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.
