Digital Commons Network^™

Pax5 Controls B Lineage Specific Gene Expression Program Through Association With The Nuclear Matrix, Sang Yong Hong

All ETDs from UAB

Pax5 is an essential regulator for B lineage cell development and controls hundreds of positive and negative target genes. The nuclear matrix (NM) has long been proposed to provide a dynamic structural support for biological reactions inside of the nucleus, including DNA replication, RNA transcription, and RNA splicing. Although Pax5 binding sites have been identified in numerous Pax5 target genes, it is not clear how Pax5 controls so many target genes. In this dissertation, I demonstrate that Pax5 association with the NM is essential for regulation of the B lineage specific gene expression program. In part I, I found that …

The Role Of Cd19 In Follicular Dendritic Cell Activation, Riley Croom Myers

All ETDs from UAB

Germinal Centers (GC) are organized foci in secondary lymphoid organs of birds and mammals and are the principle sites of memory B cell generation and plasma cell formation. GC concentrate antigen within follicles to facilitate recognition by responding B cells to promote somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation. Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) reside within the light zones of GC and serve to facilitate B cell interactions with antigen, as well as B cell selection, proliferation, and survival. The work contained within this dissertation addresses the collaborative interactions between B cells and FDC. FDC within an active, GC-containing follicle express an array …

Protein Modification By Arginylation, Hideko Kaji, Akira Kaji

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

The modification of protein by arginine catalyzed by arginyltransferases (ATE1) described by the Kashina group in this issue shows that arginylation of protein occurs widely in biology and is being recognized as a key regulatory reaction such as phosphorylation of proteins (Wang et al., 2011).

Mitochondrial Genome Sequence Analysis: A Custom Bioinformatics Pipeline Substantially Improves Affymetrix Mitochip V2.0 Call Rate And Accuracy., Hongbo M Xie, Juan C Perin, Theodore G Schurr, Matthew C Dulik, Sergey I Zhadanov, Joseph A Baur, Michael P King, Emily Place, Colleen Clarke, Michael Grauer, Jonathan Schug, Avni Santani, Anthony Albano, Cecilia Kim, Vincent Procaccio, Hakon Hakonarson, Xiaowu Gai, Marni J Falk

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial genome sequence analysis is critical to the diagnostic evaluation of mitochondrial disease. Existing methodologies differ widely in throughput, complexity, cost efficiency, and sensitivity of heteroplasmy detection. Affymetrix MitoChip v2.0, which uses a sequencing-by-genotyping technology, allows potentially accurate and high-throughput sequencing of the entire human mitochondrial genome to be completed in a cost-effective fashion. However, the relatively low call rate achieved using existing software tools has limited the wide adoption of this platform for either clinical or research applications. Here, we report the design and development of a custom bioinformatics software pipeline that achieves a much improved call rate …

Role Of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (Ace2) In Obesity-Associated Hypertension, Manisha Gupte

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine whether adipocytes express ACE2 and its role in obesity-associated hypertension with diet-induced obesity.

To determine if ACE2 was expressed in adipose tissue and its regulation in the setting of diet-induced obesity, we fed male mice either a low fat (LF) or high fat (HF) diet acutely (1 week) or chronically ( 4 months). We demonstrated that ACE2 was regulated specifically in adipose tissue with consumption of a HF diet. However, with chronic HF feeding adipose ACE2 was dysregulated resulting in activation of the systemic RAS and increased blood pressure.

To determine the …

Protein Kinase C Δ Is Critical For Nucleotide Excision Repair Of Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers, Christopher Michael Negro

Master's Theses

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is the process by which cells identify and repair bulky, helix-distorting DNA lesions such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and 6-4 photoproducts (6-4PP). NER in human cells is a complex biochemical process requiring several complementation groups. Defects in complementation group genes result in rare, autosomal recessive cancer syndromes such as xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), cockayne syndrome (CS), and trichothiodystrophy, supporting the tumor suppressive effects of NER. Protein Kinase C delta (PKCδ) expression is lost in squamous cell carcinomas where it functions as a tumor suppressor gene. Additionally, in response to UV radiation, PKCδ is …

Measuring The Symptom Burden Of Lung Cancer: The Validity And Utility Of The Lung Cancer Module Of The M D Anderson Symptom Inventory, Tito R Mendoza, Xin Shelley Wang, Charles Lu, Guadalupe R Palos, Zhongxing Liao, Gary M Mobley, Shitij Kapoor, Charles S Cleeland

