Digital Commons Network^™

Stress-Induced Targeting Of Molecular Chaperones In The Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Hugo Tapia

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The eukaryotic stress response is an essential mechanism that helps protect cells from a variety of environmental stresses. Cell death can result if cells are not able to properly adapt and protect themselves against adverse stress conditions. Failure to properly deal with stress has implications in human diseases including neurodegenerative disorders and distinct cancers, emphasizing the importance of understanding the eukaryotic stress response in detail. As part of this response, expression of a battery of heat shock proteins (HSP) is induced, which act as molecular chaperones to assist in the repair or triage of unfolded proteins. The 90-kDa HSP (Hsp90) …

Related Resources, Children At Risk

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

A listing of related resources for Volume 1, Issue 1.

Physical Activity In Latino Children: Research And Its Implications, Norma Olvera Ph.D., Stephanie F. Kellam, Kara Menefee, Jay Lee, Dennis W. Smith

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

Childhood obesity affects children across all ages and genders. However, Latino children and adolescents are at an increased risk, with one out of three Latino children (ages 2-19) being classified as overweight. Physical inactivity is deemed a major factor contributing to the energy imbalance that leads to excess adiposity. The aims of this study are twofold: 1) to present relevant research regarding Latino children’s physical patterns, influences on their physical activity, and interventions designed to promote physical activity and fitness in this population; and 2) to discuss implications derived from this research to help health educators, practitioners, and policy makers …

Ethnic Minority Children’S Active Commuting To School And Association With Physical Activity And Pedestrian Safety Behaviors, Jason A. Mendoza, Kathy Watson, Tom Baranowski, Theresa A. Nicklas, Doris K. Uscanga, Nga Nguyen, Marcus J. Hanfling

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

Background: Children's active commuting to school, i.e. walking or cycling to school, was associated with greater moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, although studies among ethnic minorities are sparse. Objectives: Among a low-income, ethnic minority sample of fourth grade students from eight public schools, we examined (1) correlates of active commuting to school and (2) the relationship between active commuting to school and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline measurements from a sample of participants (n=149) aged 9-12 years from a walk to school intervention study in Houston, Texas. The primary outcome was the weekly rate of active …

Progressive Regression Of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Two Years After Bariatric Surgery, Mohamed F Algahim, Thomas R Lux, Joshua G Leichman, Anthony F Boyer, Charles C Miller, Susan T Laing, Erik B Wilson, Terry Scarborough, Sherman Yu, Brad Snyder, Carol Wolin-Riklin, Ursula G Kyle, Heinrich Taegtmeyer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a systemic disorder associated with an increase in left ventricular mass and premature death and disability from cardiovascular disease. Although bariatric surgery reverses many of the hormonal and hemodynamic derangements, the long-term collective effects on body composition and left ventricular mass have not been considered before. We hypothesized that the decrease in fat mass and lean mass after weight loss surgery is associated with a decrease in left ventricular mass.

METHODS: Fifteen severely obese women (mean body mass index [BMI]: 46.7+/-1.7 kg/m(2)) with medically controlled hypertension underwent bariatric surgery. Left ventricular mass and plasma markers of systemic …

Type I Insulin-Like Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase As A Molecular Target In Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Deeksha Vishwamitra

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoid malignancy representing 5-10% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. It is distinguished by the t(11;14)(q13;q32) chromosomal translocation that juxtaposes the proto-oncogene CCND1, which encodes cyclin D1 at 11q13 to the IgH gene at 14q32. MCL patients represent about 6% of all new cases of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas per year or about 3,500 new cases per year. MCL occurs more frequently in older adults – the average age at diagnosis is the mid-60s with a male-to-female ratio of 2-3:1. It is typically characterized by the proliferation of neoplastic B-lymphocytes in the mantle zone of the …

Characterization And Optimization Of Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses During Ex Vivo Expansion Of Melanoma Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes, Yufeng Li

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Treatment of metastatic melanoma with tumor reactive T cells (adoptive T cell therapy, ACT) is a promising approach associated with a high clinical response rate. However, further optimization of this treatment modality is required to increase the clinical response after this therapy. ACT in melanoma involves an initial phase (pre-REP) of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) expansion ex vivo from tumor isolates followed by a second phase, “rapid expansion protocol” (REP) generating the billions of cells used as the TIL infusion product. The main question addressed in this thesis was how the currently used REP affected the responsiveness of the CD8+ T …

Social Support In An Internet Weight Loss Community, Kevin O Hwang, Allison J Ottenbacher, Angela P Green, M Roseann Cannon-Diehl, Oneka Richardson, Elmer V Bernstam, Eric J Thomas

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: To describe social support for weight loss shared by members of a large Internet weight loss community.

Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study with surveys (n=193) and interviews (n=13) of community members along with a content analysis of discussion forum messages (n=1924 messages). Qualitative data were analyzed for social support themes.

Results: Survey respondents were primarily white (91.4%) and female (93.8%) with mean age 37.3 years and mean body mass index 30.9. They used forums frequently, with 56.8% reading messages, 36.1% replying to messages, and 18.5% posting messages to start a discussion related to weight loss on a daily …

Ethnic Differences In Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders After Intracerebral Hemorrhage, Darin B Zahuranec, Devin L Brown, Lynda D Lisabeth, Nicole R Gonzales, Paxton J Longwell, Melinda A Smith, Nelda M Garcia, Lewis B Morgenstern

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: To explore ethnic differences in do-not-resuscitate orders after intracerebral hemorrhage.

DESIGN: Population-based surveillance.

SETTING: Corpus Christi, Texas.

PATIENTS: All cases of intracerebral hemorrhage in the community of Corpus Christi, TX were ascertained as part of the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project.

INTERVENTIONS: None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Medical records were reviewed for do-not-resuscitate orders. Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression were used to test for associations between ethnicity and do-not-resuscitate orders, both overall ("any do-not-resuscitate") and within 24 hrs of presentation ("early do-not-resuscitate"), adjusted for age, gender, Glasgow Coma Scale, intracerebral hemorrhage volume, intraventricular hemorrhage, infratentorial hemorrhage, …

Clinical Decision Support Capabilities Of Commercially-Available Clinical Information Systems, Adam Wright, Dean F Sittig, Joan S Ash, Sapna Sharma, Justine E Pang, Blackford Middleton

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: The most effective decision support systems are integrated with clinical information systems, such as inpatient and outpatient electronic health records (EHRs) and computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems. Purpose The goal of this project was to describe and quantify the results of a study of decision support capabilities in Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT) certified electronic health record systems.

METHODS: The authors conducted a series of interviews with representatives of nine commercially available clinical information systems, evaluating their capabilities against 42 different clinical decision support features.

RESULTS: Six of the nine reviewed systems offered all the applicable …

Advances In Progenitor Cell Therapy Using Scaffolding Constructs For Central Nervous System Injury, Peter A Walker, Kevin R Aroom, Fernando Jimenez, Shinil K Shah, Matthew T Harting, Brijesh S Gill, Charles S Cox

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Current clinical therapy is focused on optimization of the acute/subacute intracerebral milieu, minimizing continued cell death, and subsequent intense rehabilitation to ameliorate the prolonged physical, cognitive, and psychosocial deficits that result from TBI. Adult progenitor (stem) cell therapies have shown promise in pre-clinical studies and remain a focus of intense scientific investigation. One of the fundamental challenges to successful translation of the large body of pre-clinical work is the delivery of progenitor cells to the target location/organ. Classically used vehicles such as intravenous and …

Comorbidities, Patient Knowledge, And Disease Management In A National Sample Of Patients With Copd, R Graham Barr, Bartolome R Celli, David M Mannino, Thomas Petty, Stephen I Rennard, Frank C Sciurba, James K Stoller, Byron M Thomashow, Gerard M Turino

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States but is often undertreated. COPD often overlaps with other conditions such as hypertension and osteoporosis, which are less morbid but may be treated more aggressively. We evaluated the prevalence of these comorbid conditions and compared testing, patient knowledge, and management in a national sample of patients with COPD.

METHODS: A survey was administered by telephone in 2006 to 1003 patients with COPD to evaluate the prevalence of comorbid conditions, diagnostic testing, knowledge, and management using standardized instruments. The completion rate was 87%.

