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Frontiers in Public Health 2024Proper disposal of unwanted medicines, in addition to reducing wastage, has a positive impact on the environment and public health. Improper disposal of medications...
BACKGROUND
Proper disposal of unwanted medicines, in addition to reducing wastage, has a positive impact on the environment and public health. Improper disposal of medications increases the risk of accidental poisonings, particularly among children. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding the proper disposal of unused medicines in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.
METHOD
From 30 July to 30 August 2023, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the public in Gondar city. The data were gathered using the Kobo toolbox, exported into an Excel sheet, and then analyzed using SPSS version 27. Multivariate and bivariate binary logistic regressions were performed. A -value of 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine statistical significance.
RESULT
From 786 study participants, the overall knowledge and attitude of the community toward the proper disposal of unused medicines were 42.6 and 42.9%, respectively. Factors identified in this study included ages between 19 and 25 [AOR = 6.91, 95% CI: (3.45, 13.84); education level: secondary [AOR = 11.82, 95% CI: (1.01, 3.29)] and college and above [AOR = 5.68, 95% CI: (2.25, 14.30)]; prior information [AOR = 6.41; 95% CI: (4.02, 10.22)]; and good attitudes [AOR = 2.11; 95% CI: (1.47, 3.02)]] as factors associated with good knowledge toward proper disposal of unused medicines. In addition, receiving information [AOR = 1.86 95% CI: (1.22, 2.86)], taking medication in the past 6 months [AOR = 1.61, 95% CI: (1.09, 2.38)], and being knowledgeable [AOR = 2.07 95% CI: (1.46, 2.94)] were factors contributing to positive attitudes toward the disposal of unused medicines among the general public. Furthermore, approximately 369 participants (46.9%) in our study lacked awareness about the harmful effects of disposing of unused medicine in regular waste.
CONCLUSION
A relatively low level of knowledge and attitudes about the proper disposal of unused medications is present in the community. In this regard, a well-coordinated and methodical public awareness campaign is recommended to disseminate information and promote the appropriate disposal of unused medications.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Adult; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Adolescent; Refuse Disposal; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Medical Waste Disposal
PubMed: 38932773
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1372739 -
Pharmaceutical Development and... Jun 2024Over the past decades, opium derivatives have been discovered as new anti-cancer agents. In our study, Fe3O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs) decorated with...
Over the past decades, opium derivatives have been discovered as new anti-cancer agents. In our study, Fe3O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs) decorated with chitosan were loaded with papaverine or noscapine to surmount dug delivery-related obstacles. Modifying the magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) surface with polymeric materials such as chitosan prevents oxidation and provides a site for drug linkage, which renders them a great drug carrier. The obtained systems were characterized by DLS (20- 40 nm were achieved for MNPs and medicine loaded MNPs),TEM (spherical with average size of 11-20 nm)FTIR, XRD, and VSM (71.3 - 42.8 emu/g). Contrary to noscapine, papaverine-magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) attenuated 4T1 murine breast cancer cell proliferation (11.50 ± 1.74 µg/ml) effectively compared to the free drug (62.35 ± 2.88 µg/ml) while sparing L-929 fibroblast cells (138.14 ± 4.38 µg/ml). Furthermore, SPION and SPION-chitosan displayed no cytotoxic activity. Colony-formation assay confirmed the long-term cytotoxicity of nanostructures. Both developed formulations promoted ROS production accompanied by late apoptotic cell death. The biocompatible nanoparticle exerted an augmenting effect to deliver papaverine to metastatic breast cancer cells.
PubMed: 38932720
DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2024.2372568 -
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety Jun 2024Fomepizole is a competitive alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor used for the treatment of ethylene glycol and methanol poisoning. We evaluated the safety and effectiveness...
Real-world safety and effectiveness of intravenous fomepizole in patients with ethylene glycol and methanol poisoning in Japan: results of a 7-year post-marketing surveillance study.
BACKGROUND
Fomepizole is a competitive alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor used for the treatment of ethylene glycol and methanol poisoning. We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of fomepizole in patients with ethylene glycol or methanol poisoning in Japan.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This retrospective post-marketing surveillance study conducted in Japan registered patients who received fomepizole intravenous infusion per the package insert (January 2015-June 2022). Endpoints included adverse drug reactions/infections (ADRs), arterial blood pH, and treatment outcomes.
RESULTS
Of 147 patients registered (91 institutions), 131 and 126 were included in the safety and effectiveness analysis set, respectively. Mean age was 43.6 years, and 66.4% were male. Mean time from poison ingestion to treatment was 15.1 hours; 66.4% received concomitant hemodialysis. No serious ADRs were reported. ADRs were reported in seven patients; the most-reported ADR was vomiting (2.3%). Seven patients died, 105 survived without sequelae, and 19 survived with sequelae. Most common sequelae were renal failure or renal dysfunction. Mean arterial blood pH increased to 7.4 by 4 hours of treatment, remaining stable for 24 hours post-treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
Fomepizole is well tolerated and helps improve clinical outcomes in patients with ethylene glycol or methanol poisoning in Japan.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Japanese Pharmaceutical Information Center (JapicCTI-152817).
PubMed: 38932699
DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2024.2372410 -
Viruses May 2024Seroprevalence of lyssaviruses in certain bat species has been proven in the Republic of Croatia, but there have been no confirmed positive bat brain isolates or human...
Seroprevalence of lyssaviruses in certain bat species has been proven in the Republic of Croatia, but there have been no confirmed positive bat brain isolates or human fatalities associated with bat injuries/bites. The study included a retrospective analysis of bat injuries/bites, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and geographic distribution of bat injuries in persons examined at the Zagreb Antirabies Clinic, the Croatian Reference Centre for Rabies. In the period 1995-2020, we examined a total of 21,910 patients due to animal injuries, of which 71 cases were bat-related (0.32%). Of the above number of patients, 4574 received rabies PEP (20.87%). However, for bat injuries, the proportion of patients receiving PEP was significantly higher: 66 out of 71 patients (92.95%). Of these, 33 received only the rabies vaccine, while the other 33 patients received the vaccine with human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG). In five cases, PEP was not administered, as there was no indication for treatment. Thirty-five of the injured patients were biologists or biology students (49.29%). The bat species was confirmed in only one of the exposure cases. This was a serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus), a known carrier of . The results showed that the bat bites were rather sporadic compared to other human injuries caused by animal bites. All bat injuries should be treated as if they were caused by a rabid animal, and according to WHO recommendations. People who come into contact with bats should be strongly advised to be vaccinated against rabies. Entering bat habitats should be done with caution and in accordance with current recommendations, and nationwide surveillance should be carried out by competent institutions and in close collaboration between bat experts, epidemiologists and rabies experts.
Topics: Rabies; Chiroptera; Humans; Animals; Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; Croatia; Female; Bites and Stings; Adult; Male; Retrospective Studies; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Rabies Vaccines; Adolescent; Child; Rabies virus; Aged; Child, Preschool; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Lyssavirus
PubMed: 38932168
DOI: 10.3390/v16060876 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The extensive use of rodenticides poses a severe threat to non-target species, particularly birds of prey and scavengers. In this study, a GC-MS/MS-based method was used...
The extensive use of rodenticides poses a severe threat to non-target species, particularly birds of prey and scavengers. In this study, a GC-MS/MS-based method was used to unlock the cause of bird deaths in Poland. Organs (liver, heart, kidney, and lungs) collected during autopsies of two rooks () and one carrion crow (), as well as fecal samples, were analyzed for the presence of anticoagulant coumarin derivatives, i.e., warfarin and bromadiolone. As for warfarin, the highest concentration was found in crow samples overall, with concentrations in the feces and lungs at 5.812 ± 0.368 µg/g and 4.840 ± 0.256 µg/g, respectively. The heart showed the lowest concentration of this compound (0.128 ± 0.01 µg/g). In the case of bromadiolone, the highest concentration was recorded in the liver of a rook (16.659 ± 1.499 µg/g) and this concentration significantly exceeded the levels in the other samples. By revealing the reality of the threat, these discoveries emphasize the need to regulate and monitor the trade in rodenticides.
PubMed: 38931431
DOI: 10.3390/ph17060764 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Accidental poisonings by ingesting conjunctival fluid mixed with eye drops commonly involve alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists and tetrahydrozoline. These substances... (Review)
Review
Accidental poisonings by ingesting conjunctival fluid mixed with eye drops commonly involve alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists and tetrahydrozoline. These substances are recognized in commonly reported ingestions. Victims of all ages, otherwise in good health, often present as pale and lethargic to the emergency department (ED) after unintentionally ingesting topical eye medication. While eye drop poisoning cases in childhood include accidents during the play and poisonings in adults mean either suicide attempts or side effects caused by the systemic absorption of the substance, fluid of the ocular surface is a risk to all age groups. With this in mind, this study aimed to summarize data in the literature on tetrahydrozoline and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists as dangerous medications, even when administered in low-bioavailability forms, such as eye drops. With this aim, a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-compliant systematic review of relevant studies was conducted. A search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost yielded nine studies that met the rigorous inclusion criteria. The primary studies were subject to a meta-analysis once a quality appraisal of the studies and a narrative synthesis of the extracted data had been conducted. The author hopes that this information will provide observations that will lead to better designs for over-the-counter eye drops, off-label drug usage policies, and parental attention.
PubMed: 38931425
DOI: 10.3390/ph17060758 -
Nutrients Jun 2024The excessive employment of acetaminophen (APAP) is capable of generating oxidative stress and apoptosis, which ultimately result in acute liver injury (ALI)....
