Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio University, June, 2006. / Title from PDF t.p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 104-111)

In-utero ethanol exposure may result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Studies have suggested that women who drink ethanol are more likely to consume illicit drugs. Detection of such exposures has been done via meconium and hair testing and can serve to direct needed prevention methods and appropriate management and intervention for the neonate and the mother. This study examined maternal diabetes as a possible confounder for in-utero ethanol exposure testing and determined the trends in drug use associated with heavy in-utero ethanol exposure in a high-risk obstetric Canadian population. It was determined that maternal diabetes does not produce false-positive results in testing for in-utero ethanol exposure. Furthermore, heavy in-utero ethanol exposure was detected in 15.5% of samples and was associated with an increased exposure to amphetamines (OR=3.30) and opiates (OR=2.01), but a decreased exposure to cannabinoids (OR=0.61) when compared to neonates with no heavy in-utero ethanol exposure.

In-utero ethanol exposure may result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Studies have suggested that women who drink ethanol are more likely to consume illicit drugs. Detection of such exposures has been done via meconium and hair testing and can serve to direct needed prevention methods and appropriate management and intervention for the neonate and the mother. This study examined maternal diabetes as a possible confounder for in-utero ethanol exposure testing and determined the trends in drug use associated with heavy in-utero ethanol exposure in a high-risk obstetric Canadian population. It was determined that maternal diabetes does not produce false-positive results in testing for in-utero ethanol exposure. Furthermore, heavy in-utero ethanol exposure was detected in 15.5% of samples and was associated with an increased exposure to amphetamines (OR=3.30) and opiates (OR=2.01), but a decreased exposure to cannabinoids (OR=0.61) when compared to neonates with no heavy in-utero ethanol exposure.

The inner ear is a complex sensory organ of interconnected chambers, each with a sensory epithelium comprised of hair cells and support cells for detection of sound and motion. This dissertation focuses on the development and regulation of sensory epithelia in zebrafish and utilizes loss of function, gain of function and laser ablation techniques. Hair cells and support cells develop from an equivalence group specified by proneural genes encoding bHLH transcription factors. The vertebrate Atoh1 bHLH transciption factor is a potential candidate for this role. However, data in mouse has led some researchers to conclude it does not have a proneural activity, but, rather, is involved in later stages of hair cell differentiation. In addition, the factors regulating Atoh1 are mostly unknown. We address these issues in zebrafish and show that the zebrafish homologs atoh1a and atoh1b are required during two developmental phases, first in the preotic placode and later in the otic vesicle. They interact with the Notch pathway and are necessary and sufficient for specification of sensory epithelia. Our data confirm atoh1 genes have proneural function. We also go on to show Atoh1 works in a complex network of factors, Pax2/5/8, Sox2, Fgf and Notch. Misexpression of atoh1 alters axial patterning and leads to expanded sensory epithelia, which is enhanced by misexpression of either fgf8 or sox2. Lastly, we examine the role of sox2 in sensory epithelia development and regeneration. Sox2 has been implicated in maintainence of pluripotent stem cells as well as cell differentiation. In the inner ear, Sox2 is initially expressed in the prosensory domain and is required for its formation. Eventually, Sox2 is downregulated in hair cells and maintained in support cells; however, its later role has not been determined. We show that in the zebrafish inner ear, sox2 is expressed after sensory epithelium development has begun and, like in mouse, expression is down regulated in hair cells and maintained in support cells. Our data demonstrate a role for sox2 in maintenance of hair cells and in transdifferentation of support cells into hair cells after laser ablation. Additionally, sox2 is regulated by Aoth1a/1b, Fgf, and Notch.

The vertebrate inner ear is a complex structure responsible for hearing and balance. The inner ear houses sensory epithelia composed of mechanosensory hair cells and non-sensory support cells. Hair cells synapse with neurons of the VIIIth cranial ganglion, the statoacoustic ganglion (SAG), and transmit sensory information to the hindbrain. This dissertation focuses on the development and regulation of both sensory and neuronal cell populations. The sensory epithelium is established by the basic helixloop- helix transcription factor Atoh1. Misexpression of atoh1a in zebrafish results in induction of ectopic sensory epithelia albeit in limited regions of the inner ear. We show that sensory competence of the inner ear can be enhanced by co-activation of fgf8/3 or sox2, genes that normally act in concert with atoh1a. The developing sensory epithelia express several factors that regulate differentiation and maintenance of hair cells. We show that pax5 is differentially expressed in the anterior utricular macula (sensory epithelium). Knockdown of pax5 function results in utricular hair cell death and subsequent loss of vestibular (balance) but not auditory (hearing) defects. SAG neurons are formed normally in these embryos but show disorganized dendrites in the utricle following loss of hair cells. Lastly, we examine the development of SAG. SAG precursors (neuroblasts) are formed in the floor of the ear by another basic helix-loophelix transcription factor neurogenin1 (neurog1). We show that Fgf emanating from the utricular macula specifies neuroblasts, that later delaminate from the otic floor and undergo a phase of proliferation. Neuroblasts then differentiate into bipolar neurons that extend processes to hair cells and targets in the hindbrain. We show evidence that differentiating neurons express fgf5 and regulate further development of the SAG. As more differentiated neurons accumulate, increasing level of Fgf terminates the phase of neuroblast specification. Later on, elevated Fgf stabilizes the transit-amplifying phase and inhibits terminal differentiation. Thus, Fgf signaling regulates SAG development at various stages to ensure that proper number of neurons is generated.

