Objectives. To identify and evaluate factors affecting the career preferences of fourth-year bachelor of pharmacy (BPharm) students in Malaysia in the presence of a 4-year period of mandatory gover...

Glaucoma is an ocular condition characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Conventional treatments of glaucoma face poor corneal permeability and bioavailability. To address these issues, a nanoemulsion in situ gel of Timolol maleate was developed in this study by adding the polymer Carbopol 934p. Using Carbopol 934p, a novel ophthalmic pH-induced nanoemulsion in situ gel was formulated. The formulation was liquid at pH 4 and quickly gelled when the pH was raised to 7.4 (Lacrimal pH). The pH-triggered in situ gelling mechanism demonstrated continuous drug release over a 24 h cycle. A total of nine trial formulations were prepared (NEI₁–NEI₉) and subjected to various physicochemical and in vitro evaluations. According to the in vitro release kinetics, the drug release of Timolol maleate nanoemulsion in situ gel NEI₅ followed zero-order kinetics, with a release exponent value of 0.902, indicating that the mechanism of release was non-Fickian diffusion regulated. In vivo results showed that Timolol maleate nanoemulsion in situ gel NEI₅ provided a better-sustained release of the drug, compared with the Timolet OD eye drops. The formulation is stable in storage, with no distinguishable change in appearance, physical properties, quality, and percentage drug release. NEI₅ also reduces drug administration frequency, which improves patient compliance. Timolol maleate nanoemulsion in situ gel NEI₅ achieved the goal of controlled drug delivery with extended-release and cost-effectiveness, lowering the dosage and frequency of drug administration, and thus may improve patient compliance. In conclusion, the stable nanoemulsion in situ gel of Timolol maleate NEI₅ decreases intraocular pressure (IOP) over a prolonged period.

Information related to drug-drug interactions (DDIs) varies significantly from one drug information (DI) resource to another. These variations pose challenges for healthcare professionals in making the right decisions regarding using some of the drug combinations in needy patients. The objective of this study was to review eight different DI resources for scope, completeness, and consistency of information related to DDIs. A total of eight DI resources, namely, Micromedex^®, Portable Electronic Physician Information Database^©, UpToDate^®, Medscape.com drug interaction checker, Drugs.com drug interaction checker, Stockley’s Drug Interactions (ninth edition, 2010), Drug Interactions Analysis & Management: Facts and Comparisons 2014 (ninth edition, 2014), and the drug interaction appendix of the British National Formulary-76, were compared. Each DI resource was scored for scope by calculating the percentage of interactions that had an entry in each resource. A completeness score was calculated for each resource describing severity, clinical effects, mechanism, and DDI management. The consistency of the information was assessed using Fleiss Kappa (k) score estimated using ReCal3 0.1 (alpha) web service and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24. The scope score was the highest (100%) for UpToDate^® and Portable Electronic Physician Information Database^©, whereas the completeness score was the highest (100%) for Drug Interaction Analysis & Management: Facts and comparisons 2014. The inter-source reliability scores among the eight different DI sources were poor (k < 0.20, p < 0.05) for documentation of information related to severity, clinical effects, mechanism, and management of DDIs. Variations in the information cause uncertainty among healthcare professionals concerning interacting drug pairs in clinical practice. This may also increase the possibility of adverse drug outcomes when interacting drug pairs are used in at-risk patients. We recommend comprehensive preventive and management strategies for DDIs depending on a uniform scale of severity and clinical effects across various DI resources.

The recent global resurgence of Mpox (formerly monkeypox), primarily transmitted via close contact and respiratory droplets, highlights a significant shift in its epidemiology, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). This resurgence underscores the need for robust public health responses and improved surveillance. This comprehensive review of current literature focuses on recent outbreaks, virology, and available treatments. Epidemiological data were gathered from various international health reports and analysed to understand transmission dynamics and outbreak patterns. Mpox, characterised by symptoms like fever and rash, has shown variable clinical presentations, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. Recent outbreaks have prompted the development of new diagnostic methods and treatments, including antivirals like Tecovirimat and vaccines such as MVA-BN. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of these vaccines in preventing infection, which is crucial for outbreak containment. The global response to the Mpox resurgence requires integrated strategies combining vaccination, antiviral treatments, and public health policies tailored to high-risk populations. Future efforts should focus on vaccine distribution equity and enhancing diagnostic capabilities to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of Mpox.

Oropouche fever, caused by the Oropouche virus (OROV), has become a significant public health concern. Recent outbreaks highlight its increasing global spread, driven by environmental, social, and ecological factors. The disease presents clinical similarities to other arboviral infections, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective management and prevention. This article examines the epidemiological patterns of Oropouche fever, including its geographic distribution and outbreak drivers. It explores the clinical manifestations of the disease, focusing on common symptoms, complications such as fatal cases and fetal abnormalities, and the necessity of differential diagnosis. The pathophysiology of OROV infection is analyzed, detailing viral entry mechanisms, immune responses, and the role of vectors in transmission. Additionally, we assess diagnostic challenges, comparing serological and molecular methods while identifying their limitations. Therapeutic strategies are also reviewed, including symptomatic treatments and potential antiviral candidates. Findings indicate that OROV infections mimic other arboviral diseases, complicating clinical diagnosis. Current diagnostic tools have limitations in accuracy and accessibility, particularly in resource-limited settings. Symptomatic treatment remains the primary approach, as no specific antiviral therapies or vaccines exist. The study identifies gaps in diagnostic development, vaccine research, and public health surveillance. Oropouche fever threatens global health, necessitating improved surveillance, diagnostic tools, and targeted research efforts. Enhancing epidemiological studies and developing effective vaccines will mitigate its impact. Strengthening public health strategies can help control the spread of OROV and reduce its burden on affected populations.

The microbiota-brain interaction is a complex network connecting gut microbiota to the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the central nervous system (CNS) that are crucial for neurotransmission and neurological health. Metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), neurotransmitters, and neuromodulators from the gut microbiota influence behavior and brain function. This review focuses on the study related with gut bacteria, including Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus species, producing various metabolites in gut including bile acids, SCFA, histamine, and others to communicate with the brain or CNS. Dysbiosis can lead to neurological conditions such as anxiety, depression, PD, and AD. SCFAs from gut bacteria bind to the free fatty acid receptors of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), affecting neurones and influencing neuroactivity. Gut bacteria also produce neurotransmitters that regulate growth hormone release through interactions with the CNS and endocrine systems. Brain signals interact directly with the pituitary and adrenal glands through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which in turn communicates with enteroendocrine cells (EECs). Investigating probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary changes could open new avenues for treatment for mental and neurological problems.