Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

Translational Pathways For Ultra Long-Acting Medicines For Chronic Disease: From Hiv To Substance Use Disorders, Suyash Sanjay Deodhar

Theses & Dissertations

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and opioid use disorder (OUD) are among the top global public health challenges, with a significant overlap in the number of cases and higher mortality risks compared to the general population. Treatment and recreational opioid use lead to addictive disorders. Both conditions require repeated dosing of therapy where adherence to a strict lifelong regimen remains a major challenge. Notably, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and struggling with opioid use disorders (OUD) show suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Also, the risk of transmitting HIV and other blood-borne infections through the sharing of needles and other injection …

Development Of Long-Acting Antiviral And Antimicrobial Prodrug Nanoformulations, Srijanee Das

Theses & Dissertations

Over the past decade, the global burden of infectious diseases has increased substantively, underscoring the need for more effective treatment strategies. However, the discovery and development of new drugs with desirable safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy is a time consuming and costly process with great uncertainty around success rate. As an alternative to new drug development, prodrugs and novel drug delivery systems have increasingly been explored. Both serve to overcome the drug development challenges. Such drug formulations that permit extended dosing intervals of potent native drugs serve multiple purposes by promoting patient adherence to in improving treatment outcomes. This is especially …

Assessment Of In-Vitro And In-Vivo Pre-Clinical Pharmacokinetics Of Epz015666; A Novel Small Molecule For Medulloblastoma Treatment, Pratiksha U. Kshirsagar

Theses & Dissertations

Group 3 medulloblastoma (MB) has the worst prognosis of the MB subgroups associated with elevated MYC expression and a 5-year survival rate of

Quantitation of EPZ was performed on a Shimadzu LC-MS/MS system utilizing electrospray ionization operated in positive mode. The validated assay was linear from 0.2 to 500 ng/mL. Metabolic stability studies demonstrated slow intrinsic clearance of EPZ in mouse and human liver microsomes, suggesting no CYP-mediated metabolism. Additionally, EPZ exhibited low binding affinity to plasma and brain proteins and high apparent permeability across artificial membranes, indicating efficient membrane penetration. Drug transporter studies identified EPZ as a substrate of …

Pharmacodynamic Effects Of Zsj-0228 On Complement Protein Deposition In The Kidneys Of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis-Afflicted Mice., Braeden Pinkerton

Theses & Dissertations

Chronic inflammation, when left untreated, may result in significant morbidity and in severe cases, mortality. While glucocorticoids (GCs) are still being extensively used clinically as a class of very potent anti-inflammatory agents, they are also notorious for diverse adverse side effects. To mitigate these side effects, we have developed a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based prodrug (ZSJ-0228) of dexamethasone (Dex). When tested on rodent models of Lupus Nephritis and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), ZSJ-0228 was found to provide potent and sustained therapeutic efficacy without any detectable typical GC-associated side effects. Given ZSJ-0228’s transient renal exposure after systemic administration, it is yet to …

Student Pharmacists Educating Patients On Proper Disposal Of Unused Opioid Medications, Ashley Ann Uy, Jessica Cao, Anthony Esposito, Colleen Carrigan, Siddharth Pant, Ashley Kim, Kaylen Louie, Efrain Santiago, Richard Pacitti, Pharmd, Mba, Fashp, Joseph Stavish, Pharmd, Msph, Nicholas Leon, Pharmd, Bcacp, Fcpp

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Background

• The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis characterized by illicit drug abuse like heroin, fentanyl, and opioid medications (oxycodone and morphine)
• Improper disposal of unused opioids contribute to the opioid epidemic
• Jefferson Health places high importance on opioid stewardship to mitigate the public health risks associated with unused opioids.

Pharmacist-Assisted Insulin Titration In Primary Care To Improve Diabetes Outcomes, Megana Murugesh, Md, Alisha Goyal, Michael Kelly, Pharmd, Emily Scopelliti, Pharmd, Barbara Simon, Md, Aparna Sarin, Md, Mph

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Background

Problem Statement: Approximately, 90% of patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) are treated by primary care providers (PCPs) and with a growing aging population, and a shrinking primary care workforce, the demand for PCPs to provide care to diabetics is only expected to further worsen.

Despite novel therapies in T2DM, insulin remains a mainstay in treatment. Titrating insulin is a tedious and time-consuming task, requiring frequent follow-ups and lengthy conversations, increasing the burden of care on PCPs.

