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Stability Studies Of Membrane Proteins, Cui Ye

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

The World Health Organization has identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the top three threats to human health. Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli are intrinsically more resistant to antimicrobials. There are very few drugs either on the market or in the pharmaceutical pipeline targeting Gram-negative pathogens. Two mechanisms, the protection of the outer membrane and the active efflux by the multidrug transporters, play important roles in conferring multidrug resistance to Gram-negative bacteria. My work focuses on two main directions, each aligning with one of the known multidrug resistance mechanisms.

The first direction of my research is in the area …

Inhibition Of The Mep Pathway : Design, Synthesis And Evaluation Of Ispf Enzyme Inhibitors; Synthesis Of Pde4d Partial Inhibitors And Exploration Of Atropisomeric Analogs, Zheng Zhang

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation contains two major projects. The first project focused on the design and synthesis of small molecule inhibitors of the methyl erythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway. Known as a non-mevalonate isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway, plants and apicomplexan protozoa such as malaria parasites use this to produce isoprenoids (terpenoids). Additionally, most bacteria, including pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, synthesize IPP and DMAPP via the non-mevalonate pathway.1 Among the seven enzymes involved in this pathway, a highly conserved enzyme is 2C-methyl-D-erythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase (IspF). Fragment screening hits on Burkholderia pseudomallei IspF (BpIspF) afforded the basis for our chemistry leads, allowing the design of …

Promoting Reproductive Options For Hiv-Affected Couples In Sub-Saharan Africa, Okeoma Mmeje, Craig R. Cohen, Alfred Murage, John Ong’Ech, James Kiarie, Sheryl Van Der Poel

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

HIV-affected couples have unique challenges that require access to information and reproductive services which prevent HIV transmission to the uninfected partner and offspring while allowing couples to fulfill their reproductive goals. In high HIV prevalent regions of sub-Saharan Africa, HIV-affected couples require multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) to enhance their reproductive healthcare options beyond contraception and prevention of HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to include assistance in childbearing. The unique characteristics of the condom and its accepted use in conjunction with safer conception interventions allow HIV-serodiscordant couples an opportunity to maintain reproductive health, prevent HIV/STI transmission, and achieve their reproductive goals while …

Interindividual Variability In The Cytochrome P450 3a4 Drug Metabolizing Enzyme: Effect Of The Cyp3a4*1g Genetic Variant, Kasse Jean Skagen

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Researchers and clinicians are interested in how a patient’s individual genetic makeup could predict the appropriate medication and dose for that patient. One way to predict drug response, or efficacy, is by looking at enzymes within the liver that metabolize drugs. Many of these enzymes belong to a class called the Cytochrome P450s (CYPs). Specifically, two closely related enzymes, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, are involved in metabolizing 50% of drugs currently on the market (eg: statins, antiepileptics, anticancer agents, and antidepressants). There can be differences in the genetic code of these enzymes that can causes changes in drug metabolism. We completed …

Characterization Of Nipah Virus Pathogenicity In Vitro And In Vivo And Protection From Disease Using A Single Dose Recombinant Vaccine, Blair Lynn Debuysscher

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Nipah virus is a zoonotic pathogen that infects a wide species range including humans. It was first discovered in Malaysia in 1998 during a large outbreak, but since has spread to Bangladesh and India causing almost yearly outbreaks in the region since 2001. The distinct geographic locations have led to two genetically varied strains. Infection of humans by Nipah virus leads to respiratory distress and acute encephalitis. Pathology caused by the virus is characterized by vasculitis, necrosis, and edema of small vessels of the lung and brain primarily. This work investigates differences of pathology and clinical signs in the hamster …

Multilevel Examination Of Facility Characteristics, Social Integration, And Health For Older Adults Living In Nursing Homes, Skye Leedahl, Rosemary Kennedy Chapin, Todd D. Little

Human Development and Family Science Faculty Publications

Objectives. Testing a model based on past research and theory, this study assessed relationships between facility characteristics (i.e., culture change efforts, social workers) and residents’ social networks and social support across nursing homes and examined relationships between multiple aspects of social integration (i.e., social networks, social capital, social engagement, social support) and mental and functional health for older adults in nursing homes.

Methods. Data were collected at nursing homes using a planned missing data design with random sampling techniques. Data collection occurred at the individual-level through in-person structured interviews with older adult nursing home residents (N = 140) and …

Health Needs And Service Areas In Illinois: An Examination Of 10 Mlps, Dhrubajyoti Bhattacharya, Emily Benfer, Allyson Gold, Latasha Barnes, Woody Thorne

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

Medical-legal partnerships (MLPs) secure the health-related needs of an affected patient-client by identifying upstream determinants of health for which the law provides a remedy. Some healthcare professionals have noted key activities of MLPs, including the provision of legal assistance, educating providers about social determinants of health, and advancing policy change by addressing existent laws and regulations that may impede the maintenance of good health.1 Although these efforts are essential, they do not fully capture the potential of MLPs to serve as a locus of research and intervention to strengthen the evidence base to advance individual and population health. Across the …

