Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Stem Cell Markers In The Posterior Limbus And Cornea, Sara L. Mcgowan

All ETDs from UAB

The corneal endothelium is a layer of cells in the cornea that is responsible for maintaining the clear state of the cornea. Corneal endothelial cells may be induced to divide, but do not regularly divide in the normal cornea of a human beyond the age of twenty. Some studies have suggested that a stem cell population may reside in the pe-ripheral corneal endothelium or in the posterior limbus. Important molecular markers of stem cells are nestin which is expressed in neural crest stem cells; alkaline phosphatase is active in stem cells and not in differentiated cells; telomerase is a marker …

The Effect Of Cementation Technique On The Retention Of Adhesively Cemented Prefabricated Posts, Carlos A Polo Montes

All ETDs from UAB

Adhesively cemented prefabricated posts are frequently employed for the restora-tion of endodontically treated teeth. Bonding agents may improve the post and core per-formance. Correct dentin bonding procedures are a critical factor in the bonded post re-tention, but adequate bonding in the canal space has been reported difficult to achieve. The operator is unable to visualize the depth of conditioner gel penetration into the canal, and its removal cannot be easily confirmed. Additional potential problems include excess water removal after rinsing the canal, inadequate primer coverage and/or removal, and poor curing methods for the resin luting agent. A technique to avoid …

Outcome Assessment On Skeletal Stability After Rigid External Distraction Osteogenesis In Cleft Lip And Palate Patients, Julio Enrique Tabarini

All ETDs from UAB

Purpose: Distraction osteogenesis (DO) using an external distraction device in the correction of maxillary hypoplasia (MH) in cleft lip and palate patients has been shown to be an effective and stable technique. The purpose of this study is to determine the outcome of skeletal stability for this procedure using the Rigid External Distraction (RED) System in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). Materials and methods: Twenty CLP patients with moderate to severe maxillary hypoplasia were treated between June 2000 and June 2006. Their average age at the time of the surgery was 12.6 years. DO was started after a …

Examination Of Novel Statistical Designs For Phase Ii And Phase Iii Clinical Trials, Ayanbola Olajumoke Ayanlowo

All ETDs from UAB

Clinical trials to determine the usefulness of a new treatment are usually conducted in four (4) phases. Each phase is designed to answer a distinct research question about the usefulness of the new treatment. Phase I trials determine the safe dose range of the new treatment identify the possible side effects and other treatment associated toxicity issues, in a small group of healthy people. In phase II trials, the efficacy and safety of the new treatment is investigated in a larger group of individuals usually from the diseased population of interest. Phase III trials, conducted in large groups of people, …

Vitamin D Receptor Deficiency And Postnatal Tooth Formation, Xueming Zhang

All ETDs from UAB

The reduction of caries is one of the major objectives of Healthy People 2010 (USDHHS, 2000). For individuals at risk for caries, early identification and interception before the occurrence of the disease are crucial to preventing the cariogenesis. However, host genetic variants that compromise the mineralization of dental enamel and dentin are unclear. The vdr mutation has been reported to be associated with bone loss. Therefore, it is likely that vitamin D resistance may affect dental enamel and dentin formation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of VDR deficiency on postnatal tooth formation in a vdr …

Predictors Of Indoor Dust Mite And Cockroach Levels, J Mark Brooks

All ETDs from UAB

Exposures to dust mite and cockroach indoor allergens are important environmental risk factors in allergic sensitization and the development and exacerbation of asthma. To determine the relationship of indoor allergen levels and residence characteristics, dust samples were collected from indoor surfaces in residences in the Birmingham, Alabama area. The dust samples were analyzed for specific dust mite (Der p 1 and Der f 1) and cockroach (Bla g 1) antigens, the results of which were used to represent the level of indoor allergen present in each residence. The presence, and in some cases the degree, of potential allergen-predicting characteristics of …

The Impact Of A Community Health Advisor-Based Intervention On Self-Reported Frequency Of Dental Visits In A Rural, Low-Income African American Alabama Community, Stephen J. Clarke

All ETDs from UAB

Oral health disparities are wide and increasing for rural Southern African- Americans. This project trained 13 experienced Community Health Advisors (CHAs) from Uniontown, Alabama, in the basics of oral health, including regular dental visits, and assigned them to spread this information among their fellow community members. We tested whether a 1-year CHA-based oral health education intervention was associated with increased routine/preventive use of available dental services as measured by pre-post self-report, relative to a comparison community. We also hypothesized that any detected association between the intervention and use of dental services was mediated by attitudes toward dental visits. No direct …

