Digital Commons Network^™

Crystal Structure Of The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Inhibitory Factor Cif Reveals Novel Active-Site Features Of An Epoxide Hydrolase Virulence Factor, Christopher D. Bahl, Christophe Morisseau, Jennifer M. Bomberger, Bruce A. Stanton, Bruce D. Hammock, George A. O'Toole, Dean R. Madden

Dartmouth Scholarship

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) inhibitory factor (Cif) is a virulence factor secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa that reduces the quantity of CFTR in the apical membrane of human airway epithelial cells. Initial sequence analysis suggested that Cif is an epoxide hydrolase (EH), but its sequence violates two strictly conserved EH motifs and also is compatible with other alpha/beta hydrolase family members with diverse substrate specificities. To investigate the mechanistic basis of Cif activity, we have determined its structure at 1.8-A resolution by X-ray crystallography. The catalytic triad consists of residues Asp129, His297, and Glu153, which are conserved across the …

Pulmonary Carcinosarcoma Initially Presenting As Invasive Aspergillosis: A Case Report Of Previously Unreported Combination, Ariyo O. Olobatoke, Doina David, Wasif Hafeez, Thien Van, Husain A. Saleh

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Carcinosarcoma of the lung is a malignant tumor composed of a mixture of carcinoma and sarcoma elements. The carcinomatous component is most commonly squamous followed by adenocarcinoma. The sarcomatous component commonly comprises the bulk of the tumor and shows poorly differentiated spindle cell features. Foci of differentiated sarcomatous elements such as chondrosarcoma and osteosarcoma may be seen. Aspergillus pneumonia is the most common form of invasive aspergillosis and occurs mainly in patients with malignancy, immunocompromizing or debilitating diseases. Patients with Aspergillus pneumonia present with fever, cough, chest pain and occasionally hemoptysis. Tissue examination is the most reliable method for …

Fusion, 2010, George Washington University, William H. Beaumont Medical Research Honor Society

Fusion

No abstract provided.

An Epitope From Acanthamoeba Castellanii That Cross-React With Proteolipid Protein 139-151-Reactive T Cells Induces Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Sjl Mice, Chandirasegaran Massilamany, David Steffan, Jay Reddy

Jay Reddy Publications

We report here that an epitope (aa, 83-95) derived from Acanthamoeba castellanii (ACA) induces clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in SJL/J mice reminiscent of the disease induced with myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) 139-151. By using IA^s/tetramers, we demonstrate that both ACA 83-95 and PLP 139-151 generate antigen-specific cross-reactive CD4 T cells and the T cells secrete identical patterns of cytokines and induce EAE with a similar severity. These results may provide insights into the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and ACA-induced granulomatous encephalitis.

An Application Of Nonlinear Canonical Correlation Analysis On Medical Data, Ayşe Canan Yazici, Ersi̇n Öğüş, Handan Ankarali, Fi̇kret Gürbüz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

In studies in the field of medicine, necessity to examine the relations between data sets composed of categorical variable groups is widely encountered. In this study, it was aimed to examine nonlinear canonical correlation analysis (OVERALS) method, which allows examination of relations among K number of categorical variable sets and structural similarities of the data set, and to discuss usefulness of the method in more comprehensive data sets obtained from studies carried out in the field of medicine in terms of practice and interpretation. Materials and methods: OVERALS method was applied to a part of data set obtained from a …

Comparison Of Quality Of Life In Hepatitis B Virus Carriers Versus Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Carriers Versus The Normal Population, Meltem Işikgöz Taşbakan, Özen Önen Sertöz, Hüsnü Pullukçu, Şebnem Çalik, Oğuz Reşat Si̇pahi̇, Tansu Yamazhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To compare health related quality of life (HRQOL) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers versus chronic HBV disease carriers versus the normal population. Materials and methods: The study sample consisted of 2 groups. HBV carriers were recruited from individuals who were regularly followed-up at the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology outpatient clinic of our setting due to inactivity in HBV infection. The control group was recruited from the same outpatient clinic among patients who had a diagnosis of chronic HBV infection and who were not undergoing active treatment yet. Both groups were requested to fill in the short form 36 …

