Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2013

Discipline
Institution
Keyword
Publication
Publication Type
File Type

Articles 43501 - 43530 of 45582

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Predictors Of Physical Activity In Child And Adolescent Survivors Of Cancer, Margaux Barnes Gilliam Jan 2013

Predictors Of Physical Activity In Child And Adolescent Survivors Of Cancer, Margaux Barnes Gilliam

All ETDs from UAB

Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk for future health problems. As such, physical activity (PA) has been targeted as a health promotion priority in child and adolescent cancer survivors. Despite research suggesting PA has protective health benefits, a large proportion of survivors do not meet PA recommendations. Development of effective interventions to increase PA in pediatric cancer survivors requires an understanding of the processes that determine survivor PA. Research on the determinants of PA in child and adolescent survivors is sparse, with most research focusing on late adolescent, young adult, and adult survivors of childhood cancer. The following papers …

Go to article

Suicide And Eating Disorders: The Role Of Religiosity, Spirituality And Religious Coping Style, Natalie Goodwin Jan 2013

Suicide And Eating Disorders: The Role Of Religiosity, Spirituality And Religious Coping Style, Natalie Goodwin

All ETDs from UAB

Suicide is a leading cause of death in persons diagnosed with an eating disorder. Religious factors have been demonstrated to be protective against many negative outcomes, including suicidality. Research has demonstrated that religious factors may be important in both the development and treatment of an eating disorder. The present study examines whether religiosity, spirituality, positive and negative religious coping style are protective against suicidal ideation and retrospective report of suicide attempts. The study included 91 mostly White, female participants from a residential treatment center for eating disorders. Participants were diagnosed with either anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) or eating …

Go to article

Prevalence Of Overweight And Obesity In Classic Rett Syndrome., Kathrine Clova Grigsby Jan 2013

Prevalence Of Overweight And Obesity In Classic Rett Syndrome., Kathrine Clova Grigsby

All ETDs from UAB

Introduction: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a genetic, neurodevelopmental disorder that displays high incidence of growth failure, variations in body composition, feeding/gastrointestinal complications, and undernutrition. The ongoing Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDNCRN) Rett Syndrome Natural History Research Project has yielded observations regarding the less recognized occurrence of overnutrition in adult females with classic Rett syndrome. The purpose of this study was the determine the prevalence of overweight/obesity in children and young adults with classic Rett syndrome, the percent overweight and obese among adults with classic Rett syndrome, and to determine if the prevalence of overnutrition increases after the puberty years …

Go to article

The Burden Of Chronic Conditions On Self Reported Health Status In A Medicare Advantage Plan Population, Barbara Ann Guerard Jan 2013

The Burden Of Chronic Conditions On Self Reported Health Status In A Medicare Advantage Plan Population, Barbara Ann Guerard

All ETDs from UAB

THE BURDEN OF CHRONIC CONDITIONS ON SELF REPORTED HEALTH STATUS IN A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN POPULATION BARBARA GUERARD ADMINISTRATION-HEALTH SERVICES ABSTRACT This dissertation was a multi-staged research study with two goals. The first goal was to assess survey respondents' characteristics to better understand the influence of the characteristics on the validity of self-reported survey responses. Second, the study analyzed the relationship between certain chronic conditions and survey participants' responses to questions related to their overall physical health and mental health to further understand the burden of chronic conditions on self- reported survey responses. Secondary data derived from a patient satisfaction …

Go to article

Socioeconomic Status, Social Relationships, And Higher Weight Status, Anthony David Campbell Jan 2013

Socioeconomic Status, Social Relationships, And Higher Weight Status, Anthony David Campbell

All ETDs from UAB

This thesis serves two main research objectives. The first objective is to examine the extent to which higher weight status is patterned by indicators of socioeconomic status. The second objective is to explore the involvement of social relationships in the association between socioeconomic status and weight status. I use a theoretical framework incorporating aspects of fundamental cause theory and insights from the literature on social relationships and health. Data for this study were obtained from the 2003-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 3,957). The analytic sample focused on Black and White respondents over the age of 40. …

Go to article

Experience-Dependent Synaptic Integration Of Adult-Generated Dentate Granule Cells, Jessica Hotard Chancey Jan 2013

Experience-Dependent Synaptic Integration Of Adult-Generated Dentate Granule Cells, Jessica Hotard Chancey