Characterization And Functional Analysis Of Usp14, Stephen Lewis Crimmins

All ETDs from UAB

The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is essential for regulated protein degrada-tion, a requirement for numerous neuronal process, including vesicle cycling, neuro-transmitter release, spine morphology, and synaptic plasticity. Better understanding of UPS function in neurons will increase our knowledge of neurological diseases caused by alterations in ubiquitin signaling. I utilized the ataxia (axJ) mice as a tool to study the UPS in the nervous system. The axJ mice have lowered expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (Usp14) in all tissues; this decreased expression results from an intracisternal-A particle insertion into Usp14. The axJ mice are phenotypically indistinguishable from wild type littermates at …

Coupling Selection Of The Hiv- 1 Trna Primer Used For Reverse Transcription With Viral Translation And Encapsidation, Uros V. Djekic

All ETDs from UAB

HIV-1 belongs to the Retroviridae family. A hallmark of retroviral replication is the process of reverse transcription. Viral reverse transcriptase requires placement of a cellular tRNA primer onto the primer binding site (PBS) in order to initiate conversion of the viral RNA genome into a double stranded DNA copy. Mutation of the HIV-1 PBS forces the virus to utilize the non-cognate primer. Even though extensive studies have been done over the past 15 years, the mechanism of HIV-1 primer selection has yet to be completely elucidated. HIV-1 captures free tRNA during a yet undefined step in viral replication. However, our …

Protease Dysregulation: Role In Neutrophilic Inflammation In Cystic Fibrosis, Amit Gaggar

All ETDs from UAB

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal disorder characterized by abnormal epithelial ion transport; this disorder is characterized by an ongoing airway remodeling and neutrophilic inflammation. Much of the airway remodeling is due to activation of a group of enzymes known as proteases; human neutrophil elastase (HNE) is a prominent protease found in the CF airway. While specific cytokines/chemokines are well-known for their role in the inflammation seen in CF, it is unknown how the protease-rich environment in CF lung disease influences airway inflammation. Recently, our group has characterized a novel collagen-derived fragment, proline-glycine-proline (PGP), which causes neutrophil influx through mechanisms …

Protein Interaction And Cell Surface Trafficking Differences Between Wild-Type And Δf508 Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, Rebecca F. Goldstein

All ETDs from UAB

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutation of one protein, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which normally functions as a chloride channel at the apical surface of epithelial cells. The most common CFTR mutation results in the deletion of a single amino acid (phenylalanine) at position 508, which causes the protein to fold improperly. The ΔF508 CFTR is a temperature-sensitive (TS) processing mutant: At the restrictive temperature, 37°C, ΔF508 CFTR misfolds in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is degraded, but at the permissive temperature, 27°C, it is “rescued” from degradation (rΔF508). In particular, rΔF508 CFTR folds correctly enough …

Interference With Hiv-1 Primer Selection By Sirna Directed To The Hiv-1 Primer Binding Site, Wenlong Han

All ETDs from UAB

The replication of Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is characterized by the process of reverse transcription, which converts the viral RNA genome into a DNA intermediate prior to integration into the host cell chromosome. The initiation of reverse transcription needs a cellular tRNA primer, which binds to a region in the viral RNA genome, designated as the primer binding site (PBS). The 18-nucleotide PBS region of HIV-1, which is complementary to the 3′ terminal 18 nucleotides of tRNALys,3, is absolutely conserved among all HIV-1. The highly conserved PBS is a very good target for HIV-1 therapy. My dissertation research …

Regulation Of The Human Heme Oxygenase-1 Gene, Thomas D. Hock

All ETDs from UAB

The heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene encodes a microsomal enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of heme to carbon monoxide, Iron, and biliverdin. HO-1 transcription is induced upon a plethora of cellular stresses including heme, heavy metal exposure, hy-poxia, oxidative stress and many others. The goal of this work was to explore the molecu-lar regulation of HO-1 transcription. Four DNase 1 hypersensitive sites are detected within the HO-1 promoter extending from ~-40bp to ~-9.2kb relative to the transcription start site. Dimethylsulfate (DMS) in vivo footprinting is shown for two regulatory re-gions and reveals nine protected guanines in all. Mutational analyses indicates that …

Quantitation Of Antiretrovirals In Alternative Matrices, Chantelle Bennetto Hood

All ETDs from UAB

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic is a growing concern, affecting almost 40 million people worldwide. Treatment for HIV infection consists of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to block different steps in the viral lifecycle, ultimately reducing HIV RNA to undetectable levels in the plasma. However, HIV RNA can be detected in numerous reservoirs outside of the blood despite the use of HAART. Therefore, measurement of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in other biological matrices is important to broaden our understanding of HIV transmission, the development of viral resistance with sub-optimal ARV exposure, and fetal and neonatal drug exposure. This work describes …

