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Induction Of Integral Membrane Pam Expression In Att-20 Cells Alters The Storage And Trafficking Of Pomc And Pc1, Giuseppe D. Ciccotosto, Martin R. Schiller, Betty A. Eipper, Richard E. Mains

Life Sciences Faculty Research

Peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) is an essential enzyme that catalyzes the COOH-terminal amidation of many neuroendocrine peptides. The bifunctional PAM protein contains an NH2-terminal monooxygenase (PHM) domain followed by a lyase (PAL) domain and a transmembrane domain. The cytosolic tail of PAM interacts with proteins that can affect cytoskeletal organization. A reverse tetracycline-regulated inducible expression system was used to construct an AtT-20 corticotrope cell line capable of inducible PAM-1 expression. Upon induction, cells displayed a time- and dose-dependent increase in enzyme activity, PAM mRNA, and protein. Induction of increased PAM-1 expression produced graded changes in PAM-1 metabolism. Increased expression of …

Fas-Fasl Interaction Involved In Pathogenesis Of Ocular Toxoplasmosis In Mice, Mark S. Hu, Joseph D. Schwartzman, Grant R. Yeaman, Jane Collins, Rosanne Seguin, Imtiaz A. Khan, Lloyd H. Kasper

Dartmouth Scholarship

Ocular toxoplasmosis is a potentially blinding intraocular inflammation. The intent of this study was to investigate the role of Fas-FasL interaction in a murine model of acquired ocular toxoplasmosis induced by intracameral inoculation of Toxoplasma gondii. Intraocular inflammation, Fas and FasL expression on lymphocytes and on ocular tissues, the occurrence of apoptosis, and the frequency of CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells in the infected eyes were analyzed in C57BL/6 (B6) mice. Susceptibility to parasite-induced intraocular inflammation was observed in Fas-deficient (B6-lpr) and FasL-deficient (B6-gld) mice. Inoculation of 5,000 T. gondii tachyzoites induced significant …

Dealing With Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Z Abbas

Section of Gastroenterology

No abstract provided.

Integrin-Dependent Control Of Translation: Engagement Of Integrin Alphaiibbeta3 Regulates Synthesis Of Proteins In Activated Human Platelets., Ravinder Pabla, Andrew S. Weyrich, Dan A. Dixon, Paul F. Bray, Thomas M. Mcintyre, Stephen M. Prescott, Guy A. Zimmerman

Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research

Integrins are widely expressed plasma membrane adhesion molecules that tether cells to matrix proteins and to one another in cell-cell interactions. Integrins also transmit outside-in signals that regulate functional responses of cells, and are known to influence gene expression by regulating transcription. In previous studies we found that platelets, which are naturally occurring anucleate cytoplasts, translate preformed mRNA transcripts when they are activated by outside-in signals. Using strategies that interrupt engagement of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 by fibrinogen and platelets deficient in this integrin, we found that alphaIIbbeta3 regulates the synthesis of B cell lymphoma 3 (Bcl-3) when platelet aggregation is induced …

Geriatric Interdisciplinary Team Training, Rita Jablonski, David A. Cifu, Peter A. Boling, Patricia Slattum, A. Leigh Peyton, F. Ellen Netting, Iris A. Parham, Joan B. Wood

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives

1. To demonstrate the importance of training health care professionals in inter-disciplinary teamwork and geriatric health issues.

2. To increase one’s knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the various disciplines involved in interdisciplinary teamwork.

Ovulatory And Metabolic Effects Of D-Chiro-Inositol In The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, John E. Nestler, Daniela J. Jakubowicz , M.D., Paula Reamer , M.A., Ronald D. Gunn , M.S., Geoffrey Allan , Ph. D.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Publications

BACKGROUND

Women with the polycystic ovary syndrome have insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, possibly because of a deficiency of a d-chiro-inositol–containing phosphoglycan that mediates the action of insulin. We hypothesized that the administration of d-chiro-inositol would replenish stores of the mediator and improve insulin sensitivity.

