Dr. Nageeb Hassan has been a Professor of Clinical Pharmacology since March 2007. From 2015 to 2024, he served as the Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS) at Ajman University (AU) in the UAE. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Hassan has led the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and has been actively involved in teaching and research at COPHS since fall 2007. He has significantly contributed to the development of the MSc in Pharmacy program and the introduction of new courses. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in renewing the accreditation for AU’s undergraduate and graduate programs and in achieving ACPE accreditation. Prior to joining AU, Dr. Hassan completed specialized courses in Problem-Based Teaching and Learning in Pharmacotherapy and Medicine at Groningen University and Maastricht University in the Netherlands. While at Sana’a University, he served as a Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, teaching Problem-Based Pharmacotherapy and Rational Drug Use at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He also collaborated with an evaluation team from Liverpool University and WHO-STC to assess medical education in Yemen.
Background The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to identify the set of anthropometric and biochemical factors that jointly influence the diabetic and anemic patients including body mass index and kidney function.. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional design study that was carried out in a private medical center in Palestine. The study included a total of 453 patients with type 2 diabetes. Inclusion criteria included all patients (18 years or older) suffering from type 2 Diabetes mellitus attended the diabetic clinic from the 1st of January 2018, till 30th of December 2018.. Results A total number of 453 diabetic patients were recruited in the study. Male constituted 48.5% (n=220) of the study sample and 51.4% (n=233) were female. Of total 453 diabetic patients, 38.4% (95% CI, 34%–43%) had anemia. The results of statistical modeling showed that female gender (AOR 18.5; 95% CI 9.35–21.97), presence of hypertension (AOR 2.11; 95% CI 1.98– 4.25), high BMI (AOR 1.101; 95% CI 1.045–1.159), high Serum Creatinine (AOR 1.72; 95% CI 1.22–2.13), high BUN level (AOR 1.22; 95% CI 1.145–1.301) and low e-GFR (AOR 0.571; 95% CI 0.271–0.872) are strong determents of anemia in type 2 diabetic patients.. Conclusion The results of the current study revealed a high prevalence of Anemia among type 2 diabetes Mellitus patients. A significant association was reported between Anemia, kidney functions and body mass index.
This study aims to explore the antimicrobial and photocatalytic efficiencies of pure and Ni-doped ZnO nanostructures produced via Laser-assisted Chemical Bath Synthesis (LACBS) to develop sustainable solutions for water treatment and pathogen control amid the global water crisis exacerbated by climate change and environmental pollution. Utilizing zinc acetate dihydrate and hexamethylenetetramine, the nanostructures were synthesized with Ni doping levels of 0.0 %, 1.5 %, 3.0 %, and 4.5 %, targeting their promising photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties to combat contaminants from pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industries. Morphological analyses using Scanning Electron Microscopy showed a transition from hexagonal particles to nanoflowers, enhancing photocatalytic activity due to increased surface-to-volume ratio. X-ray Diffraction confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure, with variations in peak intensities indicating improved crystallinity with Ni doping. Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis verified the purity and successful incorporation of Ni. Photocatalytic assessments indicated up to 99.24 % degradation of Methylene Orange dye under blue laser irradiation within 60 minutes, correlating with Ni content. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated effective inhibition of pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and additional strains like Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumonia, with increasing zones of inhibition corresponding to higher Ni levels, extending up to 37 mm. The results underscore the dual functionality of ZnO nanostructures for applications in sustainable water treatment and antimicrobial controls, highlighting the need for future studies to examine the impacts of further increased doping concentrations on the material properties and efficacy.
Addressing the dual challenges of antimicrobial resistance and pharmaceutical contamination in wastewater is crucial for global health and environmental preservation. Predictions estimate up to 10 million annual deaths by 2050 due to antimicrobial resistance, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions. This study explores the potential of zinc oxide Sub-Microparticles (ZnO SMPs) doped with iron (Fe) to enhance the photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical compounds in water and improve antimicrobial efficacy. A green laser-assisted chemical bath synthesis method created ZnO SMPs with varying Fe dopant concentrations (1 %, 1.5 %, and 3 %). The synthesized Sub-Microparticles underwent rigorous structural analysis using X-ray diffractometry, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and UV–visible spectrophotometry techniques. Their photocatalytic performance was evaluated in the degradation of paracetamol under blue laser light, and their antimicrobial properties were assessed following CLSI guidelines. Structural analyses confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO SMPs, with noticeable changes due to Fe doping, including a transition from sub-microrods to sub-microsheets and a redshift in the optical band gap. Photocatalytic tests revealed a significant enhancement in paracetamol degradation efficiency, increasing from 53.41 % with pure ZnO to 98.99 % with 3 % Fe-doped ZnO in 50 min. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated an increased inhibitory effect against pathogens, with Fe-doped ZnO outperforming control discs. This study substantiates the potential of Fe-doped ZnO SMPs in wastewater treatment and antimicrobial applications, showcasing significant improvements in photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical compounds and antimicrobial efficacy. The findings underscore the importance of continuing research in this domain for environmental and public health benefits.
Background The escalating worldwide concerns for mental health, significantly amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitates understanding the impact on vulnerable populations, such as university students. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and implications of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21). Methods This study utilized convenience sampling to investigate the mental health of undergraduates in UAE universities using a bilingual DASS-21 questionnaire via Google Forms. Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 29.0, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-squared tests, Mann–Whitney tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and Multinomial Logistic Regression to analyze relationships between sociodemographic variables and mental health scores. Results The study examined 332 students, with most female participants (81 %, n = 269) and individuals aged 18–20 (89.8 %, n = 298). It revealed higher mean DASS scores among females: Depression (M = 15.80, p = 0.030), Anxiety (M = 17.63, p < 0.001), and Stress (M = 22.61, p < 0.001). Fourth-year students exhibited the highest DASS scores for depression (M = 30.33, p = 0.002), anxiety (M = 21.33, p = 0.002), and stress (M = 27.00, p = 0.005). Younger participants aged 18–20 had an odds ratio (OR) of 4.925 for depression, indicating they were approximately five times more likely to experience depression. Conclusions This study reveals gender, age, and academic-year variations in depression, anxiety, and stress among UAE university students. Specifically, our findings indicate higher levels of anxiety and stress among females and reveal academic-year and age-related patterns in mental health conditions. University support services in the UAE should better address student needs, including counseling focused on high school to university transition challenges.
Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a cyclic peptide immunosuppressant drug that is beneficial in the treatment of various ocular diseases. However, its ocular bioavailability in the posterior eye is limited due to its poor aqueous solubility. Conventional CsA formulations such as a solution or emulsion permeate poorly across the eye due to various static and dynamic barriers of the eye. Dissolvable microneedle (MN)-based patches can be used to overcome barrier properties and, thus, enhance the ocular bioavailability of CsA in the posterior eye. CsA-loaded dissolvable MN patches were fabricated using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and characterized for MN uniformity and sharpness using SEM. Further characterization for its failure force, penetration force, and depth of penetration were analyzed using a texture analyzer. Finally, the dissolution time, ex vivo permeation, and ocular distribution of cyclosporine were determined in isolated porcine eyes. PVP MNs were sharp, uniform with good mechanical properties, and dissolved within 5 min. Ocular distribution of CsA in a whole porcine eye perfusion model showed a significant increase of CsA levels in various posterior segment ocular tissues as compared to a topically applied ophthalmic emulsion (Restasis®) (P
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a pivotal contributor to lipid metabolism and neurodegenerative disorders, emerges as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Within this study, we deployed an integrated in-silico strategy, harnessing structure-based virtual screening, to identify potential compounds from DrugBank database. Employing molecular docking, we unveil initial hits by evaluating their binding efficiency with ApoE. This first tier of screening narrows our focus to compounds that exhibit a strong propensity to bind with ApoE. Further, a detailed interaction analysis was carried out to explore the binding patterns of the selected hits towards the ApoE binding site. The selected compounds were then evaluated for the biological properties in PASS analysis, which showed anti-neurodegenerative properties. Building upon this foundation, we delve deeper, employing all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations extending over an extensive 500 ns. In particular, Ergotamine and Dihydroergocristine emerge as noteworthy candidates, binding to ApoE in a competitive mode. This intriguing binding behavior positions these compounds as potential candidates warranting further analysis in the pursuit of novel therapeutics targeting complex diseases associated with lipid metabolism and neurodegeneration. This approach holds the promise of catalyzing advancements in therapeutic intervention for complex disorders, thereby reporting a meaningful pace towards improved healthcare outcomes.
This study used laser-assisted chemical bath synthesis (LACBS) as a simple, catalyst-free hydrothermal approach to synthesize pure and Al-doped ZnO nanostructures. Under the influence of a blue laser, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue has been studied (444.5 nm of wavelength and 8000 lx of light intensity). For the first time, LACBS produced numerous doping concentrations (2, 4, and 6%) using a continuous blue laser (power is 7 W and wavelength is 444.5 nm). X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and UV–vis spectrophotometry were used to verify the structural and optical properties of the prepared nanostructures. It has been demonstrated that ZnO:Al (6%) nanosheets have a significant role in the rapid photodegradation caused by blue laser irradiation. The efficiency for methylene blue degradation varies from 85.9, 86.3, and 99.4 to 99.7% for the pure and ZnO:Al (2, 4, and 6%), respectively. This improved photocatalytic activity is attributed to the increased catalytic activity and surface area of Al-doped ZnO. Using UV–visible spectroscopy, the photocatalytic efficiency was determined from the absorption spectra. The photocatalytic activity is increased due to a combination of the Al-plasmonic effect and ZnO surface imperfections that enable the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and shift the absorption edge of the hybrid nanostructure toward the visible spectrum region. Effective visible light absorption and improved dye degradation efficiency are caused by band-edge tuning in ZnO:Al nanostructured.
cAMP-specific 3′,5′-cyclic phosphodiesterase 4 A (PDE4A) holds a pivotal role in modulating intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Targeting PDE4A with novel therapeutic agents shows promise in addressing neurological disorders (e.g. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases), mood disorders (depression, anxiety), inflammatory conditions (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and even cancer. In this study, we present a comprehensive approach that integrates virtual screening and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to identify potential inhibitors of PDE4A from the existing pool of FDA-approved drugs. The initial compound selection was conducted focusing on binding affinity scores, which led to the identification of several high-affinity compounds with potential PDE4A binding properties. From the refined selection process, two promising compounds, Fluspirilene and Dihydroergocristine, emerged as strong candidates, displaying substantial affinity and specificity for the PDE4A binding site. Interaction analysis provided robust evidence of their binding capabilities. To gain deeper insights into the dynamic behavior of Fluspirilene and Dihydroergocristine in complex with PDE4A, we conducted 300 ns MD simulations, principal components analysis (PCA), and free energy landscape (FEL) analysis. These analyses revealed that Fluspirilene and Dihydroergocristine binding stabilized the PDE4A structure and induced minimal conformational changes, highlighting their potential as potent binders. In conclusion, our study systematically explores repurposing existing FDA-approved drugs as PDE4A inhibitors through a comprehensive virtual screening pipeline. The identified compounds, Fluspirilene and Dihydroergocristine, exhibit a strong affinity for PDE4A, displaying characteristics that support their suitability for further development as potential therapeutic agents for conditions associated with PDE4A dysfunction.
Laser-Assisted Chemical Bath Synthesis (LACBS) was used to fabricate pure and magnesium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. Analysis of these nanoparticles' structural, morphological, optical, and antimicrobial characteristics was conducted. This analysis spanned across varying concentrations of magnesium-doped zinc oxide from 1 % to 3 %. XRD confirmed the nanoparticles' crystalline nature, revealing the hexagonal wurtzite phase. SEM analysis showcased their nanometric domain existence and hexagonal crystalline morphology, transforming from nanorods to nanotubes. Optical analysis showed band gap energy decrease from 3.27 to 2.85 eV correlating with the magnesium doping concentration increase. Optical absorption displayed a distinctive redshift for the nanoparticles as magnesium concentration increased from 1 % to 3 %. Photocatalytic assessments highlighted the superior degradation ability of 3 % Mg-doped nanoparticles, showing a 98.04 % degradation rate against methylene orange dye under blue light exposure. Antimicrobial activity tests against various pathogens showed that Mg ions' incorporation significantly enhanced antimicrobial performance, demonstrating the effectiveness of the LACBS method.
The urgency of antibiotic resistance has been recognized, necessitating prompt, and focused efforts from the scientific community. Innovative alternatives, such as nanoparticles and photocatalytic agents, have been investigated to confront drug-resistant microbes. As an antimicrobial and photocatalytic agent, zinc oxide (ZnO) has demonstrated considerable promise. This study utilized a cutting-edge method called laser-assisted chemical bath synthesis (LACBS) to create undoped and Al-doped ZnO nanostructures without a catalyst. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis spectrophotometry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR) were used to verify the structural and optical properties of the prepared nanostructures. The influence of doping concentration was evaluated by producing samples with doping concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3%, and they were assessed employing diverse analytical techniques. It was found that ZnO exhibited the most pronounced antimicrobial activity: Al(3%) nanosheets, which can be attributed to their extensive surface area and the photocatalytic activity induced by LACBS. These materials displayed exceptional performance in the degradation of methylene orange. The integration of aluminum was observed to expedite interfacial charge transfer processes and diminish recombination, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO nanosheets. These findings emphasize the potential of aluminum-doped zinc oxide nanosheets as wide-ranging microbicides and disinfectants, underlining their significance in addressing drug-resistant microbes. Adopting such sophisticated materials could pave the way for creating potent antibacterial agents capable of tackling the escalating issue of antibiotic resistance. Subsequent research ought to concentrate on assessing the impact of augmented doping levels on the investigated variables.
Background: There is a little knowledge on the extent to which healthcare providers understand and accept the professional recommendations and appropriate dosing strategy regarding metformin XR. Objectives: To evaluate UAE community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) concerning metformin XR. Methods: This is a cross-sectional research study conducted amongst licensed community pharmacists. The survey took place via a questionnaire and physical interviews were held. The survey used in this study included questions on demographics and questions on the participants’ attitudes, knowledge and practices concerning metformin XR. The factors influencing KAP regarding metformin XR were examined via simple logistic regression analysis. Results: Threehundred fifty-three (n = 353) participants were recruited in the study. Independent pharmacies constituted 57.5% of this study sample and 42.5% were chain pharmacies. The average knowledge score about metformin XR tablets was 42.5% with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% [37.3%, 47.4]. Better knowledge scores on metformin XR tablets was observed in respondents aged ⩾40 years (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.63-5.4), having greater than 10 years in terms of experience (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.25-4.16) and pharmacist graduated from Regional or international universities (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.34-3.24). About 78% (n = 275) of the participants believed that metformin XR tablets have better efficacy and 63.2% (n = 233) indicated that metformin IR was associated with greater adverse effects. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a distinct gap in knowledge, attitude and practice pertaining to metformin XR among community pharmacists in the UAE. The community pharmacists need to enhance their practice by receiving accurate and reliable data to support their decision-making on the prescribing of metformin XR. The implementation of novel guidelines and evidence dissemination strategies may help bridge this gap.
