Digital Commons Network^™

Gastroprotective Potential Of Medicinal Plant From Central Kalimantan: Sungkai Leaves (Peronema Canescens Jack)-Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction In Rats Induced With Absolute Ethanol, Dilasari Savitri, Elsa Trinovita, Ratna Widayati, Septi Handayani, Sintha Nugrahini

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Peptic ulcer disease is a gastrointestinal disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Enhancing the quality of life of patients with peptic ulcers often involves integrating conventional treatments with complementary alternative therapies. One such alternative therapy is herbal remedies, which local communities have long recognized. Sungkai leaves (Peronema canescens Jack) contain various bioactive components, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, and phenolic compounds. This study aimed to assess the gastroprotective properties of sungkai leaf extract (Peronema canescens Jack) by analyzing the average size of gastric lesions in male Wistar rats exposed to absolute ethanol. The research used a …

Unveiling Spatial Heterogeneity In Medulloblastoma: A Multi-Omics Analysis Of Cellular State And Geographical Organization, Jiankang Li, Hailong Liu, Ziwei Wang, Jiao Zhang, Xuan Chen, Craig Daniels, Xiaochong Wu, Olivier Saulnier, Hiromichi Suzuki, Pasqualino De Antonellis, Alexandra Rasnitsyn, Winnie Ong, Evan Y Wang, Liam D Hendrikse, Yu Su, Yu Tian, Dongming Han, Ruohan Wang, Jialin Mo, Fei Liu, Kaiwen Deng, Dongyang Wang, Zhaoyang Feng, Yifei Jiang, Yanong Li, Yuting Ma, Zijia Liu, Meiyu Li, Peiyi Tian, Yanfeng Shi, Yong Jiang, Tao Yang, Shouwei Li, Jianfeng Liang, Jingchuan Wu, Ying Wang, Wanjing Zou, Yina Jiang, Lusheng Wang, Fang Chen, Xin Jin, Shuaicheng Li, Xiaoguang Qiu, Chunde Li, Ya Gao, Yujie Tang, Michael D Taylor, Tao Jiang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Despite numerous studies on medulloblastoma (MB) cell heterogeneity, the spatial characteristics of cellular states remain unclear.

Methods: We analyze single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomes and chromatin accessibility from human MB spanning four subgroups, to identify malignant cell populations and describe the spatial evolutionary trajectories. The spatial copy number variations (CNVs) patterns and niches were analyzed to investigate the cellular interactions.

Results: Three main malignant cell populations were identified, including progenitor-like, cycling, and differentiated populations. Gene signatures of cell populations strongly correlate to clinical outcomes. These tumor cell populations are geographically organized as stem-like and mature regions, highlighting their spatially heterogeneous …

Extended-Release Buprenorphine With Bupivacaine Effectively Provides Postoperative Analgesia In A Mouse Laparotomy Model, Monika K. Huss, Amber Kerk, Renee Cotton, Helen Chum, Michael Hsieh, Katechan Jampachaisri, Patrick Sharp, Cholowat Pacharinsak

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Multimodal analgesia is widely encouraged for major survival surgery. This facilitates lower doses of individual drugs, thereby reducing side effects. Extended-release analgesics offer sustained analgesia coverage, prevent drug dosing nadirs, and reduce stress. Studies evaluating multimodal and extended-release analgesia combinations for major survival surgery in mice are limited. We compared the analgesic effect of bupivacaine and extended-release buprenorphine (Bupi-ER) to bupivacaine and buprenorphine HCl (Bupi-HCl). We hypothesized that preoperative Bupi-ER would provide more effective analgesia than Bupi-HCl. Mice were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: bupivacaine (2 mg/kg, local infiltration, once) with either 1) extended-release buprenorphine (0.6 mg/kg, …

In Silico Prediction Of Cytotoxic T-Cell Epitopes From Helicobacter Pylori Virulence Factors Using An Immunoinformatics Approach, Demy Valerie Chacon, Kiana Alika Co, Daphne Noreen Enriquez, Aubrey Love Labarda, Reanne Eden Manongsong, Edward Kevin B. Bragais

Biology Faculty Publications

Background: Helicobacter pylori infects approximately half of the global population, leading to gastric and duodenal ulcers. Despite the availability of antibiotics, challenges such as patient reluctance, high treatment costs, and antibiotic resistance limit their effectiveness, making vaccination a promising alternative. This study used immunoinformatics to identify candidate epitopes for a multiepitope vaccine construct against H. pylori.

