Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

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 …

A Quality Improvement Project To Decrease Medication Prior Authorization Approval Times, Amena Guinn Babers

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Medication prior authorization requirements add to administrative burden, increase labor costs, and delay patient access to treatment in outpatient specialty settings. This bottleneck directly influences nursing workload and economic performance.

Purpose: To evaluate the fiscal and performance significance of implementing an electronic prior authorization (ePA) process, standardized tracking tools, and staff education in a small orthopedic clinic.

Methods: A pre–post quality improvement design was used. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (independent‑samples t tests and Mann–Whitney U tests) were conducted to compare time to approval, staff hours worked, satisfaction scores, and medication pickup timeframes.

Results: Significant reductions were observed in …

The Immune Hangover: Understanding The Influence Of Alcohol Use, Abstinence, And Post-Abstinence Drinking On Monocyte Plasticity, Madison B. Blanton

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Alcohol consumption is widespread in the United States, with 80% of individuals aged 12 and older reporting alcohol use and 1-in-4 engaging in risky drinking behaviors. Alcohol misuse heightens susceptibility to infections and delays wound healing, indicating a disrupted immune system. Previous studies show alcohol rewires immune cells, especially monocytes and macrophages, which play critical roles in tissue homeostasis and host defense.

Using a rhesus macaque model of ethanol self-administration, we demonstrate that after 6-months of drinking, monocytes exhibit decreased cytokine production and significant transcriptomic changes, indicating a hypo-inflammatory state. In contrast, 12-months of chronic alcohol use induces hyperinflammatory responses, …

Synergistic Sensitization Of Pancreatic Cancer Cells By Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields And Cold Atmospheric Plasma Via Amplifying Ros And Apoptotic Signaling, Zobia Minhas, Edwin A. Oshin, Lifang Yang, Chunqi Jiang, Siqi Guo

Bioelectrics Publications

Pancreatic cancer remains a highly lethal malignancy, with standard therapies offering limited benefits in advanced stages; thus, novel strategies that exploit specific cancer cell vulnerabilities are urgently needed. Building on our previous findings that nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) combined with cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) produce enhanced cytotoxicity, this study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying this synergy. Pan02 pancreatic cancer cells were subjected to nsPEF, CAP, or a combination of both. We assessed cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial integrity using metabolic assays, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy. Apoptotic markers were evaluated via Western blotting and caspase …

Off-Label Uses Of Deucravacitinib For Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Cases And Literature Review, Alexandra Nigro, Isabel C. Silva, Benjamin Gerstein, Jasper Dayanan, Saakshi Khattri

Department Dermatology Faculty Publications

Deucravacitinib is an oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Deucravacitinib may offer a more selective approach compared to traditional Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Emerging data support the use of deucravacitinib in inflammatory dermatoses beyond psoriatic disease. We present our clinical experience using deucravacitinib off-label in patients with challenging inflammatory skin disease and contextualize our findings within the current literature. We report three female patients aged 31–63 years with refractory inflammatory skin conditions, including two with dermatomyositis and one with pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP). All patients had persistent …

Impact Of Pharmacist Intervention And Cardiac Rehab In Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients On 90-Day Readmission Rates, Paige Hall, Jennifer Wong, Tricia Walsh

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Impact Of Glidant And Predicting Tablet Sticking Using Powder Rheology, And Tablet Compression Technologies, Bhavin Vishnubhai Parekh

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

Two-thirds of all pharmaceutical formulations are delivered orally, and more than half are in the form of a tablet. Tablets are the most popular in terms of both the marketed products and the volume of manufacturing. On the other hand, tablet sticking is an extremely expensive and time-consuming problem that must be addressed. Because of limited tabletpressing cycle runs and incomplete information, trying to predict the sticking propensity of a new formulation has been extremely difficult during early-development batches. A model of drugs, ketoprofen, Acetaminophen, and salicylamide, was used to predict the effect of glidants (Aerosil® 200, Talc, and Syloid® …

Optimized Nano-Bilosomes Loaded Ocular Insert As A Promising Approach For Boosting Voriconazole Ocular Bioavailability: In-Vitro, Microbiological, And In-Vivo Assessments, Eman Gomaa, Eman Gomaa

Nanotechnology Research Centre

The eye possesses numerous physiological barriers that significantly limit the absorption of administered drugs, as only < 5 % get through. These barriers restrict drug bioavailability, often necessitating multiple dosing, which can lead to poor patient compliance. The study goal is to efficiently incorporate Voriconazole (VRC), a widespectrum antifungal candidate with a short half-life, into stable, biocompatible, non-irritating bile salt nanoparticles (Bilosomes, BLOs) to enhance its ocular delivery. Bilosomes were prepared by the ethanol injection method. Experimental (33 ) Box–Behnken Design (BBD) was employed; the amount of bile salt, cholesterol, and span-60 were chosen as independent variables, while entrapment efficiency (EE%), cumulative VRC release (Q8h), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), and polydispersity index (PDI) were the dependent variables. The formula of optimization showed EE% (59.04 ± 1.88 %), cumulative release after 8 h (81.35 ± 0.69 %), PS (222.53 ± 2.04 nm), ZP (− 72.53 ± 1.75 mV), and PDI (0.225 ± 0.03). It was chemically characterized using DSC and FTIR. Its spherical arrangement was confirmed using TEM. For ophthalmic application, the optimized formula was included in ocular inserts to extend ocular residence time while minimizing dosing frequency. The optimal VRC-loaded bilosomal ocular insert met the acceptable physicochemical criteria, was sterilized using UV radiation for conducting microbiological assay, in-vivo study, and pharmacokinetic analysis. For safety evaluation, an eye irritation study and histopathological examination were conducted. The results confirmed its effectiveness as evidenced by a significantly larger inhibition zone and 8.39-fold enhancement in VRC bioavailability compared to its suspension. These findings support the potential of bilosomes-loaded ocular insert as an effective ocular delivery of VRC.

