Adaptation of Research Project Requirement at Pharmacy Undergraduate Studies: Students' Perception, Attitude, and Experiences

Objective

To determine the final year pharmacy undergraduate students' attitudes toward research after completing a research project.

Methods

A research project was introduced in the final year of the PharmD program in January 2022. After a period of one year, in Janurary 2023, students submitted their final research to the faculty members. The survey was conducted from 1st March to 30st April 2023 using a study tool that contained items asking students' demographic, their research perceptions, attitude and experience, and also motivation/barriers faced during the research project. Descriptive and t-test statistics were utilized to compare the means of subgroups at a level of significance, i.e., p < 0.05. The data were also analyzed using Goodman and Kruskal's gamma and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Majority of the students (93.8%) agreed regarding the significance of research in the pharmacy profession. Students were found to have their projects a worthwhile learning opportunity (94.2%). Students' motivation to execute research project stems from mandatory curriculum courses, improving clinical or hospital pharmacist training and fulfilling research skills (90%). Barriers hindered include lack of training, time, and patient follow-up (approximately 70%).

Conclusion

The current study's finding was concluded with the fact that research is a valuable component of a well-rounded education and can enhance a pharmacist's skills. However, they need a combination of formal education and practical experience to pursue a profession in pharmacy.

A comparative study of red cell folate and serum folate levels in patients on regular Hemodialysis

Sixty subjects were selected and were divided into two groups. Group A included 30 patients of end stage renal disease on regular dialysis and group B included 30 normal healthy subjects as control. Absolute values and Hb were done by hematology auto analyzer and serum and red cell folate were done by commercially available kits. Results were analyzed by using Student`s `t` test and level of significance was done. A significant decreased in serum and red cell folate in end stage renal disease patients with regular dialysis as compared to control.

Comparison of effects of extract of Myristica fragrans and verapamil on the volume and acidity of carbachol induced gastric secretion in fasting rabbits

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer is mostly produced due to the over production of gastric acid. This study was undertaken to find out the effects of extract from Myristica fragrans which contains documented natural Calcium channel blocker and Verapamil on volume and acidity of Carbacol induced gastric section. Their effects were also compared to find out any difference in their efficacy.

METHODS

Thirty rabbits of local breed, weighing 1-1.5 kg were used. The animals were kept on fasting for 48 hours, after which the pylorus of each animal was ligated. Verapamil 10 mg/kg, Myristica fragrans 500 mg/kg and Carbachol 600 microg/kg body weight were administered intraperitoneally.

RESULTS

It was found that extract from Myristica fragrans reduced the volume, free and total acidity of gastric secretion, which were statistically highly significant when compared with Carbachol (P<0.001). Verapamil had also the same effects. When the difference of mean for verapamil was compared with that of extract, all these differences were found statistically non significant indicating that extract has similar effect as that of Verapamil on all parameters included in study.

CONCLUSION

The effect of Myristica fragrans is similar to Verapamil and therefore it can be used effectively in the treatment of peptic ulcer and all other conditions that require calcium channel blockers for the treatment of these disorders.

Evaluation of combined effect of verapamil and ranitidine on the volume and acidity of carbachol induced gastric secretion

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to observe the effect of H2-receptor antagonist Ranitidine and calcium channel blocker Verapamil on the volume, free and total acidity of carbachol induced gastric secretion.

METHODS

Twenty four albino rats of Sprangue Dawley strain weighing 150-200 grams were used. Animals were divided into Four groups. After fasting for 48 hours, pylorus of each animal was ligated, verapamil 10 mg/Kg, ranitidine 0.5 mg/Kg and carbachol 600 microg/Kg body weight were administered intraperitoneally.

RESULTS

It was observed that ranitidine significantly reduced both the volume and acidity (p<0.001). Similarly Verapamil also significantly reduced the volume, free and total acidity when compared to carbachol alone. When verapamil was used in combination with ranitidine 15 minutes before carbachol, there was further inhibition of volume and acidity as compared to ranitidine alone. This reduction was statistically highly significant (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that combined therapy of verapamil and ranitidine may have clinical usefulness in the management of severe peptic ulcer and Zollinger Ellison Syndrome.

A study of relationship of ABO blood groups with myocardial infarction and angina pectoris

BACKGROUND

This is a comprehensive report that has determined the occurrence of Myocardial infarction and Angina pectoris in "ABO" blood group system among patients with coronary artery disease in some areas of Sindh province of Pakistan.

METHODS

Three hundred patients with Coronary Disease (CAD) were selected from cardiology wards of LMC hospital Hyderabad, DMC hospital Karachi and PMC hospital Nawabshah. The patients were separated into two categories: myocardial infarction and angina pectoris. The patients with old myocardial infarction were also included. A careful history was taken, suggesting myocardial infarction (MI) or angina from a standard WHO (Rose) chest pain, and a electrocardiogram showing evidence of possible myocardial infarction and angina, and the patient's recall of a doctor's diagnosis of M.I or angina. ABO blood grouping of above patients was done by simple agglutination method.