Material and methods: The protein variability server was utilized for conservation analysis. The epitopes were screened for antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, cross-reactivity, and population coverage. Selected epitopes were docked with their corresponding human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, and thermodynamic quantities were determined. Five virulence …

Optimization Of Formula, Stability Testing, And Antioxidant Activity Of Clay Masks As Skin Moisturizers, Naniek Widyaningrum, Agung Dwi Anggoro Bhakti, Alghafiqy Harya Evan Maulana, Amalia Safitri, Adinda Fajrah Ramadhani, Anisa Febriani, Anggit Naufal Hanafi, Thendi Abdul Arief

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Clay masks are cosmetic formulations designed to adhere closely to the skin, effectively lifting contaminants, cleansing the face, and absorbing impurities. We made a clay mask containing active ingredients such as niacinamide, alpha arbutin, ceramide, and hyaluronic acid. A careful selection of ingredients is essential for ensuring safety and mitigating potential dermatological issues. This study aimed to evaluate the physical characteristics, stability, primary irritation potential, and moisturizing efficacy of this clay mask formulation. Kaolin and bentonite are the primary base materials. The research included formulation optimization and physical stability testing using a cycling test, where each cycle was conducted over …

Effects Of Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy On Hearing In Patients With Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Bryce Hambach, Anhelina Bilokon, John Lee, L. Noelle Allemang, Jennifer Chisholm, Chris K. Zalewski, Julie Christensen, Carmen C. Brewer, James L. Gulley, Clint T. Allen, Lisa L. Cunningham, Katharine A. Fernandez

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is a commonly used treatment modality for cancer with a growing list of oncologic indications. Ototoxicity is a potential immune-related adverse event of ICB treatment, but the risk of hearing loss after ICB remains unknown. This retrospective chart review sought to identify individuals who received ICB and had available audiometric data before and after treatment in order to identify clinically meaningful changes in hearing. This single center, institutional chart review examined hearing function data in patients who underwent audiometry before and after ICB treatment. Measures included pure tone thresholds, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), tympanometry, and …

Gallic, Aconitic, And Crocetin Acids As Potential Tnf Modulators: An Integrated Study Combining Molecular Docking, Dynamics Simulations, Admet Profiling, And Gene Expression Analysis, Adolat Manakbayeva, Ahdrey P. Bogoyavlenskiy, Timur Kerimov, Igor Yershov, Pavel Alexyuk, Madina Alexyuk, Vladimir Berezin, Vyacheslav Dushenkov

Publications and Research

Organic acids, as natural metabolites, play crucial roles in human metabolism and health. Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a pivotal mediator in immune regulation and inflammation, is a key therapeutic target. We evaluated ten organic acids as TNF modulators using in silico molecular docking, followed by detailed ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) profiling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for three lead candidates: gallic, aconitic, and crocetin acids. Their effects on TNF gene expression were then assessed in vivo using a mouse leukocyte model. The in silico results indicated that crocetin had the highest TNF binding affinity (−5.6 to −4.6 …

Refinement Of Hyams Grading Criteria For Olfactory Neuroblastoma In An Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Predominant Cohort With Extended Follow-Up: Worth The Effort?, Stacey Gargano, Vincent Cracolici, Carl Snyderman, Eric Wang, Garret Choby, Aron Pollack, Paul Gardner, Diana Bell, Raja Seethala

Computational Medicine Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Hyams grading is considered prognostic in olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), but grading criteria are subjective and predate modern classification and surgical approach. We evaluate the application of granular grading criteria to an endoscopic surgery predominant cohort with extended follow-up.

METHODS: 78 ONB patients were identified (1994-2019) with original diagnoses dating to 1979. Original Hyams grade, Modified Hyams grade incorporating more detailed criteria and other histologic features (i.e. divergent differentiation, clear cell/oncocytic change, and spindling) were assessed if feasible, evaluated for distribution by grade and correlated with outcomes.