Ai, Experimental-Based Discovery And Preclinical Ind-Enabling Studies Of Selective Bmx Kinase Inhibitors For Development Of Cancer Therapeutics, Rwan Wael Elsanhoury

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

The current work aims to design and provide a preliminary IND-enabling study of selective BMX inhibitors for cancer therapeutics development. BMX is an emerging target, more notably in oncological and immunological diseases. In this work, we have employed a predictive AI-based platform to design the selective inhibitors considering the novelty, IP prior protection, and drug-likeness properties. Furthermore, selected top candidates from the initial iteration of the design were synthesized and chemically characterized utilizing 1H NMR and LC-MS. Employing a panel of biochemical (enzymatic) and cancer cell lines, the selected molecules were tested against these assays. In addition, we used artificial …

Development Of A Semi-Mechanistic Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model For Beta-Lactam Antibiotic Combination Against Enterococcus Faecalis Based On Time-Kill Assays To Predict Drug Disposition And Guide Dosing Strategy In A Severe Renal Impairment Population, Ruhma Zia Khan

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics continues to be a global health problem, limiting antibacterial therapy against infective endocarditis caused by Enterococcus faecalis. To overcome increasing resistance, dual beta-lactam therapy has been advocated as an alternative regimen for treatment – the synergistic activity against E. faecalis demonstrated to be effective. Currently, ampicillin plus ceftriaxone is the standard of care, but the practical application of this therapy is limited by ampicillin’s poor stability in solution at room temperature. A synergistic combination of penicillin plus ceftriaxone shows promise due to penicillin’s superior stability at ambient temperature, but ceftriaxone’s potential to cause hepatoxicity further limits …

Electronic Cigarettes Increase Blood-Brain And Blood-Tumor Barrier Drug Efflux In A Preclinical Lung Cancer Model Of Brain Metastasis, Cullen Parker Wolford

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation (a) provided a comprehensive review of the known therapeutic challenges in nicotine delivery system users with lung cancer and (b) investigated the impact of electronic cigarettes on blood-brain/blood-tumor barrier function and efficacy of small molecule KRAS inhibitors in a syngeneic lung cancer brain metastasis model. The blood-brain barrier is a physiochemical barrier that limits systemic delivery of therapeutics into brain. When tumors invade the central nervous system, the blood-brain barrier is disrupted and subsequently forms a blood-tumor barrier. Despite the inherent leakiness and variable permeability of the blood-tumor barrier, it continues to restrict anti-cancer drugs from accumulating at …

Manuka Honey Modulates Oxidative Stress In Neuro2-A Cells Through Mitochondrial Regulation, Rachel Abramovici

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Manuka honey is known for its vital usage in wound healing, being an agonist towards fighting infections, and is an acting antioxidant [32]. Its main constituents are flavonoids and phenolic compounds, with methyl syringate (MSYR) being a major active ingredient. The specific compounds responsible for these antioxidant effects, particularly in the CNS, remain unclear. It is hypothesized that pre-treatment of mouse neuroblastoma cells with MSYR followed by hydrogen peroxide exposure will activate the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1a pathway, due to MSYR’s phenolic structure, and thus reduce oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial biogenesis. Hydrogen peroxide is a standard reactive oxygen species (ROS) treatment to …

Gender Differences In The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Drug Use: Findings From A Community-Based Survey In China, Hongyun Fu, Elizabeth Monk-Turner, Xiushi Yang

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Background

While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are widely recognized risk factors for behavioral health problems, including drug use, prior research has largely been conducted in Western countries, focused primarily on males, and relied on convenience samples without comparison groups of nonusers. Limited work has examined the impact of ACEs on drug use in non-Western contexts. This study examines gender differences in the relationship between ACEs and drug use in China, using data from a population-based probability sample survey.

