Diseases Commons^™

A Genome-Wide Association Study In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd): Identification Of Two Major Susceptibility Loci, Sreekumar G. Pillai, Dongliang Ge, Guohua Zhu, Xiangyang Kong, Kevin V. Shianna, Anna C. Need, Sheng Feng, Craig P. Hersh, Per Bakke, Amund Gulsvik, Andreas Ruppert, Karin C. Lødrup Carlsen, Allen Roses, Wayne Anderson, Stephen I. Rennard, David A. Lomas, Edwin K. Silverman, David B. Goldstein, Icgn Investigators

Journal Articles: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med

There is considerable variability in the susceptibility of smokers to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The only known genetic risk factor is severe deficiency of alpha(1)-antitrypsin, which is present in 1-2% of individuals with COPD. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a homogenous case-control cohort from Bergen, Norway (823 COPD cases and 810 smoking controls) and evaluated the top 100 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the family-based International COPD Genetics Network (ICGN; 1891 Caucasian individuals from 606 pedigrees) study. The polymorphisms that showed replication were further evaluated in 389 subjects from the US National Emphysema Treatment Trial …

An Overview Of Cardiovascular Risk Factor Burden In Sub-Saharan African Countries: A Socio-Cultural Perspective, Rhonda Belue, Titilayo A. Okoror, Juliet Iwelunmor, Kelly D. Taylor, Arnold N. Degboe, Charles Agyemang, Gbenga Ogedegbe

Africana Studies Faculty Scholarship

Background: Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries are currently experiencing one of the most rapid epidemiological transitions characterized by increasing urbanization and changing lifestyle factors. This has resulted in an increase in the incidence of non-communicable diseases, especially cardiovascular disease (CVD). This double burden of communicable and chronic non-communicable diseases has long-term public health impact as it undermines healthcare systems.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the socio-cultural context of CVD risk prevention and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. We discuss risk factors specific to the SSA context, including poverty, urbanization, developing healthcare systems, traditional healing, lifestyle and socio-cultural factors. …

Rat Cytomegalovirus Infection Depletes Mhc Ii In Bone Marrow Derived Dendritic Cells, Carmen C. Baca Jones, Craig N. Kreklywich, Ilhem Messaoudi, Jennifer Totonchy, Erin Mccartney, Susan L. Orloff, Jay A. Nelson, Daniel N. Streblow

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

While cytomegalovirus (CMV) infects and replicates in a multitude of cell types, the ability of the virus to replicate in antigen presenting cells (APCs) is believed to play a critical role in the viral dissemination and latency. CMV infection of APCs and manipulation of their function is an important area of investigation. CMV down regulation of MHC II is reportedly mediated by the HCMV proteins US2, US3, UL83, UL111a (vIL10) or through the induction of cellular IL10. In this study, we demonstrate that rat CMV (RCMV) significantly reduces MHC II expression by mechanisms that do not involve orthologues of the …

Ua3/1/2/1 President's Office-Cherry - Correspondence - General, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

General correspondence regarding Western Kentucky University. Incoming letters are mainly addressed to Henry Hardin Cherry. Responses are made by Cherry and occasionally by faculty and staff. The president's secretary Mattie McLean is the writer for some of the letters signed by Cherry.

Some of Cherry's personal papers are also found in this series most notably those pertaining to his political aspirations and two candidacies for the Kentucky governorship. Copies of outgoing correspondence begin to appear in Box 1, Folder 50.

Fgi-104: A Broad-Spectrum Small Molecule Inhibitor Of Viral Infection, Michael S. Kinch, Abdul S. Yunus, Calli Lear, Hanwen Mao, Hansen Chen, Zena Fesseha, Guangxiang Luo, Eric A. Nelson, Limin Li, Zhuhui Huang, Michael Murray, William Y. Ellis, Lisa Hensley, Jane Christopher-Hennings, Gene G. Olinger, Michael Goldblatt

Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

The treatment of viral diseases remains an intractable problem facing the medical community. Conventional antivirals focus upon selective targeting of virus-encoded targets. However, the plasticity of viral nucleic acid mutation, coupled with the large number of progeny that can emerge from a single infected cells, often conspire to render conventional antivirals ineffective as resistant variants emerge. Compounding this, new viral pathogens are increasingly recognized and it is highly improbable that conventional approaches could address emerging pathogens in a timely manner. Our laboratories have adopted an orthogonal approach to combat viral disease: Target the host to deny the pathogen the ability …

Rhoa/Rho-Kinase Signaling: A Therapeutic Target In Pulmonary Hypertension, Scott A. Barman, Shu Zhu, Richard E. White

