Background and Aims: Pharmacists hold a unique position in the healthcare system as the final point of contact between the patient and healthcare professionals before initiating treatment. In addition to ensuring the safe and appropriate use of medications, pharmacists are also responsible for promoting rational drug use and educating patients. Rational drug use and e-health literacy are critical competencies for pharmacy students in order to provide safe and effective medication management. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between rational drug use awareness and e-health literacy among second and fourth year pharmacy students at Ege University Faculty of Pharmacy Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using validated scales to measure rational drug use knowledge and e-health literacy, Data were collected from 176 pharmacy students using online forms Statistical analyses, including correlation and group comparisons, were performed. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant Results: Students demonstrated good knowledge of rational drug use, with an average score of 38.9 +/- 4.0 Their e-health literacy levels were moderate, averaging 281 +/- 56. A positive correlation was found between rational drug use knowledge and e-health literacy scores and it was significant (r-0442, p<0.001) Fourth year students scored significantly lower on rational drug use knowledge compared to second-year students, unexpectedly Because of the cross-sectional design, establishing causality is limited. Conclusion: Pharmacy students have adequate rational drug use knowledge, out e-health literacy needs further development, E-health literacy education should be essential alongside rational drug use education to prepare future pharmacists for effective healthcare delivery in the digital age.
Background and Aims: This study aimed to prepare and characterize (in vitro) nanoemulsion (NE) and NE-based gel (NEG) formulations containing fluconazole (FLU) and daidzein (DZ) alone or in combination for topical application on the skin or vaginal administration.Methods: The HPLC-UV method for simultaneously determining FLU and DZ was also developed and validated. We prepared the NE formulations using high-speed mixing and ultrasonication techniques. Then, gel formulations were prepared using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (1%; NaCMC) as a gelling agent. In vitro characterization studies (the determination of zeta potential, droplet size, and PDI values for NE formulations, pH and viscosity measurements, FTIR analysis, and in vitro release studies) were performed on these formulations.Results: The prepared NE formulations’ droplet sizes were smaller than 120 nm, and the PDI values were smaller than 0.3. In addition, the zeta potential values for NE formulations were sufficient for physical stability. High EE% values (over 95% for both FLU and DZ) were obtained for NE and NEG formulations containing FLU and/or DZ. While the NE formulations showed Newtonian behavior, the NEG formulations showed pseudoplastic behavior.Conclusion: NE and NEG formulations were successfully prepared and in vitro characterized in our study.
Background and Aim: This study examined the determinants affecting knowledge and attitudes regarding hypertension prevention and assessed the influence of family history on awareness. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the validated Turkish Attitudes Scale Towards Prevention of Hypertension (ASPH). Ethical approval was obtained (No: 2025/7447). Data were analysed using SPSS (version 27.0). The normality of distribution was assessed, and non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation analysis) were applied as appropriate. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Post hoc power analysis indicated a statistical power of 88.8% for group comparisons. Results: A total of 117 adults participated in the "Counsel Your Pharmacist" event on Turkish Pharmacists' Day. The median [IQR] ASPH score was 103.0 [101.0-115.0]. Among participants with a family history of hypertension, 35 individuals regularly monitored their blood pressure, whereas 43 did not. Mean scores were higher among those who monitored regularly (109.9 +/- 9.5) compared to non-monitors (103.6 +/- 7.6). A statistically significant association was identified between ASPH scores and physical activity (p< 0.001), smoking (p = 0.015), regular blood pressure monitoring among participants with at least one family member affected by hypertension (p = 0.004), and obesity (p = 0.011). Correlation analysis showed a negative relationship between ASPH scores and weight (p = 0.003), BMI (p = 0.009), and blood pressure, whereas a positive correlation was observed between age and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.022). Conclusion: The findings reveal a limited public understanding of hypertension prevention, underscoring the importance of educational initiatives. Pharmacists serve a vital function in enhancing awareness and encouraging preventive measures against hypertension.
Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to develop flurbiprofen-loaded pharmaceutical filaments using the HME technique, transform the filaments into pellets of appropriate size for capsule filling, and compare the drug release profile of the capsules with commercially available extended-release flurbipro-fen capsules in the Turkish market. This study offers significant potential for industrial applicability and scalability by using the HME technique as an innovative production method and improving the solubility and release profile of flurbiprofen. Methods: Flurbiprofen-loaded filaments were fabricated using the HME technique at 110 degrees C. Filaments were characterised through thermal, molecular, and crystallinity analyses. Drug release studies were systematically conducted in comparison with commercially available flurbiprofen preparations. Results: Filaments were successfully obtained using the HME technique. The excipients incorporated into the formulations were confirmed to be compatible with flurbiprofen. DSC and XRD analyses showed the transformation of flurbiprofen into an amorphous form. The F2 formulation demonstrated compliance with zero-order release kinetics and exhibited a dissolution profile comparable to that of commercial preparations. Conclusion: In this study, flurbiprofen-loaded filaments were produced via the HME technique, filled into capsules, and compared with four commercial flurbiprofen capsules. The F2 formulation exhibited a release profile similar to commercial products, following zero-order kinetics. The findings revealed the feasibility of the HME technique for developing capsule dosage forms through filament production, while indicating that the F2 formulation could be considered an alternative to commercial preparations.
Background and Aims: The genus Scaligeria DC. s.l. represents approximately 50 species globally. In T & uuml;rkiye, six species were identified within this genus: Scaligeria napiformis Grande, S. glaucescens Boiss., S. meifolia Boiss., S. lazica Boiss., S. hermonis Post., and S. tripartita (Kalenicz.) Tamamsch. The non-monophyletic status of the genus Scaligeria s.l has led to significant challenges in its infrageneric classification, prompting several studies aimed at addressing these issues. In this study, we examined six species distributed in T & uuml;rkiye, including five species (Bunium hermonis, Pimpinella lazica, P. tripartita, Elaeosticta meifolia, and E. glaucescens) that were previously classified within the genus Scaligeria, as well as Scaligeria napiformis.This study has two main objectives: the first is to conduct a comprehensive examination of the morphological characteristics of Scaligeria napiformis and the species Bunium hermonis, Pimpinella lazica, P. tripartita, Elaeosticta meifolia, and E. glaucescens, previously classified within Scaligeria, in order to fill gaps in existing morphological descriptions. The second objective was to investigate the phylogeny of the genus Scaligeria and its related species, with a particular focus on Pimpinella lazica and Pimpinella tripartita, using nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) regions, including the trnL-trnF, trnL intron, and matK genes. Methods: Plant materials were collected from different localities in T & uuml;rkiye. In addition, specimens of these species were studied through visits to both national and international herbaria or examined digital images of the specimens. The specimens were examined under a stereomicroscope and compared with the type materials and descriptions in the Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands. The phylogeny of Scaligeria s.l. and its allies were examined based on the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), plastid matK and plastid trnLF+trnL DNA regions by conducting maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses for 82 accessions. Results: The morphological description of Scaligeria napiformis, Bunium hermonis, Pimpinella lazica, P. tripartita, Elaeosticta meifolia, and E. glaucescens has been expanded. Photographs of the natural habitats of these species, along with their phenology and distribution data, have been provided. Identification keys have also been given for the species of Scaligeria distributed globally, as well as for the species of Elaeosticta present in T & uuml;rkiye. In our study, the trnL-trnF gene, trnL intron, and matK gene regions of these species were sequenced for the first time. Additionally, the phylogenetic positions of P. lazica and P. tripartita, based on nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnL-trnF gene, trnL intron and matK gene sequences, were demonstrated for the first time in our study. Our phylogenetic results showed that Scaligeria + Carum appuanum (Viv.) Grande and Elaeosticta Fenzl were monophyletic, whereas Pimpinella L. (99% BS, 1.00 PP and 100% BS, 1.00 PP) and Bunium L. (99% BS, 1.00 PP and 95% BS, 0.95 PP) were polyphyletic with strong support. The transfer of S.lazica and S. tripartita species to the genus Pimpinella, the transfer of S. meifolia and S. glaucescens species to the genus Elaeosticta, and the transfer of S. hermonis species to the genus Bunium have been confirmed. Currently, the genus Scaligeria is represented by only one species, S.napiformis, in T & uuml;rkiye. Elaeosticta, which was represented by a single species in T & uuml;rkiye, is now represented by three species. Following the transfer of the species S.hermonis, the number of species within the genus Bunium present in T & uuml;rkiye increased to 18. After the inclusion of S. lazica and S. tripartita into the genus Pimpinella, the total number of Pimpinella species found in T & uuml;rkiye increased to 30.
