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Electronic Theses and Dissertations

2010

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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Perceptions Of Maternal Stress And Neonatal Patient Outcomes In A Single Private Room Versus Open Room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Environment., Lisa M. Smithgall Dec 2010

Perceptions Of Maternal Stress And Neonatal Patient Outcomes In A Single Private Room Versus Open Room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Environment., Lisa M. Smithgall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Limited clinical evidence exists regarding whether the single private room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) environment of care delivery has a positive, negative, or neutral impact on health outcomes for the high risk neonate and on maternal stress as compared to the open room design. The study purpose was to examine whether a difference exists in health outcomes in the open room versus single private room NICU environment. The factors considered were weight gain, ventilator days, hospital length of stay, incidence and grade of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), the number of parental visits, and perceptions of maternal stress. Infants hospitalized in …


The Effect Of Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Activation Pattern And Feedback Condition On The Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential., Mary Jo Davenport Dec 2010

The Effect Of Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Activation Pattern And Feedback Condition On The Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential., Mary Jo Davenport

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) has been shown to be clinically useful in providing diagnostic information regarding the function of the otolith receptors, inferior vestibular nerve, and vestibulospinal pathways. The VEMP is a biphasic response elicited by loud clicks or tone bursts and recorded from the tonically contracted sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. Because the VEMP is an inhibitory response, it is important to investigate stimulus and parameter characteristics in order to determine the optimal test protocol and maximize clinical usefulness. The aims of this study were 1) to evaluate the effects of 4 different methods of SCM muscle activation and …


Mathematical Modeling, Simulation, And Time Series Analysis Of Seasonal Epidemics., Eric Shu Numfor Dec 2010

Mathematical Modeling, Simulation, And Time Series Analysis Of Seasonal Epidemics., Eric Shu Numfor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Seasonal and non-seasonal Susceptible-Exposed-Infective-Recovered-Susceptible (SEIRS) models are formulated and analyzed. It is proved that the disease-free steady state of the non-seasonal model is locally asymptotically stable if Rv < 1, and disease invades if Rv > 1. For the seasonal SEIRS model, it is shown that the disease-free periodic solution is locally asymptotically stable when v < 1, and I(t) is persistent with sustained oscillations when v > 1. Numerical simulations indicate that the orbit representing I(t) decays when v < 1 < Rv. The seasonal SEIRS model with routine and pulse vaccination is simulated, and results depict an unsustained decrease …


Our Health Matters: Promoting The Health Of Sexual Minority Women In The New Media Landscape, Brenda Kane Nov 2010

Our Health Matters: Promoting The Health Of Sexual Minority Women In The New Media Landscape, Brenda Kane

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The shifts occurring in the mediascape and the field of public health offer new opportunities for promoting the health and wellness of sexual minority women. As a population that has historically been underserved by the healthcare system, sexual minority women face multiple barriers to achieving positive health outcomes. They are often less likely to access preventive healthcare services and more likely to engage in risky behaviors that are detrimental to health than heterosexual women. Despite the significant health disparities among sexual minority women, studying this population has not been a priority in health research and there is little research-based evidence …


Synthesis Of A Water Soluble Resveratrol Derivative As A Potential Anti-Cancer Drug., Augustine Essel Aug 2010

Synthesis Of A Water Soluble Resveratrol Derivative As A Potential Anti-Cancer Drug., Augustine Essel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research on development of water soluble anti-cancer drugs is one of the great challenges of modern medicinal chemistry. Resveratrol (Res) is one of the many phytoalexins producing stilbenoids present in several medicinal plants, grape skin, peanuts, and red wine. It has been found to exhibit anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. Water solubility and bioavailability are some of the setbacks of this interesting compound. In view of this, effort has been made to synthesize amino acid derivative of resveratrol to improve its bioavailability and solubility in water. Methyl 4-{-[(1E)-2-(3, 5-dihydroxyphenyl)-ethenyl] - phenoxy} butyrate (7), a novel ester intermediate, has been synthesized …