PCOM Scholarly Works

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease characterized by progressive elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular resistance due to pulmonary vasoconstriction and vessel remodeling as well as inflammation. Rho-kinases (ROCKs) are one of the best-described effectors of the small G-protein RhoA, and ROCKs are involved in a variety of cellular functions including muscle cell contraction, proliferation and vascular inflammation through inhibition of myosin light chain phosphatase and activation of downstream mediators. A plethora of evidence in animal models suggests that heightened RhoA/ROCK signaling is important in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension by causing enhanced constriction and remodeling of …

Patterns Of Commodity Food Use Among American Indians, Michelle Chino, Darlene R. Haff, Carolee Dodge Francis

Environmental & Global Health Faculty Research

Objectives: To better understand risks for obesity and diabetes among American Indians.

Methods: Adults from tribes across the country surveyed to explore commodity food use patterns and food choice.

Results: Respondents reported second and third generation commodity food use. Current commodity users stated preferences for canned and packaged meals and were more likely to participate in other federal food programs.

Conclusions: Low-income, nutritionally stressed families relying on federal food programs may be at increased risk of obesity and diet-related chronic conditions due to long-term use of foods that are high in fat and calories and low in fiber.

Differential Ligand Binding To A Human Cytomegalovirus Chemokine Receptor Determines Cell Type-Specific Motility, Jennifer Totonchy, Ryan Melnychuk, Patricia P. Smith, Joshua Powell, Laurel Hall, Victor R. Defilippis, Klaus Fruh, Martine Smit, David D. Schlaepfer, Jay A. Nelson, Daniel N. Streblow

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

While most chemokine receptors fail to cross the chemokine class boundary with respect to the ligands that they bind, the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-encoded chemokine receptor US28 binds multiple CC-chemokines and the CX3Cchemokine Fractalkine. US28 binding to CC-chemokines is both necessary and sufficient to induce vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration in response to HCMV infection. However, the function of Fractalkine binding to US28 is unknown. In this report, we demonstrate that Fractalkine binding to US28 not only induces migration of macrophages but also acts to inhibit RANTES-mediated SMC migration. Similarly, RANTES inhibits Fractalkine-mediated US28 migration in macrophages. While US28 binding …

Neuropsychological Assessment Of Working Memory, Processing Speed, And Cognitive Fatigue Among Individuals With Sickle Cell Disease: A Biopsychosocial Developmental Perspective, Laura J. Tagliareni

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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“Riding Bareback”: Factors Involved In The Development Of A Bareback Identity, Scott Charles Musgrove

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Researchers in the area of HIV prevention have long been aware of the rising incidence of unprotected sex among men who have sex with men (MSM). In recent years researchers have witnessed the emergence of the behaviors, attitudes and practices that discriminate between those of the MSM community who strictly and consistently adhere to safer sex practices, those who inconsistently practice safer sex, and those who eschew protected sex altogether. Understanding the factors that motivate the development and adoption of a "barebacker identity" in spite of serious potential for HIV infection may well help support the efforts of public agencies …

Mathematical Aids Epidemic Model: Preferential Anti-Retroviral Therapy Distribution In Resource Constrained Countries, Nadia Abuelezam

HMC Senior Theses

HIV/AIDS is one of the largest health problems the world is currently facing. Even with anti-retroviral therapies (ART), many resource-constrained countries are unable to meet the treatment needs of their infected populations. ART-distribution methods need to be created that prevent the largest number of future HIV infections. We have developed a compartment model that tracks the spread of HIV in multiple two-sex populations over time in the presence of limited treatment. The model has been fit to represent the HIV epidemic in rural and urban areas in Uganda. With the model we examine the spread of HIV among urban and …

Global Trends In Aids Mortality, John Bongaarts, Francois Pelletier, Patrick Gerland

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

This working paper reviews the evolution of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and provides estimates of past trends and future projections of AIDS mortality indicators, including numbers of AIDS deaths, the proportion of all deaths that are due to AIDS, and life expectancy. A cumulative total of 24 million people have died from AIDS between 1980 and 2007, and by 2030 this total is projected to reach 75 million. Despite the rapid spread of this new disease during the 1980s and 1990s, the epidemic has reached a major turning point in recent years as the rate of new infections peaked and began …

Antitumour And Antimalarial Activity Of Artemisinin–Acridine Hybrids, Michael Jones, Amy Mercer, Paul Stocks, Louise La Pensee, Rick Cosstick, B. Kevin Park, Miriam Kennedy, Ivo Piantanida, Stephen Ward, Jill Davies, Patrick Bray, Sarah Rawe, Jonathon Baird, Tafadzwa Charidza, Omar Janneh, Paul O'Neill

Articles

Artemisinin–acridine hybrids were prepared and evaluated for their in vitro activity against tumour cell lines and a chloroquine sensitive strain of Plasmodium falciparum. They showed a 2–4-fold increase in activity against HL60, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells in comparison with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and moderate antimalarial activity. Strong evidence that the compounds induce apoptosis in HL60 cells was obtained by flow cytometry, which indicated accumulation of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle.

