Immune System Diseases Commons^™

Adjuvant Therapy In Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Reflections And Future Directions, Sara Bedrose, Marilyne Daher, Lina Altameemi, Mouhammed Amir Habra

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with high risk of recurrence despite macroscopically complete surgical resection. The main predictors of ACC recurrence include advanced disease stage, incomplete surgical resection, cortisol production, certain genetic alterations, and high proliferation rate (Ki-67 proliferation index). Mitotane has been the mainstay adjuvant therapy of ACC. However, the use of mitotane is based on retrospective and occasionally conflicting evidence. As mitotane levels can take a few months before reaching therapeutic levels, there is an emerging practice of combining platinum-based chemotherapy with mitotane in the adjuvant setting. Retrospective data indicate that radiotherapy is an …

The Interplay Of The Oral-Gut Microbiome With Chronic Inflammation In Rheumatoid Arthritis And Crohn's Disease, Anuradha Rampersaud

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Abstract

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Crohn’s Disease (CD) are both chronic inflammatory diseases that share developmental and treatment similarities. RA’s symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and pain in synovial joints, corresponding with bone and cartilage destruction. CD’s symptoms include abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, bloating, diarrhea, and fever. The purpose of this literature review was to investigate the links between these two diseases and propose future treatment and prevention targets. Current treatment for RA and CD aims to suppress inflammation by targeting its mediators. However, this review noted that there should be greater focus on resolving inflammation. Both diseases are characterized by …

Tobacco/Hiv-1-Induced Myeloid Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles In Hiv-1 Pathogenesis, Sanjana Haque

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Introduction. Smoking, which is highly prevalent in people living with HIV/AIDS, has been shown to exacerbate HIV-1 replication, in part via cytochrome P450 (CYP)-induced oxidative stress. CYP enzymes metabolize cigarette smoke condensate (CSC), causing oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. Our previous studies have demonstrated that CSC and specific CSC constituents, benzo(a)pyrene and nicotine, potentially induce CYPs, resulting in higher oxidative stress and subsequent exacerbation of HIV-1 replication in monocytes and macrophages. However, the exact mechanism behind tobacco-induced, oxidative stress-mediated enhancement of HIV-1 replication is still poorly understood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently gained attention for their unique nature as intercellular messengers …

The Elevated Systemic Cytokine Levels In Hiv Patients Are Not Associated With An Elevated Pulmonary Cytokine Environment., Rafael Fernandez-Botran, Andrea Reyes-Vega, Yasmany García, Chanakya Charan Tirumala, Praneet Kumar Srisailam, Anupama Raghuram, Paula Peyrani, Stephen P. Furmanek, Mahder A. Tella, Jeffrey D. Ritzenthaler, Jesse Roman, Julio A. Ramirez

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Background

HIV-positive patients on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) are at higher risk of developing many non-AIDS related chronic diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), compared to HIV-negative individuals. While the mechanisms are not clear, a persistent pro-inflammatory state appears to be a key contributing factor. The aims of this study were to investigate whether HIV-positive patients without COPD present evidence of potentially predisposing abnormal pulmonary cytokine/chemokine environment and to explore the relationship between pulmonary and systemic cytokine levels.

Methods

This study included 39 HIV-seropositive and 34 HIV-seronegative subjects without COPD. All were subjected to outpatient bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid …

Synthesis And Preliminary Ex Vivo Testing Of Sirna Targeting Tcrb: A Proposed Therapy For The Treatment Of Autoimmunity, Nicholas J. Magazine

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Abstract

Background:

As of 2018, the United States National Institutes of Health estimate that over half a billion people worldwide are affected by autoimmune disorders. Though these conditions are prevalent, treatment options remain relatively poor, relying primarily on various forms of immunosuppression which carry potentially severe side effects and often lose effectiveness overtime. Given this, new forms of therapy are needed. We propose small-interfering RNA (siRNA) for hypervariable regions of the T-cell receptor β-chain gene (TCRb) as a highly targeted, novel means of therapy for the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

Objectives:

To develop methods to produce siRNA targeting …

Mast Cells As Novel Effector Cells In The Pathogenesis Of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease, Ethan Strattan

Theses and Dissertations--Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is most commonly a treatment for inborn defects of hematopoiesis or acute leukemias. Widespread use of HSCT, a potentially curative therapy, is hampered by onset of graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), a condition wherein the donor cells recognize the patient tissues as non-self. GVHD can manifest anywhere from weeks to decades post-transplant and is classified as either acute or chronic GVHD, both of which are significant causes of transplant-related morbidity and mortality.

