182 research outputs found
Spinal cord infarction due to fibrocartilaginous embolization: the role of diffusion weighted imaging and short-tau inversion recovery sequences.
No full textFibrocartilaginous embolization is a rare cause of ischemic myelopathy caused by embolization of intersomatic disk nucleus pulposus into spinal vasculature during Valsalva-like maneuvers. Diagnostic criteria are based on patients clinical history, magnetic resonance evidence of T2-hyperintense spinal cord lesion, and exclusion of other causes of ischemic myelopathy. These criteria do not take into account the development of magnetic resonance techniques able to enhance signal abnormalities within the neighboring intersomatic disc or vertebral body and to early characterize central nervous system lesions according to the presence of cytotoxic edema. We present 2 pediatric cases of progressive paraplegia attributed to fibrocartilaginous embolization in which short-tau inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging sequences played a pivotal role showing the ischemic nature of spinal cord lesions. Due to its specificity, diffusion-weighted imaging should be included in the magnetic resonance criteria of fibrocartilaginous embolization and in standard magnetic resonance analysis when dealing with acute transverse myelopathy. © The Author(s) 2010
Limited Proteolysis in Microorganisms
No full textPhyllis Braun (with R.A. Calderone) is a contributing author, Proteolytic regulation of chitin synthetase in hyphal and yeast forms of Candida albicans , pp. 135-138.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/biology-books/1010/thumbnail.jp
Hijacking the Candida albicans Multidrug Resistant Transporter MDR1 to Potentiate Antifungal Activity
No full textPh.D.Fungal invasive infections of humans are now called "hidden killers". The rising costs of treatment are associated with inappropriate therapy, defined as delayed intervention, inadequate dosage, or administration of an antifungal to which an isolate was considered drug resistant. Treatment failure is commonly due to resistance to triazoles in multi-drug resistant (MDR) fungi. For life-threatening fungal infections, such as those caused by Candida albicans, overexpression of MDR1, which encodes an MDR efflux pump of the major facilitator superfamily, often confers resistance to chemically unrelated substances, including the most commonly used azole antifungals. Further, gain-of-function mutations in the fungal zinc-cluster transcription factor MRR1 are responsible for MDR1 overexpression. I used standardized assays with C. albicans and A. fumigatus to determine berberine susceptibilities. Interestingly, I found that MDR resistant isolates of C. albicans were hypersusceptible to berberine. Strains lacking MDR1 or its transcriptional regulator MRR1 were not hypersusceptible to berberine. I demonstrated that MDR isolates accumulated berberine intracellularly. Microarray comparisons showed an extensive upregulation of MDR1 as well as other importers of the drug: H+ antiporter DHA1 family of polyamine transporters in an azole resistant strain. Substrates of polyamine transporters inhibited berberine activity, and a transporter kinase mutant was resistant to berberine. I propose that these upregulated transporters augment berberine accumulation. A berberine derivative selectively accumulated in mitochondria. By Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), I found mitochondrial genes were affected by berberine treatment. I then showed biochemically that berberine damages C. albicans mitochondria. This report is the first to demonstrate that overexpression of the MDR1 transporter renders the susceptibility to berberine in C. albicans. As a conclusion, I demonstrate an experimental proof of principle that MDR C. albicans isolates are hypersusceptible to berberine and that berberine accumulates intracellularly via Mdr1p and other transporters. I recommend identifying berberine derivatives that are even more active in treating MDR fungal infections
Mayor's Ball Gala
No full textThe Mayor's Ball Gala held at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover, NJ on March 6, 2004. The Gala raised $50,000 for the Children's collection at the Roseland Free Public Library. Left to right-Richard Fassett, Library Board, Library Director Judith Lind, Anne Gaeta, Library Board, Joseph Shearn, Library Board, Deborah Sacco-Calderone, Library Board of Trustees President, Mayor Michael A. Pacio, Jr., center, Debbie Sessa, third from right, Elizabeth McGovern, Library Board, Jonas Clayton
Amino-acid derived 1,2 benzisothiazolinone derivatives as novel small molecule antifungal inhibitors: Characterization and identification of potential genetic targets
No full textPh.D.A steady increase in the incidence of fungal infections has been observed over the past few decades, and treatment remains challenging especially for immuno-compromised populations. Identification of the ideal therapeutic agent to treat fungal infections still remains elusive. Such an agent would need to have broad antifungal activity, low rates of resistance and minimal adverse effects. Since none of the current drugs fulfill the criteria for an ideal agent, it is imperative to identify novel drug candidates. In the course of screening for antifungal compounds, a scaffold of synthetic compounds with antifungal activity was discovered. These compounds have no structural similarity to any existing antifungal compound. 4 amino-acid derived 1,2 benzisothiazolinone derivatives (BD-I-132/DFD-VI-15, BD-I-186, DFD-V-49 and DFD-V-66) show anti-fungal activity against Candida sp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans and dermatophytes at MIC-50 concentrations in the range of 0.8-12.5 microg/ml. All compounds were fungicidal against Candida sp. The compounds also maintained their MIC-50 values against azole, polyene and echinocandin-resistant strains of Candida sp. The MICs of the compounds were also unaffected by strains that over-expressed drug efflux pumps. A genetics based approach which involves the use of a homozygous deletion collection of approximately 4700 Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants was used to identify potential gene targets of DFD-VI-15. All mutants were treated with a) suboptimal levels of compound to identify hypersensitive strains and b) fungicidal concentrations of compound to identify resistant strains. 32 mutants were found to be hypersensitive compared to parent strain, BY4743. Also, 96 mutants showed resistance to this compound. Both clusters identified mutants that were essential to mitochondrial function. Saccharomyces and Candida strains (BY4743 and CAF2) were grown in the absence of oxygen and found to be insensitive to the compound. Also, both strains were hypersensitive to DFD-VI-15 when grown on a non-fermentable carbon source like glycerol. Flowcytometry experiments show that DFD-VI-15 treated Candida strains have higher ROS levels when compared to non-treated strains. This suggests that the DFD-VI-15 exerts its antifungal effect by affecting mitochondrial function
