Digital Commons Network^™

Cell Culture Models Of Genetic Variation, Joshua T. Witten

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Studying genetic variation presents a dilemma. While the genetic variation of greatest interest is that causing variation in traits and disease risk in natural populations, natural populations have characteristics that make them challenging to study. In this work, I have assessed the use of cell culture methods as a solution to some of these challenges. In particular, I studied genetic variation in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that was generated by selection in the lab as a model for natural genetic variation. I have found that even simplistic selection programs in the laboratory, including the use of chemical mutagenesis to …

Synthesis And Sar Study Of Meperidine Analogues As Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (Ssris), Xiaobo Gu

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Meperidine has been shown to have potent binding affinity for serotonin transporters (SERT) (Ki = 41 nM) and be an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake. Based upon these pharmacological results meperidine has been identified as a lead compound for the development of a novel class of serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). A variety of potent analogues of meperidine have been synthesized and evaluated in vitro as potential ligands for the serotonin transporter. Substitutions have been made on the aryl ring, the ester moiety and the piperidine nitrogen of meperidine. Potent analogues of the aryl substituted series that included 4-iodophenyl, 2-naphthyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl and …

Strategies For Deriving A Single Measure Of The Overall Burden Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Hospitals, Alessandro Orlando

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Antimicrobial-resistant infections result in hospital stays costing between $18,000 and $29,000. As of 2009, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services no longer upgrade payments for hospital-acquired infections. Hospital epidemiologists monitor and document rates of individual resistant microbes in antibiogram reports. Overall summary measures capturing resistance within a hospital may be useful. Objectives: We applied four techniques (L1- and L2-principal component analysis (PCA), desirability functions, and simple summary) to create summary measures of resistance and described the four summary measures with respect to reliability, proportion of variance explained, and clinical utility. Methods: We requested antibiograms from hospitals participating in the …

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Evasion Of Phagocytosis Is Mediated By Loss Of Swimming Motility And Is Independent Of Flagellum Expression, Eyal Amiel, Rustin R. Lovewell, George A. O'Toole, Deborah A. Hogan, Brent Berwin

Dartmouth Scholarship

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogenic Gram-negative bacterium that causes severe opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals; in particular, severity of infection with P. aeruginosa positively correlates with poor prognosis in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Establishment of chronic infection by this pathogen is associated with downregulation of flagellar expression and of other genes that regulate P. aeruginosa motility. The current paradigm is that loss of flagellar expression enables immune evasion by the bacteria due to loss of engagement by phagocytic receptors that recognize flagellar components and loss of immune activation through flagellin-mediated Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. In this work, we employ bacterial …

Assessing Commercial Organic And Conventionally Grown Vegetables By Monitoring Selected Heavy Metals Found In Them., Charles Kafui Dotse

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Commercially available organic and conventionally grown vegetables were studied by quantitative determination of selected metals in them and to determine if any differences found are statistically significant. These findings can help the consumers to determine if the vegetable products are within the recommended maximum limits as proposed by the joint FAO/WHO Expert committee on organic foods designation. Eight edible vegetables were purchased from local stores in both the organic and conventionally grown categories. Samples were digested with concentrated nitric acid and the metals monitored were zinc, copper, lead, iron, cadmium, and nickel using flame atomic absorption. The concentration range for …

Chemotaxis Of Amphibian Pathogen Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis In The Presence And Absence Of Antifungal Metabolites Produced By Amphibian Skin Bacteria, Brianna Ashlyn Lam

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Chytridiomycosis is an amphibian skin disease that threatens amphibian biodiversity worldwide. The infectious fungal agent of chytridiomycosis, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, can affect amphibians differently in that some amphibian populations can co-exist with the fungus and others quickly succumb to disease. Amphibians in populations that co-exist with the B. dendrobatidis are shown to have sub-lethal infections on their skins. Several co-existing populations have also been shown to have higher proportions of individuals with antifungal skin bacteria suggesting the role of skin bacteria in disease outcome. Little is known about the mechanism(s) that antifungal skin bacteria use to ameliorate the effects of B. …

System Dynamics Of Diabetes In The Presence Of Social Determinants, Victoria Akins

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Diabetes is a chronic and persistent disease that is on the rise in the U.S. in spite of medical advances and current public health efforts to address it. There is a relationship between socioeconomic factors such as poverty and education and the risk of developing diabetes and the progression of the disease. A systems approach is employed to develop a dynamic hypothesis with a stock and flow model will uncover and analyze these relationships to gain a better understanding of the socioeconomic dynamics of diabetes. Social factors have a significant impact on health outcomes and their consideration is essential to …

