Objectives:Santolina chamaecyparissus L. is an aromatic medicinal plant with reported phytochemical and biological potential. This study aimed to characterize the botanical and phytochemical features of S. chamaecyparissus and to perform a preliminary screening of the antimicrobial activity of its methanolic extract against selected bacterial and fungal microorganisms. Materials and Methods:In this experimental laboratory study, the morphological and anatomical characteristics of the aerial parts were examined using standard pharmacognostic, histological, and scanning electron microscopic methods. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation, and the methanolic extract was prepared by maceration with 90% methanol. Volatile constituents were analyzed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, while phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Preliminary antimicrobial activity was screened against five bacterial and two fungal strains using the agar well diffusion method. Results:The plant exhibited characteristic xeromorphic features, including amphistomatic and isobilateral leaves, multilayered palisade parenchyma, anomocytic stomata, and dense non-glandular trichomes. The essential oil yield was 0.46%, and 33 volatile constituents were identified. Artemisia ketone (55.96%) and camphor (20.84%) were the major components. The methanolic extract yield was 14.40%, with chlorogenic acid (6733.85 μg/g dry extract) and quinic acid (6521.37 μg/g dry extract) identified as the predominant quantified compounds. The extract showed its strongest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition zones of 8.00, 11.00, and 11.66 mm at concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 mg/mL, respectively. More limited activity was observed against Enterobacter hormaechei and Candida albicans, while the effects against the remaining microorganisms were weak or close to baseline. Conclusion:S. chamaecyparissus possesses distinctive botanical features and a chemically rich profile characterized by an artemisia ketone-and camphor-dominant essential oil and a chlorogenic acid- and quinic acid-rich methanolic extract. The preferential activity against S. aureus suggests selective anti-gram-positive potential. However, the limited spectrum of activity and the absence of minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration analyses restrict the direct interpretation of its antimicrobial efficacy. Further studies using quantitative antimicrobial methods and bioactivity-guided fractionation are warranted.
Objectives:Subclinical endometritis in cattle is still a problem that has a detrimental effect on dairy production and fertility. Traditional intrauterine or systemic antibiotic treatments frequently result in suboptimal uterine drug levels, encourage resistance, and increase the possibility of drug residues in food items. The current study aimed to treat subclinical endometritis in repeat breeders by creating and testing an ofloxacin (Ofx)-loaded mucoadhesive polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan nanofiber using the electrospinning technique. Materials and Methods:The process constants were optimised using a central composite design to create a uniform nanofiber with maximum mechanical properties. Furthermore, in vitro (drug release, antibacterial activity), ex vivo (mucoadhesion and retention), and in vivo (endometrial cytology and plasma drug concentration) parameters were evaluated. Results:The scanning electron microscopy image of Ofx nanofiber suggests a diameter of 190-210 nm and tensile strength of 1.33 tensile strength with an entrapment efficiency of 97.54 ± 0.89%. Ofx delivered via nanofiber exhibited sustained release of Ofx up to 216 hours. Ex vivo assessments demonstrated stronger adherence and higher retention, while in vitro studies showed no cytotoxic effects. In vivo studies on the cattle suggested suitability for localized intrauterine administration. These findings indicate that encapsulation of Ofx in nanofibers stabilises the formulation and offers enhanced treatment efficiency compared to a conventional treatment regimen for subclinical endometritis in repeated breeders. Conclusion:Ofx-loaded nanofibers offer a novel and promising localized and mucoadhesive drug delivery approach for subclinical endometritis in cattle. Future research must prioritise further in vivo validation, long-term reproductive effects, and resistance management to translate into practical veterinary uses.
Objectives:Torsades de pointes (TdP) is a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia often caused by the inadvertent inhibition of the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG). Conventional pre-market evaluations, which emphasize parent molecules, often yield inaccurate predictions due to the multifaceted nature of TdP. This study aimed to investigate the role of metabolites and their interplay with parent molecules in the manifestation of TdP. Materials and Methods:A literature-based text-mining approach was employed, using the adverse outcome pathway-helpFinder tool. The analysis scrutinized 64 selected active ingredients, categorized by their torsadogenic risks, to evaluate the distinct proarrhythmic contributions of their metabolites. Results:This text-mining exploration revealed qualitative evidence that metabolites variably modulate TdP vulnerability. Specifically, certain metabolites can independently exacerbate proarrhythmic profiles, whereas others do not inhibit hERG and therefore represent safer therapeutic alternatives than their parent molecules. Conclusion:Metabolites play a paramount role in altering the torsadogenic risk profile of pharmaceutical products. Incorporating comprehensive metabolite data into cardiac safety evaluations is essential for a more accurate risk assessment and should be considered in future pharmaceutical development.