Background: Previous studies have highlighted instances where pharmacists lacked knowledge regarding women’s health issues related to epilepsy. Objectives: To assess UAE community pharmacists’ knowledge, toward women’s issues in epilepsy. Methods: a cross-sectional research method was employed. A team of seven pharmacy students in their final year visited a randomly selected sample of community pharmacies in the UAE and face-to-face interviews were conducted with the pharmacists using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire includes two parts; Eight questions designed to elicit data about the demographics of the study participants and 12 questions eliciting insights into the participants’ knowledge of women’s issues in epilepsy. Results: A total of 412 community pharmacist were recruited in the study. The overall level of knowledge about women’s issues in epilepsy was good and the average knowledge score was 81% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [79.1, 82.7%]. The results of multivariate analysis showed higher knowledge scores in chain pharmacies (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.12–1.67), Chief pharmacists (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.01–2.06), Pharmacists in charge (OR 3.46; 95% CI 2.7–4.45), pharmacists with 1–5 Years of experience (OR 2.87; 95% CI 1.71–4.82), pharmacists with 6–10 Years (OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.58–4.38), pharmacists with >10 years (OR 3.13; 95% CI 2.03–4.83), graduation form regional universities (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.12–1.67), graduation form international universities (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.36–2.20) and receiving a training on epilepsy (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.12–1.67). Conclusion: While the findings reveal an overall promising level of knowledge among community pharmacists regarding the issues faced by women with epilepsy, pinpointing which clinical and demographic factors have the most significant impact on this knowledge would permit the implementation of tailored educational interventions. Workshops and modules targeting the issues faced by women with epilepsy would further raise the knowledge and competence among community pharmacists in this area, ensuring better pharmaceutical care for this population.
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Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) has been widely recognized as a significant contributor to various types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, and hematological cancers. This research aimed to find a potential SphK1 inhibitor through a step-by-step virtual screening of PF543 (a known SphK1 inhibitor)-like compounds obtained from the PubChem library with the Tanimoto threshold of 80 %. The virtual screening process included several steps, namely physicochemical and ADMET evaluation, PAINS filtering, and molecular docking, followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that compound CID:58293960 ((3R)-1,1-dioxo-2-[[3-[(4-phenylphenoxy)methyl]phenyl]methyl]-1,2-thiazolidine-3-carboxylic acid) demonstrated high potential as SphK1 inhibitor. All-atom MD simulations were performed for 100 ns to evaluate the stability and structural changes of the docked complexes in an aqueous environment. The analysis of the time evolution data of structural deviations, compactness, PCA, and free energy landscape (FEL) indicated that the binding of CID:58293960 with SphK1 is relatively stable throughout the simulation. The results of this study provide a platform for the discovery and development of new anticancer therapeutics targeting SphK1.
Objectives Deprescribing is a novel strategy whereby medical professionals aim to optimize a patient’s prescription program by removing redundant medications. Few studies have looked at the viewpoints of community pharmacists and other healthcare professionals on deprescribing in daily practice. This study’s objectives included evaluating community pharmacists’ deprescribing knowledge, attitudes and practices, as well as identifying the obstacles to and enablers of deprescribing in daily practice. Methods Five pharmacy students in the last year of their studies polled employees of neighbourhood pharmacies in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Northern Emirates from April 2022 to July 2022. The study’s questionnaire was divided into two sections: questions that inquired about the respondents’ demographic data and questions that evaluated the respondents’ understanding and usage of the deprescribing of potentially harmful medications for patients. The original Bloom’s cutoff points were revised and modified to assess the general knowledge and deprescribing practices of United Arab Emirates (UAE) community pharmacists. Multivariate logistic regression identified the variables influencing respondents’ deprescribing knowledge and practice. Key findings The average age of the participants was 30.8 ± 6.4 SD. Of the total, 255 (37.7%) were male and 422 (62.3%) were female. Pharmacists from independent pharmacies constituted 52.9% of the study sample and 47.1% were from Chain pharmacies. Among the participants, 58.8% (n = 398) had 1–5 years of experience and 41.2% (n = 279) had more than 5 years. Nearly three-quarters of the pharmacists (72.1%, 488) graduated from local universities and 27.9% (n = 189) graduated from regional/international universities. The vast majority of the study sample (84.8%, 574) were bachelor’s degree holders and 88.3% (n = 598) were pharmacists in charge. Of the total, 69.3% (n = 469) received deprescribing training to treat patients with multimorbid diseases. The knowledge and practice score was 71.3% with a 95% confidence interval [70.2%, 72.4%]. Of the total participants, 113 (16.7%) had poor knowledge and practice about deprescribing, 393 (58.1%) had moderate knowledge and practice and 171 (25.3%) had good knowledge and practice. Conclusion This study highlights the level of understanding of community pharmacists about deprescribing in the UAE. Although most of the respondents in this study received training on deprescribing, less than half of the community pharmacists were unaware of certain classes (long-acting sulfonylureas, anti-diabetic, antihyperlipidemic and psychotropic drugs) of drugs that are candidates for potential deprescribing. This finding indicates that their knowledge about deprescribing was insufficient. Several barriers community pharmacists face in deprescribing were also identified, with patients’ resistance and insufficience being the most prevalent. Therefore, there is a need for improved deprescribing practices to ensure drug safety.
