Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Formulation and characterization of polymeric nanoparticle of Rivastigmine for effective management of Alzheimer’s disease","authors":"Faisal Imam ,&nbsp;Sayantan Mukhopadhyay ,&nbsp;Preeti Kothiyal ,&nbsp;Samiyah Alshehri ,&nbsp;Khalid Saad Alharbi ,&nbsp;Muhammad Afzal ,&nbsp;Muzaffar Iqbal ,&nbsp;Mohammad Rashid Khan ,&nbsp;Md. Khalid Anwer ,&nbsp;Abdulrazaq Ahmed Hattab Alanazi ,&nbsp;Ali Ghanem Alqahtani ,&nbsp;Mohammed Abdullah Alhamamah","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102048","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Memory loss or dementia is a progressive disorder, and one of its common forms is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), effecting mostly middle aged and older adults. In the present study, we developed Rivastigmine (RIV) nanoparticles using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (RIV-loaded PLGA NPs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The prepared RIV-PLGA nanoparticles was evaluated for the management of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The nanoparticles were prepared by the slightly modified nano-precipitation technique. The developed formulations were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential (ZP), polydispersibility index (PDI) and surface morphology and drug content. The experimental result revealed that prepared RIV-loaded PLGA NPs (F1) was optimized having particle size (61.2 ± 4.6 nm), PDI (0.292), ZP (−11.2 ± 1.2). SEM study confirms the prepared nanoparticles depicted non-aggregated as well smooth surface particles without any fracture. This formulation (F1) was further assessed for <em>in vivo</em> studies on animal model. A pharmacological screening on an animal model of Alzheimer's disease revealed that RIV-loaded PLGA NPs formulations treat CNS disorders like Alzheimer's effectively. In addition to that, an <em>in-vivo</em> brain cholinesterase estimation study found that, animals treated with optimized formulation significantly (p &lt; 0.01) reduced brain cholinesterase activity when compared to scopolamine-treated animals. According to the above results, it can be concluded that RIV-loaded PLGA NPs are ideal carriers for delivering the drug at a specific target site in the brain, thus may treat Alzheimer's disease efficiently and improve patient compliance.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424000987/pdfft?md5=44c1162be4f82a460cca00662ede4566&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424000987-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140309892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Amphiphilic, lauric acid-coupled pluronic-based nano-micellar system for efficient glipizide delivery","authors":"Vipan Kumar ,&nbsp;Neelam Poonia ,&nbsp;Pradeep Kumar ,&nbsp;Prabhakar Kumar Verma ,&nbsp;Abdulrahman Alshammari ,&nbsp;Norah A. Albekairi ,&nbsp;Atul Kabra ,&nbsp;Neera Yadav","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102046","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102046","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Glipizide; an insulin secretagogue belonging to the sulfonylurea class, is a widely used antidiabetic drug for managing type 2 diabetes. However, the need for life-long administration and repeated doses poses challenges in maintaining optimal blood glucose levels. In this regard, orally active sustained-release nano-formulations can be a better alternative to traditional antidiabetic formulations. The present study explored an innovative approach by formulating orally active sustained-release nano-micelles using the amphiphilic lauric acid-conjugated-F127 (LAF127) block copolymer. LAF127 block copolymer was synthesized through esterification and thoroughly characterized before being employed to develop glipizide-loaded nano-micelles (GNM) <em>via</em> the thin-film hydration technique. The optimized formulation exhibited mean particle size of 341.40 ± 3.21 nm and depicted homogeneous particle size distribution with a polydispersity index (PDI) &lt; 0.2. The formulation revealed a surface charge of −17.11 ± 6.23 mV. The <em>in vitro</em> release studies of glipizide from developed formulation depicted a sustained release profile. Drug loaded micelles exhibited a substantial reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats for a duration of up to 24 h. Notably, neither the blank nano-micelles of LAF127 nor the drug loaded micelles manifested any indications of toxicity in healthy rats. This study provides an insight on suitability of synthesized LAF127 block copolymer for development of effective oral drug delivery systems for anti-diabetic activity without any significant adverse effects.