In silico and in vitro assessment of the eucalyptus wood vinegar impact on reproduction of ticks Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

Factors associated with antibiotic prescription among patients with respiratory illness in Thailand: The potential impact of rapid influenza diagnostic testing in antimicrobial stewardship.

Electrochemical biosensors as emerging alternatives to conventional detection of pathogens and antibiotic-resistance determinants.

Proton pump inhibitor deprescribing interventions in primary care: A systematic review

Evaluation of preventive interventions addressing healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance: a systematic review.

The use of gastric acid suppressants such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) and Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonists (H2RA) is very common in inpatient settings, but inappropriate use is often found, posing risks to patient safety and cost efficiency. This study aims to analyze the relationship of predictors (age, number of drugs, number of comorbidities, and length of stay) to the occurrence of Drug-Related Problems (DRPs) in inpatients using gastric acid suppressants. This study was an observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted retrospectively using patient medical record data at Rumkital Dr. Mintohardjo from January to December 2024. A sample of 432 patients was taken using a simple random sampling technique based on inclusion criteria. DRPs were identified using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) V9.00 instrument. Data analysis used the chi-square test for bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression for multivariate analysis. DRP characteristics were dominated by treatment safety issues (70.4%), particularly adverse drug events, with the most frequent drug interaction being ranitidine and ketorolac. Bivariate analysis showed that comorbidities (p=0.029), length of stay (p=0.010), and number of drugs (p=0.000) significantly influenced the number of DRPs. Multivariate analysis identified the number of drugs as the most influential predictor; inpatients receiving ≥10 drugs had a 2.733 times higher risk of experiencing ≥2 DRPs (p=0.000; OR 2,733; 95% CI 1.767-4.229)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a significant health concern worldwide, traditionally attributed to inappropriate antibiotic use. Emerging experimental and observational evidence suggests that non-antibiotic medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may influence microbial behavior and adaptive responses associated with reduced antibiotic susceptibility. Beyond their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, certain NSAIDs have been shown to modulate bacterial stress responses, efflux pump activity, biofilm dynamics and horizontal gene transfer under specific experimental conditions. This review examines the interplay between NSAIDs and the microbial ecosystem, focusing on resistance-associated mechanisms in antibiotic resistance and discusses implications for microbiome homeostasis and therapeutic outcomes. An extensive literature review was conducted using electronic databases “Google Scholar,” “PubMed,” and “Scopus” to identify relevant studies published between 1990 and 2025. The search strategy employed predefined keywords, including “non-antibiotic drug resistance,” “NSAIDs,” “microbial adaptation,” and “biofilm modulation.” Retrieved records were screened at the title and abstract level, followed by full-text evaluation of eligible studies. Experimental, clinical and mechanistic studies examining NSAID–microbe interactions in relation to antimicrobial resistance were included, while non-English articles and studies lacking microbiological relevance were excluded. The selected literature was qualitatively synthesized to inform the thematic analysis of the mechanisms, clinical consequences and research gaps highlighted in this paper. Preclinical research suggests that NSAIDs including ibuprofen, diclofenac and salicylic acid may modulate microbial survival strategies by reducing antibiotic susceptibility, enhancing biofilm-associated tolerance and altering pathogen behavior. These effects appear to assist adaptive responses associated with resistance-related phenotypes, rather than directly causing antimicrobial resistance. Given the predominantly experimental nature of current evidence, their inclusion in AMR surveillance and stewardship should be approached cautiously and supported by further research.

Background Z-hypnotics are commonly prescribed for insomnia, but their use in older adults is associated with an increased risk of adverse events Aim We examined the long-term effect of brief intervention (BI) for inappropriate z-hypnotic use, where the control group crossed over to receive the BI 6 months after baseline. Design and setting A before-and-after intervention study was conducted in general practice. Older patients received the BI from trained general practitioners. Method The BI group and the business-as-usual (BAU) group received the intervention with a six-month delay. The primary outcome: proportion of participants without inappropriate z-hypnotic use (≥4 weeks of use, ≥3 times per week). Secondary outcomes: the Global Sleep Assessment Questionnaire (GSAQ), pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Patients were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. Results We included 45 patients (31 female, mean age 69.4 years) and 21 GPs in the study. We found a significant reduction in inappropriate z-hypnotic use from baseline (68.9%) to post-treatment (27.78%), OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.65, p = 0.01. GSAQ—insomnia score stayed low throughout the study. At 6 months, no participant reported insomnia. HADS was significantly reduced from baseline (mean 10.1) to post-intervention (mean 7.3, Cohen’s d = −0.44, p < 0.01), whereas MOCA and VAS pain did not change significantly from baseline to post-intervention. Conclusion The proportion of patients with inappropriate z-hypnotic use decreased after BI without negatively affecting sleep, mood, pain, or cognitive function.. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06032715).

