Chemicals and Drugs Commons^™

In Silico Screening And Molecular Analyses Identify Apigenin From Scutellaria Barbata As A Potent Akt1 Inhibitor In Breast Cancer, Md. Maruf Khan, Md. Arju Hossain, Fatematuz Zohora, Md. Sohel, Md. Faisal Amin, Fatematuz Zuhura Evamoni, M. Nazmul Hoque

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Breast cancer (BC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Scutellaria barbata, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, possesses recognized anticancer properties, but its mechanistic role in BC is not fully elucidated. This study employed an integrated in silico approach to identify the key flavonoids, targets, and pathways through which S. barbata exerts its anti-BC effects. A multi-step computational methodology incorporating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations was utilized to profile bioactive compounds from S. barbata. From an initial set of 34 phytocompounds, three flavonoids namely apigenin, 4’-hydroxywogonin, and hispidulin demonstrated favorable drug-likeness, high bioavailability, …

Beyond The Expected Window: A Rare Presentation Of Acei-Associated Angioedema Two Decades Into Therapy, Taiwo Ajani, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Renzo Aller Rojas, Jorge Aboytes Trevino, Michelle Lopez

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor–induced angioedema (ACEI-AE) is a rare but potentially serious adverse effect of a widely used class of antihypertensives. It typically presents as non-pitting, non-pruritic swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or upper airway, often without associated urticaria. Although most cases occur within the first weeks of treatment, delayed presentations, sometimes after years of stable therapy, have been increasingly recognized. The condition is bradykinin-mediated and often does not respond to standard allergy medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Case Presentation: A 56-year-old woman with a medical history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, GERD, and seasonal allergies presented to …

Antimicrobial Susceptibility And Targeted Molecular Detection Of Methicillin Resistance Determinants In Staphylococcus Spp. Isolated From Broiler Bco Lesions, Woro Wulandari Kalanjati, Chrystalee Ailani Alvarez, Anh Dang Trieu Do, Adnan Ali Khalaf Alrubaye

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Staphylococcus spp. associated with poultry production is an emerging concern with implications for animal and public health. This study aimed to characterize antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and detect targeted methicillin resistance determinants in Staphylococcus isolates recovered from broiler chickens affected by bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO). Methods: A total of 200 bacterial isolates were evaluated, of which 167 were confirmed as Staphylococcus spp. Species identification was performed using presumptive phenotypic characterization followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using disk diffusion, while presumptive methicillin-resistant phenotypes were evaluated using oxacillin screening and CHROMagar MRSA. …

Computational Insights Into Nucleosome Dynamics In Epigenetics Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Rutika Patel

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Nucleosome core particles (NCP) are the building blocks that form a highly organized and compact chromatin structure. Nucleosomes package DNA in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. The NCP consists of about 147 base pairs of DNA wrapped around the histone octamer, with 1.65 superhelical turns in a left-handed manner. The histone octamer is composed of two copies of H3, H4, H2A, and H2B. Together with histone H1 and linker DNA, they further assemble into a higher-order chromatin structure. The nucleosome complex is stabilized by electrostatic interactions between positively charged histone residues and the negatively charged DNA backbone. To effectively access …

Evaluation Of Neuroplastic Changes In Psychological Intervention And Contemporary Treatments Of Depression, Taylor Severance

Dissertations

Major depressive disorder is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders worldwide. There is a vast range of treatment options for depression, with varying levels of effectiveness. Recent treatments for depression have expanded, increasing alternative treatments, and it is unknown which treatments have the largest impact on depression. This research was designed to examine the treatments of depression, with a focus on psychotherapy and contemporary treatments such as ketamine, psilocybin, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. A literature review was conducted to assess treatment outcomes and neuroplastic changes in these interventions, as well as combinations of the interventions. Data were evaluated …

Independent And Combined Effects Of Early-Life Iron Deficiency And Antibiotic Exposure On Growth And Hematological Outcomes In A Piglet Model, Ginger M. Fitzpatrick

Master's Theses

Iron deficiency (ID) affects over 2 billion individuals globally. Children under 5 are at increased risk of ID due to rapid growth and are especially vulnerable to its negative consequences because of iron’s essential role in cognitive development and immune maturation. ID is the leading cause of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), with IDA affecting approximately 40% of children in this age group. Antibiotic (abx) exposure is also prevalent during early life and may disrupt growth and through gut dysbiosis, with increasing use posing additional risk in younger populations. Geographically, there is overlap in regions with high anemia prevalence and those …

Calcium Signaling And Postsynaptic Density Dynamics: The Roles Of Calmodulin In Synaptic Protein Regulation, Keyaa Dilip Shah, Yonghong Zhang

