Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

6,7-Dichloro-1h-Indole-2,3-Dione-3-Oxime Functions As A Superagonist For The Intermediate-Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channel KCa3.1, Joshua A. Nasburg, Kyle C. Rouen, Connor J. Dietrich, Heesung Shim, Miao Zhang, Igor Vorobyov, Heike Wulff

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

NS309 (6,7-dichloro-1H-indole-2,3-dione-3-oxime) is widely used as a pharmacological tool to increase the activity of small- and intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels. NS309 is assumed to function as a positive allosteric gating modulator. However, its binding site and the molecular details of its action remain unknown. Here, we show that NS309 has a profound effect on the calcium-dependent gating of the intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel KCa3.1. In inside-out experiments, 10 μM NS309 shifted the calcium EC50 from 430 to 31 nM. In whole-cell experiments, changing free intracellular calcium from 250 nM to 3 μM decreased the EC50 of …

Crosstalk Between Nnos/No And Cox-2 Enhances Interferon-Gamma-Stimulated Melanoma Progression, Anika Patel, Shirley Tong, Moom R. Roosan, Basir Syed, Amardeep Awasthi, Richard B. Silverman, Sun Yang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background/Objectives: Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in the melanoma tumor microenvironment plays opposing roles, orchestrating both pro-tumorigenic activity and anticancer immune responses. Our previous studies demonstrated the role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in IFN-γ-stimulated melanoma progression. However, the underlying mechanism has not been well defined. This study determined whether the nNOS/NO and COX-2/PGE2 signaling pathways crosstalk and augment the pro-tumorigenic effects of IFN-γ in melanoma. Methods: Bioinformatic analysis of patient and cellular proteomic data was conducted to identify proteins of interest associated with IFN-γ treatment in melanoma. Changes in protein expression were determined using various analytical techniques including …

Safety Of Omadacycline Versus Standard-Of-Care Oral Antibiotic Treatment For Bone And Joint Infections: Interim Results From An Open-Label, Non- Inferiority, Randomized Controlled Trial, Amy Y. Kang, Guarina Garcia Delgado, Donna Phan Tran, Evelyn A. Flores, Vanessa Romo-Kozan, Isabel Payan, Loren G. Miller

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

The incidence of bone and joint infections (BJIs) continues to increase, and existing oral BJI antibiotics have limitations. Omadacycline may be a potential treatment option for BJI treatment due to activity against doxycycline-resistant S. aureus and ESBL-producing Enterobacterales for which there are often no viable oral options. However, the safety of omadacycline in this setting is poorly defined.

Methods

We performed an open label, randomized, controlled clinical trial of adults with BJIs in the outpatient setting. Participants were randomized to omadacycline-containing regimen (omadacycline 300mg po daily) or Standard-of-Care (SOC) antibiotics. Adjunctive antibiotics were permitted in addition to omadacycline. Safety …

Centella Asiatica: Recent Cosmeceutical Uses For Treatment Of Skin Diseases, Iman I. Soliman, Nouran Medhat, Huda Saleh, Mai El Halawany

Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University

Centella asiatica is one of the well-known herbal species used in traditional medicine across Asia such as India, Indonesia, and China. It had been used as a medicinal plant for hundreds of years. Besides its general pharmacological activities such as neuroprotection, anti-cancer and anti-diabetes. It demonstrated effective dermatological actions as being a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, healing and moisturizing properties. The major constituents responsible for these effects were triterpenoids. Triterpenoids included asciaticoside which was reported to induce collagen synthesis. Madecassoside was known for its wound healing properties. It was well known for its efficiency in improving the treatment of hypertrophic wounds. …

Forecasting The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Adrian Wong Pharmd, Mph, Fccp, Trenton Flanagan Pharmd, Elizabeth W. Covington Pharmd, Elaine Nguyen Pharmd, Mph, Mba, Dustin D Linn Pharmd, Mba, Gretchen Brummel Pharmd, Brian Hoffmaster Pharmd, Mba, Diana Issacs Pharmd, Fccp, Sandra L. Kane-Gill {Harmd, Msc, Fccp

Parkview Pharmacy Department

There is a need to understand contemporary scientific advances as clinical pharmacy evolves. One rapidly expanding area is artificial intelligence (AI), which has grown significantly over the past year because of the public availability of large language models. This commentary reviews published literature describing and evaluating applications of AI to each aspect of the medication use process and forecasts potential future roles for AI in pharmacy practice. Potential challenges in implementation are also described.

Orchestrating Cytosolic Access: The Partnership Of Cationic Lytic Peptide L17e And Potassium Channel Kca3.1, Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

In this issue of Molecular Therapy, the study by Kuriyama et al.¹ represents an advance in the field of intracellular delivery systems by elucidating a novel mechanism for cytosolic delivery mediated by a cationic amphiphilic lytic peptide L17E (IWLTALKFLGKHAAKHEAKQQLSKL-amide). The investigators demonstrate that the peptide achieves cytosolic delivery primarily through transient plasma membrane disruption, bypassing some of the endocytic pathways, and highlight the pivotal role of the calcium-activated potassium channel KCa3.1, encoded by the gene KCNN4, in facilitating this process. These findings offer a deeper understanding of peptide-mediated delivery using a potassium channel and raise intriguing questions about …

Enoxaparin Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Dosing In Critically Ill Underweight Patients., Elizabeth Curcio, Alyssa S Meester, Angela Harding, Marie M Lockhart, John Dillis

Pharmacy Articles

No abstract provided.

