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(1 - 9 of 9)
- Title
- Stable expression of tuberculosis vaccine antigen in lettuce chloroplasts.
- Creator
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Saikumar Lakshmi, Priya, Daniell, Henry, Khaled, Annette, Naser, Saleh, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is one of the leading reasons of death by an infectious bacterial pathogen. The development of TB vaccines has been recognized as a major public health priority by the World Health Organization. In this study, a potential candidate antigen, ESAT-6 (6 kDa early secretory antigenic target) was fused with cholera toxin B subunit (CTB). Transplastomic lettuce plants were generated expressing these fusion proteins. Site-specific...
Show moreTuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is one of the leading reasons of death by an infectious bacterial pathogen. The development of TB vaccines has been recognized as a major public health priority by the World Health Organization. In this study, a potential candidate antigen, ESAT-6 (6 kDa early secretory antigenic target) was fused with cholera toxin B subunit (CTB). Transplastomic lettuce plants were generated expressing these fusion proteins. Site-specific transgene integration into the chloroplast genome was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis. In transplastomic leaves, expression levels of fusion protein (CTB-ESAT6) varied depending upon the developmental stage and time of leaf harvest with highest-level of accumulation in mature leaves harvested at 6PM. Transplastomic CTB-ESAT6 lettuce plants accumulated up to 0.75% of total leaf protein. Lyophilization increased CTB-ESAT6 protein content per gram of leaf material by 22 fold. Western blot analysis of lyophilized lettuce leaves showed that the CTB-ESAT6 fusion protein was stable and can be stored for prolonged period at RT. Hemolysis assay with purified CTB-ESAT6 protein showed partial hemolysis of red blood cells and confirmed functionality of ESAT-6 antigen. GM-1 binding assay demonstrated that the CTB-ESAT6 fusion protein formed pentamers to interact with GM1 ganglioside receptor. The expression of functional Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens fused to CTB in transplastomic plants should facilitate development of a cost-effective and orally deliverable TB vaccine with potential for long term storage at room temperature.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004487, ucf:49303
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004487
- Title
- THE EFFECT OF RACE ON PARENTS' INTENT TO VACCINATE THEIR CHILDREN AGAINST HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS.
- Creator
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Ruiz Aguilar, Ariana L, Weiss, Josie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease that often presents as genital warts, but may also lead to cancers, including those of the vagina, penis, mouth and tonsils. Despite three vaccines being currently available to prevent HPV, the HPV vaccine retains a low national average vaccination rate when compared to the Tetanus-Diptheria- Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. Considering the need for improvement it is important to identify factors that may be contributing to this low...
Show moreHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease that often presents as genital warts, but may also lead to cancers, including those of the vagina, penis, mouth and tonsils. Despite three vaccines being currently available to prevent HPV, the HPV vaccine retains a low national average vaccination rate when compared to the Tetanus-Diptheria- Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. Considering the need for improvement it is important to identify factors that may be contributing to this low national immunization rate, one of them being parental race. The purpose of this literature review is to identify whether race affects parents' intent to vaccinate their children against HPV. A database search of CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO was conducted and a total of 13 articles were reviewed based on the relevance to the purpose of the literature review. While racial differences were noted, there were other factors that also affect a parent's intent to vaccinate their children against HPV. There is more research to be done when looking at how race may independently affect a parent's intent to vaccinate their children against HPV.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000304, ucf:45849
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000304
- Title
- A STINGING EFFECT: THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS BITING INTO THE EFFECTS OF THE ZIKA VIRUS.
- Creator
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Bader, Keanu, Cook, Kathy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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People are afraid of contagious diseases. The thought that disease can spread throughout an entire population tends to make people wary of their interactions with their surrounding environment. Hearing about, or even seeing pictures of mosquitoes can make people squeamish or even stimulate an itch. Throughout the ages, the reaction to contagious diseases has been to quarantine and isolate. From the bubonic plague to the 1918 "Spanish" flu, the protocol was to quarantine those infected and...