Objectives:Mavacamten (MYK-461), approved for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is a cardiac myosin inhibitor. At present, no pharmacopoeial method for its quantification has been reported. Our study was designed to establish a validated stability-indicating reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method to quantify MYK-461 in its capsule formulation. Materials and Methods:For chromatographic separation, an Inertsil ODS-3V C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with the mobile phase of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid and acetonitrile (50:50 v/v) was used. The flow rate (1.0 mL/min), column temperature (35 °C), injection volume (10 μL), total run time (10 minutes), and detection wavelength (269 nm) were applied. Results:The validated method showed precision, accuracy, and robustness, with relative standard deviation < 2% and recovery of 100.5%. Linearity was observed over the range 5-75 μg/mL (r = 0.9994). We achieved a clear, well-resolved separation of MYK-461 from impurities, with estimated limit of detection (1.58 μg/mL) and limit of quantification (4.8 μg/mL). In forced degradation studies, we observed the highest degradation under acidic conditions (10.37%), while minimal degradation under photolytic (0.93%), thermal (1.66 %), oxidative (2.56%), and alkaline (4.19%) conditions. Conclusion:The developed method is precise and reliable, and offers a practical tool for routine quality control and future research, while emphasising the need for controlled storage conditions to ensure long-term drug integrity.
Objectives:The aim of this study was to compare, using ELISA, plasma levels of amyloid beta (Aβ)40, Aβ42, beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1), total tau (t-tau), and phosphorylated tau (p-tau), as well as the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, between patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and healthy controls, and to evaluate their diagnostic performance in relation to demographic and lifestyle factors. Materials and Methods:This study is a single-center, cross-sectional, case-control study. Twenty-four individuals diagnosed with AD and 37 healthy volunteers included in the study. Alongside the analysis of plasma samples obtained from the participants, demographic data were analyzed to assess the potential influence of lifestyle and environmental factors on disease development. Results:Analysis of the case data showed that increasing age was a risk factor for AD, higher education level was associated with an increased risk of AD, and tea consumption was inversely associated with AD. While age is a well-known risk factor, both the increased risk of AD associated with higher education and the relatively protective effect of tea consumption against AD are supported by the literature. Evaluation of the levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, BACE-1, t-tau, and p-tau and of the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio revealed no significant differences between the patient and control groups. Additionally, Aβ40, Aβ42, BACE-1 showed correlations in both the control and Alzheimer's groups, whereas t-tau did not. Conclusion:None of the investigated plasma biomarkers (Aβ40, Aβ42, BACE-1, t-tau, p-tau, and the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio) discriminated Alzheimer's patients from healthy controls, with all receiver operating characteristic area under the curve values below 0.62. These findings indicate that in this cohort, plasma levels of these individual markers did not provide diagnostic value; larger longitudinal studies including cerebrospinal fluid comparisons and multi-marker panels are needed.
Objectives:Ruscus aculeatus L. (butcher's broom) is widely used for its medicinal virtues, mainly attributed to steroidal saponins such as ruscogenin and neoruscogenin glycosides. Despite its long-standing use, data on its genotoxicity and safety remain limited. The present study aimed to assess the potential antimutagenic and antigenotoxic effects of extracts prepared from the underground parts of R. aculeatus. Materials and Methods:Ethanolic (EtOH) extract and decoction (aqueous extract) were prepared from the underground parts of R. aculeatus. Ames, micronucleus (MN), and comet assays were conducted to evaluate (anti)mutagenic and (anti)genotoxic effects. The quantification of ruscogenins in the acid-hydrolyzed extract was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to standardise the plant material. Results:Total ruscogenin and neoruscogenin content was calculated as 0.71% in the plant material by HPLC analyses. Neither the ethanolic nor the aqueous extract exhibited mutagenicity, while the EtOH extract showed marked antimutagenic activity at the highest concentration in the Ames test. Likewise, no genotoxicity was observed in either of the investigated extracts in the Micronucleus and Comet assays. EtOH extract exhibited antigenotoxic activity in the micronucleus assay, whereas the aqueous extract (decoction) provided no significant protection. The comet assay revealed no antigenotoxic activity for either the EtOH extract or the decoction. Overall, the underground parts of R. aculeatus displayed neither intrinsic mutagenicity nor genotoxicity, whereas the EtOH extract exhibited selective genoprotective effects. Conclusion:The EtOH extract showed remarkable antimutagenic and antigenotoxic effects. This study constitutes the first report on the genoprotective and antimutagenic effects of R. aculeatus. From a toxicological perspective, the use of the underground parts of R. aculeatus is considered safe.
