Life Sciences Commons^™

The Two-Faced Nature Of Small Heat Shock Proteins: Amyloid Assembly And The Inhibition Of Fibril Formation. Relevance To Disease States, Heath W. Ecroyd, S Meehan, John A. Carver

Heath Ecroyd

The ability of small heat-shock proteins (sHsps) such as alphaB-crystallin to inhibit the amorphous (disordered) aggregation of varied target proteins in a chaperone-like manner has been well described. The mechanistic details of this action are not understood. Amyloid fibril formation is an alternative off-folding pathway that leads to highly ordered beta-sheet-containing aggregates. Amyloid fibril formation is associated with a broad range of protein conformational diseases such as Alzhiemer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's and sHsp expression is elevated in the protein deposits that are characteristic of these disease states. The ability of sHsps to prevent fibril formation has been less well characterised. …

False Smut Of Rice: Histological Analysis Of Infection, Liem Thi Thanh Nguyen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

False smut of rice, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens (Cooke) Takahashi (Teleomorph: Villosiclava virens), has become a common disease in most major rice growing regions throughout the world. Considerable confusion exists regarding the infection process and the disease cycle. Therefore, a clearer understanding of pathogenesis caused by Ustilaginoidea virens is critical for future efforts to develop genetic and chemical tools to manage false smut in Arkansas and other regions of the world. The overall goal of this research was to clarify the infection process underlying false smut, with emphasis on comparing and contrasting the histological basis of root and foliar infections. …

Baseline Characteristics Of Volunteers In The Smart Clinical Trial: Associations Between Habitual Physical Activity And Lifestyle Disease Risk Factors, Qingsheng Zhang, Jane E. O'Shea, Rebecca L. Thorne, Linda C. Tapsell, Marijka Batterham, Karen E. Charlton

Dr Marijka Batterham

Physical Activity has been suggested to have favorable effects on various cardiovascular risk factors, and may serve as an intervening variable in life-style intervention studies. We aimed to examine the relationship between habitual physical activity and selected cardiovascular markers at baseline in a sample of overweight women who participated in the SMART clinical trial [ACTRN12608000425392]. A sub-sample of eighty-six overweight/obese women (mean age ± S.D.: 45 ± 7.9 years) were included in this analysis. Anthropometric and fasting blood data was collected at baseline (t = 0). Habitual physical activity was assessed by a validated questionnaire (Baecke questionnaire). Associations were examined …

Targeting C-Reactive Protein For The Treatment Of Cardiovascular Disease, Mark B. Pepys, Gideon M. Hirschfield, Glenys A. Tennent, J Ruth Gallimore, Melvyn C. Kahan, Vittorio Bellotti, Philip N. Hawkins, Rebecca M. Myers, Martin D. Smith, Alessandra Polara, Alexander J. A Cobb, Steven V. Ley, J. Andrew Aquilina, Carol V. Robinson, Isam Sharif, Gillian A. Gray, Caroline A. Sabin, Michelle C. Jenvey, Simon E. Kolstoe, Darren Thompson, Stephen P. Wood

J. A. Aquilina

Complement-mediated inflammation exacerbates the tissue injury of ischaemic necrosis in heart attacks and strokes, the most common causes of death in developed countries. Large infarct size increases immediate morbidity and mortality and, in survivors of the acute event, larger non-functional scars adversely affect long-term prognosis. There is thus an important unmet medical need for new cardioprotective and neuroprotective treatments. We have previously shown that human C-reactive protein (CRP), the classical acute-phase protein that binds to ligands exposed in damaged tissue and then activates complement1, increases myocardial and cerebral infarct size in rats subjected to coronary or cerebral artery ligation, respectively2,3. …

Short Term Effects Of Energy Restriction And Dietary Fat Sub-Type On Weight Loss And Disease Risk Factors, Linda C. Tapsell, Marijka Batterham, Xu-Feng Huang, Sze Yen Tan, Grigorijs Teuss, Karen E. Charlton, Jane E. O'Shea, Eva M. Warensjo

Xu-Feng Huang

Background and aims: Decreasing energy intake relative to energy expenditure is the indisputable tenet of weight loss. In addition to caloric restriction modification of the type of dietary fat may provide further benefits. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of energy restriction alone and with dietary fat modification on weight loss and adiposity, as well as on risk factors for obesity related disease. Methods and results: One-hundred and fifty overweight men and women were randomized into a 3 month controlled trial with four low fat (30% energy) dietary arms: (1) isocaloric (LF); (2) isocaloric with …

Ec00-1207 Growing Onions, Shallots, And Chives, Susan Schoneweis, Laurie Hodges, Loren J. Giesler

Laurie Hodges

The common onion (Allium cepa) is the most popular and widely grown Allium in Nebraska home gardens. Many members of the onion family (Alliaceae) are used in flower gardens because of their interesting flowers and foliage, but here we're going to focus on the onion as a vegetable crop. This publication will discuss the different types of onions and how to grow onions from onion sets, plants, transplants, and seed. It will cover the different cultivars found here in Nebraska, the nutrition, fertilizing, harvesting, curing and storing of onions.

