Pseudanabaena galeata CCNP1313 : biological activity and peptides production

Even cyanobacteria from ecosystems of low biodiversity, such as the Baltic Sea, can constitute a rich source of bioactive metabolites. Potent toxins, enzyme inhibitors, and anticancer and antifungal agents were detected in both bloom-forming species and less commonly occurring cyanobacteria. In previous work on the Baltic Pseudanabaena galeata CCNP1313, the induction of apoptosis in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was documented. Here, the activity of the strain was further explored using human dermal fibroblasts, African green monkey kidney, cancer cell lines (T47D, HCT-8, and A549(ACE2/TMPRSS2)) and viruses (SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-OC43, and WNV). In the tests, extracts, chromatographic fractions, and the main components of the P. galeata CCNP1313 fractions were used. The LC-MS/MS analyses of the tested samples led to the detection of forty-five peptides. For fourteen of the new peptides, putative structures were proposed based on MS/MS spectra. Although the complex samples (i.e., extracts and chromatographic fractions) showed potent cytotoxic and antiviral activities, the effects of the isolated compounds were minor. The study confirmed the significance of P. galeata CCNP1313 as a source of metabolites with potent activity. It also illustrated the difficulties in assigning the observed biological effects to specific metabolites, especially when they are produced in minute amounts

Processes of apoptosis and cell proliferation in uterine myomas originating from reproductive and perimenopausal women

We studied uterine myomas originating from females of reproductive age and from females of perimenopausal age. Uterine myomas represent benign tumors of the myometrium, and they develop frequently in women of reproductive age. The frequency of uterine myomas increases with age until women reach the menopause. The study included patients with a myomatous uterus, in the reproductive age or peri-menopausal age, independently evaluating small and large myomas. Myometrial alterations in their direct vicinity were evaluated independently of the myomas. The study included evaluation of immunolocalization of two index proteins which participate in myoma cells growth control: Ki-67 nuclear antigen and caspase 3. In women of reproductive age, both in small and large myomas, elevated immunostaining of Ki-67 was noted in parallel to low levels of caspase 3 staining, which indicated the ongoing process of proliferation. In women of peri-menopausal age with small or large myomas, no Ki-67 immunostaining was detected, while staining of caspase 3 manifested low levels. Proliferation in reproductive age women myomas is higher than in the peri-menopausal age. (<i>Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 3, pp. 398–404</i>

Can the level of expression of COX be a prognostic factor in the diagnosis uterine leiomymatosis?

INTRODUCTION Fibroids are the most common tumors of benign nature of the female reproductive organ. Before the age of 40 this problem aff ects nearly 30% of female Caucasian population. Diagnosis of fi broids is based on a gynecological examination and ultrasound. Additionally the diagnosis also applies histerosonography, CT scan and MRI scan. COX-2 is induced isoform synthesized in response to the physical, chemical or biological stimulation. Is expressed, inter alia, in tumor tissues. Stimulation of iNOS and NO separation occurring in the pathological changes play an important role in the development of cancer. AIM OF STUDY Therefore it seems to be justifi ed to determine the expression of COX-2 and iNOS in the benign tumor cells of uterine fi broids. For exact analysis of the expression of these factors also decided to get outskirts fragments of fi broids and shows a comparison of observed expressions with the results obtained with fi broids. MATERIAL AND METHODS Pure control comprised 20 patients in whom there were no fi broidal changes, both in the reproductive age and perimenopausal (10 patients each). To the research qualifi ed 20 women in childbearing age and 20 women in perimenopausal age all with fi broidal changes in uterus. In the studied biopsied tissue evaluated the optical density of cells with the expression of selected proteins like cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Expression of COX-2 and iNOS was higher in the myoma and in the surrounding myometrium fi broids compared with the expression of these proteins in healthy women uterus myometrium. Increased expression of COX-2 and iNOS at the periphery of uterine fi broids can decide the appearance of new tumors. Therefore, you should consider the use of the expression levels of COX-2 and iNOS as a prognostic factor.WSTĘP Mięśniaki macicy są najczęstszymi łagodnymi nowotworami żeńskiego narządu rodnego. Przed 40 rokiem życia problem ten dotyczy blisko 30% kobiet populacji kaukaskiej. Diagnostyka mięśniaków opiera się na badaniach ginekologicznym oraz ultrasonograficznym. Pomocniczo stosuje się również histerosonografi ę, tomografi ę komputerową oraz rezonans magnetyczny. Cyklooksygenaza 2 (COX-2) jest izoformą indukowalną, syntetyzowaną w odpowiedzi na stymulację fizyczną, chemiczną lub biologiczną. Ulega ekspresji m.in. w tkankach nowotworowych. Stymulacja indukowalnej syntazy tlenku azotu (iNOS) oraz wydzielanie NO zachodzące w zmianach patologicznych, odgrywają istotną rolę w rozwoju nowotworu. CEL PRACY Uzasadnione zatem wydaje się określenie ekspresji COX-2 i iNOS w niezłośliwych komórkach nowotworowych mięśniaków macicy. W celu dokładnej analizy ekspresji tych czynników zdecydowano się także na pobranie fragmentów obrzeża mięśniaków i porównanie zaobserwowanej ekspresji z wynikami otrzymanymi z mięśniaków. MATERIAŁ I METODY Kontrolę czystą stanowiło 20 pacjentek, u których nie stwierdzono zmian mięśniakowatych, zarówno w wieku reprodukcyjnym, jak i okołomenopauzalnym (po 10 pacjentek). Do badań zakwalifikowano po 20 kobiet w wieku rozrodczym ze zmianami mięśniakowymi w macicy oraz z mięśniakami w wieku okołomenopauzalnym. W badanych wycinkach tkankowych dokonano oceny gęstości optycznej komórek z ekspresją wybranych enzymów, tj. COX-2 oraz iNOS. WYNIKI I WNIOSKI Ekspresja COX-2 oraz iNOS była wyższa zarówno w mięśniaku, jak i w myometrium otaczającym mięśniak w porównaniu z ekspresją tych białek w myometrium macicy kobiet zdrowych. Zwiększona ekspresja COX-2 i iNOS na obrzeżu mięśniaków macicy może decydować o pojawieniu się nowych guzów. Dlatego też należy rozważyć wykorzystanie poziomu ekspresji COX-2 i iNOS jako czynników prognostycznych

