ACPHS Research Commons (Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences)
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Using Case Studies from to Promote an Understanding of and Appreciation for Behavioral and Forensic Neuroscience.
No full textUnderstanding both the content and the relevance of neuroscientific material is often challenging for undergraduate students. To increase student interest in, engagement with, and understanding of neuroscientific material, Forensic Psychology and Psychology majors completed group presentations of case studies selected from the journal . Cases were selected to emphasize issues relevant to psychology and forensic psychology. Presentation groups consisted of students with the same major, and students were reassigned to different groups for each presentation, ensuring an opportunity to work with different classmates. Presentations included a summary of the case study, explanation of the connections to neuroscience (i.e., neuroscience content), and a description of the different careers that might be associated with that case. Each group also generated a question used to stimulate discussion of the case study with the class. In addition to the instructor's assessment, students engaged in self-and peer-grading for each presentation. Demographic and group project questionnaires were administered after the last group project was completed. The project questionnaire consisted of 22 questions, using a Likert scale, and 3 free response questions. Non-parametric one-sample Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests revealed statistically significant effects for all 22 questions. Students found the work interesting and valuable, reported an increased understanding of the field, its applications, and career relevance, and a facilitation of critical thinking about the material. Students also found the grading rubric and the peer grading process to be an effective means of assessing student involvement and performance.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12243886/https://doi.org/10.59390/gzat708
Tamsulosin for Urinary Retention in Older Women: Maximizing the Flow.
No full textClick on the Resource Link. Article may not be free.Purpose: Urinary retention (UR) is a lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) that can present in men and women aged ≥65 years. However, unlike the medications available for men to treat this condition, the current approach to management of chronic UR in women is limited to conservative methods and urinary catheterization, which have various risks. The current article reviews the use of tamsulosin as a potential pharmacological alternative for the management of chronic UR in older women.Method: A review of primary literature evaluating tamsulosin use for the treatment of chronic non-neurogenic UR in women was performed.Results: Tamsulosin showed significant improvements in LUTS-based outcome measures, with limited reports of orthostatic hypotension and dizziness.Conclusion: Tamsulosin may be considered a safe alternative option for the management of UR in older women over urinary catheterization and potentially reduces the incidence of catheter-associated complications.https://doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20250812-0
Vitamin D3 Up-regulated Protein 1 (VDUP1) genetic interactions with brat and discs large In Drosophila neuroblasts.
No full textClick on the Resource Link to find this item in the ACPHS Library catalog.Drosophila nervous system development depends on the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells called neuroblasts (NBs). This division process depends on the asymmetric localization of important proteins to opposite sides (apical vs basal) of the dividing NB, which results in the production of a ganglion mother cell (GMC) and another self-renewing NB. An apical protein known as Discs Large (Dlg), is a guanylate kinase (GUK) that helps to anchor proteins during NB division. Loss of Dlg function results in altered cellular differentiation and promotes excessive cell proliferation. In contrast, the basal protein brain tumor (Brat; an mRNA binding protein), promotes GMC differentiation. Loss of Brat function results in increased numbers of undifferentiated cells. VDUP1 plays an important role in Drosophila nervous system development and is expressed in NBs. However, the function of VDUP1 in NB genetic circuitry is unknown. Immunocytochemical analysis of VDUP1 expression patterns through confocal imaging indicates that VDUP1 expression is downregulated in putative Brat homozygotes and altered in Dlg mutants. Clonal analysis of VDUP1 knockdown (KD) tissue shows corresponding decreases in Dlg and Brat expression, further linking VDUP1 to Dlg and Brat genetically. Taken together, these data link VDUP1 to NB genetic circuitry in novel ways, facilitating our understanding of fundamental processes associated with both nervous system development and tumorigenesis.MS in Pharmaceutical Scienceshttps://acphs.on.worldcat.org/oclc/154717654
Applications of Surface Plasmon Resonance in Heparan Sulfate Interactome Research.
