Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

Evaluation Of Anti-Vegf And Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation Laser Therapies In Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Patients: A Systematic Review, Senyum Indrakila, Namira Putri Imani, Aiman Hilmi Asaduddin, Muzakiya Lailatul Karima, Lygia Angelica Widjaja

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that is one of the top five causes of blindness in those over 50. The standard treatment is pan-retinal photocoagulation, which is effective but has established side effects. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy becomes an alternative to avoid the side effects caused by laser therapy. This systematic review aims to know the effectiveness of anti-VEGF therapy compared to the pan-retinal photocoagulation laser therapy in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. This review was carried out using a systematic review checklist on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The articles reviewed …

Optimization Of Lubrication And Compression Process Parameters Of Vitamin C Film-Coated Caplets, Ernestine Arianditha Pranasti, Ratna Annisa Utami, Yuda Prasetya Nugraha

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Tablet production is a very intricate process influenced by numerous process variables or parameters. This study aimed to identify the critical processing variables that affect Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) of vitamin C film-coated caplets utilizing a statistical experimental design. A two-level complete factorial design with two central points was used to examine the process parameters that posed the greatest risk to CQAs. The process variables investigated included mesh size and duration for the lubrication process, as well as speed and main thickness for compression. Statistical results showed that mesh number, lubrication time, and their interaction significantly affect flow rate, Hausner …

Eplerenone Crystal Nanosuspension For Solubility Enhancement: Preparation And Evaluation, Hawraa K. Khafeef, Nawal A. Rajab

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Eplerenone is an aldosterone receptor inhibitor utilized for management of hypertension and chronic heart failure. However, it’s low solubility and dissolution-dependent absorption lead to reduced oral bioavailability (The absolute bioavailability of eplerenone is 69%). This study aimed to develop and optimize eplerenone nanosuspension (EPLNS) to enhance its solubility and improve dissolution rate. The nanosuspension (NS) was produced using the solvent anti-solvent precipitation method, and an investigation was conducted to assess the effect of variables such as stabilizer type, stabilizer concentration, and stirring rate on particle size (PS) and polydispersity index (PDI). The results showed that most of the prepared EPLNS …

Individual And Combined Effect Of Eudragit® Rs 100 And Eudragit® Rl 100 On Sustained Release Characteristics Of Ropinirole Hcl-Loaded Microparticles, Aamir Hayyat, Nabeel Siddique

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Ropinirole HCl is a non-ergoline dopamine agonist which is recommended for the treatment of both Parkinson’s disease and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Its half-life is about 6 hours and it is metabolized in the liver primarily by CYP1A2. Its metabolites are water-soluble and rapidly excreted from the body in urine. However, its oral bioavailability is low. Therefore, this current project aimed to produce and evaluate sustained release ropinirole microparticles coated with Eudragit^® RS 100 and RL 100 by varying polymer types and concentrations. Ropinirole microparticles were prepared by oil in oil emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Emulsifier concentration was constantly …

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy From Brain To Muscle: The Role Of Brain Dystrophin Isoforms In Motor Functions, Nalaka Wijekoon, Lakmal Gonawala, Pyara Ratnayake, Dhammika Amaratunga, Yetrib Hathout, Chandra Mohan, Harry W. M. Steinbusch, Ashwin Dalal, Eric P. Hoffman, K. Ranil D. De Silva

Pharmacy Faculty Scholarship

Brain function and its effect on motor performance in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an emerging concept. The present study explored how cumulative dystrophin isoform loss, age, and a corticosteroid treatment affect DMD motor outcomes. A total of 133 genetically confirmed DMD patients from Sri Lanka were divided into two groups based on whether their shorter dystrophin isoforms (Dp140, Dp116, and Dp71) were affected: Group 1, containing patients with Dp140, Dp116, and Dp71 affected (n = 98), and Group 2, containing unaffected patients (n = 35). A subset of 52 patients (Group 1, n = 38; Group 2, n = …

Alcohol Use And High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Among Members Of A Latino Migrant Worker Community In Central Florida, Jesus Sanchez, Jodi-Ann Hibbert

HPD Articles

Background: Latino and Latina migrant workers constitute a vast amount of the agricultural workforce within the United States. A few studies indicate that a significant segment of the Latino migrant worker population in the United States is at high risk for alcohol abuse and related high-risk behaviors. Information about the prevalence of alcohol use and abuse and its association with high-risk sexual behaviors is needed to design effective prevention strategies in this underserved population.

Aims: To assess the association between alcohol use and high-risk sexual behaviors in this population.

