Directions For Use Research Articles

Evaluation of Quality Parameters of Light Sensitive Drugs Marketed in Nepal.

Photosensitivity is the response of drug or drug product to the exposure of solar, UV and visible light in the solid, semisolid, or liquid state that leads to a physical or chemical change. Exposure to light is a concern with numerous medications due to the potential for photo degradation or other chemical reactions that affect drug stability. Out of all the registered brands in Department of Drug Administration, 9 brands of Rabeprazole tablets, 5 brands of Promethazine tablets and 5 brands of methylcobalamin tablets were selected and were subjected for testing and analysis for various quality parameters as per pharmacopoeia. The labels of the collected medicine were analyzed. The obtained data were entered and analyzed in Microsoft office excel 2019. Eleven products did not comply with the existing regulatory requirement on labeling system of medicine as per Regulation of Standard of drugs. There was no uniformity in mentioning the self-life. Similarly, large variation was seen on price of same generic drugs. Information regarding storage conditions, direction for use and category of the drug were lacking in the label of some brands of medicines.Upon Laboratory analysis, two brands of promethazine tablets and three brands of Rabeprazole tablets were found substandard. Drug content of all the brands of Methylcobalamin was found to contain overage. The result of this study indicates that substandard medicines are abundant in Nepalese market. There is weak regulation monitoring which have resulted in no uniformity in similar pharmaceutical products too. Hence, stringent regulatory monitoring is required to assessthe quality of pharmaceutical products in the Nepalese market.

Rampant online marketing of teeth whitening products: Evaluation of online information, labelling accuracy and quantitative analysis of high peroxide content gels

Background/Purpose: Online vendors seize the advantage of the high demand on home-use, do-it-yourself dental bleaching products. The study aims to present the uncontrolled online market of dental products and provide evidence of consumer safety risks associated with the utilization of high peroxide content bleaching products without dentist's supervision, and also to identify misleading and insufficient information on content and compromised product quality. Materials and methodsA complex risk-based methodology was used including website content evaluation focusing on ingredients, precautionary statements and directions for use provided by online retailers. Bleaching products were test procured in which packaging and labels were documented and assessed. Quality control was performed using the permanganometric method per the official European Pharmacopoeia. ResultsOne (16.7%) of six test procured peroxide gels was not delivered. Another arrived without enclosed description or instructions. The ingredient list was incomplete or missing for all (100%) online products, however, it was listed on the label or in enclosed documentation in four out of five (80%) samples. Precautionary statements were scarcely (16.7%) disclosed online, contrarily, safety claims were emphasized by most (83.3%) websites. Contraindications and adverse effects were mentioned in the majority (80%) of the delivered product labels. One sample contained no active principle, in two sample’ peroxide content exceeded the label's claim by 5.2–9.0% while in another two it was below the concentration indicated on the labels by 79.9–80.7%. ConclusionsDissimilarity in regulations elicits an opportunity for consumers to purchase inappropriately labeled, questionable quality, high peroxide content dental products without information regarding ingredients, application and risks. The uncontrolled market, easy access and unsupervised application of high peroxide-content teeth whiteners imply patient safety issues.

PERSPECTIVES AND FEATURES OF BRANCH UTILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES IN INTENSIVE GARDENS AND PARKS

In most countries of Europe and North America, wood chips obtained in the process of cutting brushwood and branches are widely used in intensive gardens and parks as a mulching agent. Technologies that involve the disposal of branches have a wide list of technological operations. One of the most common involves manual pruning with the help of simple technical tools such as a chainsaw and cordless saws. The cut wood is transported and piled into piles, which are burned when there is enough accumulation. This technology is primarily environmentally harmful, as it pollutes the environment. Therefore, the property of using chopped branches as mulch between rows in gardens and park alleys is quite an important factor. The goal is to study the application of the technology of cutting branches into chips with a high-tech unit, which will make it possible to reduce labor costs by approximately 1.5 times, fuel costs by 1.4 times, eliminate environmental pollution, replenish the soil with organic and mineral additives and use additional areas of land. which are now set aside for wood burning sites. Technologies that involve the disposal of branches after trimming the crown of trees have the most diverse directions of use of the pruning product and a wide list of technological operations. Each of them is interesting in its own way, has advantages and disadvantages, and therefore requires more detailed coverage. One of the oldest and most primitive technologies involves manually loading cut wood onto vehicles, taking the branches to storage sites, where they are burned. This technology is poorly mechanized and requires extensive use of unproductive manual labor. The coefficient of utilization of the carrying capacity of vehicles is very low, as it is impossible to place the collected wood tightly under load. Currently, it is used in small farms.

