Digital Commons Network^™

Primary Uterine Cervix Schwannoma: A Case Report And Review Of The Literature, Maryam Tahmasbi, Johnny Nguyen, Masoumeh Ghayouri, Yuan Shan, Ardeshir Hakam

Pathology and Cell Biology Faculty Publications

Schwannoma (neurilemmoma) is a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor that occurs in a wide variety of locations; however, its finding in the uterine cervix is extremely rare. We report a case of an incidental primary benign cervical schwannoma in a 48-year-old woman. In the English literature, a few cases of primary schwannoma of the cervix have been reported, which include seven cases of primary malignant cervical schwannoma and only two that are benign. These cases are reviewed in the following discussion.

Identification Of Sumoylated Proteins And Investigation Of Protein Ubiquitination In The Nf-Κb Pathway, Xiaoyan Liu

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

SUMOylation and ubiquitination are important post-translational modifications. While ubiquitination is well known for targeting proteins for degradation, SUMOylation often regulates the intracellular localization of substrates. In the first project of this dissertation, we developed proteomic strategies to identify novel SUMOylated proteins in mammalian cells. In the second project, we investigated the regulation of protein ubiquitination in the NF-κB signaling pathway in the context of Paget’s disease of bone (PDB).

Identification of SUMOylated proteins has been a challenge because of low abundance of SUMOylation substrates. Here, we utilized a mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic approach to identify novel SUMOylated proteins in mammalian …

Correlation Of Air Displacement Plethysmography With Alternative Body Fat Measurement Techniques In Men And Women, Brittany L. Reinert, Roberta L. Pohlman, Lynn K. Hartzler

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions with serious health consequences. Techniques used to measure body fat (BF) yield variable BF estimates, and this variability may lead to underestimation or overestimation of BF and subsequent treatment options. The measurements that are most accurate (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP)) are expensive and often unavailable. The purpose of this study is to find the commonly available BF measurement that is the most accurate and practical for individual body types in the general population and compare these measurements to ADP (BOD POD^®) as the standard. Field measurements include skinfolds …

Electronic Nose Based On Independent Component Analysis Combined With Partial Least Squares And Artificial Neural Networks For Wine Prediction, Teodoro Aguilera, Jesús Lozano, José A. Paredes, Francisco J. Alvarez, José I. Suárez

Neuroscience, Cell Biology & Physiology Faculty Publications

The aim of this work is to propose an alternative way for wine classification and prediction based on an electronic nose (e-nose) combined with Independent Component Analysis (ICA) as a dimensionality reduction technique, Partial Least Squares (PLS) to predict sensorial descriptors and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for classification purpose. A total of 26 wines from different regions, varieties and elaboration processes have been analyzed with an e-nose and tasted by a sensory panel. Successful results have been obtained in most cases for prediction and classification.

Morphological Variation Of Rusty Crayfish Orconectes Rusticus (Cambaridae) With Gender And Local Scale Spatial Gradients, Luke Etchison, Stephen J. Jacquemin, Michael Allen, Mark Pyron

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

We tested for the influence of gender, stream, and urbanization on morphological variation in rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) in an east-central Indiana, US watershed. We used geometric morphometrics to characterize shape and tested for differences among and within sites. Males had shallower rostrum, increased head width and length, decreased abdomen and cephalothorax width and length, and increased telson length compared to females. Morphology of males did not vary with stream or along an urban gradient. The morphology of females varied with stream and along an urban gradient. Female shapes from small creek sites were stouter and less fusiform …

Bsa Nanoparticles For Sirna Delivery: Coating Effects On Nanoparticle Properties, Plasma Protein Adsorption, And In Vitro Sirna Delivery, Haran Yogasundaram, Markian Stephan Bahniuk, Harsh-Deep Singh, Hamidreza Montazeri Aliabadi, Hasan Uludag, Larry David Unsworth

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Developing vehicles for the delivery of therapeutic molecules, like siRNA, is an area of active research. Nanoparticles composed of bovine serum albumin, stabilized via the adsorption of poly-L-lysine (PLL), have been shown to be potentially inert drug-delivery vehicles. With the primary goal of reducing nonspecific protein adsorption, the effect of using comb-type structures of poly(ethylene glycol) (1 kDa, PEG) units conjugated to PLL (4.2 and 24 kDa) on BSA-NP properties, apparent siRNA release rate, cell viability, and cell uptake were evaluated. PEGylated PLL coatings resulted in NPs with ζ-potentials close to neutral. Incubation with platelet-poor plasma showed the composition of …