Methods: Cross-sectional data was obtained from March 2018 through December 2019 …

A Tale Of Two Situations: A Case Report Of The Merger Between Dermatology Outcomes And Prescription Drug Access, Kara Ye, Yasseen Amellal, Will Evans, Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber

Cooper Rowan Medical Journal

This case report illustrates a case of guttate psoriasis in a young adult and the logistical role dermatologists can play in patients acquiring their prescriptions and improving the quality of their care.

Targeting Breast Cancer: The Familiar, The Emerging, And The Uncharted Territories, Hamidreza Montazeri Aliabadi, Arthur Manda, Riya Sidgal, Co Chung

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Breast cancer became the most diagnosed cancer in the world in 2020. Chemotherapy is still the leading clinical strategy in breast cancer treatment, followed by hormone therapy (mostly used in hormone receptor-positive types). However, with our ever-expanding knowledge of signaling pathways in cancer biology, new molecular targets are identified for potential novel molecularly targeted drugs in breast cancer treatment. While this has resulted in the approval of a few molecularly targeted drugs by the FDA (including drugs targeting immune checkpoints), a wide array of signaling pathways seem to be still underexplored. Also, while combinatorial treatments have become common practice in …

Effects Of Transition From Closed-Book To Open-Book Assessment On Students’ Scores In A Pharmacokinetics Course, Reza Mehvar, Richard Beuttler

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Closed-book summative assessment of student learning, common in pharmacy education, is challenging to administer in a remote setting due to the need for costly and intrusive monitoring technology. Therefore, open-book assessments without monitoring have been considered an alternative in remote settings. The present study investigated the effects of the transition from in-person closed-book to remote open-book format on the students’ scores in different assessment categories in a Pharmacokinetics course. The students’ performances in the transition cohort (Transition, n = 96) during the in-person and remote periods were compared with those of an in-person cohort (Control, n = 85) during the …

Phytochemical Profile And Cervical Anticancer Activity Of An In Vitro N-Hexane Extract Of Kunto Dewo Fruit (Kigelia Pinnata) Peel And Flesh, Swarnasari Nurandita Isbandiputri, Surya Dwira, Diyah Kristanty

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Cervical cancer is the fourth highest cancer occurring and causes death in women. Therefore, adequate management is needed to prevent its development. Currently, the treatment has a variety of adverse side effects, so it needs alternative treatments that are supportive and with minimal side effects. One way is to use herbal plants, such as the Kunto Dewo (Kigelia pinnata) plant which is often used as traditional medicine. This plant has antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Knowing the phytochemical profile and in-vitro anticancer activity of the n-hexane extract of peel and flesh of Kunto Dewo (Kigelia pinnata) fruit against …

Effects Of Digestion, Cell Culture Media, And Mucous On The Physical Properties, Cellular Effects, And Translocation Of Polystyrene And Polymethacrylate Nanoparticles, Zainab Jabor, Steev Sutton

Pharmacy Student Publications

The discovery of plastic and metal nanoparticles in organisms, foods, and beverages has generated numerous studies on the effects of these particles on the barrier cells and their subsequent absorption into the body. Following ingestion, nanoparticles travel down the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and their physicochemical characteristics change in response to the change in proteins and pH during their digestion. We measured the translocation of digested nanoparticles across a co-culture monolayer of Caco-2 and various combinations (1:9, 5:5, and 9:1) of HT29-MTX-E12. The in vitro model of the intestine was used to determine the translocation of digested 20 nm polymethacrylate (PMA) …

Nanoformulations Of Essential Oils Extracted From Pistacia Lentiscus And Boswellia Sacra And Investigation Of Their Anticancer, Antimicrobial, And Antioxidant Activities., Obaydah Abd Alkader Alabrahim

Theses and Dissertations

Essential oils (EOs) obtained from natural sources have shown promising biological and therapeutical properties such as anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, attributing to their high content of a variety of bioactive components. However, EOs’ therapeutic properties are limited by their low stability, poor bioavailability, high volatility, and low targeting ability. Therefore, the encapsulation and nanoformulation of EOs can maximize their therapeutical efficiency and physicochemical properties while overcoming their undesirable side effects and drawbacks. EOs extracted from the resins of Pistacia Lentiscus var. Chia (P.oil) and Boswellia Sacra (B.oil) are two promising EOs that have shown great therapeutic potential. P.oil was …

Assessing Pharmacists' Knowledge Of Drugs' Dialyzability In Four Health Institutions In Al-Najaf, Iraq, Zahraa Saad Oufi, Ihsan Salah Rabeea