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

We conducted a study to establish the psychometric properties of a module of the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) developed specifically for patients with lung cancer (MDASI-LC). The MDASI measures 13 common "core" symptoms of cancer and its treatment. The MDASI-LC includes the 13 core MDASI symptom items and three lung cancer-specific items: coughing, constipation, and sore throat. MDASI-LC items were administered to three cohorts of patients with lung cancer undergoing either chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Known-group validity and criterion (concurrent) validity of the MDASI-LC were evaluated using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and the 12-item Short-Form Health …

P16 Ink4a Immunocytochemistry On Cell Blocks As An Adjunct To Cervical Cytology: Potential Reflex Testing On Specially Prepared Cell Blocks From Residual Liquid-Based Cytology Specimens, Vinod B. Shidham, Ravi Mehrotra, George Varsegi, Krista L. D'Amore, Bryan Hunt, Raj Narayan

Department of Pathology

Background: p16 INK4a (p16) is a well-recognized surrogate molecular marker for human papilloma virus (HPV) related squamous dysplasia. Our hypothesis is that the invasive interventions and related morbidities could be avoided by objective stratification of positive cytologic interpretations by p16 immunostaining of cell block sections of cytology specimens.

Materials and Methods: Nuclear immunoreactivity for p16 was evaluated in cell block sections in 133 adequate cases [20 negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, 28 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), 50 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), 21 atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H), and 14 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance …

Regional Expression Of Hoxa4 Along The Aorta And Its Potential Role In Human Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, John H. Lillvis, Robert Erdman, Charles M. Schworer, Alicia Golden, Kimberly Derr, Zoran Gatalica, Laura A. Cox, Jianbin Shen, Richard S. Vander Heide, Guy M. Lenk, Leigh Hlavaty, Li Li, James R. Elmore, David P. Franklin, John L. Gray, Robert P. Garvin, David J. Carey, Wayne D. Lancaster, Gerard Tromp, Helena Kuivaniemi

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

The infrarenal abdominal aorta exhibits increased disease susceptibility relative to other aortic regions. Allograft studies exchanging thoracic and abdominal segments showed that regional susceptibility is maintained regardless of location, suggesting substantial roles for embryological origin, tissue composition and site-specific gene expression.

Results

We analyzed gene expression with microarrays in baboon aortas, and found that members of the HOX gene family exhibited spatial expression differences. HOXA4 was chosen for further study, since it had decreased expression in the abdominal compared to the thoracic aorta. Western blot analysis from 24 human aortas demonstrated significantly higher HOXA4 protein levels in thoracic …

Addressing The Fertility Needs Of Hiv-Seropositive Males, Brian A. Levine, Sahadat K. Nurudeen, Jennifer T. Gosselin, Mark V. Sauer

Psychology Faculty Publications

An increasing number of serodiscordant couples are utilizing advanced reproductive technologies to address their reproductive needs. Recent literature has demonstrated that it is not only technically possible but also safe to utilize sperm-washing techniques to allow for the creation of embryos, thereby preventing both horizontal and vertical transmission of HIV. This article addresses the strengths and weakness of various reproductive techniques and discusses our experience at Columbia University (NY, USA), the location of the largest HIV-focused fertility program in the USA.

Approaches For Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy Of A Novel Il-10 Gene Family Member: Mda-7/Il-24, Belal Azab

Theses and Dissertations

Melanoma differentiation associated gene-7 (mda-7) was discovered in the Fisher laboratory by subtraction hybridization of temporally spaced subtracted cDNA libraries prepared from terminally differentiated human melanoma cells treated with human fibroblast interferon (IFN-β) and the protein kinase C activator mezerein (MEZ), an approach called ‘differentiation induction subtraction hybridization’ (DISH). mda-7 is located in human chromosome 1q32–33 and based on sequence homology, chromosomal localization, and its functional properties, the mda-7 gene is now classified as a member of the IL-10 family of cytokines and named IL-24. The mda-7/IL-24 cDNA encodes a protein of 206-amino acids with a predicted size of ~24-kDa, …

Differential Effects Of Isoflurane And Propofol Anesthesia On Neurogenesis In Young And Aged Rats, Diana Marcela Erasso

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Worldwide, millions of young and elderly patients receive procedures that could not be performed without the use of anesthetics. Unfortunately, emerging animal and human data suggest an association between exposure to general anesthesia and impairment of cognitive function in pediatric and geriatric patients. Recent laboratory data have shown that general anesthetics are potentially damaging to the developing and aging brain. However, the mechanism by which this happens is still unknown. General anesthetics affect learning and memory, a brain function involving neural plasticity. An important form of neural plasticity receiving attention is postnatal neurogenesis. This process is highly regulated and involved …

