1
|
Xin RKW, Yee TW, Qin WZ, Kaiyee L, Mohammed AH, Blebil A, Dujaili J, Hassan BA, Lim A. Community pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding counselling on vitamins and dietary supplements in Malaysia: A study on complementary medicines. Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm 2024; 13:100410. [PMID: 38389828 PMCID: PMC10882583 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2024.100410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The utilization of vitamins and dietary supplements (DSs) among consumers in Malaysia has seen a notable increase. However, there is limited research available on how pharmacists in Eastern countries manage the provision of these products. Objective This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists in Malaysia regarding the provision of counselling services on vitamins and DSs. The findings will inform education strategies in this area. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from February to April 2022 using a validated online-based questionnaire. The survey was distributed to community pharmacists across Malaysia through social media channels. t-test and ANOVA test were used for data analysis. Results Among the 260 participants, 73.5% were categorized as having average product knowledge. Key concerns included a lack of knowledge about the indications of new products and when to discontinue their use. Regarding dosing in specific patient groups, 33.5% of pharmacists only occasionally consulted references and primarily relied on product labels. Furthermore, 29% of pharmacists believed it was unnecessary to refer patients to doctors when they experienced ongoing symptoms while taking vitamins or DSs. Interestingly, 44.6% of pharmacists believed there was a correlation between the efficacy of vitamins and their price, often recommending more expensive brands despite similar content. Conclusion There is an opportunity to enhance the knowledge of pharmacists in Malaysia regarding vitamins and DSs. Education interventions should focus on areas such as dosing for specific patient groups, when to discontinue products, understanding new products, evidence-based efficacy of products for specific conditions, and providing a framework for appropriate referral to support pharmacists in their practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosamund Koo Wei Xin
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tan Wai Yee
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wong Zi Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lau Kaiyee
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ali Haider Mohammed
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy, Al Rafidain University College, Baghdad 10001, Iraq
| | - Ali Blebil
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy, Al Rafidain University College, Baghdad 10001, Iraq
| | - Juman Dujaili
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Department of Pharmacy, Al Rafidain University College, Baghdad 10001, Iraq
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Angelina Lim
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Monash University, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
Current methods for diagnosing tuberculous pleurisy are poor. Some studies have explored the diagnostic value of a pleural effusion enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay, but its accuracy remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of the existing evidence on the ability of the ELISPOT assay to diagnose tuberculous pleurisy. We systematically searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE databases for studies measuring the sensitivity, specificity, and other measures of accuracy of the pleural effusion ELISPOT assay for diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy. A total of nine studies were identified and subjected to meta-analysis, giving the following pooled values for diagnostic accuracy: sensitivity, 0.93 [95% confidence intervals (95%CI) = 0.90 to 0.95]; specificity, 0.90 (95%CI = 0.86 to 0.93); positive likelihood ratio, 8.21 (95%CI = 4.00 to 16.84); negative likelihood ratio, 0.11 (95%CI = 0.06 to 0.19); diagnostic odds ratio, 88.26 (95%CI = 33.81 to 230.43); and the area under the curve, 0.9599 (standard error of the mean, 0.0134). The available evidence suggests that pleural effusion ELISPOT assay is sufficiently accurate to diagnose tuberculous pleurisy as a stand-alone technique. In fact, it appears to be superior to assays based on adenosine deaminase and gamma interferon for screening patients and confirming the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Z Li
- West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - W Z Qin
- West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - L Li
- West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Q Wu
- West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Y J Wang
- West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Qin WZ, Li CY, Kim JK, Ju JG, Song MK. Effects of Defaunation on Fermentation Characteristics and Methane Production by Rumen Microbes In vitro When Incubated with Starchy Feed Sources. Asian-Australas J Anim Sci 2014; 25:1381-8. [PMID: 25049493 PMCID: PMC4093010 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2012.12240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Revised: 07/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An in vitro experiment was conducted to examine the effects of defaunation (removal of protozoa) on ruminal fermentation characteristics, CH4 production and degradation by rumen microbes when incubated with cereal grains (corn, wheat and rye). Sodium lauryl sulfate as a defaunation reagent was added into the culture solution at a concentration of 0.000375 g/ml, and incubated anaerobically for up to 12 h at 39°C. Following defaunation, live protozoa in the culture solution were rarely observed by