However, GVHD is a complex, multifactorial, and enigmatic disease. The factors driving GVHD at the cellular and molecular level are incompletely understood. Immunosuppression targeting T-cells has …

Prophylaxis Of Food Allergen Sensitivity, Dustin Gottfeld

Physician Assistant Studies | Student Authored Articles

Food allergies can have a severe and drastic effect on a person’s lifestyle, while prevention of allergic disease can help to ensure others do not have to live with this burden. There are a variety of differing hypotheses that offer explanations for the early development of food allergies, particularly peanut allergies. Two of the foremost hypotheses are the Hygiene Hypothesis and the Dual-Allergen Hypothesis. The Hygiene Hypothesis claims that the diversity of a child’s microbiota creates a beneficial balance of microorganisms which can help prevent the development of allergic disease. Alternatively, the Dual-Allergen Hypothesis states that early environmental exposure to …

Quantifying The Heterogeneity Of The Immunoglobulin G N-Glycome In An Ageing Australian Population: The Busselton Healthy Ageing Study, Alyce Russell

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The use of immunoglobulin G N-glycomics to study chronic non-communicable disorders and other complex phenotypes emerged following the Human Genome Project. The consortium discovered that most phenotypes were too complex to be explained by genetics alone. Thus, the biological importance of epigenetics was recognised; heritable modifications to gene expression rather than the genome itself. Nglycosylation is a form of epigenetic regulation known as a post-translational modification. It stabilises the immunoglobulin G structure and alters downstream responses elicited by the antibody and is extensively studied as a candidate biomarker in the post-genomic era.

The N-glycosylation of immunoglobulin G itself is complex, …

The Case For Face Shields: Improving The Covid-19 Public Health Policy Toolkit, Timothy L. Wiemken, Ana Santos Rutschman, Robert Gatter

All Faculty Scholarship

As the United States battles the later stages of the first wave of COVID-19 and faces the prospect of future waves, it is time to consider the practical utility of face shields as an alternative or complement to face masks in the policy guidance. Without face shields specifically noted in national guidance, many areas may be reluctant to allow their use as an alternative to cloth face masks, even with sufficient modification.

In this piece, we discuss the benefits of face shields as a substitute to face masks in the context of public health policy. We further discuss the implications …

Elucidating The Complex Signaling Events Driving Intestinal Stem Cell Plasticity Following Injury, Evan Lynch

Theses and Dissertations--Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics

Signaling events governing intestinal stem cell (ISC) homeostasis maintain the delicate balance of active self-renewal and passive differentiation to replenish intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) every 3-5 days. However, under certain contexts, ISC function is irreversibly compromised—requiring committed IEC lineages to dedifferentiate and regain “stemness”. In the current studies, we examine the signaling events driving epithelial cell responses to injury to expose pathologic failures in the healing response. Our specific goal is to tease out the cellular contexts that promote dedifferentiation to design effective therapeutics for disease conditions compromising ISC function.

First, we generated a novel transgenic animal using the epithelial-specific …

Super Learner Analysis Of Real-Time Electronically Monitored Adherence To Antiretroviral Therapy Under Constrained Optimization And Comparison To Non-Differentiated Care Approaches For Persons Living With Hiv In Rural Uganda, Alejandra E. Benitez, Nicholas Musinguzi, David Bangsberg, Mwebesa B. Bwana, Conrad Muzoora, Peter Hunt, Jeffrey N. Martin, Jessica E. Haberer, Maya L. Petersen

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introduction

Real‐time electronic adherence monitoring (EAM) systems could inform on‐going risk assessment for HIV viraemia and be used to personalize viral load testing schedules. We evaluated the potential of real‐time EAM (transferred via cellular signal) and standard EAM (downloaded via USB cable) in rural Uganda to inform individually differentiated viral load testing strategies by applying machine learning approaches.

