Higher Drug Consumption Research Articles

Fabrication of impedimetric sensor based on metallic nanoparticle for the determination of mesna anticancer drug

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a highly effective technique for studying the surface of electrodes in great detail. EIS-based electrochemical sensors have been widely reported, which measure the charge transfer resistance (Rct) of redox probes on electrode surfaces to monitor the binding of target molecules. One of the protective drugs against hemorrhagic cystitis caused by oxazaphosphorine chemotherapy drugs such as ifosfamide, cyclophosphamide and trophosphamide is Mesna (sodium salt of 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate). The increase in the use of Mesna due to the high consumption of anti-cancer drugs, the determination of this drug in biological samples is of particular importance. So far, no electrochemical method has been reported to measure Mesna. In this research, a novel impedimetric sensor based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) (denoted as Au NPs/MWCNTs/GCE) for impedimetric determination of Mesna anticancer drug was developed. The modified electrode materials were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and EIS. The electrochemical behavior of Mesna at the surface of Au NPs/MWCNTs/GCE was studied by an impedimetric method. The detection mechanism of Mesna using the proposed impedimetric sensor relied on the increase in the Rct value of [Fe (CN)6]3−/4− as an electrochemical probe in the presence of Mesna compared to the absence of Mesna as the analyte. Under the optimum condition, which covered two linear dynamic ranges from 0.06 nmol L−1 to 1.0 nmol L−1 and 1.0 nmol L−1 to 130.0 µmol L−1, respectively. The detection limit was 0.02 nmol L−1. Finally, the performance of the proposed sensor was investigated for Mesna electrochemical detection in biological samples.

A decade of water monitoring in a Mediterranean region: Pharmaceutical prioritisation for an upgraded analytical methodology

In order to evaluate the performance of wastewater treatment strategies and to foster water reclamation it is necessary to evaluate the removal of water pollutants such as pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs). Therefore, the development and application of appropriate analytical methods for the monitoring of the most relevant ones is crucial. In this work, the occurrence data of 157 PhACs in different water bodies and wastewaters in Catalonia (Spain) in the last 10 years, as reported in circa 30 publications, was gathered and reviewed to select the 50 most relevant compounds, including 12 transformation products and metabolites. Historical data confirmed the high consumption and prescription of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, together with psychiatric drugs and antibiotics. An analytical protocol based on solid-phase extraction preconcentration and further measurement by UHPLC-MS/MS was upgraded for the selected 50 compounds and applied to the characterisation of water samples from Catalonia and the Greek Islands, both areas suffering from water scarcity. Results showed similar PhAC concentration profiles in both countries except in the case of some compounds such as iopromide, venlafaxine, and gemfibrozil.

Magnetic Nanostructures and Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine, Application in Liver Diseases.

The term "liver disease" refers to any hepatic condition that leads to tissue damage or altered hepatic function and can be induced by virus infections, autoimmunity, inherited genetic mutations, high consumption of alcohol or drugs, fat accumulation, and cancer. Some types of liver diseases are becoming more frequent worldwide. This can be related to increasing rates of obesity in developed countries, diet changes, higher alcohol intake, and even the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was associated with increased liver disease-related deaths. Although the liver can regenerate, in cases of chronic damage or extensive fibrosis, the recovery of tissue mass is impossible, and a liver transplant is indicated. Because of reduced organ availability, it is necessary to search for alternative bioengineered solutions aiming for a cure or increased life expectancy while a transplant is not possible. Therefore, several groups were studying the possibility of stem cells transplantation as a therapeutic alternative since it is a promising strategy in regenerative medicine for treating various diseases. At the same time, nanotechnological advances can contribute to specifically targeting transplanted cells to injured sites using magnetic nanoparticles. In this review, we summarize multiple magnetic nanostructure-based strategies that are promising for treating liver diseases.