Narcissism And Binge Drinking: Exploring The Role Of Overconfidence And Confidence-Based Risk-Taking., Alicia M. Wood Aug 2010

Narcissism And Binge Drinking: Exploring The Role Of Overconfidence And Confidence-Based Risk-Taking., Alicia M. Wood

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Binge drinking (BD) entails excessive alcohol intake in a short time period. Despite numerous negative outcomes associated with BD and efforts to curtail it, rates remain steady. Thus, it is important to identify "who" binge drinks and "why" it occurs. Drawing from past research, I sought to replicate the link between trait narcissism and BD; moreover, I examined if overconfidence and confidence-based risk-taking assessed via the Georgia Gambling Task (GGT), explained why they did so. The results generally supported my hypotheses. As expected, narcissism related to poor GGT performance and high levels of BD; likewise, poor GGT performance related to …


Rural Versus Urban: Tennessee Health Administrators' Strategies On Recruitment And Retention For Allied Health Professionals., Derek Ray Slagle Aug 2010

Rural Versus Urban: Tennessee Health Administrators' Strategies On Recruitment And Retention For Allied Health Professionals., Derek Ray Slagle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is a growing interest in understanding recruitment, retention, and turnover of allied health professionals considering employment trends and workforce mobility, an increased need to understand the healthcare delivery system, and the dynamic nature of the allied health workforce especially for rural areas. A survey was sent to allied health administrators across a variety of allied health disciplines from the state of Tennessee hospitals in order to gauge opinions on retention and recruitment strategies. Overall successful strategies for recruitment and retention of allied health professionals were reported as well as differences between urban and rural areas, differences among allied health …


The Effects Of An Actiped Pedometer Intervention Program On Body Composition And Aerobic Capacity Of Youth In A School System In East Tennessee., Kristie Russell Coleman May 2010

The Effects Of An Actiped Pedometer Intervention Program On Body Composition And Aerobic Capacity Of Youth In A School System In East Tennessee., Kristie Russell Coleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine if the ActiPed Pedometer Intervention Program would sustain or improve aerobic capacity or body composition scores over a 12-week period for students ages 8-12 in a school system in East Tennessee. Obesity is an epidemic in Tennessee and in the United States. In fact, Tennessee has the 5th highest obesity rates for youth in the United States. National and State Legislations with physical activity and wellness mandates are being passed at an alarming rate as the need to combat the obesity epidemic is astonishing. The responsibility to decrease the obesity rates …


Assessing Sleep Quality In Young Adult College Students, Aged 18 - 24 In Relation To Quality Of Life And Anthropometrics, Douglas Mathews May 2010

Assessing Sleep Quality In Young Adult College Students, Aged 18 - 24 In Relation To Quality Of Life And Anthropometrics, Douglas Mathews

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Little is known about the impact of sleep on quality of life and anthropometrics in young adults. College students (n=218) were recruited through a variety of methods for a study on weight management for obesity prevention and randomized into control (n=108) or treatment (n=110) groups. Of those, 152 (71%) completed pre- and post-tests, including the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), scored 0-4 =normal and 5-21=disordered, (a=0.80), the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ), scored from 0-14=good quality of life to 15-36=poor quality of life, (ct=0.87), and anthropometrics. Statistical analyses included linear regression, one way ANOVA, chi-square analysis, and Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation. Significance …


A New Measure Of Parental Self-Efficacy For Enacting Healthy Lifestyles In Their Children, Jonathan W. Decker Jan 2010

A New Measure Of Parental Self-Efficacy For Enacting Healthy Lifestyles In Their Children, Jonathan W. Decker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The issue of childhood obesity has become a pandemic of increasing prevalence and concern. Many behaviors contributing to overweight and obesity, such as dietary intake and physical activity, are learned in childhood. It is known that parents are key agents for change in their children. Therefore, interventions aimed at decreasing childhood overweight and obesity should be targeted at parents. Many parents state that they know the healthy dietary and physical activity behaviors they should adopt for their children, but lack the confidence, or self-efficacy, to enact these behaviors. A review of the literature for self-efficacy for behaviors in these domains …