Background and Aims: The prevalence and characteristics of drug-related problems (DRPs) and factors associated with the occurrence of DRPs in inpatients in the neurology department in T & uuml;rkiye remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of DRPs and to identify drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in the neurology department of a tertiary university hospital in T & uuml;rkiye. Methods: This prospective study with clinical pharmacist (CP) intervention was conducted at the Depart-ment of Neurology, Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Hospital, between December 2023 and June 2024 by clinical pharmacy residents (CPRs). The characteristics of DRPs were categorised using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) DRP classification tool V9.1, and DDIs were identified using Micromedex (R) drug interaction software. Results: A total of 106 DRPs were detected in 63 inpatients, an average of 1.68 DRPs per patient. Using the PCNE classification system, treatment safety (P2) was identified as the most common type of DRP (69; 65.09%), whereas drug selection (C1) was the primary cause (94; 83.93%). CPRs provided a total of 120 inter-ventions, and most interventions occurred at the prescriber level (I1) (107; 89.17%), and all were accepted. A total of 205 DDIs were detected (59/63;93.65%), most of which were classified as major (136;66.34%). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that DRPs can occur at any stage of the prescribing process and are common among inpatients in the neurology department in T & uuml;rkiye. These findings may encourage further research on the roles of CPs in neurology departments using controlled study designs.
Background and Aims: Myrtus communis L. (MC) is a plant with therapeutic properties on various tissues. In individuals with liver disease and hepatic failure, there is a risk of developing progressive kidney failure. This underscores the critical importance of monitoring and managing these patients' liver and kidney health. The bile duct ligation (BDL) model enables rapid study of renal function changes. This study aimed to identify the potential protective and reversible effects of MC leaf extract on the kidneys of rats.Methods: The rats were divided into the control group (C), C+MC group, BDL group, and BDL+MC group. After sacrifice, kidney samples were examined through several biochemical analyses. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was used for light microscopic investigations.Results: In the BDL group, increased lipid peroxidation levels, myeloperoxidase, and tissue factor activities were found, whereas decreased glutathione levels, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities were found compared to the C and C+MC groups. In addition, increased sialic acid levels were detected in the BDL group compared to the C group. MC extract significantly reversed these changes compared to the BDL group. The biochemical results supported the histological findings.Conclusion: The beneficial effects of MC on kidney tissue may be due to recovered liver function or its direct action on it. MC may be a promising candidate for further investigation in the treatment and prevention of BDL-induced renal injury.
Background and Aims:Lycopus europaeus L. (Lamiaceae) is a perennial medicinal herb that grows in moist areas and produces white flowers. It contains many secondary metabolites, and L. europaeus has traditionally been used as a natural remedy for coughs, respiratory issues, and insomnia. This study aims to describe the hair characteristics of the stem, calyx, adaxial, and abaxial leaf surfaces, as well as the pollen morphology of L. europaeus. Methods: The plant was collected during its flowering stage from Bursa, between Boz & uuml;y & uuml;k and & Idot;neg & ouml;l. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed for the micromorphological analysis of the trichomes and pollen of L. europaeus. The SEM images were captured using a Zeiss EVO 50 scanning electron microscope. Results: Covering hairs consist of nonglandular and glandular hairs. The nonglandular hairs are either unicellular or multicellular, characterized by cuticular micropapillae and composed of unbranched, elongated cells. The glandular hairs include peltate and capitate types. Peltate trichomes have a short stalk cell and a broad secretory head with 2-6 cells. Capitate hairs have a globose, unicellular head and a short, unicellular stalk. The plant's pollen grains are hexacolpate, featuring a reticulate exine structure and are prolate in shape (P/E 1.43-1.45 mu m). The lumens appear round or nearly polygonal, measuring 0.05-1.27 mu m in diameter. The width ranges from 0.10 to 0.55 mu m. Conclusion: This study highlights two key features for identifying L. europaeus in detail: the morphology of trichomes and pollen.
