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Agenda And Reports, Juvenile Welfare Board, December 9, 2010, Juvenile Welfare Board Of Pinellas County

Juvenile Welfare Board Agendas, Minutes, and Historical Audits

Agenda, previous meeting minutes, and reports for the December 9, 2010, meeting of the Juvenile Welfare Board.

Cancer Treatment Using C-Type Natriuretic Peptide, David L. Vesely

USF Patents

The present invention includes a method of utilizing four peptide hormones to inhibit the growth of cancer(s). A dramatic decrease in the number of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells (i.e., the type of cancer with the highest mortality, with patients only surviving four months) was observed responsive to treatment. The application of the invention would be to utilize one or more of these peptide hormones alone and/or in combination to treat cancer. The ability of these peptide hormones to decrease the number of adenocarcinoma cells has implications for adenocarcinomas at other sites in the body with the majority of cancers of …

High Fat Diet-Induced Animal Model Of Age-Associated Obesity And Osteoporosis, Ganesh V. Halade, Md M. Rahman, Paul J. Williams, Gabriel Fernandes

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Osteoporosis and obesity remain a major public health concern through its associated fragility and fractures. Several animal models for the study of osteoporotic bone loss, such as ovariectomy (OVX) and denervation, require unique surgical skills and expensive set up. The challenging aspect of these age-associated diseases is that no single animal model exactly mimics the progression of these human-specific chronic conditions. Accordingly, to develop a simple and novel model of post menopausal bone loss with obesity, we fed either a high fat diet containing 10% corn oil (CO) or standard rodent lab chow (LC) to 12-month-old female C57Bl/6J mice for …

The Economically Important Nitrogen Pathways Of Southwest Florida, Elon M. Malkin

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The global phenomenon of burgeoning coastal population growth has led to coastal watershed landscape transformation and ecosystem degradation, prompting policy-makers to set limits on freshwater withdrawals and labile nutrient loads. Important components of Florida’s economies lie in the state’s expansive coastal zone; the organisms driving the billion-dollar recreational fishing industry are rooted in coastal habitats, while the agriculture and real-estate industries sprawl throughout numerous coastal watersheds. This study aimed to identify the connections between anthropogenic land use and essential juvenile fish nursery habitats within the coastal zone, which is the first critical step for sustaining the ecology and related economies …

Agenda And Reports, Juvenile Welfare Board, November 18, 2010, Juvenile Welfare Board Of Pinellas County

Juvenile Welfare Board Agendas, Minutes, and Historical Audits

Agenda, previous meeting minutes, and reports for the November 18, 2010, meeting of the Juvenile Welfare Board.

New Peptide-Pair Screening Strategy And Peptidylglycine A-Hydroxylating Monooxygenase (Phm) Based Enrichment Method For The Discovery Of Novel A-Amidated Peptides, Zhenming An

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Peptide a-amidation is known as a signature of bioactivity due to the fact that half of the bioactive peptides found in the nervous and endocrine systems are a-amidated and that most known a-amidated peptides are bioactive. a-Amidated peptides are produced by the oxidative cleavage of glycine-extended precursors. Peptidylglycine a-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) is the only known enzyme responsible for catalyzing this reaction and its sole physiological function is to convert glycine extended prohormones to their a-amidated forms. High levels of PAM are found in certain tissues with no corresponding level of amidated products suggesting the presence of undiscovered a-amidated peptide hormones. …

Inactivation Of Ascaris Suum By Ammonia In Feces Simulating The Physical-Chemical Parameters Of The Solar Toilet Under Laboratory Conditions, Ligia Maria Cruz Espinoza

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Access to sustainable sanitation systems is a determining factor in human health and economic development. However, more than a third of the world’s population lives without access to improved sanitation facilities. To meet the sanitation United Nations Millennium Development target, "halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation", a wide range of non conventional sanitation technologies have been implemented in developing countries, including waterless systems. These systems function by diverting urine away from feces and collecting, storing, and dehydrating the fecal material in watertight dehydration vaults. From a public …

Hydrologic Controls On Salinity In Mangroves And Lagoons, Christina Elaine Stringer

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the hydrologic controls on salinity within mangroves and lagoons at sites in Florida and Mexico. The main objective of this research is to better understand hydrologic controls on mangrove ecosystem structure and develop ideas that will be useful to land managers attempting to regulate and conserve these critical habitats. This study was conducted at sites in Ft. Pierce, FL and Costalegre on the central Pacific coast of Mexico.

