Background Clinical pharmacists (CPs) play a vital role in detecting and solving drug therapy problems (DTPs). This is a common practice in hospitals; however, it can be applicable for outpatient settings as well. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually have multiple medication prescriptions and are at greater risk of medication errors (MEs) and/or DTPs. Objectives The aim of this work is to assess the prevalence of DTPs among prescriptions for patients with CKD attending for outpatient nephrology consultation and to highlight the role of CPs team in outpatient settings. Patients and methods This is a chart review study conducted at a private specialized nephrology clinic in Alexandria, Egypt. After taking informed consent from participants to use their medical data, CPs collected and evaluated 550 prescriptions for possible DTPs. Prescriptions were ordered by different health care providers for 49 adult patients with CKD who attended the clinic from April to November 2019. Data were classified and subcategorized accordingly. Statistical analysis was done, and results were expressed in numbers and percentages. Results and conclusion Of 550 reviewed prescriptions, 122 (22.2%) DTPs were detected and solved. Dosage regimen ranked the top DTP 40 (32.8%), and it was mainly related to: (a) vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements’ prescriptions [23 (18.9%)], (b) antihypertensive medications [20 (16.40%)], and (c) circulatory enhancers [11 (9.02%)]. To conclude: suboptimal dosing regimens are common problems encountered by the CPs team during routine patient care. CPs provided direct outpatient patient care, solved DTPs, and prevented possible MEs.

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In the present scenario in the market, an enormous growth of beauty products have become one of the leading industries in the world and the consumption and using of cosmetic products is increasing rapidly at an alarming rate. The survey mainly focused to understand the knowledge and perception of the commoners’ regarding the perception of using skincare products that also emphasize some important aspects related to the promotion of misleading health claims and magical cures and adverse reaction of skincare products among the Indian population. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May, 2020, and 200 participants responded in this online-based survey and data were collected using a predesigned questionnaire. The present studies showed that 61% of the common people use the skincare products daily and were average spenders on beauty products. The majority (81.5%) selected the product quality as the most important factor. Television and social media were indicated as the main influencing sources; however, only 20% responders reported adverse cosmetics events related to randomly purchased skincare products. This survey data contribute an idea regarding the perception and knowledge of the common people toward cosmetics and cosmetic advertisements so that awareness about rational cosmetics utilization practices can minimize adverse events.

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Background and objectives L-asparaginase (L-ASP) is a therapeutic enzyme used in the treatment of certain human cancers, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as a chemotherapeutic agent. Other than as an anticancer agent, it has many applications, including in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and antibacterial activity. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes are very effective producers and a better source of L-ASP because they can be easily cultivated, and it is also easy to extract and purify L-ASP. The aim of this study is to formulate the production medium and to pinpoint the proper growth conditions for the chosen microorganism producing highly active L-ASP enzyme. The general properties of the crude L-ASP enzyme preparation were also determined to define the proper conditions for enzyme action. Under the specified conditions, the opportunity of the crude L-ASP enzyme for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities was determined. Materials and methods Eight recommended microbial isolates were screened for biologically active L-ASP enzyme productivity. Optimization of the cultural conditions for extracellular L-ASP production and also the important properties of the crude L-ASP were duly pinpointed. Finally, biological activities of the crude enzyme were explored. Results and conclusion Among all the screened organisms, the fungal strain Penicillium janthinellum Biourge was the most potent producer of an influential L-ASP enzyme. The maximum L-ASP activity of 17.85±0.579 U/reaction was obtained from medium containing glucose 0.2% (w/v) and L-asparagine 1% (w/v) at 30°C and pH 6.2. The important properties of the crude P. janthinellum Biourge L-ASP were duly pinpointed as follows: optimum enzyme and substrate concentrations were 1 mg/ml and 1% (w/v), respectively, and optimum reaction pH and temperature were 10.7 and 45°C, respectively. Under the specified conditions, at varying concentrations, the enzyme preparation exhibited considerable 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity accompanied with nonantimicrobial activity, and this pointed out the necessity of partial purification of the crude fungal enzyme for further studies.

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Background The wild plant Haloxylon salicornicum is a desert shrub species that is present in North America and some Middle Eastern countries and is used as a source of vegetation. The reports demonstrated the significance of its bioactive compounds by extracting them with different solvents, such as hexane, methanol, and water fractions using standard extraction methods and evaluating their biological functions as antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. Objective To analyze the chemical compositions of H. salicornicum extracted by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) using the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. Materials and methods In this research, ethanol solvent and simple MAE with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis were used to classify the chemical compositions, and the ethanol extract was evaluated for antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl process, antibacterial activity, anticancer activity using liver cancer cells (HCAM) through apoptosis (AO/EB staining), and flow cytometry analysis for apoptosis and cell cycle arrest ratios. Results and conclusion The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry study revealed ∼33 compounds. H. salicornicum antioxidant activity was IC₅₀=4.120 μg/ml as compared with vitamin C IC₅₀=4.898 μg/ml as a positive regulation. Antibacterial activity of H. salicornicum extract showed a significant inhibition toward Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. H. salicornicum cytotoxicity against liver cancer cells (HCAM) at 1000 μg/ml showed a significant inhibition ratio (42.35%). The AO/EB staining revealed DNA damage and apoptosis in the morphology of the cells. Early and late apoptosis were established, and the cell cycle was stopped in G1 phase. Our findings indicate that H. salicornicum is a valuable medicinal plant with biological applications. As a result, future research will focus on isolating the responsible natural molecules using MAE and mechanic studies.