Roles And Regulations For Pharmacists In State-Level Disaster Relief Efforts, Rachel Lowe

Honors Theses

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine what expanded roles have been identified for pharmacists by the states in disaster relief efforts, what regulations currently exist for pharmacists in disaster relief efforts in each state, and whether or not disaster relief and public health training should be added to the pharmacy school curriculum. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used to survey fifty-three boards of pharmacy via email and Qualtrics Survey Software. Results: Analysis of the survey results showed that most states lack a disaster preparedness plan and expanded roles for pharmacists in disaster relief efforts, and most …

The Sociocultural Basis Of Epidemiology Of Hypertension Among Residents Of Ogun State, Vernon E. Norman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is a high prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria. Limited knowledge of hypertension, how to prevent it, its outcomes, rapid urbanization, and the adoption of Western eating habits are implicated. Hypertension is an important issue because chronic disease places economic, social, and disease burdens on society. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to investigate lifestyle practices, knowledge, and attitudes on risks and prevention of hypertension among residents of Ogun State, Nigeria (N = 79). The conceptual framework for this study focused on how knowledge, attitudes, and practices influence the dietary habits, behaviors, and ultimately blood pressure . The PEN-3 …

Faculty Masthead, Mjlst Editorial Board

Minnesota Journal of Law, Science & Technology

No abstract provided.

Patient Perceptions Of Medication Therapy Management Targeted For Adherence Following The Provision Of Influenza Immunizations By Student Pharmacists: Preliminary Findings, Logan H. Ramsey

Honors Theses

Objective: To examine patients' opinions of clinical pharmacy services, especially Medication Therapy Management (MTM), following the administration of influenza immunization. Methods: The McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement at the University of Mississippi funded a service-learning project for student pharmacists to administer influenza immunizations to medically underserved patients. The project was conducted at a clinic for uninsured patients in Southaven, Mississippi but was open to the public. Patients (n=52) received an influenza immunization followed by a personal medication record during the observation period. Students, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, then provided a medication review and Drug …

A Comprehensive Review Of Malaria With An Emphasis On Plasmodium Resistance, Lindsay O. Thomas

Honors Theses

Malaria is a disease that is caused by the Plasmodium genus. It is endemic in tropical areas. There are multiple drugs used for prophylaxis and treatment. However, the parasites have developed resistance towards most antimalarial pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical industry is generating new antimalarial pharmaceuticals, but the rate of new Plasmodium resistance is much faster.

Evaluation Of Microbial Diversity Present In Herbal Supplements As Revealed By Pcr-Based 16s Sequence Analysis, Stephen Stone

Honors Theses

Over the last few decades people have become more aware of their general wellness and have turned towards alternative measures to ensure good health. One of these alternative measures, the herbal supplement market, has risen significantly in recent years, even though there is no conclusive research that points to the effectiveness of herbal supplements. Also, because of sparse regulation from the FDA, there are many questions related to the efficacy, composition, processing methods, and, consequently, safety of these supplements. The aim of this study was to determine the microbial composition of herbal supplements in an attempt to identify potential targets …

Bacteria Con Leche: Bacterial Populations And Antibiotic Resistance Within Conventional, Usda Organic, And Local Milk, Kristen M. Wilson

Honors Theses

Concerns over food production and processing, along with increasing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses and antibiotic resistant infections have led many consumers to seek alternative food sources in the organic and local food markets. This study compared conventional, USDA certified organic, and local farmer's market milk types to determine whether there is any noticeable benefit to purchasing organic or locally harvested milk in terms of their bacterial populations and level of antibiotic resistance. Samples from various milk types were plated on Tryptic Soy Agar and Milk Agar plates to enumerate bacteria, and the cultivated bacteria tested for resistance to the antibiotics …

Distinct Activation Phenotype Of A Highly Conserved Novel Hla-B57-Restricted Epitope During Dengue Virus Infection, Elizabeth Townsley, Marcia Woda, Stephen J. Thomas, Siripen Kalayanarooj, Robert V. Gibbons, Ananda Nisalak, Anon Srikiatkhachorn, Sharone Green, Henry A.F. Stephens, Alan L. Rothman, Anuja Matthew

Institute for Immunology and Informatics Faculty Publications

Variation in the sequence of T cell epitopes between dengue virus (DENV) serotypes is believed to alter memory T cell responses during second heterologous infections. We identified a highly conserved, novel, HLA-B57-restricted epitope on the DENV NS1 protein. We predicted higher frequencies of B57-NS126-34-specific CD8+ T cells in PBMC from individuals undergoing secondary rather than primary DENV infection. However, high tetramer-positive T cell frequencies during acute infection were seen in only 1 of 9 subjects with secondary infection. B57-NS126-34-specific and other DENV epitope-specific CD8+ T cells, as well as total CD8+ T cells, expressed an activated phenotype (CD69+ and/or CD38+) …

Contemporary Practice Of The United States Relating To International Law, April 2014, Kristina Daugirdas, Julian Davis Mortenson

Articles

• Another Mexican National Executed in Texas in Defiance of Avena Decision • Manhattan Arrest of Indian Consular Official Sparks Public Dispute Between the United States and India • United States Questions Claims Based on China’s “Nine-Dash Line” in the South China Sea • United States Takes Steps to Combat Illegal Trade in Wildlife • U.S. Compromises Facilitate Agreement on World Trade Organization’s Bali Package; Question Remains Whether Bali Package Requires Congressional Approval • Destruction of Syrian Chemical Arms Delayed • Iran Nuclear Agreement Is Implemented Notwithstanding Expressions of Distrust by Iran and the U.S. Congress

Forty Years Of Disability Policy In Legal Education And The Legal Profession: What Has Changed And What Are The New Issues, Laura Rothstein

American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law

No abstract provided.