Simulation is an essential component of pharmacology education, providing students with a safe and controlled environment to practice their skills and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Simulation exercises can help students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are crucial for pharmacological practice. Clear learning objectives, appropriate simulation methods, active learning, feedback and debriefing, and the incorporation of real-life scenarios and technology are facilitators that enhance the effectiveness of simulation exercises. However, limited resources, lack of faculty training and support, and the potential for perpetuating stereotypes or biases are barriers to the successful implementation of simulation exercises. To ensure effective implementation of simulation exercises, it is recommended that educators define clear learning objectives, provide adequate support to students, incorporate feedback from students, ensure accessibility, and align with accreditation standards. Overall, simulation exercises are a powerful tool that can enhance the learning experience for pharmacology students and prepare them for real-world practice.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to global health, amplified by factors such as water scarcity and suboptimal hygienic practices. Addressing AMR effectively necessitates a comprehensive strategy encompassing enhanced access to potable water, developing innovative antibiotics, and exploring alternative treatment modalities, such as harnessing solar photocatalysis with zinc oxide nanoparticles for water purification and antimicrobial applications. The Laser-Assisted Chemical Bath Synthesis (LACBS) technique facilitates the fabrication of pure ZnO nanostructures, providing a potentially efficacious solution for mitigating pathogen proliferation and managing wastewater. The photocatalytic degradation of MB and MO dyes was investigated using blue laser light at 445 nm, and degradation rates were determined accordingly. Ag-doped ZnO nanostructures were characterized through X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The antimicrobial efficacy of LACBS-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles was assessed against C. albicans, S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae using the disc diffusion method, revealing 40 mm, 37 mm, 21 mm, 27 mm, and 45 mm inhibition zones at the highest concentration of doped-Ag (4.5%), respectively. These inhibition zones were measured in accordance with the guidelines established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. X-ray diffraction patterns for ZnO, ZnOAg(1.5%), ZnO:Ag(3%), and ZnO:Ag(4.5%) samples revealed variations in intensity and crystallinity. Scanning electron microscopy exposed morphological disparities among the nanostructures, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy verified their elemental compositions. UV-Vis absorption analyses inspected the optical band gaps, and Fourier-transform infrared spectra identified the stretching mode of metal-oxygen bonds. Under blue laser irradiation, Ag-doped ZnO exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity during the photocatalytic degradation. These nanoparticles, synthesized via the cost-effective and straightforward LACBS method, benefit from silver doping that augments their electron-trapping properties and photocatalytic activity, thereby enabling efficient dye degradation. Consequently, Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles hold promise as a potent solution for counteracting drug-resistant microorganisms and as an effective disinfectant. 1. Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a complex global health threat with severe implications for medicine, humanity’s survival, and the environment [1,2,3]. Leading causes include the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents, their use in agriculture and animal husbandry, poor hygiene practices, natural evolution, and genetic phenomena [3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. AMR increases morbidity, mortality, healthcare costs, and economic losses [1,2,3,10], with an estimated annual cost of $55 billion in the United States alone and a potential global cost exceeding a trillion dollars [11,12,13]. Moreover, AMR is responsible for over a million deaths annually, which could rise to 10 million within three decades if adequate measures are not implemented [2,14,15]. Numerous pathogens contribute to resistance-related deaths, while other microorganisms, such as Candida albicans, Clostridium difficile, and Bacillus subtilis, also demonstrate AMR [2,10,14,16,17,18,19]. Water scarcity, exacerbated by population growth and economic demand, worsens AMR’s impact on flora and fauna [4,5]. Alternative water sources like wastewater reuse and advanced oxidation processes can address water scarcity and persistent organic pollutants, which pose a significant challenge to traditional water treatment efforts [20,21,22,23]. Therefore, implementing strategies to prevent and control the spread of AMR critical [13,24,25]. Addressing the complex interplay between the lack of clean water and AMR demands a comprehensive approach rather than relying solely on reducing human antimicrobial usage. The solution should encompass improving access to safe water, implementing effective water treatment processes, improving antibiotic stewardship and public health literacy, reducing antibiotic use in agriculture and animal husbandry, and promoting the development of new antibiotics and alternative therapies [1,14,15,26,27,28,29]. Several inventive techniques like solar photocatalysis and nanoparticle drug development have shown potential in addressing the lack of access to clean water and AMR [29,30]. Among these approaches, utilizing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents and solar photocatalysts are promising avenues [31]. Various studies have revealed that solar photocatalysis is a promising method for eliminating organic pollutants and increasing water purity. ZnO, a versatile semiconductor, is an attractive material for photocatalytic water treatment due to its excellent thermal, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties [32,33]. ZnO can be synthesized in diverse morphologies, such as nanorods, nanoparticles, and thin films. Doping ZnO with metallic materials, such as silver, magnesium, or aluminum, can enhance its efficiency and tune its performance within specific wavelength ranges [34]. These metallic dopants create new energy levels in ZnO, effectively suppressing the recombination of charge carriers and thus improving its photocatalytic activity [35]. Additionally, numerous studies have substantiated the potent antimicrobial activity of Zinc oxide nanoparticles against a broad spectrum of pathogens [36,37,38,39,40,41]. These nanoparticles exhibit both bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties, which are thought to be mediated by various mechanisms that arise from ZnO’s unique physicochemical characteristics [42]. These mechanisms include the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the release of zinc ions (Zn2+), and the attachment and accumulation of nanoparticles on the target organism’s cell wall and inside the cell [37,40,43]. The stated actions have the potential to lead to the eradication of targeted pathogens. Moreover, integrating dopants can significantly amplify the antimicrobial effectiveness of Zinc oxide nanoparticles. For instance, silver can impede cell membrane and DNA replication, copper can trigger protein inactivation, and nickel can exhibit similar bacteriostatic properties when utilized [30]. Laser-assisted systems operating in continuous wave and pulsed modes, encompassing the ultraviolet to infrared range, have exhibited significant potential for treating, designing, and fabricating functional nanomaterials [44]. This rapidly evolving field offers straightforward, economical, and scalable methodologies coupled with high-yield production capabilities [45]. Laser-Assisted Chemical Bath Synthesis (LACBS) technology, by exerting precise control over chemical reactions, thermal effects, and nucleation and particle growth phenomena during nanostructure synthesis, can generate nanostructures possessing desirable characteristics such as larger surface area nanoparticles for the production of antimicrobial agents [36,45]. LACBS is a wet chemical synthesis process that employs laser irradiation to promote the controlled precipitation of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures. This method differs from laser ablation, a purely physical procedure involving material removal from a solid surface using a focused laser beam. By combining the merits of both chemical bath synthesis and laser irradiation, LACBS enhances the control over the resulting nanostructures’ size, morphology, and crystallinity. This technique is based on the photothermal effect produced by a focused laser, which generates a localized temperature field with exceptional control [46]. Consequently, this allows for meticulous manipulation of fabrication parameters and physical properties, thereby improving nanostructure characteristics [47]. ZnO nanostructures are cultivated via LACBS, utilizing chemical bath synthesis and laser irradiation. Zinc salts and complexing agents are dissolved to create a chemical bath, while laser irradiation augments the nucleation process, forming homogeneous ZnO nuclei that develop into larger structures. In addition to laser irradiation parameters, factors such as concentration, temperature, pH, and reaction time modulate the nanostructure’s morphology, size, and orientation [29,46]. In recent years, there has been a surge in the scientific community’s interest in zinc oxide, particularly in its antimicrobial and solar photocatalytic properties. This has been demonstrated through numerous studies, which have also explored the potential of silver-doped ZnO [31,41,48,49,50,51,52]. Despite the promising potential of zinc oxide, previous research has not examined the use of LACBS in producing undoped and Ag-doped ZnO materials. The LACBS technique has demonstrated exceptional promise in creating ZnO-based materials with extraordinary antimicrobial properties in this work. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of pure and Ag-doped ZnO nanostructures synthesized via LACBS as potent antimicrobial and photocatalytic agents, contributing to developing efficient and sustainable solutions for pathogen control and wastewater treatment.
Purpose To study the consumption pattern, attitude and knowledge of the general population about dietary supplements (DS) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data on knowledge, attitude and consumption pattern related to the use of DS. Participants aged = 18 years were asked to complete a self-administered online questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, health and lifestyle information, consumption patterns, attitudes and knowledge levels regarding the use of DS. Findings A total of 207 individuals participated in the study, and 117 (56.5%) participants reported using DS products as influenced by the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), of which 63 (53.8%) participants had been using DS for more than one month but less than one year. The majority of the participants was females (64.7%), non-UAE nationals (60.9%) and employed (51.7%). Multivitamins (77.8%) were the most commonly used DS. Use of DS was more prevalent among older participants (n = 78 (61.9%), p = 0.006), non-UAE nationals (n = 79 (62.7%), p = 0.025) and employed (n = 69 (64.5%), p = 0.023). Improving general health (76.1%) and immune booster (47%) were the most frequently identified reasons for using DS, which is relatable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of study participants (72.12%) reported knowing relatively little about the use of DS. About 154 participants (74.4%) did not know that DS products do not treat diseases. Research limitations/implications Further studies with a larger sample size need to be conducted to examine the association between gender or chronic disease and the consumption and type of DS products used to fill the gap in the literature and overcome the limitations identified in this study. Originality/value This study highlights the need for community education programs and strategies that can raise awareness of the health benefits and risks of using DS. Further studies with a larger sample size need to be conducted to examine the association between gender or chronic disease and the consumption and type of DS products used to fill the gap in the literature and overcome the limitations identified in this study.