The Role Of Hiv-1 Proteins In Alzheimer's Disease Pathology, Brian Nelson Giunta

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Prevalence of HIV-associated cognitive impairment is rising, the worst form of which is HIV-associated dementia (HAD). The disease is fuiled by a chronic innate type pro-inflammatory response in the brain which is highly dependent upon the activation of microglia. We first created an in vitro model of HAD composed of cultured microglial cells synergistically activated by the addition of IFN-gamma and the HIV-1 coat glycoprotein, gp120. This activation, as measured by TNF-alpha and NO release, is synergistically attenuated through the alpha7nAChR and p44/42 MAPK system by pretreatment with nicotine, and the cholinesterase inhibitor, galantamine. As these medications have been FDA …

Repeated Binge Pattern Ethanol Administration During Adolescence Or Adulthood: Long-Term Changes In Voluntary Ethanol Intake And Mesolimbic Dopamine Functionality In Male Rats, Antoniette Michelle Maldonado-Devincci

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Binge alcohol consumption is a rising concern in the United States, especially among adolescents as during this developmental period alcohol use is usually initiated and has been shown to cause detrimental effects on brain structure and function. These findings have been established through the use of binge models in animals, where animals are repeatedly administered high doses of ethanol typically over a period of three or four days. While such work has examined the effects of a four-day and repeated three-day binge, there has been almost no work conducted aimed at investigating the long-term behavioral and neurochemical and/or functional consequences …

Secreted Factors From Human Umbilical Cord Blood Cells Protect Oligodendrocytes From Ischemic Insult, Derrick Rowe

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Oligodendrocytes (OL)s are the dominant cell type in the white matter and are integral for synaptic transmission essential for proper neuronal communication between brain areas. Previous studies have shown that intravenous administration of the mononuclear fraction of human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) cells in rat models of stroke reduced white matter injury, gray matter injury and behavioral deficits. Yet the mechanisms used by HUCB cells remain unknown in ischemic injury. These studies will investigate both in vitro and in vivo approaches to elucidate this mechanism in OLs. When mature primary OLs were coincubated with HUCB cells, HUCB cells secreted soluble …

Associatioin Of Plasma Aβ Peptides With Blood Pressure In The Elderly, Jean-Charles Lambert, Jean Dallongeville, Kathryn A. Ellis, Susanna Schraen-Maschke, James Lui, Simon Laws, Julie Dumont, Florence Richard, Dominque Cottel, Claudine Berr, David Ames, Colin L. Masters, Christopher C. Rowe, Cassandra Szoeke, Christophe Tzourio, Jean-Francois Dartigues, Luc Buee, Ralph Martins, Philippe Amouyel

Research outputs 2011

Background Aß peptides are often considered as catabolic by-products of the amyloid ß protein precursor (APP), with unknown physiological functions. However, several biological properties have been tentatively attributed to these peptides, including a role in vasomotion. We assess whether plasma Aß peptide levels might be associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure values (SBP and DBP, respectively). Methodology/Principal Findings Plasma Aß1-40 and Aß1-42 levels were measured using an xMAP-based assay in 1,972 individuals (none of whom were taking antihypertensive drugs) from 3 independent studies: the French population-based 3C and MONA-LISA (Lille) studies (n = 627 and n = 769, respectively) …

Multivariate Anti-Inflammatory Approaches To Rescue Neurogenesis And Cognitive Function In Aged Animals, Sandra Antonieta Acosta

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Aging is considered the number one risk factor to develop neuropathologies such as memory loss, senile dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease. Neurodegenerative diseases tend to start during adulthood, and aggravate over time, making them difficult to prevent and to treat. In the Unites States, demographic studies by U.S. Bureau of the Census have determined that our aging population of >65 years is expected to increase from the present 35 million to 78 million in 2030. This would result, not only to an increase of …

Hypolipidemic And Antioxidant Activity Of Aqueous Extract Of Monascus Purpureus Fermented Indian Rice In High Cholesterol Diet Fed Rats, Aiyalu Rajasekaran, Muthusamy Kalaivani

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate hypolipidemic and anti-oxidant activities of Monascus purpureus fermented Indian variety of rice. Materials and methods: Indian rice variety IR-532-E-576 was fermented with Monascus purpureus MTCC 1090 (Monascaceae) and extracted with water by boiling. Experimentally induced hyperlipidemia was produced by feeding rats with 2% cholesterol enriched diet for 15 days. Afterwards hypercholesterolemic rats were orally administered with Monascus fermented Indian rice extract at the dose of 1.2 and 2.4 mg/kg bw along with high cholesterol diet for 30 successive days in order to evaluate their expected hypolipidemic activity. Plasma lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (low density …

