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Service in Somalia

A Case Study in Physiology

By Christopher E. Braganca, Nicole M. Dib, Catherine M. Kelly, Philip J. Stephens

Service in Somalia


 

Abstract

This interrupted case study tells the story of “Emily,” a recent college graduate who has taken a gap year to follow her dream of becoming a pediatric doctor. As part of her post-graduate activities, she goes on a one-month humanitarian trip to Somalia. On her long return flight to the United States, Emily develops various symptoms and experiences several bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. Students are given signs, symptoms, and medical data to determine that Emily has contracted cholera (Vibrio cholerae). Originally designed for use in a one-semester animal physiology course taken mainly by sophomore and junior science majors, the case gives students an opportunity to apply previously acquired knowledge of the role of the CFTR channel in fluid secretion and the role of cAMP as a second messenger. The case could also be used in a general biology course or a nursing anatomy and physiology course as long as students have this background knowledge and are familiar with stroke volume and lab tests.

   

Date Posted

05/09/2022

Overview

Objectives

  • Synthesize medical data and form a hypothesis to diagnose common medical ailments.
  • Describe the steps involved in the activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) channel and its role in the passage of chloride ions into the lumen of the gut.
  • Explain how chloride ion secretion creates movement of other ions and water into the gut lumen.
  • Describe how cyclic AMP (cAMP) is produced by g-protein activation.
  • Explain how cAMP results in the phosphorylation of the CFTR channel.
  • Demonstrate how long-term changes within the cAMP pathway causes excess fluid secretion and how diarrhea causes dehydration.

Keywords

Vibrio cholerae; cholera; cyclic AMP; CFTR channel; water secretion; dehydration; Somalia;

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Cell Biology
Medicine (General)
Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted

 

 

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