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Antibiotics, Herbs, And Magic: Health Practices In Contemporary St. Petersburg, Christine Shu

Honors Theses

In St. Petersburg, Russia, two seemingly conflicting health doctrines, western medicine and alternative medicine, play significant roles in residents' health culture. I define alternative medicine as all health practices that use such natural products as herbs, natural honey, water, seeds, berries, and even animal products, and as such unobtrusive body therapies as acupuncture, massage, yoga, or animal therapies. I define western medicine as all treatments that involve the manipulation of ingredients in a chemistry laboratory (such as antibiotics, antiviral drugs, antihistamines. or pain killers) and all body therapies intrusive to the body (such as operations). Through interviews with St. Petersburg …

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

All ETDs from UAB

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

Neuroinflammation And Fragile X Syndrome: Regulation By Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3, Christopher Joseph Yuskaitis

All ETDs from UAB

Neuroinflammation and Fragile X syndrome (FXS) are two particularly devastating neurologic conditions for which no adequate treatment exists and much is still unknown about the underlying cellular and molecular processes. Neuroinflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of many neurologic and psychiatric disorders, thus treatment of the underlying inflammation has broad implications. FXS is the most common cause of inherited intellectual and developmental delay and one of the few known genetic causes of autism. Neuroinflammation and FXS have potential links with glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) and its inhibitor, lithium. Therefore, the overall goal of this research was to examine the role of …

Insights Into Expression, Cellular Localization, And Regulation Of Supernatant Protein Factor, A Putative Regulator Of Cholesterol Biosynthesis, Elzbieta Ilona Stolarczyk

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

SPF (Supernatant Protein Factor) is a cytosolic protein that stimulates at least two enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway: squalene monooxygenase and HMGCoA reductase. The mechanism of action has not been established but may be related to lipid transfer between intracellular membranes.

There are three human genes for SPF: SEC14L2 (SPF1), SEC14L3 (SPF2) and SEC14L4 (SPF3). The present study differentiates these closely related genes by evaluating their tissue-specific and relative expression levels. SPF1 mRNA was found to be most abundant in liver, mammary gland and stomach. SPF2 showed negligible expression in all tissues tested; SPF3 expression pattern was similar to …

Downregulation Of Hiv-1 Vif By A Hammerhead Ribozyme Expressed From A Retroviral Vector, Audrey M. Hendley, William Jackson

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Promoting Breast Cancer Screening Among Chinese American Women Through Young Children's Theatrical Performance, Angela Sun

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research has revealed that underutilization of breast cancer screening by ethnic minorities often is related to language difficulties and cultural values and beliefs about cancer. The problem addressed in this secondary data analysis was the late diagnosis of breast cancer in the Chinese immigrant community. The purpose of the quasi-experimental study was to test the efficacy of a theatrical preschool performance, guided by the diffusion of innovation theory, in educating Chinese American women about breast cancer detection. The research questions sought to determine whether the performance increased the participants' knowledge of breast cancer screening guidelines and whether country of origin, …

Organizational Culture And Job Satisfaction In Korean Professional Baseball Organizations, Yun Seok Choi, Jeffrey J. Martin, Meungguk Park

Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies

The purpose of this study was to identify the pattern of organizational culture and investigate a link between organizational culture and job satisfaction in the Korean Professional Baseball League (KPBL). The findings of the present study revealed that the baseball clubs in the KPBL tended to emphasize a market culture. The results of this study also suggest that the clan culture has a significant influence on overall employee job satisfaction and satisfaction with co-workers, supervision and personal growth. Given the importance of a conceptual relation between organizational culture and job satisfaction in effectively managing sport organizations, implications and suggestions for …

Increased Myocardial Susceptibility To Repetitive Ischemia With High-Fat–Diet-Induced Obesity, Geeta D Thakker, Nikolaos G Frangogiannis, Pawel T Zymek, Saumya Sharma, Joe L Raya, Philip M Barger, Heinrich Taegtmeyer, Mark L Entman, Christie M Ballantyne