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Drugs' dialyzability is the degree to which a drug is filtered out of the blood stream during dialysis. This process is influenced by various factors, including properties of the drug and dialysis procedure. As drug experts, pharmacists must pay close attention to drugs' dialyzability when counseling patients on medications to ensure that therapeutic drug concentrations are maintained in the patient's body.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of pharmacists working in dialysis centers or hospitals with dialysis wards regarding drugs' dialyzability.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2022. A three-section questionnaire was developed and …

Advanced Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characteristics And Applications, Asmaa Abdelaziz Mohamed, Marwa Malik Kamil, Firas Aziz Rahi, Noor Zuhair Kbah

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Recent breakthroughs in pharmaceutical delivery methods employing a range of carriers have radically transformed modern diagnostic and therapeutic practices. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were created due to the demand for substances with superior thermal and chemical capabilities. These ordered porous substances have generated a lot of interest as carriers due to their distinct advantages over the competition. They may be made economically using a simple process. Moreover, the shape, pore size, and particle size may all be changed by modifying the synthesis's conditions. Investigations on MSNs as drug carriers have reportedly accelerated in recent years, highlighting the potential benefits of …

Encephalopathy Tango: When Beta-Lactam Antibiotics Waltz With Gaba Receptor, Ali Mohamed, Nagesh Jadhav, Mohamed Elbathani, Abubaker Farah

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Beta-lactam antibiotics are a class of drugs that are widely used to treat a variety of infections. They are generally well-tolerated, but they can cause a variety of side effects, including allergic reactions, acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) and neurotoxicity.

We present a patient who developed neurotoxicity after being treated with cephalosporin and carbapenem antibiotics. A 76-year-old female was admitted to the hospital with osteomyelitis of the right foot. She was initially treated with cefepime and daptomycin. She was discharged and then began to experience delirium with visual hallucinations and acute kidney injury. After common causes of confusion were excluded, the …

Exploring Chemovar-Specific Cannabis Extracts Quantification And Evaluation Of Cytotoxic Compounds For Targeting Glioblastoma Multiforme, Ashraf Duzan, Mufeed Basti, Travis Cesarone, Waldemar Debinski, Daniel Todd

HPD Articles

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) represents one of the most aggressive and metastatic brain tumors, with a dismal success rate of less than three percent after five years, particularly in tumors with active immune checkpoints. This necessitates the development of targeted endogenous agents for precise GBM treatment. Previous experiments utilizing Chemovar Specific Cannabis Extractions (CSCEs), fractionated with polar solvents and quantified using Liquid and Gas Column Chromatography combined with Mass Spectrometry (LC/GCMS), have shown reduced viability and motility in human GBM cell lines. However, the complexity of the botanical substance has hindered the personalization of standard cannabis medicines for GBM due to …

Design And Synthesis Of Small Molecule Drugs For Cns Disorders, Kirsten T. Tolentino

Theses & Dissertations

Dopamine (DA) is an important neurotransmitter for the regulation and long-term function of the central nervous system (CNS). DA binds to Dopamine Receptors (DR) to stimulate or inhibit adenyl cyclase production to further elicit a pharmacological response. DRs were cloned, and it was determined that there are two families separated by their function and five total subtypes distinguished by their amino acid structure. The Dopamine 4 receptor (D4R) is the second least studied subtype but has high expression in the frontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, globus pallidus, substantia nigra pars reticula, and thalamus. Dopamine signaling and transmission, especially in the …

Overcoming Resistance Mechanisms To Cdk4/6 Inhibitor Treatment Using Cdk6-Selective Protac, Sarah Truong

Theses & Dissertations

Hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC) constitutes approximately 75% of all breast cancer patients. These tumors rely on hormones, estrogen and progesterone, for their proliferation. The interaction between the hormones and their respective receptors enhances cyclin D expression, which results in the persistent activation of CDK4 and CDK6. The CDK4/6-cyclin D complex engages in a phosphorylation cascade that ultimately allows the cells to proceed past the G1/S checkpoint of the cell cycle. Inhibition of CDK4/6 has been shown to trigger cell cycle arrest, inhibit tumor growth, and induce apoptosis. Currently, there are three FDA-approved CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i). A limitation of …

Design, Synthesis, And Evaluation Of Novel Peptidomimetics As Neurolysin Activators For The Treatment Of Ischemic Stroke., Md. Shafikur Rahman