We examined controls on water levels and salinity in a mangrove on a carbonate barrier island along the Indian River Lagoon, east-central Florida. Spectral analysis of water levels showed …

Melville’S Unknown Pathology: The Humoral Theory Of Disease And Low Grade Lead Poisoning In Bartleby The Scrivener, Gerard Bogin

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Melville wrote Bartleby the Scrivener as a literary portrayal of the Humoral theory of disease. Virchow disproved that theory five years after the novella was published, suggesting Melville was humanizing an unknown pathology. A clinical assessment of the text reveals low-grade lead poisoning, which best explains the strange behavior, abnormal appearance, and premature death of the character Bartleby as depicted by the author. In conjunction with the textual substantiation, historical evidence indicates that at the time Melville wrote the work, one in ten people he encountered suffered from the effects of the same disease. Informed with the identity of Melville’s …

Small Plots, Big Hopes: Factors Associated With Participation In An Urban Garden Project In Lesotho, Charlotte Ann Noble

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Studies of food insecurity have frequently focused on rural dwellers as vulnerable

populations. However, during the ‘global food crisis’ of 2007-2008, riots in more than

50 countries visibly demonstrated the vulnerability of urban populations to food

insecurity due to rapidly rising food prices. This study examines factors associated with

participation in an urban garden project (UGP), utilizing surveys (n=61) and in-depth

household interviews (n=37) to examine food security and dietary diversity of households

in urban Lesotho.

Households that participated in the garden project were more food insecure and

had lower dietary diversity than those that did not participate. However, it …

Teacher Attitudes, Perceived Influences, And Self-Reported Classroom Behaviors Related To School Nutrition Environments, Beverly Lawler Girard

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study determined attitudes of kindergarten through fifth grade teachers about school nutrition environments, their perceived influence on school nutrition environments, and self-reported classroom behaviors. Specific objectives were to: (a) identify perceived factors that influence the school nutrition environment, according to teachers surveyed; (b) examine relationships between elementary school teacher attitudes about school nutrition environments and perceived influence on the environment; (c) examine relationships between elementary school teachers’ attitudes about school nutrition environments, and self-reported classroom behaviors; (d) examine relationships between perceived influence over the school nutrition environment and self-reported classroom behaviors; and, (e) examine relationships between teachers’ demographic characteristics …

Nautical Knowledge: An Experimental Analysis Of The Influence Of Public Relations Strategies In Safe Boating Communication, Emily N. Guilfoil

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the effect of public relations message strategies on beliefs,attitudes, and behavioral intentions of individuals regarding boater safety. An experiment was conducted using seven safety messages. Specifically, Fishbein and Ajzen’s (1975) theory of reasoned action and J.E. Grunig’s (1997) situational theory of publics were used to examine the communication effects of message strategies proposed by Hazleton and Long’s (1988) public relations process model.The findings of this study support the predictions of the theory of reasoned action—that salient beliefs predict attitude toward behavior and attitude toward behavior and subjective norm predict behavioral intent. Of the three attitude items measured—attitude …

Letter, Norine Noonan To Colleagues, November 2, 2010, Norine E. Noonan

About: Office of Academic Affairs

Fall letter to the faculty from the Regional Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Noonan touches on the following topics: Midterm grades; career paths for instructors; the Distance Learning Course Development Program; an update on accreditation; the budget; the Multipurpose Campus Center; kudos; the Semi-Annual Finals Week Cookie Bake Extravaganza; and commencement.

