Comparison of Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Parameters and Clinical Outcomes of Vancomycin Administered in Two Different Dosage Regimens in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury.

Background: Vancomycin is commonly used in intensive care units (ICUs), but its optimal dosage in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate vancomycin's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) properties, therapeutic target attainment area under the curve/minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC ≥ 400) under two dosage regimens, and the need for dosage adjustments in AKI.

Objectives: The primary objective was to assess the proportion of patients achieving a therapeutic AUC/MIC ratio of 400 - 600 mg.

Impact of Clinical Pharmacist-led Interventions on the Outcomes of Patients with Bipolar I Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: Poor medication adherence, drug interactions, and adverse drug events occur frequently in patients with bipolar I disorder (BD-I), affecting their treatment outcomes. Due to limited research regarding the impact of pharmaceutical care (PC) services in the management of patients with BD-I, this study was designed to assess the role of clinical pharmacist-led interventions on outcomes of BD-I patients.

Methods: A prospective randomized clinical trial was designed, and 59 patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 48 patients to the control group.

Efficacy and Safety of a DOAC Compared to Unfractionated Heparin and A Low Molecular Weight Heparin in the Prevention of Thromboembolism in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients are at risk of thromboembolic events, making thromboprophylaxis crucial.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare apixaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor (DOAC), with dalteparin and unfractionated heparin for thromboprophylaxis in HSCT recipients. The safety outcome included the assessment of hemorrhagic events.

Performance Evaluation of Biochip Chemiluminescent Immunoassay for Screening Seven Mycotoxins in Wheat Flour Simultaneously.

Background: Wheat grains are susceptible to mycotoxins, toxic natural secondary metabolites generated by certain fungi on agricultural produce in the field during growth, harvest, transportation, or storage. Therefore, wheat flour can be contaminated with mycotoxins, which seriously threaten human health.

Methods: A rapid method for screening seven mycotoxins in wheat flour was validated in accordance with Commission Decision 2002/657/EC.

Simultaneous Screening of Six Families of Antibiotic Residues in Milk Samples by Biochip Multi-array Technology.

Background: Antimicrobial compounds are used in animal husbandry to prevent and treat bacterial diseases and as illegal growth-promoting agents. Due to the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics, the antibiotic residues in milk can cause allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance. A rapid biochip-based method for the multi-analyte screening of 6 families of antibiotic residues (quinolones, ceftiofur, florfenicol, streptomycin, tylosin, and tetracyclines) in milk was validated based on Commission Decision 2002/657 and the European guidance for screening methods for veterinary medicinal products.

The Efficacy of High-Dose Pulse Therapy vs. Low-Dose Intravenous Methylprednisolone on Severe to Critical COVID-19 Clinical Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: It remains unclear which formulation of the corticosteroid regimen has the optimum efficacies on COVID-19 pneumonia.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of 2 different regimens in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by COVID-19: Methylprednisolone at a dose of 1 mg/kg every 12 hours (low-dose group) and 1000 mg/day pulse therapy for 3 days following 1 mg/kg methylprednisolone every 12 hours (high-dose group).

Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, patients with mild to moderate ARDS due to COVID-19 were randomly assigned to receive either low-dose (n = 47) or high-dose (n = 48) intravenous methylprednisolone regimens.

An adapted model of cost-related medication nonadherence among older adult patients with chronic diseases: an Iranian qualitative study.

Background: Following the rapid aging of population, some concerns have emerged regarding increasing demand for health care services and the consequent increase in health costs. Besides, older adult patients with chronic disease are more prone to show cost-related medication non-adherence (CRN) to cope with their medication costs. The objective of this qualitative study was to develop an adopted conceptual framework on the contextual determinants that affect the CRN in older adult patients with chronic diseases.

Simultaneous Screening of Nitrofuran Metabolites in Honey Using Biochip Array Technology: Validation Study According to the Decision 2002/657/EC of the European Union.

Background: Although no authorization is available for antibiotics to treat bee diseases, some veterinary compounds are used by beekeepers, and each country sets its own thresholds. Inappropriate and excessive use of these drugs can cause allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance in humans who consume the remaining antibiotic residues in honey and its products. It is, therefore, relevant to monitor the presence of antibiotic residues in this matrix.

Study of the Effects of Melatonin on Sleep Disorders in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis Patients.

Background: The symptoms of pulmonary sarcoidosis may lead to fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, poor sleep quality, and a decrease in quality of life in these patients.

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of oral melatonin on sleep disorders of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Methods: A randomized, single-blinded clinical trial was conducted on patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Probiotic prophylaxis to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia in children on mechanical ventilation: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.

Purpose: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common nosocomial infections in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Using new strategies to prevent nosocomial infections is crucial to avoid antibiotic resistance. One of these strategies is the utilization of probiotics.

Evaluation of vancomycin pharmacokinetics in patients with augmented renal clearances: A randomized clinical trial.

Vancomycin is a narrow therapeutic window glycopeptide antibiotic that acts against Gram-positive bacteria. As it is renally eliminated, therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended for vancomycin, especially in case of kidney function alteration. Augmented renal clearance (ARC), defined as a creatinine clearance of more than 130 ml/min, is a risk factor for sub-therapeutic concentrations of vancomycin.

