Digital Commons Network^™

Development Of A High-Throughput System For Screening Of Anti-Prion Molecules, Katherine Do

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The misfolded prion protein causes and transmits disease in both humans and animals. As other infectious agents, prions display strain variation, which can generate different pathological outcomes in affected individuals. Unfortunately, there are no known therapies for these diseases, which at present are invariably fatal. In this work, the Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification technology (PMCA, an in vitro test that replicates minimum quantities of infectious prions) has been modified to screen for small molecules inhibiting prion protein misfolding in a strain-specific manner. In order to approach a high-throughput PMCA system, technical aspects in PMCA has been optimized for application of …

Cross-Presentation Is A Source Of Tumor Antigens For Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy, Alexander A. Perakis

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Cross-presentation is an essential bridge between the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system where antigen presenting cells (APCs) prime cytotoxic T cell responses. We have recently identified cross-presentation as a mechanism by which solid tumors present exogenous antigens. We therefore hypothesized that multiple myeloma would be capable of cross-presentation as these cells are derived from B cells, known APCs. We explored the capacity of multiple myeloma to cross-present PR1, a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 nonameric peptide that is derived from neutrophil elastase (NE) and proteinase 3 (P3), and the ability to treat multiple myeloma using PR1-targeting immunotherapies. Here …

Systemic Antibiotic Therapy Reduces Circulating Inflammatory Dendritic Cells And Treg-Th17 Plasticity In Periodontitis, Mythilypriya Rajendran, Stephen Looney, Nagendra Singh, Mahmoud Elashiry, Mohamed M Meghil, Ahmed R El-Awady, Omnia Tawfik, Cristiano Susin, Roger M Arce, Christopher W Cutler

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Periodontitis (PD) is a common dysbiotic inflammatory disease that leads to local bone deterioration and tooth loss. PD patients experience low-grade bacteremias with oral microbes implicated in the risk of heart disease, cancer, and kidney failure. Although Th17 effectors are vital to fighting infection, functional imbalance of Th17 effectors and regulatory T cells (Tregs) promote inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated, in a small pilot randomized clinical trial, whether expansion of inflammatory blood myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) and conversion of Tregs to Th17 cells could be modulated with antibiotics (AB) as part of initial therapy in PD patients. PD …

Assessing Hospitalizations Due To Assaults At Dell Seton Medical Center (2015-2018), Stephani L. Curry

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Physical assaults are a major public health concern in the United States, with rates being on the rise during the last couple of years (WISQARS Nonfatal Injury Reports, n.d.). In Austin at the Dell Seton Medical Center [DSMC], physical assaults are a main reason for hospitalization, making up nearly 10% of their hospitalizations, with around 250 patients per year. No subgroup of the population is risk free from physical assaults; however, national data suggest some sociodemographic groups are at higher risk than others (“Injury and Violence Prevention”, n.d.). Given the diversity of Austin, TX, it was unclear whether local sociodemographic …

The Association Of Cell Phones With Adolescents' Academic Performance, Sleep, Time Spent With Friends, And Cyberbullying Exposure, Johanna E. Peyton

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

This study examined the association between owning or having access to a cell phone with/without internet access and adolescent academic performance, whether they met the guidelines for recommended nightly sleep, the amount of time spent with friends outside of school and the presence and frequency of cyberbullying experienced by 8th and 11th grade participants in the 2015-2016 SPAN study in Texas. This study also examined the association between gender of the adolescent and the above-mentioned outcomes.

The study group consisted of 5,421 adolescents from 8th grade and 3,635 from 11th grade. The 8th grade sample contained 51.48% males(48.6% females) and …

Exploring Prenatal Risk Factors Among Hispanic Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. – A Pilot Study In The Rio Grande Valley, Lauren Tien

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Background: Peer-reviewed studies suggest that a hostile gestational environment is associated with delayed neurological development in infants. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is estimated to affect 1 in 59 children in the United States; however, few studies have specifically investigated risk factors for autism in Hispanic children. Purpose: The University of Texas RGV Hispanic Autism Research Center (HARC) studied Hispanic children with ASD and their biological mothers to identify potential environmental exposures and prenatal risk factors that could impact the risk for ASD through preliminary research in the Rio Grande Valley. Methods: This pilot study recruited 25 Hispanic mothers and their …

Sustainability In Quality Improvement And Patient Safety Initiatives, Angelo P. Giardino, Eileen R. Giardino