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Background Alzheimer’s dementia is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease that manifests as a disintegration of perception and memory. Objectives The current study evaluated the possible therapeutic effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and/or epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) combined with memantine on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats by evaluating the behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological changes. Materials and methods Rats were randomly allocated to 11 groups, each of which contained 16 rats. Six rats were used for biochemical tests, while ten rats were used for behavioral and histological examinations. Two behavioral assessments were conducted: an object-recognition test and a conditioned-avoidance test. The dopamine (DA) content of brain tissues was determined, as well as oxidative stress markers, such as superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxide end product malondialdehyde, and reduced glutathione. Besides, the activity of acetylcholine esterase (AchE), total antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory markers, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-one beta, were determined in serum. Furthermore, histological examinations of whole-brain tissues were made. Results Scopolamine-treated rats were administered memantine at a dose of 20 mg/kg, coenzyme Q10 at a dose of 10 mg/kg, and EGCG at a dose of 10 mg/kg, individually or in combination, resulting in an enhancement of cognitive impairment in the condition-avoidance and object-recognition tests, as well as an improvement in all oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory biomarkers, and histological examination. Conclusion Rats were administered memantine and pretreated by the combination of CoQ10 and EGCG, resulting in potentiating the memantine action in scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. The improvement in cognitive memory could be due to the synergistic effect of these drugs by decreasing AchE activity, DA level, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

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Background Apicomplexa is a phylum of single-celled, obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that are among the most common morbidity-causing diseases worldwide. This phylum contains a variety of intestinal protozoa of medicinal and veterinary interest, such as Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma. These parasites can be acquired orally, before infecting or infiltrating the intestinal epithelium. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is the only FDA-approved medicinal therapy currently in use. The conventional pharmacological therapies for toxoplasmosis include pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine; nevertheless, they have major limitations. The use of medicinal plants for treatment and to reduce dependence on chemical drugs has become an important goal for therapeutic research. Objective Intending to develop alternative therapeutic options to address these health problems, we examined the efficacy of an ethanol extract of Cyperus rotundus, which has been demonstrated to have antiparasitic and hepatoprotective effects against Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma in mice, with the goal of developing alternative therapeutic options to treat these health problems. Materials and methods A total sample of 72 male mice was used for the experiment, the animals were separated into two groups of 36 mice each: the first group was used to examine the activity of ethanol extract of C. rotundus against Cryptosporidium, and the second group was used to examine its activity against Toxoplasma. Each experimental model was divided into six subgroups of six mice each: the first group was noninfected nontreated, the second infected nontreated, third infected and treated with the standard drug, fourth and fifth infected and treated with C. rotundus at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively, and the sixth infected and received a combination of half doses of both drugs [C. rotundus (250 mg/kg/day) and half dose of the standard drug (NTZ or Spiramycin)]. The parasitological parameters and reduced glutathione, super oxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde levels in the liver homogenates were used to determine the infections and medication impacts. Results and conclusion The results showed a promising finding that ethanol Egyptian herbal extract of C. rotundus and its combination with the standard drugs NTZ and Spiramycin have a promising antiparasitic and hepatoprotective activity against murine cryptosporidiosis and toxoplasmosis, respectively. The combined therapies resulted in the highest effectiveness of standard medications.

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Background Cardiovascular diseases are a primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease as well as inflammation in postmenopausal women is higher than premenopausal women. Objective The present study investigated cardiac dysfunction elicited by estrogen deprivation and aging and assessed a possible beneficial impact of isoflavones compared with estradiol-replacement therapy. Materials and methods Forty aged female rats were equally divided into four groups. Except for sham-operated animals in group 1 (negative control), all other rats were ovariectomized. One month after surgery, animals were assigned to groups 3 and 4. Rats in the former group were treated with 17β-estradiol, 100 μg/kg, intramuscular, every other day. Animals in group 4 were administered soy isoflavones (SIF), 40 mg/kg/day orally. Treatments continued for 1 month. Results and conclusion Compared with control rats, ovariectomized animals showed cardiac dysfunction and inflammation evidenced by dyslipidemia and elevated serum creatine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, angiotensin II, cardiac malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, and serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels. These impacts were concurrent with significant decreases in cardiac catalase activity and total antioxidant capacity. Treatment with SIF was more effective in mitigating inflammation and cardiac dysfunction compared with estradiol-replacement therapy. Histopathological examination of heart tissues supports these biochemical findings. SIF are a safe and well-tolerated alternative to estradiol for improving cardiac dysfunction elicited by menopause and age.

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Background Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have proven a great inhibitory effect toward phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi, giving them the importance as natural biological control agents without hazards to the surrounding eco-system. Objective This study aims for the local isolation of a lactic acid bacterial strain active against different microorganisms especially phytopathogens. Materials and methods Of the 40 isolated bacterial strains, 36 were preliminarily characterized as LAB using both Gram staining and catalase test methods. Their antimicrobial activities were then tested against different bacterial and fungal strains. The most potent isolate was molecularly identified and tested, in vitro, on different pathogens, and then, in vivo, against infected Phaseolus vulgaris plants. Results and conclusion Results revealed that 17 isolates showed antimicrobial activities against Pectobacterium carotovorum and four of them were solely effective against Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition zones of diameters ranging between 0.4 and 0.8 cm). However, only isolate 32 showed satisfactory antimicrobial activity (inhibition zones of ∼0.8 cm) against both of the two aforementioned test microorganisms. Moreover, isolate 32, molecularly identified as Enterococcus faecium, was also found to be active against Fusarium solani phaseoli, a common phytopathogen fungus that affects many economically important crops. The addition of 1.5% (v/v) of the 24-h old fermentation broth of this isolate, in vitro, resulted in a shrinking percent of the fungus growth of more than 51% and gave very promising results when applied in the field experiment. Therefore, the use of the selected LAB culture broth as a bioagent to control some plant pathogens, as well as a plant growth stimulator, could be a promising approach to reduce the economic losses in agricultural crops.

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