Developing a Global Community of Practice for Pharmacy Workforce Resilience-Meet GRiT.

Workforce resilience in pharmacy is required to ensure the practice, education, and administrative systems remain viable and sustainable over time and when facing challenges. Whether it is addressing burnout of pharmacists or students, or the structure and policies/procedures of employment and professional organizations, working to increase resilience across all individuals and sectors is essential to relieve pressure and promote better well-being, especially during the recent pandemic. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of a community of practice global group focused on development of resilience within the pharmacy workforce that is inclusive of students, pharmacy interns/preregistration and registered pharmacists.

Effect of fennel on primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: One of the most common complaints for women is dysmenorrhea. Several studies investigated the treatment effects of medicinal plants on primary dysmenorrhea.

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the effect of (Fennel) on pain in primary dysmenorrhea in comparison to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as mefenamic acid.

LISTEN UP (Locally Integrated Screening and Testing Ear aNd aUral Programme): a feasibility study protocol for a community pharmacy-based ear health intervention.

Background: Ear disease is a major cause of preventable hearing loss and is very common in rural communities, estimated to affect 1.3 million Australians. Rural community pharmacists are well placed to provide improved ear health care to people who are unable to easily access a general practitioner (GP).

Reflections of mentors and mentees on a national mentoring programme for pharmacists: An examination into relationships, personal and professional development.

Background: While mentorship programmes for professionals are growing in number, the lived experiences of mentor and mentee participants could be captured so as to better inform best practices and considerations for thriving relationships.

Objective: This study evaluated the lived experiences of mentors and mentees in a nationwide programme for pharmacists administered by a professional organisation in the United Kingdom, specifically examining the nature of relationships comprising those experiences.

Methods: A phenomenological approach was adopted, with semi-structured interviews conducted remotely between November 2019 and June 2020.

Single Diastereomers of the Clinical Anticancer ProTide Agents NUC-1031 and NUC-3373 Preferentially Target Cancer Stem Cells .

A 3'-protected route toward the synthesis of the diastereomers of clinically active ProTides, NUC-1031 and NUC-3373, is described. The cytotoxic activities of the individual diastereomers were found to be similar to their diastereomeric mixtures. In the KG1a cell line, NUC-1031 and NUC-3373 have preferential cytotoxic effects on leukemic stem cells (LSCs).

Delayed Behavioral and Neurochemical Effects of Anti-Glutamate Antibodies in Aging C57BL/6 Mice.

We analyzed delayed effect of intranasal administration of anti-glutamate antibodies on mnestic function and tissue concentrations of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in aging C57BL/6 mice. It was found that after 14-day administration of anti-glutamate antibodies, improvement of the passive avoidance conditioning persisted for 7 days after the treatment was discontinued. In 7 days after discontinuation of treatment, increased content of dopamine and its metabolites as well as aspartic acid and taurine was observed in the hippocampus of mice treated with anti-glutamate antibodies.

Amplify antimicrobial photo dynamic therapy efficacy with poly-beta-amino esters (PBAEs).

Light-activated antimicrobial agents (photosensitisers) are promising alternatives to antibiotics for the treatment of skin infections and wounds through antimicrobial photo dynamic therapy (aPDT); utilisation of this technique is still restricted by general low efficacy requiring long exposure time (in the order of tens of minutes) that make the treatment very resource intensive. We report for the first time the possibility of harvesting the cell penetrating properties of poly-beta-amino esters (PBAEs) in combination with toluidine blue O (TBO) to shorten aPDT exposure time. Candidates capable of inactivation rates 30 times quicker than pure TBO were discovered and further improvements through PBAE backbone optimisation could be foreseen.

A novel gabapentin analogue assuages neuropathic pain response in chronic sciatic nerve constriction model in rats.

Gabapentin (GBP) is an established drug that has been used in the management of symptoms of neuropathy but it is associated with unwanted side effects such as sedation and motor incoordination. The goal of the study was to find out a drug with greater efficacy and safety for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Our previously synthesized GABA analogue (Gabapentsal, GPS) was tested (25-100 mg/kg, i.

