Cone beam computed tomography: craniofacial and airway analysis.

Imaging plays a role in the anatomic assessment of the airway and adjacent structures. This article discusses the use of 3-dimensional (3D) imaging (cone beam computed tomography [CBCT]) to evaluate the airway and selected regional anatomic variables that may contribute to obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (OSDB) in patients. CBCT technology uses a cone-shaped x-ray beam with a special image intensifier and a solid-state sensor or an amorphous silicon plate for capturing the image.

Student stress in a three-year doctor of pharmacy program using a mastery learning educational model.

Objective: To identify stress and stress-relieving mechanisms among second-year pharmacy students in a 3-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program using a Mastery Learning Educational Model and to compare findings with those from a 4-year program.

Methods: Second-year PharmD students in a 3-year program were asked to complete a series of questionnaires including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) regarding stress and stress-relieving activities.

Results: The average PSS score for the 3-year PharmD cohort was significantly higher than the score of demographically similar students enrolled in a 4-year PharmD program (P = 0.

Correlations between spirituality and health-promoting behaviors among sheltered homeless women.

This study examined the relationship between spirituality and health-promoting behaviors in a convenience sample of 90 sheltered homeless women using the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. A moderate positive correlation was found between spiritual well-being and overall health promoting lifestyle (r = .426).

Current methods of adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

There has been a recent increase in our understanding in the isolation, culture, and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Concomitantly, the availability of MSCs has increased, with cells now commercially available, including human MSCs from adipose tissue and bone marrow. Despite an increased understanding of MSC biology and an increase in their availability, standardization of techniques for adipogenic differentiation of MSCs is lacking.

Educational card games to teach pharmacotherapeutics in an advanced pharmacy practice experience.

Objective: To implement and assess the effectiveness of card games to teach pharmacotherapeutic topics to pharmacy students and to determine the relationship between students' assessment scores and their learning styles.

Design: Two card games, Cardiology Go Fish and Infectious Diseases Gin Rummy, were created and taught to pharmacy students enrolled in an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE). Students were required to play each game for 1 hour, 3 times over a 6-week period.

Determinants of different types of medication non-adherence in cholesterol lowering and asthma maintenance medications: a theoretical approach.

Objective: To quantify and compare the determinants of different types of medication non-adherence in cholesterol lowering and asthma maintenance medications using a theoretical approach.

Methods: Study design was online cross sectional survey. A conceptual framework was developed using Andersen's Behavioral Model and Leventhal's Common Sense Model to understand the determinants of medication non-adherence.

Hyperlipidemia medication management in patients admitted for a myocardial infarction.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the percentage of patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction currently prescribed a statin, with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) <100 mg/dL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) <50 mg/dL for men and <55 mg/dL for women and evaluate their medication management with a focus on niacin initiation.

Methods: This was a retrospective study from 12/07 to 12/09, conducted at a private, community hospital. Inclusion criteria required patients to have an acute myocaridal infarction (AMI) ICD-9 code, troponin ≥0.

Operational principles for cone-beam computed tomography.

Background: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was introduced into the U.S. market in 2001.

Percutaneous permeation of betamethasone 17-valerate incorporated in lipid nanoparticles.

Corticosteroids are therapeutic agents widely used in the pharmacological treatment of skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis. Unfortunately, their use is restricted by the side effects that frequently occur at the systemic level. The goal of the research described here was to develop and characterize a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) system containing corticosteroids for prolonged and localized delivery of the active drugs into the skin.

Unintentional non-adherence and belief in medicines in older adults.

Objective: To determine whether beliefs in medicines are associated with forgetfulness and carelessness in taking medications.

Methods: Using a survey research design, baseline data (N=1220) and follow-up data (N=1024) were collected through an Internet survey using a convenience sample from Medicare enrollees aged 65 and older and who were Internet users. Logistic regression models were used to determine if patient's beliefs about the necessity of taking prescribed medications and their concern beliefs regarding the potential consequences of taking medications were significant in predicting forgetfulness and carelessness in taking medications.

