Sexually dimorphic gene expression in the lateral eyes of Euphilomedes carcharodonta (Ostracoda, Pancrustacea).

Background: The evolution and development of sexual dimorphism illuminates a central question in biology: How do similar genomes produce different phenotypes? In an XX/XO system especially the state of a sexually dimorphic trait is determined by differences in gene expression, as there are no additional genetic loci in either sex. Here, we examine the XX/XO ostracod crustacean species Euphilomedes carcharodonta. This species exhibits radical sexual dimorphism of their lateral eyes, females have only a tiny simple lateral eye while males have elaborate ommatidial eyes.

Targeting Ribonucleotide Reductase M2 and NF-κB Activation with Didox to Circumvent Tamoxifen Resistance in Breast Cancer.

Tamoxifen is widely used as an adjuvant therapy for patients with estrogen receptor (ERα)-positive tumors. However, the clinical benefit is often limited because of the emergence of drug resistance. In this study, overexpression of ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2) in MCF-7 breast cancer cells resulted in a reduction in the effectiveness of tamoxifen, through downregulation of ERα66 and upregulation of the 36-kDa variant of ER (ERα36).

Impact of Antihypertensive Agents on Central Systolic Blood Pressure and Augmentation Index: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: New evidence suggests that central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and augmentation index (AI) are superior predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes compared to peripheral systolic BP (pSBP). We performed a meta-analysis assessing the impact of antihypertensives on cSBP and AI.

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched until September 2014 to identify eligible articles.

Hydrocodone bitartrate for chronic pain.

Hydrocodone bitartrate is the most commonly used drug for acute and chronic pain in the U.S. with over 135 million prescriptions in 2012.

Tramadol, Pharmacology, Side Effects, and Serotonin Syndrome: A Review.

Background: Serotonin syndrome is a mild to potentially life-threatening syndrome associated with excessive serotonergic activity within the central nervous system. Serotonin syndrome is associated with medication use, drug interactions, and overdose. While serotonin syndrome is often associated with the use of selective serotonin inhibitors (SSRI), an increasing number of reports are being presented involving the use of tramadol.

In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of Self-Assembling RGD Peptide Amphiphiles for Targeted Delivery of Paclitaxel.

Purpose: The objective of this work was to compare the efficacy of self-assembling cyclic and linear RGD peptide amphiphiles as carriers for delivering paclitaxel to αvβ3 integrin overexpressing tumors.

Methods: Linear (C18-ADA5-RGD) and cyclic (C18-ADA5-cRGDfK) peptide amphiphiles were synthesized and characterized for CMC, aggregation number and micelle stability using fluorescence spectroscopy methods. Size and morphology of micelles was studied using TEM.

Use of Cumulative Assessments in U.S. Schools and Colleges of Pharmacy.

The Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE) has taken a strong stance on assessment in pharmacy education. One available assessment tool is cumulative assessments, which may be administered at various points in the curriculum. This article presents the results of a survey of U.

The Utility of Concept Maps to Facilitate Higher-Level Learning in a Large Classroom Setting.

Objective: To describe the utility of concept mapping in a cardiovascular therapeutics course within a large classroom setting.

Design: Students enrolled in a cardiovascular care therapeutics course completed concept maps for each major chronic cardiovascular condition. A grading rubric was used to facilitate peer-assessment of the concept map.

Paradoxical effects of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) activator gingerol on NG115-401L neuronal cells: failure to augment ER Ca(2+) uptake and protect against ER stress-induced cell death.

Perturbation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) homeostasis and ER stress are thought to underlie a spectrum of defects encompassing major societal diseases such as diabetes and neurodegeneration. In this report we used the NG115-401L neuronal cell line to test the hypothesis that neuroprotection against ER stress may be conferred by pharmacological stimulation of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) pumps. We report that the SERCA activator gingerol stimulates SR microsomal Ca(2+)-ATPase activity and restores enzymatic function in the presence of potent SERCA blockers.

Proline-rich AKT substrate of 40-kDa (PRAS40) in the pathophysiology of cancer.

Dysregulation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway has been reported in various pathologies, such as cancer and insulin resistance. The proline-rich AKT substrate of 40-kDa (PRAS40), also known as AKT substrate 1 (AKT1S1), lies at the crossroads of these cascades and inhibits the activity of the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) kinase. This review discusses the role of PRAS40 and possible feedback mechanisms, and alterations in AKT/PRAS40/mTOR signaling that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of tumor progression.

Drug-induced acute pancreatitis: a review.

Background: The majority of drug-induced pancreatitis cases are mild to moderate in severity, but severe and even fatal cases can occur. Management of drug-induced pancreatitis requires withdrawal of the offending agent and supportive care.

