Digital Commons Network^™

Nanoparticle Encapsidation Of Flock House Virus By Auto Assembly Of Tobacco Mosaic Virus Coat Protein, Payal D. Maharaj, Jyothi K. Mallajosyula, Gloria Lee, Phillip Thi, Yiyang Zhou, Christopher M. Kearney, Alison A. Mccormick

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Pharmacy

Tobacco Mosaic virus (TMV) coat protein is well known for its ability to self-assemble into supramolecular nanoparticles, either as protein discs or as rods originating from the ~300 bp genomic RNA origin-of-assembly (OA). We have utilized TMV self-assembly characteristics to create a novel Flock House virus (FHV) RNA nanoparticle. FHV encodes a viral polymerase supporting autonomous replication of the FHV genome, which makes it an attractive candidate for viral transgene expression studies and targeted RNA delivery into host cells. However, FHV viral genome size is strictly limited by native FHV capsid. To determine if this packaging restriction could be eliminated, …

Pharmacists' Preparedness For Acute Medical Emergencies, James W. Parrett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose/Objectives: This project studied how prepared community pharmacists are to respond to acute medical emergencies, as well as their perceived efficacy in addressing these situations. Specifically, it considered what training pharmacists have for responding to medical emergencies, what emergency medical equipment pharmacies have on-hand, the frequency that medical emergencies occur within pharmacies, and the types of emergencies encountered. It also measured self and collective efficacy of pharmacists in responding to medical emergencies within their pharmacy to determine if differences in self-efficacy or collective efficacy exist. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional, non-experimental, descriptive design via a self-administered, Internet-based survey distributed …

A Route To Discover Small Molecule Inhibitors Of Psaa, A Potential Target For Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Ahmad J. Obaidullah

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the development of multidrug resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae, research has begun to define new drug targets for pneumonia therapy. Different research groups have identified a lipoprotein, PsaA that is important for pneumonia virulence. PsaA is a manganese transporter that is required for bacterial virulence and growth. We have employed computer modeling to virtually screen a small-molecule database for inhibition of PsaA function by targeting the metal binding pocket, performing receptor-based virtual screening and molecular docking and scoring to identify potential inhibitors of PsaA function. We have developed an assay for screening compounds, including the use of a PsaA …

Roles And Regulations For Pharmacists In State-Level Disaster Relief Efforts, Rachel Lowe

Honors Theses

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine what expanded roles have been identified for pharmacists by the states in disaster relief efforts, what regulations currently exist for pharmacists in disaster relief efforts in each state, and whether or not disaster relief and public health training should be added to the pharmacy school curriculum. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used to survey fifty-three boards of pharmacy via email and Qualtrics Survey Software. Results: Analysis of the survey results showed that most states lack a disaster preparedness plan and expanded roles for pharmacists in disaster relief efforts, and most …

Patient Perceptions Of Medication Therapy Management Targeted For Adherence Following The Provision Of Influenza Immunizations By Student Pharmacists: Preliminary Findings, Logan H. Ramsey

Honors Theses

Objective: To examine patients' opinions of clinical pharmacy services, especially Medication Therapy Management (MTM), following the administration of influenza immunization. Methods: The McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement at the University of Mississippi funded a service-learning project for student pharmacists to administer influenza immunizations to medically underserved patients. The project was conducted at a clinic for uninsured patients in Southaven, Mississippi but was open to the public. Patients (n=52) received an influenza immunization followed by a personal medication record during the observation period. Students, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, then provided a medication review and Drug …

A Comprehensive Review Of Malaria With An Emphasis On Plasmodium Resistance, Lindsay O. Thomas

Honors Theses

Malaria is a disease that is caused by the Plasmodium genus. It is endemic in tropical areas. There are multiple drugs used for prophylaxis and treatment. However, the parasites have developed resistance towards most antimalarial pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical industry is generating new antimalarial pharmaceuticals, but the rate of new Plasmodium resistance is much faster.

