Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Loss Of Dendritic Inhibition In The Hippocampus After Repeated Early-Life Hyperthermic Seizures In Rats., Richard Boyce, L Stan Leung

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

Seizures are relatively common in children and are a risk factor for subsequent temporal lobe epilepsy. To investigate whether early-life seizures themselves are detrimental to the proper function of the adult brain, we studied whether dendritic excitation and inhibition in the hippocampus of adult rats were altered after hyperthermia-induced seizures in immature rats. In particular, we hypothesized that apical dendritic inhibition in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells would be disrupted following hyperthermia-induced seizures in early life. Seizure rats were given three hyperthermia-induced seizures per day for three days from postnatal day (PND) 13 to 15; control rats were handled similarly but …

Periodic Arrays Of Gold Nano-Disks Coupled With Evanescent Spectroscopy, Hao Jiang, Touraj Manifar, Aref Bakhtazad, Hossein Hojjati, Jayshr Sabarinathan, Silvia Mittler

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

We study and analyze various spectral features of gold nano-disk arrays coupled with the evanescent field of an optical waveguide using finite difference time domain simulations for comparison to our previous work on this topic (Jiang et al, Journal of Lightwave Technology 27, no.13, (2009): 2264-2270). We find that the quadrupolar and dipolar peaks are both heavily dependent on the coherent interactions of the periodic array and show comparable performance for refractive index sensing applications. We also find sharp extinction peaks and dips in the simulated spectra, but they are not sensitive to the index change of the surface-bound layer. …

Acute Vibration Induces Transient Expression Of Anabolic Genes In The Murine Intervertebral Disc, Matthew R. Mccann, Priya Patel, Kim L. Beaucage, Yizhi Xiao, Corey Bacher, Walter L. Siqueira, David W. Holdsworth, S. Jeffrey Dixon, Cheryle A. Séguin

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

No abstract provided.

Orientation Distribution Of Highly Oriented Type I Collagen Deposited On Flat Samples With Different Geometries, Qamrun Nahar, David Minh Luan Quach, Behafarid Darvish, Harvey A. Goldberg, Bernd Grohe, Silvia Mittler

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

The structural arrangement of type I collagen in vivo is critical for the normal functioning of tissues, such as bone, cornea, tendons and blood vessels. At present, there are no established low-cost techniques for fabricating aligned collagen structures for applications in regenerative medicine. Here, we report on a straightforward approach to fabricate collagen films, with defined orientation distributions of collagen fibrillar aggregates within a matrix of oriented collagen molecules on flat sample surfaces. Langmuir Blodgett (LB) technology was used to deposit thin films of oriented type I collagen onto flat substrates exhibiting various shapes. By varying the shapes of the …

Surface Immobilized Gold Nanoparticles By Organometallic Chemical Vapor Deposition On Amine Terminated Glass Surfaces, Erden Ertorer, Jessica C. Avery, Laura C. Pavelka, Silvia Mittler

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

We describe the growth of surface immobilized gold nanoparticles with organometallic chemical vapour deposition (OMCVD) on amine terminated surfaces, utilizing (trimethylphospine)methylgold ((CH3)3PAuCH3) precursor. Samples fabricated using different deposition times were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Particle stability on the samples was tested by washing and rinsing treatments with various organic solvents. A biotin-streptavidin scheme was applied to demonstrate the biosensing capabilities of the samples. The size, interparticle distance, and shape of the gold nanoparticles demonstrated that OMCVD is a simple, economic, and fast way to fabricate surface bonded and stable gold nanoparticles. The plasmonic properties, the stability …

Influence Of Electrostatic Forces On The Particle Propulsion In The Evanescent Field Of Silver Ion-Exchanged Waveguides, Dmytro Gebenniko, Silvia Mittler

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

The effect of electrostatic interaction between carboxylate- and amino-functionalized polystyrene particles and a charged waveguide surface on the propulsion speed in an optical tweezers is considered as a function of pH and ionic strength. It was shown that with the variation of the pH of the aqueous solution, the particles were immersed in, a systematic change of propulsion speed with a maximum speed could be achieved. The appearance of a maximum speed was ascribed to changes in the particle-waveguide separation as a result of the combination of two forces: Coulomb repulsion/attraction and induced dipole forces. The highest maximum speed at …

Brain Ras: Hypertension And Beyond, Marc De Gasparo, Robert C. Speth, Ovidiu C. Baltatu, Patrick Vanderheyden

HPD Articles

No abstract provided.

