Other Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

Investigating Antimicrobial Efficacy Of Turmeric And Rosemary Oil Against Staphylococcus Aureus, Aishwarya Tripathi

Selected Full-Text Master Theses 2021-

This study investigates the antimicrobial efficacy of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) against Streptococcus aureus, with a comparative analysis to phenoxyethanol, a widely used synthetic preservative. The growing consumer demand for natural cosmetic formulations have intensified the search for plant-derived alternatives to synthetic preservatives. Turmeric and rosemary oil were selected based on their documented antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this research was to evaluate whether these natural agents can serve as effective preservatives in topical gel formulations, either individually or in combination, and how their efficacy compares to phenoxyethanol.

Eight gel-based formulations were …

Folic Acid-Decorated Lipidic Nanocapsules Co-Loaded With Atorvastatin And Curcumin To Enhance Glioma Targeting In Mice, Mahitab Bayoumi, John Youshia, Osama Abdelkawy, Sara Abdelgaber, Mona Arafa, Maha Nasr, Omaima Sammour

Pharmacy

Background: Glioma remains an intractable and highly aggressive brain tumor, mainly due to the daunting obstacle presented by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To overcome this challenge and enhance therapeutic efficacy, a dual-drug delivery system was engineered. This system co-encapsulated curcumin, a nutraceutical with multitargeted anticancer potential, with atorvastatin calcium, a repurposed anticancer agent, within lipidic nanocapsules (LNCs). Methods: LNCs were prepared via the phase inversion temperature method and optimized using a Box–Behnken design. The optimized LNCs were subsequently functionalized with folic acid (FA) to enable active targeting. FA-LNCs were characterized using, XPS, TEM, in vitro release, and MTT cytotoxicity …

Immersive Medical Practice And Clinical Training: Virtual And Mixed Reality In Pharmacy And Orthopedic Surgery, Silas Semprini De Toledo Contaifer

Theses and Dissertations

Extended‑reality (XR) technologies including virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) offer new ways to improve training and surgical precision. This thesis evaluates their educational and clinical impact through two complementary studies.

Specific Aim 1 compared an immersive 360° video VR module with conventional training for teaching USP < 797> sterile‑compounding skills to second‑year PharmD students (N = 36). VR trainees raised their knowledge from 6.14 ± 1.55 to 8.69 ± 1.07, yet the overall post‑test advantage versus control was not statistically significant (U = 71.50, p = 0.21). Item‑level McNemar testing showed significant VR‑exclusive gains on three critical questions (K5, K6, …

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 …

Roselle And Red Ginger: A Potential Combination Of Medicinal Plants For Hypertension Therapy, Ranum Wanudya Yunas, Siti Irma Rahmawati, Fadlina Chany Saputri, Asep Bayu, Giuseppina Chianese, Masteria Yunovilsa Putra

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular condition that significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Effective management is essential to prevent severe complications. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) are two medicinal plants known for their antihypertensive properties. Roselle contains bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins that exhibit vasodilatory and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, while red ginger is rich in gingerols and shogaols, which possess anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties. The complementary mechanisms of action of these two plants, including ACE inhibition, antioxidant activity, and modulation of vascular tone, result in a more …

Investigating The Bioactivity Potential And Standardization Of Two Stingless Bee Propolis From East Kalimantan, Paula Mariana Kustiawan, Muhammad Ali Syahbana, Rika Pratika, Muhammad Nor Ichsan, Ika Ayu Mentari, Indah Hairunnisa, Irfan Muris Setiawan, Putri Hawa Syaifie, Donny Ramadhan, Chanpen Chanchao

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

The standardization of raw materials from nature is essential before they are made into products. Until now, there is still limited information regarding the standardization of propolis from stingless bees. This research aims to determine the bioactivity with standardized specific and non-specific parameters of ethanol extracts from Homotrigona apicalis and Homotrigona fimbriata propolis. The methods include organoleptic tests, tests for water-soluble and ethanol-soluble compound content, drying shrinkage tests, specific gravity tests, water content tests, metal contamination tests, phytochemical screening, and determining total phenolic and flavonoid content. The free radical scavenging capacity was measured using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method, and antimicrobial …

Utilizing Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) From Srandakan Bantul, Indonesia For ‘Bright Fever Patch’ As An Alternative Children’S Fever Therapy, Anggita Kamalia Niswara, Nabillah Ainun Kusrinanti, Rizqi Amalia Firdaus, Azis Ikhsanudin

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

In 2022, Indonesia experienced a public health crisis involving acute kidney failure in children, traced to paracetamol syrup contaminated with ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol. This underscores the urgent need for safer antipyretic alternatives. This study investigates the antipyretic potential of transdermal patches formulated with ethanol extract of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) leaves sourced from Srandakan, Bantul, Yogyakarta. Extract concentrations of 0.8%, 1.0%, and 1.2% were tested, alongside a negative control (no extract) and a positive control (paracetamol). The patches underwent evaluations for organoleptic properties, weight uniformity (0.41±0.02 to 0.52±0.02 g), thickness (0.36±0.03 to 0.41±0.03 mm), water absorption …

