Digital Commons Network^™

Doxorubicin-Induced, Tnf-Α-Mediated Brain Oxidative Stress, Neurochemical Alterations, And Cognitive Decline: Insights Into Mechanisms Of Chemotherapy Induced Cognitive Impairment And Its Prevention, Jeriel T. Keeney

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

The works presented in this dissertation provide insights into the mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI or “ChemoBrain”) and take steps toward outlining a preventive strategy. CICI is now widely recognized as a complication of cancer chemotherapy experienced by a large percentage of cancer survivors. Approximately fifty percent of existing FDA-approved anti-cancer drugs generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Doxorubicin (Dox), a prototypical ROS-generating chemotherapeutic agent, produces the reactive superoxide radical anion (O₂^-•) in vivo. Dox treatment results in oxidation of plasma proteins, including ApoA-I, leading to TNF-α-mediated oxidative stress in plasma and brain. TNF-α elevation in brain …

Classification Models In Clinical Decision Making, Eleazar Gil-Herrera

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, we present a collection of manuscripts describing the development of prognostic models designed to assist clinical decision making. This work is motivated by limitations of commonly used techniques to produce accessible prognostic models with easily interpretable and clinically credible results. Such limitations hinder prognostic model widespread utilization in medical practice.

Our methodology is based on Rough Set Theory (RST) as a mathematical tool for clinical data anal- ysis. We focus on developing rule-based prognostic models for end-of life care decision making in an effort to improve the hospice referral process. The development of the prognostic models is …

Mini Review: Linkages Between Essential Tremor And Parkinson's Disease?, Yiwen Wu, Jianqing Ding, Yuan Gao, Shangdi Chen, Li Li, Rena Li

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: Faculty Publications

Essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are two of the most common movement disorders. Tremors are the primary symptoms of ET and of some PD patients, the two are often mistaken for each other. Especially since there are no available differentiate tests for the tremor of ET or PD, the early diagnoses mainly based on clinical assessments of medical symptoms, family and medication history, and examination by physicians. There is increasing evidence suggesting an association between ET and PD, such as a similar tremor frequency, overlapping resting tremors (a typical PD tremor), postural tremors (mainly in ET patients) in …

Attachment Ability And Melanoma Inhibitory Activity Mrna Expression Level Changes In Murine B16-F10 Melanoma Cells Post Nanosecond Electric Pulses, Hongxia Jia

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

The effects of high-voltage nanosecond electric pulses (nsEPs) on metastatic melanoma are still unclear. Hence, we applied one, two, three, and four 300 ns 40 kV/cm pulses to murine B16-F10 melanoma cells. Cell attachment ability was determined by comparing the number of floating cells and the percentage of attached cells. Melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) is a secretory protein that is highly correlated with the malignancy and metastasis of malignant melanomas. We used MIA as our target to evaluate the effect of nsEPs on metastasis. Pulsed (experimental) and unpulsed (control) cells were incubated at 37°C under a 5% CO₂ atmosphere. …

The Adverse Effects Periodontal Disease Has On Women, Jennifer Long

Honors Theses

The Adverse Effects Periodontal Diseases Has on Women Periodontal diseases are challenging to define given the number and variety of different oral diseases. This review sought to answer the question: How does a periodontal disease impact a woman throughout the life span? Specifically, this document discussed how, because of the cycling hormones and the effects those hormones have on the different bacteria, women's periodontal diseases differ from men's. Diseases of the mouth were first discovered during the Egyptian period and the information and knowledge about the different diseases advanced as time progressed. From here, non-surgical and surgical treatments were discussed …

Mrp4 Is A Crucial Regulator Of Testosterone Biosynthesis, Jessica Ann Morgan

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The physiological role of multidrug resistance protein 4 (Mrp4) in the testes is unknown. It was discovered that Mrp4 is expressed primarily in mouse and human Leydig cells; however, there is no current evidence that Mrp4 regulates testosterone biosynthesis. The role of Mrp4 was investigated in Leydig cells where testosterone production is regulated by cAMP, an intracellular second messenger formed when the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor (Lhr) is activated. As Mrp4 regulates cAMP, we compared testosterone levels in our Mrp4 WT and KO mice. Prepubertal KO mice had significantly reduced testicular testosterone, impaired gametogenesis, and disrupted cAMP homeostasis, resulting in …

The Effects Of Energy Beverages In Counteracting The Symptoms Of Mild Hypoxia At Legal General Aviation Altitudes, Daniel Mark Bull

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to conduct preliminary research, in the form of a pilot study, concerning the natural effects of hypoxia compared to the effects of hypoxia experienced after the consumption of an energy beverage. The study evaluated the effects of hypoxia on FAA certificated pilots at a simulated legal general aviation altitude, utilizing the normobaric High Altitude Lab (HAL) located at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida. The researcher tested 11 subjects, who completed three simulated flight tasks within the HAL using the Frasca International Mentor Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). The flight tasks were …

