Empowering competence: A program-wide active learning framework for a pharmacy program.

Objective: This study aimed to develop and implement a program-wide active learning framework to guide active learning and assessment efforts in an entry-to-practice competency-based Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Methods: The development of the framework involved 3 stages: creation of a framework aligned with the program's guiding principles, provision of training and support to faculty and students, and evaluation of the students' and academic staff satisfaction using an online survey over 2 academic years (2022-2023). Data from this survey were analyzed descriptively.

Enzyme-Linked Lipid Nanocarriers for Coping Pseudomonal Pulmonary Infection. Would Nanocarriers Complement Biofilm Disruption or Pave Its Road?

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with pulmonary infections persistent to antibiotics.

Methods: To eradicate biofilms, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with quorum-sensing-inhibitor (QSI, disrupting bacterial crosstalk), coated with chitosan (CS, improving internalization) and immobilized with alginate lyase (AL, destroying alginate biofilms) were developed.

Results: SLNs (140-205 nm) showed prolonged release of QSI with no sign of acute toxicity to A549 and Calu-3 cells.

Hollow microneedle assisted intradermal delivery of hypericin lipid nanocapsules with light enabled photodynamic therapy against skin cancer.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) to manage non-melanoma skin cancers has garnered great attention over the past few years. Hypericin (Hy) is a potent lipid-soluble photosensitiser with promising anticancer therapeutic activities. Nevertheless, its poor water-solubility, aggregation in biological systems and insufficient skin penetration restricted its effective exploitation.

Synergistic and receptor-mediated targeting of arthritic joints via intra-articular injectable smart hydrogels containing leflunomide-loaded lipid nanocarriers.

Intra-articular drug delivery represents a tempting strategy for local treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Targeting drugs to inflamed joints bypasses systemic-related side effects. Albeit, rapid drug clearance and short joint residence limit intra-articular administration.

Intra-Articular Dual Drug Delivery for Synergistic Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment.

Systemic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) regimens fail to attain effective drug level at the affected joints and are associated with serious side effects. Herein, an attempt made to improve therapeutic outcomes of both leflunomide (LEF) which is a disease modifying antirheumatic and dexamethasone (Dex) through local delivery of combination therapy by intra-articular route. LEF and Dex were encapsulated in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and PLGA nanoparticles (NPs), respectively.

Patient-Friendly, Olfactory-Targeted, Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels for Cerebral Degenerative Disorders Ensured > 400% Brain Targeting Efficiency in Rats.

Non-invasive brain therapy for chronic neurological disorders is in high demand. Vinpocetine (VIN) tablets for cerebrovascular degenerative disorders ensued < 7% oral bioavailability. The olfactory pathway (providing direct brain access) can improve VIN pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile.

Nanoparticle-mediated macrophage targeting-a new inhalation therapy tackling tuberculosis.

Despite the potent clinical efficacy of linezolid (LNZ) against drug-resistant tuberculosis, its safety and tolerability remain of major concern. Our objective is to develop antitubercular inhalable LNZ nano-embedded microparticles. In this context, LNZ incorporated in non-structured lipid carriers (NLCs) was characterized in terms of colloidal, morphological, thermal, and release profiles.

Promoted Antitumor Activity of Myricetin against Lung Carcinoma Via Nanoencapsulated Phospholipid Complex in Respirable Microparticles.

Purpose: Myricetin (MYR) flavonoid is well-recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor potential. Introducing nanomedicine was the ultimate resort to solve the imperfections of this nutraceutical, namely solubility, stability and delivery issues. The study, thus, aims at developing inhalable microparticles comprising MYR solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for lung cancer therapy.

Coated nanostructured lipid carriers targeting the joints - An effective and safe approach for the oral management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Oral treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with the immunomodulator, leflunomide (LEF), is associated with systemic side effects namely immunosuppression and hepatotoxicity. Herein, attempts to improve LEF therapeutic outcomes via nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) targeting inflamed rheumatic joints were executed. LEF-NLCs coated with either chondroitin sulphate (CHS) or chitosan (CS) were around 250 nm in size with negative or positive charge, respectively.

Nanostructured lipid carriers versus solid lipid nanoparticles for the potential treatment of pulmonary hypertension via nebulization.

With the non-selective vasodilating action, short half-life and first-pass metabolism of sildenafil (SC), local application in the lung for pulmonary arterial hypertension is of high demand. Although several nanosystems have been lately investigated, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) give promises of potential safety, biodegradability and controlled drug release. In the current study, NLCs comprising either precirol, stearic acid or beeswax as solid lipid in presence of oleic acid as liquid lipid and PVA or poloxamer as emulsifier were prepared.

Alendronate-loaded, biodegradable smart hydrogel: a promising injectable depot formulation for osteoporosis.

Alendronate (ALN) is a BCS III bone resorption inhibitor, with very poor oral bioavailability. Our approach is to develop a minimally invasive thermogelling system for prolonged local delivery of ALN. For this, different chitosan-based thermogels were developed and characterised in terms of gelation time, injectability, pH, viscosity and thermoreversibility.

Myricetin solid lipid nanoparticles: Stability assurance from system preparation to site of action.

Myricetin - a natural flavonoid - has attracted a great interest due to its antioxidant and free-radical scavenging potential. However, its physicochemical instability critically impairs its dosage form design, evaluation and administration. In an attempt to protect from degradation, MYR was encapsulated into Gelucire-based solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs).

Nucleic Acids-based Nanotherapeutics Crossing the Blood Brain Barrier.

