Digital Commons Network^™

Underexplored Maternal Microbiomes: Immune, Metabolic, And Microbial Pathways Shaping Pregnancy Outcomes, Rafael Tomoya Michita, Nicole Jimenez, Melissa M Herbst-Kralovetz, Indira U Mysorekar

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Maternal microbial ecosystems play critical roles in shaping reproductive physiology and pregnancy outcomes. During the pre-conception and prenatal periods, these communities modulate maternal physiology by regulating immune tolerance, nutrient metabolism, and susceptibility to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes. While the gut microbiota has been extensively studied, the roles of cervicovaginal, urinary, respiratory, oral, and upper reproductive tract microbiomes remain less clear. In this minireview, we synthesize current knowledge on these underexplored maternal microbiomes, with an emphasis on the cervicovaginal and urinary microbiota and their interactions with the placenta and fetus. We discuss cross-niche microbial …

A Comparative Study Of Antibacterial Activity Of Zno And Tio2 Nanoparticles Against Gram-Positive And Gram-Negative Bacteria, Ghaed Salman

Engineering and Technology Journal

Using the sol-gel technique, this study successfully synthesized two types of nanoparticles, ZnO and TiO2. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum exhibited a broad peak, providing insights into crucial chemical bonds. The average grain sizes, 18.6 nm for ZnO and 12.6 nm for TiO2 were determined through X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the (ZnO & TiO2) powder revealed the presence of pores and agglomeration. The antimicrobial efficacy of these nanoparticles was evaluated against Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and Proteus) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staph. aureus). The results demonstrated the capability of both ZnO and TiO2 to impact bacterial …

Design And Implementation Of Remote Real-Time Monitor System For Prosthetic Limbs, Hussein Mansoure, Hadeel Abdullah

Engineering and Technology Journal

Persons with Lower-limb amputations experience movement restrictions resulting in worsening their life quality. Wearable sensors are often utilized to evaluate spatial and temporal qualities and kinetic parameters that provide the mechanism to create interactive monitoring of the amputee prosthesis system. Gait events and detection of the gait phase of amputee movement are essential to control the prosthetic devices of lower limbs.  This paper presents real-time monitoring to individuals with lower limb amputation by using a medical wireless sensor. However,  the proposed system used four medical sensor nodes (such as gait, temperature, the pressure of blood, blood oxygenation (SpO2) )for transmitted …

Horizontal Gene Transfer In Neisseria, Wen Ting Dong

Theses

Antibiotics are a special category of drugs that help treat bacterial infections by killing bacteria or hindering their growth and replication. Antibiotics are greatly significant in modern medical practices, providing an effective treatment for bacterial infections as well as enabling organ transplants, open surgeries, and chemotherapy to be possible. Unfortunately, cases of antibiotic resistance were observed shortly after the introduction of antibiotics. The appearance and spread of these resistant strains poses a significant threat to public health safety. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates there are 2,868,700 antibiotic-resistant bacterial and fungal infection cases per year in the United States, …

Patient And Healthcare Professionals' Perceptions Of Educational Tools To Reduce Urine Culture Contamination In Outpatient Clinics: A Qualitative Study., Ashley Collazo, Trenton M Haltom, Johanan Luna Rodriguez, Kiara Olmeda, Azalia Mancera, Fabrizia Faustinella, Michael K Paasche-Orlow, Zach Landis-Lewis, Roger Zoorob, Barbara W Trautner, Larissa Grigoryan

2020-Current year OA Pubs

OBJECTIVE: Iteratively develop educational tools (instructional video and flyer) to improve midstream clean catch (MSCC) urine sample collection using patient and healthcare professionals' input.

DESIGN: Multi-method qualitative study.

SETTING: Outpatient clinics in Houston, Texas, United States.

PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients recruited from public and private clinics (

METHODS: Twelve patient interviews and three focus groups with HCPs (May 2024-November 2024). Interviews discussed patient experiences using the educational tools to guide urine specimen collection. Focus groups elicited HCPs' perspectives on the comprehensibility and utility of the tools in their respective clinics. We identified themes using directed content analysis.

