Faculty Of Pharmacy Research Articles

Pharmacognostic Standardization and Chemical Study of Euphorbia nutans Lag. Euphorbiaceae

Aims: This study was designed to set macro/micro morphological standards, phytochemical and physicochemical parameters for the identification of E. nutans, a traditional remedy for the management of many disesases. Study Design: To establish pharmacognostic standards for proper identification of E. nutans and also study its phytochemicals using Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Place and Duration: This work was undertaken at the Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria for three month spanning from April through June, 2022. Methodology: Examination of microscopic characters, venation, chemomicroscopy, micromeritic properties, fluorescence analysis and phytochemical profiling using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were carried out. Results: Epidermal cell shapes were irregular with undulate-sinuous anticlinal walls. Stomatal distribution was amphistomatic with anisocytic and anomocytic stomata on both surfaces. Areolation was quadrangular, linear and biforked vein termination. The fluorescence characteristics showed the presence of different colours supporting the presence of various phytoconstituents for both leaf and stem. The flow properties for both leaf and stem were poor while GC-MS analysis of the dichloromethane extracts revealed lupeol (64.05%), 2-methylhexacosane (9.37%), stigmasterol (4.16%) and campesterol (1.29%) as major components in the leaf while campesterol (0.67%), stigmasterol (2.15 %), beta.-sitosterol (6.22%), lupeol (9.85%) and vitamin E (1.05%) for the stem extract. Conclusion: The results of the study could be useful for correct identification, standardization and preparation of monograph.

Correlates of perceived stress with anxiety symptoms sleep quality and academic performance among Moroccan students

IntroductionThe main objective of this study was to verify the association of perceived stress with anxiety, sleep quality, and academic performance among Moroccan medical students. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 222 students enrolled at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Fez in Morocco. An online self-administrated questionnaire, for the sociodemographic characteristics, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Test Anxiety Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire were used for the assessment. A descriptive and correlational design was used in this investigation. ResultsOne hundred and thirty-two students completed the survey. A high level of stress was found. A significant positive correlation was observed between the stress level among our population and their levels of anxiety. Stress was also positively correlated with the decrease of students’ sleep quality and academic performance. ConclusionThe results of this investigation present worthy data that highlight the need for this subset of students to anti-stress programs that must be integrated into their curriculum to help them to better manage this psychological issue.

Infodemic management in higher education: Mapping opportunities at the University of Belgrade

Abstract Background Effective infodemic management (IM) requires a multidisciplinary approach and the use of various skills originating from natural, social, and medical sciences. Personnel involved in IM activities have diverse backgrounds from medical doctors and data scientists to communication specialists and journalists. However, the IM framework is rarely introduced into the existing teaching programs, compromising the training of a competent workforce. Objectives Our goal was to identify opportunities for integrating the IM framework into the existing teaching programs at the University of Belgrade. A team of researchers reviewed the curricula of 31 faculty and identified the courses that already covered IM skills or had the potential to include them in their teaching programs. The research was conducted as part of the U.S. Federal Assistance Award within the University Partnership Program between Emory University and the University of Belgrade. Results After conducting independent reviews and reaching a consensus, over 40 different courses and/or teaching programs have been identified to include or could potentially integrate IM skills and competencies. These courses are found across all major academic clusters (natural sciences and mathematics, technology and engineering, medical sciences, social sciences, and humanities). Faculties of medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry lead with the number of courses and interested teaching staff, followed by social sciences (psychology, sociology, political science). Most of the identified courses are related to information, data science, and communications. Conclusions There is a promising opportunity to introduce IM skills into the current teaching programs at the University of Belgrade. Faculties from the medical sciences group have a solid potential to lead such a process. Collaborative efforts are needed to establish comprehensive teaching programs to ensure a competent public health workforce and certification. Key messages • University of Belgrade has the potential to introduce infodemic management skills into its existing teaching programs, respecting the multidisciplinary nature of this discipline. • Medical and social sciences faculties can lead the process of mainstreaming infodemic management in their curricula, ensuring a competent public health workforce and certification.

