Diseases Commons^™

Ftsk Regulates The Assembly Of The Division Machinery In The Ftsz-Less Chlamydia Trachomatis, Mckenna Katherine Harpring

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

In evolving to obligate intracellular dependence, Chlamydia trachomatis serovar L2 (Ct), has eliminated several gene products essential for cell division in most other bacteria, including FtsZ, the central coordinator of divisome assembly. In the absence of FtsZ, we show that divisome assembly in Ct is initiated by FtsK, a chromosomal translocase. Chlamydial FtsK forms discrete foci at the septum and at the base of the progenitor mother cell, and our data indicate that FtsK foci at the base of the mother cell mark the location of nascent divisome complexes that form at the site where a daughter cell will emerge …

Interplay Of Antibody Responses To Closely Related Viruses And Autoimmunity, Chun-Yang Lin

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Antibodies produced by B cells are crucial for eliminating infectious pathogens and preventing secondary infection. However, antibodies may also bind to self-antigens and contribute to autoimmune disease. While pathogen infections have been associated with development of autoimmune diseases, the precise contributions of viral infections to autoimmunity remain elusive. The presence of autoreactive antibodies is associated with an increased risk of developing autoimmune disease. Thus, analyzing the impact of viral infection and vaccination on the development of autoreactive antibodies will provide essential insight into mechanisms that contribute to autoimmune disease.

Examining How Non-Antifungal Medications Impact Host-Fungal Interactions, Parker Ryan Reitler

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are estimated to kill 1.5 million people each year with mortality rates remaining high (around 30-70%), despite the availability of three major classes of antifungal drugs. Furthermore, millions more suffer debilitating infections of the mucosal membranes or destructive subcutaneous mycoses. One of the most common IFIs is invasive candidiasis, mostly commonly caused by Candida albicans infections, with mortality rates of approximately 30%. In addition, the population of susceptible individuals and the incidences of both mucosal and systemic mycoses continue to rise due to the widespread use of broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, cancer chemotherapies, and the immune suppressive …

Real-World Pharmacological Anticoagulation And Clinical Outcomes Of Venous Thromboembolism In Adults With Sickle Cell Disease, Ming Chen

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disease characterized by sickle-shaped red blood cells that can slow or block blood flow. It affects about 100,000 people in the United States, and occurs more commonly in people of African descent. SCD is considered as a hypercoagulable state and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious disease-specific complication. However, there have been limited real-world studies on VTE in SCD patients. This work aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the risk factors and treatment of VTE in adults with SCD by using longitudinal real-world data. First, a retrospective cohort study on 30-day readmission …

Genotypes Of Snps Of Key Genes Regulate Susceptibility And Drug Sensitivity To Neovascular Amd, Jinglin Cui

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly its neovascular form, stands as a leading cause of blindness globally, with its prevalence in our country on a steady rise. This underscores the critical impact of neovascular AMD (nAMD) management on patient quality of life and societal burden. Current optimal treatments hinge on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies, though their efficacy varies across different drugs and individuals, highlighting the importance of precise drug selection in clinical outcomes. Research suggests that factors such as baseline vision, age, disease duration, lesion size, central retina thickness, neovascularization type, and demographic differences influence nAMD prognosis. In addition, …

Anatomical And Physiological Characterization Of Striatal Activation Of The Cerebral Cortex, Yuhan Wang

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Purpose. The striatum receives excitatory glutamatergic input from nearly all parts of the cerebral cortex, and its output is delivered by direct pathway medium spiny neurons (dMSNs) expressing D1 type dopamine (DA) receptors (D1Rs) and indirect pathway MSNs (iMSNs) expressing D2 DA receptors (D2Rs). Loss of DA results in the imbalance between the activities of dMSNs and iMSNs in Parkinson’s disease (PD), leading to ab-normal interactions between the cerebral cortex and striatum. Thus, understanding the inter-actions between the cortex and striatum is important. The monosynaptic corticostriatal cir-cuit has been extensively studied. In contrast, due to the poly-synaptic nature of the …

Molecular Determinants Of Trp Channel Gating, Briar J. Bell

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels are a family of proteins that contribute to a myriad of physiological functions. They have been extensively studied since their discovery 35 years ago; however, there are still many questions regarding the mechanisms by which they function. This family of proteins is characterized by a generally shared structure: an intracellular N terminus featuring ankyrin repeats, six transmembrane helices including the pore domain, a re-entrant loop and TRP helix, and an intracellular C terminus with varying structure. Each of these regions has been implicated in the regular function of TRPs, while mutations that alter trafficking …