Simultaneous Bactericidal And Osteogenic Effect Of Nanoparticulate Calcium Phosphate Powders Loaded With Clindamycin On Osteoblasts Infected With Staphylococcus Aureus, Vuk Uskoković, Tejal A. Dasai

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

S aureus internalized by bone cells and shielded from the immune system provides a reservoir of bacteria in recurring osteomyelitis. Its targeting by the antibiotic therapy may thus be more relevant for treating chronic bone infection than eliminating only the pathogens colonizing the bone matrix. Assessed was the combined osteogenic and antibacterial effect of clindamycinloaded calcium phosphate nanoparticles of different monophasic compositions on co-cultures comprising osteoblasts infected with S aureus. Antibiotic-carrying particles were internalized by osteoblasts and minimized the concentration of intracellular bacteria. In vitro treatments of the infected cells, however, could not prevent cell necrosis due to the …

Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Platforms For Advancing Bone Infection Therapies, Vuk Uskoković, Tejal A. Dasai

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction—The ongoing surge of resistance of bacterial pathogens to antibiotic therapies and the consistently aging median member of the human race signal an impending increase in the incidence of chronic bone infection. Nanotechnological platforms for local and sustained delivery of therapeutics hold the greatest potential for providing minimally invasive and maximally regenerative therapies for this rare but persistent condition.

Areas covered—Shortcomings of the clinically available treatment options, including poly(methyl methacrylate) beads and calcium sulfate cements, are discussed and their transcending using calcium-phosphate/polymeric nanoparticulate composites is foreseen. Bone is a composite wherein the weakness of each component alone is …

Understanding Ligand Binding, Selectivity And Functions On The G Protein-Coupled Receptors: A Molecular Modeling Approach, Saheem Zaidi

Theses and Dissertations

The assessment of target protein molecular structure provides a distinct advantage in the rational drug design process. The increasing number of available G protein-coupled receptor crystal structures has enabled utilization of a varied number of computational approaches for understanding the ligand-receptor interactions, ligand selectivity and even receptor response upon ligand binding. The following dissertation examines the results from three different projects with varied objectives – i) structural modeling of human C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) and assessment of the ligand binding pocket of the receptor, ii) assessment of the selectivity profile of naltrexone derivatives on the three opioid receptors …

In Vitro Antibiofilm Efficacies Of Different Antibiotic Combinations With Zinc Sulfate Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Recovered From Hospitalized Patients With Urinary Tract Infection, Walid Elkhatib, Ayman Noreddin

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a serious healthcare dilemma influencing millions of patients every year and represent the second most frequent type of body infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a multidrug-resistant pathogen causing numerous chronic biofilm-associated infections including urinary tract, nosocomial, and medical devices-related infections. In the present study, the biofilm of P. aeruginosa CCIN34519, recovered from inpatients with UTIs, was established on polystyrene substratum and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and was utilized for visualization of the biofilm. A previously described in vitro system for real-time monitoring of biofilm growth/inhibition was utilized to assess the antimicrobial effects of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, …

Implementation Of A Pharmacy-Based Adult Vaccine Benefit: Recommendations For A Commercial Health Plan Benefit, Jeffery A. Goad, Kelly J. Ko, Rolin L. Wade, Hsing-Ting Yu, Ross M. Miller, Bruce Sherman

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

BACKGROUND: Although vaccination rates in children exceed 90% in the United States, adults are vaccinated at far lower rates. In order to address this issue, additional community immunizers are needed, and pharmacists are in an ideal position to fill this void.

OBJECTIVES: To explore issues and barriers related to implementation of a pharmacy-based adult vaccine benefit and develop recommendations supporting a pathway for benefit expansion.

