Medical Sciences Commons^™

Upa Is Upregulated By High Dose Celecoxib In Women At Increased Risk Of Developing Breast Cancer., Wenyi Qin, Weizhu Zhu, John E Hewett, George Rottinghaus, Yin-Chieh Chen, John T Flynn, Beth Kliethermes, Ferdinando Mannello, Edward R Sauter

Department of Physiology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: While increased urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) expression in breast cancer tissue is directly associated with poor prognosis, recent evidence suggests that uPA overexpression may suppress tumor growth and prolong survival. Celecoxib has been shown to have antiangiogenic and antiproliferative properties. We sought to determine if uPA, PA inhibitor (PAI)-1 and prostaglandin (PG)E2 expression in nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) and uPA and PGE2 expression in plasma were altered by celecoxib dose and concentration in women at increased breast cancer risk.

METHODS: NAF and plasma samples were collected in women at increased breast cancer risk before and 2 weeks after taking …

The Impact Of Patient Education On Diabetes Empowerment Scale (Des) And Diabetes Attitude Scale (Das-3) In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Nazli Atak, Kenan Köse, Tanju Gürkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: This study was conducted to assess the impact of a brief, patient-centered education program on perceived self-efficacy and attitudes towards diabetes of patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled study was designed and conducted to assess the impact of education using the DES (Diabetes Empowerment Scale) and DAS-3 (Diabetes Attitude Questionnaire-3), which were administered using a pre- and post-test design. A patient-centered education program was developed on the basis of the data supplied from patients' responses to a knowledge pre-test and the ´´Teaching Letters`` prepared by the Diabetes Education Study Group (DESG) of the European …

Taqi Polymorphism Of The Vitamin-D Receptor Gene And Quality Of Life In Postmenopausal Turkish Women, Savaş Gürsoy, Emi̇n Erdal, Belgi̇n Alaşehi̇rli̇, Ali̇ Aydeni̇z, Nuran Erdal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: We aimed to assess vitamin-D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism in postmenopausal osteoporotic Turkish women as well as the impact of this on diagnosis, treatment and quality of life. Materials and Methods: Seventy postmenopausal osteoporotic women and 71 postmenopausal healthy women constituted the disease and control groups, respectively. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood of all participants and analyzed for the TaqI gene polymorphism of the VDR gene. The osteoporotic group was taking calcitonin, alendronate, calcitriol and elementary calcium, while the control group was taking only vitamin D and calcium. Quality of life of patients was measured by Nottingham Health …

Effects Of Cypermethrin On Isolated Frog Sciatic Nerve: An Ultrastructural Study, S. Necat Yilmaz, Ülkü Çömelekoğlu, Banu Coşkun, Ebru Balli, Aynur Özge

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Cypermethrin is a potent representative of the type 2 pyrethroid insecticides. This study aimed to investigate the ultrastructural effects of cypermethrin on isolated frog sciatic nerve. Materials and Methods: 28 Rana ridibunda frogs were chosen and randomly divided into four groups (n = 7). After decapitation, sciatic nerves were isolated. All nerves except the control group were exposed to 2.5 µM cypermethrin in Ringer´s solution for 30 (group 1), 45 (group 2) and 60 (group 3) minutes, respectively. Tissue samples were evaluated by transmission electron microscope. Results: Degeneration in the myelin sheath and axon, decrease in the number of …

Cisplatin Causes Oxidation In Rat Liver Tissues: Possible Protective Effects Of Antioxidant Food Supplementation, Aslihan Avci, Recep Çeti̇n, İmge B. Ergüder, Erdi̇nç Devri̇m, Bülent Kiliçoğlu, Özden Çandir, H. Serdar Öztürk, İlker Durak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible molecular mechanism of cisplatin hepatotoxicity and to establish whether some natural antioxidant foods, namely dried black grape and tomato, may provide protection against cisplatin hepatotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight rats were used throughout the study. Cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) in a single dose (10 mg/kg). Antioxidant food supplementation was started three days before cisplatin treatment. There were 7 animals in each group (control, cisplatin, cisplatin plus dried black grape and cisplatin plus tomato juice). Rats were sacrificed 72 h after the treatment. The livers were removed and prepared for …

Susceptibility Of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia Coli Urine Isolates To Fosfomycin, Ciprofloxacin, Amikacin And Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Hüsnü Pullukçu, Şöhret Aydemi̇r, Meltem Işikgöz Taşbakan, Feri̇ha Çi̇lli̇, Alper Tünger, Sercan Ulusoy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused in particular by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli strains are related with high morbidity and mortality, and treatment is quite difficult. These infections generally are treated by carbapenems, and their costs are high. We aimed in this study to investigate the susceptibilities of ESBL-producing E. coli strains isolated from urine cultures to fosfomycin, ciprofloxacin, amikacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and to determine the general resistance profile in our region of these strains isolated from UTIs. Materials and Methods: Between January 2005-December 2005, ESBL-producing E. coli strains isolated from urine samples sent from various outpatient and inpatient …

Inhibition Of Oncogene-Induced Inflammatory Chemokines Using A Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor., Katharine C Degeorge, Brent R Degeorge, James S Testa, Jay L Rothstein

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTI) are small molecule agents originally formulated to inhibit the oncogenic functions of Ras. Although subsequent analysis of FTI activity revealed wider effects on other pathways, the drug has been demonstrated to reduce Ras signaling by direct measurements. The purpose of the current study was to determine if FTI could be used to inhibit the inflammatory activities of a known Ras-activating human oncoprotein, RET/PTC3. RET/PTC3 is a fusion oncoprotein expressed in the thyroid epithelium of patients afflicted with thyroid autoimmune disease and/or differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Previous studies have demonstrated that RET/PTC3 signals through Ras and can …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Naturally Occurring Polymorphisms In Hiv-1 Vpr: Potential Impact On Ctl Epitopes., Alagarsamy Srinivasan, Velpandi Ayyavoo, Sundarasamy Mahalingam, Aarthi Kannan, Anne Boyd, Debduti Datta, Vaniambadi S Kalyanaraman, Anthony Cristillo, Ronald G Collman, Nelly Morellet, Bassel E Sawaya, Ramachandran Murali

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

The enormous genetic variability reported in HIV-1 has posed problems in the treatment of infected individuals. This is evident in the form of HIV-1 resistant to antiviral agents, neutralizing antibodies and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) involving multiple viral gene products. Based on this, it has been suggested that a comprehensive analysis of the polymorphisms in HIV proteins is of value for understanding the virus transmission and pathogenesis as well as for the efforts towards developing anti-viral therapeutics and vaccines. This study, for the first time, describes an in-depth analysis of genetic variation in Vpr using information from global HIV-1 isolates …

Examining The Behavioral And Molecular Aspects Of Adolescent Nicotine Dependence: Implications For Vulnerability To Drugs Of Abuse, Dena Heath Kota

Theses and Dissertations

Approximately 200 million men and 100 million women smoke worldwide. In the United States, an estimated 25.9 million men (23.9 percent) and 20.7 million women (18.1 percent) are smokers. The commencement of smoking at a young age is thought to increase addiction liability, decrease the probability of successful cessation, and correlate with a higher number of cigarettes smoked per day. Studies from the World Health Organization indicate that between 80,000 and 100,000 children start smoking every day worldwide. These statistics suggest that adolescence is a critical phase for developing nicotine dependence. The work in this dissertation contributes to the further …

Prolonged Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Syndrome As An Initial Presentation Of Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Case Report., Kathryn Chan, Eric Behling, David S Strayer, William S Kocher, Scott K Dessain

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is an immune-mediated syndrome that typically has a rapidly progressive course that can result in pancytopenia, coagulopathy, multi-system organ failure and death. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old Caucasian woman was referred in fulminant hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, with fever, pancytopenia, splenomegaly, mental status changes and respiratory failure. She was found to have stage IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma, in addition to Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus viremia. Her presentation was preceded by a 3-year prodrome consisting of cytopenia and fever that were partially controlled by steroids and azathioprine. CONCLUSION: Fulminant hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis may follow a prodromal phase that possesses features suggestive of …

Gliotoxin Production In Aspergillus Fumigatus, Susan Musyimi

Theses and Dissertations

Aspergillus fumigalus is a ubiquitous fungus that causes an infection called aspergillosis in immune-compromised surgery patients (Latge, 2001, 384; Bok et al. 2006). Aspergillosis cases have increased in the past decade due to the increasing number of patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy and receiving organ transplants (Bok et al. 2006). Although there is still disagreement as to the causative agent of the symptoms accompanying aspergillosis, many scientists suspect that the compound, gliotoxin, plays a major role, hi this study, we compared the amounts of gliotoxin produced from clinical and environmental isolates of A. fumigatus. We hypothesized that the amount of gliotoxin …

Droid: The Drosophila Interactions Database, A Comprehensive Resource For Annotated Gene And Protein Interactions, Jingkai Yu, Svetlana Pacifico, Guozhen Liu, Russell L. Finley Jr

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Charting the interactions among genes and among their protein products is essential for understanding biological systems. A flood of interaction data is emerging from high throughput technologies, computational approaches, and literature mining methods. Quick and efficient access to this data has become a critical issue for biologists. Several excellent multi-organism databases for gene and protein interactions are available, yet most of these have understandable difficulty maintaining comprehensive information for any one organism. No single database, for example, includes all available interactions, integrated gene expression data, and comprehensive and searchable gene information for the important model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. …

A Stable Explant Culture Of Her2/Neu Invasive Carcinoma Supported By Alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin Expressing Stromal Cells To Evaluate Therapeutic Agents, Marie P. Piechocki

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

To gain a better understanding of the effects of therapeutic agents on the tumor microenvironment in invasive cancers, we developed a co-culture model from an invasive lobular carcinoma. Tumor cells expressing HER2/neu organize in nests surrounded by alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) expressing tumor stroma to resemble the morphology of an invading tumor. This co-culture, Mammary Adenocarcinoma Model (MAM-1) maintains a 1:1 ratio of HER2/neu positive tumor cells to α-SMA-reactive stromal cells and renews this configuration for over 20 passages in vitro.

Methods

We characterized the cellular elements of the MAM-1 model by microarray analysis, and immunocytochemistry. We developed …

Detailed Characterization Of The Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Transcriptome Reveals Novel Genes And Intergenic Splicing Associated With Pluripotency, Galih Kunarso, Kee-Yew Wong, Lawrence W. Stanton, Leonard Lipovich

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Transcriptional control of embryonic stem (ES) cell pluripotency has been a subject of intense study. Transcriptional regulators including Oct4 (Oct3/4 index), Sox2 and Nanog are fundamental for maintaining the undifferentiated state. However, the ES cell transcriptome is not limited to their targets, and exhibits considerable complexity when assayed with microarray, MPSS, cDNA/EST sequencing, and SAGE technologies. To identify novel genes associated with pluripotency, we globally searched for ES transcripts not corresponding to known genes, validated their sequences, determined their expression profiles, and employed RNAi to test their function.

Results

Gene Identification Signature (GIS) analysis, a SAGE derivative distinguished …

Autoimmune-Induced Preferential Depletion Of Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein (Mag) Is Genetically Regulated In Relapsing Eae (B6 × Sjl) F1 Mice, Dusanka S. Skundric, Rujuan Dai, Vaagn L. Zakarian, Weili Zhou

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is commonly used to investigate mechanisms of autoimmune-mediated damage to oligodendrocytes, myelin, and axons in multiple sclerosis (MS). Four distinct autoimmune mechanisms with subsequently distinct patterns of demyelination have been recognized in acute MS lesions. EAE correlates for those distinct patterns of MS lesions are unknown. An excessive loss of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), as a result of distal oligodendrogliopathy, is found exclusively in the subtype III lesion. We sought to answer if types of demyelination in acute lesions during onset and relapse of EAE can replicate the specific patterns observed in MS acute lesions. …

In-Vivo Delivery Of Dna Vaccines Using Metallo-Lipid Nanoparticles, Clarissa Sara Gomez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

There has been a rapidly growing area of research in the design and synthesis of molecules that self-organize in water to form functional nanosystems and due to the high interest in the area metal ligand complexes were tested as drug delivery systems with a Leishmania vaccine. Herein, we present the design, synthesis and functional activity of Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes that self-assemble in water to form spherical nanoscale structures that exhibit an affinity to bind DNA and deliver it into eukaryotic cells with a high percent efficiency in-vitro. In order to assess the effectiveness of these nanoparticles to deliver DNA …

Micrornas (Mirnas) In Neurodegenerative Diseases, Peter T. Nelson, Wang-Xia Wang, Bernard W. Rajeev

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Aging-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are the culmination of many different genetic and environmental influences. Prior studies have shown that RNAs are pathologically altered during the inexorable course of some NDs. Recent evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be a contributing factor in neurodegeneration. miRNAs are brain-enriched, small (~22 nucleotides) non-coding RNAs that participate in mRNA translational regulation. Although discovered in the framework of worm development, miRNAs are now appreciated to play a dynamic role in many mammalian brain-related biochemical pathways, including neuroplasticity and stress responses. Research about miRNAs in the context of neurodegeneration is accumulating rapidly, and the goal of …

Editorial, First Science And Policy Issue, Jscas

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

A Call For A Statewide Bioinformatics Institute, John R. Rose

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

With The Help Of South Carolina Research Universities, Scra Demonstrates Leadership In Applied Research And Commercialization Within Sc, Bill Mahoney

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Sc Inbre: A Catalyst For Biomedical Research Development In South Carolina, Lucia A. Pirisi-Creek M.D, Scott Little, Ph.D.

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Inflammation: The Key To Health And Disease, Prakash Nagarkatti Ph. D, Donald J. Dipette M. D.

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Synthesis Of Multifunctional Nanogels Using A Protected Macromonomer Approach, Neetu Singh, L. Andrew Lyon

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Nanoparticles possessing multiple functionalities provide synthetic handles for varied surface chemistries, making them useful for a range of applications such as biotargeting and drug delivery. However, the combination of interfering functionalities on the same particle is often challenging. We have employed a synthetic scheme involving chemical protection/deprotection to combine interfering functional groups on the same hydrogel nanoparticle. The synthesis of amine-containing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanogels was carried out via free radical precipitation polymerization by incorporating a Fmoc-protected amine poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macromonomer. The Fmoc group was then removed to obtain free amines, which were shown to be available for conjugation. We further …

Different Segregation Of Chromosomes 5 And 7 In Two Generations And Related Phenotypic Findings, Osman Demi̇rhan, Nurdan Tunali, Şeyda Erdoğan, Deni̇z Taştemi̇r, Erdal Tunç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: In this study, we aimed to put forth the clinical consequences of rearrangement between chromosomes 5 and 7 observed in one fetus, one newborn infant (siblings) and their parents. Materials and Methods: We performed chromosomal analysis in one fetus, one newborn (siblings) and their parents, applying standard protocols to fetal blood, amniotic fluid and peripheral blood samples. We performed both prenatal and postnatal karyotyping in the newborn infant. Results: We described rearrangements related to chromosomes 5 and 7 in these individuals. We found that the curetted fetus and newborn infant were carriers of unbalanced and balanced rearrangements, respectively. We …

The Relationship Between Carnitine Levels And Lipid Peroxidation In Glial Brain Tumors, Ni̇lüfer Bayraktar, Hati̇ce Paşaoğlu, Aydin Paşaoğlu, Memduh Kaymaz, Gürsel Bi̇beroğlu, Sevsen Kulaksizoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: It is assumed that reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation cause cell membrane damage and play a role in oncogenesis. Carnitine and acyl esters, which play a role in intracellular short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acid metabolism, are one of the defense mechanisms against free radical toxicity. It is thought that the protective effects of carnitine are related with its role in lipid metabolism. In our study, we analyzed the relation between malondialdehyde (MDA) and free carnitine, and C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C8, C10, C12, C14:1, C14, C16:1, C16, C18:1, C18, C20:4 carnitine levels in glial tumors [glioblastoma …

