Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

One Bolus, Many Benefits: Implementing Tenecteplase For Acute Ischemic Stroke, Robert D. Beckett Pharmd

Parkview Pharmacy Department

Presented at the Midyear Clinical Meeting.

Overall, no statistically significant differences in door-to-needle time or secondary outcomes between alteplase and tenecteplase groups was identified. This could relate to time in imaging and patient evaluation. Patients treated with tenecteplase showed greater bleeding risk versus alteplase, though these results were not statistically significant when accounting for baseline age in an exploratory regression. Patients who received tenecteplase were slightly older, on average.

Evaluation Of Terlipressin Use At A Community Health System, Robert D. Beckett Pharmd

Parkview Pharmacy Department

Presented at the Midyear Clinical Meeting.

Findings of this evaluation suggest opportunities to improve terlipressin utilization by sharing results back to Nephrology and GI and

reviewing P&T-approved criteria for use, implementing EMR alerts to reinforce dosing

protocols every 24-48 hours for dose adjustments

or discontinuation based on Scr trends (day 4 and

beyond), and supporting daily monitoring of fluid

and respiratory status.

Findings of this evaluation suggest opportunities to improve terlipressin utilization by sharing results back to Nephrology and GI and

reviewing P&T-approved criteria for use, implementing EMR alerts to reinforce dosing

protocols every 24-48 hours for dose adjustments

or …

A Potentially Cat-Astrophic Missed Diagnosis: Systemic Autoimmune Disease Or Something More Sinister, Cameron Smith, Do, Mph, Amy Dechet

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Disseminated bartonella infection has a mortality rate approaching 10%. Clinical presentation of bartonellosis can mimic systemic autoimmune disease. Traditional testing may not identify the organism, so a high degree of suspicion is warranted in patients with risk factors. Case Presentation: 32M with history of Tetralogy of Fallot with prosthetic pulmonary valve presented with fatigue x3 months. Reported severe splenomegaly, pancytopenia requiring transfusions, and renal failure requiring hemodialysis. Given concern for lupus-like syndrome, treated with steroids + cyclophosphamide. Persistent fevers despite broad antibiotics. Second opinion of renal biopsy: Postinfectious GN. Immunostains ruled out lupus-like disorder. Negative blood cultures, TEE, and …

Department Of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University: Historical And Personal Reflections, Richard A. Glennon

VCU University History Books

This book presents a historical account of Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Medicinal Chemistry, compiled and recollected in 2025 by Professor Emeritus Richard A. Glennon. Included are personal reflections alongside a historical overview of the department's origins and faculty, as well as newly developed programs and initiatives.

From Proposal To Podcast: Starting A Student-Driven Pharmacy Podcast In The Classroom, Jarett C. Worden, Jennifer Duck

Funded Scholarship

Background: Podcasts are a widely available and popular educational medium for healthcare providers, residents, students, and patients. Podcasts are convenient, accessible, and may be effective education tools for listeners. While some studies have attempted to measure the effectiveness of podcasting to enhance knowledge, there are few studies evaluating podcasts in pharmacy education. The purpose of this project was to provide students with the opportunity to create a podcast episode through an in-class, semester-long assignment and to evaluate student perceptions of knowledge, confidence, and professional identity.

Educational activity: Over the course of a semester-long elective class, students worked in groups to …

Pharmaceutical-Telehealth Confederacies, Michael S. Sinha

All Faculty Scholarship

Access to prescription pharmaceuticals has historically been controlled by a physician’s pen. As a result, pharmaceutical companies spend billions of dollars on advertising and promotion to mitigate this barrier: first and primarily, to physicians and other prescribers, and more recently, to the general public through direct-to-consumer advertising. The success of these promotional efforts can be seen in greater prescribing of costly brand-name medicines, even in settings where lower-priced generic alternatives exist. Brand-name prescriptions now make up only 10% of all prescriptions written yet account for 87% of drug spending. Despite these substantial returns on investment, companies continue to seek opportunities …

On! Original Flavor Oral Nicotine Pouch Characterization: Biorelevant In Vitro Nicotine Release Apparatus Assessment, Jason C. Funderburk, Melissa Morgan, Maria Lasaosa Garcia, Andreas S. L. Mendez, Matthew S. Halquist

Graduate Research Posters

Background: Oral nicotine pouch (ONP) use is rising. The sales of ONPs in 2019 were 126 million units, increasing to 808 million units in 2022. Understanding ONP in vitro release is critical for assessing exposure to ONP products.

