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Time For T? Immunoinformatics Addresses Vaccine Design For Neglected Tropical And Emerging Infectious Diseases, Frances E. Terry, Leonard Moise, Rebecca F. Martin, Melissa Torres, Nils Pilotte, Steven A. Williams, Anne S. De Groot

Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Vaccines have been invaluable for global health, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs, while also raising the quality of human life. However, newly emerging infectious diseases (EID) and more well-established tropical disease pathogens present complex challenges to vaccine developers; in particular, neglected tropical diseases, which are most prevalent among the world's poorest, include many pathogens with large sizes, multistage life cycles and a variety of nonhuman vectors. EID such as MERS-CoV and H7N9 are highly pathogenic for humans. For many of these pathogens, while their genomes are available, immune correlates of protection are currently unknown. These complexities make developing vaccines …

Cabassous Unicinctus (Cingulata: Dasypodidae), Virginia Hayssen

Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Cabassous unicinctus (southern naked-tailed armadillo) is a nocturnal, solitary, fossorial myrmecophage that ranges east of the Andes across the central lowlands of South America. It occupies a wide range of habitats including grassland, rain forest, cultivated pastures, flooded grasslands, forest patches, disturbed habitats, and gallery forests. C. unicinctus is listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Cabassous Chacoensis (Cingulata: Dasypodidae), Virginia Hayssen

Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Cabassous chacoensis (Chacoan naked-tailed armadillo) is a little-studied, primarily fossorial armadillo endemic to xeric parts of the Gran Chaco in western Paraguay and northern Argentina. C. chacoensis is listed as "Near Threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Richard E. Petit, 1931-2013: A Brief Account Of His Malacological Contributions, Douglas A. Wolfe Ph.D.

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Abstract. R.E. Petit, a life member of the South Carolina Academy of Sciences, died on 31 December 2013. His remarkable scientific achievements as a self-trained malacologist are summarized, including an extensive list of named Molluscan taxa, mostly in the Cancellariidae, and a bibliography of his malacological publications

Regulation Of Satellite Cell Function In Sarcopenia, Stephen E. Alway, Matthew J. Myers, Junaith S. Mohamed

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The mechanisms contributing to sarcopenia include reduced satellite cell (myogenic stem cell) function that is impacted by the environment (niche) of these cells. Satellite cell function is affected by oxidative stress, which is elevated in aged muscles, and this along with changes in largely unknown systemic factors, likely contribute to the manner in which satellite cells respond to stressors such as exercise, disuse, or rehabilitation in sarcopenic muscles. Nutritional intervention provides one therapeutic strategy to improve the satellite cell niche and systemic factors, with the goal of improving satellite cell function in aging muscles. Although many elderly persons consume various …

A Comparative Content Analysis Of Alcoholism Treatment Programs With A Focus On A Native Treatment Alternative, Mike J. Eshkibok

Theses and Dissertations

A historical account of Native American Indian culture is set forth to provide the antecedent events for understanding problems with and solutions to alcoholism among Native American Indians. Two 12-step alcohol treatment programs are explained, compared, and contrasted: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and a Native 12-Step Program.

Qualitative analysis was used to collect information from 13 Native American Indian counselors in alcohol treatment programs and data was analyzed by coding transcripts of taped interviews, then grouping data into categories, determining themes from the categories, and drawing conclusions.

Three conclusions emerged from the qualitative data analyzed from Native American Indian alcohol treatment …

Successful Reorganization Of Rural North Dakota Schools With Declining Enrollment, Steven Lewis Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify perceptions of North Dakota leaders who had been involved in successfully reorganized school districts resulting from declining enrollments and reduced resources. All reorganized districts in this study were affected by serious declining enrollments in their respective rural communities. These successfully reorganized school districts developed reorganization plans and positive cultures within their communities that resulted in each plan being passed by a voting citizenship. The school districts studied laid the groundwork for reorganization with neighboring districts by forming cooperative agreements in athletics, shared staff, and shared special education services.