Methods:

Cross-sectional data were collected in 2019 from one city in Yunnan Province in Southwest China and one city in Guangdong Province …

Oropharyngeal Syphilis Presenting As Tongue Based Ulcer With Lymphadenopathy, Serena F. Pu, Kevin J. Carlson, Jonathan R. Mark, Benjamin J. Rubinstein

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

Within the aerodigestive tract, syphilis presents with varied signs and symptoms, some of which may mimic malignancy or other disease processes. We present the case of a 29-year-old man with otalgia and odynophagia who was found on physical examination and office laryngoscopy to have a 4-cm ulcerative mass of the tongue base and cervical lymphadenopathy. While planning for tissue diagnosis, the patient’s serologies revealed positive treponemal antibody testing and elevated rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titers, confirming syphilitic infection, likely representing secondary syphilis. While awaiting operative biopsy, the patient received intramuscular penicillin with complete resolution of the mass and symptoms, and …

Depemokimab: A Twice Yearly Anti-Il 5 Biologic For Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps (Crswnp) - A Narrative Review, Marn Joon Park, Joseph K. Han, Kent K. Lam

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

Depemokimab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-5 with enhanced binding affinity and an extended terminal elimination half‑life of 6-8 weeks. The unique pharmacodynamic features of depemokimab enable sustained suppression of type 2 inflammation with twice‑yearly subcutaneous dosing. This narrative review provides details of depemokimab's molecular profile, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics and results regarding the clinical efficacy and safety of depemokimab from recently published Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). In 528 severe adult CRSwNP patients (ANCHOR‑1/‑2 trials), depemokimab achieved Δ total endoscopic nasal polyp score by -0.70 (p <  .001) and Δ nasal obstruction verbal response scale by -0.24 (p = .003) at week 52, compared to placebo. Twice‑yearly 100 mg depemokimab provides durable eosinophil suppression and with a safety profile comparable to placebo in Phase 3 trials for CRSwNP. Future work should refine biomarkers and assess comparative cost‑effectiveness and long‑term adherence, safety, and effectiveness.

January 2026, Swosu Rural Health Center

RURAL ROCKS

• Age-Friendly Requirements for Hospital Quality Reporting
• APhA secures key congressional win allowing pharmacists to prescribe buprenorphine with specialized training
• "When the hospital leaves town"
• Med Spa Illicit GLP-1s | Supply Chain Safety
• CMS unveils new model aimed at functional, lifestyle medicine

Unintentional Medication Discrepancies In Outpatient Cardiac Procedures: Identifying Modifiable Barriers, Julie M. Turner

DNP Projects

Background: Medication reconciliation (MR) reduces medication errors during care transitions; however, unintentional medication discrepancies (UMDs) remain common due to variable practices and lack of standardization. Patients undergoing elective cardiac procedures are particularly vulnerable given complex medication regimens.

Purpose: This quality improvement project evaluated implementation of a Medication Reconciliation Barrier Identification Checklist (MRBIC) in the cardiac catheterization laboratory to identify patient, staff, and system-level contributors to UMDs.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post design was conducted at a large academic medical center. During a six-week intervention, nurses and providers completed the MRBIC during pre-procedure MR. Barrier scores were compared with …

Implementing A Standardized App-Led Multidisciplinary Medication Review And Reconciliation To Improve Medication Safety Before Systemic Cancer Therapy: An Ambulatory Oncology Quality Improvement Initiative, Sarah R. Hines

DNP Projects

Background

Adult patients initiating systemic cancer therapy frequently present with pre-existing polypharmacy related to chronic comorbidities and cancer-related symptom management. The addition of anticancer therapies and supportive care medications further increases medication burden and the risk of medication-related harm. Although national organizations and institutional policies recommend comprehensive medication review before treatment initiation, implementation remains inconsistent in ambulatory oncology practice.

Purpose

To implement and evaluate a standardized Advanced Practice Provider (APP)-led multidisciplinary medication review and reconciliation process designed to identify medication medication-related safety risks before initiation of systemic cancer therapy in adult oncology patients receiving care in an ambulatory infusion center. …

Absolute Quantification And Identification Of Rna From Rna-Lipid Nanoparticles Using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry, Jason C. Funderburk

Theses and Dissertations

RNA therapeutics are a rising drug category with potential use for a range of conditions encompassing infectious diseases to therapies for cancer, diseases, and genetic disorders. RNA-lipid nanoparticles (RNA-LNPs) are the prominent delivery method for these therapeutics approved products include mRNA vaccines and polyneuropathy treatments. The emergency use authorizations and orphan drug status of current RNA-LNP drugs has allowed approval without finalization of the regulatory analytical procedures for quality monitoring. The objective of the study was to develop an LC-MS assay to simultaneously measure identity and concentration of two therapeutically relevant intact RNA constructs extracted from RNA-LNPs to enhance quality …

Local Lung Delivery Of Ginkgetin For Therapeutic Intervention In Lung Fibrosis, Cimone L. Richardson

Theses and Dissertations

Lung fibrosis (LF) is a progressive, irreversible pathological condition in the lungs that is ultimately fatal. Current drug treatments (nintedanib, pirfenidone, and nerandomilast) slow disease progression but cause significant systemic adverse effects due to oral administration. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a mechanosensitive ion channel, may play a role in LF progression and represent a novel anti-LF target. Ginkgetin (GKT), a natural biflavonoid, is a potent TRPV4 inhibitor with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Local lung delivery could achieve high local lung concentrations while minimizing systemic exposure. Accordingly, this project evaluates GKT's therapeutic intervention efficacy in LF via local lung …