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Calcium signaling in neuronal cells is the principal mechanism underlying learning and synaptic plasticity, whereas the postsynaptic density (PSD) is an important center where calcium-dependent processes are organized and regulated. This review explores the roles of calmodulin (CaM) in facilitating calcium-dependent modulation of the activities of synaptic proteins in the PSD. We focus on the molecular processes through which CaM interacts with calcium signals to regulate the function, localization, and interactions of central synaptic proteins, including calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. We aim to summarize recent advances in structural, biochemical, and imaging …

June 2026, Swosu Rural Health Center

RURAL ROCKS

Rural Rocks

Second Generation Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Depression

Dr. Debra L. Stevens, Pharm.D., BCPP 

Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as depression, affects 1 in 5 individuals in their lifetime.¹ Worldwide approximately 246 to 286 million individuals are afflicted with MDD.² MDD may cause significant morbidity and disability. The World Health Organization estimates that MDD will be one of the leading causes of disease burden by 2030.²

A significant number of patients diagnosed with MDD do not respond adequately despite appropriate treatment with antidepressants.² Treatment resistance may occur in up to one-third of patients …

Evaluating The Market Withdrawal Of Andexanet Alfa, Jordyn Linfield, Addisyn Cooper, Alexander Defranco, Emma Gerding, Jessica Kelley, Tyler Henney, Connor Dains, Brenna Hissong, Brittany Bates

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

The coagulation cascade comprises intrinsic, extrinsic, and common pathways that converge when thrombin converts fibrinogen (factor I) into fibrin, leading to fibrin mesh formation, stabilization of the platelet plug, and ultimately thrombus formation. Inhibition of the coagulation cascade can be achieved with a variety of anticoagulant medications, including direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The mechanism of action of DOACs is to inhibit either factor Xa or thrombin. Reversal of anticoagulation remains an important clinical consideration when managing patients on DOACs who experience serious bleeding events. Andexanet alfa is a recombinant, modified human factor Xa protein previously indicated for patients receiving rivaroxaban …

The Cannabis Motivation Spectrum: Comparing Medical, Recreational And Dual Intent Users, Addyson Domian, Jacob Borodovsky

Wetterhahn Science Symposium Posters

There is a lack of a standardized definition of “medical” cannabis use in the healthcare industry, which has led to an informal, user-reported definition of medical use. Consequently, individuals who use cannabis for both medical and recreational reasons (dual intent) are not always differentiated from pure medical or pure recreational users. This study compares self-defined medical only and dual intent motivational groups relative to recreational only users to better understand how these groups differ by analyzing sociodemographic and use patterns, clinically relevant factors, and claimed cannabis-related benefits. Using data from the Qualtrics Cannabis Exposure Index survey instrument of 8836 adult …

Effects Of Normothermic Hepatic Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury On The Hepatic Disposition Of Arachidonic Acid And Its Cytochrome P450-Generated Metabolites In Rats, Vindhya Edpuganti, Reza Mehvar

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose

Cytochrome P450 (P450) metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) are potential therapeutic targets in ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury, yet their disposition and actions in hepatic IR are unknown. Cellular AA and its P450 metabolites are primarily bound to lipid membranes, resulting in negligible free concentrations. This study investigates how hepatic IR injury impacts the disposition of free AA and its major P450 metabolites in rats.

Methods

Rats underwent 60 min of partial (70%) ischemia or sham surgery, followed by 5 min, 3 h, or 24 h of reperfusion. The effects of IR injury on free concentrations of AA and its major …

Accelerating Wound Healing Rates With Cucurbita Pepo Leaf Extract Loaded Electrospun Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)/Halloysite/Chitosan/ Caco₃ Composite Nanofibers Through In Vitro And In Vivo Assessments, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Cucurbita pepo leaf extract (CPE) was incorporated into electrospun poly(methyl methacrylate)/ halloysite/chitosan/ CaCO₃ (PMMA/Hal/CS/CaCO₃) composite nanofibers to develop a novel biomaterial for accelerating wound healing rates. The different nanofibrous scaffolds were successfully fabricated and characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM analysis revealed uniform, smooth nanofibers, while FTIR and XRD confirmed the integration of CPE into nanofiber matrix, indicating an amorphous structure and effective dispersion of the extract. In vitro agar well-diffusion and antibiofilm assays revealed that the optimized formulation exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against wound-associated pathogens. The nanofibers composite based on …

Health Practices And Use Of Traditional Medicine Among Asian Indian Immigrants In The United States: A Pilot Study, Parita Patel, Anil N.F. Aranha

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title: Health Practices and Use of Traditional Medicine Among Asian Indian Immigrants in the United States: A Pilot Study