Background and Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the release kinetics and mechanism of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded polyamidoamine (PAA)-based nanoparticles to discover the most suitable kinetic model for describing the drug release behaviour. Methods: Release profiles of 12 distinctive DOX-loaded PAA-based nanoparticles were obtained by conducting an in vitro release study over 48 hours at pH 7.4 and 5.5. The data were fitted to six kinetic models: zero-order, Higuchi, Hixson-Crowell, Korsmeyer-Peppas, Peppas-Sahlin, and Weibull to assess their applicability. Suitability of models was evaluated on parameters, i.e., regression coefficients (R2), average Akaike information criterion (AIC), and corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc). The mechanism inferred from kinetic fitting was described by the release exponent (n) in the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, the k1, k2, and m parameters in the Peppas-Sahlin model, and the scale (alpha) and shape (beta) parameters in the Weibull model. Results: The Weibull model provided the best fit, with R2 values ranging from 0.971 to 0.998 and AIC values between 40.534 and 71.328. The Peppas-Sahlin model also presented a strong correlation (R2 = 0.885-0.995; AIC = 48.810 to 94.213), while the Korsmeyer-Peppas model exhibited the best fit for initial release (R2 = 0.980-1.000; AIC = -12.055 to 12.043). The exploration of release exponents specified a mixed diffusion mechanism, confirming that drug release was governed by both diffusion and polymer relaxation/erosion. Conclusion: The Weibull model, due to its ability to precisely describe complex release kinetics, was found to be the most suitable kinetic model for explaining DOX release from PAA-based nanoparticles. The release mechanism involved both diffusion and polymer relaxation, emphasizing the adaptability of PAA-based nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery applications.
Objective: This study aimed to develop and optimise a regulatory-compliant in vitro release testing (IVRT) method for topical semi-solid products of dapsone. Methods: The IVRT method was designed based on the U.S. FDA and EMA guidelines. The analytical method for dapsone was developed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and validated according to ICH Q2(R1) guidelines. The IVRT parameters were optimised stepwise. Solubility studies were conducted to determine the most suitable receptor medium to ensure sink conditions. The membrane inertness was evaluated by assessing dapsone recovery in various synthetic membranes. In addition, equipment-related parameters such as sampling intervals and product dose amounts were optimised. Results: Solubility studies confirmed that dapsone exhibited higher solubility in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.4 : ethanol (60:40, v/v), which was selected as the receptor medium. Membrane inertness testing revealed that regenerated cellulose (RC) membranes provided the highest drug recovery, indicating minimal interaction with dapsone. The optimum IVRT conditions were identified as a receptor medium temperature of 32.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C, stirring speed of 500 rpm, and sampling intervals up to 6 h using a six-station vertical diffusion system. The 300 mg product dose provided the most favourable release profile, with the highest cumulative release and linearity coefficients (R & sup2; > 0.97), meeting the U.S. FDA acceptance criteria. Conclusion: This study proposed an IVRT method for the in vitro evaluation of semi-solid topical products of dapsone. The developed method may contribute to future quality control practices and support comparative studies of topical semi-solid products of dapsone.
Background and Aims: As the drug discoveries of the modern century have led to a rapid increase in the number of new drug candidates with low water solubility, nanofiber drug delivery systems have become a promising technology to increase the water solubility of drugs with a high surface-to-volume ratio. In this study, we aimed to prepare a nanofiber of a molecule with low water solubility and investigate its changing solubility properties. Methods: Three nanofiber dosage forms containing olanzapine (OLZ) active substance were developed by the electrospinning method using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer. Drug loading efficiency, zeta potential determination, electrical conductivity, rheology, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed to evaluate the in vitro characterisation of the formulations. The solubility profile of the optimised formulations in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer was evaluated. The stability of optimised formulations was evaluated in terms of physical properties (colour, shape, weight, diameter, and thickness) and drug amount for 35 days. Results: It was determined that the electrospinning property of the nanofiber preparation solution increased with the addition of ethanol to the polymer solvent medium. The active substance distribution in the nanofiber layer was more homogeneous in the N78 and N79 coded formulations with high zeta potential values compared to N69. Contrary to the homogeneous distribution problem, the loading efficiency of the N69-coded formulation containing chloroform (similar to 29%) was higher than that of N79 (similar to 9.8%). A 24-h solubility study in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer of the N78-coded formulation, which has an active ingredient loading efficiency of similar to 80.4%, confirmed the increased solubility of OLZ in water in the nanofiber drug delivery system. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to convert these model formulations into final drug products.
