Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Biomolecular Science, University Of Mississippi. Biomolecular Sciences

Annual Poster Session 2024-2025

Our mission is to drive innovation through combined excellence in the disciplines of Pharmacognosy, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Environmental Toxicology in order to understand and improve human and environmental health. We provide positive impacts to our school, the state of Mississippi, and the world, via education and mentored research at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels, and through our leadership in interdisciplinary chemical and biological sciences.

From Lab To Public Policy: Pioneering Excellence At Ncccre, University Of Mississippi. School Of Pharmacy

Annual Poster Session 2024-2025

The National Center for Cannabis Research and Education (NCCRE) focuses the School of Pharmacy’s strengths, history, and capabilities to offer educational opportunities, conduct medical cannabis research, and provide outreach that will benefit Mississippi and the nation.

Editorial: Machine Learning Advancements In Pharmacology: Transforming Drug Discovery And Healthcare, Moom Rahman Roosan, Ramgopal Mettu

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

"In recent years, the integration of machine learning (ML) into pharmacology has revolutionized how we approach drug discovery, disease modeling, and therapeutic development. By leveraging vast datasets and computational power, ML has enabled researchers to uncover patterns, predict outcomes, and accelerate drug development processes that were previously unimaginable. This Research Topic on 'Machine Learning Advancements in Pharmacology' features five impactful studies that highlight the diverse applications and potential of ML in this field. These contributions, encompassing original research and a systematic review, exemplify the transformative role of ML in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in pharmacology."

Trifluoromethyl Carbohydrate Footprinting For Probing Protein Binding Components Of Oligosaccharides Mixture, Quadrat Yusuph, Sandeep K. Misra, Joshua S. Sharp

Annual Poster Session 2024-2025

Biomolecular footprinting is well-established for nucleic acids and proteins but lacks a method for carbohydrates. Glycan footprinting could enhance understanding of glycan interactions via mass spectrometry. We verified that CF3 labeled the model trisaccharide NAG3 across the oligosaccharide. We developed a quenching and reduction protocol for improved post-labeling analysis and the first radical covalent footprinting method for complex carbohydrates.

Impact Of Pausinystalia Johimbe On Cytochrome P450: A Potential Risk For Polypharmacy, Pankul Kotwal, Islam Husain, Olivia R. Dale, Suresh Chandra V. A. R. Annam, Amar G. Chittiboyina, Ikhlas A. Khan, Shabana I. Khan

Annual Poster Session 2024-2025

Pausinystalia johimbe, a tree native to West Africa, contains yohimbine as its primary active compound which was traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, has gained attention for its diverse pharmacological effects such as weight loss promotion, athletic performance enhancement, mood improvement, potential anxiety reduction and cognitive function enhancement. Recent studies have revealed that the primary mechanism of action of yohimbine is as an α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, affecting fat metabolism, vasodilation, and sympathetic nervous system activity. PXR and AhR are xenobiotic receptors that regulate the expression of drugmetabolizing Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) and transporters like Pglycoprotien (P-gp). Concomitant consumption of phytochemicals …

The Association Between Socioeconomic Status And Appropriate Antibiotic Use Among Women With Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection, Nga-Weng (Ivy) Leong, Shishir Maharjan, Yi Yang

Annual Poster Session 2024-2025

Women with low socioeconomic status (SES) were more likely to develop urinary tract infections. Inappropriate antibiotic use can lead to treatment failure and future multidrugresistant infections. However, the relationship between SES and inappropriate treatment has yet to be established.

The study aims to assess the relationship between SES and guidelines-concordance antibiotic use among women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection (uUTI).

Long-Term Safety And Comparative Efficacy Of Il-17 Inhibitors In Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis, Alyssa L. Sepulveda, Yolanda V. Gutierrez, Ronald A. Shaju

Research Symposium

Background:
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the axial skeleton, characterized by spinal stiffness, sacroiliitis, and potential vertebral fusion. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are first-line treatments, IL-17 inhibitors, such as secukinumab and ixekizumab, are used in patients with inadequate response or contraindications to TNF inhibitors. These targeted therapies address IL-17’s role in driving inflammation and structural damage in AS.

