Other Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

The Effects Of Cyclic Peptide [R4w4] In Combination With First-Line Therapy On The Survival Of Mycobacterium Avium, Melissa Kelley, Kayvan Sasaninia, Ali Badaoui, Ira Glassman, Arbi Abnousian, Nadia Rai, Rakesh K. Tiwari, Vishwanath Venketaraman

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background: Mycobacterium avium (M. avium) is a nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) that can cause pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections mostly in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV and diabetes. Traditionally, rifampicin (RIF) and azithromycin (AZ) have been used for a 12-month duration as first-line antibiotics against M. avium. Due to the increased multidrug resistance, novel ways, such as enhancement of macrophages response, are needed to provide adequate immune response required to clear M. avium infection.

Methods and findings: In this study, we aim to study the effects of using THP-1 cells, which are monocyte-like cells, to induce a …

Clinical Characteristics And Outcomes Of Pediatric Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (Ssss) At An Inner-City Tertiary Care Center, Nina Kb Gust Md, Ashley Frei Bs, Rebecca M. Adams Bs, Elika Ridelman Phd, Christina Shanti Md, Ronald Thomas Phd, Jocelyn Y. Ang Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) is a blistering skin condition caused by a toxin-producing staphylococcus species. Epidemiologic studies on pediatric SSSS in the United States are limited, with a reported incidence of 7.67 cases per million children and 45.1 per million infants. Immature renal function, lack of protective antibodies, and increased exotoxin target desmoglein-1 are hypothesized to increase incidence in younger children. We aimed to determine clinical and microbiological characteristics of pediatric SSSS and factors that could help predict disease severity.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for admitted patients under 18 years old diagnosed with SSSS from …

1st Place Contest Entry: Effectiveness Of Intravesical Bcg In The Treatment Of Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: An Umbrella Review, Gerald Obinna Ozota

Eric M. Scandrett Graduate Library Research Prize

This is Gerald Obinna Ozota's submission for the 2025 Eric M. Scandrett Graduate Research Prize, which won first place. It contains their essay on using library resources, their bibliography, and a summary of their research project on conducting a systematic literature search to identify all relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses investigating the effectiveness of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) on Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (NIMBC).

Gerald is a student in the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program at Chapman University. Their faculty mentor is Dr. Lawrence Brown.

Brain Endothelial Cells As Phagocytes: Mechanisms And Implications, Rudy T. Chang, Mark J. Fisher, Rachita K. Sumbria

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BECs) lining the brain capillaries form the anatomical site of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), providing a highly selective barrier to support brain homeostasis and function. While the BBB acts as a barrier to immune cells and pathogens under normal conditions, BECs can facilitate their entry into the CNS via a phagocytosis-like mechanism. A similar process is now increasingly reported for a diverse set of cargos, resulting in the categorization of BECs as “non-professional” phagocytes and redefining the conventional view that these cells are functionally non-phagocytic. This review aims to summarize research demonstrating the capacity of BECs …

Enhancing Topical Drug Delivery Of Apremilast Through Niosomal Gel Formulation: Ex Vivo Skin Permeation And In Vivo Evaluation For Psoriasis, Megha Shyam Matlapudi, Anka Rao Areti, Yukti Jaiswal, Veeresh Bantal, Raghavender Medishetti

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Psoriasis is a dynamic and chronic disease characterized by inflammatory changes and an increased rate of keratinocyte proliferation leading to the formation of erythematous scleroderma plaques with a silvery sheen. The existing therapies come with shortcomings in terms of effectiveness and leave behind a trail of side effects. Hence, there is a need of alternative therapeutic measures. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of Apremilast Niosomal Gel (APR Nio Gel) in treating psoriasis, comparing its effectiveness with conventional gel (APR Gel) and oral suspension (APR Oral) formulations. Materials and Methods: Apremilast niosomes were prepared by thin …

Penghambat Kanal Kalsium Sebagai Kontrol Glukosa Darah Pada Insulinoma: Sebuah Laporan Kasus, Nadhira Nizam, Ryan Tresna Putra, Anshari Saifuddin Hasibuan

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Insulinoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas arising from β-cells, leading to excessive insulin secretion and resultant hypoglycaemia. Surgical resection is the first-line treatment for insulinoma, but when surgery is not feasible, medical therapy is an important option. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) such as verapamil can inhibit insulin release from β-cells and have been proposed as an adjunct therapy to help control blood glucose levels in insulinoma. We report a 43-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with decreased consciousness due to hypoglycaemia. His capillary blood glucose at home was 35 mg/dL, about 8 hours after his …