Software containerization has become a cornerstone of modern computational biology, enabling researchers to package code, dependencies, and execution environments in portable and reusable units. Containers support reproducibility, facilitate collaboration, and lower barriers to deploying complex computational workflows across heterogeneous systems. At the same time, inappropriate or superficial use of containers can undermine these benefits, leading to brittle environments, security risks, or false confidence in reproducibility. In this article, we present nine practical and actionable tips for using software containers effectively in computational biology research. Rather than focusing narrowly on container syntax or tooling, we address conceptual decisions that arise throughout the research lifecycle: when containerization is appropriate, how to balance reproducibility with flexibility, how to manage dependencies and data, and how to share containers responsibly. These tips are intended for researchers with varying levels of experience, from those adopting containers for the first time to those maintaining mature, containerized workflows.

Reducing inappropriate use of antibiotics is essential to combat antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotics are widely prescribed upon hospital admission for acute respiratory infections, but it remains unknown whether it is safe to discontinue antibiotics when a respiratory virus is detected in these patients. With this randomized trial, we aim to assess the efficacy and safety of discontinuing antibiotic therapy in patients admitted to the hospital with a polymerase chain reaction test positive for respiratory virus and no clear evidence of bacterial infection. ATHENIAN is an ongoing multicenter, open-label, pragmatic, randomized non-inferiority trial. We aim to recruit 400 adult patients initiated on antibiotic therapy at admittance to one of the 10 study sites in Norway and with a positive polymerase chain reaction test for influenza virus, human metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, or parainfluenza virus. The participants are randomized to intervention, discontinuation of antibiotic therapy, or control, continuation of antibiotic therapy at the discretion of the treating physician. We hypothesize that discontinuation of antibiotic therapy is safe and non-inferior to continuation of antibiotic therapy. The primary outcome, assessed at 120h after randomization, is early clinical response, defined as survival with symptom improvement without receipt of rescue antibacterial therapy. Secondary outcomes include all-cause in-hospital and 30-day mortality, duration of hospital admission, days of therapy with antibiotics, rescue antibiotic therapy during hospital admission, new antibiotic therapy for presumed airway infection up to 30days after hospital discharge, and hospital readmissions within 30 days after hospital discharge. To our knowledge, ATHENIAN is the first randomized controlled trial assessing the safety and efficacy of antimicrobial de-escalation based on multiplex nucleic acid amplification test results. Addressing this knowledge gap using a pragmatic study design will provide valuable insights that may influence treatment algorithms and antibiotic prescription practices. The study has the potential to contribute to a reduction in the inappropriate use of antibiotics and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05045612. Registered on September 7, 2021.

Despite robust international guidance, CCMs remain commonly used in Czech paediatrics. Knowledge gaps, entrenched habits, and reliance on outdated information sources contribute to inappropriate use. Targeted educational initiatives and harmonised national guidelines are needed to improve practice. ● CCMs remain widely used in paediatrics despite limited efficacy and safety concerns in young children. ● International recommendations, including those from the AAP and Health Canada, advise against CCMs use in children under 6years. ● In the Czech Republic, CCMs are used by 74% of paediatricians in children < 6years and 41% in children < 2years. ● CCMs recommendation practices vary by region and medical school, but not by age or training level.Higher inappropriate use is associated with reliance on local sources and older colleagues.