Journal of Nursing & Interprofessional Leadership in Quality & Safety

The question often asked of a quality improvement initiative is whether the improvement process has been sustained within the organization. Rarely is the question answered satisfactorily. The sustainability of an improvement process is important as it justifies the investment of human and financial capital. The term 'evaporation of improvements' addresses the dilemma that between 33% to 70% of all innovations are reportedly not sustained (Fleiszer, Semenic, Ritchie, Richer, & Denis, 2015) . This evaporation of improvement captures the frustrating inability of many institutions to maintain the achieved improvement after the newness of the initial effort wears off (Buchanan, Fitzgerald, & …

The Impact Of The Aca Cost-Sharing Elimination Provision On The Utilization Of Breast, Cervical, And Colorectal Cancer Screening Services Among Insured Individuals In The United States, Sara Salah Atallah

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Preventive cancer screenings are essential to early detect cancer and subsequently save lives. However, out-of-pocket expenditures for cancer screening services deter individuals from obtaining them. In an effort to improve the utilization of cancer screening, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) implemented a cost-sharing elimination provision that removes all forms of cost sharing including copayments, co-insurance and deductibles from certain preventive care services that are recommended by widely known scientific figures such as the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This study evaluated the impact of the ACA cost-sharing elimination provision for preventive care services from 2008 through 2016 using …

Spatial Analysis Of Exposure To Soil Heavy Metals, Oral Bioaccessibility And Risk Assessment In Houston, Texas, Tsai Shu Chu

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Chronic exposure to heavy metals could lead to adverse health effects such as cancer, neurological development diseases and immunological diseases. The ingestion pathway has been considered the major exposure route for heavy metal contaminated soils. Heavy metals may be proportionally bioaccessible for the human body to absorb. There are no risk assessment studies done in Houston to evaluate health risks from exposure to heavy metals and no spatial analysis done yet. The aims of this dissertation are (1) to characterize 13 heavy metals: magnesium (Mg), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc …

Stochastic Search Variable Selection Applied To A Bayesian Hierarchical Generalized Linear Model For Dyads, Adriana Lopez Ordonez

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

In behavioral science research, many outcomes of interest can be influenced by interpersonal relationships (Gyarmathy & Neaigus, 2007). To assess such outcomes, data can be collected using dyads. Each dyad has two elements, an actor, who responds to a stimulus and a partner, who can potentially influence the actor (Kenny, Kashy, & Cook, 2006). One popular model for analyzing dyadic data is the Actor Partner Interdependence model (APIM). In this study, we proposed a variable selection method applied to a probit Bayesian Hierarchical Generalized Linear Model (Bayesian HGLM) to fit the APIM to dyadic data. The proposed method used stochastic …

Kolmogorov-Smirnov Type Tests Under Spatial Correlations, Wenjun Zheng

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Kolmogorov-Smirnov test is a non-parametric hypothesis test that measures the probability of deviations, that the interested univariate random variable is drawn from a pre-specified distribution (one-sample KS) or has the same distribution as a second random variable (twosample KS). The test is based on the measure of the supremum (greatest) distance between an empirical distribution function (EDF) and a pre-specified cumulative distribution function (CDF) or the largest distance between two EDFs. KS test has been widely adopted in statistical analysis due to its virtue of more general assumptions compared to parametric test like t-test. In addition, the p-value derived from …

Ms 034 Guide To Paul V. Ledbetter, Md Papers, 1966-1977, Paul V. Ledbetter (1899-1983)

Manuscript Finding Aids

The Paul V. Ledbetter, MD papers contains biographical information, correspondence, administrative records, newspaper clippings, manuals, publications, audio cassettes, notes, notebooks, loose monographs, glass slides, patient data, membership directories, and rosters related to Dr. Ledbetter's life, career, practice (Ledbetter Clinic Association) and professional organizations, such as American Heart Association, Houston Heart Association, Houston Society of Internal Medicine, and Texas Academy of Internal Medicine. See more at MS 034.

Ms 039 Guide To Alex D. Pokorny, Md Papers (1953-1983), Alex D. Pakorny (1918-2007)

Manuscript Finding Aids

The Alex D. Pokorny, MD papers contains reprints, publication, biographical information, interviews, research, photographs, awards, correspondence, administrative documents and reports, medical law handbooks, directories and curriculum and student files related to the career of Alex Pokorny in the field of psychiatry. See more at MS 039.

