School of Pharmacy Publications - UQ eSpace

Two-pore channels in breast cancer cells

2013-01-27T00:22:47Z

Ulcerative colitis: A distressing condition

Robinson, M. T. — 2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

Undergraduate inter-professional learning involving pharmacy, nursing and medical students: The Maori Health Week initiative

Kairuz, Therese og Shaw, John — 2009-02-10T10:12:52Z

Preparing health professionals in New Zealand requires an understanding of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (signed in 1840) and of the cultural needs and common illnesses of the Maori people. Inter-professional learning between pharmacy, nursing and medical students was incorporated into the undergraduate curricula at second-year level at the University of Auckland in 2002. Learning about Maori health is achieved through group work, with each mixed-discipline group of 12 students researching one health issue that is prevalent among the Maori, such as diabetes. Maori cultural advisors play a key role in conducting sessions of Te Reo, where they teach simple conversational Maori greetings and traditional songs and introduce cultural concepts. On the final day of the programme, each group presents a poster with their findings and recommendations to fellow students and assessors. Nursing students gave more positive feedback than pharmacy or medical students, and evaluation of the inter-professional programme was overwhelmingly favourable.

Undergraduate pharmacy education in two countries in the southern hemisphere

Boschmans, S. og Kairuz, T. — 2009-11-06T00:00:00Z

The aim of this article is to present information related to pharmacy practice and education in two countries, South Africa and New Zealand, where there is currently a small migration of pharmacists from the former to the latter. The pharmacy profession in both countries is under the statutory regulation of a pharmacy council, and a society is responsible for professional aspects. The councils also play an important role in undergraduate pharmacy education, and tertiary institutions are responsible for the curricula. Externships and indigenous health programmes are important elements of education at both institutions cited in this article (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and The University of Auckland). Compulsory community service for pharmacists has been introduced in South Africa, while New Zealand is pioneering Continued Professional Development linked to competency and annual pharmacist registration. The information presented in this article may stimulate discussion and collaboration between members of the pharmacy profession across geographical borders.

Understanding lolium rigidum seeds: The key to managing a problem weed?

2012-10-24T10:15:34Z

The 40 million hectare southern Australian winter cropping region suffers from widespread infestation by Lolium rigidum (commonly known as annual or rigid ryegrass), a Mediterranean species initially introduced as a pasture plant. Along with its high competitiveness within crops, rapid adaptability and widespread resistance to herbicides, the dormancy of its seeds means that L. rigidum is the primary weed in southern Australian agriculture. With the individuals within a L. rigidum population exhibiting varying levels of seed dormancy, germination can be staggered across the crop-growing season, making complete weed removal virtually impossible, and ensuring that the weed seed bank is constantly replenished. By understanding the processes involved in induction and release of dormancy in L. rigidum seeds, it may be possible to develop strategies to more effectively manage this pest without further stretching herbicide resources. This review examines L. rigidum seed dormancy and germination from a weed-management perspective and explains how the seed bank can be depleted by control strategies encompassing all stages in the lifecycle of a seed, from development to germination.

Understanding Medication Adherence in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Review

2007-12-21T00:00:00Z

Significant numbers of children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) do not adequately adhere to their treatment regimen. Failure to take the appropriate amount of prescribed medication may result in disease relapse. Although a number of research studies have sought to identify the factors associated with medication nonadherence in this group, no systematic study has sought to evaluate the efficacy of intervention packages in improving adherence. The aim of the current paper is to provide an overview of the research investigating treatment adherence in ALL patients and to identify the relevant risk factors associated with reduced adherence with medication. The paper will further discuss the role of psychologic therapy in improving treatment adherence in children and adolescents with ALL, with a particular focus on identifying the need for controlled outcome studies.

Understanding, perceptions and self-use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among Malaysian pharmacy students

2011-12-04T08:00:56Z

Unexplained bruising

Nissen, Lisa og Deldot, Megan — 2011-03-07T00:00:00Z

University Counselling Services in Australia and New Zealand: Activities, Changes, and Challenges

Stallman, Helen M. — 2012-12-23T01:21:28Z

University counselling services in Australia and New Zealand: Activities, changes, and challenges

Stallman, Helen M. — 2011-10-10T00:00:00Z

The high prevalence of stress and psychological distress in university students highlights the need for adequate support services to enable students to achieve their goals. This study aimed to describe counselling services available to university students in Australia and New Zealand and to benchmark them against international services. Participants were five Australian and three New Zealand Counselling Services. Results showed that counselling services are using a variety of formats and e-technologies to deliver services to students, but are hampered by limited resources compared with their international counterparts. These include very high counsellor student ratios, lower average number of consultations per student, and lower mental health qualifications of counsellors. This has even greater implications in the context of higher education reform in Australia that may further widen the gap between needs of students and available counselling services. Inadequate counselling support can negatively impact on students, universities, and the community through lost potential.