RESULTS: …

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 …

Concept, Design And Implementation Of A Cardiovascular Gene-Centric 50 K Snp Array For Large-Scale Genomic Association Studies, Brendan J. Keating, Sam Tischfield, Sarah S. Murray, Tushar Bhangale, Thomas S. Price, Joseph T. Glessner, Luana Galver, Jeffrey C. Barrett, Struan F A Grant, Deborah N. Farlow, Hareesh R. Chandrupatla, Mark Hansen, Saad Ajmal, George J. Papanicolaou, Yiran Guo, Mingyao Li, Stephanie Derohannessian, Paul I W. De Bakker, Swneke D. Bailey, Alexandre Montpetit, Andrew C. Edmondson, Kent Taylor, Xiaowu Gai, Susanna S. Wang, Myriam Fornage, Tamim Shaikh, Leif Groop, Michael Boehnke, Alistair S. Hall, Andrew T. Hattersley, Edward Frackelton, Nick Patterson, Charleston K W Chiang, Cecelia E. Kim, Richard R. Fabsitz, Willem Ouwehand, Alkes L. Price, Patricia Munroe, Mark Caulfield, Thomas Drake, Eric Boerwinkle, David Reich, A Stephen Whitehead, Thomas P. Cappola, Nilesh J. Samani, A Jake Lusis, Eric Schadt, James G. Wilson, Wolfgang Koenig, Mark I. Mccarthy, Sekar Kathiresan, Stacey B. Gabriel, Hakon Hakonarson, Sonia S. Anand, Muredach Reilly, James C. Engert, Deborah A. Nickerson, Daniel J. Rader, Joel N. Hirschhorn, Garret A. Fitzgerald

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

A wealth of genetic associations for cardiovascular and metabolic phenotypes in humans has been accumulating over the last decade, in particular a large number of loci derived from recent genome wide association studies (GWAS). True complex disease-associated loci often exert modest effects, so their delineation currently requires integration of diverse phenotypic data from large studies to ensure robust meta-analyses. We have designed a gene-centric 50 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to assess potentially relevant loci across a range of cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory syndromes. The array utilizes a "cosmopolitan" tagging approach to capture the genetic diversity across approximately 2,000 …

Characteristics Of A Spina Bifida Population Including North American Caucasian And Hispanic Individuals, Kit Sing Au, Phong X Tran, Chester C Tsai, Michelle R O'Byrne, Jone-Ing Lin, Alanna C Morrison, Amy W Hampson, Paul Cirino, Jack M Fletcher, Kathryn K Ostermaier, Gayle H Tyerman, Sabine Doebel, Hope Northrup

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Meningomyelocele (MM) is a common human birth defect. MM is a disorder of neural development caused by contributions from genes and environmental factors that result in the NTD and lead to a spectrum of physical and neurocognitive phenotypes.

METHODS: A multidisciplinary approach has been taken to develop a comprehensive understanding of MM through collaborative efforts from investigators specializing in genetics, development, brain imaging, and neurocognitive outcome. Patients have been recruited from five different sites: Houston and the Texas-Mexico border area; Toronto, Canada; Los Angeles, California; and Lexington, Kentucky. Genetic risk factors for MM have been assessed by genotyping and …

Molecular And Macromolecular Alterations Of Recombinant Adenoviral Vectors Do Not Resolve Changes In Hepatic Drug Metabolism During Infection, Shellie M Callahan, Piyanuch Wonganan, Maria A Croyle

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

In this report we test the hypothesis that long-term virus-induced alterations in CYP occur from changes initiated by the virus that may not be related to the immune response. Enzyme activity, protein expression and mRNA of CYP3A2, a correlate of human CYP3A4, and CYP2C11, responsive to inflammatory mediators, were assessed 0.25, 1, 4, and 14 days after administration of several different recombinant adenoviruses at a dose of 5.7 x 1012 virus particles (vp)/kg to male Sprague Dawley rats. Wild type adenovirus, containing all viral genes, suppressed CYP3A2 and 2C11 activity by 37% and 39%, respectively within six hours. Levels fell …

Genetic Variation In Genes For The Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Enzymes Cyp1a1, Ephx1, Gstm1, Gstt1, And Gstp1 And Susceptibility To Colorectal Cancer In Lynch Syndrome, Mala Pande, Christopher I Amos, Daniel R Osterwisch, Jinyun Chen, Patrick M Lynch, Russell Broaddus, Marsha L Frazier

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Individuals with Lynch syndrome are predisposed to cancer due to an inherited DNA mismatch repair gene mutation. However, there is significant variability observed in disease expression likely due to the influence of other environmental, lifestyle, or genetic factors. Polymorphisms in genes encoding xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes may modify cancer risk by influencing the metabolism and clearance of potential carcinogens from the body. In this retrospective analysis, we examined key candidate gene polymorphisms in CYP1A1, EPHX1, GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1 as modifiers of age at onset of colorectal cancer among 257 individuals with Lynch syndrome. We found that subjects heterozygous for CYP1A1 I462V …

