Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

Development Of Tunable Rose Bengal Based-Nanogumbos As Potential Selective Chemotherapeutic Agents, William J.A. Russell

Honors College Theses

As cancer remains one of the greatest threats to the global population, the development of chemotherapeutic agents that are selective and tunable is of critical importance. Herein, a series of Rose Bengal (RB)-based GUMBOS, a group of uniform materials based on organic salts, were synthesized via counterion exchange between [Na]₂[RB] and three organic cations: tetrabutylphosphonium bromide [TBP][Br], tetraphenylphosphonium chloride [TPP][Cl], and 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [C₁₂MIm][Cl]. The resulting GUMBOS were characterized through FT-IR, ESI-MS, NMR, and UV-Vis Spectroscopy. Partition coefficient studies indicated all GUMBOS exhibited hydrophobic physiochemical characteristics. These hydrophobic RB-based GUMBOS …

Buprenorphine Utilization Following Removal Of Prior Authorization Requirements In The Kentucky Medicaid Population, Dustin K. Miracle, Lindsey R. Hammerslag, Svetla Slavova, Michelle R. Lofwall, Sharon L. Walsh, Jeffery Talbert, Patricia R. Freeman

Pharmacy Practice and Science Faculty Publications

Purpose: To evaluate changes in buprenorphine dispensing for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) among Kentucky Medicaid enrollees following the removal of prior authorization (PA) requirements for the transmucosal buprenorphine combination product.

Methods: We analyzed Kentucky Medicaid claims from 1/1/2016 through 6/30/2023 to identify enrollees with OUD during each quarter (Q1/2017–Q2/2023), using a 12-month lookback window. Segmented regression analysis was used for statistical modeling of an interrupted time series (ITS) design to assess changes in the quarterly proportion of enrollees with OUD receiving buprenorphine for OUD treatment, focusing on the effect of PA removal. The effective date of the PA …

Contemporary Trends In High-Potency P2y12 Receptor Inhibitor Use Among Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Ayman R. Fath, Binish Qureshi, Amro Aglan, Osamah Altaee, Hend Mansoor, Ahmed Almomani, Karim Al-Azizi, Marwan Saad, Andrew M. Goldsweig, Hani Jneid, Islam Y. Elgendy

Pharmacy Practice and Science Faculty Publications

Background: High‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitors (ticagrelor and prasugrel) reduce ischemic outcomes compared with clopidogrel among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aims to examine contemporary trends and identify predictors of their use among patients with AMI undergoing PCI in the United States.   Methods: This observational study used electronic health records from >95 US‐based health care organizations. Adults with AMI who underwent PCI between 2016 and 2023 were included. The primary outcome was the prescription of high‐potency P2Y12 receptor inhibitors versus clopidogrel. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of P2Y12 inhibitor …

Contraceptive Method Provision Patterns Among Rural And Urban Kentucky Medicaid Enrollees, Dustin K. Miracle, Svetla Slavova, Jeffery Talbert, Daniela C. Moga, Patricia R. Freeman

Pharmacy Practice and Science Faculty Publications

Purpose: To characterize contraceptive provision among the Kentucky Medicaid population and assess for rural−urban disparities.

Methods: Kentucky Medicaid claims from the calendar year 2019 were used to identify females at risk for unintended pregnancy (via a modified version of the criteria defined by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Population Affairs). Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the impact of rural−urban residence on contraceptive outcomes, while adjusting for relevant covariates. Outcomes for the multinomial regression model were provision of a: (1) less effective method (i.e., condoms) or no contraceptive; (2) moderately effective method (oral, transdermal, …

The Dietary Burden Of Phosphorus And Aluminum In Ready-To-Eat Wheat Flour Tortillas Exceeds That Of Corn Tortillas: Implications For Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease, Kate Chander Chiang, Robert Yokel, Jason M. Unrine, Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh, Ajay Gupta

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Ready-to-eat, shelf-stable tortillas contain several phosphorus- and aluminum-containing additives that may increase the risk of adverse events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Objective: The present study aimed to measure the dietary aluminum and phosphorus burden in store-bought corn and wheat flour tortillas. Design: This cross-sectional study analyzed the elemental content of commercially available corn and wheat flour tortillas collected from 2019 to 2020.