METHODS: A literature review on the current environment surrounding pharmacy-based adult vaccinations and structured interviews were conducted to inform an expert panel meeting using a modified Delphi process (pre/post survey). The goal …

Research News: 2013, University Of Mississippi. School Of Pharmacy

Research News: Grants and Publications (2000-2014)

Grants and contracts recently awarded

Microbicidal Effects Of Α- And Θ-Defensins Against Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus And Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Kenneth P. Tai, Karishma Kamdar, Jason Yamaki, Valerie V. Le, Dat Tran, Patti Tran, Michael E. Selsted, Andre J. Ouelette, Annie Wong-Beringer

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens threaten public health. Because many antibiotics target specific bacterial enzymes or reactions, corresponding genes may mutate under selection and lead to antibiotic resistance. Accordingly, antimicrobials that selectively target overall microbial cell integrity may offer alternative approaches to therapeutic design. Naturally occurring mammalian α- and θ-defensins are potent, non-toxic microbicides that may be useful for treating infections by antibiotic-resistant pathogens because certain defensin peptides disrupt bacterial, but not mammalian, cell membranes. To test this concept, clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), including vancomycin heteroresistant strains, and ciprofloxacin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Cip^R-PA) were tested for sensitivity to …

Anticancer Properties Of Distinct Antimalarial Drug Classes, Rob Hooft Van Huijsduijnen, R. Kiplin Guy, Kelly Chibale, Richard K. Haynes, Ingmar Peitz, Gerhard Kelter, Margaret A. Phillips, Jonathan L. Vennerstrom, Yongyuth Yuthavong, Timothy N. C. Wells

Journal Articles: Pharmaceutical Sciences

We have tested five distinct classes of established and experimental antimalarial drugs for their anticancer potential, using a panel of 91 human cancer lines. Three classes of drugs: artemisinins, synthetic peroxides and DHFR (dihydrofolate reductase) inhibitors effected potent inhibition of proliferation with IC50s in the nM- low µM range, whereas a DHODH (dihydroorotate dehydrogenase) and a putative kinase inhibitor displayed no activity. Furthermore, significant synergies were identified with erlotinib, imatinib, cisplatin, dasatinib and vincristine. Cluster analysis of the antimalarials based on their differential inhibition of the various cancer lines clearly segregated the synthetic peroxides OZ277 and OZ439 from the artemisinin …

Empowering Students With Assessment Data, Jane M. Souza, Karen D.C. Bobak

Pharmacy Faculty/Staff Publications

Students’ perspective on assessment may be limited to summative grades for semester performance. However, providing access to data tracking their progress formatively could empower them to be more proactive in preparing for success. Examples of empowering students through access to data will be shared from two campuses. One campus will demonstrate how requiring students to reflect on longitudinal reports of their performance on learning outcomes can assist in targeting their studies. The second campus will exhibit how assessment data can be linked to peer mentoring. Participants will strategize how to engage students actively in the use of assessment data.

Release Of A Wound-Healing Agent From Plga Microspheres In A Thermosensitive Gel, H. A. Machado, J. J. Abercrombie, T. You, Patrick P. Deluca, K. P. Leung

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

The purpose of this research was to develop a topical microsphere delivery system in a thermosensitive 20% poloxamer 407 gel (Pluronic F127) to control release of KSL-W, a cationic antimicrobial decapeptide, for a period of 4-7 days for potential application in combat related injuries. KSL-W loaded microsphere formulations were prepared by a solvent extraction-evaporation method (water-oil-water), with poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (50 : 50, low-weight, and hydrophilic end) as the polymeric system. After optimization of the process, three formulations (A, B, and C) were prepared with different organic to water ratio of the primary emulsion while maintaining other components and …

A Gender Gap Grade Analysis Of Hard Sciences Courses In A School Of Pharmacy, Mckenzie C. Ferguson, Cathy Santanello, Erika Hahn, Ron Worthington

Pharmacy Faculty Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

A student survey was conducted to determine perceptions of such things as differential treatment due to gender, level of preparedness for courses in the hard sciences, and gender performances of students in the sciences. Additionally, students’ grades of sixteen courses with a heavy hard science focus were analyzed by taking the percent of a letter grade sorted by male or female to determine if there was a significant gender difference in the final grades. Our objectives were to: 1) determine if the underrepresentation of women in some health-related jobs is due to discouragement of females to enter these professions or …

Pharmacy Newsletter : September 2013, Pharmacy Department

Department of Pharmacy Archives

Content:

• Pharmacist-Run One Window Immunization
• Pharmacy Take Away Service
• Insulin
• Pencillin Test Dose Dilution
• Pharmacist Interventions

Conflicts Of Interest And The Quality Of Recommendations In Clinical Guidelines, Lisa Cosgrove, Allen F. Shaughnessy, Deborah R. Erlich, Emily E. Wheeler, Harold J. Bursztajn

Counseling, School Psychology & Sport Faculty Publication Series

Background: There is increasing concern that conflicts of interest affect the development process of clinical practice guidelines. We evaluated The American Psychiatric Association's Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder to determine the existence of financial and intellectual conflicts of interest and examine their possible effects. We selected this guideline because of its influence on clinical practice and because this guideline recommends pharmacotherapy for all levels of depression, despite controversies over the evidence base.

