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Sol-Gel is formed by conversion of liquid precursor into a sol and then to a gel. This technique is a common process for forming porous materials via solidification from a real solution phase. Preparation of homogenous solution, hydrolysis, gelation, drying, densification are major steps in sol-gel formation. Sol-Gel derived materials include glasses, ceramics, and nanoparticles, each offering unique properties and characteristics tailored to particular applications. Sol-Gel offers a distinct pathway for creation of many new and conventional nanomaterials that had been improved by combustion or hydrothermal treatment. This review highlights sol-gel process, steps involved in preparation and applications in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the intricate landscape of mental health challenges has become a focal point of global concern, with particular urgency in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This manuscript delves into the multidimensional tapestry of mental health issues prevalent in these regions, offering an intercontinental analysis that seeks to unravel the contributing factors and proposes strategies for improvement. Through a meticulous examination of diverse sociocultural, economic, and healthcare-related variables, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understandingof the complex dynamics shaping mental health crises in LMICs. Through an intercontinental lens, our analysis aims to transcend geographical boundaries, examining the commonalities and distinctions inherent in the mental health landscapes of LMICs. This inquiry is driven by a dual commitment: to comprehensively understand the determinants of mental health challenges and to identify instructive approaches that can serve as foundations for targeted interventions. In navigating this intellectual terrain, our study not only strives to contribute to the academic discourse on global mental health but also aspires to inform policy and practice, fostering a nuanced understanding of mental health dynamics and cultivating evidence-based strategies to ameliorate the burden faced by individuals in LMICs. By synthesizing current research, empirical data, and theoretical frameworks, our exploration not only illuminates the challenges but also endeavors to identify instructive approaches for mitigating the impact of mental health issues in resource-constrained settings. The confluence of factors influencing mental health in LMICs demands an interdisciplinary lens, and this manuscript endeavors to navigate this intricate terrain with rigor and precision. . This article exposes the significant gap in mental health services, attributing this disparity to limited public funding, insufficient allocation for children and adolescents, and an inadequate distribution of funds in mental health infrastructure. The scarcity of mental health workers, particularly in primary healthcare settings, further exacerbates the problem. The contributing factors to mental health crises in LMICs include ineffective legislation, leadership, and national health policies, as well as cultural beliefs and stereotypes. The lack of a mental health information system further hampers meaningful progress in these regions. There is a need for a comprehensive mental health system that considers cultural, social, and economic factors unique to LMICs. To address the challenges faced by LMICs, the article suggests strategies, including legislative reforms, policy development, public education to reduce stigma, and promotion of evidence-based interventions. By drawing on existing principles and considerations, the authors provide a specific system of mental health services grounded in community-based care and "mental health-in-allpolicies" approach which advocates for rational investment allocations, considering social determinants, prevalence data, and the humane treatment of individuals with mental health issues in these regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As of 5 August 2022, the ongoing battle against COVID-19 pandemic has resulted 579 million confirmed cases and more than 6.4 million deaths worldwide [1]. With emergence of new variants, the pandemic continues to haunt individuals as well as societies. We expect many new anti-viral treatments in the year three of the pandemic, however, the vaccines remain one of the most effective public health intervention to prevent hospitalization and deaths. Nevertheless, to achieve long-term protection in the form of herd or population immunity, 75-90% of the population should receive a complete course of vaccination [2]. However, not all people accept vaccines and there exists a substantial population that remains against the whole concept of vaccination leading to the social phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy. Although the supply of vaccines was optimal in the last quarter of 2021, low & middle income countries will remain under-vaccinated for much of 2022, due to the major hindrance posed by the rampant vaccine hesitancy. This situation may lead to higher mortality and morbidity rates and weaker economic recoveries [3]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Around