Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Twin-Cysteine Motif In The V2 Region Of Gp120 Is Associated With Siv Envelope Trimer Stabilization, Christopher Bohl, Dane Bowder, Jesse Thompson, Levon Abrahamyan, Sandra Gonzalez-Ramirez, Youdong Mao, Joseph Sodroski, Charles Wood, Shi-Hua Xiang

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

The V1 and V2 variable regions of the primate immunodeficiency viruses contribute to the trimer association domain of the gp120 exterior envelope glycoprotein. A pair of V2 cysteine residues at 183 and 191 (‘‘twin cysteines’’) is present in several simian immunodeficiency viruses, human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) and some SIV_cpz lineages, but not in HIV-1. To examine the role of this potentially disulfide-bonded twin-cysteine motif, the cysteine residues in the SIVmac239 envelope glycoproteins were individually and pairwise substituted by alanine residues. All of the twin-cysteine mutants exhibited decreases in gp120 association with the Env trimer, membrane-fusing activity, and …

Hiv-1 Env C2-V4 Diversification In A Slow-Progressor Infant Reveals A Flat But Rugged Fitness Landscape, S. Abigail Smith, Charles Wood, John T. West

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) fitness has been associated with virus entry, a process mediated by the envelope glycoprotein (Env). We previously described Env genetic diversification in a Zambian, subtype C infected, slow-progressor child (1157i) in parallel with an evolving neutralizing antibody response. Because of the role the Variable-3 loop (V3) plays in transmission, cell tropism, neutralization sensitivity, and fitness, longitudinally isolated 1157i C2-V4 alleles were cloned into HIV-1_NL4-3-eGFP and -DsRed2 infectious molecular clones. The fluorescent reporters allowed for dual-infection competitions between all patient-derived C2-V4 chimeras to quantify the effect of V3 diversification and selection on fitness. ‘Winners’ …

‘‘Megavirales’’, A Proposed New Order For Eukaryotic Nucleocytoplasmic Large Dna Viruses, Philippe Colson, Xavier De Lamballerie, Natalya Yutin, Sassan Asgari, Yves Bigot, Dennis K. Bideshi, Xiao-Wen Cheng, Brian A. Federici, James L. Van Etten, Eugene V. Koonin, Bernard La Scola, Didier Raoult

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

The nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) comprise a monophyletic group of viruses that infect animals and diverse unicellular eukaryotes. The NCLDV group includes the families Poxviridae, Asfarviridae, Iridoviridae, Ascoviridae, Phycodnaviridae, Mimiviridae and the proposed family ‘‘Marseilleviridae’’. The family Mimiviridae includes the largest known viruses, with genomes in excess of one megabase, whereas the genome size in the other NCLDV families varies from 100 to 400 kilobase pairs. Most of the NCLDVs replicate in the cytoplasm of infected cells, within so-called virus factories. The NCLDVs share a common ancient origin, as demonstrated by evolutionary reconstructions that trace approximately 50 genes encoding …

Recent Advances On The Use Of Structural Biology For The Design Of Novel Envelope Immunogens Of Hiv-1, Shi-Hua Xiang

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Many efforts have been made in the worldwide quest for a prophylactic HIV vaccine to end the AIDS pandemic, but none has yet succeeded. The lessons learned have repeatedly informed us that the traditional or conventional approaches directly using the pathogens or subunits will not be sufficient for an effective HIV/AIDS vaccine. Recent advances in structure-based technology have shown some promise in the quest for a better immunogen in HIV vaccine development. According to the basic binding structural relationship of an antigen and an antibody, structure-based antigen design could bring some hope for the development of an effective vaccine against …

The Highly Conserved Layer-3 Component Of The Hiv-1 Gp120 Inner Domain Is Critical For Cd4-Required Conformational Transitions, Anik Désormeaux, Mathieu Coutu, Halima Medjahed, Beatriz Pacheco, Alon Herschhorn, Christopher Gu, Shi-Hua Xiang, Youdong Mao, Joseph Sodroski, Andrés Finzi