Methods

We evaluated an observational cohort of persons living with HIV and treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) who were monitored longitudinally with standard EAM from 2005 to 2011 and real‐time EAM from 2011 to 2015. Super learner, an ensemble machine learning method, …

Hiv Care Continuum Characteristics Among People With Opioid Use Disorder And Hiv In Vietnam: Baseline Results From The Bravo Study, Caroline King, Le Minh Giang, Gavin Bart, Lynn Elizabeth Kunkel, P. Todd Korthuis

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background

Little is known about patient characteristics that contribute to initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) and achieving viral suppression among HIV people with opioid use disorder in Vietnam. The primary objective of this analysis was to evaluate associations between participant characteristics and the critical steps in the HIV care continuum of ART initiation and HIV viral suppression among people with opioid use disorder and HIV in Vietnam.

Methods

We assessed baseline participant characteristics, ART status, and HIV viral suppression (HIV RNA PCR < 200 copies/mL) enrolled in a clinical trial of HIV clinic-based buprenorphine versus referral for methadone among people with opioid use disorder in Vietnam. We developed logistic regression models to identify characteristics associated with ART status and HIV viral suppression.

Results

Among 283 study participants, 191 (67.5%) were prescribed ART at baseline, and 168 of those on ART (90%) …

Prevalence And Correlates Of Transactional Sex Among Women Of Low Socioeconomic Status In Portland, Or, Timothy Menza, Lauren Lipira, Amisha Bhattarai, Victoria Cali-De Leon, E. Roberto Orellana

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Women who report transactional sex are at increased risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, in the United States, social, behavioral, and trauma-related vulnerabilities associated with transactional sex are understudied and data on access to biomedical HIV prevention among women who report transactional sex are limited.

Methods: In 2016, we conducted a population-based, cross-sectional survey of women of low socioeconomic status recruited via respondent-driven sampling in Portland, Oregon. We calculated the prevalence and, assessed the correlates of, transactional sex using generalized linear models accounting for sampling design. We also compared health outcomes, HIV screening, and knowledge …

Organic Compound Farnesol Reduces Disease Severity And Onset In Mouse Model Of Multiple Sclerosis, Lacey B. Sell

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

Comments On The Preliminary Framework For Equitable Allocation Of Covid-19 Vaccine, Ana Santos Rutschman, Julia Barnes-Weise, Robert Gatter, Timothy L. Wiemken

All Faculty Scholarship

On September 1, 2020 the National Academies released a draft framework for Equitable Allocation of a COVID-19 Vaccine. In this response, we analyze the proposed framework and highlight several areas.

Among the proposed changes, we highlight the need for the following interventions. The final framework for distribution of COVID-19 vaccines should give a higher priority to populations made most vulnerable by the social determinants of health. It should incorporate more geography-based approaches in at least some of the four proposed phases of vaccine distribution. It should address the possibility of a vaccine being made available through an emergency use authorization …

Boron Trifluoride Etherate Promoted Microwave Assisted Synthesis Of Antimalarial Acridones, Papireddy Kancharla, Rozalia A. Dodean, Yuexin Li, Jane X. Kelly

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

A microwave-assisted, rapid and efficient method using boron trifluoride etherate (BF3.Et2O) for the synthesis of acridones, via an intramolecular acylation of N-phenylanthranilic acid derivatives, has been developed. The reaction proceeds under solvent-free conditions, tolerates a wide range of functional groups, and provides rapid access to a range of acridones in good to excellent yields. Several of the synthesized acridones exhibited potent antimalarial activities against CQ sensitive and multi-drug resistant (MDR) parasites.

Leveraging Technology To Blend Large-Scale Epidemiologic Surveillance With Social And Behavioral Science Methods: Successes, Challenges, And Lessons Learned Implementing The Unite Longitudinal Cohort Study Of Hiv Risk Factors Among Sexual Minority Men In The United States, H. Jonathon Rendina, Ali J. Talan, Nicola F. Tavella, Jonathan Lopez Matos, Ruben H. Jimenez, S. Scott Jones, Brian Salfas, Drew Westmoreland

Publications and Research

The use of digital technologies to conduct large-scale research with limited interaction (i.e., no in-person contact) and objective endpoints (i.e., biological testing) has significant potential for the field of epidemiology, but limited research to date has been published on the successes and challenges of such approaches. We analyzed data from a cohort study of sexual minority men across the United States, collected using digital strategies during a 10-month period from 2017 to 2018. Overall, 113,874 individuals were screened, of whom 26,000 were invited to the study, 10,691 joined the study, and 7,957 completed all enrollment steps, including return of a …

