Gastrointestinal Tract Problems Research Articles

Pharmacists' Knowledge, Perception, and Prescribing Practice of Probiotics in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The human body is a complex and interconnected system where trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota, coexist with these cells. Besides maintaining digestive health, this relationship also impacts well-being, including immune function, metabolism, and mental health. As frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists are pivotal in promoting the benefits of probiotics for immune support. This study explored pharmacists' knowledge, perception, and practice behavior in the UAE towards the implication of probiotic application beyond digestive health, such as cardiovascular and mental health impacts and their diverse dosage forms. An online self-administered survey was distributed among pharmacists in the UAE. Data were collected through personal visits to pharmacies, where pharmacists were approached and asked to complete the questionnaire. The sample size included 407 pharmacists, determined using the formula for proportions with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics and survey responses. The knowledge levels were categorized into poor, moderate, and good. Chi-square analysis was employed to investigate associations between demographic factors and knowledge levels, with a significance level set at p < 0.05, enhancing the robustness of the study's findings. This study included 407 completed eligible responses. About 63.56% of participants were female, with 52.1% employed in pharmacy chains. While 91.2% of pharmacists recognized probiotics' role in immune support, only 30% were aware of their cardiovascular benefits. Moreover, chewing gum was the least known dosage form of probiotics, recognized by only 16.7% of respondents. Additionally, only 57% of the participants recognized liposomes as a dosage form. In practice, most pharmacists recommended storing probiotics at room temperature, accounting for 66.6%. The most prevalent misconception encountered in the pharmacy setting was the belief that probiotics are primarily intended for gastrointestinal tract problems, at 79.1% of the respondents. Regarding perception, the agreement was observed regarding the safety of probiotics for all ages. Perceived barriers included the high cost of probiotics, with the majority (86.5%) indicating this as a significant obstacle, while lack of demand was identified as the minor barrier by 64.6%. Additionally, an association was found at a significance level of p < 0.05 with knowledge, gender, educational level, type and location of pharmacy, and source of information. The study highlights knowledge gaps in pharmacists' understanding of probiotic applications beyond digestive health, particularly cardiovascular health and depression. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to address these gaps. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing professional development for pharmacists, enhancing their role in patient education and the promotion of probiotics for overall health.

Fermented Unripe Plantain Juice Ameliorates Diclofenac-Induced Hepatic and Renal Dysfunction in Wistar Rats

Diclofenac administration has been associated with several health problems in human including gastrointestinal tract problems, renal toxicity, among others. Several medicinal plants are been used locally for the treatment of several diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of fermented unripe plantain juice (FUPJ) in ameliorating diclofenac-induced ulcer and renal dysfunction. Twenty (20) healthy adult Wister rats weighing between 110g to 200g were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. Group I served as control, received distilled water and feeds, Group 2 received 10mg/kg body weight of diclofenac only, Group 3 received 10mg/kg body weight of diclofenac only and post treated with 200mg/kg body weight of FUPJ and Group 4 received 200mg/kg body weight of FUPJ. The diclofenac was administered IP and fermented unripe plantain extract was administered orally for fourteen (14) days. The results showed that diclofenac administration caused a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in serum levels of creatinine and a significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) compared to the control group. Additionally, diclofenac administration caused ulceration in the gastric mucosa. However, treatment with FUPJ significantly reduced (p&lt;0.05) the levels of creatinine, urea, and MDA and increased (p&lt;0.05) the levels of antioxidant enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. The highest dose of FUPJ (200mg/kg) showed the most significant reduction in the levels of the tested parameters and prevented the gastric mucosal ulceration. In conclusion, FUPJ has the potential to ameliorate diclofenac-induced ulcer and renal dysfunction through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