Effects Of Omega-3 On Lipid Peroxidation And Antioxidant Enzymes In Mk-801 Induced Schizophrenic Rat Testis, Bi̇rsen Özyurt, Fi̇kret Erdemi̇r, Beki̇r Suha Parlaktaş, Hüseyi̇n Özyurt, Hasan Erdoğan, Ayten Türkkani Tunç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Survival Of Salmonella Typhi And Shigella Flexneri In Different Water Samples And At Different Temperatures, M. Hami̇dullah Uyanik, Hali̇l Yazgi, Ahmet Ayyildiz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the survival of Salmonella typhi and Shigella flexneri, which have significance for public health, in various aqueous media (distilled water, 0.9% NaCl solution, chlorinated water) and at different temperatures. Materials and Methods: The water samples mentioned above were contaminated with approximately 5 x 10^5 bacteria/ml of S. typhi and S. flexneri, and then stored at 37 ºC, room temperature, in refrigerator (4 to 6 ºC) and in deep freezer (-20 ºC). From the water materials prepared accordingly, cultures were done beginning in the first 24 hours and later every other day for …

Laparoscopic Cystogastrostomy For The Management Of Pancreatic Pseudocysts, Kaya Saribeyoğlu, Sali̇h Pekmezci̇, Ece Kol, Meti̇n Kapan, Hasan Taşçi

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: To assess the value of laparoscopic cystogastrostomy in the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for pancreatic pseudocysts were included in the study. All the cysts were non-resolving, symptomatic and large, as a result of acute pancreatitis. Laparoscopic cystogastrostomies were performed by either anterior transgastric or posterior techniques. Results: From February 2001 to November 2006, seven patients were included into the study. The etiology of pancreatitis was gallstone disease in six cases and hyperlipidemia in one. The mean age was 58.7 years (52-69) and the mean pseudocyst size was 15.1 cm (7-20). Transgastric …

Is The Gök Atlas Sufficiently Reliable For Forensic Age Determination Of Turkish Children?, Bora Büken, Erhan Büken, Alp Alper Şafak, Burhan Yazici, Zerri̇n Erkol, Ati̇lla Mayda

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: We investigated whether the contemporary use of the Gök Atlas method is sufficiently reliable for forensic age estimations of Turkish children. Materials and Methods: Plain radiographs of 248 females and 298 males between 11 and 22 years of age were taken. Paired sample t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and linear regression were used to determine the differences and model the relationships between mean skeletal (bone) age (BA) and mean chronological age (CA), using SPSS 11.5 statistical software. Results: In all cases, the CA and BA scores were significantly different and showed high correlation (P < 0.05). The regression model was significant (P < 0.01). According to age groups, the BA was greater than the CA for all age groups by 0.09-3.10 years for boys and 0.44-3.05 years for girls, and this difference was significant for all age groups >14 years for boys and for …

Effect Of Lactation On Bone Mineral Density Later In Life In Turkish Women, Orhan Aksakal, Hakan Aytan, Sabri̇ Cavkaytar, Ömer Lütfi̇ Tapisiz, Tayfun Güngör, Bülent Özdal, Leyla Mollamahmutoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To investigate the probable effect of lactation on bone mineral density (BMD) later in life. Materials and Methods: Eighty-seven premenopausal and 18 postmenopausal Turkish women were classified into four groups according to age. Age, height, weight, menopausal status, age at menopause (in postmenopausal women), years since menopause (in postmenopausal woman), parity and total lactation period were recorded. Lumbar spine BMD (L2-L4) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). In each group, correlations of lactation with BMD were investigated using Pearson correlation test, and multiple regression analyses were used to determine the factors associated with BMD. Results: No significant correlation …