A Narrative Analysis Of The Experiences Of Living With Hiv For Heterosexual Men, Tanya Millard

Theses : Honours

The number of heterosexual men presenting with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is steadily increasing in Australia. A paucity of literature currently exists surrounding the experience of living with HIV for heterosexual men, with most information targeted towards gay men, injecting drug users (IDUs) and women. This narrative literature review examines the body of knowledge concerning the experiences of heterosexual men living with HIV. The findings of this review indicate that for heterosexual men, HIV significantly impacts on their physical, psychological and social well being. In particular, they struggle with social and intimate relationships, negotiating disclosure, managing their stigmatised identity, and …

Gross Motor Abilities And Interventions In Girls And Women With Rett Syndrome: A Literature Review ; Longitudinal Video Analysis Of Gross Motor Abilities Of Girls And Women With Rett Syndrome, Kitty-Rose R. Foley

Theses : Honours

Objective: To explore research relevant to an understanding of gross motor abilities and highlight possible directions for gross motor intervention in girls and women with Rett syndrome. A secondary objective was to describe mouse model research which has the potential to add to an understanding of gross motor abilities in this population. Methods: Electronic searches of five databases, manual searches of an external resource library and manual searches of reference lists were undertaken. The key words imputed during these searches included; mobility, Rett syndrome, functioning, mouse model, therapy and intervention. Search terms were truncated, exploded and adjusted to achieve optimum …

Hydroxyl Radical Is Produced Via The Fenton Reaction In Submitochondrial Particles Under Oxidative Stress: Implications For Diseases Associated With Iron Accumulation, Carin Thomas, Melissa M. Mackey, Amy A. Diaz, David P. Cox

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

Mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are often implicated in diseases involving oxidative stress and elevated iron. As mitochondria produce ATP by oxidative phosphorylation, ROS by-products are generated from the electron transport chain. Although superoxide and hydrogen peroxide have been thoroughly investigated, little evidence documents hydroxyl radical (HO•) production in mitochondria. In order to determine whether HO• is generated under oxidative stress conditions by a Fenton-type mechanism, bovine heart submitochondrial particles were examined for HO• in the presence and absence of iron ligands, antioxidant enzymes and HO• scavengers. HO• was measured as 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA), using HPLC …

Medical Conditions In Children With Down Syndrome: A Literature Review ; Changes Over Time In Medical Conditions And Service Use By Children With Down Syndrome, Kelly Thomas

Theses : Honours

Background: Children with Down syndrome experience an array of medical conditions and health care problems. Although there have been vast improvements in the medical management of these conditions, they still significantly impact on quality of life for families and children with Down syndrome. However, despite the magnitude of this problem limited literature has described the overall health status of children with Down syndrome. Aim: The purpose of this review was to describe the medical conditions commonly experienced by children with Down syndrome and to consider the clinical implications of this knowledge. Methods: Databases Medline, CINHAL and PsychINFO were electronically searched …

Rapid Sensor Technology: A Risk And System Complexity Analyses Of Early Detection Of Influenza-Like-Illnesses, Cesar Ariel Pinto, Ipek Bozkurt

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

The development of effective and reliable methods to defend the nation against biological terrorism remains an urgent challenge to researchers in the areas of risk, bio-defense, public health, and emergency medicine. The emerging threat of the avian flu pandemic also highlights the unpreparedness of our nation's health care system to meet a highly contagious and infectious disease outbreak. The implementation of a rapid sensor technology for early detection of influenza-like-illness provides possible opportunities, as well as problems. Bounding and defining such a complex problem is one of the first challenges this research addresses. Approaching this problem from various perspectives such …

African American Women And Hiv Prevention, Nicole Monique Samuel

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

For many health conditions, non-Hispanic Blacks bear a disproportionate burden of disease, injury, death, and disability. The purpose of this study was to examine African American females and their HIV prevention methods, as well as to identify factors that may lead to the non-use of condoms. Seventy-one participants were recruited from Planned Parenthood in Detroit. The instrumentation used for this research was the Sexual Health and Beliefs Survey. Results indicated that 69 percent of the respondents had five or more sexual partners in the lifetime. Ninety-four percent of the participants knew where to purchase condoms, and 89 percent stated that …