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

The trimeric envelope glycoprotein (Env) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) mediates virus entry into host cells. CD4 engagement with the gp120 exterior envelope glycoprotein subunit represents the first step during HIV-1 entry. CD4-induced conformational changes in the gp120 inner domain involve three potentially flexible topological layers (layers 1, 2, and 3). Structural rearrangements between layer 1 and layer 2 have been shown to facilitate the transition of the envelope glycoprotein trimer from the unliganded to the CD4-bound state and to stabilize gp120-CD4 interaction. However, our understanding of CD4-induced conformational changes in the gp120 inner domain remains incomplete. Here, …

Analysis Of Primary Resistance Mutations To Hiv-1 Entry Inhibitors In Therapy Naive Subtype C Hiv-1 Infected Mother– Infant Pairs From Zambia, Hongyan Guo, Chang Liu, Bin Liu, Charles Wood, Xiaohong Kong

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Background—Small molecular CCR5 inhibitors represent a new class of drugs for treating HIV-1 infection. The evaluation of the primary resistance mutations associated with entry inhibitors during HIV-1 perinatal transmission is required because they may have a profound impact on the clinical management in MTCT.

Objectives—To evaluate the primary resistance mutations to maraviroc and vicriviroc during perinatal transmission and analyze the sensitivity of Env derived from mother–infant pairs to maraviroc.

Study design—Nine MIPs infected by subtype C HIV-1 were recruited to analyze the prevalence and transmission of primary resistance mutations to maraviroc and vicriviroc. Moreover, Env derived from six MIPs were …

Early Childhood Infection Of Kaposi’S Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus In Zambian Households: A Molecular Analysis, Landon Olp, Danielle M. Shea, Maxine K. White, Clement Gondwe, Chipepo Kankasa, Charles Wood

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Sub-Saharan Africa is endemic for Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and there is a high rate of early childhood infection; however, the transmission sources are not well characterized. We examined household members as potential KSHV transmission sources to young children in the KSHV-endemic country of Zambia. To this end, we enrolled and followed Zambian households with at least one KSHV-seropositive child and collected longitudinal buccal swab samples. KSHV burden was evaluated and K1 sequences from the children were determined and analyzed for differences to K1 sequences from household members. The K1 sequences were also analyzed for evolution over time. We generated …

A Dysfunctional Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Enhances Fitness Of Staphylococcus Epidermidis During Β-Lactam Stress, Vinai Chittenzham Thomas, Lauren Kinkhead, Ashley Janssen, Carolyn Schaeffer, Keith Woods, Jill Lindgren, Johnathan Peaster, Sujata Chaudhari, Marat Sadykov, Joselyn Jones, Sameh Mohamadi Abdelghani, Matthew Zimmerman, Kenneth W. Bayles, Greg Somerville, Paul Fey

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

A recent controversial hypothesis suggested that the bactericidal action of antibiotics is due to the generation of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS), a process requiring the citric acid cycle (tricarboxylic acid [TCA] cycle). To test this hypothesis, we assessed the ability of oxacillin to induce ROS production and cell death in Staphylococcus epidermidis strain 1457 and an isogenic citric acid cycle mutant. Our results confirm a contributory role for TCA-dependent ROS in enhancing susceptibility of S. epidermidis toward β-lactam antibiotics and also revealed a propensity for clinical isolates to accumulate TCA cycle dysfunctions presumably as a way to tolerate these …

Manipulation Of Cellular Processing Bodies And Their Constituents By Viruses, Asit K. Pattnaik, Phat X. Dinh

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

The processing bodies (PBs) are a form of cytoplasmic aggregates that house the cellular RNA decay machinery as well as many RNA-binding proteins and mRNAs. The PBs are constitutively present in eukaryotic cells and are involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis by regulating RNA metabolism, cell signaling, and survival. Virus infections result in modification of the PBs and their constituents. Many viruses induce compositionally altered PBs, while many others use specific components of the PBs for their replication. PB constituents are also known to restrict virus replication by a variety of mechanisms. Further, continuing studies in this rapidly emerging field of …

Characterization Of A Serologic Marker Candidate For Development Of A Live-Attenuated Diva Vaccine Against Porcine Reproductive And Respiratory Syndrome Virus, Hiep Vu, Byungjoon Kwon, Marcelo De Lima, Asit K. Pattnaik, Fernando A. Osorio