No full textClick on the Resource Link to access the article (may not be free).Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a powerful tool for analyzing biomolecular interactions and is widely used in basic biomedical research and drug discovery. Heparan sulfate (HS) is a linear complex polysaccharide and a key component of the extracellular matrix and cell surfaces. HS plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular functions and tissue homeostasis by interacting with numerous proteins, making it essential for normal physiological processes and disease states. Deciphering the interactome of HS unlocks the mechanisms underlying its biological functions and the potential for novel HS-related therapeutics. This review presents an overview of the recent advances in the application of SPR technology to HS interactome research. We discuss methodological developments, emerging trends, and key findings that illustrate how SPR is expanding our knowledge of HS-mediated molecular interactions. Additionally, we highlight the potential of SPR-based approaches in identifying novel therapeutic targets and developing HS-mimetic drugs, thereby opening new avenues for intervention in HS-related diseases.Grant FundedS10OD028523/GF/NIH HHS/United Stateshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12191165/https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines1306147
Comparison of early treatment with ceftolozane/tazobactam versus polymyxin-based therapy of pneumonia due to MDR (PUMA).
No full textClick on the Resource Link - may not be free.Ceftolozane/tazobactam and polymyxin-based regimens are frequently used to treat pneumonia caused by multi-drug-resistant (MDR-PSA). However, comparative data on global clinical outcomes between these therapies are limited. A multi-centered observational study was performed using the PINC AI Healthcare Database (2016-2022). The study population included hospitalized patients ≥ 18 years who were diagnosed with pneumonia and had MDR-PSA (defined as non-susceptible to ≥1 agent in ≥3 antimicrobial categories) on a respiratory or blood culture, receipt of ceftolozane/tazobactam or a polymyxin-based regimen within 3 days of index MDR-PSA culture, receipt of ≥2 days of ceftolozane/tazobactam or a polymyxin-based regimen, and without a COVID-19 diagnosis. A Desirability of Outcome Ranking (DOOR) analysis was performed. Components of the DOOR included in-hospital mortality, discharge destination (home vs other), recurrent MDR-PSA pneumonia, receipt of any renal replacement therapy (RRT) post-index culture in RRT-naive patients, and 30-day pneumonia-related readmissions. In total, 186 patients met the study criteria (104 ceftolozane/tazobactam and 82 polymyxin). In the IPW-adjusted DOOR analysis, a ceftolozane/tazobactam-treated patient had a higher probability of a more favorable outcome (DOOR probability: 61.3%; 95% CI: 56.8%, 65.7%). In the DOOR partial credit analyses, a ceftolozane/tazobactam-treated patient had a higher probability of being discharged home alive with no undesirable outcomes than a polymyxin-treated patient (20.2% vs 9.8%, = 0.04). This real-world evidence study of non-COVID-19 patients with MDR-PSA pneumonia suggests that patients treated with ceftolozane/tazobactam have a higher probability of a more favorable outcome compared with patients treated with a polymyxin-based regimen. Further large-scale studies with detailed dosing are needed to validate the findings.https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.00569-2
CalOPT: A Specialty Pharmacy-Dietitian Quality Improvement Initiative for Calcium Optimization in Patients with Osteoporosis Risk.
No full textA total of 38% of Americans do not meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium including those at risk for osteoporosis. To increase the percentage of patients at risk for osteoporosis who achieve goal calcium RDA intake, a collaborative specialty pharmacy-registered dietitian-nutritionist (RDN) quality improvement program was developed. Patients aged 18 to 90 years old receiving osteoporosis therapy (denosumab, teriparatide, zoledronic acid) or medications that increase bone loss (elagolix, oral prednisone) were provided with a structured assessment and educational intervention. Daily calcium intake included patient self-reported dietary intake plus supplement use. Written and verbal education on increasing dietary intake based on patient preferences was provided with 5 calcium-rich food-source store coupons. Recommendations for supplement selection (citrate vs. carbonate) and/or medication-related problem resolution were provided. Follow-up occurred at 3-6 months. Fifty patients enrolled [94% female, mean age 66.6 years (SD 15.3)] were taking denosumab (36), teriparatide (1), zoledronic acid (1), elagolix (7) and prednisone (5). The mean baseline daily dietary calcium intake was 500 mg (SD 247) with none achieving goal intake with diet alone. Average calcium supplement use in 22 (44%) patients was 686 mg daily (SD 284). At baseline, 17 (34%) met goal daily calcium intake compared to 30 (60%) at post intervention follow-up ( = 0.009). Over half of the store coupons were redeemed. A specialty pharmacy-RDN customized intervention program provides a model for aiding patients to modify calcium intake.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12389519/https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy1304010
Translating Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Principles Into Improved Methodology for Clinical Trials That Compare Intermittent With Prolonged Infusion of Beta-Lactam Antibiotics.