Immunohistochemical Localization Of At1a, At1b, And At2 Angiotensin Ii Receptor Subtypes In The Rat Adrenal, Pituitary, And Brain With A Perspective Commentary, Courtney Premer, Courtney Lamondin, Ann Mitzey, Robert C. Speth, Mark S. Brownfield

HPD Articles

Angiotensin II increases blood pressure and stimulates thirst and sodium appetite in the brain. It also stimulates secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal zona glomerulosa and epinephrine from the adrenal medulla. The rat has 3 subtypes of angiotensin II receptors: AT1a, AT1b, and AT2. mRNAs for all three subtypes occur in the adrenal and brain. To immunohistochemically differentiate these receptor subtypes, rabbits were immunized with C-terminal fragments of these subtypes to generate receptor subtype-specific antibodies. Immunofluorescence revealed AT1a and AT2 receptors in adrenal zona glomerulosa and medulla. AT1b immunofluorescence was present in the zona glomerulosa, but not the medulla. Ultrastructural …

Adenoviral And Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors-Mediated Neuronal Gene Transfer To Cardiovascular Control Regions Of The Rat Brain, Yanling Zhang, Yongxin Gao, Robert C. Speth, Nan Jiang, Yingying Mao, Colin Sumners, Hongwei Li

HPD Articles

Viral vectors have been utilized extensively to introduce genetic material into the central nervous system. In order to investigate gene functions in cardiovascular control regions of rat brain, we applied WPRE (woodchuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element) enhanced-adenoviral (Ad) and adeno-assoicated virus (AAV) type 2 vectors to mediate neuronal gene delivery to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, the nucleus tractus solitarius and the rostral ventrolateral medulla, three important cardiovascular control regions known to express renin-angiotensin system (RAS) genes. Ad or AAV2 harboring an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene or the angiotensin type 2 receptor gene were microinjected …

Medical Marijuana Legislation: What We Know - And Don't, Linda Simoni-Wastila, Francis B. Palumbo

Journal of Health Care Law and Policy

No abstract provided.

Preclinical Development Of Phytocannabinoid- And Endocannabinoid- Based Pharmacotherapies For The Treatment Of Ethanol-Induced Neurodegeneration, Daniel J. Liput

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Excessive ethanol consumption, characteristic of alcohol use disorders (AUDs), is associated with widespread neurodegeneration and cognitive and behavioral impairments that may contribute to the chronic and relapsing nature of alcoholism. Therefore, identifying novel targets that can afford neuroprotection will undoubtedly aid current treatment strategies for AUDs. The cannabinoids have been shown to provide neuroprotection in a variety of preclinical models of neurodegeneration; however minimal data is available regarding the use of cannabinoid-based pharmacotherapies for treating ethanol-induced neurodegeneration. Therefore, the current dissertation examined the overarching hypothesis: the cannabinoids are a therapeutic strategy to afford neuroprotection in the context of ethanol-induced neurodegeneration. …

Shrinking Drug Costs Without Silencing Pharmaceutical Detailers: Maryland's Options After Sorrell V. Ims Health, Kristina L. Miller

Journal of Health Care Law and Policy

No abstract provided.