Ethnic Differences In Markers Of Inflammation With Weight Loss, Tanya C. Hyatt

All ETDs from UAB

Chronic diseases such as type 2 Diabetes Mellitis (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are accompanied by chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and are related to obesity and ethnicity. For instance, African-Americans (AA) have increased risk for developing T2DM and are more likely to be overweight relative to Caucasians (C). However, C have more intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT) and have higher risk for CVD than AA. The influence that ethnicity has on disease risk is obscured by ethnic differences in fat distribution and sensitivity to insulin. Ethnic differences in markers of inflammation (MOI) have not been investigated. It is also unclear if …

On The Immunological Roles Of Tlt2 And Hsh2, R Glenn King

All ETDs from UAB

The evolution of multicellular organisms necessitated the ability to detect and remove harmful parasitic microorganisms from the host. This simple requirement for self non-self discrimination has evolved in vertebrates into an elaborate system consisting of a variety of effector mechanisms to perform this process. The immune system is often described as consisting of two distinct yet complimentary components, the innate and adaptive immune systems. It is now recognized that the immune system relies on the highly coordinated interplay between a variety of cell types which cooperate to maintain the health of the organism. The work outlined in this dissertation addresses …

The Effect Of The Aml1-Eto Translocation On Cell Cycle Tumor Suppressor Gene Function, Rose Marie Ko

All ETDs from UAB

The t(8;21)(q22;q22) AML1-ETO translocation is one of the most frequent translocations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), occurring in approximately 12% of cases. Our laboratory has generated a mouse model in which AML1-ETO is expressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells using a retroviral vector and assayed using bone marrow transplantation. Animals transplanted with AML1-ETO-expressing cells failed to develop leukemia. However, AML1-ETO promoted significant expansion of immature myeloid cells suggesting a “pre-leukemic” state that requires secondary mutations for disease progression. In addition, analysis of cell cycle kinetics in AML1-ETOexpressing myeloid progenitor cells showed that AML1- ETO slowed G1 to S phase progression compared …

Titania Coated Hollow Glass Microspheres For Environmental Applications, Mark C. Koopman

All ETDs from UAB

The potential applicability of titania coated hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) to the photocatalytic degradation of microbiological and organic chemical water pollutants could have dramatic positive effects on improving the quality of industrial wastewaters that empty into rivers and streams, as well as potential use in economically improving the quality of drinking water. Heterogeneous photocatalysis using titania has been extensively studied since the 1990’s because of its non-toxic nature, its high quantum yield of electrons and photo-holes, and its ability to use ambient solar radiation as a power source. Although titania embodies extraordinarily attractive properties for a range of environmental applications, …

The Role Of Complement In The Clearance Of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Through Immune Adherence, Jie Li

All ETDs from UAB

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequently isolated pathogen causing bacteremia in young children and elderly adults. Complement-dependent opsonophagocytosis is thought to be essential to eliminate pneumococci from the circulation. Pneumococci are reported to attach to erythrocytes through immune adherence (IA), a complement and antibody- dependent process that facilitates phagocytosis of pneumococci. In these studies we have determined that protein (chapter 1) and polysaccharide (chapter 2) virulence factors of pneumococci can interfere with this process and that antibody to pneumococci can enhance this process. Using PspA and/or PspC negative strains and complement-deficient mouse sera, we demonstrated that PspA inhibits complement C1q …

Effects Of Specific Alterations In Capsule Structure On Streptococcus Pneumoniae Capsule Assembly And Virulence, Bobbi Xayarath

All ETDs from UAB

The polysaccharide capsules of Streptococcus pneumoniae represent the most important virulence determinant produced by this organism. Ninety-one different serotypes have been identified, but only a small number of these serotypes are responsible for most of the infections caused by S. pneumoniae. The reasons why certain serotypes predominate in infections over others are not well understood. One common serotype found in invasive diseases is type 2, however, it is unclear what characteristics of a type 2 capsule makes strains producing it virulent. The type 2 capsule consists of repeat units made of a backbone of Glc-Rha-Rha-Rha, with a side chain Glc-GlcUA …

Nutrient Intake In College Students In A Midwestern Regional University Compared To The Recommended Dietary Guidelines, Rukmini Sen

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The prevalence of obesity is problematic in the United States. The objectives of the present study were to determine the extent of obesity in students studying at Eastern Michigan University and to evaluate their diet quality. Body Mass Index (BMI) of students (19-30 years, n=100) was measured from self-reported heights and weights as a benchmark of their weight category. Intakes of total energy (kilocalories), macronutrients and key micronutrients were assessed from three-day food diaries maintained by participants and compared with the Dietary Reference Intake Standards. Results indicated that 4% of EMU students were underweight, 52% were within a normal weight …

Effects Of Ankle Support On Time To Stabilization Of Subjects With Stable Ankles, Raquel Elise Martin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if prophylactic ankle tape and/or ankle braces improve dynamic stability in TTS measure. All subjects were healthy and had no prior history of ankle injuries. Data collection consisted of each subject performing a single leg jump-landing with ankle tape, ankle brace, combination of the two, and control (no tape or brace) conditions. Dynamic stability was assessed with time to stabilization force plate measure. Significant plane by ankle tape interaction (p=0.045) was found. No significant plane by ankle tape by ankle brace interaction (p=0.637), no significant ankle tape by ankle brace interaction (p=0.483), …