No full textClick on the Resource Link to access the article (may not be free).Based on the fact that beta-lactam antibiotics demonstrate time-dependent killing, different dosing strategies have been implemented to increase the time that free (unbound) antibiotic concentrations remain above the minimal inhibitory concentration, including prolonged and continuous infusion. Multiple studies have been performed that compared continuous with traditional intermittent infusion to improve outcomes in patients with severe sepsis. These studies have yielded inconsistent results for patients, as measured by clinical response to treatment and mortality due to heterogeneity of included patients, pathogens, dosing strategies, and the absence of therapeutic drug monitoring. The Continuous Infusion versus Intermittent Administration of Meropenem in Critically Ill Patients and Beta-Lactam Infusion Group trials failed to show a difference in mortality between patients randomized to receive continuous or intermittent infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics deeper understanding of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms that occur in critically ill patients should guide us in dose optimization and improvement in methodology for future clinical trials.Grant FundedR21 AI151363/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United Stateshttps://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaf03
Targeting CCL5 and endoglin in ER positive breast cancer cell proliferation.
No full textClick on the Resource Link to find this item in the ACPHS Library catalog.Estrogen receptor (ER) is the primary transcription factor driving ~75% of all breast cancers and serves as the target for endocrine therapies. However, resistance to endocrine therapy remains a critical clinical challenge, particularly in metastatic ER-positive breast cancers harboring ESR1 point mutations in the ligand-binding domain, such as Y537S and D538G. These mutations are frequently identified in metastatic tumors and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from patients undergoing endocrine treatment. Despite the efficacy of endocrine therapies combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors, resistance mechanisms and therapeutic vulnerabilities in ESR1-mutated metastatic breast cancer remain poorly understood. Our preliminary studies explored the crosstalk between endocrine-resistant breast cancer (ERBC) cells and stromal cells. By co-culturing seven ERBC cell lines, including genome-edited models of ESR1 mutations, with four stromal cell types, we screened 28 secretome combinations using cytokine antibody arrays. This analysis identified significant upregulation of CCL5 and endoglin in the tumor-stromal microenvironment. We hypothesize that CCL5 mediates endocrine therapy resistance and facilitates the metastatic transition of ERBC cells through interactions with stromal components. To test this, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to generate CCL5 knockout EO771 cells and validated the loss of CCL5 expression via qRT-PCR and ELISA. Functional assays revealed significantly reduced proliferation and migration in CCL5 KO cells compared to wild-type cells. In vivo studies using an orthotopic mouse model demonstrated decreased CCL5 KO tumor growth and metastasis, and treatment with maraviroc (a CCR5 inhibitor) selectively reduced wild-type cell viability. These findings establish CCL5 as a critical regulator of ERBC growth and metastasis, supporting its potential as a therapeutic target. This research provides a foundation for designing clinical trials targeting CCL5-mediated resistance mechanisms in endocrine-resistant breast cancer.MS in Pharmaceutical Scienceshttps://acphs.on.worldcat.org/oclc/154718016
Translating PK-PD principles into improved methodology for clinical trials which compare intermittent with prolonged infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics.
No full textClick on the resource link. May not be free.Based on the fact that beta-lactam antibiotics demonstrate time-dependent killing, different dosing strategies have been implemented to increase the time that free (f) (unbound) antibiotic concentrations remain above the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), including prolonged and continuous infusion. Multiple studies have been performed that compared continuous with traditional intermittent infusion to improve outcomes in patients with severe sepsis and/or septic shock. These studies have yielded inconsistent results for patients as measured by clinical response to treatment and mortality due to heterogeneity of included patients, pathogens, dosing strategies and the absence of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM). The MERCY and BLING III studies failed to show a difference in mortality between patients randomized to receive continuous and intermittent infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics.
A deeper understanding of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) mechanisms that occur in critically ill patients should guide us in dose optimization and improvement in methodology for future clinical trials.https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaf03
Revisiting REVISIT: The Case for Ceftazidime/avibactam Plus Aztreonam.
No full textClick on the Resource Link to access the article (may not be free).https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaf23