A549 Alveolar Carcinoma Spheroids as a Cytotoxicity Platform for Carboxyl- and Amine-Polyethylene Glycol Gold Nanoparticles.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) present with unique physicochemical features and potential for functionalization as anticancer agents. Three-dimensional spheroid models can be used to afford greater tissue representation due to their heterogeneous phenotype and complex molecular architecture. This study developed an A549 alveolar carcinoma spheroid model for cytotoxicity assessment and mechanistic evaluation of functionalized AuNPs.

Evaluating Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability, Cytotoxicity, and Activity of Potential Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: In Vitro and In Silico Study.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) remain the first-line treatment for Alzheimer's disease. However, these drugs are largely symptomatic and often associated with adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate novel pharmacophores for their in vitro AChEI activity, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and cytotoxic potential, hypothesizing that a combination of AChEIs could enhance symptom management while minimizing toxicity.

Glioblastoma cells alter brain endothelial cell homeostasis and tight junction protein expression in vitro.

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive therapy-resistant brain tumour that may impacts the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a protective barrier of the central nervous system formed mainly by endothelial cells. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro effect of GBM cells on the BBB.

An evaluation of knowledge and perception of pharmacology in undergraduate oral hygiene students and recent graduates at a single higher institution in Pretoria.

Introduction: Pharmacology is an increasingly important area of study for oral hygienists, as it provides the scientific basis for safe and effective oral healthcare. However, a lack of fundamental understanding of the discipline among clinical graduates can present significant challenges. Oral hygienists require pharmacological training to meet the requirements of their scope of practice.

South African physiotherapists' attitudes to medicine prescription as an extension of practice.

Background: The extension of medicine prescription rights to other healthcare providers was proposed to reduce pharmacotherapeutic service delivery challenges in the South African healthcare sector. The scope of practice of physiotherapists is being reviewed to possibly include prescription rights to promote service delivery.

Objectives: Our study assessed the attitudes of registered South African physiotherapists to the inclusion of prescription rights in their scope of practice, including enablers and challenges, and the drug classes they believe to be most relevant.