CG‐Net: A novel CNN framework for gastrointestinal tract diseases classification

AbstractThe classification of medical images has had a significant influence on the diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions. Conventional disease diagnosis procedures require a substantial amount of time and effort to accurately diagnose. Based on global statistics, gastrointestinal cancer has been recognized as a major contributor to cancer‐related deaths. The complexities involved in resolving gastrointestinal tract (GIT) ailments arise from the need for elaborate methods to precisely identify the exact location of the problem. Therefore, doctors frequently use wireless capsule endoscopy to diagnose and treat GIT problems. This research aims to develop a robust framework using deep learning techniques to effectively classify GIT diseases for therapeutic purposes. A CNN based framework, in conjunction with the feature selection method, has been proposed to improve the classification rate. The proposed framework has been evaluated using various performance measures, including accuracy, recall, precision, F1 measure, mean absolute error, and mean squared error.

Effect of Oral Care and Relaxation Technique on Gastrointestinal Tract Problems of Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Effect of Oral Care and Relaxation Technique on Gastrointestinal Tract Problems of Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Frequency and Pattern of Antibiotic Prescription for Common Infections Presented in Five Primary Healthcare Centers, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract Background rationale antibiotic prescription is a key strategy to control antibacterial resistance. Objectives to measure the antibiotic prescription rate, and to identify the most commonly prescribed antibiotic, and to explore the reasons for irrational antibiotic prescription in five primary healthcare (PHC) settings in Egypt. Method A Cross-sectional study was conducted on 535 prescriptions collected from five primary healthcare centres; and checklists about symptoms and signs of common health problems of respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract for antibiotic prescription was fulfilled. Results Antibiotic prescription rate was (33.8%) and the most commonly prescribed antibiotic was Amoxil (Penicillin) (31.5%). Only (26.4%) of antibiotic prescriptions were adherence to the guidelines of Ministry of health of Egypt. Only (31.3%) of patients had upper respiratory tract infection were treated according to the guidelines where Tonsillitis was the most common URT diagnosis (43%), where only (34.3%) of them took Amoxil, followed by bronchitis (67.2%), where (46.3%) of them took Amoxil (adherent to guidelines). Only (31.2%) of patients had lower respiratory tract infection were treated according to the guidelines. Most of urinary tract infections were found among females (86.8%) and cipro was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic (39.5%). Conclusion Antibiotics are frequently prescribed in primary health care centers in Egypt, and most of these prescriptions are inappropriate. Training sessions for physicians is mandatory to improve their awareness, attitude and practice towards antibiotics prescription.

A Study on Association of Stress Related Problems with Gastrointestinal Disorders in University Students

Psychological stress may lead to different physiological problems in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Objective: To study the association of stress with gastrointestinal (GIT) disorders as stress has been found to play a key role in the pathophysiology of the human body. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 300 female students from different departments of Lahore College for Women University, was done. The females were categorized into two groups. Group A (n= 111) comprises females of age between 15 to 20 years. Group B of age group between 21 to 28 years including 189 females (n= 189). Demographic measurements such as weight, height and BMI were taken of all subjects. Stress, bloating, acidity in the stomach, iron supplements and intake of junk food was reported via questionnaire. All the data were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean age± SD of group A was (18.80± 1.40013) and the mean age ± SD of group B was (22.42 ± 1.447). In group A, 77% of females take stress and in group B, 82% of females take stress out of 111 with (p&lt; 0.001). 16% of females feel bloating in the stomach in group A and 23% of females in group B with (p&lt;0.002). 36% of females feel acidity in group A and 49% in group B with (p&lt;0.002). 70% of females take junk food regularly in group A and 71% in group B with (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: The percentage of stress and GIT problems was slightly higher in the larger age group.

