Hamdard Journal of Pharmacy

THE ROLE OF COVID-19 ON ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE: A REVIEW-BASED STUDY

2023-10-30T13:43:54+00:00

In this study, research is conducted with an aim to recognize the role played by the pandemic of Covid-19 in the resistance of antibacterial or antibiotics. Antibiotics resistance tends to happen when the bacteria or some certain microbes evolve from the instruments or mechanismsthat provide protection to them against the influences of the antibiotics. As study provides understandings that infection of Covid-19 is caused by a virus SARS-CoV-2. The objective ofthe study explores the influences of antibiotics on infection caused by this virus and how this virus causes resistance in the use of antibiotics.

KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF THE MEDICINE DISPOSAL AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

2023-10-31T05:08:09+00:00

Pharmaceutical active preparations are designed with specific biological and physiological properties. These formulations possess desired therapeutic action against numerous diseases and infections. But some preparations have hazardous effects on the environment when it comes to disposal of medicines, it is necessary to know about the importance of proper waste disposal. The primary objective of the study is to know about the importance of the medicinal waste disposal system and the awareness among health care professionals especially past expiry date. The cross-sectional survey-based study was performed in Karachi. Data was collected through an online Google questionnaire form. The results were analyzed. Among 203 responders, 65% (n=132) were females while the other 35% (n=71) were males. Approximately 57.1% (n=116) agreed that they are aware of the hazards and disposal of medication waste and 63.05% (n=128) think that it is the responsibility of Pharmacies Association and other regulatory bodies for awareness of proper disposal of medicines. The study recommends that we establish uniform guidelines for the safe disposal of expired or unused medications. Significant problems and malpractices were identified for unused, and unwanted prescription medication, lack of a drug take-back system, proper disposal of medications & surgical, inadequate awareness about disposal system adversely affecting our environment and health.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE AWARENESS OF THE GENERAL POPULATION IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN TOWARDS HEPATITIS B VIRUS AND THE DISEASE

2023-10-31T05:14:46+00:00

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) causes a serious infection that has been increasingly spreading in Pakistan in recent years. The probable causes may include illiteracy, absence of appropriate health services, and less community awareness about the spread of major infectious diseases. This study has evaluated the awareness of HBV infection in different areas of Karachi. A survey-based questionnaire with a total of 25 awareness questions was filled out by the general population as well as people related to the medical field. The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 20 and chi-square tests were used for the p-significance value. A total of 646 responses were collected out of which, 56.50% were medical personnel and 43.50% belong to the general population. In the current study the awareness of HBV was categorized into highly aware, moderately aware, and less awareness level and it was assessed based on gender, marital status, residential area, and educational background. The awareness level was found to be very low in the general population mostly belonging to the rural areas, which ultimately leads to the morbidity rate of hepatitis B virus infection. To improve the level of awareness about infectious diseases, it is necessary to conduct awareness campaigns among people that are not related to the medical community.

A REVIEW OF ROLE OF X-RAY DIFFRACTION IN STRUCTURAL ELUCIDATION OF BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES

2023-10-31T05:24:12+00:00

The importance of structural elucidation via X-ray diffraction (XRD) in drug discovery cannot be overstated. It plays a pivotal role in advancing drug development and design by providing valuable insights into the three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules, such as proteins and enzymes. This review will investigate the different XRD techniques employed in studying the structures of biological macromolecules and explore its role in drug discovery, including target identification, validation, rational drug design, and lead optimization. The review aims to systematically analyze the strengths and limitations of XRD in revealing the structural details of biological molecules. It will also highlight the contribution of XRD in understanding the structural and mechanism aspects of proteins and enzymes. In conclusion, it will identify the potential areas of growth and development in X-ray diffraction techniques for studying complex biological systems.

FUNCTIONAL FOODS OF PAKISTAN AND THEIR ROLE IN SENESCENCE

2023-10-31T05:30:23+00:00

Functional foods can be used as a tool for healthy & longer life span. The term “functional food” is tossed to emphasize the role of nutritive substances in the prevention and eradication of chronic disease development. The aim of this study is to identify functional foods of Pakistan for their anti-aging potential. In this regard, the ethanolic extract or fresh juices of fifty functional foods, mostly advised by nutritionists, were assessed for their ability to inhibit glycation and oxidative stress. Our analysis showed that out of 50 functional foods, 44 of them have significantly reduced the formation of advanced glycation end products. The Pomegranate peel extract, Strawberry juice, coffee powder, and areca nut showed more than 90% AGEs inhibition at the concentration of 1 mg/ml. Furthermore, antioxidant potential of all these 50 functional foods was also assessed for antioxidant activity using DPPH assay. In this assay, the most pronounced effect (90% free radical scavenging activity) was observed with Cumin seeds extract, Purple Onion extract, Grapefruit juice and Oregano extract. In conclusion, the present study highlights several easily available dietary substances of Pakistan, whom consumption can help prevent age related disabilities and may contribute to healthier and longer life span.