Inappropriate use of antimalarial medications can accelerate the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), undermining treatment efficacy and public health goals. Artemether-lumefantrine (A/L) is the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Nigeria, yet its misuse persists, particularly among young adults. This study assessed knowledge gaps in A/L use among university students in Southwestern Nigeria to identify opportunities for targeted intervention. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among undergraduate students from three universities in Southwestern Nigeria. Respondents' knowledge of A/L was categorized as good (≥70%), fair (50-69%), or poor (<50%). Associations between knowledge and demographic or experiential variables were analysed using independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA, with significance set at p < 0.05. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. A total of 392 students participated, with a mean age of 19.5 years; 58.4% were female. While 64.5% knew the correct timing for the second dose of A/L, only 22.2% correctly identified appropriate storage methods. About 94.9% preferred swallowing the drug with water after food, but many were unaware of common side effects or appropriate responses. Overall, 44.6% of students demonstrated poor knowledge of A/L use. Knowledge scores differed significantly by level of study (p = 0.001) and previous use of antimalarials (p = 0.04). Substantial knowledge gaps and misconceptions about A/L use exist among university students in Southwestern Nigeria. These findings underscore the urgent need for health education initiatives targeting young adults to promote safe and effective use of antimalarial medications and may inform health education strategies aimed at promoting rational antimalarial use and strengthening malaria control efforts.

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence, Large Language Models (LLMs) are being increasingly applied in the field of machine translation. However, their performance in high-difficulty domains such as political text translation still requires systematic evaluation. Using the Report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as the research corpus, this study selects four mainstream LLMs—DeepSeek, Doubao, ChatGPT, and Gemini—as research subjects. Taking the official Japanese version translated by the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee as the reference text, this study quantitatively evaluates the Chinese-to-Japanese translation results of each model using two automated evaluation metrics: BLEU (Bilingual Evaluation Understudy) and TER (Translation Edit Rate), supplemented by qualitative analysis through case comparisons. The results indicate that Gemini performed best across both BLEU and TER metrics, with its translations approaching human standards in terms of structural restoration, terminology handling, and stylistic conformity. ChatGPT and DeepSeek showed moderate overall performance, with differences that were not statistically significant. Doubao performed the worst in both metrics, with primary issues concentrated in the inappropriate use of honorifics (Keigo) and the mistranslation of specific technical terms. The conclusions of this paper provide empirical evidence for the application of generative AI in professional translation and offer references for the optimization of models for political text translation in the future.

The widespread and inappropriate use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine has accelerated the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in various environments. Companion animals, due to their close and prolonged interactions with humans, have increasingly been recognized as potential reservoirs and transmitters of ARGs. However, the extent remains largely unclear to which companion animals influence the diversity and distribution of ARGs in humans. Understanding these interactions is essential for assessing environmental pathways of antibiotic resistance transmission and for developing effective mitigation strategies within the One Health framework. We examined the profiles of ARGs and gut microbial communities among three groups: companion animals, pet owners, and non-pet owners. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were applied to determine the abundance and diversity of representative ARGs, while 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to characterize the composition and structure of microbial communities. Comparative and correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationships between ARG distribution patterns and microbial community profiles across different host groups. Companion animals were found to possess the highest total abundance of ARGs (8.46 × 101⁰ copies/μL), while humans exhibited greater gut microbial diversity. ARGs ermB and tetQ displayed relatively high abundance in all three groups. In addition, intI-1 was significantly more abundant in pet owners than in non-pet owners. ARG profile of pet owners showed more similarity to that of their pets, assessed by the Jaccard similarity index. Age was associated with a limited subset of ARGs: sul2 and tetW decreased with age in companion animals, whereas aph(3'), cmlA, fexA and qnrS increased with age in humans. Notably, high correlation (r = -0.69/0.77) of oqxA-Megasphaera was identified, with negative correlation in animals and positive in pet owners, suggesting oqxA could be a potential key hub for ARGs dissemination. Our findings show that pet owners exhibit similar ARG profiles to those in companion animals, suggesting pet ownership may drive convergence in profiles of ARGs. Moreover, these findings provides evidence of potential resistome overlap at the human-animal interface and highlight the need to incorporate companion animals into antimicrobial control programs under a One Health framework.