Theses & Dissertations

Stroke is the world's second-leading cause of death and disability. Ischemic stroke (IS), a primary subtype of stroke, has ineffective and limited treatment options, resulting in a significant unmet medical need for novel therapies. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the sole FDA-approved medication now in use; however, it has a narrow therapeutic window (3 to 4.5 h). Unfortunately, few individuals have this opportunity to be diagnosed with stroke in time to begin therapy with tPA. Additionally, treatment with tPA can have major adverse effects, such as bleeding, which can exacerbate the consequences of a stroke on the brain. To overcome …

Cdk8 And Cdk19: Positive Regulators Of Signal-Induced Transcription And Negative Regulators Of Mediator Complex Proteins, Mengqian Chen, Jing Li, Li Zhang, Lili Wang, Chen Cheng, Hao Ji, Serena Altilia, Xiaokai Ding, Guoshuai Cai, Diego Altomare, Michael Shtutman, Stephanie D. Byrum, Samuel G. Mackintosh, Alexey Feoktistov, Nataliya Soshnikova, Vladislav A. Mogila, Victor Tatarskiy, Maksim Erokhin, Darya Chetverina, Angga Prawira, Yi Ni, Stephan Urban, Campbell Mcinnes, Eugenia Broude, Igor Roninson

Faculty Publications

We have conducted a detailed transcriptomic, proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of CDK8 and its paralog CDK19, alternative enzymatic components of the kinase module associated with transcriptional Mediator complex and implicated in development and diseases. This analysis was performed using genetic modifications of CDK8 and CDK19, selective CDK8/19 small molecule kinase inhibitors and a potent CDK8/19 PROTAC degrader. CDK8/19 inhibition in cells exposed to serum or to agonists of NFκB or protein kinase C (PKC) reduced the induction of signal-responsive genes, indicating a pleiotropic role of Mediator kinases in signal-induced transcriptional reprogramming. CDK8/19 inhibition under basal conditions initially downregulated a small …

Quality Control Of 11 Cannabinoids By Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography Coupled With Mass Spectrometry (Uplc-Ms/Ms), Ashraf Duzan, Desiree Reinken, Mufeed M Basti

HPD Articles

OBJECTIVE: Cannabinoid extraction from

METHODS: In this study, we developed rapid, sensitive, selective, accurate, and validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of cannabinoids. The methods are for determining 11 cannabinoids in cannabis (hemp) extracted in oil form, and we investigated the accuracy of the labeling and thermal stability regarding the cannabinoids on 17 oil cannabis samples.

RESULTS: In the UPLC chromatogram, we see a good resolution and there is no matrix effect and the accuracy were 98.2% to 102.6%, and the precision was 0.52%-8.18%. The linearity of the calibration curves in methanol was with a regression

CONCLUSION: The …

Prep And Intimate Partner Violence Among Gay, Bisexual, And Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Scoping Review Of The Literature, Swarnali Goswami Ph.D., Joanne Canedo Pharm.D., Cynthia Siddique B.S., Erin Holmes Pharm.D., Ph.D., Marie Barnard Ph.D.

Faculty and Student Publications

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) continues to be a serious public health concern, impacting nearly affecting diverse communities worldwide. Approximately one in three men experience sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.1 Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a particularly vulnerable population, facing unique challenges in the context of both IPV and HIV prevention. MSM experience disproportionately high rates of IPV and remain at an elevated risk of HIV transmission, making them a critical target group for research and intervention efforts.2,3 In recent decades, significant strides have been made in advancing the understanding …

Isolation And Total Synthesis Of Sigma-2 Ligands From Marine Cyanobacteria, Andrea Hough

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cyanobacteria have been studied for over 50 years as a source of new antibiotics, antiviral, and anticancer drugs. The research described in this dissertation investigates marine cyanobacteria as a source of natural products with activity within the central nervous system and with cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells. Barbamide (1) is a known cyanobacterial metabolite that has been re-isolated from a variety of species and collection sites suggesting broad utility as a signaling molecule. Utilizing the psychoactive drug screening program, we screened barbamide for CNS activity and found that barbamide exhibited affinity for the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and …

Systematic Product And Process Design Of Versatile Perfluorocarbon Nanoemulsions For Elimination Of Hypoxia And Reactive Oxygen Species, Eric Lambert

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

According to a 2022 report, organs destined for transplantation are discarded 15% of the time for various reasons (Israni et al. 2022). This highlights a critical need in transplant practices. Transplant donor tissues are in need of essential nutrients, including molecular oxygen, to maintain integrity during preservation. A current trend in preservation is to perfuse the ex vivo tissue graft with nutrient-rich aqueous perfusate on a closed circuit. This practice, known as machine perfusion (MP) is limited by the absence of an oxygen-carrying component in the perfusate. Additionally, injuries to the recipient are sustained on reperfusion of the transplanted …

