Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Structural Study Of The Cytoplasmic Chaperone Effect Of 14-3-3 Proteins On Ataxin-1, Seppe Leysen, Rebecca Jane Burnley, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Lech-Gustav Milroy, Lorenzo Soini, Carolyn J. Adamski, Larissa Nitschke, Rachel Davis, Tomas Obsil, Lucas Brunsveld, Tom Crabbe, Huda Yahya Zoghbi, Christian Ottmann, Jeremy Martin Davis

Faculty Publications

Expansion of the polyglutamine tract in the N terminus of Ataxin-1 is the main cause of the neurodegenerative disease, spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1). However, the C-terminal part of the protein - including its AXH domain and a phosphorylation on residue serine 776 - also plays a crucial role in disease development. This phosphorylation event is known to be crucial for the interaction of Ataxin-1 with the 14-3-3 adaptor proteins and has been shown to indirectly contribute to Ataxin-1 stability. Here we show that 14-3-3 also has a direct anti-aggregation or "chaperone" effect on Ataxin-1. Furthermore, we provide structural and …

What Predicts How Safe People Feel In Their Neighborhoods And Does It Depend On Functional Status?, Alfredo J. Velasquez, Jason A. Douglas, Fangqi Guo, Jennifer W. Robinette

Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Articles

Feeling unsafe in one's neighborhood is related to poor health. Features of the neighborhood environment have been suggested to inform perceptions of neighborhood safety. Yet, the relative contribution of these features (e.g., uneven sidewalks, crime, perceived neighborhood physical disorder) on perceived neighborhood safety, particularly among people with disabilities who may view themselves as more vulnerable, is not well understood. We examined whether sidewalk quality assessed by third party raters, county-level crime rates, and perceived neighborhood disorder would relate to neighborhood safety concerns, and whether functional limitations would exacerbate these links. Using data from the 2012/2014 waves of the Health and …

Nsg-Pro Mouse Model For Uncovering Resistance Mechanisms And Unique Vulnerabilities In Human Luminal Breast Cancers, Yunguang Sun, Ning Yang, Fransiscus E Utama, Sameer S Udhane, Junling Zhang, Amy R Peck, Alicia Yanac, Katherine Duffey, John F Langenheim, Vindhya Udhane, Guanjun Xia, Jess F Peterson, Julie M Jorns, Marja T Nevalainen, Romain Rouet, Peter Schofield, Daniel Christ, Christopher J Ormandy, Anne Rosenberg, I Chervoneva, Shirng-Wern Tsaih, Michael J Flister, Serge Y Fuchs, Kay-Uwe Wagner, Hallgeir Rui

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Most breast cancer deaths are caused by estrogen receptor-α-positive (ER+) disease. Preclinical progress is hampered by a shortage of therapy-naïve ER+ tumor models that recapitulate metastatic progression and clinically relevant therapy resistance. Human prolactin (hPRL) is a risk factor for primary and metastatic ER+ breast cancer. Because mouse prolactin fails to activate hPRL receptors, we developed a prolactin-humanized Nod-SCID-IL2Rγ (NSG) mouse (NSG-Pro) with physiological hPRL levels. Here, we show that NSG-Pro mice facilitate establishment of therapy-naïve, estrogen-dependent PDX tumors that progress to lethal metastatic disease. Preclinical trials provide first-in-mouse efficacy of pharmacological hPRL suppression on residual ER+ human breast cancer …

Association Among Insulin Receptor Substrate1 Genetic Polymorphism, Sulfonylurea Therapeutic Efficacy, And Insulin Resistance In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Ayat I. Ghanem, Ghada A. Omar, Wafaa S. Hegab

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background Insulin receptor substrate-1 gene (IRS-1) is an endogenous substrate of the insulin receptor present in insulin-sensitive tissues, allowing insulin signaling to take place. The IRS-1, rs1801278 gene with Gly972Arg substitution polymorphism is one of the most commonly studied variants in relation with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objective The objective of this study was to detect the genetic association of the IRS-1, rs1801278 gene polymorphism with secondary sulfonylurea (SU) failure and insulin resistance (IR) in T2DM in Egyptian patients. Patients and methods A total of 81 T2DM Egyptian patients (49 nonresponders and 32 responders to SU) were recruited. Genotyping …

Effect And Long-Term Outcome Of Hemithyroidectomy For Patients With Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, Ahmed M. Sharaky, Amr Abu Ella, Ihab Matar

