Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Loss Of Expression Of Swi/Snf Chromatin Remodeling Complex Components And Setd2 Are Heterogeneous, Widespread, And Co-Occur In Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, Wei Jiang, Md, Phd, Essel Dulaimi, Theodore Parsons, Qiong Wang, Karthik Devarajan, Raymond O'Neill, Charalambos C. Solomides, Md, Stephen C Peiper, Phd, Jospeh R. Testa, Robert Uzzo, Haifeng Yang

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Background

The subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex have one of the highest mutation rate in human cancers (see Figure 1). Polybromo-1 (PBRM1), a subunit of the SWI/SNF complex, is the second most mutated gene (40%) in clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC). ARID1A, another subunit that competes with PBRM1 for binding to the complex, was infrequently mutated. The protein expressions of BRG1 and BRM (two catalytic subunits of the complex), and SETD2, a histone modifier (10-15% mutation rate), are not known in ccRCC. In this study we examined their protein expressions by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tissue microarrays (TMAs), …

Age-Related Ebv-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder With Widespread Gastrointestinal Involvement And Subsequent Development Of T-Cell Lymphoma, Guldeep Uppal, Md, Alaina Chodoff, Msii, Zi-Xuan Wang, Phd, Jeffrey P. Baliff Md, Jerald Z. Gong, Md

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Background

Age-related EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (AR-EBVLPD) has emerged as a new subset of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. We report a unique case of AR-EBVLPD with a widespread gastrointestinal presentation and subsequent transformation to EBV-associated T-cell lymphoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a generalized polymorphic extranodal AR-EBVLPD with subsequent transformation to EBV-induced T-cell lymphoma.

An Assessment Of The Reliability Of Platelet-Associated Flags Generated By The Sysmex Xe-5000 Automated Hematology Analyzer In Detecting Platelet Clumps, Jennifer M. Hawkins, Do, Gene Gulati, Ph.D, Guldeep Uppal, Md, Jerald Z. Gong, Md

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Background

XE-5000 is an automated hematology analyzer utilized by clinical laboratories worldwide to perform CBC and differential leukocyte counts on EDTA-anticoagulated blood specimens. The overall reliability of the results generated by this analyzer has been assessed and found acceptable for clinical use. The CBC results generated on some of the blood specimens are, however, flagged by the analyzer for verification of the result of the flagged parameter by other means. One such parameter of clinical significance is the automated platelet count, which is often unreliable if the blood specimen contains platelet clumps.

Pathology Encountered During Cadaver Dissection Provides An Opportunity For Integrated Learning And Critical Thinking, Guiyan Zhang, Bruce Fenderson

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Abstract

Cadaver dissection engages medical students in active learning, critical thinking, and problem solving. During dissection, students at SKMC are encouraged to document pathologic findings in their cadavers and discuss the findings with their peers. Here, we describe two cases that provided opportunities for integrating anatomy with pathology and clinical medicine. The first case was a benign ovarian neoplasm. This large pelvic mass displaced the urinary bladder and uterus, and compressed the ureters and rectum. Students discussed clinical complications of this pelvic mass and reviewed pathologic findings that differentiate benign from malignant neoplasms. The second case was breast cancer with …

Phylogenetic Tree Construction And “Truncal Loss” Analysis Reveal Hidden Associations Between Loss Of Protein Expression In Swi/Snf Complex Components And Tumor Stage And Survival In Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (Ccrcc), Wei Jiang, Md, Phd, Essel Dulaimi, Karthik Devarajan, Qiong Wang, Raymond O'Neill, Charalambos C. Solomides, Md, Stephen C Peiper, Phd, Robert Uzzo, Joseph R. Testa, Haifeng Yang, Phd

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Background

Polybromo-1 (PBRM1), a targeting subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is mutated at a rate of ~40% in clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC), second only to VHL. Whether its mutation is correlated with tumor stage is controversial. As other components of the SWI/SNF complex were also reported to be mutated in ccRCC, we aim to examine the protein expression patterns of PBRM1, ARID1A, BRG1, and BRM in ccRCC, and to investigate possible association between their loss of expression and tumor stage, as well as survival. We also included a histone modifier, SETD2, which is recently discovered to …