Ic 106 Gude To South Central Academic Medical Libraries Consortium Records, 1981-2004, South Central Academic Medical Libraries Consortium

Institutional Finding Aids

This collection contains the records of the South Central Academic Medical Libraries Consortium (SCAMeL) from 1981-2013, with the bulk dating 1981-2004. Many of the records relate to or appear to have been gathered in preparation for the semi-annual SCAMeL Board of Directors meetings. Examples of documents included are bylaws, agendas, meeting minutes, budgets, member surveys, correspondence, and reports from various groups. Also present are data and discussion on various library programs such as interlibrary loan supported by the organization or otherwise of interest to members. See more at IC 106.

Ic 105 Guide To Texas Hadassah Medical Research Foundation Records, 1996-2007, Texas Hadassah Medical Research Foundation

Institutional Finding Aids

The Texas Hadassah Medical Research Foundation consists of one scrapbook and a recorded interview/conversation with Debbie Goldberg that document the work of the organization, which was part of Baylor College of Medicine during the late-1990s and early 2000s. The organization, led in part by Dr. Armin Weinberg, provided medical supplies, cross-cultural collaboration and professional exchanges with Israel, Palestine, Kazakhstan, Russia, and other nations. An important part of its work dealt with radiation effects and events, like Chernobyl and atomic test sites in Kazakhstan. The organization developed the Cancer Registry of survivors of radiation events. Find out more at IC 105 …

Stress Inoculation Training Outcomes Among Veterans With Ptsd And Tbi, Sarah E. Jackson, Matthew Baity, Jeannette Giorgio, Diane Swick

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: Stress inoculation training (SIT) is a cognitive-behavioral treatment that has demonstrated potential as a nontrauma based intervention for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of a novel 3-phase group formulation of SIT applied to a naturalistic population of veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The goals were to reduce symptoms of PTSD and depression, improve perceived functioning, and increase treatment initiation among veterans who were reticent to initiate established evidence-based and trauma-focused therapies. Method: A program development and evaluation archival analysis of 65 veterans engaged in SIT …

Ic 104 Guide To Texas Medical Center (Tmc) Photograph Collection, 1938-1982, Texas Medical Center

Institutional Finding Aids

The Texas Medical Center (TMC) Photograph Collection contains photographic materials that document the growth and development of the TMC from the 1930s to 1980s. The collection consists of 2525 items and includes photographic prints, aerial photographs, negatives, transparencies and printed materials. The materials depict the institutions of the TMC, their staff, facilities, services, and patient care. Images show buildings and their construction as well as some photographic copies of architectural renderings. Aerial photographs from the 1940s to 1980s show the TMC grow from marshland to an urban center. The collection provides images of the leaders and historical figures that shaped …

Ic 103 Guide To Memorial Hospital Photograph Collection, 1903-1976, Memorial Hospital System

Institutional Finding Aids

The Memorial Hospital Photograph Collection contains 4039 photographic prints and negatives from 1903 to 1976 that chronicle the long history of the Memorial Hospital System (originally Baptist Sanitarium and Hospital). The photographs depict the staff, physicians, personnel, departments, nursing school students, faculty and Lillie Jolly (director), facilities and building construction of the Memorial Hospital System. The earliest dated photograph is the only nitrate negative (P-3387). It depicts Louisville Male High School graduating class of 1903, which includes Roger Jolly. It is in good condition. There is a separate series of about 31 photographs donated by Lela Smith Hickey that depict …

Ic 101 Guide To Texas Nurses Association District 9 Records, 1917-2014, Texas Nurses Association District 9

Institutional Finding Aids

The Texas Nurses' Association District 9 collection includes financial records and receipts, meeting minutes, planning material for conferences and workshops, newsletters, correspondence, reports, surveys, and historical material from the early years of the Texas Nurses' Association. See more at IC 101.

Ic 099 Guide To Abcc Photograph Collection, 1946-1980, Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission

Institutional Finding Aids

The ABCC Photograph Collection consists of photographs of various sizes of staff, survivors, buildings, and events that pertain to the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The vast majority of the photographs are black and white and in good condition. The dates of the photographs range from 1946 to the 1970s. See more at IC 099.