Objectives:Tolvaptan is a compound that is practically insoluble in water and poorly soluble at physiological pH, and is used to treat low blood sodium levels in adults with conditions such as heart failure and certain hormonal imbalances. Increasing the water solubility and dissolution rate of tolvaptan could increase its bioavailability and, consequently, its efficacy. This study aimed to increase the efficiency of tolvaptan by enhancing its solubility and dissolution rate, and to develop a fast-acting dosage form that improves convenience for patients with swallowing difficulties. Materials and Methods:Solid dispersion (SD) formulations were developed by the rotary evaporation method using hydrophilic polymers (polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene oxide), solubility enhancers (Solutol HS-15 and Gelucire 44/14), and complexing agents (β-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin). Various characterization studies were performed on developed formulations, including solubility studies, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analyses, in vitro dissolution tests, and release kinetics studies. Results:The solubility of tolvaptan in the 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD)-SD2 formulation containing HPβCD, was the highest at 0.2314 mg/mL, which was approximately 8.7 times that of pure tolvaptan. Based on the results, HPβCD was selected as the complexing agent as the optimal SD formulation. In the dissolution study, at least 90% of the tolvaptan in the HPβCD-SD2 formulation dissolved in all buffer solutions within 25 min. Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) were prepared using the HPβCD-SD2 formulation; formulation code 59, which had a friability of ≤1% and a disintegration time of ≤180 s, was selected as the final tablet. Conclusion:A new SD formulation with increased solubility and dissolution rate compared with pure tolvaptan was developed. The developed ODTs may be an alternative to the current commercial product.
Objectives:Antibiotic resistance has become a global public health threat. Cefotaxime (CTX), a third-generation cephalosporin, is approved for use in infants, children, and adults with various microbial infections, particularly those affecting the central nervous system. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-8-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) to enhance antimicrobial activity and control CTX release. Materials and Methods:ZIF-8 was synthesized via the coordination network of Zn ions and 2-methylimidazole and subsequently modified with tannic acid (TA) and copper ions (Cu2+). ZIF-8 MOF and its derivatives were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared, zeta potential, in vitro dissolution rate, and in vitro antimicrobial activity. Results:The drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency were found to be 39.50 ± 1.19% and 98.75 ± 2.96%, respectively, for ZIF-8@ TA@CTX, and 40.75 ± 1.22% and 97.75 ± 2.93%, respectively, for ZIF-8@TA@Cu@CTX. Following 48 hours, the drug released from ZIF-8@TA@ Cu@CTX was detected at 62.83 ± 1.89% at pH 5.0 and 83.19 ± 2.50% at pH 7.4 after 48 h, with dissolution profiles best fitting the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. The synthesized DDSs demonstrated a higher antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria than against gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion:ZIF-8 MOF DDS may serve as an alternative for delivering drugs to infected areas due to their controlled release under low pH conditions.
Objectives:Tea is a widely consumed beverage that may contain both essential and toxic metals, raising nutritional and health concerns. This study evaluated the transfer of selected essential and toxic metals from black tea leaves to their infusions and assessed the associated health risks and nutritional contributions. Materials and Methods:Black tea leaves and their infusions from eight commercially available brands sold in Türkiye were analyzed. Toxic elements [arsenic (As), aluminium, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb)] were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, while essential elements [copper, iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), zinc] were quantified using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Health risks were evaluated using the Estimated Daily Intake, the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), the Hazard Index (HI), and the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Results:In dry tea leaves, aluminum was the predominant toxic element (12.6–25.3 mg/g), followed by Pb (21.0–39.0 μg/g); As and Cd were present at lower levels. Mg (523.0–1421.0 μg/g) and Fe (263.1–445.5 μg/g) were the most abundant essential elements. Metal concentrations in tea infusions were significantly lower than those in dry leaves (p < 0.05), indicating limited transfer during brewing. In infusions, aluminum (0.5–1.0 mg/g) and Mg (88.5–413.4 μg/g) were the dominant toxic and essential elements, respectively. All THQ values and the combined HI were below 1, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic risk. ILCR values for Pb were below 10-6, whereas those for As ranged from 10-6 to 10-4, indicating a moderate carcinogenic risk for As. Conclusion:The transfer of metals from tea leaves to infusions is limited, likely due to chelation and complexation during brewing. Under typical consumption conditions, black tea infusions were within established safety limits, with risk indices below thresholds of concern. While As warrants continued monitoring, essential elements contribute only a small fraction of the recommended daily intakes. The small sample size is a limitation.
