Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Medicine and Health Sciences Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

All ETDs from UAB

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year

Articles 1501 - 1530 of 2525

Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Modulation Of Wzy-Dependent Capsule Production In Streptococcus Pneumoniae By The Phosphotyrosine-Specific Phosphatase Cpsb, Kimball Aaron Geno Jan 2012

Modulation Of Wzy-Dependent Capsule Production In Streptococcus Pneumoniae By The Phosphotyrosine-Specific Phosphatase Cpsb, Kimball Aaron Geno

All ETDs from UAB

Biosynthesis of capsule polysaccharide in the Gram-positive pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae is regulated in part through the action of a phosphoregulatory system comprised of the products of the capsule biosynthetic operon genes cpsBCD. CpsC and CpsD together comprise an autophosphorylating tyrosine kinase whose homologs are implicated in chain length regulation in other systems in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. CpsB is the cognate phosphatase for the system. Unlike Gram-negative organisms, which use a low molecular weight phosphotyrosine phosphatase in phosphoregulation of capsule synthesis, Gram-positive organisms utilize a polymerase and histidinol phosphatase (PHP) superfamily phosphatase. Deletion of cpsB has resulted in conflicting …


Trajectories Of Depressive Symptoms And Illicit Drug Use: Longitudinal Temporal Associations And Comorbidity In A Community Sample Of Adults, Yulia Khodneva Jan 2012

Trajectories Of Depressive Symptoms And Illicit Drug Use: Longitudinal Temporal Associations And Comorbidity In A Community Sample Of Adults, Yulia Khodneva

All ETDs from UAB

Cross-sectional studies of the community and treatment samples suggest substantial comorbidity between depression and illicit drug use disorders. Controversy exists whether such pattern of comorbidity is seen among drug using behaviors and depressive symptoms that fall short of the DSM-IV criteria for a clinical disorder. This dissertation research applied principles of the life course perspective and trajectory modeling to describe heterogeneity and comorbidity of subthreshold depressive symptoms with opioid, cocaine and amphetamine use in middle age. Secondary analysis of community-dwelling adults from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study was performed. The CARDIA cohort, N=5115 at inception …


Histomorphometry And Quantitative Analysis Of Longer-Term Implant Interfaces, Dave Darko Kojic Jan 2012

Histomorphometry And Quantitative Analysis Of Longer-Term Implant Interfaces, Dave Darko Kojic

All ETDs from UAB

Objective: This investigation was to evaluate (>10 year) bone response around custom (HA plasma coated) dental implants and HA particulate. Materials and Methods: Three individual post mortem mandibular COI Implants with surrounding bone were processed at six transverse locations to obtain non-decalcified ground sections (20-80µm)(n=36) and stained initially with methylene blue/basic fuchsin. Slides were evaluated to select (n= 8) slides for regions of interest along the perimeter of the implant, using optical microscopy (Olympus BX51 microscope) with a Retiga EXi color digital camera (Olympus, Center Valley, PA) and Bioquant VR software (R&M Biometrics, Nashville, TN) at an original magnification …


An Exploration Of Factors Associated With Pre-Diabetes In The Reasons For Geographic And Racial Differences In Stroke (Regards) Study Cohort, Loretta Taylor Lee Jan 2012

An Exploration Of Factors Associated With Pre-Diabetes In The Reasons For Geographic And Racial Differences In Stroke (Regards) Study Cohort, Loretta Taylor Lee

All ETDs from UAB

Pre-diabetes is a major contributor to increased morbidity and mortality in the US. Without proper and timely intervention the majority of individuals with pre-diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes. African Americans (AA) and people living in the Stroke Belt have increased odds of developing pre-diabetes compared to Whites and people living outside the Stroke Belt. While several covariates have been identified as contributors to the increased odds of pre-diabetes there is little consensus on which covariates may be responsible for the disparities of pre-diabetes. The reasons for disparities in pre-diabetes are complex and require further investigation. This study explored the …


