Knowledge, attitude, and practice of insulin among diabetic patients and pharmacists in Egypt: "cross-sectional observational study".

Background: Diabetes recently has been identified as a growing epidemic. Although insulin's vital role in both types of diabetes, it is considered one of the harmful medications if used incorrectly. In Egypt, effective usage of insulin remains a challenge due to insufficient knowledge of insulin and diabetes management, leading to errors in insulin therapy.

The effectiveness and pharmacoeconomic study of using different corticosteroids in the treatment of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Purpose: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are caused by inflammation and/or fibrosis of alveolar walls resulting in impaired gas exchange. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is the third most common type of ILDs. Corticosteroids are the mainstay treatment for HP.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Egypt: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy is a major problem. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted on a sample of the Egyptian population using an online survey distributed through social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn.

Effect of Metformin on Oxidative Stress and Left Ventricular Geometry in Nondiabetic Heart Failure Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

There is an increasing interest in using metformin in cardiovascular diseases and its potential new roles. Only two randomized controlled trials investigated the effect of metformin in nondiabetic heart failure (HF) patients. However, none of these studies assess the role of metformin in reducing oxidative stress.

The effect of vitamin K4 supplementation on insulin resistance in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the possible clinical effects of vitamin K4 supplementation in individuals with type 2 diabetes namely insulin resistance, glycaemic control, and lipid profile.

Methods: This was a prospective randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 106 patients were randomised to receive either 1 mg of vitamin K4 (menadiol diacetate) or placebo for 24 weeks.

Total Antioxidant Capacity and Prediabetes Are Associated with Left Ventricular Geometry in Heart-Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Few studies explored the association between total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and left ventricular (LV) geometry in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The current study aimed to assess factors associated with LV geometry in HFrEF patients with particular emphasis on oxidative stress and glycemic status. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2021 to September 2022.

Virtual clinical pharmacy training in the era of COVID-19: A report on undergraduate students' perceptions and academic performance.

Introduction: The study objective was to explore the impact of the complete virtual transition of in-hospital clinical training on students' academic performance and to assess students' perceptions of the overall experience.

Methods: In-hospital clinical training was delivered via distance learning using daily synchronous videoconferences for two successive weeks to 350 final-year pharmacy students. The Virtual Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University (VFOPCU) platform allowed trainees to virtually browse patient files interactively with their clinical instructors to simulate a typical rounding experience.

Daclatasvir as a hepatitis C infection treatment option: an up-to-date evaluation.

Introduction: Globally, it is estimated that 290,000 patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) died from hepatitis C consequences, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in 2019. Although daclatasvir (DCV), combined with sofosbuvir (SOF), is effective in HCV patients, the new pan-genotypic combinations are considered by many as more cost-effective and successful in eradicating HCV infection.

Areas Covered: This review discusses the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of DCV as an HCV treatment option based on real-world studies and pharmacoeconomic evaluations.

Effect of metformin on left ventricular mass and functional parameters in non-diabetic patients: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy is a common finding in patients with ischemic heart disease and is associated with mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Metformin, an antidiabetic drug, has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in animal hypertrophy models. We summarized evidence regarding the effect of metformin on LVMI and LVEF.

Testing P2Y12 platelet inhibitors generics beyond bioequivalence: a parallel single-blinded randomized trial.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Ticagrelor is an oral antiplatelet drug used in acute coronary syndrome. Although generic drugs are approved for their bioequivalence to the original product, they are not necessarily to be therapeutically equivalent.

Should Pharmacists Lead Medication Reconciliation in Critical Care? A One-Stem Interventional Study in an Egyptian Intensive Care Unit.

Objectives: The main objective was to compare physician-obtained medication histories to the practice of medication reconciliation undertaken by a pharmacist in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods: A one-stem interventional study involving 500 adults 18 years and older admitted to the ICU (50 beds) of an Egyptian Joint Commission International-accredited reference hospital was conducted. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of ICU patients with missing medications in the cohorts of physician versus pharmacist-led medication reconciliation.

Rifaximin microbial resistance and its efficacy and safety as a secondary prophylaxis of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis.

Background And Aim: Rifaximin is an oral antibiotic with promising efficacy in the reduction of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) recurrence. Development of microbial resistance to rifaximin is not studied yet in HE. The study aim was to assess the microbial resistance, safety and efficacy of rifaximin as secondary prophylaxis of HE.

Beta-thalassemia major alters sofosbuvir/ledipasvir exposure in Hepatitis C virus infected adolescent patients.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected adolescents with beta-thalassemia major (BTM) are considered a potential population for HCV micro-elimination model development where BTM may negatively impact the pharmacokinetic exposure parameters of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LED).

Objectives: The study aimed at studying the effect of BTM on SOF/LED and SOF metabolite (GS-331007) pharmacokinetics.

