Denise S. Simpson

The antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of apigenin on glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma (GBM) is highly proliferative, infiltrative, malignant and the most deadly form of brain tumour. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed, amplified and mutated in GBM and has been shown to play key and important roles in the proliferation, growth and survival of this tumour. The goal of our study was to investigate the antiproliferative, apoptotic and molecular effects of apigenin in GBM.

Evaluation of the Anticancer Activity of Bioactive Fraction G Extracted from Pavetta crassipes in Malignant Brain Tumor Cell Lines

Objective: Natural products have served as sources of lead compounds that are commonly used in the treatment of human diseases including cancer. Pavetta crassipes has been widely demonstrated to have ethnopharmacological potential in the management of malaria, gastrointestinal conditions, central nervous system behavioral disorders, hypertension, and cancer. The goal of our study was to evaluate the biological and molecular effects of Fraction G, obtained from the plant Pavetta crassipes, on glioblastoma invasive growth and survival. Methodology: The antiproliferative effects of Fraction G, obtained from Pavetta crassipes, was evaluated using the trypan blue exclusion, (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol- 2yl)-2, 5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide; MTT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Flow cytometry and Western blotting analyses were carried out to examine the effects of Fraction G on cell cycle check-points and its effects on epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated signaling of AKT and MAPK pathways. Results: In this paper, we report that the Fraction G obtained from the plant Pavetta crassipes induced a reduction in glioma cell viability and proliferation as well as induced an increase in apoptosis as evidenced by cleaved PARP, increased caspase 3/7 activity, and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 check point. Furthermore, we report that Fraction G inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and MAPK following EGF treatment. Conclusion: Taken together, our results demonstrate that Fraction G has potent inhibitory effects on pathways involved in glioblastoma proliferation and survival.

Standards 2016: Raising the Bar at Cedarville University

Traditional Diabetes Education and the Pharmacist’s Role • DM self-management education (DSME) is an ongoing process of teaching patients the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for diabetes self-care.4,5 • Group education has been shown to improve outcomes; however, this typically consists of lecturebased presentations with some interactive group discussion.6,7 • Studies have shown improvement of patient outcomes with a pharmacist-led DM care program.8,9is to describe a co-curricular legislative experience that can be mapped to the 2016 ACPE Standards 3.2, 4.2, and 4.4. Since 2004, the URI College of Pharmacy has participated in the Annual Face of Pharmacy event held at the Rhode Island State House. This event brings student pharmacists, faculty and members of state pharmacists associations together to rally behind issues and legislation affecting pharmacy practice. Demonstration tables, staffed by APPE students, preceptors and faculty showcase services to the legislators such as: hypertension screenings, diabetes education, body fat analysis, immunizations, medication therapymanagement services, and patient counseling. A speaking program highlights legislation and issues important to pharmacy and the future of health care. Past speakers have included Directors of the RI Department of Health, Governors, Lieutenant Governors, state Senators, state Representatives, members and staff from the Board of Pharmacy, Presidents of both state pharmacy associations (RIPA andRISHP), and selected student pharmacist leaders. Past Gubernatorial proclamations and citations have been issued to commemorate the event and pharmacists’ role in patient care. Throughout the afternoon, student pharmacists have the opportunity to interact with pharmacists at the tables, learn about legislative initiatives that impact pharmacy, and meet with state legislators. Student pharmacists have also been recognized on the House and Senate floors as the sessions open. To formally incorporate this experience into our curriculum as a co-curricular standard, students will be encouraged to perform a formal writing reflection after participation to self-evaluate their professional development. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 2015; 79 (5) Article S4.

Emerging Clinical Concept: Therapeutic Targeting and Translational Studies of Urokinase in Brain Tumor Invasion

• Changes in U.S. population demographics characteristics require the preparation of culturally diverse competent healthcare providers who are capable of practicing in an increasingly diverse society.1 • Training in cultural diversity competence has been recognized as a pre-requisite to fostering the transformation of healthcare1 • As response, the accreditation agencies of health-related academic programs have included new requirements of implementing cultural diversity competence along the curriculum.2,3 • Although demonstration of students’ cultural diversity competence and multicultural communication skills are required in most of the accreditation standards for healthrelated programs, more evidence is needed to determine the best teaching and learning practices for achieving these competencies.A Program to Foster Global Citizenship in Pharmacy Education. Ana Maria Castejon, Nova Southeastern University, Dawn Dacosta, Nova Southeastern University, Jaroslav Toth, Comenius University in Bratislava, Jan Kyselovic. Objectives: Understanding the practice of pharmacy from a global perspective is not a traditional curricular outcome in most US pharmacy programs. The objective of this CoCurricular activity was to provide students with an understanding, and appreciation for pharmaceutical and medical practices outside the UnitedStates. A total of 35 student pharmacists participated in aTravel Study Program (TSP) to Slovakia during the summer of 2013 at Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. Topics covered included pharmacognosy, molecular drug design, European pharmaceutical regulatory agencies and the practice of the profession in Slovakia and the European Union (EU). Live lectures, laboratory practices at the host institution together with multiple site visits to different professional practice settings were included in the TSP. Through reflective exercises we assessed the students’ ability to: 1. Compare the practice of pharmacy in the US versus Slovakia and the EU 2. Identify the professional benefits of attending a structured pharmacy TSP Method: The 35 students completed reflective academic assignments and cultural competency activities before and after the three-week visit to Bratislava. The students’ reflective exercises were analyzed using narrative and content analysis, allowing us to capture the multiple meanings and dimensions of the experiences. Results: The students’ narrations reflected a major impact on their professional growth, intercultural sensitivity and competencies. Participants identified major differences in legal and regulatory aspects of the profession. They highlighted the establishment of connections and international learning networks. Implications:We believe that these programs promote global citizenship, while fostering learning and cultural exchange within the pharmacy profession.