Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

Nanoscale Analysis Of Ssb-Reco Interplay In Ssb Interaction With The Target, Shivkumar Sharma Irukuvajjula, Shaun Filliaux, Yuri L. Lyubchenko

Journal Articles: Pharmaceutical Sciences

Single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB) coats single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and recruits downstream factors, yet this same coating must be cleared for SSB-interacting proteins to bind. RecA is a central protein in homologous recombination, which requires SSB-free ssDNA to load during the process. RecO, a recombination mediator protein, is thought to regulate this handoff, but it has not been shown directly that RecO drives the release of full-length, ssDNA-bound SSB. Using atomic force microscopy, we show that RecO actively displaces full-length wild-type SSB from a defined ssDNA substrate, reducing occupancy from 67% to 29%. Displacement efficiency decreases after deleting the C-terminal tip …

Metabolomics Driven Discovery Of Bioactive Natural Products Leads From Marine And Terrestrial Sources For The Development Of Analgesics, Sahar Mofidi Tabatabaei

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Natural products remain a rich source of structurally diverse bioactive compounds for drug discovery, particularly for pain therapeutics. However, the chemical complexity of natural product extracts presents significant challenges for the efficient identification and prioritization of bioactive metabolites. This dissertation integrates untargeted LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics, molecular networking, classical natural products chemistry, and neurobiological assays to accelerate the discovery of analgesic lead compounds targeting the emerging pain-associated receptor σ₂R/TMEM97.

An untargeted metabolomics workflow was developed to systematically profile complex biological extracts and guide bioactive compound isolation. High-resolution LC-MS/MS data were analyzed using molecular networking (GNPS/GNPS2) to visualize chemical space, dereplicate known metabolites, …

The Therapeutic And Physiological Effects Of Citrus Peel Extraction On Helicobacter Pylori Bacteria, Sara Saeb Rasheed, Rawnaq Z. Fadhil, Marwah Amer Qamandar, Salah M.M. Al-Chalabi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

The antibiotic resistance has emerged as a growing international concern affecting not only human health but also the environment, animal population, and global economy. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance poses a serious and escalating threat to public health. This problem is further exacerbated by the limited development of new antibiotic, high production costs, and risks about its side effects. Identifying novel antibiotic agents is crucial for managing fungal and bacterial infection. Consequently, numerous natural compound have been investigated as potential alternative therapies. Plant extracts are valuable source of bioactive compounds and represent a promising strategy to control pathogenic microorganisms. …

The Concise Guide To Pharmacology 2025/26: Catalytic Receptors, Stephen P. H. Alexander, Doriano Fabbro, Chloe J. Peach, Alasdair J. Gibb, Eamonn Kelly, Alistair A. Mathie, Emma L. Veale, Jane F. Armstrong, Elena Faccenda, Simon D. Harding, Christopher Southan, Jamie A. Davies, Annie Beuve, Peter Brouckaert, Clare Bryant, John C. Burnett, Richard W. Farndale, Andreas Friebe, John Garthwaite, Adrian J. Hobbs, Gavin E. Jarvis, Laura Kilpatrick, Doris Koesling, Michaela Kuhn, Birgit Leitinger, David Macewan, Tom P. Monie, Lincoln R. Potter, Michael Russwurm, Harald H. H. W. Schmidt, Johannes-Peter Stasch, Scott A. Waldman

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

The Concise Guide to Pharmacology 2025/26 marks the seventh edition in this series of biennial publications in the British Journal of Pharmacology. Presented in landscape format, the guide provides a comparative overview of the pharmacology of drug target families. The concise nature of the Concise Guide refers to the style of presentation, being clear, accessible, and well-structured, rather than the scope of the content, which spans approximately 500 pages. The Concise Guide summarises the key pharmacological properties of around 1900 human drug targets, and nearly 7000 interactions, involving around 4400 ligands. While the content is a substantially condensed version of …