Assessment of Work Practices and Health Problems Among Filling Station Attendants in Ile Ife

Background: Filling Station Attendants are exposed to hazards in their workplaces, which could be physical, chemical, ergonomic, biological, mechanical, or psychosocial. The study aimed to assess the work practices and health problems among filling station attendants in Ile-Ife. Methods: This study was conducted in Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria using a descriptive cross-sectional study design. There are 218 filling stations in Ile Ife. The total sampling method was used for selection and a sample size of 200 was obtained. Data was collected via Interviewer administered questionnaires with sections assessing sociodemographic characteristics, work practices, occupational hazards, and health problems using close-ended questions. An observational Checklist assessing the safety measures put in place by the management was also obtained. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and a p-value of 0.05 was found to be statistically significant. Results: Majority of the filling station attendants (74%) were not aware of workplace safety practices. Of those that were aware, 78% were aware of PPE while the commonest available PPE was working clothes (36%). One hundred and twelve attendants (56%) indicated that the PPEs available for them were not adequate. Concerning training, about 62.5% had prior safety training of which only 66% and 56% of them could use fire extinguishers and spill kits respectively. Regarding occupational hazards,74.5% of the attendants were aware of the various hazards, the commonest being fire outbreak (69.5). The commonest work-related problem was musculoskeletal disorders (60.5%) while the least common was gastro-intestinal tract problems (8%). There was a significant association between age, working durations of the respondents, and skin problems with p-values of 0.021 and 0.035 respectively. There was also a significant association between BMI and respiratory problems with a p-value of 0.029. Conclusion: This study assessed work practices and health problems among filling station attendants. There was poor availability of PPE, inadequate use of PPE as well as poor work safety practices among filling station attendants. Regarding health problems, neurological and eye problems were found to be the commonest among filling station attendants in Ile Ife. There were also significant associations between some sociodemographic characteristics and some health problems such as age and skin problems, working duration and skin problems, BMI, and respiratory problems.

PATOLOGIAS CLÍNICAS APRESENTADAS POR CANINOS EM CLÍNICA VETERINÁRIA

INTRODUCTION: Companion animals are susceptible to illnesses during life, and the prevalence may vary according to the characteristics of the animal and the region. Thus, studies of the main diseases in a given location favor clinical reasoning, diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the main causes of clinical care for dogs and the main exams requested. METHODS: The clinical records of dogs treated at a veterinary clinic between 2019 and 2021 were evaluated. Data pertinent to the disease and the animal, such as species, breed, sex, age, weight, diagnosis, symptoms and exams, were collected from cats. All data were recorded and arranged in the Microsoft Office Excel program for tabulation and analysis. RESULTS: A total of 329 dogs were assisted, with the largest number of assistance being aimed at females. Among the characteristics of the animals, there was a higher prevalence of mixed race, adults and small. For the main illnesses presented by dogs, those originating from the gastrointestinal tract, integumentary alterations and musculoskeletal problems stand out. The main complementary exams requested were complete blood count, assessment of biochemical enzymes and ultrasonography. CONCLUSION: Dogs are commonly affected by gastrointestinal disorders, with complete blood count and routine examination being more frequently performed in patients.

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Critically Ill Patient: Literature Review

Critically ill patients are at risk for stress ulcers in the upper digestive tract. Various risk factors have been associated with this condition. Patients who are critically ill are at risk of bleeding due to stress related mucosal disease (SRMD). Upper gastrointestinal tract problems usually occur as a result of severe physiological stress. Patients may develop gastric erosion and develop stress ulcers with severe gastrointestinal bleeding which can be fatal. Routine pharmacological use of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) does not reduce overall mortality in intensive care patients. This increases the risk of infectious complications, particularly nosocomial pneumonia and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Early enteral nutrition has been shown to be effective in preventing stress ulceration of the upper gastrointestinal tract in critically ill patients. Routine use of stress ulcer prophylaxis in all critically ill patients may be dangerous and does not appear to be cost-effective. SUP administration must follow an algorithm that clearly balances risks and benefits.