Nf92-69 Selected Vegetable Cultivars For Nebraska, Susan Schoneweis, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact provides information about cultivars of garden vegetables available to grow in Nebraska.

Ec81-1240 Vegetable Gardening In Nebraska, Dale T. Lindgren, Laurie Hodges, Don Steinegger, Ralph E. Neild

Laurie Hodges

Nebraskans are increasing their consumption of fresh vegetables — as appetizers, salads, side dishes, and snacks. Fresh vegetables are an integral part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. Although Nebraska's climate and soil are well-suited for many vegetables, most are supplied from out of the state, even during summer. Growing fresh vegetables can provide higher nutrition and flavor at less expense than buying fresh produce at the grocery store. A garden also can be a source of personal enjoyment and satisfaction. This extension circular helps the gardener decide when, where, and how to plant and maintain a vegetable garden.

A Case Study To Teach The Diagnostic Process: Determining The Cause Of Chlorosis In A Crop Of Cut Dicentra, Marci Spaw, Kimberley A. Williams, Laurie Hodges, Ellen T. Paparozzi, Ingrid L. Mallberg

Laurie Hodges

This universally accessible, Web-based decision case presents the challenge of determining the cause of foliar chlorosis in a crop of dicentra (Dicentra spectabilis) being forced as a cut flower for Valentine's Day sales. The case study serves as a tool to promote the development of diagnostic skills for production dilemmas, including nutritional disorders, disease problems, and evaluation of the appropriateness of cultural practices, Cut dicentra is a minor crop and standard production practices are not well established. Solving this case requires that students research production protocol, as well as nutritional and pest problems, and determine whether they have enough information …

West Nile Virus In Utah, Erin Hodgson

All Current Publications

West Nile Virus (WNV) was first detected in Uganda in 1937. For several years, WNV remained relatively contained in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Genetic Adult Lactase Persistence Is Associated With Risk Of Crohn's Disease In A New Zealand Population, Deborah Nolan, Dug Yeo Han, Wen Jiun Lam, Angharad R. Morgan, Alan G. Fraser, Linda C. Tapsell, Lynnette R. Ferguson

L. C. Tapsell

Background Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is an infective agent found in ruminants and milk products, which has been suggested to increase the risk of gastrointestinal inflammation in genetically susceptible hosts. It is hypothesized that lactase persistence facilitates exposure to such milk products increasing the likelihood of adverse outcomes. Individuals either homozygous or heterozygous for the T allele of DNA variant, rs4988235, located 14kb upstream from the LCT locus, are associated with having lactase persistence. The aim of this study was to determine whether lactase persistence as evident by the T allele of rs4988235 is associated with Crohn’s Disease (CD) …

A Study Of The Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea Virginica, In Tampa Bay: Effects Of Perkinsus Marinus On Reproduction And Condition, Bridgit Melora Mccrickard

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Five sites in Tampa Bay, Florida, were sampled monthly from February 2006 to January 2007. These sites were located at the mouth of the Alafia River, in an inlet of Cross Bayou, on the easement of Gandy Bridge, near mangrove in Manatee County, and an inlet of Salt Creek, off Bayboro Harbor. Standard methods were used to determine shell height and Condition Index (CI). Intensity and prevalence of Perkinsus marinus were analyzed using Ray's Thioglycollate medium test, while Haplosporidium nelsoni was studied by histological examination. Histological methods were also used to determine sex ratios, reproductive phases, and egg diameters. …

Industry Partnerships For Health Nonprofits And Disease Awareness Advertising, Danika Hall, Sandra C. Jones, Donald C. Iverson

Don C. Iverson

Marketing partnerships between non-profit organisations (NPOs) and industry generally bring favourable results for both parties (Brønn and Vrioni 2001; Varadarajan and Menon 1988). However, there is some scepticism about corporate exploitation of such arrangements and growing concern in Australia and elsewhere about partnerships between the pharmaceutical industry and NPOs (Angell 2006; Moynihan and Cassels 2005) and the co-sponsorship of Disease Awareness Advertising (DAA). This paper reports the findings from a study of how Australian women respond to DAA with differing sponsors including their ability to identify, and their attitude toward, the sponsor. The results are of importance for health NPOs …