Every year an avorage of 40 000 Swedes fall ill with different forms of cancer. Chemotheraphy has an effect on the tumour cells as well as the healthy cells in the body, this causes many side effects which can be very problematic for the patient. The study was carried out in order to indicate the care measures that are taken to deal with the side effects i. e stomatit, loss of hair and sickness/vomiting, that are connected with chemotheraphy so that the outpatients will experience a quality of life. The method used was a qualitative interview with six nurses from the South if Sweden, all of whom are working with chemotheraphy patients. The results showed that the nurses thought that quality of life was individual, in their care work the patients needs and valuations were used as a starting point. Aside form the specific care measures for respective side-effects they put an emphasis on talking and giving information to patients. In addition, they indicated the relationship they had with their patients. Accordi ng to them a good relation to the patient is a prerequisite of good care work.

When we choose to alter or manipulate our physical appearance we also manage our presentation of self; we communicate to others about our identity. Salons are typical social spaces for women to engage in body-changing, enhancing or disguising practices and thereby manage their identity. The following ethnographic research explores the intersection of female cancer patients' who request salon services while undergoing appearance altering medical treatments and female cosmetologists who provide such services. Over a period of 6 months, I volunteered weekly at Hannah's, a hairstyling salon located in a large cancer research and treatment hospital in southern Florida. The following paper relies on data collected through participant observation and conversational interviews with the three individual stylists at Hannah's. This research provides a rare glimpse into the interaction between women who actively pursue the appearing healthy by requesting cosmetological assistance and women who seek to identify as professionals by providing cosmetological expertise. The unique setting exemplifies how, what we often consider burdensome, norms of feminine beauty are potentially beneficial. While Western feminine beauty standards are often exacting and difficult to meet for individual women; Hannah's offers women cancer patients' the opportunity to gain some sense of control over their bodies through the use various salon services. In this way, women have options for presenting themselves as healthy and feminine when medical treatments are compromising each identity.

abstract / Biochemistry / Master / Master of Philosophy

Mit der Zucht von Haarschafen reagieren Schafhalter weltweit auf die veränderte Situation des internationalen Woll- und Textilmarktes. Schafwolle ist nach wie vor ein wertvoller nachwachsender Rohstoff für die Textilindustrie, sie wird vorwiegend als Feinwolle benötigt und kostengünstig in Australien und Südamerika produziert. In Europa rückte bereits in den fünfziger Jahren die Fleischproduktion über das Schaf immer mehr in den Mittelpunkt. Schafrassen mit hoher Mastleistung und sehr guter Schlachtkörperqualität bestimmten die züchterischen Aktivitäten der letzten Jahrzehnte. In Deutschland begann die Haltung von Haarschafrassen zunächst im Hobbybereich zur Vermeidung von Schurkosten. Diesen Punkt aufgreifend begann die gezielte Zucht einer speziellen Haarschafpopulation mit dem NOLANA-Projekt der Fachhochschule Osnabrück im Jahr 1995. In der ersten Phase der Arbeit wurden hierbei regionale Schafhalter im Arbeitsgebiet der Fachhochschule einbezogen. Im Jahr 1998 begann eine erweiterte Zusammenarbeit mit anderen wissenschaftlichen Einrichtungen, in die auch das vorliegende Projekt und das Lehr- und Versuchsgut Köllitsch der Sächsischen Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft einbezogen worden sind.

The Proopiomelanocortin gene, (POMC), produces many biologically active peptides including the endogenous opioid, β-endorphin, and the melanocortins: α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone, (αMSH), γMSH, βMSH and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, (ACTH). βendorphin is released by the brain in response to stress or injury and is a potent analgesic. Melanocortins are well known for regulating pigmentation, metabolism, and cortisol levels. Additionally, opioids and melanocortins are known to have opposing actions in several settings including the regulation of pain and metabolism. The Melanocyte Stimulating Hormones are expressed in the skin where they bind the Melanocortin 1 Receptor on melanocytes and promote pigmentation. It has been reported that β-endorphin is also produced in the skin, however it was not believed to have a central effect. In this thesis I show that expression of these peptides in the skin is reflected in blood levels and affects nociception and behavior.