Purpose: To study the outcome of therapeutic keratoplasty in severe microbial keratitis cases otherwise advised evisceration. Methods: A retrospective, single-center clinical audit included 28 patients with severe microbial keratitis presenting from April 2014 to April 2016. Patients with microbial keratitis either affecting more than 2 quadrants of the limbus and/or cases with infections involving more than 180 mm2 of the cornea who were advised evisceration by more than one ophthalmologist were included. Cases with endophthalmitis were excluded. At 3 months, the outcome was “success” if resolution of infection occurred without recurrence and evisceration was not required. Success was termed “complete” if best vision was 6/24 or better and “partial” other- wise. The outcome was termed a “failure” if infection recurred in the graft or the eye was eviscerated. Results: Mean age of the patients (male:female, 17:11) was 49.5 years, and the mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 28.6 days. Evisceration was required in 2/28 cases. The outcome was “success” in 22/28 cases (78.6%)—complete (10/22); partial (12/22) —and “failure” in 6/28 cases. The outcome was poorer in general in fungal keratitis (n = 16) than bacterial keratitis (n = 7). Conclusions: Primary evisceration is best avoided in infections limited to the anterior segment. Even in hopeless cases, every eye deserves a fair chance.
Background: Hypertension (HTN) has emerged as a significant public health challenge and a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries like Bangladesh. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among resi dents of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage random sampling technique to select 305 individuals from Khilkhet Thana in Dhaka North City Corporation. Data were collected through direct surveys using a modified version of the WHO STEPS questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. Findings: The study identified a 34.4 % prevalence of HTN among the participants, with 46.2 % of hypertensive individuals being under 40 years of age. Of the 105 hypertensive individuals, 65 % were newly diagnosed during the study, and 11 previously diagnosed individuals were not on any medication. A significant association (P < 0.001) was observed between the prevalence of HTN and inadequate intake of fruits (OR = 3.129, 95 % CI = 1.912–5.122, χ2 = 21.328), insufficient vegetables consumption (OR = 2.199, 95 % CI = 1.356–3.565, χ2 = 10.373), high intake of fatty foods (OR = 2.387, 95 % CI = 1.465–3.890, χ2 = 12.454), and excessive salt consumption (OR = 2.771, 95 % CI = 1.677–4.579, χ2 = 16.310). Additionally, the prevalence of HTN was notably higher among overweight (46.70 %) and at-risk (22.90 %) individuals, based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), respectively. The study also found significant correlations (P < 0.001) between HTN and factors such as smoking (OR = 2.824, 95 % CI = 1.601–4.980, χ2 = 13.432), kidney disease (OR = 7.534, 95 % CI = 2.694–21.070, χ2 = 19.282), general stress (OR = 3.692, 95 % CI = 2.179–6.255, χ2 = 24.896), COVID-19 related stress (OR = 3.511, 95 % CI = 2.116–5.826, χ2 = 24.712) and sleeping pattern (OR = 5.798, 95 % CI = 3.404–9.875, χ2 = 45.724). Conclusions: The high prevalence of HTN, particularly among younger individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the urgent need for nationwide surveys, surveillance, and clinical research to accurately depict the true burden of HTN in Bangladesh.
To acquire algorithmic thinking is a long process that has a few steps. The most basic level of algorithmic thinking is when students recognize the algorithms and various problems that can be solved with algorithms. At the second level, students can execute the given algorithms. At the third level of algorithmic thinking, students can analyze the algorithms, they recognize which steps are executed in sequences, conditions or loops. At the fourth level, students can create their algorithms. The last three levels of algorithmic thinking are: the implementation of the algorithms in a programming language, modifying and improving the algorithms, and creating complex algorithms. In preliminary research related to algorithmic thinking, we investigated how first-year undergraduate computer science students of J. Selye University can solve problems associated with the second, third and fourth level of algorithmic thinking. We chose these levels because these levels do not require to know any programming language. The tasks that students had to solve were for example: what will be the route of a robot when it executes the given instructions, how many times we need to cross a river to carry everyone to another river-bank. To solve these types of tasks requires only good algorithmic thinking. The results showed that students reached 81.4% average score on tasks related to the execution of given algorithms, 72.3% average score on tasks where they needed to analyze algorithms, and 66.2% average score on tasks where students needed to create algorithms. The latter type of tasks were mostly various river-crossing problems. Even though, that students reached a 66.2% average score on these tasks, if we had accepted only solutions with the optimal algorithms (minimal number of river crossing), they would have reached only a 21.3% average score, which is very low. To help students find the optimal algorithms of river crossing puzzles, we developed several interactive web-based animations. In the last part of this paper, we describe these animations, we summarize how they were created and how they can be used in education. Finally, we conclude and briefly mention our plans related to our future research.