The researcher sought answers …

Measuring The Effect Of Weighted Devices On Exercise Enjoyment, Nicholas Kruse

Theses and Dissertations

Physical activity provides an important health benefit for both males and females. Seven out of every ten U.S. deaths are from chronic disease and many of those deaths could have been preventable. With a lack of physical activity and poor diet, chronic illnesses such as obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes were reported, (CDC, 2004). There is a steep decline in exercise from high school to college, which indicates that exercise adherence in college students is an issue. In this study, three conditions were examined with students at the University of North Dakota going through a plyometric protocol …

The Debate Over Regulation Alternatives For Cooling Water Intake Structures Is Heating Up, Nicole M. Magdziak

Seton Hall Journal of Legislation and Public Policy

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Lycopene On The Ototoxicity Induced By Cisplatin, Mehmet Turan Çi̇çek, Mahmut Tayyar Kalci̇oğlu, Tuba Bayindir, Yüksel Toplu, Mustafa Iraz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the efficacy of lycopene, which is considered an antioxidant agent, in decreasing the cochlear damage induced by cisplatin. Materials and methods: A total of 38 rats were randomized into 4 groups: control, cisplatin, cisplatin + lycopene, and lycopene-treated groups. In all groups, the distortion-product otoacoustic emission measurements were performed on days 0, 1, 2, and 5. Results: There were no significant differences between the control and lycopene groups at any frequencies. In the cisplatin group, the statistically significant differences were found in the measurements taken between day 0 and day 5 at all frequencies and between days 1 …

Is There A Genetic Predisposition For Turkish Patients With Sarcoidosis In The 329-Bp Region Containing The Btnl2 Rs2076530 Polymorphism?, Muhsi̇n Özdemi̇r, Faruk Saydam, Emel Kurt, İrfan Deği̇rmenci̇, Tunç Tuncel, Oğuz Çi̇li̇ngi̇r, Hasan Veysi̇ Güneş, Sevi̇lhan Artan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Sarcoidosis is a complex, multifactorial immune disorder with unknown etiology. A single nucleotide polymorphism ( G->A, rs2076530) in the butyrophilin-like 2 (BTNL2) gene results in a truncating protein formation. It has been previously reported that this variation may be a risk factor for sarcoidosis in certain ethnic groups. This study was conducted to determine whether there is any genetic predisposition for the BTNL2 rs2076530 polymorphism in the 329-bp region in Turkish patients with sarcoidosis. Materials and methods: DNA samples were obtained from volunteers including 53 Turkish patients with sarcoidosis and 52 healthy controls. Analysis of the 329-bp region was …

Clinical And Demographic Findings Of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis And Ankylosing Spondylitis Treated In A Tertiary Care Center In Turkey, Özlem Cemeroğlu, Zeynep Sila Yaşar, Mustafa Sağlam, Haşi̇m Çakirbay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are 2 common rheumatic diseases that are frequent causes of disability. In this descriptive study, demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings of patients with RA and AS being followed in a tertiary care center in Turkey were reported. Materials and methods: The patient data of 45 RA and 45 AS cases were collected retrospectively from electronic medical records. Demographic findings, clinical and laboratory assessments of disease activity, drugs used for the treatment, and effect on quality of life of patients with RA and AS were analyzed. Results: In RA patients, 27% had mild, 44% …

Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes In Adana And Antakya Regions Of Turkey, Agah Bahadir Öztürk, Ümi̇t Bi̇lge Doğan, Nevi̇n Akçaer Öztürk, Gonca Özyazici, Mehmet Demi̇r, Mustafa Sali̇h Akin, Ali̇ Suha Bi̇ngöl

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 was found to be dominant in Turkey. In this study, HCV genotypes were examined in the Adana and Antakya regions of Turkey. Materials and methods: The study consisted of 639 HCV-RNA–positive patients with chronic HCV infection in Adana (214 males and 101 females) and Antakya (139 males and 185 females) in Turkey. Real time-polymerase chain reaction was used for genotype determination. Results: In Antakya, it was determined that the percentages of genotypes of type 1a (0.31%), 1b (86.73%), 2 (9.26%), 3 (0.93%), and 4 (2.78%) were compatible with the nationwide results seen in Turkey. …