The Comprehensive Evaluation Of Latent Tuberculosis Infection In Health Care Workers And Of Patients With Active Tuberculosis Using Tst, Elisa, And Elispot Methods, Hülya Şi̇mşek, Si̇bel Meryem Alpar, Kurtuluş Aksu, Funda Aksu, İsmai̇l Ceyhan, Sali̇h Cesur, Ayşegül Gözalan, Mustafa Ertek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Until recently, the tuberculin skin test (TST) has been the only assay used for detecting latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), but two ex-vivo tests, used as alternative methods to TST, based on enumerating the M. tuberculosis-specific interferon (IFN)-\gamma response are now commercially licensed. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of TST, QuantiFERON Gold (QFT-G), and T-SPOT.TB in diagnosing LTBI and active tuberculosis (TB). Materials and methods: This study was carried out with 95 participants including 3 groups (negative control, close contact, and patient groups) during a 10-month period from March 2007 to January 2008. Results: …

The Prevalence Of Home Injuries Among Elderly People In Samsun, Turkey, And The Influencing Factors, Hülya Doğan, Sevgi̇ Canbaz, Berna Tander, Yildiz Pekşen, Ferhan Cantürk, Ni̇met Özal Oruç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Home injuries are a serious public health problem for the elderly. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of home injuries among elderly people in Samsun, Turkey, and the influencing factors. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 January and 28 February 2007. A questionnaire, the Home-Screen Scale (HSS), and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were administered to the elderly subjects. Results: Of all participants, 20.6% had experienced some kind of home injury. Seven participants living alone and 14 living with their families had suffered home injuries, suggesting a statistically significant difference between these 2 groups (P < 0.05). Eleven (14.7%) subjects living in secure housing and 10 (37.0%) living in unsecure housing had suffered home injuries, the difference again being statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Home injuries are more common among people living alone and in unsecure housing according to the HSS.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Cases In The Eastern Black Sea Region Of Turkey: Demographic, Geographic, Climatic, And Clinical Characteristics, Nurgün Günaydin, Kemaletti̇n Aydin, Gürdal Yilmaz, Hati̇ce Rahmet Çaylan, İftahar Köksal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a disease that is known since 1944 affecting many people across the world and causing a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the CCHF cases in our region. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in patients with CCHF who were hospitalized between 2004 and 2006 at Karadeniz Technical University. Demographic, geographic, climatic, and clinical characteristics of all patients were investigated. Results: A total of 102 patients with confirmed CCHF were investigated in this study. All of the patients were from rural areas. …

Reliability Of Self-Reported History In Predicting Immunity Against Measles, Rubella, Mumps, And Varicella Among Health Care Workers, Çi̇gdem Ataman Hati̇poğlu, Ferah Ergi̇n, Günay Tuncer Ertem, Cemal Bulut, Ruki̇ye Berkem, Ali̇ Pekcan Demi̇röz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the immunity of health care workers (HCWs) against measles, rubella, mumps, and varicella infections, and to evaluate the reliability of self-reported history of the disease in predicting immunity. Materials and methods: A self-reported questionnaire was used to obtain the history of the diseases and ELISA to screen specific IgG antibodies. The history of the diseases was compared with serological testing results. Results: Eighty-one HCWs were included in the study. Immunity against measles was 97.5%, rubella 100%, mumps 72.8%, and varicella 96.3%. Positive predictive values of positive histories of the diseases were 100% for measles and rubella, 96.5% for …

Assessment Of Procalcitonin And Other Inflammatory Markers In Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis*, Reyhan Öztürk, Gül R. Yilmaz, Cemal Bulut, Hülya Parpucu, Sami̇ Kinikli, Murat Duranay, Ali̇ Pekcan Demi̇röz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

It is demonstrated that in end-stage renal failure without an infectious pathology conventional laboratory parameters such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) or other acute-phase proteins increase non-specifically. We aimed to evaluate procalcitonin (PCT) and other inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)-related peritonitis. Materials and methods: A case-control study was conducted in a 600-bed tertiary hospital. Fifty patients with CAPD-related peritonitis constituting the study group and 50 CAPD patients without infection as the control group were included in the study between February 2006 …