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424000963/pdfft?md5=c7e9d9766d2751cf628f67b7cc17c045&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424000963-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140279577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors associated with applicant performance on the Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination (SPLE)","authors":"Wael A. Alghamdi,&nbsp;Tahani M. Almeleebia,&nbsp;Mona A. Almanasef,&nbsp;Khalid M. Orayj","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102044","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Limited data are available on factors that are associated with passing rates for the Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination (SPLE). The aim of this study is to investigate student characteristics and academic performance characteristics that may predict their success on SPLE.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>This was a single-institution retrospective cohort study, which included pharmacy graduates from 2019 to 2021. Demographic, academic, and SPLE data were collected for each graduate. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the association between potential predictors and first-time SPLE pass status. A stepwise regression was then performed to develop multiple logistic models.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 494 graduates were included in the study. Females, PharmD graduates, and on-time graduation had higher odds of passing SPLE (<em>P</em> = 0.0065, <em>P</em> = 0.0003, and <em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001, respectively). For each 0.5 increase in GPA, the odds of passing SPLE increase by 3.5 times (OR 3.53; 95 % CI, 2.83–4.42; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001). Of the tests taken prior to university admission, the overall high school score, general aptitude test (GAT) score, and qualifying score were significantly associated with higher SPLE first-time pass rates. When multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, GPA and GAT scores were the only significant predictors for higher SPLE first-time pass rates (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001 and <em>P</em> = 0.0002, respectively).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The current research has shown that there is an association between higher SPLE first-time pass rates and several factors, most importantly the GPA and GAT score. Further research is needed, as it has the potential to inform the decision when reviewing pharmacy admission criteria.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S131901642400094X/pdfft?md5=6d95ab402d8257c849483cede7915734&pid=1-s2.0-S131901642400094X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140195699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strengths and weaknesses of current and future prospects of artificial intelligence-mounted technologies applied in the development of pharmaceutical products and services","authors":"Ahmed M. Abdelhaleem Ali,&nbsp;Majed M. Alrobaian","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102043","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102043","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Starting from drug discovery, through research and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in planning, developing, assessing modelling, and optimization of product attributes. In recent decades, machine-learning algorithms integrated into artificial neural networks, neuro-fuzzy logic and decision trees have been applied to tremendous domains related to drug formulation development. Optimized formulations were transformed from lab to market based on optimized properties derived from AI Technologies. Research and development in pharmaceutical industry rely upon computer-driven equipment and machine learning technology to extract data, perform simulations, modelling, and optimization to get optimum solutions. Merging AI technologies in various steps of pharmaceutical manufacture is a major challenge due to lack of in-house technologies. In silico studies based on artificial intelligence are widely applied as effective tools to screen the market needs of medications and pharmaceutical services through inspecting scientific literature and prioritizing medicines for specific illnesses or a particular patient. Specialized personnel who excel in scientific and data science with analytical knowledge are essential for transformation to smart manufacturing and offering services. However, privacy, cybersecurity, AI-dependent unemployment, and ownership rights of AI technologies require proper regulations to gain the benefits and minimize the drawbacks.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424000938/pdfft?md5=d16c4cfcd26e17c12bffa3354a742f24&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424000938-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140204539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Healthcare Providers’ knowledge, attitudes and practice in relation to drug hypersensitivity reactions at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh","authors":"Mohammed Alrashed ,&nbsp;Ahmed A. Alanazi ,&nbsp;Khalid Bin Saleh ,&nbsp;Faisal Alanazi ,&nbsp;Ahmed S. Alanazi ,&nbsp;Sumayyah Mashraqi ,&nbsp;Madhawi Mahdali ,&nbsp;Abdullah Alshammari ,&nbsp;Mohammed A Alnuhait ,&nbsp;Mohammed Alzahrani ,&nbsp;Tariq Alqahtani","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102042","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) are immune-mediated responses triggered by exposure to a drug. DHRs are responsible for serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and are considered the fifth leading cause of death. This study aims to assess and evaluate the knowledge, practice, and attitudes of healthcare providers (HCPs) towards DHRs.