Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

Self-Assembly Of Anti-Inflammatory Peptide Amphiphiles For Mucosal Health, Maria José Gómara, Ignacio Pérez-Pomeda, Ramon Pons, Paul Ziprin, Carolina Herrera, Isabel Haro

CONRAD Publications

Broad spectrum anti-inflammatory peptide amphiphiles (AIF-PAs) have been developed as an innovative strategy for the treatment of chronic mucosal inflammation and the prevention of HIV transmission. Novel lipopeptides based on two linear sequences of anti-inflammatory peptides were obtained by solid-phase peptide chemistry. In a pilot study, ex vivo exposure of colorectal tissue explants from Crohn's disease patients to AIF-PAs induced a downregulation of the proinflammatory profile. Furthermore, the HIV inhibitory potency of AIF-PAs was evaluated ex vivo in colorectal tissue explants, obtaining sub-micromolar IC₅₀ values. Characterization of AIF-PAs self-aggregation in aqueous solution revealed that the net charge distribution within the …

Off-Label Uses Of Deucravacitinib For Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Cases And Literature Review, Alexandra Nigro, Isabel C. Silva, Benjamin Gerstein, Jasper Dayanan, Saakshi Khattri

Department Dermatology Faculty Publications

Deucravacitinib is an oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Deucravacitinib may offer a more selective approach compared to traditional Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Emerging data support the use of deucravacitinib in inflammatory dermatoses beyond psoriatic disease. We present our clinical experience using deucravacitinib off-label in patients with challenging inflammatory skin disease and contextualize our findings within the current literature. We report three female patients aged 31–63 years with refractory inflammatory skin conditions, including two with dermatomyositis and one with pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP). All patients had persistent …

Impact Of Pharmacist Intervention And Cardiac Rehab In Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients On 90-Day Readmission Rates, Paige Hall, Jennifer Wong, Tricia Walsh

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Oropharyngeal Syphilis Presenting As Tongue Based Ulcer With Lymphadenopathy, Serena F. Pu, Kevin J. Carlson, Jonathan R. Mark, Benjamin J. Rubinstein

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

Within the aerodigestive tract, syphilis presents with varied signs and symptoms, some of which may mimic malignancy or other disease processes. We present the case of a 29-year-old man with otalgia and odynophagia who was found on physical examination and office laryngoscopy to have a 4-cm ulcerative mass of the tongue base and cervical lymphadenopathy. While planning for tissue diagnosis, the patient’s serologies revealed positive treponemal antibody testing and elevated rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titers, confirming syphilitic infection, likely representing secondary syphilis. While awaiting operative biopsy, the patient received intramuscular penicillin with complete resolution of the mass and symptoms, and …

Depemokimab: A Twice Yearly Anti-Il 5 Biologic For Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps (Crswnp) - A Narrative Review, Marn Joon Park, Joseph K. Han, Kent K. Lam

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

Depemokimab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-5 with enhanced binding affinity and an extended terminal elimination half‑life of 6-8 weeks. The unique pharmacodynamic features of depemokimab enable sustained suppression of type 2 inflammation with twice‑yearly subcutaneous dosing. This narrative review provides details of depemokimab's molecular profile, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics and results regarding the clinical efficacy and safety of depemokimab from recently published Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). In 528 severe adult CRSwNP patients (ANCHOR‑1/‑2 trials), depemokimab achieved Δ total endoscopic nasal polyp score by -0.70 (p <  .001) and Δ nasal obstruction verbal response scale by -0.24 (p = .003) at week 52, compared to placebo. Twice‑yearly 100 mg depemokimab provides durable eosinophil suppression and with a safety profile comparable to placebo in Phase 3 trials for CRSwNP. Future work should refine biomarkers and assess comparative cost‑effectiveness and long‑term adherence, safety, and effectiveness.

Investigating The Role Of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine For Cancer Symptom Management In Older Adults: A Rapid Review, Isabelle C. Karshner

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Patients with cancer often experience symptoms related to disease, complications, and treatment. One potential method of alleviating these symptoms is traditional Chinese herbal medications (TCHM). This rapid review explores the role of traditional Chinese herbal medications in treating cancer-related symptoms in older adults.