Methods: The commercial brand ON! ONPs with nicotine label claims of 2, 4, and 8 mg, were evaluated in vitro for cumulative nicotine release using the bidirectional transmucosal apparatus (BTA) for 90 minutes. Nicotine quantification was performed by HPLC-PDA. For pH determination, ONP samples were prepared in water or artificial saliva (pH 6.8) with measurements for 30 minutes. BTA results were compared …

A Novel D-Peptide Modulates Dclk1 Gelsolin Interactions, Reducing Pdac Tumor Growth, Landon L. Moore, Dongfeng Qu, Parthasarathy Chandrekesan, Kamille Pitts, Randal May, Byron E. Anderson, Milton L. Brown, Courtney W. Houchen

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

What drives inflammation-associated tumorigenesis and progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)? Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a central driver of inflammation-associated tumorigenesis, with elevated expression linked to worse clinical outcomes. Two isoforms of DCLK1 possess a unique extracellular domain (ECD). DCLK1 isoform 2 contains two microtubule-binding domains, while isoform 4, lacks the microtubule-binding domains but, plays a pivotal role in tumor progression. We identified novel D-peptides that selectively target this ECD, significantly suppressing PDAC cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in xenograft models without inducing cell death. In silico modeling and binding assays revealed DCLK1 isoform 4 interacts with …

A Scoping Review Of Randomised Controlled Trials Of Vaccines That Recruited Care Home Residents: Lessons For Future Trials, Selvarani Selvarani Subbarayan, Imogen Smith-Dodd, Gabriel Nicolson, Jennifer Kirsty Burton, Janet T. Scott, Seshadri S. Vasan, Susan D. Shenkin, Roy L. Soiza

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Older care home (CH) residents are particularly vulnerable to infections and often experience adverse outcomes. Despite this group being frequently prioritised for vaccinations, trials of vaccines rarely recruit CH residents. Given that the social and biological characteristics of CH residents may influence vaccine effectiveness, it is crucial to test vaccines in this population.

Methods: The Widening Access to Trials in Care Homes project was established to develop best practice guidance on designing and conducting vaccine trials in the CH population. As part of this project, a scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was conducted to identify vaccine trials …

The Short And Sweet On Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter Inhibitors And Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists In Heart Failure, Jose L. Batista, Tracy Makuvire, Jonathan D. Davis, Salvatore Carbone

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

Heart failure (HF) affects 6 million people in the US, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a significant risk factor for HF. Since 2008, regulatory agencies have required cardiovascular safety trials for new T2D therapies, and these have consistently demonstrated the cardiovascular benefits of glucose-lowering drugs. Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLTi) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs)/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) reduce major adverse cardiovascular events and deaths, regardless of diabetes status, and improve cardiorespiratory fitness. SGLTis, such as dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, benefit patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction, significantly reducing HF hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths. The DAPA-HF and EMPEROR-Reduced …

The Effects Of Ph And Oncometabolites On Dna Repair Mediated By Alkb Family Enzymes, Quentin Mylie

Open Access Dissertations

Modifications of DNA and RNA, in particular methylations - such as N⁶-methyladenine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), 1-methyladenine (m1A), and 3-methylcytosine (m3C) are crucial for gene regulation, genome integrity, and cellular adaptation. This dissertation investigates the role of the ALKB family of alpha-ketoglutarate (αKG) and iron-dependent dioxygenases in modulating these modifications, with a focus on how their activity is influenced by pH and metabolic factors, underscoring the connection between environmental conditions and epigenetic and genetic stability.

Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive literature review on the epigenetic and genetic regulation of DNA and RNA modifications, with a particular focus on methylation …

Synthesis And Evaluation Of Anti-Hiv Activity Of Fatty Acyl Conjugates Of Tenofovir Alefanamide, Muhammad Sajid, Naglaa Salem El-Sayed, Louise A. Ouattara, Amita Verma, Gustavo F. Doncel, Keykavous Parang, M. Iqbal Choudhary, Hina Siddiqui

CONRAD Publications

The activity of nucleoside and nucleotide analogs as antiviral agents requires phosphorylation by intracellular enzymes. Phosphate-substituted analogs have low bioavailability due to the presence of ionizable negatively-charged groups. To circumvent this limitation, several prodrug approaches have been proposed and developed. Herein, we hypothesized that the conjugation of anti-HIV fatty acids with the nucleotide tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) (1) could improve the anti-HIV activity of the nucleotide. Several fatty acyl amide conjugates of TAF were synthesized and evaluated in comparative studies with TAF. The synthesized compounds were evaluated as racemic mixtures for anti-HIV activity in vitro in a single-round HIV-1 infection assay …

Rational Design Of Small Molecules Targeting Mitochondrial Redox Proteins, Matheus Barbosa Belchior

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Reactive oxygen species play a crucial role in many cellular processes. Despite being a natural byproduct of cellular metabolism, overexpression of these species causes damage to the cell, leading to cell dysfunction. Central to the regulation of these highly reactive molecule is the mitochondria. Impairment in its function has been associated with oxidative stress within the cell. Herein, a ligand-based and structure-based approach to design new small molecules to inhibit mitochondrial redox proteins associated with oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species. In the first project two molecules were synthesized and characterized as potential monoamine oxidase B inhibitors. Results showed two …

Development Of Novel Carbohydrate-Based Nanoparticles For Precision Drug Delivery, Krystal Ann Hughes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery has made tremendous advancements in the last decade. However, several critical factors, including precision drug delivery at the site of interest, long-term storage stability, and controlling release profiles of drugs in the systemic circulation, need to be addressed for successful clinical translation of nanomedicine. This dissertation presents novel carbohydrate-based nanoparticles that achieve precise intracellular delivery and therapeutic release at the disease site. We present the formulation and optimization of polymeric and polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles that enable precision intracellular delivery and passive accumulation of therapeutics in the bone marrow. Intracellular delivery is highly impactful and sought after. One …

Association Of Prenatal Exposure To Phthalates And Phenols With Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, Misa Hayasaka, Diana Aboukhater, George Saade, Tetsuya Kawakita

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the association between prenatal exposures to phthalates and phenols and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB), small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth weight, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS:

This study analyzed data from the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes consortium, which harmonized longitudinal data on more than 30,000 pregnancies and 57,000 children from 69 cohorts across the United States and Puerto Rico. Pregnancy outcomes included PTB, SGA, and GDM, identified from medical records or self-reports. Generalized estimating equations models with Poisson distribution and robust variance were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs per interquartile …

Drug-Induced Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis From An Unreported Source: Daptomycin, Jennifer K. Priessnitz, Timothy Kuzel, Lindsay Ackerman, Nelson Nicolasora

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a rare small-vessel vasculitis caused by immune-complex-mediated deposition on endothelial cells of dermal capillaries. Common triggers include medications, infections, autoimmune disorders, and malignancies. We present a case of a 58-year-old male who developed daptomycin-induced LCV after being treated for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) endocarditis. The patient experienced painful palpable purpura on his lower extremities, which was diagnosed as LCV by skin biopsy. At the time of the biopsy, warfarin and daptomycin were discontinued, and the patient was transitioned to heparin and ceftaroline. MRSA-induced LCV was ruled out, due to negative blood cultures and adequate source control …

Changes In Cardiovascular Risk Factors And Health Care Expenditures Among Patients Prescribed Semaglutide, Yuan Lu, Yuntian Lu, Tedi Totojani, Chungsoo Kim, Rohan Khera, Hua Xu, John E. Brush Jr., Harlan M. Krumholtz, Jason Abaluck

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Importance Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has demonstrated substantial weight reduction and cardiovascular benefits in clinical trials. However, its association with clinical outcomes and health care expenditures remains underexplored.

