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Fetal Malnutrition In Infants Of Smokers And Passive Smokers Assessed By Clinical Assessment Of Nutritional Status Scoring, Ayşen Kutan Fenerci̇oğlu, Güner Karateki̇n, Asi̇ye Nuhoğlu Jan 2009

Fetal Malnutrition In Infants Of Smokers And Passive Smokers Assessed By Clinical Assessment Of Nutritional Status Scoring, Ayşen Kutan Fenerci̇oğlu, Güner Karateki̇n, Asi̇ye Nuhoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Studies have shown that maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight, height and head circumference in newborns. In the present study, along with these anthropometric measures we aimed to determine fetal malnutrition (FM), which is a less known outcome of antenatal tobacco exposure. Materials and methods: Two hundred and sixty-six term singletons without anomalies were evaluated for their birth weight, height, and head circumference and for FM using the Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status (CANS) scoring. A CANS score equal to or less than 24 is accepted as FM. Results: Smokers' (n = 84) and passive …


Effects Of Long-Term Passive Smoking On Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor And Apoptosis Markers Expression In Lens And Corneal Epithelial Cells: An Experimental Study*, Fati̇h Özcura, Sema Oruç Dündar, İbrahi̇m Meteoğlu, Mehmet Erkut Kara Jan 2009

Effects Of Long-Term Passive Smoking On Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor And Apoptosis Markers Expression In Lens And Corneal Epithelial Cells: An Experimental Study*, Fati̇h Özcura, Sema Oruç Dündar, İbrahi̇m Meteoğlu, Mehmet Erkut Kara

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To determine the effects of smoking on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and apoptosis in lens and corneal epithelial cells. Materials and methods: This experimental study included 38 Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups. Groups 1 (males) and 2 (females) were exposed to smoke beginning on the 21st day after birth, whereas groups 3 (males) and 4 (females) were not exposed to smoke. At the end of the fourth month, right eyes of all rats were enucleated. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in enucleated eyes in terms of VEGF and apoptosis markers, namely caspase-3, Bcl-X, and …


Does L-Carnitine Increase Serum Tnf -Α And Igf-1 During Liver Regeneration In The Rat?, Mevlüt Pehli̇van, Abdurrahman Coşkun, Ahmet Zengi̇n, Ari̇f Aslaner, Tevfi̇k Yavuz Jan 2009

Does L-Carnitine Increase Serum Tnf -Α And Igf-1 During Liver Regeneration In The Rat?, Mevlüt Pehli̇van, Abdurrahman Coşkun, Ahmet Zengi̇n, Ari̇f Aslaner, Tevfi̇k Yavuz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: We sought to evaluate the effect of L-carnitine administration on the levels of IGF-1, TNF-\alpha, and lipid peroxidation during hepatic regeneration for up to 72 h in an experimental partial hepatic resection rat model. Materials and methods: Sixty rats were divided into 3 groups: control and low-dose (100 mg/kg) and high-dose (200 mg/kg) L-carnitine. Each group was divided into 2 sub groups (24 and 72 h after partial hepatectomy). Partial (70%) hepatectomy was performed after 7 days of intra-peritoneal administration of L-carnitine. After partial hepatectomy, L-carnitine was also administered to rats until sacrifice. Serum IGF-1, TNF-\alpha, and tissue malondialdehyde …


Evaluation And Follow-Up Of Cases Diagnosed As Child Abuse And Neglect At A Tertiary Hospital In Turkey, Ülkü Tiraş, Di̇lek Di̇lli̇, Yildiz Dallar, Resmi̇ye Oral Jan 2009

Evaluation And Follow-Up Of Cases Diagnosed As Child Abuse And Neglect At A Tertiary Hospital In Turkey, Ülkü Tiraş, Di̇lek Di̇lli̇, Yildiz Dallar, Resmi̇ye Oral

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Data on child maltreatment in Turkey would appear to be scarce. This manuscript aims to address the prevalence and severity of child maltreatment in Turkey. Materials and methods: We report on 215 cases at the Ministry of Health’s Ankara Training and Research Hospital that were followed-up by the multidisciplinary Child Protection Team (CPT) between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2005. The data collected on subjects included characteristics of the victims and the perpetrators, family demographics, maltreatment types, medical findings, mortality rate, and outcomes for the victim and the perpetrator. Results: Age and gender distribution of the victims were …