Show morePeople are afraid of contagious diseases. The thought that disease can spread throughout an entire population tends to make people wary of their interactions with their surrounding environment. Hearing about, or even seeing pictures of mosquitoes can make people squeamish or even stimulate an itch. Throughout the ages, the reaction to contagious diseases has been to quarantine and isolate. From the bubonic plague to the 1918 "Spanish" flu, the protocol was to quarantine those infected and isolate the rest. It may be this practice that inspired such precautions be taken by the public. Often these precautions are not warrantless and come to be second nature: Don't get too close to sick people who appear to sneeze or cough often; cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing; wash your hands frequently. In recent years, the world has encountered new outbreaks from not so new diseases: 2002 SARS. 2009 "Swine" Flu. 2014 both Measles and Ebola. 2016 Zika. To the public, it seems that the next disease may strike at any moment. It is often the government's duty to intervene and alleviate the damages. This thesis examines the legal aspects of the Zika virus and how past regulations have affected the spread of contagious diseases. In addition, it will examine past outbreaks of different diseases: how the country reacted, what policies were enacted, and how they relate to the current case of the Zika Virus.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000182, ucf:45943
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000182
- Title
- PLANT-MADE ORAL VACCINES: EVALUATION OF CAPSULES.
- Creator
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New, James, Daniell, Henry, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Antigen expression through the Chloroplast Transformation Technology (CTT) produces bioencapsulated subunit-vaccines, capable of eliciting immune responses when delivered orally. Considerable challenges to effective plant-based vaccines are the normalization of dosage and preservation of accumulated antigen, which is complicated by variable high water content and protease activity. This study critically examines the efficacy of lyophilization in dehydrating plant-tissues and preserving plant...
Show moreAntigen expression through the Chloroplast Transformation Technology (CTT) produces bioencapsulated subunit-vaccines, capable of eliciting immune responses when delivered orally. Considerable challenges to effective plant-based vaccines are the normalization of dosage and preservation of accumulated antigen, which is complicated by variable high water content and protease activity. This study critically examines the efficacy of lyophilization in dehydrating plant-tissues and preserving plant-derived antigens with vaccine potential. Lyophilization was optimized through gravimetric analysis using lettuce expressing Protective Antigen (PA) of Bacillus anthracis (LS-HPAG) and the human autoantigen Proinsulin (Pins) fused to Cholera toxin subunit B (LS-CTB-Pins). Lyophilization for 48-hours was sufficient treatment to reduce lettuce to 4.57% of its original weight, which retained .058% water content in the bound state; these levels corresponded with oven-dried controls while antigen was stabilized for over a year of storage at room temperature. A simulated gastric fluid assay was applied to evaluate stability of plant derived antigens during digestion. It was observed that lettuce plant cells conferred protection through antigen bioencapsulation for up to an hour under enzymatic digestive conditions. LS-HPAG immunogenicity was then demonstrated through the induction of a PA-specific IgG response by through oral boosting of C57/BL6 test mice. Survival during toxin challenge demonstrated a protective immune response if 40% of animal immunized by plant-derived PA. Lastly, the inclusion of excipient and adjuvant additives will be considered and utilized for the development of prototype vaccine capsule formulations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0003861, ucf:44689
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003861
- Title
- HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS AND VACCINATION OF MALES: KNOWLEDGE, BELIEFS AND PERCEPTIONS OF REGISTERED NURSES.
- Creator
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White, Leah, Waldrop, Julee, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world today. HPV has been identified as the cause of both cancer and genital warts. A vaccine to prevent select types of HPV infection was developed and approved for males and females ages 9 to 26. This vaccine has not been universally accepted by healthcare providers, parents, or the public and has lower vaccination coverage rates than other recommended vaccines for the same age group...
Show moreBackground: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world today. HPV has been identified as the cause of both cancer and genital warts. A vaccine to prevent select types of HPV infection was developed and approved for males and females ages 9 to 26. This vaccine has not been universally accepted by healthcare providers, parents, or the public and has lower vaccination coverage rates than other recommended vaccines for the same age group. Multiple studies addressing the knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs of providers and parents regarding the vaccine have taken place. Only a few studies with the nursing profession are found in the literature and they do not look at the vaccine in regards to males. Nurses are seen as one of the most trustworthy of professions. What nurses know, perceive and believe can impact both patients and those they come in contact with on an informal basis. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of registered nurses about the human papillomavirus and associated vaccination for males. Methodology: This study took place in February of 2013 and used a descriptive correlational design with a cross-sectional survey. The survey was administered online to alumni of the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Nursing, members of the Theta Epsilon chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, and current graduate nursing students and faculty of UCF College of Nursing. There were one hundred and twelve Registered Nurses that participated in the study. Findings: Knowledge of HPV varied among respondents. The vast majority knew that HPV was a common sexually transmitted infection however less were knowledgeable on specific iii information about the vaccine. Less than eighty percent of study participants knew that the vaccine was available for both males and females. Close to ninety percent of respondents agreed that vaccinating males would be important to protect their future partners from complications associated with HPV, such as genital warts and cervical cancer, and to protect themselves from future complications, such as genital warts and cancers. Participants with doctoral degrees possessed a significantly more favorable attitude (p<0.001) towards vaccine use in males than those with a bachelors degree. Conclusions: Nurses in this study were knowledgeable about specific HPV information but were less knowledgeable about the extent of infection seen in males or the availability of the vaccine for males. This study found inaccuracies and lack of knowledge among Registered Nurses that demonstrates the need for education about HPV and the associated vaccine. While the attitudes of the respondents reflect favorably toward the vaccine, there is still a need for education among this population.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004467, ucf:45128
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004467
- Title
- A Complex Calculus: How Message Format and Processing Route Coordinate to Influence HPV Vaccination Message Persuasiveness Among Young Adults.