Optimization Of External Disintegrating Materials In Wet Granulation Formulation Of Ondansetron Tablets, Yandi Permana, Syahrul Tuba, Taufik Riyadi, Sugindro Sugindro

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Inadequate management of chemotherapy-induced side effects, including nausea and vomiting, can impact the healing response of cancer patients. Ondansetron, a preferred medication for the treatment, is classified as a biopharmaceutic classification system (BCS) class II drug, which limits its bioavailability. To enhance its solubility, sodium starch glycolate (SSG) and pregelatinized starch (PG) are used as super disintegrants. This study investigates the impact of these super disintegrants on ondansetron dissolution and identifies the optimal formulation. Ondansetron tablets were prepared using the wet granulation method, with nine formulations varying in SSG and PG concentrations (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%). The tablets …

Mitigating The Risk Of Qtc Prolongation When Using Haloperidol For Acute Treatment Of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome In Adolescents And Young Adults, Sandra Merino, Lissette Tordera, Allison Jun, Sun Yang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background/Objectives: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), associated with long-term cannabinoid use, has been increasingly observed in emergency room visits as more states in the U.S. have legislatively permitted medical and recreational marijuana use. The acute management of CHS primarily focuses on antiemetic treatment and supportive care. However, both the condition itself and the antiemetic drugs, such as haloperidol, may cause QTc prolongation. Methods: We reported two adolescent cases admitted to the emergency department for acute antiemesis management of CHS who received haloperidol treatment. A literature review was performed through October 2024 for previously published cases of QTc prolongation and/or …

Advancing Continuous Manufacturing: The Role Of Process Analytical Technology In Process Development, Samuel R. Henson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The pharmaceutical industry is actively pursuing technologies which improve manufacturing processes with the goal of producing high-quality pharmaceutical products for patients, manifesting in an industry-wide investment in continuous manufacturing (CM). Process analytical technology (PAT) has been recognized for its successful monitoring of critical quality attributes during routine production and is often cited alongside CM due to its ability to make timely, in-line measurements of intermediate materials. Various PAT tools are valuable in process development, particularly as continuous wet granulation processes are developed for use within pharmaceutical manufacturing. This work applied PAT and chemometric modeling during CM process development to enhance …

Specifically Targeting Muc16 For Fluorescence-Guided Surgery Of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Kathryn M. Muilenburg

Theses & Dissertations

Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with a low 5-year survival rate and a high rate of resection recurrence. However, surgery remains the only treatment with curative potential for pancreatic cancer. Many factors such as high desmoplasia, a lack of intraoperative imaging, and micrometastatic disease contribute to the high rate of incomplete resections in pancreatic cancer. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) is a potential intraoperative tool for application in surgical resection. FGS works through passive or active targeting of a free dye or dye-containing moiety (e.g. antibody, peptide, and nanoparticles) to specifically fluoresce the tumor compared to the surrounding normal, fibrotic, and …

Formulation And Characterization Of Biologics – From Sirna To Monoclonal Antibodies, Chinmay M. Jogdeo

Theses & Dissertations

Biologics are a rapidly growing class of therapeutics, encompassing a wide range of modalities, with gene therapy products and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) constituting the majority. Proper formulation and characterization of these complex therapeutics is crucial to ensure their safety and therapeutic efficacy.

This dissertation focuses on two main areas: the development of a novel renal-targeted siRNA delivery system and the assessment of structural and conformational stability of mAbs in a simulated subcutaneous (SC) environment.

The first part of this dissertation presents the synthesis and characterization of a novel renal-targeted polymer for selective siRNA delivery to injured kidneys. Inulin was modified …

Proteoglycan 4 (Lubricin) And Regulation Of Xanthine Oxidase In Synovial Macrophage As A Mechanism Of Controlling Synovitis, Khaled A. Elsaid, Ling X. Zhang, Thomas Zhao, Ava Marks, Derek Jenkins, Tannin A. Schmidt, Gregory D. Jay

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Synovial macrophages (SMs) are important effectors of joint health and disease. A novel Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SM population expressing the tight junction protein claudin-5, was recently discovered in synovial lining. Ablation of these SMs was associated with onset of arthritis. Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) is a mucinous glycoprotein that fulfills lubricating and homeostatic roles in the joint. The aim of this work is to study the role of PRG4 in modulating synovitis in the context of SM homeostasis and assess the contribution of xanthine oxidase (XO)-hypoxia inducible factor alpha (HIF-1a) axis to this regulation.