Objectives:Oxidative stress promotes the initiation and progression of diabetic complications. Fibrinogen is a thrombotic factor proposed as a biomarker for prognostic assessment, as a marker for tracking vascular complications, and as a therapeutic target in diabetes. Aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of advanced glycation end products and inducible nitric oxide synthase, has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and related vascular injury. However, the underlying processes still need to be entirely elucidated. This study investigated the effects of aminoguanidine on oxidative stress biomarkers and fibrinogen gene expression in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods:Twenty-four male rats, matched for body weight and age, were randomly assigned to five groups: (intended n = 6 per group). Due to mortality during the study, the final group sizes were: healthy controls (n = 5), untreated diabetic controls (n = 4), and diabetic rats treated with aminoguanidine at 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg (n = 6, 4, and 5, respectively). Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) in rats fasted for 12 h. One week later, diabetic rats received aminoguanidine for 28 days. The liver was selected for analysis due to its key role in oxidative stress and metabolism. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were measured in liver tissue as markers of oxidative stress, and fibrinogen gene expression was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results:Aminoguanidine at 50 mg/kg significantly reduced fibrinogen gene expression (p = 0.047). Hepatic MDA levels decreased at all doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p < 0.05), while FRAP levels increased significantly at 50 and 100 mg/kg (p < 0.05). Conclusion:Aminoguanidine may attenuate oxidative stress and fibrinogen gene expression in the livers of diabetic rats.
Objectives:Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive type of brain tumor in adults, and the chemical agent temozolomide (TMZ) is widely used for its treatment. However, TMZ resistance can lead to therapeutic failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the bioflavonoid fisetin on GB cell growth and on overcoming TMZ resistance in TMZ-sensitive, inherited-resistant, and acquired-resistant GB cells the effect of fisetin on TMZ efficacy evaluin primary GB cells. Materials and Methods:GB cell lines (T98G; intrinsic TMZ-resistant, A172; TMZ-sensitive, A172-R; acquired TMZ-resistant) and primary GB cells derived from patient samples were treated with effective doses of TMZ (ranging from 900 to 1000 μM), fisetin (ranging from 13.78 to 16.40 μM), or a combination of both. TMZ resistance was acquired in A172 cells through stepwise increases in TMZ concentration. Real-time cell proliferation was measured using the xCELLigence system. The migratory capacity of the cells was evaluated using a wound-healing assay. The RNA expression of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-inducing transcription factor E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell assays were analyzed by analysis of variance, and ZEB1 expression was analyzed by t-test. Results:Fisetin substantially enhanced the effect of TMZ in all the cell lines included in the present study, as evidenced by significant decreases in cell proliferation and wound-healing, and in ZEB1 expression (p<0.0001). In addition, TMZ+fisetin reduced ZEB1 expression in primary GB tumors but not in butterfly GB cells. Conclusion:Fisetin alone was effective against GB; importantly, the TMZ+fisetin combination demonstrated greater efficacy than TMZ alone by enhancing sensitivity to TMZ through downregulation of ZEB1 in various resistant models, including patient-derived samples. Since ZEB1 is associated with EMT and drug resistance, fisetin may be a promising anticancer candidate to improve chemotherapeutic efficacy in resistant GB and to shed light on personalized treatments, pending further preclinical research.
Objectives:5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) derivatives, found in many natural products, exhibit various biological activities. Benzoate derivatives enhance cellular re-epithelialization without inducing cytotoxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing potential of six benzoate derivatives of 5-HMF by usingan in vitro cell culture method. Materials and Methods:Six ester derivatives of 5-HMF were synthesized, and the molecular structures were elucidated by proton-1 nuclear magnetic resonance, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, and Quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The effects of the compounds on neuronal and fibroblast cell survival were determined in vitro using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The total oxidation state (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured spectrophotometrically. The effects of the lead compounds (M3 and M5) on fibroblast migratory potential were evaluated using a wound-healing scratch assay. Results:The MTT test showed that M2, M3, M5, and M6 did not damage fibroblasts at any tested concentration (10-1 μM-10-2 μM). M3 and M5 increased fibroblast cell numbers at all tested concentrations (p≤0.05 to p≤0.001). It was observed that M2, M3, M5, and M6 at concentrations of 10-1 μM and 1 μM did not damage the neuronal cells. Also, M3 and M5 did not damage neuronal cells at 10 μM. M3 and M5 exhibited lower oxidant activity (p≤0.001) than other compounds in TOS tests, and showed higher antioxidant activity than other compounds in TAC tests. In the scratch test, the wound area in the M3 group was 72% on the first day and decreased to 32% on the second day (p≤0.001). On the other hand, in the M5 group, the wound area was 81% on the first day and decreased to 25% on the second day (p≤0.001). Conclusion:M3 and M5 promote cell migration and have the highest potential for wound healing among the compounds tested.
Objectives:Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health, and maintaining the vaccine cold chain within a temperature range of 2-8 °C is essential to preserve vaccine efficacy and prevent wastage. Community pharmacists are highly accessible healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in vaccine supply, storage, and public education. The aim of this study was to qualitatively assess vaccination and cold-chain practices in community pharmacies within Türkiye's primary healthcare system. Materials and Methods:A qualitative study was conducted with 15 community pharmacists in Ankara, Türkiye, using semi-structured face-to-face interviews carried out between September 15 and 30, 2024. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling until thematic saturation was achieved. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's seven-phase thematic analysis. Data management was performed using ATLAS.ti version 24.0, and reporting adhered to the COREQ checklist. Results:Three main themes emerged: vaccination practices, vaccine logistics and cold-chain management, and vaccine hesitancy. Pharmacists reported frequent patient inquiries, particularly regarding influenza, human papillomavirus, and childhood vaccines. Participants demonstrated a high level of awareness of cold-chain protocols, including the use of dedicated refrigerators and continuous temperature monitoring systems. Vaccine hesitancy, especially toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 vaccines, was primarily attributed to misinformation, with pharmacists emphasizing the importance of evidence-based and empathetic communication. Conclusion:Community pharmacists possess substantial technical knowledge in vaccine logistics and play a critical role in patient counseling. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, professional training, and communication skills may further enhance pharmacists' contributions to immunization efforts and vaccine confidence.
Objectives:Vaginal nanofibers with high surface area and tunable porosity are a promising platform for vaginal administration. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a widely used polymer in the pharmaceutical field due to its hydrophilic, biodegradable, non-toxic, and mucoadhesive properties. This study aimed to optimize PVA-based electrospun nanofibers for vaginal drug delivery by evaluating polymer concentration, solvent system, and collector rotation speed using a design of experiments-based approach. Materials and Methods:PVA was dissolved in distilled water (DW) at 90 °C to prepare polymer solutions; then N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or ethanol was added. The surface tension, viscosity, and conductivity of the polymer solutions were evaluated. For the production of nanofibers via electrospinning, the parameters selected were PVA concentrations of 7.5% and 15%, collector rotation speed of 100 and 1000 rpm, and two solvent systems (DMF: DW and ethanol: DW). Mechanical and mucoadhesive properties of nanofibers were evaluated using a texture analyzer. Results:Viscosity and conductivity increased as polymer concentration increased. An increase in PVA concentration resulted in increased tensile strength of the nanofibers, from 1.41±0.07 to 3.92±0.14 MPa (p<0.0001). Nanofiber diameters ranged from 196±41 nm to 1721±114 nm (p<0.0001). All formulations exhibited complete wettability with contact angles of 0°. Ex vivo mucoadhesion studies revealed that collector rotation speed influenced the work of adhesion, with the highest mucoadhesion observed for the R3 formulation produced at 1000 rpm. Conclusion:The solvent system and collector rotation speed were found to influence the morphological structure of the fibers. R3 (7.5% PVA, ethanol/DW, 1000 rpm) formulation was found to be more suitable than other formulations based on its mechanical and mucoadhesive properties. It was concluded that in the production of PVA nanofibers, the rotating speed of the collector, the polymer concentration, and the solvent system directly affect the mechanical and mucoadhesive properties of the nanofibers.
The Turkish version of the MMPSS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing patient satisfaction with CMM services in Türkiye. Its implementation can enhance the evaluation and improvement of clinical pharmacy services, ultimately promoting better patient care and outcomes.