RESULTS: We garnered insight …

Heat And Socioeconomic Deprivation Compound To Drive Coronary Heart Disease In Los Angeles, Shutong Huo, Tessa R. Pulido, Reginald S. Archer, Joshua B. Fisher, Jason A. Douglas

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Background:

Socioeconomic deprivation and environmental heat exposure each increase cardiovascular risk, yet evidence is limited on how these stressors co-occur and jointly shape disease burden within cities. Mapping their overlap can inform equity-oriented planning and needs-based allocation of health and social protection resources.

Methods:

We conducted an ecological geospatial analysis of 2,513 census tracts in Los Angeles County. Adult coronary heart disease (CHD) prevalence was obtained from CDC Population Level Analysis and Community Estimates (2021). Socioeconomic deprivation was measured using the Social Deprivation Index (SDI), and heatwave surface heat hazard was measured using land surface temperature (LST) retrieved from the …

Mechanism-Aware Ml Identifies A Protease-Chemokine-Galectin (Pcg) Axis That Links Plasma Proteomics To Single-Cell Signaling And Enables Compact Severity Classification In Covid-19, Félix E. Rivera-Mariani, Albersy Armina-Rodriguez, Tashoy Campbell, Emily Solomon

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Il-10 And Il-12 As Early Diagnostic Biomarkers In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Mariam Sami Shail, Israa Hussein Hamzah

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly recognized as a complex metabolic disorder associated with immune dysregulation and chronic low-grade inflammation Objectives: This study aimed to quantify serum levels of (IL-10) and (IL-12) in patients with (T2DM) and to explore their potential role as early diagnostic biomarkers in comparison with healthy controls. Methods:  A case–control study be situated showed including 120 participants: 80 patients with T2DM and 40 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of IL-10 and IL-12 were quantified using ELISA. Hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed using standard automated methods. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, correlation analysis, and receiver …

Educational Policies Committee Agenda March 5, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - February 5, 2026
• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee
• Center for Civic Excellence
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00 pm

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda March 5, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - February 5, 2026
• R401 - Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Review
• Other Business
• Draft Graduate Certificates Policy
• Adjourn: 3:00 pm

Pacific Rxtracts - March 2026, Pacific Rxtracts

Pacific RxTracts

Articles:

• FDA Approves Zycubo as First Treatment for Menkes Disease
• A Step Toward New Lung Treatment - FDA Expands Nerandomilast Approval
• Olezarsen for Severe Hypertriglyceridemia and Pancreatitis Prevention
• Increasing Accessibility of Treatment for Hepatitis C Through Telemedicine
• Efficacy of a Shortened Romosozumab Therapy followed by Denosumab in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
• Renal Outcomes of SGLT2 Inhibitors vs. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in T2D
• Plozasiran, A Novel Therapy for Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome
• Incretin Agonists and Reduced CPAP Use in Obesity-Related Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Icotrokinra: A Novel Oral Therapy for Plaque Psoriasis
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Pediatric Major Depressive Disorder: Limited Benefit as Adjunctive Therapy …

Computational Discovery Of Sars-Cov-2 Viral Entry Inhibitory Peptides From Androctonus Mauretanicus Scorpion Venom: Molecular Docking And Molecular Dynamics Simulations Targeting The Spike Protein, Reda Chahir, Salaheddine Redouane, Jacob Galan, Hicham Hboub, Lahoussaine Aserrar, Salma Chakir, Ahmed Salim Lahlou, Hinde Aassila, Rachid El Fatimy, Naoual Oukkache

School of Medicine Publications

Background and Objective: 

While vaccination remains central to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with partial resistance to immune responses has highlighted the need for complementary therapeutic strategies. Among these, antiviral agents that inhibit viral entry mechanisms are of particular interest. Animal venoms, especially scorpion venoms, are a rich source of bioactive peptides with potential antiviral properties. This study aimed to evaluate peptides derived from the Moroccan scorpion Androctonus mauretanicus as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, which mediates virus entry into host cells via ACE2 receptor binding.

Material and Methodology: 

Six peptides from the venom of the …

Clinical Utility Of A Cerebrospinal Fluid Multiplex Pcr Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel In Children: A Retrospective Review Of Positive Results, Supatida Tengsupakul, Madhuri Mulekar, Bibek Raj Bista, Paul Maertens, Kamal Sharma

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Meningitis has significant clinical morbidity and mortality in children. Mortality in children, especially neonates, is high due to diagnostic difficulty. Diagnosis of pediatric meningitis is traditionally made using CSF parameters and cultures. The performance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) meningitis/encephalitis (ME) panel needs further evaluation in the pediatric population.

