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Domestic and industrial effluents contain substantial amounts of micropollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, which may influence the balance of the phytoplankton community. A mesocosm approach was used to determine the effects of different fluoxetine concentrations (20 ng L−1, 20 µg L−1, and 20 mg L−1) on phytoplankton community structure, biochemical composition, antioxidant response, and primary productivity. The total cell density of the phytoplankton community was in the order of control > 20 µg > 20 ng > 20 mg by the 21st day of the experiment. On day 21, the phytoplankton community had chlorophyll a content in the order of 20 mg > 20 µg > 20 ng > control, but these changes were not significant (p > 0.05). Beta diversity results revealed that fluoxetine significantly affected the community structure and dynamics of exposed phytoplankton. Reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde and peroxidase levels were significantly altered by changes in fluoxetine concentrations. Protein content increased at 20 µg L−1 and decreased at 20 ng L−1 and 20 mg L−1 by day 21 of the experiment. These results suggest that, even in the ng L−1 range, fluoxetine could contribute to the reshaping of phytoplankton community structure and dynamics in aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting is a crucial component of a Pharmacovigilance (PV) system as it helps ensure patient safety and allows for continuous surveillance of pharmaceutical products. However, in India, there is a significant challenge in ADR reporting by healthcare professionals (HCPs). Indisputably, the HCPs are now playing a much wider role in enhancing healthcare. However, under reporting of ADRscontinues to be a problem that poses a significant threat to patient safety and weakens the effectiveness of the national pharmacovigilance program. This ultimately impacts the overall quality of the healthcare system. This article aims to emphasize the importance of ADR reporting and the challenges faced by the HCPs in India. It also discusses the process of reporting ADR in the country and concludes by proposing potential solutions to increase ADR reporting and to strengthen India's pharmacovigilance framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Increased costs in the health sector have put considerable strain on the public budgets allocated to pharmaceutical purchases. Faced with such pressures amplified by financial crises and pandemics, national purchasing authorities are presented with a puzzle: how to procure pharmaceuticals of the highest quality for the lowest price. The literature explored a range of impactful factors using data on producer and reference prices, but largely foregone the use of data on individual purchases by diverse public buyers. Methods Leveraging the availability of open data in public procurement from official government portals, the article examines the relationship between unit prices and a host of predictors that account for policies that can be amended nationally or locally. The study uses traditional linear regression (OLS) and a machine learning model, random forest, to identify the best models for predicting pharmaceutical unit prices. To explore the association between a wide variety of predictors and unit prices, the study relies on more than 200,000 purchases in more than 800 standardized pharmaceutical product categories from 10 countries and territories. Results The results show significant price variation of standardized products between and within countries. Although both models present substantial potential for predicting unit prices, the random forest model, which can incorporate non-linear relationships, leads to higher explained variance (R2 = 0.85) and lower prediction error (RMSE = 0.81). Conclusions The results demonstrate the potential of i) tapping into large quantities of purchase-level data in the health care sector and ii) using machine learning models for explaining and predicting pharmaceutical prices. The explanatory models identify data-driven policy interventions for decision-makers seeking to improve value for money.

Abstract Background Smuggling health goods given the importance and critical nature of health services should be undeniably addressed and controlled by all countries. This issue is especially more widespread in developing countries with more damaging consequences. This paper therefore aims to identify and analyze the challenges of preventing smuggling of health goods in Iran. Method Within this qualitative study, we conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 30 purposefully recruited key informants and stakeholders in the detection, prevention, and combating of health goods smuggling. Each interview was analyzed thematically, using an inductive approach to generate codes, then categorized and presented in the form of main themes and sub-themes. Maxqda 11 assisted in coding, analysis, and data management. Results Three main themes emerged representing the challenges of prevention of smuggling in Iran in the areas of anti-smuggling policy development, including categories of inefficient policy and plan, and failure to reach agenda; policy implementation; categorized into actors, resources and instruments, and implementation guarantee; and finally monitoring and evaluation; including, procedures and practices, and the role of surveyors. Conclusion Prevention of smuggling health goods proves to be a highly complex, challenging, and multi-faceted practice. Therefore, strengthening policy-making, regulatory frameworks, and facilitation functions about smuggling, counterfeiting, and corruption should be promoted in parallel.