Physically unclonable function (PUF) is a hardware security module preferred for hardware feature based random number and secret key generation. Security of a cryptographic system relies on the quality of the challenge-response pair, it is necessary that the key generation mechanism must unpredictable and its response should constant under different operating condition. Metastable state in CMOS latch is undesirable since it response becomes unpredictable, this feature used in this work to generate a unique response. A feedback mechanism is developed which forces the latch into the metastable region; after metastable state, latch settle to high or state depends on circuit internal condition and noise which cannot be predicted. Obtained inter hamming variation for 8 PUF is 51% and average intra hamming distance is 99.76% with supply voltage variation and 96.22% with temperature variation.
In this paper, investigations are made to analyze the human body temperature during wound healing process due to surgery. Wound is considered after the skin graft. Skin graft is a technique used in plastic surgery. Skin is the first line of defense between the human and environment, it is very susceptible to damage. Internal body or core temperature (Tb) is one of the clinical vital signs along with pulse and respiratory rates. Any disturbance in body temperature will drive complexities in wound healing process. These studies are important in the mechanism of establishing the limits of thermal regulation of human body during the healing process in different situations and conditions. The Finite element method is used to analyze tissues temperature for normal tissues (donor site) and abnormal tissues (tissues after surgery). Appropriate boundary conditions have been framed. Numerical results are obtained using Crank Nicolson Method.
Treatment adherence is a critical component of epilepsy management. Antiepileptic drug side effects affect adherence and may result in the discontinuation of medication. This study aimed to investigate the association between antiepileptic drug side effects and medication adherence among Libyan patients with epilepsy while identifying predictors of adherence. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Tripoli University Hospital involving 200 adult epilepsy patients. Adherence was assessed via a self-report tool dichotomized as adherent/ non-adherent if patients stopped medication due to side effects. Side effects were evaluated using the Side Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs questionnaire. Logistic regression analyzed predictors of adherence, including antiepileptic drug use, therapy regimen, and side-effect profiles, with p<0.05 declared association. The overall adherence rate was 87.0%. Higher adherence was observed in older age groups, 95.8% in patients aged 51-60, 89.4% in married patients, and 91.0% in university-educated patients. Patients on monotherapy and those seizure-free in the preceding month demonstrated better adherence (88.4% and 93.0%, respectively). Valproate users had notably low adherence (52.6%) while carbamazepine and phenytoin users showed higher adherence (89.7% and 91.7%, respectively). Cognitive complaints significantly reduced adherence (76.1% vs. 79.6%), as did aggressive behavior (58.3% adherence). Logistic regression identified two independent predictors: patients on old-generation antiepileptic drugs had 2.7 times higher adherence (AOR=2.702, 95% CI: 1.168-6.249; p=0.02) while cognitive side effects reduced adherence by 86.4% (AOR=0.136, 95% CI: 0.031-0.596; p=0.008). Cognitive side effects predict non-adherence, necessitating routine monitoring. Paradoxically, older antiepileptic drugs correlated with better adherence. Integrating patient-reported metrics and addressing cognitive impacts could optimize epilepsy care, highlighting gaps in side-effect management and advocating personalized strategies in clinical settings.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA) is a rare inflammatory disorder. It is the severest form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and complications occur most commonly in this type. Non-responsiveness to standard therapy with corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs is not uncommon. Interleukin-1 beta (Il-1β) has been shown to be a main contributor to the pathogenesis of SoJIA. Anakinra, a recombinant Il-1β receptor antagonist, was shown to be effective in small cohorts of therapy-resistant adult and pediatric still's patients. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world efficacy, steroid-sparing effect, and safety profile of anakinra in patients with SoJIA at a tertiary care center in Libya. A retrospective case series was conducted on patients with SoJIA treated with anakinra at the Tripoli Children's Hospital between 2010 and 2017. Data on demographic characteristics, disease activity, corticosteroid dosage, concomitant medications, and adverse events were collected at baseline and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month post-treatment. 13 patients were treated with anakinra with a mean age of 9.4±4.6 years at anakinra initiation and a female-to-male ratio of 2: 1. All patients were on corticosteroids and 92.3% on methotrexate at treatment initiation. The proportion of patients achieving inactive disease (Jadas 10=0) increased over time. A marked steroid-sparing effect was observed: the number of patients requiring high-dose steroids (>0.5 mg/kg/day) decreased from 100% at baseline to 7.6% at 12 months, and 53.8% successfully discontinued corticosteroids entirely. All patients experienced injection site reaction, and macrophage activation syndrome occurred in 15.4% as a side effect after treatment initiation. But no severe infections or fatalities occurred. Reasons for discontinuation included remission (46.1%), drug unavailability (23.0%), inefficacy (15.3%), and side effects (15.3%). Anakinra demonstrated significant efficacy in inducing rapid disease control and reducing corticosteroid dependence in patients with refractory SoJIA, with a manageable safety profile