Setting: Twenty-one elements were quantified by ICP-MS and ICP-OES from 14 corn and 13 wheat flour tortilla brands purchased from local supermarkets in Southern California in 2019–2020.

Statistical analyses performed: Multiple group comparisons were …

Altered Bile Acid Transport In Liver Disease, Sarah Cayton, Lindsay C. Czuba

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Bile acids, synthesized from cholesterol in the liver, are amphipathic molecules that play an integral role in lipid digestion and absorption, while also serving as systemic endocrine hormones. They continuously undergo enterohepatic circulation, where they interact with various transporter proteins. Dysregulated bile acid transport is associated with the pathogenesis of liver disease. This review summarizes the key findings relating to bile acid transport expression and activity in the pathogenesis of liver disease.

Methods: A review of the literature was performed using PubMed and relevant terms including, but not limited to, “bile acid transporters”, “liver disease”, and “bile acid uptake …

Chronic Alcohol Consumption Disrupts The Gut Microbial And Metabolic Landscapes, Madison B. Blanton, Ethan G. Napier, Katelyn E. Keen, Ethan V. Stuart, Isaac R. Cinco, Hami Hemati, Ronald C. Bruntz, Landon Wilson, Stephen Barnes, Rupak Khadka, Kathleen A. Grant, Ilhem Messaoudi

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

Introduction: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) increases incidence of infections, organ damage, and cancers. Aberrant inflammation is likely a driver of these adverse outcomes. Indeed, chronic alcohol consumption (CAC) rewires macrophages/monocytes toward a hyper-inflammatory phenotype. Prior studies showed increased gut permeability and dysbiosis. Translocation of host- and microbial-derived metabolites could trigger the hyper-inflammatory responses generated by macrophages/monocytes. However, the exact changes in these metabolites remain poorly defined due to confounders that complicate clinical studies and the differences between human and rodent gut microbiomes.

Methods: Here, we utilized a non-human primate model of ethanol self-administration to characterize alcohol-induced alterations in gut microbes …

Curriculum In Pharmacoepidemiology Training Programs: A Cross-Sectional Study To Assess Educational Needs And Alignment With Core Competencies, Amie Goodin, Deborah Layton, Ryan Chung, Vicki Osborne, Chioma Ejekam, Xiaojuan Li, Xuerong Wen, Kristian B. Filion, Luciane Cruz Lopes, Daniela C. Moga

Pharmacy Practice and Science Faculty Publications

Purpose: Pharmacoepidemiology is a key discipline for evidence-based decision-making, yet its educational programs have not been systematically assessed for alignment with international core competencies. Our objectives were to evaluate curricula alignment of pharmacoepidemiology training programs with ISPE-recommended core competency themes and identify key curriculum content development areas.

Methods: The ISPE Core Competencies Workgroup and ISPE leadership developed a curriculum and needs assessment survey, incorporating feedback from global members. The survey was electronically distributed to leaders of pharmacoepidemiology training programs (e.g., department chairs and program directors) using the ISPE contact database, followed by snowball sampling to enhance representation. Institutional respondent characteristics …

Health, Patents, And Path Dependence: India's Pharmaceutical Crossroads, Jacie Bissell

Michigan Technology Law Review

This paper examines how India’s historical commitment to affordable medicine and public health continues to shape its pharmaceutical patent regime, even as the country aspires to become an innovation-driven economy. Through the lens of path dependence, the paper explores how India’s legal and institutional frameworks have created structural constraints on policy reform. Focusing on key moments such as the Patents Act of 1970, the landmark Novartis decision, and India’s evolving stance on the TRIPS waiver during the COVID-19 pandemic, the paper analyzes the tensions between fostering pharmaceutical innovation and maintaining access to affordable medicines. While recent procedural reforms and judicial …

Beyond Clinical Outcomes: The Operational And Financial Benefits Of Insulin Lispro In Hyperkalemia Protocols, Cassandra Van Horn, Kevin Welch, Justin Solomon