Economic Impact And Clinical Benefits Of Clinical Pharmacy Interventions: A Six-Year Multi-Center Study Using An Innovative Medication Management Tool, Watheq M. Alsetohy, Kareem A. El-Fass, Seif El Hadidi, Mohammad F. Zaitoun, Osama Badary, Kareem Ali, Ahmed Ezz-Elden, Mohamed R. Ibrahim, Bahaa S. Makhlouf, Asmaa Hamdy, Noha S. El Baghdady, Maha Gamal Eldien, Sherif Allama, Amr A. Alashkar, Ahmed Seyam, Nanees Adel, Ahmed R. N. Ibrahim, Hany V. Zaki

Pharmacy

Background

Increasing healthcare costs, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) like Egypt, highlight the need for rational economic strategies. Clinical pharmacy interventions offer potential benefits by reducing drug therapy problems and associated costs, thereby supporting healthcare system sustainability.

Objective

This study evaluates the economic impact and clinical benefits of clinical pharmacy interventions in four tertiary hospitals in Egypt by implementing an innovative tool for medication management, focusing on cost avoidance and return on investment (ROI), while accounting for case severity and drug therapy problem (DTP) resolution.

Methods

Utilizing a digital tool, cost avoidance was assessed by considering the severity …

Practicing And Assessing Skills Of Interpreting Culture And Sensitivity Reports, Lana Gettman

Faculty Research ​and Publications

No abstract provided.

A Practical Guide To Grade Adjustment Or Curving For Pharmacy And Other Professional Health Programs, Reza Mehvar

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

The peer-reviewed literature on the adjustment or curving of assessments in health profession programs is almost non-existent. This communication aims to present potential methods of grade adjustment for individual questions or entire assessments. Simulated data for a 25-item assessment were used as an example to analyze the effects of different methods of grade adjustment on students’ scores. Grade adjustments were made by adjusting the points for individual questions or the scores for the entire assessment. Adjustment for the individual questions was carried out by dropping the question, adding points to those who missed the question, or adding a bonus point …

Brain Delivery Of Erythropoietin Results In A Significant Reduction Of Brain Aβ And Spatial Memory Deficits In The App Knock-In Mouse Model, Rudy Tieu Chang, Devaraj V. Chandrashekar, Grace-Ann Chuli Roules, Emi Iwasaki, Nataraj Jagadeesan, Rachita K. Sumbria

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Although novel treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have begun to show modest therapeutic effects, agents that target hallmark AD pathology and offer neuroprotection are desired. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone with neuroprotective effects but is faced with challenges including limited brain uptake and increased hematopoietic side effects with long-term dosing. Therefore, EPO has been modified and bound to a chimeric transferrin receptor monoclonal antibody (cTfRMAb); the latter shuttles EPO past the blood-brain barrier (BBB) into brain parenchyma and reduces its plasma exposure and potential for side effects. Our study sought to characterize the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of …

Mergers And Acquisitions (M&As) In Pharmaceutical Markets: Associations With Market Concentration, Prices, Drug Quantity Sold, And Shortages, J. Daniel Mcgeeney M.S., Aylin Sertkaya Ph.D., Leah Ross M.A., Fred Ledley M.D., Cody Hyman Ph.D.

CISI Publication

In recent decades, the pharmaceutical industry has become increasingly concentrated in the United States, in part due to mergers and acquisitions (M&As) between drug manufacturers. This consolidation from M&As has been cited as a key factor affecting drug prices and drug shortages (U.S. Federal Trade Commission, 2022). In this study, we assessed trends in pharmaceutical M&As during 2010–2023 and evaluated the characteristics of drugs and companies involved in those M&As. We considered the effects of M&As on market concentration, drug prices, drug quantity sold, and drug shortages. We also considered how these associations vary by drug characteristics, including brand drugs …

Evaluation Of Tenecteplase In Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke, Ithar Alsarraf, Rebecca Baker, Jennifer Pilotto, Emily Reich

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Purpose: As of January 2024, Corewell Health East hospitals updated their guidelines to include tenecteplase as the first line agent in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Tenecteplase is a high-risk medication, it is important to identify opportunities to improve its use and patient safety. This study aims to evaluate the appropriate usage and hemorrhagic events of tenecteplase in patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke according to Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital guidelines. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study that evaluated adults age 18 years and older admitted to Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital for acute ischemic stroke …

Evaluation Of Intravenous Surgical Prophylaxis Antibiotics Used In Colorectal And Hysterectomy Surgeries, Mehreen Hasan, Sandra Hartnagle, Sapna Shah

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Purpose: Colorectal and hysterectomy surgeries can expose patients to various bacterial organisms which can increase their risk of surgical site infections. The most common offending bacteria include Bacteroides fragilis, Escherichia coli, and other obligate anaerobes. Per the institution’s policy, cefazolin plus metronidazole is the preferred prophylactic antibiotic regimen in colorectal and hysterectomy surgeries. However, patient allergies or physician preference may lead towards utilization of alternative antibiotic therapy. This study will evaluate the number of patients who received antibiotics in accordance with the hospital guidelines, prior to colorectal and hysterectomy surgeries. Methods: This study will be a retrospective chart review including …

Risk Factors Which Effect The Maturity Of Placenta, Eftkar Hamza Skair, Saadya Hadi Humade, Rania Abd Elmohsen Abo El Nour, Maryam Amer Ajam

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Back ground Proper placental development is essential for a successful pregnancy. An important organ, the placenta carries out several physiological, immunological, and endocrine functions. It also performs vital roles in mediating the exchange of gasses, nutrients, and waste products between the fetal circulation and the physically separate mother circulation.

Aims: The purpose of the study was to evaluate how placental maturity affected the outcomes of pregnancies in Babylon City.

Setting and design: A Babylon City private clinic, a purposefully selected sample of one hundred pregnant patients who received a diagnosis at the private clinic.

Method, material: from medical records, …