Phyto-ecological studies and distribution patterns of subfamily Polygonoideae in relation to edaphic factors across diverse ecological zones.

The species of the subfamily Polygonoideae is an essential component of temperate forests as well as the flora of the western Himalayan region. The aim of this research was to explore the taxonomic diversity, distribution patterns, and associated flora of Polygonoideae in relation to edaphic factors in various ecological zones in the Muzaffarabad division of the Kashmir Western Himalayan Region. We applied a random sampling approach for data collection from 10 different sites with a cumulative 780 quadrats to record the diversity of wild Polygonoideae species across the Muzaffarabad division between 2021 and 2022.

The nexus between ecology of foraging and food security: cross-cultural perceptions of wild food plants in Kashmir Himalaya.

Background: Wild food plants (WFPs) play an important role in the traditional dietary habits of various indigenous communities worldwide, particularly in mountainous regions. To understand the dynamics of food preferences, cross-cultural studies on food plants should be conducted across diverse ethnic groups in a given area. In this context, the current study investigated the use of WFPs by seven different cultural groups in the Kashmir Himalayan Region.

The Evaluation of the Impact of Antibiotic De-escalation among Paediatric Patients Admitted to Tertiary Care Hospital in Ajman, UAE: A Cross-sectional Retrospective Observational Study.

Background: Antibiotic de-escalation therapy plays a vital role in reducing the risk of bacterial resistance across the globe. This study elucidates the significance, determinants, and outcomes pertaining to Antibiotic De-escalation (ADE). The ADE is acknowledged as a crucial component within Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs).

Characterization, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and growth promoting effects of biogenically synthesized silver nanoparticles derived from Dicliptera bupleuroides Nees.

One of the most important areas of nanotechnology is the use of nanoparticles (NPs) for a variety of environmental and biological applications, with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) gaining a lot attention due to their distinct properties. The current study deals with the synthesis of Ag-NPs from Dicliptera bupleuroides Nees leaf extract and to determine their antioxidant, antimicrobial potential and effects on wheat seed germination and growth. UV-Visible spectrum revealed a prominent absorption peak at 442 nm, elucidating the conformation of the Ag-NPs synthesis.

Students' Perception of Online Versus Face-to-Face Learning: What Do the Healthcare Teachers Have to Know?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions confronted the possibility of complete closure and took countermeasures by adapting e-learning platforms. The present cross-sectional study quantified the impact of the pandemic on medical education using a validated and reliable tool. The tool was used to explore the perceptions of 270 healthcare students about e-learning in comparison to traditional learning systems.

The local medicinal plant knowledge in Kashmir Western Himalaya: a way to foster ecological transition via community-centred health seeking strategies.

Background: The mountainous region of Kashmir is a biodiversity hotspot, with diverse local communities and a rich cultural history linked to nature. Mountain ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate change. This study emphasises the need to record the indigenous ethnoecological knowledge of wild plants used for the treatment of various ailments at higher elevations in remote areas where globalisation poses a threat to this traditional knowledge.

A questionnaire based survey among pharmacy practitioners to evaluate the level of knowledge and confidence towards antimicrobial stewardship.

Objective: Our study aimed to assess the knowledge, understanding and confidence of the practicing pharmacists in UAE as an antimicrobial Stewards. Antimicrobial resistance threatens the achievements of modern medicine globally, and it's highly required for the AMS principles to be implemented in our communities.

Methods: A cross-sectional online- questionnaire based survey was used among UAE pharmacy practitioners from different areas of practice who are holding pharmaceutical degrees and/or licensed pharmacists.

A cross-sectional survey among parents to report challenges and barriers in the administration of medicines to children in United Arab Emirates.

: Lack of knowledge among parents can result in inappropriate administration practices.  After analyzing different studies among children, there was no data on challenges and barriers in the administration of medicines among children in this region because of the diverse environmental issues and challenges in the UAE. The objective of this study was to determine the reported administration practices of parents and challenges and barriers in the administration of medicines among children in UAE.

Evaluation of vitamin D supplementation intake among children; cross-sectional observational study.

The purpose of this study was to assess  the vitamin D supplementation intake status among children from different nationalities in the UAE,  to determine vitamin D intake practices through diet and lifestyle, and the barriers that parents in the UAE  face with providing vitamin D supplementation to their children.   A cross-sectional observational questionnaire-based survey study design was used..

A questionnaire based survey among pharmacy practitioners to evaluate the level of knowledge and confidence towards antimicrobial stewardship.

Objective: Our study aimed to assess the knowledge, understanding and confidence of the practicing pharmacists in UAE as an antimicrobial Stewards. Antimicrobial resistance threatens the achievements of modern medicine globally, and it's highly required for the AMS principles to be implemented in our communities.

Methods: A cross-sectional online- questionnaire based survey was used among UAE pharmacy practitioners from different areas of practice who are holding pharmaceutical degrees and/or licensed pharmacists.

Perceptions and barriers of health-care professionals to develop and implement interprofessional education in UAE: A qualitative study.