ЭЛИТНАЯ ФОРМА ВИНОГРАДА ТАНА 73

The results of studying of elite grapevine form bred by Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "North Caucasus Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, Winemaking" (FSBSI NCFSCHVW) of wine direction of use − Tana 73 are presented. This form of grapevine for the production of competitive wine products was bred by crossing varieties Muscat Kubanskiy × Vertes Csilaga. The vintage of the elite form of Tanya 73 is used for the production of high-quality white quiet wines. The research results indicate the perceptivity of the elite form Tana 73 for the production of high-quality wine products, the expansion of the raw material base and the assortment of local varieties of domestic breeding.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ АВТОХТОННЫХ ДОНСКИХ СОРТОВ ВИНОГРАДА НА КОЛЛЕКЦИИ В 2022 ГОДУ

The results of observations and studies of autochthonous Don varieties in 2022 at the Don ampelographic collection named after Ya.I. Potapenko (Novocherkassk, Rostov region). Varieties were studied in grafted, covered culture. The object of research were 20 grapevine varieties of different directions of use and maturation. Most of the studied varieties (80 %) had more than 60 % bud break. The percentage of fruit bearing shoots varied over a wide range, from 26.8 % (Krestovsky) to 93.1 % (Durman). The highest average bunch weight had varieties − Krestovsky (456 g) and Kumshatsky Belyj (429 g). The yield varied from 1.9 kg/bush (Krestovsky) to 11.4−11.6 kg/bush (Silnyak and Shilohvosty). Most of the studied varieties (11 out of 20) had a high or very high calculated yield (from 130 c/ha and more). Very high sugar content in berry juice had 3 varieties (Krasnostop Zolotovsky, Shampanchik Tsimlyansky and Varyushkin), 5 varieties had high sugar content, 9 − medium, 2 − low and 1 had very low. One variety − Shampanchik-2 had a very high titratable acidity (15.8 g/dm3). High titratable acidity was noted in 4 varieties, the majority of varieties (55 %) had an average titratable acidity (from 7 to 9 g/dm3). According to the results of the studies, it can be tentatively identified that technical and universal varieties with white berries: Bessergenevsky-10, Kosorotovsky, Durman, Kumshatsky Belyj, Sibirkovyj, and variety with colored berries – Varyushkin are promising in terms of yield and quality of grapes for winemaking. These varieties are of early-middle and medium-late ripening, which is very important for the zone of the northern industrial viticulture of the Russian Federation. Research in this direction will be continued.

ANALISIS KELENGKAPAN ADMINISTRASI, FARMASETIK DAN KLINIS PADA RESEP DI PUSKESMAS X KOTA SUNGAI PENUH, JAMBI

A good prescription should have enough information to allow the pharmacist concerned to know what drug to give the patient. But there are still errors found. This can be detrimental to the patient due to possible errors in prescribing or medication (medication error). Completeness of prescription includes Administration, Pharmaceutical, and Clinical. The purpose of this study is to find out the completeness of Administration, Pharmaceuticals and Clinical Prescriptions at Puskesmas X City of SungaiFull in 2022 in accordance with Permenkes No.74 of 2016 concerning Pharmaceutical Service Standards at Puskesmas and technical instructions for pharmaceutical service standards at Puskesmas of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia in 2019 This type of research is a retrospective descriptive design. The results showed that the complete administration category included aspects of patient name (96%), age aspects (44%), gender aspects (0%), weight aspects (21.79%), height aspects (0.5%) doctor's name (44.87%), doctor's initials (1.02%), date of prescription (98.7%), unit of prescription (4.87%). The Pharmaceutical category includes aspects of dosage form and strength (23.84%), aspects of dosage and amount of drug (83.07%), aspects of directions for use (96.41%), aspects of stability and availability (0.25%), aspects of non-mixture medicine (100%). The clinical category includes aspects of proper dosage (96.41%), aspects of drug duplication (100%), aspects of side effects and drug interactions (100%), aspects of contraindications and addictive effects 0. Conclusion: Based on the research that has been done it can be concluded that there are still incomplete Pharmaceutical and clinical administration in the 2022 Prescription in accordance with Minister of Health Regulation No. 74 of 2016 concerning Pharmaceutical Service standards at Community Health Centers and technical guidelines for pharmaceutical service standards at Health Ministry Health Centers of the Republic of Indonesia in 2019.
 Keywords: Completion of Prescription, Medication Error, Community Health Center.

