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Extending In Vitro Conditioning In Aplysia To Analyze Operant And Classical Processes In The Same Preparation, Björn Brembs, Douglas A. Baxter, John H. Byrne

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Operant and classical conditioning are major processes shaping behavioral responses in all animals. Although the understanding of the mechanisms of classical conditioning has expanded significantly, the understanding of the mechanisms of operant conditioning is more limited. Recent developments in Aplysia are helping to narrow the gap in the level of understanding between operant and classical conditioning, and have raised the possibility of studying the neuronal processes underlying the interaction of operant and classical components in a relatively complex learning task. In the present study, we describe a first step toward realizing this goal, by developing a single in vitro preparation …

Efficacy Of Quality Criteria To Identify Potentially Harmful Information: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine Web Sites, Muhammad Walji, Smitha Sagaram, Deepak Sagaram, Funda Meric-Bernstam, Craig Johnson, Nadeem Q Mirza, Elmer V Bernstam

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Many users search the Internet for answers to health questions. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a particularly common search topic. Because many CAM therapies do not require a clinician's prescription, false or misleading CAM information may be more dangerous than information about traditional therapies. Many quality criteria have been suggested to filter out potentially harmful online health information. However, assessing the accuracy of CAM information is uniquely challenging since CAM is generally not supported by conventional literature. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether domain-independent technical quality criteria can identify potentially harmful online CAM content. …

The Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vector (Raav2)-Mediated Apolipoprotein B Mrna-Specific Hammerhead Ribozyme: A Self-Complementary Aav2 Vector Improves The Gene Expression, Shumei Zhong, Shihua Sun, Ba-Bie Teng

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: In humans, overproduction of apolipoprotein B (apoB) is positively associated with premature coronary artery diseases. To reduce the levels of apoB mRNA, we have designed an apoB mRNA-specific hammerhead ribozyme targeted at nucleotide sequences GUA6679 (RB15) mediated by adenovirus, which efficiently cleaves and decreases apoB mRNA by 80% in mouse liver and attenuates the hyperlipidemic condition. In the current study, we used an adeno-associated virus vector, serotype 2 (AAV2) and a self-complementary AAV2 vector (scAAV2) to demonstrate the effect of long-term tissue-specific gene expression of RB15 on the regulation apoB mRNA in vivo. METHODS: We constructed a hammerhead ribozyme …

Simulation Of Drosophila Circadian Oscillations, Mutations, And Light Responses By A Model With Vri, Pdp-1, And Clk, Paul Smolen, Paul E. Hardin, Brian S. Lo, Douglas A. Baxter, John H. Byrne

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

A model of Drosophila circadian rhythm generation was developed to represent feedback loops based on transcriptional regulation of per, Clk (dclock), Pdp-1, and vri (vrille). The model postulates that histone acetylation kinetics make transcriptional activation a nonlinear function of [CLK]. Such a nonlinearity is essential to simulate robust circadian oscillations of transcription in our model and in previous models. Simulations suggest that two positive feedback loops involving Clk are not essential for oscillations, because oscillations of [PER] were preserved when Clk, vri, or Pdp-1 expression was fixed. However, eliminating positive feedback by fixing vri expression altered the oscillation period. Eliminating …

Conversion Of Myoblasts To Physiologically Active Neuronal Phenotype, Yumi Watanabe, Sei Kameoka, Vidya Gopalakrishnan, Kenneth D Aldape, Zhizhong Z Pan, Frederick F Lang, Sadhan Majumder

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Repressor element 1 (RE1)-silencing transcription factor (REST)/neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) can repress several terminal neuronal differentiation genes by binding to a specific DNA sequence (RE1/neuron-restrictive silencer element [NRSE]) present in their regulatory regions. REST-VP16 binds to the same RE1/NRSE, but activates these REST/NRSF target genes. However, it is unclear whether REST-VP16 expression is sufficient to cause formation of functional neurons either from neural stem cells or from heterologous stem cells. Here we show that the expression of REST-VP16 in myoblasts grown under muscle differentiation conditions blocked entry into the muscle differentiation pathway, countered endogenous REST/NRSF-dependent repression, activated the REST/NRSF target …

Gsbs News, Spring 2003-2004, Graduate School Of Biomedical Sciences, University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston/M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

GSBS News

No abstract provided.