RESULTS: Original Hyams grade (n = 43) distribution was: I: 4 (9%), II: …

Microneedle-Based Lc-Ms/Ms Profiling Of Dermal Interstitial Fluid Reveals Early Lipid Dysregulation Contributing To Painful Neuropathy In Prediabetic And Type 2 Diabetic Rats, Srinivasa Rao Gadam

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), a complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, also occurs in obesity and prediabetes, with dyslipidemia as a modifiable risk factor. The distal-to-proximal neuropathy pattern and length-dependent intraepidermal nerve fiber loss suggest peripheral contributions. We hypothesized that elevated neurotoxic lipid intermediates—diacylglycerols (DAG), free fatty acids (FFA), and acylcarnitines (CARs)—in the dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) drive metabolism-associated hyperalgesia in prediabetic and diabetic rats. Using a microneedle array (MIA) with LC-MS/MS, we profiled ISF and serum lipids from high-fat diet (HFD) and HFD + streptozotocin (STZ) rat models alongside Hargreaves testing. ISF lipid changes appeared earlier (weeks …

Exploration, Expansion, And Optimization Of Bacteriophage Virus-Like Particle Vaccines, Andzoa N. Jamus

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Bacteriophage virus-like particles are highly immunogenic, self-assembling platforms used for various vaccines. This work shows efforts to explore new vaccine candidates against Chlamydia trachomatis, targeting proteins that play critical roles in attachment and entry into the host cell, as well as in pathogenesis and bacteria proliferation. This work also shows the optimization of previously identified candidates, by investigating how altering routes of immunization can change the antibody profiles elicited, both systemically and locally. Finally, this work shows the establishment of various Chlamydia infection models in an effort to expand the ways in which vaccine efficacy can be investigated, particularly …

Immune Regulation In Fungal Airway Inflammation And Host Defense, Ruoning Wang

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by complex pathophysiological mechanisms and diverse endotypes, primarily categorized as T helper type 2 cell (Th2)-high and Th2-low asthma. Despite significant advances in understanding asthma pathogenesis, the mechanisms governing the pulmonary immune system’s response to external challenges have not been fully understood. To address these gaps, this comprehensive project was designed to investigate the interplay between fungal infections and specific CD4⁺ T cell populations in asthma. Our findings suggest that fungal infections can contribute to neutrophilic asthma by promoting the migration of platelet-myeloid aggregates into the lungs. We also …

Single-Nuclei Multiomics Analysis Identifies Abnormal Cardiomyocytes In A Murine Model Of Cardiac Development., Riley Leonard, Yi Zhao, Steven Eliason, Kathy Zimmerman, Ariana Batz, Cathy J. Hatcher, Robert M Weiss, Mason Sweat, Xiao Li, Brad A Amendt

PCOM Scholarly Works

Transcription factors such as Tbx5, Gata4, Mef2c and Pitx2 are required during cardiac development, and in adult cardiac homeostasis. We demonstrate that the gene dosage and modulation of these factors are mediated in vivo by the miR-200 family. Inhibition of a single miR-200 family member within the cluster results in defects of the left ventricle and cardiomyocyte maturation during development. Inhibition of the entire miR-200 family results in a ventricular septal defect and embryonic lethality by embryonic day (E)16.5. Inhibition of each miR-200 family has distinct heart phenotypes in cell specific differentiation and maturation. snRNA-sequencing reveals an immature cardiomyocyte cell …

Assessing The Effects Of Antibiotic Selectivity And Temperature On The Antimicrobial Activity Of Isolates Derived From The Deep-Sea Sponge Pheronema Capenteri, Lex L. Hilario

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The rapid increase of antibiotic resistance necessitates the discovery of novel antibiotic compounds capable to tackle these resistant bacteria. Deep-sea sponges accommodate a diverse and dense microbiome filled with an array of bacterial communities that have the potential to produce novel antimicrobials. Some discovered novel strains have already shown their capability in producing secondary metabolites that are effective against clinically relevant strains. This study aims to evaluate the impacts of different culture conditions; antibiotic selectivity and temperature, on the antimicrobial activity of isolates recovered from three different Pheronema carpenteri deep-sea sponges. Using culture-dependant methods, a total of 59 bacterial isolates …