Background: This study aimed to determine the perception, perspectives, and behaviors of health-care providers, as well as cues to action toward interprofessional education (IPE).

Materials And Methods: The interview sessions were conducted from August 2020 to November 2020 at the College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman. The invited participants belonged to all the colleges which are a part of GMU, providing academic and practice support to the university.

A Meta-Analysis on Clinical Outcomes of Ceftolozane versus Piperacillin in Combination with Tazobactam in Patients with Complicated Urinary Tract Infections.

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and adverse events of ceftolozane/tazobactam in complicated UTI including acute pyelonephritis.

Method: Databases that include PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and TRIP were searched. All randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were considered for the study.

Effect of different antidiabetic medications on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score among patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: A multicenter non-interventional observational study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes associated with different combinations of oral diabetic drugs among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Method: A prospective multicenter longitudinal, noninterventional observation study design was applied. At baseline (0 month), clinical parameters including glucose profile, renal function, lipid profile and risk assessment for cardiovascular risks were calculated.

Choice of Antimicrobials in Surgical Prophylaxis - Overuse and Surgical Site Infection Outcomes from a Tertiary-Level Care Hospital.

This study was aimed to describe the choice of Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis at a tertiary-level care hospital in United Arab Emirates. It also associated the choice between two leading antimicrobials for the SAP to the site of surgery. A descriptive drug use evaluation was performed retrospectively to study choices of antimicrobials in surgical antibiotic prophylaxis.

Evaluation of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and management through pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship programmes: a meta-analysis of evidence.

Purpose: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in the Gulf region and determine the effect of pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes on reducing inappropriateness.

Method: Articles were searched, analysed, and quality assessed through the risk of bias (ROB) quality assessment tool to select articles with a low level of bias. In step 1, 515 articles were searched, in step 2, 2360 articles were searched, and ultimately 32 articles were included by critical analysis.

Comparative efficacy of azithromycin versus clarithromycin in combination with beta-lactams to treat community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized patients: a systematic review.

Objective: The objective was to compare the efficacy of azithromycin and clarithromycin in combination with beta-lactams to treat community-acquired pneumonia among hospitalized adults.

Methods: Five databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Trip, Medline, and Clinical Key) were searched to identify randomized clinical trials with patients exposed to azithromycin or clarithromycin in combination with a beta-lactam. All articles were critically reviewed for inclusion in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Factors Associated With Hospital Readmission of Heart Failure Patients.

Heart failure (HF) is a significant cause of mortality, morbidity and impaired quality of life and is the leading cause of readmissions and hospitalization. This study aims to identify the factors contributing to readmission in patients with HF. A prospective-observational single-centre study was conducted in Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Assessment Methods and Competency Mapping in Pharmacy Education: Understanding of Components and Quality Parameters.

Centre of advanced pharmaceutical education have developed 15 subsets of competencies required to be competent pharmacist and able to provide optimum care. These competencies were further categorized; Level 1 intermediate, Level 2 efficient, and Level 3 professional. These competencies are cross-mapped to achieve desirable outcomes.

Medication error trends in Middle Eastern countries: A systematic review on healthcare services.

Medication errors (MEs) are a critical worldwide concern and can cause genuine clinical ramifications for patients. Studies concerning such errors have not been undertaken as much in the Middle Eastern region. The aim of this study was to systematically review and identify studies done in the Middle Eastern nations to recognize the principle contributory factors included and to estimate the prevalence in the region.

Effect of Metformin on Lipid Profiles of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective: The study aimed to perform a meta-analysis on randomised controlled trials to investigate the effect of metformin on lipid profiles among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Material And Methods: All published, randomised controlled trials with double blind assessment of outcome were included in the review.

Clinical Trials Were Identified By Searching: PubMed, SCOPUS, TRIP, Clinical Trial registry and Cochrane.

Systematic Review: Study of the Prescribing Pattern of Antibiotics in Outpatients and Emergency Departments in the Gulf Region.

To study the prescribing pattern of antibiotics in outpatients and emergency departments in the Gulf region. To compare the appropriateness of prescriptions and antibiotics commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infection. The search was limited to the years 2008-2020, and articles had to be in English.

A Systematic Review on Pharmaceutical Diabetic Care Services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Objective: the aim of this systematic review study is to evaluate the current services and pharmaceutical care practices for diabetic patients in the UAE.

Methods: systematic review coverage conforms to the guidelines of the PRISMA; the search was limited to primary research articles, which describe the term "pharmaceutical diabetes care services in UAE". The search strategy was developed in collaboration with a health database librarian, and a predetermined protocol was developed in conjunction with the authors for search methods.

Scholarly Pathway: Understanding, Planning, and Competency Mapping in Pharmacy Education.

Pharmaceutical education has extensive integration of courses from life sciences to technology application and drug discovery to clinical trials. Pharmacy students are capable of diverse career selection due to acquired competencies during professional education. However, there is always a lack of real-time research exposure to pharmacy students at the undergraduate level.