jpans
Abstract : Lactic-Acid Bacteria Supplement Fermented Dairy Products with Human Behavior-Modifying Neuroactive Compounds
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Abstract: Using high performance liquid chromatography, we established that probiotic Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus helveticus 100ash, L. helveticus NK-1, L. casei K3III24, and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) grown on two milk-containing nutrient media produce important neuromediators such as biogenic amines, their precursors and deamination products, as well as neuroactive amino acids. The concentrations of biogenic amines (such as catecholamines and, with L. helveticus 100ash, also serotonin) equal or exceed those contained in the bloodstream of healthy adult humans, whereas those of most amino acids are comparatively low, except for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Of paramount importance is the fact that the bacterial cultures can release micromolar amounts of GABA and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)into the milk-containing media. It is known that DOPA passes through the gut-blood and the blood-brain barrier and converts into major neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) that influence important aspects of human behavior. The data obtained suggest that dairy products fermented by live lactobacilli-containing starters are potential sources of human behavior-modifying substances. Keywords: Microbial endocrinology,fermented dairyproducts, probiotic lactobacilli, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, neuromediators, catecholamines, neuroactive amino acids, behavior modification, aggressiveness, dominance, biopolitics.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Immunomodulatory Effects of Lycii Radicis Cortex Water Extract on Lipopolysaccharide-Activated RAW 264.7 Mouse Macrophages
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Abstract: The rootbark ofLycium chinenseMiller (Solanaceae), also known as Lycii radicis cortex, is one of famous plant-originated drugs in Korean medicine owing to its anti-tussive, anti-asthmatic, and antipyretic properties. In this study, the effect of Lycii radicis cortex water extract (LRC; 10 - 200 μg/mL) on inflammatory mediators from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages was inspected. After 24 h incubation with LRC, cell viability, nitric oxide (NO), and various cytokines from RAW 264.7were measured. LRC increased the cell viability of RAW 264.7 at concentrations of up to 200 μg/mL. LRC significantly inhibited the production of NO, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-10 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 (P < 0.05). As well, LRC diminished the production of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine (LIX). The current results suggest that LRC hasimmunomodulatory property to alleviate excessive immune reactions during the activation of macrophages by LPS. Keywords: Lycii radicis, immunomodulatory, macrophage, cytokine, nitric oxide.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Doctor of Pharmacy in Jordan: Students' Career Choices, Perceptions and Expectations
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Abstract: Purpose: To explore Jordanian Pharm.D students' career choices, perceptions and expectations. Methods: This observational study was conducted during June 2013 at the University of Jordan. A total of 192 undergraduate Pharm.D students were invited to complete a questionnaire prepared and validated by the research team. The questionnaire investigated student’s demographics, the reasons behind choosing to study Pharm.D, satisfaction with the Pharm.D course, student’s future plans following graduation, and student’s perceptions about the Pharm.D specialty. Data collected were encoded and analyzed by SPSS database for Windows version17. Results:The majority (93%) of respondents was females,aspired to work as hospital clinical pharmacists (83%) and many (68%) believed that Pharm.D graduates are well respected by the general public. Results indicated that students are unaware of the current Pharm.D salaries and have higher expectations than what is being currently offered in the country. Conclusions:A generation of Pharm.D students from Jordan reported a future aspiration to work as hospital clinical pharmacists. Students have unrealistic salary expectations compared with the current salaries offered in Jordan. ‘Awareness workshops’ targeting students’ knowledge about the Pharm.D degree is required. Keywords: Beliefs, Career Goals, Clinical Pharmacy, Education, Jordan, Pharm.D students.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Evaluation of Safety and Pharmacokinetic Behavior of Unipeg® in Healthy Human Volunteers
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Abstract: Peginterferon α-2a (20kDa) derived from Hansenula Polymorpha is a distinct variety of peginterferons (PEG-IFN). A pilot study of this drug was conducted on healthy human subjects to evaluate its safety and pharmacokinetic behavior in local population. With due approval of the IEC operating under ICH-GCP guidelines; ten healthy male subjects were selected randomly from the Pakistani population after thorough screening and signing of the Informed consent for an open label, single dose study.Each subject received a subcutaneous injection of the drug (180µg) in abdominal skin and blood samples were collected at 0 and 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 60, 84, 108, 132 and 156 hours, andanalyzed by a validated ELISA method for peginterferon α-2a (20kDa), Unipeg®. The Mean ± SEM (standard error of mean) PK parameters were found to be: Cmax: 18.67±2.92 ng/ml (7.05-34.51); AUC0-∞: 1440±113 h.µg/l] (969-2101); Absorption Half-Life: 17.02±2.06 h (10.37-29.26), elimination half life: 41.437±6.21 h (18.51-78.97 h); volume of distribution 8.933±1.72 L (4.81-18.34), clearance: 112.6±8.21 ml/h (71.96–155.96). The safety of the drug was evaluated by observation of adverse effects and evaluating the change in general health parameters, hematological and biochemical test results during and after the study. No Sever Adverse Effect was observed however the most common adverse event (AE) was the fever; observed in all volunteers (n=10), headache (6), Fatigue (5), Vomiting (4) and diarrhea, loss of appetite, body ache was observed in 3 volunteers. Three out of ten volunteers demonstrated decrease in WBC and platelets count. Changes observed in hematology returned to normal values within 16 days. The safety profile of UNIPEG® was found to be very similar to those of reported in literature for unmodified IFNs and other pegylated interferons generally used in therapy. Future clinical trials are recommended to further establish the safety profile and pharmacokinetics. Keywords: PEG-IFN-α-2a, 20-kDa, Unipeg, Peginterferon alfa-2a, pharmacokinetics, clinical trial, safety.Download Full Article |