Heart Rate And Accelerometry During Singles Footbag Net Play, Christopher Michael Siebert

Dissertations and Theses

This investigation examined the heart rate responses and movement characteristics of experienced footbag net players during singles play. Footbag net is a net/court sport similar to volleyball, but it is played with a footbag (e.g., Hacky-Sack^TM) using only the feet. In singles footbag net, players are allowed either one or two kicks to propel the footbag over the net. Subjects were 15 males and 1 female, ranging in age from 18- 60 years, with a mean age of 33.6 years. Subjects played two games of singles footbag net using two different scoring systems: "sideout" scoring and "rally" scoring. …

Regulation Of Cell Death By Autophagy In Glial Neoplasms, Latika R. Kohli

All ETDs from UAB

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive malignancies of the peripheral nervous system. The majority of MPNSTs arise in patients of the autosomal dominant genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) although they also arise sporadically. In the absence of any effective chemotherapeutic options and with surgery constituting the mainstay of treatment, MPNST patients face an extremely poor prognosis. This underscores the need to develop novel therapeutic strategies against this tumor type. It is well accepted that the crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis can be exploited to derive maximal therapeutic benefit, especially through combinatorial therapies. However, this interaction is extremely …

Innate Immune Mechanisms Against The Atypical Fungal Pathogen Pneumocystis Murina, Michael Paul Nelson

All ETDs from UAB

Pneumonia caused by the fungal pathogen Pneumocystis continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in AIDS patients. In addition, there are a number of other non-HIV-associated diseases that render an individual susceptible to Pneumocystis infection, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Innate immune mechanisms are important for controlling Pneumocystis lung infection. As alveolar macrophages serve the front lines of lung host defense, our goal was to elucidate their responses during lung Pneumocystis infection. Here, we established a role for Src family kinases in the lung immune response to Pneumocystis, which uncovered a role for alternatively activated alveolar macrophages. …

Treatment Choices Based On Oncotypedx In The Breast Oncology Care Setting, Teri L. Malo, Isaac Lipkus, Tobi Wilson, Hyo S. Han, Geza Acs, Susan T. Vadaparampil

Pathology and Cell Biology Faculty Publications

Introduction. This study aimed to evaluate whether OncotypeDx test results predict receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients who received an OncotypeDx recurrence score (RS). Materials and Methods. Pathology records were used to identify breast cancer patients who had OncotypeDx testing between December 2004 and January 2009 (𝑛 = 1 1 8). Patient sociodemographic information, tumor characteristics, RS, and treatment-specific data were collected via chart review. RS was classified as follows: low (R S ≤ 1 7), intermediate (RS = 18–30), or high (R S ≥ 3 1). Bivariate analyses were …

Translating Quality To The Bedside: Collaboration Improves Patient Outcomes, Maureen T. Smith Msn, Rn, Cnrn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

How To Write An Article: Preparing A Publishable Manuscript!, Vinod B. Shidham, Martha B. Pitman, Richard M. Demay

Department of Pathology

Most of the scientific work presented as abstracts (platforms and posters) at various conferences have the potential to be published as articles in peer-reviewed journals. This DIY (Do It Yourself) article on how to achieve that goal is an extension of the symposium presented at the 36th European Congress of Cytology, Istanbul, Turkey (presentation available on net at http://alturl.com/q6bfp). The criteria for manuscript authorship should be based on the ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts. The next step is to choose the appropriate journal to submit the manuscript and review the 'Instructions to …

Adhesion Molecule Interactions Influence The Implementation Of Immune Responses To Infection, Maureen Ann Cox

All ETDs from UAB

Interactions mediated by intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) enhance both the antigenic and cytokine signals that CD8 T cells perceive, and these interactions have been suggested to be required for the formation of memory CD8 T cells. Following acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection of ICAM-1-/- mice, we observe elevated numbers of "effector-phenotype" (CD127lo KLRG-1hi IL-2-) virus-specific CD8 T cells well into the memory phase, while the development of memory-phenotype CD8 T cells (CD127hi KLRG-1lo IL-2 producing) is not impaired. The enhanced maintenance of effector-phenotype cells is due to ICAM-1 deficiency on non-T cell subsets, suggesting a role for ICAM-1 mediated …