When Volunteering Doesn’T Cut It: A Critical Examination Of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Surveillance And Trends In The United States., Erica E. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Background. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, are newly emerging pathogens of public health importance. Currently no nationally representative or mandatory surveillance or reporting system exists to examine trends of these important pathogens. Objective. The purpose of the current study was to estimate trends in overall microbial burden and carbapenem resistance in E. coli and K. pneumoniae and to understand the extent to which hospitals which report to voluntary surveillance systems represent all hospitals in the United States. Design. We conducted a descriptive study to compare the hospitals participating in voluntary reporting systems of the University HealthSystem Consortium …

Biobehavioral Mechanisms Of Emotion And Hiv Disease: Exploring Potential Mediators Of The Relation Between Trait Positive And Negative Affect And Hiv Health Status, Karen Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

Considerable research supports an association between negative psychosocial functioning and adverse health outcomes. The biobehavioral model is well supported and posits that these effects occur via alterations in physiological response and health damaging behaviors. Evidence is accumulating about potential benefits of positive psychosocial functioning; however, less is known about the mechanisms of these effects. The broaden-and-build model of positive emotions holds that positive emotions can undo the physiological and behavioral restrictions associated with negative emotions and promote resource development. The present correlational study sought to explore whether cortisol, medication adherence, and health behaviors (smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and nutrition) …

Viral Vaccines And Ctl Response, Uday Kumaraguru, Stacie N. Woolard

ETSU Faculty Works

Immune induction by successful vaccine formulations seems to involve stimulation of both humoral and cellular arms of immunity. Nevertheless, CD8+ CTLs are of critical relevance in the context of intracellular infection and tumor for many reasons. The task of exerting antipathogen activity by CD8+ T cells, which principally function to control and eradicate intracellular pathogens, is enabled by constitutive expression of MHC class-I molecules on all tissue types. CTL induction offers hope for vaccines against pathogens that are resistant to neutralizing activity. This review discusses the mechanism of immune induction by some successful vaccines and based on the accrued evidence …

Factors Influencing State Prescription Drug Policy, Rochelle Rene' Henderson

Dissertations

Within the realm of health care, prescription drugs have been of particular concern for state legislators in terms of cost, safety, and distribution. Whether prompted by financial, social, or political pressure, states have tried to address issues associated with prescription medications by adopting or attempting to adopt a variety of prescription drug policies. My dissertation expands beyond the analysis of a singular prescription drug policy and examines the factors affecting prescription drug policies aimed at acquisition, safety and distribution. A negative binomial regression model is employed for each of the prescription drug policy areas to ascertain the influence of internal, …

Uab's Whitley Named Distinguished Physician By Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Staff

Browse All News

No abstract provided.

2010 Baker Forum Proceedings: Exploring The Multiple Dimensions Of Innovation — Implications For Polytechnic Universities, Office Of The President

Proceedings of the Baker Forums

This report focuses on the multiple dimensions of innovation—invention, development and marketing—and their implications for polytechnic universities. It features a Keynote address by Walter H. Moos, vice president of SRI International’s Biosciences Division, followed by Panel presentations and Breakout session reports.

May 3, 2010 Reporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Medical School Watercooler Newsletter - May 2, 2010, Lindsey Lyle

Watercooler Newsletter

This is the May 2, 2010 edition of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine's newsletter - Watercooler.

Contents Include:

• Professionals Gather To Learn About Sickle Cell Disease
• Faculty and Students To Be Honored For Excellence
• USA Team Wins Top Honors
• Mobile Medical Museum Hosts Lecture By Medicine Historian Dr. Todd Savitt
• DSS -- May 6 -- Dr. David DeShazer

Winter Ecology Of Buggy Creek Virus (Togaviridae, Alphavirus) In The Central Great Plains, Charles R. Brown, Stephanie A. Strickler, Amy T. Moore, Sarah A. Knutie, Abinash Padhi, Mary Bomberger Brown, Ginger R. Young, Valerie A. O'Brien, Jerome E. Foster, Nicholas Komar

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

A largely unanswered question in the study of arboviruses is the extent to which virus can overwinter in adult vectors during the cold winter months and resume the transmission cycle in summer. Buggy Creek virus (BCRV; Togaviridae, Alphavirus) is an unusual arbovirus that is vectored primarily by the swallow bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae: Oeciacus vicarius) and amplified by the ectoparasitic bug’s main avian hosts, the migratory cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) and resident house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Bugs are sedentary and overwinter in the swallows’ mud nests. We evaluated the prevalence of BCRV and extent of …