Background and Aims: Depression is a common and chronic mental health condition affecting approximately 15% of the global population, significantly impacting daily life. Although its exact causes are unclear, environmental, psychological, and biological factors contribute to its development. Sertraline hydrochloride (SHCl) is asynthetic compound used as an antidepressant. Itworks byselectively increasing serotonin levels in the brain. However, its poor water solubility limits its absorption. This study presents the initial scientific evidence for the use of sertraline hydrochloride carbon quantum dots (SCQDs) in skin-based drug delivery systems for SHCl, aiming to improve its bioavailability. Methods: SCQDs were synthesised via microwave using SHCl. Their physical (appearance, size, PDI, zeta potential) and optical (fluorescence, quantum yield) properties were detailed. In vitro release and cytotoxicity tests assessed the biocompatibility and formulation stability. Results: The SCQD particle size was 9.170 +/- 0.045 nm, polydispersity index 16.900 +/- 0.078%, and zeta potential 11.700 +/- 0.502 mV. SCQDs showed bright fluorescence under 365 nm UV light with a 57.75% quantum yield. Drug release from SCQDs was 34 +/- 0.225% vs. 2 +/- 0.043% for the SHCl solution. SCQDs exhibited lower toxicity in the MTT assay. Conclusion: SCQDs were successfully synthesised by microwave, directly using the active substance as a carbon source with adjustable surface charges. These SCQDs exhibited high thermodynamic activity and rapid in vitro membrane permeation. Notably, SCQDs were less toxic than SHCl. This study provides key insights for synthesising carbon quantum dots directly from an active substance and for potential drug delivery systems.
Background and Aims: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a widespread herpetic pathogen responsible for recurring mucocutaneous infections that are frequently debilitating and difficult to treat. The objective of this work was to design and study the efficiency of a biosurfactant-synthetic surfactant hybrid nanoemulgel (NEG) system with antiviral activity against HSV-1 using Melissa officinalis and Illicium verum essential oils. Methods: Nanoemulsions (NEs) were prepared through ultrasonic emulsification and stabilised using Quillaja saponaria saponins and Kolliphor (R) P 188. Selected NEs were mixed into xanthan gum-based gels to create NEGs. The formulations were assessed for their physicochemical properties, rheological behaviour, and stability. The CCK-8 assay was employed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity on Vero cells. The antiviral activity against HSV-1 was assessed by measuring the tissue culture infectious dose 50% (TCID50) values. Results: Optimized NEGs demonstrated stable nano-sized droplets, a negative zeta potential, shear-thinning rheology, and preserved structural integrity throughout a 3-month storage duration. Both test (T) and placebo (P) formulations demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity; however, T exhibited marginally lower cytotoxicity across all dilutions. Antiviral studies demonstrated that T significantly decreased the HSV-1 titre by 17.78-fold at a 1/2000 dilution compared with the untreated control, whereas P resulted in only a 1.77-fold reduction, thereby confirming the role of essential oils in antiviral efficacy. Conclusion: The developed NEG incorporating essential oils from Melissa officinalis and Illicium verum demonstrated notable antiviral activity against HSV-1, along with satisfactory cytocompatibility. The results indicate its potential effectiveness as a topical antiviral treatment for managing HSV-1 infections.