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background Although the incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has increased during the recent years, most of the PTCs are slow growing and considered as low-risk tumors with an excellent prognosis. This observed increase in small tumors leads to many controversies regarding the optimal surgical approach, and the extent of surgery for low-risk PTC is still the subject of debate. Recently, there is a trend toward utilizing a less-aggressive surgical approach, including the option of hemithyroidectomy for small PTCs up to 4 cm. Patients and methods This study included 60 patients with a proven diagnosis of PTC. According to the …

Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy Modality Of Treatment For Ulcers In Lymphedema Patients, Ihab Nabil Amin Hanna

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background Lymphedema in the presence of ulcers and lymphorrhea inducing cellulitis hinders the quality of life and mobility of the patients, and might continue inducing severe infection that might result in life-threatening infection, both bacterial and fungal. Since the negative-pressure wound therapy is a recognized modality of wound healings in such a context as lymphedema, it might induce a remarkable withdrawal and decrease in lymphorrhea and lymph fluid, resulting in a decrease of girth and heaviness of the limb, thus improving the quality of life. Also, it helps in promoting wound healing of the ulcers by improving the blood supply …

Diagnostic Accuracy Of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin As A Predictor Of Chronic Kidney Disease, Ahmed H. Elthakaby, Azza Ali I. Elmenyawi

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major threat to public health problem, in terms of prevalence of disease, cost of treatment, and the comorbidities involved. To screen out the severe disease earlier and more accurately, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria are still regarded as the ideal markers of kidney function. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a new biomarker for detecting early kidney damage. The aim of the study was to assess diagnostic significance of NGAL in early stages of CKD among patients. Patients and methods We measured urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) and serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin …

Evaluation Of Noninvasive Methods For Diagnosis Of Cholestasis In Infancy, Ashraf M. Ayad, Hala Abdelal, Hasan Khalaf, Mohamed F. Alsoda

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background Cholestatic liver disease constitutes a large percentage of chronic liver diseases during infancy. Cholestasis is defined as interference with bile formation or flow owing to pathology anywhere between the hepatocyte and the ampulla of Vater. Aim To evaluate the different modalities used for diagnosing cholestasis in infants in Damanhour Medical National Institute (DMNI) to find out the sensitivity and the predictive values of each modality in defining the cause of cholestatic jaundice, whether surgical or medical. Patients and methods This study was a retrospective one which included 153 infants who were referred with cholestasis in first year of life …

Evaluation Of Vitamin D Status In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Mai M. Kamel, Mohamed F. Alsoda, Omnia S. Ali

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Objective The current study was conducted to evaluate vitamin D status in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and its relations with associated risk factors. Patients and methods The present research included 50 children with CP of both sexes compared with a control group of 20 healthy children with matched age and sex. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, serum calcium, and phosphorus were measured and compared in cases and controls. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was recorded, and children with GMFCS level I–III were considered ambulatory, whereas children with level IV–V were considered nonambulatory. Results Median (interquartile range) serum vitamin D …

Comparison Between The Effect Of Single-Dose Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave And Local Corticosteroid Injection In Treatment Of Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Abeer H. Ismaiel, Lamis S. Ahmed, Nahed H. Taha

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) compared with local corticosteroid injection (LCsI) in reducing pain and improving the function of patients with mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) over 6 months. Patients and methods We studied 40 patients with mild and moderate CTS, where 20 patients received single-dose rESWT and the second group was treated with LCsI. Both groups had been assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment using Boston self-assessment questionnaire (BQ) and visual analog scale (VAS) and at baseline and after 3 months using neurophysiological studies. …

Interrupted Course Of Antitumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Therapy Versus Combined Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Therapy And Physiotherapy In Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Comparative Study, Sherry K. Abdelrahman, Taghreed F. M. Mostafa

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Aim The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of interrupted course of antitumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) blocking agents (etanercept and adalimumab) as 3-month-on-and-3-month-off regimen versus combined regimen of physiotherapy and NSAIDs in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) within a 2-year period. Patients and methods A total of 60 patients who fulfilled the Modified New York Criteria for AS were enrolled in the current study and divided into two equal groups: one received interrupted course of anti-TNFα agents and one received NSAIDs plus physiotherapy. Both groups were subjected to follow-ups at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. To assess the …