The Lack Of An Inherent Membrane Targeting Signal Is Responsible For The Failure Of The Matrix (M1) Protein Of Influenza A Virus To Bud Into Virus-Like Particles, Dan Wang, Aaron Harmon, Jing Jin, David H. Francis, Jane Christopher-Hennings, Eric A. Nelson, Ronald C. Montelaro, Feng Li

Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

The matrix protein (M1) of influenza A virus is generally viewed as a key orchestrator in the release of influenza virions from the plasma membrane during infection. In contrast to this model, recent studies have indicated that influenza virus requires expression of the envelope proteins for budding of intracellular M1 into virus particles. Here we explored the mechanisms that control M1 budding. Similarly to previous studies, we found that M1 by itself fails to form virus-like-particles (VLPs). We further demonstrated that M1, in the absence of other viral proteins, was preferentially targeted to the nucleus/perinuclear region rather than to the …

Organophosphorus Pesticides Decrease M2 Muscarinic Receptor Function In Guinea Pig Airway Nerves Via Indirect Mechanisms, Becky J. Proskocil, Donald A. Bruun, Charles M. Thompson, Allison D. Fryer, Pamela J. Lein

Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Epidemiological studies link organophosphorus pesticide (OP) exposures to asthma, and we have shown that the OPs chlorpyrifos, diazinon and parathion cause airway hyperreactivity in guinea pigs 24 hr after a single subcutaneous injection. OP-induced airway hyperreactivity involves M2 muscarinic receptor dysfunction on airway nerves independent of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, but how OPs inhibit neuronal M2 receptors in airways is not known. In the central nervous system, OPs interact directly with neurons to alter muscarinic receptor function or expression; therefore, in this study we tested whether the OP parathion or its oxon metabolite, paraoxon, might decrease M2 receptor function on …

Use Of Diagnosis Codes And/Or Wound Culture Results For Surveillance Of Surgical Site Infection After Mastectomy And Breast Reconstruction, Margaret A. Olsen, Victoria J. Fraser

Infectious Diseases Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Phase Behvior And Solidification Of Electrostatically Self-Asesembled Amphiplexes, Ashish Taskar

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

There has been a steady increase in utilizing nanoporous materials across a wide variety of fields leading to an increased demand for more economical and superior materials. The present work contributes towards addressing these concerns by using commercially and easily available chemicals to synthesize electrostatically self-assembled amphiplexes. These amphiplexes have been prepared by combining polyelectrolyte-surfactant complexes with co-surfactant and oil and they show long range order at the nanoscale exhibiting various morphologies such as cubic, lamellar and hexagonal. Employing small angle x-ray scattering, phase transitions and swelling behavior were investigated in these amphiplexes as a function of ionic strength, co-surfactant …

Molecular Analysis Of Trypanosoma Cruzi Isolates Obtained From Raccoons (Procyon Lotor) In Warren And Barren Counties Of Kentucky, Lipeng Bi

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, infects a variety of wild mammals in the southern United States, but it has only recently been isolated from raccoons trapped in the state of Kentucky. The purpose of the present study was to use a molecular genotyping approach, followed by DNA sequencing to determine the genotypes (type I, or types IIa-IIe) of 15 of the Kentucky isolates. DNA samples were prepared from 15 T. cruzi- isolates using a Qiagen mini kit, and PCR amplification was performed using published primers for the 24S α rDNA sequence (D71 and D72), the …

An Antibody Directed Against The Fusion Peptide Of Junin Virus Envelope Glycoprotein Gpc Inhibits Ph-Induced Membrane Fusion, Joanne York, Jody D. Berry, Ute Stroeher, Qunnu Li, Heinz Feldmann, Min Lu, Meg Trahey, Jack H. Nunberg

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The arenavirus envelope glycoprotein (GPC) initiates infection in the host cell through pH-induced fusion of the viral and endosomal membranes. As in other class I viral fusion proteins, this process proceeds through a structural reorganization in GPC in which the ectodomain of the transmembrane fusion subunit (G2) engages the host cell membrane and subsequently refolds to form a highly stable six-helix bundle structure that brings the two membranes into apposition for fusion. Here, we describe a G2-directed monoclonal antibody, F100G5, that prevents membrane fusion by binding to an intermediate form of the protein on the fusion pathway. Inhibition of syncytium …

The Vampire Myth And Christianity, Dorothy Ivey

Master of Liberal Studies Theses

The purpose of this work is to uncover the mystery of the relationship between the Catholic Church and the vampire myth. Presented first is a discussion of what a vampire is and its origins. The discussion moves to the vampire myth and the close relationship and similarities between the myth and Christianity, like the importance of blood as a life force. This work goes on to address how the late medieval Church exploited the vampire myth in order to impart a greater influence on society than any other non-Christian belief system. Also, it explores how the Church provided solace for …