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The presented study initially attempted to discover bergenin as an antiemetic compound isolated from Peltophorum roxburghii L. leaves. It is the extension of antiemetic activity from the methanol extract of Peltophorum roxburghii L. leaves. The antiemetic activity was assessed using copper sulfate-induced emesis in the chick’s model. Bergenin (25 mg/kg, p.o.) exhibited significant antiemetic activity compared to the standard drug, chlorpromazine. This is the first time that bergenin has declared antiemetic activity. Bergenin has already been evaluated positively for its anti-inflammatory activity, and this paper will report its antiemetic activity. Both the activities of the same compound may be beneficial for drug design against the disease, as they have anti-inflammatory and antiemetic symptoms like migraines. The preliminary antiemetic evaluation of bergenin was conducted on a single dose due to the low yield of Bergenin. However, the result was significant in terms of the standard used. Further, the isolation and purification of Bergenin are in the process of establishing detailed data on different doses of Bergenin.
There is an upsurge in gestational diabetes mellitus with many devastating consequences for the mother and developing fetus. Insulin therapy remains a mainstay. However, insulin is expensive and comes with the pain of multiple injections. Therefore, there is a need to explore commonly administered oral hypoglycemic agents to cater for the increasing gestational diabetes mellitus-associated neurological complications. This study assesses the effects of glibenclamide, metformin and insulin on the pups’ prefrontal cortex in diabetic pregnant rats. 35 sexually matured adult female rats weighing between 120 g and 160 g were used and assigned into five groups (A to E) of seven rats each group. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg and 35 mg/kg; ip). Hyperglycemic rats were treated with insulin (1.0 UI daily), metformin (200 mg/kg/day) and glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg/day). Body weight and blood glucose levels were evaluated. Rats were sacrificed at 18-day gestation, the pups were harvested, and their brains were processed for tissue oxidative stress markers and various histological examinations. Glibenclamide and metformin caused a significant blood glucose reduction at 37.9% and 40.7%, respectively, compared to the insulin group (33.09%). There was no significant difference in the body-organ ratio in rats treated with metformin when compared to rats treated with insulin. Metformin and glibenclamide had a significant increase in tissue glutathione reductase and a decrease in malondialdehyde compared with insulin and diabetic control groups. The pups’ prefrontal cortex showed degenerated neuronal cells in the diabetic control animals. The diabetic rats treated with metformin and glibenclamide showed improved pyramidal neurons compared with diabetic and insulin groups. This study suggests that metformin and glibenclamide glycemic control may prevent and improve antioxidant enzymes and reverse some neurotoxic effects caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Background: In dental practice, local anesthesia plays a very important role as it makes the patient more comfortable during his or her procedures. Nevertheless, difficulty in getting adequate anesthesia is still common because of several reasons such as the differences in anatomy, psychological considerations as well as technique related problems. The research paper will identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of dental professionals in relation to local anesthetic use and subsequent improvement of pain management in dentistry by establishing areas of weaknesses and suggesting means to address them. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 150 dental practitioners comprising general dentists, dental surgeons as well as specialists was carried out to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices of dental practitioners with regard to local anesthesia. The questionnaire was made to gauge the knowledge of the respondents with regard to anesthetic agent, effects of psychological factors, and how the respondents approach the issue of anesthesia failure in their practice. Analysis was done based on descriptive statistics to give an insight into the common practices and areas of concern. Results: The survey showed that 85 percent of respondents used Lidocaine as their choice of anesthetic, 60 percent of them reported anatomical differences as the major factor of anesthesia efficacy and 85 percent of the respondents reported the critical role of patient anxiety. On the issue of confidence in administering local anesthesia, 40 percent had high confidence and 50 percent had some incidences of poor anesthesia. In case of the failure in anesthesia, 60 percent of practitioners chose to administer higher dosage instead of sending patients to experts. Conclusion: Although the majority of dental practitioners have a good grasp of the knowledge and confidence in the administration of the local anesthesia, there are some areas where improvements can be made, especially when addressing the psychological factors and communicating with patients. Patient-centered care methods and additional training are critical to maximising the efficacy of anesthesia. Keywords: Local anesthesia, Dental practitioners, Knowledge, Patient anxiety, Anesthesia failure.