Transfusion Of Cxcr4-Primed Endothelial Progenitor Cells Reduces Cerebral Ischemic Damage And Promotes Repair In Db/Db Diabetic Mice, Ji Chen, Jianying Chen, Shuzhen Chen, Cheng Zhang, Liangqing Zhang, Xiang Xiao, Avik Das, Yuhui Zhao, Bin Yuan, Mariana Morris, Bin Zhao, Yanfang Chen

Pharmacology and Toxicology Faculty Publications

This study investigated the role of stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α)/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis in brain and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and explored the efficacy of CXCR4 primed EPCs in treating ischemic stroke in diabetes. The db/db diabetic and db/+ mice were used in this study. Levels of plasma SDF-1α and circulating CD34+CXCR4+ cells were measured. Brain SDF-1α and CXCR4 expression were quantified at basal and after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). In in vitro study, EPCs were transfected with adenovirus carrying null (Ad-null) or CXCR4 (Ad-CXCR4) followed with high glucose (HG) treatment for 4 days. For pathway block …

Immune Correlates Of Aging In Outdoor-Housed Captive Rhesus Macaques (Macaca Mulatta), Elizabeth S. Didier, Chie Sugimoto, Lisa C. Bowers, Imtiaz A. Khan, Marcelo J. Kuroda

Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine Faculty Publications

Background

Questions remain about whether inflammation is a cause, consequence, or coincidence of aging. The purpose of this study was to define baseline immunological characteristics from blood to develop a model in rhesus macaques that could be used to address the relationship between inflammation and aging. Hematology, flow cytometry, clinical chemistry, and multiplex cytokine/chemokine analyses were performed on a group of 101 outdoor-housed captive rhesus macaques ranging from 2 to 24 years of age, approximately equivalent to 8 to 77 years of age in humans.

Results

These results extend earlier reports correlating changes in lymphocyte subpopulations and cytokines/chemokines with increasing …

North American Bioactive Plants For Human Health And Performance, Maria Pontes Ferreira, Fidji Gendron, Katrina C. Mcclure, Kelly Kindscher

Nutrition and Food Science Faculty Research Publications

Native and naturalized bioactive plants of the Canadian and American temperate biome are examined for their health and performance enhancement properties. Some of these plants are now being used as natural health products, and many have a long history as traditional foods and/or medicines with indigenous groups. This paper reviews the medicinal/cultural uses and bioactive properties of selected plant families: the Holly family (Aquifoliaceae) as stimulants, the Celery family (Apiaceae) as normoglycemic aids and analgesics, the Ginseng family (Araliaceae) as energy- boosting aids, the Sunflower family (Compositae) as anti-inflammatory aids, and the Legume family (Fabaceae) and Nightshade family (Solanaceae) as …

Sarcopenia, Obesity, And Natural Killer Cell Immune Senescence In Aging: Altered Cytokine Levels As A Common Mechanism, Charles T. Lutz, Lebris S. Quinn

Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Faculty Publications

Human aging is characterized by both physical and physiological frailty. A key feature of frailty, sarcopenia is the age-associated decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and endurance that characterize even the healthy elderly. Increases in adiposity, particularly in visceral adipose tissue, are almost universal in aging individuals and can contribute to sarcopenia and insulin resistance by increasing levels of inflammatory cytokines known collectively as adipokines. Aging also is associated with declines in adaptive and innate immunity, known as immune senescence, which are risk factors for cancer and all-cause mortality. The cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) is highly expressed in skeletal muscle tissue …

Gut Microbiome Composition Is Linked To Whole Grain-Induced Immunological Improvements, Ines Martinez, James M. Lattimer, Kelcie L. Hubach, Jennifer A. Case, Junyi Yang, Casey G. Weber, Julie A. Louk, Devin J. Rose, Gayaneh Kyureghian, Daniel A. Peterson, Mark D. Haub, Jens Walter

Food for Health: Publications

The involvement of the gut microbiota in metabolic disorders, and the ability of whole grains to affect both host metabolism and gut microbial ecology, suggest that some benefits of whole grains are mediated through their effects on the gut microbiome. Nutritional studies that assess the effect of whole grains on both the gut microbiome and human physiology are needed. We conducted a randomized cross-over trial with four-week treatments in which 28 healthy humans consumed a daily dose of 60 g of whole-grain barley (WGB), brown rice (BR), or an equal mixture of the two (BR+WGB), and characterized their impact on …

Medical School Watercooler Newsletter - July 22, 2012, Lindsey Lyle

Watercooler Newsletter

This is the July 22, 2012 edition of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine's newsletter - Watercooler.