Accurate, precise, and reliable chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods were developed for determining clindamycin (CLD) in pharmaceutical formulations. The spectrophotometric method was adopted for flow injection analysis (FIA). The method is based on the online oxidation of CLD and measuring the absorbance of the resulting product using a flow cell at 605 nm. Experimental conditions, including FIA variables and reaction conditions, were optimized. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a C8 column and an isocratic mobile phase. The composition of the mobile phase selected for the analysis consists of a mixture of phosphate buffer (50%), MeOH (35%), and ACN (15%), adjusted to a pH of 3.47 by phosphoric acid. The eluent was monitored with a UV detector at 205 nm. The linearity range was 10–200 and 50–800 µg/mL for the FIA and HPLC, respectively. The applicability of the FIA and HPLC methods was validated by analyzing CLD in synthetic and commercial pharmaceutical products. No significant interferences were observed from the common excipients usually used in commercial formulations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented increase in pharmaceutical drug consumption and plastic waste disposal from personal protective equipment. Most drugs consumed during the COVID-19 pandemic were used to treat other human and animal diseases. Hence, their nearly ubiquitous presence in the soil and the sharp increase in the last 3 years led us to investigate their potential impact on the environment. Similarly, the compulsory use of face masks has led to an enormous amount of plastic waste. Our study aims to investigate the combined effects of COVID-19 drugs and microplastics from FFP2 face masks on important soil processes using soil microcosm experiments. We used three null models (additive, multiplicative, and dominative models) to indicate potential interactions among different pharmaceutical drugs and mask MP. We found that the multiple-factor treatments tend to affect soil respiration and FDA hydrolysis more strongly than the individual treatments. We also found that mask microplastics when combined with pharmaceuticals caused greater negative effects on soil. Additionally, null model predictions show that combinations of high concentrations of pharmaceuticals and mask MP have antagonistic interactions on soil enzyme activities, while the joint effects of low concentrations of pharmaceuticals (with or without MP) on soil enzyme activities are mostly explained by null model predictions. Our study underscores the need for more attention on the environmental side effects of pharmaceutical contamination and their potential interactions with other anthropogenic global change factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Health Sciences / Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Erciyes Universitesi Saglik Bilimleri Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Increased costs in the health sector have put considerable strain on the public budgets allocated to pharmaceutical purchases. Faced with such pressures amplified by financial crises and pandemics, national purchasing authorities are presented with a puzzle: how to procure pharmaceuticals of the highest quality for the lowest price. The literature explored a range of impactful factors using data on producer and reference prices, but largely foregone the use of data on individual purchases by diverse public buyers. Methods: Leveraging the availability of open data in public procurement from official government portals, the article examines the relationship between unit prices and a host of predictors that account for policies that can be amended nationally or locally. The study uses traditional linear regression (OLS) and a machine learning model, random forest, to identify the best models for predicting pharmaceutical unit prices. To explore the association between a wide variety of predictors and unit prices, the study relies on more than 200,000 purchases in more than 800 standardized pharmaceutical product categories from 10 countries and territories. Results: The results show significant price variation of standardized products between and within countries. Although both models present substantial potential for predicting unit prices, the random forest model, which can incorporate non-linear relationships, leads to higher explained variance (R2 = 0.85) and lower prediction error (RMSE = 0.81). Conclusions: The results demonstrate the potential of i) tapping into large quantities of purchase-level data in the health care sector and ii) using machine learning models for explaining and predicting pharmaceutical prices. The explanatory models identify data-driven policy interventions for decision-makers seeking to improve value for money. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nPoints of interestHealthcare access poses particular challenges to individuals with visual impairments, particularly regarding pharmaceutical products and services. In this study, we showcase how the context of a low- and middle-income country poses particularly compromising experiences within pharmacies for persons with visual impairments. The current study explores the experiences and needs of 21 participants with visual impairments within pharmacies. Through the lens of the relational ethics of care, we demonstrate, first, the importance of a trusting relationship between individuals with visual impairments and pharmacy staff as well as the responsibility that rests on participants to establish the afore-mentioned trusting relationship, and second, shameful experiences within the pharmacy, centering around threats to privacy. In many respects, a collaborative relationship between pharmacy staff and their visually impaired clientele results in a satisfactory experience for the latter. However, as far as sensitive information, services and products are concerned, participants generally feel vulnerable and uncomfortably visible.We explore the experiences within pharmacies of 21 South Africans with visual impairments.We demonstrate that a collaborative relationship between pharmacy staff and their visually impaired clientele leads to a satisfactory experience for the latter.We furthermore show that shameful experiences within the pharmacy largely centre around threats to privacy.We recommend training for pharmacy staff members to raise their awareness and sensitivity towards visually impaired clientele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly sensitive electrochemical sensor is reported that employs a modified electrode for the precise measurement of cabotegravir, a potent anti-HIV drug. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were utilized for this purpose. Electrode modification involved the immobilization of Cr2AlC MAX phase/g-C3N4 onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to enhance its electrocatalytic activity and selectivity for cabotegravir detection. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the working potential (vs. Ag/AgCl) was to 0.93 V. The developed sensor exhibited a good linear relationship in the range 0.05 µM to 9.34 µM with a low limit of detection of 4.33 nM, signifying its exceptional sensitivity. Additionally, it demonstrated successful cabotegravir detection in pharmaceutical formulations and biological samples, achieving an RSD below 3.0%. The recoveries fell within the range 97.7 to 102%, confirming the sensor's potential for real-sample applications. This innovative electrochemical sensor represents a significant advancement, providing a simple, reliable, and sensitive tool for the accurate measurement of cabotegravir. Its potential applications include optimizing drug dosages, monitoring treatment responses, and supporting the development of cabotegravir-based pharmaceutical products, thereby contributing to advancements in HIV therapy and prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been already proposed by several authors for estimating the consumption of drugs, mainly the illicit ones. However, not much information is available about the actual reliability of this tool given the absence of comparison with the actual consumption. This work aims to evaluate the reliability of the WBE as a tool for estimating the consumption of pharmaceuticals in urban area. Measured consumption back-calculated with a WBE approach was compared with prescription of pharmaceutical products as "control." Moreover, seasonal influence on (i) pharmaceutical consumption, (ii) load of pharmaceutical products in the sewer system, and (iii) reliability of WBE was evaluated. Ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, metoprolol, carbamazepine, and citalopram were estimated by WBE with a difference respect to the "control" value lower than 0.2 order of magnitude while only trimethoprim and sotalol exceeded the 0.5 order of magnitude of difference but below the 1 order of magnitude. Sedatives were the best represented by WBE (on average 0.15 order of magnitude of difference compared to prescription data). However, further studies are suggested to fully estimate the influence of the type of APs on the reliability of the WBE. Seasonal patterns were found for the load of ciprofloxacin in the sewer and for the consumption of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim by population but seasonal changes did not have a significant impact (p > 0.05) on the reliability of WBE. Despite some gaps remained to optimize the reliability of the tool, WBE can be considered a valid method to estimate the consumption of prescribed drugs from the analysis of the sewer system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs realized reform from 1th february till 1th september in 2014 for prescription system implementation. According to these changes pharmaceutical products of second group becamethe prescription medicines. In Georgia, access to and supply Rx medicines is governed by a regulatory framework. Second group drugs are only available to the public when prescribed by doctors on new prescription form N 3. The aim of research is to reveal and evaluate positive and negative sides of new prescription system; to study it, sinfluence on achievement process to drugs. As part of the quantitative research, doctors and pharmacists of the medical institution were interviewed. As part of the qualitative research, in-depth interviews with healthcare experts were conducted. The special questionnaire was designed for each aimed group. The questionnaires consist of open and closed questions. The results of the study revealed the positive aspects of the Prescription Institute: with this reform, the system returned to the logic of normal clinical medicine; The role of the doctor in relation to the patient's pharmacotherapy has been strengthened; The competence of the pharmacist was included in the appropriate framework and the specific skills of selling medicinal products by prescription were developed; The culture of purchasing medicines with prescriptions has been established among the population; At the same time, the results of the research revealed such actual problems that are an obstacle to the introduction of the prescription institute: prescription drugs are sold without a prescription; In the doctor's offices opened next to the pharmacies, the doctor is limited to prescribing only prescriptions; In case of chronic or long-term diseases, patients' access to prescription drugs is complicated; Doctors do not have complete information about the dispensing mode of this or that pharmaceutical product from the pharmacy. Pharmacists talk about the lack of specific skills in prescribing prescriptions: in the case of more than one medicine prescribed on one prescription form, the prescription is cancelled; Prescriptions not certified with a seal are invalid; Incorrectly indicated generic name, inconsistency between generic and trade names, prescription of a combined pharmaceutical product with a generic name prolongs the service of the user; Incorrectly indicated course of treatment, drug release forms, medicinal dose are the cause of misunderstanding; e.g. A pharmacist is prohibited from selling a 10 mg tablet of the same name medicine instead of a specified 5 mg tablet. One of the goals of the reform planned by the Ministry of Health is the correct treatment, the reduction of the share of expenses on medicine and the harm caused by self-medication. It is too early to talk about these achievements within the framework of the conducted research, however, one of the details was revealed that will contribute to the reduction of expenses on medicines, namely: it is necessary to indicate the diagnosis in the prescription according to ACD-10; The doctor's prescription should always be consistent with the diagnosis; The institute of prescriptions should reveal the rationality of the prescription issued by the doctor, compliance with the guidelines, which will partially reduce the costs of medicines. The reform implemented in connection with the restoration and establishment of the Institute of Recipes in Georgia is a step forward. The medical community unequivocally welcomes this change. The competence and authority of the doctor increased; the specific rules for prescribing by a doctor and issuing prescription medication by a pharmacist are gradually being established. Along with the highlighted positive aspects, significant systemic errors and technical flaws are visible. The sale of drugs of the second group without a prescription is an obstacle to the introduction of the Institute of Prescriptions. At this stage, fining the pharmacy cannot solve the problem. The Ministry of Health considers the establishment of an electronic prescription system to eliminate this problem. The current activity of the "pharmacy" doctor also hinders the reform. Access to medicines for patients with chronic diseases is complicated. The existing classification of medicines has flaws. Recommendations Based on the conducted research, the following recommendations were developed: • Improving the administration of the prescription institute implementation process; • Study of the activities of "pharmacy" doctors by the Agency for the Regulation of Medical Activities; • Refinement of regulatory normative base, administration tools; • Revision of the classification of pharmaceutical products and periodically making rational changes taking into account the data of AMEA, WHO, PSUR; • In order to use medicines rationally, it is advisable to introduce a system of electronic prescriptions.

Background: Despite the fact that synthetic preservatives and antioxidants have strong antibacterial and antioxidant activity, they are frequently associated with negative health consequences. Currently, there is an increasing interest in pharmaceutical products that are excellent in quality and free of synthetic preservatives. Methods: As a result, the purpose of this research is to assess the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of olive leaf extract, oleuropein, and thymol in various pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, the efficacy of these natural extracts to substitute synthetic preservatives (methyl-propylparaben and benzalkonium chloride) and antioxidants (butylhydroxytoluene) will be investigated. Results: The results revealed that oleuropein, olive leaf extract, and a blend of oleuropein and thyme oil may be utilized as preservatives at concentrations of (0.6 % w/v), (0.4 % w/v), and (0.4 %/0.1 % v/v), respectively. The results demonstrated that thyme oil and oleuropein have synergistic efficacy against the studied microorganisms. By assessing antibacterial activity, and physical properties, the results demonstrated that pharmaceutical formulations containing natural preservatives were stable and effective for three months under accelerated settings (40 °C/75 % RH). Conclusion: Natural compounds such as oleuropein, olive leaf extract, and thyme oil have shown antibacterial effectiveness equivalent to synthetic preservatives in selected pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, there was synergy in antimicrobial activity between thyme oil and oleuropein and this facilitates the use of these compounds at different levels.