Statins And Kidney Failure, Rebekah Pemberton

Senior Honors Theses

Use of the HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, also known as statins, in patients with renal dysfunction is laden with controversy. Studies on statin use in renal patients have given varying reports. Some research has indicated that these medications may exacerbate existing renal dysfunction and induce further progression of renal disease. Furthermore, some researchers have suggested statins may actually cause some cases of renal dysfunction through the effects of rhabdomyolysis, acute interstitial nephritis, or necrotizing immune-mediated myopathy, while other researchers have asserted that the statins can have nephroprotective effects. The use of statins is believed to be ineffective in patients who are …

The Plight Of The Lucluc: Examining The Deadly Mystery Of Nodding Syndrome, Ethan K. Mcgann

Senior Honors Theses

Nodding syndrome (NS) is an emerging epidemic neurological disease that is shrouded in mystery. It is currently only found in the post-conflict regions of South Sudan, northern Uganda, and Tanzania. NS occurs in children from the ages of five to fifteen and is characterized by a loss of motor control in the neck muscles. Seizure episodes can range in intensity from atonic to tonic-clonic, and the onset of the first episode generally marks the beginning of a decline in the child’s physical and mental health. NS is a progressive disease that generally results in physical wasting, stunted growth, behavioral difficulties, …

Sec17 Can Trigger Fusion Of Trans-Snare Paired Membranes Without Sec18, Michael Zick, Amy Orr, Matthew L. Schwartz, Alexey J. Merz, William Wickner

Dartmouth Scholarship

Sec17 [soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein; α-SNAP] and Sec18 (NSF) perform ATP-dependent disassembly of cis-SNARE complexes, liberating SNAREs for subsequent assembly of trans-complexes for fusion. A mutant of Sec17, with limited ability to stimulate Sec18, still strongly enhanced fusion when ample Sec18 was supplied, suggesting that Sec17 has additional functions. We used fusion reactions where the four SNAREs were initially separate, thus requiring no disassembly by Sec18. With proteoliposomes bearing asymmetrically disposed SNAREs, tethering and trans-SNARE pairing allowed slow fusion. Addition of Sec17 did not affect the levels of trans-SNARE complex but triggered sudden fusion of trans-SNARE paired proteoliposomes. …

A Qualitative Examination Of Optimal Professional Traits Of Physical Therapists. – An Exploratory Investigation, Nicholas G. Wood

Honors College Theses

Physical therapists are constantly searching for aspects of their professional practice to improve, in order to enhance interactions with patients, eventually leading to a more successful practice (Resnek & Jensen, 2003). Although this is the case, limited research has been found which has examined optimal qualities of physical therapists from neither a qualitative perspective, nor based upon their location. Thus, the purpose of this study is to use a qualitative approach to describe optimal qualities necessary for a successful physical therapy practice. In addition, this study aims to determine if therapists practicing in a rural community describe different qualities than …

Polymorphisms In Genes Of Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Key Enzymes Are Associated With Early Recurrence Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma., Shaogui Wan, Yousheng Wu, Xingchun Zhou, Yibing Chen, Jiaze An, Xiaohe Yu, Huiqing Zhang, Hushan Yang, Jinliang Xing

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Alterations of activity and expression in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle key enzymes have been indicated in several malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). They play an important role in the progression of cancer. However, the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding these key enzymes on the recurrence of HCC has not been investigated. In this study, we genotyped 17 SNPs in genes encoding TCA cycle key enzymes and analyzed their association with recurrence-free survival (RFS) in a cohort of 492 Chinese HCC patients by Cox proportional hazard model and survival tree analysis. We identified 7 SNPs in SDHC, …

Crosstalk Between Desmoglein 2 And Patched 1 Accelerates Chemical-Induced Skin Tumorigenesis., Donna M Brennan-Crispi, Claudia Hossain, Joya Sahu, Mary Brady, Natalia A Riobo, M G Mahoney