Bacterial Selenoproteins: A Role In Pathogenesis And Targets For Antimicrobial Development, Sarah Rosario Jan 2009

Bacterial Selenoproteins: A Role In Pathogenesis And Targets For Antimicrobial Development, Sarah Rosario

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Selenoproteins are unique proteins in which selenocysteine is inserted into the polypeptide chain by highly specialized translational machinery. They exist within all three kingdoms of life. The functions of these proteins in biology are still being defined. In particular, the importance of selenoproteins in pathogenic microorganisms has received little attention. We first established that a nosocomial pathogen, Clostridium difficile, utilizes a selenoenzyme dependent pathway for energy metabolism. Following this initial characterization, we demonstrate that this pathway is linked to production of toxins by this organism. Finally, we show that interruption of selenium metabolism is a viable pathway for development of …


Iron-Induced Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Loss Is Ameliorated By Flunarizine, Ramazan Kozan, M. Ömer Bostanci, Tuncer Nacar, Ali̇ Aslan, Faruk Bağirici Jan 2009

Iron-Induced Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Loss Is Ameliorated By Flunarizine, Ramazan Kozan, M. Ömer Bostanci, Tuncer Nacar, Ali̇ Aslan, Faruk Bağirici

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: In this study, we investigated the effect of intracerebroventricular-injected iron neurotoxicity on the total number of cerebellar Purkinje cells in rats and the possible neuroprotective effect of flunarizine, a piperazine-derived calcium channel blocker. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: control, flunarizine, iron, and iron + flunarizine groups. Rats in the iron and iron + flunarizine groups received intracerebro-ventricular iron (FeCl_36H_2O, 200 mM, 2.5 µl), while those in flunarizine and iron + flunarizine groups were intraperitoneally injected with flunarizine (10 mg/kg/day) once a day after the operation for 10 days. After 10 days, all rats were perfused …


Impact Of Socioeconomic Conditions And Parasitic Infection On Hemoglobin Level Among Children In Um-Unnasser Village, Gaza Strip, Bassam F. Al-Zain Jan 2009

Impact Of Socioeconomic Conditions And Parasitic Infection On Hemoglobin Level Among Children In Um-Unnasser Village, Gaza Strip, Bassam F. Al-Zain

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the impact of socioeconomic conditions and intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) on hemoglobin level among children aged 2-15 years in Um-Unnasser village, North Gaza, Palestine. Materials and Methods: The data were collected using structured questionnaire and laboratory analysis of blood and fecal samples. Results: Of 256 children, 25% were anemic and prevalence was higher in children aged below six years. Overall prevalence of IPI was 46.9%. Ascaris lumbricoides (11.3%), Giardia lamblia (8.2%), Hymenolepis nana (6.2%), Entamoeba histolytica (5.1%), Strongyloides stercoralis (2.0%), Enterobius vermicularis (2.7%), and Trichuris trichiura (0.3%) were the most frequently found, …


The Effects Of The Diet And Diet+Exercise On Changes In Weight During Adolescence, Çeti̇n Yaman Jan 2009

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 …


Effect Of Isoflavone On Plasma Nitrite/Nitrate, Homocysteine, And Lipid Levels In Turkish Women In The Early Postmenopausal Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Ni̇lgün Öztürk Turhan, Candan İltemi̇r Duvan, Fatma Bolkan, Yüksel Onaran Jan 2009

Effect Of Isoflavone On Plasma Nitrite/Nitrate, Homocysteine, And Lipid Levels In Turkish Women In The Early Postmenopausal Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Ni̇lgün Öztürk Turhan, Candan İltemi̇r Duvan, Fatma Bolkan, Yüksel Onaran

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of isoflavones on cardiovascular risk markers including plasma nitrite/nitrate, homocysteine, and lipid levels in Turkish women in the early postmenopausal period. Materials and Methods: Ninety participants between 42 and 59 years of age were randomly assigned to receive twice a day either isoflavone tablet (n:45) or placebo tablets (n = 45). Plasma nitrite/nitrate, homocysteine, and lipid levels were measured at baseline and after the 6 months of treatment. Results: After 6 months, isoflavone resulted in a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, triglyceride levels, serum homocysteine and …


Measurement Of Total Antioxidant Response In Colorectal Cancer Using A Novel Automated Method, Abdullah Özgönül, Nurten Aksoy, Fuat Di̇lmec, Ali̇ Uzunköy, Şahi̇n Aksoy Jan 2009