Methods:
A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane to identify studies published between 2000 and 2025. Keywords included “Ankylosing spondylitis” and “IL-17 inhibitors” and “efficacy.” Inclusion criteria …

Comparative Risk Of Venous Thromboembolism Of Advanced Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Among Older Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Shadi Bazzazzadehgan, Shishir Maharjan, John P. Bentley, Yi Yang, Yinan Huang

Annual Poster Session 2024-2025

Objective: To evaluate the association between different types of biological (b) and targeted synthetic (ts) diseasemodifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or b/tsDMARDs, including tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), non-TNFi bDMARDs, and tsDMARDs and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among older adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Glycore Phase 2, University Of Mississippi. Biomolecular Sciences

Annual Poster Session 2024-2025

Poster outlines the four cores of the Glycoscience Center of Research Excellence at the University of Mississippi: administrative, analytical and biophysical research, imaging researching, computational chemistry and bioinformatics research. Research award opportunities are also outlined.

Pacific Rxtracts - March 2025, Pacific Rxtracts

Pacific RxTracts

Articles

• Naloxone Extended-Release System Discovered at the University of the Pacific
• FDA Approval for Unresectable/ Metastatic Breast Cancer
• Journavx (Suzetrigine): A New Era in Pain Management
• New Treatment Approved for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
• Optimal DAPT Strategy? A Promising Approach for Post-PCI Care
• Benefit of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Preventing Contrast-Induced Kidney Injury
• Dark Chocolate and Type 2 Diabetes: A Sweet Connection?
• Confirming Palbociclib’s Safety in Liver Impaired Patients
• Aztreonam-avibactam, a Promising Therapeutic for Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections
• The Future is Now: LBP-EC01, a Genetically Enhanced Bacteriophage for UTIs
• The Safety and Efficacy Profiles of Short-Term Duration Oral Regimens for Rifampin-Resistant TB
• A …

Evaluation Of The Safety Of Dexmedetomidine Dosing Utilizing Adjusted Body Weight In Obese Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Study., Molly E Robertson, Aimee E Willett, Joshua J Mathias, Britney N Sleeckx, John O Elliott

OhioHealth Research Institute Articles

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of dexmedetomidine dosing, utilizing adjusted body weight (AdjBW) in obese, critically ill patients. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who received dexmedetomidine from March 2020 to April 2021. Participants received dexmedetomidine as the sole agent for sedation for ≥8 hours, were ≥18 years old, had a level of care listed as "critical care," and had an actual body weight (ABW) of at least 120% of their ideal body weight (IBW). A total of 225 participants were included. Results demonstrated that the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia was lower …

March 2025, Swosu Rural Health Center

RURAL ROCKS

This is the March 2025 issue of Rural Rocks from the SWOSU College of Pharmacy.

Contraceptive Hormone Influences On The Role Of Primary Reinforcement And Reinforcer-Enhancement In Nicotine Self-Administration, Kathleen Robin Mcnealy

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Hormonal contraceptives contain a synthetic estrogen (e.g., ethinyl estradiol/EE) and/or a synthetic progestin (e.g., levonorgestrel/LEVO) and can exacerbate nicotine intake. However, whether altered intake reflects changes in nicotine reinforcement or enhancement by nicotine of co-occurring reinforcers is unknown. This reinforcer-enhancement effect is evidenced in rats when nicotine self-administration is increased by the presence of a visual stimulus (VS) reinforcer. This dissertation examined the effects of EE and LEVO on nicotine reinforcement and reinforcer-enhancement in ovary-intact female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were implanted with a jugular catheter and assigned to receive daily injections of EE (Vehicle, 0.125 [Low], or 0.18 [High] μg/day; …

Building Foundations For Graduate Success: The Direct Program’S Summer Bridge Initiative For Graduate Students, Melissa King, Marie Barnard, Shawnboda Mead, Soumyajit Majumdar