Evaluation And Comparison Of Alpha- And Beta-Amanitin Toxicity On Mcf-7 Cell Line, Ertuğrul Kaya, Recep Bayram, Kürşat Oğuz Yaykaşli, İsmai̇l Yilmaz, Sai̇t Bayram, Emi̇ne Yaykaşli, Muhsi̇ne Zeynep Yavuz, Ali̇ Akçahan Gepdi̇remen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Alpha- and beta-amanitins are the main toxins of the poisonous Amanita phalloides mushroom. Although there are many studies available concerning alpha-amanitin, there are limited data about beta-amanitin in the literature. Therefore, this study is aimed at comparing the toxic effects of alpha- and beta-amanitin on the MCF-7 cell line. Materials and methods: The alpha- and beta-amanitins used for this research were purified from Amanita phalloides by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was used, and specific concentrations of the toxins (100, 10, 1, 0.1, and 0.01 µg/mL) were applied to the cells. The MTT test was …

The Effect Of Malaysian Honey And Its Major Components On The Proliferation Of Cultured Fibroblasts, Al-Mahdi Al-Jadi, Francis Kanyang Enchang, Kamaruddi̇n Mohd Yusoff

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To examine, for the first time, the effect of a selected Malaysian honey and its major components on the proliferation of cultured fibroblasts. Materials and methods: Honey and some of its components, which include the sugars, the proteins, the hydrogen peroxide produced, and the phenolics, were exposed to cultured fibroblasts. The MTT colorimetric assay was used to assess cell viability and proliferation. Results: The stimulatory effect of honey on fibroblast proliferation was observed to be time- and dose-dependent. The continuous production of hydrogen peroxide by the honey-glucose oxidase system also acts to stimulate cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent …

Molecular Discrimination Of Echinococcus Granulosus And Echinococcus Multilocularis By Sequencing And A New Pcr-Rflp Method With The Potential Use For Other Echinococcus Species, Çağri Şakalar, Sali̇h Kuk, Ahmet Erensoy, Adi̇le Ferda Dağli, İbrahi̇m Hani̇fi̇ Özercan, Ülfet Çeti̇nkaya, Süleyman Yazar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To develop a novel polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) protocol using a new genomic marker sequence and a novel set of restriction enzymes in order to detect and discriminate 2 Echinococcus species, E. granulosus and E. multilocularis, found in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human tissues. Materials and methods: DNA was isolated from 11 FFPE human tissue samples positive for cystic echinococcosis or alveolar echinococcosis. A mitochondrial genomic marker region was amplified and sequenced using a novel primer pair and a new PCR-RFLP protocol was developed for the detection and discrimination of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis using a set …

Effects Of Ozone Therapy And Taurine On Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Testicular Injury In A Rat Testicular Torsion Model, Tolga Reşat Aydos, Mehmet Murad Başar, Oğuz Kul, Hasan Tarik Atmaca, Tuba Uzunali̇oğlu, Üçler Kisa, Oğuzhan Eki̇n Efe

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effect of ozone and/or taurine treatment comparatively on testicular damage due to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in an experimental torsion model in rats. Materials and methods: Adult Wistar rats with and without torsion/detorsion were used. In order to monitor the effect of ozone and/or taurine treatment on testicular damage due to I/R injury, following histopathological investigation apoptotic indexes were scored by TUNEL method. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), caspase 3, caspase 8, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF\alpha), and cytochrome C immunostainings were performed and the levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide …

Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1, Liver Enzymes, And Insulin Resistance In Patients With Pcos And Hirsutism, Evri̇m Çakir, Oya Topaloğlu, Nujen Çolak Bozkurt, Başak Karbek Bayraktar, Aşkin Güngüneş, Müyesser Sayki Arslan, İlknur Öztürk Ünsal, Esra Tutal, Beki̇r Uçan, Tuncay Deli̇başi