The Best Of Both Worlds: Applying Federal Commerce And State Police Powers To Reduce Prescription Drug Abuse, Michael C. Barnes, Gretchen Arndt

Journal of Health Care Law and Policy

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of Three Times Daily Small Volume Parenteral (Svp) Processing Using Lean Methodology, Phuoc Lynsey Le, Pharmd, Dominick Bulone, Pharmd, Akta S. Patel, Pharmd, Bcps, Glenn Oettinger, Pharmd, Bcps, Dennis Delisle, Mhsa, Pmp

Pharmacy Presentations, Posters, and Grand Rounds

Clinical Importance

• Small volume parenteral (SVP) medications are batch-processed once daily at a 900+ bed academic medical center
• Labels are printed 36 hours before medications are due and prepared and delivered for a 24-hour period
• Therapy changes, discontinuations or patient transfers lead to increased rework, missing doses, and ultimately waste
• Lean methodology was originally developed as a production philosophy and quality
• system with an emphasis on problem solving, partnership, and process improvement1-3
• The Lean philosophy emphasizes the continual identification and elimination of waste in order to maximize value1
• Lean has been used in healthcare with great success4-5

Rituximab Treatment For Antibody-Mediated Rejection (Amr) Following Heart And Kidney Transplant, Laura Falconieri, Ba, Pharmd, Cheryl A. Abbas, Pharmd

Pharmacy Presentations, Posters, and Grand Rounds

Background

Antibody Mediated Rejection (AMR)1,2

• Rejection that occurs due to antibodies against donor-specific antigen (DSA)

– Antibodies activate complement system

– Leads to cell death and tissue necrosis

• Risk Factors

– Pregnancy

– Blood transfusions

– Prior transplantation

• Types of AMR

– Hyperacute

• Occurs within minutes of graft transplantation causing death of the graft

• Due to pre-formed antibodies present in high titers

• Rarely occurs now due to universal cross-matching

– Acute

• Occurs within a few days of transplantation causing graft dysfunction

• Due to pre-formed antibodies or antibodies that develop de novo after …

Use Of Apheresis And Insulin For Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Pancreatitis And Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Drew Kirk, Pharmd, Cara Mcdaniel, Pharmd, Bcps, Rohit A. Moghe, Pharmd, Msph, Cde

Pharmacy Presentations, Posters, and Grand Rounds

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

• Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common gastrointestinal disease that may result in multiple organ failure and death¹

– Gallstones & alcohol are the most common causes of AP¹

– Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) causes 1-4% of cases, and should be suspected if triglycerides (TG) are > 1,000 mg/dL in the absence of gallstones or history of significant alcohol use¹

– Clinical management of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis (HTGP) is based primarily on anecdotal evidence and case reports

• Concurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and AP have been described in the literature

– DKA may be a risk factor for AP, but it …

Increased Levels Of Plasma Soluble Sema4d In Patients With Heart Failure., Qiongyu Lu, Ningzheng Dong, Qi Wang, Wenxiu Yi, Yuxin Wang, Shengjie Zhang, Haibo Gu, Xin Zhao, Xiaorong Tang, Boquan Jin, Qingyu Wu, Lawrence F Brass, Li Zhu

Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers

Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D/CD100) is a 150-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein expressed by platelets and T-cells. When these cells are activated, Sema4D is cleaved proteolytically, generating a biologically active 120-kDa fragment (soluble Sema4D) capable of targeting receptors on platelets, B-cells, endothelial cells and tumor cells. However, its plasma levels and significance in heart failure (HF) have not been reported. In this study, we established an ELISA and detected soluble Sema4D in human plasma. In healthy controls, plasma Sema4D levels were higher in men than women (5.15±3.30 ng/mL, n = 63, vs. 4.19±2.39 ng/mL, n = 63, P

Investigating Key Post-Pks Enzymes From Gilvocarcin Biosynthetic Pathway, Nidhi Tibrewal