RESULTS

The blood group "A" was the commonest among myocardial infarction and angina pectoris patients while these diseases were least in blood group "O" patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This comparison shows the existence of a direct relation between blood group antigens and coronary artery disease. It is therefore of great importance for future genetic studies, as present report and our previous studies give clear picture of excess and deficit of CAD in particular blood groups of "ABO" system. This may be due to some special genetic makeup.

The effects of aerobic exercise training on resting blood pressure in hypertensive patients

OBJECTIVE

To see the effects of aerobic exercise, on changes in blood pressure, in patients with essential hypertension. A 12-weeks aerobic exercise intervention trial was conducted, to examine the influence of brisk walking on resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, body weight and body mass index in patients with essential hypertension.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven men with stage 1 or 2 essential hypertension (not on antihypertensive medication) participated in the study. The aerobic exercise training protocol consisted of 30 minutes of brisk walking 3 to 5 times per week, at 50% of VO2max on an ergometer cycle. The data were analyzed by comparing exercise responses at baseline and 12-weeks.

RESULTS

Statistically significant decrease in resting systolic [mean +/- SEM, 143.2 +/- 1.4 to 137.5 +/- 1.2 mmHg, mean reduction -5.7 mmHg, p < 0.01] and diastolic [mean +/- SEM, 91.8 +/- 1.0 to 90.4 +/- 0.9 mmHg, the mean reduction -1.4 mmHg] blood pressure were found (p < 0.05). Reduced pulse pressure from baseline value of -3.7 mmHg, (p < 0.01) and mean arterial pressure of -3.4 mmHg (p < 0.01) was noted. No discernible effects on mean body mass index was observed although mean body weights decreased -1.1 kg, (p < 0.05). Brisk walking yielded significant increase in VO2max (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Aerobic exercise caused small reductions in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures in men with stage 1 or 2 essential hypertension. A lifestyle change such as exercising, may play a role in reducing the risk of hypertension.

The effect of metformin on glycemic control, serum lipids and lipoproteins in diet alone and sulfonylurea-treated type 2 diabetic patients with sub-optimal metabolic control

OBJECTIVE

To see if Metformin Monotherapy affects glycemic control, serum lipid or lipoprotein levels in the treatment of type 2 diabetes who were poorly controlled with diet alone or despite maximal doses of (sulfonylurea) oral glucose lowering agents.

DESIGN

A prospective, clinical intervention trial conducted between 1996-1997.

SETTING

Two out patient diabetic clinics of Karachi.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A 12-week prospective clinical intervention trial. A total of 30 type 2 diabetic subjects were enrolled, of Whom 21 (12 men and 9 women) completed the study period. Their ages ranged between 35 and 70 years, (mean +/- SD 53.3 +/- 9.31) years, with a mean duration since diagnosis of diabetes was 4.5 +/- 2.3 years, body mass index (mean +/- SD) 26.8 +/- 3.53 kg/m2. They were previously treated with diet alone or had already been taking maximum doses of sulfonylurea monotherapy with suboptimal glycemic control, i.e., raised fasting blood glucose concentrations of 6-15 mmol/L or (108-270 mg/dL) on two occasions, with significant hyperglycemic symptoms. The patients were treated with metformin monotherapy with a follow up of 12 weeks. The initial dosage was 500 mg twice daily, and the dosage was increased to two or three tablets depending on the patient's metabolic changes. By comparing before and after 12 weeks therapy with metformin we assessed the importance of baseline parameters (glycemic control, serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations, and measures of change in body weight and body mass index).

RESULTS

Metformin therapy significantly decreased fasting blood glucose levels in all patients [(mean +/- SD) 227.2 +/- 37.5 to 168.6 +/- 20.5 mg/dl, p < 0.001)]. Serum total cholesterol decreased marginally [(mean +/- SD) 200.3 +/- 18.7 to 181.4 +/- 19.4 mg/dl, p < 0.01)]. Serum total triglycerides concentration also decreased [(mean +/- SD) 195.9 +/- 31.9 to 174.2 +/- 26.6 mg/dl, P < 0.01)]. Low-density lipoproteins declined [(mean +/- SD) 123.5 +/- 16.9 to 105.5 +/- 19.1 mg/dl, P < 0.01)], and very-low density lipoprotein cholesterol also decreased [(mean +/- SD) 39.2 +/- 6.4 to 34.8 +/- to 5.3 mg/dl, P < 0.01)]. Whereas, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol tended to increase [(mean +/- SD) 37.7 +/- 5.1 to 39.5 +/- 4.9 mg/dl, P < 0.01)], while no significant changes occurred in body weight and body mass index.