Grading Of Malnutrition Among Under 5 Children Residing In Urban Slum In Mysuru Using Who Classification And Indian Academy Of Pediatrics (Iap) Classification: A Comparative Study, Ravali Annaram Dr, Amogha Shree Dr, Saurish Hegde Dr, Krishnaveni Y S Dr

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background

Malnutrition in Indian children under five is widespread, driven by insufficient food intake and diseases like diarrhoea and respiratory infections. Factors such as food security, maternal literacy, and healthcare access influence malnutrition rates. Growth monitoring utilizes WHO standards globally and IAP guidelines in India. Implementing these charts improves early identification and management of malnutrition, crucial for addressing childhood health challenges in India. This study compare the prevalence of malnutrition in WHO classification with Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) classification among under 5 children residing in urban slum.

Methodology

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6 …

Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis Discovered Through Skin Biopsy In A Pregnant Patient From Mexico, Henry Lim, Christina Guo, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Christopher M. Wong, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas GME Research Forum 2024

Introduction: Coccidioidomycosis is an infection caused by the organism Coccidioides immitis, a fungus endemic to the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America. The presentation of coccidioidomycosis can range from symptoms resembling a simple upper respiratory infection, such as cough, to more severe systemic symptoms including fever, malaise, and chills. Cutaneous lesions of coccidioidomycosis demonstrate a large heterogeneity of clinical manifestations but are significant as they may be the presenting sign of disseminated disease. While usually confined to the lungs, extrapulmonary coccidioidomycosis can occur in about 1 in 200 patients, most commonly associated with immunocompromised status. Pregnancy is an …

Retrospective Review Of Adverse Events After Treatment Of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer With Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, Marshall Hall, Henry Lim, Jason Pham, Alyssa Forsyth, Wenqin Du

North Texas GME Research Forum 2024

No abstract provided.

Crusted Scabies: A Case Report, Marshall Hall, Philip Oh, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

North Texas GME Research Forum 2024

Introduction: Scabies is a parasitic dermatologic condition that often presents as an extremely pruritic rash. A rare and highly contagious variant of scabies is crusted scabies, formerly known as Norwegian scabies. Crusted scabies presents with hyperkeratotic papules and plaques, most commonly on the palms and soles. Due to the variety of presentations seen in scabies, it can be difficult to diagnose. Case presentation: Case 1: An 89-year-old male with a history of dementia, anxiety, and benign prostatic hyperplasia presented with a 2-month history of a generalized pruritic rash. He lived in a memory care center. The physical exam showed an …

Presentations Of Cutaneous Disease In Various Skin Pigmentations: Tinea Corporis, Navya Peddireddy, Braden Van Alfen, Christian Scheufele, Marshall Hall, Christopher M. Wong, Stephen Weis

North Texas GME Research Forum 2024

Introduction: Tinea corporis, a superficial fungal skin infection, typically manifests as pruritic annular erythematous scaly plaques with central clearing. This condition can involve every body region. Here we present tinea corporis across various skin pigmentations. The goal of this presentation is to highlight distinctions and similarities in light, medium, and dark skin tones, using the Fitzpatrick scale for stratification of skin types. We hope this can aid primary care clinicians in early recognition of this common condition. Case Presentation: We present a series of cases illustrating the diverse manifestations of tinea corporis across different Fitzpatrick skin types. In Figure 2, …

Etanercept-Induced Iga Vasculitis, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Christopher Wong, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

North Texas GME Research Forum 2024

Introduction: IgA vasculitis, formerly known as Henoch-Schoenlein purpura, is a subtype of leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) and approximately 90% are seen in the pediatric population. In the adult population, it is more frequently associated with a more severe clinical course. Causes of IgA vasculitis may be idiopathic or may be secondary to infections or medications. Etanercept is a tumor necrosis factor-alpha fusion protein that has been rarely associated with LCV. Case presentation: A 59-year-old female with a 2-year history of red-to-violaceous purpuric papules on the bilateral lower extremities. She noted that after etanercept administration her lesions would get redder and would …

Geometric Favre-Racouchot Syndrome Following Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, Marshall Hall, Cecilia Nguyen, Christian Scheufele, Christopher M. Wong, Stephen E. Weis, Michael Carletti, Henry Lim