A Phenomenological Study Of Obesity And Its Impact On Functional Status, Life-Space Mobility, And Physical Activity In Southern African American Older Women, Pamela G. Bowen Jan 2012

A Phenomenological Study Of Obesity And Its Impact On Functional Status, Life-Space Mobility, And Physical Activity In Southern African American Older Women, Pamela G. Bowen

All ETDs from UAB

The majority of work on health disparities has focused on public policy and identifying disparate conditions. Obesity is a significant public health problem that has reached epidemic proportions, considered the second leading cause of preventable death, encourages a sedentary lifestyle, and can lead to a higher prevalence of functional impairments. Moreover, obesity increases the risk that persons may develop one or more serious medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and osteoarthritis, especially among African Americans. In the United States, African American women are more likely to be classified as overweight or obese. In fact, approximately …


The Role Of Cd11c+ Cells In Response To Ozone, Jeffrey David Brand Jan 2012

The Role Of Cd11c+ Cells In Response To Ozone, Jeffrey David Brand

All ETDs from UAB

Environmental ozone exposure remains a major public health concern with over one-third of the United States population experiencing unhealthful levels. Epidemiological studies indicate exposure increases morbidity in those with pre-existing disease such as asthma, though the biological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive. CD11c+ cells within the respiratory tract include dendritic cells (DCs), which are the most efficient antigen presenters and play major roles controlling immune responses. In addition, DCs are thought necessary for asthma pathogenesis and exacerbation. Therefore the link between ozone associated asthma morbidity may be DCs. We hypothesize ozone exposure may site specifically alter DC phenotypes, numbers, …


The Relationship Between Hospitalists And Primary Care Physicians, James Robert Burkhart Jan 2012

The Relationship Between Hospitalists And Primary Care Physicians, James Robert Burkhart

All ETDs from UAB

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HOSPITALISTS AND PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS JAMES R. BURKHART EXECUTIVE DOCTOR OF SCIENCE IN ADMINISTRATION-HEALTH SERVICES ABSTRACT A study of the relationship between primary care physicians (PCPs) and hospitalists was conducted by surveying the Florida Academy of Family Physicians (FAFP) membership to determine whether they had an established relationship with a hospitalist or hospitalist group. The survey responses were then matched with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) administrative claims data to provide two groupings of study respondents with data regarding patients' average length-of-stay, average 30 day readmission rate, and average hospital claims payment. The survey …


Discovery And Characterization Of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Serotype 11e Reveals A Novel Model Of Serotype Evolution, Juan Jose Calix Jan 2012

Discovery And Characterization Of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Serotype 11e Reveals A Novel Model Of Serotype Evolution, Juan Jose Calix

All ETDs from UAB

The facultative pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae is capable of producing a polysaccharide (PS) capsule that prevents bacterial recognition and clearance by the host immune system. Over 90 antigenically distinct capsule serotypes have been identified. Because anti-capsule antibodies can mediate bacterial clearance, capsule diversity is critical to S. pneumoniae survival. However, the mechanisms of capsule evolution remain unclear. Due to the complex interaction of capsule synthesis (cps) genes, it is commonly thought that pneumococcal serotypes evolve once and that all clinically relevant serotypes are genetically derived from a single founding clone. In this dissertation we demonstrate a novel mechanism of capsule evolution …


Cytokine Signaling In A Mouse Model Of Parkinson's Disease, Shuwen Cao Jan 2012

Cytokine Signaling In A Mouse Model Of Parkinson's Disease, Shuwen Cao

All ETDs from UAB

The protein alpha-synuclein (α-SYN), which is found in the Lewy bodies of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN), has an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Fcγ receptors (FcγR) are proteins present on the surface of microglia, which bind immunoglobulin G (IgG) and other ligands. Our studies in an AAV-synuclein mouse model of PD showed that over-abundance of α-SYN triggered the expression of NF-κB p65, and led to microglial activation and DA neurodegeneration; however, in mice deficient of gamma chain subunit of the Fc receptors (FcγR-/- mice), α-SYN-induced NF-κB signaling was blocked, while microglial activation …