Prevalence Of Vitamin D Insufficiency Among Breast Cancer Survivors, Kristen Poole Trukova

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine if vitamin D deficiency is a prevalent problem for female breast cancer survivors (BCS) who have completed treatment for breast cancer. Ninetynine breast cancer survivors and a control population of fifty-five women with no history of breast cancer participated in this study. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations were measured throughout 2007. Dietary and supplement intake of vitamin D was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Zip code of residence was used to evaluate potential for skin production of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency (<32ng/mL) was observed in 76 of 99 (77%) of BCS, and 51 of 55 (93%) of controls. Women taking vitamin D supplements were less likely to exhibit vitamin D deficiency, but supplementation did not guarantee sufficiency. Vitamin D deficiency appears to be prevalent among both groups. Vitamin D status should be routinely evaluated for all women as part of regular preventive care.

Combined Effects Of Hyperglycemic Conditions And Hiv-1 Nef: A Potential Model For Induced Hiv Neuropathogenesis., Edward A Acheampong, Cassandra Roschel, Muhammad Mukhtar, Alagarsamy Srinivasan, Mohammad Rafi, Roger J Pomerantz, Zahida Parveen

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Hyperglycemic conditions associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) or with the use of antiretroviral therapy may increase the risk of central nervous system (CNS) disorders in HIV-1 infected patients. In support of this hypothesis, we investigated the combined effects of hyperglycemic conditions and HIV-1 accessory protein Nef on the CNS using both in vitro and in vivo models. Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell type required for normal synaptic transmission and other functions were selected for our in vitro study. The results show that in vitro hyperglycemic conditions enhance the expression of proinflammatory cytokines including caspase-3, complement factor 3 (C3), and …

Cryo-Electron Tomography Elucidates The Molecular Architecture Of Treponema Pallidum, The Syphilis Spirochete, Jacques Izard, Christian Renken, Chyong-Ere Hsieh, Daniel C. Desrosiers, Star Dunham-Ems, Carson La Vake, Linda L. Gebhardt, Ronald J. Limberger, David L. Cox, Michael Marko, Justin D. Radolf

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Cryo-electron tomography (CET) was used to examine the native cellular organization of Treponema pallidum, the syphilis spirochete. T. pallidum cells appeared to form flat waves, did not contain an outer coat and, except for bulges over the basal bodies and widening in the vicinity of flagellar filaments, displayed a uniform periplasmic space. Although the outer membrane (OM) generally was smooth in contour, OM extrusions and blebs frequently were observed, highlighting the structure’s fluidity and lack of attachment to underlying periplasmic constituents. Cytoplasmic filaments converged from their attachment points opposite the basal bodies to form arrays that ran roughly …

An Analysis Of Use Of Equipment And Respite Services By Families With A Daughter With Rett Syndrome, Anna Urbanowicz

Theses : Honours

Purpose: This literature review examines the body of knowledge concerning the use of respite services and assistive products and technology, child and family characteristics, and parental well-being among families with a daughter with Rett syndrome or with a child with another developmental disability. Method: Literature published in the time period 1983-2009 was searched. Studies were included in this review if they reported use of respite services or assistive products and technology among families with a daughter with Rett syndrome or with a child with another developmental disability. Child and family characteristics and parental well-being were also considered. Results and conclusions: …

Powered Mobility As An Intervention For Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review ; The Smart Wheelchair: Is It An Appropriate Mobility Training Tool For Children With Cerebral Palsy?, Sarah Mcgarry

Theses : Honours

Purpose. To systematically review the effectiveness of powered mobility training interventions in improving driving skills and psychosocial outcomes in children with cerebral palsy. Method. Electronic searches of CINAHL, Medline and Meditext were conducted. Using two assessment tools, two independent reviewers assessed the quality of selected studies and level of evidence. Studies were included if a powered mobility training intervention was described, at least one participant had cerebral palsy and if the majority of participants were aged between 18 months and 18 years old. A narrative analysis was conducted. Results. Seven articles were eligible for inclusion. Intervention protocols included computer simulator …

Protection Of Macrophages J774a.1 By Purine Nucleoside Analogues From Bacillus Anthracis Mediated Necrosis, Zadkiel R. Alvarez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Eight years after the lamentable anthrax attacks, major scientific effort continues to be done, in order to stop imminent acts of bioterrorism. Innovative ways of therapy against the anthrax disease are being investigated. B. anthracis, the etiological agent of the infection, has a dormant stage in its life cycle known as the endospore. When conditions become favorable spores germinate, transforming into vegetative bacteria. In inhalational anthrax, the most fatal manifestation of the disease, spores enter the organism through the respiratory track, and are phagocytosized by alveolar macrophages of the lungs. Spores are able to sense nutrient availability, activating their germination …