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Gilvocarcin V (GV) belongs to the angucycline class of antibiotics that possesses remarkable anticancer and antibacterial activities with low toxicity. Gilvocarcin exhibits its light induced anticancer activity by mediating crosslinking between DNA and histone H3. When photo-activated by near-UV light, the C8 vinyl group forms a [2+2] cycloadduct with thymine residues of double stranded DNA. _D-fucofuranose is considered essential for histone H3 interactions. However, the poor water solubility has rendered it difficult to develop gilvocarcin as a drug. We aim to design novel gilvocarcin analogues with improved pharmaceutical properties through chemo-enzymatic synthesis and mutasynthesis. Previous studies have characterized many …

Phase Composition Control Of Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles For Tunable Drug Delivery Kinetics And Treatment Of Osteomyelitis. Part 2: Antibacterial And Osteoblastic Response, Vuk Uskoković, Tejal A. Dasai

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Osteomyelitis has been traditionally treated by the combination of long-term antibiotic therapies and surgical removal of diseased tissue. The multifunctional material was developed in this study with the aim to improve this therapeutic approach by: (a) enabling locally delivered and sustained release of antibiotics at a tunable rate, so as to eliminate the need for repetitive administration of systemically distributed antibiotics; and (b) controllably dissolving itself, so as to promote natural remineralization of the portion of bone lost to disease. We report hereby on the effect of the previously synthesized calcium phosphates (CAPs) with tunable solubilities and drug release time …

Ultrasonication Assisted Layer-By-Layer Technology For The Preparation Of Multi-Functional Anticancer Drugs Paclitaxel And Lapatinib, Xingcai Zhang

Doctoral Dissertations

In this dissertation, ultrasonication assisted Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technology for the preparation of multifunctional poorly water-soluble anticancer drug nanoparticles, paclitaxel and lapatinib, has been developed. Many FDA approved drugs are very low soluble in water; therefore, it is very difficult to load and control their release and targeting efficiently, which greatly confines their application. The development of this method will pave the way for the development and application of those low soluble anticancer drugs.

In the first part of this dissertation, the first approach for powerful ultrasonication, the top-down approach (sonicating bulk drug crystals in polyelectrolyte solution), was successfully applied for …

Testosterone Use And Effects, Brandon Mills

Natural Sciences Student Research Presentations

Summarizes the chemical make-up, medical applications and side effects for the steroidal hormone Testosterone. This is a project for the Natural Sciences Poster Session at Parkland College.

Acute Coronary Syndromes: Current Treatment Guidelines And Updates, Bernard Lau, Michael Lee, Thien Tran, Laura Tsu

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

This home-study CPE activity has been developed to educate pharmacists on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its medical management.

What Evidence Is Available On Aldosterone Antagonists For Use In Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction?, Vivian Loo, Laura Tsu

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

This drug information question and answer sheet discusses the use of aldosterone antagonists for use in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles: A Future Therapeutic Platform For The Treatment Of Osteomyelitis?, Tejal A. Dasai, Vuk Uskoković

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

No abstract provided.

Chikungunya Virus Infection Results In Higher And Persistent Viral Replication In Aged Rhesus Macaques Due To Defects In Anti-Viral Immunity, Ilhem Messaoudi, Jennifer Totonchy, Thomas Totonchy, Craig N. Kreklywich, Kristen Haberthur, Laura Springgay, James D. Brien, Michael S. Diamond, Victor R. Defilippis, Daniel N. Streblow

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne Alphavirus that causes a clinical disease involving fever, myalgia, nausea and rash. The distinguishing feature of CHIKV infection is the severe debilitating poly-arthralgia that may persist for several months after viral clearance. Since its re-emergence in 2004, CHIKV has spread from the Indian Ocean region to new locations including metropolitan Europe, Japan, and even the United States. The risk of importing CHIKV to new areas of the world is increasing due to high levels of viremia in infected individuals as well as the recent adaptation of the virus to the mosquito species Aedes …

Aberrant Proliferation In Cxcr7+ Endothelial Cells Via Degradation Of The Retinoblastoma Protein, Jennifer Totonchy, Jessica M. Osborn, Sara Botto, Lisa Clepper, Ashlee V. Moses