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A cross-sectional survey was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Healthcare providers, including pharmacists, physicians, and nurses, were recruited using a convenience sampling method to complete the survey. The survey comprised three domains: knowledge (14 items), attitudes (5 items), and practices (6 items), utilizing a standardized self-administered questionnaire.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The survey was completed by 373 healthcare providers. The respondents were predominantly female (72.1 %) with a mean age of 33.8 ± 7.8 years. Of the respondents, 64 % were nurses, 25 % pharmacists, and 11.3 % physicians. Educational levels varied, with 53 % holding a bachelor's degree, 22 % an associate degree, and 25 % a master's degree or higher. The median knowledge score was 48. Female healthcare providers, those with advanced levels of education, and physicians had higher knowledge scores compared to male and nurse participants (p &lt; 0.05). One-third of the respondents (33 %) were satisfied with their knowledge of DHRs, and 42 % believed HCPs should receive more advanced training in DHR management. Less than a quarter of HCPs reported inquiring about patients' histories of hypersensitivity reactions.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The study revealed that healthcare workers had a relatively low level of knowledge about drug hypersensitivity reactions and lacked a consensus on DHR management. While displaying a positive attitude towards DHRs, they often did not translate this attitude into consistent clinical practice.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424000926/pdfft?md5=ce0e5bbf73b7455d7ba8145916a45b44&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424000926-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140187750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the antibacterial potential of 6-gingerol: Combined experimental and computational approaches","authors":"Mahmoud A. Elfaky ,&nbsp;Hassan M. Okairy ,&nbsp;Hossam M. Abdallah ,&nbsp;Abdulrahman E. Koshak ,&nbsp;Gamal A. Mohamed ,&nbsp;Sabrin R.M. Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Abdulrahim A. Alzain ,&nbsp;Wael A.H. Hegazy ,&nbsp;El-Sayed Khafagy ,&nbsp;Noura M. Seleem","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102041","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The rise of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is becoming a global concern, particularly due to the dwindling supply of new antibiotics. This situation mandates the discovery of new antimicrobial candidates. Plant-derived natural compounds have historically played a crucial role in the development of antibiotics, serving as a rich source of substances possessing antimicrobial properties. Numerous studies have supported the reputation of 6-gingerol, a prominent compound found in the ginger family, for its antibacterial properties. In this study, the antibacterial activities of 6-gingerol were evaluated against Gram-negative bacteria, <em>Acinetobacter baumannii</em> and <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em>, with a particular focus on the clinically significant Gram-negative <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> and Gram-positive bacteria <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>. Furthermore, the anti-virulence activities were assessed <em>in vitro</em>, <em>in vivo</em>, and <em>in silico</em>. The current findings showed that 6-gingerol’s antibacterial activity is due to its significant effect on the disruption of the bacterial cell membrane and efflux pumps, as it significantly decreased the efflux and disrupted the cell membrane of <em>S. aureus</em> and <em>P. aeruginosa</em>. Furthermore, 6-gingerol significantly decreased the biofilm formation and production of virulence factors in <em>S. aureus</em> and <em>P. aeruginosa</em> in concentrations below MICs. The anti-virulence properties of 6-gingerol could be attributed to its capacity to disrupt bacterial virulence-regulating systems; quorum sensing (QS). 6-Gingerol was found to interact with QS receptors and downregulate the genes responsible for QS. In addition, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results indicated that 6-gingerol showed a comparable binding affinity to the co-crystalized ligands of different <em>P. aeruginosa</em> QS targets as well as stable interactions during 100 ns MD simulations. These findings suggest that 6-gingerol holds promise as an anti-virulence agent that can be combined with antibiotics for the treatment of severe infections.