The excessive employment of acetaminophen (APAP) is capable of generating oxidative stress and apoptosis, which ultimately result in acute liver injury (ALI). polysaccharides (GLPs) exhibit hepatoprotective activity, yet the protective impact and potential mechanism of GLPs in relation to APAP-induced ALI remain ambiguous. The intention of this research was to scrutinize the effect of GLPs on APAP-induced ALI and to shed light on their potential mechanism. The results demonstrated that GLPs were capable of notably alleviating the oxidative stress triggered by APAP, as shown through a significant drop in the liver index, the activities of serum ALT and AST, and the amounts of ROS and MDA in liver tissue, along with an increase in the levels of SOD, GSH, and GSH-Px. Within these, the hepatoprotective activity at the high dose was the most conspicuous, and its therapeutic efficacy surpassed that of the positive drug (bifendate). The results of histopathological staining (HE) and apoptosis staining (TUNEL) indicated that GLPs could remarkably inhibit the necrosis of hepatocytes, the permeation of inflammatory cells, and the occurrence of apoptosis induced by APAP. Moreover, Western blot analysis manifested that GLPs enhanced the manifestation of Nrf2 and its subsequent HO-1, GCLC, and NQO1 proteins within the Nrf2 pathway. The results of qPCR also indicated that GLPs augmented the expression of antioxidant genes Nrf2, HO-1, GCLC, and NQO1. The results reveal that GLPs are able to set off the Nrf2 signaling path and attenuate ALI-related oxidative stress and apoptosis, which is a potential natural medicine for the therapy of APAP-induced liver injury.
Topics: Acetaminophen; Oxidative Stress; Apoptosis; Reishi; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Animals; Male; Polysaccharides; Signal Transduction; Liver; Mice; Fungal Polysaccharides; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38931214
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121859 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Aluminum (Al) toxicity in acidic soils can significantly reduce peanut yield. The physiological response of peanut leaves to Al poisoning stress still has not been fully...
Aluminum (Al) toxicity in acidic soils can significantly reduce peanut yield. The physiological response of peanut leaves to Al poisoning stress still has not been fully explored. This research examined the influences of Al toxicity on peanut leaves by observing the leaf phenotype, scanning the leaf area and perimeter, and by measuring photosynthetic pigment content, physiological response indices, leaf hormone levels, and mineral element accumulation. Fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) was utilized to determine the relative transcript level of specific genes. The results indicated that Al toxicity hindered peanut leaf development, reducing their biomass, surface area, and perimeter, although the decrease in photosynthetic pigment content was minimal. Al toxicity notably affected the activity of antioxidative enzymes, proline content, and MDA (malondialdehyde) levels in the leaves. Additionally, Al poisoning resulted in the increased accumulation of iron (Fe), potassium (K), and Al in peanut leaves but reduced the levels of calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg). There were significant changes in the content of hormones and the expression level of genes connected with hormones in peanut leaves. High Al concentrations may activate cellular defense mechanisms, enhancing antioxidative activity to mitigate excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and affecting hormone-related gene expression, which may impede leaf biomass and development. This research aimed to elucidate the physiological response mechanisms of peanut leaves to Al poisoning stress, providing insights for breeding new varieties resistant to Al poisoning.
PubMed: 38931038
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121606 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024In this work, a novel formaldehyde sensor was constructed based on nanoporous, flower-like, Pb-containing Pd-Au nanoparticles deposited on the cathode in a double-cabin...
In this work, a novel formaldehyde sensor was constructed based on nanoporous, flower-like, Pb-containing Pd-Au nanoparticles deposited on the cathode in a double-cabin galvanic cell (DCGC) with a Cu plate as the anode, a multiwalled carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode as the cathode, a 0.1 M HClO aqueous solution as the anolyte, and a 3.0 mM PdCl + 1.0 mM HAuCl + 5.0 mM Pb(ClO) + 0.1 M HClO aqueous solution as the catholyte, respectively. Electrochemical studies reveal that the stripping of bulk Cu can induce underpotential deposition (UPD) of Pb during the galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) process, which affects the composition and morphology of Pb-containing Pd-Au nanoparticles. The electrocatalytic activity of Pb-containing nanoparticles toward formaldehyde oxidation was examined in an alkaline solution, and the experimental results showed that formaldehyde mainly caused direct oxidation on the surface of Pb-containing Pd-Au nanoparticles while inhibiting the formation of CO poison to a large degree. The proposed formaldehyde sensor exhibits a linear amperometric response to formaldehyde concentrations from 0.01 mM to 5.0 mM, with a sensitivity of 666 μA mM cm, a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.89 μM at triple signal-to-noise, rapid response, high anti-interference ability, and good repeatability.
PubMed: 38930837
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122772 -
Microorganisms May 2024Avocado tree wilt is a disease caused by Rands. Recently, this disease has been associated to , another causal agent. Avocado tree wilt is being currently controlled...
Avocado tree wilt is a disease caused by Rands. Recently, this disease has been associated to , another causal agent. Avocado tree wilt is being currently controlled with synthetic fungicides that kill beneficial microorganisms, polluting the environment and leading to resistance problems in plant pathogens. The current research work aims to provide alternative management using extracts from W. and L. to control the development of mycelia in in vitro. Raw extracts were prepared at UAAAN Toxicology Laboratory, determining the inhibition percentages, inhibition concentrations and inhibition lethal times. Several concentrations of the plant extracts were evaluated using the poisoned medium methodology, showing that both extracts control and inhibit mycelial development, in particular , which inhibits mycelial growth at concentrations lower than 80 mg/L, being lower than extracts. These extracts are promising candidates for excellent control of .
PubMed: 38930427
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061045