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Aberrant activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is causative of BCCs and has been associated with a fraction of SCCs. Desmoglein 2 (Dsg2) is an adhesion protein that is upregulated in many cancers and overexpression of Dsg2 in the epidermis renders mice more susceptible to squamous-derived neoplasia. Here we examined a potential crosstalk between Dsg2 and Hh signaling in skin tumorigenesis. Our findings show that Dsg2 modulates Gli1 expression, in vitro and in vivo. Ectopic expression of Dsg2 on Ptc1+/lacZ background enhanced epidermal proliferation and interfollicular activation of the Hh pathway. Furthermore, in response to DMBA/TPA, the Dsg2/Ptc1+/lacZ mice developed squamous …

The Huntington’S Disease Community Can’T Afford To Lose Momentum, Kenneth P. Serbin

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

I'Ve Been Diagnosed: A Champion! Crohn's & Colitis Family Day, Samantha M. Goldberg

Honors College Theses

This Honors thesis outlines the creation of “I’ve Been Diagnosed: A Champion! Crohn’s & Colitis Family Day”—an experience designed to provide Southeast Georgia children and families affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) an opportunity to enhance community involvement and build a support network through therapeutic recreation, team-based activities, education, and a positive family-centered environment. Following the nursing process focusing on the community as the patient, this paper is organized by assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation. A literature review was conducted and interviews with a medical professional and a patient were completed. Specific interventions were planned using the nursing process …

Identification Guide To Larval Stages Of Ticks Of Medical Importance In The Usa, Kymbreana Coley

Honors College Theses

Scanning Electron Micrographs were prepared of four morphologically diagnostic regions (dorsal capitulum, ventral capitulum, scutum, leg coxae) for the larval stage of the 16 species of ixodid (hard) ticks known to parasitize humans in the USA. These species are: Amblyomma americanum, A. maculatum, A. mixtum, A. tuberculatum, Dermacentor albipictus, D. andersoni, D. occidentalis, D. variabilis, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris, Ixodes angustus, I. cookei, I. pacificus, I. scapularis, I. spinipalpis, I. texanus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Based on the morphological characters observed, a dichotomous identification key to ixodid larvae that parasitize humans in the USA was prepared. Common names, hosts and geographical distributions are …

The Effects Of Latent Stage Diabetic Education And Tele-Health Reinforcement On The Knowledge Of Low-Income Diabetic Patients, Hannah M. Chicowlas

Honors College Theses

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions globally. Poverty and obesity are factors that affect the development and progression of this disease. Although education has been identified as a factor affecting treatment adherence, on-going education for diabetes typically occurs in the early stages. This pilot study consisted of a quantitative, comparative study utilizing tele-health as the primary form of educational reinforcement for latent stage, low-income diabetics. Six clients agreed to participate. It focused on participants from a local clinic in Georgia. All participants live at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. An initial survey was followed by …

Medical School Watercooler Newsletter - April 19, 2015, Lindsey Lyle

Watercooler Newsletter

This is the April 19, 2015 edition of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine's Newsletter - Watercooler.

Contents Include:

Mark Your Calendar: Neuroscience Symposium

Dr. Ronald Franks Named to Gov. Robert Bentley's Alabama Health Care Improvement Task Force

USA Graduate Student to Present at Upcoming AAI Meeting

USA Student Health Center Achieves AAAHC Re-Accreditation

USA Health System to Offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings on Melanoma Monday

The Domestic Dogs’ (Canis Familiaris) Understanding Of Intentional And Goal Oriented Action, Kirili Stauch, Stephanie Aubuchon, Ellen Furlong

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Domestic dogs possess unique sensitivity to human social cues, perhaps due to our shared evolutionary history. We explored whether dogs share social cognitive abilities - understanding intentions and goals - humans demonstrate from infancy. In Study 1, dogs watched a researcher either unable (i.e. she dropped a treat) or unwilling (i.e. she offered and then withdrew a treat) to provide food. Dogs demonstrated sensitivity to intentions by spending more time close to the researcher during unable than unwilling trials. In Study 2, dogs watched a researcher reach for a ball and ignore a duck. Next, the ball and the duck …