A Preliminary Study On The Role Of Personal History Of Infectious And Parasitic Diseases On Self-Reported Health Across Countries, Gerit Pfuhl, Filipe Prazeres, Marta Kowal, Toivo Aavik, Beatriz Abad-Villaverde, Reza Afhami, Leonardo Aguilar, Grace Akello, Laith Al-Shawaf, Jan Antfolk, Chiemezie S. Atama, Derya Atamtürk Duyar, Roberto Baiocco, Sercan Balım, Carlota Batres, Yakhlef Belkacem, Théo Besson, Adam Bode, Merve Boğa, Jordane Boudesseul, Mahmoud Boussena, Hamdaoui Brahim, Nana Burduli, Ali R. Can, Hakan Cetinkaya, Antonio Chirumbolo, Dimitri Chubinidze, Clément Cornec, Bojana M. Dinić, Seda Dural, Izzet Duyar, Samuel O. Ebimgbo, Edgardo Etchezahar, Peter Fedor, Tomasz Frackowiak, David A. Frederick, Katarzyna Galasinska, Felipe A. García, Talia Gomez Yepes, Dmitry Grigoryev, Farida Guemaz, Ivana Hromatko, Gözde Ikizer, Steve M.J. Janssen, Julia A. Kamburidis, Tina Kavčič, Nicolas Kervyn, Farah Khan, Aleksander Kobylarek, Mehmet Koyuncu, Yoshihiko Kunisato, David Lacko, Miguel Landa-Blanco, Linda H. Lidborg, Samuel Lins, Tetyana Mandzyk, Silvia Mari, Tiago Marot, Martha Martinez-Banfi, Alan D. A. Mattiassi, Marlon Mayorga-Lascano, Moises Mebarak, Norbert Meskó, Maria Rosa Miccoli, Vita Mikuličiūtė, Taciano L. Milfont, Katarina Mišetić, Mara Morelli, Jean C. Natividade, Izuchukwu L. G. Ndukaihe, Felipe C. Novaes, Salma S. Omar, Mohd Sofian Omar Fauzee, Tobias Otterbring, Barış Özener, Simon Ozer, Ju Hee Park, Irena Pavela Banai, Farid Pazhoohi, Mariia Perun, Martin Pírko, Ekaterine Pirtskhalava, Katarzyna Pisanski, Nejc Plohl, Koen Ponnet, Pavol Prokop, Matheus F. F. Ribeiro, Frederico Rosário, Ayşegül Şahin, Fatima Zahra Sahli, Dušana Šakan, Oksana Senyk, Henrik Siepelmeyer, Diana Ribeiro Da Silva, Sangeeta Singh, Çağlar Solak, Sinem Söylemez, Anna Studzinska, Chee-Seng Tan, Gulmira Topanova, Merve Topcu Bulut, Ezgi Toplu-Demirtaş, Bastien Trémolière, Singha Tulyakul, Joaquín Ungaretti, Jaroslava V. Valentova, Marco A.C. Varella, Mona Vintila, Tatiana Volkodav, Anna Wlodarczyk, Yao-Yuan Yeh, Gyesook Yoo, Oulmann Zerhouni, Marcos Zumárraga‑Espinosa, Maja Zupančič, Piotr Sorokowski

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Objectives

Infectious diseases are often associated with decline in quality of life. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between personal history of communicable, i.e., infectious and parasitic diseases and self-rated health.

Study design

Secondary analysis of a large dataset multi-country observational study.

Methods

We used a four-pronged analysis approach to investigate whether personal history of infectious and parasitic diseases is related to self-reported health, measured with a single item.

Results

Three of the four analyses found a small positive effect on self-reported health among those reporting a history of pathogen exposure. The meta-analysis found no support …

Cracking The Code Of Hbv Persistence: Cutting-Edge Approaches To Targeting Cccdna In Chronic Hepatitis B With Or Without Pyogenic Liver Abscesses, Umar Saeed, Zahra Zahid Piracha, Mahmood Khan, Muhammad Nouman Tariq, Syed Shahan Gilani, Muhammad Raza, Rakshana Munuswamy, Naveen Bose, Dilber Uzun Ozsahin, Ilker Özşahin, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection remains a formidable global health challenge, driving severe liver complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA). At the core of HBV persistence lies covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), a viral reservoir that fuels ongoing infection despite antiviral treatments. This review highlights molecular mechanisms governing cccDNA formation, maintenance, and clearance, spotlighting innovative therapeutic strategies to disrupt this key viral element. We explore cutting-edge approaches, including epigenetic modulation to silence cccDNA, RNA interference (RNAi) for viral RNA degradation, and CRISPR/Cas genome editing to excise cccDNA directly. Additionally, emerging antiviral therapies and immunotherapies, …

Editorial: Machine Learning Advancements In Pharmacology: Transforming Drug Discovery And Healthcare, Moom Rahman Roosan, Ramgopal Mettu

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

"In recent years, the integration of machine learning (ML) into pharmacology has revolutionized how we approach drug discovery, disease modeling, and therapeutic development. By leveraging vast datasets and computational power, ML has enabled researchers to uncover patterns, predict outcomes, and accelerate drug development processes that were previously unimaginable. This Research Topic on 'Machine Learning Advancements in Pharmacology' features five impactful studies that highlight the diverse applications and potential of ML in this field. These contributions, encompassing original research and a systematic review, exemplify the transformative role of ML in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in pharmacology."

Overview Of Chromatographic Methods Of Analysis Of Penicillins In Food Matrices Of Animal Origin, Tarekegn Tadesse Unade, Gudeta Duga Geresu, Pawar A. Krishnamanjari

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Penicillins are β-lactam antibiotics indicated for preventing and treating diseases in veterinary medical practice. Improper use of these antibiotics in animals may result in residues in foodstuffs such as milk, egg, and meat, which can cause unwanted effects like allergy, and development of bacterial resistance. So, it is important to regulate the use of penicillins in foodstuffs of animal origin. Regulatory bodies in different countries established maximum residue levels to be allowed in food matrices. To address the regulatory requirements, food matrices need to be investigated with proper methods of analysis. Several analytical methods were developed and validated to determine …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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. …

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 …

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 …