Waardenburg Syndrome As A Challenging Experience In Pediatric Cochlear Implantation, Ihab K. S. Abdelmalak, Iman Elrouby, Salwa Mahmoud

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a major cause of symptomatic sensorineural hearing loss, which accounts for 2–5% of patients with congenital hearing loss. Cochlear implantation (CI) has shown improvement in auditory perception and language skills of syndromic sensorineural hearing-impaired children and is now accepted as a gold standard treatment. Aim The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcome of CI in cases with WS and to compare the results with nonsyndromic CI cases. Participants and methods A total of 268 children of less than 7 years of age underwent CI in the National Hearing and Speech Institute, …

The Role Of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography In Diagnosis Of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy, Alaa Atia, Ghada Samir, Hussam E. O Elrashidy

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Purpose To detect the findings of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), in comparison with conventional multimodal imaging. Patients and methods In the current case series, 80 eyes of 80 patients were diagnosed to have CSCR, and they underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fluorescein angiography (FA), and OCTA. OCTA images are performed at two main depth intervals: automatically segmented outer retina and automatically segmented choriocapillaris. Results In 40 of 80 eyes, OCTA images showed detached retina adjacent to the leakage point, compared with 40 of 80 eyes using FA, and 80 of …

Prospective Changes In The Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer And The Ganglion Cell Layer Prepan And Postpan Retinal Photocoagulation With Argon Laser In The Management Of Diabetic Retinopathy Patients, Mohammed S. Ahmed

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Introduction Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the primary retinal vascular complication of diabetes mellitus and is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness. Argon laser is a common laser that is used for DR treatment. This study was carried out aiming to assess the effect of DR on the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness prepan and postpan retinal photocoagulation (PRP). Patients and methods This study was carried out on 100 eligible eyes in 62 consecutive patients. The authors performed a complete ophthalmologic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity using the early treatment diabetes retinopathy analysis charts, intraocular pressure measurement, slit-lamp …

Comparative Study Between The Visual Outcome Of Phacoemulsification And Small Incision Cataract Surgery, Mohammed S. Ahmed

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Introduction Cataract is still one of the most common causes of visual impairment worldwide. Phacoemulsification is the primary method for cataract surgery in developed countries. However, it is associated with high cost and small incision cataract surgery (SICS), which has become an alternative surgery for phacoemulsification, mostly in developing countries. Patients and methods This study was carried out aiming to compare the effectiveness [postoperative visual acuity (VA)] of phacoemulsification versus SICS. Four hundred and fifty cataract patients, allocated into two groups with no statistically significant differences in their basic characteristics, were included in the current study. Patients in the first …

Is The Full Sternotomy In Cardiac Surgery Still The Preferred Approach?, Ahmed Zayed, Mohamed Makram, Tamer El Banna

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background There is increasing interest and patient demand for minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Aim We aimed to assess the safety and possibilities of such techniques and debated whether it would become the standard procedure. Patients and methods Since February 2013 till June 2019, 696 patients underwent variations of cardiac surgery procedures; of them, 456 patients underwent thoracoscopic minimally invasive mitral and tricuspid valve surgery; 65 patients underwent double valve replacement, and of them, 17 underwent concomitant tricuspid valve repair through upper mini-sternotomy; 88 patients underwent aortic valve replacement through upper mini-sternotomy; five cases underwent Bentall procedure through upper mini-sternotomy; five …

Upper Mini-Sternotomy Versus Right Mini-Thoracotomy Approach In Mitral Valve Surgery, Mohamed Zayed, Mohamed Makram, Mohamed Ramadan, Mohamed A. Metwally, Tamer El Banna

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background: Full median sternotomy has been a standard surgical approach for heart surgery for more than 50 years. Several advantages increasing the use of less invasive approaches to the mitral valve surgery including, cosmetic, blood product use, respiratory, and pain advantages over conventional surgery. Parasternal incision, right mini-thoracotomy and partial sternotomy are described approaches for less invasive cardiac surgery. Objective: Comparing the less invasive approaches via upper partial sternotomy vs right mini-thoracotomy in mitral valve surgery. Methods: Sixty patients, underwent mitral valve surgery in NHI, were enrolled in this study and divided into two equal groups, and randomly assigned into …

Comparison Between Femoral Access Versus Radial Access In Primary Percutaneous Coronary Interventions, Ahmed K. A. G. Hassan