Methods and Findings: We determined the number and type of financial conflicts of interest for members of the guideline development group as …

The College Of Pharmacy, South Dakota State University

Jackrabbits Script and Scope (Formerly called College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions Magazine)

[Page] 2 Endowed professorship created A trust created by a pharmacist who never attended college is providing the funds for the college’s first endowed professorship.
[Page] 3 Berry power The inaugural speaker at the Francis Miller Lecture extols the value of blueberries in fighting cancer — and he’s got the research to prove it. [Page] 4 Medication safety Deidra Van Gilder and Tasha Rausch are part of a national effort to curb medication mistakes through the Patient and Clinical Pharmacy Service Collaborative.
[Page] 6 Ashley Potter The P3 student took a rather indirect route to leadership in a student pharmaceutical …

Research Fatigue Among Injecting Drug Users In Karachi, Pakistan, Aysha Zahidie, Arshad Altaf, Adeel Ahsan, Tanzil Jamali

Community Health Sciences

Background

Karachi is the largest metropolis of Pakistan and its economic hub attracting domestic migrants for economic opportunities. It is also the epicenter of HIV epidemic in the country. Since 2004, one pilot study and four behavioral and biological surveillance rounds have been conducted in Karachi. In addition many student research projects have also focused on key risk groups including injection drug users (IDUs). As a result of this extra ordinary exposure of same kind of questions, IDUs know how to respond to high value questions related to sharing of needles or unsafe sexual practices. The purpose of the study …

Crash Course In United States Pharmacopeia Standard 797 (Usp 797): Investigation Of Positive Sterility Cultures From A Hospital Pharmacy Preparation, Terry Burger Mba, Bsn, Rn, Ne-Bc, Cic, Deborah Fry Mt (Ascp), Mba, Cic, Gary Tallarita Mt (Ascp), Cindy L. Mitman Pharm D

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Closing The Gap: Revising Sterility Testing Policies And Procedures Based On The United States Pharmacopeia (Usp) 797 Guidelines And A Near Miss, Cindy L. Mitman Pharm D, Terry Burger Mba, Bsn, Rn, Ne-Bc, Cic, Deborah Fry Mt (Ascp), Mba, Cic, Gary Tallarita Mt (Ascp)

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Standardized Pediatric Vancomycin Dosing And Influence On Target Concentrations, Tibisay Villalobos Md, Jenny Boucher Pharmd, Jd, Bcps

Department of Pediatrics

No abstract provided.

Engineering Spores To Display G Protein-Coupled Receptors For Directed Evolution, Alyssa Misoo Kim

Theses

All human cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane made from a phospholipid bilayer, which is responsible for maintaining a biologically active species, while stopping entry of deleterious substances from the outside. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the membrane proteins, which transmit signals across the cell membrane. GPCRs are involved in almost every physiological process, and irregular control leads to pathological conditions. Therefore, they are major drug targets. Crystal structure determination is required to understand the molecular details of activation/deactivation. However, GPCRs are difficult to crystallize because of stability issues. An efficient protein engineering system needs to be developed. The …

Role Of Ethanol As A Cofactor In Haart Induced Hepatic Steatosis And Injury., Hridgandh Donde

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has led to a significant increase in the life expectancy of HIV patients; however, there are significant side effects including lipodystrophy and hepatotoxicity. Alcohol abuse is highly prevalent in HIV infected individuals and hence may be a significant negative cofactor in HAART induced hepatotoxicity. The present study examines the mechanisms underlying HAART and alcohol induced hepatotoxicity. The effects of HAART drugs (azidothymidine, and Indinavir sulphate) in combination with alcohol were examined in in vivo animal model. Alcohol and HAART drug interactions and hepatotoxicity were also assessed in-vivo using an animal model of chronic alcohol feeding. …