The aim of the publication is to develop a method of hierarchy analysis for choosing the optimal market strategy for the development of a pharmaceutical enterprise. The article substantiates the need for continuous improvement of the decision support system of a pharmaceutical enterprise, which operates in conditions of constant changes in the external environment, to ensure the processes of continuous and stable growth of the enterprise. The main components of the external destabilizing factors of the modern pharmaceutical market, which require the introduction of special mechanisms for ensuring the continuity of the process of managerial changes for the contemporary domestic pharmaceutical enterprises, have been allocated. It is determined that one of the effective mechanisms for choosing the optimal market strategy for the development of a pharmaceutical enterprise is the method of analytical hierarchy as one that is simple in terms of mathematical tools and at the same time gives consistency to the conclusions obtained. The key strategies for the development of a pharmaceutical enterprise include: expanding the range of export-oriented pharmaceutical products; expanding the range of generic pharmaceutical products for sale in the domestic market; building own network of pharmacies for the retail sale of pharmaceuticals both of own production and of other manufacturers. The main indicators of efficiency of the pharmaceutical enterprise in the modern market environment are defined as follows: increase in marginal income; stability of functioning and strengthening of competitiveness; share of the additional sales market. The practical implementation of the method of analytical hierarchy for choosing the optimal market strategy for development is carried out on the example of PJSC «Fitofarm» as a pharmaceutical production and trade enterprise, which occupies a leading position in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine and needs to maintain and improve it, taking into consideration the influence of modern challenges.

A brief discussion of the numerous types of microbial contamination of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic items and their corresponding effects is attempted in this study. The pharmaceutical and cosmetic products are particularly vulnerable to microbial contamination, because they contain chemical compounds that encourage the microbial development. Contamination can potentially happen during production; storage, and/ or usage. These contaminants can cause a variety of unfavorable effects, including alteration of the consistency and appearance; phase separation, alteration or loss of activity, and even the emergence of toxicity in the contaminated items. Organizations such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) actively regulate the consumer safety by frequently recalling the potentially dangerous or contaminated products from the market. Therefore, to prevent microbial contamination and increase the shelf life of a product, a variety of preservatives are added to the final formulation. However, some of these preservatives may be toxic to the consumer as well. In this context, we have also reviewed the mechanisms of action of some of the most commonly used antimicrobial preservatives, including the organic acids; parabens, phenol, organomercurials, ethanol, chlorobutanol, benzalkonium chloride, chlorocresol, sodium benzoate, isothiazolinones, sodium sulfite, and sodium metabisulfite, in addition to the potential toxicity caused by them to the consumers.

The article is aimed at defining the current state and prospects of development of the USA in the global pharmaceutical market. It is defined that American pharmaceutical companies successfully conduct their activities in the global pharmaceutical market. The leading pharmaceutical companies of the USA in terms of income and capitalization are considered. It is determined that the United States has a significant role in regulating the global pharmaceutical market. The activities of the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration ensure a high level of safety and efficacy of medicines used around the world and increase trust in the U. S. pharmaceutical companies. It is further determined that one of the main features of the USA’s participation in the global pharmaceutical market is the strong position of the U.S. pharmaceutical companies in the market of innovative drugs. The costs of research and development by leading pharmaceutical companies are considered. The indicators of foreign trade in the U.S. pharmaceutical products are analyzed. The U. S. exports account for 9.4% of global pharmaceutical exports, the country ranks fourth in the ranking of world exporters. China, the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, and Germany were the main importers of the U. S. pharmaceutical products in 2022. On the other hand, the United States itself is the main importer of pharmaceutical products. The U. S. imports account for 17.4% of global pharmaceutical imports. Ireland, Germany and Switzerland are major exporters of pharmaceutical products to the United States. The article generalizes the main trends in the pharmaceutical market of the United States, influencing the prospects of their participation in the global pharmaceutical market. It is concluded that the USA has great prospects in the global pharmaceutical market. The country has a strong scientific base and developed infrastructure, which allows the U. S. pharmaceutical companies to be competitive in the global market and ensure sustainable development of the industry. Also, the United States has a large consumer market. It is determined that the United States may experience certain obstacles in the global pharmaceutical market due to the high cost of drug development, as well as high drug prices.