Disease Awareness Advertisements In Australian Magazines: An Analysis Of Content And Compliance, Danika Hall, Sandra C. Jones, Donald C. Iverson

Don C. Iverson

In Australia, Direct to Consumer Advertising (DTCA) of prescription medicine is prohibited; however pharmaceutical companies can communicate directly with consumers via Disease Awareness Advertising (DAA). DAA can contain information about a disease including treatment information, but cannot mention the name of a particular product or brand. DAA is currently regulated by the industry body Medicines Australia (MA). In the current study, content analysis methodology was used to determine the extent and nature of DAA in popular Australian women’s magazines which were monitored for 12 months. Findings relating to the use of visual appeals in the imagery and rational appeals in …

Disease Awareness Advertising: Women's Intentions Following Exposure, Danika Hall, Sandra C. Jones, Donald C. Iverson

Don C. Iverson

Background: In Australia, where direct to consumer advertising of prescription medicines is prohibited, pharmaceutical companies can sponsor disease awareness advertising targeting consumers. This study examined the impact of disease awareness advertising exposure on older women's reported behavioural intentions. Method: Women were approached in a shopping centre and randomly assigned mock advertisements for two health conditions. Disease information and sponsors were manipulated. Results: Two hundred and forty-one women responded to 466 advertisements. Almost half reported an intention to ask their doctor for a prescription or referral as a result of seeing the advertisement, but more reported they would talk to their …

Content Analysis Of Disease Awareness Advertisements In Popular Australian Women's Magazines, Danika V. Hall, Sandra C. Jones, Donald C. Iverson

Don C. Iverson

Objective: To examine the nature of disease awareness advertising (DAA). Design: Therapeutic advertisements in six popular Australian women’s magazines were monitored between April 2006 and March 2007. A subset of advertisements was included in the study based on criteria derived from a definition of DAA. Unique advertisements were analysed by four independent coders. Main outcome measures: Types of advertisements and their sponsors, the types of disease information present, and the persuasive techniques utilised. Results: Of 711 advertisements identified, 60 met the inclusion criteria for DAA, and 30 of these were unique. Over one-third of the advertisements were classified as “unbranded …

Differences In Race And/Or Gender In Attitudes And Beliefs Towards Obesity Among Students At The University Of Southern Mississippi, Erick Brown

Honors Theses

Overweight and obesity have been described by various experts as critical problems in populations around the world, especially in the United States. These issues are so characterized because they affect numerous facets of life in this society. Researchers in the medical community have repeatedly described the health-related risks associated with obesity rates, asserting that higher risks of debilitating or fatal disease are tied to one’s level of obesity. They also say that obesity rates of populations are related to other disease rates, and many imply or clearly state that obesity is the cause and therefore the problem to be contested. …

Ec96-142 Crp Land Use Guide (Conservation Reserve Program), Douglas Anderson

Douglas Anderson

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts held by Nebraska producers will begin to expire in 1996. Thousands of acres of grassland will be eligible for haying, grazing or to be returned to other uses. Land-use decisions made by owners and operators will impact the economic viability and long-term productivity of individual farms, as well as the region as a whole. The intent of the CRP Land Use Guide is not to provide all the asnwers - in many instances we don't even know the questions. It is however, intended to provide an outline of the key issues you will face when …

Phylogeny Of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli O157 Isolated From Cattle And Clinically Ill Humans, James L. Bono, Timothy P. L. Smith, James E. Keen, Gregory P. Harhay, Tara G. Mcdaneld, Robert E. Mandrell, Woo Kyung Jung, Thomas E. Besser, Peter Gerner-Smidt, Martina Bielaszewska, Helge Karch, Michael L. Clawson

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Cattle are a major reservoir for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 (STEC O157) and harbor multiple genetic subtypes that do not all associate with human disease. STEC O157 evolved from an E. coli O55:H7 progenitor; however, a lack of genome sequence has hindered investigations on the divergence of human- and/or cattle-associated subtypes. Our goals were to 1) identify nucleotide polymorphisms for STEC O157 genetic subtype detection, 2) determine the phylogeny of STEC O157 genetic subtypes using polymorphism-derived genotypes and a phage insertion typing system, and 3) compare polymorphism-derived genotypes identified in this study with pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), the …