Methods: A prospective, controlled study recruiting BTM and control HCV infected adolescents (Clinicaltrials.

A prospective, randomised clinical study comparing triple therapy regimen to hydrocortisone monotherapy in reducing mortality in septic shock patients.

Objectives: This prospective, comparative and randomised clinical study evaluated the effectiveness of triple therapy regimen (hydrocortisone, thiamine and vitamin C) versus hydrocortisone alone in reducing the mortality rate and preventing progressive organ dysfunction in septic shock patients.

Methods: A total of 94 patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the first group received hydrocortisone 50 mg/6-h IV for 7 days or till intensive care unit (ICU) discharge, if sooner, followed by tapering. The second group received hydrocortisone 50 mg/6-h IV for 7 days or ICU discharge followed by tapering, vitamin C 1.

Antimicrobial stewardship solutions with a smart innovative tool.

Background: Antimicrobial consumption has been increasing lately. Hence, effective strategies are required to control antimicrobial use and decrease the development of antimicrobial resistance.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the use of a mobile app on the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) interventions.

The Impact of an Established Pharmaceutical Care Pathway on Drug Related Problems in an Intensive Care Unit.

Background: The incidence of drug related problems (DRPs) in intensive care units (ICU) is higher compared to any other wards in the hospital, requiring a structured pathway to ensure optimum detection of DRPs. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of implementing a pharmaceutical care pathway on the detection and management of DRPs in an ICU.

Methods: The study was conducted in a general ICU and included three phases: tool preparation phase included the development of a core measures reference pathway and daily working scenario flow-charts, a control phase where the patient files and pharmacists' case assessment notes were retrospectively reviewed to detect the rate of DRPs before pathway implementation and a prospective phase similar to the control phase but with the implementation of the new pathway.

Awareness of the Egyptian public about COVID-19: what we do and do not know.

To survey the health-seeking behaviors and perspectives of the Egyptian population toward the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive survey was designed and disseminated via social media platforms. The survey consisted of 32 questions addressing respondent's demographics, knowledge, practice, and attitude toward the COVID-19 pandemic.

Combined effect of high-dose vitamin A, vitamin E supplementation, and zinc on adult patients with diabetes: A randomized trial.

In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hyperglycemia leads to oxidative insult. Vitamins A and E have antioxidant potentials and may help in managing diabetes. The combined effect of high-dose vitamin A plus E supplementation with and without zinc on T2DM, has never been examined.

Short-term Effects of Alfacalcidol on Hospital Length of Stay in Patients Undergoing Valve Replacement Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in critically ill patients, and has been associated with more prolonged length of hospital stay and poor prognosis. Patients undergoing open-heart surgery are at higher risk due to the associated life-threatening postoperative complications. This study investigated the effect of alfacalcidol treatment on the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing valve-replacement surgery.

Anticoagulation outcomes in hospitalized Covid-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies.

Background: Coagulopathy and thromboembolic events are common in Covid-19 patients and are poor prognostic factors. Controversy exists regarding the potential of anticoagulation (AC) to reduce mortality and incidence of thromboembolic events in Covid-19 patients. The current systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association between anticoagulants and mortality in adult hospitalized COVID-19 patients using the available published non-randomized studies.

Enhanced skin targeting of retinoic acid spanlastics: characterization and clinical evaluation in acne patients.

is the most common dermatological disorder affecting millions of individuals. Acne therapeutic solutions include topical treatment with retinoic acid (RA) which showed a good efficacy in treatment of mild and moderate cases. However, the high prevalence of adverse events, such as skin dryness, shedding and skin irritation affects the patient convenience and obstruct the acne treatment.

The Effect of Telephone-Based Follow-Up on Adherence, Efficacy, and Toxicity of Oral Capecitabine-Based Chemotherapy.

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Nebulized Versus IV Amikacin as Adjunctive Antibiotic for Hospital and Ventilator-Acquired Pneumonia Postcardiac Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: Nebulized antibiotics offer high efficacy due to significant local concentrations and safety with minimal blood levels. This study evaluates the efficacy and nephrotoxicity of nebulized versus IV amikacin in postcardiothoracic surgical patients with nosocomial pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant Gram- negative bacilli.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled study on surgical patients divided into two groups.

Effect of alfacalcidol on the pulmonary function of adult asthmatic patients: A randomized trial.

Background: Despite the use of alfacalcidol in the management of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis, it has never been considered an adjunct treatment for asthma management. It can target vitamin D deficiency, a possible risk factor for asthma, and, hence, improve pulmonary function of patients with asthma.

Objective: To explore the effect of alfacalcidol administration on pulmonary function and study the pattern of vitamin D deficiency in adults with asthma in Egypt.