Objectives:Pharmacoeconomics is an important branch of science that should be taken into account by countries' social security institutions in order to rationally manage drug expenditures within healthcare budgets for the aging population. Pharmacists trained in pharmacoeconomics make a great contribution to this field. This study aims to draw attention to the inclusion of pharmacoeconomics education as a compulsory course in the curricula of pharmacy faculties in Türkiye. Materials and Methods:Fifty-one pharmacy faculties in Türkiye were analysed. The pharmacoeconomics courses and their contents in the curriculum of these faculties were evaluated. The course contents, European Credit Transfer System and credits, weekly and meeting hours of the faculties offering pharmacoeconomics courses were analyzed. Results:There are 51 pharmacy faculties in Türkiye. Of these pharmacy faculties, 33 are operating under state universities and 18 under foundation universities. There is no pharmacoeconomics course in the curriculum of 82.35% of the pharmacy faculties (n=42). In the other 17.65% (n=9) of the faculties, there is a pharmacoeconomics course in the curriculum. The course contents of the faculties are similar, and basic pharmacoeconomics information is generally given. There are no faculty members who have completed their PhDs in this field. Conclusion:This study, the first to systematically evaluate the situation in all pharmacy faculties in Türkiye, has revealed that pharmacoeconomics education is limited. Making pharmacoeconomics courses mandatory in the curriculum of pharmacy faculties is necessary to comply with international standards and enable pharmacists to contribute more effectively to rational drug use and the sustainability of healthcare systems.
Objectives:Comorbid psychiatric disorders, especially depression, pose challenges in epilepsy. Antiepileptic drugs, including levetiracetam, can also have psychiatric adverse effects, necessitating strategies to address mood regulation. The study aims to assess the impact of melatonin administration on depressive behavior in epileptic and non-epileptic mice. Materials and Methods:Male albino mice were assigned to different treatment groups. Levetiracetam (20 mg/kg ip) was injected for 14 days; melatonin (25 mg/kg ip) was injected for 7 days. Additional groups were included for epileptic mice. Maximal electroshock was used to induce seizures: locomotor activity, immobility time in the forced swimming test (FST), latency, and food consumption were measured in the novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT). Results:There were insignificant differences in locomotor activity between groups. In the FST, levetiracetam administration significantly increased the immobility duration compared to the control group in epileptic and non-epileptic mice (p<0.05). The immobility duration in the levetiracetammelatonin groups of both epileptic and non-epileptic mice significantly decreased compared to the levetiracetam alone group (p<0.01). In NSFT, the levetiracetam group exhibited a significantly longer latency (p<0.01) and less food intake (p<0.05) compared to the control group; these changes were reversed when levetiracetam-melatonin was administered. In epileptic groups, the difference in latency was insignificant, while food consumption increased significantly (p<0.05) in the levetiracetam-melatonin group compared to the levetiracetam-alone group. The results observed with melatonin were similar to those of imipramine. Conclusion:Melatonin was found to reduce depressive behavior in both non-epileptic and epileptic groups. These results suggest that melatonin could be a potential therapeutic agent for countering the depressive effects of levetiracetam.
The SD technique with carrier co-povidone VA 64 and vitamin E TPGS prepared by the solvent evaporation process could yield a Ticagrelor formulation with improved bioavailability and polymorphic stability.
The proposed HPTLC method allows for the simultaneous estimation of DAP and VIL with high accuracy, precision, and sensitivity. Owing to its satisfactory analytical performance, the method is suitable for routine quality control of combined dosage forms containing DAP and VIL.
Objectives:Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem in the treatment of infectious diseases. Therefore, it is important to develop new and effective antimicrobial agents. For this purpose, a new series of compounds with a 2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione structure was synthesized. Materials and Methods:2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione compounds (T1-T8) were synthesized by heating thiosemicarbazide derivatives under alkaline conditions. Infrared (IR), 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopic methods were used to elucidate the chemical structures of the compounds. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds against eight bacterial strains (five Gram-negative and three Gram-positive) and two fungal strains was evaluated using the microdilution method. Results:Compounds T4, carrying a benzoyl group, and T6, carrying a phenethyl group, showed the best antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 41.79 mg/L and 81.25 mg/L, respectively. Compound T6 also demonstrated the strongest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, with an MIC of 40.62 mg/L. Antifungal activity assays revealed that compounds T4, T6, and T8 were the most potent against Candida albicans ATCC 90028, with MIC values of 40.62-83.59 mg/L, and that T6, T7, and T8 were the most potent against Candida glabrata ATCC 90030, with MIC values of 40.62-162.5 mg/L. Conclusion:Among the compounds, T6 appears to exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., E. faecalis ATCC 29212 and S. epidermidis ATCC 12228) and fungi (e.g., Candida strains).
