International Journal of Pharmacy & Integrated Health Sciences
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TRANSITION METAL PIPERATES: SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
No full textBackground: The chemistry and efficacy of metal complexes have been investigated extensively since the start of the 20th century, and various methods of synthesis have also been studied to prepare effective metal coordination complexes. Objectives: The current study was conducted to prepare metal complexes of Co(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) using piperic acid under reflux conditions and to assess their pharmacological activity. Methodology: The complexes were characterized by physical measurements, FTIR, UV/Visible, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The pharmacological activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated using in vitro antibacterial and alkaline phosphatase enzyme inhibition assays. Results: The spectroscopic analysis showed that the compounds were well prepared and spectra were clearly detected. Molar conductance by atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to assess the metal content in the complexes. Antibacterial activity was assessed using different bacterial strains of B. licheniformis, B. subtilis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, P. mirabilis, and P. aeruginosa by the well diffusion method. The cobalt(II) and zinc(II) complexes showed very high activity against K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, and P. aeruginosa. Likewise, strong inhibitory activity of all synthesized metal complexes was observed against alkaline phosphatase (ALP), especially the Zn complex, which showed 90% inhibition. Again, the Zn(II) complex of piperic acid was found to be highly active against ALP. Conclusion: Complexes of Zn and Co piperates are promising candidates for further development as antibacterial and enzyme inhibitory agents. Metal complexes are a vital component of coordination chemistry
DETERMINATION OF MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII CAUSING VAP: A STUDY REPORT FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, LAHORE-PAKISTAN
No full textBackground: Worldwide, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. In developing countries, multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria cause VAP, and, unfortunately, resistance to a broad range of antibiotics challenges the appropriate use of empirical antibiotic therapy. Objectives: This study aims to find the multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii causing VAP at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Determining these MDR bacteria may help in choosing better therapeutic options and treatment strategies. Methodology: For the current observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, data were collected from VAP patients, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed. MDR A. baumannii strains are defined when the isolate resists≥1 antibiotic in 3 or more antimicrobial categories. The data was analysed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Results: All the isolates causing VAP are MDR (100%) and are more prevalent in females. Antibiotic resistance was found in all tested antibiotics except polymyxin B (0%), colistin (17.1%), and doxycycline (34.3%). The highest frequency of these MDR bugs was in the age group ≤1 year or 41-70 years. Conclusions: In the current setting, A. baumannii causing VAP is MDR, non-susceptible to all tested antibiotics except doxycycline and polymyxins. Thus, in the future, more studies with large sample sizes and properly implemented precautionary measures are needed to prevent MDR A. baumannii VAP
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG WOMEN IN PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
No full textBackground: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that affects women after childbirth. Early recognition of PPD is crucial for preventing worsening of maternal mental health. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes about PPD among women in Pakistan. Methodology: A descriptive, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted for 3 months in 3 public and 3 private sector hospitals in Lahore to collect data from 330 pregnant females at any gestational age, those with routine checkups 40 days after delivery, or those who came for treatment of PPD. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were used to compute frequencies, and regression analysis was applied to determine factors influencing knowledge about PPD. Results: Knowledge about PPD was low, with a common misconception that it only exists with suicidal thoughts (57.3%) and occurs in females with previous psychological issues (64.3%). The majority of females (90%) had poor attitudes, believing that PPD would resolve on its own. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between age and knowledge about PPD. Univariate analysis revealed that participants aged 31–35 (OR 2.09; p = 0.05) and >35 years (OR 2.26; p = 0.04) were more likely to have good knowledge than those aged <25 years. Educational level, family income, and area of residence did not significantly influence knowledge of PPD. Conclusion: The study revealed low levels of knowledge regarding PPD. Increasing educational awareness is crucial for improving PPD recognition and management
IN-SILICO APPROACH FOR PREDICTING HUMAN MICRORNA TARGETS AGAINST DENGUE VIRUS