The knowledge-to-action process model for knowledge translation in oral care in South Africa.

Literature supports the mismatch between empirical evidence and service delivery. Given this knowledge gap, it is important that research undertaken has a theoretical foundation, considers the context and stakeholders to confirm its need and that it can be feasibly implemented and sustained. The study aimed to facilitate knowledge translation in oral care using the knowledge-to-action (K2A) process model among nurses. The study was completed in an acute hospital in South Africa. A qualitative design with ethnography incorporating video-recordings and semi-structured interviews were used. A total of 139 nurses were recruited using random purposive sampling and received training on oral care, which was monitored. Inductive thematic analysis was completed. The model facilitated information transfer and implementation of oral care by nurses. With clear directions for use and theoretical underpinning, the K2A model was well-suited to the needs of the study and stakeholders, and the complexity of the context. For challenging contexts such as public healthcare institutions in South Africa, this was ideal and critical to the success of the intervention.Contribution:When nursing managers show interest and recognise nurses for their role in implementation of interventions, the buy-in, support and sustained use of that intervention is enhanced. A model such as the K2A promotes involvement of all stakeholders (e.g. nurses and their managers) in the design and planning for implementation of an intervention, and these are critical for the successful and feasible use of the intervention.

The influence of agricultural practices on photosynthetic activity and productivity of a new variety of cannabis in the Middle Volga region

Relevance. In 2023, a new variety of single-domed drug-free cannabis, Lyudmila, of the fibrous direction of use, passed the State Examination and was approved for accreditation for admis-sion to use on the territory of the Russian Federation. In this regard, research on the development of elements of cultivation technology in specific soil and climatic conditions is of scientific and practical interest.Methods. The scientific experiment is based on methodological guidelines for registration tests offungicides in agriculture and methodological guidelines for conducting field and vegetation tests with cannabis. Indicators of photosynthetic activity of plants in crops were determined by the method of A.A. Nichiporovich. Mathematical processing of experimental data was carried out by the method of dispersion analysis according to B.A. Dospekhov.Results. Foliar top dressing contributed to an increase in the assimilation surface of the leaves in the variants with the treatment of plants for vegetation with preparations: Izagri Phosphorus — from 111.0 to 155.7 thousand m2/ha, Izagri Vita — from 112.2 to 139.7 thousand m2/ha, Humate +7 — from 135.9 to 148.4 thousand m2/ha (with 101.1–114.3 thousand m2/ha under control). The high yield of stems was obtained when sowing with a seeding rate of 3 million germinating seeds per hectare — 15.67 t/ha, with a decrease in the seeding rate to 2.5 and 2.0 million germinating seeds per hectare, the yield of stems decreased to 14.48–12.98 t/ha. Foliar treatments are effective, the yield of stems on the treated variants is higher than the control by 0.36–0.9 t/ha. The highest seed yield was obtained when sowing with a seeding rate of 2.5 million germinating seeds per hectare, on average 0.98 t/ha.

Features of the formation of the structure of vegetative mass in white lupine of different directions of use