Antimicrobial drug utilization pattern in a tertiary level intensive care unit in Northern India: Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme need of the hour

Background: Antimicrobial drugs are the most frequently prescribed drugs in hospital settings with intensive care unit (ICU) patients showing the highest consumption of these drugs. Antimicrobial overuse and misuse is attributed to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR in coming years will emerge as a global pandemic, maiming the modern health-care system. High consumption of antimicrobial drugs is one of leading factors contributing to AMR. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the prescription pattern of antimicrobial drugs in ICU and estimates the burden of inappropriate antimicrobial drug utilization in ICU settings of a tertiary level teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: The current study was conducted on 100 patients over a period of 6 months, admitted in surgical ICU (SICU), and neuro SICU (NICU) of a tertiary level hospital in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Study patients were identified through daily review of pharmacy records and antimicrobial drugs prescribed for the initial 5 days of ICU admission were documented in a well-designed questionnaire consisting all the necessary information regarding antibiotic therapy. Results: Out of the 100 enrolled study subjects, 98% received an empiric therapy. Majority of the patients were given a combination antimicrobial therapy during the initial 5 days of ICU admission. The most common antibiotic prescribed as monotherapy was ceftriaxone during the initial 2 days of ICU stay followed by piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem in the next 3 days. Amikacin was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic in combination therapy during first 2 days followed by vancomycin in the consecutive days. A total of 27 antimicrobial drugs belonging to 15 classes were prescribed to the study participants during the initial 5 days of ICU admission. Conclusion: The study reports a very high consumption of antimicrobial drugs in ICUs with maximum of antimicrobial therapies prescribed empirically. A robust action plan, consisting of proper protocol for prescribing empiric antimicrobials, regular monitoring of antibiotic consumption in ICUs with a system of prospective audit, and feedback and timely interventions are a keystone of good antibiotic stewardship and should be the focus in ICU and NICU.

Anti-inflammatory drugs analysis in a wastewater sewage treatment plant and surface water in semiarid climate

This work aimed to analyze the presence of four common molecules (diclofenac, dipyrone, ibuprofen, and paracetamol) in the Ipojuca River, in the stretch of Caruaru municipality (Brazil), and in a wastewater treatment plant that discharges treated water to the river. Collections were conducted for three months at each point during April, May, and June. The samples were collected in three repetitions (sample, replica, and triplicate). Through Pearson’s correlation, the correlation between ibuprofen and diclofenac concentration and rainfall in the region was also verified. These drugs were detected in 100% of the samples, with concentrations between 7.4–548.2 and 81.8–231.8 μg.L-1, respectively. Paracetamol and dipyrone were not detected. The observed high concentrations are due to the high consumption of drugs and the low rate of sewage collection in the municipality. Both analyzed drugs — ibuprofen and diclofenac — had insignificant correlation results with rainfall (-0.022 and -0.071, respectively). Regarding the drugs in the WWTP, the treatment consisting of anaerobic followed by aerated lagoons showed efficiency ranging from 35.9 to 93.6% in the removal of diclofenac. The removal of ibuprofen was higher in April (86.6%), but in the other two months, it did not prove to be efficient, evidencing the need to implement more adapted technologies in the removal of drugs combined with the network expansion for sewage collection in the region. A study with longer time monitoring is needed to understand the rainfall effect on drug concentration in the river.

A Study of Addictive Behavior among University Students

Drug abuse is a public health issue, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Therefore, the purpose of our study is to determine the prevalence rate of drugs use and to identify certain factors that can serve as predictors of drug use. A total of 431 students from Mohammed V University in Rabat participated in this descriptive cross-sectional survey. The prevalence of drug use (regular users and experimenters) was 32.9%. Cannabis has a frequency of 13%, whereas other substances and other psychotropics have a prevalence of 3.8%. The most common average age of onset of substance use was 15. Males had the greatest likelihood of becoming drug addicts. We discovered a high consumption of drugs among university students at the end of this work, implying the need to establish a programme to combat drug addiction, the starting point of which will undoubtedly be prevention at the primary and secondary school levels, requiring the participation of all those involved in the field of education.

Prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis no sistema prisional: um desafio para a saúde pública

Abstract A descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative study was conducted in 2019 with 202 participants randomly selected from a male penitentiary, with the application of a questionnaire, clinical care, and laboratory tests to estimate the prevalence of risk factors and noncommunicable chronic diseases in people deprived of their liberty. Data analysis verified associations using Fisher’s Exact Test and Chi-square Test. The predominant sociodemographic profile of the participants consisted of less-educated single, black, over 30 males with high prison recidivism. Most were sedentary smokers with high alcohol and drug consumption before incarceration. We identified prevalence levels of hypertension (24.8%), dyslipidemia (54.5%), overweight (49.9%), metabolic syndrome (16.8%), and diabetes (2.5%). The difficulty in accessing health services associated with long sentences and the unhealthy environment favors the development and deterioration of chronic diseases and their risk factors, a challenge for the organization of prison health care. This setting reiterates the need to apply resources and efforts to implement comprehensive, longitudinal, and equitable care for people deprived of liberty.

Prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases in the prison system: a public health challenge.

A descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative study was conducted in 2019 with 202 participants randomly selected from a male penitentiary, with the application of a questionnaire, clinical care, and laboratory tests to estimate the prevalence of risk factors and noncommunicable chronic diseases in people deprived of their liberty. Data analysis verified associations using Fisher's Exact Test and Chi-square Test. The predominant sociodemographic profile of the participants consisted of less-educated single, black, over 30 males with high prison recidivism. Most were sedentary smokers with high alcohol and drug consumption before incarceration. We identified prevalence levels of hypertension (24.8%), dyslipidemia (54.5%), overweight (49.9%), metabolic syndrome (16.8%), and diabetes (2.5%). The difficulty in accessing health services associated with long sentences and the unhealthy environment favors the development and deterioration of chronic diseases and their risk factors, a challenge for the organization of prison health care. This setting reiterates the need to apply resources and efforts to implement comprehensive, longitudinal, and equitable care for people deprived of liberty.

Socio-economic inequalities in the use of drugs for the treatment of chronic diseases in Italy

BackgroundSince the use of medicines is strongly correlated to population health needs, higher drug consumption is expected in socio-economical deprived areas. However, no systematic study investigated the relationship between medications use in the treatment of chronic diseases and the socioeconomic position of patients. The purpose of the study is to provide a description, both at national level and with geographical detail, of the use of medicines, in terms of consumption, adherence and persistence, for the treatment of major chronic diseases in groups of population with different level of socioeconomic position. MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used to define the “prevalent” users during 2018. A longitudinal cohort study design was performed for each chronic disease in new drug users, in 2018 and the following year. A retrospective population-based study, considering all adult Italian residents (i.e. around 50.7 million people aged ≥ 18 years). Different medications were used as a proxy for underlying chronic diseases: hypertension, dyslipidemia, osteoporosis, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Only “chronic” patients who had at least 2 prescriptions within the same subgroup of drugs or specific medications during the year were selected for the analysis. A multidimensional measures of socio-economic position, declined in a national deprivation index at the municipality level, was used to identify and estimate the relationship with drug use indicators. The medicine consumption rate for each pharmacological category was estimated for prevalent users while adherence and persistence to pharmacologic therapy at 12 months were evaluated for new users.ResultsThe results highlighted how the socioeconomic deprivation is strongly correlated with the use of medicines: after adjustment by deprivation index, the drug consumption rates decreased, mainly in the most disadvantaged areas, where consumption levels are on average higher than in other areas. On the other hand, the adherence and persistence indicators did not show the same trend.ConclusionsThis study showed that drug consumption is influenced by the level of deprivation consistently with the distribution of diseases. For this reason, the main levers on which it is necessary to act to reduce disparities in health status are mainly related to prevention. Moreover, it is worth pointing out that the use of a municipal deprivation indicator necessarily generates an ecological bias, however, the experience of the present study, which for the first-time deals with the complex and delicate issue of equity in Italian pharmaceutical assistance, sets the stage for new insights that could overcome the limits.

