Molecular Iodine
This work is led by Dr. Ari Brooks in collaboration with Dr. Bernard A. Eskin, professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Eskin and colleagues conducted pioneering work investigating iodine activity in the breast. Traditional models of iodine activity in the human body generally assume that iodine behaves in one manner, based on well-documented research with the thyroid. Research completed in the 1970s and 80s by Dr. Eskin and Dr. William R. Ghent revealed that iodine may, in fact, have distinct pathways in breast tissue. Results of this work were the proposed models of iodine activity within breast tissue, describing normal activity, iodine activity in the lactating breast, and a distinct pathway in abnormal breast tissue.
A correlation between iodine and breast cancer was identified over forty years ago. However, clinical application of this knowledge is still in its infancy. Studies demonstrated increased uptake of radioactive iodine in both lactating and neoplastic breast tissue, but not in normal, non-lactating breast tissue. The role of iodine in breast malignancy remains unknown. Most studies focus on the mechanism of iodine uptake in malignant breast tissue; little research considers iodine’s intracellular effects. The overall goal of our research is to clarify effects of intracellular iodine on neoplastic breast processes.
Plasma Medicine
This work is led jointly by Dr. Ari Brooks and Dr. Suresh Joshi in collaboration with A.J. Drexel Plasma Institute. We are exploring the potential of non-thermal dielectric-barrier discharge plasma in control of infectious agents, disinfection and sterilization; and biological responses of normal and cancerous cells, and studying safety margin through animal toxicity models.
Antimicrobial Drug Resistance and SSI
The projects led by Dr. Suresh Joshi. There are two focused organisms, Acinetobacter and MRSA, involved in SSI and known to harbor genes for multiple-drug resistance (MDR). The laboratory is engaged in exploring mechanisms, and characterization of gene products mediating the resistance. With the collaborations from department of chemistry and biochemistry, are in the process of developing small molecule antibacteral agents, and an effective inhibitors against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), and metalo-beta-lactamase.
Host-Pathogen Interaction
This work is led by Dr. Suresh Joshi. The laboratory is exploring the host cell responses to MDR Acinetobacter virulence factors, and Panton-Valentine Leukocidin toxin from MRSA .
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