Evaluation Of Antimicrobial Stewardship For The Treatment Of Urinary Tract Infections After Pharmacist-Led Provider Education At The Center For Family Medicine, Kaylee Ayers, Faith E. Bader, Karly Blaalid, Tominee Sorenson, Sara Smith, Jennifer Ball

Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions Student Research Publications and Projects

Purpose: Urinary tract infections are a common outpatient infection, and proper antibiotic treatment is important for better patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and reducing bacterial resistance. Specifically at the Center for Family Medicine (CFM), resident physicians may lack experience in prescribing proper antibiotic treatments based on patient factors for UTIs. The purpose of this study is to assess the appropriate use of antibiotics before and after a provider education pertaining to guideline recommended therapy for UTIs. The education included classifications of UTIs, first line and second line antibiotic therapy for acute uncomplicated UTIs, and first line therapy based on renal …

The Structural Characterization And Bioactivity Assessment Of Nonspecific Lipid Transfer Protein 1 (Nsltp1) From Caraway (Carum Carvi) Seeds, Taibah Aldakhil

Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) Dissertations

Background: Carum carvi (caraway) of the Apiaceae family has been used in many cultures as a cooking spice and part of the traditional medicine. Previous reports primarily focus on the medicinal properties of caraway seed essential oil and the whole seeds extract. However, no effort has been made to study caraway proteins and their potential pharmacological properties, including nonspecific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP), necessitating further research. The current study aimed to characterize nonspecific lipid transfer protein 1 (nsLTP1) from caraway seed, determine its three-dimensional structure, and analyze protein-ligand complex interactions through docking studies. Also, evaluate nsLTP1 in vitro cytotoxic …

Bioinspired Polymers: Transformative Applications In Biomedicine And Regenerative Medicine., Hossein Omidian, Renae L. Wilson, Niloofar Babanejad

HPD Articles

Bioinspired polymers have emerged as a promising field in biomaterials research, offering innovative solutions for various applications in biomedical engineering. This manuscript provides an overview of the advancements and potential of bioinspired polymers in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biomedicine. The manuscript discusses their role in enhancing mechanical properties, mimicking the extracellular matrix, incorporating hydrophobic particles for self-healing abilities, and improving stability. Additionally, it explores their applications in antibacterial properties, optical and sensing applications, cancer therapy, and wound healing. The manuscript emphasizes the significance of bioinspired polymers in expanding biomedical applications, addressing healthcare challenges, and improving outcomes. By highlighting these …

Authorizations, Prices, And Labeling Differences Of Therapeutic Biologics Marketed In The United States And Saudi Arabia, Turki Altowairgi

Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Since 1982, Saudi Arabia (SA) and the United States (US) have seen an increase in therapeutic biologics authorization. However, each country has regulatory regulations governing the approval of these cutting-edge drugs. The high cost of biologics financially burdens healthcare systems and delays patient access to these treatments. Sometimes a company selling the same medications in various countries will have conflicting information on drug labels.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the characteristics of therapeutic biologics authorization by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as of December 31, 2021. The study also compared the US …

Design, Synthesis, And Evaluation Of Oleyl-Wrh Peptides For Sirna Delivery, Mrigank S Rai

Pharmaceutical Sciences (MS) Theses

The delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics across various cell membranes has always been one of the major challenges. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) containing arginine (R), tryptophan (W), and histidine (H) have been promising for siRNA delivery. Therefore, to enhance siRNA delivery and efficient silencing of the STAT3 gene, herein, we hypothesized to use of fatty acylation with oleyl chain to our newly designed cell-penetrating peptide (WRH) to evaluate their silencing efficiency in breast and ovarian cancer cells. Therefore, the oleyl conjugated (WRH)_n (n=1-4) peptides were synthesized using Fmoc/tBu solid-phase peptide chemistry, followed by purification using Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC), …

Pharmacy Newsletter : August 2023, Pharmacy Department, Aga Khan University

Department of Pharmacy Archives

• Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Digoxin – What You Need to Know?
• Composition of Common Poisons/Household Items
• Dexamethasone Induced Psychosis
• TOX TOK! Cement Ingestion
• Thromboprophylaxis in Critical Care Patients
• AKUH – Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Trend – Q1 2023
• AKUH - Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Report - Q1 & Q2 2023
• AKUH - Pharmacists’ Intervention Statistics - Q1 2023
• Clinical Pharmacists in Multidisciplinary Rounds - Dashboard - Q1 2023