Evaluating The Analgesic Activity Of The Ethanolic Leaf Extract Of Ipomoea Aquatica (Convolvulaceae), Blessy H. Vale, Lenny Shai Somer, Julie Mae Suico, Roselle L. Remulta, Junnin Gay Garay

Pacific Journal of Health

Ipomoea aquatica, commonly known as water spinach, is a leafy vegetable widely consumed in tropical and subtropical regions for its nutritional benefits. This study investigated the potential analgesic activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of I. aquatica, as no prior scientific evidence supports its role in acute pain management. Male Swiss albino mice were used in an acetic acid-induced writhing test, with aspirin as the positive control and plain normal saline solution (PNSS) as the negative control. The extract was administered at low, medium, and high doses. In the writhing test, I. aquatica significantly inhibited the writhing response …

Lost In Translation: How Health Literacy Impacts Pharmaceutical Transactions From Healthcare Professionals To Patients, Grace Nwaege

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

Health literacy is a core element of public health, involving the ability to access, understand, evaluate, and use information to maintain well-being. In the United States, it aligns with an average reading level of about an eighth grader, which continues to decline over time. As pharmacists serve as the final point of contact in most outpatient settings, their ability to communicate effectively at this literacy level is crucial. This study examines how pharmacies address this challenge using qualitative methods, including health literacy assessments of patient consent forms and stakeholder interviews with pharmacy technicians about resource use. Findings show materials higher …

Hepatocyte-Specific Lrp1 Silencing Exacerbates Brain Amyloidosis Without Compensatory Ldl Receptor Family Involvement, Brian Carson, Josephine Chu, Devaraj V. Chandrashekar, Jerome Garcia, Rachita K. Sumbria, Derick Han

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

LDL receptor related protein 1 (LRP1) is a major hepatic receptor involved in lipoprotein metabolism, protease degradation, transmembrane receptor modulation, and clearance of excess protein, such as Aβ. Decreased expression of LRP1 due to liver injury can impair receptor-mediated clearance, increasing Aβ availability in the periphery. We investigated the effects of hepato-specific silencing of LRP1 on Aβ deposition in the brain. Additionally, other LDL family members (LRP5, LRP6, and LDLR) that may participate in Aβ clearance were monitored in the liver to ensure non-compensatory effects of LRP1 silencing.

Method

4-month-old male double transgenic (APP/PS1) AD mice were injected with …

The Mitochondria Is The Source Of Hepatic Amyloid Precursor Protein And Peripheral Amyloid Beta: Implications Of Alcohol-Induced Liver Steatosis In Alzheimer's Disease, Josephine Chu, Ross A. Steinberg, Brian Carson, Devaraj Venkatapura Chandrashekar, Rachita K. Sumbria, Derick Han

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Alcohol-induced liver injury occurs in the pericentral region of the liver and can induce mitochondrial remodeling and exacerbate Alzheimer's Disease (AD) progression. Subpopulations of mitochondria: general mitochondria (GM), peridroplet mitochondria (PDM) and endoplasmic reticulum(ER)-bound mitochondria (ERM) maintain cellular homeostasis via energy synthesis, lipid homeostasis, and regulation of intracellular calcium. Hepatic amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a source of peripheral amyloid beta (aB) and affects AD pathology in the brain. Understanding the localization and expression of hepatic APP in mitochondrial subpopulations are critical to understanding aB metabolism and may play a role in identifying a potential mechanism for metabolic dysfunction. …

Formulation And Characterisation Of Isoniazid By Spray Drying For Use By Dry Powder Inhalers To Treat Tuberculosis, Damiana Gabrielli, Seán Roche

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

The targeted delivery of antibiotics by dry powder inhalers (DPIs) is an increasingly important area of research, driven by the growing global burden of respiratory infections and the advantages of localized drug delivery to the lungs. Over the past five years, respiratory infections have risen significantly, with recent epidemiological data indicating a global increase in incidence by over 30%, largely due to factors such as air pollution, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging respiratory pathogens. One major challenge in developing DPI formulations for antibiotics is the need to optimize the particle physicochemical properties for deep lung deposition while accommodating the high doses …