Purpose: The purpose of this rapid review is to gain and provide a better understanding of the effects of TCHM on cancer-symptom management in the older adult population. This review explores the association between TCHM and effects on cancer symptoms in older adults, including interactions, toxicity, and signs/symptoms of TCHM use that may be useful information …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors H2/Z14 And C6/Z96 In Order To Combat Small Cell Lung Cancer, Lauren M. Graves

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The use of ubiquinone inhibitors to combat cancer is a recent development in medicinal science and procedures to efficiently synthesize these drugs remain limited. C6/Z96 and H2/Z14, two succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors, have been previously tested in vitro against NSCLC with positive results. Their similarity to ubiquinone is what makes them a strong candidate for a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor at the ubiquinone binding site. The heterocyclic scaffolds and substituents are proposed to bind strongly through a combination of electronics, hydrogen-bonding, and fit, allowing them to bind well and prove to be more favorable than ubiquinone when competing for the Q-site. By …

Association Of Acetaminophen/Butalbital/Caffeine Doses And Incidence Of Cerebral Vasospasm, Emma Cloud, Mallory Stringer, Eric Shaw

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Levetiracetam Use In Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage And Spontaneous Intracranial Hemorrhage For Seizure Prophylaxis, Taylor Dodd, Mallory Stringer, Eric Shaw

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Tirofiban Use Following Mechanical Thrombectomy With Emergent Stent Placement In Acute Ischemic Stroke, Taylor Dodd, Mallory Stringer, Eric Shaw

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Insulin Dosing In A Hyperkalemia Protocol, Kayla Hedgspeth, Rohan Johnson, Eric Shaw, Stephanie Lesslie

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Oral Vancomycin Dosing Strategies For Initial, Non-Fulminant C. Difficile Infection Treatment, Hunter Mcdowell, Eric Shaw, Danielle Lott

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Heparin Infusions And Resultant Monitoring Parameters, Victoria Michel-Milian, Eric Shaw, Alisha B. Terry

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Epoetin Alfa Administration In Intermittent Hemodialysis, Britany Shellhouse, Eric Shaw, Stacie Coleman

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Impact Of Perioperative Antibiotic Timing On Surgical Site Infections In Hysterectomy And Colorectal Surgeries, Britany Shellhouse, Eric Shaw, Amy Taylor

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Formulation Development Of Topical Inserts Containing Doxycycline And Doxycycline Combined With Tenofovir Alafenamide And Elvitegravir For The Prevention Of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Vivek Agrahari, M. Melissa Peet, Jasmin Monpara, Rijo John, Sriramakamal Jonnalagadda, Pardeep K. Gupta, Meredith R. Clark, Gustavo F. Doncel

CONRAD Publications

Despite advances in oral and injectable HIV prevention options and oral prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of bacterial origin, there remains a critical need for effective on-demand topical (vaginal and rectal) products for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP). To fill this gap, we have developed single and first-in-kind multi-active topical inserts for bacterial STIs and HIV/STIs prevention. We have formulated two different inserts, one containing doxycycline (DOX) at 10, 50, and 100 mg doses for bacterial STI prevention, and a multipurpose prevention product (TED insert) that combines DOX (10 mg) with the antiretrovirals tenofovir alafenamide (TAF; 20 …

Partial Post-Exposure Protection By Topical Inserts Containing Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate/Elvitegravir In A Macaque Model Of Rectal Simian Hiv (Shiv) Infection, Natalia Makarova, Tyana Singletary, M. Melissa Peet, Kristen Kelley, Ryan Johnson, Vivek Agrahari, Maria Mendoza, Yi Pan, Walid Heneine, Meredith R. Clark, J. Gerardo García Lerma, Gustavo F. Doncel, James W. Smith

CONRAD Publications

On-demand topical inserts for HIV prevention may be a good option for people who have a low frequency of sexual activity. We recently demonstrated in a preclinical macaque model that rectal application of inserts containing tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) and elvitegravir (EVG) conferred protection against SHIV infection (93% efficacy) when applied as pre-exposure prophylaxis 4 hours before SHIV exposure. Here, we show that the same inserts provide significant postexposure protection (82.9% efficacy) when applied 4 hours after SHIV exposure. Our findings further support the ongoing clinical development of TAF/EVG inserts for on-demand HIV prevention.