Plasma Adiponectin And Resistin Levels In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Relation To Body Mass Index And Insulin Resistance, Emre Di̇kmen, İlhan Tarkun, Funda Öztürk, Berri̇n Arslan, Zeynep Cantürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To compare the serum levels of adiponectin and resistin between patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy control subjects matched for age and body mass index (BMI), and to assess possible correlations of adiponectin and resistin to the hormonal and metabolic parameters of the syndrome. Materials and methods: Fifty five patients with PCOS diagnosis composed of 25 obese, 13 overweight, 17 normal weight subjects, and 49 healthy women matched for age and BMI were included in this study. Hormone and lipid profile, adiponectin, and resistin were measured in all cases. Results: Serum adiponectin levels were similar in the lean …

Comparison Of Growth Factor Levels In Patients With Normal And Hypospadiac Prepuce*, Tutku Soyer, Ebru Şebnem Ayva, Pinar Atasoy, Mustafa Kemal Aslan, Ahmet Murat Çakmak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To compare the growth factor levels in patients with normal and hypospadiac prepuce. Materials and methods: Patients who underwent hypospadias repair were included in the study. The prepuce was excised after achieving successful hypospadias repair with satisfactory functional and cosmetic appearance. The patients who underwent preputial reconstructions and complicated repairs were excluded. The control group consists of boys without hypospadias. Elective circumcision was performed to have normal preputial samples. The VEGF levels, VEGF receptor (VEGFR) and TGF-\beta receptor (TGF-\beta-R) expressions were evaluated in preputial tissues by immunohistochemical analysis. Results: Fifteen patients were included in each group. The mean age of …

Potential Role Of Some Nutraceuticals In The Regression Of Alzheimer’S Disease In An Experimental Animal Model, Hanaa Hamdy Ahmed, Wafaa Ghoneim Shousha, Rehab Mahmoud Hussien, Abdel Razik Hussein Farrag

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential role of some nutraceuticals, coenzyme Q_{10}, vitamin B complex, and lecithin against aluminum-induced neurodegeneration characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Materials and methods: Ninety-six male and female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 2 main groups, namely female and male. Each group was divided into 6 subgroups. Group 1 served as control group. Group 2 was administered AlCl_3 for 4 months. Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 were administered with AlCl_3 for 4 months then treated with Coenzyme Q_{10}, vitamin B complex, lecithin, or all in combination for 3 months, respectively. Brain …

First Trimester Maternal Serum Papp-A Levels And Macrosomia In Nondiabetic Mothers, Ebru Tarim, Servet Özden Haciveli̇oğlu, Tayfun Çok, Hali̇l Tayfun Bağiş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine whether or not there is a relationship between first-trimester maternal serum pregnancy-associated placental protein (PAPP-A) levels and fetal macrosomia in nondiabetic mothers. Materials and methods: In this study, 63 consecutive term macrosomic neonates (Group 1) (birth weight >= 4000 g) and 100 consecutive appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) term neonates (Group 2) were included. Transabdominal ultrasound examinations were performed to diagnose any major fetal defects and to measure crown-rump length (CRL) and fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness. Blood samples were drawn from each woman in order to obtain fasting blood glucose, PAPP-A, and free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) levels. Ultrasound measurements …

Retrospective Evaluation Of Laboratory-Confirmed And Recovered Cases Of Influenza A(H1n1)V, Funda Sevencan, Mehmet Meli̇kşah Ertem, Neval Özçullu, Vedat Dorman, Abdulvahi̇t Ormanli, Namik Kemal Kubat, Nurhan Albayrak, Ayşe Başak Altaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To retrospectively evaluate patients that were diagnosed with H1N1 and recovered from the disease in the initial period of an influenza A(H1N1)v epidemic in the province of Diyarbakir. It is estimated that 34-67 million individuals around the world have been infected by influenza A(H1N1)v, that 154,000-303,000 individuals have been hospitalized, and that 7000-13,000 individuals have lost their lives. Materials and methods: We were able to include 250 of 362 cases (69.0%) of confirmed influenza A(H1N1)v, from which the patients recovered, from the samples received between 19 October and 3 December 2009 after a pandemic alarm was given in the province …

Lipid Profile Alterations And Oxidative Stress In Patients With Preeclampsia: Role Of Black Tea Extract On Disease Management, Ekambaram Padmini, Munuswamy Usha Rani