microscopic examination. A difference in pH was found among grains regardless of defaunation at all incubation times (p<0.01 to 0.001). Defaunation significantly decreased pH at 12 h (p<0.05) when rumen fluid was incubated with grains. Ammonia-N concentration was increased by defaunation for all grains at 6 h (p<0.05) and 12 h (p<0.05) incubation times. Total VFA concentration was increased by defaunation at 6 h (p<0.05) and 12 h (p<0.01) for all grains. Meanwhile, defaunation decreased acetate and butyrate proportions at 6 h (p<0.05, p<0.01) and 12 h (p<0.01, p<0.001), but increased the propionate proportion at 3 h, 6 h and 12 h incubation (p<0.01 to 0.001) for all grains. Defaunation increased in vitro effective degradability of DM (p<0.05). Production of total gas and CO2 was decreased by defaunation for all grains at 1 h (p<0.05, p<0.05) and then increased at 6 h (p<0.05, p<0.05) and 12 h (p<0.05, p<0.05). CH4 production was higher from faunation than from defaunation at all incubation times (p<0.05).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Z Qin
- Institute of Animal Science, Yanbian academy of agricultural sciences, Longjing, Jilin, China
| | - C Y Li
- Department of Animal Scicence, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - J K Kim
- Institute of Animal Science, Yanbian academy of agricultural sciences, Longjing, Jilin, China
| | - J G Ju
- Institute of Animal Science, Yanbian academy of agricultural sciences, Longjing, Jilin, China
| | - M K Song
- Institute of Animal Science, Yanbian academy of agricultural sciences, Longjing, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhou PH, Li QL, Yao LQ, Xu MD, Chen WF, Cai MY, Hu JW, Li L, Zhang YQ, Zhong YS, Ma LL, Qin WZ, Cui Z. Peroral endoscopic remyotomy for failed Heller myotomy: a prospective single-center study. Endoscopy 2013; 45:161-6. [PMID: 23389963 DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1326203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Recurrence/persistence of symptoms occurs in approximately 20 % of patients after Heller myotomy for achalasia. Controversy exists regarding the therapy for patients in whom Heller myotomy has failed. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), a new endoscopic myotomy technique, for patients with failed Heller myotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 12 patients with recurrence/persistence of symptoms after Heller myotomy, as diagnosed by established methods and an Eckardt score of ≥ 4, were prospectively included. The primary outcome was symptom relief during follow-up, defined as an Eckardt score of ≤ 3. Secondary outcomes were procedure-related adverse events, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure on manometry, reflux symptoms, and medication use before and after POEM. RESULTS All 12 patients underwent successful POEM after a mean of 11.9 years (range 2 - 38 years) from the time of the primary Heller myotomy. No serious complications related to POEM were encountered. During a mean follow-up period of 10.4 months (range 5 - 14 months), treatment success was achieved in 11/12 patients (91.7 %; mean score pre- vs. post-treatment 9.2 vs. 1.3; P < 0.001). Mean LES pressure was 29.4 mmHg pre-treatment and 13.5 mmHg post-treatment (P < 0.001). One patient developed mild reflux symptoms and required intermittent medication with proton pump inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS POEM seems to be a promising new treatment for failed Heller myotomy resulting in short-term symptom relief in > 90 % of cases. Previous Heller myotomy may make subsequent endoscopic remyotomy more challenging, but does not prevent successful POEM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P H Zhou
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P R China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Qin WZ, Zhuang GK, Xu LM. [Survey of the treatment of psoriasis by integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2001; 21:244-7. [PMID: 12577346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
|
6
|
Qin WZ, Cai WL. [Use of Chinese herbal medicines in the field of dermatology]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1991; 11:251-3. [PMID: 1773462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
7
|
Qin WZ. [Three lianas syrup in treating 302 cases of various types of lupus erythematosus]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1988; 8:604-6, 582. [PMID: 3255541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
8
|
Qin WZ. [Determination of cyclic nucleotide and sialic acid in patients with symptoms of blood stasis and its value in assessing the therapeutic effect of drugs for activating blood circulation and removing stasis]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1985; 5:151-4, 131. [PMID: 2985291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
9
|
Qin WZ. [Treatment of collagen diseases and overlapping collagen diseases by "activating blood circulation and removing stasis" and immunological investigation]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1983; 3:210-3. [PMID: 6226436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
10
|
Qin WZ, Zhu GD, Yang SM, Han KY, Wang J. Clinical observations on Tripterygium wilfordii in treatment of 26 cases of discoid lupus erythematosus. J TRADIT CHIN MED 1983; 3:131-2. [PMID: 6555446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
|
11
|
Jin HM, Chen DX, Yan YZ, Qin WZ, Bai ZJ. Observations on microcirculation of tip of tongue in 68 patients with bluish purple tongue. J TRADIT CHIN MED 1982; 2:145-9. [PMID: 6765702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
12
|
Qin WZ. [Clinical and experimental study of the method of activating blood circulation and relieving blood stasis in the treatment of scleroderma]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1981; 1:69-71. [PMID: 6219780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|