Identification, Molecular Cloning And Characterization Of Transmitted/Founder Hiv-1 Subtype A, D And Ad Viruses And Envelope Glycoproteins, Joshua Baalwa Jan 2012

Identification, Molecular Cloning And Characterization Of Transmitted/Founder Hiv-1 Subtype A, D And Ad Viruses And Envelope Glycoproteins, Joshua Baalwa

All ETDs from UAB

A precise molecular identification of transmitted/founder (T/F) HIV-1 genomes responsible for productive infection in humans can be an enabling strategy for elucidating mechanisms of virus transmission, immunopathogenesis and prevention. Previously, we reported a single genome sequencing approach, which when combined with a mathematical model of early random virus diversification, allowed for an unambiguous identification of T/F HIV-1 subtype B and C envelope (env) genes. Here, we apply this method to the identification and molecular cloning of full-length HIV-1 genomes and env genes of the less well-studied, but nonetheless important, HIV-1 subtypes A and D. Twelve subtype A (n=5), D (n=5) …


A Pilot Study To Determine The Effectiveness Of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis As A Clinical Assessment Tool Of Nutrition Status In Glioblastoma Multiforme Patients (The Beam Study [Bia Effectiveness As Assessment Tool For Gbm Patients]), Rebecca V. Barnhill Jan 2012

A Pilot Study To Determine The Effectiveness Of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis As A Clinical Assessment Tool Of Nutrition Status In Glioblastoma Multiforme Patients (The Beam Study [Bia Effectiveness As Assessment Tool For Gbm Patients]), Rebecca V. Barnhill

All ETDs from UAB

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a rare brain tumor, yet accounts for 80% of malignant brain tumors and has a five-year survival rate of < 5%. Few studies have evaluated nutrition recommendations and outcomes of this disease, including caloric needs. The purpose of this study was to find the best predictive equation for resting energy expenditure (REE) for GBM patients and evaluate bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a clinical tool for estimating REE and fat free mass (FFM) of GBM patients. REE was measured with indirect calorimetry. FFM was measured with DXA and estimated with BIA. Published predictive equations for REE were calculated to compare to measured REE. Six equations used variables easily attained in a clinical setting and three used FFM. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the strength of the relationships between measured and predicted REE. Agreement between methods on the group level was assessed by comparing the group means of measured and predicted REE with paired t-tests. The Bland-Altman approach was used to find agreement between the methods on the individual level. Analysis included fifteen newly diagnosed GBM patients (7 male and 8 female; mean age 57.1±11.6 years) to evaluate equations using clinical variables and a subsample of eight to evaluate predictive equations using FFM. All the predictive equations overestimated measured REE. The Mifflin-St Jeor was the only equation using clinical variables which was not significantly different from measured REE (p=0.054) and had the lowest bias (73 kcal/day) and narrowest limits of agreement. Likewise, Cunningham and Wang equations using FFM from DXA were not significantly different from measured (p=0.261 and p=0.072, respectively). BIA overestimated FFM compared to DXA, 54.1 kg and 49.2 kg, respectively (p<0.001). More visits with both DXA and BIA measurements available are needed before predictive equations with clinical variables and predictive equations with FFM can be compared. Due to the ease of obtaining clinical variables and the low bias and narrow limits of agreement found for the Mifflin equation, at this time it appears to be the best predictive equation for individuals with GBM.