- Creator
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Boutemen, Laura, Neuberger, Lindsay, Sellnow, Timothy, Miller, Ann, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may lead to cancer and genital warts yet can be prevented by a safe and effective vaccine recommended for individuals up to 26 years old. HPV vaccination rates remain low among college aged adults that represent a catch-up population still eligible to receive the HPV vaccine. This present study is a theory-based investigation employing the Heuristic Systematic Model to explore the effect of message format and processing route on attitude and behavioral...
Show moreHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection may lead to cancer and genital warts yet can be prevented by a safe and effective vaccine recommended for individuals up to 26 years old. HPV vaccination rates remain low among college aged adults that represent a catch-up population still eligible to receive the HPV vaccine. This present study is a theory-based investigation employing the Heuristic Systematic Model to explore the effect of message format and processing route on attitude and behavioral intention in the context of HPV vaccination. Undergraduate students aged 17-26 years old (N = 261) from various majors (e.g., STEM, social sciences, humanities) participated in the study. An online message exposure experiment randomly assigned participants one of three messages in different message formats (i.e., accessible, scientific jargon, scientese) promoting HPV vaccination to examine the persuasive potential of clearly worded messages (i.e., accessible message), appropriately used scientific language (i.e., jargon message) and inappropriately used scientific terminology (i.e., scientese message) and the effect of processing route on attitude and behavioral intention pertaining to HPV vaccination. Additionally, the potential impact of scientific literacy was investigated. The three experimental conditions were compared to the control condition that corresponded to no message exposure. Quantitative data analyses revealed the scientese message was associated with higher intention to receive the HPV vaccine than the simply worded message among systematic processors only. Further, systematic processing was related to more favorable attitude toward the message and greater intention to obtain the vaccine. Findings of the current study can help inform future message development to design targeted persuasive messages aiming to encourage vaccination in an effort to augment HPV vaccination rates among the catch-up population.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0006979, ucf:51658
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006979
- Title
- EFFECTS OF THE INFLUENZA VACCINE ON THE ORAL CAVITY.
- Creator
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Sawires, Laura, Webster, Danielle, Wells, Brittny, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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According to existing literature, there is a suggested correlation between certain vaccinations and oral cavity symptoms. Studies have shown that the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertusis, as well as Polio Vaccinations have an association with presented symptoms of bleeding gums, sores, ulcers, white spots in the mouth or on lips, and unpleasant breath odor. Although these symptoms may not occur simultaneously or directly after administration of the immunization, there has been supported...
Show moreAccording to existing literature, there is a suggested correlation between certain vaccinations and oral cavity symptoms. Studies have shown that the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertusis, as well as Polio Vaccinations have an association with presented symptoms of bleeding gums, sores, ulcers, white spots in the mouth or on lips, and unpleasant breath odor. Although these symptoms may not occur simultaneously or directly after administration of the immunization, there has been supported evidence of correlation. Given the relevance of an association between vaccinations and orally manifested side effects, an investigation on the presence of such association with the widely administered flu vaccine was conducted. Data for this work was collected from a population including undergraduate students studying at the University of Central Florida. A brief voluntary online survey requesting demographic information regarding administration of the vaccine as well as any experienced side effects was used. The study was cohort in nature as it tracked subjects with known exposure to the flu shot in the past six months to understand the outcome of interest. Results from the survey were used to determine that there is no correlation between orally manifested side effects and administration of the flu vaccine.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000306, ucf:45755
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000306
- Title
- EXPRESSION OF GAL/GALNAC LECTIN OF ENTAMOEBA HISTOLYTICA IN TRANSGENIC CHLOROPLASTS TO DEVELOP A VACCINE FOR AMEBIASIS.
