Digital Commons Network^™

Pipkiγ Regulates Focal Adhesion Dynamics And Colon Cancer Cell Invasion, Zhaofei Wu, Xiang Li, Manjula Sunkara, Heather Spearman, Andrew J. Morris, Cai Huang

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Focal adhesion assembly and disassembly are essential for cell migration and cancer invasion, but the detailed molecular mechanisms regulating these processes remain to be elucidated. Phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase type Iγ (PIPKIγ) binds talin and is required for focal adhesion formation in EGF-stimulated cells, but its role in regulating focal adhesion dynamics and cancer invasion is poorly understood. We show here that overexpression of PIPKIγ promoted focal adhesion formation, whereas cells expressing either PIPKIγ^K188,200R or PIPKIγ^D316K, two kinase-dead mutants, had much fewer focal adhesions than those expressing WT PIPKIγ in CHO-K1 cells and HCT116 colon cancer cells. Furthermore, …

Activation Of Matrix Metalloproteinases Following Anti-Aβ Immunotherapy; Implications For Microhemorrhage Occurrence, Donna M. Wilcock, Dave Morgan, Marcia N. Gordon, Tiffany L. Taylor, Lisa A. Ridnour, David A. Wink, Carol A. Colton

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Anti-Aβ immunotherapy is a promising approach to the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) currently in clinical trials. There is extensive evidence, both in mice and humans that a significant adverse event is the occurrence of microhemorrhages. Also, vasogenic edema was reported in phase 2 of a passive immunization clinical trial. In order to overcome these vascular adverse effects it is critical that we understand the mechanism(s) by which they occur.

METHODS: We have examined the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) protein degradation system in two previously published anti-Aβ immunotherapy studies. The first was a passive immunization study in which …

Coordinated Regulation By Agra, Sara, And Sarr To Control Agr Expression In Staphylococcus Aureus, Dindo Reyes, Diego O. Andrey, Antoinette Monod, William L. Kelley, Gongyi Zhang, Ambrose L. Cheung

Dartmouth Scholarship

The agr locus of Staphylococcus aureus is composed of two divergent transcripts (RNAII and RNAIII) driven by the P2 and P3 promoters. The P2-P3 intergenic region comprises the SarA/SarR binding sites and the four AgrA boxes to which AgrA binds. We reported here the role of AgrA, SarA, and SarR on agr P2 and P3 transcription. Using real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and promoter fusion studies with selected single, double, triple, and complemented mutants, we showed that AgrA is indispensable to agr P2 and P3 transcription, whereas SarA activates and SarR represses P2 transcription. In vitro runoff transcription assays revealed that …

Senior Transportation Abstracts: A Focus On Options, Helen Kerschner, Nina M. Silverstein

Gerontology Institute Publications

This collection of abstracts represents a publication of importance for understanding the needs, challenges, solutions, and/or every day issues related to senior transportation services. While several of the abstracts include information about senior driver safety, the collection’s primary purpose is to present a holistic approach to transportation options for older adults. Such a collection is timely because, although the practice of providing transportation to older adults is not new, research and preparation of practical informational and technical materials related to older adult transportation service needs and service delivery are quite recent.

Isolated Adult Hypoganglionosis Presenting As Sigmoid Volvulus: A Case Report., Irfan Qadir, Muhammad Musa Salick, Abrar Barakzai, Hasnain Zafar

Department of Surgery Docs

Introduction:Isolated hypoganglionosis is a rare cause of intestinal innervation defects. It is characterized by sparse and small myenteric ganglia, absent or low acetylcholinesterase activity in the lamina propria and hypertrophy of the muscularis mucosae, principally in the region of the colon and rectum. It accounts for 5% of all intestinal neuronal malformations. To the best of our knowledge, only 92 cases of isolated hypoganglionosis were reported from 1978 to 2009. Isolated hypoganglionosis usually manifests as enterocolitis or poor bowel function, and is diagnosed in infancy or childhood. We report the first case of isolated hypoganglionosis presenting with sigmoid volvulus …

