Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Health-Related Quality Of Life And Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In North Carolina, David Brown, Roy Pleasants, Jill Ohar, Monica Kraft, James Donohue, David Mannino, Winston Liao, Harry Herric

David C. Brown

Background:

Comparisons of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and adults in the general population are not well described.

Aims:

To examine associations between COPD and four measures of HRQOL in a population-based sample.

Patients & Methods:

These relationships were examined using data from 13,887 adults aged >18 years who participated in the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) conducted in North Carolina (NC). Logistic regression was used to obtain adjusted relative odds (aOR).

Results:

The age-adjusted prevalence of COPD among NC adults was 5.4% (standard error 0.27). Nearly half of adults with COPD reported fair/poor health compared with 15% of those without the condition (age-aOR, 5.5; 95% confidence interval [ CI] , 4.4 to 6.8). On average, adults with COPD reported twice as many unhealthy days (physical/mental) as those without the condition. The age-adjusted prevalence of >14 unhealthy days during the prior 30 days was 45% for adults with COPD and 17% for those without. The aOR of >14 unhealthy days was 1 ...

Chapter 5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd), David Mannino, Janet Croft, David Brown

David C. Brown

No abstract provided.

In Vitro Haematopoiesis Of A Novel Dendritic-Like Cell Present In Murine Spleen, Jonathan Tan, Helen O'Neill

Jonathan Tan

Abstract: Dendritic cells (DC) are important antigen presenting cells (APC) which induce and control the adaptive immune response. In spleen alone, multiple DC subsets can be distinguished by cell surface marker phenotype. Most of these have been shown to develop from progenitors in bone marrow and to seed lymphoid and tissue sites during development. This study advances in vitro methodology for haematopoiesis of dendritic-like cells from progenitors in spleen. Since spleen progenitors undergo differentiation in vitro to produce these cells, the possibility exists that spleen represents a specific niche for differentiation of this subset. The fact that an equivalent cell ...

Haematopoietic Stem Cells In Spleen Have Distinct Differentiative Potential For Antigen Presenting Cells., Jonathan Tan, Helen O'Neill

Jonathan Tan

Dendritic cells (DC) are known to develop from macrophage dendritic progenitors (MDP) in bone marrow (BM), which give rise to conventional (c)DC and monocytes, both dominant antigen presenting cell (APC) subsets in spleen. This laboratory has however defined a distinct dendritic-like cell subset in spleen (L-DC), which can also be derived in long-term cultures of spleen. In line with the restricted in vitro development of only L-DC in these stromal cultures, we questioned whether self-renewing HSC or progenitors exist in spleen with restricted differentiative capacity for only L-DC. Neonatal spleen and BM were compared for their ability to reconstitute ...

Occupational Science: A Data-Based American Perspective, Doris Pierce, Karen Atler, Julie Baltisberger, Elaine Fehringer, Elizabeth Hunter, Somaya Malkawi, Twilia Parr

Julie A. Baltisberger

The purpose of this research was to provide a data-based picture of the discipline of occupational science by identifying patterns of research in the first 5 years of presentations at the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA (SSO:USA). A grounded theory approach was used to examine 184 peer-reviewed presentation abstracts, from 2002 to 2006. Among the 108 data-based presentations, adults were the most studied group, with 46% of the data-based abstracts focused on participants with a disability or clear disadvantage. Presenters’ research foci related to 4 themes: the personal experience of occupation, the context surrounding or impacting occupation ...

(Invited) Instructor For Ce Class, “Nlm Pubmed/Medline Basics: Locating Hidden Treasures In Radiology”, Marilia Antunez

Marilia Y. Antunez, MLS, MA

Also provided research assistance to radiologists attending the 2007, 2009, and 2010 RSNA Annual Conferences in English and Spanish.

Motivational Interviewing (Mi) Using Co-Active Life Coaching Skills As A Treatment For Obesity, Courtney Newnham-Kanas, Jennifer Irwin, Don Morrow

Donald Morrow

No abstract provided.

Self-Assessed Emergency Readiness And Training Needs Of Nurses In Rural Texas, Holly Jacobson, Francisco Soto Mas, Chiehwen Hsu

Francisco Soto Mas

Nurses are potential first responders in the case of an emergency, and should play a key role in bioterrorism preparedness and response. The role of nurses becomes more critical in rural areas where local health departments are absent and health professionals are scarce. Given that nurses’ capacity to act will be vital to an emergency response in a rural community, it is imperative to determine their current level of bioterrorism training. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of bioterrorism-related preparedness and training needs of the nursing workforce in Regions 2 and 3 of the Texas Department ...

Navigating The Worlds Of Information, Ardis Hanson, Bruce Levin

Bruce Lubostsky Levin, DrPH, MPH

This chapter presents how best to navigate the systematized body of knowledge that constitutes women’s mental health services. The authors integrate the disparate disciplines involved in women’s mental health into a working framework focused on information-seeking behaviors.