Unreliable rectal absorption of cisapride in horses

2008-06-10T00:00:00Z

Update on coeliac disease

Dean, A. — 2010-02-19T00:00:00Z

Update on opioids receptors

Smith, M. T. — 2007-08-23T00:00:00Z

Uptake of anti DEC205 IgG immunoliposomes by immature and mature dendritic cells: Comparison with control IgG immunoliposomes and conventional liposomes

2007-08-23T00:00:00Z

Uptake of anti DEC205 IgG immunoliposomes by immature and mature dentritic cells: Comparison with control IgG immunoliposomes and conventional liposomes

2007-08-23T00:00:00Z

Uptake of antigen encapsulated in polyethylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles by D1-dendritic cells

2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

Polyethylcyanoacrylate (PECA) nanoparticles were prepared by interfacial polymerization of a water-in-oil microemulsion. Nanoparticles were isolated from the polymerization template by sequential ethanol washing and centrifugation. A nanocapsule preparation yielding the original particle size and distribution following redispersion in an aqueous solution was achieved by freeze-drying the isolated nanoparticles in a solution of 5% w/v sugar. The cytotoxicity and uptake of nanocapsules by dendritic cells was investigated using a murine-derived cell line (D1). PECA nanoparticles were found to adversely effect cell viability at concentrations greater than 10 mug/ml of polymer in the culture medium. In comparison to antigen in solution, cell uptake of antigen encapsulated within nanoparticles was significantly higher at both 4 and 37 degreesC. Following a 24 h incubation period, the percentage of cells taking-up antigen was also increased when antigen was encapsulated in nanoparticles as compared to antigen in solution. The uptake of nanoparticles and the effect of antigen formulation on morphological cell changes indicative of cell maturation were also investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM clearly demonstrated the adherence of nanoparticles to the cell surface. Incubation of D1 dendritic cells with nanoparticles containing antigen also resulted in morphological changes indicative of cell maturation similar to that observed when the cells were incubated with lipopolysaccharide. In contrast, cells incubated with antigen solution did not demonstrate such morphological changes and appeared similar to immature cells that had not been exposed to antigen.

Uptake of new drugs in rural and urban areas of Queensland, Australia: the example of COX-2 inhibitors

Behan, K. og Cutts, C. og Tett, S. E. — 2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

Urinary tract infection: urinary symptoms are a common presentation in community pharmacy. How can pharmacists play an effective role in UTI management?

McGuire, Treasure — 2013-05-13T10:08:29Z

Usage of diclofenac potassium (Cataflam®) when purchased as a non-prescription medicine in New Zealand

2010-12-16T00:00:00Z

This study investigates the usage of diclofenac potassium (Cataflam®) purchased as a Pharmacist Only Medicine (requiring personal sale by a pharmacist) from New Zealand pharmacies. Consenting user-purchasers were recruited from 175 pharmacies over four months. Purchasers received a questionnaire for completion seven days post-purchase. Those 'at risk' of adverse events were re-surveyed 30 days post-purchase. The 1 240 purchasers recruited returned 990 valid questionnaires (80% response); these purchasers represented an estimated 40% of all eligible sales. The second questionnaire was sent to 557 respondents with 480 valid responses (86% response). The mean maximal daily dose taken was 90 mg and median duration of use was 3.5 days. The great majority of purchasers reported satisfactory relief of symptoms. Side-effects (mostly minor) were reported by 130 (14%) respondents. Possible contraindications were present in 66 (7%) respondents. This study has allowed insights into the 'real-life' usage of a reclassified medicine in New Zealand.