Abstract Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health challenge, largely driven by inappropriate antimicrobial use in community settings, resulting in significant economic costs.[1] In Nigeria, community pharmacists are well-positioned to support antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes but remain underutilised. Limited evidence exists on how community pharmacists balance ethical responsibilities with patient demands or strengthen stewardship within an existing regulatory system. Aim This study aimed to explore how community pharmacists in Nigeria manage antimicrobials and contribute to AMS efforts. Methods Community pharmacists who were registered with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), worked in community pharmacies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with a minimum of two years’ experience, were recruited via the Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN), FCT, Abuja. A purposive sampling approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore experiences and perspectives related to community pharmacists’ use and dispensing of antimicrobials in their community pharmacy. Interviews were conducted via telephone or Microsoft Teams, depending on participant preference. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Anonymised transcripts were imported into NVivo (QSR International) for data management and coding. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis.[2] Results Eleven participants took part in the study. Participants had between 15–25 years of practice experience with six superintendent pharmacists, three pharmacist business owners and two full-time pharmacists. Interviews lasted 25–35 minutes. Four themes were generated. (1) Professional roles and stewardship responsibilities: Pharmacists positioned themselves as custodians of antimicrobial safety, describing responsibilities in counselling, prescription validation, and direct stewardship interventions. Pharmacists described themselves as custodians of antimicrobial safety, engaging in counselling, prescription validation, and direct AMS interventions. (2) Patients’ demands and socio-cultural practices: self-medication, reliance on family advice, and prior antibiotic experience drove inappropriate use. (3) Systemic and structural challenges, including weak regulatory enforcement, widespread antibiotic sales by patent medicine stores, and limited government support, undermined AMS efforts. As one participant explained: ‘You try to explain, but most people just want quick relief. If you refuse, they go to another pharmacy or even a patent medicine store.’ (4) Towards strengthening AMS: pharmacists recommended stronger interprofessional collaboration, continuous professional training, public education campaigns, stricter regulation of antibiotic sales, and adaptation of international AMS models to Nigeria’s context. Conclusion This study offers valuable insights into the roles of community pharmacists and the challenges they face in delivering AMS efforts in Nigeria, providing relevant guidance to inform policy and practice. Pharmacists reported engaging in counselling, prescription validation, and direct stewardship interventions, but were constrained by patient-driven demands, weak regulatory enforcement, and the widespread sale of antibiotics by unregulated outlets. The findings are limited to experiences of community pharmacists working in FCT, Abuja and may not capture the full diversity of practice in Nigeria. Future research can focus on expanding to a wider geographical area and incorporating perspectives from patients, prescribers, and policymakers to build a more comprehensive understanding of AMS in Nigeria.

Abstract Introduction The literature reports that people living with dementia (PLWD) are more frequently impacted by medication-related issues such as potentially inappropriate prescribing compared to older people without dementia.[1] Only a small number of prescribing tools (e.g. MATCH-D[2]) have been developed to guide prescribing and medication management for PLWD with development often taking a region-specific approach. Aim To explore the perspectives of researchers who have published work on medication use in older people and PLWD, regarding the need for a prescribing tool specific to PLWD. Methods Participants were purposively sampled through online searches of relevant published literature and personal contacts of the research team, with additional recruitment via snowballing. It was anticipated a priori that 10–15 interviews would be required to reach data saturation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams, using a pre-prepared, piloted topic guide. Questions related to the suitability of current prescribing tools for PLWD, the need for a dementia-specific tool, and its content, should it be developed in the future. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were independently coded by two researchers and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Ten interviews were conducted, lasting between 14–29 minutes. Participants had varied backgrounds as pharmacists (n = 5), physicians (n = 4) and one with no clinical experience. Participants were based in Australasia (n = 4), Europe (n = 4) and North America (n = 2). Thematic analysis generated four themes. Within the first theme, ‘participant perspectives of using prescribing tools,’ participants described being familiar with a range of prescribing tools in both their research and clinical work, with many detailing their involvement in developing tools. The second theme, ‘existing prescribing tools: pros and cons,’ highlighted that tools could be useful for clinicians by identifying areas of focus, yet often lacked context of prescribing decisions and could be challenging to apply in a clinical setting: “[A prescribing tool] declares potentially inappropriate use of medications. It doesn’t flag actual inappropriate use of medications… ‘cause you don’t really have the full story” [R10]. The third theme, ‘unique medicines management challenges for PLWD,’ described how issues such as communication barriers and challenging decision-making made prescribing for PLWD more complex. Within the final theme, ‘making the case for a dementia-specific prescribing tool,’ most participants felt such a tool would be beneficial, as currently available tools only had limited usefulness for PLWD: “There’s no reason why these tools can’t be used for people with dementia, but they’re not specific for people with dementia” [R03]. Participants had mixed views about whether the tool should contain explicit or implicit criteria and recommended a range of areas of focus for a new tool, ranging from specific medications to palliative care guidance. Conclusion This study has identified the need for a dementia-specific prescribing tool, using robust methodology. However, as most participants were from similar geographical areas, study findings may not be generalisable to other regions. Further research will aim to reach consensus on the recommended content for this new tool should it be developed in the future, with an expert panel of researchers and clinicians.