Developing A Tool To Measure Resistance To Sustainable Food Choices: A Pilot Study In Ireland And The Netherlands, Kate Flanagan, Bart Sinteur, Patricia J. Bulsing, John M. Kearney

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Consumer uptake of a sustainable diet is critical for addressing environmental challenges and promoting public health. Understanding why consumers resist adopting sustainable eating habits can inform targeted interventions and policies. This pilot study examines whether a newly developed scale can effectively detect consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Currently, there is a lack of research on a tool to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet, highlighting the need for a reliable instrument.

The aim of this study is to develop a scale, based on existing literature, to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Additionally, the study aims to …

Editorial-Sure Journal Volume 7, Issue 2, Geraldine M. Dowling, Eva Campion, Sinead Loughran, Ariane Perez-Gavilan, Josephine Treacy

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Perceptions And Expectations Of Healthcare Professionals About The Roles Of Pharmacists At A Tertiary Care Hospital, Pimpiorn Punturat, Kornkaew Chanthapasa

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Pharmacy education in Thailand has shifted toward a patient-centered approach through the implementation of the 6-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D.) program. Despite this transition, pharmaceutical care services remain limited due to challenges such as inadequate clinical skills, communication barriers, and differing perceptions among healthcare professionals. The perceptions and expectations of healthcare professionals about pharmaceutical care have not been fully examined in a tertiary hospital in Thailand. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine and compare the perceptions and expectations of pharmacists’ role in pharmaceutical care among physicians, nurses, and pharmacists at a tertiary care …

Pharmacovigilance Practices For New Drugs In Thailand: A Situation Analysis In Tertiary And University Hospitals, Nisittra Polkot, Osot Nerapusee, Pantira Parinyarux, Puree Anantachoti

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: In 2017, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration introduced a risk-based safety monitoring program (SMP) aimed at strengthening pharmacovigilance (PV) for new drugs, including new chemical entities and biologics. Despite this policy shift, drug safety monitoring continues to rely primarily on spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting. This study aimed to explore the implementation of PV practices for drugs with SMP status in selected tertiary and university hospitals in Thailand.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews. Pharmacists and physicians involved in drug safety monitoring were invited. Eight hospitals (five university and three tertiary …

Exploring Phytoconstituents For Parkinson’S Disease: Insights From Network Pharmacology, Molecular Modeling And In Vivo Investigations, Shiva Priya, Divakar Selvaraj, Rashi Jain, Kavyashree G. S., Soumya V., Venkatesh Gunasekaran, Ramu G., Saravanan Jayaram

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: The network pharmacology approach is used to identify novel therapeutic agents that target multiple disease targets through analysis of complex disease networks by integrating systems biology and computational approaches. Objectives: The present study aims to identify the principal targets implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and major phytoconstituents that could potentially modulate the major targets to achieve therapeutic benefits in PD through a network pharmacology-based approach. Materials and Methods: The DisGeNET database was used to select the major targets involved in the pathogenesis of PD. The most important targets among the selected proteins were …

Isolation And Antibacterial Evaluation Of Bioactive Compounds From Mussaenda Philippica A.Rich.: A Bioassay-Guided Approach, M. Rifqi Efendi, Mesa Sukmadani Rusdi, Muhammad Iqbal, Ilham Padavi, Sri Indah Pirmawati, Deddi Prima Putra

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Mussaenda philippica A.Rich. (commonly known as Nusa Indah in Indonesia), a member of the Rubiaceae family, has been traditionally used throughout Southern Asia to treat various ailments, including bacterial infections, inflammation, ulcers, and liver disorders. These medicinal uses are particularly associated with its bark, leaves, sepals, and root. Objectives: This study aimed to isolate and identify bioactive compounds from M. philippica white modified sepals using a bioassay-guided approach and evaluate their antibacterial activity.
Materials and Methods: The study consisted of four main stages: (i) methanol extraction and liquid–liquid partitioning of M. philippica sepals; …