Understanding The Complexity Of Mental Health Services Research Data, Ardis Hanson, Bruce Levin

Bruce Lubostsky Levin, DrPH, MPH

This chapter will examine the complexity of data that are being generated by a multitude of individuals and organizations within the various areas of mental health and substance abuse services research. It will also examine the role of technology in the complexity of services research and in accessing research databases. In addition, this chapter will identify some of the major databases in mental health services research and illustrate the complexity of collecting, organizing, and accessing information from a vast array of data collection sources.

Retention In Care Among Hiv-Infected Patients In Resource-Limited Settings: Emerging Insights And New Directions, Elvin Geng, Denis Nash, Andrew Kambugu, Yao Zhang, Paula Braitstein, Katerina Christopoulos, Winnie Muyindike, Mwebesa Bwana, Constantin Yiannoutsos, Maya Petersen, Jeff Martin

Elvin H Geng

In resource-limited settings—where a massive scale up of HIV services has occurred in the last 5 years—both understanding the extent of and improving retention in care presents special challenges. First, retention in care within the decentralizing network of services is likely higher than existing estimates that account only for retention in clinic, and therefore antiretroviral therapy services may be more effective than currently believed. Second, both magnitude and determinants of patient retention vary substantially and therefore encouraging the conduct of locally relevant epidemiology is needed to inform programmatic decisions. Third, socio-structural factors such as program characteristics, transportation, poverty ...

Enhancement Of Reactive Oxygen Species Production And Chlamydial Infection By The Mitochondrial Nod-Like Family Member Nlrx1, Ali A. Abdul-Sater, Najwene Saïd-Sadier, Verissa M. Lam, Bhavni Singh, Matthew A. Pettengill, Fraser Soares, Ivan Tattoli, Simone Lipinski, Stephen E. Girardin, Philip Rosenstiel, David M. Ojcius

All Dugoni School of Dentistry Faculty Articles

Chlamydia trachomatis infections cause severe and irreversible damage that can lead to infertility and blindness in both males and females. Following infection of epithelial cells, Chlamydia induces production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Unconventionally, Chlamydiae use ROS to their advantage by activating caspase-1, which contributes to chlamydial growth. NLRX1, a member of the Nod-like receptor family that translocates to the mitochondria, can augment ROS production from the mitochondria following Shigella flexneri infections. However, in general, ROS can also be produced by membrane-bound NADPH oxidases. Given the importance of ROS-induced caspase-1 activation in growth of the chlamydial vacuole, we investigated the ...

Epidemiological Study Of Contributing Factors In The Development Of Peptic Ulcer And Gastric Cancer Initiated By Helicobacter Pylori Infection In India, Rahul Suresh Mhaskar

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a significant risk factor for peptic ulcer (PU) and gastric cancer (GC). Apart from the virulent CagA genotype of H. pylori environmental and dietary factors influence disease outcomes. There have been no studies addressing these factors in Western India. Hence, we conducted a case control study enrolling PU, GC patients and controls at Pune, India.

Methods: Risk factors for PU and H. pylori infection were assessed in participant interview. H. pylori status was assessed from stool by monoclonal antigen detection. To understand treatment effect, we followed 100 H. pylori positive patients.

Results: We ...

Pain, Spirituality, And Meaning Making: What Can We Learn From The Literature?, Carol J. Lysne, Amy B. Wachholtz

Psychiatry Publications

Religion and spirituality are two methods of meaning making that impact a person’s ability to cope, tolerate, and accept disease and pain. The biopsychosocial-spiritual model includes the human spirit’s drive toward meaning-making along with personality, mental health, age, sex, social relationships, and reactions to stress. In this review, studies focusing on religion’s and spirituality’s effect upon pain in relationship to physical and mental health, spiritual practices, and the placebo response are examined. The findings suggest that people who are self efficacious and more religiously and spiritually open to seeking a connection to a meaningful spiritual practice ...

Toll-Like Receptor Signaling In Liver Diseases, Gyongyi Szabo, Timothy R. Billiar, Keigo Machida, Ian Nicholas Crispe, Ekihiro Seki

Open Access Publications by UMass Chan Authors

No abstract provided.

Dna Methylation And Its Association With Prenatal Exposures And Pregnancy Outcomes, Jennifer Straughen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Altered DNA methylation may lead to suboptimal fetal programming, increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as small for gestational age (SGA); however, few studies have examined the associations between DNA methylation, prenatal exposures, and fetal outcomes. Cross-sectional data from a larger, ongoing study were used to assess the impact of prenatal smoking on gene specific methylation of umbilical cord blood derived DNA and to investigate the association between gene-specific methylation and risk of SGA. The association between gene-specific DNA methylation and birthweight was also assessed. Maternal and infant covariates were abstracted from medical records, cigarette smoke exposure was ...

Evaluation Of Common Inherited Variants In Mitochondrial-Related And Microrna-Related Genes As Novel Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer, Jennifer Permuth Wey

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women in the United States, and the etiology is incompletely understood. Common, low penetrant genetic variants such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) likely contribute to a significant proportion of EOC. We examined whether SNPs in two understudied yet biologically important types of genes, mitochondrial-related and miRNA-related genes, may contribute to EOC susceptibility using data from a large, homogeneous study population of 1,815 EOC cases and 1,900 controls (frequency-matched on age-group and race/ethnicity) genotyped through stage 1 of an ongoing genome-wide association study. Inter-individual variation ...

Acetate Causes Alcohol Hangover Headache In Rats, Christina R. Maxwell, Rebecca Jay Spangenberg, Jan B. Hoek, Stephen D. Silberstein, Michael L. Oshinsky

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Background

The mechanism of veisalgia cephalgia or hangover headache is unknown. Despite a lack of mechanistic studies, there are a number of theories positing congeners, dehydration, or the ethanol metabolite acetaldehyde as causes of hangover headache.

Methods

We used a chronic headache model to examine how pure ethanol produces increased sensitivity for nociceptive behaviors in normally hydrated rats.

Results

Ethanol initially decreased sensitivity to mechanical stimuli on the face (analgesia), followed 4 to 6 hours later by inflammatory pain. Inhibiting alcohol dehydrogenase extended the analgesia whereas inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase decreased analgesia. Neither treatment had nociceptive effects. Direct administration of acetate ...

Clinical Course Of Bipolar Disorder During The Menopausal Transition: Comparison With Reproductive Age And Post Menopausal Women: A Master's Thesis, Wendy K. Marsh

Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Dissertations and Theses

Introduction: The late menopausal transition is a time of increased risk of depression in the general population. Nonetheless, mood course during the late menopausal transition in women with bipolar disorder in relatively unknown.

Methods: Mood state data in 519 reproductive age women (5989 clinic visits), 116 late menopausal transition (perimenopausal) women (2046 visits), and 133 postmenopausal women (1,437 visits) with bipolar disorder who were receiving optimized naturalistic treatment in the multisite STEP-BD study over an average of 19.8±15.5 months were analyzed for proportion of clinic visits with syndromal depression, mood elevation and euthymia between the three ...

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Β-Lactamase Induction Requires Two Permeases, Ampg And Ampp, Kok-Fai Kong, Alian Aguila, Kalai Mathee, Lisa Schnepper

Department of Biological Sciences

Background

In Enterobacteriaceae, β-lactam antibiotic resistance involves murein recycling intermediates. Murein recycling is a complex process with discrete steps taking place in the periplasm and the cytoplasm. The AmpG permease is critical to this process as it transports N-acetylglucosamine anhydrous N-acetylmuramyl peptides across the inner membrane. In Pseudomonadaceae, this intrinsic mechanism remains to be elucidated. Since the mechanism involves two cellular compartments, the characterization of transporters is crucial to establish the link.

Results

Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 has two ampG paralogs, PA4218 (ampP) and PA4393 (ampG). Topology analysis using β-galactosidase and alkaline phosphatase fusions indicates ampP andampG encode proteins which ...

The Ethics Of Placebo-Controlled Trials In Developing Countries To Prevent Mother-To-Child Transmission Of Hiv, John N. Williams

John N. WILLIAMS

Placebo-trials on HIV-infected pregnant women in developing countries like Thailand and Uganda have provoked recent controversy. Such experiments aim to find a treatment that will cut the rate of vertical transmission more efficiently than existing treatments like zidovudine. This scenario is first stated as generally as possible, before three ethical principles found in the Belmont Report, itself a sharpening of the Helsinki Declaration, are stated. These three principles are the Principle of Utility, the Principle of Autonomy and the Principle of Justice. These are taken as voices of moral imperative. But although each has intuitive appeal, it can be shown ...

The Mozambique Eyecare Programme – A Partnership Which Addresses Avoidable Blindness In Lusophone Africa, Aoife Phelan, James Loughman, Eva Doyle

Conference Papers

According to the WHO about 831 million people are visually impaired worldwide, 45 million of them are blind. Most people with visual impairment are older, and females are more at risk at every age, in every part of the world. Uncorrected Refractive Error accounts for over half of all visual impairment. About 87% of the worlds visually impaired live in developing countries. The Mozambique Eyecare Programme (MEP) is a cross institutional collaboration between governments, higher education institutions, non-governmental organisations and corporations. The aims of this Programme are to collaborate to provide a sustainable solution to the problem of avoidable blindness ...

