LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 10, 2020) – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, researchers at the University of Kentucky are exploring the use of an antiseptic nasal spray and gargle to prevent transmission and infection of the virus among healthcare workers and non-COVID patients. The PIIPPI trial, which stands for Povidone-Iodine Intranasal for Prophylaxis in front-line Physicians/health care workers and Inpatients, is the first in the country to study iodine as a prevention measure in people who are not COVID-positive. 

The University of Kentucky Department of Surgery is committed to treat every individual with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate racism or discrimination in any form by faculty, residents, patients, families, or staff; whether it is in the form of an action, words, or attitudes. We do not tolerate harassment, subjugation, suppression, or discrimination based on a person’s ethnicity, race, social-economic status, sex, creed, or religion. We affirm that every person has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Racism and discrimination are deeply rooted in our society.

To say that the Resident Class of 2020 experienced an unprecedented final year is an understatement. As Kentucky’s efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 at the end of the winter forced hospitals to suspend elective surgery, residents found themselves on the front line of defense against the novel coronavirus. They began training in new ways to serve patients’ needs and to take on leadership roles alongside their UK faculty mentors.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 8, 2020) – A study led by University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center researchers showed that patients who already used opioids, sedatives or antidepressants prior to colorectal surgery experience significantly more complications post-surgery.

The Department had four publications listed in PubMed for the month of May 2020.

1: Banerjee M, Huang Y, Joshi S, Popa GJ, Mendenhall MD, Wang QJ, Garvy BA, Myint T, Whiteheart SW. Platelets Endocytose Viral Particles and Are Activated via TLR (Toll-Like Receptor) Signaling. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2020 May 21:ATVBAHA120314180. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.120.314180. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32434410.

On Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Laura Peterson Brown (John McCarthy Lab) successfully defended her dissertation and earned her PhD. Congratulations Dr. Laura Peterson Brown!

Doctoral Committee

Dr. John McCarthy
Department of Physiology, Mentor

Dr. Brian Delisle
Department of Physiology

Dr. Steve Estus
Department of Physiology

Dr. Tim Butterfield
Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition

Dr. Charlotte Peterson
Department of Physical Therapy

Dr. Doug Harrison (Outside Examiner)
Departmentof Biology

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 3, 2020) – The University of Kentucky and ArtemiLife Inc. will collaborate on a clinical study using the extract of a medicinal plant grown in Kentucky to test for anti-cancer activity of Artemisia annua and to determine the recommended dose of Artemisia annua for future clinical trials.

The NIH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) on Obesity and Cardiovascular Diseases, in collaboration with the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS) announce the availability of limited funds to support pilot projects focused on research examining obesity-associated diseases.

The NIH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) on Obesity and Cardiovascular Diseases, in collaboration with the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS) announce the availability of limited funds to support pilot projects focused on research examining obesity-associated diseases. Emphasis for support will be placed on pilot projects that examine the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, COVID-19, cancer, or neurodegenerative diseases.  These pilot grants are intended to assist investigators new to this area o