A Sample Of Rural And Global Health Issues, Carol J. Bett, Barbara Cechanowicz, Demetrius Chapman, Stephen Hernandez, Hannelore Kriegor, Melanie Mayo, Loyce Phoenix, Conrad Rios, Teresa Sellstrom, Max Veltman

Global, Rural, & Cultural Health Book Series

The challenges faced by local, national, and global communities in an ever-changing world have continued to grow as we complete the first decade of the 21st century. The doctoral students writing this book undertook the effort with advocacy for disenfranchised populations in mind. This compilation illuminates the challenges and gaps in access to health care confronted by a wide range of people, from overweight children, lesbians, and Native Americans to individuals in rural communities in Papua New Guinea. As the reader can readily see, we are a group of students with wide-ranging experiences and interests.

Respecting Working Mothers With Infant Children: The Need For Increased Federal Intervention To Develop, Protect, And Support A Breastfeeding Culture In The United States, Heather M. Kolinsky

Faculty Scholarship

The author argues that the benefits of breastfeeding are overwhelming and that more needs to be done to ensure that all women have a viable option to continue breastfeeding upon returning to work, particularly the working poor and minorities. Those least likely to breastfeed are more likely to be part of an at risk population in terms of health. Most significantly, the lack of a cohesive policy in the workplace has had a disparate impact on the most vulnerable populations of breastfeeding mothers and their children. The lack of federal protection and a patchwork of protection in the states have …

Involvement Of Surfactant Proteins In Ocular Innate Defense, Xiaolan Lin

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

The ocular surface is a delicate structure that susceptible to injury and infection. Ulcerative keratitis is a painful eye condition characterized by stromal infection, ulcerative epithelium, decreased vision and cornea scar. Due to the reason that formation of vascularization, fibrosis or scarring in corneal epithelium can cause disastrous effects on vision, inflammatory response in the eye must be tightly controlled in space and time. Ocular innate defense system consists of antimicrobial peptides and immune cells that secreted or accumulated at the surface; they work in concert to eliminate intruding pathogens. Under normal circumstances, innate immunity suffices in providing quick, non-specific …

Investigation Of The Dynamics Of Qpx, A Pathogen Of The Hard Clam Mercenaria Mercenaria, In The Environment And Clams, Qianqian Liu

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

Quahog Parasite Unknown (QPX) is a potentially lethal pathogen of the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria along the northeastern coast of the United States. To enumerate QPX in clams and in environmental samples, a SYBR Green real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the ITS region of the QPX rRNA operon was developed. The qPCR assay was used to test samples collected in 2006 from the site of a recent QPX disease outbreak in Raritan Bay, NY, and from a site where QPX has not been detected in Peconic estuary, NY. No QPX was detected in any seawater sample analyzed while QPX …

Design And Synthesis Of Novel Benzimidazole Library For The Discovery And Development Of The Next Generation Antibacterial Agents, Christina Susanto

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

Tuberculosis, commonly known as"TB," is a contagious infection that is caused by exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Many current anti-TB drugs target bacterial cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, and fatty acid synthesis. It is important to explore new bacterial targets in fighting the progression of tuberculosis. The bacterial cellular division process as an anti-TB target has not been fully explored and holds great potential in future combinatorial treatment of drug resistant tuberculosis. Since FtsZ (Filamental temperature-sensitive protein Z) is the most essential and abundant protein in bacterial mitosis, more specifically the coordination of bacterial cytokinesis, it has been targeted as a …

Benchmarks 2010, May 14, The Rockefeller University

BenchMarks 2010

BenchMarks. Friday, May 14, 2010

The community newsletter of The Rockefeller University

BenchMarks is published monthly and is distributed on the campus of The Rockefeller University. It produced by the Office of Communications and Public Affairs

Health Promotion Self-Efficacy Of Belizean Nurses : Variables Influencing Condom Use Promotion To Women To Prevent Hiv/Aids., Whitney A. Nash

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is a descriptive, correlational study that explores how a nurse's personal sexual relationship power, vicarious experience, and other interpersonal and socio-cultural variables are related to her self-efficacy to promote and teach condom use to women to reduce the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. How these variables are related among a specific subset of nurses with lower sexual relationship power is also examined. Self-efficacy theory, specifically portions of Dr. Albert Bandura's work is used to guide this exploration. Chapter 1 introduces the problem of HIV/AIDS in Belize; the role of power, and selected issues surrounding women and HIV/AIDS. Chapter 1 …