Measurement Of Total Antioxidant Response In Colorectal Cancer Using A Novel Automated Method, Abdullah Özgönül, Nurten Aksoy, Fuat Di̇lmec, Ali̇ Uzunköy, Şahi̇n Aksoy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the antioxidative status in patients with colorectal cancer and healthy controls, based on measurements made using a novel method. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between 2005 and 2007, and included 30 patients with colorectal cancer and 30 healthy controls. To determine the antioxidative status of the patients and healthy controls, serum total antioxidant capacity was measured using a novel automated method. Blood samples were taken from the healthy controls and the patients. Results: Total serum antioxidant capacity was significantly lower in colorectal cancer patients than in healthy persons (P < 0.023). Conclusions: Patients with colorectal cancer are exposed to oxidative stress, which may have a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The novel automated method used in this study was developed in our laboratory, and is feasible and fully automated; therefore, it may be useful for evaluating oxidative-antioxidative balance in patients with colorectal cancer.


Radiological And Pathological Correlation In Patients With Bronchioloalveolar Lung Carcinoma, Serpi̇l Öcal, Gülnur Önde Üçoluk, Belgi̇n Samurkaşoğlu, Funda Demi̇rağ, İlker Eti̇kan, Peli̇n Bayazit Jan 2009

Radiological And Pathological Correlation In Patients With Bronchioloalveolar Lung Carcinoma, Serpi̇l Öcal, Gülnur Önde Üçoluk, Belgi̇n Samurkaşoğlu, Funda Demi̇rağ, İlker Eti̇kan, Peli̇n Bayazit

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To assess the correlation between pathological and radiological findings in patients with pure bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the pathological and radiological findings in patients with pure BAC. Results: We reviewed the case records, pathological specimens, and computer files of 26 patients with a pathologic diagnosis of pure BAC during a 3-year period. There was a statistically significant relationship between pathological and radiological findings (X^2 = 15.143, P = 0.004). There was a correlation between mucinous pathology and diffuse pattern, as well as between non-mucinous pathology and solitary nodule/mass/cavitation. A statistically significant relationship between lymphocytic …


Does Employment Status Influence Obesity Prevalence Among Females? A Comparative Study From Ankara, Turkey, Di̇lek Aslan, Zeynep Altin, Necmi̇ye Beydağ, Celi̇le Hati̇poğlu Jan 2009

Does Employment Status Influence Obesity Prevalence Among Females? A Comparative Study From Ankara, Turkey, Di̇lek Aslan, Zeynep Altin, Necmi̇ye Beydağ, Celi̇le Hati̇poğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: In this study, we aimed to compare the nutritional habits and obesity status of employed and not-employed (i.e. homemakers) women from an urban population in Ankara between April 2 and 17, 2007. Materials and methods: Employed females (107) were amongst Keçiören (a district of Ankara) municipal employees, and homemakers were selected among the residents of the catchment area of a primary health care unit (PHCU) within the same district. The 2 groups (employed and homemakers) were high school and university graduates and were similar to each other in terms of education and age. The World Health Organization defines "overweight" …


Clinical And Pathological Features Of Nodular Gastritis In Adults, İbrahi̇m Koral Önal, Cenk Sökmensüer, Eda Demi̇r Önal, Osman Ersoy, Özgür Yeni̇ova, Musa Aydinli, Özlem Yönem, Özgür Harmanci, Yusuf Bayraktar, Fi̇gen Batman Jan 2009

Clinical And Pathological Features Of Nodular Gastritis In Adults, İbrahi̇m Koral Önal, Cenk Sökmensüer, Eda Demi̇r Önal, Osman Ersoy, Özgür Yeni̇ova, Musa Aydinli, Özlem Yönem, Özgür Harmanci, Yusuf Bayraktar, Fi̇gen Batman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Data on antral nodularity in adults are sparse. Although the association of nodular gastritis with Helicobacter pylori infection is well known, its potential as a premalignant lesion and its association with other gastroduodenal diseases are questionable. Materials and methods: The medical records of the patients between 2003 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed to analyze their demographics, clinical characteristics, and endoscopic and pathological features. Results: Of 9949 adult patients who underwent endoscopy, 185 (1.86%) were diagnosed with nodular gastritis, 167 (90%) of whom had dyspepsia. The presence of Helicobacter pylori was demonstrated in 65.4% (121/185). There were 16 cases (8.7%) …


