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- Safety asssessment of iopromide contrast media: a narrative review
focusing on adverse events
Abstract: Many clinical contexts require radiological exams based on contrast media administration. Iodinated contrast media (ICM) represents one of the most studied contrast agents often used in radiological examinations. ICM vary widely in their physicochemical properties, clinical uses, as well as in the incidence of adverse reactions (ARs). Therefore, a basic understanding of ARs occurrence, risk factors, clinical features, and management of ICM is increasingly important in clinical practice. Iopromide is a nonionic ICM widely used in clinical practice due to its favourable safety profile and numerous applications. This narrative review provides a comprehensive report of the available data concerning iopromide ARs. It also analyses iopromide ARs occurrence and frequency with diverse potential risk factors such as age, sex and pre-existing conditions.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Comparison of disc-diffusion and disc-volatilization assays for
determining the antimicrobial activity of L. essential oil
Abstract: Essential oils (EOs), being mixtures of various natural compounds, constitute an attractive source of novel antimicrobial agents. Along with multiple studies concerning their rich biological activity, there are different methods allowing to determine both antimicrobial activity in direct contact, as well as through the activity of vapours. Thyme constitutes one of the most common aromatic herbs used for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and culinary purposes. The aim of the study was to compare the antibacterial activity of liquid and vapour phases of Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil (TEO) against most common pathogenic Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25913, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) microorganisms. To determine TEO antibacterial properties, two methods were used: disc-diffusion assay so as to test activity in direct contact; disc-volatilization assay so as to determine activity in gaseous contact.Statistical analysis showed that Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to TEO vapours than Gram-negative (p=0.005), while in the case of disc-diffusion assay, no such differences were evident. Moreover, sensitivity towards TEO differed among Gram-positive bacteria in disc-diffusion (p=0.009) and disc-volatilization assay (p=0.001). Among Gram-negative rods, a statistically higher sensitivity regarding E. coli was noted when compared to S. typhimurium in both direct (p=0.011) and gaseous (p=0.006) TEO contact. No activity of TEO against P. aeruginosa was found.As thyme essential oil exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria in gaseous contact, this justifies its use as an addition to inhalation agents to prevent or support the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. Further studies should therefore apply other methods for determining the antibacterial activity of TEO vapours to assess the exact minimal concentration inhibiting bacterial growth.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Assessment of the potential role of Trefoil Factor-3 marker as a
predictive marker of complication in splenectomized and non splenectomized
patients with beta thalassemia major
Abstract: The study’s goal is to appraise the immunological inflammatory marker Trefoil Factor 3, which interacts with thalassemia pathogenesis particularly following splenectomy, and may offer new therapy options for the illness and its repercussions.This is a case-control study design that included 60 patients identified as β-thalassemia major as participators in this study, in addition to 30 seemingly healthy subjects with age and sex close to the patients group who served as a control group. The participants were distributed into four groups: control group, splenectomized patients, non-splenectomized patients, and total patients. Suitable statistical techniques were employed to investigate the results.The study’s findings demonstrated that there was a significance increase in the serum levels of TFF3 when comparing between (splenectomized, non-splenectomized and total patients) with healthy group (322.16±51.241, p-value=0.01, 317.20±42.449, p-value=0.01, 320±46.6, p-value=0.01), vs (309.38±21.94), respectively. Moreover, a comparison between splenectomized and non-splenectomized showed a significantly decrease in TFF3 (322.16±51.241) vs (317.20±42.449), (p-value=0.043).The presented study also revealed significant positive correlation between TFF3 level with ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, transferrin, fasting serum glucose, insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance. Furthermore, unsaturated iron binding capacity and homeostasis model assessment-beta found a significant negative correlation with TFF3 level.High serum levels of TFF3 in beta thalassemia patients, especially in splenectomies patients, are downregulated by inflammatory cytokines, which are primarily regarded as traditional inflammatory cytokines and are related to insulin resistance. Hence, TFF3 level can serve as a potential predictive for the early detection of beta thalassemia in the development and progression of complications.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Prevalence of aerobically growing opportunistic bacteria in the
nasopharyngeal microbiota of pregnant women living in rural and urban
areas