Methods

We used Prg4FrtloxP/FrtloxP …

Hyperglycemia Causes Differential Change In Macrophage Population In The Lacrimal Gland, Conjunctiva And Cornea, Saleh Alfuraih, Amy Tran, Lois Kim, Rais Ansari, Ajay Sharma

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background: Due to its location, the ocular surface is exposed to environmental microbes. Innate immune cells including macrophages are first line defense against infections. In vitro exposure to high glucose as well as diabetes-associated hyperglycemia has been shown to affect innate immune cell function and population. The present study was designed to examine the effect of diabetes-associated hyperglycemia on the lacrimal gland, conjunctiva and cornea macrophage population, phenotypic changes and cytokines/chemokines.

Methods: Mouse model of Streptozotocin-induced diabetes was used to induce hyperglycemia. Immunostaining for CD11b and F4/80 was performed to stain macrophages in whole mount cornea, conjunctiva and 50 µm …

Tension Recordings From Primary Bronchi In Acta2-Gcamp8.1-Mvermilion Transgenic Mice, Qais Khalaf, Srijit Ghosh, Keith Thornbury

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Contractions in smooth muscle cells are initiated by elevation of cytosolic Ca²⁺. It is of interest to measure Ca²⁺ signals in these cells. Transgenic Acta2-GCaMP8.1-mVermilion (GCaMP) mice express a genetically encoded intracellular fluorescent Ca²⁺ indicator in smooth muscle cells, have been developed to facilitate the study of Ca²⁺. However, there is a concern that the GCaMP Ca²⁺ indicator might buffer Ca²⁺ and interfere with the signals it is designed to measure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare tension responses in GCaMP and wild type (WT) mice to determine if …

A Conjugate Of An Egfr-Binding Peptide And Doxorubicin Shows Selective Toxicity To Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells, Phi-Phung Than, Shih-Jing Yao, Emad Althagafi, Kamaljit Kaur

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Selective targeting of cancer cells via overexpressed cell-surface receptors is a promising strategy to enhance chemotherapy efficacy and minimize off-target side effects. In this study, we designed peptide 31 (YHWYGYTPERVI) to target the overexpressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Peptide 31 is internalized by TNBC cells through EGFR-mediated endocytosis and shares sequence and structural similarities with human EGF (hEGF), a natural EGFR ligand. Unlike hEGF, peptide 31 does not induce cell migration in TNBC cells. A novel conjugate of peptide 31 with doxorubicin (Dox) retains selectivity for TNBC cells and exhibits significant toxicity comparable …

Identifying Barriers To Effective Clinical Decision Support Use In Preventing Medical Errors: The Pharmacy’S Perspective, Jonathan Stoliker, Monika Baranek, Megan Park

Annual Research Symposium

The purpose of this research is to understand the perceptions of pharmacy personnel in community and hospital settings concerning their workflows, the Clinical Decision Support (CDS) alerts they interact with, and how their interpretation of these alerts influences patient care. This research aims to begin to investigate pharmacy personnel-voiced factors that influence high rates of alert dismissal. The project also aims to qualify what design factors contribute to more effective CDS Alerts from the pharmacy’s perspective.

Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Cirrhosis Does Not Alter The Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability To Sucrose In Rats, Mohammad K. Miah, Ulrich Bickel, Reza Mehvar

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Contradictory results have been reported about the effects of liver diseases on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability to markers. For instance, both an increase and no change in the BBB permeability to BBB markers sodium fluorescein and Evans blue have been reported in experimental cholestasis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats. These contradictory effects might be due to inherent limitations of these markers and/or methodological issues. Here, we investigated the time course of the impact of BDL in rats on BBB permeability using a recently developed stable isotope labeled marker [¹³C]sucrose, which is expected to be …

Students’ Performance And Perceptions Of Mock Trials As A Teaching And Assessment Activity Over Three Years At Two Institutions, Ettie Rosenberg, Shih-Ying H. Hsu, Hoai-An Truong, Reza Taheri

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background: This study aimed to evaluate students’ performance and perception of a mock-trial teaching, learning, and assessment activity over three years at two institutions.

Methods: A mock trial (courtroom-style debate) implemented over three years (2017-2019) in a first professional year (P1) course at two institutions offered active learning in literature critique and evaluation, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, professionalism, and self-awareness. Student teams researched, prepared, and debated controversial topics as counsels, witnesses, or jurors for alternate mock trials. Descriptive analyses evaluated judge and juror trial scores and the 2019 Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) survey.

Results: The mock trials involved 319 student …

Synthesis Of Photocleavable Molecules For Neurological Applications, Nishal Madujith Egodawaththa Arachchilage Don

Theses and Dissertations

In recent biomedical research, the precise control of molecular dynamics through light activation has emerged as a powerful tool, particularly in the field of neurobiology. This approach involves the use of photocleavable cages or photoprotective groups (PPGs) that are chemically tethered to biologically active molecules such as neurotransmitters or calcium chelators. These cages remain inert until exposed to specific wavelengths of light, typically in the visible range, triggering the release of the active compound with high spatiotemporal precision.