Ex Vivo Comparision Of Lesions Created With Cooled Radiofrequency And Protruding Electrode Radiofrequency Probes, Nitesh Kumar, Joseph Williams Faculty Advisor, David Cedeno Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of nerves is a minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of chronic pain conditions. In RF therapy, an electrical current produced by a radio wave is used to heat up the tip of a needle placed near the target nerve tissue, thereby decreasing pain signals from that specific area. Positioning of the RF probe and the size of the ablation lesion produced are critical factors for the success of the treatment. Traditionally, RF has been applied using monopolar electrodes set to generate lesions at 80 °C for 90 seconds. The size of the lesion is limited to …

Prevalence Of Disorders Recorded In Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Attending Primary-Care Veterinary Practices In England, Jennifer F. Summers, Dan G. O'Neill, David B. Church, Peter C. Thomson, Paul D. Mcgreevy, David C. Brodbelt

Epidemiology Collection

Background: Concerns have been raised over breed-related health issues in purebred dogs, but reliable prevalence estimates for disorders within specific breeds are sparse. Electronically stored patient health records from primary-care practice are emerging as a useful source of epidemiological data in companion animals. This study used large volumes of health data from UK primary-care practices participating in the VetCompass animal health surveillance project to evaluate in detail the disorders diagnosed in a random selection of over 50% of dogs recorded as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs). Confirmation of breed using available microchip and Kennel Club (KC) registration data was attempted. …

Direct Reprogramming Of Induced Neural Progenitors: A New Promising Strategy For Ad Treatment., Siqiang Lai, Min Zhang, Dongsheng Xu, Yiying Zhang, Lisha Qiu, Changhai Tian, Jialin Charlie Zheng

Journal Articles: Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prominent form of dementia, characterized by aggregation of the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, loss of synapses and neurons, and degeneration of cognitive functions. Currently, although a variety of medications can relieve some of the symptoms, there is no cure for AD. Recent breakthroughs in the stem cell field provide promising strategies for AD treatment. Stem cells including embryonic stem cells (ESCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are potentials for AD treatment. However, the limitation of cell sources, safety issues, and ethical issues restrict …

An Interprofessional, Tailored Behavioral Intervention For Sleep Problems In Autism: Use Of Sensory Data To Inform Intervention, Rebecca Sinko, Ms, Otr/L, Sarah E. Kauper, Bs, Ots, Phoi Truong, Bs, Ots, Rachel L. Dumont, Bs, Ots, Amy L. Miller, Bs, Ots, Roseann C. Schaaf, Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Margaret Souders, Phd, Crnp, Eric D. Bull, Ots, Denise G. Doria, Ots, Jamie A. Frank, Ots, Jenna R. Grady, Ots

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Purpose:

The purpose of this poster is to demonstrate how Sensory Profile data informed occupational therapy sleep interventions for two participants as part of an Interprofessional Tailored Behavioral Intervention study.

Can Shared Decision-Making Reduce Medical Malpractice Litigation? A Systematic Review, Marie-Anne Durand, Benjamin Moulton, Elizabeth Cockle, Mala Mann, Glyn Elwyn

Dartmouth Scholarship

Background: To explore the likely influence and impact of shared decision-making on medical malpractice litigation and patients’ intentions to initiate litigation.

Methods: We included all observational, interventional and qualitative studies published in all languages, which assessed the effect or likely influence of shared decision-making or shared decision-making interventions on medical malpractice litigation or on patients ’ intentions to litigate. The following databases were searched from inception until January 2014: CINAHL, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Da tabase of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, HMIC, Lexis library, MEDLINE, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Open SIGLE, PsycINFO and Web of Knowledge. We also hand …

Early Inflammatory Mediator Gene Expression In Two Models Of Traumatic Brain Injury: Ex Vivo Cortical Slice In Mice And In Vivo Cortical Impact In Piglets, David J. Graber, Beth A. Costine, William F. Hickey

Dartmouth Scholarship

Background: The immunological response during the first 24 hours after traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be a critical therapeutic interval for limiting the secondary neuronal damage that is influenced by enhanced inflammatory mediator expression.

Methods: To gain further insight of the early injury response, we examined the expression of several inflammatory genes by real-time qPCR as a function of time or distance from injury in two distinct mammalian models: an ex vivo mouse cortical slice injury system and an in vivo piglet model of brain injury.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Prevention Of Infant Torticollis & Plagiocephaly, Anne H. Zachry

Faculty Presentations

AOTA includes health promotion as an Intervention approach in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process. As health care professionals, occupational therapy practitioners are responsible for promoting public health and wellness. Occupational therapists need to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of varying infant positions, providing tummy time, and limiting infant time spent in baby gear.

Occupational Therapy And Family Caregiver Training: The Key To Successful Dementia Care, Catherine V. Piersol, Phd, Otr/L, Ann O'Sullivan, Otr/L, Lsw, Faota

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Most people with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders live in the community and are cared for by family caregivers who have not received formal training. Evidence has shown that caregiving can have profound negative effects on a caregiver’s own physical and psychological health, including increasing social isolation and decreasing quality of life and wellbeing. If the demands of care exceed the caregiver’s capacity, the person with dementia can also be negatively affected. Research supports the effectiveness of teaching caregivers approaches that match the skills and interests of the person with dementia, use appropriate cues, identify and modify behavioral triggers, and …

Is It Ethical To Hold A Person Culpable For His Actions If He Cannot Recognize Right And Wrong, Tabitha E.H. Moses

Student Works

The field of neuroscience has opened up a proverbial can of worms when it comes to questions of free will and culpability. The more we know about the mind the more it appears that no one has any real choice in their actions. The ethical implications of this assumption are astronomical. Guilt and culpability come into question; it would seem unjust to punish a person for a crime if he had no choice but to commit it. While these are interesting questions for an ethicist they are impractical for society as they might affect how society functions. As such, the …

Program And Proceedings: Nebraska Academy Of Sciences 1880–2015, 135th Anniversary Year, One Hundred-Twenty-Fifth Annual Meeting

Nebraska Academy of Sciences: Programs and Proceedings

Program

Aeronautics and Space Science

Chemistry and Physics

Collegiate Academy: Biology

Collegiate Academy: Chemistry and Physics

Anthropology

Biological and Medical Sciences

Junior Academy, Senior High Competition

Aeronautics and Space Science, Poster Session

Maiben Memorial Lecture: “Nebraska Biocontainment Unit Planning and Response to Ebola,” Ebola team, University of nebraska medical Center

Applied Science and Technology

Earth Science

Teaching of Science and Math

Junior Academy, Junior High Competition

Parents' Goals: An Analysis Of Therapist Reasoning, Amy L. Miller, Ots, Rachel L. Dumont, Ots, Janice P. Burke, Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Ellen S. Cohn, Scd, Otr/L, Faota, Sarah E. Kauper, Ots, Roseann C. Schaaf, Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Eric D. Bull, Ots, Denise G. Doria, Ots, Jamie A. Frank, Ots, Jenna R. Grady, Ots, Phoi Truong, Ots

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Purpose:

Illustrate the use of DDDM to develop parent-identified goals for occupational therapy and to identify underlying sensory integration factors hypothesized to be impacting participation.

The Ot's Role In An Interprofessional Research Team, Sara Benham, Otd, Otr/L, Atp, Susan Toth-Cohen, Phd, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Why Interprofessional Research?

The research field receives contributions from multiple disciplines and is inclusive by nature. •Feels natural in our day to day work practices to collaborate with other professions. •A plan to build research capacity includes establishing a research culture, environment, and infrastructure as well as partnership with other disciplines (Frontera et al., 2006).

Routine Surveillance Of Patients With Hypertensive Disorders In Pregnancy, Johanna Quist-Nelson, Md, Lauren Cooper, Md, Abigail Wolf, Md

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Presentations and Grand Rounds

BACKGROUND

• Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy carry morbidity and mortality for mothers and infants
• Hypertensive disorders include a full spectrum from gestational hypertension and preeclampsia to eclampsia.
• In 2013 the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released an executive summary with new task force recommendations for closer monitoring of patients with hypertensive disorders including:

Twice weekly blood pressure monitoring

Weekly office visits

Ultrasound surveillance of fetal growth

Weekly laboratory surveillance

Delivery at 37 weeks for patients with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia without severe features