Use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ace) inhibitors after myocardial infarction: Drug use evaluation

Overland, V. og Cottrell, N. og Tett, S.E. — 2008-06-06T00:00:00Z

Use of hairpin RNA constructs for engineering plant virus resistance

Mitter, Neena og Dietzgen, Ralf G. — 2012-09-05T14:26:25Z

Genetically engineered resistance to protect plants against virus infections can be based on protein- and RNA-mediated defense mechanisms. RNA silencing that leads to high-level virus resistance is triggered by virus-specific double-stranded (ds)RNA. The most efficient means to produce such dsRNA in transgenic plants is the introduction and expression of hairpin (hp) RNA constructs. Successful induction of the RNA silencing pathway is witnessed by the accumulation of virus-specific small interfering (si)RNAs that guide destruction of complementary viral RNA. Here, we describe strategies and methods for the efficient generation of hpRNA constructs and for the extraction and detection of siRNAs.

Use of methotrexate in older patients - A risk-benefit assessment

Tett, SE og Triggs, EJ — 2007-08-13T00:00:00Z

Methotrexate is eliminated almost entirely by the kidneys. The risk of methotrexate toxicity is therefore increased in patients with poor renal function, most likely as a result of drug accumulation. Declining renal function with age may thus be an important predictor of toxicity to methotrexate. Up to 60% of all patients who receive methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) discontinue taking it because of adverse effects, most of which occur during the first year of therapy. Gastrointestinal complications are the most common adverse effects of methotrexate, but hepatotoxicity, haematological toxicity, pulmonary toxicity, lymphoproliferative disorders and exacerbation of rheumatic nodules have all been reported, Decreased renal function as a result of disease and/or aging appears to be an important determinant of hepatic, lymphoproli ferative and haematological toxicity, Concomitant use of low doses of folic acid has been recommended as an approach to limiting toxicity. Interactions between methotrexate and several nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been reported, but they may not be clinically significant. However, caution is advised in the use of such combinations in patients with reduced renal function. More serious toxicities (e.g. pancytopenia) may result when other inhibitors of folate utilisation [e.g. cotrimoxazole (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole)] or inhibitors of renal tubular secretion (e.g. probenecid) are combined with methotrexate. Before starting low dose methotrexate therapy in patients with RA, a full blood count, liver function tests, renal function tests and chest radiography should be performed. Blood counts and liver function tests should be repeated at regular intervals. Therapeutic drug monitoring of methotrexate has also been suggested as a means of limiting toxicity. Patients with RA usually respond very favourably to low dose methotrexate therapy, and the probability of patients continuing their treatment beyond 5 years is greater than for other slow-acting antirheumatic drugs. Thus, given its sustained clinical utility and relatively predictable toxicity profile, low dose methotrexate is a useful addition to the therapy of RA.

Use of non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), COX-2 inhibitors (COX-2) and paracetamol

Barozzi, N. og Tett, S.E. — 2007-08-23T00:00:00Z

Use of prescription medicines among older people: An exploratory pilot study among senior citizens living in the community

Kairuz, Therese og Bye, Lynne — 2011-03-10T00:00:00Z

Use of routine data for determination of the population pharmacokinetics and enteral biovailability of phenytoin in neonates and infants with seizures

2007-08-23T00:00:00Z

Objective: To investigate the population pharmacokinetics and the enteral bioavailability of phenytoin in neonates and infants with seizures. Methods: Data (5 mg kg-1 day-1) from 83 patients were obtained retrospectively from the medical records following written ethical approval. A one-compartment model was fitted to the data using NONMEM with FOCE-interaction. Between-subject variability (BSV) and interoccasion variability (IOV) were modelled exponentially together with a log transform-both-sides exponential residual unexplained variance (RUV) model. Covariates in nested models were screened for significance (X2, 1, 0.01). Model validity was determined by bootstrapping with replacement (N=500 samples) from the dataset. Results: The parameters of final pharmacokinetic were: Clearance (L h-1) = 0.826.(current Weight [kg]/70)0.75.(1+0.0692.(Postnatal age [days]-11)); Volume of distribution (L) = 74.2.(current Weight [kg]/70); Enteral bioavailability = 0.76; Absorption rate constant (h-1) = 0.167. BSV for clearance and volume of distribution were 74.2% and 65.6%, respectively. The IOV in clearance was 54.4%. The RUV was 51.1%. Final model parameters deviated from mean bootstrap estimates by <9%. Conclusion: Phenytoin in young infants can be described by linear pharmacokinetics. Clearance and volume, allometrically scaled to 70 kg body size, were similar to adult values indicating there were was no biological differences between adults and infants for phenytoin disposition based on size alone. Postnatal age was a significant predictor for clearance in infants independent of body size. The results provide a basis for more rational prescribing of phenytoin in these patients.

