ABSTRACTS
2019 National McNair Scholars Conference at UCLA
Researcher: Sandra I. Ramos-Ortiz
Presentation Title: Characterization of a Novel Chemical Series of Inhibitors of Candida albicans Filamentation and Biofilm Formation: towards the Development of Alternative anti- Virulence Approaches against Fungal Infections.
Research Focus: Fungal Infections and Antifungal Drug Development
School: the University of Texas at San Antonio
Presentation type: poster
Invasive candidiasis is a common fungal infection with high mortality rates. The populations at risk are immunosuppressed patients and those who have undergone invasive medical procedures. The most commonly isolated causative agent is Candida albicans, a normal commensal of humans. Filamentation and biofilm formation represent the two most important virulence factors associated with the pathogenesis of infections caused by this fungus.
Filamentation is a morphological change whereby a fungal cell elongates and turns into hyphae or pseudohyphae and is associated with invasion of tissues. Biofilms are attached microbial communities surrounded by a matrix, which protects sessile cells. Few antifungals are available for treating invasive candidiasis and their effectiveness is limited by their toxicity and the emergence of resistance. Previous work in the laboratory has identified novel compounds with inhibitory activity against filamentation and biofilm formation, and we have embarked in a medicinal chemistry campaign to synthesize analogs with better pharmacological properties.
Hence, in this work we have tested and characterized, using dose-response assays, a number of analogs in search for those with increased inhibitory activity against C. albicans filamentation and biofilm formation. Once identified, these compounds represent leading candidates for the development of novel alternative approaches for the treatment of candidiasis.
Researcher: Jordann Thomas
Presentation Title: Understanding African American Infant Mortality Disparities Through The Socio-Ecological Framework
Research Focus: African American Studies, Health Disparities, Health Care Systems
School: University of Texas at San Antonio
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Despite U.S. healthcare improvements, African American infant mortality rates continue to rise at higher rates than their ethnic counterparts (National Center for Health Statistics 2017). Using the Socio-ecological framework, this research project aims to investigate the influence of policy and environmental factors, such as healthcare access and socioeconomics, on infant mortality rates. A statistical analysis will be conducted to examine the influences of environmental and policy factors on infant mortality rates across racial groups. Archival data will be collected from the Census Bureau on White, Black, and Hispanic Americans from 2009-2013. Ultimately, this project seeks to inform policy around healthcare reform.