Association Between Stigma, Psychological Distress, And Quality Of Life Among People Living With Hiv In Federal Territory Of Kuala Lumpur, Ibrahim Khairiah

Student Works (2020-2029)

Quality of life is an important component in the evaluation of the well-being of PLHIV. However, HIV stigma and psychological distress (depression, anxiety and stress) continue to be a barrier to obtain a good quality of life among PLHIV globally. This study assesses the level of QOL, stigma and psychological distress among PLHIV in Kuala Lumpur by determining the association between QOL, stigma and psychological distress. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 305 PLHIV attendees of the infectious disease clinic in a teaching hospital, primary health clinic and three Community-Based Organisations (CBOs). The sampled respondents completed face to face interviews …

Oral Manifestations Of Renal Osteodystrophy In A Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Chronic Renal Failure And Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: A Case Report, Inthivorn Riyachan, Ajiravudh Subarnbhesaj, Wilairat Sarideechaigul, Poramaporn Klanrit

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the chronic autoimmune diseases that leads to multiple manifestations in several organ systems, including chronic renal failure (CRF). Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is one of the most common complications of CRF associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). A combination of CRF and HPT can result in broad-spectrum disorders in the metabolism of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which can affect bone turnover, mineralization, and volume. Radiographic alterations of ROD are considered as one of the earliest signs of CRF. Objective: To describe the oral manifestations in both the maxilla and mandible of …

Delivery Of Small Molecule And Rna Using Synthetic Polymeric Micelles And Multifunctional Exosomes For The Treatment Of Type 1 Diabetes, Yang Peng

Theses & Dissertations

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most challenging chronic autoimmune diseases. The destruction and dysfunction of insulin-secreting β cells are the results of inflammatory infiltration and the synergistic effect of multiple immune cells. The aim of this dissertation is to develop novel and reliable therapeutic approaches to advance the treatment of T1D: including chemical modification of a broad-spectrum immunosuppressant, co-application of small molecule based immune intervention and siRNA based β cell preservative therapy, and administration of a PI3K-δ/γ dual inhibitor to specifically target immune cells, utilizing synthetic polymeric micelles or natural produced multi-functional exosomes derived from human bone marrow …

Recent Advances Spark Significant Guideline Change: Antiretroviral Therapy (Art) At High Cd4+ Counts In The Treatment Naïve Patient, Joshua Ilenin, Kelly Fargo, Lisa Berni, Kristen Thatcher, Caitlin Swann, Andrew Roecker

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) targets CD4+ lymphocytes, a critical component to proper functioning of the human immune system. HIV is a significant public health concern, having resulted in over 27 million deaths since its discovery. Currently, several different treatment options exist, with combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the forefront. Despite the success of ART therapy, there are number of problems, including poor patient compliance. Due to this, the appropriate time to initiate therapy in the treatment naïve patient is under continuous scrutiny. Recently, several trials have demonstrated evidence suggesting that initiating ART at high CD4+ counts in the treatment naïve …

The Hiv Vaccine: Learning From Failure And Building On Success, Lindsey Mcclish, Kimberly Gathers, Katie Salay, Lisa Vranekovic, Kristin Seaman, Kelly M. Shields

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

An effective vaccine for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has eluded researchers since the identification of the HIV virus. There are many challenges in developing an effective HIV vaccine, including the lack of knowledge regarding the immune response to the virus and its diverse nature. Ethical concerns further complicate research. A recent phase III trial was performed in Thailand and showed that a significant reduction in HIV infection is possible. Pharmacists need to stay informed of these important breakthroughs in AIDS research in order to provide quality health information to patients in their community. This paper aims to evaluate the …

It's A Hard Nacht Life: Understanding How Nlrp12 Ticks, Abbigale Julia Brown

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

The protein NOD- like receptor pyrin domain containing 12 (NLRP12) comes from a family of protein receptors with a wide range of functions including fertility as well as anti-inflammatory properties. The biological role of NLRP12 is poorly understood: research on the mechanisms behind its function and/or activation remains contradictory between different cell models. Current research suggests its involvement in a multi-protein complex named the inflammasome. The alternative hypothesis that has also been proposed is that NLRP12 is not a part of the inflammasome, rather it negatively regulates a transcription factor known as NF-��B down stream of Toll-like receptors. NLRP12 is …