Methods: Medical records of children with a positive CSF ME panel (June 1, 2016 to August 31, 2018) were reviewed retrospectively. We extracted data about antimicrobials used, laboratory and culture results, duration of antibiotic treatment, hospital stay, and follow-up. Long term outcome was evaluated.

Results: A …

Monophasic Autoimmune Chorea In A Pediatric Patient, Eva Farkas, Brianne Drury, Thomas Reynolds

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Sydenham chorea is the most common parainfectious chorea in children and may be the only presenting symptom of acute rheumatic fever in children. However, choreiform movement disorders in children may also be the result of nonspecific immune processes or other non-immune-mediated disorders. We present the case of an otherwise healthy 10-year-old girl with a nonspecific immune-mediated chorea that resolved with immunomodulatory therapy. Clinical Findings: The patient's exam results indicated orolingual dyskinesia and blepharospasm. The patient had intermittent choreiform movements of the neck, trunk, and extremities (including a ``milk maid's grasp'') that persisted even when she was asleep. Her coordination …

Relationofmother’S Knowledgeabout Dentalandoralhealthcarewithkindergarten Student’S Dental Caries Status (Hubungan Pengetahuan Ibu Tentang Pemeliharaan Kesehatan Gigi Dan Mulut Dengan Status Karies Gigi Murid Taman Kanak-Kanak), Ayub I. Anwar

Dentofasial

Dental caries is one of the most frequent tooth decays experienced by pre-school children which can interfere with their
growth process
. Maintenance instructions for oral health at home have been made byexperts. Theprogramemphasizes the
prevention of caries. Parental participation is necessary in guiding, giving understanding, reminding, and providing the
facilities to children so they can maintain the cleanliness of their teeth and mouth. The purpose of this observational
analytic cross sectional study was to determine the relation of mothers' knowledge of dental and oral health care and
dental caries status of students at
Kusudarsini Kindergarten in Makassar. Research subjects …

A.Actinomycetemcomitans Adhesi Protein Increasing Il-8 Titre In Heart Of Wistar Rat With Aggressive Periodontitis (Protein Adhesin Dari A.Actinomycetemcomitans Meningkatkantiter Il -8 Di Dalamjantungtikuswistar Denganperiodontitis Agresif), Rini Devijanti Ridwan, Retno Indrawati

Dentofasial

Cardiovascular and periodontal diseases are common inflammatory conditions in the human population. Tlymphocytes
participate
in
the

pathogenesis and inflammatory events of atherosclerosis. These immune cells enter the
inflamed artery wall and join macrophages via a number of interferon-c-inducible chemokines. Chemokines (IL-8),
cytokines, and growth factors also participate in this process. The interaction between interleukin- 8 and its receptor,
CXCR2, can also contribute to lesion formation in mice. The main causes of aggressive periodontitis is
Actinobacillus
actinomycetemcomitans
. Previous studies have proven that adhesin protein with 24 kDa molecular weight from
A.actinomycetemcomitans is a specific adhesin, this adhesin proteins play a …

Penatalaksanaan Early Childhood Caries Management Of Early Childhood Caries, Fajriani Fajriani, Hendrastuty Handayani

Dentofasial

Early childhood caries (ECC), also known as milk bottle caries is a syndrome of severe tooth decay, occurs in
infants and children, is an infectious disease that develops rapidly and lead to health problems in children. This
syndrome can be caused by inappropriate use of bottles. Most cases of untreated ECC to children aged 20 months.
At this stage many children need serious treatment, because this will result in trauma to both the children and
parents. The most common treatment ECC and other dental diseases have been included in each treatment of
disease. Efforts to educate families about dental hygiene …

Penatalaksanaan Chronic Atrophic Candidiasis Pada Pasien Gigitiruan Lepasan, Maharani Laillyza Apriasari, Bagus Soebadi