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Current Active U.S. Patents Held By Sop Inventors - Updated 3/19/26, Soumyajit Majumdar

U. S. Patents, School of Pharmacy

List of current active U.S. Patents held by the School of Pharmacy Inventors - updated 3/19/26

Blister Packaging Versus Bottles: Caregiver Accuracy And Child Safety In Pediatric Medication Gummy Administration, Paolo Olimpiada

Nursing | Senior Theses

The safety of medication in pediatric settings has become an increasing concern as gummy-formulated medications have gained popularity in children’s care. Gummy-formulated medications have a close resemblance to candy, and this may mislead children to ingest additional doses or more than what was prescribed. Children also depend a lot on their caregivers for medications. Therefore, the design of packaging would be impactful in supporting medication dosing accuracy. And studies have evaluated safety features of packaging related to adherence, misuse, and unintended administration. However, limited studies have examined the influence of medication packaging on the dosing accuracy at the time of …

Effects Of Glucagon And Insulin On Sw480 Colorectal Cancer Cells In Combination With Cisplatin, Sarah M. Gabous, Andrea Florian

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Colorectal cancer is known to be one of the most common forms of cancer in the world. Over time, treatment responses are affected by various metabolic changes along with chemotherapies. Glucagon signaling and Insulin are linked to colorectal cancer and have also been shown to affect tumor growth, as well as the chemotherapy drug response.In this experimental study, the purpose was to determine whether glucagon and insulin decrease the viability of SW480 colorectal cancer cells during cisplatin (CDDP) treatment. CRC cells were treated with cisplatin alone and in combination with either glucagon or insulin, and cell viability was measured to …

Comparative In Vitro Activity Of Aztreonam–Avibactam And Aztreonam Plus Ceftazidime–Avibactam Against Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia Complex, Ashlan J. Kunz Coyne, Rachel Gray, Pavani Gonnabathula, Elizabeth S. May, Pranita A. Tamma, Alex Do

Pharmacy Practice and Science Faculty Publications

Members of the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex are intrinsically multidrug-resistant pathogens that disproportionately affect critically ill patients. Aztreonam–avibactam (ATM–AVI), FDA approved in 2025, combines aztreonam (ATM; stable to L1 β-lactamase) with avibactam (AVI; an L2 β-lactamase inhibitor). Aztreonam plus ceftazidime–avibactam (ATM–CZA) has been used as a surrogate for ATM–AVI, but direct comparisons between the two regimens are lacking. Twenty-three clinical S. maltophilia complex isolates underwent broth microdilution (BMD) testing for ATM, ceftazidime, ATM–AVI, and ATM–CZA, with gradient diffusion performed in parallel for ATM–AVI and ATM–CZA. Static 24-h time-kill assays at humanized steady-state Cmax concentrations evaluated bactericidal activity (≥3-log₁₀ reduction). Semi-mechanistic pharmacodynamic …

Social Engagement Moderates The Relationship Between Cognitive Functioning, Depressive Symptoms, And Restless Sleep In Older Black Adults, Sunkanmi Folorunsho, Olufunmilola Abraham, Darlingtina K. Esiaka

Pharmacy Practice and Science Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Older Black adults face higher dementia risk, but it is unclear whether social engagement offsets the effects of depression and restless sleep.

METHODS: We analyzed 1,905 Black adults aged 50+ from the 2016-2020 Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Linear mixed-effects models tested how depressive symptoms, restless sleep, and social engagement predicted baseline cognition and cognitive decline.

RESULTS: Higher depressive symptoms and restless sleep were associated with lower baseline cognition (about 0.2 and 0.5 points lower) and faster decline (β×time ≈ −0.07 and −0.05). Greater social engagement predicted higher baseline cognition (about 0.6 points higher) and slower decline (β×time ≈ …

A Deimplementation Framework For Curricular Hoarding In Pharmacy Education, Mary E. Fredrickson, Ashleigh Barrickman, Krista L. Donohoe, Angela L. Goodhart, Caroline Lindsay Ko, Daniel R. Malcom, Frank Romanelli, Marissa C. Salvo

