Publications by authors named "Rebecca Joyce"

2,6-di--butylphenol (2,6-DTBP) ameliorates mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia produced by partial sciatic nerve ligation in mice, and selectively inhibits HCN1 channel gating. We hypothesized that the clinically utilized non-anesthetic dimerized congener of 2,6-DTBP, probucol (2,6-di--butyl-4-[2-(3,5-di--butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfanylpropan-2-ylsulfanyl]phenol), would relieve the neuropathic phenotype that results from peripheral nerve damage, and that the anti-hyperalgesic efficacy would correlate with HCN1 channel inhibition A single oral dose of probucol (800 mg/kg) relieved mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in a mouse spared-nerve injury neuropathic pain model. While the low aqueous solubility of probucol precluded assessment of its possible interaction with HCN1 channels, our results, in conjunction with recent data demonstrating that probucol reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, support the testing/development of probucol as a non-opioid, oral antihyperalgesic albeit one of unknown mechanistic action.

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Background: Neuropathic pain impairs quality of life, is widely prevalent, and incurs significant costs. Current pharmacological therapies have poor/no efficacy and significant adverse effects; safe and effective alternatives are needed. Hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide-regulated (HCN) channels are causally implicated in some forms of peripherally mediated neuropathic pain.

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Background: In a previous statewide naloxone purchase trial conducted in Massachusetts, we documented high levels of naloxone accessibility, upon patient request, under the state's naloxone standing order (NSO) program. Equally important for reducing overdose mortality rates is expanding naloxone access via codispensing alongside opioid prescription and syringe purchases at pharmacies.

Objective: To understand naloxone codispensing from the perspective of pharmacists under the Massachusetts NSO program.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study focuses on the barriers preventing bystanders (friends/family of opioid users) from obtaining naloxone, an essential medication to combat overdose deaths, despite its widespread availability in pharmacies due to standing orders in Massachusetts.
  • Many surveyed bystanders (77%) had obtained naloxone at some point, but only 21% had attempted to buy it from a pharmacy, revealing a significant gap in pharmacy utilization.
  • Key barriers identified include misconceptions about overdose risk, denial about a loved one’s drug use, fears of stigma and confidentiality, and inaccuracies regarding naloxone’s effects on drug use behavior.
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Background: West Virginia (WV) has the highest overdose mortality rate in the United States and expanding naloxone access is crucial for reducing opioid overdose deaths. We conducted a purchase trial to establish an objective measure of naloxone access under WV's naloxone standing order (NSO) program.

Methods: A stratified random sample of 200 chain and independent retail pharmacies across WV were included.

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Objectives: In a prior statewide naloxone purchase trial conducted in Massachusetts, we documented a high rate of naloxone dispensing under the state's standing order program. The purpose of this study was to understand the factors that facilitate naloxone access under the Massachusetts naloxone standing order (NSO) program and identify any remaining barriers amenable to intervention.

Design: Mixed methods design involving a pharmacist survey and 3 pharmacist focus groups.

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Article Synopsis
  • Massachusetts initiated standing orders for naloxone to increase accessibility and reduce opioid overdose deaths, conducting a trial to evaluate access differences between users of illicit opioids and bystanders.
  • The study involved 200 pharmacies, with each undergoing two purchase attempts: one by a person who uses illicit opioids and another by a bystander, assessing the success of naloxone purchases.
  • Results showed a high success rate (81%) for naloxone purchases, but with significant disparities in counseling received, particularly for users of illicit opioids, highlighting the need for improved access in independent pharmacies.
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Background And Purpose: In models of neuropathic pain, inhibition of HCN1 is anti-hyperalgesic. 2,6-di-iso-propyl phenol (propofol) and its non-anesthetic congener, 2,6-di-tert-butyl phenol, inhibit HCN1 channels by stabilizing closed state(s).

Experimental Approach: Using in vitro electrophysiology and kinetic modeling, we systematically explore the contribution of ligand architecture to alkylphenol-channel coupling.

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The use of chromatographic stationary phases or solvent modifiers to modulate diffusion properties in NMR experiments is now well established. Their use can be to improve resolution in the diffusion domain or to provide an insight into analyte-modifier interactions and, hence, the chromatography process. Here, we extend previous work using size-exclusion chromatographic stationary phases to the investigation of polymer mixtures.

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Obesity prevalence among US children and adolescents has tripled in the past three decades. Consequently, dramatic increases in chronic disease incidence are expected, particularly among populations already experiencing health disparities. Recent evidence identifies characteristics of "obesogenic" neighborhood environments that affect weight and weight-related behaviors.

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Article Synopsis
  • Chromatographic NMR uses stationary phases or solvent additives to enhance the diffusion behavior of analyte molecules, improving the resolution of measurements.
  • The paper explores the effects of size exclusion chromatography on the diffusion coefficients of analyte molecules, using polymer standards of varying molecular weights.
  • The findings are analyzed with a straightforward explanation of the size exclusion effect, shedding light on how molecular size impacts diffusion.
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Since 1991, the US Government has funded medical and support services for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. The Ryan White Program supports networks of care which include medical care providers and support services for PLWHA in 51 Eligible Metropolitan Areas (EMAs). In the 2000 reauthorization of the Ryan White Program, quality management programs were required for all sites receiving funding.

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