All ETDs from UAB

The dentate gyrus (DG) contains neural stem cells that continually generate new neurons throughout life. The contribution of adult neurogenesis to hippocampal function is not well understood, but ablation or silencing of adult-generated neurons in the DG disrupts learning and memory, and neurogenesis is altered in many pathologies associated with impaired cognition including Alzheimer's Disease, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Neurogenesis in the DG is a stepwise process in which neural stem cells leave the cell cycle and undergo an approximately two month long maturation process to form fully functional dentate granule cells (GCs) that are indistinguishable from those formed during development. …

Go to article

Hospital Financial Performance: A Look At Governance And Hit Strategies, Taleah Collum Jan 2013

Hospital Financial Performance: A Look At Governance And Hit Strategies, Taleah Collum

All ETDs from UAB

Taken together, the purpose of the three papers included in this dissertation is to provide empirical evidence on the relationship between strategies employed by hospital managers and hospital financial performance. The findings of these studies are important to managers as they search for ways to sustain and improve hospital financial performance in light of environmental changes that have taken place over the last three decades. The results of this dissertation suggest that to improve financial performance hospital leaders (e.g. management, board of directors) should choose strategies that are more amenable to their control. Specifically, having BOD members that are independent …

Go to article

Cortical Thickness In Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment And Its Relationships With Neuropsychological Functioning And Financial Capacity, Jacquelynn Nicosia Copeland Jan 2013

Cortical Thickness In Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment And Its Relationships With Neuropsychological Functioning And Financial Capacity, Jacquelynn Nicosia Copeland

All ETDs from UAB

Diagnostic criteria for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) include subjective memory complaint, objective memory impairment, preserved general cognitive function, intact functional abilities, and absence of dementia diagnosis (Petersen, 2004). However, there is evidence to suggest that some aMCI patients show declines in complex instrumental activities of daily living. Under the conceptual model proposed in this study, neuropathological changes occurring in the brain of aMCI and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients underlie specific forms of neurocognitive dysfunction, which in turn drive decline in everyday functional skills such as financial capacity. The current study examined the relationships between structural brain changes in aMCI, …

Go to article

Blood Pressure Control And Perceived Stress, Job Satisfaction, Life Satisfaction, And Perceived Health Status In Municipal Workers, Debra D. Baldwin Jan 2013

Blood Pressure Control And Perceived Stress, Job Satisfaction, Life Satisfaction, And Perceived Health Status In Municipal Workers, Debra D. Baldwin

All ETDs from UAB

Although hypertension is highly prevalent, associated with serious health consequences and treatable, fewer than half of those with hypertension have achieved blood pressure control (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2011b). Limited studies have examined the influence of perceived stress, job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and perceived health status may have on blood pressure control, although epidemiological evidence reveals psychological factors can mediate and negatively influence health behavior leading to hypertension (Blanchflower & Oswald, 2008; Kulkarni, Farrel, Erasi, & Kochar, 1998; Walcott-McQuigg, 2000). The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of hypertension, obesity, and blood pressure control …

Go to article

The Relationship Of Maternal Depressive Symptoms Among First Time Adolescent And Adult Mothers And Their Safe Parenting Practices And Child Injuries, Angela Warren Baumann Jan 2013

The Relationship Of Maternal Depressive Symptoms Among First Time Adolescent And Adult Mothers And Their Safe Parenting Practices And Child Injuries, Angela Warren Baumann

All ETDs from UAB

Maternal depressive symptoms have been associated with deficits in parenting practices that protect children from injuries; however, few studies have been conducted to examine these relationships. Using data from a multisite longitudinal study of 252 first-time mothers, the relationships between the use of safe parenting practices and maternal depressive symptoms was examined, taking into account mother's resources (as defined by age and education level) and race at five time points during the first 3 years of the child's life. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Measures of maternal depressive symptoms, safe parenting practices (use of car seat, …

Go to article

The Role Of Il-21 And Il-17 In Regulating Follicular T Helper Cells In Germinal Center Response Of Autoimmunity, Yanna Ding Jan 2013

The Role Of Il-21 And Il-17 In Regulating Follicular T Helper Cells In Germinal Center Response Of Autoimmunity, Yanna Ding

