In vivo efficacy of pyrantel pamoate as a post-exposure prophylactic for rat lungworm (\u3ci\u3eAngiostrongylus cantonensis\u3c/i\u3e)

Rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) is a neurotropic nematode, and the leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide. The parasite is usually contracted through ingestion of infected gastropods, often hidden in raw or partially cooked produce. Pharmaceutical grade pyrantel pamoate was evaluated as a post-exposure prophylactic against A. cantonensis. Pyrantel pamoate is readily available over-the-counter in most pharmacies in the USA and possesses anthelmintic activity exclusive to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Administering pyrantel pamoate immediately after exposure should theoretically paralyze the larvae in the GIT, causing the larvae to be expelled via peristalsis without entering the systemic circulation. In this study, pyrantel pamoate (11 mg/kg) was orally administered to experimentally infected rats at 0, 2-, 4-, 6-, or 8-h post-infection. The rats were euthanized six weeks post-infection, and worm burden was evaluated from the heart-lung complex. This is the first in vivo study to evaluate its efficacy against A. cantonensis. This study demonstrates that pyrantel pamoate can significantly reduce worm burden by 53–72% (P = 0.004), and thus likely reduce the severity of infection that is known to be associated with worm burden. This paralyzing effect of pyrantel pamoate on the parasite may also be beneficial for delaying the establishment of infection until a more suitable anthelmintic such as albendazole is made available to the patient

Vernonia cinerea Less. supplementation and strenuous exercise reduce smoking rate: relation to oxidative stress status and beta-endorphin release in active smokers

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Purpose</p> <p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of <it>Vernonia cinerea </it>Less. (VC) supplementation and exercise on oxidative stress biomarkers, beta-endorphin release, and the rate of cigarette smoking.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Volunteer smokers were randomly divided into four groups: group 1: VC supplement; group 2: exercise with VC supplement; group 3: exercise; and group 4: control. VC was prepared by wash and dry techniques and taken orally before smoking, matching the frequency of strenuous exercise (three times weekly). Before and after a two month period, exhaled carbon monoxide (CO), blood oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA], nitric oxide [NOx], protein hydroperoxide [PrOOH] and total antioxidant capacity [TAC]), beta-endorphin and smoking rate were measured, and statistically analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In Group 1, MDA, PrOOH, and NOx significantly decreased, whereas TAC increased (p < 0.05). In Group 2, MDA and PrOOH decreased (p < 0.05), with no other changes noted (p > 0.05). In Group 3, MDA, PrOOH, NOx, TAC, and beta-endorphin levels increased significantly (p < 0.05). Group 4 showed no change in oxidative stress variables or beta-endorphine levels (p > 0.05). All groups had lower levels of CO after the intervention. The smoking rate for light cigarette decreased in group 2(62.7%), 1(59.52%), 3 (53.57%) and 4(14.04%), whereas in self-rolled cigarettes it decreased in group 1 (54.47%), 3 (42.30%), 2 (40%) and 4 (9.2%).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Supplementation with <it>Vernonia cinerea </it>Less and exercise provided benefit related to reduced smoking rate, which may be related to oxidaive stress and beta-endorphine levels.</p

Development and validation of an instrument to assess the self -confidence of students enrolled in the advanced pharmacy practice experience component of the doctor of pharmacy curriculum

The purpose of this study was to: (1) develop a reliable and valid measure of doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) students\u27 self-confidence; (2) compare students\u27 self-confidence scores with their demographic variables; and (3) determine the effect of selected student demographic variables as independent predictors of the students\u27 level of self-confidence. The study used the self-efficacy theory as the theoretical underpinning of the developed instrument and was implemented through four major steps: (1) instrument development, (2) expert review of the instrument, (3) pilot testing of the instrument, and (4) large scale testing of the instrument. Generated items were based on literature review and informal interviews with preceptors/faculty members. Following content validation by an internal and a national content review panel, the instrument was revised to 74 items. The revised instrument, demographic survey, and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale were mailed to a pilot sample of 260 students from six colleges/schools of pharmacy participating in terminal experiential rotations during spring 2000. Fifty-three percent of students (N = 137) completed and returned the instrument. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on 55 items after eliminating 19 items that were found to have social desirability biasing effects. EFA resulted in a further reduction to 34 items and was interpreted as representing three subscales: knowledge base and pharmaceutical care, professionalism, and communication skills. The instrument had a coefficient alpha of 0.96. Subsequently, a 34-item instrument and demographic form were mailed to 837 students from 13 colleges of pharmacy participating in experiential rotations nationwide during fall 2000. Thirty-nine percent of students (N = 324) completed and returned the instrument. Replication of item analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the 34-item instrument were conducted. One item from professionalism subscale was eliminated after replication of item analysis, resulting 33 items (i.e., long version of the instrument). The coefficient alpha for 33-item instrument was 0.94. The CFA indicated that the instrument could be revised to 22 items (i.e., short version of the instrument) and demonstrated that the three-subscale model had satisfactory fit to the data. The CFA also provided evidence of the convergent and discriminant validity of the instrument. The coefficient alpha of the 22-item instrument was 0.92. There were significant differences among students\u27 self-confidence scores based on several demographic variables (e.g., age, colleges/schools, GPA, pharmacy student organization level of involvement) for each subscale and/or all combined subscales. Several student demographic variables (e.g., age, GPA, community service/volunteerism activities level of involvement) were also significantly independent predictors of students\u27 level of self-confidence (i.e., high, medium, low) for each subscales and/or all combined subscales

The Pharmacology of Immunosuppression

To provide students with a comprehensive, integrated presentation on the pharmacology of immuosuppression. Course content on the pharmacology of immunosuppression relating to organ transplantation and treatment of autoimmune disorders was presented in integrated sequence modules that included content from pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and therapeutics. Weekly recitation sessions and active-learning exercises were incorporated to allow students to apply the information they learned to integrated patient cases and stimulate involvement and critical thinking. Fundamental material related to the components and functions of the immune system was presented to students early in curriculum with courses such as biochemistry, pathophysiology, and immunology/microbiology. Comprehensive examinations, in-class quizzes, written case submissions, case discussions, review exercises, and group exercises were used to assess student learning. Students at South University received a comprehensive and detailed understanding of all aspects relating to immunosuppressive therapy. This was accomplished by integrating instruction on immunosuppressive therapy from various disciplines

Development and Validation of a Life Satisfaction Instrument in Human Resource Practitioners of Thailand

The purpose of this paper was to develop and validate an instrument to measure life satisfaction (LS). Eighteen items were selected to assess the LS questionnaire developed from concepts and theory. The questionnaire was applied as a cross-sectional study and data were collected as establishing factors to confirm and ascertain construct validity. Reliability was tested by measuring internal consistency. Relationships with family and other people, personal life, life and society, and working life and self-development factors were identified. Findings confirmed the constructs between theoretical concepts and empirical evidence. The validity of this LS questionnaire will facilitate future studies to test the boundaries of LS assessment in the context of Human resource (HR) practitioners. This instrument can support and assist researchers to develop a comprehensive and intuitive understanding of LS and promote further investigation of its potential in future studies

The Impact of Elective Active-Learning Courses in Pregnancy/Lactation and Pediatric Pharmacotherapy

Objective. To implement and evaluate the impact of 2 elective courses, Pregnancy & Lactation and Pediatrics on student acquisition of knowledge and development of lifelong learning skills related to these special populations