Other Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

Kshv Vil6 Inhibits Functional B Cell Maturation During De Novo Infection, Wajd Zakir, Jessica M. Osborn, Jennifer Totonchy

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Despite causative links to lymphoproliferative disorders, little is known about early events governing KSHV infection in B lymphocytes. IL-6 signaling plays a critical role in KSHV-mediated disease, with human IL-6 (hIL6) levels correlating with viral load and disease progression. This dynamic is even more complex due to the coexistence of hIL6 and KSHV-encoded viral IL-6 (vIL6) in these diseases. We hypothesize that hIL6 and vIL6 play critical, separable and collective roles in the early stages of KSHV infection in B cells. In this study, we use our ex vivo model of KSHV infection in human tonsil lymphocytes to investigate the …

New Onset Diabetic Retinopathy With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: A Case Report, Jennifer Ko, Yaseman Jahromi

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Utilizing Pharmacogenomics To Improve Students' Self-Perception On The Interprofessional Competencies Of Roles And Responsibilities, And Teams And Teamwork, Amanda Brown, Moom R. Roosan, Robert Goldsteen, Scott D. Ochs, Reza Taheri

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is an emerging discipline with the potential to revolutionize personalized medicine, but its successful implementation requires interprofessional collaboration. To address this need, a virtual interprofessional education (IPE) session was designed for student pharmacists and medical students to engage in a case-based learning experience.

Objective

The primary objective was to develop and implement an IPE activity focused on a patient case requiring PGx-guided dual antiplatelet therapy and to assess students' perceptions of two Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Version 3 Core Competencies. A secondary objective was to identify key lessons from the session.

Methods

Pharmacist and physician faculty collaboratively …

Targeting Obesity: The Role Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists In Achieving Sustainable Weight Loss, Brad Vamplew

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This review critically evaluates the effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist pharmacotherapy in managing obesity. Obesity is a health epidemic that affects 100 million Americans, and it puts individuals at higher risk for numerous health comorbidities over a lifetime. A comprehensive literature review was completed by utilizing PubMed and its clinical queries function to locate relevant research. The research information was narrowed down with a focus on obesity management and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for therapy. Numerous current clinical studies and trials were incorporated into this review. Many clinical trials substantiated the benefits of this pharmacotherapy for the management of …

Evaluation Of Antimicrobial And Wound Healing Activities Of Jatropha Podagrica Extracts, Reawfang Sriyom, Arunporn Itharat, Onmanee Prajuabjinda, Sumalee Panthong, Pakakrong Thongdeeying, Metar Siriwattanasathorn, Maneewan Panthong, Neal M. Davies

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Jatropha podagrica has been traditionally used to treat skin infections and promote wound healing. However, there is currently no scientific research validating its antimicrobial or wound-healing properties.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and wound-healing activities of various extracts from all parts of J. podagrica, using different solvents. In addition, the chemical composition of the most effective extract was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Materials and Methods: The leaves, stem, and root of J. podagrica were extracted using hexane, 95% ethanol, ethanol-soluble hexane residue, and aqueous decoction. The antimicrobial effects of the extracts were assessed …

Concurrent Use Of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants And Nsaids In Low Back Pain Management: A Critical Review Of Current Evidence And Future Directions, Rupesh A. Saindane, Nilima A. Thombre

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Low back pain (LBP) represents a leading cause of non-fatal disability globally. Its high prevalence and disabling nature highlight the urgent need for effective management strategies. The exact cause of LBP still remains unclear, and thus, its treatment remains symptomatic. LBP is commonly treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs). These agents are frequently used in combination to target both inflammation and muscle spasms. However, the clinical guidelines vary widely on the recommendation for the use of such combination therapy. The present review evaluates evidence from randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews on the concurrent use …

A Review Of Overlapping Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reaction, Ploylarp Lertvipapath, Roongrat Piyananjaruhsri, Diana Karimee

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) are life-threatening drug hypersensitivity reactions, including acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). SCARs occur in approximately 0.1% of hospitalizations and have mortality rates ranging from 5% for AGEP to 5–35% for SJS/TEN. AGEP typically presents with acute erythematous areas, sterile pustules, fever, and neutrophilia within 48–72 h of drug exposure. In contrast, DRESS manifests as fever, facial edema, morbilliform rash, and exfoliative dermatitis, often accompanied by hematologic abnormalities and multi-organ involvement, including hepatitis, pneumonitis, and myocarditis. Moreover, SJS and TEN …

Impact Of Stereochemical Replacement On Activity And Selectivity Of Membrane-Active Antibacterial And Antifungal Cyclic Peptides, Sandeep Lohan, Anastasia G. Konshina, Eman H. M. Mohammed, Naiera M. Helmy, Srishhti K. Jha, Rakesh Kumar Tiwari, Innokentiy Maslennikov, Roman G. Efremov, Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Herein, we report a library of 7-mer macrocyclic peptides designed by systematically replacing one, multiple, or all L-amino acids with their D-isomers in our previously identified hit compounds. Lead peptides, 15c and 16c, showed broad-spectrum activity against bacteria (Gram-positive minimum inhibitory activity (MIC 1.5–6.2 µg/mL and Gram-negative MIC 6.2–25 µg/mL) and fungi (MIC = 3.1–25 µg/mL). Additionally, peptides 15c and 16c showed rapid kill kinetics and biofilm degradation potential against both bacteria and fungi, while resistance development was not observed. The antimicrobial effect of these macrocyclic peptides was attributed to their membranolytic action, which was confirmed by calcein dye …