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance are commonly seen in patients with hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and are associated with cardiovascular disease risk. However, it is not yet known whether insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and alanine transaminase (ALT) produced by the liver play roles in hyperinsulinemia and subclinical atherosclerotic process in patients with PCOS and idiopathic hirsutism (IH). Materials and methods: This was a prospective case-controlled study. The study population consisted of 25 reproductive-age PCOS women, 33 women with IH, and 25 control subjects. Results: Mean IGF-I levels and median ALT levels were higher in patients with IH and …

Leptin And Leptin Receptor Polymorphisms Are Related To Body Mass Index In A Turkish Population, Uzay Görmüş, Özlem Ti̇mi̇rci̇ Kahraman, Bahar Toptaş, Turgay İsbi̇r, Çavlan Çi̇ftçi̇, Hasan Hakan Berkkan, Altay Burak Dalan, Muti̇a Canan Karatay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Leptin is a hormone that is known to be related to weight gain and obesity. The soluble leptin receptor has been found in plasma as an important determinant of leptin sensitivity. In this study, our goal was to investigate the association between leptin levels and leptin receptor polymorphisms in a Turkish population. Materials and methods: The sample pool of this study consisted of 202 subjects. G2548A variant in the promoter region of the leptin gene and Q223R polymorphism of the leptin receptor gene were evaluated by using PCR-RFLP. Leptin levels were determined by ELISA. Results: Leptin levels were significantly higher …

Polymorphisms In Mmp-2 And Timp-2 In Turkish Patients With Prostate Cancer, Kürşat Oğuz Yaykaşli, Muhammet Ali̇ Kayikçi, Nesi̇be Yamak, Hati̇ce Soğuktaş, Selma Düzenli̇, Ali̇ Osman Arslan, Ahmet Meti̇n, Ertuğrul Kaya, Ömer Faruk Hati̇poğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the Western male population. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) modulate the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs may lead to an emergence of pathological processes such as cancer. In this study, the association between TIMP-2 (-418 G/C) and MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) polymorphisms and prostate cancer in the Turkish population was investigated. Materials and methods: Sixty-one prostate cancer patients and 46 healthy subjects were included in the study. DNA was isolated from 2 …

Expression And Clinical Implications Of P53, P63, And P73 Protein In Malignant Tumor Of The Parotid Gland, Mei Yong, Ling Yang, Qimuge Suyila, Wenyan Han, Hongwei Yuan, Cheng Zhao, Xiulan Su

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the expression of P53, P63, and P73 proteins in malignant parotid gland tumors and adjacent nonneoplastic tissues and the association between the 3 proteins and their clinical characteristics. Materials and methods: A total of 40 pairs of paraffin-embedded malignant parotid gland tumors and adjacent nonneoplastic tissues were collected. We detected P53, P63, and P73 protein expression by immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed by using the chi-square test. Results: P53, P63, and P73 protein expression in malignant parotid gland tumors was higher than their expression in adjacent nonneoplastic tissue (P = 0.030, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). Expression of P53, …

Bio 4820 : Spatial Analysis For Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

Computational Modeling Of Allosteric Regulation In The Hsp90 Chaperones: A Statistical Ensemble Analysis Of Protein Structure Networks And Allosteric Communications, Kristin Blacklock, Gennady M. Verkhivker

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

A fundamental role of the Hsp90 chaperone in regulating functional activity of diverse protein clients is essential for the integrity of signaling networks. In this work we have combined biophysical simulations of the Hsp90 crystal structures with the protein structure network analysis to characterize the statistical ensemble of allosteric interaction networks and communication pathways in the Hsp90 chaperones. We have found that principal structurally stable communities could be preserved during dynamic changes in the conformational ensemble. The dominant contribution of the inter-domain rigidity to the interaction networks has emerged as a common factor responsible for the thermodynamic stability of the …

Allosteric Regulation Of The Hsp90 Dynamics And Stability By Client Recruiter Cochaperones: Protein Structure Network Modeling, Kristin Blacklock, Gennady M. Verkhivker