Bioluminescent Imaging Reveals Divergent Viral Pathogenesis In Two Strains Of Stat1-Deficient Mice, And In Αßγ Interferon Receptor-Deficient Mice, Tracy Jo Pasieka, Lynne Collins, Megan A. O'Connor, Yufei Chen, Zachary M. Parker, Brent L. Berwin, David R. Piwnica-Worms, David A. Leib

Dartmouth Scholarship

Pivotal components of the IFN response to virus infection include the IFN receptors (IFNR), and the downstream factorsignal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (Stat1). Mice deficient for Stat1 and IFNR (Stat12/2 and IFNaßcR2/2 mice) lack responsiveness to IFN and exhibit high sensitivity to various pathogens. Here we examined herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) pathogenesis in Stat12/2 mice and in IFNaßcR2/2 mice following corneal infection and bioluminescent imaging. Two divergent and paradoxical patterns of infection were observed. Mice with an N-terminal deletion in Stat1 (129Stat12/2(N-term)) had transient infection of the liver and spleen, but succumbed to encephalitis by day …

Mast Cell Activation And Clinical Outcome In Pediatric Cholelithiasis And Biliary Dyskinesia., Craig A. Friesen, Nancy Neilan, James F. Daniel, Kim Radford, Jennifer Verrill Schurman, Ding-You Li, Linda Andre, Shawn D. St Peter, G W. Holcomb Iii

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: The current study was undertaken to determine the degree of activation of gallbladder mucosal mast cells, whether mast cell (MC) density or activation differ between patients with and without a positive clinical response to cholecystectomy, and whether either density or activation correlate with gallbladder emptying.

RESULTS: Fifteen biliary dyskinesia (BD) and 13 symptomatic cholelithiasis (CL) patients undergoing cholecystectomy were prospectively enrolled. Gallbladder wall MC density (by immunohistochemistry) and activation (by electron microscopy) were determined. Clinical response was evaluated 30 days post-cholecystectomy on a 5-point Likert-type scale. A complete or nearly complete clinical response was seen in 100% of CL …

Tropical Medicine: A Clinical Text, 8th Edition, Revised And Expanded, Kevin M. Cahill, M.D.

Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs

The history of tropical medicine is as dramatic as the story of humankind. It has its own myths and legends, including tales of epidemics that destroyed whole civilizations. Today, with silent stealth, tropical diseases still claim more lives than all the current wars combined. Having had the privilege of working throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as in the great medical centers of Europe and the United States, the author presents the details essential for understanding pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, therapy, and prevention of the major tropical diseases. The text, now in its eighth edition, has been used for …

Medical Education Digest, Vol. 13 No. 5 (September/October 2011), Nova Southeastern University

Medical Education Digest

No abstract provided.

Defining Bone Health And Fracture Risk In West Virginia: The World Health Organization Frax® Assessment Tool, Franklin D. Shuler Md, Jacob Conjeski Md

Orthopaedics

This article highlights the expanding burden of osteoporosis in West Virginia. WV ranks second nationally in the percentage of its population that is ≥ 65 years of age. Our older population increases the risk of osteoporosis and fracture; the most recent data indicates that 77% of our women age 50 and older have osteoporosis or low bone mass. The lifetime risk of osteoporotic related fracture is alarming and occurs in 50% of females and 25% of males age 50 and older. The risk of osteoporosis related hip fracture in women is equal to the combined risk of breast, uterine or …

The Role Of Surgery In Building Resilience To Blast Attacks, Vivian Mcalister

Data and Test Instruments

Blast attacks are the commonest form of terrorist attack on civilians. Blast often causes injury from industrial accidents. Blast injury is the most common cause of injury and death in modern combat. A recent review of Canadian fatal casualties in Afghanistan found 81% to have been caused by blast, almost four times the number killed by gun shot wounds. Improvised explosive devices (IED) caused 78% of the blasts with another 20% being due to rocket propelled grenades (RPG).1 The purpose of this review is to outline the mechanisms of injury, to define the surgical response and to understand the implications …

B-Cell Lymphoma Of The Brainstem With Central Neurogenic Hyperventilation, S. Ather Enam, Rushna Ali

