The Libyan HIV Outbreak How do we find the truth?

In reply to The coresspondence article "Libyan J Med, AOP: 070219 (published 22 February 2007). The article The Case of the Libyan HIV-1 Outbreak: Libyan J Med, AOP: 070201 (published 3 February 2007

Cucurbitacin D exhibits potent anticancer activity in cervical cancer

In this study, we for the first time, investigated the potential anti-cancer effects of a novel analogue of cucurbitacin (Cucurbitacin D) against cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. Cucurbitacin D inhibited viability and growth of cervical cancer cells (CaSki and SiHa) in a dose-dependent manner. IC50 of Cucurbitacin D was recorded at 400 nM and 250 nM in CaSki and SiHa cells, respectively. Induction of apoptosis was observed in Cucurbitacin D treated cervical cancer cells as measured by enhanced Annexin V staining and cleavage in PARP protein. Cucurbitacin D treatment of cervical cancer cells arrested the cell cycle in G1/S phase, inhibited constitutive expression of E6, Cyclin D1, CDK4, pRb, and Rb and induced the protein levels of p21 and p27. Cucurbitacin D also inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3 at Ser727 and Tyr705 residues as well as its downstream target genes c-Myc, and MMP9. Cucurbitacin D enhanced the expression of tumor suppressor microRNAs (miR-145, miRNA-143, and miRNA34a) in cervical cancer cells. Cucurbitacin D treatment (1 mg/kg body weight) effectively inhibited growth of cervical cancer cells derived orthotopic xenograft tumors in athymic nude mice. These results demonstrate the potential therapeutic efficacy of Cucurbitacin D against cervical cancer

Bioactive brominated oxindole alkaloids from the Red Sea sponge Callyspongia siphonella

In the present study, LC-HRESIMS-assisted dereplication along with bioactivity-guided isolation led to targeting two brominated oxindole alkaloids (compounds 1 and 2) which probably play a key role in the previously reported antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxicity of Callyspongia siphonella crude extracts. Both metabolites showed potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 8 and 4 µg/mL) and Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 16 and 4 µg/mL), respectively. Furthermore, they displayed moderate biofilm inhibitory activity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (49.32% and 41.76% inhibition, respectively), and moderate in vitro antitrypanosomal activity (13.47 and 10.27 µM, respectively). In addition, they revealed a strong cytotoxic effect toward different human cancer cell lines, supposedly through induction of necrosis. This study sheds light on the possible role of these metabolites (compounds 1 and 2) in keeping fouling organisms away from the sponge outer surface, and the possible applications of these defensive molecules in the development of new anti-infective agents

Pharmacy students’ perceptions towards online learning in a Saudi Pharmacy School

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate previous exposure to online learning and preference for learning through pre-recorded online lectures with or without live active learning among pharmacy students in their fifth year. Methods: An anonymous online survey was self-administered to fifth-year students enrolled on the Graduation Research Project Course. Results: The response rate was 100%. Ninety-seven percent of students had previous experience with at least one online course during their pharmacy undergraduate curriculum; 76% of the courses were science courses. The majority of respondents preferred face-to-face, in-class lectures to online lectures, but 17% expressed no preference. Conclusion: Pharmacy students expressed some interest in online learning methods within the pharmacy curriculum. Keywords: Saudi Arabia, Online learning, Pharmacy, Education, King Khalid Universit

Community Pharmacists’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Herbal Medicines in Asir Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background. A dramatic increase in the use of natural products and herbal medicines has been observed globally. Simultaneously, there has been an increase in safety concerns regarding the extensive use of these herbal remedies among health care practitioners. The urban and rural populations of Saudi Arabia still rely on traditional Arabic herbal medicines for the treatment of various diseases. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices of herbal medicines in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia. Methods. An online cross-sectional study was conducted among 233 community pharmacists using a structured questionnaire. Results. Pharmacists showed considerable knowledge of the indications of herbal products, with an average score of 84% correct answers, total P value < 0.05 and < 0.001. They were also knowledgeable about contraindications, side effects, and interactions, with an average score of 75% correct answers, total P value < 0.05 and < 0.001. Community pharmacists had a positive attitude towards herbal products, as 71% of them “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that herbal products were efficacious and 77% of them “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that those products should be sold only in a pharmacy. Herbal products were “often” or "always” dispensed by 67.3% of pharmacists in a pharmacy. Conclusion. Pharmacists generally exhibited good knowledge, a positive attitude, and effective practice towards herbal products. However, continuing education programs are needed to train pharmacists in providing client counseling on herbal medicine usage and dispensing them

An <i>in vivo</i> study of <i>Hypericum perforatum</i> in a niosomal topical drug delivery system

<p>The active compounds present in <i>Hypericum perforatum</i> L. (Hypericaceae) include hyperforin, hypericins and flavonoids, which are assumed to be responsible for the activity of the extract in the treatment of wounds and scars. The present study aimed to incorporate <i>H. perforatum</i> extract standardized to a known content of phloroglucinols, naphthodianthrones and polyphenolic compounds into an effective transdermal drug delivery system capable of entrapping both lipophilic and hydrophilic constituents in the form of niosomal gels for wound treatment. An 80% ethanol extract (HE) was prepared on a pilot scale using DIG-MAZ. An HPLC-DAD holistic profile was established for HE and was standardized to contain 3.4 ± 4 rutin, 1.1 ± 3 chlorogenic acid, 0.5 ± 2 quercitrin, 2.8 ± 2 hyperforin, and 0.51 ± 3% w/w total hypericins. Niosomes were prepared using the modified reverse phase evaporation technique (REV). The wound healing effect of the gel was tested on 16 adult mongrel dogs. A significant decrease in the inflammatory cell count (18.4 ± 5.3) was recorded in the niosomal gel 1.5% NaCMC-treated group at the 7th day post wounding. It induced a marked regression in the inflammatory phase and enhanced the early beginning of the proliferative phase of wound healing. After 21 days, it showed complete re-epithelization, formation of new matrix fibers and significant reduction in the wound size, compared to the control and the Panthenol® 2% cream treated groups. This is the first study of <i>H. perforatum</i> in a niosomal topical drug delivery system.</p

The LibyanHIV outbreak how do we find the truth

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