Organizational health literacy responsiveness in community pharmacies in Serbia

Abstract Background The Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Belgrade conducted a pilot study at community pharmacies in Serbia in 2023 in the framework of the M-POHL organizational health literacy (OHL) project. Community pharmacies in Serbia are considered relevant settings where people’s health can be promoted within the organization. Methods The validated and culturally adopted Serbian version of the International Self-Assessment Tool for Organizational Health Literacy in Primary Health Care Services (OHL-PHC) was used. We recruited employees from 3 pharmacy chains with pharmacists from different units. A preparatory workshop was organized to explain the procedure and the concept of OHL. First, the self-assessment was performed in a small group of 5 persons individually, and then the results were discussed in a joint assessment. The self-assessment was based on the degree of fulfillment of 4 categories offered for each indicator: not fulfilled (0-25%), predominantly not fulfilled (26-50%), predominantly fulfilled (51-75%), and completely fulfilled (76-100%). The same scale was applied for the indicators, sub-standards and standards and the final score was the mean of the individual scores (min. 0, max. 4). Results The overall score of the OHL on the sample level was 1.93±0.86, with the highest score for providing of easy access to primary care service and facilitating navigation (2.3±0.5). The least fulfilled standards were related to promotion of digital health literacy and promoting health literacy with the same score values of 1.7±1.0. Out of 69 indicators 1 had been self-assessed as not fulfilled and 15 reached low consensus (SD ≤ 1), and needed to be discussed further. Conclusions Improvements in OHL in the piloted institutions are necessary for successful healthcare and health promotion and could be tailed in further usage of the OHL-PHC on a broader scope. More pilot studies are needed in other healthcare settings at primary level in Serbia.

Exploration of Collaborative Innovation Pathways in the Development of Clinical Pharmacy Faculty Teams

Objective: To explore the collaborative innovation pathways for the development of clinical pharmacy faculty teams. Methods: Taking clinical pharmacy faculty in Shaanxi Province as the research subjects, the study investigates their current status and identifies existing issues. Based on these findings, collaborative innovation pathways for building clinical pharmacy faculty teams are proposed. The pathways are then implemented and evaluated to determine the final approach. Results: The proposed pathways include the establishment of collaborative bases for clinical pharmacy talent training, the creation of an internal mechanism for the collaborative development of clinical pharmacy faculty across multiple units, the development of a faculty training mechanism for instructors at clinical pharmacy internship bases, and the establishment of a collaborative incentive and competition mechanism combining universities and hospitals. Conclusion: This collaborative pathway meets the urgent needs of resource sharing, complementary strengths, cooperative problem-solving, and collaborative innovation. It aims to improve teaching quality and cultivate clinical pharmacy talents for society.

Are we committed to commitment?

IntroductionStudents face difficult decisions when considering multiple opportunities for employment or continued training. When this happens, students may consider breaking a previous commitment to accept a more appealing offer. Societal trends toward decommitment may also influence students' perceptions of the importance of commitment. PerspectiveStudents must consider potentially serious professional repercussions that may result from dishonoring commitment before making such a decision. ImplicationsWe challenge pharmacy faculty to reinforce the professional obligation of honoring commitment when guiding students in career decision-making. We emphasize the importance of helping students develop a specific plan to work toward career goals, entertain only those opportunities that help achieve these goals, and carefully weigh the potential impact of dishonoring commitment on their professional reputation.

Understanding Medical Students' Perceptions of E-Learning: A Study at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Casablanca

Introduction: E-learning is essential in today's medical education, since it enhances the learning outcomes through easy access to resource materials and interactivity. Nonetheless, obstacles like technological aspects and the limited interaction of the student-teacher can impact its effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to understand how medical students perceive e-learning. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Casablanca in 2023. A stratified cluster sampling method was adopted to select the participants. A self administrated questionnaire was distributed. We asked students about their demographic data, previous experience with online learning, learning formats preference and perception of e-learning. Results: A total of 373 students participated in the survey, with a mean age of 20.4 years and 61.4% being female. Just over half supported implementing e-learning (55.8%), about 63% of students had prior experience with the university's platform, and 59.8% found it easy to use. Most students preferred blended learning (74.8%) and asynchronous online learning (79.9%), additionally 72% favored live streaming with recordings as an e-learning resource. The primary advantage cited was flexibility (93.6%), whereas challenges included technical issues (71.5%) and limited interaction (54.8%). Prior experience significantly influenced students' positive perceptions of e-learning (p<0.001). Conclusion: Overall, medical students have a positive perception regarding e-learning, valuing its flexibility and convenience. However, technological difficulties must be resolved. These insights can help policymakers put effective e-learning infrastructure and strategies into place.