Can Oysters Crassostrea Virginica Develop Resistance To Dermo Disease In The Field: The Impediment Posed By Climate Cycles, Eric N. Powell, John M. Klinck, Ximing Guo, Eileen E. Hofmann, Susan E. Ford, David Bushek

CCPO Publications

Populations of eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica, are commonly limited by mortality from dermo disease. Little development of resistance to Perkinsus marinus, the dermo pathogen, has occurred, despite the high mortality rates and frequency of epizootics. Can the tendency of the parasite to exhibit cyclic epizootics limit the oyster's response to the disease despite the presence of alleles apparently conferring disease resistance? We utilize a gene-based population dynamics model to simulate the development of disease resistance in Crassostrea virginica populations exposed to cyclic mortality encompassing periodicities expected of dermo disease over the geographic range at which epizootics have been …

Selective Reduction Of Hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic Acids To Their Hydroxy Derivatives By Apolipoprotein D: Implications For Lipid Antioxidant Activity And Alzheimer's Disease, Surabhi Bhatia, Bianca Knoch, Jenny Wong, Woojin Scott Kim, Paul Else, Aaron J. Oakley, Brett Garner

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

ApoD (apolipoprotein D) is up-regulated in AD (Alzheimer's disease) and upon oxidative stress. ApoD inhibits brain lipid peroxidation in vivo, but the mechanism is unknown. Specific methionine residues may inhibit lipid peroxidation by reducing radical-propagating L-OOHs (lipid hydroperoxides) to non-reactive hydroxides via a reaction that generates MetSO (methionine sulfoxide). Since apoD has three conserved methionine residues (Met49, Met93 and Met157), we generated recombinant proteins with either one or all methionine residues replaced by alanine and assessed their capacity to reduce HpETEs (hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acids) to their HETE (hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid) derivatives. ApoD, apoDM49-A and apoDM157-A all catalysed the reduction of HpETEs to …

Short And Long Sleep Duration Are Associated With Prevalent Cardiovascular Disease In Australian Adults, Christopher A. Magee, Len Kritharides, John Attia, Patrick Mcelduff, Emily Banks

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

A growing number of studies from a range of different countries have observed an association between sleep duration and cardiovascular disease. The objective of this paper was to examine the associations between sleep duration and prevalent cardiovascular disease in a large sample of Australian adults, and identify the sociodemographic and health-related factors moderating these associations. Participants included 218 155 Australian adults aged 45 years and over. The results indicated that 6 h versus 7 h sleep was associated with increased odds of heart disease [odds ratio (OR) = 1.11 (1.06–1.17)], diabetes [OR = 1.15 (1.09–1.22)], stroke [OR = 1.25 (1.14–1.38)] …

Larval Parasitoids And Larval Diseases Of Malacosoma Neustria L. (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) Detected In Erzurum Province, Turkey, Hi̇kmet Özbek, Sali̇ha Çoruh

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The larval parasitoids and larval diseases of Malacosoma neustria (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) in various host plants were investigated in Erzurum Province, Turkey, during 2004 and 2005. The larval parasitoids were reared in a laboratory, and a total of 29 parasitoid species were established in association with the larvae of M. neustria in the families Tachinidae (Diptera), Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, and Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera). Of the 6 tachinid parasitoids, Pales pavida (Meigen) was the most prevalent species and accounted for 25% of the tachinid records. Among the tachinids, there were 2 new records for the Turkish fauna: Exorista amoena Mesnil and Palesisa nudioculata …

Serologic Evidence Of Brucella And Pseudorabies In Mississippi Feral Swine, Sherman W. Jack, James C. Cumbee Jr., Kristina C. Godwin

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Feral swine (Sus scrofa) are an ever-increasing problem across the United States. Besides physical environmental damage that they cause, they may harbor and transmit a number of pathogens to humans, livestock, and other domestic animals. We sampled feral swine across the state of Mississippi for titers to several diseases. Antibodies against Brucella were found in 16 of 499 (3.2%) feral swine, and antibodies against pseudorabies (porcine herpes virus, type 1; Herpesveridae sp.) virus were identified in 37 of 499 (7.4%) feral swine from across the state of Mississippi. Evidence of classical swine fever, African swine fever, swine influenza, …