The analysis of existing methods and products for controlling bleeding reveals that medical means exhibit significantly higher efficacy compared to mechanical methods of achieving hemostasis. However, it is important to note that medical means cannot entirely replace surgical hemostasis in cases of severe bleeding from large veins and arteries. In emergency situations, such as during military conflicts or workplace injuries, the use of local contact hemostatic agents is preferred. These agents do not require specialized skills for application, making them accessible to individuals in need of immediate assistance. If included in a first-aid kit, these agents enable victims to address minor injuries promptly and control bleeding. In critical bleeding situations, any nearby individual can use the tool to provide aid. Given the ongoing military activities within our country’s territory, the development of effective domestic hemostatic agents has become an urgent priority. This initiative aims to ensure the availability of such products to our military personnel. Aim. The aim of this work is to justify the optimal composition of a local hemostatic agent based on readily available raw materials and feasible technologies. Materials and methods. After conducting an extensive review of domestic and foreign literature, the basis for the development of the future contact hemostatic agent was chosen to be adsorbing materials derived from biologically active components of mineral, synthetic, phyto-, and organic origins. The focus of this study is on natural polysaccharides with potential hemostatic activity, specifically alginate, kappa carrageenan, guar gum, and xanthan gum. One key property of polysaccharides is their ability to swell, which positively influences hemostasis. The hemostatic effect of model hemostatic compositions was evaluated using a femoral artery bleeding model induced by mechanical damage. Additionally, a model involving capillary-parenchymal bleeding from a laceration wound on the liver in adult rats was employed for further investigation. Results. Experimental studies have provided evidence of the hemostatic effect of natural polysaccharides due to their water absorption and swelling properties. In comparison with well-known medical products Celox and Revul®, substances with hemostatic activity, including alginate, kappa carrageenan GU 805, and the comparative drug Celox, have demonstrated significant reductions in bleeding time. Specifically, alginate, kappa carrageenan GU 805, and Celox have shown reductions of 38 %, 53 %, and 57 % respectively, compared to the positive control (PC) group. To enhance the hemostatic activity, a combination of the leading compounds with the addition of 7 % calcium gluconate was developed. The inclusion of calcium gluconate in the combination is associated with the involvement of calcium ions in all stages of blood coagulation, thereby increasing the overall hemostatic effect of the combination. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that substances with hemostatic activity, such as alginate, kappa carrageenan GU 805 in combination with calcium gluconate, miramistin, and a mixture of phytocomponents, as well as the comparative drugs Celox and Revul®, reliably reduce bleeding time by 46 %, 47 %, 37 %, and 36 %, respectively, in comparison to the PC group. Conclusions. The optimal composition of a contact hemostatic agent, formulated as a multicomponent powder known as Plantor, has been developed. This composition is based on natural saccharides and incorporates a complex of antiseptic and wound-healing substances derived from natural and synthetic sources. The formulation of Plantor demonstrates optimal consistency, biopharmaceutical properties, and pharmacotechnological characteristics. The addition of 7 % calcium gluconate to the composition was found to effectively enhance the level of hemostatic activity. This enhancement is attributed to the involvement of calcium ions in all stages of blood coagulation. Experimental studies conducted using a hemostatic model have confirmed that the proposed composition of the pharmacotherapeutic agent significantly reduces bleeding time by 47 % and accelerates the overall process of hemostasis. The observed efficacy of the Plantor formulation surpasses that of reference local hemostatic agents, indicating its superior effectiveness in promoting hemostasis.

Food is the essential need of human life and has nutrients that support growth and health. Gastrointestinal tract microbiota involves valuable microorganisms that develop therapeutic effects and are characterized as probiotics. The investigations on appropriate probiotic strains have led to the characterization of specific metabolic byproducts of probiotics named postbiotics. The probiotics must maintain their survival against inappropriate lethal conditions of the processing, storage, distribution, preparation, and digestion system so that they can exhibit their most health effects. Conversely, probiotic metabolites (postbiotics) have successfully overcome these unfavorable conditions and may be an appropriate alternative to probiotics. Due to their specific chemical structure, safe profile, long shelf-life, and the fact that they contain various signaling molecules, postbiotics may have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive properties, inhibiting abnormal cell proliferation and antioxidative activities. Consequently, present scientific literature approves that postbiotics can mimic the fundamental and clinical role of probiotics, and due to their unique characteristics, they can be applied in an oral delivery system (pharmaceutical/functional foods), as a preharvest food safety hurdle, to promote the shelf-life of food products and develop novel functional foods or/and for developing health benefits, and therapeutic aims. This review addresses the latest postbiotic applications with regard to pharmaceutical formulations and commercial food-based products. Potential postbiotic applications in the promotion of host health status, prevention of disease, and complementary treatment are also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated charcoal is an adsorbent material which is consumed as a dietary supplement (100 mg) and as non-specific antidote treatment in acute poisoning at 0.5–1 g kg−1 body weight in infants and 50 g in adults. The ingestion of large quantities of it has aroused our interest in the presence of metals impurities. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess trace elements in activated charcoal products. Multielement analysis were performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma—Mass Spectrometry after digestion. Estimated daily Intake was calculated and compared to references doses for each element. Varying trace elements have been found: chromium (0.3383 ± 0.089 µg g−1), cadmium (0.5991 ± 0.2967 µg g−1), aluminum (0.7033 ± 0.1215 µg g−1), nickel (0.0111 ± 0.003 µg g−1), lead (0.0052 ± 0.0021 µg g−1), zinc (0.0414 ± 0.0076 µg g−1), and manganese (0.0036 ± 0.0006 µg g−1). when 50 g of activated charcoal is consumed by a 70 kg adult, aluminum estimated daily intake is 0.0005 mg/kg bw/day which exceeds the reference dose (0.0004 mg/kg bw/day). In the infants, consumption of 15 g of contaminated activated charcoal exposes to chromium, cadmium and aluminum as their estimated daily intake (0.00034; 0.0006; 0.0007 mg/kg bw/day respectively) exceed their reference doses (0.0003; 0.0005; 0.0004 mg/kg bw/day respectively). These trace elements are not without risk to consumers health. Activated charcoal products could be contaminated with elemental impurities. Pharmaceutical industries should be vigilant to raw materials (plants and wood) used in the preparation, these materials should come from unpolluted areas to avoid contaminations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Baghdad Science Journal is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The rapid growth of various industries has led to a significant, alarming increase in recalcitrant pollutants in the environment. Hazardous dyes, heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and other associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (such as acenaphthene, fluorene, fluoranthene, phenanthrene, and pyrene) have posed a significant threat to the surroundings due to their refractory nature. Although activated carbon has been reported to be an adsorbent for removing contaminants from wastewater, it has its limitations. Hence, this review provides an elaborate account of converting agricultural waste into biochar with nanotextured surfaces that can serve as low-cost adsorbents with promising pollutant-removing properties. A detailed mechanism rationalized that this strategy involves the conversion of agrowaste to promising adsorbents that can be reduced, reused, and recycled. The potential of biowaste-derived biochar can be exploited for developing biofuel for renewable energy and also for improving soil fertility. This strategy can provide a solution to control greenhouse gas emissions by preventing the open burning of agricultural residues in fields. Furthermore, this serves a dual purpose for environmental remediation as well as effective management of agricultural waste rich in both organic and inorganic components that are generated during various agricultural operations. In this manner, this review provides recent advances in the use of agrowaste-generated biochar for cleaning the environment.