- Creator
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Chebolu, Seethamahalakshmi, Daniell, Henry, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Amebiasis, also defined as invasive intestinal and extra intestinal amebiasis, is caused by Entameoba histolytica, an invasive protozoan parasite. World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that approximately 50 million people are infected each year causing an estimated 40 to 100 thousand deaths annually. Entameoba histolytica ranks only second to malaria as a protozoan cause of death. Amebiasis occurs world wide but people living in Central and South America, Africa and Asia are the...
Show moreAmebiasis, also defined as invasive intestinal and extra intestinal amebiasis, is caused by Entameoba histolytica, an invasive protozoan parasite. World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that approximately 50 million people are infected each year causing an estimated 40 to 100 thousand deaths annually. Entameoba histolytica ranks only second to malaria as a protozoan cause of death. Amebiasis occurs world wide but people living in Central and South America, Africa and Asia are the majority to suffer from morbidity and mortality. The enteric parasite has no zoonotic reservoirs and insect vectors for its transmission and infects humans and non-human primates. Therefore, anti-amebic vaccine could completely eradicate the disease. Entamoeba histolytica invades tissue and causes the disease in series of events. The disease is caused when the cyst form of the parasite is ingested with contaminated food or water. After excysting in the small intestine to form the trophozoite, the parasite adheres to the colonic mucus and epithelial cells through interaction of Gal/GalNAc lectin, an amebic surface adhesin with the host glycoconjugates. The parasite then secrets the proteolytic enzymes that disrupt the intestinal mucus and epithelial barrier facilitating tissue penetration. The trophozoite then kills the host epithelial and immune cells. Also, it resists the host's immune response causing the prolonged infection called the invasive amebiasis and causes colon or liver abscess. The symptoms include gradual onset of abdominal pain, diarrhea and bloody stools. Also, it can form cysts that are excreted with stools to start new cycle. The parasite recognition of the host glycoconjugates plays an important role in the pathogenesis. Therefore, the Gal/GalNAc lectin could be a possible vaccine candidate. The Gal/GalNAc lectin is composed of a 260-kDa heterodimer of disulfide-linked heavy (170 kDa) and light (35 kDa) subunits, which is non-covalently associated with an intermediate sub-unit of 150 kDa. The only recognized Carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) was found in the heavy sub-unit. The CRD of the lectin is the potential target for colonization blocking vaccines and drugs. Preliminary studies have shown that the recombinant fragments of cysteine-rich region of LecA (lectin) containing the CRD (carbohydrate recognition domain) of the GalNAc lectin conferred protection against amebiasis. Therefore, production of LecA in plants using chloroplast genetic engineering would result in low cost vaccine because of high expression levels of vaccine antigens, and elimination of the cold-chain (low temperature, storage & transportation), hospitals and health professionals for their delivery. The LecA protein was expressed in transgenic chloroplasts of Nicotiana tabacum var. Petit havana by transforming the chloroplast genome using the LecA gene (1755 bp) by homologous recombination. The pLD-CtV has trnI and trnA genes that are used as flanking sequences for homologous recombination and the constitutive 16s rRNA promoter to regulate transcription. The aadA gene conferring spectinomycin resistance has been used for selection and gene10 regulatory sequence from T7 bacteriophage to enhance translation. The chloroplast integration of LecA was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analysis. The expression of LecA protein in transgenic chloroplasts was analyzed by immunoblot analysis using anti-LecA antibodies. Maximum expression levels of LecA up to 6.3 % of the total soluble protein were observed in the old leaves. The evaluation of the immune response in animal model is underway. This is the first report of expression of LecA in a plant system.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000511, ucf:46467
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000511
- Title
- SOURCE REPRESENTATION AND FRAMING IN CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION COMMUNICATION.
- Creator
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Raneri, April, Matusitz, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Research has indicated a strong interest in knowing who is being represented and how information is being represented in the communication about childhood immunization. This study uses a two-part analysis to look at source representation and framing in childhood immunization communication. A quantitative analysis of articles from the New York Times and USA Today were examined for their source representation, their use of fear appeals, through the Extended Parallel Processing Model (EPPM), and...
Show moreResearch has indicated a strong interest in knowing who is being represented and how information is being represented in the communication about childhood immunization. This study uses a two-part analysis to look at source representation and framing in childhood immunization communication. A quantitative analysis of articles from the New York Times and USA Today were examined for their source representation, their use of fear appeals, through the Extended Parallel Processing Model (EPPM), and the use of frames, through the application of Prospect Theory. A qualitative semiotic analysis was conducted on 36 images that appeared on www.yahoo.com and www.google.com to find common themes for who is being represented and how information is being portrayed through the images. Results found a high prevalence of representation from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, other governmental agencies and views from health/medical professionals in both the articles and images.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003016, ucf:48343
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003016