Ms211: Readme File About Herb Berhstock, Armin Weinberg

Works on Radiation Effects: 1990-2020

This contains information and links to some material about Herb Behrstock who was the UN representative to our project in Kazakhstan and the special UN mission that I participated in. See more at Armin Weinberg, PhD Papers and its finding aid.

Ic 098 Guide To Tmc Library Historical Photograph Collection, 1543-2004; 1940-1990, John P. Mcgovern Historical Collections & Research Center

Institutional Finding Aids

The TMC Library Historical Photograph Collection contains photographs, negatives, slides, published prints, printed materials, postcards, framed images, audiovisual materials, and a plaque. The collection consists of roughly 5300 items, which includes individual 35mm slides, 35mm negatives, 120 format negatives, photographic prints, and other printed materials. This is an artificial collection of several types of images collected by or donated to the McGovern Historical Center (MHC) through the years. The bulk of the materials date from 1940 to 1990. The entire collection depicts images from 1543 to 2004. See more at IC 098.

Ic 097 Guide To University Of Texas Faculty Wives Records, 1973-2013, University Of Texas Faculty Wives

Institutional Finding Aids

The University of Texas Faculty Wives collection comprises artwork, photographs, bylaws, meeting minutes, financial records, material related to event organization, some digital media, brochures, newsletters, financial records, and correspondence from the ladies' organization associated with the UT Medical School (Health Science Center at Houston), from the 1970s into the 2010s. See more at IC 097.

Ic 094 Guide To Medical Arts Publishing Foundation Records, 1949-1987, Medical Arts Publishing Foundation

Institutional Finding Aids

The Medical Arts Publishing Foundation records equal 86 cubic feet and contain roughly 1100 items of artwork plus administrative records. Items are housed in 17 document boxes, 49 oversize boxes, map drawer, and framed items. It consists of drawings, paintings, sketches, printed images, and artist notes depicting historical and 20th century figures in the history of cardiology, cancer research, psychiatry, and Texas medicine. See more at iC 094.

Ic 093 Guide Totexas-Mexico Border And Acres Home Project Records, 1989-2005, Texas-Mexico Border And Acres Home Project

Institutional Finding Aids

This Texas-Mexico Border and Acres Home Project records contains binders and bound compilations of data, notebooks and manuals for health-care workers. The collection consists of 3 boxes equaling 2 cubic feet. The materials are in good condition. See more at IC 093.

Ic 092 Guide To University Of Texas-Houston Health Science Center Internal Medicine Grand Rounds Videos, 1990-2002, University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston

Institutional Finding Aids

University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center Internal Medicine Grand Rounds videos consists of videos of Grand Rounds and the Clinicopathologic Conference (CPC) from the Department of Internal Medicine in the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. The department provides for the education of students, physicians, and the public in the field of biomedical knowledge. The department provides clinical education, fosters research, and through its clinical services provides patient care ranging from primary to subspeciality care. See more at IC 092.

Ic 091 Guide To Texas Healthcare Facilities Postcard Collection, 1900-1979, John P. Mcgovern Historical Collections & Research Center

Institutional Finding Aids

The Texas Healthcare Facilities Postcard Collection consists of three boxes totaling one cubic foot containing postcards from various Texas healthcare facilities labeled A-Z. Many, if not all, postcards have been digitized. See more at IC 091.

Ic 090 Gude To Friends Of The Texas Medical Center Library Records, 1960-2017, Friends Of The Texas Medical Center Library

Institutional Finding Aids

This collection consists of the records of the Friends of the Texas Medical Center Library, beginning with the organization's incorporation in 1960. There are materials relating to the Friends Board and administration, fundraising and gifts, events, and publications. See more at IC 090.

Ic 089 Guide To University Of Texas School Of Nursing Partners Records, 1992-2017, University Of Texas School Of Nursing Partners

Institutional Finding Aids

A significant portion of the collection concerns events such as luncheons, coffees, and other events held by PARTNERS. In many cases there is extensive documentation relating to the planning of these events. See more at IC 089.

Ic 087 Guide To Beta Beta Houston Records, 1969-2011, Beta Beta Houston

Institutional Finding Aids

The Beta Beta Houston records contains correspondence, ephemera, photos, scrapbooks and some realia that document the history of the Beta Beta Houston Chapter #648 at Texas Women's University (TWU), Region 6 of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. The date range of the materials range is 1969-2011. The collection consists of 17 boxes equaling 17 cubic feet. See more at IC 087.