PFAPA syndrome (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis) is the most common periodic fever disorder in childhood, typically resolving by early adolescence. Relapse after a prolonged symptom-free interval is rare and has been reported following tonsillectomyrelated remission. We describe a 13-year-old girl with intact tonsils who experienced recurrence of PFAPA a decade after initial remission. She presented with a 6-day history of high-grade fever, aphthous ulcers, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis unresponsive to antibiotics. Investigations showed elevated inflammatory markers, a negative infectious workup, and significant cervical lymphadenopathy on ultrasound. A single dose of prednisolone led to the rapid resolution of symptoms followed by sustained remission on follow-up. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of late PFAPA relapse and underscores the importance of clinical recognition, exclusion of mimicking conditions, and corticosteroid responsiveness in guiding management.
Ethnopharmacology is an information exchange and understanding about people's use of plants, fungi, animals, microorganisms and minerals to discover a a wealth of helpful therapeutic agents and explore their toxic potential passed On by oral tradition or in written documented form Materia medica. This study area provides a scientific backbone for developing active therapeutics based on the traditional medicine of various ethnic groups. It is the interdisciplinary scientific exploration of biologically active agents traditionally employed or observed by man. The broad spectrum Of this domain covers social (anthropology), chemical (chemistry), biological (botany, biochemistry, microbiology) and pharmaceutical sciences (pharmacognosy, pharmacology and clinical therapeutics). Many valuable drugs of today (e.g., atropine, ephedrine, tubocurarine, digoxin and reserpine) have been used by studying indigenous remedies. Chemists continue to use plant-derived drugs (e.g., morphine, taxol, physostigmine. quinidine and emetine) as prototypes in their attempts to develop more effective and less toxic medicines. Currently, USP and BP contain many active ingredients/excipients from natural sources. Its objectives include the preservation of indigenous medical knowledge to understand the pharmacological basis Of herbal medicine; scientific study of indigenous drugs to contribute in the long run to promote or improve primary health care in regions of study; search for pharmacologically unique principles from existing indigenous remedies; finding a valid reason to guard the rainforests or to engage in conservation; establish gene banks and libraries of plant extracts for future biological evaluation: well-established germplasm banks for essential crops. Ethnopharmacology can be an innovative and powerful discovery engine for newer, safer, and more affordable medicines from the treasure house (traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples) of ancient wisdom.
Background: Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire while receiving treatments for other conditions. Studies have shown that stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers can act as potential sources of these infections in patients accessing treatment in healthcare facilities. This study aimed to increase awareness among health workers in Nigeria of the potentials of stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers to transmit HAIs. Methods: Moist swab sticks were used to collect samples from 38 randomly selected stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers from some departments of four district hospitals. Collected samples were cultured using standard microbiological techniques. In addition, self-designed questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and practice of doctors and nurses on the roles of stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers in HAIs. Results: About 83.8% of the health workers demonstrated some awareness of the roles of stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers in HAIs. 42.5% cleaned their stethoscopes, while 5% their sphygmomanometers. Staphylococcus aureus, (65.9% of stethoscopes), proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (67.6% of sphygmomanometers), Streptococcus and Coliform species were isolated. There was no significant difference between the contamination of stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers by the isolates, except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (t=3.49, p=0.04). Conclusions: Awareness did not match practice in cleaning the stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers in the four facilities. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the two most common organisms isolated with a significant difference (t=3.49, p=0.04) between stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers in isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To curb HAIs, health workers need to improve on their practice of cleaning stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers.