Birth To Three Early Intervention Parent Handbook, Sarah C. Nicholas

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate family-centered advocacy in early intervention, specifically the development of a parent handbook for families of young children who are eligible to receive early intervention services in Wyoming. Early intervention programs provide services for children with disabilities ages birth to three and their families under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004), Part C. The resource handbook was designed for parents and community partners so that they may better understand and utilize early intervention in the community where they reside. The parent handbook was designed to be as a written reference of …

Early Childhood Fine Motor Assessment, Naomi Kapaun

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The development of hand function is ongoing from infancy through adulthood. Hand function is especially important in the early years as a child prepares for school. As with all skills, the level of hand function can range from "excellent" to "average" to "clumsy" or "immature." Stability, strength, and endurance are key components of adequate hand skill development. These components are often areas of weakness in today's society of technology and passive activities. Creating an assessment designed specifically for the identification of skill acquisition, as it pertains to hand function and fine motor development, in the early childhood years will assist …

The Effect Of High Velocity Sport Specific Training On Throwing Velocity, Christopher Albrecht, Mandy Caspers, Jennifer Hammond

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Previous studies have shown strength training programs to be effective in improving throwing velocity. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a significant training effect, as measured by an increase in throwing velocity, among subjects who had been instructed to perform proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques of the dominant upper extremity at a slow and controlled speed, subjects who had been instructed to perform PNF techniques of the dominant upper extremity at a sport specific speed, and a control group. A total of 28 male and female subjects, between the ages of21 and 30 participated in …

The Obesity Epidemic: Survey Of Current Physical Therapy Trends In North Dakota, Alexis M. Barten, Kristi M. Just, Lori A. Perry, Cassie R. Seal

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Many different health professionals are involved in the prevention and treatment of obesity. The APTA believes that physical therapists should be in a leadership role among other health care providers in providing patient education and instruction regarding physical activity. The purpose of this study was to determine current practice trends among physical therapists in the state of North Dakota relating to patients who are overweight or obese.

Subjects and Methods. Three hundred surveys were mailed to randomly selected physical therapists licensed in the State of North Dakota. The survey consisted of23 questions concerning level of training, referral …

Survey Of Parents Participating In An Infant Toddler Screening Program: Identification And Education Regarding Torticollis, Amanda Carlson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Since 1992 there has been an increased number of children diagnosed with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), which is a condition that affects the position and shape of the head. This study was designed to find out from parents involved in an infant toddler screening program about the information they have received regarding torticollis and if they feel it has been satisfactory.

Subjects: A survey of 150 parents with children who participated in an infant toddler screening program were initially included in a randomized sample for this study. Fifty-four surveys were returned to the researchers, of which 4 …

Und Physical Therapy Alumni: Job Satisfaction Survey Results In 2004 And Over 10 Years, Amber Entzel, Jill Gibbon, Laura Parent

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study investigates University of North Dakota Department of Physical Therapy (UND PT) alumni job satisfaction. The field has evolved greatly with regards to educational requirements, autonomy of practice and utilization of skilled services. With these significant changes in the field, a look at job satisfaction of alumni was warranted.

Methods: The Job Descriptive Index (JDI), Job In General (JIG), and a demographic survey were sent out in 1994, 1999, and 2004 to all alumni of the University of North Dakota (UND) physical therapy program. Subjects were excluded if they were no longer practicing physical therapy, or if they were …

Physical Therapy Diabetic Protocol, Jered Field, Jason Hahn, Corey Samuelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

As the number of individuals in the United States with Type II Diabetes continues to increase significantly, so too does the incidence of lower extremity secondary complications. Ulcer care and possible lower extremity amputation are very expensive to patients and the healthcare system and can be extremely debilitating. Preventative measures have been implemented; however, a greater focus in this area may provide significantly greater results. Previous research states that preventative programs for lower extremity complications are cost effective if they can provide a 25% decrease in these conditions. In this project, a comprehensive prevention program has been designed to increase …

Effects Of Ambulatory Assistive Devises On Subjects Post-Cva: A Series Of Case Studies, David Fulton, Richard Zaruba

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if regularly ambulating with and without an ambulatory assistive device will lead to differences in the spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters of gait demonstrated by the subjects status post cerebral vascular accident. This study was comprised of a series of three case studies. All subjects were a minimum of fifty years old, at least three months status post cerebral vascular accident, capable of effectively communicating with researchers, and in good health. Ambulation criteria for inclusion were to regularly ambulate independently for 50 feet without use of an ambulatory assistive device, and regularly ambulate …