Vernonia cinerea Less. supplementation and strenuous exercise reduce smoking rate: relation to oxidative stress status and beta-endorphin release in active smokers

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Purpose</p> <p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of <it>Vernonia cinerea </it>Less. (VC) supplementation and exercise on oxidative stress biomarkers, beta-endorphin release, and the rate of cigarette smoking.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Volunteer smokers were randomly divided into four groups: group 1: VC supplement; group 2: exercise with VC supplement; group 3: exercise; and group 4: control. VC was prepared by wash and dry techniques and taken orally before smoking, matching the frequency of strenuous exercise (three times weekly). Before and after a two month period, exhaled carbon monoxide (CO), blood oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA], nitric oxide [NOx], protein hydroperoxide [PrOOH] and total antioxidant capacity [TAC]), beta-endorphin and smoking rate were measured, and statistically analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In Group 1, MDA, PrOOH, and NOx significantly decreased, whereas TAC increased (p < 0.05). In Group 2, MDA and PrOOH decreased (p < 0.05), with no other changes noted (p > 0.05). In Group 3, MDA, PrOOH, NOx, TAC, and beta-endorphin levels increased significantly (p < 0.05). Group 4 showed no change in oxidative stress variables or beta-endorphine levels (p > 0.05). All groups had lower levels of CO after the intervention. The smoking rate for light cigarette decreased in group 2(62.7%), 1(59.52%), 3 (53.57%) and 4(14.04%), whereas in self-rolled cigarettes it decreased in group 1 (54.47%), 3 (42.30%), 2 (40%) and 4 (9.2%).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Supplementation with <it>Vernonia cinerea </it>Less and exercise provided benefit related to reduced smoking rate, which may be related to oxidaive stress and beta-endorphine levels.</p

The Pharmacology of Immunosuppression

To provide students with a comprehensive, integrated presentation on the pharmacology of immuosuppression. Course content on the pharmacology of immunosuppression relating to organ transplantation and treatment of autoimmune disorders was presented in integrated sequence modules that included content from pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and therapeutics. Weekly recitation sessions and active-learning exercises were incorporated to allow students to apply the information they learned to integrated patient cases and stimulate involvement and critical thinking. Fundamental material related to the components and functions of the immune system was presented to students early in curriculum with courses such as biochemistry, pathophysiology, and immunology/microbiology. Comprehensive examinations, in-class quizzes, written case submissions, case discussions, review exercises, and group exercises were used to assess student learning. Students at South University received a comprehensive and detailed understanding of all aspects relating to immunosuppressive therapy. This was accomplished by integrating instruction on immunosuppressive therapy from various disciplines

Determination of potential drug-drug interactions in prescription orders dispensed in a community pharmacy setting using Micromedex and Lexicomp: a retrospective observational study

Background Community pharmacists have a role in identifying drug-drug interactions (DDIs) when processing prescription orders and dispensing medications to patients. The harmful effects of DDIs can be prevented or minimized by using an electronic DDI checker to screen for potential DDIs (pDDIs). However, different DDI checkers have variable rates of detecting pDDIs. Aim To estimate the prevalence of pDDIs in prescriptions dispensed in a community pharmacy setting using two electronic DDI databases and to evaluate the association between the pDDIs and contributory factors. Method Eligible prescription orders dispensed by a community pharmacy chain in Qatar from January to July 2020 were included in this retrospective observational study. For each prescription, Micromedex and Lexicomp were simultaneously used to identify pDDIs, and the interactions categorized based on severity and risk rating. Results Seven hundred-twenty prescriptions met the inclusion criteria, of which Micromedex and Lexicomp respectively identified 125 prescriptions (17.4%) and 230 prescriptions (31.9%) as having at least one pDDI. Moderate strength of agreement was found between Lexicomp and Micromedex in identifying pDDIs (Cohen's Kappa = 0.546). Micromedex classified 61.6% of DDIs as major severity, while Lexicomp classified 30.8% as major severity. The number of concurrent medications per prescription was significantly and positively associated with pDDI. Conclusion This study demonstrates a high prevalence of pDDIs among prescriptions dispensed in a community pharmacy setting. It is advisable that community pharmacists in Qatar, who typically do not have access to computerized patient profiles, use these DDI checkers to ensure all pDDIs are communicated to respective prescribers for appropriate action. 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.This study was funded by Qatar University under the Student Grant number QUST-1-CPH-2018-16.Scopu