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 Jan 2009

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 …


Humoral Immunity And Haemoglobin F (Hbf) Status In Steady State Adult Nigerian Sickle Cell Disease Patients With Asymptomatic Malaria, John Ayodele Olaniyi, Olatubosun Ganiyu Arinola Jan 2009

Humoral Immunity And Haemoglobin F (Hbf) Status In Steady State Adult Nigerian Sickle Cell Disease Patients With Asymptomatic Malaria, John Ayodele Olaniyi, Olatubosun Ganiyu Arinola

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Nigeria, where malaria is prevalent, has the largest sickle cell gene pool in the world. To this end, there is a need for increased understanding of the pathophysiology of HbSS patients in a malaria endemic zone to reduce mortality. Haematology Department, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Materials and methods: The levels of HbF, IgG, IgA, IgM, transferin (TRF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and haptoglobin (HPT) were determined in 14 Nigerians having HbAA genotype with malaria parasitaemia (HbAA +MP), 17 Nigerians having haemoglobin AA genotype without malaria parasitaemia (HbAA -MP), 15 Nigerians having haemoglobin SS genotype without malaria parasitaemia (HbSS -MP), …


Preparation And Characterization Of Some Substituted Benzyl N-Nitrosocarbamates Containing An N-2-(Methylthio)Ethyl Or A Bis(2-Aminoethyl)Sulfide Functionality, Satya Venkata, Eric Shamo, Vladimir Benin Jan 2009

Preparation And Characterization Of Some Substituted Benzyl N-Nitrosocarbamates Containing An N-2-(Methylthio)Ethyl Or A Bis(2-Aminoethyl)Sulfide Functionality, Satya Venkata, Eric Shamo, Vladimir Benin

Chemistry Faculty Publications

The synthesis and characterization of some substituted benzyl N-nitrosocarbamates with an N-2-(methylthio)ethyl or a bis(2-aminoethyl)sulfide functionality is reported, as a part of a long-term goal to design and prepare novel photolabile structures that could be used as substances for controlled release of alkylating and/or crosslinking agents. The synthesis was accomplished by reaction of benzyl chloroformates with the corresponding amines, resulting in the preparation of carbamates. The latter were subsequently nitrosated, utilizing two different N-nitrosation methods, to yield the target structures.


Seroprevalence Of Hepatitis A Infection In The Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus, Zafer Kurugöl, Güldane Koturoğlu, Sadik Akşi̇t, Ti̇jen Özacar Jan 2009

Seroprevalence Of Hepatitis A Infection In The Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus, Zafer Kurugöl, Güldane Koturoğlu, Sadik Akşi̇t, Ti̇jen Özacar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Materials and Methods: A total of 660 unvaccinated persons 1 to 30 years old were selected for the study with cluster sampling. Information on sociodemographic characteristics was gathered for each participant and, in 641 of them, anti-HAV antibodies were assayed using an enzyme immune assay. Results: Anti-HAV prevalence in the Turkish population under the age of 30 in Northern Cyprus was 23.9%. For the age groups 1-5, 6-10 and 11-15 years, seroprevalence rates were relatively low (11.4, 9.4 …


The Potential For Nutrigenomics In Prevention Of Metabolic Syndrome, J. David Gangemi, Dana King Jan 2009

The Potential For Nutrigenomics In Prevention Of Metabolic Syndrome, J. David Gangemi, Dana King

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.


The Effect Of Incubation Time On The Generation Of Benzene In Sierra Mist Free, Sarah Law Jan 2009

The Effect Of Incubation Time On The Generation Of Benzene In Sierra Mist Free, Sarah Law

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.


Spontaneous Idiopathic Arteritis Of The Testicular Artery In Raccoons (Procyon Lotor), A. N. Hamir, M. V. Palmer, H. Li, J. Stasko, D. G. Rogers Jan 2009

Spontaneous Idiopathic Arteritis Of The Testicular Artery In Raccoons (Procyon Lotor), A. N. Hamir, M. V. Palmer, H. Li, J. Stasko, D. G. Rogers