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Introduction The femoral approach for coronary angiography and angioplasty is used by most interventional cardiologists in both elective and primary Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. The use of transradial access has been increasing worldwide as it has fewer access site complications. Aim In this study, the author compared femoral versus radial approaches in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty. Patients and Methods The study population consisted of 100 patients who presented to the author's center with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The author divided the study population into two groups: group A that consisted of 50 patients in …

Battling Against The Twin Pandemic Of Covid-19 And Hiv Infection: World Health Organization, Prateek Saurabh Shrivastava, Saurabh Rambiharilal Shrivastava

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to remain one of the most significant public health concerns at the global level. The emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the access to HIV testing, treatment and care facilities. There has been a gradual decline in the number of newly diagnosed people who are started on ART and some of them have also been forced to discontinue their ongoing treatment. It is the need of the hour to continue the delivery of the essential services and this calls for the need to strengthen primary health care and overall health care …

Risk Factors Associated With Length Of Hospital Stay In Children And Adolescents With Coronavirus Disease 2019 In Egypt, Abdelrhman K. Z. Darwish, Ahmed Arafa, Ahmed Heiba, Basem Eysa, Dalia Omran, Mahmoud Khalil, Mohamed Rabea, Mohamed Al Sodag, Mohamed Hassany, Muhammad A. Ghaffar, Shimaa Afify

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background With the growing incidence of children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the hospitalization rate in this age category has been increasing. This study aimed to assess the length of hospital stay (LOS) among children with COVID-19 and examine potential risk factors. Patients and methods We retrospectively collected data on 50 consecutive children and adolescents with mild to moderate COVID-19 who were discharged after treatment from one hospital in Egypt during July 2020. Betas (Bs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with their LOS were computed using unadjusted and …

Development Of A Recombinant Vaccine Against Human Onchocerciasis., David Abraham, John Graham-Brown, Darrick Carter, Sean A. Gray, Jessica A. Hess, Benjamin L. Makepeace, Sara Lustigman

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

Introduction: Human onchocerciasis caused by the filarial nematode parasite Onchocerca volvulus remains a major cause of debilitating disease infecting millions primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa. The development of a prophylactic vaccine, along with mass drug administration, would facilitate meeting the goal of onchocerciasis elimination by 2030.

Areas covered: Models used to study immunity to Onchocerca include natural infection of cattle with Onchocerca ochengi and O. volvulus infective third-stage larvae implanted within diffusion chambers in mice. A vaccine, comprised of two adjuvanted recombinant antigens, induced protective immunity in genetically diverse mice suggesting that it will function similarly in diverse human populations. These …

Assessing The Accuracy, Quality, And Readability Of Patient Accessible Online Resources Regarding Ocular Gene Therapy And Voretigene Neparvovec., Swetha Davuluri, Nicolas A. Yannuzzi, Amy Kloosterboer, Ajay E. Kuriyan, Jayanth Sridhar

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy, quality, and readability of online information regarding the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ocular gene therapy voretigene neparvovec (Luxturna, Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA).

Methods: Ten online resources about voretigene neparvovec were assessed in this cross-sectional study. A novel 25-question assessment was created to evaluate the information most relevant to patients. Each article was assessed by independent graders using the assessment and the DISCERN instrument. An online readability tool, Readable, was used to assess readability. Accountability was evaluated using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks.

Results: The average questionnaire score for …

Digital Intervention Increases Influenza Vaccination Rates For People With Diabetes In A Decentralized Randomized Trial., J L Lee, L Foschini, S Kumar, J Juusola, J Liska, M Mercer, C Tai, R Buzzetti, M Clement, X Cos, L Ji, N Kanumilli, D Kerr, E Montanya, D Müller-Wieland, C G Ostenson, N. Skolnik, V Woo, N Burlet, M Greenberg, S I Samson

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

People with diabetes (PWD) have an increased risk of developing influenza-related complications, including pneumonia, abnormal glycemic events, and hospitalization. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for PWD, but vaccination rates are suboptimal. The study aimed to increase influenza vaccination rate in people with self-reported diabetes. This study was a prospective, 1:1 randomized controlled trial of a 6-month Digital Diabetes Intervention in U.S. adults with diabetes. The intervention group received monthly messages through an online health platform. The control group received no intervention. Difference in self-reported vaccination rates was tested using multivariable logistic regression controlling for demographics and comorbidities. The study was …