Utilization of vegetables as a source of dietary fiber in conventional product

Dietary fiber is that part of plant material in our diet which is highly resistant to enzymatic digestion .It includes cellulose, hemicellulose, gums and mucilages. The diets which contains high content of dietary fiber include nuts, cereals fruits and vegetables. High dietary fiber intake protects from many chronic diseases like gastrointestinal tract problems, cancer, heart diseases and obesity. Fruits and vegetables contain great amount of dietary fiber in them and can be used in development of various products such as bakery, beverages and supplements. In the current project three vegetables taken considered as high dietary fiber to extract dietary fiber from them. Solanum lycopersicum, L. (Tomato), Brassica oleracea, L. (cabbage) and Ipomea batatas, (L.) Lam. (sweet potato) were analyzed. The chemical analysis of these vegetables fat%, ash%, moisture%, fiber%, protein% in addition to carbohydrate%. A product (muffin) was prepared of all these samples separately for entire dietary fiber analysis. The total dietary fiber of Brassica oleracea, L. (cabbage) was 7.21g, for Solanum lycopersicum, L. (tomato) was 6.43g and for Ipomea batatas, (L.) Lam. (sweet potato) the fiber content was 14.9g which shows that sweet potato has highest content of dietary fiber. It provides essential nutrients and helps to overcome the deficiency of dietary fiber in body as a baked product. It is formed as little cost supplement and available local source of vegetables.

Nutritional and Health Potential of Probiotics: A Review

Several products consist of probiotics that are available in markets, and their potential uses are growing day by day, mainly because some strains of probiotics promote the health of gut microbiota, especially Furmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and may prevent certain gastrointestinal tract (GIT) problems. Some common diseases are inversely linked with the consumption of probiotics, i.e., obesity, type 2 diabetes, autism, osteoporosis, and some immunological disorders, for which the disease progression gets delayed. In addition to disease mitigating properties, these microbes also improve oral, nutritional, and intestinal health, followed by a robust defensive mechanism against particular gut pathogens, specifically by antimicrobial substances and peptides producing probiotics (AMPs). All these positive attributes of probiotics depend upon the type of microbial strains dispensed. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Bifidobacteria are the most common microbes used, but many other microbes are available, and their use depends upon origin and health-promoting properties. This review article focuses on the most common probiotics, their health benefits, and the alleviating mechanisms against chronic kidney diseases (CKD), type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and obesity.

Perinatal complications and maximising lamb survival in an adolescent paradigm characterised by premature delivery and low birthweight.

The competition for nutrients in overnourished and still-growing adolescent sheep negatively impacts gestation length, colostrum supply and lamb birthweight, all of which may affect neonatal morbidity and survival to weaning. Herein perinatal complications and the requirement for supplementary feeding were analysed in relation to gestational-intake, and the degree of premature delivery and prenatal growth-restriction exhibited. Pregnancies were established by embryo transfer and the mean/standard deviation (SD) gestation length and birthweight of the optimally-fed control group (n = 100) was used to define early delivery and reduced birthweight categories (1.5 and 3.0 SDs below the control mean for each aspect). Control lambs were largely delivered at term (94%), and had a normal birthweight (92%), while very preterm (≤139days, 18.5%) and preterm delivery (140-142days, 54.8%), extremely low birthweight (ELBW; females ≤2838g and males ≤3216g, 21.1%) and low birthweight (LBW; females 2839 to ≤4001g and males 3217 to ≤4372g, 32.2%), were common in the overnourished group (n = 270, P<0.001). Accordingly, overnourished dams were more likely to lamb without assistance while the incidence of major dystocia was greater in controls. Initial lamb vigour at birth was independent of gestational-intake, delivery or birthweight category but both ELBW and very premature lambs required more assistance with feeding in the first 24h postnatal, primarily reflecting low colostrum availability. Indeed, relative to normal, ELBW lambs had a greater risk of experiencing mismothering, and enhanced likelihood of requiring supplementary feeding throughout the neonatal period (P<0.001). ELBW lambs also had a greater possibility of respiratory issues at birth (P<0.01) and renal complications (P<0.001), while very preterm delivery was associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal tract problems (P<0.01). In spite of these complications, all-cause mortality was low (5.4%) suggesting that our proactive neonatal care regime can overcome many of the issues associated with extreme prematurity and low birthweight.