The Relationship Between Biofilm Production And Human Respiratory Cell Attachment And Invasion By Acinetobacter Baumannii, Rachel A. Pearson

Theses and Dissertations

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic gram-negative bacterial pathogen that causes many nosocomial infections in immunocompromised individuals. Common infections include catheter-associated urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, and bloodstream infections that often lead to septicemia. Increasing multidrug resistance (MDR) in A. baumannii warrants new approaches to understanding its virulence mechanisms and pathogenicity. As a first step in infection, A. baumannii can attach to host cells, providing a surface for the bacteria to grow and perhaps facilitating biofilm formation and subsequent tissue invasion. In this study, we evaluated antibiotic resistance and characterized biofilm formation, attachment, invasion, and surface …

Identification Of The Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (Kshv) Surface Glycoprotein Targets Of Human Kshv-Specific Neutralizing Antibody Responses, Yasaman Mortazavi

School of Biological Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), is the etiological agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), and is also associated with two B cell malignancies, primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman's disease. The distribution of KSHV varies globally with high prevalence in some areas of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where seroprevalence can be as high as 80%. It is estimated that nearly 44,000 new cases of KS emerge annually globally, with the highest incidents occurring in Africa, where KSHV is endemic. Currently, there is no prophylactic vaccine against KSHV, and efforts to develop prophylactic vaccines have been limited. …

Chronic Environmental Exposure To Metal Mixtures In Tribal Populations And Potential Immune System Effects, Jennifer J. Ong

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Hardrock mining in the United States (US) has left a legacy of mixed metal mine waste sites. Wastes may contain multiple metals of health concern, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and uranium, among others. Mining waste sites are disproportionately located on or contiguous to the watersheds of tribal lands. Due to proximity, and because of reliance on natural resources to maintain traditional diets and customs, Native American communities’ contact with multiple metals is often increased. Two impacted communities are the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) and Navajo Nation. Both tribes have expressed concerns that metals in mine waste adversely affect …

Nasal Crohn's: Rare But Real Possibility, Pratikkumar Vekaria Md, Johnnie Mao Md, Ravis Patel Md, Devin Vaishnani Md, Tejas Raiyani Md

Internal Medicine

Crohn’s disease(CD) is an autoimmune IBD that can occur anywhere along GI tract. Its pathology show transmural granulomatous inflammation that can include all layers of GI lining. Extra-intestinal manifestations can be seen in multiple organ systems like skin, joints, eyes, and mouth. These symptoms are common in patient involving large intestine compare to involving only small-intestine. Nasal involvement is rare with CD and very few cases have been reported so far.

Guillain Barre Syndrome In A Patient With Sickle Cell Anemia, Kunjan Udani Md, Pooja Patel, Dveet Patel, Hajra Awwab, Nino Balanchivadze

Internal Medicine

No abstract provided.

Anesthetic Management Without The Use Of Neuromuscular Blocking Agents In Myasthenia Gravis Patient Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting And Thymectomy, Katarina Kapisoda, Ettore Crimi Md, Omeni Osian

Anesthesiology

We describe a novel and effective anesthetic management of a 67 year old male with myasthenia gravis (MG) who underwent combined coronary artery bypass graft and thymectomy. Induction of general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation was performed with propofol and remifentanyl without use of any neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA). General anesthesia was then maintained with inhaled isoflurane and continuous intravenous infusion of sufentanyl and dexmedetomidine. In ICU, trachea was extubated within two hours from admission and no complications occurred during the following 24 hours ICU stay. Avoidance of NMBA may improve outcomes by decreasing the risks associated with their use.

Treatment Of Podoconiosis With Complicating Polyinfections Within Rural African Villages: A Case Study, Amanda R. Beering, Abigail R. Florence, Soon Bahrami Md

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

This case study aims to provide a treatment plan for the treatment of podoconiosis with complicating polyinfections in a resource poor setting. A second objective is to help healthcare providers teach preventive measures to villagers in affected regions.