Engineering Lipid–Polymer Nanoparticles For Sirna Delivery To Cancer Cells, Arthur Manda, Abdulelah Alhazza, Hasan Uludağ, Hamidreza Montazeri Aliabadi

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background: RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool that can target many proteins without the expensive and time-consuming drug development studies. However, due to the challenges in delivering RNA molecules, the potential impact of RNAi approaches is yet to be fully realized in clinical settings. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been the most successful delivery system for nucleic acids, but targeted delivery to a solid tumor still eludes the developed LNPs. We hypothesized that specially designed low-molecular-weight PEIs can partially or completely replace the ionizable lipids for more accommodating vehicles due to the structural flexibility offered by polymers, which could …

Molecular Insights Into The Role Of Estrogen Receptor Beta In Ecdysterone Mediated Anabolic Activity, Syeda Sumayya Tariq, Madiha Sardar, Muhammad Shafiq, Hendrick Heinz, Mohammad Nur-E-Alam, Aftab Ahmad, Zaheer Ul-Haq

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Ecdysterone, often dubbed a “natural steroid,” has garnered significant attention among athletes for its reputed growth-promoting and anabolic properties. Unlike synthetic anabolic steroids, which are classified as controlled substances, ecdysteroids remain largely unregulated in many countries and are widely marketed as dietary supplements. Notably, ecdysterone has been included in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) monitoring program, highlighting its potential impact on athletic performance and raising questions about its regulation. Emerging evidence indicates that, unlike traditional anabolic steroids that act primarily via the Androgen Receptor (AR), ecdysterone’s anabolic effects may be mediated through Estrogen Receptors (ERs), particularly Estrogen Receptor beta (ERβ). …

Bridging Oral And Systemic Health: Exploring Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, And Diagnostic Innovations In Periodontal Disease, Max Foroughi, Mahmoud Torabinejad, Nikola Angelov, David M. Ojcius, Keykavous Parang, Marcus Ravnan, Jerika Lam

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose

This narrative review explores the multifaceted links between periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) and systemic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory infections. It aims to synthesize evidence on how local oral infections exert systemic effects and evaluate the potential of diagnostic technologies to monitor these interactions.

Methods

This narrative review synthesizes current scientific literature on periodontal disease pathogenesis, focusing on key pathogens (e.g., Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum) and their roles in driving local and systemic inflammation via virulence factors and microbial dysbiosis. It examines biomarker-based diagnostic approaches …

An Exploratory Pharmacogenetic Pilot Study Of Two Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate And Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, Derek E. Murrell, Benjamin C. Kennard, Maria E. Bertoni, David B. Cluck, Jonathan P. Moorman, Stacy D. Brown, Keshang Wang, Michelle M. Duffourc, Sam Harirforoosh

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background and Objectives

The nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors tenofovir alafenamide fumarate and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are frequently employed in treating human immunodeficiency virus. Further, each form of tenofovir requires laboratory monitoring to determine efficacy and tolerability among patients. This study sought to investigate the relationship, if any, of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and selected clinical parameters.

Methods

The study population, predominantly Caucasian males with a median age of 53.0 years [interquartile range 46.0–59.0], was assayed for genetic variations using an iPLEX ADME PGx Pro v1.0 Panel.

Results

Although several SNP relationships were found with both forms of tenofovir, many of …

Targeting Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase (Nnos) As A Novel Approach To Enhancing The Anti-Melanoma Activity Of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Anika R. Patel, Shirley Tong, Kate Alison Lozada, Amardeep Awasthi, Richard B. Silverman, Jennifer Totonchy, Sun Yang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background and Objectives: Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) overexpressed in melanoma plays a critical role in disease progression. Our previous studies demonstrated that nNOS inhibitors exhibited potent anti-melanoma activity and regulated PD-L1 expressions in the presence of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). However, the role of nNOS in the melanoma immune response has not been well defined. Methods: Changes in gene expression profiles after nNOS inhibitor treatment were determined by transcriptomic analysis. A melanoma mouse model was used to determine the effects of nNOS inhibition on peripheral T cells and the in vivo anti-tumor activity of combining nNOS inhibitors with immune …

The Influence Of Perioperative Education On Postoperative Digestive Restoration, Christian Cedeno

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

The human body often needs encouragement to return to its natural state of functioning following intraoperative and postoperative drug therapy. Anesthesia can sedate the gastrointestinal tract and frequently requires medical and physical interventions to allow the body to return to full functionality. There are several methods thought to be beneficial in overcoming of this condition, and some have proven their significance more so than other methods. This project seeks to measure the power-of-knowledge methodology via a chart review of individuals specifically educated on what they can expect in the postoperative phase of care compared to those that receive routine education. …