Aim. Determination of features and regularities of the formation of vegetative productivity in collection samples of white lupine for fodder and sidereal uses. Methods. Field, measuring and weighting and mathematical and statistical methods of assessments and analyses. Structural analysis by elements of vegetative productivity was carried out in the phase of shiny beans according to methodical recommendations. Results. 94 samples of white lupine for fodder and sideral uses were analyzed. According to the results of 4-year studies, it was established that sidereal collection samples of white lupine slightly exceeded fodder ones in terms of vegetative mass productivity indicators of 113.2 and 107.7, respectively. The most valuable samples combining increased indicators of the share of beans and leaves in the structure of the vegetative mass with high plant productivity are highlighted. These are fodder collection samples 7011, Makarivsky and 1664, the productivity of plants in which was 123.1; 118.3 and 117.0 g, respectively, and the share of beans and leaves - 68.5 and 67.0% and alkaloids Don, UD0800791, Ell Harrach 4, UD0800906, 6-003 with the share of beans and leaves 67.1-67 .6% and plant productivity – 126.0-144.0 g. Separated sources are recommended for the creation of new varieties of white lupine, green-cut and sidereal directions of use. Conclusions. The selected sources of lupine of white green-cut and sideral uses will serve to expand genetic diversity in the creation of new competitive varieties.

The Role of Mass Media in Crisis Management in Nigeria

The role played by the media in the resolution of conflicts and crises cannot be overemphasized. The media has been a vital channel for resolving crises in society. The media has been construed as a two-edged sword that can either instigate a crisis or provide an avenue for resolving it. In other words, the influence of the mass media can be both positive and/or negative, depending on the mode and direction of use. Apparently, media influence has increased tremendously in the last decades, but there is no agreement among scholars and researchers on the degree and tenacity of its influence in managing and resolving conflicts and crises in society. The media, by right and duty, must provide citizens with accurate, comprehensive, unbiased, and high-quality information on the causes, effects, and possible resolutions to avert a further deepening of the crisis, which could lead to the destruction of lives, properties, and the economy. Put differently, the media are always known to set agendas for the public to follow; they do this by raising salient and critical issues as they unfold in society and bringing them to the public. The media set an agenda of peace, love, unity, etc. In recent times, Plateau State, especially Jos, has been characterized by one form of crisis or another, which in turn leads to the loss of lives and properties. This research work therefore attempts to examine the relevant role played by the media in resolving the lingering crises in Northern states, particularly Plateau State. In addition, the research examines the way and manner in which the media have been used to manage the crises in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to analyse the role of the media in crisis management in Nigeria. The specific objectives were to establish the media accessibility level and the various types of media coverage; to establish the extent to which media escalated and/or de-escalated violence; and to determine how media could influence selected human factors towards crises. The research utilized both primary and secondary source materials. Other reference materials, such as newspapers, the internet, and journals, were used to gather information about the activities carried out by the media in times of crisis. The research concludes that the media have a crucial role to play in de-escalating crises.

P39: Generational Status as a Factor in Medical Device Information and Data Exchange

Background: Medical devices (MD), either implantable, such as mechanical circulatory support systems, or wearable, i.e. motion/physiologic sensors, are increasingly utilized for diagnostic/therapeutic purposes. For maximal use efficacy and efficiency, MDs require individual compliance and adherence to operating instructions and data exchange. In today’s world we have increasingly shifted from paper-based information transfer (data sheets, directions for use, etc.) to periodic downloads, and web- and social media-based wireless communication. With growth of MD use it has become evident that a disconnect exists in the tactics employed by device designers and manufacturers compared with patient end-users. This disconnect relates to the form and means of communication utilized to convey and extract information versus patient facility with computer, smartphone and social media information exchange. As a starting point in examining this problem, we studied this disconnect as it relates to individual “generational” status. We conducted an anonymous survey, to examine “generational ” familiarity, acceptance and use; focusing on wearable technology and web-based information sources. Methods: An anonymous survey was developed and distributed to individuals ranging in age from 19 to 78, equally split as to gender. Generations examined included: Silent (age 74-91); Boomers (age 55-73), Gen X (age 39-54), Millennials (age 23-38), and Gen Z (age 7-22). Participants were queried via 10 multiple-choice questions related to digital health, wearable technologies and telemedicine. Results: Eighty-seven individuals participated in the survey. As to generational breakdown, this included 4 Silent (5% of group), 12 Boomers (14% of group), 9 Gen X (10% of group), 38 Millennials (43% of group) and 24 Gen Z (28% of group). Overall younger individuals tended to utilize and believed in the greater accuracy of wearable technologies compared to older individuals. Up to 90% of individuals under the age of 40 believed in the accuracy of wearable technology. Out of the 87 individuals surveyed, 95% reported they were comfortable with their personal health data (labs, imaging, medications, etc.) being shared electronically, but not a single individual believed that digital health/telemedicine improved their quality of care when compared to in-person medical care. Conclusions: Our results reveal that although all individuals are willing to utilize wearable medical technology and web-based information sources, younger generational cohorts are significantly more comfortable with the technology and more inclined to use it. Our hope is that this data may help guide future device development to incorporate means of addressing these generational disparities. Incorporating means of enhancing familiarity, adoption and facility of digital medical devices technologies and web-based information sources, will continue to improve use and value of these devices driving precision medicine.