Free Trials For Biomed Central And Content Scan, Vol.2 (1) January - February 2004, Houston Academy Of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library

The Insider (2003-2008)

No abstract provided.

Cognitive Impact Of Interactive Multimedia, Yanko F. Michea,

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Technology has been gradually introduced in heath education. One of the most attractive features of this technology-based education is the use of multimedia. In this article we explore the research evidence about the role that multimedia is playing in education. From that analysis we describe the most relevant features of this technology to prepare a common ground of discussion about the evaluation of its impact on educational outcomes. As part of this analysis, we organize current research evidence on the use of technology in medical education, distinguishing diverse variables involved in the process, like knowledge (declarative, procedural), learner characteristics, curricular …

Noninvasive Assessment Of Diffusion Hypoxia Following Administration Of Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen, Arthur H. Jeske, Clark W. Whitmire, Chris Freels, Mike Fuentes

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The phenomenon of diffusion hypoxia is commonly believed to occur unless nitrous oxide-oxygen inhalation sedation is followed by "washout" with 100% oxygen for 5 minutes upon termination of the flow of nitrous oxide. When systematically studied, however, this phenomenon generally appears to be unfounded. The present study evaluated the effect of breathing room air instead of 100% oxygen in healthy (ASA 1) human volunteers following administration of sedative concentrations of nitrous oxide. The occurrence of hypoxia was determined objectively, using pulse oximetry and a standardized psychomotor skills test (Trieger test). Diffusion hypoxia was not observed using these criteria.

Fascinating - Friends Of The Tmc Library Raise $180,000, Vol.1 (2) November - December 2003, Houston Academy Of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library

The Insider (2003-2008)

No abstract provided.

In Vitro Analog Of Classical Conditioning Of Feeding Behavior In Aplysia, Riccardo Mozzachiodi, Hilde A. Lechner, Douglas A. Baxter, John H. Byrne

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The feeding behavior of Aplysia californica can be classically conditioned using tactile stimulation of the lips as a conditioned stimulus (CS) and food as an unconditioned stimulus (US). Moreover, several neural correlates of classical conditioning have been identified. The present study extended previous work by developing an in vitro analog of classical conditioning and by investigating pairing-specific changes in neuronal and synaptic properties. The preparation consisted of the isolated cerebral and buccal ganglia. Electrical stimulation of a lip nerve (AT4) and a branch of the esophageal nerve (En2) served as the CS and US, respectively. Three protocols were used: paired, …

Welcome To The Inaugural Issue Of The Insider, Vol.1 (1) September - October 2003, Houston Academy Of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library

The Insider (2003-2008)

No abstract provided.

Rifn-Gamma-Mediated Growth Suppression Of Platinum-Sensitive And -Resistant Ovarian Tumor Cell Lines Not Dependent Upon Arginase Inhibition, Bohuslav Melichar, Wei Hu, Rebecca Patenia, Karolina Melicharová, Stacie T Gallardo, Ralph Freedman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Arginine metabolism in tumor cell lines can be influenced by various cytokines, including recombinant human interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma), a cytokine that shows promising clinical activity in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS: We examined EOC cell lines for the expression of arginase in an enzymatic assay and for transcripts of arginase I and II, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The effects of rIFN-gamma on arginase activity and on tumor cell growth inhibition were determined by measuring [3H]thymidine uptake. RESULTS: Elevated arginase activity was detected in 5 of 8 tumor cell lines, and …

Quantitation Of Contacts Among Sensory, Motor, And Serotonergic Neurons In The Pedal Ganglion Of Aplysia, Han Zhang, Marcy Wainwright, John H. Byrne, Leonard J. Cleary

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Present models of long-term sensitization in Aplysia californica indicate that the enhanced behavioral response is due, at least in part, to outgrowth of sensory neurons mediating defensive withdrawal reflexes. Presumably, this outgrowth strengthens pre-existing connections by formation of new synapses with follower neurons. However, the relationship between the number of sensorimotor contacts and the physiological strength of the connection has never been examined in intact ganglia. As a first step in addressing this issue, we used confocal microscopy to examine sites of contact between sensory and motor neurons in naive animals. Our results revealed relatively few contacts between physiologically connected …

Gsbs News, Summer 2003, Graduate School Of Biomedical Sciences, University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston/M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

GSBS News

No abstract provided.