Elevated Nr2f1 Underlies The Persistence Of Invasive Disease After Treatment Of Braf-Mutant Melanoma, Manoela Tiago, Timothy J. Purwin, Casey D. Stefanski, Renaira Oliveira Da Silva, Mitchell E. Fane, Yash Chhabra, Jelan I. Haj, Jessica L. F. Teh, Rama Kadamb, Weijia Cai, Sheera Rosenbaum, Vivian Chua, Nir Hacohen, Michael A. Davies, Jessie Villanueva, Inna Chervoneva, Ashani T. Weeraratna, Dan A. Erkes, Claudia Capparelli, Julio A. Aguirre-Ghiso, Andrew E. Aplin

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

Despite the success of targeted inhibitors in cutaneous melanoma, therapeutic responses are limited by the aged tumor microenvironment and drug-tolerant residual cells. Given the similarities between drug tolerance and cellular dormancy, we studied the dormancy marker, nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 1 (NR2F1), in response to BRAF-V600E inhibitors (BRAFi) plus MEK inhibitors (MEKi) in BRAF-mutant melanoma models. Transcriptomic analysis of melanoma patient samples treated with BRAFi + MEKi showed increased NR2F1. NR2F1 was highly expressed in the drug-tolerant invasive cell state of minimal residual disease in patient-derived and mouse-derived xenografts on BRAFi + MEKi. NR2F1 over-expression was sufficient …

Glucose Metabolism And Its Direct Action In Cancer And Immune Regulation: Opportunities And Challenges For Metabolic Targeting, Bo-Syong Pan, Che-Chia Hsu, Hsin-En Wu, Yuan-Ru Chen, Xiaobo Zhou, Shu-Chi Wang, Chia-Yang Li, Hui-Kuan Lin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Glucose metabolism is a pivotal hub for cellular energy production and the generation of building blocks that support cell growth, survival, and differentiation. Cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to sustain rapid proliferation, survive in harsh microenvironments, and resist therapies. Beyond producing energy and building blocks to meet cancer cell demands, glucose metabolism generates numerous metabolites that serve as signaling molecules, orchestrating signaling pathways and epigenetic modifications that regulate cancer cell phenotypes and immunity. In this review, we discuss how glucose, through its metabolism and direct actions, influences diverse biological processes driving cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, while also exploring metabolic …

Non-Mutated Human Tau Stimulates Alzheimer’S Disease-Relevant Neurodegeneration In A Microglia-Dependent Manner, Ethan R Roy, Qiang Wang, Kexin Huang, Sanming Li, Yuanyuan Fan, Estrella Escobar, Constance L Atkins, Shuning Huang, Juan J Herrera, Wenbo Li, Clare Pridans, Xiaobo Zhou, Cynthia Ju, Wei Cao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The accumulation of abnormal, non-mutated tau protein is a key pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite its strong association with disease progression, the mechanisms by which tau drives neurodegeneration in the brain remain poorly understood. Here, we selectively expressed non-mutated or mutated human microtubule-associated protein tau (hMAPT) in neurons across the mouse brain and observed neurodegeneration in the hippocampus, especially associated with non-mutated human tau. Single-nuclei RNA sequencing confirmed a selective loss of hippocampal excitatory neurons by the wild-type tau and revealed the upregulation of neurodegeneration-related pathways in the affected populations. The accumulation of phosphorylated tau was accompanied by …

Cd45 And Cd148 Are Critically Involved In Neutrophil Recruitment And Function During Inflammatory Arthritis In Mice, Jan-Niklas Heming, Andreas Margraf, Karolina Najder, Giulia Germena, Mathis Richter, Anika Cappenberg, Katharina Henke, Bernadette Bardel, Lena Schemmelmann, Marina Oguama, Pia Lindental, Wida Amini, Jacqueline Sobocik, Georg Schett, Gerhard Krönke, Helena Block, Jan Rossaint, Oliver Soehnlein, Alexander Zarbock