Abstract: The upper respiratory tract, including the nasopharynx, is inhabited by many microbial species. Still, the nasopharyngeal microbiota (or microbiome) of pregnant women is not well understood and may be influenced by a number of factors, including place of residence. Many changes occur during pregnancy, and their association with the respiratory microbiota is important for the health of the mother and for the developing fetus. The aim of this study was to compare the colonisation of the nasopharyngeal cavity by culturable aerobic bacteria in the microbiota of women with a physiological pregnancy course according to rural or urban place of residence. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 37 pregnant women (17 from rural and 20 from urban areas) to detect the colonisation of aerobically growing culturable bacteria. Isolates were identified using microbiological culture methods and the MALDI-TOF MS technique. Bacteria were colonisers of the nasopharynx cavity in all cases tested. Accordingly, 97.3% (36/37) of the pregnant women were colonised by Gram-positive bacteria, mainly coagulase-negative (CoNS) and -positive (CoPS) Staphylococcus spp. and Corynebacterium spp. in both the rural and urban groups. Gram-negative Klebsiella variicola, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas congelans colonised only 17.6% (3/17) of rural women and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia only 5.0% (1/20) of the urban women. To summarise, all pregnant women were colonised with bacteria in the nasopharyngeal cavity. The majority from both rural and urban residences were colonised with Gram-positive bacteria only. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated mainly from samples in the rural group.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Influence of genetic polymorphisms on the antiemetic response to
ondansetron-based medication for cisplatin-based chemotherapy in South
Indian cancer patients in a tertiary care hospital
Abstract: Genetic variations in the receptor, metabolizing enzymes and transporters may explain a part of the variation in anti-emetic response to ondansetron among cancer patients. This study assesses the role of ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms in the anti-emetic efficacy of ondansetron-based medication for cisplatin-based chemotherapy in South Indian cancer patients.The frequencies of common ABCB1 polymorphisms (rs1045642; C>T, rs1128503; C>T and rs2032582; G>T/A) were studied in 234 South Indian cancer patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Comparison of nausea and vomiting with respect to number of episodes and severity by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 (CTCAEv4.0) was made across genotype groups of each polymorphism.TT genotype carriers of all three polymorphisms had significantly lesser incidence of nausea and vomiting when compared to other genotypes of the respective polymorphisms during 2-24 hours and on days 2-5. Median VAS score for nausea and vomiting was also lower for TT genotype carriers at each time point except for nausea on days 2-5 (p=0.057) of C3435T. As per CTCAEv4.0, TT genotype carriers had less severe grade at each time point except for days 2-5 nausea (p=0.278) and vomiting (p=0.219) of C3435T and nausea on days 2-5 (p=0.068) of G2677T/A: TT genotype of ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms was associated with anti-emetic response to ondansetron-based medication in the population studied. Hence, genotyping for ABCB1 polymorphisms may be used as a tool to predict response to ondansetron.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Natural bio-enhancer for bioavailability enhancement
Abstract: There is a connection between bioavailability and absorption. In the field of pharmacology, this is referred to as a category of absorption and is defined as the proportion of a particular dosage of a drug that does not change and is absorbed into the systemic circulation. Both the overall absorption of medications and their specific bioavailability are important factors to consider in treatment. In this paper, we will go into great detail about the bioavailability of phytochemicals. We will also discuss the factors that influence bioavailability, the processes that improve bioavailability, and the phytochemicals that act as important bio enhancers, which are agents that improve the bioavailability of drugs.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Assessing the role of serum Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) levels in hypothyroidism
patients as risk marker of insulin resistance
Abstract: Introduction. Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The diagnosis and monitoring of this condition often rely on thyroid hormone levels, which can be limited in their accuracy. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a protein family that is involved in the innate immune response and is distinguished by its distinct pentameric structure.Aim. To evaluate the utility of serum PTX3 levels in detecting and monitoring hypothyroidism.Materials and Methods. A case-control design of the study included 90 participants between the ages of 20 and 50 years. These participants were divided into three groups: overt hypothyroidism (OH), subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), and a control group of healthy individuals. Anthropometric data, including age, sex, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and hormonal parameters were measured and recorded for each participant.Results. Our work demonstrates that serum PTX3 levels were significantly elevated in individuals with hypothyroidism, compared to those with normal thyroid function (p<0.001). Furthermore, PTX3 levels correlated positively with TSH levels (r=0.62, p<0.001) and negatively with T4 levels (r= -0.53, p<0.001).Conclusion. The findings suggest that serum PTX3 levels can be a useful biomarker for detecting and monitoring hypothyroidism, particularly in cases of SCH. The study’s exclusion criteria made sure that no other systemic illnesses or medication use could have tainted the findings. Therefore, the use of plasma PTX3 levels in hypothyroidism detection and monitoring may prove to be a valuable clinical tool in the future.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Azilsartan ameliorates aluminium chloride induced Alzheimer’s