Impact Of Pulse Oximetry On Hospital Referral Acceptance In Children Under 5 With Severe Pneumonia In Rural Pakistan (District Jamshoro): Protocol For A Cluster Randomised Trial, Fatima Mir, Apsara Ali, Suhail Chanar, Amjad Hussain, Arjumand Rizvi, Imran Ahmed, Zahid Memon, Atif Habib, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children under 5 specifically in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Hypoxaemia is a life-threatening complication among children under 5 with pneumonia. Hypoxaemia increases risk of mortality by 4.3 times in children with pneumonia than those without hypoxaemia. Prevalence of hypoxaemia varies with geography, altitude and severity (9%-39% Asia, 3%-10% African countries). In this protocol paper, we describe research methods for assessing impact of Lady Health Workers (LHWs) identifying hypoxaemia in children with signs of pneumonia during household visits on acceptance of hospital referral in district Jamshoro, Sindh.
Methods and analysis: A …

Tebipenem As An Oral Alternative For The Treatment Of Typhoid Caused By Xdr Salmonella Typhi, Elli Mylona, Phat Voong Vinh, Sonia Qureshi, Abhilasha Karkey, Sabina Dongol, Tuyen Ha Thanh, Judd Walson, Lluis Ballell, Elena Fernández Álvaro, Farah Naz Qamar, Stephen Baker

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Antimicrobial therapy is essential for the treatment of enteric fever, the infection caused by Salmonella serovars Typhi and Paratyphi A. However, an increase in resistance to key antimicrobials and the emergence of MDR and XDR in Salmonella Typhi poses a major threat for efficacious outpatient treatments.
Objectives: We recently identified tebipenem, an oral carbapenem licensed for use for respiratory tract infections in Japan, as a potential alternative treatment for MDR/XDR Shigella spp. Here, we aimed to test the in vitro antibacterial efficacy of this drug against MDR and XDR typhoidal Salmonella.
Methods: We determined the in vitro activity of …

Determining Effective Drug Concentrations For Selection And Counterselection Genetics In Drosophila Melanogaster, Nick Matinyan, Yezabel Gonzalez, Herman A Dierick, Koen J T Venken

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

We recently integrated into fly genetics a set of four selection and two counterselection markers and their corresponding drugs that can be used individually or in combination. These markers eliminate the need to visually screen progeny. Before using these markers in new genetic backgrounds, effective selection/counterselection concentrations should be established for each marker/drug combination. This protocol describes how to set up, perform, and analyze a drug titration curve to determine the effective selection/counterselection drug concentrations for their corresponding markers. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Matinyan et al., 2021.

Coronavirus Update 9-16-21, The Coronavirus Planning Team

University Briefings & Virtual Events

We had all hoped that the vaccine would allow us to return to pre-pandemic days but, unfortunately, the rise of the highly transmissible delta variant has meant that we need to be patient a little longer. That said, and despite the need for indoor masking, life on campus is much different than it was a year ago.

Evaluating Loneliness In An Older Adult Population, Kelli Rowland

Dissertations

Problem: Loneliness and social isolation are severe burdens on global public health and can impair overall health outcomes. Unfortunately, both loneliness and social isolation are prevalent in the older adult population. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate loneliness in older adults enrolled in a weekly socialization program and its impact on loneliness.

Methods: A descriptive cohort design was utilized to analyze surveys completed three months apart. A convenience sample was used with older adults already enrolled in a weekly socialization program. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice was applied to evaluate and promote quality …

Health And Kinesiology News, Georgia Southern University

Health Sciences & Kinesiology: News & Publications (2015-2023)

• Creveling Awarded Travel Scholarship

The Effectiveness Of Neuromuscular Warmups For Lower Extremity Injury Prevention In Basketball: A Systematic Review, Anna C. Davis, Nicholas P. Emptage, Dana Pounds, Donna Woo, Robert Sallis, Manuel G. Romero, Adam L. Sharp

Pacific Faculty Work

Background: Neuromuscular warmups have gained increasing attention as a means of preventing sports-related injuries, but data on effectiveness in basketball are sparse. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence of the effectiveness of neuromuscular warmup-based strategies for preventing lower extremity injuries among basketball athletes. Methods: PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched in February 2019. Studies were included if they were English-language randomized controlled, non-randomized comparative, or prospective cohort trials, tested neuromuscular and/or balance-focused warmup interventions among basketball players, and assessed at least one type of lower extremity injury as a primary outcome. Criteria developed by the …