North Texas GME Research Forum 2024

Introduction: Favre-Racouchot Syndrome is a cutaneous disease characterized by nodules, cysts, and comedones located in sun-exposed areas of the face. It is most commonly found on the bilateral temporal and periorbital skin. Favre-Racouchot Syndrome is most associated with chronic sun exposure. It occurs more commonly in cigarette smokers. It has been rarely associated with radiation therapy. It has not been reported after image-guided superficial radiation therapy or in a geometric pattern. Case presentation: We present the first two recorded cases of Favre-Racouchot Syndrome occurring in the setting of image-guided superficial radiation therapy. Both patients presented with well-demarcated geometric plaques with …

Presentations Of Cutaneous Disease In Various Skin Pigmentations: Steroid Atrophy, Marshall Hall, Ysabelle Martinez, Wenqin Du, Christian Scheufele, Christopher M. Wong

North Texas GME Research Forum 2024

Introduction: Topical steroids are commonly prescribed first-line medications for various inflammatory and autoimmune dermatologic conditions. Their widespread use raises the importance of proper use. Topical steroids have well-known side effects including skin atrophy, redness, striae, and telangiectasias. These side effects have not been well documented in patients of various skin tones. Primary care clinicians must recognize topical steroid side effects and their appearance in various skin tones. This paper will focus on representing skin atrophy, the most common steroid side effect, in a variety of Fitzpatrick skin types. Case Presentation: We present a series of images illustrating skin atrophy …

Improving Lesion Diameter Reporting On Skin Biopsy Requisition Forms: A Quality Improvement Project, Christopher Wong, Christian Scheufele, Marshall Hall, Henry Lim, Daniel A. Nguyen, Stephen Weis, Michael Carletti, Dustin Wilkes

North Texas GME Research Forum 2024

Background: Skin biopsy requisition forms (SBRFs) are the primary communication tool between dermatologists and dermatopathologists. Diameters of biopsied skin lesions are frequently omitted on SBRFs. This quality improvement project aimed to increase the rate of reporting diameters of neoplasms on SBRFs from an academic dermatology outpatient clinic to greater than 65% within three years. Methods: The Plan-Do-Study-Act model was utilized. An initial audit was performed for SBRFs of biopsies obtained between July 1, 2021, and February 4, 2022 (“Cycle 1”). On February 4, 2022, the authors discussed societal guidelines for lesion diameter reporting on SBRFs (“Intervention A”). Cycle 2 prospectively …

Long-Term Efficacy And Safety Of Cardiac Genome Editing For Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia, Oliver M Moore, Yuriana Aguilar-Sanchez, Satadru K Lahiri, Mohit M Hulsurkar, J Alberto Navarro-Garcia, Tarah A Word, Joshua A Keefe, Dean Barazi, Elda M Munivez, Charles T Moore, Vaidya Parthasarathy, Jaysón Davidson, William R Lagor, So Hyun Park, Gang Bao, Christina Y Miyake, Xander H T Wehrens

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

INTRODUCTION: Heterozygous autosomal-dominant single nucleotide variants in RYR2 account for 60% of cases of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), an inherited arrhythmia disorder associated with high mortality rates. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing is a promising therapeutic approach that can permanently cure the disease by removing the mutant RYR2 allele. However, the safety and long-term efficacy of this strategy have not been established in a relevant disease model.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess whether adeno-associated virus type-9 (AAV9)-mediated somatic genome editing could prevent ventricular arrhythmias by removal of the mutant allele in mice that are heterozygous for

METHODS …

Ginkgo Biloba For Tardive Dyskinesia And Plasma Mnsod Activity: Association With Mnsod Ala-9val Variant: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial, Dongmei Wang, Yang Tian, Jiajing Chen, Rongrong Zhu, Jiaxin Li, Huixia Zhou, Dachun Chen, Li Wang, Thomas R Kosten, Xiang-Yang Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Excessive free radicals are implicated in the pathophysiology of tardive dyskinesia (TD), and Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) scavenges free radicals, thereby enhancing antioxidant enzymes such as mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). This study examined whether EGb761 treatment would improve TD symptoms and increase MnSOD activity, particularly in TD patients with specific MnSOD Val-9Ala genotype.