Dentofasial

Chronic atrophic candidiasis is the pathologic changes on the oral mucous of the
denture wearers, accompanied with erythematous under the denture, usually
asymptomatic and relates to the yeast of Candida. The irritation factors of chronic
atrophic candidiasis are ill fitting denture, using the denture at night and bad oral
hygiene. This is a case report of chronic atrophic candidiasis on patient using
removable denture without systemic disease. The trigger factors were using denture at
night, mistaken of cleaning the denture and dental calculus surround the artificial
teeth of denture. Final diagnosis is based on anamnesis, clinical examination and
microbiology examination. …

Characteristics Of Young Children Hospitalized With Acute Respiratory Failure From Infection With Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Sars-Cov-2, Or Both, November 2023-March 2024., Regina M. Simeone, Margaret M. Newhams, Laura D. Zambrano, Jemima M. Calixte, Katherine Lindsey, Amber Orzel-Lockwood, Amanda B. Payne, Natasha B. Halasa, Satoshi Kamidani, Aline B. Maddux, Kathleen Chiotos, Hillary Crandall, Jennifer E. Schuster, Danielle M. Zerr, Lora M. Martin, Melissa A. Cameron, Katherine Irby, Shira J. Gertz, Steven L. Shein, Ryan A. Nofziger, Samina S. Bhumbra, Janet R. Hume, Michele Kong, Mia Maamari, Bria M. Coates, Judith A. Guzman-Cottrill, Mary Allen Staat, Thomas J. Connors, Matt S. Zinter, Jigar C. Chauhan, Tamara T. Bradford, Kari Wellnitz, Angela P. Campbell, Adrienne G. Randolph, Overcoming Covid-19 Investigators

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2 can cause acute respiratory failure in children. We compared characteristics and outcomes of children aged < 2 years with respiratory failure from infection with RSV, SARS-CoV-2, or both viruses.

METHODS: We used data from a US pediatric respiratory virus hospitalization surveillance network including children with ICU admission for acute respiratory failure (receiving high-flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation) with RSV and/or SARS-CoV-2 during November 2023-March 2024. Demographic, clinical characteristics, and hospitalization outcomes were stratified by a positive test for RSV, SARS-CoV-2, or both viruses, and compared using chi-squared or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Multivariable analyses assessed independent associations between outcomes and infection.

RESULTS: Overall, 1406 children were included: 1253 (89.1%) …

Epigenetic Activation Of Ebv Bglf4 Determines Antiviral-Based Regimen Response In Ebv+Cns Lymphoproliferative Disease, Christoph Weigel, Haley Klimaszewski, Fode Tounkara, Selamawit Addissie, Sarah Schlotter, Betsy Pray, James Dugan, Bradley Haverkos, Lynda Villagomez, Mark Lustberg, Pierluigi Porcu, Timothy Voorhees, Richard Ambinder, Shannon Kenney, Joyce Fingeroth, Henri-Jacques Delecluse, Michael Caligiuri, Lapo Alinari, Ginny Bumgardner, Christopher Oakes, Robert Baiocchi

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–associated primary central nervous system lymphoproliferative diseases (EBV+PCNSL) are aggressive conditions with poor prognoses. We previously reported durable responses in patients with PCNSL who were treated with the antivirals ganciclovir and azidothymidine, plus rituximab and dexamethasone (GARD). Responses were associated with the detection of the lytic viral protein kinases, BGLF4 and BXLF1. These antiviral activating kinases are associated with lytic EBV, however, the mechanism for expression in latently infected EBV+CNSL is unknown. Expanding on previous work, we provide long-term clinical outcome data (N = 24) and show that RNA expression analysis in CNSL tissue biopsies (n = 12) …

A Pocket Manual For Human Papillomavirus Vaccines, Natalie A Voss, J Brooks Jackson, Mary B Rysavy

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and is responsible for the majority of cervical, anal, and vaginal cancers. The first prophylactic HPV vaccine was introduced in the United States in 2006. Extensive evidence demonstrates the HPV vaccine is highly efficacious and effective, particularly when administered prior to HPV exposure. Despite strong safety data and proven cost-effectiveness, HPV vaccine uptake in the United States and globally remains suboptimal. Barriers to vaccination include limited knowledge, safety concerns, and logistical challenges. Current advancements focus on single-dose vaccine regimens, development of therapeutic vaccines, and higher-valent formulations. Expanding HPV vaccine …