Dendroaspis Natriuretic Peptide For Treatment Of Cancer, David L. Vesely

USF Patents

Disclosed is a method of inhibiting the growth of a cancer cell using Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP), isolated from the Green Mamba snake venom with similar structure to ANP, with or without four cardiac natriuretic peptides i.e., atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), vessel dilator, long acting natriuretic peptide (LANP), and kaliuretic peptide. Dose-response curves revealed a significant (p<0.0001) decrease in human glioblastoma cells with each ten-fold increase in concentration from 1 μM to 100 μM of four of the cardiac peptide hormones. There was an 75%, 68%, 67%, and 65% elimination within 24 hours of glioblastoma cells secondary to vessel dilator, kaliuretic peptide, ANP, and LANP, respectively (p<0.0001) while DNP had no significant effect at 1 μM (2% decrease), and 10 μM (7%), but 100 μM caused a (17%) decrease (p<0.05). Three days after treatment with these peptide hormones, the cancer cells began to proliferate again. These same hormones decreased DNA synthesis from 65% to 87% (p<0.00001).

Perceptions Of The Roles, Professional Development, Challenges, And Frustrations Of High School Principals, Stephen J. Knobl Jr.

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current perceptions of high school principals regarding their perceived roles, professional development experiences that impacted their careers, and the challenges and frustrations they face when enacting their roles as high school leaders. This qualitative study investigated perceptions of high school principals and addressed three research questions: (1) What are the perceptions of high school principals regarding their role as school leaders? (2) What professional development experiences do high school principals report are most important in impacting their careers? (3) What do high school principals perceive are their greatest challenges and frustrations? …

Differences In Atta Cephalotes Foraging Rate And Amount Of Substrate Harvested Following The Introduction Of An Antifungal Agent, November 2010, Benjamin Hedin

Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Optimal foraging theory dictates animals will behave in the most energetic favorable fashion, maximizing energy gained while minimizing energy lost. However, exceptions do exist, such as mating behaviors and predator avoidance. I show that oat flakes contaminated with antifungal powder, simulating secondary compounds, are selected less and at a lower rate by a colony of Atta cephalotes. This demonstrates the ability of the colony to recognize and discriminate against the contaminant to protect their symbiotic fungus. It also suggests that leafcutters, to an extent, can detect the amount or toxicity of the secondary compound. The willingness of the ants to …

Contextualizing Obesity Among Latino Farmworkers: A Critical Analysis Of Structural And Cultural Processes Affecting Farmworker Health And Nutrition In Central Florida, Melissa H. Johnson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Migrant and seasonal farmworkers play a critical role in the U.S. economy, producing food for the American public, while their suffering is often rendered invisible by their existence on the margins of society. The low wages associated with farm labor combined with the largely undocumented status of this population severely limits access to food, housing, and health care, resulting in poor health outcomes. Through the use of a critical anthropological approach, this research examines the social, cultural, political, and economic context of obesity among Latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Central Florida. Ethnographic research methods were used to explore perceptions …

Evaluation Of Oncology Nurses' Knowledge, Practice Behaviors, And Confidence Specific To Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy, Rebecca Denise Mcallister

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) remains one of the most serious and challenging symptoms oncology nurses encounter in caring for patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy. CIPN is under-addressed, under-reported, and symptoms are minimized by healthcare providers, which adversely affect patient quality of life, physical function, and emotional well-being. There is an absence of research examining nurses’ knowledge and practice behaviors related to CIPN. The purpose of this study was to explore oncology nurses knowledge, practice behaviors, confidence, and the relationship between education, experience, and knowledge specific to CIPN.

Data was collected at Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Chapter meetings throughout central and …

Does Patient Dementia Limit The Use Of Cardiac Catheterization In St-Elevated Myocardial Infarction?, Marianne Chanti-Ketterl

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Regardless of age or mental capacity, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the first line of treatment for ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study evaluates the disparities in the use of diagnostic cardiac catheterization and PCI in STEMI patients with dementia. A retrospective analysis was performed of Florida‟s comprehensive inpatient surveillance system for the years 2006-2007 with admission diagnosis of STEMI. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify disparities in the use of intervention among all STEMI patients. A total of 8,331 STEMI patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 77% were catheterized and of these 67% received PCI. A total …

The Use Of Proteomic Techniques To Study The Physiology And Virulence Of Staphylococcus Aureus, Frances Rivera