State of the Art in Industrial Application of Amino-1,2,4-Triazoles

Abstract: The review summarizes information on the industrial use of 3- and 4-amino-1,2,4-triazoles, the basic raw material for the industry of fine organic synthesis. A description of the existing production methods for the synthesis of 3- and 4-amino-1,2,4-triazoles and some methods of obtaining in laboratory conditions is given. Three main areas of use of these amines and their derivatives have been identified: agriculture, medicine, high-energy substances and gas-generating compositions. It has been shown that one of the earliest areas of widespread use of 3- and 4-amino-1,2,4-triazoles is the production of plant protection products. On their basis, the mass production of various insecticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators, retardants and inhibitors of nitrification of nitrogen fertilizers has been organized. The use of these amines in medicine consists in the production of known drugs on their basis, such as furazonal, thiotriazoline and cardiotril, which have hepatoprotective, antioxidant and anti-ischemic activity. The industrial processing of 3- and 4-amino-1,2,4-triazoles into explosives, solid propellants, propellants, and gas-generating compositions is a third well-known field of application. An explanation is given for the high reactivity of amines and the variety of areas of their use. A significant place in the review is occupied by the analysis of less known directions of use of the indicated aminotriazoles. These are: obtaining new types of salts and electrically conductive ionic liquids, corrosion inhibitors of non-ferrous metals and catalysts for the curing of epoxy resins. The results of recent studies are discussed, and the prospects for the use of 3- and 4-amino-1,2,4-triazoles as raw materials for the production of new reagents in analytical chemistry, proton-exchange membranes, and new condensed nitrogen-containing heterocycles are shown.

Prospective directions for the use of military-historical objects in the tourism industry of Ukraine

The purpose of the study is to determine the main directions of use of military-historical objects of Ukraine for their tourist demand and preservation for future generations. In order to achieve the set goal, it is planned to solve the following tasks: 1) to consider the key areas of development of military historical objects as tourist resources; 2) highlight the problematic factors of tourist development of military-historical objects in our country; 3) on the basis of European experience, determine aspects of the use of military-historical objects for the realization of the domestic tourist potential of the territory. The methodology of the conducted research is based on the use of such methods as analysis, induction, observation and comparison. Scientific novelty. The article describes the peculiarities of the use of military-historical objects in the system of mass tourism. Some of these objects in Ukraine are covered with an emphasis on their historical value, uniqueness and demand by the tourist industry. Results of theresearch. The problem factors of the tourist development of the military-historical objects of our country were identified and the main aspects of the use of the military-historical objects for the realization of the tourist potential of the territory based on the European experience were determined. It is emphasized that the domestic tourism industry has not yet fully utilized the attractive potential of military-historical objects. This is explained both by the unsatisfactory state of their preservation, accessibility and popularity, and by the insufficient desire of the tourist business to build its activities on patriotic and educational bases, to act as an important tool in the matter of involving society in its own heroic past, impartial and objective familiarization with the most difficult moments of history.