Sustainable green nanoadsorbents for remediation of pharmaceuticals from water and wastewater: A critical review

In the last three decades, pharmaceutical research has increased tremendously to offer safe and healthy life. However, the high consumption of these harmful drugs has risen devastating impact on ecosystems. Therefore, it is worldwide paramount concern to effectively clean pharmaceuticals contaminated water streams to ensure safer environment and healthier life. Nanotechnology enables to produce new, high-technical material, such as membranes, adsorbent, nano-catalysts, functional surfaces, coverages and reagents for more effective water and wastewater cleanup processes. Nevertheless, nano-sorbent materials are regarded the most appropriate treatment technology for water and wastewater because of their facile application and a large number of adsorbents. Several conventional techniques have been operational for domestic wastewater treatment but are inefficient for pharmaceuticals removal. Alternatively, adsorption techniques have played a pivotal role in water and wastewater treatment for a long, but their rise in attraction is proportional with the continuous emergence of new micropollutants in the aquatic environment and new discoveries of sustainable and low-cost adsorbents. Recently, advancements in adsorption technique for wastewater treatment through nanoadsorbents has greatly increased due to its low production cost, sustainability, better physicochemical properties and high removal performance for pharmaceuticals. Herein, this review critically evaluates the performance of sustainable green nanoadsorbent for the remediation of pharmaceutical pollutants from water. The influential sorption parameters and interaction mechanism are also discussed. Moreover, the future prospects of nanoadsorbents for the remediation of pharmaceuticals are also presented.

1283Licit and Illicit substances use among Brazilian youth population: a cross-sectional, nationwide study

Abstract Background Psychoactive substances are increasing within the young population enhancing exposure to sexual risks, violence and mortality by preventable causes. Moreover, the use of these substances at this stage of life can be a predictor of abuse in adult live. Thus, this study aims to examine the patterns of drugs use in Brazilian young adults. Methods A cross sectional study was performed in all Brazilian capitals between September-2016 to December-2017. 8581 participants aged 16 to 25 years answered a structured interview with socio and behavioral questions. The sample was weighted in each capital by age range and sex. Results Alcohol (71.6%), cannabis (27.4%), and cocaine (9.9%) were the most common addictive substances experienced once in life in the sample. The regular use in the past 12 months was reported in 40.5%, 12.5% and 2.5%, respectively. Significant differences were observed between men and women in regular use of alcohol (48.7% and 32.5%, p<.001), cannabis (18.8% and 6.3%, p<.001) and cocaine (3.8% and 1.4%, p<.001). Also observed high drug consumption regarding to low education level, upper class population and who had partner presence. Additionally, participants who had previous homosexual relationship had high rates of regular alcohol (65.9%) and cannabis use (22.6%). Conclusions Brazilian youth showed high rates of psychoactive substances use mainly alcohol and cannabis. Thus, knowledge about the patterns of alcohol and drugs use in this population is important to direct actions and prevent associated risks. Key message High rates of alcohol and cannabis use are reported in Brazilian youth population.

Orthostatic hypotension: Etiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical Symptoms, Diagnostics and Treatment