Psychoeducation of higher education seekers with using of the resource-oriented model of stress resiliency in war conditions

The article presents the study results of resiliency modalities and the content of psychoeducational measures for higher education seekers in war conditions. The purpose of the study was to increase the effectiveness and to balance resiliency modalities use by higher education seekers in war conditions while using psycho-educational measures. 174 seekers of higher education were examined, including 144 students of the 4th-6th year of the medical faculty and the faculty of medicine and pharmacy of the Dnipro State Medical University, specializing in 222 «Medicine» (main group) and 30 students of the 4th-5th year of the metallurgical and electro-metallurgical faculties of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology (comparison group). A psy­chodiagnostic method using the resource-oriented model of stress resiliency "BASIC Ph" was employed. The first stage involved a statistical analysis of resiliency modalities and their average scores in both groups. In all participants of the main group, it was found that the highest average score was registered in the resiliency modality “Cognitive strategy”. The lowest score was observed for the “Social support” modality. In all participants of the comparison group, it was found that the “Cognitive strategy” modality, as in the main group, had a clear advantage over other modalities, and the lowest score was already observed for the “Emotions” modality. These results formed the basis for creating psychoeducational measures for stress resiliency among higher education seekers in wartime. Psychoeducation for higher education seekers was conducted from September to November 2023, including lectures and individual conversations upon request. The «BASIC Ph» model of stress resiliency was utilized as a framework for determining optimal human resource utilization during crises, with six modalities forming individual style of resiliency. It is crucial to identify dominant modalities and develop those that are less effective. The identified stress resiliency modalities provided a conceptual basis for developing of psychoeducational measures to enhance their effective and balanced use in war situations among higher education seekers. During psychoeducational work with higher education seekers, their resiliency models were analyzed, interpreted, and balanced. Study results should be taken into account in psychological support efforts for higher education seekers in war and post-war time.

EVALUATION OF STUDENTS' TRAINING LEVEL IN THE ELECTIVE DISCIPLINE "QUALITY SYSTEMS IN PHARMACY"

The pharmaceutical industry is rapidly developing and implementing new innovative approaches and legal regulation of the quality management system of medicinal products, which includes a set of methods, processes and resources that are necessary for quality management. Therefore, the study by students of the specialty 226 "Pharmacy, industrial pharmacy" of the elective discipline "Quality systems in pharmacy" is an important area of professional training of a qualified specialist who will master the methodology of quality management, normative-legislative and organizational-economic aspects of quality control of medicinal products at pharmaceutical enterprises. Training of domestic students in the field of drug technology is an important direction of pharmaceutical education today. The main tasks of studying the elective discipline "Quality Systems in Pharmacy" are: formation of students of higher education in general knowledge about the quality indicators of medicinal products according to the stage of their life cycle by fulfilling the requirements of proper pharmaceutical practices and developing documentation in accordance with their requirements; formation of practical skills; raising the level of general and scientific development of students of higher education, forming their outlook and perspective as modern qualified specialists in the field of pharmacy. The purpose of the work was to study the assessment of the level of training of domestic students in the elective discipline "Quality Systems in Pharmacy". Materials and methods. We used an empirical research method (questionnaire). Questionnaire was a key research method, as it allows to get answers from the student audience regarding the organization of the educational process. A survey was conducted to assess the level of preparation of domestic students of the 5th year of the Faculty of Pharmacy who completed the study of the selective discipline "Quality Systems in Pharmacy". 50 full-time students and 2 distance learning students took part in the survey. Out of all the respondents, only one studies on budget forms of education. Research results. According to the curriculum, the elective discipline "Quality Systems in Pharmacy" at the Faculty of Pharmacy of IFNMU is studied in the V course in the IX semester, at the stage when students have already acquired basic knowledge of pharmaceutical disciplines. The discipline is chosen by already formed specialists who possess a large stock of theoretical knowledge and practical skills and are motivated to study a new subject, so it remains for the teacher to systematize information for the proper conduct of the discipline study course. 3 ECTS credits are provided for the study of the discipline in the curriculum. The discipline includes 20 hours of lectures, 30 hours of practical classes, 40 hours of independent student work and ends with a module. Lecture and practical material taught at the level of modern scientific and practical data with the aim of forming students' program results. We conducted an analysis of problems in the organization of the educational process for students of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University during full-time education. The success of implementing the selective discipline "Quality Systems in Pharmacy" and ensuring a high level of training depends primarily on the quality of the work of scientific and pedagogical workers.