Section of Neurosurgery

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the brainstem is a rare entity. Central Neurogenic Hyperventilation (CNH), an associated manifestation of this disease, is an even rarer event. We report a case of an immunocompetent individual who presented to us with tachypnea and facial nerve palsy. Neuroimaging showed a Cerebellopontine angle tumour which on histopathology showed feature consistent with a Non-Hodgkin's B-Cell Lymphoma. The patient went on to develop severe respiratory alkalosis with findings consistent with CNH. Chemotherapy with Methotrexate was started and high dose Dexamethasone was added to the regimen a month later. Radiologically, the tumour size decreased by 50% but the patient's …

White Coat Hypertension Is Not A Benign Entity: A Cross-Sectional Study At A Tertiary Care Hospital In Pakistan, Saniya Siraj Godil, Halima Tabani, Aamir Hameed Khan, Aysha Almas

Section of Cardiology

Objectives: To determine the frequency of White Coat Hypertension in patients undergoing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring at a tertiary care center and to compare ambulatory blood pressure profiles of normotensives, white coat hypertensives and hypertensives.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted which included all adult patients undergoing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring over a 3-year period. Those patients with incomplete data, less than 85% successful BP readings and inadequate number of daytime and nighttime readings were excluded from the study. The data on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring comprised of demographics, blood pressure, pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure readings at …

Use Of Traditional Chinese Medication For Post-Stroke Recovery, Shaista Anwar Sidddiqi, Ayeesha Kamran Kamal

Section of Nephrology

No abstract provided.

Legal Aspects Of Aerobic Capacity: Objective Evidence Of The Ability To Work, Margaret E. Ciccolella, Tommy Boone, Todd E. Davenport

School of Pharmacy Faculty Articles

The article discusses the legality of aerobic capacity testing in disability cases particularly chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It says that aerobic capacity testing can be used to document functional impairments in patients with CFS after the failure of Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) in evaluating the ability to work of CFS patients who claim for insurance benefits. It presents case law reviews that illustrate the importance of expert testimony in disability related insurance benefit.

John H. Gibbon, Jr., M.D.: Surgical Innovator, Pioneer, And Inspiration., Jordan P. Bloom, B.S., Charles J. Yeo, Md, Herbert E. Cohn, Md, Pinckney J. Maxwell, Iv, Md

Department of Surgery Gibbon Society Historical Profiles

Throughout history there have been many discoveries that have changed the world, including Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity, Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone, and Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce’s microchip. There are a few analogous contributions that have been made in medicine: Sir Alexander’s discovery of penicillin, Lister’s principles of antiseptic technique, Salk and Sabin’s vaccines for polio, as well as numerous others. These innovative thinkers all had two factors in common. First, they were pioneers who faced problems that had no solutions at the time and who refused to accept the status quo in the face of great scrutiny and …

Mechanisms Of Resistance To Raf Inhibitors In Melanoma., A E Aplin, Fred M Kaplan, Yongping Shao

Department of Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

The recent RAF inhibitor trial with PLX4032/RG7204 in late-stage mutant B-RAF melanoma patients has been lauded as a success story for personalized cancer therapy since short-term clinical responses were observed in the majority of patients. However, initial responses were followed by subsequent tumor re-growth, and a subset of patients showed intrinsic resistance. Bi-directional translational efforts are now essential to determine the mechanisms underlying acquired/secondary and intrinsic resistance to RAF inhibitors.

Road Traffic Injuries In Rawalpindi City, Pakistan., Umar Farooq, Junaid Ali Bhatti, M. Siddiq, M. Majeed, N. Malik, Junaid Razzak, M. M. Khan

Department of Emergency Medicine

Data on road traffic accident (RTA) injuries and their outcome are scarce in Pakistan. This study assessed patterns of RTA injuries reported in Rawalpindi city using standard surveillance methods. All RTA injury patients presenting to emergency departments of 3 tertiary care facilities from July 2007 to June 2008 were included. RTA injuries (n = 19 828) accounted for 31.7% of all injuries. Among children aged 0-14 years females suffered twice as many RTA injuries as males (21.3% versus 11.4%), whereas this trend reversed for the age group 15-24 years (41.9% versus 21.7%). One-fifth of injuries were either fractures or concussion. …