Investigation Of The Causative Agents For Community-Acquired Pneumonia In Adult Patients, Yasemi̇n Zer, Nazan Bayram, İclal Balci, Ayten Fi̇li̇z

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common condition in healthy people, causing morbidity and mortality worldwide despite latest advances in therapy and immunization procedures. Causative agents cannot be detected in approximately 50% of CAP episodes and therapy is initiated empirically. We aimed to determine the spectrum and frequency of the causative agents in patients with CAP in a university hospital. Materials and methods: Seventy seven adult patients hospitalized with CAP from November 2007 to March 2008 were included. CAP was diagnosed with clinical, radiological, and laboratory signs. Results: Sputum and blood cultures grew Streptococcus pneumoniae in 15 specimens; Haemophilus influenzae in …

Chlorella Viruses Encode Most, If Not All, Of The Machinery To Glycosylate Their Glycoproteins Independent Of The Endoplasmic Reticulum And Golgi, James L. Van Etten, James Gurnon, Giane M. Yanai-Balser, David Dunigan, Michael V. Graves

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

In contrast to all other viruses that use the host machinery located in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi to glycosylate their glycoproteins, the large dsDNA-containing chlorella viruses encode most, if not all, of the components to glycosylate their major capsid proteins. Furthermore, all experimental results indicate that glycosylation occurs independent of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi. (Review article)

Suitable Empiric Antibiotic Therapy Saves Life In Nosocomial Pneumonia Caused By Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia, Gürdal Yilmaz, Savaş Özsu, İfti̇har Köksal, Tevfi̇k Özlü

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a nosocomial pathogen of increasing importance. Empiric antibiotic therapy for S. maltophilia infection is difficult because the microorganism is resistant to a number of agents typically used for health care associated infections, thus potentially increasing mortality. This study investigates 23 nosocomial pneumonia cases caused by S. maltophilia, the antibacterial sensitivity of the bacterium and the effect on mortality of suitable empiric therapy. Materials and methods: Twenty-three patients with nosocomial pneumonia caused by S. maltophilia between January 2000 and December 2006 at the Karadeniz Technical University Hospital were retrospectively investigated. Results: Suitable empiric therapy was used with 12 …

Tetanus In An Intensive Care Unit Of A Turkish Hospital: Patient Analysis Of A 6-Year Period, Behi̇ce Kurtaran, Emre Karakoç, Aslihan Candevi̇r, Süheyla Kömür, Ayşe Seza İnal, Fi̇li̇z Ki̇bar, Yeşi̇m Taşova, Neşe Saltoğlu, Hasan Sali̇h Zeki̇ Aksu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To retrospectively evaluate the clinical features of patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of our hospital between January 2001 and May 2007 due to tetanus. Materials and methods: Patient vaccination history, incubation period, nosocomial infections, noninfectious conditions, mortality, and length of stay in the ICU and hospital were documented. Results: Fifteen tetanus patients were admitted during the 6-year period. Mean age of the patients (9 male, 6 female) was 60 ± 13 years. Median length of stay was 42 days (range: 30-77 days) for survivors and 7 days (range: 1-59 days) for non-survivors. Mortality was consequent to …

Asymptomatic Carriage Of Bacteria In Food Workers In Nilüfer District, Bursa, Turkey*, Kayihan Pala, Cüneyt Özakin, Nalan Akiş, Melda Sinirtaş, Suna Gedi̇koğlu, Hamdi̇ Ayteki̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

This study was carried out in order to determine the nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and the faecal carriage of Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in food industry workers. Materials and methods: During the study, face to face interviews were conducted with the workers and 9-item questionnaires regarding demographic information, working time, and periodical medical examinations were administered. In the study nasal swab specimens of 1115 individuals and faecal specimens of 1061 individuals were bacteriologically investigated. Results: The nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found to be significantly more common in …

Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia In Nonintensive Care Unit Wards, Meltem Avci, Onur Özgenç, Ayten Coşkuner, Berna Bozca, Levent Kidak, Gülşen Mermut, Mehmet Sezai̇ Taşbakan, Nesli̇han Genç, Gülşen Güloğlu, Alpay Ari

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the incidence, risk factors, etiology, and antibiotic susceptibility of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in nonintensive care units (non-ICU) and nonintubated adult patients. Materials and methods: A prospective surveillance study was performed from January 2006 through December 2007 in the medical and surgical wards of the İzmir Teaching and Research Hospital. Results: During the study period, data on 57,133 patients with a total of 413,515 patient-days were analyzed. A total of 106 HAP episodes occurred in 99 patients. The infection rate per 100 patients and per 1000 patient-days was found to be 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively. HAP episodes were detected …

Genotyping Of Trichosporon Asahii Strains Isolated From Urinary Tract Infections In A Turkish University Hospital, Zeynep Ceren Karahan, Esra Koyuncu, Istar Dolapçi, Özay Arikan Akan, Füsun Can, Alper Tekeli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Trichosporon infections are associated with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Trichosporon asahii is the most important species in the genus. Our aim was to evaluate the genotypic relatedness of urinary T. asahii strains isolated from immunocompetent patients during a hospital outbreak. Materials and methods: Twenty-three T. asahii isolates obtained from 15 patients hospitalized in different wards of Ankara University Ibn-i Sina Hospital between July 2004 and April 2005 were studied. T. asahii was identified by API 20C AUX (BioMérieux Vitek, Hazelwood, USA) system and confirmed by genus and species specific polymerase chain reactions. Genetic relatedness of the isolates was …

The Effect Of Microorganisms On Cytokine Secretion From Bone Marrow Dendritic Cells, Işil Fi̇dan, Ayşe Kalkanci, Emi̇ne Yeşi̇lyurt, Berna Erdal, Semra Kuşti̇mur, Turgut İmi̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells crucial for initiation of cell-mediated immune responses to foreign antigens. They also contribute to the innate resistance against microbial pathogens. The present study examined the effect of microorganisms such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS), and Candida albicans (C. albicans) on cytokine secretion in bone marrow-dendritic cells (BM-DCs). Materials and methods: The levels of cytokines in culture supernatants of the BM-DC were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: DCs stimulated by microorganisms produced large amounts of TNF-\alpha, IL-1\beta, IL-6, and IL-10. The …

Absence Of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (Vre) Despite The Presence Of Risk Factors: A Survey Of Rectal Carriage Of Vre*, Zeli̇ha Koçak Tufan, Selcan Arslan, Sali̇h Cesur, Cemal Bulut, Hasan Irmak, Sami̇ Kinikli, Ferah Ergi̇n, Ali̇ Kutta Çeli̇k, Ali̇ Pekcan Demi̇röz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The resistant organisms from patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) first colonized the gastrointestinal tract before causing infections in patients. In this study, presence of risk factors for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) colonization and the prevalence of rectal carriage of VRE among HCWs and hospitalized patients in the absence of an outbreak were investigated. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: A 600-bed training and research hospital. Materials and methods: A total of 508 intensive-care unit (ICU) patients and HCWs in these units were included. Risk factors such as previous antibiotic use, especially vancomycin and cephalosporin, the presence of invasive devices like catheters, and co-morbid …

Serum Adenosine Deaminase Activity And The Total Antioxidant Capacity Of Plasma In Pulmonary Tuberculosis And Non-Tuberculosis Pulmonary Disease, Mohammad Naderi, Mohammad Hashemi, Ali Mehdizadeh, Hamid Mehrabifar, Hamid Reza Kouhpayeh, Hossein Ansari, Gholamreza Bahari, Saeid Ghavami