Magnetic Nanosensors For Multiplexed Bacterial Pathogenesis Identification, Charalambos Kaittanis Jan 2010

Magnetic Nanosensors For Multiplexed Bacterial Pathogenesis Identification, Charalambos Kaittanis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Developing diagnostic modalities that utilize nanomaterials and miniaturized detectors can have an impact in point-of-care diagnostics. Diagnostic systems that (i) are sensitive, robust, and portable, (ii) allow detection in clinical samples, (iii) require minimal sample preparation yielding results quickly, and (iv) can simultaneously quantify multiple targets, would have a great potential in biomedical research and public healthcare. Bacterial infections still cause pathogenesis throughout the world (Chapter I). The emergence of multi-drug resistant strains, the potential appearance of bacterial pandemics, the increased occurrence of bacterial nosocomial infections, the wide-scale food poisoning incidents and the use of bacteria in biowarfare highlight the …


Studies On A Novel Human Cardiospecific Transcription Factor And Its Involvement In Omi/Htra2 Mediated Cell Death, Meenakshi Puthucode Balakrishnan Jan 2010

Studies On A Novel Human Cardiospecific Transcription Factor And Its Involvement In Omi/Htra2 Mediated Cell Death, Meenakshi Puthucode Balakrishnan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Omi/HtrA2 is a mitochondrial serine protease that is known to translocate to the cytoplasm upon induction of apoptosis and to activate caspase-dependent and caspase-independent cell death. The molecular mechanism of Omi/HtrA2's function is not clear but involves degradation of specific substrates. These substrates include cytoplasmic, mitochondrial, as well as nuclear proteins. We have isolated a new Omi/HtrA2 interactor, the THAP5 protein. THAP5 is a fifth member of a large family of transcription factors that are involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle control, chromosome segregation, chromatin modification and transcriptional regulation. THAP5 is an approximately 50kDa nuclear protein, with a restricted …


Study Of The Egfr, Src And Stat3 Pathway In Pancreatic Cancer, Soumya Jaganathan Jan 2010

Study Of The Egfr, Src And Stat3 Pathway In Pancreatic Cancer, Soumya Jaganathan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cancer is associated with many molecular aberrations that support the malignant phenotype. In that regard, aberrant activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Src, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) occur concurrently in pancreatic cancer and are implicated in the disease phenotype. Notwithstanding, increasing evidence indicates that therapies that target only EGFR or Src are rather ineffective in modulating the cancer phenotype. The poor therapeutic outcome of the monotherapies targeting EGFR or Src may in part be due to the increased incidence of signaling cross-talks among aberrant signaling pathways in cancer. Molecular details of the signaling integration …


In-Frame Mutagenesis Of Genes Encoding A Selenium-Dependent Molybdenum Hydroxylase And Putative Accessory Proteins In Enterococcus Faecalis, Christopher J. Mallard Jan 2010

In-Frame Mutagenesis Of Genes Encoding A Selenium-Dependent Molybdenum Hydroxylase And Putative Accessory Proteins In Enterococcus Faecalis, Christopher J. Mallard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Enterococcus faecalis is a well known nosocomial drug resistant pathogen that is responsible for urinary tract infections, bacteremia, wound infections and endocarditis through the formation of biofilms. It has been shown that 68 genes present within the core genome of E. faecalis are upregulated in biofilm formation. One of those 68 genes is a putative seleniumdependent molybdenum hydroxylase (SDMH). Adjacent to this gene are a series of open reading frames that have been postulated to play a role in the maturation of a labile selenium cofactor. The biosynthesis of this labile cofactor has yet to be studied at either the …


Transplantation Of Ips Cells Reduces Apoptosis And Fibrosis And Improves Cardiac Function In Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats, Sarah Elizabeth Neel Jan 2010