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The fundamental role of the Hsp90 chaperone in supporting functional activity of diverse protein clients is anchored by specific cochaperones. A family of immune sensing client proteins is delivered to the Hsp90 system with the aid of cochaperones Sgt1 and Rar1 that act cooperatively with Hsp90 to form allosterically regulated dynamic complexes. In this work, functional dynamics and protein structure network modeling are combined to dissect molecular mechanisms of Hsp90 regulation by the client recruiter cochaperones. Dynamic signatures of the Hsp90-cochaperone complexes are manifested in differential modulation of the conformational mobility in the Hsp90 lid motif. Consistent with the experiments, …

42_1_Masthead.Pdf, Marine Ornithology

Marine Ornithology

No abstract provided.

Bio 2210 : Anatomy And Physiology I, Biological Sciences

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

The Place Of Androgen Receptor Gene Mutation Analysis In The Molecular Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer And Genotype–Phenotype Relationship, Fuat Kizilay, Mustafa Serdar Kalemci̇, Adnan Şi̇mşi̇r, Burak Turna, Oktay Nazli, Afi̇g Berdeli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the relationship between androgen receptor (AR) gene polymorphism and prostate cancer in our society. Materials and methods: Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and 34 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients who were diagnosed in 2010 met the study criteria. The inclusion criteria included patients whose diagnosis was confirmed with a biopsy, with the presence of adequate pathologic material for review, between the ages of 40 and 80, and who were healthy men without a family history of prostate cancer. The exclusion criteria excluded men diagnosed with another cancer and those who had kin with a history of prostate …

Evaluation Of 48-Week Response Of Treatment-Naive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients To 0.5 Mg/Day Entecavir, Servet Kölgeli̇er, Nazlim Aktuğ Demi̇r, Serap Özçi̇men, Şua Sümer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important healthcare problem. Chronic hepatitis B infection may present with a wide range of manifestations from inactive carrier state to cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. Therefore, treatment is very important in chronic hepatitis B. In this study, the treatment results of 199 chronic hepatitis B patients taking entecavir 0.5 mg/day for 48 weeks were evaluated. Materials and methods: This study retrospectively evaluated data of 199 treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B patients who were treated with entecavir. Results: Of the 199 treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B patients, 141 (70.9%) were males and 58 (29.1%) were females, and …

Anti Tnf-\Alpha Therapy Might Be Responsible For An Increased Incidence Of Varicocele In Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis, Ömer Yilmaz, Yunus Ugan, Mahmut Yener, Mehmet Umul, Mustafa Kayan, Aykut Recep Aktaş, Eli̇f Ni̇sa Ünlü, Bünyami̇n Kisacik, Bumi̇n Deği̇rmenci̇, Meltem Çeti̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the effects of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-\alpha) therapy on the frequency of varicocele in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using color Doppler ultrasound. Materials and methods: The patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with AS who were on anti-TNF-\alpha treatment and patients with AS who were not regularly taking any antiinflammatory drugs. Thirty-one healthy volunteers were included as controls. Results: Left-sided varicocele was determined in 14 patients of Group 1 (44%), 10 patients of Group 2 (33%), and 7 of the controls (23%). There was a statistically significant difference only between Group 1 and controls (P = …

Protective Effects Of Montelukast And Hypericum Perforatum Against Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury In Hamsters, Tarik Ocak, Ari̇f Duran, Gülzade Özyalvaçli, Zeynep Ocak, Elçi̇n Hakan Terzi̇, Mehmet Tosun, Kemaletti̇n Erdem

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the effects of montelukast and Hypericum perforatum against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced intestinal damage. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight hamsters were divided into 4 groups following midline abdominal laparotomy: control group (n = 7), I/R group (n = 7), montelukast and I/R (MIR) group (n = 7), and Hypericum perforatum and I/R (HPIR) group (n = 7). After 60 min of ischemia through obstruction of the superior mesenteric artery, 24 h of reperfusion was maintained. Ten minutes prior to the reperfusion period, the MIR group received 7 mg/kg of intraperitoneal montelukast and the HPIR group received 7 mg/kg of intraperitoneal Hypericum …