Background and Aims: Vascular Na+/K+ ATPase (NKA) activity plays a crucial role in regulating vascular tone. beta(3)-adrenoceptors (beta(3)-ARs), which are upregulated during sympathetic overactivation, have been demonstrated to stimulate NKA activity in cardiac tissue. However, their role in vascular NKA regulation remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate whether beta(3)-AR activation can restore NKA function in vascular tissue under high sympathetic stimulation. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were treated with noradrenaline (NA) to mimic chronic sympathetic activation, with or without BRL 37344, a beta(3)-AR agonist. Vascular NKA activity was assessed in the aortic rings using KCl-induced relaxation responses in K+-free buffer. The role of the endothelium was also examined. Results: NA treatment impaired vascular NKA activity, as evidenced by reduced KCl-induced relaxation. Activation of beta(3)-AR restored this relaxation in an endothelium-dependent manner. In contrast, ouabain abolished the response, confirming its dependence on NKA activity. Conclusion: These findings indicate that beta(3)-AR activation can restore vascular NKA activity under sympathetic stress via an endothelium-dependent mechanism. This highlights a novel vasoprotective role for beta(3)-ARs and support their potential as therapeutic targets in vascular pathologies associated with impaired NKA function.
Background and Aims: Systemic and local inflammation appear to play an important role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. A cause of myocardial damage is inflammation, which can be detected by the elevation of certain proteins. Targeting inflammation in cardiovascular disease is therefore an alternative approach to treatment. Methods: The inflammatory effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were initially investigated using a human cardiomyocyte cell line (AC16). In this context, the optimal inflammatory H2O2 concentration (200 mu M) was determined through the MTT assay. Then, the cells were incubated with/without H2O2 and treated with two different concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate (beta OHB, 2 mM/10 mM). The protein expression levels of nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B), and mitochondrial transcription factorA (TFAM) were evaluated via Western blotting to investigate the impact of beta OHB treatment on inflammation and mitochondrial function. Results: The results demonstrated that beta OHB at a concentration of 2 mM did not significantly alter the levels of the inflammatory proteins. However, at 10 mM, beta OHB significantly reduced the expression levels of NLRP3 and TNF-alpha. Furthermore, the expression of TFAM was significantly altered only in control cells that had not been exposed to H2O2, suggesting a potential effect of beta OHB on mitochondrial function under baseline conditions. Conclusion: beta OHB has the potential to prevent the increase in the inflammatory response in a dose-dependent manner and may influence mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes.
Background: Oral contraceptives (OCPs) and emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are essential components of reproductive healthcare; however, knowledge gaps and misconceptions among healthcare professionals can impact patient care. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between January and April 2024 with 74 participants, including pharmacists and pharmacy students. Data were analysed using SPSS-23 with descriptive and inferential statistics. Key variables included knowledge, attitudes, and dispensing practices related to OCPs and ECPs. Associations were evaluated using Chi-square tests, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and t-tests. Results: Most respondents were female (75.7%) and aged 18-29 years (85.1%). Confidence levels varied, with mean scores of 2.31 +/- 1.16 for identifying interaction potential with herbal supplements and 2.77 +/- 1.29 for educating patients on different contraceptive methods. Knowledge gaps were evident: 37.8% incorrectly identified or were unsure of the mechanism of action of ECPs, and 24.3% for OCPs. Females were more likely to communicate risks to patients. Variation was observed in routinely asking about smoking status (p=0.077) and informing patients about serious complications associated with OCP use (p=0.047). Additionally, 48.6% correctly identified the optimal timing for ECP administration. Overall confidence in understanding OCPs and ECPs was reflected in respective mean scores of 2.54 +/- 1.19 and 2.59 +/- 1.06. Conclusion: The study highlights significant gaps in knowledge and practice regarding contraceptive counselling, particularly on ECPs. Our study findings underscore the need for enhanced pharmacist education and continuous professional training. Reforming curricula and enhancing public health education could help bridge these gaps, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing misconceptions about contraceptive use.
Background and Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of polypharmacy and potential inappropriate drug use among patients under our care within the scope of Home Care Services (HCS). Methods: This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed medication profiles of 274 HCS patients using data extracted from the Medulla system (August-September 2023). Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications. Potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) were identified using the WebMD (R) program. Their clinical significance was assessed through pharmacist review and an evidence-based evaluation of documented adverse outcomes. Results: Analysis of 274 patients revealed that most drug interactions (62.4%) were Category C, followed by B (23.2%), D (13%), and X (1.5%). The distribution of these risk categories varied significantlywith patient age (p=0.013). Consequently, 59 patients had their medications adjusted to prevent life-threatening adverse effects. These findings highlight the critical need for ongoing medication assessment in home healthcare populations to manage polypharmacy and optimize prescribing. Conclusion: Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of these strategies and developing new interventions to reduce inappropriate medication use. Such efforts will play a vital role in enhancing the safety and efficacy of medication use in the elderly population.