The use of antibiotics for antimicrobial therapy revolutionized medical practice. However, the frequent and sometimes inappropriate use of these drugs in both human and veterinary medicine has had significant consequences. This article provides an overview of the pathways by which antibiotics enter the environment and their impacts.Through wastewater, sewage sludge, and agricultural fertilizers, antibiotics and their degradation products enter various environmental compartments such as soil and water, where they promote the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) via subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. Worldwide, exceedances of ecotoxicological threshold values (predicted no effect concentrations; PNECs) have repeatedly been detected in municipal wastewater treatment plants, surface waters, and agricultural soils.In addition, subinhibitory environmental concentrations act as stress factors that alter the structure and function of microbial communities, thereby disrupting biogeochemical cycles. Bidirectional interactions between climate change and AMR have already been postulated, since altered microbial metabolic processes may trigger climate-relevant feedback mechanisms, while extreme weather events such as floods can further facilitate the dissemination of AMR. The resistance problem therefore requires an integrated, globally coordinated approach in the sense of One Health and Planetary Health.

Introduction: Anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used to treat pain and inflammation and are classified into Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (SAIDs). Although effective, these medications can cause adverse reactions. The pharmacist plays a crucial role in guiding proper use, promoting rational use, and minimizing the risks of self-medication and drug interactions. Objective: This study analyzed the use profile of NSAIDs and SAIDs in a pharmaceutical clinic between June 2022 and June 2024, considering age, socioeconomic status, weight, and gender. It also identified diseases associated with the use of these medications and included the development of an informational leaflet to raise awareness about the rational use of anti-inflammatory drugs and their therapeutic alternatives. Method: A retrospective, descriptive, quantitative, and cross-sectional study was conducted using the electronic medical record system “VIDA” for data collection and simple statistical analysis. Subsequently, an educational leaflet was developed for patients, addressing inappropriate medication use and non-pharmacological alternatives, such as Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (ICHP). Results: Of the 444 patients, 59 were selected. Most were female (81.4%) and over 45 years old (61%). Overweight prevalence was 39%, and comorbidities were present in 66.1% of cases. Low back pain was the most common complaint (50.8%). Diclofenac (32.2%), ibuprofen (20.3%), and nimesulide (15.2%) were the most commonly used drugs. Conclusions: The study revealed a predominant profile of women over 45 years old using NSAIDs, with a high prevalence of overweight and comorbidities.

Identifying what we know about the efficacy of patient empowerment approaches towards deprescribing potentially inappropriate medicine use in older people - a systematic review

Effectively identifying individuals exposed to drug underuse, overuse and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) in older adults is essential for minimizing preventable drug-related harms. We analysed data from 54,296 individuals aged 60-74 years from the German National Cohort (NAKO). We assessed the frequency of PIM, untreated conditions (medication and vaccination underuse) and medications without indication (overuse) utilizing the Fit fOR The Aged (FORTA) list. Factors associated with PIM, medication overuse and underuse were identified by multivariable logistic regression models. The frequency of PIM, underuse and overuse of medications was 26.1%, 19.1% and 23.6%, respectively. In participants with available vaccination information, 90.6% and 62.7% did not have the recommended pneumococcal and annual influenza virus vaccinations, respectively. Parkinson's disease, arterial hypertension, epilepsy and depression were strongly associated with PIM use, with 16.2-, 4.5-, 4.3- and 2.1-fold increased odds, respectively. Osteoporosis, atrial fibrillation, Parkinson's disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were identified as particularly strongly associated with underuse, with 9.5-, 6.1-, 2.6- and 2.0-fold increased odds, respectively. Depression and epilepsy were the most prominent factors associated with overuse (1.6- and 1.5-fold increased odds). PIM and medication overuse, as well as drug and vaccine underuse, are very common among older German individuals. Comprehensive medication reviews are needed to improve medication quality. This work identifies people with specific characteristics who would benefit the most and could be prioritized for medication reviews.