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424000914/pdfft?md5=db3fa4efd33050aaef867023a17d9f36&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424000914-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140187779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safety of prolonged use of metoclopramide and domperidone as treatment for chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility disorders in patients with systemic sclerosis","authors":"Saad Alkhowaiter ,&nbsp;Maha M. Al Rasheed ,&nbsp;Nuha Alammar ,&nbsp;Ammar Alotaibi ,&nbsp;Mansour Altuwaijri ,&nbsp;Suliman Alshankiti ,&nbsp;Mohammed A. Omair ,&nbsp;Majid Alsahafi","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102039","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Metoclopramide and domperidone are prokinetic agents commonly used to treat gastrointestinal dysmotility disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and associated side effects of prolonged-use metoclopramide and domperidone as treatment for chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility disorders in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A quantitative observational survey was conducted by interview questionnaire in rheumatology outpatients at a tertiary teaching hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study included all patients aged 25–80 years diagnosed with SSc. All patients were on metoclopramide or domperidone for the treatment of chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility symptoms over at least 12 weeks.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Eighteen eligible patients were included. Most study participants were diagnosed with SSc complicated by interstitial lung disease (n = 13; 72.2 %). The most frequently reported side effect that occurred while taking prokinetic drugs was shortness of breath (n = 12; 66.7 %). None of the participants reported experiencing depression, galactorrhea, or syncope. CNS side effects were reported in 5.6 %. There were no differences in side effects based on the type and dosage of prokinetic drug used.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Use of metoclopramide and domperidone for the treatment of chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility in SSc patients for 12 weeks or longer was not associated with any troublesome side effects. Further studies with more participants are needed to confirm our findings.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424000896/pdfft?md5=a3d643fae2c6fb1d42d0ae61daadd53d&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424000896-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140187751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and evaluation of sildenafil/glycyrrhizin-loaded nanofibers as a potential novel buccal delivery system for erectile dysfunction","authors":"Ali A. Alamer ,&nbsp;Abdullah A. Alshehri ,&nbsp;Alhassan H. Aodah ,&nbsp;Fahad A. Almughem ,&nbsp;Hamzah A. Alghmadi ,&nbsp;Amer S. Alali ,&nbsp;Abdulrahman A. Halwani ,&nbsp;Mohammed Muqtader Ahmed ,&nbsp;Essam A. Tawfik","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102038","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a growing health condition that needs safe and effective therapy. One of the main common treatments is sildenafil which is used in clinics for managing erectile dysfunction by enhancing the blood supply to the penis. In the current study, sildenafil was formulated as nanofibers and mixed with the root extract of <em>Glycyrrhiza glabra</em> (glycyrrhizin) as a natural sweetener to be administrated in the buccal cavity for enhanced drug bioavailability, rapid drug absorption and improved patient compliance. The formulated dual-loaded nanofibers were evaluated by measuring diameter, disintegration, drug loading efficiency, drug release profile, and <em>in vitro</em> cell viability assessment. The results showed that the sildenafil/glycyrrhizin-loaded fibers had a diameter of 0.719 ± 0.177 μm and lacked any beads and pores formation on their surfaces. The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency for sildenafil were measured as 52 ± 7 µg/mg and 67 ± 9 %, respectively, while they were 290 ± 32 μg/mg and 94 ± 10 %, respectively, for glycyrrhizin. The release rate of sildenafil and glycyrrhizin demonstrated a burst release in the first minute, followed by a gradual increment until a complete release after 120 min. The <em>in vitro</em> cell viability evaluation exhibited that the application of sildenafil and glycyrrhizin is safe upon 24-hour treatment on human skin fibroblast cells at all used concentrations (i.e., ≤ 1,000 and 4,000 μg/mL, respectively). However, the application of sildenafil-glycyrrhizin combination (in a ratio of 1:4) demonstrated more than 80 % cell viability at concentrations of ≤ 250 and 1000 μg/mL, respectively, following 24-hour cell exposure. Therefore, sildenafil/glycyrrhizin dual-loaded PVP nanofibers showed a potential buccal therapeutic approach for erectile dysfunction management.