Polish Pharmacy Students’ Attitudes toward Undergraduate Teaching and Practical Implementation of Pharmaceutical Care—A Cross Sectional Study

It is necessary to monitor and adapt pharmacy curricula to make graduates ready to effectively meet the health needs of the society. Therefore, the aim of the study was to obtain Polish final year pharmacy students’ opinions on the activities related to pharmaceutical care (PC) andtheir perception of PC. Two questionnaires were used: one evaluating a PC regarding classes and in practice (n = 64), and the other on the assessment of existing educational solutions in the field of professional counseling (n = 118). Statistical analysis showed that the students agreed that there are not enough hours of a PC classes, since these are necessary to enable them to provide PC services in the future (R = 0.05, p = 0.0007). In previous classes, teachers’ knowledge was rated the highest on a five-point scale (4.74), and role play (3.92) and the duration of the classes (3.77) were rated the lowest. Although the students were aware of the role of a PC in the work of a pharmacist, they indicated that more extensive use of active learning methods would better prepare them for the profession. Therefore, pharmacy students’ self-efficacy survey and a curriculum renewal would be recommended in Poland

Inhaler use technique course: an effective postgraduate training solution for pharmacists to enhance therapeutic outcomes as part of patient education

Abstract Background Patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease could benefit from education on using inhalers provided by pharmacists. However, pharmacists may have limited competencies, indicating the necessity to implement appropriate postgraduate courses. The study aimed to evaluate an inhaler use course for pharmacists, including its impact on participants’ knowledge and satisfaction. Methods The study involved 261 pharmacists from community pharmacies and was conducted between September 2019 and March 2021. A pre-post analysis of their knowledge of the topic was applied. Additionally, at the beginning of the course, participants were asked about their educational needs, and at the end, they completed a satisfaction survey. The preferred learning formats indicated by participants were interactive workshops and lectures. Results As a result of the course, both their actual and self-assessed level of knowledge significantly increased. The percentage of correct answers in the test before the training was 24.4%, while after, it was 84.3% (p < 0.0001). Before the course, their average self-assessed level of knowledge was 52.0%, and after the training, it increased to 90.0% (p < 0.0001). Almost all respondents stated that the course met their expectations. They estimated their satisfaction at 94.0% and the usefulness of the provided information at 98.0%. Conclusions Improved preparation of pharmacists resulting from their participation in the course can contribute to providing more professional advice to patients, thereby positively influencing the pharmaceutical care process in community pharmacies

Polish Patients’ Needs and Opinions about the Implementation of Pharmaceutical Care in Diabetes

The study aimed to get to know patients’ opinions on implementing pharmaceutical care for diabetic patients in a community pharmacy to prevent and effectively and holistically approach the treatment of people with diabetes. It was based on an authorial survey form and conducted from August to October 2021 in a community pharmacy in Poznan, Poland. A total of 131 pharmacy patients over 18 years were included in the study. Results showed that the vast majority of patients confirmed their interest in pharmaceutical care in diabetes conducted by pharmacists. Moreover, 79.4% of respondents would like to benefit from medicines use review, while 87.0% confirmed an interest in the ‘New Drug’ service, with diabetic patients being particularly interested in this (p = 0.2447). Most respondents were also interested in education on how to use a glucose meter, administer insulin and use a lancing device. In addition, the study showed patients’ insufficient knowledge about risk factors and prevention of diabetes with the need for patient education. As the source of funding, 91.7% of diabetic patients indicated the National Health Fund. Given that such a service has not been implemented in Poland yet, this study may support established teams at the Supreme Pharmaceutical Chamber or the Ministry of Health in introducing such new services

The Influence of the Pharmacists&rsquo; Training on the Quality and Comprehensiveness of Professional Advice Given in the Field of Inhalation Techniques in Community Pharmacies in Poland

Background: Following the example of other countries, it is very important to educate patients on the correct use of inhalers by properly trained healthcare professionals, including pharmacists. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the quality and comprehensiveness of professional advice given by pharmacists on the use of inhalers, which was determined by the pharmacists&rsquo; level of training. Methods: The study was conducted from June 2019 to March 2020. 150 pharmacists from Poznan and Warsaw (Poland) were involved. Before the study began, the professional education of 240 pharmacists was conducted in Warsaw to implement standard operating procedures. The study used the model of a mystery shopper. Results: The conversation with a trained pharmacist lasted on average 5.5 min, with an untrained one&mdash;3.0 min (p &lt; 0.0001). Placebo inhalers were used more often by trained pharmacists during patients&rsquo; education (p &lt; 0.0001). Moreover, 10.3% of untrained pharmacists did not provide any education. Additionally, untrained employees&rsquo; quality of advice was assessed on an average of 3.5 points, while trained ones&mdash;7.6 points (p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusions: This study has shown that there is a need for professional training among pharmacists in Poland, which translates into better patient education in the field of inhalation techniques