Transplantation Of Ips Cells Reduces Apoptosis And Fibrosis And Improves Cardiac Function In Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats, Sarah Elizabeth Neel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes leads to various complications including cardiomyopathy. Recent data suggests transplanted bone marrow stem cells improve cardiac function in diabetic cardiomyopathy. However, whether modified ES, iPS cells, or factors released from these cells can inhibit apoptosis and fibrosis remains completely unknown. The present study was designed to determine the effects of transplanted ES cells overexpressing pancreatic transcription factor 1 a (Ptf1a), a propancreatic endodermal transcription factor, iPS cells, or their respective conditioned media (CM) on diabetic cardiomyopathy. Methods: Experimental diabetes was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats (8-10 weeks old) by intraperitoneal STZ injections (65 mg/kg …


Introversion And Autism: A Conceptual Exploration Of The Placement Of Introversion On The Autism Spectrum, Jennifer Grimes Jan 2010

Introversion And Autism: A Conceptual Exploration Of The Placement Of Introversion On The Autism Spectrum, Jennifer Grimes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The conceptualization of the personality construct of introversion has been problematic since the term's inception due to the complexity and seemingly self-contradictory nature of the collection of attributes of which it is comprised. To advance the understanding of introversion, I propose that it is a continuous segment of the non-clinical part of the autism spectrum, and that it is not the same as the inverse of extraversion. When introversion and autism are placed on the same continuum, the nature of the relationship of the traits becomes more apparent, and new possibilities are available for exploration of both autism and introversion. …


Retrospective Analysis Of Screening Patterns In Cirrhotic Patients With Heptocellular Carcinoma, Shelly-Ann Scott-Castell Jan 2010

Retrospective Analysis Of Screening Patterns In Cirrhotic Patients With Heptocellular Carcinoma, Shelly-Ann Scott-Castell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients is increasing worldwide. Cirrhotic patients are recommended by the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) to receive HCC screening and surveillance every 6 months to a year. The purpose of this study was to identify the current screening and surveillance patterns for cirrhotic patients with HCC in clinical practice. Hepatocellular carcinoma can be detected by radiological studies in addition to laboratory testing. It is important to implement the AASLD screening guidelines, as early identification might decrease the mortality rate of patients with cirrhosis and HCC. The research question …


Using Modeling And Simulation To Evaluate Disease Control Measures, Tracy Atkins Jan 2010

Using Modeling And Simulation To Evaluate Disease Control Measures, Tracy Atkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation introduced several issues concerning the analysis of diseases by showing how modeling and simulation could be used to assist in creating health policy by estimating the effects of such policies. The first question posed was how would education, vaccination and a combination of these two programs effect the possible outbreak of meningitis on a college campus. After creating a model representative of the transmission dynamics of meningitis and establishing parameter values characteristic of the University of Central Florida main campus, the results of a deterministic model were presented in several forms. The result of this model was the …


A Phenomenological Description Of The Lived Experience Of Creating Art For Women With Breast Cancer, Laurie Stark Jan 2010

A Phenomenological Description Of The Lived Experience Of Creating Art For Women With Breast Cancer, Laurie Stark

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Conventional approaches to cancer treatment typically do not address the personal experiences of the women with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to develop a structural description of the lived experience of women with breast cancer who create art, specifically through painting, sketching or drawing. A phenomenological approach was employed to explore the meaning of creating art for four women with a diagnosis of breast cancer. The philosophical underpinnings for this study were based on the phenomenological method of bracketing which allows the researcher and subjects to focus on lived experience. This qualitative methodology provided a means to …


The Experiences Of Health Care Providers Providing Comfort For Nursing Home Patients At The End Of Life, Herma Baker Jan 2010

The Experiences Of Health Care Providers Providing Comfort For Nursing Home Patients At The End Of Life, Herma Baker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research shows that healthcare providers (HCPs) are not adequately prepared to provide comfort care for patients who are at the end of life. Since the 1990s, numerous legislative, research, and clinical initiatives have addressed concerns about improving care at the end of life. The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of HCPs providing comfort for patients in the nursing home who are at the end of life. This study focused on physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and nurses' aides at a central Florida nursing home. A descriptive qualitative design was done utilizing a focus group discussion, individual interviews, …


Comparison Of Arnp And Physician Malpractice In States With And Without Controlled Substance Prescribing Authority, Deborah Chandler Jan 2010

Comparison Of Arnp And Physician Malpractice In States With And Without Controlled Substance Prescribing Authority, Deborah Chandler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Florida is one of two states that do not allow ARNPs to prescribe controlled substances. The Florida Legislature has expressed concern regarding the safety of ARNPs prescribing controlled substances. The purpose of this study was to compare malpractice rates of ARNPs and physicians in states with and without controlled substance prescribing. The design was a direct comparison of malpractice rates in states with and without ARNP controlled substance prescriptive authority. Comparison of malpractice claims was made between physicians (MDs and DOs collectively) and ARNPs in the United States and by state ARNP prescribing authority. Comparison of malpractice claims was also …


Effectiveness Of Probiotics In Preventing Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea And Clostridium Difficile In Long Term Care, Marva Edwards-Marshall Jan 2010

Effectiveness Of Probiotics In Preventing Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea And Clostridium Difficile In Long Term Care, Marva Edwards-Marshall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Problem/Purpose: Antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) and clostridium-difficile diarrhea (CDAD) are the most common forms of infectious diarrhea in long-term care facilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing AAD and CDAD in the long term care geriatric population, and to identify interventions that can be used to improve clinical practice. Background/Significance: Prophylactic use of probiotics have been purported to decrease the incidences of AAD and CDAD. Previous studies have yielded contradictory results on the efficacy of probiotics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of administration of probiotics on the …


The Impact Of Pre-Operative Mupirocin Prophylaxis On Surgical Site Infections In Same-Day Admission Open Heart Patients, Joanna Gerry Jan 2010

The Impact Of Pre-Operative Mupirocin Prophylaxis On Surgical Site Infections In Same-Day Admission Open Heart Patients, Joanna Gerry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The CDC estimates that one in 20 patients admitted to the hospital is a carrier of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Staphylococci are commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes within the anterior nares, which provides the principle reservoir for this organism. These organisms can go on to cause surgical site infections in hospitalized patients. Mupirocin is an effective topical medication used to eliminate nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Based on Level A evidence, the 2007 Society of Thoracic Surgeons has made a Class I recommendation for the use of mupirocin for all patients undergoing cardiac surgery in …


The Incidence And Epidemiologic Factors Of Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Skin And Soft Tissue I, Ivonne Johnson Jan 2010

The Incidence And Epidemiologic Factors Of Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Skin And Soft Tissue I, Ivonne Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious public health problem nationwide, threatening to develop into an epidemic. Many of these patients are presenting to their primary care clinics with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). The CDC has reported that in 2005, MRSA was responsible for an estimated 94,000 life-threatening infections and 16,650 deaths. The purpose of this study is to estimate the incidence of CA-MRSA within a specific family practice in Florida and to identify epidemiologic factors, classify antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and evaluate patient education in regard to disease management and prevention. This study was a descriptive, epidemiologic, three-year …


Advanced Practice Nursing In The Faith Community Setting: A Case Study, Chianta Lindsey Jan 2010

Advanced Practice Nursing In The Faith Community Setting: A Case Study, Chianta Lindsey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of an Advanced Practice Nurse in providing spiritual and nursing care within a faith community setting. The study will describe the process of developing a Parish Nurse program using a Nurse Practitioner to offer wholistic health care to parishioners. It will also illustrate the collaborative process of developing a free health center within a faith based organization, using the Nurse Practitioner to manage the health center and deliver health care services. In order to demonstrate the need for parish nurse care, the case study used an anonymous survey to …


Assessing Adult Attitudes Toward End-Of-Life Issues And Advanced Directives After Implementing An Educational Intervention In A, Marchina Tolbert-Jones Jan 2010

Assessing Adult Attitudes Toward End-Of-Life Issues And Advanced Directives After Implementing An Educational Intervention In A, Marchina Tolbert-Jones

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: There is a lack of discussion regarding end-of-life care planning which results in low advanced directive execution (AD) rates. This can lead to decision making by family, friends, and the health care team on behalf of patients whose end-of-life care wishes are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an educational intervention in the work setting to increase end-of-life discussions and the execution of advanced directives. Methods: A descriptive design was used in an occupational workplace setting at a local bottling company after appropriate IRB approval was obtained. An educational intervention based on the …


Prevalence Of And Risk Factors For Intraoperative Non-Euglycemia Events In Premature Neonates >2500 Grams, Zulay Ritrosky Jan 2010

Prevalence Of And Risk Factors For Intraoperative Non-Euglycemia Events In Premature Neonates >2500 Grams, Zulay Ritrosky

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the rates and risks of premature neonates >2500grams developing intraoperative non-euglycemia events (IONEE). A retrospective chart review of 26 premature neonates >2500 grams who underwent surgical procedures between January 1 and December 31, 2009 was conducted. Statistical analysis was done using Chi square and t-tests. Ten of the 26 subjects (38%) experienced an IONEE. Hyperglycemia was the primary IONEE that was noted in the neonates. (Mean: 143.19; sd: 56.041) Length of surgery was significantly longer in those premature neonates with IONEE than those with euglycemia (71.7 0± 27.03 vs. 45.62 ± 17.98 minutes). All IONEE subjects received …


The Effect Of Combat Exercises On Cardiovascular Response: An Exploratory Study, Melisa Gantt Jan 2010

The Effect Of Combat Exercises On Cardiovascular Response: An Exploratory Study, Melisa Gantt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: Hypertension (HTN) affects one in every three adults in the United States. Often associated with the older population, this silent killer has emerged in an unsuspecting group, young military soldiers. With the rapid succession of multiple deployments, long intervals between blood pressure (BP) assessments, and the absence of cardiovascular (CV) measures during the pre and post deployment health screenings; soldiers may be at higher risk for HTN than their civilian counterparts of the same age. The purpose of this study was to explore real-time continuous CV measures of soldiers before, during, and after exposure to a simulated combat stressor …


The Cytokine, Interleukin-7, Transcriptionally Regulates The Gene Expression Of The Hexokinase Ii To Mediate Glucose Utilization, Mounir Chehtane Jan 2010

The Cytokine, Interleukin-7, Transcriptionally Regulates The Gene Expression Of The Hexokinase Ii To Mediate Glucose Utilization, Mounir Chehtane

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The cytokine, interleukin-7 (IL-7), has essential growth activities that maintain the homeostatic balance of the immune system. Little is known of the mechanism by which IL-7 signaling regulates metabolic activity in support of its vital function in lymphocytes. We observed that IL-7 deprivation caused a rapid decline in ATP levels that were attributable to loss of intracellular glucose retention. To identify the transducer of the IL-7 metabolic signal, we examined the expression of three important regulators of glucose metabolism, the glucose transporter, GLUT-1, and two glycolytic enzymes, Hexokinase II (HXKII) and phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK1), using an IL-7-dependent T-cell line and primary …


Interleukin-7 Differentially Regulates The Activation, Proliferation, And Homing Of T-Cells: Implications For Immunotherapy, Christina Kittipatarin Jan 2010

Interleukin-7 Differentially Regulates The Activation, Proliferation, And Homing Of T-Cells: Implications For Immunotherapy, Christina Kittipatarin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is an essential lymphocyte growth factor required for the survival and proliferation of mature T-cells. As a therapeutic agent, IL-7 has the potential to restore T-cell numbers following immune depletion and to promote immunity against cancers. While the survival function of IL-7 is well established, less is known about how it supports T-cell expansion, a critical feature of the immune response. To study the biological effects of IL-7 on T-cell growth, we developed an in vitro culture technique to expand T-cells ex vivo. A significant finding from our studies is that IL-7 did not induce the expansion of …