The Product Lifecycle Management which is essential to enhance the lifespan of the patients which facilitates to face the completion which facilitates for pricing strategies and maximises the revenue of the organization and sustaining in the long-run further the cost leadership advantage facilitates a lot to gain the competitive advantage. Those firms which will take the competitive advantages to sustain in the longrun should study the concept of product life cycle management (PLM). There are various aspects like: workflow, information sharing, market analysis, information management related to product at various stages, new inventions and innovations, sophisticated technology available, patient requirements, cost concepts, market growth rate are the various aspects need to be studied under the product life cycle management(PLM). The aim of the present research is to explore the pharmaceutical products and its life cycle management at various stages in the contemporary context. The present research purely based on secondary data sources. The research can be better understood after all taking the advantage of primary data sources by applying SPSS AMOS and structural equation modelling algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple modification of bare glassy carbon electrode by electropolymerization of glycine by cyclic voltammetry was applied to the detection of ibuprofen. The polyglycine modified glassy carbon electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and the electroactive surface area was determined. The study of ibuprofen in acetic acid buffer (0.25 M, pH 4.0) presented an electrocatalytic effect toward ibuprofen oxidation, increasing the current response and decrease of oxidation potential, at the modified electrode compared to the bare. Under the optimal conditions, the modified electrode gave a linear response in the ibuprofen concentration range of 10 to 200 μM, obtained correlation coefficient was 0.9993. the calculated limit of detection (3Sb/m) was 1.0 μM and the limit of quantification (10Sb/m) was 3.5 μM. the sensor was successfully used for the determination of ibuprofen in pharmaceutical preparations with satisfactory recoveries, 93–107 %. The new sensor showed good selectivity, repeatability, and reproducibility with satisfactory stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advertising of medicines and therapeutic pharmaceutical products is unique. It differs from advertisements promoting other goods, products and services. However, advertising remains one of the means of promoting drug products and informing consumers of their existence, in the same way as the products used in their manufacture. Pharmaceutical companies rely on advertising to market their drug products, so that pharmacists, doctors and consumers in general are aware of them. In Morocco, the history of the fight against disease is marked by the use of advertising to promote the eradication of epidemics and raise awareness of the need for vaccination to combat fatal diseases, more specifically malaria, rhinitis, plague, tuberculosis and trachoma, after Morocco suffered waves of epidemics that were repelled and treated with medicines, pharmaceutical products and vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melasma is a fairly common condition that is the result of hyperpigmentation caused by increased melanin secretion. In the course of melasma, certain areas of the skin become darker than the rest of the epidermis. Although the pathogenesis remains incompletely clarified, several contributing factors have been identified, namely exposure to ultraviolet and visible light, family predisposition, pregnancy, and the use of exogenous hormones. Since current beauty standards associate healthy skin with its flawless and uniform color, people strive to eliminate any unaesthetic discoloration. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical products containing active substances with a whitening effect then become helpful. The most commonly used for this purpose are hydroquinone, arbutin, retinoids, organic acids (e.g., kojic, azelaic, and ellagic), and vitamins (B3, C, and E). However, the undesirable side effects they cause and the drive to replace synthetic chemicals with their natural counterparts have resulted in numerous reports on extracts of natural origin that exhibit skin-whitening effects. The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent scientific literature, which presents active substances of natural and synthetic origin with potential for the treatment of melasma. In addition, analytical techniques that can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of these substances present in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products will also be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Despite the prominent evidence of cold chain monitoring in the health system to reduce wastage and maintain product potency, there are still inefficiencies in the storage and transportation of cold chain products. This study assessed medicine cold chain storage conformity in health facilities in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Methods A cross-sectional and prospective with quantitative and qualitative approaches study was approved, and 44 health facilities (public, faith-based and private) were selected using both convenience, stratified, and purposive sampling techniques. Temperature data loggers were mounted in refrigerators to measure the Mean Kinetic Temperature (MKT). Results The overall performance of cold chain storage conformity of refrigerators assessed was 54 (73.0%). The conformity found in refrigerators of pharmacy stock in public health facilities was 22 (56.0%), in vaccination program was 25 (100.0%), and in private retail pharmacies was 7 (70.0%). The MKT measured fit the required cold chain storage at this rate. Most refrigerators used in pharmacy stock (27.0%) were aged between 8 and 10 years, while those used in vaccination programs were less than 4 years. Regular calibration of refrigerator and temperature monitoring device (TMD) was 39.0% and 24.0%, respectively. Most respondents, 44 (80.0%), knew the proper cold chain storage. However, few identified the impact of storing cold chain products with vaccines at 16 (29.1%). The transportation of cold chain products from two central medical stores assessed showed inefficiencies as only one of them uses temperature data loggers during transportations of the products mentioned above. Conclusions The medicines cold chain storage conformity investigated in seven districts of the Eastern Province in Rwanda was better than reported previously in other LMICs. However, cold chain storage for pharmacy stock often did not meet the requirements. The observed drawback represented a serious risk to public health. Calibrating cold chain equipment, regular maintenance, and commissioning new cold chain equipment should be done to improve cold chain storage.