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424000884/pdfft?md5=78347094ddf4668f07d9453c0d8597f9&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424000884-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140163636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Virtual reality in experiential pharmacy education: A quasi-experimental study","authors":"Nora Alkhudair ,&nbsp;Fatma Alrayes ,&nbsp;Dalal Alsehli ,&nbsp;Shahad AlRayes","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Extended reality (XR) technologies are an umbrella term for simulated-based learning tools that cover 3-dimensional technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). At King Saud University, first-year pharmacy students are required to experience hospital observational training during the Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE). We aimed to measure the effectiveness and satisfaction of the VR learning experience among IPPE students.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A Quasi-Experimental study was conducted. The experimental arm included first-year PharmD students. VR headset was used to watch three narrated videos capturing 360° views of the outpatient, inpatient pharmacy, and counseling clinic. A test measuring students’ general knowledge was required prior to and post the experience, followed by a satisfaction survey. The control arm included second-year PharmD students who had traditional hospital visits and were administered a knowledge test and satisfaction survey.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 336 students were enrolled, 174 in the experimental arm and 162 in the control arm. The results showed improvement in the knowledge scores average among the experimental arm, 1.9 vs 3.5 in the pre-test and post-test. The control arm had a comparable score with an average of 3.7. Regarding self-assessment using four 5-likert scales assessing pharmacist role, skills, and responsibilities, 31.8 % and 42 % in the experimental arm compared to 28.9 % and 28.9 % in the control group answered strongly agree and agree, respectively. Regarding satisfaction, using five 5-Likert scales assessing the experience time, quality, and content, 53 % and 25 % in the experimental group compared to 34 % and 23 % in the control group answered strongly agree and agree, respectively.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>VR provides pharmacy students with a standardized and effective learning and training experience. The experimental arm reported higher satisfaction rates and self-reported outcomes. Thus, implementing VR experiences within the pharmacy curriculum will provide students with an advanced educational advantage.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424000781/pdfft?md5=451f29cb80b45869e3d0fe79ea3cc100&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424000781-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140154457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The amelioration effect of antidiabetic agents on cytokine expression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus","authors":"Abeer M. Abd El-Hameed ,&nbsp;Areej A. Eskandrani ,&nbsp;Eman Salah Abdel-Reheim ,&nbsp;Adel Abdel Moneim ,&nbsp;Wessam Addaleel","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102029","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102029","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Inflammation is a condition that is closely linked to diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), short for T2DM several different antidiabetic medications have been produced to regulate hyperglycemia, with indications that these therapies may have anti-inflammatory effects along with their glucose-lowering efficacy. Thus, this research was planned to explore the impact of antidiabetic agents on the cytokine expression levels —interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-37 when patients have T2DM.</p><p>In this study, 168 eligible subject matter was split into two groups: 50 healthy individuals and 118 cases with T2DM, who were classified into two subgroups: 30 untreated patients and 88 patients treated with metformin-based therapy.</p><p>The outcome exhibited a significant increase within HbA1c% and proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-1β, IL- 6, and IL-17), whereas IL-37 decreased considerably in untreated cases with T2DM compared to those in subjects who are healthy. Furthermore, the results showed increased levels Regarding waist size, body mass index and assessment using that homeostasis model, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein levels, and heart danger elements in untreated cases with T2DM in comparison with hygienic subjects. Notably, treated patients with T2DM revealed an ameliorative impact on HbA1c, IL-6, IL-17, IL-37, IL-1β levels and lipid profile compared with untreated patients with T2DM.</p><p>Antidiabetic agents may have a beneficial activity on the inflammatory status by reducing blood glucose levels, hyperlipidemia, and proinflammatory cytokines. The anti-inflammatory activity of IL-37 can apply a potentially effective therapeutic goal in treating T2DM and its complications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424000793/pdfft?md5=6194eff2774781a0c3095f378836b2e0&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424000793-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140154340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}