Background and Aims: Co-crystallization technique greatly impacts the solubility and dissolution of drugs such as ibuprofen. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of different coformers in improving the solubility and dissolution of ibuprofen. Methods: Preparation was by the solvent evaporation method using benzoic acid, saccharin, and aerosil as coformers in a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 (drug:coformer). The resulting products prepared with benzoic acid as conformer (IBA), those prepared with saccharin as coformer (ISA) and the ones prepared with aerosil as coformer (IAR) were evaluated for flow properties and saturated solubility. Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies were also carried out. The co-crystals were compacted into tablets (CT1, CT2, and CT3) and evaluated for uniformity of weight, tablet hardness, friability, disintegration time, and in vitro dissolution. Results: IBA exhibited superior solubility over all other batches, and it also gave the highest drug content (56.73 %). FT-IR showed no interaction and DSC thermograms revealed a decrease in the peak melting temperature of all co-crystals. All the co-crystal preparations had poor flow and poor compressibility. The tablet hardness was between 4.5 and 5.0 kgF, and the friability range was 0.51-1.22 % with CT3 being the most friable. CT1 disintegrated fastest, while CT2 had the longest disintegration time. All co-crystal tablets had higher dissolution rates than the pure ibuprofen tablet formulation in the order CT1>CT3>CT2. The mechanism of release was by non-fickian diffusion, and statistical evaluation showed the dissolution profiles of the co-crystal tablet formulations to be significantly different from that of the pure ibuprofen formulation.
Background and Aims Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a widespread fungal infection in women, and increasing antifungal resistance necessitates the search for alternative treatments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antifungal and antibiofilm effects of niaouli oil (Melaleuca viridiflora) and propolis against Candida species. Methods Ten clinical Candida strains including five C. albicans and five non-albicans Candida (NAC) (3 Candida glabrata, 2 Candida tropicalis) and the Candida albicans ATCC 90028 reference strain were tested to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values and antibiofilm activities of niaouli oil and propolis. Results According to the results, the MIC (% v/v) range of niaouli oil was 0.19-1.56 and that of propolis was 0.04-0.78. The MFC values were found to be equal to or several times higher than the MIC values. Niaouli oil significantly reduced Candida biofilms, whereas propolis did not show any antibiofilm activity. In addition, niaouli oil showed quorum sensing (QS) inhibitory effects. The combination of niaouli oil and propolis showed a significant inhibitory effect on all Candida strains, both at direct and half-diluted concentrations, without inhibiting each other's effects. Conclusion These findings suggest that niaouli oil and propolis could serve as potential alternative or complementary agents in the antifungal treatment of VVC; however, more toxicity studies are required to ensure their safe clinical application.
Background and Aims: The Internet is one of the most commonly used sources for health-related information. However, low health literacy and the complexity of online content can hinder individuals' understanding and acceptance of the influenza vaccine. This study aimed to evaluate the readability and quality of the information on influenza vaccine-related on Turkish websites. Methods: Forty-nine websites were included in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted in October 2024. These websites were evaluated according to readability (Ate & scedil;man and Bezirci-Y & imath;lmaz readability formulas), quality (HONcode and DISCERN scores), and the academic affiliation of the website founders and their origin. Results: The majority of the 49 websites (77.6%) belonged to hospitals or official organisations. The mean of the quality score of the sites according to the HONcode criteria is 5.51 +/- 1.81, while according to DISCERN it is 47.85 +/- 8.88. Accordingly, the Ate & scedil;man readability level of information about the influenza vaccine was found to be at the 11th-12th grade education level and the Bezirci-Y & imath;lmaz readability level was found to be at the undergraduate level. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of readability or quality of content in the classifications made according to the origin or academic affiliation (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The readability and quality of Turkish websites need to be improved to determine the needs of people with poor literacy skills regarding influenza vaccination and to meet these needs.