Methods: An EGb761 (240 mg/day) 12-week double-blind clinical trial with 157 TD patients was randomized. The severity of TD was measured by the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and plasma MnSOD activity was assayed before and after 12 weeks of treatment. Further, in an expanded …

International Society For Pediatric And Adolescent Diabetes Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2024: Diabetes Technologies - Insulin Delivery, Torben Biester, Cari Berget, Charlotte Boughton, Laura Cudizio, Laya Ekhlaspour, Marisa E Hilliard, Leenatha Reddy, Suzanne Sap Ngo Um, Melissa Schoelwer, Jennifer L Sherr, Klemen Dovc

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines represent a rich repository that serves as the only comprehensive set of clinical recommendations for children, adolescents, and young adults living with diabetes worldwide. This chapter builds on the 2022 ISPAD guidelines, and summarizes recent advances in the technology behind insulin administration, with special emphasis on insulin pump therapy, especially on glucose-responsive integrated technology that is feasible with the use of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in children and adolescents. The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines represent a rich repository that serves as the only comprehensive …

Concepts In Animal Parasitology, Chapter 34: Introduction To Diplostomida Olson Et Al., 2003 (Order) [Platyhelminthes, Trematoda, Digenea, Diplostomida], Lucrecia Acosta Soto, Bernard Fried, Rafael Toledo

Concepts in Animal Parasitology

An introduction to the trematode (fluke) order Diplostomida Olson et al., 2003, one of the two main lineages from which subclass Digenea have diversified. Includes a discussion of Diplostomida systematics, general morphology, and human pathogenesis, including schistosomiasis.

Chapter 34 in Concepts in Animal Parasitology, by Lucrecia Acosta Soto, Bernard Fried, and Rafael Toledo. 2024. S. L. Gardner and S. A. Gardner, editors. Zea Books, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. doi: 10.32873/unl.dc.ciap034

Concepts In Animal Parasitology, Chapter 52: Oxyurida (Order): Pinworms [Nemata, Secernentea], Haylee J. Weaver

Concepts in Animal Parasitology

An overview of the pinworms, order Oxyurida, discussing their key features, life history, ecology, health effects on hosts, systematics, taxonomy, and including summaries of the main groups.

Chapter 52 in Concepts in Animal Parasitology, by Haylee J. Weaver. 2024. S. L. Gardner and S. A. Gardner, editors. Zea Books, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. doi: 10.32873/unl.dc.ciap052

Concepts In Animal Parasitology, Part 5: Ectoparasites, Griselda Pulido-Flores, Scott C. Cutmore, Thomas H. Cribb, Alejandro Oceguera-Figueroa, Sebastian Kvist, Marcela Lareschi, Lajos Rózsa, Haylee J. Weaver, Sue Ann Gardner, Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti, Valeria Castilho Onofrio, Filipe Dantas-Torres

Concepts in Animal Parasitology

Part V: Ectoparasites, chapters 60–67, pages 732–841, in Concepts in Animal Parasitology. 2024. Scott L. Gardner and Sue Ann Gardner, editors. Zea Books, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States; part V doi: 10.32873/unl.dc.ciap075

Platyhelminthes

Chapter 60: Monogenea van Beneden, 1858 (Class) by Griselda Pulido-Flores, pages 733–742

Chapter 61: Transversotrematidae Witenberg, 1944 (Family): Ectoparasitic Trematodes by Scott C. Cutmore and Thomas H. Cribb, pages 743–746

Hirudinea

Chapter 62: Hirudinea (Subclass): Parasitic Leeches by Alejandro Oceguera-Figueroa and Sebastian Kvist, pages 747–755

Arthropoda

Chapter 63: Siphonaptera Latreille, 1825 (Order): Fleas by Marcela Lareschi, pages 756–770

Chapter 64: Phthiraptera (Order): Lice by Lajos Rózsa and Haylee …

Concepts In Animal Parasitology, Chapter 33: Aspidogastrea (Subclass) [Platyhelminthes, Trematoda, Aspidogastrea], Klaus Rohde

Concepts in Animal Parasitology

An overview of the trematode (fluke) subclass Aspidogastrea, a very small group of trematodes with around 80 species, none of them of economic importance, but are of great interest because of their unique structure, their simple life cycles (which may well be the most primitive or ancestral one among the trematodes, and the extraordinarily complex sensory/nervous systems found in some species. Includes a desciption of their general morphology, life cycles, taxonomy and phylogeny, infection process, localization in the host, and ecological infection dynamics.

Chapter 33 in Concepts in Animal Parasitology by Klaus Rohde. 2024. S. L. Gardner and S. A. …

Concepts In Animal Parasitology, Chapter 19: Echinococcus (Genus) [Platyhelminthes, Cestoda, Eucestoda], Akira Ito, Scott L. Gardner

Concepts in Animal Parasitology

Discusses the cestode (tapeworm) genus Echinococcus, several species of which infect humans, including their general morphology, taxonomy, systematics, life cycles, host range, and medical and veterinary importance.