Ethylzingerone, a Novel Compound with Antifungal Activity.

Preservatives increase the shelf life of cosmetic products by preventing growth of contaminating microbes, including bacteria and fungi. In recent years, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has recommended the ban or restricted use of a number of preservatives due to safety concerns. Here, we characterize the antifungal activity of ethylzingerone (hydroxyethoxyphenyl butanone [HEPB]), an SCCS-approved new preservative for use in rinse-off, oral care, and leave-on cosmetic products.

Evaluation of the Structure-Activity Relationship of Microtubule-Targeting 1,2,4-Triazolo[1,5-]pyrimidines Identifies New Candidates for Neurodegenerative Tauopathies.

Studies in tau and Aβ plaque transgenic mouse models demonstrated that brain-penetrant microtubule (MT)-stabilizing compounds, including the 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-]pyrimidines, hold promise as candidate treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative tauopathies. Triazolopyrimidines have already been investigated as anticancer agents; however, the antimitotic activity of these compounds does not always correlate with stabilization of MTs in cells. Indeed, previous studies from our laboratories identified a critical role for the fragment linked at C6 in determining whether triazolopyrimidines promote MT stabilization or, conversely, disrupt MT integrity in cells.

Bioluminescent detection of isothermal DNA amplification in microfluidic generated droplets and artificial cells.

Microfluidic droplet generation affords precise, low volume, high throughput opportunities for molecular diagnostics. Isothermal DNA amplification with bioluminescent detection is a fast, low-cost, highly specific molecular diagnostic technique that is triggerable by temperature. Combining loop-mediated isothermal nucleic acid amplification (LAMP) and bioluminescent assay in real time (BART), with droplet microfluidics, should enable high-throughput, low copy, sequence-specific DNA detection by simple light emission.

The role of melanin in Aspergillus tolerance to biocides and photosensitizers.

Cationic biocides are widely utilized for surface disinfection. Photosensitizers such as toluidine blue O (TBO) produce reactive oxygen species following light excitation and are being investigated as novel biocides for similar applications. Aspergillus brasiliensis conidia contain melanin which protects against environmental stressors.

Surface Wiping Test to Study Biocide -Cinnamaldehyde Combination to Improve Efficiency in Surface Disinfection.

Disinfection is crucial to control and prevent microbial pathogens on surfaces. Nonetheless, disinfectants misuse in routine disinfection has increased the concern on their impact on bacterial resistance and cross-resistance. This work aims to develop a formulation for surface disinfection based on the combination of a natural product, cinnamaldehyde, and a widely used biocide, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide.

Diketo acids inhibit the cap-snatching endonuclease of several Bunyavirales.

Several fatal bunyavirus infections lack specific treatment. Here, we show that diketo acids engage a panel of bunyavirus cap-snatching endonucleases, inhibit their catalytic activity and reduce viral replication of a taxonomic representative in vitro. Specifically, the non-salt form of L-742,001 and its derivatives exhibited EC values between 5.

Hydroalcoholic Extract of Anchusa Italica Protects Global Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Via a Nitrergic Mechanism.

Introduction: In stroke models, Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) expression initiates cellular toxicity due to excessive Nitric Oxide (NO) generation. Anchusa italica is a medicinal herb with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant activity and NOS mRNA expression of the Hydroalcoholic Extract Of Anchusa Italica (HEAI) in an experimental stroke model in rats.

Impact of a dry inoculum deposition on the efficacy of copper-based antimicrobial surfaces.

Background: The introduction of antimicrobial surfaces into healthcare environments is believed to impact positively on the rate of healthcare-associated infections by significantly decreasing pathogen presence on surfaces.

Aim: To report on a novel efficacy test that uses a dry bacterial inoculum to measure the microbicidal efficacy of antimicrobial surfaces.