Project AIM:

1. Assess efficacy of pharmacy–assisted insulin titration in T2DM in achieving glycemic control by monitoring blood glucose and A1c changes
2. Evaluate …

Oncology Treatment Plan Updates In Epic-Beacon, Rose Dimarco, Pharmd, Bcps, Bcop, Gloria Espinosa, Mat, Pharmd, Bcop, Kelly Miskovsky, Pharmd, Bcop, Gina Hemmert, Pharmd

Kimmel Cancer Center Papers, Presentations, and Grand Rounds

Background

In Medical Oncology, the utilization of EPIC-Beacon Treatment Plans is integral for prescribing and administering cancer treatments. These treatment plans typically consist of anticancer infusion medications (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc.), supportive care medications, required laboratory orders, and other monitoring recommendations to ensure that patients receive safe and effective care. In 2017, TJUH transitioned from Varian’s Aria to EPIC’s electronic medical record system. Since then, there has not been a formal review of existing plans, and there are many inconsistencies between plans in different cancer types.

Problem Statement:

• Currently, there is not a formal process for review of existing treatment plans, …

An Assessment Of Pharmacist Perceptions And Experiences With Community Health Workers, Katelyn Wees, Lynn Thoma, Ashley Meredith, Omolola A. Adeoye-Olatunde, Jasmine Gonzalvo

Department of Pharmacy Practice Faculty Publications

Background

The American Public Health Association defines a Community Health Worker (CHW) as “a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served.” Both CHWs and pharmacists have shown they are well-equipped to produce positive outcomes in chronic disease management, but there is still a gap in the literature regarding the CHW-pharmacist relationship.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess and describe pharmacist perceptions and experiences with CHWs.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to pharmacists via state and national pharmacy organizations in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Descriptive …

Opioid Prescription Rates Before And After Alto Program And Various Factors Affecting Emergency Department Opioid Prescription Rates, Neel B. Patel, James F. Baird

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Opioid prescription rates vary between patient population, diagnosis, location, and emergency department characteristics. High prescription rates offer an avenue for potential opioid addiction and overdoses. Alternatives to opioids (ALTO) is a new program already implemented in certain emergency departments to help change opioid prescription rates by introducing new protocols for first line treatments for pain management. With current trends still showing that South Jersey opioids prescription rates are the highest in the state of New Jersey, ALTO was introduced at Inspira Health Network located in South Jersey. This study retrospectively analyzed opioids prescription rates for abdominal pain, renal colic, migraines, …

An Integrative Review Of The Absorption Of Fda-Approved Chemical Sunscreen Filters Into The Blood, Srinidhi Banala, Samrat Gollapudi, Abhiram Gollapudi, Bhaumik Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: This integrative review examines the absorption of FDA-approved chemical sunscreen filters, specifically avobenzone and oxybenzone, into the bloodstream. The study aims to compare the levels of absorption and potential health effects of systemic exposure to these sunscreen ingredients in the United States.

Methods: The researchers conducted a literature search of 57 articles, of which 15 were used for the review. Inclusion criteria focused on studies discussing absorption levels of avobenzone and oxybenzone, as well as methods of absorption into the bloodstream. Exclusion criteria included sunscreen ingredients not approved in the United States, non-English studies, and studies on methods to …

What Stigmas Still Exist For Weight Loss Medications?, Abdullah Panah, Philip Collins Do

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background and Hypothesis:

Medications for weight loss are becoming far more common as more tolerable formulas have come to the market with some medications offering results almost on par with bariatric surgery. However, studies show a stigma still persists around the discussion and perception around using weight loss medications. The authors of this study hypothesized that one of the biggest hurdles patients face for weight loss medications are the stigmas associated with taking these medicines and approaching the topic.

Methods:

This was a survey-based project that consisted of an anonymous, voluntary questionnaire which was provided to patients during their regular …

Neoadjuvant Versus Adjuvant Therapy For Stage Iiib-Iiid Melanoma, Bhumik Patel, Sangnya Upadhyaya

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The treatment landscape for advanced stage melanoma is rapidly evolving due to advancements in our understanding of melanoma biology and the emergence of novel therapies. This necessitates a comprehensive review to guide clinicians in adopting evidence based and patient centric approaches to treat stage IIIB-IIID melanoma. A literature review was conducted to synthesize current information on the most optimal treatment available. Data available from different clinical trials found that neoadjuvant therapy was a more effective treatment compared to adjuvant therapies alone. Furthermore, neoadjuvant therapy with combination therapy was more efficacious in producing a complete pathological response compared to monotherapy. A …

Best Practices For Pgy1 Letters Of Intent: Recommendations From A Modified Delphi Process., Robert A. Bechtol, Aleda M.H. Chen, Diana M. Sobieraj, Bupendra Shah, Robert D. Beckett Pharmd, Jill Augustine

Parkview Pharmacy Department

Presented at ACCP Virtual Poster Symposium. Lenexa, KS: May 2024.

