METHODS: We did a non-systematic review, and the literature was searched in Google, Science Direct and PubMed. An overview is provided for the formulation of polymeric nanoparticles using different methods, effect of surface modification on the nanoparticle properties with types of polymeric nanoparticles and preparation methods. An account of different nanomedicine employed with therapeutic agent to cross the BBB alone with biodistribution of the drugs.
RESULTS: We found that various types of polymeric nanoparticle systems are available and they prosper in delivering the therapeutic amount of the drug to the targeted area. The effect of physicochemical properties on nanoformulation includes change in their size, shape, elasticity, surface charge and hydrophobicity. Surface modification of polymers or nanocarriers is also vital in the formulation of nanoparticles to enhance targeting efficiency to the brain.
CONCLUSION: More standardized methods for the preparation of nanoparticles and to assess the relationship of surface modification on drug delivery. While the preparation and its output like drug loading, particle size, and charge, permeation is always conflicted, so it requires more attention for the acceptance of nanoparticles for brain delivery.
METHODS: This activity-based costing study consists of (1) a retrospective medical record abstraction to determine patient details to estimate drug costs and (2) a time-motion study to quantify personnel time, patient time, and consumables used. The total cost of both SC-TZM and IV-TZMb were then compared using a cost-minimization approach, while differences were explored using an independent t-test. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to determine the impact of uncertainties in the analysis.
RESULTS: The mean total cost of SC-TZM and IV-TZMb was USD 13,693 and USD 5,624 per patient respectively. The cost difference was primarily contributed by savings in drug cost of IV-TZMb, a reduction of USD 8,546 (SD = 134), p
OBJECTIVE: This study thus aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward drug allergy among doctors and pharmacists working in public healthcare facilities in Sabah, Malaysia.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 24 hospitals and 11 clinics in Sabah. A validated Drug Allergy Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Questionnaire was adapted from a published study and developed on an online survey platform. The questionnaire was distributed to all listed eligible respondents via email and personal messenger service.
RESULTS: A total of 549 doctors and pharmacists responded, with an overall response rate of 18.2%. The total mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 8.3 (SD, 1.98), 18.9 (SD, 2.55), and 17.3 (SD, 4.4), respectively. It was found that pharmacists performed significantly poorer than both medical officers (mean score difference = -0.5; P = 0.006) and specialists (mean score difference = -0.9; P = 0.020) in the knowledge domain. As the time in service doubles, the knowledge score increases significantly by 0.3 (P = 0.015).
CONCLUSION: Knowledge, attitude, and practice on drug allergy among doctors and pharmacists in Sabah were poor. It is thus timely for advanced educational programs on drug allergy to be formalized and implemented.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: With concern over its rising microbial resistance, we explored the association of empiric antibiotics choices with the hospital outcomes of patients treated for microbial proven K. pneumoniae pneumonia in an urban-based teaching hospital.
RESULTS: In 313 eligible cases reviewed retrospectively, hospital mortality and requirement for ventilation were 14.3% and 10.8% respectively. Empiric regimes that had in vitro resistance to at least one empiric antibiotic (n = 90) were associated with higher hospital mortality (23.3% vs. 10.8%, P = 0.004) with risk increased by about two-fold [Odds ratio (OR), 2.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3 to 4.8]. Regimes (n = 84) other than the commonly recommended "standard" regimes (a beta-lactam stable antibiotic with or without a acrolide) were associated with higher ventilation rates (16.7% vs. 8.8%, P = 0.047) with similar increased risk [OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0 to 4.3].
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reiterate the clinical relevance of in vitro microbial resistance in adult K. pneumoniae pneumonia and support empiric regimes that contain beta-lactam stable antibiotics.