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

The testes and the spermatic cord of raccoons (Procyon lotor, kits to adult breeders; n = 48) were examined. Segmental arteritis confined to the extratesticular portions of the testicular artery was present in raccoons of all ages. The arterial changes were seen in laboratory-confined experimental and control animals as well as in wild-caught raccoons. The lesions consisted of proliferative endarteritis with presence of inflammatory cells within the intima, media, and the adventitial regions of most affected vessels. Some aspects of the proliferative arterial lesions were reminiscent of systemic necrotizing vasculitis (polyarteritis nodosa), an immunologically mediated condition of animals and humans. …


Parental Obesity Compared With Serum Leptin And Serum Leptin Receptor Levels Among Abese Adults In The Gaza Strip, Baker Mahmud Zabut, Naji H. Holi, Yousef I. Aljeesh Jan 2009

Parental Obesity Compared With Serum Leptin And Serum Leptin Receptor Levels Among Abese Adults In The Gaza Strip, Baker Mahmud Zabut, Naji H. Holi, Yousef I. Aljeesh

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: To investigate whether parental obesity influences serum leptin hormone and soluble leptin receptor (Ob-Re) concentrations among obese adults in the Gaza Strip. Materials and methods: A case-control design was used. Sample used was convenient and obtained from 2 largest obesity clinics in the Gaza Strip. It consisted of 83 overweight and obese adults without history of other diseases (case group). Control group consisted of 83 ideal weight adults who were selectively chosen from the same clinics. Self reported structured interviews and serum blood samples were obtained from both groups. Human leptin competitive ELISA kits were used for determination of …


The Risk Factors And Spread Of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii In Intubated Patients In A Medical Intensive Care Unit, Emi̇ne Alp, Mehmet Yerer, Sesi̇n Kocagöz, Gökhan Metan, Duygu Esel, Yeşi̇m Gürol, Mehmet Doğanay Jan 2009

The Risk Factors And Spread Of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii In Intubated Patients In A Medical Intensive Care Unit, Emi̇ne Alp, Mehmet Yerer, Sesi̇n Kocagöz, Gökhan Metan, Duygu Esel, Yeşi̇m Gürol, Mehmet Doğanay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most common causes of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for colonization in the respiratory tract and infection with A. baumannii in a medical intensive care unit (MICU), and to examine the genetic link between strains and the spread of isolates. Materials and methods: This study was conducted prospectively between 1 December 2004 and 31 January 2006 in the MICU. Patients (> 16 years old) admitted to the MICU that were mechanically ventilated and/or intubated were enrolled in the study. Results: Ninety-eight …


Risk Factors For Acquisition Of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus And Clonal Spread Of The Isolates In A Medical Intensive Care Unit, Emi̇ne Alp, Mehmet Yerer, Duygu Esel, Gökhan Metan, Mehmet Doğanay Jan 2009

Risk Factors For Acquisition Of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus And Clonal Spread Of The Isolates In A Medical Intensive Care Unit, Emi̇ne Alp, Mehmet Yerer, Duygu Esel, Gökhan Metan, Mehmet Doğanay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is still the commonest pathogen in hospital-acquired infections with high morbidity and mortality. MRSA colonization usually precedes infection and dissemination of the microorganism. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for the colonization and infection with MRSA in a medical intensive care unit (MICU) and to show the genetic relation of strains. Materials and methods: This study was conducted prospectively between 1 December 2004 and 31 January 2006 in MICU. Patients (>16 years) admitted to the MICU were screened for MRSA on admission (in the first 48 hours), at the end …


The Effect Of Zinc On Cytokine Release And Signal Transduction In Airway Epithelial Cells, Nai-Lin Cheng Jan 2009

The Effect Of Zinc On Cytokine Release And Signal Transduction In Airway Epithelial Cells, Nai-Lin Cheng

All ETDs from UAB

Zinc is an essential cation for life that is involved in numerous physiology and pathophysiology processes. Despite its wide use as a cytoprotective agent in medications, its cellular and molecular mechanisms of action have not been well established. In order to define the potential therapeutic benefit of zinc, I used several Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and non-CF human airway epithelial cell lines as models in my studies. Extracellular zinc caused release calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum though zinc-sensitive Gq-coupled receptor(s) that may subsequently modulate ion channels. In addition, zinc also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects. Zinc inhibited pro-inflammatory molecular TNFα-induced cytokine and chemokine …


The Effect Of Stearic Acid On Breast Cancer Development And Progression, Lynda Michelle Evans Jan 2009

The Effect Of Stearic Acid On Breast Cancer Development And Progression, Lynda Michelle Evans