Comparative Analysis of Vitamin C in Two Varieties of Pineapple (Honey Queen And Brazza) to Maximize Nutritional Benefits

ObjectivesThe work was carried out to compare the quantity of vitamin C in two commonly consumed species of pineapple in Nigeria; Honey Queen Pineapple (indigenous) and Brazza imported from Republic of Benin. This is expedient because complaints of gastro-intestinal tract problems often emerge after consumption of Brazza specie. MethodsSeven of both species were cleaned, peeled, flesh separated from hard core making seven flesh portions, seven hard core each. All flesh portions of each specie were blended separately into paste as well as the core. Four portions were the end result Brazza Pineapple Core (BRPC); Brazza Pineapple Flesh (BRPF); Honey Queen Pineapple Core (HQPC) and Honey Queen Pineapple Flesh (HQPF). Standard solutions of ascorbic acid was prepared by weighing 0.5g of standard ascorbic acid and dissolved in 10ml of 0.1 molar phosphoric acid solution to obtain a concentration. Hundred millimeters of each sample was poured in sterile tubes and centrifuged at 6000rpm for five minutes, poured into sterile sample bottles and filtered with muslin cloth to have clearer sample and stored in sterile sample bottles. 20ml of each prepared fruit juice samples solution was injected into the HPLC machine in triplicates. The flow rate was 0.8ml/min. The ascorbic acid was detected at 245nm using Agilent Variable Wavelength Detector. Linear curve was done by plotting concentration versus average detector response. ResultsThe quantity of vitamin C in each sample was estimated from the standard curve calibration from the HPLC using the formular- Quantity = Curve Area-324.26 34.79. Vitamin C content in BRPC was 2.8ug/ml; BRPF 16ug/ml; HQPC 1.10ug/ml and HQPF 1.17ug/ml. Vitamin C concentration was derived by multiplying these results by 50. Amount of vitamin C per gram was 126.75 ug/g; 726.61 ug/g; 76.96 ug/g and 53.13 ug/g respectively. ConclusionsIt has been proven that the Brazza specie from the neighbouring country contains more than 10 times higher than the Nigeria local specie. Nutritionist/dietitian advice should be sought before individuals who react negatively to high doses of vitamin C consume Brazza pineapple specie. Funding SourcesIt is a self funded project.

Prevalence of Adverse Drug Reactions to Second Line Anti Tuberculosis Drugs in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is treated with second line antituberculosis drugs. These drugs are notorious for inflicting serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which many studies have shown causes a wide range of economic and health problems including death. Aim: The study examined the prevalence of ADRs, associated risk factors, socio-demographic association and outcomes among patients treated for MDR-TB at a comprehensive tuberculosis treatment center in Nigeria. Method: The study was conducted at the Government Chest Hospital, Jericho, Ibadan. We applied a retrospective assessment of patient treatment data and ADRs reports stored at the study site from March 2013 and February 2016. Subsequently, a prospective study of ADRs was conducted on patients admitted into the same hospital. Causality relationship between the drugs and the reported ADRs was determined with a specially validated tool. The outcomes assessed include recovery from the ADRs, death and permanent deafness from the ADRs. Extracted data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Risk Ratio was calculated for the influence of risk factors for adverse drug reactions. Logistic regression was performed to test for the strength of relationships between risk factors and incidence of ADRs among patients. Result: Almost all the participants in this study reported adverse drug reaction [99% (118/119)]. However, ototoxicity was the most prevalent ADR (35.3%), followed by electrolyte imbalance (12.6%), gastrointestinal track (10.1%) and psychiatric disorders (10.1%). Being older than 35 years and HIV negative or having a healthy BMI were not significant risk factors for developing ADRs. Duration of ADR above one month was significantly associated with the outcome of ADR. Conclusion: Ototoxicity, electrolyte imbalance, psychiatric disorders and gastrointestinal tract problems were the most frequently reported ADRs. Healthcare providers, government and donor agencies supporting the treatment should ensure that hearing aids and other forms of support are readily made available for the affected patients.