A Histologic And Radiologic Analysis Of Bone Formation Under The Elevated Maxillary Sinus Using Venous Coagulum As The Sole Filling Material, Kathleen Ann Beaudry Jan 2012

A Histologic And Radiologic Analysis Of Bone Formation Under The Elevated Maxillary Sinus Using Venous Coagulum As The Sole Filling Material, Kathleen Ann Beaudry

All ETDs from UAB

Insufficient bone height is a common obstacle to placing dental implants in the posterior maxilla. Sinus lift procedures using various grafting materials have been shown to be a highly predictable way to increase bone height in the posterior maxilla (Jensen 1998). Given the wide range of materials that have proven successful in augmenting the sinus, the argument could be made that the presence of graft is not critical. Instead, the creation and maintenance of space, provided by two implants, along with the osteoinductive properties of the membrane, the periosteum, and growth factors provided by a blood clot are the only …


Full Scale Calcium Bromide Injection With Subsequent Mercury Oxidation And Removal Within Wet Flue Gas Desulphurization System: Experience At A 700 Mw Coal-Fired Power Facility, Mark Simpson Berry Jan 2012

Full Scale Calcium Bromide Injection With Subsequent Mercury Oxidation And Removal Within Wet Flue Gas Desulphurization System: Experience At A 700 Mw Coal-Fired Power Facility, Mark Simpson Berry

All ETDs from UAB

The Environmental Protection Agency promulgated the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule, which requires that existing power plants reduce mercury emissions to meet an emission rate of 1.2 lb/TBtu on a 30-day rolling average and that new plants meet a 0.0002 lb/GWHr emission rate. This translates to mercury removals greater than 90% for existing units and greater than 99% for new units. Current state-of-the-art technology for the control of mercury emissions uses activated carbon injected upstream of a fabric filter, a costly proposition. For example, a fabric filter, if not already available, would require a $200M capital investment for a …


Cardiovascular Disease Knowledge And Risk Perception Among Women With Recent Preeclampsia: Interventional Education In Disease Management And Prevention, Patsy M. Spratling Jan 2012

Cardiovascular Disease Knowledge And Risk Perception Among Women With Recent Preeclampsia: Interventional Education In Disease Management And Prevention, Patsy M. Spratling

All ETDs from UAB

There is a growing body of evidence linking preeclampsia to future development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although CVD is well-known as the leading cause of death in women, a lack of evidence exists demonstrating that women with preeclampsia are routinely informed of their risks for future CVD. The specific aims of this study were to: (1) examine the levels of CVD knowledge and perception of CVD risk pre-CVD education; (2) explore relationships among age, race, parity, marital status, previous preeclampsia, income, education, CVD knowledge, and perception of CVD risk; and (3) examine the effect of a postpartum CVD educational intervention …


A Role Of Angiogenin In Models Of Parkinson's Disease, Trent Steidinger Jan 2012

A Role Of Angiogenin In Models Of Parkinson's Disease, Trent Steidinger

All ETDs from UAB

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder and is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Gene multiplication of alpha-synuclein causes an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern of PD. A mouse model overexpressing alpha-synuclein demonstrates some of the phenotype seen in PD. In a microarray of these mice, a downregulation of angiogenin was observed prior to symptom onset, demonstrating a potential link of angiogenin to pathology in this model. Angiogenin has also been associated with the onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and is neuroprotective in models of ALS through activation of the Akt …


The Hypometabolic Actions Of Hydrogen Sulfide In Mammalian Systems, Asaf Stein Jan 2012

The Hypometabolic Actions Of Hydrogen Sulfide In Mammalian Systems, Asaf Stein

All ETDs from UAB

In recent years, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been identified as a ubiquitous cell signaling molecule. In addition to its diverse physiological roles, H2S has emerged as a possible drug therapy, with a wide range of applications. Along with cytoprotective effects in pathological states such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, H2S has been shown to decrease aerobic metabolism in a reversible manner. This dissertation is focused on exploring H2S-induced hypometabolism and the implications therein for human health and disease. We have shown that rats exposed to 80 ppm H2S gas in combination with low oxygen (10.5% O2) for 6 hr exhibit decreases in …