All ETDs from UAB

earate is an 18-carbon saturated fatty acid that is found in many foods in the western diet including beef and chocolate. Cell culture studies indicate stearate may have various anti-cancer properties including inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and invasion, morphological changes, and induction of apoptosis. Animal studies have found that dietary stearate delays tumor development and decreases tumor incidence. To date, many of the mechanisms underlying these processes are unclear. In this study, evidence is presented showing stearate induces morphological changes in breast cancer cells. Inhibition of de novo diacylglycerol (DAG) generation and subsequent protein kinase C (PKC) activation inhibits …


Studies On The Role Of Acid Sphingomyelinase And Ceramide In The Regulation Of Tace Activity And Tnfα Secretion By Macrophages, Krasimira Rozenova Jan 2009

Studies On The Role Of Acid Sphingomyelinase And Ceramide In The Regulation Of Tace Activity And Tnfα Secretion By Macrophages, Krasimira Rozenova

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Acid Sphingomyelinase (ASMase) activity has been proposed to mediate LPS signaling in various cell types. This study shows that in macrophages, ASMase is a negative regulator of LPS-induced TNFα secretion. ASMasedeficient (asm-/-) mice and isolated peritoneal macrophages produce several fold more TNFα than their wild-type (asm+/+) counterparts when stimulated with LPS. The mechanism for these differences however is not transcriptional but post-translational.

The TNFα converting enzyme (TACE) catalyzes the maturation of the 26kD precursor (proTNFα) to the active 17kD form (sTNFα). In mouse peritoneal macrophages, the activity of TACE rather than the rate of TNFα mRNA …


The Interplay Between The Expression And Functions Of Wnt13 Isoforms During Apoptosis In Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cells, Tao Tang Jan 2009

The Interplay Between The Expression And Functions Of Wnt13 Isoforms During Apoptosis In Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cells, Tao Tang

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Wnt proteins are crucial for development/homeostasis by controlling cell fate including apoptosis (Moon RT et al. 1997). Three humanWnt13 isoforms were identified: the secreted Wnt13A, mitochondrial Wnt13B, and nuclear Wnt13C forms; and nuclear Wnt13 had an increased sensitivity to LPS/TNF-induced apoptosis in primary endothelial cells (EC); both Wnt13B and C mRNA contain two start codons (AUG+1 and +74), but the same protein encoded from AUG+74 by Wnt13C was expressed lower than Wnt13B (Struewing IT et al.2006). We hypothesize that during EC apoptosis, the nuclear Wnt13C expression is regulated translationally; nuclear Wnt13 favors apoptosis through regulating the activity/expression of apoptosis-related factors; …


Role Of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor In Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, Violeta Arsenescu Jan 2009

Role Of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor In Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, Violeta Arsenescu

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is a ligand-actviated receptor known as the dioxin receptor. Environmental pollutants called dioxin-like toxicants are found in food, cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust and air. Therefore, they could chronically amplify the pathology of numerous chronic inflammatory diseases. AhR is a well known target of these environmental chemicals that disrupt endocrine signaling. By the year 2020, the number of people older than 60 years is expected to top 1 billion. The burden of treating chronic disease is significant both in dollars spent and in lost productivity. The need to identify risk factors for chronic diseases must be evaluated …


The Association Of Human Leukocyte Antigen(Hla) Alleles And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2dm) Among Mexican Americans (Ma), Kantibhai Motiram Patel Jan 2009

The Association Of Human Leukocyte Antigen(Hla) Alleles And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2dm) Among Mexican Americans (Ma), Kantibhai Motiram Patel

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is ranked as a major public health priority across the United States and especially in the El Paso, Texas region. The risk for the development of T2DM is greater in minority groups, particularly among Mexican Americans (MA) who comprise approximately 78% of El Paso's population. The growing incidence of T2DM in this group is typically attributed to increase in weight (obesity). The incidence of diabetes may also be influenced by genetic factors that are unique to this group. Several earlier studies have identified genetic markers for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). These …


Kelly, Rita Helen Roberts (Fa 353), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives Dec 2008

Kelly, Rita Helen Roberts (Fa 353), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid and full-text scan of paper (Click on “Additional Files” below) for Folklife Archives Project 353. Paper: "Good Mothering through Breast Feeding: Observations of a Meeting of the La Leche League" written by Rita H. Kelly for a Western Kentucky University folk studies class.