Ic107: Program: 11th Biennial Symposium On Minorities, The Medically Underserved & Cancer. Charting A New Course Together, Quality Health Care For All, Intercultural Cancer Council

Informational and Promotional Materials

Program details the events, speakers, attendees, and discussions during the 11th Biennial Symposium on Minorities, the Medically Underserved & Cancer presented by Intercultural Cancer Council and jointly sponsored by Baylor College of Medicine. The symposium took place April 3-6, 2008 at the OMNI Shoreham in Washington, DC. See more at Intercultural Cancer Council Records.

The Role Of Sse1 In The De Novo Formation And Variant Determination Of The [Psi+] Prion, Jaou-Chen Huang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

In several species, a family of nuclear receptors, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) composed of three isotypes, is expressed in somatic cells and germ cells of the ovary as well as the testis. Invalidation of these receptors in mice or stimulation of these receptors in vivo or in vitro showed that each receptor has physiological roles in the gamete maturation or the embryo development. In addition, synthetic PPAR gamma ligands are recently used to induce ovulation in women with polycystic ovary disease. These results reveal the positive actions of PPAR in reproduction. On the other hand, xenobiotics molecules (in herbicides, …

Halloween Open House, Vol.5 (6) November - December 2007, Houston Academy Of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library

The Insider (2003-2008)

No abstract provided.

Fund Raising, Vol.21 (2) October - December 2007, Houston Academy Of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library

Library Lines (1998-2009)

No abstract provided.

Western Diet, But Not High Fat Diet, Causes Derangements Of Fatty Acid Metabolism And Contractile Dysfunction In The Heart Of Wistar Rats, Christopher R Wilson, Mai K Tran, Katrina L Salazar, Martin E Young, Heinrich Taegtmeyer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Obesity and diabetes are associated with increased fatty acid availability in excess of muscle fatty acid oxidation capacity. This mismatch is implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiac contractile dysfunction and also in the development of skeletal-muscle insulin resistance. We tested the hypothesis that 'Western' and high fat diets differentially cause maladaptation of cardiac- and skeletal-muscle fatty acid oxidation, resulting in cardiac contractile dysfunction. Wistar rats were fed on low fat, 'Western' or high fat (10, 45 or 60% calories from fat respectively) diet for acute (1 day to 1 week), short (4-8 weeks), intermediate (16-24 weeks) or long (32-48 weeks) …

Quality Of Weight Loss Advice On Internet Forums, Kevin O Hwang, Kiran Farheen, Craig W Johnson, Eric J Thomas, Ann S Barnes, Elmer V Bernstam

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Adults use the Internet for weight loss information, sometimes by participating in discussion forums. Our purpose was to analyze the quality of advice exchanged on these forums.

METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of messages posted to 18 Internet weight loss forums during 1 month in 2006. Advice was evaluated for congruence with clinical guidelines; potential for causing harm; and subsequent correction when it was contradictory to guidelines (erroneous) or potentially harmful. Message- and forum-specific characteristics were evaluated as predictors of advice quality and self-correction.

RESULTS: Of 3368 initial messages, 266 (7.9%) were requests for advice. Of 654 provisions …

Ethnic/Racial Diversity, Maternal Stress, Lactation And Very Low Birthweight Infants, C Lau, N M. Hurst, E O. Smith, R J. Schanler

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

OBJECTIVE: (1) To compare maternal characteristics and psychological stress profile among African-American, Caucasian and Hispanic mothers who delivered very low birthweight infants. (2) To investigate associations between psychosocial factors, frequency of milk expression, skin-to-skin holding (STS), and lactation performance, defined as maternal drive to express milk and milk volume. STUDY DESIGN: Self-reported psychological questionnaires were given every 2 weeks after delivery over 10 weeks. Milk expression frequency, STS, and socioeconomic variables were collected. RESULT: Infant birthweight, education, and milk expression frequency differed between groups. Trait anxiety, depression and parental stress in a neonatal intensive care unit (PSS:NICU) were similar. African-American …

Quality Of Weight Loss Advice On Internet Forums, Kevin O Hwang, Kiran Farheen, Craig W Johnson, Eric J Thomas, Ann S Barnes, Elmer V Bernstam