Discovery And Characterization Of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Serotype 11e Reveals A Novel Model Of Serotype Evolution, Juan Jose Calix

All ETDs from UAB

The facultative pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae is capable of producing a polysaccharide (PS) capsule that prevents bacterial recognition and clearance by the host immune system. Over 90 antigenically distinct capsule serotypes have been identified. Because anti-capsule antibodies can mediate bacterial clearance, capsule diversity is critical to S. pneumoniae survival. However, the mechanisms of capsule evolution remain unclear. Due to the complex interaction of capsule synthesis (cps) genes, it is commonly thought that pneumococcal serotypes evolve once and that all clinically relevant serotypes are genetically derived from a single founding clone. In this dissertation we demonstrate a novel mechanism of capsule evolution …

Seg1 Controls Eisosome Assembly And Shape, Karen E. Moreira, Sebastian Schuck, Bianca Schrul, Florian Fröhlich, James B. Moseley

Dartmouth Scholarship

Eisosomes are stable domains at the plasma membrane of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and have been proposed to function in endocytosis. Eisosomes are composed of two main cytoplasmic proteins, Pil1 and Lsp1, that form a scaffold around furrow-like plasma membrane invaginations. We show here that the poorly characterized eisosome protein Seg1/Ymr086w is important for eisosome biogenesis and architecture. Seg1 was required for efficient incorporation of Pil1 into eisosomes and the generation of normal plasma membrane furrows. Seg1 preceded Pil1 during eisosome formation and established a platform for the assembly of other eisosome components. This platform was further shaped and …

Contribution Of The Infection-Associated Complement Regulator-Acquiring Surface Protein 4 (Erpc) To Complement Resistance Of Borrelia Burgdorferi, Claudia Hammerschmidt, Teresia Hallström, Christine Skerka, Reinhard Wallich, Brian Stevenson, Peter F Zipfel, Peter Kraiczy

Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Faculty Publications

Borrelia burgdorferi evades complement-mediated killing by interacting with complement regulators through distinct complement regulator-acquiring surface proteins (CRASPs). Here, we extend our analyses to the contribution of CRASP-4 in mediating complement resistance of B. burgdorferi and its interaction with human complement regulators. CRASP-4 (also known as ErpC) was immobilized onto magnetic beads and used to capture proteins from human serum. Following Western blotting, factor H (CFH), CFH-related protein 1 (CFHR1), CFHR2, and CFHR5 were identified as ligands of CRASP-4. To analyze the impact of native CRASP-4 on mediating survival of serum-sensitive cells in human serum, a B. garinii strain was generated …

Quantitative Reagent-Free Detection Of Fibrinogen Levels In Human Blood Plasma Using Raman Spectroscopy, Kelvin Poon, Fiona Lyng, Peter Knief, Orla L. Howe, Aidan Meade, James Curtin, Hugh Byrne, Joseph Vaughan

Articles

Fibrinogen assays are commonly used as part of clinical screening tests to investigate haemorrhagic states, for detection of disseminated intravascular coagulation and as a predictor of a variety of cardiovascular events. The Clauss assay, which measures thrombin clotting time, is the most commonly used method for measuring fibrinogen levels. Nevertheless, inconsistencies are present in inter-manufacturer reagent sources, calibration standards and methodologies. Automated coagulation analysers, which measure changes in optical density during the prothrombin time (PT-Fg), have found use in many hospitals. However, the PT-Fg method is found to give falsely elevated values due to varying choices of calibrants, reagents and …

A Novel Function For Snap29 (Synaptosomal-Associated Protein Of 29 Kda) In Mast Cell Phagocytosis., Jordan Wesolowski, Vernon Caldwell, Fabienne Paumet

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

Mast cells play a critical role in the innate immune response to bacterial infection. They internalize and kill a variety of bacteria and process antigen for presentation to T cells via MHC molecules. Although mast cell phagocytosis appears to play a significant role during bacterial infection, little is known about the proteins involved in its regulation. In this study, we demonstrate that the SNARE protein SNAP29 is involved in mast cell phagocytosis. SNAP29 is localized in the endocytic pathway and is transiently recruited to Escherichia coli (E. coli)-containing phagosomes. Interestingly, overexpression of SNAP29 significantly increases the internalization and killing of …

Neuroangiogenesis: A Vascular Basis For Alzheimer's Disease And Cognitive Decline During Aging, Charles T. Ambrose

Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Faculty Publications

Angiogenesis directs development of the brain's microcirculation during antenatal and postnatal development, but its role later in life is less well recognized. I contend that during senescence a reduced cerebral capillary density accounts in part for the vascular cognitive impairment observed in many older persons and possibly for some forms of Alzheimer's disease. I propose that neuroangiogenesis is essential throughout adult life for maintaining the microcirculation of the cerebral cortex and elsewhere in the brain and that it commonly declines with old age. To support this hypothesis I have examined the neurological literature for relevant studies on cerebral capillary density …

Plasma Levels Of Il-6 And Tnf-\Alpha In Patients With Esophageal Cancer, Yener Aydin, İbrahi̇m Kaplan, Yusuf Bi̇len, Çağlar Bulut, Fatma Genç, Ati̇la Türkyilmaz, Ati̇la Eroğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Cytokines are multifunctional polypeptides synthesized in various cell types. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-\alpha (TNF-\alpha) are cytokines that have important roles in cancer pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated the plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-\alpha in patients with esophageal cancer. Materials and methods: Forty-three esophageal cancer patients (24 females and 19 males) who were newly diagnosed and had not yet undergone operation participated in the study. The patients' average age was 61.03 ± 12.4 years. The control group, on the other hand, comprised 43 healthy individuals (22 males and 21 females) with an average age of 56 ± …

Skin Prick Test Results And Prevalence Of Allergic Symptoms In Workers Exposed To Toluene, İsmai̇l Karabulut, Tevfi̇k Pinar, Hayri̇ye Karabulut, Meli̇ke Demi̇r, Güli̇stan Karadeni̇z, Riza Murat Karaşen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the distribution of allergens and allergic symptoms according to occupation groups in those who were exposed to toluene and presented with allergic rhinitis symptoms. Materials and methods: Of the 2005 patients who were administered an allergy test with the prediagnosis of allergic rhinitis, the files of 138 patients who were exposed to toluene were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The mean age of the patients was 35 ± 10 years. Distributions of symptoms and allergens of 57 patients (41.3%) with negative skin prick test and 81 patients (58.7%) with positive skin prick test were analyzed according to occupation groups. There …

The Effect Of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation On Plasma Orexin A, Plasma Fatty Acids, And Anthropometric Measurements In Patients With Narcolepsy, Makbule Gezmen Karadağ, Meral Aksoy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the effect of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid supplementation on plasma orexin A, plasma fatty acids, and anthropometric measurements in patients with narcolepsy. Materials and methods: The study was performed on 17 males with narcolepsy and 14 healthy males between the ages of 21-55. An n-3 fatty acid supplement of 1.4 g/day was administered to the groups for 2 months. The anthropometric measurements of the individuals were taken at the onset and the end of trial, and orexin, fatty acids, and other biochemical parameters in the plasma were analyzed. Results: While there was no statistically significant change in anthropometric …

Transplantation Of Undifferentiated Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Improves Sciatic Nerve Regeneration And Functional Recovery Through Inside-Out Vein Graft In Rats, Rahim Mohammadi, Saeed Azizi, Nowruz Delirezh, Rahim Hobbenaghi, Keyvan Amini

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To study the effect of undifferentiated bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on peripheral nerve regeneration using a rat sciatic nerve regeneration model. In recent years, cell transplantation has become the focus of attention, and reliable outcomes have been achieved in regeneration of the sciatic nerve. Materials and methods: A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using an inside-out vein graft (IOVG) filled with undifferentiated BMSCs (2 × 107 cells/mL). In the control group, the vein was filled with phosphate buffered saline alone. The regenerated fibers were studied 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Assessment of nerve regeneration was based …

A Study On Molecular Characterization Of Macrolide Resistance Mechanism Among Isolates Of Streptococcus Pneumoniae From The Southern Marmara Region Of Turkey, As Well As Resistance To Macrolides And Penicillin In These Isolates, Cüneyt Özakin, Hi̇cran Güler, Emel Gürcüoğlu, Sali̇ha Bakir Özbey, Esra Kazak, Ayşe Melda Sinirtaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the distribution of macrolide resistance genes as well as resistance rates in isolated Streptococcus pneumoniae strains from the southern Marmara region of Turkey. Materials and methods: Antimicrobial resistance rates and MIC values were determined by the E-test method in 300 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates that were isolated from clinical samples. Resistance genes were determined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method in erythromycin-resistant strains. Results: It was found that 11.4% of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates were resistant to macrolides. The penicillin MIC value was >=0.12 µg/mL in 23% of the strains and 2 µg/mL in 2% of the strains. The …