Retinal neurodegeneration is considered an early event in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. At present, there is no definitive treatment to prevent the progression or reversal of vision loss caused by photoreceptor degeneration and the death of retinal ganglion cells. Neuroprotective approaches are being developed to increase the life expectancy of neurons by maintaining their shape/function and thus prevent the loss of vision and blindness. A successful neuroprotective approach could prolong patients’ vision functioning and quality of life. Conventional pharmaceutical technologies have been investigated for delivering ocular medications; however, the distinctive structural characteristics of the eye and the physiological ocular barriers restrict the efficient delivery of drugs. Recent developments in bio-adhesive in situ gelling systems and nanotechnology-based targeted/sustained drug delivery systems are receiving a lot of attention. This review summarizes the putative mechanism, pharmacokinetics, and mode of administration of neuroprotective drugs used to treat ocular disorders. Additionally, this review focuses on cutting-edge nanocarriers that demonstrated promising results in treating ocular neurodegenerative diseases.
Background This study was conducted among a convenience sample of Ajman University students in UAE between February 2018 and May 2019. Methods All undergraduate and master’s degree students from the 1st to 5th year of medical and non-medical colleges. The survey was carried out by distributing a pre-designed, pre-structured questionnaire to the students during lectures. The questionnaires were primarily composed of three sections: demographic characteristics, educational characteristics and sleep quality characteristics. The data were analyzed using STATA version 14.2. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between sleep characteristics, social media use and other significant risk factors. The P-values < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results The vast majority of the study participants were social media users, and a considerable proportion suffered from poor sleep quality. A significantly increased risk of bad sleep quality and intermittent/anxious sleep patterns were observed among social media users. Conclusion Health policymakers should fully consider these factors in improving the sleep quality of university students.
The overall aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with diabetic nephropathy in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study is a single center retrospective cross-sectional design conducted at private medical center. The study group included all patients (18 years or older) suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus that attended the diabetic clinic from September 2019 to January 2021. The main outcome variable is a trough level of ( 30 mg/g were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.001). Moreover, diabetic patients with serum creatinine > 1.8 mg/dL were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.001). The study revealed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A significant association was reported between 25-hydroxyvitamin D, e-GFR and Alb: Cr ratio.
Abstract In this study, laser-assisted chemical bath synthesis (LACBS) was used to prepare pure and Ag-doped ZnO submicron structures using a simplified hydrothermal approach that did not require a catalyst. The photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue was investigated under blue laser irradiation (λ = 444.5 nm and I = 8000 lx). The doping concentration varied (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, tando 10%) and was prepared by LACBS using a continuous blue laser (P = 7 W, λ = 444.5 nm) for the first time. XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, and UV-Vis investigated the characteristics of the samples produced by the LACBS. ZnO: Ag(10%) submicron flowers are essential in rapid photodegradation under blue laser irradiation. The high surface area and catalytic activity of the prepared Ag-decorated ZnO are attributed to this improved photocatalytic activity. Using UV-visible spectroscopy, the photocatalytic efficiency was determined from the absorption spectra. The separation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs was facilitated, and the absorption edge of the hybrid submicron structures shifted into the visible spectrum region due to a combination of the Ag plasmonic effect and surface imperfections in ZnO. Effective visible light absorption was achieved via band-edge tuning, which increased the ZnO:Ag submicron structures’ ability to degrade dyes. Keywords: LACBS; pure and Ag-doped ZnO; methylene blue; photocatalytic; submicron structures 1. Introduction Chemicals with a carbon base and persistent organic pollutants are resistant to environmental deterioration and may not be eliminated by treatment procedures. Their persistence may have detrimental effects on animals and people’s health. Due to its significant potential as a green and eco-friendly method of removing persistent organic contaminants to promote clean water security, the solar photocatalysis process has drawn increasing interest [1]. Due to global water scarcity brought on by climate change and ineffective water resource management, water reclamation and reuse have recently attracted more attention (i.e., restricted clean water and water demands surpassing available supplies). A developing global economy and an increasing population of countries make access to clean water a growing challenge [2]. Implementing wastewater reclamation and reuse initiatives to promote sustainable water development and management is one of the most alluring responses to water concerns. However, there are still worries that cleaned water may still contain persistent organic contaminants. Adsorption, membrane separation, and coagulation are three water treatment methods used to remove persistent organic pollutants from water streams; however, these methods merely concentrate or convert the refractory organic pollutants from the water to the solid phase [3]. The secondary contaminants must be treated, which will cost more money, and the adsorbents must be renewed [4]. Improved oxidation techniques have been suggested to eliminate refractory organic pollutants, especially those with low biodegradability. Advanced oxidation techniques have several benefits, including quick degradation rates, the mineralization of organic compounds into environmentally friendly products, the capacity to work at room temperature and pressure, and a decrease in the toxicity of organic compounds [5]. In the photocatalytic degradation of dyes, many systems have been employed with varying degrees of effectiveness. However, semiconductors are among the most investigated materials and are used in various ways, including on their own, with defects, doped, or in combination with other materials. Due to its superior mechanical, thermal, and optoelectronic properties, ZnO has been one of the most versatile materials studied in recent years, whether in bulk, nanostructures, or epilayers. [6]. ZnO is a biocompatible, safe material with a broadband gap semiconductor (3.37 eV) and a high excitation binding energy (~60 meV) [7]. ZnO nanostructure is a promising material for various technological applications, such as solar cells, photodetectors, gas sensors, energy, photodetectors, and photoconductive devices [8]. ZnO hierarchical nanostructures, such as nanotubes, nanowires, and nanorods, are successfully generated, in addition to nanosized particles, using particular synthesis methods and under appropriate reaction conditions [9]. ZnO nanostructures have many uses, but photocatalysis is the most promising [10]. Organic dye molecules can be efficiently degraded by the good oxidizing agents in ZnO, which belong to the photo-generated reactive oxygen species. Doping semiconductor metal oxides with metals (such as Al, Ni, Mn, Mg, Au, Ag, etc.) is the most efficient way to improve their performance or tailor their activity to particular wavelength ranges in photocatalysis [11]. On the ZnO surface, metallic dopants provide new energy levels that can receive photo-generated electrons from the conduction band and significantly lessen the effects of recombination [12]. By utilizing ZnO and TiO2 under sun irradiation, Fenoll et al. [13] compared the photodegradation of fungicides in leaching water. They discovered nonstoichiometric ZnO, which outperforms TiO2 as a photocatalyst when exposed to sun radiation. La3+, Nd3+, and Sm3+ doping were utilized by Khatamian et al. [14] to enhance ZnO’s photoactivity in the breakdown of 4-nitrophenol. Sin et al. [15] significantly improved the ZnO photocatalytic degradation efficiency of phenol under natural sunlight by doping ZnO with Eu3+ ions. According to Jiang et al., doping TiO2 with silver led to 100% photodegradation after being exposed to light for two hours [16]. Albiter et al. prepared Ag-doped TiO2 that degraded 85% dye after 1 hr [17]. After 150 minutes of radiation exposure, Avciata et al. prepared TiO2 doped with Ag nanoparticles, which accelerated dye degradation to 75% [18]. To increase the photoactivity of ZnO in the degradation of 4-nitrophenol, Khatamian, et al. [14] employed La3+, Nd3+, and Sm3+ doping. Advanced laser technology and a better understanding of laser interactions with the materials have been beneficial for rapid treatment and designing novel fabrication techniques that can produce functional nanomaterials. Laser-assisted systems work in continuous wave or pulse mode with UV to IR range [19]. The application of lasers can induce controlled chemical reactions, heating effects, and other complex phenomena related to nucleation and particle growth in synthesizing metal oxide nanostructures. The benefits of LACBS include its simplicity, low cost, speed, high yield, and scalability [20]. The development of LACBS technology has enabled the production of nanostructures with various morphologies, which is essential for developing sensing systems. This method’s basis is the photo-thermal effect brought about by a focused laser, which produces a contained temperature field at the required location with excellent control [21]. There is meticulous control over the fabrication parameters and physical properties, and the performance of metal oxides synthesized by LACBS shows significant enhancement [22]. This study examined undoped and LACBS-fabricated Ag-doped ZnO nanostructures. In fact, for the first time, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was investigated using nanopowders under blue laser irradiation. In this article, prepared powders were stacked to form nanorods and nanoflowers with a high surface-to-volume ratio and crystallinity, which aids photodegradation. The photocatalytic degradation of MB blue laser irradiation was investigated. This study aimed to determine how different experimental conditions, such as light source, exposure time, and Ag-doped ZnO, affected the results. ZnO:Ag nanoflowers are critical for rapid photodegradation in the presence of blue laser irradiation.