Hepatocyte-Specific Lrp1 Silencing Exacerbates Brain Amyloidosis Without Compensatory Ldl Receptor Family Involvement, Brian Carson, Josephine Chu, Devaraj V. Chandrashekar, Jerome Garcia, Rachita K. Sumbria, Derick Han

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

LDL receptor related protein 1 (LRP1) is a major hepatic receptor involved in lipoprotein metabolism, protease degradation, transmembrane receptor modulation, and clearance of excess protein, such as Aβ. Decreased expression of LRP1 due to liver injury can impair receptor-mediated clearance, increasing Aβ availability in the periphery. We investigated the effects of hepato-specific silencing of LRP1 on Aβ deposition in the brain. Additionally, other LDL family members (LRP5, LRP6, and LDLR) that may participate in Aβ clearance were monitored in the liver to ensure non-compensatory effects of LRP1 silencing.

Method

4-month-old male double transgenic (APP/PS1) AD mice were injected with …

The Mitochondria Is The Source Of Hepatic Amyloid Precursor Protein And Peripheral Amyloid Beta: Implications Of Alcohol-Induced Liver Steatosis In Alzheimer's Disease, Josephine Chu, Ross A. Steinberg, Brian Carson, Devaraj Venkatapura Chandrashekar, Rachita K. Sumbria, Derick Han

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Alcohol-induced liver injury occurs in the pericentral region of the liver and can induce mitochondrial remodeling and exacerbate Alzheimer's Disease (AD) progression. Subpopulations of mitochondria: general mitochondria (GM), peridroplet mitochondria (PDM) and endoplasmic reticulum(ER)-bound mitochondria (ERM) maintain cellular homeostasis via energy synthesis, lipid homeostasis, and regulation of intracellular calcium. Hepatic amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a source of peripheral amyloid beta (aB) and affects AD pathology in the brain. Understanding the localization and expression of hepatic APP in mitochondrial subpopulations are critical to understanding aB metabolism and may play a role in identifying a potential mechanism for metabolic dysfunction. …

Formulation And Characterisation Of Isoniazid By Spray Drying For Use By Dry Powder Inhalers To Treat Tuberculosis, Damiana Gabrielli, Seán Roche

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

The targeted delivery of antibiotics by dry powder inhalers (DPIs) is an increasingly important area of research, driven by the growing global burden of respiratory infections and the advantages of localized drug delivery to the lungs. Over the past five years, respiratory infections have risen significantly, with recent epidemiological data indicating a global increase in incidence by over 30%, largely due to factors such as air pollution, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging respiratory pathogens. One major challenge in developing DPI formulations for antibiotics is the need to optimize the particle physicochemical properties for deep lung deposition while accommodating the high doses …

Developing A Tool To Measure Resistance To Sustainable Food Choices: A Pilot Study In Ireland And The Netherlands, Kate Flanagan, Bart Sinteur, Patricia J. Bulsing, John M. Kearney

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Consumer uptake of a sustainable diet is critical for addressing environmental challenges and promoting public health. Understanding why consumers resist adopting sustainable eating habits can inform targeted interventions and policies. This pilot study examines whether a newly developed scale can effectively detect consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Currently, there is a lack of research on a tool to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet, highlighting the need for a reliable instrument.

The aim of this study is to develop a scale, based on existing literature, to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Additionally, the study aims to …

Editorial-Sure Journal Volume 7, Issue 2, Geraldine M. Dowling, Eva Campion, Sinead Loughran, Ariane Perez-Gavilan, Josephine Treacy

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Longitudinal Pharmacokinetic And Safety Studies Of An Antibody-Erythropoietin Fusion Protein For Alzheimer's Disease, Rudy Chang, Devaraj Venkatapura Chandrashekar, G. Chuli Roules, Nataraj Jagadeesan, Emi Iwasaki, Adenike Oyegbesan, Hayk Davtyan, Rachita K. Sumbria