Low Soluble Drug Encapsulation Based On Architecture Of Layer-By-Layer Assembly For Longer Circulation Time And Targeted Therapy, Pravin Pattekari

Doctoral Dissertations

A combined effect of sonication and layer-by-layer assembly (LbL) enhances the solubility of many poorly soluble inorganic and organic materials by forming stable particles with ca. 200 nm size and up to 90 wt% of loading. The entire method is reproducible, easy-to-handle, and flexible for varying surface properties according to the application of the materials. The method develops good colloidal stability of materials in buffers and maintains architecture for future improvement. A top-down approach, with a combined effect of sonication and LbL assembly, ruptures the material and allows adsorption of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes simultaneously. Thus, the approach is applicable for …

Resolution Of Clinical And Laboratory Abnormalities After Diagnosis Of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia In Trauma Patients, Joseph M. Swanson, Kathryn A. Connor, Louis J. Magnotti, Martin A. Croce, Jessica Johnson, G. Christopher Wood, Timothy C. Fabian

Pharmacy Faculty/Staff Publications

Background: Guidelines advise that patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) should respond clinically by Day 3 of antibiotics. White blood cell (WBC) count, maximum temperature (Tmax), and PaO2:FIO2 ratio are all said to respond significantly by Day 6. Resolution of abnormalities has not been evaluated in trauma patients.

Methods: Retrospective review of trauma patients with VAP. The WBC count, Tmax, and PaO2:FIO2 were evaluated for 16 days after diagnosis. Patients were grouped into uncomplicated VAP, complicated VAP (those with inadequate empirical therapy [IEAT], VAP relapse/superinfection, or acute respiratory distress syndrome), and concurrent infection +VAP (those also infected at another site).

Results: …

Impact Of The Tohoku Earthquake And Tsunami On Pneumonia Hospitalisations And Mortality Among Adults In Northern Miyagi, Japan: A Multicentre Observational Study, Hisayoshi Daito, Motoi Suzuki, Jun Shiihara, Paul E. Kilgore, Hitoshi Ohtomo, Konosuke Morimoto, Masayuki Ishida, Taro Kamigaki, Hitoshi Oshitani, Masahiro Hashizume, Wataru Endo, Koichi Hagiwara, Koya Ariyoshi, Shoji Okinaga

Department of Pharmacy Practice

Background On 11 March 2011, the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami struck off the coast of northeastern Japan. Within 3 weeks, an increased number of pneumonia admissions and deaths occurred in local hospitals.

Methods A multicentre survey was conducted at three hospitals in Kesennuma City (population 74000), northern Miyagi Prefecture. All adults aged ≥18 years hospitalised between March 2010 and June 2011 with community-acquired pneumonia were identified using hospital databases and medical records. Segmented regression analyses were used to quantify changes in the incidence of pneumonia.

Results A total of 550 pneumonia hospitalisations were identified, including 325 during the pre-disaster period …

Nuclear Envelope Composition Determines The Ability Of Neutrophil-Type Cells To Passage Through Micron-Scale Constrictions, Amy C. Rowat, Diana E. Jaalouk E. Jaalouk, Monika Zwerger, W. Lloyd Ung, Irwin A. Eydelnant, Donald E. Olins, Ada L. Olins, Harald Herrmann, David A. Weitz, Jan Lammerding

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

Neutrophils are characterized by their distinct nuclear shape, which is thought to facilitate the transit of these cells through pore spaces less than one-fifth of their diameter. We used human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells as a model system to investigate the effect of nuclear shape in whole cell deformability. We probed neutrophil-differentiated HL-60 cells lacking expression of lamin B receptor, which fail to develop lobulated nuclei during granulopoiesis and present an in vitro model for Pelger-Huët anomaly; despite the circular morphology of their nuclei, the cells passed through micron-scale constrictions on similar timescales as scrambled controls. We then investigated the …