The Impact Of Community Health Centers On Prostate Cancer Screening Behaviors Of African American Males: A Mixed Methods Study, Michael C. Taylor Jan 2012

The Impact Of Community Health Centers On Prostate Cancer Screening Behaviors Of African American Males: A Mixed Methods Study, Michael C. Taylor

All ETDs from UAB

THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS ON PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING BEHAVIORS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES: A MIXED METHODS STUDY MICHAEL C. TAYLOR UAB SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BEHAVIOR ABSTRACT Federally qualified community health centers have a significant impact upon uninsured and low income populations in the United States by providing low cost primary care and preventive services. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the impact of community health centers (CHCs) on African American males' prostate cancer screening behavior in a major Southern city. A sequential explanatory mixed method model was used to assess …


Utilization And Effectiveness Of Osteoporosis Medications Among Medicare Beneficiaries, Huifeng Yun Jan 2012

Utilization And Effectiveness Of Osteoporosis Medications Among Medicare Beneficiaries, Huifeng Yun

All ETDs from UAB

This dissertation contains three papers evaluating the utilization and effectiveness of osteoporosis medications using data on a 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries in 2006-2009. The first paper assessed the completeness of Medicare Part D data on generic alendronate. The second paper sought to identify anti-osteoporosis medication utilization patterns and factors associated with medication discontinuation. The third paper examined the comparative effectiveness of osteoporosis medications for risk of fractures and mortality, with a focus on the recently introduced infusion and injection medications. In the first study, we identified beneficiaries highly adherent with branded alendronate during 1/1/06-2/6/07 ("2007 cohort") and highly adherent …


Serotonin Signaling In Angiogenesis, Ali Zamani Jan 2012

Serotonin Signaling In Angiogenesis, Ali Zamani

All ETDs from UAB

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a well-known "happy" neurotransmitter. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most prescribed class of antidepressant medications to raise the serotonin level in the brain. However, the majority of serotonin in the human body is present outside of the brain and stored in platelets in blood circulation. Blood coagulation is a common feature of malignant solid tumors and leads to significant serotonin release from activated platelets into tumor environment. Due to the unique feature of platelet in lacking nucleus, the impact of platelet and serotonin on cancer progression has been overlooked by studies focusing on cancer …


The Characteristics Of Soft Tissue Following Root Coverage Procedures With Two Types Of Acellular Dermal Matrix Allografts, Ramzi Abou Arraj Jan 2012

The Characteristics Of Soft Tissue Following Root Coverage Procedures With Two Types Of Acellular Dermal Matrix Allografts, Ramzi Abou Arraj

All ETDs from UAB

Acellular dermal matrix allograft (ADMA) has emerged as a reliable substitute for autogenous soft tissue grafts in the treatment of gingival recessions and lack of keratinized gingiva (KG). ADMA has been hypothesized to create a zone of "immobile tissue" extending apical to the mucogingival junction (MGJ). This project aims to investigate the presence of this zone associated with the use of a coronally advanced flap in combination with either AlloDerm® (ADMA A) or Puros Dermis® (ADMA B) for root coverage procedures. Twenty patients, each presenting with one Miller Class I or II recession defect, were randomized to receive either ADMA …


Contracted Hospitalists And Non-Contracted Hospitalists: Impact On Hospital Cost And Quality Care Outcomes, Kathleen L. Adams Jan 2012

Contracted Hospitalists And Non-Contracted Hospitalists: Impact On Hospital Cost And Quality Care Outcomes, Kathleen L. Adams

All ETDs from UAB

Background Changes in the health care delivery and policy environment are creating increased need for attention to health care costs and efficiency. Hospitals need to develop and implement oversight processes to effectively control costs and provide quality services. It is common for hospitals to contract with physician groups to staff various departments throughout the facility. Hospitalists are the most recent addition to hospital rosters. While some hospitals hire hospitalists directly as employees, others contract with physician groups to provide hospitalist services. The purpose of this study was to compare the potential benefits for hospitals that contracted with a hospitalist group …