the world, COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities of healthcare systems and whipped out years of progress on poverty alleviation. Nevertheless, the development of multiple COVID-19 vaccines in such a short span of time is truly a triumph of science. World Health Organization (WHO) grades vaccination as "one of the most cost-effective public health interventions to date"[1]. Vaccines work in two distinct ways i.e., directly protecting the one who receives and indirectly, as the vaccinated people could not infect others subsequently. In this way a vaccine reduces the number of hospital admissions and deaths. How swiftly would this combined effect appear at a population level is determined by the duration and the scale of vaccination efforts. To achieve a population level effect of COVID-19 vaccine in a country; different approaches to vaccinate masses are under huge discussion to decide the priority population i.e., who will receive the jab first. From a youth first approach as in Indonesia to textured approaches, as in Pakistan, that prioritize the vulnerable or exposed populations i.e., elderly and healthcare professionals respectively[2]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Significant differences exist in how community pharmacist (CP) is being utilized around the globe. Objectives: To explore various policies and practices of medicine use review (MUR) by CP in chronic diseases and, its impact and way forward for low- and middle- income countries (L&MIC). Materials and Methods: Narrative review, using key words, such as "medicine use review", medication therapy management? and "community pharmacy" in databases such as PubMed, and Scopus from 2004-2017 to include reviews, overviews, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the policy, practice and impact of MUR. Studies on attitude or perception were excluded. Results: MUR opened an avenue of ongoing collaboration between CP and general practitioners. In terms of policies and practices, the situation in high-income countries was quite encouraging where on an average "type-II" medicine use review was widely in practice and has improved clinical, humanistic and economic outcomes in chronic disease patients. The high-income countries witnessed gradual yet cautious adoption of these services through effective policy shift. However, in L&MIC, a paucity of effective policies was noted. Nevertheless, an emergent recognition of the potential of CPs to contribute in healthcare delivery was evident. Conclusion: Promising impact of CPs involvement in the management of chronic diseases was evident in high income countries, however, the situation in L&MIC, which bear an overwhelming share of the global burden of chronic diseases, remains skimpy. Authors believe that way forward to a paradigm shift in any country must involve consensus building methods to bring relevant stakeholders on the same page. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A thorough understanding of the use of antimicrobial agents and phenomenon of resistance is a key attribute expected in medical and pharmacy graduates. Hence, it would be of significant relevance to appraise knowledge, attitude and perception of those who would enter in the healthcare sector as guardian of antimicrobial use. Objectives: To appraise the knowledge, attitude and perception of final year medical and pharmacy students about antimicrobial use and resistance. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to measure the median and differences in both groups were measured through Chi-Square test using SPSS version 23.0. Results: A total n=580 students responded to the survey of which n=143 were medical and n= 437 were pharmacy students. Only 28.4% and 18.2% of medical and pharmacy students were familiar with the term "Antimicrobial stewardship", respectively. 70.7% of pharmacy and 73.5% of medical students agreed that strong knowledge of antimicrobials is important in clinical career. Both groups urged more education on antimicrobial resistance and appropriate use of antimicrobials. There was statistically significant difference between knowledge scores of both groups. Conclusion: Generally, there were some gaps in the knowledge especially in the pharmacy students, in scenario-based questions. Authors suggest universities to incorporate a dedicated module or postgraduate diploma on this topic for the students who wish to pursue a clinical career in pharmacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In this era of antimicrobial resistance, knowledge of antibiotics and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is paramount for rational use of medications. AMS is considered a core element in the current clinical guidelines in the developed world. However, in Pakistan, the notion, scope and implementation of AMS remain skimpy. Objectives: To appraise the knowledge and perception of Medical Officers (MOs) and Hospital Pharmacists (HPs) about antibiotics and AMS. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to measure the median and difference in both groups was measured through Mann Whitney U test using SPSS version 23.0. Results: A total of (n= 343) responded to the survey of which n= 308 (89.8%) were MOs and n= 35 (10.2%) were HPs. The perceptions of HPs regarding potential benefits of AMS programs were positive and significantly higher (77.1%) as compared to 52%. Further, 61.4% and 68.6% of MOs and HPs respectively, favored the incorporation of AMS programs in community pharmacy. The overall score showed statistically significant difference (p=0.271) of perceptions among MOs and HPs and the overall score revealed that knowledge of MOs and PPs was statistically significantly different (p=0.145). Conclusion: The knowledge of antibiotic stewardship is better in HPs than MOs, however, the perceptions on AMS are generally positive in both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In this era of antimicrobial resistance, knowledge of antibiotics and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is paramount for rational use of medications. However, in Pakistan, the notion, scope and implementation of AMS remain skimpy. Objectives: To appraise and compare knowledge of antibiotics and perception about AMS between final year medical and pharmacy students. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study that deployed a pre-validated questionnaire with two main sections for knowledge and perception on a summative scale. Descriptive statistics was used to measure the median and differences in both groups were measured using Mann-Whitney U Test using SPSS version 23.0. Study was conducted in 12 medical and 9 pharmacy colleges in Punjab. Results: A total of (n= 580) responded to the survey of which n= 143 (24.7%) were Medical and n= 437 (75.3%) were pharmacy student. The perceptions of pharmacy students regarding potential benefits of AMS programs were positive and significantly higher (60.5%) as compared to Medical students (53.2%) in total score. Both groups recommended the incorporation of AMS program at a community pharmacy level to improve rational use of antimicrobial agents. However, the overall score showed statistically significant difference in knowledge in two groups (p=0.107). Conclusion: The knowledge of antibiotics is better in pharmacy students than medical students, however, the perceptions regarding AMS are positive with no significant difference in both groups. Authors suggest to incorporate a dedicated module or post graduate diploma on antibiotic utilization for students who wish to pursue a clinical career in pharmacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Irrational use of antibiotics is one of the precipitating factors in the development of antimicrobial resistance, the biggest challenge of 21st century. In this era of big data, it is imperative to estimate the use of antibiotics to inform the relevant stakeholders to adopt a proactive approach to reduce the magnitude of the threat of antibiotic resistance. Objectives: To evaluate the use of antibiotics to inform the stakeholders the need of antibiotic stewardship policies. Materials and Methods: A standardized and validated global point prevalence survey tool was used to appraise the use of antibiotics in 29 different hospitals for all inpatients in Gynaecology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Medicine, Surgery, Orthopaedic and Paediatric wards on the day and time of survey. All other wards were excluded (short stay, dialysis and emergency patients). All the statistical operations were performed using SPSS. Results: A total of (n= 1912) patients were recruited in the study. The top three most commonly prescribed antibiotics were ceftriaxone (58.6%), metronidazole (25%) and moxifloxacin (9.2%), while, the top most reported indication for antibiotics use was: medical prophylaxis (74.5%). Highest use of antibiotics was noted in Medicine ward (38.2%). Conclusion: The study highlighted significant high use of antibiotics especially in prophylaxis and in Medicine wards in hospitals of Punjab. This study should be taken as a red flag for Ministry of Health, Pakistan to promulgate and implement stringent policies for effective stewardship of antibiotics use in Pakistan, otherwise, no action today, there would be no cure tomorrow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Antimicrobial stewardship modules have gained popularity in the educational circles in developed countries. These modules prepare students on the concepts of rational use of antimicrobials to avoid antimicrobial resistance. However, in Pakistan, limited studies have evaluated the extent these concepts are taught in pharmacy and medical schools through students' perspective. Objectives: To explore medical and pharmacy student's perspective on the quality of education delivered to inculcate concepts of antibiotic use and resistance. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to measure the median and differences in both groups were measured using Chi square test using SPSS version 23.0. Results: A total of 550 students responded the survey of which 330 were Pharm-D and 220 were MBBS students from 23 medical and 19 pharmacy institute across Punjab. Mean correct knowledge score was 56%, with statistically significant differences between study sites and sources of information used to learn about antimicrobials. Only 23% had completed a clinical infectious diseases rotation during medical or Pharmacy College while, 61% students rated the education regarding appropriate use of antimicrobials to be useful or very useful. More than 80% pharmacy students reported lack of training on the rite duration of treatment for specific infections. Conclusion: The study findings implied a dissatisfaction of both pharmacy and medical students on the quality of education regarding AMS and antibiotic use. There is serious lacking in practical training especially in pharmacy schools. However, students are enthusiastic to learn more through problem-based learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: World Health Organization (WHO) has defined core indicators for drug use evaluation, which cover four main parameters of the drug use process i.e., quality in prescribing, dispensing, health care facilities and patient care. However, limited data is available to highlight the level of compliance to these indicators in Pakistan. Objectives: To evaluate and compare drug use process per WHO core indicators in private and public hospitals of Lahore. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study to collect data using WHO standardized questionnaire during June-July 2019. Descriptive statistics was used, and data were analysed using SPSS. Results: 1229 prescriptions/patients were assessed in 17 hospitals (12 public and 5 private). In public hospital, mean number of drugs per encounter was 3.15, while, generic names were prescribed for 4.15%, as compared to 3.3% and 4% in private hospitals respectively. Similarly, antibiotics and injectable prescription were higher in private hospitals i.e., 50% and 20% respectively as compared to 19.4% and 6.67%. However, patient knowledge, average consultation and dispensing times were significantly better in private hospitals as compared to public. Not a single drug was adequately labelled in public or private hospital. Formulary was present in all. Conclusion: Study highlighted significant lacking in generic prescribing, rampant injectable practices, limited consultation and dispensing times, and poor knowledge of patients especially in Public hospitals. Together these factors contribute to pervasive irrational use of medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Burnout, resilience, and thriving significantly impact academics, particularly in health professions, where responsibilities are extensive. This study aimed to explore these constructs among academic health professionals, examining sociodemographic and work-related factors influencing these outcomes., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among academic health professionals via web-based professional networks from August 2022 to February 2023. Validated tools were used, and descriptive and inferential statistics were applied., Results: 505 participants were included, predominantly female (63%), with a mean age of 38.15 ± 9.6 years. High burnout was reported by 10.9%, 13.7% experienced exhaustion, and 6.3% were disengaged. Resilience and thriving were moderate at 59.2 and 51.9%, respectively. Age correlated negatively with burnout ( r  = -0.131, p  = 0.003) but positively with resilience ( r  = 0.178, p  < 0.001). Females reported higher exhaustion ( p  = 0.014), while males showed greater resilience ( p  = 0.016). Instructors exhibited lower resilience compared to assistant professors ( p  < 0.001) and associate professors ( p  < 0.001). Those at public universities reported higher exhaustion than those at private universities ( p  < 0.001)., Conclusion: Variable levels of burnout, resilience, and thriving were observed among academic health professionals, influenced by sociodemographic and work-related factors. Interventions targeting resilience and thriving may mitigate burnout risk and enhance engagement among academics in health professions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Nahas, Elnaem, Mubarak, Khatwa, Barakat, Faller, Kassem, Ramatillah, Jaber, Akkawi, Al-Shami, Chandran, Mohamed, Jack, Abouelhana, Courtenay and Elrggal.)

Medicine use review is a tool to improve medication adherence and safety. Current narrative review was planned to explore global policies and practices of medicine use review by community pharmacists in chronic diseases and its impact and way forward for low- and middle-income countries. Key words, such as ″medicine use review″, ″medication therapy management″ and ″community pharmacy″ were used for search on PubMed and CINAHL databases for articles published from 2004 to 2019. Medicine use review has opened an avenue of ongoing collaboration between community pharmacists and general practitioners. High-income countries have witnessed a gradual yet cautious adoption of these services through effective policy shift. In terms of practices and impact, the situation in high-income countries was promising where on an average ″type-II″ medicine use review was widely in practice and had improved clinical, humanistic and economic outcomes in chronic disease. However, in low- and middle-income countries, a paucity of effective policies was noted. Nevertheless, an emergent recognition of the potential of community pharmacists to contribute to the management of chronic diseases was evident.