All ETDs from UAB

Overreactivity of the germinal center (GC) is a central feature of autoantibody-mediated autoimmune diseases. Follicular T helper (Tfh) cells are the primary T helper subset that migrates to the incipient GC and forms close contacts with GC-B cells to promote GC formation and help GC-B cell differentiation, resulting in high-affinity antibody production. Increased levels of interleukin (IL)-21 and aberrant accumulation or function of Tfh cells have been associated with autoimmune disease severity in humans and lupus-prone mice. Follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells are the regulatory T cell subset that also localizes in the GC and inhibits GC B cell differentiation. …

Go to article

Development Of Skin Hypopigmentation In A Patient With Metastatic Papillary Carcinoma Thyroid Treated With Sorafenib., Syed Zubair Hussain, Ali Asghar, Mubasher Ikram, Najmul Islam Jan 2013

Development Of Skin Hypopigmentation In A Patient With Metastatic Papillary Carcinoma Thyroid Treated With Sorafenib., Syed Zubair Hussain, Ali Asghar, Mubasher Ikram, Najmul Islam

Section of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery

Background: Sorafenib can be considered as the effective option of treatment in patients with metastatic radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancers. The cutaneous manifestations of Sorafenib include rash, desquamation, hand foot skin reactions, pruritus, alopecia and erythema. We report the first case of hypopigmentation related to sorafenib therapy. Case presentation: We report the case of a middle aged gentleman with metastatic papillary carcinoma of thyroid diagnosed in 2005. He was managed with total thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine and TSH suppressive therapy. Despite receiving radioactive iodine 530 mci cumulative dose, patient had persistant disease with lung metastasis. Therefore a TKI, sorafenib, was started. …

Go to article

Tuberculosis Verrucosa Cutis In A Patient With Keloid Over Ear Lobule, Muhammad Sohail Halim, Sadaf Qadeer Ahmed, Montasir Junaid, Muhammad Rizwan Bashir Jan 2013

Tuberculosis Verrucosa Cutis In A Patient With Keloid Over Ear Lobule, Muhammad Sohail Halim, Sadaf Qadeer Ahmed, Montasir Junaid, Muhammad Rizwan Bashir

Section of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health problem with predominance in resource-poor countries. Extrapulmonary TB constitutes approximately 10% of the cases and can present as different forms depending on the route of entry. Cutaneous TB is a small subset of the extrapulmonary TB. Cutaneous TB can either be of primary origin or secondary origin or it can be a part of a systemic infection. TB verrucosa cutis (TBVC) is the exogenous reinfection of TB in a previously sensitised patient. Routine cultures do not have a high yield in TBVC due to the paucibacillary nature of the organism. Here we are presenting …

Go to article

Harnessing The Power Of The Grassroots To Conduct Public Health Research In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study From Western Kenya In The Adaptation Of Community-Based Participatory Research (Cbpr) Approaches, Allan Kamanda, Lonnie Embleton, David Ayuku, Lukoye Atwoli, Peter Gisore, Samuel Ayaya, Rachel Vreeman, Paula Braitstein Jan 2013

Harnessing The Power Of The Grassroots To Conduct Public Health Research In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study From Western Kenya In The Adaptation Of Community-Based Participatory Research (Cbpr) Approaches, Allan Kamanda, Lonnie Embleton, David Ayuku, Lukoye Atwoli, Peter Gisore, Samuel Ayaya, Rachel Vreeman, Paula Braitstein

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a collaborative approach to research that involves the equitable participation of those affected by an issue. As the field of global public health grows, the potential of CBPR to build capacity and to engage communities in identification of problems and development and implementation of solutions in sub-Saharan Africa has yet to be fully tapped. The Orphaned and Separated Children’s Assessments Related to their Health and Well-Being (OSCAR) project is a longitudinal cohort of orphaned and non-orphaned children in Kenya. This paper will describe how CBPR approaches and principles can be incorporated and adapted into …

Go to article

Neural Substrates That Mediate Learning-Related Changes In The Emotional Response To A Threat, Joshua Richard Shumen Jan 2013

Neural Substrates That Mediate Learning-Related Changes In The Emotional Response To A Threat, Joshua Richard Shumen

All ETDs from UAB

Recognizing cues that predict a threat allows one to react more effectively under threatening conditions, attenuating or potentiating the response to the threat depending on the circumstances. This is demonstrated during Pavlovian fear conditioning when the unconditioned response (UCR) to a predictable unconditioned stimulus (UCS) is diminished compared to the UCR of an unpredictable UCS (Dunsmoor, Bandettini, & Knight, 2008; Wood, Ver Hoef, & Knight, 2012). In the current study skin conductance, electromyography (orbicularis oculi), UCS expectancy, and blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were assessed during a Pavlovian temporal fear conditioning paradigm. Right-handed volunteers were …