METHODS

We measured steroids in serum and performed oral glucose-tolerance tests before and after the oral administration of 1200 mg of d-chiro-inositol or placebo once daily for six to eight weeks in 44 obese women with the polycystic ovary syndrome. The serum progesterone concentration was measured weekly to monitor for …

Health Professions Division Catalog Academic Year 1999-2000, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Informing Research On Hiv Prevention: A Consultation, Sharon Fonn, C. Elizabeth Mcgrory

HIV and AIDS

According to a 1998 UNAIDS/WHO report, HIV infection among women is the fastest-growing segment of the AIDS pandemic, especially in developing countries. Unfortunately, the HIV-prevention strategies put forward by the public health community—monogamy, condom use, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections—are not feasible for many women. Women urgently need a means within their personal control to protect themselves against HIV. Recognizing this need, a number of international and nongovernmental organizations and government agencies have called for the development of microbicides, products that women could use vaginally to prevent infection with sexually transmitted infections, particularly HIV. The Population Council is one …

Department Of Radiology-Annual Executive Summary Report-July 1, 1998 To June 30, 1999, David C. Levin, M.D.

Department of Radiology Administrative Documents and Reports

102 page Department of Radiology Annual Executive Summary Report, July 1, 1998 to June 30, 1999, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

Vital Signs, Winter 1999, Boonshoft School Of Medicine

Vital Signs

A twenty four page newsletter created by the Boonshoft School of Medicine to document the current affairs of the school. This issue includes a variety of feature articles, alumni profiles, class notes, and more.

Study Of The Molecular Basis Of Diabetic Retinopathy, Heather Christine Glasscock-Hatcher

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Abnormalities of the retinal vasculature contribute significantly to the development of diabetic retinopathy. In this study we have focused on two mechanisms which may be responsible-for the development and progression of this diabetic complication. Chronic hyperglycemia is associated with many of the vascular complications of diabetes mellitus; therefore, we examined mechanisms by which high-dose glucose damages retinal capillary endothelial cells. Our cell count results showed that high-dose glucose induces cell death in primary cultured human retinal capillary endothelial cells. Flow cytometry, in situ cell death detection, and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the cell death occurred via the apoptosis pathway …

Contributors

Coronary Artery Anomalies

No abstract provided.

Preface

Coronary Artery Anomalies

No abstract provided.

Chapter 4: Normal And Anomalous Coronary Arteries In Humans. Part 1: Historical Background, Paolo Angelini, Salvado Villason, Albert V. Chan, Jr., Jose' G. Diez

Coronary Artery Anomalies

No abstract provided.

The Association Of Fluid Intake With Total Natural-Cause Mortality, Coronary Heart Disease And Fatal Stroke, Jacqueline Chung Lun Chan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Hypohydration may be more widespread than realized since it does not always arouse a sense of thirst. When thirst is felt, it is often ignored, or satisfied before euhydration is achieved. There is growing evidence indicating that hypohydration contributes to acute and chronic illnesses, and to rheological factors associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Therefore the relationship of fluid intake with risk of total natural-cause mortality, CHD and stroke death was examined using data on 34,192 white, non-Hispanic participants in the Adventist Health Study.

Among the 27,342 reporting no CHD, stroke or diabetes at baseline, during six years …

Investigation Of The Contractile And Regulatory Proteins In Malignant Hyperthermia And Normal Skeletal Muscle, Louise C. Norbury

Theses : Honours

Malignant hyperthermia/hyperpyrexia (MH) is a serious human skeletal muscle disorder that manifests itself during general anaesthesia. Currently, the most reliable method of diagnosing this disease is the in-vitro contracture test (IVCT). This procedure is both highly invasive for the patient and expensive to perform. The skinned muscle fibre technique is less invasive, and could possibly be used as an alternative diagnostic test for MH. In this study, skeletal muscle samples were obtained from B adults (age 23-54 years) undergoing elective surgery at Royal Perth Hospital. Six patients were diagnosed as normal (controls) and two equivocal for MH (MHE). Using the …

The Efficacy Of A Developmental Follow-Up Program For High-Risk Infants, Laurie M. De Jong

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Objective: To assess the efficacy of a developmental follow-up program provided at a local community hospital. Efficacy was measured by the number of children referred to early intervention services and the cost effectiveness of the program. Design: This is a retrospective study of 174 children evaluated during 272 visits in the Follow-up Clinic from the inception of the program on November 22, 1994 through December 31, 1998. The data collected included referral rates and demographic information on all children. Financial information was also obtained on 74 children seen during a one year period to assess the financial implications of the …

The Role Of Gap Junctions In Congenital Diseases Of The Heart, Scott Henry Britz-Cunningham

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Gap junctions are thought to have a crucial role in the synchronized contraction of the heart and in embryonic development. Connexin43, the major protein of gap junctions in the heart, is targeted by several protein kinases that regulate myocardial cell-cell coupling. We hypothesized that mutations altering sites critical to this regulation would lead to functional or developmental abnormalities of the heart.

