Marie P. Piechocki

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

To gain a better understanding of the effects of therapeutic agents on the tumor microenvironment in invasive cancers, we developed a co-culture model from an invasive lobular carcinoma. Tumor cells expressing HER2/neu organize in nests surrounded by alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) expressing tumor stroma to resemble the morphology of an invading tumor. This co-culture, Mammary Adenocarcinoma Model (MAM-1) maintains a 1:1 ratio of HER2/neu positive tumor cells to α-SMA-reactive stromal cells and renews this configuration for over 20 passages in vitro.

Methods

We characterized the cellular elements of the MAM-1 model by microarray analysis, and immunocytochemistry. We developed …

Detailed Characterization Of The Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Transcriptome Reveals Novel Genes And Intergenic Splicing Associated With Pluripotency, Galih Kunarso, Kee-Yew Wong, Lawrence W. Stanton, Leonard Lipovich

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Transcriptional control of embryonic stem (ES) cell pluripotency has been a subject of intense study. Transcriptional regulators including Oct4 (Oct3/4 index), Sox2 and Nanog are fundamental for maintaining the undifferentiated state. However, the ES cell transcriptome is not limited to their targets, and exhibits considerable complexity when assayed with microarray, MPSS, cDNA/EST sequencing, and SAGE technologies. To identify novel genes associated with pluripotency, we globally searched for ES transcripts not corresponding to known genes, validated their sequences, determined their expression profiles, and employed RNAi to test their function.

Results

Gene Identification Signature (GIS) analysis, a SAGE derivative distinguished …

Autoimmune-Induced Preferential Depletion Of Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein (Mag) Is Genetically Regulated In Relapsing Eae (B6 × Sjl) F1 Mice, Dusanka S. Skundric, Rujuan Dai, Vaagn L. Zakarian, Weili Zhou

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is commonly used to investigate mechanisms of autoimmune-mediated damage to oligodendrocytes, myelin, and axons in multiple sclerosis (MS). Four distinct autoimmune mechanisms with subsequently distinct patterns of demyelination have been recognized in acute MS lesions. EAE correlates for those distinct patterns of MS lesions are unknown. An excessive loss of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), as a result of distal oligodendrogliopathy, is found exclusively in the subtype III lesion. We sought to answer if types of demyelination in acute lesions during onset and relapse of EAE can replicate the specific patterns observed in MS acute lesions. …

Reduced Acute Inflammatory Responses To Microgel Conformal Coatings, Amanda W. Bridges, Neetu Singh, Kellie L. Burns, Julia E. Babensee, L. Andrew Lyon, Andrés J. García

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Implantation of synthetic materials into the body elicits inflammatory host responses that limit medical device integration and biological performance. This inflammatory cascade involves protein adsorption, leukocyte recruitment and activation, cytokine release, and fibrous encapsulation of the implant. We present a coating strategy based on thin films of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel microparticles (i.e. microgels) cross-linked with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. These particles were grafted onto a clinically relevant polymeric material to generate conformal coatings that significantly reduced in vitro fibrinogen adsorption and primary human monocyte/macrophage adhesion and spreading. These microgel coatings also reduced leukocyte adhesion and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, …

Hiv-1 Tat Protein Alter The Tight Junction Integrity And Function Of Retinal Pigment Epithelium: An In Vitro Study., Ling Bai, Zhenping Zhang, Hui Zhang, Xiumei Li, Qiurong Yu, Haotian Lin, Wenhui Yang

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: How HIV-1 enter into the eyes remains obscure. We postulated that HIV-1 Tat protein can alter the expression of specific tight-junction proteins and disturb the blood retinal barrier, and contributes to HIV trafficking into the eyes. This study is to determine the effects of HIV-1 Tat proteins on the barrier function and tight-junction protein expression of retinal pigment epithelial cell (RPE). METHODS: A human RPE cell line (D407) cultured on microporous filter-supports was used. After treating with HIV-1 Tat protein, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) of confluent RPE cells was measured by epithelial voltmeter. The permeability of the RPE cells …

The Notch Signaling Pathway Drives Astrogliogenesis By Regulating The Expression Of The Transcription Factors Nfia And Sox9, Derek Janssens, Merritt Taylor

Student Summer Scholars Manuscripts

In the developing nervous system the Notch signaling pathway has recently been shown to be necessary and sufficient for neural stem cells to differentiate into astroctyes, a process called astrogliogenesis. However, the mechanism of how Notch signaling regulates this process has not yet been characterized. Our lab is examining whether Notch signaling controls the expression of the genes NFIA and Sox9 which are known to regulate astogliogenesis. These candidate genes were selected because their DNA sequences have characteristics that indicate their expression could be controlled by Notch through a transcriptional complex of Notch and other proteins, including the DNA binding …

Longitudinal Association Of Sleep-Disordered Breathing And Nondipping Of Nocturnal Blood Pressure In The Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study, Khin Mae Hla, Terry Young, Laurel Finn, Paul E. Peppard, Mariana Szklo-Coxe, Maryan Stubbs

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Study objectives: The association of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and blunting of normal nocturnal lowering of blood pressure (BP) (nondipping) has only been examined cross-sectionally. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether SDB is prospectively associated with nondipping.

Methods: The longitudinal association between SDB and incident nondipping was examined in a subsample of 328 adults enrolled in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study who completed 2 or more 24-hour ambulatory BP studies over an average of 7.2 years of follow-up. SDB identified by baseline in-laboratory polysomnography was defined by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) categories. Systolic and diastolic nondipping was defined by …

Micrornas (Mirnas) In Neurodegenerative Diseases, Peter T. Nelson, Wang-Xia Wang, Bernard W. Rajeev

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Aging-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are the culmination of many different genetic and environmental influences. Prior studies have shown that RNAs are pathologically altered during the inexorable course of some NDs. Recent evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be a contributing factor in neurodegeneration. miRNAs are brain-enriched, small (~22 nucleotides) non-coding RNAs that participate in mRNA translational regulation. Although discovered in the framework of worm development, miRNAs are now appreciated to play a dynamic role in many mammalian brain-related biochemical pathways, including neuroplasticity and stress responses. Research about miRNAs in the context of neurodegeneration is accumulating rapidly, and the goal of …

Editorial, First Science And Policy Issue, Jscas

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

A Call For A Statewide Bioinformatics Institute, John R. Rose

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

With The Help Of South Carolina Research Universities, Scra Demonstrates Leadership In Applied Research And Commercialization Within Sc, Bill Mahoney

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Sc Inbre: A Catalyst For Biomedical Research Development In South Carolina, Lucia A. Pirisi-Creek M.D, Scott Little, Ph.D.

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Inflammation: The Key To Health And Disease, Prakash Nagarkatti Ph. D, Donald J. Dipette M. D.

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.