Objective To evaluate changes in cardiovascular risk factors and health care expenditures among patients prescribed semaglutide across multicenter cohorts.

Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included 23 522 adults (≥18 years) who received an initial semaglutide prescription between January 1, 2018, and January 1, 2025, at Sentara Healthcare and between January 1, 2018, and May 1, 2025, at Yale New Haven Health System.

Exposure The first prescription of …

A Case Displaying The Importance Of Jak1 And Jak2 Gene Transcription In Antifungal Defense Against Coccidioidomycosis, Jennifer K. Priessnitz, Taylor Colore, Nelson Nicolasora

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

This case report explores the consequences of ruxolitinib via inhibition janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and JAK2 pathways in the context of fungal defense in a patient diagnosed with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis during ruxolitinib therapy for polycythemia vera. The patient experienced a relapse of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis after antifungal treatment was discontinued while continuing ruxolitinib use. This case illustrates the heightened risk of discontinuing antifungal therapy in endemic regions, emphasizing the critical need for continued monitoring. Furthermore, this case underscores the vital role of the JAK1 and JAK2 signaling cascade, particularly the interferon-gamma (INF-γ)-JAK1 and JAK2-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT) …

Analysis Of The Utilization Of Vegfinhibitors In Rhode Island And In Medicare Part B Nationally, Kevin Izzio

Open Access Master's Theses

Statement of the Problem: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are leading causes of blindness and low vision in the United States. In 2019, approximately 19.8 million Americans were living with AMD, which is classified into dry (non-neovascular) and wet (neovascular) forms, with the latter being more severe. DR, a complication of diabetes, affected an estimated 9.6 million Americans in 2021, with progression leading to proliferative DR (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME), both of which can cause vision loss. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors are the standard treatment for these retinal diseases, targeting abnormal angiogenesis …

Sharksrx Newsletter Spring 2025, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Sharks Rx

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence In Pharmacy Education: Balancing Technological Advances And Ethical Concerns Among Aspiring Pharmacists, Ubada Aqeel, Shibu John

Health Professions Education

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare, including pharmacy practice, by enhancing access to information, reducing errors, and supporting decision-making. However, its integration into pharmacy education remains underexplored. This study investigated pharmacy students' perceptions of AI's impact on their profession and the need for curriculum reform. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 245 Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) students from Jamia Hamdard, India. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering knowledge, perceptions, and opinions on AI in pharmacy. Responses were analyzed using non-parametric tests, including the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests, to examine group differences. Exploratory …

Dual Inhibitor Of Mdm2 And Nfat1 For Experimental Therapy Of Breast Cancer: In Vitro And In Vivo Anticancer Activities And Newly Discovered Effects On Cancer Metabolic Pathways, Wei Wang, Marlene Aguilar, Sayantap Datta, Abigail Alley, Meheret Tadesse, Xinshi Wang, Xia Gao, Ruiwen Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

INTRODUCTION: The oncogene MDM2 has garnered attention not only for its role in cancer as a negative regulator of the tumor suppressor p53 but also for its p53-independent oncogenic activities. MDM2 also involves metabolic reprogramming, such as serine metabolism, respiration, mitochondrial functions, the folate cycle, and redox balance. Traditional MDM2 inhibitors blocking the protein-protein binding between MDM2 and p53 have shown limited clinical success in various stages of clinical trials, most likely due to low efficacy, drug toxicity, and drug resistance, highlighting the need for a novel, p53-independent strategy to inhibit MDM2. The present study investigated the antitumor effects of …