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Adults use the Internet for weight loss information, sometimes by participating in discussion forums. Our purpose was to analyze the quality of advice exchanged on these forums. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of messages posted to 18 Internet weight loss forums during 1 month in 2006. Advice was evaluated for congruence with clinical guidelines; potential for causing harm; and subsequent correction when it was contradictory to guidelines (erroneous) or potentially harmful. Message- and forum-specific characteristics were evaluated as predictors of advice quality and self-correction. RESULTS: Of 3368 initial messages, 266 (7.9%) were requests for advice. Of 654 provisions …

Translating Research Into Practice: Heads Up And K-12 Science Inspiring Health And Careers In Youth, Nancy G. Murray Drph, Nathalie Sessions Bba, Rojana Luecken, Melissa Cleaver

Advances in Teaching and Learning Day Abstracts

Introduction: HEADS UP {Health Education And Discovering Science while Unlocking Potential} aims to improve health literacy and increase student interest in health science careers by providing cutting-edge content from world-renowned researchers in the Texas Medical Center and beyond to the K-12 school community. [See PDF for complete abstract]

Formative Evaluation Of The "Time Twisters": A Comic Book Based Obesity Prevention Curriculum For Elementary School Students, Carolyn A. Agurcia Ma, Ross Shegog Phd, Steven H. Kelder Phd, Deanna M. Hoelscher Phd

Advances in Teaching and Learning Day Abstracts

Introduction: Obesity is a public health problem, particularly in Hispanic children. Alternative media channels may offer the potential to motivate children to engage in health promoting behaviors. A comic book, “Time Twisters”, was developed to impact screen time use, physical activity, and dietary behavior for elementary school children and evaluated for acceptability and feasibility prior to implementation in a multi-component physical activity intervention. [See PDF for complete abstract]

Food Fury: Online Casual Game Development For Nutrition Education, Cynthia L. Phelps Phd, Ross Shegog Phd, Jerald Reichstein, Mckee Frazior, Jon Wilsdon, Yeon Jung Kim, Irmgard Willcockson Phd, Alexandria Evans Phd, Mph, Adriana Perez Phd, Mph, Deanna Hoelscher Phd, Rd, Ld, Cns

Advances in Teaching and Learning Day Abstracts

Introduction: The United States is currently experiencing increased prevalence of obesity. This is a particular problem amongst children who require dietary and activity behavioral change to mitigate this problem. The use of computer games as channels to motivate health behavior in children is increasing. Casual games are a subset of computer games that are simple in design, easy to access and play, popular with children, and have the potential to be effective for drill and practice learning. [See PDF for complete abstract]

Learning What Works: Demonstrating Practice Effectiveness With Children And Families Through Retrospective Investigation, Daria V. Hanssen, Irwin Epstein

Journal of Family Strengths

Intensive family preservation services (IFPS), designed to stabilize at-risk families and avert out-of-home care, have been the focus of many randomized, experimental studies. Employing a retrospective “clinical data-mining” (CDM) methodology (Epstein, 2001), this study makes use of available information extracted from client records in one IFPS agency over the course of two years. The primary goal of this descriptive and associational study was to gain a clearer understanding of IFPS service delivery and effectiveness. Interventions provided to families are delineated and assessed for their impact on improved family functioning, their impact on the reduction of family violence, as well as …

Evolution Of Sensory Complexity Recorded In A Myxobacterial Genome, B S Goldman, W C Nierman, D Kaiser, S C Slater, A S Durkin, J A Eisen, J Eisen, C M Ronning, W B Barbazuk, M Blanchard, C Field, C Halling, G Hinkle, O Iartchuk, H S Kim, C Mackenzie, R Madupu, N Miller, A Shvartsbeyn, S A Sullivan, M Vaudin, R Wiegand, H B Kaplan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Myxobacteria are single-celled, but social, eubacterial predators. Upon starvation they build multicellular fruiting bodies using a developmental program that progressively changes the pattern of cell movement and the repertoire of genes expressed. Development terminates with spore differentiation and is coordinated by both diffusible and cell-bound signals. The growth and development of Myxococcus xanthus is regulated by the integration of multiple signals from outside the cells with physiological signals from within. A collection of M. xanthus cells behaves, in many respects, like a multicellular organism. For these reasons M. xanthus offers unparalleled access to a regulatory network that controls development and …