No full textBackground: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression and play critical roles in the host immune response and viral pathogenesis. Dengue virus (DENV), a mosquito-borne pathogen, remains a major public health concern worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to identify human miRNAs with the potential to target the DENV genome using computational prediction tools, including RNA22, RNAhybrid, and miRanda, to explore possible miRNA–mRNA interactions. By predicting their binding sites on the viral genome, the study seeks to pinpoint human-derived miRNAs that may exert antiviral effects against DENV. Additionally, it evaluates how these miRNAs interact with viral proteins to investigate their potential role in inhibiting dengue virus replication. Methodology: CLC Genome Workbench was used to analyze the full DENV genome sequence obtained from NCBI. The miRBase database contained 2658 human miRNAs. The DENV genome’s miRNA target sites were predicted using three computational tools: RNAhybrid, miRanda, and RNA22. The stability and binding affinity of the identified miRNAs were evaluated using molecular docking and sequence conservation analyses, with an emphasis on the NS2A protein. Results: The study identified several miRNA-binding sites throughout the dengue viral genome. Hsa-miR-2110 demonstrated robust interactions with NS2A, NS3, NS1, and the envelope (E) protein. The strong binding affinity of hsa-miR-2110 to the NS2A protein was validated by molecular docking, suggesting a potential role in inhibiting viral replication. The core nucleotide sequence is crucial for miRNA binding across many DENV strains, as indicated by sequence conservation analysis. Conclusion: This computational analysis underscores the potential regulatory role of human miRNAs in dengue virus infection. The findings suggest that hsa-miR-2110 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for antiviral interventions. However, its efficacy in inhibiting DENV replication and its applicability in miRNA-based therapies require further experimental validation
COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE ON ANTICANCER HERBS: ETHNOBOTANICAL INSIGHTS, PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILES AND EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION
No full textCancer continues to pose a serious public health problem globally, and ongoing research into other therapy modalities has included the utilization of botanicals from traditional medicine. Objective:This review systematically compiles and critically evaluates herbs traditionally used in cancer treatment, focusing on their ethnobotanical relevance and available experimental evidence to highlight their potential as alternative or complementary therapeutic options in cancer management. Methodology: Literature was accessed from ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, SpringerLink, and Web of Science between 2000 and 2024, with a focus on research reporting anticancer activity supported by in vitro or in vivo evidence. Results: A total of 198 plant species across 73 families were found, Apiaceae (12.6%), Lamiaceae (8.1%), and Liliaceae (6.1%) were the best represented. Leaves contributed 41.9% of the plant material used, followed by roots (24.2%) and bark (14.1%), indicating a shift towards sustainable collection. The phytochemical content showed flavonoids (23.7%) as the dominant phytochemical, followed by alkaloids (17.2%), terpenes (12.4%), and saponins (9.6%), which are pro-apoptotic, cell cycle arrest-inducing, and tumor cell proliferation inhibitors. Most notably, 38% of the plants tested were strongly active against breast cancer cell lines, and 24% and 19% against liver and colorectal cancer cell lines, respectively. Conclusion: This study highlights the enormous pharmacological potential of traditional medicines and provides a rationale for future drug development and integrative oncology research. Overall, this study offers a thorough data repository for the scientific community engaged in cutting-edge cancer treatment research
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF VANCOMYCIN-BERBERINE CO-LOADED/MULTILAYERED LIPOSOMES FOR THE ORAL TREATMENT OF CLOSTRIDIOIDS DIFFICILE INDUCED COLITIS
No full textBackground: The current treatment strategies against Clostridioides difficile-induced colitis have severe side effects due to the non-specific distribution of drugs throughout the body. Objectives: This study introduces a novel pH-responsive, charge-reversal multilayer liposomal system combining vancomycin (VM) and berberine (BR) to achieve synergistic therapy and selective colon targeting. Methodology: Multilayered liposomes were prepared via electrostatic layer-by-layer deposition of positively charged glycol chitosan (GC) and negatively charged Eudragit S100 (ES), protecting in gastric conditions and pH-triggered charge reversal for targeted colonic drug release, followed by in vivo evaluation in a BALB/c mouse model of C. difficile–induced colitis. Results: The optimized Eudragit S100-Glycol chitosan-liposomes (ES-GC-LP) had an average vesicle size of 130.3 ±2.1 nm and a high entrapment efficiency of 71.2 ±3.6% with respect to VM. An in vivo study showed a ~60% reduction in the disease activity index compared with untreated infected controls, with marked improvement in biocompatibility and the absence of colonic inflammation when treated with ES-GC-LP. Conclusion: ES-GC-LP could be an effective oral treatment option for C. difficile-induced colitis
POST-OPERATIVE PAIN CONTROL MEDICATIONS PRESCRIBED ON DISCHARGE AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY AND GYNECOLOGICAL LAPAROSCOPY IN HAZARA DIVISION, PAKISTAN
No full textBackground: Appropriate discharge medication is essential for adequate postoperative pain control and prevention of complications in day-care surgical procedures. This study evaluated the discharge medication practices of the Day Surgery Unit (DSU) for patients undergoing cholecystectomy and gynecological laparoscopy. Objective: To assess the frequency, duration, and types of analgesics prescribed, as well as the antibiotics and adjunct medications provided at discharge following surgical procedures. Methodology: A one-year observational study was conducted in which discharge prescriptions of 316 patients were reviewed. The study population included 286 patients who underwent cholecystectomy and 30 patients who underwent gynecological laparoscopy. Demographic characteristics, indications for surgery, and prescribed medications were analyzed. Results: Cholelithiasis was the most common indication for cholecystectomy, accounting for approximately 83% of cases. The mean age of cholecystectomy patients was 43 years, with a female predominance (63%). Diclofenac sodium was the most frequently prescribed postoperative analgesic following cholecystectomy (93 prescriptions under various brand names), followed by Nuberol Forte (44 prescriptions). Analgesics were commonly co-prescribed with cefixime (56 prescriptions) and omeprazole (93 prescriptions). Among patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopy, paracetamol was the most commonly prescribed analgesic (20 prescriptions). Cefixime and metronidazole were prescribed to all 30 patients, while iron polymaltose and folic acid supplements were included in 26 prescriptions. Conclusion: Discharge medication practices in the DSU largely conform to recommended clinical guidelines, particularly regarding the use of NSAIDs and acetaminophen for postoperative pain management, indicating rational prescribing practices in day-care surgical settings