Abstract Indian telecom industry has started growing rapidly since 1990 because of market liberalization. It has become one of the fastest growing telecom markets since then. Operating performance of a firm is depending upon certain key financial factors viz., turnover, profit, asset utilization etc. and the variables which are found in profit and loss account and balance sheet of a firm have a direct or indirect relation with each other. Financial performance of the firms can be analyzed by establishing a close relationship between the variables, in terms of liquidity, profitability, viability and sustainability. By establishing a close relationship between the variables, a firm can analyze its financial performance in terms of liquidity, profitability, viability and sustainability. Ratios and the statistical tool of ANOVA are normally used to identify the financial health of the firms and financial performances of the firms are measured accordingly. So the present study concentrates on empirical approach towards measuring deals with financial performance of the telecommunication companies.
India is a diverse land with a population of approximately 1.3 billion,1 placing India at the second position in the world in terms of population. Among these, Seventh-day Adventists' existence, as per the statistics of 2019, is 1.14 million.2 India is a richly diverse community, inclosing a diverse range of ethnic groups, each, not just different, but on occasion quite the opposite. The present population of the country can be divided among four racial groups: Negritos, proto-Australoid, the Mongoloids, and the Mediterranean.34 These racial groups today majorly fall in different ethnic groups based on their linguistic classifications. They are Indo-Aryan (78.05 percent), Dravidian (19.64 percent), and the remaining 2.31 percent of the population segregated among Austroasiatic (Mon-Khmer), Sino-Tibetan, and Tai-Kadai.5 This ethnic diversity can be easily seen within the Adventist church too.
The study of diabetes is not only limited to particular symptoms, but it is consequently affects the pathological and functional changes in the metabolic pathways of human body system. In those symptomatic diseases various drugs are used to treat the diabetes such as biosimilar therapy including use of insulin and insulin analogues, oral hypoglycaemic agents and various other complementary medicines. In understanding of suggested potential antidiabetic, effect of M. charaantia Linn. on fasting blood sugar levels and its biochemical analysis in alloxan- induced diabetic rats were investigated. The extracts of M. charaantia Linn. Produced a significant antidiabetic activity at normal dose levels of their lethal doses. A comparison between the action of reduction in blood glucose level in different dose forms of M. charantia extract and Std. drug were seen. An oral glucose tolerance or oral tolerance test were performed with the use of glucose strip Accu-check meter. The different extract viz. ethanol extract + water, petroleum ether + Isopropyl alcohol extract were used for further dosing purpose. The ethanol + water extract were showed significant (P<0.001) antidiabetic activity. In alloxan induced rat model blood glucose level were as, 214.5±5 mg/dLfor std.drug and 216.5±5 mg/dL in comparison with diabetic control 225.5±5 mg/dL. An ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis and p-values less than 0.01 compared to normal group and 0.05 compared to diabetic control group were considered statistically significant. The extract of M.charantia Linn. from seed at the dose of 250 mg/kg, significantly shows the better result in reduction of blood glucose level as compared to the concentration of 500 mg/kg. The increased level of glucose due to the damage of pancreas showed regeneration of pancreatic enzymes by extract of M. charaantia Linn. Which were damaged by alloxan treatment. These solvent extract also balance the body weight loss in diabetic rat, hence the present extract shows the potential to act as antidiabetic drug.