Risk of venous thromboembolism with drospirenone in combined oral contraceptive products.

Objective: To review primary literature regarding the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in users of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) containing drospirenone compared to COCs containing other progestins.

Data Sources: A literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE (1950-January 2010) was conducted using the following search terms: VTE, thrombosis, thromboembolism, COC, combined hormonal contraceptives, drospirenone, Yasmin, and Yaz. Additional references were retrieved from reference citations.

Development of a new scale to measure self-reported medication nonadherence.

Background: A major drawback in the medication adherence literature today is the absence of a gold standard for measuring medication adherence. Objective measures of nonadherence such as prescription claims and pill count, while quantifying nonadherence, do not provide the reasons for nonadherence, hence making it difficult to develop intervention strategies. Self-reported measures are helpful to determine reasons for nonadherence; however, widely used self-reported measures such as the Morisky scale are restricted to only few potential reasons.

Integration of temperature-controlled requirements into pharmacy practice.

Objectives: To describe (a) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and guidelines issued by several professional organizations to ensure appropriate storage, handling, and distribution of temperature-controlled prescription drugs from manufacturer to wholesaler to pharmacy to patients; (b) pharmacy business practices that ensure the dispensing of high-quality temperature-controlled drug products; and (c) education that facilitates patients' important role in maintaining product quality.

Data Sources: PubMed from 1950 to 2007 using the search terms drug stability in transit, drug stability storage tablet, drug stability testing, drug stability transportation, drug stability relative humidity, and drug storage high temperature. Nonprimary sources included the FDA website (www.

Increased glutamate and decreased glycine release in the rostral ventromedial medulla during induction of a pre-clinical model of chronic widespread muscle pain.

Two injections of acidic saline into the gastrocnemius muscle produce long-lasting hyperalgesia that is initiated and maintained by changes in the rostroventromedial medulla (RVM). Potential underlying mechanisms could be increased release of excitatory neurotransmitters and/or reduced release of inhibitory neurotransmitters, in the RVM. We tested this hypothesis by measuring concentrations of aspartate, glutamate and glycine in response to the first and second injection of acidic saline and compared to intramuscular injections of normal saline using microdialysis with HPLC analysis.

Development and characterisation of a novel animal model of prostate inflammation-induced chronic pelvic pain.

Chronic pelvic pain due to prostate inflammation is a significant clinical problem. In the current study we developed and validated an animal model of inflammation-induced pelvic pain (NIH category IIIA). 3% carrageenan was injected into the ventral prostate in SD rats.

Experimental design for the optimization of lipid nanoparticles.

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) have been extensively investigated as a promising drug delivery system for controlling the release of therapeutic agents. Currently, there are many manufacturing methods available for SLN, including the high pressure homogenization method and the microemulsion technique. In addition, the solvent diffusion method has been discussed as an alternative technique in the literature, and has attracted great interest due to its simplicity and ease of handling.

Roles for pharmacy in combatting counterfeit drugs.

Objectives: To describe (1) the international scope of counterfeit drugs, (2) international and U.S. anticounterfeiting initiatives, and (3) the enhanced roles and challenges facing pharmaceutical organizations and individual pharmacists to thwart counterfeit drugs.

Acarbose for polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective: To review the evidence for use of acarbose in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Data Sources: Relevant publications were identified through a systematic search of PubMed English-language literature (1950-February 2008) using the MeSH terms and key words acarbose and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Study Selection And Data Extraction: The literature search retrieved 6 primary literature citations.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in human P-glycoprotein: its impact on drug delivery and disposition.

Drug efflux pumps belong to a large family of ATP-binding cassette transporter proteins. These pumps bind their substrate and export it through the membrane using energy derived from ATP hydrolysis. P-glycoprotein, the main efflux pump in this family, is expressed not only in tumour cells but also in normal tissues with excretory function (liver, kidney and the intestine).