Enhancing Academic Success: A mixed Study on the Influencing Factors among Pharmacy Students in Syrian Universities.

Academic achievement is the result of both effort and perseverance exerted by the students. This mixed-methods study aims to investigate the factors affecting the academic achievement of pharmacy students in Syrian universities. A convergent parallel mixed-methods study was utilized. In the quantitative phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1008 students (773 females and 235 males) from 23 Syrian universities. A questionnaire consisting of 48 items was designed to be completed by pharmacy students using a 5-point Likert scale.In the qualitative phase, twelve questions were developed to interview thirty pharmacy students from five Syrian universities to obtain in-depth insights into the factors influencing their academic achievement. A significant number of students lacked effective time management skills, identified as a weakness among students. The majority of students faced challenges in maintaining a consistent study routine, averaging a score of (2.0).Motivation towards learning emerged as a crucial factor in enhancing academic performance. Lecturers in the pharmacy faculty employed traditional teaching methods (2.01), and the pharmacy curriculum was perceived as lacking modernity (1.92).Quantitative findings demonstrated that pharmacy students experienced exam-related anxiety (2.05), identified as a weakness in the qualitative phase.Factors associated with the Syrian crisis, like unreliable electricity (1.87) and transportation issues (1.83), could have an impact on academic achievement. Economic conditions were identified as challenging to students' academic performance, negatively affecting the learning process (1.98). The results of the study demonstrate that personal factors, lecturers, educational environment, exams, and the Syrian crisis influence the academic achievement of pharmacy students in Syrian universities.

Exploring barriers and facilitators of ICT in English pronunciation instruction: Perspectives from Jordanian tertiary education

This study examines the barriers and facilitators to integrating ICT in teaching and learning English pronunciation among university lecturers and students. Three female lecturers from a Jordanian government university's Department of Pharmacy, with teaching experience spanning 3 to 10 years, participated, along with six focus groups of male and female students aged 20 to 23 from the Faculty of Pharmacy. Thematic analysis uncovered barriers such as limited ICT access, inadequate training, large class sizes, time constraints, and students' negative attitudes and low ICT skills, alongside facilitators including leadership support, ICT tool accessibility, basic training for students, and consistent ICT integration in assessment and curriculum. Students advocated for lecturer support, mobile device integration, ICT training, smaller class sizes, consistent ICT tool integration, tool accessibility, and specialized pronunciation courses. This study offers fresh insights into understanding perceptions of ICT adoption barriers and facilitators among university lecturers and students, benefiting researchers and policymakers focusing on teacher professional development to enhance ICT integration in English pronunciation teaching and learning at the tertiary level.