The Queering Of Hiv Testing Practices And The Reinforcement Of Stigma, Lance Wahlert, Autumn Fiester

Center for Bioethics Papers

No abstract provided.

Pegylated Interferon Α-2b Up-Regulates Specific Cd8+ T Cells In Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B, Ji Chen, Yan Wang, Jun Li, Feng-Qin Hou, Gui-Qiang Wang

Pharmacology and Toxicology Faculty Publications

AIM: To investigate the effect of pegylated interferon (IFN) α-2b on specific CD8+ T lymphocytes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: Twenty-one patients with CHB were treated with pegylated IFN α-2b. Periphery blood mononuclear cells were isolated from fresh heparinized blood by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation (density: 1.077 g/L, Pharmingen) at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24, respectively. Frequency of circulating hepatitis B virus (HBV) epitope-specific CD8 T cells was detected by flow cytometry. Cytokines were detected by cytometric bead assay. RESULTS: The frequency of circulating HBV core or env-specific CD8 T cells was higher ...

Stem Cells For Spinal Cord Regeneration: Current Status, Zain A. Sobani, Syed A. Quadri, Ather Enam

Section of Neurosurgery

Background: Nearly 11,000 cases of spinal cord injury (SCI) are reported in the United States annually. Current management options give a median survival time of 38 years, however, no rehabilitative measures are available. Stem cells have been under constant research given their ability to differentiate into neural cell lines replacing non functional tissue. Efforts have been made to establish new synapses and provide a conducive environment, by grafting cells from autologous and fetal sources, including embryonic or adult stem cells, Schwann cells, genetically modified fibroblasts, bone stromal cells, and olfactory ensheathing cells and combinations/ variants thereof.
Methods: In order ...

The Best Christmas Gift Of All, Kenneth P. Serbin

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

Physician’S Ability To Manually Detect Isolated Elevation In Leg Intracompartmental Pressure., Franklin D. Shuler Md, Matthew J. Dietz

Orthopaedics

Background: Serial physical examination is recommended for patients for whom there is a high index of suspicion for compartment syndrome. This examination is more difficult when performed on an obtunded patient and relies on the sensitivity of manual palpation to detect compartment firmness—a direct manifestation of increased intracompartmental pressure. This study was performed to establish the sensitivity of manual palpation for detecting critical pressure elevations in the leg compartments most frequently involved in clinical compartment syndrome.

Methods: Reproducible, sustained elevation of intracompartmental pressure was established in fresh cadaver leg specimens. Pressures tested included 20 and 40 mm Hg (negative ...

Cast-Saw Burns: Evaluation Of Skin, Cast, And Blade Temperatures Generated During Cast Removal, Franklin D. Shuler Md, Frank N. Grisafi

Orthopaedics

Background: The use of an oscillating saw for cast removal creates a potential for iatrogenic injury and patient discomfort. Burns and abrasions can occur from the heat created by frictional forces and direct blade contact. With use of a cadaver model system, skin temperature measurements were recorded during cast removal with an oscillating saw.

Methods: Casts of uniform thickness were applied to cadavers equilibrated to body temperature. The casts were removed by a single individual while simultaneously measuring temperatures at the skin-padding interface, cast-padding interface, and the blade. Variables tested include two removal techniques, two casting materials (fiberglass and plaster ...

Phosphorylation Meets Nuclear Import: A Review., Jonathan D Nardozzi, Kaylen Lott, Gino Cingolani

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Phosphorylation is the most common and pleiotropic modification in biology, which plays a vital role in regulating and finely tuning a multitude of biological pathways. Transport across the nuclear envelope is also an essential cellular function and is intimately linked to many degeneration processes that lead to disease. It is therefore not surprising that phosphorylation of cargos trafficking between the cytoplasm and nucleus is emerging as an important step to regulate nuclear availability, which directly affects gene expression, cell growth and proliferation. However, the literature on phosphorylation of nucleocytoplasmic trafficking cargos is often confusing. Phosphorylation, and its mirror process dephosphorylation ...

Developing Novel Platelet-Based Targeting Strategies For Thrombolytics, Rudy E. Fuentes

Publicly Accessible Penn Dissertations

Use of plasminogen activators (PAs) as thrombolytic drugs is restricted to life threatening thrombotic settings because these therapies are associated with a high risk of bleeding. We hypothesize that platelet-delivered PAs would preferentially lyse nascent, pathological clots that are actively recruiting platelets, while sparing pre-formed hemostatic clots. Two potential approaches were pursued: 1) PA-loaded platelets that release the thrombolytic from its granular stores upon activation, and 2) a thrombolytic chimeric protein that specifically binds to human platelets and activated when the platelets are incorporated into a growing thrombus. In our first approach, we desired to develop a strategy for producing ...