Exploring Health Disparities For Children In The City Of Milwaukee, Mark Edwin Anderson Jan 2012

Exploring Health Disparities For Children In The City Of Milwaukee, Mark Edwin Anderson

All ETDs from UAB

This study investigated whether school-based oral health programs as a public policy intervention increased dental sealant applications among children from low-income families and minorities in public schools in inner city Milwaukee. By using a difference-in-differences analysis, we examined pre-post time frames, 2001-2003 and 2008-2009, to determine sealant application usage in public schools in nine inner city Milwaukee zip codes after the intervention of a public policy initiative to expand school-based oral health programs with the expressed intent of increasing placement of dental sealants in children at high risk for dental decay and disease. Results of a binary logistic regression revealed …


Finding A Cure For Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (Veev) Infection: The Search For The Antiviral Genes And Vaccine Development., Svetlana Atasheva Jan 2012

Finding A Cure For Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (Veev) Infection: The Search For The Antiviral Genes And Vaccine Development., Svetlana Atasheva

All ETDs from UAB

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a re-emerging virus that causes a severe and often fatal disease in equids and humans. To date, despite a continuous public health threat, no vaccines or antiviral drugs against VEEV infection have been developed for human use. In this study we took advantage of accumulated knowledge of capsid protein function in viral replication, assembly and virus-host interactions. Besides being an integral part of the virion, capsid protein is the major determinant of VEEV pathogenesis. This protein is cytotoxic and induces cellular transcriptional shutoff as a countermeasure to the cellular antiviral response. We introduced targeted …


Modulation Of Capsule Production In Serotype 3 Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Melissa Ellis Jan 2012

Modulation Of Capsule Production In Serotype 3 Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Melissa Ellis

All ETDs from UAB

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive pathogen and an important cause of community-acquired pneumonia and meningitis, and it can also cause otitis media and bacteremia. A major virulence factor of S. pneumoniae is its polysaccharide capsule which functions to prevent complement-mediated opsonophagocytosis. At least 93 distinct serotypes that vary in sugar composition and structure exist. S. pneumoniae can asymptomatically colonize the nasopharynx and transition to other body sites such as the lungs and blood causing invasive disease. The ability to regulate capsule production in these vastly different environments is critical for survival as low levels of capsule are necessary for colonization, …


Influences Of Habitual Diet, Ethnicity, And Age On Circulating Total Ghrelin, Amy Ellis Jan 2012

Influences Of Habitual Diet, Ethnicity, And Age On Circulating Total Ghrelin, Amy Ellis

All ETDs from UAB

Ghrelin is a hormone known to stimulate appetite and food intake. Although certain macronutrients differentially suppress ghrelin on an acute basis, it is unknown whether habitual macronutrient intake affects circulating ghrelin. Thus, the first experimental aim was to determine whether 8-week habituation to diets differing in carbohydrate or fat would affect fasting ghrelin or ghrelin response to a mixed meal. Recent reports also suggest that ghrelin regulation may relate to propensity for obesity. Obesity is more prevalent among AA compared to EA, with the highest rates among AA females. This disparity becomes apparent before puberty, and childhood obesity tends to …


Sleep Quality, Stress, Caregiver Burden, And Quality Of Life In Maternal Caregivers Of Young Children With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Christine A. Feeley Jan 2012

Sleep Quality, Stress, Caregiver Burden, And Quality Of Life In Maternal Caregivers Of Young Children With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Christine A. Feeley

All ETDs from UAB

Mothers are usually the primary caregivers of young children with a chronic illness such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and may have no formal caregiver training. Children with BPD often require complex healthcare at home (complex medication regimens, oxygen via nasal cannula, Gastrostomy feedings, etc.), thus many maternal caregivers experience difficulty balancing the needs of their child with their own needs and other responsibilities. As such, maternal caregivers may report increased levels of stress and caregiver burden, as well as decreased quality of life (QOL). Additionally, a great number of maternal caregivers report poor sleep quality due to nighttime caregiving duties. …