Methods: This review focuses on differential diagnosis, clinical presentation, drug-mediated effects, treatments, and mechanisms of pancreatitis, with an emphasis on drug-induced pancreatitis.

The evolution of biotechnology and its impact on health care.

For more than three decades the field of biotechnology has had an extraordinary impact on science, health care, law, the regulatory environment, and business. During this time more than 260 novel biotechnology products were approved for over 230 indications. Global sales of these products exceeded $175 billion in 2013 and have helped sustain a vibrant life sciences sector that includes more than 4,600 biotech companies worldwide.

Medication adherence behaviors of Medicare beneficiaries.

Background: Medication adherence is crucial for positive outcomes in the management of chronic conditions. Comprehensive medication consultation can improve medication adherence by addressing intentional and unintentional nonadherence. The Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit has eliminated some cost barriers.

Lower extremity peak force and gait kinematics in individuals with inclusion body myositis.

Objective: To determine the relationship between peak isometric muscle force and temporal characteristics of gait in individuals with sporadic inclusion body myositis (s-IBM).

Methods: An observational study of 42 individuals with s-IBM (12 women; mean ± SD age 61.8 ± 7.

Perioperative analgesia and the effects of dietary supplements.

With over 50,000 dietary supplements available, resurgence in consumer interest over the past few decades has resulted in an explosion of use of these agents worldwide. Disillusionment with current medications and belief in "natural medicines" has resulted in a multibillion dollar industry. Active ingredients in a number of herbs are being tested for therapeutic potential, and some are efficacious, so herbal medicines cannot be dismissed.

A collaborative approach to combining service, teaching, and research.

Objective: To describe a faculty-student collaborative model and its outcomes on teaching, service, and scholarship.

Design: A Medicare Part D elective course was offered that consisted of classroom and experiential learning where pharmacy students participated in community outreach events to assist Medicare beneficiaries with Part D plan selection. The course training was expanded to include medication therapy management (MTM) and the administration of immunizations.

Expression of P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4 along the porcine oral-gastrointestinal tract: implications on oral mucosal drug delivery.

Objectives: To characterize the expression of Pgp and CYP3A4 along the oral-gastrointestinal (GI) tract for understanding the potential roles of CY3A4 and Pgp in oral mucosal drug delivery.

Design: Porcine buccal mucosa, sublingual mucosa, esophagus and jejunum, ileum and colon tissues were used for studying the mRNA and protein expression of CYP3A4 and Pgp. mRNA and protein were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot, respectively.

Measurement Properties of the Low Back Activity Confidence Scale (LoBACS).

The purpose of this study was to determine the measurement properties of the Low Back Activity Confidence Scale (LoBACS) in individuals with post-acute low back pain (LBP) receiving nonsurgical intervention, including construct validity, factorial validity, and internal consistency reliability. Data were analyzed from an existing randomized clinical trial involving 112 patients with LBP. Evidence for convergent validity was observed through significant correlations between LoBACS subscale scores and other function, pain, and psychobehavioral measures.

Effect of caffeinated versus noncaffeinated energy drinks on central blood pressures.

Study Objective: To evaluate the effects of caffeinated energy shots compared with noncaffeinated energy shots as assessed by changes in peripheral and central hemodynamic parameters in healthy subjects.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover study.

Setting: University campus.

Binding and uptake of novel RGD micelles to the αvβ3 integrin receptor for targeted drug delivery.

Purpose: To understand the binding and internalization of novel RGD micelles in tumor cells that overexpress the αvβ3 integrin receptor.

Methods: Peptide amphiphiles containing a C16 or C18 fatty-acid chain with one or two ADA units linked to an RGD motif were prepared, characterized, and assessed for their binding specificity to the αvβ3 receptor. The internalization of the amphiphiles was evaluated by confocal microscopy and cytotoxicity studies in A2058 cells that overexpress the αvβ3 integrin receptor.

Cost variability of suggested generic treatment alternatives under the Medicare Part D benefit.

Background: The substitution of generic treatment alternatives for brand-name drugs is a strategy that can help lower Medicare beneficiary out-of-pocket costs. Beginning in 2011, Medicare beneficiaries reaching the coverage gap received a 50% discount on the full drug cost of brand-name medications and a 7% discount on generic medications filled during the gap. This discount will increase until 2020, when beneficiaries will be responsible for 25% of total drug costs during the coverage gap.

Assessing Medicare beneficiaries' willingness-to-pay for medication therapy management services.

Objectives: To assess Medicare beneficiaries' willingness-to-pay (WTP) for medication therapy management (MTM) services and determine sociodemographic and clinical characteristics influencing this payment amount.

Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive study design was adopted to elicit Medicare beneficiaries' WTP for MTM.

Setting: Nine outreach events in cities across Central/Northern California during Medicare's 2011 open-enrollment period.