Annual Poster Session 2024-2025

The DIRECT (Driving Interdisciplinary Research Expertise through Community Building and Training) Program's first cohort of graduate students successfully completed a three-week summer bridge program designed to enhance their academic preparedness, facilitate their transition into graduate-level study and demystify the “hidden curriculum” of academia. Held prior to the start of their first fall semester, the program aimed to enhance students’ preparedness for graduate studies, foster a sense of community, and equip students with critical skills and knowledge of campus resources necessary for academic success. An evaluation of the program's impact revealed gains in students' understanding of graduate school expectations, their awareness …

Overview Of Chromatographic Methods Of Analysis Of Penicillins In Food Matrices Of Animal Origin, Tarekegn Tadesse Unade, Gudeta Duga Geresu, Pawar A. Krishnamanjari

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Penicillins are β-lactam antibiotics indicated for preventing and treating diseases in veterinary medical practice. Improper use of these antibiotics in animals may result in residues in foodstuffs such as milk, egg, and meat, which can cause unwanted effects like allergy, and development of bacterial resistance. So, it is important to regulate the use of penicillins in foodstuffs of animal origin. Regulatory bodies in different countries established maximum residue levels to be allowed in food matrices. To address the regulatory requirements, food matrices need to be investigated with proper methods of analysis. Several analytical methods were developed and validated to determine …

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Case Of The Broken Heart, Lilian Huynh, Kaylee Putney

Annual Research Symposium

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), or "broken heart syndrome," is a rare cardiac condition causing temporary left ventricular dysfunction due to severe stress. Though the exact cause is unclear, it mimics myocardial infarction and can lead to cardiogenic shock. Current treatment lacks specific guidelines and relies on heart failure protocols. We report a case of a patient with TC-induced cardiogenic shock, likely triggered by emotional stress. She required vasopressors, a percutaneous intervention, an Impella device, and guideline-directed medication therapies. This case underscores the significance of establishing guideline optimizations for managing TC and cardiogenic shock.

In-Silico Modeling And Characterization Of Kcc2 Protein Interaction With A Small Molecule Direct Agonist Identifies Potential Binding Sites For Modulating Behaviors Associated With Substances Of Abuse, William Hai Dang Ho, Alfred Amendolara, Kenyon Mitchell, Jaden Miner, Ruth Northcott, Braxton Bingham, Andrew J. Payne

Annual Research Symposium

Purpose

KCC2 is a potassium-chloride cotransporter that plays a critical role in neuronal function by regulating GABAergic signaling via chloride gradients. Maintaining this concentration gradient is crucial for balancing excitation and inhibition in the brain. While KCC2 dysregulation has been implicated in epilepsy and seizures, recent studies suggest that KCC2 inhibition results in phenotypes mirroring those seen in chronic opioid dependence. As such, increasing evidence support KCC2 being a potential therapeutic target for modulating behaviors associated with substances of abuse. Currently, only a few direct small molecule agonists against KCC2 have been reported, and no definitive active site on the …

Polmacoxib: A Drug Review, Sakeer Hussain, Dr. Subramanian Ramaswamy , Professor, Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur Assistant Professor, Ananthu Ajikumar

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Polmacoxib, a novel nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has shown a promised therapeutic option for the management of osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions. This drug review mainly aims to provide a comprehensive overview of polmacoxib, focusing on its pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy, safety profile, and potential therapeutic applications. Polmacoxib is a notable drug due to its dual mechanism of action, combining selective COX-2 inhibition with inhibition of carbonic anhydrase, which may contribute to its enhanced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Being a selective COX-2 inhibitor, it helps minimize gastrointestinal side effects typically caused by conventional nonselective NSAIDs. Data from clinical studies suggest …

Predicting Diabetes Self-Management Education Engagement: Machine Learning Algorithms And Models, Xiangxiang Jiang, Gang Lv, Minghui Li, Jing Yuan, Z Kevin Lu

Faculty Publications

Introduction Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is endorsed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as an essential component of diabetes management. However, the utilization of DSME remains limited in the USA. This study aimed to investigate current DSME participation among the older population and to identify comprehensive factors of DSME engagement through employing various machine learning (ML) models based on a US nationally representative survey linked to claims data.