2011 Wild Blueberry Project Reports, Dorothy J. Klimis-Zacas, Frank A. Drummond, Judith A. Collins, Lee Beers, Sara Bushmann, Seanna L. Annis, David E. Yarborough, Kristen Mcgovern, Jennifer L. D'Appollonio, John M. Smagula, Ilse Wind Fastook, Brad Libby, James Patrick Santiago, Alfred A. Bushway, Katherine Davis-Dentici, Brian Perkins, Vivian Ch Wu, Ellen Mallory, Katherine Mcphee, Tsutomu Ohno, Matthew S. Jones

Wild Blueberry Research Reports

The 2011 edition of the Wild Blueberry Project Reports was prepared for the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine and the Wild Blueberry Advisory Committee by researchers at the University of Maine, Orono. Projects in this report include:

1. Mechanisms through which wild blueberries affect functional characteristics of the arterial wall related to endothelial dysfunction in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

2. Do wild blueberries affect high blood lipids, high blood glucose and obesity as related to the Metabolic Syndrome?

3. Control tactics for blueberry pest insects, 2011

4. IPM strategies, 2011

5. Biology and ecology of pest insects, 2011

6. Biology and …

Producer Survey Of Bird-Livestock Interactions In Commercial Dairies, Stephanie A. Shwiff, James C. Carlson, J. H. Glass, J. Suckow, Martin S. Lowney, K. M. Moxcey, Bruce Larson, George M. Linz

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The objective of this producer survey was to identify and estimate damage caused by bird-livestock interactions in commercial dairies. The interactions between birds and livestock have previously been implicated in causing economic damage while contributing to the environmental dissemination of microorganisms pathogenic to livestock and humans. Very little research exists to help producers understand what bird species use dairies, why they use dairies, or the scope and nature of damage created as a result of bird-livestock interactions. To better characterize these interactions, we surveyed dairy operators within Pennsylvania, New York, and Wisconsin. Survey results suggest that the most common and …

Movement And Habitat Use Of Feral Swine Near Domestic Swine Facilities, A. Christy Wyckoff, Scott E. Henke, Tyler A. Campbell, David G. Hewitt, Kurt C. Vercauteren

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Feral swine (Sus scrofa), a successful invasive species in the United States, have established growing populations in 38 states and are a reservoir of diseases important to domestic swine. An understanding of habitat use and movements is important for the prevention of disease transmission between feral and domestic swine. To assess risk posed to neighboring domestic swine facilities in East and South Texas, we determined habitat use and movement patterns of feral swine within 10 miles of domestic swine facilities, identified similarities in habitat preferences and vegetation types directly surrounding facilities, assessed effects of wet and dry conditions …

Cow Dogs: Use Of Livestock Protection Dogs For Reducing Predation And Transmission Of Pathogens From Wildlife To Cattle, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Michael J. Lavelle, Thomas M. Gehring, Jean-Marc Landry

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Dogs have been employed to protect an array of resources from various species of offending wildlife. Historically, livestock protection dogs (LPDs) protected domestic sheep and goats from predators based on development of a strong bond between protected and protector. Within reason, developing that bond between a LPD and other species of livestock should be achievable. We conducted several studies in which we raised and bonded LPDs with bovine calves and evaluated them for protecting cattle in a variety of settings. Though successful strategies in developing LPDs to protect cattle were similar to those established for sheep, we found differences that …

The Role Of The National Wildlife Disease Program In Wildlife Disease Surveillance And Emergency Response, Kerri Pedersen, John A. Baroch, Dale L. Nolte, Tom Gidlewski, Thomas J. Deliberto

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The National Wildlife Disease Program (NWDP), overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (WS), was established in 2003 to develop a nationally coordinated wildlife disease surveillance and emergency response system. Since its inception, the NWDP has developed collaborations with over 200 national and international partners. The national partners include state, tribal, federal, and private organizations. These partnerships have resulted in surveillance and management of over 100 pathogens, toxins, and disease syndromes affecting wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. Several of these pathogens, including avian influenza, plague, tularemia, bluetongue, and 10 pathogens carried by …

Detection Of Mycobacterium Ulcerans In The Environment Predicts Prevalence Of Buruli Ulcer In Benin, Heather R. Williamson, Mark Eric Benbow, Lindsay P. Cambell, Christian R. Johnson, Ghislain Sopoh, Yves Barogui, Richard W. Merritt, Pamela L. C. Small

Biology Faculty Publications

Background: Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer (BU), a destructive skin disease found predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa and south-eastern Australia. The precise mode(s) of transmission and environmental reservoir(s) remain unknown, but several studies have explored the role of aquatic invertebrate species. The purpose of this study was to investigate the environmental distribution of M. ulcerans in south-eastern Australia.