Beat-Bk: An Adaptive, Randomized Controlled Trial To Treat Polyomavirus Infections (Bkpyv) In Kidney And Kidney-Pancreas Transplantation Recipients (Beat-Bk) Study Protocol, Ryan Gately, Michael Dymock, Dharshana Sabanayagam, Scott B. Campbell, Jonathan C. Craig, Vikas Dharnidharka, Anna Francis, Jonathan M. Gleadle, Martin Hajek, Sana Hamilton, Martin Howell, Nicole Isbel, Allison Jaure, David W. Johnson, John Kanellis, Karen Keung, Siah Kim, Jen Kok, Dirk R. Kuypers, Nicholas Larkins, Wai H. Lim, Rahul Mainra, Julie A. Marsh, Gabor Mihala, Brian Nankivell, Samantha Ng

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background. – BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a common opportunistic infection in kidney transplant recipients, typically reactivating in the context of immunosuppression. Although asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, reactivation in transplant recipients can cause BKPyV-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN), a leading cause of graft dysfunction and loss. BKPyV viremia affects approximately 10%–15% of transplant recipients, and once BKPyVAN is established, the risk of graft failure can exceed 50%. The current standard of care involves immunosuppression reduction to restore virus-specific immunity, but this approach increases the risk of acute and chronic rejection. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), which contains antiviral and immunomodulatory antibodies, has been proposed as …

Cultural Competence In Patient Care Coordination: Access To Care, Ryan Persaud

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This paper examines cultural competence in pharmacy patient care coordination, specifically focusing on access barriers faced by diverse patient populations and evidence-based interventions to address these challenges. Methods: A comprehensive literature review examined access barriers for Native American, African American, Asian American, and Hispanic American patient populations in pharmacy settings, identifying culturally competent interventions for their effectiveness in improving medication access. Results: Each population faces distinct barriers including geographic isolation for Native Americans, economic and transportation challenges for African Americans, language and cultural navigation issues for Asian Americans, and immigration-related concerns for Hispanic Americans. Effective interventions include telepharmacy services, …

Comparative Antibacterial Efficacy Of Povidone-Iodine, Citric Acid, And Starch: A Study Of Combined Activity And Interference Effects Against Clinically Relevant Bacteria, Falah Hasan Obayes Al-Khikani, Mustafa Mutar Trrad, Ali Abedulameer Alhusayni

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Povidone-iodine and citric acid are widely used antimicrobial agents. However, data on their comparative efficacy and the functional outcomes of their combination, particularly regarding the influence of common excipients like starch, is limited. Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimizing antiseptic formulations. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antibacterial activity of povidone-iodine, citric acid (5% and 20%), and starch (5% and 20%), both individually and in combination, against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity of the agents was assessed using an agar well diffusion assay. Mean inhibition zone …

Effect Of Ag-Ptfe Nanocomposite Coating On Wettability And Antimicrobial Activity Of Orthodontic Wires, Mahmood Naser, Emad Al-Hassani, Fatima Al-Hassani

Engineering and Technology Journal

This study investigates the effect of Ag–PTFE nanocomposite coatings, prepared by radio frequency (RF) sputtering, on the surface and antimicrobial properties of orthodontic stainless steel archwires (SSW). The novelty lies in combining silver (Ag) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nanoparticles into one coating, which has not been widely applied to orthodontics. The motivation is the need to reduce microbial adhesion and biofilm on archwires, which contribute to enamel demineralization, gingival disease, and infections. The problem addressed is the lack of coatings that can simultaneously provide enhanced surface properties, facilitate controlled silver ion release, and deliver durable antibacterial performance. Unlike literature that mainly …

Metabolic Responses To Freund’S Adjuvants And Oncolytic Viruses: Implications On Vaccines And Tumor Immunity, Kiruthiga Mone

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Freund’s adjuvants have been extensively used in experimental research, and they modulate immune responses through various mechanisms. While both complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) and incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA) contain the same mineral oil base, CFA contains the killed extract of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) as an additional ingredient. Because the CFA contains mycobacterial content similar to that of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), which induces trained immunity (TI), we tested the hypothesis that CFA may elicit TI-like features. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming induced by CFA, with IFA and BCG as controls, in inbred …