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Obesity and diabetes are frequently associated with cardiovascular disease. When a normal heart is subjected to brief/sublethal repetitive ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), adaptive responses are activated to preserve cardiac structure and function. These responses include but are not limited to alterations in cardiac metabolism, reduced calcium responsiveness, and induction of antioxidant enzymes. In a model of ischemic cardiomyopathy inducible by brief repetitive I/R, we hypothesized that dysregulation of these adaptive responses in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice would contribute to enhanced myocardial injury. DIO C57BL/6J mice were subjected to 15 min of daily repetitive I/R while under short-acting anesthesia, a protocol …

An Introduction To Qualitative Research In The Hospital Setting., Lynn M. Deitrick Rn, Phd

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Carcinogenicity Of Hexavalent Chromium, Amie L. Holmes, S. S. Wise, John P. Wise Sr.

Applied Medical Sciences [Discontinued]

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), a commonly used industrial metal, is a well known human lung carcinogen. Epidemiology and animal studies suggest that the particulate Cr(VI) compounds, specifically the water insoluble compounds, are the more potent carcinogens, however, the carcinogenic mechanism remains unknown. Here we summarize recent Cr(VI)-induced human tumour, in vivo, cell culture and in vitro studies and put the data into context with three major paradigms of carcinogenesis: multistage carcinogenesis, genomic instability, and epigenetic modifications. Based on these studies, we propose a mechanism for chromate carcinogenesis that is primarily driven by the genomic instability paradigm.

Breast Cancer Screening Disparities In Japanese-American Women, Theodora Stratis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Cancer screening disparities in ethnic minority women have received much research attention in the last several years due to a marked increase in ethnic minority cancer incidence and poor survival rates (Miller, Kollnel, Bernstein, Young Swanson, West et ah, 1996). Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for Asian American women (Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research & Training, 2002) and, although their incidence and mortality rates are lower than Caucasian women, these rates continue to increase every year. This increasing mortality rate is likely due to the underutilization of breast cancer screening by Asian American women. Asian …

Alzheimer's Disease And Vascular Dementia In Developing Countries: Prevalence, Management, And Risk Factors, Raj N. Kalaria, Gladys E. Maestre, Raul Arizaga, Robert P. Friedland, Doug Galasko, Kathleen Hall, José A. Luchsinger, Adesola Ogunniyi, Elaine K. Perry, Felix Potocnik

School of Medicine Publications

Despite mortality due to communicable diseases, poverty, and human conflicts, dementia incidence is destined to increase in the developing world in tandem with the ageing population. Current data from developing countries suggest that age-adjusted dementia prevalence estimates in 65 year olds are high (≥5%) in certain Asian and Latin American countries, but consistently low (1–3%) in India and sub-Saharan Africa; Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60% whereas vascular dementia accounts for ∼30% of the prevalence. Early-onset familial forms of dementia with single-gene defects occur in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Illiteracy remains a risk factor for dementia. The APOE ε4 allele …

A Structural Equation Model Of The Relationship Between Body Perception And Self-Esteem: Global Physical Self-Concept As The Mediator, Patrick W. C. Lau, Mike W. L. Cheung, Lynda B. Ransdell

Kinesiology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to investigate: (1) whether three subscale scores (i.e., body fat, appearance, and strength) and the global physical self-concept and global self-concept scores of the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ) are applicable to Chinese children; (2) whether there is a gender difference in these relationships; and (3) whether global physical self-concept acts as a mediator of global self-concept.

Design: A cross sectional study of Chinese children (45% girls, 55% boys) from low to middle class families were randomly recruited. Participants attended grades 3 through 6 at a standard urban primary school in Hong Kong. Children …

Bisphenol A Blood And Saliva Levels Prior To And After Dental Sealant Placement In Adults, Joyce Marie Downs

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Placement of pit and fissure dental sealants is an effective therapy for tooth decay prevention and is widely accepted as a standard of care throughout the United States. Pit and fissure dental sealants (sealants) are manufactured using the resin component of composite dental materials, formed by reacting glycidyl methacrylate with bisphenol A. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a hormonally active, synthetic chemical that is part of a broad group of chemicals known as endocrine disrupting compounds, xenoestrogens, which mimic bioactivity of estrogen. This study measured BP A in saliva and blood after the placement of a widely used, pit and fissure …