Introduction Patients frequently use gastric acid-reducing agents (ARAs) to treat symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the risk for drug–drug interactions (DDI) is a serious concern. This potentially makes the community pharmacist (CP) act as a primary intervention by providing the appropriate counseling and dispensing practice. Objective To evaluate CPs’ counseling and dispensing practices regarding complaints of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), including recommending an appropriate course of action to prevent possible DDIs. Materials and methods A simulated patient (SP) methodology was used in this study. The community pharmacies in Ajman and Sharjah were visited by SP who’s responsible for acting as a patient, and by an observer who’s responsible for focusing on the interaction between the SP and the CPs without engagement. Data were recorded using a preprepared data collection form. Performance feedback was sent to the CPs after concluding all visits. Counseling and dispensing scores were classified based on the total scores to poor, inadequate, and complete. Appropriateness of the pharmacist’s decision was defined as dispensing antacid and advising of separating doses apart in time. Results A total of 150 community pharmacies was included in the data analysis. The findings of the current study demonstrated poor counseling and dispensing for the vast majority of the participants (81.3% and 67.3% of respondents, respectively). Only 4% of the CPs advised the SP to have a time interval between antacid and cefuroxime axetil. A significant difference in counseling scores was found between pharmacies located in Ajman and Sharjah (p = 0.01). Also, there was a significant difference in dispensing scores between independent and chain pharmacies (p = 0.003). Conclusions The findings revealed inadequate counseling and dispensing practice by CPs. This study highlighted the need for continuous professional training programs to endow the CPs with the knowledge necessary for improving the CPs’ counseling and dispensing practices.
Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a neuroendocrine metabolic disorder characterized by an irregular menstrual cycle. Treatment for PCOS using synthetic drugs is effective. However, PCOS patients are attracted towards natural remedies due to the effective therapeutic outcomes with natural drugs and the limitations of allopathic medicines. In view of the significance of herbal remedies, herein, we discuss the role of different herbs in PCOS. Methods: By referring to the Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Crossref and Hinari databases, a thorough literature search was conducted and data mining was performed pertaining to the effectiveness of herbal remedies against PCOS. Results: In this review, we discuss the significance of herbal remedies in the treatment of PCOS, and the chemical composition, mechanism of action and therapeutic application of selected herbal drugs against PCOS. Conclusions: The present review will be an excellent resource for researchers working on understanding the role of herbal medicine in PCOS.
The alarming association of Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has urged severalresearch to investigate the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of CKD among hypertensive patients,yet none was donein the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to assess the KAP concerning CKDand their relation to the socio-demographic and clinical factors of hypertensive patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted among hypertensive patients attending cardiology and primary clinics in the Emirates of Ajman and Sharjah in the UAE. A validated face-to-face questionnairewas conductedfrom December 2019 until February 2020. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: socio-demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics and the KAP scales. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the relation of the KAP scores to the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.A total of 200 patients with hypertension consented to participate. The mean age was 49.97(±9.67) years. The percentages of knowledge, attitudes and practices scores about prevention and detection of CKD were 50.8%, 66.6% and 71.7% respectively.A higherknowledge score wasrelated significantly to female gender, urban residency and university level education.Cardiology clinic setting was the only significant factor related to higher attitudes score. Furthermore, higher knowledge score, higher attitudesscoreand urban residencywas significantly related tohigher practices score.Hypertensive patients require more attentionto implement CKD awareness programs that could possibly improve theirpreventive practices.
Background To the best of our knowledge few published studies have been conducted to evaluate customer's care services in community pharmacies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using the pseudo-customer model. This further indicates that there is a paucity of information available about the current care services provided by the community pharmacists particularly for pregnant women with migraine. Objective The main objective was to evaluate, the effectiveness of the pseudo-customer method on the care services (counseling, advice, and management) provided by the community pharmacists for migraine during pregnancy. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in community pharmacies with a cluster sampling of pharmacists. A sample of 200 community pharmacists was recruited from three emirates in the United Arab Emirates. Pregnant woman-related migraine management was assessed …
This research aims to fabricate and characterize chemically crosslinked CMC/PVP-co-poly (AMPS) based hydrogel for the sustained release of model drug metoprolol tartrate through the free radical polymerization technique. Box-Behnken Design was used to optimize CMC/PVP-co-poly (AMPS) hydrogel by varying the content of reactants such as; polymers (CMC and PVP), monomer (AMPS), and crosslinker (EGDMA). Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was crosslinked chemically with AMPS with a constant ratio of PVP by the ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the crosslinker in the presence of sodium hydrogen sulfite (SHS)/ammonium peroxodisulfate (APS) as initiators. After developing CMC-based hydrogels using different polymers, monomer, and crosslinker concentrations, this study encompassed dynamic swelling, sol–gel fraction, drug release and chemical characterizations such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, and SEM. In vitro drug release and swelling were performed at 1.2 and 6.8 pH to determine the sustained release pattern and pH-responsive behavior. These parameters depended on the crosslinker, polymer, and monomer ratios used in the formulation development. XRD, SEM, and FTIR showed the successful grafting of constituents resulting in the formation of a stable hydrogel. DSC and TGA confirmed the thermodynamic stability of the hydrogel. Hydrogel swelling was increased with an increase in the ratio of monomer; however, an increase in the ratio of polymer and crosslinker decreased the hydrogel swelling. In vitro gel fraction and drug release also depended on polymer, monomer, and crosslinker ratios. The fabricated CMC/PVP-co-poly (AMPS) hydrogels constituted a potential system for sustained drug delivery.