Go to article

The Role Of Gadd45b In Hippocampus-Dependent Cognition, Synaptic Plasticity And Activity-Associated Transcriptional Dynamics, Faraz Sultan Jan 2013

The Role Of Gadd45b In Hippocampus-Dependent Cognition, Synaptic Plasticity And Activity-Associated Transcriptional Dynamics, Faraz Sultan

All ETDs from UAB

An expanding body of literature argues for a pivotal role of molecular epigenetic mechanisms in memory. Defined as mechanisms that regulate gene expression in the absence of DNA sequence modifications, these regulate various stages of memory-associated transcription. These phenomena are present at diverse anatomical subregions of the central nervous system (CNS) and regulate corresponding behaviors. Epigenetic mechanisms comprise a unique category of behavioral and physiological modulators because of their potential to modify the cellular phenotype in a stable manner. Hence, epigenetics offers a novel potential solution to a central paradox in memory retention: the finding that most putative molecular substrates …

Go to article

The Role Of O-Glcnacylation In Synaptic Function, Erica Wynette Taylor Jan 2013

The Role Of O-Glcnacylation In Synaptic Function, Erica Wynette Taylor

All ETDs from UAB

O-GlcNAcylation is a dynamic protein posttranslational modification that adds the monosaccharide ß-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) to specific serine and threonine residues on nucleocytoplasmic proteins. The hippocampus is a part of brain that has been shown to play a crucial role in learning and memory. Hippocampal neurons have high expression of O-GlcNAc transferase and O-GlcNAcase, which catalyze the addition and removal of GlcNAc from proteins respectively. Moreover, synaptic plasticity which is the strengthening or weakening of synaptic function on short- and long-term time scales is believed to be a cellular correlate of learning and memory. Several forms of synaptic plasticity have been characterized …

Go to article

Mid - Infrared Solid State Lasers For Spectroscopic Applications, Yuri Terekhov Jan 2013

Mid - Infrared Solid State Lasers For Spectroscopic Applications, Yuri Terekhov

All ETDs from UAB

This work is devoted to study of novel high power middle-infrared (Mid-IR) laser sources enabling development of portable platform for sensing of organic molecules with the use of recently discovered Quartz Enhanced Photo Acoustic Spectroscopy (QEPAS). The ability to detect small concentrations is beneficial to monitor atmosphere pollution as well for biomedical applications such as analysis of human breath to detect earlier stages of cancer or virus activities. A QEPAS technique using a quartz tuning fork (QTF) as a detector enables a strong enhancement of measured signal when pump laser is modulated with a frequency coinciding with a natural frequency …

Go to article

Understanding The Predictors Of Patient Trust And Its Role In Utilization And Outcomes, Sheikilya Lewis Thomas Jan 2013

Understanding The Predictors Of Patient Trust And Its Role In Utilization And Outcomes, Sheikilya Lewis Thomas

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine patient-related factors that predict trust in one's physician, and subsequently identify the role of patient trust in health care utilization and clinical outcomes among African Americans with hypertension. Three separate studies are conducted using an adapted version of the Interaction Model for Client Health Behavior (IMCHB). The first paper is a three-step review of quantitative studies investigating the (a) patient characteristics that influence trust; (b) impact of trust on health care utilization; and (c) impact of trust on outcomes. Based on the predictors identified, the second study examines the significance of these …

Go to article

Role Of Kca3.1, A Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel, In Cell Migration In The Adult Brain, Kathryn L. Turner Jan 2013

Role Of Kca3.1, A Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel, In Cell Migration In The Adult Brain, Kathryn L. Turner

All ETDs from UAB

A limited amount of migration occurs in the adult brain, including migration of neuroblasts during adult neurogenesis and pathological migration of primary brain tumors. Ion channels are commonly utilized during migration to allow shape and volume changes required for cell movement, and we specifically examine the role of KCa3.1 in the adult brain. These channels are well-suited to facilitate movement because they respond to common migration signals, i.e. intracellular Ca2+ changes, and efflux K+, allowing the outflow of water and cell volume regulation. Our findings suggest that KCa3.1 is highly expressed in migratory cells, adult neuroblasts and glioma cells, but …

