Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2018 in |
Introduction: Thirst and dry mouth are some of the most commonly observed symptoms in patients undergoing hemodialysis which can affect the quality of life of these patients. Finding uncomplicated, non-prescriptive solutions to reduce the dry mouth and irritation of these patients seems quite crucial. Since chewing sugar free gum is likely to alleviate these complications through increasing the flow of saliva, the present study was conducted to investigate the impact of sugar free gum on the thirst and dry mouth of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Materials and method: The present quasi-experimental study was performed on 50 patients undergoing hemodialysis who met inclusion criteria. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of sugar free gum chewing and control; the thirst and dry mouth of the patients were evaluated by means of a dialysis thirst quotient instrument (DTI, dry mouth measurement tools (XI), VAS). Patients of intervention group were told to chew sugar free gum for one week when they felt thirsty; however, the control group did not receive any intervention. The...
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Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2018 in |
Background: A crucial part of Continuing Education is Training needs assessment (TNA). TNA assists in design and development of relevant educational courses and training modules, which are valuable for health care professionals to improve their knowledge and skills in accordance to latest developments in the field of clinical practices. Methods: A qualitative study was designed constituting Focused group discussion (FGD) which included office bearers and a Questionnaire survey (Knowledge, Attitude and Practices-Training: KAP-T) that included dispensing pharmacists. FGD was basically to understand the training policy of organization and Questionnaire survey was to understand Practicing pharmacists Knowledge, Attitude and current Practices related to their tasks and assess their training and development requirements. Results: Out of total 229 participants enrolled, 25 office bearers participated in FGD; remaining 204 pharmacists participated in Questionnaire survey. FGD result revealed no organizational training plan existed and officials were not having any insight about training needs of Pharmacists. Questionnaire survey showed low response in terms of knowledge (3 – 9.3%) and low practice level (2.4 –...
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Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2018 in |
Objective: To determine the incidence, characteristics, predictors and cost associated with the management of adverse drug interactions (ADIs) in elderly population. Methods: The prospective, intensive and interventional study included all patients taking at least two medications who were elderly admitted to medicine or surgery wards of a tertiary care hospital and were followed untill discharge. ADIs were identified using standard references. Results: A total of 1992 drug-drug interactions were detected from 659 patients over the nine month study period. Incidence of Drug-Drug Interactions (DDI) and ADI was 59.05% and 7.34% respectively. About 5.9% of DDIs resulted in adverse reactions. Of the total Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) detected, 31.5% (89 ADIs in 82 patients) of ADRs were due to DDIs. Pharmacodynamic interactions accounted for 73.5% of DDIs. There was significant association between occurrence of ADIs with three or more diagnosed diseases, three or more chronic diseases, administration of >10 medications and >7 days of hospital stay. The total direct cost associated with the management of ADIs was INR 15, 638/-...
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Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2018 in |
4-androstene-3, 17-dione (4-AD) and androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD) are pharmaceutically important steroid intermediates produced by steroid biotransformation. Non-pathogenic mutants of saprophytic Mycobacterium have been used for production of 4-AD and ADD. Being an intracellular process, the substrate entry is the rate limiting step for 4-AD and ADD production. This biotransformation is also limited by hydrophobic nature of sterol substrates. Uniform dispersion of sterol substrates in aqueous biotransformation medium is desired for efficient 4-AD and ADD production. Tween 80, a non ionic detergent is a promising agent to improve dispersion of hydrophobic substrates. In this study, besides the biotransformation, effects of tween 80 on growth, aggregation, cell wall fluidity and mycolic acid contents of Mycobacterium sp. NRRL B-3805 were estimated. Presence of 20g/L tween 80 led to 380 % increase in biomass. No toxic effect on biomass accumulation was evident at any of the tested concentrations (0.31 to 20g/l). In presence of 1.24 g/L tween 80, biotransformation was shifted towards ADD, resulting in 121 % more ADD production. The ratio of 4...
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Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2018 in |
Objective: To evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of aqueous extract of Eupatorium birmanicum DC. leave (EB) alone and in combination with ethosuximide against seizure induced by PTZ in albino mice. Method: Aqueous extract of EB leaves was prepared using Soxhlet apparatus. The albino mice were fed with EB at 3 doses (200, 400 & 800 mg/kg). One hour after feeding, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was given at a dose of 60 mg/kg, s.c. after dissolving in distilled water, at the nape of the neck at a volume of 5 ml/kg to produce convulsion. The animals were observed for upto 30 mins after the PTZ challenge for onset of myoclonic spasm and clonic convulsion. The time of onset of myoclonic spasm and clonic convulsion were noted in seconds. Sub-anticonvulsant dose of ethosuximide was also determined and the effect of its combination with the most effective dose of EB tested. Results: The aqueous extract of Eupatorium birmanicum at doses 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800 mg/kg significantly (p<0.001) increased the latency of onset of myoclonic spasm...
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