The restless endeavors revealing the molecular pathways underlying many neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors have paved the way for the introduction of the selective exogenous gene-based therapeutics. The implicated active biomolecules encompass mainly negatively-charged nucleic acids ranging from DNA, mRNA, non-coding RNAs (small-interfering RNA, siRNA, and microRNA, miRNA), to antisense oligonucleotides. They selectively interfere with the genes translational and/or transcriptional processes.

Entrapment efficiency of pyridoxine hydrochloride in unilamellar liposomes: experimental versus model-generated data.

The present study investigates the effect of the preparation method (four methods) and formulation additives (propylene glycol (PG) and cholesterol (CH)) on the entrapment efficiency (EE) of pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6 (VB6)), representing hydrophilic water-soluble low permeable vitamins, in unilamellar liposomes. The main aim is to compare determined EE with predicted values generated using a web-published, computational model. Results showed that among the different preparation methods, modified film hydration showed significantly higher EE (p < 0.

Nebulized solid lipid nanoparticles for the potential treatment of pulmonary hypertension via targeted delivery of phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitor.

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors - among which sildenafil citrate (SC) - play a primary role in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Yet, SC can be only administered orally or parenterally with lot of risks. Targeted delivery of SC to the lungs via inhalation/nebulization is mandatory.

Development and biodistribution of a theranostic aluminum phthalocyanine nanophotosensitizer.

Background: Aluminum phthalocyanine (AlPc) is an efficient second generation photosensitizer (PS) with high fluorescence ability. Its use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is hampered by hydrophobicity and poor biodistribution.

Methods: AlPc was converted to a biocompatible nanostructure by incorporation into amphiphilic polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (PECL) copolymer nanoparticles, allowing efficient entrapment of the PS in the hydrophobic core, water dispersibility and biodistribution enhancement by PEG-induced surface characteristics.

The degree of virulence does not necessarily affect MRSA biofilm strength and response to photodynamic therapy.

Biofilm formation transforms infections from acute to chronic, increasing patient mortality and significantly increasing healthcare costs. We are studying the prevalence of some virulence genes among methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates relative to biofilm formation and the potential of photoactivated hypericin to treat these infections. Isolates were collected from three Egyptian governorates over seven months in 2011, 100 isolates were identified as MRSA.

Liposomal buccal mucoadhesive film for improved delivery and permeation of water-soluble vitamins.

This study aims at improving the buccal delivery of vitamin B6 (VB6) as a model highly water-soluble, low permeable vitamin. Two main strategies were combined; first VB6 was entrapped in liposomes, which were then formulated as mucoadhesive film. Both plain and VB6-loaded liposomes (LPs) containing Lipoid S100 and propylene glycol (∼ 200 nm) were then incorporated into mucoadhesive film composed of SCMC and HPMC.

Mini-tablets versus pellets as promising multiparticulate modified release delivery systems for highly soluble drugs.

Whether mini-tablets (tablets, diameters ≤6mm) belong to single- or multiple-unit dosage forms is still questionable. Accordingly, Pharmacopoeial evaluation procedures for mini-tablets are lacking. In this study, the aforementioned points were discussed.

Antibiotic-free nanotherapeutics: ultra-small, mucus-penetrating solid lipid nanoparticles enhance the pulmonary delivery and anti-virulence efficacy of novel quorum sensing inhibitors.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease mainly manifested in the respiratory tract. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is the most common pathogen identified in cultures of the CF airways, however, its eradication with antibiotics remains challenging as it grows in biofilms that counterwork human immune response and dramatically decrease susceptibility to antibiotics.

Improved antitumor activity and reduced cardiotoxicity of epirubicin using hepatocyte-targeted nanoparticles combined with tocotrienols against hepatocellular carcinoma in mice.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Epirubicin (EPI), an anthracycline derivative, is one of the main line treatments for HCC. However, serious side effects including cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure limit its long term administration.

Antibiotic-free nanotherapeutics: hypericin nanoparticles thereof for improved in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and wound healing.

Hypericin (HY) is a naturally-occurring, potent photosensitizer. However, its lipophilicity limits its therapeutic applications. Our attempt is, thus, to develop a biodegradable nanocarrier for hypericin capable of preserving its antibacterial photoactivity.

Tissue slice model of human lung cancer to investigate telomerase inhibition by nanoparticle delivery of antisense 2'-O-methyl-RNA.

Nanoparticles delivery of oligonucleotides represents a potential approach for cancer treatment. However, most of the experiments were based on established cancer cell lines and may not reflect the original solid tumor in vivo. Both, tumor microenvironment and tumor cell biological properties in the tumor can influence the delivery efficiency of oligonucleotides.

Influence of particle size and material properties on mucociliary clearance from the airways.

Mucociliary clearance (MC), designed by evolution to eliminate inhaled and possibly noxious material from the airways, considerably limits the benefit of inhalation therapy. Although the principles of MC seem to be understood, there are still many open questions on mucociliary particle clearance. In this study a trachea-based in vitro model was used to investigate the effect of particle size, zeta-potential, and mucoadhesive particle properties on mucociliary particle clearance.

Nanoparticle mediated delivery of 2'-O-methyl-RNA leads to efficient telomerase inhibition and telomere shortening in human lung cancer cells.

A promising approach for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is based on the inhibition of telomerase in cancer cells. The antisense oligonucleotide 2'-O-methyl-RNA binding to the RNA component of telomerase acts as a selective telomerase inhibitor. We developed chitosan-coated polylactide-coglycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles to mediate efficient delivery of 2'-O-methyl-RNA into human lung cancer cells.