University of Texas Medical Branch

About: University of Texas Medical Branch is a education organization based out in Galveston, Texas, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Virus. The organization has 22033 authors who have published 38268 publications receiving 1517502 citations. The organization is also known as: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston & UTMB.

Human xeroderma pigmentosum group D gene encodes a DNA helicase.

Abstract: XERODERMA pigmentosum (XP), a genetically heterogeneous human disease, results from a defect in nucleotide excision repair of ultraviolet-damaged DNA. XP patients are extremely sensitive to sunlight and suffer from a high incidence of skin cancers. Cell fusion studies have identified seven XP complementation groups, A–G1–3. Group D is of particular interest as mutations in this gene can also cause Cockayne's syndrome and trichothiodystrophy4. The XPD gene was initially named ERCC2 (excision repair cross complementing) as it was cloned using human DNA to complement the ultraviolet sensitivity of a rodent cell line5. We have purified the XPD protein to near homogeneity and show that it possesses single-stranded DNA-dependent ATPase and DNA helicase activities. We tested whether XPD can substitute for its yeast counterpart RAD3, which is essential for excision repair and for cell viability6. Expression of the XPD gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae can complement the lethality defect of a mutation in the RAD3 gene6, suggesting that XPD is an essential gene in humans.

Emergence of the Ehrlichioses as Human Health Problems

Abstract: Ehrlichiae are small, gram-negative, obligately intracellular bacteria that reside within a phagosome. The first human ehrlichial infection was recognized in the United States in 1987. It was later shown to be caused by a new species, Ehrlichia chaffeensis. In 1994, an ehrlichial pathogen within neutrophils that is closely related to the known veterinary pathogens E. equi and E. phagocytophila was found to infect humans. Molecular methods were required to detect, characterize, and identify these fastidious and uncultivated bacteria. Subsequently, E. chaffeensis infection was documented in more than 400 patients in 30 states, Europe, and Africa. Likewise, approximately 170 cases of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis have been diagnosed, most since 1994, predominantly in the upper midwestern and northeastern states, but also in northern California. The disease caused by ehrlichiae is generally undifferentiated but is often associated with leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated serum hepatic transaminase levels in tick-exposed patients. Infection ranges from subclinical to fatal; tetracycline appears to be an effective therapy. The emergence of these two newly recognized tickborne infections as threats to human health is probably due to increased clinical cognizance, but as in other emerging tickborne infections, it is likely that the rapid increase in identified cases signals a true emergence of disease associated with a changing vector-host ecology.

Assessing and Treating Culturally Diverse Clients: A Practical Guide

Abstract: Minority, Multicultural, Race, and Ethnicity Concepts General Guidelines for the Assessment and Treatment of Multicultural Groups Guidelines for the Assessment and Treatment of African American Clients Guidelines for the Assessment and Treatment of Hispanic Clients Guidelines for the Assessment and Treatment of Asian Clients Guidelines for the Assessment and Treatment of American Indian Clients Guidelines for the Prevention of Attrition of African American, American Indian, Asian and Hispanic Clients Guidelines for Evaluating and Using the Epidemiological Mental Health Literature with Multicultural Groups Using Culturally Biased Instruments Using Cultural Variables in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Update on Kaposi's sarcoma and other HHV8 associated diseases. Part 1: epidemiology, environmental predispositions, clinical manifestations, and therapy.

Abstract: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a mesenchymal tumour involving blood and lymphatic vessels. Only recently has the pathogenesis of this extraordinary neoplasm been elucidated. Viral oncogenesis and cytokine-induced growth together with some state of immunocompromise represent important conditions for this tumour to develop. In 1994, a novel virus was discovered and termed human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus, which can be found in all types of KS, whether related to HIV or not. In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the incidence of AIDS-KS has considerably declined, probably due to enhanced immune reconstitution and anti-HHV8-specific immune responses. If HAART is able to prevent spreading of KS, local therapy of KS may become an essential component of patient management. Part 1 of the review covers the epidemiology, environmental predispositions, clinical manifestations, and therapy of KS. Newer treatments such as pegylated liposomal anthracyclines and experimental strategies are discussed. We also present rationales and graduated treatment algorithms for local and systemic therapy in patients with KS to appropriately meet the challenges of this extraordinary neoplasm. Part 2, to be published next month, will summarise recent insights in the pathogenesis of KS and will discuss other HHV8-related diseases such as Castleman's disease and primary effusion lymphoma.