Use of sildenafil in dealing with impotence

Robinson, M. T. — 2008-06-10T00:00:00Z

Use of the repertory grid technique to explore heart failure patients’ beliefs towards their medication and self-care activities

Cottrell, N. og Emmerton, L. og Denaro, C. — 2010-12-14T00:00:00Z

Using a problem detection study (PDS) to identify and compare health care provider and consumer views of antihypertensive therapy

2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

The objectives of this study were to ascertain consumer knowledge and behaviour about hypertension and treatment and to compare these with health care providers' perceptions (of 'most' consumers). The design for the study was a problem detection study (PDS): focus groups and then survey. Focus groups and survey participants were convenience samples of consumers, doctors, nurses and pharmacists. The main outcome measures were agreement on a 5-point Likert scale with statements about consumers' knowledge and behaviour about high blood pressure and medication. The survey identified areas of consensus and disagreement between consumers and health providers. While general knowledge and concordance with antihypertensive therapy among consumers was good, consequences such as eye and kidney disease, interactions with herbal medicines, and how to deal with missing a dose were less well known. Side effects were a problem for over one-quarter of participants, and cost was a problem in continuing therapy. Half the consumers had not received sufficient written information. Providers overall disagreed that most consumers have an adequate understanding of the condition. They agreed that most consumers adhere to therapy and can manage medicines; and about their own profession's role in information provision and condition management. Consumers confirmed positive provider behaviour, suggesting opportunities for greater communication between providers about actions taken with their consumers. In conclusion, the PDS methodology was useful in identifying consumer opinions. Differences between consumer and provider responses were marked, with consumers generally rating their knowledge and behaviour above providers' ratings of 'most' consumers. There are clear gaps to be targeted to improve the outcomes of hypertension therapy.

Using certainty based assessment in inter-professional delivery of a safe prescribing workshop: Does it enhance learning?

2011-03-10T00:00:00Z

Using clinical audits to identify and change high risk non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescribing.

Cutts, C. og La Caze, A. — 2007-08-23T00:00:00Z

Using clinical audit to identify and change prescribing by rural general practitioners

Cutts, C. og La Caze, A. og Mitchell, C. — 2007-08-24T00:00:00Z

Using computer assisted methods for designing clinical trials

Duffull, S. B. — 2008-06-06T00:00:00Z

Using different structure types of microemulsions for the preparation of poly(alkylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles by interfacial polymerization

2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

A phase diagram of the pseudoternary system ethyloleate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan mono-oleate/sorbitan monolaurate and water with butanol as a cosurfactant was prepared. Areas containing optically isotropic, low viscosity one-phase systems were identified and systems therein designated as w/o droplet-, bicontinuous- or solution-type microemulsions using conductivity, viscosity, cryo-field emission scanning electron microscopy and self-diffusion NMR. Nanoparticles were prepared by interfacial polymerization of selected w/o droplet, bicontinuous- or solution-type microemulsions with ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Morphology of the particles and entrapment of the water-soluble model protein ovalbumin were investigated. Addition of monomer to the different types of microemulsions (w/o droplet, bicontinuous, solution) led to the formation of nanoparticles, which were similar in size (similar to 250 nm), polydispersity index (similar to 0.13), zeta-potential (similar to-17 mV) and morphology. The entrapment of the protein within these particles was up to 95%, depending on the amount of monomer used for polymerization and the type of microemulsion used as a polymerization template. The formation of particles with similar characteristics from templates having different microstructure is surprising, particularly considering that polymerization is expected to occur at the water-oil interface by base-catalysed polymerization. Dynamics within the template (stirring, viscosity) or indeed interfacial phenomena relating to the solid-liquid interface appear to be more important for the determination of nanoparticle morphology and characteristics than the microstructure of the template system. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Using different structure-types of microemulsions for the preparation of protein loaded nanoparticles by interfacial polymerisation

Krauel, K. og Davies, N. M. og Rades, T. — 2007-08-24T00:00:00Z

Using disease progression models as a tool to detect drug effect

2008-02-18T17:31:24Z

Generally, information required for approval of new drugs is dichotomous in that the drug is either efficacious and safe or not. Consequently, the purpose of most confirmatory clinical trials is to test the null hypothesis. The primary reasons for designing hypothesis testing trials are to provide the information required for approval using analyses techniques that are relatively straightforward and free of apparent assumptions. However, the information required for approval is very different from that used by prescribers for decision making. In the clinic, decisions must be made about dose adjustment for individual patients in the presence of additional therapies and co-morbidities. Choice of drug and dosing regimen is therefore a classical risk to benefit decision that is often poorly informed from the results of confirmatory trials. Therefore, providing answers to the more difficult question of how to use the drug in a clinical setting is essential.