PGI4 Direct Medical Cost of Managing Gastrointestinal TRACT Problems during the END-of-Year Festive Period in a Nigerian Community

This study determined the direct medical cost of managing gastrointestinal tract (GIT) problems among adult residents of a Nigerian village during the end-of-year festive period. This cross-sectional study was carried out in two Pharmacy outlets in Ezinifite, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. The validated questionnaire was administered to clients who purchased drugs for GIT-related issues. The collated questionnaires were coded into and analysed using IBM Statistical Products and Services Solution Version-25. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted on the data, with p < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. A total of 53 clients responded to the questionnaire, 29 (54.7%) of whom were females. The average number of drugs purchased by the respondents per visit was 2.09 ± 0.1. The total number of drugs purchased was 111, with the most frequently purchased drugs being loperamide, metronidazole, and antacids: 23 (20.7 %), 21 (18.9 %), and 17 (15.3 %) respectively. Diarrhoea alone, 12 (22.6 %), and diarrhoea with abdominal cramps, 11 (20.8 %), were the most common suspected conditions for requesting for the drugs, although 39 (73.6 %) respondents reported that no healthcare professional prescribed the drugs for them. The mean cost of drugs purchased by the respondents was N 382.21 ($1) while the total cost of drugs purchased within the period was N 20,300.00 ($52). Place of residence was the only significant sociodemographic factor that predicted the cost of drugs purchased by the client (p = 0.046): respondents living in urban areas purchased more expensive drugs than those residing in rural areas. Most clients in the Nigerian community purchased drugs from Pharmacy outlets for GIT-related issues during the end-of-year festive period without prescriptions. However, both the level of polypharmacy and the total cost of the purchased drugs were low. Keywords: Direct medical cost, Festive period, Gastrointestinal tract, Nigeria.

Preliminary study on phytochemical, phenolic content, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of Coriandrum Sativum l. originating in Vietnam

In recent times, advances in the health views of many micronutrients, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolics, minerals, and molecular-level vitamins have opened a new horizon in the nutrition field. In Vietnam, spice vegetables have long been popularly used in daily meals, increasing the sense of taste of the food as well as taking advantage of the therapeutic properties that are beneficial to their health. Among them, Coriandrum sativum L. is most commonly used because of its attractive aroma and medicinal potential. These vegetable have anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and alleviated gastrointestinal tract problems, and they also show significant cancer-fighting potential. In this research, the leaf extract of Coriandrum sativum L. was tested for preliminary qualitative phytochemical composition, assessing phenolic content by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, flavonoid by aluminum chloride method and activity oxidation resistance (DPPH-2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The results illustrated that the presence of components such as tannins, and saponin. Besides, the total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined as 113.08 mgGAE/g DW and 72.64 mg QE/g DW, respectively. The antioxidant activity obtained with IC50 value were 78.309 ug/ml (DPPH) and 54.489 ug/ml (ABTS). This result shows the effectiveness of Coriandrum sativum L. in increasing antioxidant foods in daily meals.