If We Build It, Will They Use It? Aligning Resource Recovery Design With Place-Based Social Systems, Jayce Sudweeks, Helen Rosko, Matthew R. Landsman, Francisco Cubas-Suazo, Lewis Stetson Rowles

Public & Nonprofit Studies: Faculty Publications

Recovering water, nutrients, energy, and critical materials from waste streams is essential for building resilient and circular water systems. Yet many recovery technologies fail to achieve adoption or persistence beyond pilot scales because they overlook the social and institutional contexts that shape implementation. This Perspective reframes resource recovery as an adaptive challenge, i.e., one that depends as much on governance capacity, trust, and collective learning as on technical optimization. We propose a watershed- and place-based framework that situates recovery systems within the ecological and institutional boundaries where communities, infrastructure, and governance intersect. Within this discussion, the Community Capitals Framework offers …

Ectopic B Lymphocyte Follicles Exacerbate Ischemic Brain Damage Via Mif-Cd74/Cxcr4 And Interferon Signaling, Sheng Yang, Hang Zhang, Lu-Lu Xu, Luo-Qi Zhou, Yun-Hui Chu, Lian Chen, Xiao-Wei Pang, Lu-Yang Zhang, Li-Fang Zhu, Ming-Hao Dong, Ke Shang, Jun Xiao, Long-Jun Wu, Wei Wang, Dai-Shi Tian, Chuan Qin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Neuroinflammation, encompassing both innate and adaptive immune responses, plays a crucial role in ischemic stroke. Although B lymphocytes are central to adaptive immunity, their contributions to ischemic stroke remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that B lymphocytes accumulate in ischemic lesions, forming germinal center-like structures at the later stage after stroke, which mainly depended on in situ proliferation. This accumulation correlated with worsened neuroinflammation and ischemic injury, whereas B cell depletion reduced chronic brain damage during stroke. Mechanistically, microglia recruited B cells into ischemic lesions through MIF-CD74/CXCR4 signaling during the early phase of stroke, while IFN-related pathways in B cells …

Designing Novel Bisquinoline Antimalarials From Historical 4-Aminoquinolines To Combat Drug-Resistant Malaria, Mason J. Handford, Yuexin Li, Terry Riscoe, Xiaowei Zhang, Jane X. Kelly, Michael K. Riscoe

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest causative agent of malaria, continues to evade eradication efforts through widespread drug resistance. The recent development of ADC-028, a 4-aminoquinoline antimalarial with excellent activity and pharmacokinetic properties, prompted the investigation of bisquinoline analogs featuring similar structural motifs. Here, we describe a structure-activity relationship study that guided the optimization of compounds with key features, including the 4-anilinoquinoline core and diverse bridging linkers. Several analogs exhibited potent in vitro activity (IC50 < 20 nM) against both drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant P. falciparum strains, while maintaining favorable cytotoxicity profiles. Among them, 25 demonstrated improved intrinsic metabolic stability (t1/2 = 121 min) and potent in vivo efficacy (ED50 = 0.32 mg/kg/day), achieving complete curative protection at a reduced dose compared to ADC-028. While 25 showed moderately reduced oral bioavailability (F = 43%) and a shorter half-life (T1/2 = 27.2 h) relative to ADC-028, its enhanced in vivo efficacy underscores its therapeutic potential. This work highlights a promising path forward in developing antimalarials that retain the efficacy of legacy compounds while overcoming modern resistance mechanisms.

Targeting Cancer With T Cells: Preclinical And In Silico Insights To Improve Immunotherapies, Nina Obertopp

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

T-cell–based immunotherapies are often constrained by limited trafficking and persistence in tumors and by functional exhaustion under chronic antigen exposure. This dissertation addresses these barriers through two distinct strategies: (i) preclinical studies testing how radiation therapy modulates tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) therapy, and (ii) agent based modeling (ABM) to optimize treatment day treatment-free intervals (TFI) in T-cell engager (TCE) therapy. (i) In a human papillomavirus–positive (HPV⁺) head-and-neck cancer (HNC) model, a single local-dose of RT (8 Gy) delivered five days before tumor harvest increased the success and functional quality of ex vivo TIL outgrowth from tumor fragments, enriching polyfunctional CD8⁺ subsets. …