Distribution/Localization And Relative Quantitation Of C-Terminal Αa-Crystallin Truncation Products Within Lenses Of Icr/F Rats Treated With Dietary Supplemented Genistein, Kyle Anthony Floyd Jan 2012

Distribution/Localization And Relative Quantitation Of C-Terminal Αa-Crystallin Truncation Products Within Lenses Of Icr/F Rats Treated With Dietary Supplemented Genistein, Kyle Anthony Floyd

All ETDs from UAB

The ocular lens functions to focus light coming into the eye onto the retina. Lens development begins in utero, and continues over an individual's lifetime. Lens fiber cells and their proteins are only synthesized once and have no repair mechanisms, so they remain for an individual's lifetime. The α-crystallins, the most abundant lens proteins, act as chaperones to keep damaged/unfolded proteins in-solution. Cataract disease is associated with protein damage, leading to a light scattering opacity. It has been suggested that truncation of αA-crystallin leads to a loss of chaperone function. Cataract disease is the leading cause of blindness in the …


Functional Collaboration Between Igf-1 Receptor And Growth Hormone Signaling Pathway, Yujun Gan Jan 2012

Functional Collaboration Between Igf-1 Receptor And Growth Hormone Signaling Pathway, Yujun Gan

All ETDs from UAB

GH receptor (GHR) binds GH in its extracellular domain (ECD) to activate the GHR-associated cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, JAK2. IGF-1 binds IGF-1R, a disulfide-linked heterotetramer with tyrosine kinase activity in its intracellular domain (ICD). Classically, IGF-1 is a GH effector in a “linear” GH→GHR→IGF-1→IGF-1R pathway. Our recent studies suggest IGF-1R also subserves GH signaling in several novel ways: 1) GH induces a GHR-JAK2-IGF-1R complex, whose formation is independent of tyrosine phosphorylation of any of the partners; 2) Cotreatment with IGF-1 augments acute GH signaling; 3) deletion of IGF-1R in primary osteoblasts or human prostate cancer cells blunts acute GH signaling. In …


Regulation Of Neuronal Cell Death By Bh3-Only Proteins, Arindam P. Ghosh Jan 2012

Regulation Of Neuronal Cell Death By Bh3-Only Proteins, Arindam P. Ghosh

All ETDs from UAB

Apoptosis in metazoan organisms plays critical roles in normal development, tissue homeostasis and immunity, and its disturbed regulation leads to many pathological states, including cancer, autoimmunity, infection and degenerative disorders. Apoptosis can be triggered by the engagement of `death receptors' of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family on the cell surface or by diverse intracellular signals that act upon the BCL2 (B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2) protein family, which controls the integrity of the mitochondrial outer membrane through the complex interactions of family members. Both the pathways lead to cellular demolition by dedicated proteases termed caspases. Different BH3-only proteins (or combinations of …


Fat Distribution And Metabolic Health: The Effects Of Macronutrient Manipulation On Fat Distribution, Weight Loss, And Glucose Metabolism, Amy Miskimon Goss Jan 2012

Fat Distribution And Metabolic Health: The Effects Of Macronutrient Manipulation On Fat Distribution, Weight Loss, And Glucose Metabolism, Amy Miskimon Goss

All ETDs from UAB

Fat distribution pattern may contribute to risk of development of metabolic diseases such and type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the precise nature of the relationships between adipose tissue depots and metabolic health remains controversial. Additionally, further research is needed to identify optimal dietary approaches to reduce disease risk and visceral adiposity among overweight and obese individuals, who may already be on a trajectory for development of metabolic disease. Therefore, the goal of this project was to examine relationships of adipose tissue depots with insulin sensitivity, and then to determine if diets differing in CHO and fat content can …