Ciliary Dysfunction In Polycystic Kidney Disease: An Emerging Model With Polarizing Potential, Robert J. Kolb, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

The majority of different cell types in the human body have a cilium, a thin rod-like structure of uniquely arranged microtubules that are encapsulated by the surface plasma membrane. The cilium originates from a basal body, a mature centriole that has migrated and docked to the cell surface. The non-motile cilia are microtubule-based organelles that are generally considered sensory structures. The purpose of this review is to discuss the practicality of the ciliary hypothesis as a unifying concept for polycystic kidney disease and to review current literature in the field of cilium biology, as it relates to mechanosensation and planar …

Tribes And Yucca Mountain: Native American Forum On Nuclear Issues, Fred Dilger

Native American Forum on Nuclear Issues

Abstract:

-Yucca Mountain: Extensive history of social-cultural studies

-No interaction on transportation

-Unsuccessful effort began in 1993 and ended in 1995

-DOE tribal policy was a very good start

-Restarted again in 2004-DOE invites tribes to TEC meeting

-Shape future interaction between DOE and other Tribes

-Tribes identify themselves as affected by DOE differently than DOE defines affected tribes

Leadership, Bonnie M. Jennings, Joanne Disch, Laura Senn

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

No abstract provided.

Drinking-Water Arsenic Exposure Modulates Gene Expression In Human Lymphocytes From A U.S. Population, Angeline S. Andrew, David A. Jewell, Rebecca A. Mason, Michael L. Whitfield, Jason H. Moore, Margaret R. Karagas

Dartmouth Scholarship

Background:

Arsenic exposure impairs development and can lead to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The mechanism underlying these effects remains unknown. Primarily because of geologic sources of contamination, drinking-water arsenic levels are above the current recommended maximum contaminant level of 10 μg/L in the northeastern, western, and north central regions of the United States.

Objectives:

We investigated the effects of arsenic exposure, defined by internal biomarkers at levels relevant to the United States and similarly exposed populations, on gene expression.

Methods:

We conducted separate Affymetrix microarray-based genomewide analyses of expression patterns. Peripheral blood lymphocyte samples from 21 controls interviewed (1999–2002) …

Taming The Mind: Current Mental Health Treatments And Obstacles To Expanding The Western-Model In A Tibetan Exile Community, Dylan Brock

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

No abstract provided.

Novel Molecules For Intra-Oral Delivery Of Antimicrobials To Prevent And Treat Oral Infectious Diseases, Periathamby A. Raj, Latha Rajkumar, Andrew R. Dentino

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

New molecules were designed for efficient intra-oral delivery of antimicrobials to prevent and treat oral infection. The salivary statherin fragment, which has high affinity for the tooth enamel, was used as a carrier peptide. This was linked through the side chain of the N-terminal residue to the C-terminus of a defensin-like 12-residue peptide to generate two bifunctional hybrid molecules, one with an ester linkage and the other with an anhydride bond between the carrier and the antimicrobial components. They were examined for their affinity to a HAP (hydroxyapatite) surface. The extent of the antimicrobial release in human whole saliva was …

Cultural Differences In Nutrition In French And Chinese Cuisine, Ellen S. Kim

Capstone Research Projects

Questions about racial and ethnic health disparities are major issues in health psychology and medicine. A previous study on health behaviors showed that there are cross-cultural differences among college students at Southern Adventist University. The previous study examined health behavior variables such as exercise, water, nutrition, sleep, smoking, alcohol, seatbelt use, medical examination, and dental examination. As a follow-up, this study represents phase two of the previous study. In the current study, the focus was on nutrition. Even though nutrition is an important aspect of health behaviors, there has not been significant amount of cross-cultural research done on nutrition in …