disease like pathology
Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease manifested with accumulation of neurotoxic proteins like beta-amyloid (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau. Administration of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) such as Telmisartan has demonstrated to generate significant memory improvement in AD. Azilsartan is an ARB with better bioavailability than Telmisartan. Hence, the present work evaluates the efficacy of Azilsartan against aluminium chloride (AlCl3) induced AD. In the work, albino rats were divided into five groups (n=6). Group I served as control and received saline (10 ml/kg). Group-II was treated with AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) for 42 days; Group-III and IV received Azilsartan (5 mg/kg) and Telmisartan (10 mg/kg) with AlCl3 daily for 42 days. Y-maze, elevated plus maze and radial arm maze were used to evaluate memory functions. This was followed by biochemical and histological studies, along-with determination of Aβ content and anti-oxidant status. AlCl3 was found to significantly (p <0.05) reduce cognition and increased concentration of Aβ in a hippocampus with elevated lipid peroxidation levels. It also significantly (p<0.05) decreased superoxide dismutase and increased malondialdehyde content. However, brain histology showed presence of neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal dead cells, and pyknotic cells compared to normal group. Still, Azilsartan and Telmisartan significantly (p<0.05) reversed cognitive dysfunction, improved antioxidant status and decreased Aβ production. Thus we conclude that Azilsartan protects AlCl3 induced AD-like pathology but, to a degree less than Telmisartan.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Perineural invasion in nearby tissue adjacent to colorectal carcinoma with
CD166 stem cell marker expression
Abstract: Pathological evaluation of colorectal cancer resection samples play a vital role in management and prognosis of postoperative cancer patients. Difficulties exist in the assessment and outcomes of these specimens for therapy protocol. PNI is a perineural invasion associated with increased mortality in many malignancies including colon cancer. In colorectal cancer (CRC) and nearby tissue, PNI evaluation as a potential prognostic indicator with the use of CD 166 stem cell marker remains to be clearly defined for providing a convenient information for future management and prognosis. The incidence and significance of histological neural invasion in nearby tissue was conducted in 52 patients with colorectal carcinoma operated on for the period from June 2017 to June 2020 retrospectively. Tumors were subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical study (IHC) with CD166 stem cell marker for PNI in tissue adjacent to CRC. Data collected and analyzed, histopathological pictures was obtained and studied.Outcomes showed that neural invasion was expressed by Cd166 stem cell marker as strong and severe in patients with stage B and C in tissues nearby tumor which reveals bad prognostic features.Conclusions: Neurogenesis appeared to have a critical role in colorectal cancer progression. furthermore, current results indicated that neurogenesis functions as an independent predictor of outcomes for therapy protocol.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Quality of life of lung cancer patients
Abstract: Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in patients in Ukraine. The objective of the study was to identify the main problems in the quality of life of patients with lung cancer in order to optimize medical care for this patient group. A survey of 411 patients of oncology institutions in nine regions of Ukraine was conducted in the period from November 2021 to February 2022. The sociological survey was performed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC29 questionnaires. As of the pre-war period, the quality of life of lung cancer patients in Ukraine amounted to 49.12 points on a 100-point scale. According to the QLQ-C30 symptom scale, the highest score among the complaints of Ukrainian patients is that of financial difficulties, the second place is occupied by fatigue. According to the QLQ-LC29 symptom scale, patients with lung cancer were most concerned with “Fear of progression”. Ukrainian patients were least concerned about diarrhea and hemoptysis. When providing medical care to cancer patients, components to ensure the proper quality of their lives and psychosocial care, including the standardization of psychological care and its introduction in all institutions that provide medical care to cancer patients; organization of social and psychological support for cancer patients and their families; as well as educational work with relatives, colleagues, medical professionals on awareness of the need for social and psychological support for patients must be taken into account.