The present study explores the galvanostatic electrolysis of synthetic solutions containing the antidiabetic metformin with different support electrolytes, using a boron-doped diamond anode in an undivided electrochemical cell to test the possibility of the reuse of the treated water in the field of agriculture. It also investigated the effects of the main operating parameters, including applied current density, supporting electrolyte nature and concentration, initial chemical oxygen demand, initial pH, temperature, and NaCl concentration. This was realized considering the chemical oxygen demand removal, current efficiency, energy consumption and phytotoxicity. The experimental results showed that metformin concentration, measured by the square wave voltammetry technique and the chemical oxygen demand decay, follows a pseudo-first-order kinetics. At the beginning of the electrolysis, the electrochemical efficiency was limited by a charge-transfer process. For an initial chemical oxygen demand of 900 mg L−1 and under optimal conditions (current density of 30 mA cm−2, pH 2, Na2SO4 2 g L−1, NaCl 0.8 g L−1 and T 343.15 K), the removal of organic matter was about 90% and the complete elimination of metformin was reached after 2 h of electrolysis. Concerning the phytotoxicity tests of the treated water, they were carried out using Fenugreek and Lucerne seeds. The results indicated a positive effect on seeds germination due to the production of nitrate ions from the metformin molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, alginates, as the most versatile polymers, were employed to construct selective and effective molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) as a solid phase extraction adsorber for the estimation of tenoxicam (TNX) in pharmaceutical formulations. Based on the non-covalent approach, the polymerization reaction was performed with sodium alginate as a monomer, calcium chloride as a crosslinking reagent, and TNX as a template. The formed polymer was characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The distribution ratio results showed that the particle formed ranges were less than 100 nm. To evaluate binding capacity, batch binding assays were utilized, and the results were monitored using UV–Vis spectroscopy at 369 nm. The drug delivery of the imprinted surface was studied in different acidic media that mimic the gastric medium, intestine and blood plasma. The results show that the best way to deliver drugs is in the acidic environment of the stomach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current healthcare system is widely based on the concept of "one size fit for all", which emphasizes treating a disease by prescribing the same drug to all patients with equivalent doses and dosing frequency. This medical treatment scenario has shown varied responses with either no or weak pharmacological effects and exaggerated adverse reactions preceded by more patient complications. The hitches to the concept of "one size fits all" have devoted the attention of many researchers to unlocking the concept of personalized medicine (PM). PM delivers customized therapy with the highest safety margin for an individual patient's needs. PM has the potential to revolutionize the current healthcare system and pave the way to alter drug choices and doses according to a patient's clinical responses, providing physicians with the best treatment outcomes. The 3D printing techniques is a solid-form fabrication method whereby successive layers of materials based on computer-aided designs were deposited to form 3D structures. The 3D printed formulation achieves PM goals by delivering the desired dose according to patient needs and drug release profile to achieve a patient's personal therapeutic and nutritional needs. This pre-designed drug release profile attains optimum absorption and distribution, exhibiting maximum efficacy and safety profiles. This review aims to focus on the role of the 3D printing technique as a promising tool to design PM in metabolic syndrome (MS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we demonstrated the synthesis of nanosized molecularly imprinted polymer (nanoMIP) particles via a miniemulsion polymerization strategy for the selective recognition of Penicillin G element, a β-lactam antibiotic (PenG-nanoMIP). The PenG-nanoMIP probe was developed by the mixture of functional monomer, methacrylic acid (MAA) and crosslinking agent, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). The pre-polymerization of monomer-template mixture was emulsified into miniemulsion via sonication where the PenG-nanoMIP particles were obtained with an average diameter of 60–70 nm. Also, various MIPs were formed by taking different combinations of monomer to crosslinker and among all, the MIP formed with a ratio of 6:24 was chosen as the optimum formulation. In addition, the PenG-nanoMIP probe has been characterized thoroughly for the surface functionality (FTIR), morphological changes (FESEM-EDX), and particles diameter. Finally, the batch rebinding tests via UV–Vis were conducted to investigate that the PenG-nanoMIP 2 has the greatest binding capacity with 4.37 mg/g as compared to PenG-nanoMIP 1 and PenG-nanoMIP 3 having the binding capacities of 3.33 mg/g and 3.62 mg/g respectively. Based on the analysis, it can be suggested that PenG-nanoMIP 2 has offered the highest binding and selectivity for PenG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ranitidine ion-selective membrane electrodes were fabricated from PVC matrix and ranitidine hydrochloride (RNH-HCl)-phosphotungestic acid (PTA) as the detecting components in the existence of di-n-octyl phthalate (DOPH), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBPH) and dibutyl phosphate (DBP) as the solvent mediator and plasticizing the PVC membrane. The electrodes were prepared with DOPH (electrode 1), and DBPH (electrode 2) gave a Nernstian, stable, and rapid response, which displayed linear response in the concentration range of 1.0×10-5 -1.0×10-2 mol.L-1 and 2.03×10-5 -1.0×10-2 mol.L-1, with Nernstian slope of 58.73, and 52.50 mV.decade-1 for electrode 1 and electrode 2 respectively. Limits of detection 9.30×10-6 and 3.70×10-6 mol.L-1 for electrodes 1 and 2, respectively were also obtained. Individual electrodes were operative at the pH range of 3.0-5.5 and 3.5-5.5. The membrane electrodes showed excellent selectivity for the drug ranitidine in comparison with various inorganic cations. The electrodes showed a cycle of 55,50 days not including major variations in the parameters of the electrodes. Sensor 3 was given a non-Nernstian response equal to 28.76 mV.decade-1 and the range of concentration was 2.0×10-5 -1.0×10-2 mol.L -1 with a limit of detection near 3.68×10-6 mol.L-1. Ranitidine can be determined effectively in unmixed and pharmaceutical formulations using these designated methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Pharmaceutical product development is a challenging, time-consuming, and cost-intensive process. Computational methods could be used for assistance and speed up the industrial process. Artificial neural networks (ANN) and neuro-fuzzy models are tools of artificial intelligence that can be used to develop pharmaceutical products to enhance productivity, quality, and consistency. In the present review, the working principle of ANN and neuro-fuzzy models has been discussed, elaborating on their different types, advantages, and disadvantages. Furthermore, the application of these computational techniques in developing pharmaceutical products like suspension, emulsion, microemulsion, nanocarriers, tablets, transdermal preparations, etc., has been discussed in detail.