B Cell Response And Mechanisms Of Antibody Protection To West Nile Virus, S. Kyle Austin, Kimberly A. Dowd

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Identification And Characterization Of Alternative Splicing In Parasitic Nematode Transcriptomes, Sahar Abubucker, Samantha N. Mcnulty, Bruce A. Rosa, Makedonka Mitreva

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Invasive Salmonellosis By The Very Rare Salmonella Choleraesuis In A Returning Traveler On A Tumor Necrosis Factor-Α Inhibitor, Uzoamaka A. Eke, Harry Conte, Paula Anderson, Robert W. Lyons

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Telavancin For Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: Clinical Response And 28-Day Survival, G. Ralph Corey, Marin H. Kollef, Andrew F. Shorr, Ethan Rubinstein, Martin E. Stryjewski, Alan Hopkins, Steven L. Barriere

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Vaccination Of Mice Using The West Nile Virus E-Protein In A Dna Prime-Protein Boost Strategy Stimulates Cell-Mediated Immunity And Protects Mice Against A Lethal Challenge, Marina De Filette, Silke Soehle, Sebatian Ulbert, Justin Richner, Michael S. Diamond, Alessandro Sinigaglia, Luisa Barzon, Stefan Roels, Julianna Lisziewicz, Orsolya Lorincz, Niek N. Sanders

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Uncovering The Components Of The Francisella Tularensis Virulence Stealth Strategy, Bradley D. Jones, Matthew Faron, Jed A. Rasmussen, Joshua R. Fletcher

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Central Memory Cd8+ T Lymphocytes Mediate Lung Allograft Acceptance, Alexander Sasha Krupnick, Xue Lin, Wenjun Li, Ryuiji Higashikubo, Bernd H. Zinselmeyer, Hollyce Hartzler, Kelsey Toth, Jon H. Ritter, Mikhail Y. Berezin, Steven T. Wang, Mark J. Miller, Andrew E. Gelman, Daniel Kreisel

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

L-Plastin Is Essential For Alveolar Macrophage Production And Control Of Pulmonary Pneumococcal Infection, Lauren E. Deady, Elizabeth M. Todd, Chris G. Davis, Julie Y. Zhou, Nermina Topcagic, Brian T. Edelson, Thomas W. Ferkol, Megan A. Cooper, Jared T. Muenzer, Sharon Celeste Morley

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Introduction To "A Compendium Of Strategies To Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections In Acute Care Hospitals: 2014 Updates", Erik R. Dubberke, Deborah S. Yokoe, Deverick J. Anderson, Sean M. Berenholtz, David P. Calfee, Katherine Ellingson, Dale N. Gerding, Janet Haas, Keith S. Kaye, Michael Klompas, Evelyn Lo, Jonas Marschall, Leonard A. Mermel, Lindsau Nicolle, Et Al

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Mr1-Restricted Mait Cells Display Ligand Discrimination And Pathogen Selectivity Through Distinct T Cell Receptor Usage, Marielle C. Gold, James E. Mclaren, Joseph A. Reisetter, Sue Smyk-Pearson, Kristin Ladell, Gwendolyn M. Swarbrick, Yik Y L Yu, Ted H. Hansen, Ole Lund, Morten Nielsen, Bram Gerritsen, Can Kesmir, John J. Miles, Deborah A. Lewinsohn, David A. Price, David M. Lewinsohn

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

The Relation Of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells (Pdcs) And Regulatory T-Cells (Tregs) With Hpv Persistence In Hiv-Infected And Hiv-Uninfected Women, Howard D. Strickler, Jeffrey Martinson, L. Stewart Massad, Seema Desai, Xianhong Xie, Robert D. Burk, Kathryn Anastos, Howard Minkoff, Xianan Xue, Gypsyamber D'Souza, Alexandra M. Levine, Christine Colie, Heather Watts, Joel M. Palefsky, Alan Landay

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Leishmania Aethiopica Field Isolates Bearing An Endosymbiontic Dsrna Virus Induce Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Response, Haroun Zangger, Asrat Hailu, Chantal Desponds, Lon-Fye Lye, Natalia S. Akopyants, Deborah E. Dobson, Catherine Ronet, Hashim Ghalib, Stephen M. Beverley, Nicolas Fasel

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Kidney Transplantation In Children, Vikas R. Dharnidharka, Paolo Fiorina, William E. Harmon

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.