PubDate: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Medicinal plants: A promising source of anti-diabetic agents in sub-Sahara
Africa
Abstract: The rising burden of Diabetes mellitus (DM) globally and particularly in sub-Sahara Africa calls for alternative treatment solutions. This is because the currently available drugs for its management are limited due to undesirable adverse effects and high cost. Thus, this review explores diabetes and summarizes its treatment options, focusing mainly on medicinal plants therapy. Information on twenty-five selected medicinal plants from sub-Sahara Africa having hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic potentials was obtained via electronic search of major databases, such as Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar and web of science. Predominant bioactive compounds found in these plants include tannins, carpaine, terpenoids, hexadecenoic acid, luteolin, saponins, glycosides, rutin, quercetin, vindoline and kaempferol. Robust evidence indicates that these medicinal plants and their bioactive components exert their antidiabetic potentials via different mechanisms, including: regeneration of pancreatic β-cell and insulin secretion; inhibition of α-amylase, inhibition of intestinal glucose absorption and liver glucose production; antioxidative stress; limitation of glycogen degradation and gluconeogenesis; anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory. DM imposes a tremendous burden in the region, and its prevalence is not abating; thus the rich flora of the region with known hypoglycemic and antidiabetic efficacy could be explored as a complementary therapy in its management.
PubDate: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- The role of the L-arginine-NO-cGMP pathway in the development of tolerance
to mephedrone-induced hyperlocomotion in mice
Abstract: The tendency of a psychostimulant to increase locomotion in rodents is considered to be associated with its addictive properties. Mephedrone, one of the most popular psychoactive substances used recreationally, is known to enhance locomotor activity in mice, but little is known about the potential development of tolerance to its central effects. In the present study, we decided to evaluate the possible involvement of the L-arginine-NO-cGMP pathway in the development of tolerance to mephedrone-induced hyperlocomotion. Experiments were performed on adult male Albino Swiss mice, and the locomotor activity was measured automatically. Our work indicated that a 5-day administration of L-NAME (25 or 50 mg/kg/day), methylene blue (5 or 10 mg/kg/day), and L-arginine hydrochloride (i.e., 250 mg/kg/day) prevented the development of tolerance to mephedrone-induced (5 mg/kg/day) hyperlocomotion, whereas treatment with L-arginine hydrochloride at a dose of 125 mg/kg/day potentiated the development of tolerance to this central effect of mephedrone. Summarizing, our data revealed that the L-arginine-NO-cGMP pathway contributes to the development of tolerance to mephedrone’s central effects since inhibition of this signalling via blocking of NOS or NO-stimulated sGC prevented the development of tolerance to mephedrone-induced hyperlocomotion. As for cGMP-regulated phosphodiesterases, most probably they are not involved in these mechanisms.
PubDate: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- The monoamine theory of depression as a target to effective
pharmacotherapy
Abstract: Depression is one of the greatest current mental disorders. Depressive disorder may affect everyone and it causes difficulties in social functioning and may lead to death via suicide. Depression is a serious problem because number of its cases is increasing, especially after pandemic of COVID-19. The oldest and the most approved theory which explains mechanism of depression’s development is a monoamine hypothesis. Effectiveness of most antidepressant drugs based on this theory. It assumes that the typical symptoms of depression are results of changed concentration of monoamines or incorrect monoaminergic transmission. The aim of this article is to present drugs which have influence on level of biogenic amines and are used in treatment of depressive disorders. Some of those drugs are the first choice in cure of this disease. In spite of adverse effects and often delayed onset of action of pharmacotherapy, it is still the first line in treatment of depression.