Hot-Melt Extrusion-Based Solid Dispersion Of Aripiprazole: Preparation, Characterization, And In Vitro Evaluation, Nensi Raytthatha, Jigar Ramanlal Vyas

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Aripiprazole (ARI), a biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class IV drug, exhibits poor water solubility and low permeability, resulting in limited bioavailability. Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches to enhance solubility. This study focuses on the development and evaluation of solid dispersions (SDs) of ARI using “hot-melt extrusion,” (HME) a scalable and solvent-free method known for its ability to create stable amorphous structures. Soluplus^® (SP) and Kollidon® 30 were employed as hydrophilic polymeric carriers to improve the solubility and stability of the amorphous drug form. Results: SDs were prepared by taking drugs and carriers (SP and Kollidon …

Insights Into The Role Of Microbial Infection In Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis, Alaa W. Izzat, Batool Hassan Al-Ghurabi, Lina Sami Adham

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Ulcers that form in the oral mucosa are a hallmark of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), a chronic inflammatory disease. Up to 25% of the population may get aphthous ulcers, and recurrence rates within three months can reach 50%. Among women, it is more prevalent. Although the precise cause of RAS is not yet known, studies have shown that infections caused by microbes may be a major factor in the development of the disease. Infections caused by microorganisms have a complicated and multifaceted function in RAS, influencing the human immune system, the oral microbiota, and environmental variables. The purpose of this …

Anemia And Its Public Health Implications In Population Health, Sahar Abdul Wahab Alshaban, Raghda Shams Akram, Alaa Al-Noori, Noor Thair Tahir

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

One to three percent of people worldwide suffer from anemia, a condition that impairs brain development, increases illness and mortality, and lowers labor productivity. Developing successful interventions to address specific causes of anemia and evaluating anemia management programs require an understanding of the numerous and diverse causes of anemia. The description and categorization of anemia, the physiological processes by which anemia arises, the importance of inherited hemoglobin abnormalities in specific populations, and a number of circumstances that contribute to the development of anemia are all covered. The conclusion of this review is as follows. Anemia is a significant global health …

Flowable Resin-Based Composites: From Fundamental Science To Modern Restorative Techniques, Farah Badri Mahdi, Hiba Ammar Yahya, Kawther Ali Adnan

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

The function regarding flowable resin-based composites in restorative dentistry has considerably changed as they have been first introduced as low-viscosity alternatives in late 1990s. Because of the degraded mechanical properties and lower filler content, they were first just suitable for low-stress applications, like cavity liners. However, further advancements in the material science have produced highly-filled, next-generation flowables. The traditional trade-off between durability and fluidity is being challenged by materials’ improved properties, which include higher flexural strength and wear resistance. Furthermore, the development regarding bulk-fill flowables, which use advanced photoinitiators as well as polymerization modulators for the purpose of enabling uniform …

The Efficacy Of Traditional Versus Herbal Extracts Chelating Agents On Dentin Micro-Hardness, Sara Murtadha Abdul Hussein, Raghad A. Al-Hashimi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Aim: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different chelating agents including EDTA, citric acid, green tea extract (Camellia sinensis, and chitosan on dentin micro-hardness.Materials and Methods: Fifty palatal roots of maxillary first molars were instrumented using ProTaper Next system and randomly divided into five groups (n = 10) according to the final irrigation protocol: Group A (NaOCl +distilled water - Negative control), Group B (17% EDTA-Positive control), Group C (10% citric acid), Group D (green tea extract), and Group E (0.2% chitosan nanoparticles). Dentin micro-hardness was measured using Vickers hardness tester. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and …