Malignant Psoas Abscess Or Pseudomyxoma Extraperitonei, Amber Mehmood, Kiran Ejaz, Turab Ibrahim Pishori

Department of Emergency Medicine

Primary adenocarcinoma of appendix is an uncommon gastrointestinal malignancy. Similarly, Psoas abscess is an entity, which sometimes requires extensive work-up to reach a diagnosis. Combined presentation of these two rare conditions is not only exceptional, but also diagnostically challenging. We present a case of a lady who presented with recurrent UTI secondary to right sided ureteric obstruction, referred right hip joint pain resulting from a Psoas abscess, which eventually turned out to be a consequence of metastatic adenocarcinoma of appendix, causing pseudomyxoma extraperitonei, with simultaneous intraperitoneal deposits.

Respiratory Dyskinesia--An Under-Recognized Side-Effect Of Neuroleptic Medications, Mukesh Mohan Bhimani

Department of Psychiatry

Respiratory dyskinesia is an under-recognized side effect of neuroleptic administration. There are only few studies that have addressed the prevalence of respiratory dyskinesia in patients with tardive dyskinesia. Our case report highlights the need to regularly examine patients on antipsychotics for any evidence of dyskinetic movements including respiratory musculature. Since RD is underrecognized and misdiagnosed, early detection can improve long term prognosis as treatment options are few and usually of only limited effect. A 62-year-old Asian male, retired civil engineer, had more than 20 years history of depressive illness, developed antidepressant induced hypomania, and was given risperidone upto 1 mg …

Labrad : Vol 37, Issue 2 - September 2011, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi

LABRAD - Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Radiology Archives

• Biochemical Bone Profiles Available at Clinical Laboratory of Aga Khan University Hospital
• Ionized Calcium Determination in Clinical Labortory
• Parathyroid Hormone Disorders and Issues of Testing
• Tubular Maximum Reabsorption Rate of Phosphate to Glomerular Filtration Rate (TmP/GFR)
• LABRAD Quiz
• Renal Osteodystrophy: A Disturbed Metabolic Aspect of Renal Failure
• Osteopenia and Osteoporosis in Beta Thalassemia Major
• Role of β2 Microglobulin in Multiple Myeloma
• Update on Microbiological Diagnosis of Bone and Joint Disorders
• Bone Sarcomas: Role of Histopathology in Diagnosis

Hiv And Concurrent Sexual Partnerships: Modelling The Role Of Coital Dilution, Larry Sawers, Alan G. Isaac, Eileen Stillwaggon

Economics Faculty Publications

Background: The concurrency hypothesis asserts that high prevalence of overlapping sexual partnerships explains extraordinarily high HIV levels in sub-Saharan Africa. Earlier simulation models show that the network effect of concurrency can increase HIV incidence, but those models do not account for the coital dilution effect (nonprimary partnerships have lower coital frequency than primary partnerships).

Methods: We modify the model of Eaton et al (AIDS and Behavior, September 2010) to incorporate coital dilution by assigning lower coital frequencies to non-primary partnerships. We parameterize coital dilution based on the empirical work of Morris et al (PLoS ONE, December …

Oncolog, Volume 56, Number 09, September 2011, Joe Munch, Bryan Tutt

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

• Novel Agents for Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer Include Potent Androgen Blockers and Immunotherapies: Despite progress in screening and therapy, prostate cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer death among men worldwide
• New Targeted Therapy Offers Hope in Relapsed Hodgkin and Anaplastic large-Cell Lymphoma: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first new drug for Hodgkin Lymphoma since 1977
• HOUSE CALL: Colorectal Cancer Screening: Risk factors determine who should be screened and how often
• IN BRIEF: Everolimus may Overcome Trastuzumab Resistance in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients

Evolution Of Foetal Echocardiography As A Screening Tool For Prenatal Diagnosis Of Congenital Heart Disease, Nuruddin Badruddin Mohammed, Anandakumar Chinnaiya

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Congenital cardiac anomalies are the most common anomalies, with an estimated incidence of about 4-13 per 1000 live births. Proper perinatal and neonatal management is dependent upon accurate prenatal diagnosis. Approximately 10% of foetuses with cardiac abnormalities have identified risk factors; hence, most of the anomalies occur in pregnancies without prenatal risk factors. Foetal echocardiography allows for prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease and serves as a routine screening tool for congenital heart defects. Advanced technology, has not only allowed more accurate and early detection of cardiac abnormalities but has also improved the care and outcome of selected foetuses with …