2009- 2010 Unlv Mcnair Journal, Kathleen Bell, Danetta Bradley, Vacheral M. Carter, Nydia Diaz, Kathryn E. English, Sarah Harrison, Michelle Israel, Christina Macke, Erica Orozco, Pilar Palos, Sandra Ramos, Soraya A. Silverman, Susan Taylor, Sajar Camara, William Mccurdy, Yvonne C. Morris, Maxym V. Myroshnychenko, Ricardo Rios, Monique Sulls, Bremen Vance, Barbara Wallen

McNair Journal

Journal articles based on research conducted by undergraduate students in the McNair Scholars Program

Table of Contents

Biography of Dr. Ronald E. McNair

Statements:

Dr. Neal J. Smatresk, UNLV President

Dr. Juanita P. Fain, Vice President of Student Affairs

Dr. William W. Sullivan, Associate Vice President for Retention and Outreach

Mr. Keith Rogers, Deputy Executive Director of the Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach

McNair Scholars Institute Staff

Zinc-Finger Protein Mcpip In Cell Death And Differentiation, Craig Younce

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) plays a critical role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. How MCP-1 contributes to the development of heart disease is not understood. We present evidence that MCP-1 causes death in cardiac myoblasts, H9c2 by inducing oxidative stress, ER stress and autophagy via a novel Znfinger protein, MCP-1 induced protein (MCPIP). MCPIP expression caused cell death and knockdown of MCPIP, attenuated MCP-1 induced cell death. Expression of MCPIP resulted in induction of iNOS and production of reactive oxygen (ROS). It caused induction of NADPH oxidase subunit phox47 and its translocation to the cytoplasmic membrane. Oxidative stress led …

Rationale And Design Of A Trial Of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition In Infants With Single Ventricle., Daphne T. Hsu, Seema Mital, Chitra Ravishankar, Renee Margossian, Jennifer S. Li, Lynn A. Sleeper, Richard V. Williams, Jami C. Levine, Brian W. Mccrindle, Andrew M. Atz, Darlene Servedio, Lynn Mahony, Pediatric Heart Network Investigators, Girish S. Shirali

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are known to improve clinical outcome and ventricular function in adults with heart failure. Infants with single-ventricle physiology show abnormalities in ventricular function as well as poor growth. The ability of an ACE inhibitor to preserve ventricular function and improve growth in these infants is unknown.

METHODS: The Pediatric Heart Network designed a randomized, double-blind trial to compare outcomes in infants with single-ventricle physiology receiving enalapril or placebo. Neonates < or =45 days old were eligible. The primary outcome is weight-for-age Z-score at 14 months of age. Secondary outcomes include other measures of somatic growth, laboratory and functional measures of heart failure, developmental indices, measures of ventricular size and function, and the relationship of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system genotype to the response to enalapril. The incidence and spectrum of adverse events will also be compared between treatment groups.

RESULTS: A total of 1,245 neonates were screened and 533 (43%) were eligible. The consent rate was 43%; 230 subjects were enrolled. Parental reluctance to …

Review Of Cancer Among Indigenous Peoples, Sasha Stumpers, Neil Thomson

Research outputs pre 2011

This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of population-level cancer statistics and other key information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people alongside comparative figures for non-Indigenous Australians. It includes general information on the extent of cancer, including: incidence, hospitalisation and mortality. The review also provides information on the extent of cancer for specific cancers: lung, cervical, breast, prostate, liver, pancreatic and colorectal (bowel). Finally, the review discusses issues surrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s use of cancer services.

Automatic Diagnosis For Prostate Cancer Using Run-Length Matrix Method, Xiaoyan Sun, Shao-Hui Chuang, Jiang Li, Frederic Mckenzie, Nico Karssemeijer (Ed.), Maryellen L. Giger (Ed.)

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in US¹. Quantitative assessment of prostate histology provides potential automatic classification of prostate lesions and prediction of response to therapy. Traditionally, prostate cancer diagnosis is made by the analysis of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and histopathological images of biopsy samples under microscopes. In this application, we utilize a texture analysis method based on the run-length matrix for identifying tissue abnormalities in prostate histology. A tissue sample was collected from a radical prostatectomy, H&E fixed, and assessed by a pathologist …