Contents Include:

• College of Medicine Welcomes Dr. John Gosche
• High School Students Visit USA Hospitals During Summer Scrubs Program
• Dr. David Robertson to Speak at Medical Student Research Day
• Scientific Discovery at USA College of Medicine Leads to Formation of Biotech Company
• Dr. Allen Perkins Elected President of the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians

Hypoxia-Sensitive Gene Expression In The Gastrocnemius Muscle Following Chronic Hind Limb Ischemia, Andrew Tilton

Biological Sciences

Chronic ischemia, caused by the formation atherosclerotic plaque occlusions in major conduit arteries, is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in western societies. Vascular remodeling can help compensate for the adverse effects of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Vascular remodeling relies heavily on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a critical protein that contributes to all forms of vascular formation and remodeling including angiogenesis, arteriogenesisand vasculogenesis. VEGF itself is up-regulated by the transcription factor, hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), which becomes activated in low oxygen environments.

Through the use of animal chronic hindlimb ischemia models, these genes can be evaluated as …

Development And Validation Methodology Of The Nuss Procedure Surgical Planner, Krzysztof J. Rechowicz

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Pectus excavatum (PE) is a congenital chest wall deformity which is characterized, in most cases, by a deep depression of the sternum. A minimally invasive technique for the repair of PE (MIRPE), often referred to as the Nuss procedure, has been proven to be more advantageous than many other PE treatment techniques. The Nuss procedure consists of placement of a metal bar(s) underneath the sternum, thereby forcibly changing the geometry of the ribcage. Because of the prevalence of PE and the popularity of the Nuss procedure, the demand to perform this surgery is greater than ever. Therefore, a Nuss procedure …

Technical Desiderata For The Integration Of Genomic Data Into Electronic Health Records., Daniel R Masys, Gail P Jarvik, Neil F Abernethy, Nicholas R Anderson, George J Papanicolaou, Dina N Paltoo, Mark A Hoffman, Isaac S Kohane, Howard P Levy

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

The era of "Personalized Medicine," guided by individual molecular variation in DNA, RNA, expressed proteins and other forms of high volume molecular data brings new requirements and challenges to the design and implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). In this article we describe the characteristics of biomolecular data that differentiate it from other classes of data commonly found in EHRs, enumerate a set of technical desiderata for its management in healthcare settings, and offer a candidate technical approach to its compact and efficient representation in operational systems.

The Effects Of Physical Activity Education On Exercise Self-Efficacy And Physical Activity: A Comparison Study Between Exercise Science And Physical Education Teacher Education, Megan Wojcicki

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to understand the adjustment families undergo when a child is diagnosed with deafness as well as their adjustment to the child hearing after a cochlear implant is in place. The participants of the study were four hearing adults between the ages of 18-28 who have a younger sibling with a cochlear implant. The qualitative study used reports from four participants to reflect on how hearing loss and subsequent cochlear implantation impacted the family’s lives. Contrary to expecting findings, the themes did not change and all four reported nurturing and personal growth as key themes.

Characterization Of G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (Gper) In Breast Epithelial Proliferation And Morphogenesis, Allison Layne Scaling

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Estrogen (17β-estradiol, E2) plays an important role in regulating an array of functions in both male and female reproductive physiology. In the mammary gland, E2-induced proliferation, ductal outgrowth and subsequent branching morphogenesis is required for proper development of the breast. In males, E2 is required for proper testicular development, spermatogenesis, and sperm maturation in the epididymis, but can also negatively regulate these functions with inappropriate exposure. The effects of E2 in these organs have long been attributed to classical estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), due to the observed effects in ER-/- mice; however, GPER is abundantly expressed in male and …

Biological Mechanisms And Clinical Implications Of Bcr-Abl-Induced Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress And Cell Survival In Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Hui Zhang

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a myeloproliferative disorder, represents approximately 15-20% of all adult leukemia. The development of CML is clearly linked to the constitutively active protein-tyrosine kinase BCR-ABL, which is encoded by BCR-ABL fusion gene as the result of chromosome 9/22 translocation (Philadelphia chromosome). Previous studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress-associated genetic, metabolic and biological alterations contribute to CML cell survival and drug refractory. Mitochondria and NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX) are the major sources of BCR-ABL-induced cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, it is still unknown how CML cells maintain the altered redox status, while escaping from the persistent oxidative …

A Proposed Mediation Model Of The Effects Of Motivation For A Healthy Lifestyle: Impacts On Emotional Exhaustion, Medication Regimens, And Low-Density Lipoprotein, Nathan M. Leuthold