Background The growing number of human monkeypox cases worldwide illustrates the importance of early detection, prevention, management and quick action from healthcare authorities. The WHO confirmed a hundred of Monkeypox cases worldwide and disclosed Monkdypox as a worldwide emergency situation Objectives To assess the knowledge about human monkeypox’ source, signs/symptoms, transmission, prevention and treatment among Al Ain university students in the UAE. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess Al Ain University students’ knowledge of Human Monkeypox. A validated questionnaire was distributed to students between lectures. The respondents’ knowledge of human Monkeypox was assessed by 21 questions that examined the participants’ knowledge of Monkeypox as follows: 5 items examined knowledge of the source, definition, and incubation time; 2items assessed the mechanism of transmission of human Monkeypox, 7 items assessed the signs and symptoms; 7 items assessed the preventative measures; and 6 items assessed the treatment modalities. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors influencing respondents’ knowledge of human Monkeypox among university students. Results A total of five hundred and fifty-eight (558) students participated in the study. The average knowledge score was 70.1%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 68.9 − 71.3. Of the total participants, 111 (19.9%) had poor knowledge about human Monkeypox, 320 (57.3%) had moderate knowledge, and 127 (22.8%) had good knowledge. The results of the statistical modelling showed that Old age (OR 0.681; 95% CI 1.005–1.016), female gender (OR 1.26; 95% CI 0.813 –0.961), participants from medical colleges (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.13 –1.32) having a history of human chickenpox infection (OR 2.6; 95% CI 2.3–2.9) and receiving information on human Monkeypox during education (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.05–1.2) were strong determinants for good knowledge about human Monkeypox. Conclusion knowledge of Monkeypox among the participants is relatively low, particularly regarding the epidemiology, symptoms and treatments. Therefore, increasing knowledge of Monkeypox will be key to enhancing the capacity to respond to human monkeypox cases and to relay pertinent data to a disease surveillance system.
Background The use of simulated patient (SP) methodology in pharmacy practice settings has increased recently. However, its applications can vary significantly within a region, hence affecting the quality of the SP methodology. Objective The purpose of this systematic review is to critically assess the use of the SP methodology for assessing the practice of community pharmacists (CP) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using EMBASE, MEDLINE, ProQuest, and SCOPUS to identify articles published from 2011 to 2022. The selection of relevant studies for inclusion in the systematic review was based on the pre-determined inclusion criteria. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Results Electronic search yielded 478 publications. A total of 45 studies were reviewed …
Background Inadequate numeracy is a barrier to patients' understanding of their health. No measure of numeracy related to antibiotic use is available. Objective to develop and validate a measure of numeracy of antibiotic use, and to make this measure available in the Arabic language and context. Methods Best practices for developing, translating and validating scales were consulted to develop an anonymous survey administered on SurveyMonkey. Ten open-ended questions for which participants provided an answer assessed basic numeracy covering fractions, percentages, proportionality, measurement, and estimation, contextualized to real life situations. A panel of five experts, and 10 cognitive debriefings provided face and content validity for the tool. Individuals ≥18 years, who had mastery of Arabic or English were included. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to characterize the psychometric properties of the items, using principal-component analysis. Convergent validity was established by comparing numeracy scores with the antibiotic knowledge scale scores. Differences in numeracy scores according to sociodemographic variables were tested using multivariate analyses of variance. Results Two hundred fifty-four responses were obtained, giving a response rate of 63.5%. A two-factor structure which explained 44.2% of the variance evolved: “Mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills” and “Numeracy-related practices and experience”. An acceptable reliability of Cronbach's alpha coefficient = 0.713. Higher numeracy scores were significantly correlated with the scores of the antibiotic knowledge (r = 0.205, p < 0.01) and factor one within the tool: “side effects and resistance” (r = 0.162, p = 0.05). Participants with University/College education presented higher levels of numeracy-related practices and experience than those with high-school education. Likewise, participants with medical insurance presented with higher numeracy scores than those without. Conclusions A valid and reliable measure of antibiotic numeracy in English and Arabic was created. The tool could identify patients with low numeracy who are candidates for targeted interventions and intensive education on appropriate antibiotic use.
Currently, hydrogels are considered as ideal biomaterials due to their unique structure and characteristics that facilitates considerable hydrophilicity, swelling, drug loading and release. In this study, we report pH-responsive GG-MAA-AMPS hydrogel delivery system prepared via free radical polymerization technique. Hydrogels were loaded with Metformin HCl as a model drug. Hydrogels were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR confirmed the successful crosslinking of reactants, hydrogel network formation and drug loading. TGA and DSC proved the higher thermal stability of reactants after crosslinking and drug loading. XRD analysis showed decrease in crystallinity of drug after loading into the hydrogels. SEM revealed smooth and glassy appearance of both loaded and unloaded hydrogels. Gel content was increased with increase in concentration of reactants. Drug entrapment was decreased by increasing concentration of GG and AMPS while MAA acted inversely. Hydrogels displayed pH-dependent swelling and drug release behavior being high at pH 6.8 and 7.4 while low at acidic pH (1.2). Oral tolerability in rabbits showed that hydrogels were safe without causing any hematological or histopathological changes in healthy rabbits. Based on the obtained results, GG-MAA-AMPS can be considered as potential carrier for metformin HCl as well as other hydrophilic drugs.
Background: Self-medication offers advantages but raises multiple safety-related questions. There are different factors that influence the self-medication patterns among different population, such as age, income, gender, self-care-orientation, educational level, expenditure, satisfaction, and known seriousness of the illness. Data on self-care behavior and safety concerns among the general public are lacking in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study assessed the general public's self-care behaviors and medication safety concerns among the general public. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the 210 general public in Ajman, UAE, from December 2019 to February 2020. The filled surveys, entered in SPSS 26, were analyzed applying Chi-square tests and Fisher's exact tests with an alpha value = 0.05. Results: Of the respondents, 152 (72.3%) have participated in self-medication with no association seen between education (P = 0.107), gender (P = 0.185), age (P = 0.122). The commonly self-medicated ones were over-the-counter medications (n = 103; 41.37%) and antibiotics (n = 66; 26.51%). Seventy-two percentage (n = 151) stopped the self-medicated drugs if the underlying conditions improved which was not influenced by age (P = 0.327), gender (P = 1.00), or educational qualifications (P = 0.338). Sixty percentage (n = 126) checked the side effects of the self-medicated drugs before taking them, a habit influenced by education (P = 0.015), gender (0.002), and age group (P = 0.014). Half of the respondents (n = 105; 50%) stopped medications if they experience side effects a practice largely influenced by age (P = 0.0.30). Of the respondents 77.6% (n = 163) checked the medicine leaflets for drug information and the ease of obtaining an antibiotic was easy among 19.62% (n = 20) respondents; P = 000 (education), 0.006 (age); 65.7% (n = 138) of respondents check for allergy before self-medicating (P = 0.014, education), 13.3% (n = 28) felt the drugs that do not require a prescription is safe for everyone (P = 0.012, education). Conclusion: Self-medication is rampant and often used for symptomatic management. Antibiotics were also self-medicated by nearly one-fourth of respondents. Education had a significant influence on self-medication practices and safety concerns. Innovative strategies may be needed to contain irresponsible self-medication practices among the general public.
Thalassemia is humanity’s most common genetic disorder and represents a serious healthcare challenge in the United Arab Emirates. Increasing awareness is a crucial part of any successful strategy to prevent thalassemia. This research examined knowledge levels and attitudes regarding thalassemia screening, counseling, and monitoring from medical and nonmedical students at Ajman University. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted among a convenience sample of Ajman university students in the UAE. A questionnaire was distributed which was composed of three main sections. The first section covered participants’ demographic data. The second section covered general knowledge of thalassemia and its screening measures. The third section assessed risk factors, regulations, and preventive measures. The data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24. A total of 523 participants completed the whole survey. Generally, there was a good level of awareness of thalassemia and thalassemia screening among participants. Approximately three-quarters of participants (76.5%) agreed that thalassemia screening should be compulsory for the individual and the majority of students and 92.7% recognized the importance of thalassemia screening for both partners. Approximately three-quarters (75.9%) of participants disagreed that fetuses with thalassemia should be aborted. More than half of the participants disagreed that thalassemia carriers and patients should be prevented from marrying each other. Generally, older respondents (final year students), respondents who had dealt with thalassemia patients, and respondents with relatives with thalassemia had more comprehensive knowledge of thalassemia. Campaigns focusing on college and university students should be regarded as an essential element of the thalassemia prevention strategy for contemporary UAE society.
Health care workers (HCWs), being in the front line dealing with COVID-19 patients, are facing various challenges. Therefore, being aware about COVID-19 is of high importance. The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the HCWs’ knowledge and attitude about COVID-19. The objectives of the study are assessment of HCWs’ knowledge and attitude about COVID-19 and determining the significant factors that influence their knowledge.
Thalassemia is a blood disorder passed through families; it’s chronic inherited anemia can be passed from parents to the kids, at least one of the parents must be carrier of the thalassemia. It’s genetic disorder it’s caused by either a genetic mutation or a deletion of certain key gene fragments. Objectives The overall aim of this study is to improve our understanding regarding the thalassemia knowledge and believes among dentistry and pharmacy students of Ajman University (AU). Material and Methods This is a cross-sectional s study designed carried out among convenience sample of Ajman university dentistry and pharmacy students. The survey was carried out by using a self-administrated questionnaire. The later was composed into demographic, socio-economic, and knowledge and believes towards Thalassemia. Result A total of 257 subjects participated in the study and completed the whole questionnaire. The study demonstrates satisfactory level of knowledge and awareness towards Thalassemia. Older participants, who were in the last years of study, non-vegetarians, who had relatives with thalassemia and who had seen thalassemia patients scored better in knowledge and awareness towards Thalassemia. Conclusion Dentistry and pharmacy student do not practice the concept of safe health precautions in spite of having adequate knowledge, therefore education is not enough to change the population behavior with regarding thalassemia concept. However, they are with the compulsory screening, abortion and directive counselling in UAE.
Objectives: The objective of the current study was to investigate the pharmacist's knowledge, attitude, practice and experience towards pharmacovigilance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the pharmacist's in UAE by using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 230 pharmacists were interviewed. However only 185 questionnaires were completed and analyzed. Of the 185 respondents (59.5%) were male. Pharmacist's age mean was 32.15 ± 6.86 years. Fifty five (29.7%) pharmacists in this study had good knowledge, while 91 (49.2%) pharmacists had moderate knowledge and 39 (21.1%) pharmacists had poor knowledge towards pharmacovigilance, ADRs and ADRs reporting. The finding of this study showed that 82 (44.3%) of the pharmacists were detected and seen ADRs in their practice at least once. A total of 59 ADRs were seen by the pharmacists in this study. The most common ADRs they detected were gastritis (16 times), followed by allergy (12 times), then rash (8 times), anaphylactic shock (two times) and other ADRs (21). However, none of the detected ADRs were reported. The most barriers reported by pharmacists were: lack of knowledge about reporting system. Factors to encourage ADRs reporting were: enhancing awareness about reporting through attending courses or workshops; receiving educational materials and simplification of reporting procedures. Conclusion: Majority of pharmacists in this study had positive attitude towards pharmacovigilance, ADRs and their reporting. Education and training programs are highly recommended to enhance awareness and improve the reporting of ADRs by pharmacists in UAE.
To highlight the importance of spontaneous reporting programs in post marketing surveillance of medicines. Authors also aimed at providing various dimensions of spontaneous programs, including the strengths and weakness, and providing an insight on the future prospects of pharmacovigilance systems. Methods: Various literature related to post marketing surveillance and spontaneous reporting programs were reviewed and the relevant ones highlighting the strengths and weaknesses are summarized. A balance of information on strengths and weaknesses is listed. The health professionals’ awareness regarding existing spontaneous reporting programs is highlighted. Future prospects of pharmacovigilance are discussed. Results: Though beneficial, spontaneous reporting programs encounter several limitations and difficulties in diagnosing adverse drug reaction. Under-reporting and bias are major challenges. Online signal detection tools and innovative methods are needed to strengthen the spontaneous reporting programs. We provide the various issues to be considered while depending on spontaneous reporting programs as a method of post marketing surveillance. Conclusion: To strengthen the spontaneous reporting programs as an effective post marketing surveillance method, more awareness among health professionals and innovative strategies is needed. Integrating pharmacogenetic data can be a potential aspect of future pharmacovigilance.
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Permissions Original Article A Study to Identify the Most Common Reasons to Wean among Breastfeeding Mothers in UAE Al-Shahwan, Moayad J.1; Gacem, Sabrina Ait1,; Hassan, Nageeb A. G. M.1; Djessas, Fetta2; Jairoun, Ammar A.3; Al-Hemyari, Sabaa S.4 Author Information Journal of Pharmacy And Bioallied Sciences 12(1):p 72-76, Jan–Mar 2020. | DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_230_19 Open Metrics Abstract Background: Despite the great benefits of breastfeeding for the mother and the child, many mothers face a lot of challenges and issues during lactation, which might lead to early weaning. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the factors that can lead to early weaning and to identify the most common reasons to early weaning among breastfeeding mothers. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey study. Eight hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed to lactating mothers, but only 820 were returned making the response rate of 96.5%. Breastfeeding mothers in Ajman and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) participated in the study. Statistical Analysis: The results were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20. IBM Corp. Released 2011. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data concerning the demographic characteristics. Categorical variables (such as nationality and educational level) were described by using frequency, percentages, bar chart, and pie chart. Results: The results revealed that 29% of respondents stopped breastfeeding for some reason. The main reasons stated by the participants were low milk supply (25.8%) and pain, congestion, and abscess (19.22%) followed by new pregnancy (17.5%), which were the most identified reasons for early discontinuation of breastfeeding. Conclusion: Our study indicated that the misconception of weaning because of a new pregnancy has declined in the UAE compared to a study conducted 3 years ago. A positive improvement was also observed in terms of weaning due to personal desire compared to previous years among mothers as they became more aware of the benefits of breastfeeding.
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Catha edulis Forsk leaves [khat] are chewed daily by a high proportion of the adult population in Yemen for the mild stimulant effect. Cathinone is believed to be the main active ingredient in fresh khat leaves and is structurally related and pharmacologically similar to amphetamine. The habit of khat chewing is widespread with a deep-rooted sociocultural tradition in Yemen and as such poses a public health problem. The objective of this literature review was to examine studies on khat, particularly human studies, with special reference to its effect on the central nervous system, cardiovascular, digestive and genitourinary systems, oral-dental tissues, diabetes mellitus and cancer