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the lipid profile and susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidation in preeclamptic women and to correlate the results with preeclampsia risk in the absence and presence of black tea extract (BTE). Preeclampsia is a disorder of human pregnancy characterized by altered endothelial function, secondary to oxidative stress. Materials and methods: Lipid profile levels and oxidative stress status were investigated in the cord blood of normotensive and preeclamptic patients. LDL susceptibility to oxidation was also monitored in the absence and presence of BTE to examine its protective role. Results: A significant alteration in lipid parameters and enhanced oxidative …

Taurine Is Protective Against Oxidative Stress During Cold Ischemia In The Rat Kidney, Rüveyda İrem Demi̇rci̇oğlu, Burhanetti̇n Usta, Hüseyi̇n Sert, Bünyami̇n Muslu, Muhammet Gözdemi̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Recent studies in rats have shown that taurine can prevent oxidative changes induced in renal tissue by ischemia and reperfusion. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether taurine can prevent oxidative changes that occur in the renal tissue during a long period of cold ischemia. Materials and methods: Oxidative changes were evaluated histologically and biochemically in kidneys from a total of 40 rats, which were assigned to 1 of 4 groups of 10 rats each: control group (no taurine given, kidneys evaluated immediately after removal), taurine group (as in the control group, except that taurine was given …

The Effects Of Local Anaesthesia With Bupivacaine And Botulinum Toxin-A After Thoracotomy On Stress Hormone Levels, Makbule Ergi̇n, Ali̇ Yegi̇nsu, İsmai̇l Kürşat Gürlek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effects of local and systemic analgesics on stress hormone levels, which increase after thoracotomy. Materials and methods: Sixty-three male rats were divided into 9 groups (n = 7). In the control animals, only a blood sample was taken. In the thoracotomy group, a retractor was inserted for 1 h. In the local anaesthesia group, intercostal nerve block was performed with bupivacaine or botulinum toxin-A. In the systemic analgesia group, blockade was performed with bupivacaine and diclofenac sodium was given intraperitoneally. Blood samples were taken twice 4 h and 24 h after thoracotomy. Results: At 4 h, stress …

The Prenatal Diagnosis Of Familial Satellited Yq Chromosomes, Sezi̇n Yakut, Saffet Öztürk, Mehmet Şi̇mşek, İbrahi̇m İnanç Mendi̇lci̇oğlu, Güven Lüleci̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To report a rare chromosomal abnormality, familial satellited Y chromosome (Yqs), in 3 Turkish prenatal cases. Material and methods: Metaphase chromosomes were prepared from amniocytes for prenatal cases and from lymphocytes for their fathers according to the standard methods. Results: In all cases, the analysis of all GTG-banded metaphases showed satellites on the long arms of chromosome Y as 46, XYqs karyotype. The indications for cytogenetic study were advanced maternal age and abnormal ultrasonographic findings with increased risk in the first trimester screening test. Cytogenetic studies of the fathers revealed that the Yqs were inherited. The satellites were positively stained …

Protective Activity Of The Methanol Extract Of Usnea Longissima Against Oxidative Damage And Genotoxicity Caused By Aflatoxin B_1 In Vitro, Güleray Ağar, Ali̇ Aslan, Eli̇f Kotan Sarioğlu, Lokman Alpsoy, Selçuk Çeker

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effects of methanol extracts obtained from Usnea longissima (UME) on the genotoxicity and oxidative stress of aflatoxin B_1 (AFB_1) in cultured human blood cells. Materials and methods: Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus (MN) tests were used for estimation of genotoxic influences. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) level were also measured to evaluate the antioxidative effect of UME. Results: In the SCE and MN test systems, it was observed that UME suppressed the mutagenic effects of AFB_1. Furthermore, an increase of MDA level and a decrease of SOD and …

Equestrian Perniosis, Donald J. Adler Do, Marie S. Lewars Do

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Tdp-43 Potentiates Alpha-Synuclein Toxicity To Dopaminergic Neurons In Transgenic Mice., Tian Tian, Cao Huang, Jianbin Tong, Ming Yang, Hongxia Zhou, Xugang Xia

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

TDP-43 and α-synuclein are two disease proteins involved in a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases. While TDP-43 proteinopathy is considered a pathologic hallmark of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobe degeneration, α-synuclein is a major component of Lewy body characteristic of Parkinson's disease. Intriguingly, TDP-43 proteinopathy also coexists with Lewy body and with synucleinopathy in certain disease conditions. Here we reported the effects of TDP-43 on α-synuclein neurotoxicity in transgenic mice. Overexpression of mutant TDP-43 (M337V substitution) in mice caused early death in transgenic founders, but overexpression of normal TDP-43 only induced a moderate loss of cortical neurons in …