Go to article

The Effects Of Nicotine On The Human Adult Visual Pathway And Processing, Stefanie B. Varghese Jan 2013

The Effects Of Nicotine On The Human Adult Visual Pathway And Processing, Stefanie B. Varghese

All ETDs from UAB

Nicotine, the primary addictive component found in tobacco/cigarettes, can bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), which are found throughout the central nervous system including the retina of the eye. Previous studies have shown nAChR expression in the retina of non-human and human (Hutchins & Hollyfield, 1985; Liu et al., 2009). By use of electrophysiologic measures, i.e. electroretinograms (ERGs), early reports indicated that nicotine and/or cigarette smoking affects vision and visual processing in different species (Jurklies, Kaelin-Lang, & Niemeyer, 1996; Jünemann & Damaske, 1968). Because previous human studies have used only cigarette smokers, there are questions about what role nicotine, itself, …

Go to article

Gender Norms, Sexual And Reproductive Behaviors And Acceptability Of Male Circumcision Among Men In Western Jamaica, Melonie Walcott Jan 2013

Gender Norms, Sexual And Reproductive Behaviors And Acceptability Of Male Circumcision Among Men In Western Jamaica, Melonie Walcott

All ETDs from UAB

This dissertation consists of three papers designed to assess the association between gender norms and men's sexual behaviors, reproductive practices, and acceptability of male circumcision (MC). The data for this study were obtained from a cross-sectional, interviewer-administered questionnaire survey of 549 men aged 19-54 years, conducted in the western region of Jamaica between June to August 2011. In the first paper we found increased odds of reporting multiple sex partners among men with moderate (AOR =2.2; 95% CI=1.4 - 3.5) and high (AOR = 4.4; 95% CI =2.2 - 8.8) support for inequitable gender norms. Similarly, men with moderate (AOR= …

Go to article

The Role Of Pneumococcal Choline-Binding Protein A (Pcpa) In The Mechanism Of Virulence And Protective Immunity, Melissa Marie Walker Jan 2013

The Role Of Pneumococcal Choline-Binding Protein A (Pcpa) In The Mechanism Of Virulence And Protective Immunity, Melissa Marie Walker

All ETDs from UAB

pcpA is under control of the Mn 2-dependent repressor PsaR. In the high manganese environment of mucosal sites pcpA gene expression is repressed and at the low manganese environment of the lung and blood derepression of pcpA gene expressionis observed. Previous data has shown that immunization of mice with rPcpA elicits protection against pneumonia and sepsis but had no effect on nasal colonization. We and others have shown that pcpA expression significantly enhances adherence of pneumococci to lung epithelial cell lines and although it is a virulence factor for pneumonia in mice there is no biologically relevant role for PcpA …

Go to article

Classroom Support Strategies For Students With Adhd: Frequency Of Use, Level Of Effectiveness And Roadblocks To Implementation, Angela Walker Jan 2013

Classroom Support Strategies For Students With Adhd: Frequency Of Use, Level Of Effectiveness And Roadblocks To Implementation, Angela Walker

All ETDs from UAB

CLASSROOM SUPPORT STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTS WITH ADHD: FREQUENCY OF USE, LEVEL OF EFFECTIVENESS AND ROADBLOCKS TO IMPLEMENTATION ANGELA WALKER EARLY CHILHOOD EDUCATION ABSTRACT The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine how often specific instructional strategies that support students with ADHD are used in kindergarten through third grade classrooms, how effective these strategies are in improving student performance on formative assessments, and what interferes with their implementation. Such a study is important because there is limited information about specific strategies used and their effectiveness. Reasons why teachers do not use effective strategies provides important information for policy makers, teacher …

Go to article

Pregnancy Intentions Of Impoverished African American Boys, Jasmine Darrington Ward Jan 2013

Pregnancy Intentions Of Impoverished African American Boys, Jasmine Darrington Ward

All ETDs from UAB

Despite a 20-year low, the United States continues to have the highest teen pregnancy and birth rates among all industrialized countries. As teen childbearing is associated with adverse consequences for teen mothers, fathers, and their children; it remains a priority of public health professionals, policymakers, and practitioners. Although empirical data reporting sexual determinants of teen pregnancy (such as frequency of intercourse, number of sexual partners, condom or contraceptive use, and early sexual debut) commonly tie males into conversations surrounding teen pregnancy; studies that explore the complexities of pathways to adolescent paternity are limited. Using adolescent data from the Mobile Youth …