HOW FEMALE STUDENTS’ STEM EXPERIENCES AFFECT THEIR INTEREST IN STEM SUBJECTS AND CAREERS
No full textThe purpose of the study was to contribute to the literature regarding how STEM experiences affect preadolescent female students. More specifically, the purpose was to better understand the experience of 250 female fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students at a summer STEM camp and how those experiences might impact their interest in STEM subjects and careers. The study asked, how did 4th and 5th grade female elementary students experience a summer one- to four-week STEM camp? How did their self-perception change in relation to STEM subjects and careers as they attend a summer STEM camp and shortly following? And, what were the views and perceptions about STEM subjects, careers, and instruction held by female instructors?
This study used a qualitative design employing an interpretive perspective with the view that knowledge is socially constructed from our unique vantage points based on our prior histories, interactions, and experiences. Multiple instruments were used including interviews, observation, and surveys. Six female primary student-participants were interviewed twice and observed once. Four female camp instructors served as secondary participants and were interviewed once. In addition all student camp participants were surveyed three times. Data from these instruments were explored and analyzed through a Social Cognitive Career Theory and Culturally Relevant Teaching conceptual framework. A convergent-parallel mixed method was used in order to provide a comprehensive analysis of the research problems. Results indicated female participants had an interest in STEM subjects and careers, although less so than their male counterparts. Female participants attending camp for the first time showed the most significant growth when compared to both new and returning males and returning female participants and results maintained 6-8 weeks after the conclusion of the camp experience.Washington State University, Educational Leadershi
Candida Biofilm Analysis in the Artificial Throat Using FISH
No full textBiofilm formation is a common complication of the use of prosthetic devices. In clinical settings, biofilms can be comprised of one or more microbial species. In order to investigate the interaction between different species within a biofilm, a reproducible, reliable model system has to be utilized and an appropriate system for species identification applied. The present chapter describes the artificial throat model, a model system for growing mixed species biofilms on shunt prostheses. The model is used in conjugation with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), which facilitates identification and localization of the resident microorganisms within biofilms
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PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AN EXAMINATION OF THE ATTRIBUTES, FACILITATORS, AND BARRIERS WITHIN THE K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOL ARENA
No full textThis qualitative study investigated the attributes, facilitators, and barriers to professional learning within K-12 public school districts, focusing on the experiences of Teaching and Learning leaders in Washington state. Recognizing that systemic structures and an organizational culture supportive of professional development are crucial for equitable student outcomes, this research sought to understand how these central office leaders of professional development describe the conditions and challenges in planning and implementing professional development, and how district culture influences this work. Utilizing a qualitative design, the study gathered rich insights through semi-structured interviews, providing a voice to participants to share their leadership successes and challenges within their unique contexts. Key findings indicate that effective professional learning is characterized by strong alignment with district priorities, instructional goals, and systemic strategies, fostering a shared purpose among educators. Crucial facilitators include robust leadership support, which promotes collaboration and communication, and the emotional intelligence of facilitators, vital for building trust and psychologically safe spaces. Conversely, significant barriers identified were educator resistance to change, often stemming from a lack of agency, overload, insufficient support, and a perceived disconnect from classroom realities, alongside limitations in time and financial resources. The study also illuminated the pervasive influence of broader contextual factors, such as public perception, accountability pressures, policy mandates, and collective bargaining agreements, on professional learning initiatives. This research contributes to the field of educational leadership by offering practical insights into cultivating conditions and mitigating barriers for meaningful professional learning experiences that can lead to transformational change. The findings underscore the importance of a holistic and integrated approach to professional development, emphasizing its direct link to enhancing teaching practices, fostering collective responsibility, and promoting continuous improvement
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