CONCLUSION

Metformin treatment was effective, safe, and generally well tolerated.

Effect of acarbose on glycemic control, serum lipids and lipoproteins in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of acarbose monotherapy during 12-weeks treatment on the fasting glycemic level, lipid and lipoproteins profiles, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

SETTING

Type 2 diabetics were selected from out patient department of Baqai Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, and one other diabetic clinic of Karachi, during 1996-97.

DESIGN

A prospective intervention trial, and a 10 days screening period with a follow-up of 12 weeks.

METHODS

Forty-four patients (36 men and 8 women, mean age 55.09 +/- 1.72 years) were included of whom 25 (56.81%) patients were previously treated with diet alone, 11(25%) with diet and glibenclamide, 5(11.36%) with diet and gliclazide, and 3(6.81%) with diet and chlorpropamide, more than at least 3 months known duration of diagnosed type 2 diabetes, body mass index (BMI) 23.69 +/- 0.49 kg/m2, were insufficiently controlled on diet alone, or diet plus sulfonylureas, were studied. The dosage of acarbose was started with 50 mg t.i.d with each meal, if necessary, was titrated upward on subsequent visits to 100 mg t.i.d with each meal, based on tolerability and efficacy. Fasting blood glucose, lipid and lipoprotein profiles were determined at the baseline and at the end of the study.

RESULTS

Acarbose treatment was associated with significant reduction in fasting blood glucose from (mean +/- SE) 173.89 +/- 3.89 mg/dl at day 0 to 161.29 +/- 3.41 mg/dl at day 90 (P < 0.01). The serum total triglyceride level was (mean +/- SE) 188.85 +/- 5.91 mg/dl at entry, and was also significantly decreased to 158.57 +/- 4.48 mg/dl at day 90, this reduction was found statistically significant (P < 0.01). Whereas very-low density lipoprotein cholesterol reduced significantly from 33.08 +/- 1.09 mg/dl at day 0 to 31.02 +/- 0.95 mg/dl at day 90 (P < 0.01). Acarbose had no significant effect on serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and High-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Almost, all adverse experiences, as reported by patients on acarbose, were related to the digestive system and included diarrhea, flatulence, bloating and nausea. Most symptoms were of mild to moderate intensity and tended to improve with time. Overall, acarbose was well tolerated and the adverse experience profile was clinically acceptable.

CONCLUSION

In type 2 diabetic patients, acarbose as monotherapy for 12 weeks resulted in beneficial effects on glycemic control, fasting blood glucose, mean serum total triglyceride and very-low density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly. Perhaps attainment of normoglycemia on a long-term basis would result in more normal lipid and lipoprotein levels. Furthermore use of acarbose can be considered as a useful alternative in such type 2 patients, if they are difficult to control with diet alone or diet plus sulfonylureas (JPMA 50:152, 2000).

The effects of glibenclamide on serum lipids and lipoproteins in type II non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of glibenclamide treatment on plasma lipids and lipoprotein levels.

SETTINGS

Out patients of Type II diabetics from department of Baqai Diabetes and Endocrine Centre and two other diabetic clinics of Karachi.

METHODS

The effects of glibenclamide on blood glucose and various aspects of lipoproteins has been studied in 26 (14 male, 12 female) Type II Diapetes patients before and after 12 weeks of glibenclamide therapy. Treatment was initiated with 5 mg oral glibenclamide with diet control. The initial dosage of glibenclamide was 5 mg/day taken half an hour before meal; this was increased to 5 mg per week and was adjusted according to the patient's tolerance to the drug and their glycemic control.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that fasting blood glucose declined from 221.53 + 7.84 to 165.02 + 5.12 mg/dl, (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in the plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol from 33.60 + 1.00 to 37.07 + 1.05 mg/dl, (P << 0.05). Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol did not change significantly.

CONCLUSION

Improved glycaemic control in patients treated with glibenclamide with Type II Diabetes was achieved which lead to changes in lipoprotein metabolism. There was no evidence of changes in lipoproteins in directions associated with an increased risk for atherosclerosis.

Effects of nandrolone decanoate on the toxicity and anti-tumour action of CCNU and FU in murine tumours

Pre-treatment with the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate (ND) increases the LD50 of 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) and 5-Fluorouracil (FU) in NMRI mice. Administration of ND did not affect the anti-tumour action of CCNU against a transplantable mouse adenocarcinoma of the colon (MAC 13) or the anti-tumour action of FU against MAC 26. In both tumour lines ND had no significant effect on tumour growth. These data suggest that an increase in the anti-tumour selectivity of these agents may be produced by pre-treatment with ND.