Gender Equity Perceptions Among Social and Administrative Sciences Pharmacy Faculty: An AACP-APhA Task Force Report

ObjectiveThe American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s Social and Administrative Sciences Section and the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science’s Economic, Social and Administrative Sciences Section formed a Gender Equity Task Force to determine if there is evidence to suggest that there is gender disparity in pay; responsibilities; treatment by peers/colleagues, students, and administration; leadership opportunities; and rank, tenure status, and career advancement for Section members; and to develop recommendations to address existing disparities. MethodsA Qualtrics survey was emailed in December 2020 to all American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s Social and Administrative Sciences and American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science’s Economic, Social and Administrative Sciences Section members. The questionnaire included items regarding favorability toward men or women in various academic domains (research, teaching, service, recruitment, mentoring, and advancement). Participants were asked if they had experienced gender inequity, and if so, at what type of institution and academic rank. The χ2 tests of independence and post hoc comparisons were used to assess item responses according to gender. ResultsOf the respondents, 72% indicated that they had experienced gender inequity. Women and persons of color were more likely to do so. Women commonly reported that men received more favorable treatment in nearly all academic domains, whereas men reported that women and men were treated equally. ConclusionPharmacy faculty specializing in social and administrative sciences reported experiences of gender inequity and perceptions of gender inequity. Perception gaps existed between male and female faculty in numerous academic domains. Colleges and schools of pharmacy should increase awareness of, and strive to self-assess, gender inequity in their institutions.

Readiness for Interprofessional Education Among Health Profession Students at a Nigerian University: A Cross-sectional Study

The implementation and sustainability of interprofessional education (IPE) depends substantially on the readiness of healthcare students. This study assessed the readiness of undergraduate healthcare students in Nigeria with regard to interprofessional practice. A cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 300 students from a public university was conducted using a 19-item tool. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics, while differences in readiness based on students’ gender, year of study and course of study were identified using inferential statistics. The majority of the students who responded to the questionnaires (55%) were from the fifth year and had a mean age of 24.5 years old. Most of them were from Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy (33% each). The overall median score of 80 (out of 95) showed a high readiness score among the students. A significant difference was observed in the case of the gender of the respondents as to the roles and responsibilities score (p = 0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference was observed with regard to the course of study of the respondents and their professional identity score (p = 0.012). A post hoc analysis showed a p-value of 0.007 between medicine and pharmacy students, indicating that the respondents’ professional identity had a strong influence on their readiness to practice IPE. The total score was not significantly different in all the other scenarios. Healthcare students in Nigeria are ready to undertake and showed positive attitudes towards IPE; therefore, IPE should be integrated into undergraduate healthcare professions curricula to help improve attitudes towards interprofessional practice.

Pharmacognostic Study and Phytochemical Profilling of Dichloromethane Extracts of the Leaf and Stem of Vernonia conferta Benth and Vernonia colorata Drake Asteraceae

Aims: The study determines various taxonomic, pharmacognostic and phytochemical standards helpful to ensure the identity, purity, safety and efficacy of Vernonia colorata and Vernonia conferta. Study Design: To study these two species of Vernonia for their epidermal cell shapes, stomatal types and distribution, trichome types, chemomicroscopic and fluorescence characters, flow properties, ash values, extractive solvents and phytoconstituents of dichlormethane fractions using GC-MS. Place and Duration: This study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo from June 2023 to December 2023. Methodology: The pharmacognostic characterization was determined following the guidelines given by the World Health Organization (WHO). Parameters determined included microscopy, powder microscopy, chemomicroscopy, micromeritic properties, ash values, extractive values, fluorescence analysis while phytochemical analysis was done using Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometer. Results: Epidermal cell shapes were both irregular with undulate and sinuous anticlinal wall pattern for both V. colorata and C. conferta respectively. Stomatal distribution was hypostomatic with paracytic stomata on the abaxial surface for C. conferta while amphistomatic with anomocytic stomata in V. colorata. Stomatal index was highest in V. conferta with 27.31% and least in V. colorata 21.52%. Unicellular trichomes were observed in V. colorata and V. conferta epidermal surfaces. The chemomicroscopic study revealed the presence of lignin, starch, cellulose, oils, calcium oxalate crystals, mucilage and protein for both leaf and stem respectively. The fluorescence characteristics showed the presence of different colours supporting the presence of various phytoconstituents for both leaf and stem. The quantitative epidermal studies, chemomicroscopic and fluorescence characteristics revealed characteristic features for the drug. The flow properties for both leaf and stem were poor. The total ash values for both leaf and stem ranges between (2.40 – 9.30 and 10.60 – 11.06), acid-insoluble ash values were low, moisture contents were between 8 - 14%w/w, water and methanol extracted more constituents. In total, 12 chemical constituents each were recorded for the leaves of V. colorata and V. conferta, respectively, while 10 and 12 were also recorded for the dichloromethane stem extracts of V. colorata and V. conferta, respectively. Conclusion: This study is useful in pharmacognostic standardization of Vernonia colorata and Vernonia conferta.