Research design and methods Data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey were employed, and this study included data on US Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes from 2017 to 2019. Comprehensive variables following the …

Pharmacist Avoidance Or Reductions In Medical Costs Considering Board Of Pharmacy Specialties Certification (Pharm-Bps)., Keaton S Smetana, Edith Liang, William Adams, Payal K Gurnani, William J Peppard, Alexander H Flannery, Megan A Rech

Pharmacy Articles

No abstract provided.

Mutational Scanning And Binding Free Energy Computations Of The Sars-Cov-2 Spike Complexes With Distinct Groups Of Neutralizing Antibodies: Energetic Drivers Of Convergent Evolution Of Binding Affinity And Immune Escape Hotspots, Mohammed Alshahrani, Vedant Parikh, Brandon Foley, Nishank Raisinghani, Gennady M. Verkhivker

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the emergence of variants with increased immune evasion capabilities, posing significant challenges to antibody-based therapeutics and vaccines. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive structural and energetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) complexes with neutralizing antibodies from four distinct groups (A–D), including group A LY-CoV016, group B AZD8895 and REGN10933, group C LY-CoV555, and group D antibodies AZD1061, REGN10987, and LY-CoV1404. Using coarse-grained simplified simulation models, rapid energy-based mutational scanning, and rigorous MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations, we elucidated the molecular mechanisms of antibody binding and escape mechanisms, identified key …

Investigating The Effects Of Resveratrol On Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia, Bryana Cox, Thien Do, Ashlyn Hughes, Zane Kingsbury, Keara Leroy, Andrew J. Payne

Annual Research Symposium

Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is an adverse effect of chronic opioid therapy, characterized by increased sensitivity to pain. This study will seek to determine if using resveratrol supplementation as an indirect enhancer to increase the expression of the KCC2 membrane transporter can alleviate the symptoms of OIH in human subjects.

Evaluating Workflow Efficiency: Two-Day Versus One-Day Pre-Planning In Outpatient Infusion Clinics, Amber Escobedo, Kent Wood, Danielle Gundrum, Kelsey Brown, Allie Snoke, Trenna Weathers

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Pharmacy, Giang Nguyen, Elizabeth Sartschev, John Reyes, Allie Honigford, Marisa Petrunich, Kiley Devoll, Brianna Lu, Joshua Honaker, T'Bony M. Jewell

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the pharmaceutical field by enabling computer software systems to learn and perform human behavior. Specifically, AI has revolutionized chronic diabetes management through continuous glucose monitoring, showcasing its immense potential in healthcare. However, alongside its transformative impact, AI’s increasing role in healthcare has prompted concerns over privacy and its premature integration. Despite these challenges, AI offers limitless opportunities to improve medication management and treatment regimens, driving advancements across various domains. From improving CT imaging to enhancing adenoma detection in colonoscopies and facilitating medication adherence, AI’s impact on healthcare is profound. Furthermore, AI plays a pivotal role …

Screening And Treatment Of Iron Deficiency Among Heart Failure Patients With Impaired Ejection Fraction: The Impact Of A Pharmacist-Led Protocol, Firas Al Badarin, Feras Bader, Bassam Atallah

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Despite guideline-recommended routine screening and iron deficiency (ID) treatment among heart failure (HF) patients, these practices are often underutilized. Currently, limited data are available on the outcomes of pharmacists' programs to enhance ID screening and management. Accordingly, we sought to describe the frequency and yield of screening for ID and intravenous (IV) iron replacement rates among our cohort of HF patients and examined the impact of implementing a pharmacist-led protocol (PLP) aimed at enhancing these rates. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving HF patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45% at a quaternary care hospital in the Middle East/Gulf region. The PLP was introduced in August 2022. Data on demographics, comorbidities, echocardiographic parameters, laboratory findings (including ID screening and its findings), and rates of treatment with IV iron replacement were analyzed and compared between the pre-implementation group (n = 432, October 2015–February 2020) and the post-implementation group (n = 154, August 2022–January 2023). Results: Before the PLP, 63.2% (n = 273) of eligible patients underwent ID screening, with 80.6% (n = 220) found to have ID. Following the implementation of the PLP, screening rates significantly increased to 86.4% (n = 133) (p = 0.03), with 53.4% (n = 71) diagnosed with ID. The rate of IV iron replacement in ID patients improved from 30.4% (n = 67) in the pre-PLP group to 73% (n = 52) in the post-PLP group (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression identified baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and hemoglobin levels as significant predictors of IV iron replacement in the pre-PLP cohort. Conclusions: Implementing a pharmacist-led protocol was significantly associated with enhancing the screening and treatment of ID in patients with HF and LVEF <45%. This study demonstrates the crucial role of pharmacists in optimizing guideline-directed therapies, which can be replicated in various healthcare settings.