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Neutrophils play a key role in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, contributing to tissue damage through rapid recruitment and activation. In this study, we investigated the regulatory properties of two receptor-like tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs), CD45 and CD148, in inflammatory arthritis. Using an in vivo mouse model of K/BxN serum transfer-induced arthritis, we found that CD45 and CD148 feature distinct regulatory properties during inflammatory arthritis. CD45 is required for neutrophil infiltration, cytokine release, and reactive oxygen species production, whereas CD148 deficiency leads to a delayed onset of arthritis but unaltered overall neutrophil infiltration and reduced ROS production. Furthermore, we could demonstrate …

Sleep Drive, Not Total Sleep Amount, Increases Seizure Risk, Vishnu Anand Cuddapah, Cynthia T Hsu, Fernanda Valle Sirias, Yongjun Li, Hrishit M Shah, Christopher Saul, Samantha Killiany, Camilo Guevara, Joy Shon, Zhifeng Yue, Gabrielle L Gionet, Mary E Putt, Amita Sehgal

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Sleep loss has been associated with increased seizure risk since antiquity. Using automated video detection of spontaneous seizures in Drosophila epilepsy models, we show that seizures worsen only when sleep restriction raises homeostatic "sleep drive," not simply when total sleep amount falls. This is supported by the paradoxical finding that acute activation of sleep-promoting circuits worsens seizures, because it increases sleep drive without changing sleep amount. Sleep-promoting circuits become hyperactive after sleep loss and are associated with increased whole-brain activity. During sleep restriction, optogenetic inhibition of sleep-promoting circuits to reduce sleep drive protects against seizures. Downregulation of the 5HT1A serotonin …

Potential Of Legume Seeds From The Leguminosae Family As Material Source Of Food And Medicine : A Literature Review, Ni Made Ayu Gangga Dewi, Nina Dewi Oktaviyanti, Aurapa Sakulpanich, Kartini Kartini

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Leguminosae, also known as Fabaceae, is the third largest plant family after Orchidaceae and Asteraceae. This review aimed to explore the potential of several legume species indigenous to Indonesia, from the Leguminosae family, as sources of food and medicine. The data used for the analysis were collected from various online databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The results showed that there were 13 species of Leguminosae family plants found easily in Indonesia including Cajanus cajan, Canavalia ensiformis, Mucuna pruriens, Arachis hypogaea, Vigna subterranea, Glycine max, Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus lunatus, Vigna radiata, Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata, Vigna angularis, Vigna …

Transforming Cancer Care: A Narrative Review On Leveraging Artificial Intelligence To Advance Immunotherapy In Underserved Communities, Victor M. Vasquez Jr., Molly Mccabe, Jack C. Mckee, Sharon Siby, Usman Hussain, Farah Faizuddin, Aadil Sheikh, Subramanian Dhandayuthapani, Shrikanth Gadad, Jessica Chacon

School of Medicine Publications

Purpose: Cancer immunotherapy has transformed oncology, but underserved populations face persistent disparities in access and outcomes. This review explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can help mitigate these barriers. Methods: We conducted a narrative review based on peer-reviewed literature selected for relevance to artificial intelligence, cancer immunotherapy, and healthcare challenges, without restrictions on publication date. We searched three major electronic databases: PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and arXiv, covering both biomedical and computational literature. The search included publications from January 2015 through April 2024 to capture contemporary developments in AI and cancer immunotherapy. Results: AI tools such as machine learning, …

Effects Of The Gut Microbiota On Placental Angiogenesis And Intrauterine Growth In Gnotobiotic Mice, Reyan Coskun, Zenan L Chang, Athziri Marcial Rodríguez, Haoxin Liu, Jiye Cheng, Yael Alippe, Michael S Diamond, Jeffrey I Gordon

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Environmental causes of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) remain poorly characterized. Here, we compare germ-free (GF) and conventionally raised (CONV-R) mice to assess the effects of the gut microbiota on placental/fetal development at embryonic day (E)11.5 (end of placentation) and E17.5 (near term). Pregnancy- and microbiota-associated changes in gene expression occur along the gut, including those related to angiogenesis, while bacterial composition and fermentation activity remain stable. Placental weights at E11.5 and fetal weights at E17.5 are significantly reduced in GF animals. Compared to CONV-R dams, the GF maternal decidua exhibits similar vascular histomorphometric features at E11.5 and E17.5, and numbers …