Regulatory role of the lncRNAs MIAT and PVT1 in Behçet’s disease through targeting miR-93-5p and miR-124-3p

BackgroundNoncoding RNAs play pivotal roles in the process of autoimmune diseases. However, the definite contributions of these molecules to Behçet’s disease (BD) are still unknown. This study aimed to explore the clinical value of a novel competing endogenous (ce) RNA network in the pathogenesis of BD and to assess its use in primary diagnosis.MethodsBioinformatic analysis was applied to construct a BD-related ceRNA network: lncRNA (MIAT and PVT1)-miRNA (miR-93-5p and miR-124-3p)-mRNA (SOD-2 and MICA). Blood was obtained from 70 BD patients and 30 healthy subjects, and the serum expression of the tested RNAs was estimated via quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were also determined. The associations between these RNAs were further analyzed, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analyses were employed to validate their diagnostic and prognostic values.ResultsThe expression levels of the lncRNAs PVT1 and miR-93-5p were significantly increased, whereas those of the lncRNAs MIAT and miR-124-3p, as well as those of the SOD-2 and MICA mRNAs, were significantly decreased in BD patients compared with controls. BD patients had significantly higher serum TNF-α levels than controls did. ROC curve analysis indicated that the selected RNAs could be candidate diagnostic biomarkers for BD. Moreover, the highest diagnostic efficiency was achieved with the combination of MIAT and miR-93-5p or PVT1 and miR-124-3p with either SOD-2 or MICA. Logistic regression analysis revealed that all RNA expression levels could be predictors for BD.ConclusionMechanistically, our research revealed a novel ceRNA network that is significantly disrupted in BD. The findings reported herein, highlight the noncoding RNA-molecular pathways underlying BD and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention. These insights will likely be applicable for developing new strategies for the early diagnosis, management and risk assessment of BD as well as the design of novel preventive measures.Trial registration The protocol for the clinical studies was approved by Cairo University’s Faculty of Pharmacy’s Research Ethics Committee (approval number: BC 3590)

Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical and Pharmacy Graduates about Opioids Prescription and Dispensation in 2022 in Bamako, Mali

Opioids are medications with analgesic properties used primarily as painkillers. Nowadays, off-label uses (non-medical use, prolonged use, misuse and use without a medical supervision) are common inducing drug dependence with harmful consequences including substance-induced psychosis or pharmacopsychosis. In a cross-sectional study from February to June 2021, we used a questionnaire to collect information on the knowledge of interns and doctors trained in the Faculty of Medicine and Dental Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Sciences, Bamako Techniques and Technologies (USTTB) on opioids in eight (8) public health facilities (5 university hospitals and 3 district hospitals) in Bamako. We analyzed the data with SPSS software version 25.0. A total of 400 health workers participated in the study with 62.5% of medical students (250/400), 31.0% of pharmacy students (124/400) and 6.5% of general practitioners (26/400). More than 70.0% of our respondents were aware that there is a regulatory framework for prescribing and dispensing opioids in Mali. Level 2 opioids were dispensed in 29.0% of cases at the patient’s verbal request and 30.6% by telephone. However, level 3 opioids were dispensed in 0.8% of cases at the patient’s verbal request and in 3.2% of cases by telephone call. Medical students in 60.0%, pharmacy students in 64.5% and general practitioners in 50.0% had very good knowledge about the risks of opioid use. For 23.0%, general practitioners had at least a good knowledge of opioid indications. Participants had a good understanding of the risks and benefits of opioids. Keywords: Attitudes, Knowledge, Opioïds, Mali