Blended Learning Course In Medical Affairs To Improve Exposure And Interest In Pharmaceutical Industry Careers, Nandini Manne, Gayle Brazeau, Craig Kimble

Pharmacy Practice & Administration

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate students’ knowledge and perceptions of career options and their knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry based on pre-post module quizzes, reflections, and team presentations in a hybrid medical affairs elective certification course.

Methods: A qualitative research design was used to analyze the reflections of 19 students enrolled in the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs Pharmaceutical Industry Training Certificate elective at Marshall University during spring 2023. The course used 7 modules from the Medical Affairs Competency Certificate offered by the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs. Students completed premodule and postmodule quizzes, engaged in discussions with industry …

Pacific Rxtracts - February 2025, Pacific Rxtracts

Pacific RxTracts

Articles:

• Revolutionizing Hypertension Screening: AI-Enhanced ECG as a Proactive Healthcare Tool
• Breaking News:
  • New Indication for Zepbound
  • FDA Approves Injectable Nivolumab: A New Era for Opdivo in Cancer Care
  • Stromal Stem Cells for Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-vs-Host Disease
• Cardiology:
  • Beta Blocker vs. Verapamil Therapy for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
• General News:
  • Prolactin-Increasing Antipsychotics Increase the Odds of Breast Cancer
  • Hope for a Cytomegalovirus Vaccine: mRNA-1647
  • Targeting IL-13: Innovations in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis
  • Beyond Opioids: Multimodal Pain Management in Colorectal Surgery
  • A Nanomaterial Dosage Form for Mupirocin
  • Guselkumab, a potential drug for Ulcerative colitis
• Neuropsychiatry:
  • Dextromethorphan for Depression: More For Just a …

February 2025, Swosu Rural Health Center

RURAL ROCKS

This is the February 2025 issue of Rural Rocks from the SWOSU College of Pharmacy.

Optimization Of Localized Photothermal Therapy Utilizing Liposomal Formulation Of Ir-820 Photoactive Dye, Dinesh Shrestha, Viswanathan Sundaram, Shoukath Sulthana, Danyel Manteufel, Shelby Metcalf, Santosh Aryal

Pharmacy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Current phototherapeutic approaches in cancer treatment include photothermal (PTT) and photodynamic (PDT) therapy, which harness light energy for the activation of a photoactive molecule resulting in the destruction of cancer cells. In PTT, generated local heat kills abnormal cells; whereas, in PDT, a series of biochemical reactions generating reactive oxygen species is responsible for cellular damage. However, a major concern arises in the cellular delivery of an optimal amount of a photoactive molecule required for the desired effect. In this work, we employed IR-820, a new Indocyanine green dye, in a liposomal formulation to maximize its delivery to cancer cells …

Incorporating Pediatrics In Clinical Education: A Call To Action In Inpatient Pharmacy Practice., Caroline M Sierra, Amanda C Capino, Cober M Petrea, Lea S Eiland, Norm Fenn Bcps, Bcpps, Nicholas M Fusco, Lucas E Orth

Parkview Pharmacy Department

Background

The recently revised 2025 Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Standards state the expectations of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) are to “emphasize continuity of care and incorporate acute, chronic, and wellness-promoting patient-care services…[and] expose students to diverse patient populations as related to age, sex race/ethnicity, socioeconomic factors…and disease states.”1 These expectations describe the conditions under which student pharmacists are expected to develop and demonstrate competence in the entrustable professional activities (EPAs), which were revised in 2022 to more accurately reflect current pharmacy practice.2 However, the definition of required APPE (Standard 3.2.d.) states that the inpatient patient …