Methods. Connexin43 DNA from 25 normal subjects and 30 children with a variety of congenital heart diseases was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. Mutant DNA was expressed in cell culture and examined for its effect …

Cytochalasins Useful In Providing Protection Against Nerve Cell Injury Associated With Neurodegenerative Disorders, Mark P. Mattson

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Patents

The present invention relates to novel therapeutic uses of certain compounds to protect nerve cells from injury and death. The compounds include cytochalasin D and related analogs, and cytochalasin E and related analogs.

Transient Expression Of A Translation Initiation Factor Is Conservatively Associated With Embryonic Gene Activation In Murine And Bovine Embryos., P A De Sousa, A J Watson, R M Schultz

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Publications

In the present study the abundance of mRNAs for eukaryotic translation initiation factors eIF-1A (formerly known as eIF-4C), -2alpha, -4A, -4E, and -5 was examined in in vivo-derived mouse embryos throughout preimplantation development using a semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. Although the mRNA profile for each gene is unique, only mRNA for eIF-1A transiently increases during embryonic gene activation (EGA) at the 2-cell stage, and this was confirmed by an independent hybridization-based assay. In in vitro-developed bovine embryos, mRNA for eIF-1A was transiently detected at the 8-cell stage, when the major activation of the genome occurs in this species. …

Benzodiazepine Self-Poisoning In Pakistan: Implications For Prevention And Harm Reduction, M M. Khan, Hashim Reza

Department of Psychiatry

The pattern of all index admissions for benzodiazepine self-poisoning to a university hospital in Karachi, Pakistan are described. Of the 329 medication self-poisoning cases, 84% were benzodiazepine overdoses. Diazepam was the preferred drug in 69% of these cases, with majority ingesting between 20-30 tablets of 5 mg each, 44% bought the benzodiazepine over the counter (OTC) for the purpose of overdose. The preference for benzodiazepines over analgesics (as freely available) may be related to the motives underlying parasuicide acts and their popularity as 'sleeping pills' in Pakistan. Educating the 'chemist' and limiting the number of tablets dispensed at a time …

Oncolog, Volume 43, Number 10, October 1998, Beth W. Allen, Beth Notzon, Alison Ruffin, Fran Zandstra Rn, Bsn, Mba, Ocn

OncoLog MD Anderson's Report to Physicians (All issues) Archives

• Endometrial cancer: prompt responses yield high survival rates
• Celebrating the end of a destructive relationship: one smoker's story
• Gene therapy for brain tumors moves from laboratory to clinic
• Protocols: Trials Offer Treatment Options for Patients with Endometrial Cancer
• Protocols: Brain Tumor Trials Encompass Radiation, Drug, Biological, and Gene Therapies
• House Call: Using Antioxidants: Read the Road Signs and Yield to Caution
• DiaLog: Protecting Hard-Won Surgical Cure: Surveillance for Recurrent Endometrial Cancer, by Fran Zandstra, RN, BSN, MBA, OCN, Center Administrative Director, Gynecology Oncology Center

A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Lifestyle And Rheumatoid Arthritis, Leslie Nazaroff

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the synovial joints. RA affects 0.5-2% of the population. Though it is predominantly a progressive disease, adjunct therapy may slow the destructive pathway or alleviate affiliated symptoms. This study examined the effects of lifestyle (diet and exercise) and self-efficacy on symptoms of RA as measured by disease activity and health satisfaction.