Cd206+Il-4rα+ Macrophages Are Drivers Of Adverse Cardiac Remodeling In Ischemic Cardiomyopathy, Qiongxin Wang, Mohamed Ameen Ismahil, Yujie Zhu, Gregg Rokosh, Tariq Hamid, Guihua Zhou, Steven M. Pogwizd, Sumanth D. Prabhu

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: The role of cardiac CD (cluster of differentiation) 206

METHODS: Adult C57BL/6 mice underwent nonreperfused myocardial infarction to induce HF. Macrophages in murine and human hearts were profiled using flow cytometry and immunostaining. In vivo myeloid-specific IL-4Rα deletion and intramyocardial macrophage adoptive transfer defined the functional effects of macrophages polarized by IL-4 (M[IL-4]). Antisense oligonucleotides were used for in vivo IL-4Rα gene silencing in mice.

RESULTS: CD206

CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac CD206

The Effect Of A Therapy Dog On Pressure Pain Threshold In Healthy Individuals, Lydia L. Haak, Rhonda L. Verdegan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Pain is the most common reason for healthcare consultation in the United States. Pain affects every area of life; biologically, psychologically, and socially. These three constructs make up every individual and thus contribute to their perceived quality of life. The use of therapy dogs (TD) has been widely researched as a source of non-pharmacological pain management. Studies have proven that a dog can reduce perceived pain in people with a variety of comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to prove that pain is modulated biologically by dogs and not just by human perception. Methods: This was …

Understanding The Relationship Between Occupation And Cognitive Abilities: A Preliminary Study, Deepak Puttanna, Srinidhi Konda, Mohammed Al Harbi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Understanding the cognitive abilities across various occupational backgrounds is deemed crucial, owing to the fact that the cognitive load imposed in each of the roles varies, thus there may be different levels of cognitive skills used in daily day-to-day activities. Also, it paves the way for the researchers to understand how an intellectually stimulating environment aids in better cognitive reserve or hinders cognitive decline. Method: A total of 60 participants aged between 30 to 50 years participated in the study. These participants were further divided into two broad groups, professional/technical workers and structural work occupations. These occupations were …

Metabolic Consequences Of Sleep Disorders: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Their Role In Diabetes, Victoria S. Parma

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to grow globally, and more strategies are needed to combat this public health problem. Considering the link between sleep problems and risk of type 2 diabetes, the objective of this review is to discuss the experimental and epidemiological evidence underlying the link between sleep disturbances (such as insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea), and the development of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, which are impairments that can eventually result in type 2 diabetes. In order to explore this, PubMed and Google Scholar were utilized to find pertinent peer-reviewed publications, reviews, and …

Superficial Cervical Plexus Block For Postoperative Pain Management In Occipital Craniotomies: A Narrative Review, Shahab Ahmadzadeh, Bennett M. Ford, Alex V. Hollander, Mary Kathleen Luetkemeier, Tomasina Q. Parker-Actlis, Sahar Shekoohi

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Post-craniotomy pain is common yet often sub-optimally managed because systemic opioids can obscure postoperative neurologic examinations. The superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB) has, therefore, emerged as a targeted regional anesthesia option for occipital craniotomies. The SCPB targets the C2-C4 nerves to anesthetize the occipital scalp region, covering the lesser occipital nerve territory that lies within typical posterior scalp incisions. Clinical evidence shows the block is effective in reducing acute postoperative pain after occipital craniotomy and diminishes opioid requirements. Studies have demonstrated successful and long-lasting analgesia, reductions in 24-h opioid consumption, and a lower incidence of severe pain. Moreover, the technique …

Immunosuppressive Formulations For Immunological Defense Against Traumatic Brain Injury, Abhirami Thumsi, Abhinav P. Acharya, Jeffrey Capadona, Sanmoy Pathak, Taravat Khodaei, Madan Mohan Chandra Sekhar Jaggarapu, Abhirami P. Suresh