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Erythropoietin (EPO) shows promise for Alzheimer's disease (AD) but has poor brain penetration, necessitating high doses that cause hematopoietic side effects. To improve brain delivery, EPO was fused to a transferrin receptor monoclonal antibody (TfRMAb), and this study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and efficacy of repeated TfRMAb-EPO dosing in mice to further its preclinical development. C57BL/6J male mice (10 weeks old, n = 4–5/dose) received subcutaneous (SQ) low (1 mg/kg), mid (3 and 6 mg/kg), or high (20 mg/kg) TfRMAb-EPO doses for 4 weeks. The 1 mg/kg dose showed no adverse effects and resulted in sustained brain and plasma …

Identifying Barriers For Community Pharmacies As Vaccines For Children (Vfc) Providers In Rural Alabama: Opportunities For Solutions, Myra Bajwa

Honors Theses

Significant Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination disparities exist between rural and urban areas in the US. A primary contributor is low access to preventive care in rural areas. Among the most promising strategies to overcome this is increasing access through offering HPV vaccination in non-traditional, convenient health settings such as pharmacies. In rural areas, community pharmacies are trusted, convenient pillars of the community. In Alabama, community pharmacies are eligible for enrollment in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, a federally-funded program that provides free vaccines to children and adolescents under 18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, American Indian, or Alaska …

The Differential Effects Of Camp Mobilizing Agents On Tgf-Β-Induced Extracellular Matrix In Human Lung-Derived Fibroblasts: Insights Into Therapeutic Targets For Lung Fibrosis, Sarah Orfanos, Brian T. Deeney, Gaoyuan Cao, Nikhil Karmacharya, Anjani Ravi, Cynthia J. Koziol-White, Qi Yang, Rennolds S. Ostrom, Reynold A. Panettieri Jr.

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Injury-repair responses typically induce tissue or organ scarring. Generally, cAMP-mobilizing agents inhibit the activation of fibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix. Some but not all cAMP-mobilizing agents inhibit fibrosis. Evidence suggests that inhaled treprostinil, a prostacyclin (IP) analog, increases intracellular cAMP levels [cAMP]I, and slows the decline in pulmonary function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, the molecular mechanisms by which cAMP-mobilizing agents, including treprostinil, alter the expression of matrix proteins in human lung fibroblasts (HLF) remain unclear. Unlike other Gαs -coupled receptors, we posit that the antifibrotic properties of treprostinil are driven by cAMP-mobilizing-dependent and -independent …

Guide For Selecting Experimental Models To Study Dietary Fat Absorption, Andromeda M. Nauli, Ann Phan, Karen Mai, Kathleen Tran, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Dietary fat absorption is a complex, multi-step process involving digestion, enterocyte uptake, intracellular trafficking, re-esterification, and transport via lipoproteins into circulation. Because dietary fat absorption plays a central role in lipid homeostasis, metabolic syndrome, and fat malabsorption disorders, its study has a broad biomedical significance. However, experimental investigation of this process is technically challenging due to the short lifespan of enterocytes, the dual lymphatic and portal transport routes, and the need to trace the metabolic fate of absorbed lipids. This review summarizes and critically evaluates the major experimental systems used to study dietary fat absorption, highlighting their respective strengths, limitations, …

Citronellol Reduces Sepsis-Induced Renal Inflammation Via Ap-1/Nf-Κb/Tnf-Α Pathway, Huda Rashid Atiyah, Sarmed H. Kathem, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Sepsis is characterized by the over-production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) is a well-accepted model for recreating sepsis-induced renal injury in mice. The current study investigates how citronellol, a naturally occurring substance with a variety of biological characteristics, can prevent acute kidney inflammation brought on by CLP. In the CLP mouse model, citronellol was administered orally at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. Serum levels of creatinine and urea were used as markers of renal function, and the Murine Sepsis Score (MSS) was used to assess the severity of sepsis. According to our findings, CLP caused a …

Evolutionary Pathways Of Drug Resistance To Long-Acting Prep In Initial Hiv Infection, Yeona Kang, Katharine Gurski, Yanping Ma

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Losing Focus In The Age Of Tik Tok: Clinical Evidence For Policy Action On Social Media Use, Megan Conefrey, Robert Griffin

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Tracking Livestock Heart Rate & Location Using Long-Range Radio Networks. An Immediate Solution For Farms Without Reliable Wi-Fi, Dermott Harkin, Martin Bradley

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.