Virtual Education in Military Medical University: A Descriptive Study

Background: Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of virtual education is essential today. Objectives: This study examines the satisfaction of professors and students with the learning management system and the quality of virtual education in a military university. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted between 2021 and 2022. The sample included 44 professors and 167 students from the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine, and Pharmacy at a university. Data were collected using a demographic form and three standardized questionnaires that assessed satisfaction with the quality of virtual education, system interface, evaluation of professors' performance, and professors' opinions about virtual teaching. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22, employing correlation tests, one-way analysis of variance, independent t-tests, and multivariate analysis. Results: The students' average age was 21.23 ± 2.78 years, and 81.8% of them were male. The overall satisfaction of students with the learning management system (LMS) had an average score of 497.21 ± 109.68. The professors' performance, as perceived by the students, had an average score of 43.18 ± 9.98. The quality of online education was rated at 58.81 ± 12.51, with 68% of students reporting a moderate level of satisfaction. Among the professors, 29.5% expressed dissatisfaction with the LMS system interface, while 81.8% were moderately satisfied with the virtual education approach. Conclusions: Given the significance of virtual education, it is imperative to devise solutions that enhance professor satisfaction, improve content quality, and optimize performance. These measures will contribute to the overall success and effectiveness of virtual education, benefiting both professors and students alike.

Prioritizing Faculty Well-Being: Why it Matters, What Schools Can Do, and a Call for Action

Previous studies have identified high rates of burnout among healthcare workers and health professions faculty. Despite interventions being showcased at national meetings in both posters and platform presentations, there is minimal peer-reviewed published research focusing on professional well-being interventions and their assessments specific to pharmacy faculty. This commentary serves as a call to action to design and publish research related to work-system interventions to decrease burnout and promote professional well-being among all academic pharmacy faculty, and particularly subgroups who may be most at risk, such as women and assistant-level faculty. Leaders across colleges of pharmacy may consider implementing strategies suggested in the AACP Creating a Culture of Wellbeing guide.

Is access to leadership roles contributing to the gender pay gap in the pharmaceutical sciences?

Gender disparity in the pharmaceutical sciences contributes to the overall gender pay gap. The gender pay inequity is worse at later career stages. Salary data for pharmaceutical scientists has been reviewed from both the American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences (AAPS) Salary Survey and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Pharmacy Faculty Demographics and Salaries report. We share some potential causes of the pay inequity, including implicit bias, pipeline issues, family responsibilities, and others. We suggest how organizations can put processes in place to help narrow the gender pay gap. Additionally, we share suggestions for how women must take a proactive role to ensure they reach their full potential and pay equity.

Assessment of the geriatric patient’s prescription for the analysis of medications and diseases

Objective: Aging is broadly defined as a gradual functional decline in the living organism’s intrinsic ability to defend, maintain, and repair itself in order to keep working efficiently and has attracted attention throughout the history of civilization Methods: The recent work was an observational, prescription based study carried out in the nearby area of Jahangirabad Institute of Technology Faculty of Pharmacy, Barabanki UP., and India. A descriptive study was conducted for 3 months from March 2024 to June 2024. Elder from (50-100) years of age in outpatient department were recruited for this study. Results: The data reveals a higher number of male patients (446) compared to female patients (324), with 65% of patients in the 50-70 age range and a notable decline in those over 70. Commonly prescribed medications include Omeprazole (275) for heartburn, Diclofenac (272) for pain, and dietary supplements for weakness. Amoxicillin is the most frequently prescribed antibiotic (86 instances), followed by Ciprofloxacin (53) and Metronidazole (45). Parenteral antibiotics like Gentamycin and Ceftriaxone are used for severe infections. This information highlights the need for targeted healthcare services for middle-aged and early senior patients and reflects the reliance on both oral and parenteral antibiotics for treating infections. Conclusion: First and foremost, seniors should focus on living a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are all essential components of maintaining good health. Seniors should speak with their doctor to determine the best course of action for their specific health needs. This may include implementing a specific diet, taking vitamins, or engaging in physical activity.