Sickle Cell Mice Exhibit Elevated Plasma Bilirubin And Altered Intracranial Cerebral Blood Velocities That Are Exacerbated By Hypoxia-Reoxygenation, Francisco J. Nunez, Ashraf M. Mohieldin, Amy Y. Pan, Sean P. Palecek, Rahima Zennadi, Ramani Ramchandran, Kevin R. Rarick, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder characterized by sickle red blood cells (RBCs). Sickle RBCs cause cerebral vasculopathies including vaso-occlusive events, leading to ischemia-reperfusion injury and hypoxic tissue environment. To date, the physiological blood flow velocities in cerebral vessels of preclinical SCD models has not been evaluated under hypoxic-reoxygenation. In our study, we used transcranial ultrasound techniques to measure abnormal blood flow velocities in the internal carotid (ICA) and middle cerebral arteries (MCA) of transgenic sickle cell mice (SS) challenged with hypoxia-reoxygenation. Our study showed that SS mice that underwent hypoxic stress exhibited lower relative mean velocities in …

Schistosoma Haematobium Infection In Ethiopian Children: Evaluating Praziquantel Efficacy, Nutritional Effects, And Diagnosis Using Flukecatcher, Louis Fok

Theses & Dissertations

Urogenital schistosomiasis continues to impact the wellbeing of hundreds of millions of people worldwide and remains a significant public health challenge across Ethiopia. Despite existing knowledge on the disease, there remain significant unanswered questions with regard to its treatment and diagnosis. This dissertation evaluated the efficacy of praziquantel at treating urogenital schistosomiasis, improving nutritional parameters among children and the performance of FlukeCatcher at detecting and determining the intensity of infection. In effecting this, a total of 977 children aged 5 through 15 from the Afar and Gambella regions of Ethiopia were screened for S. haematobium infection using urine filtration microscopy …

Evaluating The Therapeutic Potential Of Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Synthase Inhibitor, Ram2061, In Myeloma Bone Disease, Molly Muehlebach

Theses & Dissertations

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy of the plasma cells which often results in lytic bone disease. Myeloma bone disease (MBD), characterized by diffuse osteopenia, bone lesions, or pathological fracture, results from MM mediated promotion of osteoclast resorption and dual inhibition of bone formation, drastically reducing bone strength and integrity. Development of MBD is known to significantly impact patient quality of life and increase risk of mortality. Considering that up to 80-95% of MM patients are expected to develop bone disease post-initial MM diagnosis, there is a significant need within this population for therapeutics which address both MM disease …

Application Of Bioactive Materials Primary Cilia As A Novel Delivery Vehicle, Ayan K. Barui, Farideh Amirrad, Vansh Goel, Sharareh Ohadi, Rajasekharreddy Pala, Ashraf M. Mohieldin, Andromeda M. Nauli, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Primary cilia are hair-like structured cell organelles functioning as cellular antennae with chemosensory and mechanosensory roles. Dysfunction of cilia results in ciliopathies, including renovascular diseases (polycystic kidneys, hypertension, aneurysm), mental impedances (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia), metabolic diseases (obesity, developmental skeleton defects), blindness, and so on. With a diameter of 150 nm, cilia can be cleaved, released and circulated in the body as injury biomarkers. We here assessed the potential use of isolated cilia as a novel delivery vehicle. Cilia were isolated from renal epithelial cells, and a specific-targeting chemotherapeutic was designed on the cilia. The data show a remarkable …

Valproic Acid Loaded Niosomal In Situ Gel: A Novel Approach For Epilepsy Treatment, Rutuja Bastapure, Akshay Gawali, Gopal Lohiya, Kranti Satpute, Mahesh Birajdar, Sameep Sonvane

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Valproic acid is an antiepileptic medication that is primarily used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. This investigation was designed with three objectives in mind. First, improve the solubility and bioavailability of the BCS class II medicine valproic acid; second, make it easy to give the drug to an epileptic patient during an episode; and third, lower the dosage for long-term treatment. Niosomal formulations were optimized using various Tween and Span range ratios. The formulations were made using the ether injection method. The formulation's morphological characterization, entrapment efficiency, viscosity, and particle size were evaluated. Valproic acid niosomes prepared with Tween …

Development And Assessment Of Liposomal Nasal Spray For The Treatment Epilepsy, Sayali Dongare, Sushmaji Sontakke, Gopal Lohiya, Shoeb Syed, Rohit Sarda

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Abstract:

Background: Levetiracetam is a pyrrolidine class antiepileptic drug mainly used to treat epilepsy and seizures.

Objective: The purpose of this research was to synthesize a liposomal nasal spray incorporating levetiracetam for nose to brain delivery in epilepsy.

Materials and methods: The preparation method employed thin film hydration to prepare liposomes loaded with levetiracetam with lecithin and tween 80 at different concentrations. The liposome formed were characterized in terms of particle size and entrapment efficiency. Finally, the prepared liposomes were converted into nasal spray and characterized for drug content, pH, viscosity, in vitro release profile, clarity, Ex-vivo permeation study. …