HARNESSING VACCINES AND MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES TO TACKLE ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
No full textBackground: The management of bacterial and viral infections has become increasingly difficult due to the rapid emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which compromises the effectiveness of existing therapies and poses a major global health threat. Objectives: This review aims to examine the key drivers of AMR, outline the mechanisms of action of antimicrobial agents and the molecular pathways leading to resistance, and evaluate the potential of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies as alternative and complementary strategies to combat AMR. Methodology: A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed articles addressing vaccines and monoclonal antibodies as interventions against AMR were included. Studies describing various vaccine platforms targeting infectious pathogens and laboratory-developed monoclonal antibodies providing passive immunization were critically analyzed. Data were synthesized to assess their mechanisms of action, clinical effectiveness, and potential impact on reducing antimicrobial use and resistance. Results: AMR may be intrinsic (natural) or acquired through genetic mutations and horizontal gene transfer. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobial agents, along with biological, environmental, and socioeconomic factors, significantly accelerate resistance development. Reduced antimicrobial efficacy leads to increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and rising healthcare costs worldwide. Both developed and developing countries are severely affected. Conclusions: Vaccines and monoclonal antibodies represent promising strategies to mitigate AMR by preventing infections and reducing dependence on conventional antimicrobial agents. Vaccines provide long-term protective immunity, while monoclonal antibodies offer targeted and immediate immune defense. Integrating these approaches into public health strategies may help curb the global burden of antimicrobial resistance
ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) AMONG UNDERGRADUATE PHARMACY STUDENTS: A PRE-POST INTERVENTIONAL STUDY
No full textBackground: Basic Life Support (BLS) is essential for improving survival in medical emergencies. However, undergraduate pharmacy students often have limited practical exposure to emergency response. Strengthening BLS competencies among future healthcare professionals is therefore crucial. Objectives: To assess the effect of structured BLS training on undergraduate pharmacy students by comparing pre- and post-intervention knowledge scores using a paired t-test, and to evaluate skills retention after one week using mean skills scores. Methodology: A pre–post educational interventional study was conducted among fourth-year undergraduate pharmacy students. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-related knowledge and practical skills were assessed before and after training using a self-administered questionnaire and a structured skills evaluation checklist. Results: The mean pre-test knowledge score was 6.1/10 (95% CI: 5.75–6.45; n=83), with only 6% (n=5) demonstrating high knowledge levels. After training, the mean post-test score significantly increased to 9.06/10 (95% CI: 8.82–9.29), with 77.1% (n=64) showing improvement. Paired sample t-test analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-test scores (t = −14.34, p < 0.001) with a very large effect size (1.57). The mean skills retention score after one week was 5.53/8 ± 2.26 (95% CI: 5.02–6.00), and 83% (n=69) of students demonstrated average to good skill retention. Conclusion: Structured BLS training significantly improved knowledge and short-term skills retention among pharmacy students. Although overall performance improved, gaps remained in certain critical procedural steps. Longer follow-up periods and periodic refresher training are recommended to ensure sustained competency. Incorporating structured, hands-on BLS training into the pharmacy curriculum may enhance emergency preparedness and clinical performance
IN SILICO APPROACH TO PREDICT HUMAN-DERIVED MIRNA TARGETS AGAINST COVID-19
No full textBackground: MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs, regulate gene expression and play a crucial role in antiviral defense. Computational tools, including RNA22, RNAhybrid, and miRanda, were used to predict miRNA–mRNA interactions and identify human miRNAs with potential activity against the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Among the candidates, hsa-miR-6515-5p and hsa-let-7c-3p were selected for further analysis based on predicted binding sites within the viral genome. Objectives: By targeting viral RNA, this study aims to identify human miRNAs with potential antiviral activity against COVID-19. Additionally, molecular docking was employed to assess interactions between selected miRNAs and the viral genome and to predict their binding sites. Methodology: The SARS-CoV-2 genome and human miRNA sequences were retrieved and analyzed using CLC Workbench and miRBase. Potential target sites were predicted using RNA22, miRanda, and RNAhybrid, visualized in RStudio, and modeled in three dimensions using MC-Fold, RNAComposer, and UCSF Chimera. miRNA–mRNA interactions were evaluated through HNADOCK, while expression profiles were validated using the EVmiRNA and miRmine databases. Results: Multiple putative miRNA binding sites were identified across the SARS-CoV-2 genome, with frequent targeting of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and other nonstructural proteins. Molecular docking revealed strong binding interactions between hsa-let-7c-3p and RdRp, as well as between hsa-miR-6515-5p and NSP3, suggesting their potential to inhibit viral replication. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of human miRNAs to regulate SARS-CoV-2 transcription. The identified miRNAs, particularly hsa-miR-6515-5p and hsa-let-7c-3p, emerge as promising candidates for antiviral intervention. However, further in vivo validation is required to confirm their efficacy in inhibiting viral replication and to support the development of miRNA-based therapeutic strategies against COVID-19