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Angiogenesis is a critical factor in the growth and dissemination of solid tumors. Indeed, tumor vasculature is abnormal and contributes to the development and spread of malignancies by creating a hostile microenvironment. The alternative SDF-1/CXCL12 receptor, CXCR7, is frequently and specifically expressed in tumor-associated vessels. In this study, we examine the role of endothelium-expressed CXCR7 in tumor vascular dysfunction by specifically examining the contribution of CXCR7 to endothelial cell (EC) proliferation. We demonstrate that CXCR7 expression is sufficient to drive post-confluent growth in EC cultures. Further, we provide a novel mechanism for CXCR7-mediated proliferation via proteasomal degradation of the tumor …

Corneal Gene Therapy: Basic Science And Translational Perspective, Rajiv R. Mohan, Jason T. Rodier, Ajay Sharma

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Corneal blindness is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. Gene therapy is an emerging technology for corneal blindness due to the accessibility and immune-privileged nature of the cornea, ease of vector administration and visual monitoring, and ability to perform frequent noninvasive corneal assessment. Vision restoration by gene therapy is contingent upon vector and mode of therapeutic gene introduction into targeted cells/tissues. Numerous efficacious vectors, delivery techniques, and approaches have evolved in last decade for developing gene-based interventions for corneal diseases. Maximizing the potential benefits of gene therapy requires efficient and sustained therapeutic gene expression in target cells, low toxicity, …

Bmp7 Gene Transfer Via Gold Nanoparticles Into Stroma Inhibits Corneal Fibrosis In Vivo, Ashish Tandon, Ajay Sharma, Jason T. Rodier, Alexander M. Klibanov, Frank G. Rieger, Rajiv R. Mohan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

This study examined the effects of BMP7 gene transfer on corneal wound healing and fibrosis inhibition in vivo using a rabbit model. Corneal haze in rabbits was produced with the excimer laser performing -9 diopters photorefractive keratectomy. BMP7 gene was introduced into rabbit keratocytes by polyethylimine-conjugated gold nanoparticles (PEI2- GNPs) transfection solution single 5-minute topical application on the eye. Corneal haze and ocular health in live animals was gauged with stereo- and slit-lamp biomicroscopy. The levels of fibrosis [a-smooth muscle actin (aSMA), F-actin and fibronectin], immune reaction (CD11b and F4/80), keratocyte apoptosis (TUNEL), calcification (alizarin red, vonKossa and osteocalcin), and …

Fine Tuning A Well-Oiled Machine: Influence Of Nk1.1 And Nkg2d On Nkt Cell Development And Function, Sunil K. Joshi, Mark L. Lang

Bioelectrics Publications

Natural killer T cells (NKT) represent a group of CD1d-restricted T-lineage cells that provide a functional interface between innate and adaptive immune responses in infectious disease, cancer, allergy and autoimmunity. There have been remarkable advances in understanding the molecular events that underpin NKT development in the thymus and in the complex array of functions in the periphery. Most functional studies have focused on activation of T cell antigen receptors expressed by NKT cells and their responses to CD1d presentation of glycolipid and related antigens. Receiving less attention has been several molecules that are hallmarks of Natural Killer (NK) cells, but …

Characterization Of Different Hydrophilic Polymers And Their Applicability In Hot Melt Extrusion Technology, Sindhuri Maddineni

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research in the pharmaceutical field involves investigation of a new drug, delivery route, a delivery system, a technology to design the delivery system, or a combination thereof. Scientists have explored several delivery routes such as oral, pulmonary, nasal, injection/implant, transdermal/dermal, transmucosal etc. for their potential to transport a variety of small and large drug molecules. In the present research work, oral route, a widely accepted route of administration, for the delivery of products with a major market share, has been considered for the delivery of poorly soluble actives. The use of appropriate carrier matrices (polymers) and excipients help in incorporating …