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

DIVA (differentiating infected from vaccinated animals) vaccines have proven extremely useful for control and eradication of infectious diseases in livestock. We describe here the characterization of a serologic marker epitope, so-called epitope-M201, which can be a potential target for development of a live-attenuated DIVA vaccine against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Epitope-M201 is located at the carboxyl terminus (residues 161-174) of the viral M protein. The epitope is highly immunodominant and well-conserved among type-II PRRSV isolates. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies prepared against this epitope are non-neutralizing; thus, the epitope does not seem to contribute to the protective immunity against …

Trex1 Regulates Lysosomal Biogenesis And Interferon-Independent Activation Of Antiviral Genes, Maroof Hasan, James Koch, Dinesh Rakheja, Asit K. Pattnaik, James Brugarolas, Igor Dozmorov, Beth Levine, Edward K. Wakeland, Min Ae Lee-Kirsch, Nan Yan

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Innate immune sensing of viral nucleic acids triggers type I interferon (IFN) production, which activates interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and directs a multifaceted antiviral response. ISGs can also be activated through IFN-independent pathways, although the precise mechanisms remain elusive. Here we found that the cytosolic exonuclease Trex1 regulates the activation of a subset of ISGs independently of IFN. Both Trex1−/− mouse and TREX1-mutant human cells express high levels of antiviral genes and are refractory to viral infections. The IFN-independent activation of antiviral genes in Trex1−/− cells requires STING, TBK1 and IRF3 and IRF7. We also found that Trex1-deficient cells display expanded …

Influence Of Therapeutic Ceftiofur Treatments Of Feedlot Cattle On Fecal And Hide Prevalences Of Commensal Escherichia Coli Resistant To Expanded-Spectrum Cephalosporins, And Molecular Characterization Of Resistant Isolates, John W. Schmidt, Dee Griffin, Larry A. Kuehn, Dayna M. Brichta-Harhay

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

In the United States, the bla_CMY-2 gene contained within incompatibility type A/C (IncA/C) plasmids is frequently identified in extended-spectrum-cephalosporin-resistant (ESC^r) Escherichia coli strains from both human and cattle sources. Concerns have been raised that therapeutic use of ceftiofur in cattle may increase the prevalence of ESC^r E. coli. We report that herd ESC^r E. coli fecal and hide prevalences throughout the residency of cattle at a feedlot, including during the period of greatest ceftiofur use at the feedlot, were either not significantly different (P≥0.05) or significantly less (Pr E. coli shedding that follows ceftiofur …

Complete Closed Genome Sequences Of Mannheimia Haemolytica Serotypes A1 And A6, Isolated From Cattle, Gregory P. Harhay, Sergey Koren, Adam M. Phillippy, D. Scott Mcvey, Jennifer Kuszak, Michael L. Clawson, Dayna M. Harhay, Michael P. Heaton, Carol G. Chitko-Mckown, Timothy P. L. Smith

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Mannheimia haemolytica is a respiratory pathogen affecting cattle and related ruminants worldwide. M. haemolytica is commonly associated with bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC), a polymicrobial multifactorial disease.Wepresent the first two complete closed genome sequences of this species, determined using an automated assembly pipeline requiring no manual finishing.

Deep Sequencing And Genome-Wide Analysis Reveals The Expansion Of Microrna Genes In The Gall Midge Mayetiola Destructor, Chitvan Khajuria, Christie E. Williams, Mustapha El Bouhssini, R. Jeff Whitworth, Stephen Richards, Jeffrey J. Stuart, Ming-Shun Chen

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play critical roles in regulating post transcriptional gene expression. Gall midges encompass a large group of insects that are of economic importance and also possess fascinating biological traits. The gall midge Mayetiola destructor, commonly known as the Hessian fly, is a destructive pest of wheat and model organism for studying gall midge biology and insect – host plant interactions.