Background: Despite the prominent evidence of cold chain monitoring in the health system to reduce wastage and maintain product potency, there are still inefficiencies in the storage and transportation of cold chain products. This study assessed medicine cold chain storage conformity in health facilities in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Methods: A cross-sectional and prospective with quantitative and qualitative approaches study was approved, and 44 health facilities (public, faith-based and private) were selected using both convenience, stratified, and purposive sampling techniques. Temperature data loggers were mounted in refrigerators to measure the Mean Kinetic Temperature (MKT). Results: The overall performance of cold chain storage conformity of refrigerators assessed was 54 (73.0%). The conformity found in refrigerators of pharmacy stock in public health facilities was 22 (56.0%), in vaccination program was 25 (100.0%), and in private retail pharmacies was 7 (70.0%). The MKT measured fit the required cold chain storage at this rate. Most refrigerators used in pharmacy stock (27.0%) were aged between 8 and 10 years, while those used in vaccination programs were less than 4 years. Regular calibration of refrigerator and temperature monitoring device (TMD) was 39.0% and 24.0%, respectively. Most respondents, 44 (80.0%), knew the proper cold chain storage. However, few identified the impact of storing cold chain products with vaccines at 16 (29.1%). The transportation of cold chain products from two central medical stores assessed showed inefficiencies as only one of them uses temperature data loggers during transportations of the products mentioned above. Conclusions: The medicines cold chain storage conformity investigated in seven districts of the Eastern Province in Rwanda was better than reported previously in other LMICs. However, cold chain storage for pharmacy stock often did not meet the requirements. The observed drawback represented a serious risk to public health. Calibrating cold chain equipment, regular maintenance, and commissioning new cold chain equipment should be done to improve cold chain storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analytical results are often used in scientific research, industrial and clinical applications to support decision making. Despite all efforts to ensure the reliability of analytical results (including method validation, internal quality control, use of certified reference materials, proficiency tests, and ISO 17025 accreditation), there will always be an uncertainty associated with the measured value. The measurement uncertainty expresses the quality of the analytical result and allows the comparability between analytical results or between the measured value and the specification limit(s). This work discusses the importance of measurement uncertainty, including the steps involved in the measurement uncertainty evaluation, the bottom-up and top-down approaches used in measurement uncertainty calculation, the measurement uncertainty evaluation in drug and medicine analyses, and the application of measurement uncertainty in conformity assessment for quality control, stability studies, and pharmaceutical equivalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodegradation is the chemical conversion of large, toxic, and complex molecules into non-toxic, simpler, and lower molecular weight species due to light exposure. Heterogeneous photocatalysis has sufficient potential to degrade toxic organic pollutants present in wastewater. As industries discharge their effluents containing organic pollutants into natural water bodies, which penetrate into the subsurface through connected pores it is necessary to study this process in natural or tap water. Tap water (TW) is mainly obtained from underground wells having inorganic salts in a minute quantity with a conductivity of 500 μS/cm. TW contains inorganic anions, which affect the photocatalytic activity and photocatalysis process. The aim of this review is to evaluate the effect of TW on the photo-degradation of organic pollutants such as dyes, pharmaceutical products, pesticides, etc., with the support of the literature. The TW had a diverse effect on the photodegradation of organic pollutants; either it may enhance or decrease the rate of pollutants' photodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The end of life of pharmaceutical products through environmentally unsafe routes is a growing concern in our society. However, the studies reported so far, apart from being limited in number, do not reflect the current management practices for the end-of-life management of pharmaceuticals. Published work lacks an in-depth analysis in focusing on the pharmaceutical waste in households. The present work focused on (1) performing a state-of-the art overview to compare worldwide studies and the results and (2) implementing a comprehensive survey in Portugal (n = 454 respondents). The results showed that the delivery to pharmacies was used by the majority of the respondents (72%), indicating a good awareness of pharmaceutical waste management issues, when compared to the reviewed studies. Statistically significant variables for the destination of end-of-use pharmaceuticals include gender, age and distance from the residence to the pharmacy (p < 0.05). Most participants believe that educating the population on existing structures of medication and packaging management is of the utmost importance to improve the national managing system. This is the first study conducted in Portugal; it includes statistical analysis of the data and reflects on the practices that should be adopted to reduce incorrect pharmaceutical waste disposal. These findings call upon the strategies to strengthen the pharmaceutical waste management programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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