The Effect Of Erythropoietin On Neurotrophic Factors In N9 Murine Microglial Cells, Fi̇li̇z Kuralay, Başak Bi̇ngöl Çakirli, Şermi̇n Genç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: In this study, we investigated whether interferon gamma (IFN\gamma), lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and amyloid beta (AMY\beta), as toxic stimulator agents, and erythropoietin (EPO), as a neurotrophic agent, have an effect on the production of the following neurotrophic factors in the N9 murine microglia cell line: neurotrophin 3 (NT3), neurotrophin 4 (NT4), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Materials and Methods: Microglial cells were incubated with 50 μg/ml AMY\beta, or 1 μg/ml of LPS plus 100 U/ml recombinant murine IFN\gamma, and/or one of three different concentrations (0.1, 1.0, and 5.0 U/ml) of recombinant mouse EPO for 24 h. Results: EPO 0.1 U/ml …

Occupational Therapy Program 2008, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Female Mate Choice Is Influenced By Male Sport Participation, Albrecht I. Schulte-Hostedde, Mark A. Eys, Krista Johnson

Kinesiology and Physical Education Faculty Publications

Sexual selection theory argues that females invest more heavily in reproduction than males and thus tend to be choosier in terms of mate choice. Sport may provide a context within which females can gain information about male quality to inform this choice. Males may be able to display attractive traits such as athleticism, strength, and physique to females while participating in sport. We predicted that females would favor males that participated in team sports over individual sports and non-athletes because team sport athletes may be more likely to display qualities such as the ability to work well with others and …

Ppar Signaling In Placental Development And Function, Yaacov Barak, Yoel Sadovsky, Tali Shalom-Barak

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Cultural Diversity: Pain Beliefs And Treatment Among Mexican-Americans, African-Americans, Chinese-Americans And Japanese-Americans, Anthony J. Alvarado

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The purpose of this project was to examine culture and the impact it has on the pain experience. Pain, albeit acute or chronic, is an important subject to understand because it can have detrimental effects on the body if not properly managed. Culture has been found to be a factor that influences one’s pain experience and thus the need for healthcare professionals to acknowledge this is imperative. The cultures examined in this paper include: Mexican- Americans, African-Americans, Chinese-Americans and Japanese-Americans. Within these four cultural groups their beliefs about the origin of pain, physical responses to pain, health and illness beliefs …

The Role Of Matrix Metalloproteinases In Axon Guidance And Neurite Outgrowth, Lu Anne Velayo Dinglasan

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

Axons navigating the complex environment of the developing CNS use extracellular guidance cues to help find their correct synaptic target. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes, have been shown to regulate axon guidance by degrading extracellular matrix (ECM) or by cleaving guidance cues and their receptors. The olfactory system is an excellent model for studying the role of MMPs in axon guidance due to its capacity for continuous nerve regeneration and topographic maintenance during synaptic targeting. I hypothesized that MMPs may play a role in guiding olfactory sensory neurons to their correct glomerular target by sculpting the …

Mennonite College Of Nursing Annual Report, 2007-2008, Mennonite College Of Nursing

Annual Reports - Mennonite College of Nursing

Annual report of the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University

Barriers And Facilitators To A Healthy Diet And Physical Activity, Tiffany Black, Jennifer Buelt, Aubrey Trefz, Brian Tuchscherer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the barriers and facilitators to a healthy diet and physical activity of students attending the University of North Dakota. The research was designed to determine the students overall perception of the specific barriers and facilitators, however researchers also wanted to specify disparities existing among the different ages, genders, physical activity levels, body mass index and ethnicity. This study determined the attitudes and beliefs of UND students towards a healthy lifestyle. From the information gathered the researchers were able to make recommendations for program implementation and improvement.

Methods: A sample …

Gender And Apologies: Exploring Offended Females' Perceptions Of Apologies From Males And Females, Stacey Bennet

Theses : Honours

The construct of apology has recently received more attention by researchers (Allan, 2007) and several factors that may influence apologetic responses have been identified. The gender of an offender is one such factor. A review was undertaken to examine the literature pertaining to the influence of the gender of an offender on apologies. As a result of the review, several themes were identified. These included gender differences and similarities in the frequency of apologies, the quantity and complexity of components, and the actual content of those components. Furthermore, contextual factors that may play a role in the influence of gender …