Viktorija Bleizgytė1 1Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kaunas Abstract Background. Orthostatic hypotension is a decrease in systolic ABP ≥20 mmHg or a decrease in diastolic ABP ≥10 mmHg after standing up after first 3 minutes. This pathology is not common, but the incidence increases exponentially with age. The absence or poor expression of symptoms increases the risk of fall, as well as morbidity and mortality. The most common risk factors are age, high consumption of drugs, hypertension, diabetes, amyloidosis. OH may include weakness, tiredness, nausea, palpitations, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, fainting. In a patient, who stood up from a supine position and had a decreased ABP within the first 3 minutes, established with orthostatic hypotension. Aim: to review and analyze the sources of scientific literature related to orthostatic hypotension, the causes of its development, main diagnostic methods and principles of treatment. Methods: scientific literature sources were searched in PubMed, UpToDate, Cohrane Library, ScienceDirect databases. During the literature review, articles related to orthostatic hypotension, its causes of development, diagnostic possibilities, and treatment principles were selected. Results. If it is not possible to measure the decreased ABP, but if OH is suspected, the ABP can be measured at 24 hours. The goal of OH treatment is to improve symptoms. Non-drug treatment is preferred. The fludrocortisone, midodrine, pyridostigmine can be used. It is recommended for the patient to wear compression clothing, increase physical activity, perform various exercises, consume more salt, drink about 1,5 – 2,5 liters of water. If OH symptoms occur, it is recommended to drink 500 ml of water as quick as possible and sleep with head raised 20 to 30 cm to increase orthostatic tolerance. Conclusion: this brief review of the scientific literature presents the main aspects of orthostatic hypotension, its etiology and pathogenesis, principles of diagnosis and treatment. Keywords: Orthostatic hypotension, decrease in arterial blood pressure, compensatory mechanism, venous stasis.

The effect of anabolic androgenic steroid abuse on male fertility: Review Study

Introduction: Young people's interest in strength exercises has led to the high use of anabolic steroids (AAS) regardless of its long-term side effects. Therefore, this review study was conducted with aim to investigate the effect of AAS drugs on male fertility. Methods: In line with the aim of the present review study, search was performed in the databases of Scopus, Pubmed, Proquest, Science Direct, ISC, Irandoc, Magiran and Google Scholar with the keywords of energy drugs, male fertility, spermatogenesis, androgenic anabolic steroid drugs and AAS without time restrictions. Among a total of 8453 articles extracted, after reviewing the title, abstract and inclusion and exclusion criteria, finally 33 articles were reviewed. Results: AAS drugs have long-term effects on the male reproductive system and disrupt spermatogenesis through four primary mechanisms including direct effects on gametes, hypothalamic axis change, pituitary and testis, erectile dysfunction or ejaculation, and decreased libido. It also reduces testosterone production and suppresses spermatogenesis by inhibiting negative feedback at LH and FSH levels. Most side effects are reversible after discontinuation, but long-term use during the reproductive ages and testicular developmental stages disrupts semen analysis and sperm function parameters, and there is no possibility of responding to alternative therapy. Not enough information has been reported about the time required to return male fertility after drug discontinuation. Conclusion: Excessive use of AAS drugs has long-term adverse effects on male reproductive health, so, existence of various and unknown items of drugs in the market, advertising in clubs and cyberspace and high consumption of drugs regardless of its side effects, require management measures to solve this global health problem and maintain male reproductive health. Therefore, education is recommended to the community, athletes, coaches and health care providers.

Prevalence of Home Storage of Medicines and Associated Factors in Iraq

BACKGROUND: In most families around the world, medicines can be used to treat chronic or acute diseases. Simple access to medicines at home has led to high drug consumption rates for self-limiting diseases. Incorrect use of these home-stocked medications may also contribute to severe health risks, increase pathogens’ tolerance, prolonged distress, increased adversity, medication reactions, and delays in seeking adequate care if misdiagnosis occurs. Nothing is known about how Iraqi people store their medicines at home. AIM: The purpose of this study is to obtain data on the prevalence and related factors of drug storage in Diyala Governorate, Iraq. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Diyala Province, Iraq in July 2019. A total of 200 students participated in this study. A pre-tested standardized questionnaire was used to collect data and the analysis was performed using descriptive statistical methods. All the participants (100%) enrolled reported to keep medicines at their homes. RESULTS: The average number of drug users per household is 12.32%. Refrigerators are the main storage location (65%), followed by kitchen counters (33%). The majority of stored drugs were prescribed by physicians (78.5%) and the leading source of those drugs is a private pharmacy (55.71%). The most popular medicinal products stored were analgesics (23.1%), followed by antimicrobials (antibiotics, antibacterial, and antifungal) (19.44%). Among all medicines, currently used drugs accounted for 43.34%, remaining drugs accounted for 29.78%, and reserved drugs accounted for 26.87% for future use. The most common dosage forms of these drugs are tablets (21.16%) and capsules (20.95%). Most participants (82.5%) revealed that they always check the expiration date before use, and (37%) admitted to sharing drugs with others. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of drug storage in households in the Diyala Governorate of Iraq is high because all participants keep drugs at home. Regardless of the method used, these drugs should be retained, and proper storage procedures and conditions are rarely observed.

