Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Exploring the Role of MicroRNA125b- 5p in Regulating Microglial Mediated Neuroinflammation in Spinal Muscular Atrophy(Imperial College London, 2024) Alshalan, Noura; Zhou, HaiyanSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neuromuscular condition characterised by the degeneration of α-motor neurons at the spinal cord anterior horn, resulting in the loss of skeletal muscle fibres, progressive denervation, muscle weakness and atrophy (1). The survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene is one of these duplicated genes, which differs from the homologous gene (SMN2). SMA severity manifests in patients with lower SMN2 copy numbers (2,3). MiRNA125b-5p has been considered a key player in inflammation by regulating A20/NF-κß signalling pathway, which is a crucial signalling cascade in CNS immune response (4). We hypothesise that the loss of SMN increases neuroinflammation caused by microglia. By targeting miRNA125b-5p using an antisense oligonucleotide, we believe that the NFKß1 pathway can be regulated to reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines. We used mouse BV2 cells transfected with an ASO designed to target and inhibit miRNA125b-5p. qPCR was performed using the NF-κB pathway markers: miRNA125b-5p, Tnfaip3, Nfkß1, and Tnf-α. We then investigated IL1B and Tnf-α cytokines levels using ELISA in media obtained from BV2 cells treated with designed ASO.Our preliminary results show the silencing of miRNA125b-5p expression in pre- designed ASO transfected BV2 cells. Furthermore, we show significant increased Tnfaip3 expression as hypothesised, and no significant change in expression of Nfkß1. Contrary to our expectations, we observed an increase in Tnf-α levels. We also observed the secretory cytokines, showed an increase in LPS (+ ) BV2 ASO transfected cells of Tnf-α proteins in media, while on the contrary LPS (-) BV2 ASO transfected cells showed a decrease concentration IL1b in media. believed to cause cell death via activation of innate inflammation responses.Further implications of these findings pertain to the wider applicability of obtained outcomes in clinical practice. Suppose the miRNA125b-5p can be modulated to suppress neuronal inflammation in SMA patients. The potential role of miRNA125b- 5p in other neurodegenerative diseases, thereby opening up new possibilities and challenges for potential treatments.20 0Item Restricted How Do Pharmacists Access Information About Medicines When Providing Patient Care – A Cross-Sectional Survey(2022-09-09) Alshalan, Noura; Falade, JosephineBackground: Electronic resources are used to assist in decision-making, and the choice of which resource to use is influenced by personal preferences. The purpose of this study is to discover how pharmacists use electronic resources, what features they prefer, and whether they like resources with mobile-friendly screens. Methods: This study was conducted at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, a cross-sectional online survey was created that consisted of 10 questions, and pharmacists were recruited from various specialties. Results: 57 pharmacists answered the survey, and the results show that in wards, 84% of respondents use a desktop computer while 74% prefer to use their mobile phones. It was also discovered that 52% of pharmacists who use their mobile phones to access e-resources prefer a mobile-friendly screen. Conclusion: The results of this study point to the need for mobile apps and mobile-friendly displays in electronic resources, since they make it simple and quick for users to access information. The necessity of providing training on electronic resources must be emphasized. At various levels, it should be encouraged to train pharmacists in medicines information, literature search techniques, and up-to-date electronic resources. (25023 0Item Restricted Audit of Reserve Antibiotic Prescribing in a Tertiary Care Centre in London(2023-03-31) Alshalan, Noura; Thangarajah, RajeniBackground: Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) promotes the monitoring of appropriate use of antibiotics in order to preserve their long-term efficacy. The project aims to review the current practice of reserve (restricted) antibiotics prescribing within the trust based on AMS principles. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of (AMS) daily reports and clinical notes were inspected to collect data such as: name of reserve antibiotic, indication, duration, allergy status, date and time of prescription, missed doses and infectious diseases specialist approval. Results: The findings show that there were 295 Reserve antibiotic prescriptions written between October 2022 and February 2023, and five reserve antibiotics in total were prescribed. 93% of these prescriptions had documentation of the indication, and 82% had documentation of an infectious disease (ID) specialist approval. 73% of these prescriptions included documentation of the duration of reserve antibiotic regimens. Conclusion: Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) principles indicate that documenting treatment plans is considered good practice, and in order to effectively manage antibiotic use, promote better documentation and improve prescribing practice, it is critical to educate not only prescribers but also all other healthcare providers that interact with patients who have received an antibiotic.6 0