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The aim of this study was to investigate the level of serum adenosine deaminase (ADA) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), non-tuberculosis pulmonary disease (non-PTB) and healthy subjects. Materials and methods: Serum ADA activity was measured using the Giusti and Galanti method, and the total antioxidant capacity of plasma was determined by the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) test. Results: The serum ADA levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in pulmonary TB (PTB, 19.78 ± 7.09 U/L), as well as in non-PTB patients (14.78 ± 4.65 U/L) when compared to healthy controls (10.02 ± 1.99 U/L). The sensitivity and specificity were found to be 71.7% and 63.3%, respectively, in distinguishing PTB from non-PTB. In distinguishing PTB from healthy subjects, the sensitivity and specificity were 87% and 93.3%, respectively. The TAC was significantly lower in PTB (485.2 ± 190.0 µM) and non-PTB patients (588.3 ± 195.8 µM), when compared to the controls (784.3 ± 190.0 µM; P < 0.001). Plasma antioxidative activity decreased in PTB and non-PTB patients when compared to the controls. Conclusion: We concluded that serum ADA activity is not a useful test to differentiate pulmonary TB from other respiratory diseases. The TAC is low in pulmonary TB, therefore supplementation with a suitable anti-oxidant may be useful.

Effects Of Vitamin A And C And Melatonin On 3-Nitrotyrosine Formation In Guinea Pig Heart Under Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Stress, Hali̇l Yaman, Tuncer Çayci, Meli̇k Seyrek, Emi̇n Özgür Akgül, Yasemi̇n Gülcan Kurt, İbrahi̇m Aydin, Hakan Yaren, Erdi̇nç Çakir, Ömer Özcan, Behzat Çi̇men, Nurten Türközkan, Mehmet Kemal Erbi̇l

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O_2^{.-}). O_2^{.-} can react with NO to produce the powerful oxidant peroxynitrite (ONOO-). The presence of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) in tissues is often used as a marker of ONOO- production. Vitamin A, vitamin C, and melatonin are potent antioxidant molecules. We sought to clarify this issue by examining the effects of vitamin A (15,000 IU/kg/day), vitamin C (600 mg/kg/day), and melatonin (25 mg/kg) on 3-NT formation in heart tissue in a guinea pig model of LPS-induced endotoxemia. Materials and methods: A total of 75 animals were randomly divided into 5 …

Prevalence Of Anaemia In Women Of Reproductive Age In Meghalaya: A Logistic Regression Analysis, Sanku Dey, Sankar Goswami, Madhuchhanda Goswami

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To examine the prevalence of anaemia in Meghalaya, India, by exploring the 2005-2006 National Family Health Survey (NFHS -3) data. Materials and methods: The study population consisted of 3934 ever-married women of reproductive age (15-49 years) from the state Meghalaya, India, which were taken from the NFHS-3 survey, to explore the predictors responsible for the prevalence of anaemia by using different background characteristics such as age, place of residence, nutritional status, number of children ever born, pregnancy status, educational achievement, and economic status. As a response variable, anaemia levels were categorised as a dichotomous variable, and the predicted probabilities were …

Two Siblings With Netherton Syndrome, Selma Emre, Ahmet Meti̇n, D. Deni̇z Demi̇rseren, Ahu Yorulmaz, Aykut Onursever, Burçi̇n Kaftan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Netherton syndrome (NS) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, unknown etiology, ichthyosiform cutaneous changes, atopic diathesis, and alterations in the hair shaft. As a result of aging coupled with immune deficiency, clinical symptoms may vary. Herein, we present 2 siblings with the characteristic cutaneous symptoms of NS, albeit with some differences between the siblings. Materials and methods: Two sisters presented to our clinic with sparse and brittle hair along with pruritic, erythematous, and scaling cutaneous lesions. Both patients underwent a clinical examination and laboratory analyses. Results: Based on the clinical and laboratory findings, both patients were …

Incidence And Risk Factors For Bloodstream Infections Stemming From Temporary Hemodialysis Catheters, Hati̇ce Rahmet Çaylan, Gürdal Yilmaz, Ebru Emel Sözen, Kemaletti̇n Aydin, İftahar Köksal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) is considered as an important complication of hemodialysis catheters. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of temporary hemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infection. Materials and methods: Prospective data related to temporary hemodialysis catheters inserted in our institution were collected for duration of three years. The risk factors of CR-BSI of patients between the CR-BSI group and the control group were compared. Results: A total of 248 temporary hemodialysis catheters were inserted in 201 patients and remained in situ for a cumulative total of 5192 catheter days. There were 3254 dialysis …