Anti-Bacterial vs. Anti-Biofilm Effects of Azithromycin on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tract problems. Patients with CF often suffer from chronic pulmonary infections due to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which frequently ends in pulmonary exacerbations. With their anti-inflammatory, anti-virulence, and anti-biofilm properties, macrolides such as azithromycin (AZM) play a beneficial role in the treatment of CF. Objectives: We evaluated the ability of biofilm formation among P. aeruginosa isolates from CF patients and compared the anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm effect of the AZM on them. Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of AZM against 21 P. aeruginosa isolates from Iranian CF patients were determined. Then, we investigated the ability of biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa and also anti-biofilm effect of AZM on biofilm producing P. aeruginosa isolates. Results: The results showed a high level of AZM MIC (≤ 512 µg/mL) and MBC (≤ 2048 µg/mL) against P. aeruginosa isolates. Most isolates (70%) were biofilm producers, 20% being strong producers. The AZM anti-biofilm effect showed that sub-MIC concentration (≤ 64 µg/mL) could inhibit biofilm production. Conclusions: P. aeruginosa isolated from CF patients showed a high level of MIC and MBC for AZM that indicated a weak anti-bacterial effect of AZM. However, AZM inhibited biofilm formation in low doses; this might lead to dangerous chronic pulmonary infection by P. aeruginosa.

Antimicrobials use pattern under organized and unorganized dairy production conditions in southern India

The aim of this study was to estimate the antimicrobial use pattern against various clinical conditions under organized and unorganized dairy production conditions in selected areas of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Four organized dairy farms and one veterinary teaching hospital were surveyed covering Krishnagiri and Kolar districts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka (India), respectively. The data were collected from practicing veterinarians (104) through questionnaires and in farms through treatment records. Milk samples (100) were also qualitatively screened for antibiotic residues in these farms. Mastitis and other udder health related problems were the most common (34%) followed by gastro intestinal tract (GIT) (20%) and postpartum uterine infections (PUI: 20%) in organized dairy farms. Overall, penicillins and its combinations (40%) and tetracyclines (33%) group of antibiotics were mostly used for treatment of above clinical conditions. About 13% of the milk samples were qualitatively positive for antibiotic residues in organized farms. Veterinarians rated mastitis (22%) followed by PUI (15%), respiratory disorders (14%) and GIT problems (12%) as the most common reasons for administrating antibiotics in field conditions, based on Garrett's ranking method. Penicillins, cephalosporins and tetracycline (36%) group of antibiotics were the most commonly prescribed for all clinical conditions. In the case of clinical mastitis, 20% veterinarians preferred cephalosporins group followed by penicillins and its combination (18%). It is concluded that mastitis is the most common reason for antibiotic usage in dairy animals and thus, an effective mastitis management programs are required to reduce the antimicrobial consumption.

Recent Advances in Protein and Peptide Drug Delivery

Peptides and proteins have great therapeutic potential. Proteins and peptides may be administered for therapeutic effects at comparatively low doses because of their relatively specific mode of action. For several chronic conditions such as cancer, hepatitis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and leukaemia, this potent therapy is indicated. While the peptide and protein therapeutic market has developed significantly over the past decades, their use has been limited by delivery. Most are currently delivered intravenously or subcutaneously due to degradation and limited absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, although oral delivery is preferred. In order to facilitate the oral peptide delivery, absorption enhancers, enzyme inhibitors, carrier systems and stability enhancers are therefore being studied. Additionally, the delivery of transdermal peptides avoids gastrointestinal tract problems but also faces absorption limitations. Injections (i.e. intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous route) remain the most common means of administering these protein and peptide drugs until recently. The oral, buccal, intranasal, pulmonary, transdermal, ocular and rectal routes that have been tried with varying degrees of success. This review discusses oral and transdermal peptide drug delivery, focusing on barriers and solutions to absorption and recent advances are discussed.

Risk of colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic problems of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) with poorly understood aetiology. Patients with any of the two common entities, Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UD) have significant increased risk of gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal malignancies. Particularly, the colorectal cancer (CRC) and lymphomas are the most frequently associated cancers with IBD. Although the incidence of CRC has declined in the European countries during last 30 years yet the risk among IBD patients remains higher than the healthy people. In the present study, we have described many common factors influencing the onset and advancement of IBD and CRC including the alterations in gut microbiota, changes in the interleukin pathways and tumour necrosis factor. The other common factors are patient age, race, genetics, family history, diet composition, obesity and level of vitamins and minerals in the body. These multiple factors contribute to the higher incidence of CRC among IBD patients.