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Staphylococcus aureus

is a bacterial pathogen that is believed to be the most common agent of human infectious disease, causing conditions ranging from common skin lesions to life-threatening illnesses. S. aureus has also shown a remarkable ability to develop resistance to antimicrobial treatment, making infections difficult to treat. In the post-genomic era, proteomic studies analyzing the protein complement of a genome in a particular organism at any given time, have gained real significance. This result is largely due to dynamic changes in protein expression profiles which can lead wide alterations in physiology and behavior. For proteomics, it is necessary to …

Agenda And Reports, Juvenile Welfare Board, October 14, 2010, Juvenile Welfare Board Of Pinellas County

Juvenile Welfare Board Agendas, Minutes, and Historical Audits

Agenda, previous meeting minutes, and reports for the October 14, 2010, meeting of the Juvenile Welfare Board.

Florida Sentinel Bulletin, October 5, 2010, Gwen Hayes

Florida Sentinel Bulletin Collection

The October 5, 2010, issue of the Florida Sentinel Bulletin. Included is an article on the anti-poverty organization the Corporation to Develop Communities (CDC).

Florida Sentinel Bulletin, October 1, 2010, Gwen Hayes

Florida Sentinel Bulletin Collection

The October 1, 2010, issue of the Florida Sentinel Bulletin.

Florida Sentinel Bulletin, September 3, 2010, Gwen Hayes

Florida Sentinel Bulletin Collection

The September 3, 2010, issue of the Florida Sentinel Bulletin.

Florida Sentinel Bulletin, August 13, 2010, Gwen Hayes

Florida Sentinel Bulletin Collection

The August 13, 2010, issue of the Florida Sentinel Bulletin.

Commencement Convocation Program, Usf, August 7, 2010, University Of South Florida

USF Graduation and Convocation Programs

President's Fellow Medallion - Rhea F. Law; King O'Neal Scholars - Mateo Duque, Rohini Komarla, and Wade Pratt; Outstanding Senior - Ashley Sims

Nutrición De Los Adultos Mayores [Powerpoint], August 2010

Monteverde Institute: Culture, Community, and Health

Results of a nutrition study of older adults in two Monteverde communities that determined what their knowledge and perceptions about nutrition are, their nutritional habits, any changes in their nutrition, and any perceived health effects resulting from those changes.

Leaf Toughness And Cyanide Defense Of Passiflora Dioscoreifolia In Varied Light Habitats, August 2010, James Bellush

Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Coevolution can lead to complex biological relationships between tropical plants and herbivores, as with Passiflora (Passifloraceae) vines and heliconiine butterflies (Nymphalidae: Heliconiiae). Constant herbivory from heliconiine butterflies has led to the development of cyanide-based defensive compounds by Passiflora, in addition to the more general defense of toughening leaves, found in all plants. To observe the effect of light availability on leaf toughness and cyanide content in Passiflora dioscoreifolia, leaves from twenty plants in sun and shade habitats were sampled in the forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica and tested for their leaf toughness and cyanide content. Plants in the sun habitat …

Comparison Of Abundance Of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi On Sun- And Shade-Grown Coffea Arabica Plants, August 2010, John A. Colantonio

Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Large-scale coffee agriculture can have significantly detrimental effects on the environment. However, organic coffee production lowers these impacts and helps to conserve tropical diversity by reducing need for soil inputs. Natural, healthy soils contain beneficial vesicularmycorrhizal (VAM) fungi. These fungi help cycle nutrients, and support plant health and growth. Mycorrhizal mutualisms are abundant and effective in particular habitats, particularly those in which the fungi do not exhaust carbon resources for the plant. This study compares the abundance of VAM fungi vesicles on the roots of organic shade-grown coffee plants and those grown in the sun. Root samples were collected from …

¿Lo Que No Mata, Engorda? : An Exploratory Profile Of Elderly Nutrition In The Monteverde Region [Powerpoint], August 2010, Tarika Banks, Joshua Baxter, Austin Cox, Linda Gordon, Deborah Robinson

Monteverde Institute: Culture, Community, and Health

Final PowerPoint presentation of an investigation on the eating habits and perceptions of how food relates to overall health within the elderly population of two Monteverde communities, and suggestions for further study.