For neurotransmitter systems, such as glutamate (Glu), which plays a critical role in synaptic transmission and memory formation, researchers have developed novel …

Physicochemical Property Effects On Immune Modulating Polymeric Nanoparticles: Potential Applications In Spinal Cord Injury, Daniel J. Kolpek, Jaechang Kim, Hisham Mohammed, John C. Gensel, Jonghyuck Park

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Nanoparticles (NPs) offer promising potential as therapeutic agents for inflammation-related diseases, owing to their capabilities in drug delivery and immune modulation. In preclinical studies focusing on spinal cord injury (SCI), polymeric NPs have demonstrated the ability to reprogram innate immune cells. This reprogramming results in redirecting immune cells away from the injury site, downregulating pro-inflammatory signaling, and promoting a regenerative environment post-injury. However, to fully understand the mechanisms driving these effects and maximize therapeutic efficacy, it is crucial to assess NP interactions with innate immune cells. This review examines how the physicochemical properties of polymeric NPs influence their modulation of …

Flipping The Script: Active Learning In Drug Information, Albert Bach, Ivan Portillo

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

This presentation will highlight successful strategies that incorporate drug information skills into pharmacy laboratory courses across the curriculum. Attendees will gain insights on collaboration between clinical faculty and library services, active learning techniques, and drug information assignments to utilize within a laboratory based course.

Objectives:

Plan an active learning session that introduces first-year students to drug information sources.

Describe how clinical faculty and library services can collaborate to introduce drug information to students.

Explain the implementation of a DI Question during an Order Verification module in the hospital laboratory setting.

Provide students a tool for self-reflection prior to conducting …

Unravelling The Erythropoietin Heterodimeric Complex: In Silico Analysis Of Complex Assembly And Binding Interface, Atiya Habib, Urooj Qureshi, Mohammad Nur-E-Alam, Aftab Ahmed, Zaheer Ul-Haq

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Erythropoietin (Epo), a glycosylated protein categorized as a member of the cytokine family, is responsible for the modulation of erythrogenesis. Besides this, the nonhaematopoietic effects of Epo are associated with tissue-protective activity via an antiapoptotic pathway. This function of Epo is linked with its heterodimeric form, i.e. EpoR/βcR belonging to the cytokine family as well. Both receptors are dissected into three domains: extracellular (also known as ligand-binding domain), transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain. The transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains are assumed to play a paramount role in dimerization and tissue protection. However, the tertiary structure of cytoplasmic domains of both …

Leveraging Quantitative Systems Pharmacology For Dose Optimization In Oncology Drug Development, Blerta Shtylla

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Predicting And Monitoring Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy Using Artificial Intelligence In Pancreatic Cancer, Guangbo Yu, Zigeng Zhang, Aydin Eresen, Qiaoming Hou, Farideh Amirrad, Sha Webster, Surya M. Nauli, Vahid Yaghmai, Zhuoli Zhang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal cancers, primarily due to its late diagnosis and limited treatment options. This review examines the challenges and potential of using immunotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer, highlighting the role of artificial intelligence (AI) as a promising tool to enhance early detection and monitor the effectiveness of these therapies. By synthesizing recent advancements and identifying gaps in the current research, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how AI and immunotherapy can be integrated to develop more personalized and effective treatment strategies. The insights from this review may guide future research efforts …

A Protocol For Immunostaining Of Macrophages In Whole-Mount Mouse Cornea, Conjunctiva, And Lacrimal Gland, Saleh Alfuraih, Dhruv Patel, Wonsuk Choi, Karthikeyan Ramasamy, Rais Ansari, Ajay Sharma

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

The healthy lacrimal functional unit contains a resident macrophage population. Here, we present a protocol for immunofluorescent staining of macrophage markers, CD11b, F4/80, and CD206, in whole-mount mouse cornea, conjunctiva, and 50-μM-thick lacrimal gland section. We describe steps for dissection, fixation, permeabilization, and blocking. We then detail procedures for the detection and spatial localization of macrophages through immunostaining and confocal imaging. This approach circumvents the need to obtain thin tissue sections and acquire macrophage images from each tissue section.

Table B: Impacts Of Utensil Use In Preparation, Robert Yokel

Aluminum in Beverages and Foods: A Compilation

No abstract provided.

Coffee Beans, Robert Yokel

Aluminum in Beverages and Foods: A Compilation

No abstract provided.

Creamer, Non-Dairy, Robert Yokel

Aluminum in Beverages and Foods: A Compilation

No abstract provided.

Tea Infusion, Unspecified Tea Type, Robert Yokel

Aluminum in Beverages and Foods: A Compilation

No abstract provided.