Theses and Dissertations

This research addressed the following question: "How are behavioral indicators related to physiological responses?" Three theories -- Conservation of Resources, Planned Behavior, and Achievement Motivation -- were employed to build a proposed model of the effects that an individual's motivation for a healthy lifestyle would have on his/her emotional exhaustion, daily medication usage, and low-density lipoproteins. Motivation for a healthy lifestyle was hypothesized to have a negative relationship with emotional exhaustion when using body mass index as a partial mediator. Emotional exhaustion was hypothesized to have positive relationships with daily medication usage and low-density lipoproteins. The model was tested using …

Theodor Billroth And His Musical Life., Patrick A. Hartendorp, B.S., Charles J. Yeo, Md, Pinckney J. Maxwell, Iv, Md

Department of Surgery Gibbon Society Historical Profiles

Although most widely recognized for the two types of gastric reconstructions that bear his name, Christian Albert Theodor Billroth was one of the most innovative surgeons of his time. His contributions included developing techniques for procedures on the larynx, breast, and esophagus. He pioneered sterility and antisepsis in operating rooms. He also improved surgical education by advocating for longer apprenticeships, which helped create a framework for today’s residency programs. However, what often goes unnoticed was Dr. Billroth’s love for music, a passion that fueled him throughout his life.

Animal Models For Human Disease – Reflections From An Animal Researcher’S Perspective, Imke Tammen

Between the Species

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) are a group of lethal inherited neurodegenerative disorders in humans and many animal species. Critical reflections on a range of ethical issues concerning NCL have been instigated by my research on sheep and cattle affected with NCL, the claim that these sheep and cattle are useful models for the disease in humans, and engagement with families and support groups. My reflections on moral status of animals and validity of animal models are outlined in this paper.

Field Based Reliability And Validity Of The Bioharness Multivariable Monitoring Device, James A. Johnstone, Paul A. Ford, Gerwyn Hughes, Tim Watson, Andrew C.S. Mitchell, Andrew T. Garrett

Kinesiology (Formerly Exercise and Sport Science)

The BioharnessTM device is designed for monitoring physiological variables in free-living situations but has only been proven to be reliable and valid in a laboratory environment. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the BioharnessTM using a field based protocol. Twenty healthy males participated. Heart rate (HR), breathing frequency (BF) and accelerometry (ACC) were assessed by simultaneous measurement of two BioharnessTM devices and a test-retest of a discontinuous incremental walk-jog-run protocol (4 – 11 km·h-1) completed in a sports hall. Adopted precision of measurement devices were; HR: Polar T31 (Polar Electro), BF: Spirometer (Cortex Metalyser), ACC: …

The Effect Of Select Programmatic Characteristics On First-Time Pass Rate Of The Board Of Certification Examination, Matthea S. Hungerford

Education Dissertations and Projects

This study was designed to examine the progression of Board of Certification (BOC) Domain content within athletic training courses and the introduction of Domain content within the curriculum of the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) on first-time pass rate of the BOC exam for 2010 graduates. The researcher also gauged the perceptions of athletic training education program directors and instructional faculty regarding importance of specific ATEP characteristics on preparing students for success on the BOC examination.

Invited study subjects included all Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Educated accredited ATEP directors and associated instructional faculty. Participants were e-mailed a study …

Anorexia Nervosa: Current Research From A Biological Perspective, Udy Tropp

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Eating disorders are viewed as serious mental illnesses, carrying significant, life-threatening medical and psychiatric implications, including morbidity and mortality. According to the Academy of Eating Disorders, anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. The American Psychiatric Association (2004) claims that approximately three percent of the United States female population has a clinically relevant eating disorder. Risk of premature death is 6-12 times higher in women with anorexia as compared to the general population, and it has become the third most common form of chronic illness among adolescent women aged 15 to 19 years. Although the prevalence …

Physician Assistant Southwest Florida 2012, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Physician Assistant Fort Lauderdale Campus 2012, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Physician Assistant Jacksonville 2012, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Is Laughter The Best Medicine? An Evaluation Of The Physiological Effects Of Laughter, Annette Dalezman

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Laughter directly affects one’s physiology. Laughter causes various muscle contractions which, in turn, affect body systems. Specifically, the cardiovascular, immune, and respiratory systems are impacted by laughter. Stress levels and pain tolerance thresholds are also directly impacted by laughter. Research has been done on the effects of laughter in patients with cancer, dementia, and atopic dermatitis. Based on the review of multiple experiments, a direct correlation between laughter and multiple body systems and diseases seems to exist.

Tbc1d3, A Hominoid-Specific Gene, Delays Irs-1 Degradation And Promotes Insulin Signaling By Modulating P70 S6 Kinase Activity, Marisa J. Wainszelbaum, Jialu Liu, Chen Kong, Priya Srikanth, Dmitri Samovski, Xiong Su, Philip D. Stahl

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.