An Occupational-Based Experimental Study Of Collective Vs. Personal Efficacy To Encourage Sun Protective Behaviors In Head Start Preschool Teachers, Elizabeth A. Holzhauser

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancers in the United States. An analysis of literature shows that skin cancer can be partially mitigated through personal behavior changes (Glanz, Buller, & Saraiya; 2007, Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety [CCOHS], 2010). Currently national sun-safety educational campaigns promote sun-protective behaviors to individuals who receive exposure due to their work environment (Task Force on Community Preventive Services, 2004). Preschool teachers employed with San Bernardino County Head Start are inadvertently exposed to sunlight during mandatory recess periods posing risks to their health.

Purpose. This study evaluated two instructional …

Elderly Patients And Their Health In Pakistan: Current Status, Issues, Challenges And Opportunities, Waris Qidwai, Tabinda Ashfaq

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Massachusetts Senior Legal Assistance Project Needs Evaluation: Current Demand For Legal Services, Alison Gottlieb, Lauren A. Martin, Ellen A. Bruce

Gerontology Institute Publications

The Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston was contracted to conduct a statewide needs assessment for the MSLAP. As agreed upon by the MSLAP Advisory Board, the focus of this assessment was to analyze the demand for services Massachusetts legal service providers have experienced recently as a means to understanding the legal needs of Massachusetts elders (age 60 and older). A second needs assessment was conducted by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. That needs assessment surveyed home care workers and other elder agency personnel to gauge their assessment of elders’ legal needs in Massachusetts. Read together, …

Identification Of A Mechanism For Increased Cardiovascular Risk Among Individuals With Low Vitamin D Concentrations., Peter F Schnatz, Matthew Nudy, David M O'Sullivan, Kelly Ethun, Susan E Appt, Thomas B Clarkson

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma concentrations of vitamin D and its association with plasma lipid profiles.

METHODS: Plasma vitamin D3 and lipid concentrations were measured in 119 female cynomolgus monkeys (premenopausal, n = 49; ovariectomized, n = 70) consuming approximately 1,000 IU per day of vitamin D3. In a subset of the ovariectomized monkeys (n = 23), vitamin D3 was remeasured after 6 months. The concentrations of vitamin D3 were analyzed as a continuous variable and were divided at the median into high (≥48 ng/mL) versus low (<48 ng>/mL) groupings.

RESULTS: Among the 119 …

Hamstring Injuries In Professional Football Players: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlation With Return To Play., Steven B Cohen, Jeffrey D Towers, Adam Zoga, Jay J Irrgang, Junaid Makda, Peter F Deluca, James P Bradley

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for detailed evaluation of hamstring injuries; however, there is no classification that allows prediction of return to play.

PURPOSE: To correlate time for return to play in professional football players with MRI findings after acute hamstring strains and to create an MRI scoring scale predictive of return to sports.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiologic study.

METHODS: Thirty-eight professional football players (43 cases) sustained acute hamstring strains with MRI evaluation. Records were retrospectively reviewed, and MRIs were evaluated by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists, graded with a traditional radiologic grade, and scored with a new MRI score. Results …

Effectiveness Of Neuromuscular Conditioning To Prevent Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries In Female Athletes: A Critical Synthesis Of Literature, Shiren G. Assaly, Todd E. Davenport, Katrin Mattern-Baxter

School of Pharmacy Faculty Articles

Background and Purpose: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common among female athletes. The purpose of this literature review was to assess the effectiveness of neuromuscular conditioning to modify biomechanical risk factors for ACL injury.

METHOD: A structured literature search was conducted to identify primary research articles. Articles were graded according to their strength of evidence and a qualitative literature review was completed.

RESULTS: Seven primary research studies were available for analysis that documented the effects of neuromuscular conditioning (range of evidence grades: 1B to 3B). Lower limb kinematics, lower limb kinetics, and incidence of tears were the primary outcomes …