This study generated best practices student pharmacists pursuing residency training should employ when preparing a letter of intent.

Identifying The Roles Of Mir-17 In Ciliogenesis And Cell Cycle, Ashwaq Alanazi

Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) Dissertations

Emerging evidence suggests a significant contribution of primary cilia to cell division and proliferation mechanisms. MicroRNAs, especially miR-17, contribute to cell cycle regulation and proliferation. Recent investigations have highlighted the dysregulated expression of miR-17 in various malignancies, underlining its potential role in cancer. However, the correlation between primary cilia and miR-17 has yet to be fully elucidated. The present study examines the presence of miR-17 in primary cilia. The miR-17 expression is studied in selected ciliary protein knockdown cells. Using in-situ hybridization (ISH), we identified the subcellular localization of miR-17 in both cilia and cell bodies. We confirmed the importance …

Artificial Intelligence Applications For Optimizing Population And Clinical Drug Decision-Making Processes, Khulud Bukhari

Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) Dissertations

Introduction: In our study, we evaluated the application of ChatGPT4, an artificial intelligence chatbot, in the pharmacy field, specifically the capability of ChatGPT4 to extract and analyze FDA drug information, conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of two antibiotics, and identify and classify adverse drugs events (ADE). We compare the results of ChatGPT4 with those from manual searches and specialized software programs. Methods: The first study used ChatGPT4 to extract and assess the quality of regulatory information for antibiotics indicated for complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) approved by the FDA in 2014-2023. The second study involved comparing the cost-effectiveness analysis of cefiderocol …

Exploration Of Ehealth Literacy Levels Among Butler University Students, Savannah Behn

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Background: Healthcare has shifted into predominantly an online presence through patient portals and electronic health records. Health literacy is crucial to understanding health information and making informed decisions, but little has been done to explore the impact of electronic health literacy (eHealth literacy) and its healthcare implications after the COVID-19 pandemic. In a world where everything is moving to online platforms, it is crucial to understand how eHealth literacy impacts young adults' health-seeking behaviors. Purpose: This study aims to explore eHealth literacy among Butler University students and its associated determinants. Methods: Sociodemographic data and eHealth literacy skills were collected using …

The Stereotype Surrounding The Dancer Body, Madison Lynn Menale

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

From a young age, athletes grapple with societal expectations surrounding body image, a phenomenon particularly pronounced in dancers, often leading to detrimental health habits. This research investigates the impact of such pressures on the mental well-being of athletes, focusing on the Butler University Dance Team, female members of Butler Athletics, and the a few Butler Ballet members. A comprehensive survey, comprising of 10 questions, was administered to explore participants' dance environments, the influence of teacher language, and the enduring effects on their mental health. Additionally, two in-depth interviews were conducted for deeper insights on the topic. By surveying both dance …

Perceptions Of Environmental Justice And Water Quality In The United States, Paige M. Jewell

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

My thesis explores the comparisons of water quality and environmental justice. A survey was conducted that allowed for demographics, hometown information, and opinions on hometown water quality to be gathered from the Butler community. Based on the findings in the survey and current events found within an extensive literature review, three states were chosen to receive further analysis on their current water quality and environmental justice standards. For these three states, current water pollutants, current solution implementations, population impacted, and community involvement were all looked into and analyzed.

Analysis Of Medication Error Trends Occurring During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Madison Beriault

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, medication errors were the leading cause of preventable harm in hospitals, negatively impacting approximately 1.5 million American patients each year.1 Since then, over thirty novel COVID-19 treatments have been authorized for patient use, introducing new challenges and exacerbating existing factors that contributed to medication errors.2 This research aims to identify and analyze medication error trends associated with COVID-19 related medications, vaccines, and treatment algorithms. To determine the most prominent medication errors occurring in the United States healthcare system during the beginning stages of the pandemic, literature reviews were conducted to identify the active treatments and …

Misophonia Development From Onset To College Age, Hope Horsfall

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Misophonia is a newly recognized disorder, defined as the hatred of specific trigger sounds and characterized by extreme negative emotional responses upon hearing trigger sounds (Webber, Johnson, Storch 2013). Although some studies have suggested that misophonia worsens with age (Rouw & Erfanian, 2018), little is yet known about this progression. The purpose of the current study was to examine how misophonia develops from onset until college, what sounds specifically trigger college-aged students, and how misophonia relates to sound-related skills such as playing instruments, taking music lessons, and speaking multiple languages. An online survey was conducted through Butler’s SONA system and …