Formation of varietal resources of winter wheat

The article highlights the specifcs of the formation of varietal resources of winter wheat in Ukraine. It is shown that the creation of new varieties is a long, laborious and expensive material and intellectual process. The scheme of the selection process of winter wheat is complex and includes at least 12 stages, during which various selection methods are used. Breeding work to create one variety takes 6–12 years. Analysis of the structure of the State Register of Plant Varieties Allowed for Distribution in Ukraine revealed that as of 2022, 661 varieties of winter wheat were entered into the Register, including 470 varieties of Ukrainian selection, which is 71.1 % of their total number. Over the past fve years, the number of winter wheat varieties in the Register of Plant Varieties has increased 1.7 times, from 273 in 2017 to 470 in 2022. During this period, varieties of foreign selection entered the Register more actively, which in 2022 amounted to 28.9 % of the total number, while in 2017 they were 19.9 %. The majority of created varieties – 43.4%, are recommended for distribution in all soil and climatic zones of Ukraine – Steppe, Forest-Steppe and Polissia. By groups of ripeness, the largest number of varieties is 43.5 % medium-ripe and 37.2 % – medium-early varieties. The analysis of the activity of the originators of varieties of domestic breeding showed that the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences is the leader, and in 2022, 102 varieties or 21.7 % of the total number of domestic varieties were entered into the Register. The main direction of the selection work of this institute is the creation of plastic varieties of winter wheat for distribution in all zones of Ukraine – steppe, forest-steppe and Polissia, the share of these varieties from their total number is 61.8 %, mainly these are mid-early and mid-ripening varieties. According to the level of productivity and the direction of use, the wheat varieties of the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine are conditionally divided into two groups: short-stemmed, high-intensity varieties, which under favorable climatic conditions and intensive cultivation technologies are able to form a grain yield of up to 10 t/ha and more, and medium-growing varieties of universal use, which in extreme growing conditions exceed the yield of high-intensity varieties. Key words: Register of varieties, selection process, maturity groups, distribution of varieties, domestic selection.

Quality Evaluation of Geothermal Fluid in the Lindian Area of the Songliao Basin

The quality of geothermal fluids determines their direction of use, and in the past, the evaluation of geothermal fluid quality mainly focused on single well evaluation or local area evaluation. This article uses 5 pieces of geothermal water chemistry data to conduct quality evaluation of geothermal fluids in the Lindian area, mainly including medical thermal mineral water quality evaluation, drinking mineral water evaluation, domestic drinking water evaluation, fishery water evaluation, agricultural irrigation water evaluation, and geothermal fluid corrosiveness and scaling tendency evaluation. The evaluation results show that the geothermal wells in the study area are not suitable for developing drinking mineral water; Not suitable as drinking water for daily use; It cannot be directly used as irrigation water evaluation; Suitable for medical hot mineral water development and aquaculture; Geothermal fluids are all non-corrosive water with minimal fouling, and can be used for geothermal heating after treatment.

Directions and Prospects of Modern Transport Logistics in Our Country

Today, the market of transport logistics services is actively developing in our country. The field of cargo transportation and storage in Uzbekistan has great prospects for development. Every year, thanks to the efforts of our state, transport networks are expanding and improving. Air, rail and road transport are the three pillars of the transport system of Uzbekistan. This article deals with directions of use in modern transport logistics in our country and their prospects.

An HBCU track-and-field student-athlete perspective on the role of the pharmacist and physical therapist in sports

BackgroundPharmacy is a profession with the capacity to provide services in a variety of venues, including sports and sporting events. The physical therapy profession is often involved in treating the injured athlete; however, direct interactions with collegiate sport teams is limited and inconsistent. A literature review showed a limited and inconsistent role of the pharmacist and physical therapist in sports, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). ObjectiveTo examine collegiate track-and-field student-athlete perceptions related to the role of the pharmacist and physical therapist. MethodsA cross-sectional study using a convenience sample was conducted to assess the perceptions of NCAA track-and-field student-athletes from a HBCU. A survey utilizing modified Likert-scale and open-ended questions was administered electronically to fifty-four student-athletes via email. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years old and a current track-and-field student-athlete. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. ResultsThis study, one of the first to examine an HBCU student-athlete population, yielded a 100% response rate. About 80% want to discuss the directions for use and side effects of certain medications or dietary supplements with a team pharmacist. Over 75% of student-athletes desired to consult with a physical therapist about injury management and prevention. Overall, most respondents felt that pharmacists (81.5%) and physical therapists (78.8%) should have a role with NCAA sports to benefit student athletes. ConclusionInterprofessional collaboration and communication among healthcare professionals is essential to improve student-athlete health knowledge and performance. The student-athletes expressed interests in receiving consultation and educational sessions from pharmacists and physical therapists.

Current Practices and Perceived Role of Community Pharmacists in Type 2 Diabetes Services in Pakistan.