Methods. Seventy-five RA patients (77% female) from the Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Offices, Rheumatology Department completed self-assessment surveys on their lifestyle practices and RA affliction. Disease symptoms and activity were assessed with the Arthritis Impact Measurement …

Digest Of The Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine (Fall 1998), Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine

Digest

The Fall 1998 issue of the Digest of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine includes the following articles:

• Opening Remarks
• PCOM Updates
• Approaching 100: Our Centennial
• Commencement ‘98
• Remembering David Heilig, Do, '44, OMM Professor Emeritus
• Alumni Make their Mark in the Military
• Profiles
• AHEC Exposes Students to Rural Medicine
• Class Notes
• Just Published
• In Memoriam
• Send Us Your News for Digest!
• Coming Events

The Relationship Of The Incisive Canal To Maxillary Median Diastema, Jeffery S. Corbett

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the incisive canal and maxillary median diastema, and to identify an imaging method capable of documenting the geometry and dimensions of the incisive canal. The sample consisted of 59 dry skulls, 26 of which had a maxillary median diastema ranging in size from 0.1 mm to 2.8 mm (mean 1.0 mm, SD = 0.7 mm). Each skull had all of the permanent maxillary teeth present from first molar to first molar and lacked any apparent non-orthodontic condition that could have caused the diastema. Diastema width and canal diameter were …

Spinal Cord Compression: Histologic Spectrum Of Lesions, I. N. Soomro, N.Kayani N.Kayani, Shahid Pervez, A. S. Hussainy, R. Ahmed, S. Muzaffar, S. A. Aziz, S. H. Hasan

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Histologic diagnosis ultimately determines the prognosis and treatment of lesions causing spinal cord compression. Modem imaging techniques have revolutionized the procedure of localizing lesions pre¬senting with signs and symptoms of spinal cord compression. As a result, these lesions are more accessible for fine needle aspiration and biopsy. A quick diagnosis is possible if cytologic preparation is made. Similarly, intraoperative frozen section facility not only provides rapid diagnosis, but also offers oppor tunity of appropriate management decision there and then. Histology in many cases needs help of special stains and immunocytochemistry. This study looks at the histologic spectrum of these lesions, …

Expression Of Toxoplasma Gondii-Specific Heat Shock Protein 70 During In Vivo Conversion Of Bradyzoites To Tachyzoites, Neide M. Silva, Ricardo T. Gazzinelli, Deise A. O. Silva, Eloisa A. V. Ferro, Lloyd H. Kasper, Jose R. Mineo

Dartmouth Scholarship

Stage conversion between bradyzoites and tachyzoites was investigated in C57BL/6 mice chronically infected with the ME-49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii. In order to promote bradyzoite-tachyzoite conversion, mice were treated in vivo with neutralizing doses of anti-gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) or anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) antibodies. Expression of parasite-specific antigens SAG-1, SAG-2, and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp-70) was visualized in the central nervous system by immunocytochemistry and measured by photometric assay. The immunosuppressive effect of anti-IFN-gamma or anti-TNF-alpha treatment was immediate, leading to parasite stage conversion as indicated by the increased expression of tachyzoite-specific antigens (SAG-1 and SAG-2) and by …

Expression, Isolation And Purification Of Human Zona Pellucida Protein 3, Ting-Fung Chi

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Mammalian fertilization involves interactions of sperm surface receptors with the ligands of the zona pellucida, an extracellular matrix surrounding the ovulated oocytes. In humans, the zona pellucida is composed of three major glycoproteins. One of them, ZP3, participates in the primary sperm binding and in the subsequent triggering of the spermatozoa's acrosome reaction. Studies on the role of this specific protein in the human fertilization process are hampered by the limited amount of available biologically functional proteins.

By use of a pcDNA 3.1(+) expression vector, a transfecting-vector was constructed containing a 1.3 kb histidine tagged hZP3 cDNA. This histidine tagged …

Well Differentiated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasizing To Jaw And Oral Cavity Within Six Months Of Primary Diagnosis., Nazma Afroze, Irshad N. Soomro, Shahid Pervez, Naila Kayani, Sheema H. Hasan

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

No abstract provided.

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (Lif): Murine Preimplantation Embryo Development, Implantation Rates, And Skeletal Development, Michael Hayes Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine which demonstrates perplexing physiological effects. It has been demonstrated that LIF is essential for implantation in mice. Little is known relating to the manner by which LIF effects pre-implantation and post-implantation development. The objectives of this project were to determine the effects LIF on pre-implantation development, to determine the effects that it may have on implantation rates, successful pregnancy rates, and resorption rates, and to determine the effects that LIF has on the skeletal development of mice. For the embryo transfer experiments, embryos were exposed to test compounds in the transfer medium …