Using interdisciplinary undergraduate learning to focus on health issues of indigenous people

Kairuz, T. og Horsburgh, M. og Lamdin, R. — 2009-02-17T00:00:00Z

Using n-of-1 trials as a clinical tool to improve prescribing

2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

Using organisational strategy and structure to actively manage allied health, education, training and research

Boyce, R. A. — 2008-06-06T00:00:00Z

Using organisation as a strategic resource to build identity and influence

Boyce, R. A. — 2007-08-14T00:00:00Z

Using Population Pharmacokinetics To Determine Gentamicin Dosing during Extended Daily Diafiltration in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury

2011-03-09T00:00:00Z

Using population pharmacokinetics to determine Gentamicin dosing during extended daily diafiltration in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury

2010-09-05T00:00:00Z

The objective of the present prospective pharmacokinetic study was to describe the variability of plasma gentamicin concentrations in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) necessitating extended daily diafiltration (EDD-f) using a population pharmacokinetic model and to subsequently perform Monte Carlo dosing simulations to determine which dose regimen achieves the pharmacodynamic targets the most consistently. We collected data from 28 gentamicin doses in 14 critically ill adult patients with AKI requiring EDD-f and therapeutic gentamicin. Serial plasma samples were collected. A population pharmacokinetic model was used to describe the pharmacokinetics of gentamicin and perform Monte Carlo simulations with doses of between 3 mg/kg of body weight and 7 mg/kg and at various time points before commencement of EDD-f to evaluate the optimal dosing regimen for achieving pharmacodynamic targets. A two-compartment pharmacokinetic model adequately described the gentamicin clearance while patients were on and off EDD-f. The plasma half-life of gentamicin during EDD-f was 13.8 h, whereas it was 153.4 h without EDD-f. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that dosing with 6 mg/kg every 48 h either 30 min or 1 h before the commencement of EDD-f results in 100% attainment of the target maximum concentration drug in plasma (<10 mg/liter) and sufficient attainment of the target area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0-24; 70 to 120 mg·h/liter). None of the simulated dosing regimens satisfactorily achieved the targets of the minimum concentrations of drug in plasma (<1.0 mg/liter) at 24 h. In conclusion, dosing of gentamicin 30 min to 1 h before the commencement of an EDD-f treatment enables attainment of target peak concentrations for maximal therapeutic effect while enhancing drug clearance to minimize toxicity. Redosing in many patients should occur after 48 h, and we recommend the use of therapeutic drug monitoring to guide dosing to optimize achievement of the AUC0-24 targets.

Using the community pharmacy to identify patients at risk of poor asthma control and factors which contribute to this poor control

2011-10-03T00:00:00Z

Using the internet to evaluate national medicines policy : Aummap.health.gov.au

2008-06-06T00:00:00Z

Utilising clinical pharmacy skills in rural and remote community pharmacies

2008-06-06T00:00:00Z

Vaccination with lipid core peptides fails to induce epitope-specific T cell responses but confers non-specific protective immunity in a malaria model.

2012-10-02T15:45:37Z

Vaccine components and constituents: Responding to consumer concerns

2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

Vaccination remains a vital strategy in the prevention of infectious disease. Commercial vaccine formulations contain a range of additives or manufacturing residuals, which may contribute to patient concerns about vaccine safety. Primary health care professionals are well placed to address patient concerns about vaccine safety. We describe the key constituents present in vaccines, discuss issues related to safety and acceptability of these constituents, and provide a table highlighting constituents of commercially available vaccines in Australia.

Valaciclovir: More on genital herpes

Nissen, L. M. — 2007-08-15T00:00:00Z

Validation of a series of markers for studying renal drug elimination

2008-06-06T00:00:00Z

Validation of population pharmacokinetic models of carbamazepine

2008-06-06T00:00:00Z

Validation of the use of salicylazosulfapyridine in the measurement of mouth-caecal transit-time: comparison with lactulose

Begg, E.J. og Wong, L. og Charles, B. — 2010-12-20T00:00:00Z