Advances In Teaching & Learning Day Abstracts 2003, Cynthia L. Phelps

Advances in Teaching and Learning Day Abstracts

Proceedings of the Advances in Teaching & Learning Day Regional Conference held at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 2003.

Gene Therapy For Pediatric Cancer: State Of The Art And Future Perspectives, Ettore Biagi, Catherine Bollard, Raphael Rousseau, Malcolm Brenner

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

While modern treatments have led to a dramatic improvement in survival for pediatric malignancy, toxicities are high and a significant proportion of patients remain resistant. Gene transfer offers the prospect of highly specific therapies for childhood cancer. "Corrective" genes may be transferred to overcome the genetic abnormalities present in the precancerous cell. Alternatively, genes can be introduced to render the malignant cell sensitive to therapeutic drugs. The tumor can also be attacked by decreasing its blood supply with genes that inhibit vascular growth. Another possible approach is to modify normal tissues with genes that make them more resistant to conventional …

Family Preservation Journal, 2003, Volume 7. (Entire Issue)

Journal of Family Strengths

Entire issue (large pdf file)

Articles include:

• Social Workers' Perceptions of Family Preservation Programs. Elaine M Maccio, David Skiba, Howard J Doueck, Karen A. Randolph, Elisabeth A. Weston, and Lorie E. Anderson
• Targeting Special Populations for Family Preservation: The Influence of Worker Competence and Organizational Culture. Ramona W: Denby, Keith A. Alford, and Carla M Curtis
• Understanding and Fostering Family Resilience. Robert G. Blair
• Walking Our Talk in the Neighborhoods: Building Professional/Natural Helper Partnerships. Jill Kinney and Margaret Trent
• Intersystem Collaboration: A Statewide Initiative to Support Families. Elizabeth M Tracy, David E. Biegel, Ann C. Rebeck, and Jeffrey A. Johnsen

Social Workers' Perceptions Of Family Preservation Programs, Elain M. Maccio, David Skiba, Howard J. Doueck, Karen A. Randolph, Elisabeth A. Weston, Lorie E. Anderson

Journal of Family Strengths

The passage of the Adoptions and Safe Families Act of 1997, with its focus on child safety and concurrent planning, has presented family preservation workers with new challenges and new opportunities. Twenty volunteers from a large comprehensive social service agency were interviewed to determine their experiences with two models of family preservation—Multisystemic Therapy (MST) and Traditional Family Preservation Service (TFPS) or practice as usual. Workers from both programs were able to articulate values consistent with family preservation as important strengths of the programs— keeping families together and empowering families for example. Information from referring agencies was described as variable and …

A Process For Achieving Comparable Data From Heterogeneous Databases, Rachel L. Richesson

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The current state of health and biomedicine includes an enormity of heterogeneous data ‘silos’, collected for different purposes and represented differently, that are presently impossible to share or analyze in toto. The greatest challenge for large-scale and meaningful analyses of health-related data is to achieve a uniform data representation for data extracted from heterogeneous source representations. Based upon an analysis and categorization of heterogeneities, a process for achieving comparable data content by using a uniform terminological representation is developed. This process addresses the types of representational heterogeneities that commonly arise in healthcare data integration problems. Specifically, this process uses a …

Family Connectedness And Sexual Risk-Taking Among Urban Youth Attending Alternative High Schools, Christine M Markham, Susan R Tortolero, S Liliana Escobar-Chaves, Guy S Parcel, Ronald Harrist, Robert C Addy

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

CONTEXT: Youth in alternative high schools engage in risky sexual behavior at higher rates than do their peers in regular schools, placing themselves at an increased risk of sexually transmitted disease and unintended pregnancy. Family connectedness is associated with reduced adolescent sexual risk-taking, although this association has not been tested among alternative school youth.

METHODS: A sample of 976 urban, predominantly minority alternative high school students in Houston, Texas, were surveyed in 2000-2002. Survey data were analyzed using logistic regression to determine whether family connectedness is related to sexual risk-taking.