Results: In this study, we systematically analyzed miRNAs from the Hessian fly. Deep-sequencing a Hessian fly larval transcriptome led to the identification of 89 miRNA species that are either identical or very …

Development And Evaluation Of A Replicon Particle Vaccine Expressing The E2 Glycoprotein Of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (Bvdv) In Cattle, John Dustin Loy, Jill Gander, Mark Mogler, Ryan Vander Veen, Julia Ridpath, Delbert Hank Harris, Kurt Kamrud

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: Bovine viral diarrhea virus is one of the most significant and costly viral pathogens of cattle worldwide. Alphavirus-derived replicon particles have been shown to be safe and highly effective vaccine vectors against a variety of human and veterinary pathogens. Replicon particles are non-propagating, DIVA compatible, and can induce both humoral and cell mediated immune responses. This is the first experiment to demonstrate that Alphavirus-based replicon particles can be utilized in a standard prime/boost vaccination strategy in calves against a commercially significant bovine pathogen.

Findings: Replicon particles that express bovine viral diarrhea virus sub-genotype 1b E2 glycoprotein were …

Development Of Affinity Microcolumns For Drug–Protein Binding Studies In Personalized Medicine: Interactions Of Sulfonylurea Drugs With In Vivo Glycated Human Serum Albumin, Jeanethe Anguizola, K. S. Joseph, Omar S. Barnaby, Ryan Matsuda, Guadalupe Alvarado, William Clarke, Ronald Cerny, David S. Hage

David Hage Publications

This report used high-performance affinity microcolumns to examine the changes in binding by sulfonylurea drugs to in vivo glycated HSA that had been isolated from individual patients with diabetes. An immunoextraction approach was developed to isolate HSA and glycated HSA from clinical samples, using only 20 μL of plasma or serum and 6–12 nmol of protein to prepare each affinity microcolumn. It was found that the affinity microcolumns could be used in either frontal analysis or zonal elution studies, which typically required only 4–8 min per run. The microcolumns had good stability and allowed data to be obtained for multiple …

An Update On Vitamin D: The Role In Chronic Disease, Clinical Practice Implications, And The Current Status Of Nurse Practitioner Knowledge, Sara E. Robertson

DNP Projects

The discovery that a large portion of the United States population is vitamin D deficient, has led to hundreds of studies in the last decade which aim to discover the role of vitamin D in overall health and to determine what clinical consequences occur in a deficient state. The current clinical knowledge regarding vitamin D deficiency is reviewed, including the definition of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency and its correlation to chronic disease states; the risk factors and epidemiology of vitamin D deficiency; and appropriate clinical screening and treatment of vitamin D deficiency. A research study completed in 2012 to …

Dynein And Dynactin Leverage Their Bivalent Character To Form A High-Affinity Interaction., Amanda E Siglin, Shangjin Sun, Jeffrey K Moore, Sarah Tan, Martin Poenie, James D Lear, Tatyana Polenova, John A Cooper, John C Williams

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Cytoplasmic dynein and dynactin participate in retrograde transport of organelles, checkpoint signaling and cell division. The principal subunits that mediate this interaction are the dynein intermediate chain (IC) and the dynactin p150(Glued); however, the interface and mechanism that regulates this interaction remains poorly defined. Herein, we use multiple methods to show the N-terminus of mammalian dynein IC, residues 10-44, is sufficient for binding p150(Glued). Consistent with this mapping, monoclonal antibodies that antagonize the dynein-dynactin interaction also bind to this region of the IC. Furthermore, double and triple alanine point mutations spanning residues 6 to 19 in the yeast IC homolog, …

Mean Platelet Volume As A Fibrosis Marker In Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C, Hati̇ce Karaman, Çi̇ğdem Karakükcü, Ahmet Karaman, Tuba Kayman, Samet Yalçin, Erdem Arzu Taşdemi̇r, Gökmen Zararsiz, Orhan Kürşat Poyrazoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

We designed this study to evaluate the role of mean platelet volume (MPV) as a fibrosis marker in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Materials and methods: The study was designed at Kayseri Education and Research Hospital. Ninety-five patients with CHC were enrolled retrospectively into the study. The control group comprised 33 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Hepatitis C virus-RNA level, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, prothrombin time (PT), platelet count (PC), serum albumin, histological activity index (HAI), liver fibrosis score (LFS), and MPV were obtained from the patients' files and a computerized database. Results: Statistically significant differences …

