University of Nebraska Omaha

About: University of Nebraska Omaha is a education organization based out in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 4526 authors who have published 8905 publications receiving 213914 citations. The organization is also known as: UNO & University of Omaha.

Bioinformatics core competencies for undergraduate life sciences education.

Abstract: Although bioinformatics is becoming increasingly central to research in the life sciences, bioinformatics skills and knowledge are not well integrated into undergraduate biology education. This curricular gap prevents biology students from harnessing the full potential of their education, limiting their career opportunities and slowing research innovation. To advance the integration of bioinformatics into life sciences education, a framework of core bioinformatics competencies is needed. To that end, we here report the results of a survey of biology faculty in the United States about teaching bioinformatics to undergraduate life scientists. Responses were received from 1,260 faculty representing institutions in all fifty states with a combined capacity to educate hundreds of thousands of students every year. Results indicate strong, widespread agreement that bioinformatics knowledge and skills are critical for undergraduate life scientists as well as considerable agreement about which skills are necessary. Perceptions of the importance of some skills varied with the respondent's degree of training, time since degree earned, and/or the Carnegie Classification of the respondent's institution. To assess which skills are currently being taught, we analyzed syllabi of courses with bioinformatics content submitted by survey respondents. Finally, we used the survey results, the analysis of the syllabi, and our collective research and teaching expertise to develop a set of bioinformatics core competencies for undergraduate biology students. These core competencies are intended to serve as a guide for institutions as they work to integrate bioinformatics into their life sciences curricula.

Quantitative calibration and use of DNA probes for investigating chromosome abnormalities in the Prader-Willi syndrome.

Abstract: Ten genomic DNA probes, subcloned from inserts derived from a phage library constructed from the DNA of flow-sorted chromosomes, have now been mapped to locations within 15q11–15q13. By dosage blotting and densitometry, 5 of these probes map to the 15q11.2–15q12 segment missing in one 15 chromosome of a Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) patient with a prominent cytological deletion. A sixth probe most likely maps to the same region. The other 4 probes map outside of this segment but within 15q11–15q13. Several of the 15q11.2–15q12 probes, and a cDNA probe homologous to one, have been used to test the DNA from 8 patients exhibiting a wide range of the clinical manifestations expected for PWS patients. DNA deletion was observed in all 3 patients with cytological 15q1 deletions as well as in a patient with an unbalanced (Y;15) translocation. DNA from 1 PWS patient with an unbalanced (5; 15) translocation and an inverted duplication of the short arm and proximal long arm of 15 showed at least 1 and possibly 2 extra copies of each genomic probe tested. In the other 3 patients with no cytological deletions, no DNA deletions were found. Thus, the molecular probes described can be used in most PWS patients to analyze the region of proximal 15q implicated in this syndrome.

LGBT Health in the Midlands: A Rural/Urban Comparison of Basic Health Indicators

Abstract: Research into the health and wellbeing of rural lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations is limited. A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach was used to develop an online survey for LGBT Nebraskans. The 770 participants replied to an array of questions on social determinants of health and basic health outcomes. Only significant differences in having health insurance were found between urban and rural participants. Social determinants of health were explored. Results of this study suggest that regional culture may be more salient to health for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons living in the Midwest than rural or urban residence.