RESULTS: Overall, 68% of students reported ever having had sex. …

The Extended Family: Reviewing An Invaluable Resource, Elaine Walton, Jini Roby, Richard Sullivan, Amy Frandsen

Journal of Family Strengths

During the last two decades, the extended family has been rediscovered as a viable and meaningful resource for nurturing and protecting children. The purpose of this article is to provide an historical context for involving the extended family in child welfare cases and to identify key factors influencing that involvement.

A Reduced Model Clarifies The Role Of Feedback Loops And Time Delays In The Drosophila Circadian Oscillator, Paul Smolen, Douglas A. Baxter, John H. Byrne

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Although several detailed models of molecular processes essential for circadian oscillations have been developed, their complexity makes intuitive understanding of the oscillation mechanism difficult. The goal of the present study was to reduce a previously developed, detailed model to a minimal representation of the transcriptional regulation essential for circadian rhythmicity in Drosophila. The reduced model contains only two differential equations, each with time delays. A negative feedback loop is included, in which PER protein represses per transcription by binding the dCLOCK transcription factor. A positive feedback loop is also included, in which dCLOCK indirectly enhances its own formation. The model …

A 12-Year Prospective Study Of The Long-Term Effects Of Early Child Physical Maltreatment On Psychological, Behavioral, And Academic Problems In Adolescence, Jennifer E Lansford, Kenneth A Dodge, Gregory S Pettit, John E Bates, Joseph Crozier, Julie Kaplow

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether child physical maltreatment early in life has long-term effects on psychological, behavioral, and academic problems independent of other characteristics associated with maltreatment.

DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal study with data collected annually from 1987 through 1999.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomly selected, community-based samples of 585 children from the ongoing Child Development Project were recruited the summer before children entered kindergarten in 3 geographic sites. Seventy-nine percent continued to participate in grade 11. The initial in-home interviews revealed that 69 children (11.8%) had experienced physical maltreatment prior to kindergarten matriculation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adolescent assessment of school grades, standardized …

Gsbs News, Summer 2002, Graduate School Of Biomedical Sciences, University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston/M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

GSBS News

No abstract provided.

Promising Practices To Engage Families And Support Family Preservation, Marianne Berry

Journal of Family Strengths

The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA) is the latest legislation in two decades of important child welfare policy in the United States. The Adoption and Safe Families Act has served to shorten the period of time that caseworkers and families have to show that families are making progress toward family preservation, with permanency decisions being made after 12 months, rather than 18. The importance of engaging and motivating families in services has therefore increased. The practice directive of ASFA can be summarized as 'Act Smart, Fast, and Accountable. " Using findings from largely correlational research, concrete recommendations …

Family Preservation In Perspective, Anthony N. Maluccio, Edith Fein

Journal of Family Strengths

This essay traces the family preservation movement to its permanency planning roots; discusses the principles and underlying philosophy of the movement, and suggests the appropriate context for considering further development of child welfare services.

Family Preservation Journal, 2002, Volume 6, Issue 1 (Entire Issue)

Journal of Family Strengths

The entire issue. Large file.

Evaluating A Medical Error Taxonomy, Juliana Brixey, Todd R. Johnson, Jiajie Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Healthcare has been slow in using human factors principles to reduce medical errors. The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) recognizes that a lack of attention to human factors during product development may lead to errors that have the potential for patient injury, or even death. In response to the need for reducing medication errors, the National Coordinating Council for Medication Errors Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) released the NCC MERP taxonomy that provides a standard language for reporting medication errors. This project maps the NCC MERP taxonomy of medication error to MedWatch medical errors involving infusion pumps. Of …

Safety Of Lntensive In-Home Family Workers, Gwendolyn D. Perry-Burney

Journal of Family Strengths

Violence against social workers and other helping professionals has increased. Within this context, intensive in-home family workers were asked about their safety in working with clients. If family workers stated that that they felt only somewhat safe or not safe at all, they were asked to explain where they are likely to feel unsafe. Findings include concerns about safety. The author suggests comprehensive educational curriculum be integrated in agency training for new hires and seasoned employees; also, training should be implemented to increase worker awareness of potentially violent situations and how to de-escalate and defuse potentially violent clients.