PubDate: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Penicillin-binding protein genotyping of penicillin-nonsusceptible
isolates from the nasopharynx of healthy preschool children
Abstract: Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most frequent bacterial identified causes of community-acquired pneumonia, otitis media and meningitis. It is, as well, a common cause of bacteraemia’s significant morbidity and mortality. Beta-lactam antibiotics (BLAs) are the first line of empirical treatment for pneumococcal infections. The targets of BLAs are penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), the modifications of which are one of the reasons why pneumococci are non-susceptible to BLAs. In our work, a total of 39 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates were obtained from 176 healthy children, both vaccinated and non-vaccinated. The isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, and their penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) were typed by the restriction fragment length of the polymorphism analysis of their pbp genes. The most frequent serotypes among the penicillin non-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSSP) isolates were 23B, 35B and 19F. Restriction enzyme analyses of pbp1a, pbp2b, and pbp2x genes revealed 5, 3 and 3 different patterns, respectively, and a total of 4 different PBPs profiles of PNSSP isolates belonging to serotypes not included in pneumococcal conjugate vaccines were demonstrated. We conclude that the level of resistance should be monitored constantly to ascertain the effect of current pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, as well as to recognize new circumstances developing in Poland, as well as the possibility of multiple, independent imports of resistant strains from abroad.
PubDate: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Adiponectin as a novel predictive biomarker of multiple sclerosis course
Abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a serious neurological disease, the actual worldwide prevalence of which is estimated to be 2,8 million people (35,9 per 100,000). During the course of MS, various neurological symptoms and its complications result in raising patient disability, which range from skeletal muscles impairment, to losses in cognitive functions. Achieving control over course of MS progression appears to be crucial in its treatment. This enforces the need for recognizing novel predictive factors so as to allow prognosis of future remissions and/or progressions. Adiponectin, hormone secreted by adipose tissue, currently is considered as a possible candidate for such a biomarker. The aim of this review is to summarise present knowledge and to assess possible clinical usage. According to collected data, adiponectin measurements in serum and cerebrospinal fluid appear to provide plausible and useful biomarkers in predicting the course of MS. Further studies are, however, needed, especially using non-invasive, but promising sources such as saliva.
PubDate: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Development and validation of a new bioanalytical method for
quantification of CDK4/6 inhibitor in Spiked Human Plasma by HPLC-UV
Abstract: A sensitive and accurate high performance liquid chromatography method utilizing ultraviolet/visible light detection (HPLC-UV) for the quantification of Ribociclib in Spiked Human Plasma by HPLC-UV was developed and validated. Ribociclib (RCB) and the internal standard (IS), Trifluridine, were first extracted from plasma samples by a simple Protein Precipitation extraction using Acetonitrile. Plasma concentration of RCB and internal standard were then analyzed by applying reversed phase chromatography using Orochem orosil C18 (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μ) and elution with a isocratic mobile phase consisting of 10 mM phosphate buffer – Acetonitrile (60:40, v/v) adjusted to pH 3.0 at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. Detection of RCB and the IS was subsequently done at a wavelength of 260 nm. The limit of quantification was 10 ng/ml. The calibration curve was linear (R2>0.998) over the concentration range of 10-1000 ng/ml. For human plasma, the accuracy and precision were within ±15% and ≤15%, respectively, for all concentrations, except for the lower limit of quantification, where they were within ≤20%.
PubDate: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Determination of some drugs used against neurodegenerative disorders by
Abstract: In this work, analysis of some drugs used in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders (sulpiride, olanzapine, carbamazepine, trazodone, clomipramine, and pridinol) was achieved through micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). The effect of surfactant (sodium dodecylsulphate), acetonitrile, and buffer pH and concentration on the solute retention was also investigated. Successful separation of all compound mixtures was obtained. The method was applied for the quantitative analysis of investigated compounds, and the LOD and LOQ were determined. The LOD values were in the range from 0.0127 mg/mL for clomipramine, to 0.1398 mg/mL for pridinol, while LOQ were in the range 0.0384 mg/mL for clomipramine, to 0.4237 for pridinol. The mode was also applied for the determination of investigated solutes in pharmaceutical prescriptions.
