Burnout is a common syndrome seen in healthcare workers, particularly physicians who are exposed to a high level of stress at work; it includes emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low pers...

Modern drug discovery methods led to evolving new agents with significant therapeutic potential. However, their properties, such as solubility and administration-related challenges, may hinder their benefits. Moreover, advances in biotechnology resulted in the development of a new generation of molecules with a short half-life that necessitates frequent administration. In this context, controlled release systems are required to enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient compliance. Innovative drug delivery systems are promising tools that protect therapeutic proteins and peptides against proteolytic degradation where controlled delivery is achievable. The present review provides an overview of different approaches used for drug delivery.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Garlic has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various conditions, including hypertension. This narrative review examined the scientific evidence on the efficacy of garlic in lowering blood pressure. It explores the historical uses of garlic in different cultures for medicinal purposes and delves into the phytochemical composition of garlic, highlighting key components, like allicin and ajoene, that are believed to contribute to its potential health benefits. Clinical studies that investigated the effects of garlic and garlic-based supplements on blood pressure are presented, with the findings suggesting that garlic consumption may modestly reduce blood pressure, particularly in individuals with mild hypertension. Potential mechanisms of action include increased nitric oxide production, improved endothelial function, and antioxidant properties. While garlic may offer some benefits for blood pressure management, it should not be considered a substitute for conventional antihypertensive medications. Further large-scale, long-term clinical trials are warranted to establish the efficacy of garlic in managing hypertension, including the optimal dosage and formulation.

Background. Influenza and pneumococcal diseases are responsible for more deaths than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined. Despite all efforts, the vaccination rate is below target. Objectives. To assess knowledge and beliefs of family physicians in Lebanon regarding influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, to identify adult immunization barriers, to assess physicians' use of evidence-based strategies to improve adult immunization and identify barriers to implementation of such strategies. Methods. All 52 Lebanese family physicians attending the annual family medicine conference in Beirut in November 2009 were asked to fill a self-administered questionnaire that included items inquiring about knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, barriers to these vaccines and their opinions regarding strategies to improve immunization rate. Results. Response rate was 82.7%. Accurate knowledge of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination guidelines was 58.1% and 53.5%, respectively. Thirty-eight physicians (88.4%) believe that influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are important, while 36 (83.7%) recommend influenza vaccine and 33 (76.7%) pneumococcal vaccine. Barriers for recommending vaccines were reported by 14 participants (32.5%). Concerning the influenza vaccine, the most commonly reported barriers were patient’s refusal and non-availability of the vaccine, followed by physicians' concerns about efficacy and safety. As for the pneumococcal vaccine, the most frequently reported barriers were patient’s refusal, cost and physicians concerns about efficacy. Insufficient time and unknown immunization status were reported to be barriers of lesser importance. Twenty-six physicians (61%) reported physicians’ reminders as the most important intervention to promote adult immunization, followed by patient education (48%). Lack of time and availability of electronic medical record were cited as important strategies to increase adult immunization rate. Conclusions. Education and intervention efforts are needed to overcome barriers faced by practitioners and to define the most effective strategies to overcoming these barriers.

Background: To evaluate, using Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model, a modified Balint group (BG) by adding 5–10 min at the end of the session, where the facilitators will debrief the residents about critical themes mentioned in the session. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a mixed-method design was conducted among family medicine residents over 1 year, using focus groups and validated tools filled by residents and their corresponding patients. The residents’ empathy through self and patient evaluation, psychological skills, and satisfaction with the educational activity were measured. Results: The focus group revealed that the residents were aware of the change and considered it a closure to the encounter, helping decrease some uncertainty. Most of the residents did not consider the change helpful. Using validated instruments, BG was ineffective at improving the residents’ empathy and psychological skills. There was a statistically significant main effect of time on Psychological Medicine Inventory (PMI) scores, F (1,13) = 7.709, p = 0.016. Conclusion: Debriefing at the end of BG by the facilitators about key themes may help give the residents closure, decrease the uncertainty, and make them more aware of their feelings. Nevertheless, Balint groups are still not very well accepted by the residents, and they prefer direct feedback and support groups.