Levels Of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) Antibody In Turkey Before Routine Immunization, Cemi̇le Sönmez, Ni̇lay Çöplü, Demet Kurtoğlu, Berri̇n Esen, Annette Crowley Luke, Lorraine Ransley, Ayşegül Gözalan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine was introduced into the routine immunization schedule in Turkey on January 1, 2007. This study investigates the immunity to Hib prior to the introduction of the vaccine. Materials and methods: Serum samples were collected from healthy volunteers between the ages of 6 months and 50 + years of age, living in the area of 26 health centers in the Samsun, Antalya, and Diyarbakir provinces during 2000-2001. In total, 1713 sera were selected for this study, and the younger age groups were given priority (range 0-82). A commercial ELISA test was used to measure …

Synthesis, Antiviral And Contraceptive Activities Of Nucleoside-Sodium Cellulose Sulfate Acetate And Succinate Conjugates, Hitesh K. Agarwal, Anil Kumar, Gustavo F. Doncel, Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Chemical conjugates between sodium cellulose sulfate (CS), displaying contraceptive and HIV-entry inhibiting properties, and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (AZT), 3′-fluoro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (FLT), or 2',3'-dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine (3TC)) were designed to simultaneously provide contraceptive and anti-HIV activity. Two linkers, acetate and succinate, were used to conjugate the nucleoside analogs with CS. The conjugates containing cellulose sulfate-acetate (CSA) (e.g., AZT-CSA and FLT-CSA) were found to be more potent than CS and other conjugates (e.g., AZT-succinate-CS, and FLT-succinate-CS). The presence of both sulfate and the acetate groups on cellulose were critical for generating maximum anti-HIV activity. In addition to showing equal potency against wild-type …

Developing A Screen To Identify Small Molecule Inhibitors That Disrupt Protein-Protein Interactions In Mycobacteria, Deborah Mai

All ETDs from UAB

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) and infects nearly one-third of the world's population. The same TB chemotherapeutic regimen has been administered for more than 50 years, and can be improved by developing innovative methods to discover new anti-TB drugs. This work describes a newly established high-throughput screen (HTS) platform technology based on Mycobacterial-Protein Fragment Complementation (M-PFC) to identify small molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interactions in mycobacteria. M-PFC HTS employs both whole cell and target-based approaches, and offers flexibility in selecting an appropriate protein interaction target for HTS. Selectable drug targets can include interactions of essential …

Identification And Validation Of Biodosimetry Markers In Multiple Models Of Radiation Exposure, Ashley Nicole Filiano

All ETDs from UAB

Following a radiological or nuclear disaster, radiation dose assessment is imperative to minimize morbidity and mortality through rationally directed medical intervention. Current methods of retrospective dosimetry are not amenable to mass exposure scenarios and remain limited to monitoring of clinical symptoms (nausea/vomiting and lymphocyte depletion) and cytogenetic analysis. The goal of this study was to identify radiation biomarkers capable of qualitative (non-irradiated/irradiated) and quantitative (dose) assessment of radiation exposure. Initial analyses revealed 17 radiation-responsive cytokine/chemokine genes in blood samples from 6 pediatric cancer patients undergoing fractionated total body irradiation (TBI). These 17 genes were combined with 29 additional IR-inducible genes …

Ligand-Protein Interactions Of Inhibitors With Dengue Virus Type 2 Serine Protease : A Structural Study., Rozana Othman

Student Works (2010-2019)

Dengue is a serious infectious disease that is endemic in over 100 countries. There has been an estimate of 50 million infection per year globally, with more than 2.5 billion people are at risk for epidemic transmission. Two principal illnesses associated with dengue are Dengue Fever (DF) and Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF). To date, there is no licensed vaccine or therapeutic drug available for these illnesses, although there have been reports of some vaccine candidates in clinical trials. Treatments have only been supportive thus far. This thesis describes part of our ongoing effort to search for a lead therapeutic agent …