Pharmacy Practice and Science Faculty Publications

Objective: To propose a holistic approach to managing curricular transformation that addresses various curricular obligations, incorporates the emotional component of curricular overload, and utilizes deimplementation science to reframe curricular change decisions. Findings: Given the need to codify processes and interventions that continually seek to ensure curricula are modernized, contemporary, and free of outdated teaching materials, we have developed a systematic deimplementation approach to address curricular overload. Its intent is to free space for more impactful learning and practices within pharmacy curricula that can lead to measurable improvements in workload, satisfaction, and learning outcomes for both students and faculty. Summary: By …

Behavioral And Transcriptomic Markers Of Susceptibility To Escalate Fentanyl Intake, Jack V. Keady, Richard Charnigo, Jakob D. Shaykin, Emily Prantzalos, Mengfan Xia, Emily D. Denehy, Cody Bumgardner, Justin Miller, Pavel I. Ortinski, Michael Thomas Bardo, Jill R. Turner

Pharmacy Practice and Science Faculty Publications

The “loss of control” over drug consumption, known as escalation of intake in opioid use disorder (OUD), is well-established in preclinical rodent models. However, little is known about how antecedent behavioral characteristics, such as valuation of hedonic reinforcers prior to drug use, influence fentanyl intake trajectories. Moreover, it is unclear if distinct escalation phenotypes are driven by transcriptomic markers predictive of OUD susceptibility. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 72) were trained in a sucrose reinforcement task using a progressive ratio schedule. Individual differences in responsivity to sucrose were hypothesized to predict escalation of fentanyl intake. Rats underwent daily …

Developing Curcumin Analogues For Treating Breast Cancer, Tulasi Laxmi Nutalapati

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Breast cancer is still one of the most common types of cancer and one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in women around the world. Despite significant advances in early detection and treatment strategies, drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and poor outcomes in aggressive subtypes continue to limit the overall effectiveness of cancer therapy. Natural compounds have become promising anticancer agents because they can target many different things and are not very toxic. Curcumin has shown promise as an anticancer drug, but it cannot be used in the clinic because it does not absorb well, breaks down quickly, and …

Self-Assembly Of Anti-Inflammatory Peptide Amphiphiles For Mucosal Health, Maria José Gómara, Ignacio Pérez-Pomeda, Ramon Pons, Paul Ziprin, Carolina Herrera, Isabel Haro

CONRAD Publications

Broad spectrum anti-inflammatory peptide amphiphiles (AIF-PAs) have been developed as an innovative strategy for the treatment of chronic mucosal inflammation and the prevention of HIV transmission. Novel lipopeptides based on two linear sequences of anti-inflammatory peptides were obtained by solid-phase peptide chemistry. In a pilot study, ex vivo exposure of colorectal tissue explants from Crohn's disease patients to AIF-PAs induced a downregulation of the proinflammatory profile. Furthermore, the HIV inhibitory potency of AIF-PAs was evaluated ex vivo in colorectal tissue explants, obtaining sub-micromolar IC₅₀ values. Characterization of AIF-PAs self-aggregation in aqueous solution revealed that the net charge distribution within the …

Development And Evaluation Of Mitochondria-Targeted Caseinolytic Protease (Clpp) Agonist Chemical Probes In In Vitro Breast Cancer Models, Xiaoyu Hao, Gunjan Purohit, Yahani P. Jayasinghe, Don Ronning, Oleh Khalimonchuk, Paul C. Trippier

Journal Articles: Pharmaceutical Sciences

Mitochondria carry out a plethora of functions that are vital for cellular physiology and metabolism. Mitochondrial caseinolytic protease (ClpP) is part of the larger CLPXP machinery that is critical for mitochondrial protein homeostasis and has emerged as a prospective molecular target in several types of cancer. ClpP agonists based around the imipridone scaffold have shown some promise in acute myeloid leukemia, but the polypharmacology of these compounds limits their utility. Effective methods to deliver drugs specifically to mitochondria have emerged, involving covalent linking of either a lipophilic cation, such as an alkyltriphenylphosphonium moiety, or a XJB peptide sequence to a …