Chapter 19 in Concepts in Animal Parasitology on the family Proteocephalidae La Rue, 1911 by Tomáš Scholz and Roman Kuchta. 2024. S. L. Gardner and S. A. Gardner, editors. Zea Books, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. doi: 10.32873/unl.dc.ciap019

Concepts In Animal Parasitology, Chapter 21: Bothriocephalidea Kuchta Et Al., 2008 (Order) [Platyhelminthes, Cestoda, Eucestoda], Jorge Falcón-Ordaz, Luis García-Prieto

Concepts in Animal Parasitology

An overview of the cestode (tapeworm) order Bothriocephalidea Kuchta et al., 2008, including a discussion of the main morphological characteristics, the description and summary of a representative species, Schyzocotyle acheilognathi (Yamaguti, 1934) Brabec et al., 2015 (also known as the Asian fish tapeworm), including its prevalence, life cycles, host range, and zoogeography.

Chapter 21 in Concepts in Animal Parasitology by Jorge Falcón-Ordaz and Luis García-Prieto. 2024. S. L. Gardner and S. A. Gardner, editors. Zea Books, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. doi: 10.32873/unl.dc.ciap021

Concepts In Animal Parasitology, Chapter 41: Monorchiata Olson Et Al., 2003 (Suborder): Two Families Separated By Salinity [Platyhelminthes, Trematoda, Digenea, Plagiorchiida], Nicholas Q.-X. Wee

Concepts in Animal Parasitology

An overview of the speciose trematode (fluke) suborder Monorchiata Olson et al., 2003, which parasitizes fishes as adults. Includes general morphology, systematics, taxonomy, life cycles, and biogeography for several groups.

Chapter 41 in Concepts in Animal Parasitology, by Nicholas Q.-X. Wee. 2024. S. L. Gardner and S. A. Gardner, editors. Zea Books, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. doi: 10.32873/unl.dc.ciap041

Concepts In Animal Parasitology, Chapter 66: Ixodida Leach, 1815 (Order): Ticks -- Keys To The Ticks [Arthropoda], Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti, Valeria Castilho Onofrio, Filipe Dantas-Torres

Concepts in Animal Parasitology

Chapter 66: Ixodida Leach, 1815 (Order): Ticks -- Keys to the Ticks by Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti, Valeria Castilho Onofrio, and Filipe Dantas-Torres.

Supplement to chapter 66 in Concepts in Animal Parasitology. 2024. Scott L. Gardner and Sue Ann Gardner, editors. Zea Books, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States.

Concepts In Animal Parasitology, Chapter 67: Acari Leach, 1817 (Subclass): Mites [Arthropoda], David Evans Walter, Gerald W. Krantz, Evert E. Lindquist

Concepts in Animal Parasitology

A very brief overview from open access sources about mites (subclass Acari Leach, 1817), including discussion of general identifying characteristics, biology, life cycle, scabies (cause by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis), and phylogenetic relationships (through 1996).

Chapter 67 in Concepts in Animal Parasitology, by David Evans Walter, Gerald W. Krantz, and Evert E. Lindquist. 2024. S. L. Gardner and S. A. Gardner, editors. Zea Books, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. doi: 10.32873/unl.dc.ciap067

Concepts In Animal Parasitology, Chapter 46: Opecoelidae Ozaki, 1925 (Family): The Richest Trematode Family [Platyhelminthes, Trematoda, Digenea, Plagiorchiida, Xiphidiata], Storm B. Martin

Concepts in Animal Parasitology

An overview of the trematode (fluke) family Opecoelidae Ozaki, 1925, the richest of all trematode families, comprising over 1,000 described species presently arranged into about 100 genera. Adult opecoelids are benign endoparasites, typically residing in the intestines, pyloric ceca, or rectum of phylogenetically and ecologically diverse teleost fishes worldwide. They exploit both marine and freshwater fishes and are among the best represented trematode lineages known from polar and deep sea fishes. Therefore, although no opecoelids are known to have any economic importance, they are often among the lineages of trematodes most frequently encountered by ichthyoparasitologists in the field.

Includes a …

Concepts In Animal Parasitology, Chapter 05: Life Cycles [Parasites In Relation To Other Organisms], Matthew G. Bolek, Kyle D. Gustafson, Gabriel J. Langford

Concepts in Animal Parasitology

Discusses the complex life cycles of parasites, their infection sites, and host range in relation to various host species.

Chapter 5 in Concepts in Animal Parasitology on life cycles by Matthew G. Bolek, Kyle D. Gustafson, and Gabriel J. Langford. 2024. S. L. Gardner and S. A. Gardner, editors. Zea Books, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. doi: 10.32873/unl.dc.ciap005