PubDate: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Healthcare professional’s knowledge and awareness of the medication
error reporting systems in the Kuwaiti hospitals
Abstract: Objective. A survey was conducted to explore healthcare professional’s (HCPs) knowledge and attitude towards medication errors reporting processes and systems used in their local hospitals.Methods. There were 696 respondents and the observational survey showed the diverse perspectives of HCPs from diverse professions (doctors, pharmacists and nurses) who are at different stages in their career. The survey results highlighted the deficiencies in the medication safety management process, including the follow-up on witnessed or discovered medication errors, the effectiveness of the used reporting systems for medication errors, the standardisation of electronic prescribing software, and the training of HCPs at the six hospitals on medication safety.Key finding. Only 46% of the surveyed stated that their hospital had a mechanism in place for reporting medication errors and 60.7% of the participants agreed that they would submit reports provided the system is not used for performance management and only those need to know will be able to identify their name. Regarding prescription writing, 51% of surveyed HCPs said they utilise electronic prescribing software; however, the overall usage rate of electronic prescribing systems was 49%, with handwritten prescriptions remaining the option used in the majority of the time. In terms of HCP training, 20% of the survey respondents said they did not receive any instruction or direction in the hospitals on pharmacovigilance and patient safety.Conclusions. The Kuwaiti MoH should build a national electronic incident reporting system and establish standardised rules and protocols for incident reporting that is to be anonymous and of compulsory use by all government and private hospitals.
PubDate: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Assessment of risk perception of patients concerning adverse drug
reactions
Abstract: Introduction. The use of medicines involves trade-offs between their therapeutic benefits and inherent risks. Several studies show that numerous adverse drug reactions (ADRs) could be avoided by increasing patients’ awareness of medicine’s risks. Even though drug labels enclose relevant information about risks and benefits, this information often requires patient education and overall health literacy to improve medication adherence, thereby preventing ADR frequency.Aim. To describe patient awareness of ADR risks and the Portuguese Pharmacovigilance System.Methods. A questionnaire comprising 27 questions was conducted at a health centre in Coimbra, Portugal. This study included ninety-one patients. Risk perception was scored as positive (≥2.5 points) or negative (<2.5 points). Results were analysed by SPSS v 27.0.Results. This work highlights poor patient perceptions of risk with a rate of negative responses of 85,7%. Although some responders were aware of the possibility of reporting ADRs, only some participants were familiar with the Portuguese Pharmacovigilance System. Additionally, only five patients – out of the vast majority of those who had previously encountered ADRs – reported the event to INFARMED.Conclusion. Patient low literacy regarding ADRs and the national reporting systems need to be urgently improved. Patient-centred communication strategies for recognising regulatory requirements and standards of product safety are important measures to achieve effective awareness through routine reporting within the Pharmacovigilance systems.
PubDate: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Combinations of Fe tablets and dragon fruit and combinations of Fe tablets
and date straw on increasing hemoglobin levels in adolescent women with
anemia
Abstract: Anemia is a health problem related to the extensive presence of a variety of noncommunicable diseases in developing countries. Indeed, the prevalence of anemia in Indonesia in women of childbearing age (aged 15-49 years) in 2019 was around 29.9%; in West Kalimantan in 2018, it was 23.8%. The rate of anemia in young women can be overcome by increasing hemoglobin levels. One approach is to enhance the consumption of dragon fruit or date palm juice which can increase hemoglobin levels. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of giving a combination of Fe tablets and dragon fruit or a combination of Fe tablets with date palm juice on hemoglobin levels in anemic adolescent girls. The design of this study was a True Experiment with pre-test and post-test control groups. Research respondents were anemic adolescent girls, a total of 32 people, with 16 in each group.With regard to the hemoglobin levels before and after administration of Fe tablets and dragon fruit, based on the paired t-test, the mean difference was 4.32 g/dl, with P-Value = 0.000. Thus, there is effectiveness in this intervention group. In the combination group of Fe tablets and date palm juice, the mean difference was 3.062 g/dl. P-Value = 0.001 (P<0.05). Hence, there is effectiveness in enhancing hemoglobin levels in this intervention group. Applying an independent t-test to determine the difference in the effectiveness of the two interventions revealed a P-value = 0.054, meaning that there was no significant difference between the two interventions in increasing hemoglobin levels.
PubDate: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
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