Use of psychotropic drugs by students from the health area: a comparative and qualitative analysis

Abstract: Introduction: The use of psychotropic substances is highly prevalent among students in the health area. This situation reveals an inversion of values, in which future professionals who will give advice on drug use and abuse make inadequate consumption of drugs. Objective: This research aims to collect and comparatively analyze the profile of psychotropic substance use by health students, as well as analyze the subjective significance of drug use by health students. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, with a quantitative sample of 745 students, aged 15 to 70 years, from the Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition and Physiotherapy courses. A questionnaire adapted from the “I National Survey on the Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs by University Students in the 27 Brazilian Capitals” was used for data collection. Regarding the qualitative work, a focal group was carried out, whose participants comprised ten students, of which three were Psychology students, three were Physiotherapy students, one was a medical student and one a Nursing student. Results: The study results showed that the psychotropic substances most often used by the participants were: Alcohol, Tobacco and Marijuana, in addition to Tranquilizers and Anxiolytics. Furthermore, in comparison with the other courses, Psychology students were the ones who used the most drugs in general, followed by Nutrition and Medicine. Moreover, drug use was perceived as a means of escape from psychological distress, as well as a way to maximize pleasure. For university students, the use of psychotropic drugs is seen as an combination of interpersonal relationships, being also influenced by the desire to improve academic performance. Conclusion: The study data disclosed a high consumption of psychotropic drugs by university students in the health area, a condition associated to psychological distress and which reveals a demand for support and assistance in terms of substance dependence. It is important that further research on the subject be carried out, so that effective public policies can be implemented.

Use of psychotropic drugs by students from the health area: a comparative and qualitative analysis

Abstract: Introduction: The use of psychotropic substances is highly prevalent among students in the health area. This situation reveals an inversion of values, in which future professionals who will give advice on drug use and abuse make inadequate consumption of drugs. Objective: This research aims to collect and comparatively analyze the profile of psychotropic substance use by health students, as well as analyze the subjective significance of drug use by health students. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, with a quantitative sample of 745 students, aged 15 to 70 years, from the Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition and Physiotherapy courses. A questionnaire adapted from the “I National Survey on the Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs by University Students in the 27 Brazilian Capitals” was used for data collection. Regarding the qualitative work, a focal group was carried out, whose participants comprised ten students, of which three were Psychology students, three were Physiotherapy students, one was a medical student and one a Nursing student. Results: The study results showed that the psychotropic substances most often used by the participants were: Alcohol, Tobacco and Marijuana, in addition to Tranquilizers and Anxiolytics. Furthermore, in comparison with the other courses, Psychology students were the ones who used the most drugs in general, followed by Nutrition and Medicine. Moreover, drug use was perceived as a means of escape from psychological distress, as well as a way to maximize pleasure. For university students, the use of psychotropic drugs is seen as an combination of interpersonal relationships, being also influenced by the desire to improve academic performance. Conclusion: The study data disclosed a high consumption of psychotropic drugs by university students in the health area, a condition associated to psychological distress and which reveals a demand for support and assistance in terms of substance dependence. It is important that further research on the subject be carried out, so that effective public policies can be implemented.