Methods: An aerosolized dry inoculum of Staphylococcus aureus or Acinetobacter baumannii was deposited on copper alloy surfaces or a hospital-grade stainless-steel surface.

Mapping the Efficacy and Mode of Action of Ethylzingerone [4-(3-Ethoxy-4-Hydroxyphenyl) Butan-2-One] as an Active Agent against Bacteria.

complex (Bcc) bacteria are intrinsically antimicrobial-resistant opportunistic pathogens and key risk species in the contamination of nonfood industrial products. New agents and formulations to prevent growth of in home care (cleaning agents) and personal-care (cosmetics and toiletries) products are required. We characterized how ethylzingerone [4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one] (HEPB) acts as a preservative with activity against species encountered in industry.

Modeling Epac1 interactions with the allosteric inhibitor AM-001 by co-solvent molecular dynamics.

The exchange proteins activated by cAMP (EPAC) are implicated in a large variety of physiological processes and they are considered as promising targets for a wide range of therapeutic applications. Several recent reports provided evidence for the therapeutic effectiveness of the inhibiting EPAC1 activity cardiac diseases. In that context, we recently characterized a selective EPAC1 antagonist named AM-001.

Dry heat and microwave-generated steam protocols for the rapid decontamination of respiratory personal protective equipment in response to COVID-19-related shortages.

Background: In the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and unprecedented global demand, clinicians are struggling to source adequate access to personal protective equipment. Respirators can be in short supply, though are necessary to protect workers from SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Rapid decontamination and reuse of respirators may provide relief for the strained procurement situation.

Theory-based electronic learning intervention to support appropriate antibiotic prescribing by nurse and pharmacist independent prescribers: an acceptability and feasibility experimental study using mixed methods.

Objectives: To assess the acceptability and feasibility of using a theory-based electronic learning intervention designed to support appropriate antibiotic prescribing by nurse and pharmacist independent prescribers for patients presenting with common, acute, uncomplicated self-limiting respiratory tract infections (RTIs).

Design: Experimental with mixed methods; preintervention and postintervention online surveys and semistructured interviews.

Setting: Primary care settings across the UK.

Design fundamentals of mentoring programs for pharmacy professionals (Part 2): Considerations for mentors and mentees.

Developing a mentoring program is multifactorial, and organizations developing such programs must be reflective in considering their own organizational culture to determine the goals and outcomes assessment of a mentoring program that aligns with the organization's mission and values. Part 1 of this series of papers on devising mentoring programs for pharmacy professionals paid mind to their structure, logistical concerns, and basic design consideration. Designing a program, though, cannot be successful without consideration of the people involved, and the very human process that is mentoring and being mentored.

Inflammasome Signaling and Other Factors Implicated in Atherosclerosis Development and Progression.

Chronic inflammation plays an extensive role in the onset and progression of metabolic disorders such as atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, gout and obesity. Atherosclerosis accounts for up to 70% mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and is also a chronic condition that causes atrial stenosis due to a lipometabolism imbalance. The purpose of this article is to consider the inflammatory factors implicated in atherosclerosis and their role in the development and progression of this vascular disease.

Design fundamentals of mentoring programs for pharmacy professionals (Part 1): Considerations for organizations.

Mentoring programs have been offered by organizations within and outside of healthcare for years. This commentary examines the literature under the prism of design fundamentals for these programs, drawing particular considerations for schemes aimed at pharmacy professionals. The central argument presented is that mentoring can be used as a vehicle to support pharmacists to learn from others and each other, to reinforce and own their professional identity so that the uniqueness of the pharmacy profession is established within a global health landscape of constant change.

Reducing antibiotic prescribing and addressing the global problem of antibiotic resistance by targeted hygiene in the home and everyday life settings: A position paper.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to threaten global health. Although global and national AMR action plans are in place, infection prevention and control is primarily discussed in the context of health care facilities with home and everyday life settings barely addressed. As seen with the recent global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, everyday hygiene measures can play an important role in containing the threat from infectious microorganisms.