Background Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness which is becoming more prevalent in developing countries, and it is being managed mostly in hospitals or clinics in underdeveloped nations. Other strategies for treatment delivery in emerging nations must be considered as the number of diabetic patients grows.Community pharmacists are a valuable choice for diabetes care. However, only developed countries have data on community pharmacists' diabetes treatment practices. Methodology A non-probability consecutive sampling strategy was used to gather a self-administered questionnaire from 289 community pharmacists. Six points Likert scale was employed to score current practices and pharmacists' perceived role. A response rate of 55% was attained. Characteristics associated with present behaviors and perceived roles were analyzed using Chi-square and logistic regression. Results The majority of the respondents were males, 234 (81.0%). Out of 289, 229 (79.2%) were of 25-30 years of age and were pharmacists as well as qualified persons (QP) 189 (65.4%).A QPis one who has the legal authority to sell drugs to customers. The majority had <5 years of working experience as a community pharmacist, 268 (92.7%), and did not have diabetes training, 237 (82.0%). Most community pharmacies were stand-alone, 110 (38.1%), and had a single or a group of proprietors, 248 (85.8%). Openhours of most of the pharmacies were 16-20 hours per day, 202 (69.8%), and most had one pharmacist, 243 (84.1%), i.e., working as a pharmacist as well as a qualified person. Approximately 203 (70.2%) of the pharmacies had customers >2000 in a month and >100 customers purchased anti-diabetes medications per month. Only 44 (15.2%) community pharmacies had a designated roomor spacefor patient counselling. The majority of pharmacists were also in favor of providing services other than dispensing such as counselling the patients about prescribed medicines, direction of use, use of devices for insulin administration, training on self-monitoring of glucose, and healthy lifestyle and diet practices. Pharmacy setting, ownership, patient counseling area, and the number of customers per month were key factors in the provision of diabetes services. The main obstacles identified were a lack of pharmacist availability and academic competency. Conclusion In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, most community pharmacies only provide a basic dispensing service for diabetes patients. Most of the community pharmacists agreed to extend their duties. The expansion of pharmacist professional responsibilities would help control the rising diabetes burden. The facilitators and hurdles identified would serve as a foundation for the introduction of diabetic care in community pharmacies.

Automated Long-Term Monitoring of the Heat-Seeking Behavior of Mosquitoes.

Heat is one of the critical cues female mosquitoes use to find vertebrate hosts, particularly in the final step of attraction (touching down on hosts) before the initiation of blood-sucking. To prevent vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, which are transmitted via mosquito blood-sucking, it is essential to understand the dynamics and mechanisms of the heat-seeking behavior of mosquitoes. An automated device to quantify CO2-activated heat-seeking behavior with continuous monitoring for up to a week was established. The device is based on the infrared beam break method; it can simultaneously monitor three independent mosquito behaviors (touchdown on a heated target, feeding, and locomotion activity) by using several pairs of infrared laser sensors. This protocol describes brief instructions for the device's construction, directions for use, and possible issues and solutions.

A Comparative Evaluation of Drug Information Leaflets of Over-the-Counter Medicines in Palestine

Our study aims to conduct an evaluation and comparison between the leaflets of local and imported oral solid over-the-counter medications (OTC) found in the Palestinian markets. Forty-nine leaflets were evaluated using a scoring method and depending on the appearance of 31 headings, along with the use of manual word counting to assess the amount of information within 23 topics of all 31. None of the evaluated PIs, local or imported, completed all 31 criteria. Remarkably, the imported product leaflets achieved higher scores than their local leaflets in 19 out of 31 topics, whereas the local products achieved better scores than the imported agents in only 2 items, and 10 criteria were equally scored between them. None of the PIs mentioned pharmacokinetic information, instructions for converting tablets or capsules into liquid forms, or shelf life. In general, imported leaflets give more detailed information than their local counterparts. The lowest value of the fold difference in mean rank was 0.85 times for the direction of use, and the highest value was 2.43-fold for adverse drug reactions. The results showed a deficiency in the information provided in the local package inserts compared to the imported versions of oral solid OTC medications available in Palestine. These findings encourage the Palestinian Ministry of Health to provide full criteria for pharmaceutical companies to ensure that the leaflets contain sufficient and updated information and ensure that the patients use their drugs safely and effectively.