Infant Mortality In Northeastern Anatolia And Associated Factors, Serhat Vançeli̇k, Memet Işik, Ahmet Ruhi̇ Toraman, Zekeri̇ya Aktürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To explore the causes of infant mortality. Infant mortality is the most important criterion for the evaluation of the sufficiency of mother and child health care and the planning of health care provision. In this study, we investigated infant mortality and associated factors in 7 provinces located in northeastern Turkey. The main outcome of this study was reasons for neonatal mortality. Materials and methods: We created a cross-sectional study and included all babies born in the year 2009 who died during the first 365 days of life. Data were collected from the primary care providers. A data collection form was …

Evaluation Of Radiological Findings In 160 Adult Patients With Tuberculous Meningitis, Kadri̇ye Yaşar, Fi̇li̇z Pehli̇vanoğlu, Ahmet Şengöz, Gönül Şengöz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the radiological findings of 160 adult patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM). Materials and methods: Using a standard data collection form, 160 patients with TBM who had been followed for 11 years were assessed retrospectively. Cranial imaging results were obtained by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and pulmonary findings were obtained by chest X-ray and CT. Tuberculomas were assessed with a nominal tuberculoma classification index (TCI) scale. Results: Of the 160 patients, 80 were males and the mean age was 32.18 ± 13.62 years (range: 14-78). On admission, 84% were in stages II or III; 27 …

Discrimination Of Beta-Thalassemia Minor And Iron Deficiency Anemia By Screening Test For Red Blood Cell Indices, Aziz Batebi, Abolghasem Pourreza, Reza Esmailian

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To assess the state of iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia minor among couples intending to marry at the Molla Hadi Sabzevari Health Clinic in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and methods: Couples who intend to marry have to undergo these tests as part of a compulsory countrywide program. In this study, the red blood cell (RBC) indices among the study population were measured with an electronic cell counter (Sysmex K800). The survey involved the measurement of 2 RBC indices, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and the results were compared with the England and Fraser, Shine and Lal, and …

Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Val108/158met Gene And Alcoholism In Turkish Subjects, Ayşe Ender Altintoprak, Bülent Kayahan, Burçi̇n Tezcanli, Buket Kosova, Hakan Coşkunol

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine if the functional Val108/158Met polymorphism causes a tendency toward alcohol addiction in Turkish cases. This polymorphism of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene has been associated with many psychiatric disorders, as well as with alcoholism. Materials and methods: The allele and genotype associations of the Val108/158Met polymorphism in 110 Turkish alcoholics and 330 healthy subjects were investigated, constituting our study and control groups, by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: Distribution of the Met/Met genotype was 16.4% to 20.6% and frequency of the Met allele was 36.8% to 39.5% in the study group compared to the control group. The …

The Evaluation Of Plasma Arginine, Arginase, And Nitric Oxide Levels In Patients With Esophageal Cancer, İbrahi̇m Kaplan, Yener Aydin, Yusuf Bi̇len, Fatma Genç, Mevlüt Sai̇t Keleş, Ati̇la Eroğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Many studies have been conducted to investigate plasma arginine, arginase, and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with different types of cancer, and it has been suggested that these might be important factors for patients with cancer. In the present study, plasma arginine, arginase, and nitric oxide levels were evaluated in patients with esophageal cancer. Materials and methods: A total of 100 patients (51 females and 49 males) diagnosed with esophageal cancer but not yet operated on were included in the study. The mean age of the study population was 62.03 ± 12.4 years. Patients treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy …

Clinical Appearance Of Brucellosis In Adults: Fourteen Years Of Experience, Behi̇ce Kurtaran, Aslihan Candevi̇r, Ayşe Seza İnal, Süheyla Kömür, Özay Akyildiz, Neşe Saltoğlu, Hasan Sali̇h Zeki̇ Aksu, Yeşi̇m Taşova

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To indicate the clinical course and results of brucellosis in our region during the recent years, and to compare these findings to the literature. Materials and methods: This study was based on a review of the medical records of adult patients older than 14 years who were followed with the diagnosis of brucellosis from March 1997 to October 2010. Results: Included in this analysis were 317 patients, including 136 males (43%), with an average age of 40 ± 17 years. In 66 patients (21%), reproduction of Brucella was identified in the blood. Of the patients, 61% were identified as having …