Risk-Taking Behaviors Among Students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Background: Risk behaviors can increase the risk of early mortality, disability, and chronic illness. Objectives: This study aimed to determine risk-taking behaviors in students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences in 2018. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 215 students selected using a stratified sampling method. The self-administered Iranian Youth Risk-Taking Scale (IYRTS), consisting of 48 items, was used for data collection. Data were analyzed by SPSS 19 using the chi-square test. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of male and female students was 21.4 ± 1.92 and 20.9 ± 1.38 years, respectively. The rates of a history of physical violence, cigarette smoking, waterpipe smoking, alcohol use, and drug abuse were 37.7%, 37.2%, 47.9%, 33%, and 25.6%, respectively, and all were higher in male students (P < 0.05). Methylphenidate, ecstasy, and tramadol were the most prevalent drugs used by the students. physical inactivity was not different between male and female students (P = 0.42). Conclusions: In the present study, we found high consumption of cigarettes, waterpipe, alcohol, and drugs, as well as physical inactivity among the students.

Simultaneous determination of paracetamol and caffeine in aqueous samples by ultrasound‐assisted emulsification microextraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography

AbstractToday, due to the growth of the pharmaceutical industry and the high consumption of drugs, monitoring of drug residues in environmental samples because of their destructive effects on the environment and humans is essential. In the present work, ultrasound‐assisted emulsification‐microextraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography as a simple and fast method was applied for simultaneous determination of paracetamol and caffeine in the aqueous samples. Effective parameters on the extraction efficiencies of these analytes such as type and volume of extraction solvent, pH of sample solution, salt concentration, sonication, and centrifuging times were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration graphs were linear in the range of 30.0–1100.0 ng/mL for paracetamol and 50.0–400.0 ng/mL for caffeine. The limits of detection were 9.7 and 15.2 ng/mL for paracetamol and caffeine, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of these drugs in different aqueous samples.

Application of Pleurotus ostreatus to efficient removal of selected antidepressants and immunosuppressant

Disposed pharmaceuticals constitute a significant threat to the environment due to the high consumption of drugs and inefficient treatment of wastewater. In this paper, we first described the efficient removal of a series of antidepressants and immunosuppressant from a cultivation medium carried out by white-rot fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus. We determined the removal efficiency of pharmaceuticals and the activity of fungal ligninolytic enzymes over time, as well as the toxicity of pre- and post-cultivation medium to Spirostomum ambiguum. We showed that P. ostreatus can remove from the model medium most of the pharmaceuticals studied, including clomipramine, mianserin, paroxetine, sertraline, and mycophenolic acid. Pharmaceuticals containing phenolic or benzene moieties, likewise in the natural monolignols, were removed in a high efficiency within a short time. The activity of the fungal ligninolytic enzymes, laccase, and lignin peroxidase, in the cultivation medium, was three times higher in the presence of the pharmaceuticals, which justifies their contribution to the degradation. The post-cultivation medium showed lower toxicity than pre-cultivation medium and toxic units were 7- and 2-fold lower for the sublethal and lethal response, respectively. Over twenty metabolites we detected resulted mostly from oxygenation or demethylation of parent pharmaceuticals. The biological treatment we developed using P. ostreatus-based system should be convenient and effective in mycoremediation of environmental wastewater polluted with emerging contaminants including monolignol-like antidepressants and immunosuppressant.

Diazepam, metformin, omeprazole and simvastatin: a full discussion of individual and mixture acute toxicity.

High consumption of drugs, combined with their presence in the environment, raises concerns about its consequences. Even though researches are often engaged in analyzing substances separately, that is not the environmental reality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute toxicity of the pharmaceuticals simvastatin, metformin, omeprazole and diazepam, and all possible mixtures between them, to the organism Aliivibrio fischeri, verifying possible synergistic or antagonistic effects and assessing byproducts formation. In terms of individual toxicity, omeprazole is the most toxic of the active ingredients, followed by simvastatin, diazepam and, finally, metformin. When the toxicity of mixtures was tested, synergism, antagonism and hormesis were perceived, most probably generated due to byproducts formation. Moreover, it was observed that even when compounds are at concentrations below the non-observed effect concentration (NOEC), there may be toxicity to the mixture. Hence, this work points to the urgent need for more studies involving mixtures, since chemicals are subject to interactions and modifications, can mix, and potentiate or nullify the toxic effect of each other.