Go to article

The Relationship Of Religiosity, Spirituality And High-Risk, Tommie Lee Watkins Jan 2013

The Relationship Of Religiosity, Spirituality And High-Risk, Tommie Lee Watkins

All ETDs from UAB

Religion and spirituality are important concepts for many Black MSM. While many social factors may be associated with the increasing disparity of HIV infection among Black MSM, high levels of religiosity and spirituality prevalent in Black culture may be correlated with high risk behavior among Black MSM and may help explain this population's increasing incidence of HIV infection. Research supports a relationship between religiosity, spirituality, and high risk behavior among populations. Some research has suggested that religiosity and spirituality among Black MSM may be correlated but are multifaceted constructs. Conclusions suggest that among Black MSM these constructs account for certain …

Go to article

Anti-Group B Streptococci Monoclonal Antibodies Protect Against Invasive Aspergillosis, Rebekah Wharton Jan 2013

Anti-Group B Streptococci Monoclonal Antibodies Protect Against Invasive Aspergillosis, Rebekah Wharton

All ETDs from UAB

Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophytic fungus which can potentially cause life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals. Although a serious threat, current treatments are largely ineffective at reducing morbidity and mortality. To this end, we have characterized a monoclonal antibody generated against Group B Streptococci, type Ib, which also recognizes Aspergillus fumigatus conidia and hyphae. We show that this antibody appears to bind a similar epitope on both pathogens and provides a significant degree of protection in a murine model of invasive aspergillosis via a mechanism that appears to be dependent on complement. The studies we performed using this antibody should …

Go to article

Application Of Next-Generation Sequencing And Bioinformatics Approaches For Elucidating Microbial Diversity And For Bioprospecting In Antarctic Freshwater Lake Ecosystems, Jonathan Huang Jan 2013

Application Of Next-Generation Sequencing And Bioinformatics Approaches For Elucidating Microbial Diversity And For Bioprospecting In Antarctic Freshwater Lake Ecosystems, Jonathan Huang

All ETDs from UAB

Antarctic freshwater ecosystems offer a unique opportunity to study the microbial biodiversity, adaptation, function, and interaction in extreme environments. In general, there is a dearth of higher trophic organisms in Antarctic freshwater lakes thus microbes are essential for the sustainability of biological life. This study describes the similarities and differences in microbial diversity among seasonal and perennially ice-covered lacustrine ecosystems from East and West Antarctica. In particular, we investigated the microbial diversity in three different freshwater lakes, (1) seasonal lakes of the Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica, (2) perennially ice-covered Lake Untersee, East Antarctica, and (3) perennially ice-covered Lake Joyce, West …

Go to article

Genetic And Biochemical Characterizations Of The Capsular Glycosyltransferases In Streptococcus Pneumoniae Serotype 2, David Boyd Anthony James Jan 2013

Genetic And Biochemical Characterizations Of The Capsular Glycosyltransferases In Streptococcus Pneumoniae Serotype 2, David Boyd Anthony James

All ETDs from UAB

The principle objective of this dissertation is to develop a thorough understanding of the genetics and biochemistry of capsule synthesis. Specifically, it involves the identification and characterization of the capsular glycosyltransferases in Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 2, with investigations into their regulation. S. pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a significant human pathogen that has the ability to persist as a commensal and then transition to a virulent state, the latter of which is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of S. pneumoniae is a protective surface structure that plays an integral role in this disease process. …

Go to article

Marcks Is A Regulator Of Growth, Radiation Sensitivity And Is A Novel Prognostic Factor For Glioblastoma Multiforme, John Jarboe Jan 2013

Marcks Is A Regulator Of Growth, Radiation Sensitivity And Is A Novel Prognostic Factor For Glioblastoma Multiforme, John Jarboe

All ETDs from UAB

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and deadly primary brain malignancy necessitating improved understanding of GBM biology. In this study, we explore the role of Myristoylated Alanine Rich C-Kinase Substrate (MARCKS) in the context of GBM. We have discovered that the MARCKS protein regulates GBM growth as well as response to radiation therapy through its effects on proliferation, senescence, and DNA repair based on our studies in cell culture and in patient-derived xenograft tumors implanted in mice. Importantly, our analysis of clinical patient data demonstrates that MARCKS is an independent predictor for outcome in GBM patients. Indeed, high MARCKS …

Go to article

First Prev Next Last