Faculty Scholarship

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and subsequent neurodegeneration is partially driven by chronic inflammation both locally and systemically. Yet, current clinical intervention strategies do not mitigate inflammation sequelae necessitating the development of innovative approaches to reduce inflammation and minimize deleterious effects of TBI. Herein, a subcutaneous formulation based on polymer of alpha-ketoglutarate (paKG) delivering glycolytic inhibitor PFK15 (PFKFB3 inhibitor, a rate limiting step in glycolysis), alpha-ketoglutarate (to fuel Krebs cycle) and peptide antigen from myelin proteolipid protein (PLP139-151) is utilized as the prophylactic immunosuppressive formulation in a mouse model of TBI. In vitro, the paKG(PFK15+PLP) formulation stimulates proliferation of immunosuppressive regulatory …

Engineered Bifidobacterium Strains Colonization At Tumor Sites: A Novel Approach To The Delivery Of Cancer Treatments, Rhea Amonkar, Ashley Ann Uy, Pablo Ramirez, Harina Patel, Jae Jin Jeong, Nicole Oyinade Shoyele, Vidhi Vaghela, Ashakumary Lakshmikuttyamma

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

Bacteria-mediated cancer therapy represents a novel and promising strategy for targeted drug delivery to solid tumors. Multiple studies have demonstrated that various Bifidobacterium species can selectively colonize the hypoxic microenvironments characteristic of solid tumors. Leveraging this property, Bifidobacterium has been explored as a delivery vector for a range of anti-cancer approaches such as immunotherapy, nanoformulated chemotherapeutics, and gene therapy. Notably, anti-angiogenic genes such as endostatin and tumstatin have been successfully delivered to colorectal tumors using Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium longum, respectively. Additionally, Bifidobacterium bifidum has been employed to transport doxorubicin and paclitaxel nanoparticles to breast and lung tumor sites. …

Engineered Bifidobacterium Strains Colonization At Tumor Sites: A Novel Approach To The Delivery Of Cancer Treatments, Rhea Amonkar, Ashley Ann Uy, Pablo Ramirez, Harina Patel, Jae Jin Jeong, Nicole Oyinade Shoyele, Vidhi Vaghela, Ashakumary Lakshmikuttyamma

College of Pharmacy Faculty Papers

Bacteria-mediated cancer therapy represents a novel and promising strategy for targeted drug delivery to solid tumors. Multiple studies have demonstrated that various Bifidobacterium species can selectively colonize the hypoxic microenvironments characteristic of solid tumors. Leveraging this property, Bifidobacterium has been explored as a delivery vector for a range of anti-cancer approaches such as immunotherapy, nanoformulated chemothera- peutics, and gene therapy. Notably, anti-angiogenic genes such as endostatin and tumstatin have been successfully delivered to colorectal tumors using Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium longum, respectively. Additionally, Bifidobacterium bifidum has been employed to transport doxorubicin and paclitaxel nanoparticles to breast and lung tumor …

Melanoma Antigens In Pediatric Medulloblastoma Contribute To Tumor Heterogeneity And Species-Specificity Of Group 3 Tumors, Rebecca R J Collins, Rebecca R Florke Gee, Sima Tozandehjani, Tara Bayat, Maria Camila Hoyos Sanchez, Juan Sebastian Solano Gutierrez, Barbara Breznik, Anna K Lee, Samuel T Peters, Jon P Connelly, Shondra M Pruett-Miller, Martine F Roussel, Dinesh Rakheja, Heather S Tillman, Patrick Ryan Potts, Klementina Fon Tacer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most malignant childhood brain cancer. Group 3 MB (G3 MB) subtype accounts for about 25% of MB and is associated with the worst outcomes. Herein, we report that more than half of G3 MB tumors express melanoma antigens (MAGEs), which are potential prognostic and therapeutic markers. MAGEs are cancer-testis antigens, aberrantly expressed in several adult cancers, and associated with poorer prognosis and therapy resistance; however, their role in pediatric cancers is mostly unknown. This study aimed to determine whether MAGEs are activated and important in pediatric MB. We obtained formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples of 34 patients, …