Background: The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with significant morbidity and mortality among healthcare workers worldwide. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers toward COVID-19 at Ataq General Hospital, and three other hospitals and health centers in Shabwah Governorate, Yemen. Materials and Methods: From January 1, 2022, to February 28, 2022, a cross-sectional survey of healthcare workers was conducted in the city of Ataq, Shabwah Governorate at the following hospitals: Ataq General Hospital, Al Shefa’a Hospital, Al Aafiah Hospital, and COVID-19 Isolation Center. Results: A total of 107 healthcare workers completed the survey. Their mean age was 28.17 ± 7.73 years, 79 (73.8%) of them were male and 28 (26.2%) were female. The overall knowledge was good, with a score of 19 out of 21; however, most participants were unaware of some of the extra-respiratory symptoms of the disease, such as diarrhea and confusion, and about 57% of them were unaware that eating or interacting with wild animals may contribute to the infection with the COVID-19 virus. Attitude analysis of the participants revealed that about half of those surveyed do not believe that Yemen can contain COVID-19. In general, the practice of the participants was good. Conclusion: Although the overall knowledge score in this study was good, most respondents could not recognize some of the extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 and were unaware of the possibility of transmission of the disease from wild animals. In addition, about half of those surveyed do not believe that Yemen can contain COVID-19
Compliance with pharmacological therapy is the primary key to treating diabetes, but it has not received full attention from clinicians. Several systematic reviews of compliance factors have been conducted in several regions of the country. However, it does not feature studies from Indonesia. This study aims to systematically review the factors that can influence adherence to diabetes mellitus (DM) medication in Indonesia. A systematic literature review was conducted by searching the National (Garuda and Sinta) and International (PubMed and Science Direct) journal databases. Research that met the inclusion criteria was published from January 2011 to December 2020. The quality of the study was assessed using the SQAT guidelines. The research reporting method uses the PRISMA guidelines. Compliance factors are classified based on the domain of compliance factors, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). A total of 370 scientific research articles from the Garuda database (n=36); Science Direct (n = 108); PubMed (n = 18); Sinta (n= 208). Three hundred forty-one research articles were excluded, 29 full-text screening articles, and 16 research articles met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Factors that influence adherence to taking diabetes medication are social and economic (income, education level, and occupation), factors of personnel and health systems (health workers), factors of patient therapy (amount of diabetes medication, frequency of taking medication, and drug products), factors patient's disease (blood sugar levels, disease duration), patient factors (gender, emotional factors, social support, level of knowledge, and treatment satisfaction), and disease management factors (pharmacy counseling and education). Factors that influence adherence to taking DM medication in Indonesia are very diverse and are multi-factor. These factors can serve as relevant intervention targets. Clinicians must consider adjusting the frequency of taking medication and providing social support to DM patients.
The international opioid crisis highlights the important role of pharmacists in prevention, using their availability and drug knowledge to prevent abuse. In this study, the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Mangalore pharmacists towards preventing opioid abuse were assessed. From February to March 2025, a cross-sectional survey was done among 203 pharmacists aged 18-46 years in Mangalore using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, and thematic analysis of qualitative feedback. Pharmacists showed high knowledge, with 93.6% identifying opioids' mechanism as binding to CNS receptors correctly, 78.8% identifying naloxone's role in reversing overdose, and 70.0% knowing prescription drug monitoring programs' usefulness. Attitudes were optimistic, with 92.6% considering patient education a primary responsibility, 92.1% identifying multiple visits to the pharmacy as misuse, and 93.1% supporting medication-assisted treatment. The practice was active, with 93.1% checking prescription drug monitoring programs for suspected misuse and 69.0% advising take-back programs, but 43.8% associated early refills with misuse. Mangalore pharmacists show strong knowledge, attitudes, and practice against opioid abuse, being very strong in education and medication-assisted treatment support but having voids in misuse detection (for example, recognition of early refill) and naloxone confidence. Stronger training, better prescription drug monitoring program access, and policy adjustments can enhance their role in India's opioid strategy. Pharmacists are presented as front-line champions of opioid misuse prevention in this study, with implications for localized harm reduction.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The current study was designed to explore the antiemetic effect of the methanolic extract of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray., leaves using chick emesis model to validate their folk use in G.I. disorders. Emesis was induced by the oral administration of copper sulfate 50mg/kg body weight to male chicks of four days of age. The antiemetic activity was determined by calculating the mean decrease in the number of retching compared to the control. Tithonia diversifolia leaves extract (150 mg/kg orally) showed a significant (p <0.05) antiemetic effect and was compared with the reference drug chlorpromazine.