Authors

Parita Patel, MPH¹; Anil N.F. Aranha, PhD^1,2

Medical Education¹, Internal Medicine², Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Traditional and alternative medicine (TAM), including Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, and home remedies, remains widely used among Asian Indian (AI) immigrants in the United States alongside Western medicine. Cultural familiarity, family influence, and perceived safety shape these practices. This pilot study examined TAM prevalence, patterns, and perceptions among AI immigrants and …

Exceptional Response Of Radiotherapy-Naïve Cranial Meningiomas To Dual Immune Checkpoint Blockade In Bap1 Tumor Predisposition Syndrome, Gary Gallia, Christine Hann, Calixto-Hope Lucas, Licia Pacheco Luna, David Kamson, Takami Sato

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Meningiomas are the most common primary central nervous system tumors, and while most are benign, atypical and anaplastic variants frequently recur and have limited effective treatment options. Recent trials of PD-1 blockade in unselected meningioma cohorts have demonstrated modest activity, with low objective response rates. These findings highlight the need to identify molecular biomarkers that may predict immunotherapy sensitivity in this disease. BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) is a tumor suppressor critical for chromatin regulation and DNA repair, and germline pathogenic variants cause BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome (BAP1-TPDS), a hereditary cancer syndrome characterized by uveal melanoma, mesothelioma, renal cell carcinoma, meningioma, …

Symmetrical Drug-Related Intertriginous And Flexural Exanthema Associated With Tirzepatide, William Goodman, Karan Pandher, Mahaa Ayub

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Dna Strand Breaks By Small Molecules: From Genomic Hazard To Therapeutic Strategy, Clerin John

Honors Scholar Theses

DNA strand breaks are among the most critical forms of genomic damage, arising from endogenous metabolic activity, environmental stress, radiation, and diverse chemical agents. Single-strand breaks and double-strand breaks contribute to genome instability, mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Cells rely on DNA repair pathways to detect these breaks and initiate repair. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to systematically compile and examine the mechanisms underlying small-molecule-induced DNA strand breaks. This review highlights the underlying mechanisms by which these molecules interact with DNA and trigger damage. We further discussed the current methods used for detection and quantification of …

Quality Improvement (Qi) Project Aimed At Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotic Usage Among Older Adult Patients By Addressing Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing In Primary And Long-Term Care Settings, Pamela M. Thomas

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Antibiotic overuse among older adults remains a significant patient safety and public health concern. Recent national data indicate that approximately 30%–50% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions may be unnecessary, particularly for viral or self-limiting conditions (Chua et al., 2021). Antimicrobial resistance has been associated with more than 1.27 million deaths globally (Murray et al., 2022). This quality improvement project evaluated a multifaceted antimicrobial stewardship intervention in primary and long-term care settings. Baseline review of 167 antibiotic cases revealed 37.1% were inappropriate or questionable, and 28.7% lacked adequate diagnostic documentation. The intervention incorporated provider education, electronic health record decision-support tools, audit and …

Redefining Skincare For Sensitive Lives, Ashlyn G. Sierra Ms

Honors College Theses

This study outlines how a skincare company that is both ethically and effectively developed for people suffering from eczema could create accessible, affordable products as well as maintain its commitment to being inclusive. The study uses scientific data regarding eczema in order to examine why certain aspects of skin care are helpful or dangerous when it comes to individuals who suffer from eczema, in addition, it provides an assessment of current skin care product offerings that are designed for people with eczema. Using the Wise Leadership Framework, the study presents a hypothetical business plan for a new, eczema-based skin care …

Developing Antibodies Against Galectin-3 And Galectin-9 To Target Endometriosis, Ashleigh Burger, Noah Farnsworth, Jared J. Reisnouer, Cheyenne Vue

2026 Symposium

Endometriosis is a disease characterized by pelvic pain and the formation of endometrial-like tissue on the outside of the uterine lining. This condition affects nearly 10% of women across the globe and confirming whether someone has endometriosis requires visualization in surgery. While the specific causes of this disease remain unclear, the over-expression of the Galectins 3 and 9 in ectopic endometrial tissues suggests a role in the development and maintenance of the condition. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are highly specific proteins with potential as diagnostic or treatment tools. The goal of this study is to generate antibodies against Gal3 and Gal9. …

Quantifying Black Carbon Concentrations In Georgia And Analyzing Associated Public Health Risks, Khloe R. Osborne

Honors Theses

Quantifying Black Carbon Concentrations in Georgia and Analyzing Associated Public Health Risks

One of the most daunting challenges of the industrial world is air pollution. Within this broad spectrum, there is an inhalable particle group named PM2.5, which contains black carbon. Black carbon has evidence that supports the generation and worsening of adverse health impacts, which may include birth complications, cognitive deficits in children, pulmonary aggravation, asthma, cardiovascular issues, neurological degenerative patterns, and cancer risk. This is especially seen in vulnerable populations, like children, elderly, and those who already suffer from weakened health, many of which reside in the southern …