Investigation Of The Protective Effects Of L-Carnitine And L-Arginine On Cardiovascular Changes Induced By Acth And Dexamethasone In Rabbits, Bi̇rkan Topçu, Metehan Uzun

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the protective effects of L-carnitine on cardiovascular changes that may occur in rabbits treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and dexamethasone (DEX). Materials and methods: Rabbits of equal weight were divided into 7 groups with 6 animals in each. Blood samples were collected from all groups on days 1, 7, and 14, and blood pressure values and ECG monitoring were recorded. Nitric oxide (NO), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and troponin I (TnI) levels were determined in blood samples. Heart rate, QT, and corrected QT (QTc) values were calculated from ECG records. Results: The QT and QTc times were prolonged …

What Would Happen If Neurovascular Bundles Were Left Behind In Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy?, Zi̇ya Akbulut, Olçay Kandemi̇r, Ali̇ Fuat Atmaca, Durmuş Alparslan Demi̇rci̇, Bayram Doğan, Abdullah Erdem Canda, Mevlana Derya Balbay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate whether nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (NSRP) results in a residual tumor in the remaining neurovascular bundle (NVB). Materials and methods: A total of 88 patients underwent bilateral NSRP. The ipsilateral NVB was excised uni-/bilaterally on the tumor side, separately. Factors affecting NVB involvement were evaluated. Results: The mean patient age and preoperative serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) were 63.8 ± 6.2 years (49-76) and 12.9 ± 9.4 ng/mL (2.4-45.5), respectively. Digital rectal examination (DRE) suggested nodules in 34 patients (38.6%). Uni- and bilateral NVB resections were performed on 40 (45.5%) and 48 patients (54.5%), respectively, according to transrectal ultrasound-guided …

Incidental Findings On Electron Beam Tomography Renal Angiography In Hypertensive Patients, Baki̇ Heki̇moğlu, Begüm Demi̇rler Şi̇mşi̇r, Mustafa Şeki̇p Altunkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the prevalence, spectrum, and significance of incidental lesions identified on electron beam tomography (EBT) renal angiography performed to investigate renovascular hypertension. Materials and methods: EBT renal angiography images of 148 cases were evaluated in terms of renal artery variations and renal artery stenosis. Extravascular renal findings, abdominal aorta, iliac artery, liver and gallbladder findings, vertebral lesions, and other intraabdominal organ findings were assessed during the examination. Results: No incidental finding was found in 30 cases (20.2%) in total. The most frequent incidental findings were benign ones without any clinical significance. A total of 13 (8.7%) clinically significant findings …

Contribution Of Spirometry To Early Diagnosis Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In Primary Health Care Centers, Aysel Erdoğan, Eli̇f Yilmazel Uçar, Ömer Araz, Leyla Sağlam, Ni̇hal Arzu Mi̇ri̇ci̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease with increasing prevalence and mortality. We aimed to determine COPD prevalence in primary health care centers. Materials and methods: Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and face-to-face interviews were administered to 500 patients older than 40 years of age and attending a primary health care center with any symptoms. An early reversibility test was performed on patients with a forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio below 70%. The survey results, PFTs, and early reversibility test results were evaluated according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) …

Occurrence Of Depression During The Postpartum Period And Risk Factors That Affect The Development Of The Depression, Demet Aktaş, Füsun Terzi̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the occurrences of depression experienced by women during the postpartum period and the risk factors that affect the development of this depression. Materials and methods: The study involved 330 women who had recently given birth in a hospital in 2007. The women were contacted 3 times in total: on postpartum day 1 (face to face) and in weeks 2 and 6 (by phone). The Edinburgh Scale of Postpartum Depression (EPDS) was used as the form for collecting data. According to the EPDS, women who have scored 13 points or above are sensitive to depression. Results: The EPDS scores …

Evaluation Of The Effects Of Desflurane And Sevoflurane Anesthesia On Alveolar Epithelial Permeability By Tc-99m Dtpa Inhalation Scintigraphy, Abdulkadi̇r İskender, Meli̇h Engi̇n Erkan, Mesut Erbaş, Damla Güçlü Güven, Gülbi̇n Sezen, Muhammet Aşik, Yavuz Demi̇raran, Mustafa Yildirim

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Recently studies showed that volatile anesthetics affect the ciliary beat frequency in vitro. We know that impairment of ciliary beat frequency is related to a risk of pulmonary complications with general anesthesia. Other studies have also shown that exposure to a volatile anesthetic can increase the permeability of the alveolar–capillary barrier. The present study aimed to determine the effects of desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia on the technetium-labeled diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (Tc-99m DTPA) clearance rate of the alveolar epithelium. Materials and methods: A total of 40 patients who underwent elective tympanoplasty with general anesthesia were included in this study. Patients …

Significant Features Of Basal And Maximal Energy Expenditure Parameters In Obese Adults, Emi̇ne Uygur, Kağan Üçok, Abdurrahman Genç, Ümi̇t Şener, Ramazan Uygur, Ahmet Songur

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To compare body composition, resting metabolic rate, and maximal aerobic capacity parameters in obese adults and healthy controls, as well as to investigate the associations among these parameters. Materials and methods: A total of 120 participants, 60 obese participants (30 male, 30 female) with body mass indexes (BMIs) over 30 kg/m^2 and 60 healthy controls (30 male, 30 female) with BMIs of 18-25 kg/m^2, were included in the study. BMI was calculated as body weight divided by the square of the height (kg/m^2). Body fat percentage, total body fat, and lean body mass were established with bioelectric impedance analysis. Resting …

Retrospective Evaluation Of 104 Tinea Capitis Cases, Ömer Çalka, Serap Güneş Bi̇lgi̇li̇, Ayşe Serap Karadağ, Sevda Önder

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Tinea capitis is a superficial scalp dermatophyte infection. Tinea capitis is particularly seen during childhood and is not usually seen after puberty. In untreated cases, it can be contagious and can progress to cicatricial alopecia. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate cases of tinea capitis. Materials and methods: We evaluated 104 tinea capitis patients presenting to our dermatology clinic between 2007 and 2011. Results: Of these patients, 38 (36.5%) were female and 66 (63.5%) were male. The median age was 6.41 ± 3.4 years (range: 1-18 years old). The clinical types appearing in descending order were tinea capitis profunda (88.5%), …

Lobectomy For Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst, Erdal Yekeler, Kerem Karaarslan, Alkin Yazicioğlu, Sadi̇ Kaya, Nuretti̇n Karaoğlanoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Although parenchymal sparing surgery is the most appropriate for the treatment of hydatid cysts, rarely lobectomy is needed. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the cases in which we had to perform lobectomy due to hydatid cyst. Materials and methods: A total of 36 (1.88%) patients that underwent lobectomy (n = 35) and pneumonectomy (n = 1) from among 1909 patients operated on for hydatid cyst in our hospital between 1992 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Among the patients, 35 underwent lobectomy and 1 right pneumonectomy. The mean age of the patients was 11.1 ± 3.4 years (6-16 years) among …

Turning Stealth Liposomes Into Cationic Liposomes For Anticancer Drug Delivery, Vijay Gyanani

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Targeting the anticancer agents selectively to cancer cells is desirable to improve the efficacy and to reduce the side effects of anticancer therapy. Previously reported passive tumor targeting by PEGylated liposomes (stealth liposomes) have resulted in their higher tumor accumulation. However their interaction with cancer cells has been minimal due to the steric hindrance of the PEG coating. This dissertation reports two approaches to enhance the interaction of stealth liposomes with cancer cells. First, we designed a lipid-hydrazone-PEG conjugate that removes the PEG coating at acidic pH as in the tumor interstitium. However, such a conjugate was highly unstable on …

The Phenotypic Expression Of Usp14 Deficiency Is Dependent Upon Genetic Background, Andrea Gail Marshall

All ETDs from UAB

The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) plays a critical role in regulating a diversity of cellular processes that are essential to neuronal function, such as synaptic transmission, axon guidance, and neurite outgrowth. Dysfunctions of the UPS are linked with many neurodegenerative disorders, including motor neuron diseases like spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), although it is not known how UPS dysfunction contributes to disease pathology. The proteasome, an approximate 2.5 megadalton protein complex comprised of a 20S core particle and 19S regulatory particle, is the site of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis in the cell. Recent studies have linked ubiquitin specific …