A ten-year study of anti-diabetic drugs utilization in Iran.

Objectives: According to the world health organization (WHO), by the year 2030 diabetes will become the world's seventh leading cause of death. This study aimed to design and conduct a descriptive pharmacoepidemiological investigation of anti-diabetic drugs utilization during a ten-year period using the anatomical therapeutic classification/defined daily dose (ATC / DDD) system in Iran.

Methods: Based on pharmaceutical wholesalers' sale reports, sale data, including value and volume, were retrieved from the Iranian Annual Pharma Statistics for 2009-2018.

Validation of Simultaneous Biochip-based Method for Screening of 3 Beta-Lactam Families Residues in Cow's Milk in Accordance with the European Union Decision 2002/657/EC and its Application on Real Samples.

Illegal and excessive use of veterinary antibiotics as a food additive for growth promotion in livestock can lead to allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance, which is a worldwide concern. A biochip-based semi-quantitative screening method of antimicrobial residues in milk was validated based on Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and the European guideline to validate screening methods for veterinary medicines. This multi-analytical screening method enables to determine of 3 beta-lactams (cefalexin, ampicillin, and cefuroxime) simultaneously.

The Evaluation of Melatonin Effects on Mobilization and Engraftment in Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients; A Randomized, Double-blind and Placebo-controlled Trial.

Mobilization and engraftment of Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) are challenging issues in Autologous HSC transplantation (AHSCT) so several attempts such as colony-stimulating factors (CSF) and plerixafor have been used for enhancement of HSCs mobilization and engraftment. In this randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study, we evaluated the melatonin's efficacy and safety, as endogenous CSF inducer, co-administered with Filgrastim in mobilizing and engraftment of HSC. AHSCT patients were randomized to receive either Melatonin or placebo plus filgrastim.

Investigation of pharmacokinetic and clinical outcomes of various meropenem regimens in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia and augmented renal clearance.

Introduction: Augmented renal clearance (ARC) defined as creatinine clearance (Clcr) above 130 mL/min/1.73m may lead to suboptimal antibacterial treatment. The aim of this study was to determine a strategy for meropenem administration to achieve both pharmacodynamic-pharmacokinetic (PK-PD) target (50%fT > MIC) and better clinical outcomes in patients with VAP and ARC.

Validation of a Multiclass Method for the Screening of 15 Antibiotic Residues in Milk Using Biochip Multi-array Technology and Its application to Monitor Real Samples.

Veterinary drugs are extensively and legally consumed to treat and prevent disease in chattels but some are also used illegally as growth-stimulating agents. Inappropriate or intensive use of antibiotics can cause allergic reactions and, above all, antibiotic resistance. A multiclass approach for the screening of antimicrobial substances in milk was validated in consonance with Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and to the European guideline for the validation of screening methods for veterinary medicines.

Study of the Effects of N-acetylcysteine on Inflammatory Biomarkers and Disease Activity Score in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered as an autoimmune-related condition in which the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines leads to an inflammatory cascade. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent. We aimed to explore the impact of oral NAC on cytokines activities and clinical indicators in RA patients.

Simultaneous Analysis of 10 Priority PAHs in Iranian Sangak Bread Samples by Developing a GC-MS Method.

Human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is known as a carcinogen risk factor. In this study, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique combined with the QuEChERS extraction method was developed for concurrent analysis of 10 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Iranian traditional Sangak bread samples. The method was validated by determining different parameters, including; linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ).

Development of A Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Technique for Evaluation of Multi-class Pesticides in Rice Samples.

In the current study, a liquid chromatography coupled mass detector was set up to detect and quantify 108 pesticide residues in rice samples. QuEChERS method was applied for sample preparation and different validation parameters were determined to ensure the suitability of the method. The calibration curves were linear in the concentration 0.

The effects of memantine on the serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases and neurologic function of patients with ischemic stroke.

Memantine was suggested as a promising treatment for stroke due to its neuroprotective property and efficacy in reducing ischemic brain injury and improving post-ischemic neurological recovery. This pilot, open-label, randomized clinical trial was conducted to investigate the impact of memantine on serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, as neuronal damage biomarkers, and neurologic function evaluated by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) and Barthelindex(BI) in patients with ischemic stroke. Admitted patients with mild to moderate ischemic stroke were assessed for eligibility, and eligible patients were randomized to the intervention or control group.

Irrational use of antibiotics in Iran from the perspective of complex adaptive systems: redefining the challenge.

Background: Irrational use of antibiotics is proving to be a major concern to the health systems globally. This results in antibiotics resistance and increases health care costs. In Iran, despite many years of research, appreciable efforts, and policymaking to avoid irrational use of antibiotics, yet indicators show suboptimal use of antibiotics, pointing to an urgent need for adopting alternative approaches to further understand the problem and to offer new solutions.

Buccal Buspirone as add-on Therapy to Omeprazole Versus Omeprazole in Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases (GERD).

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are recommended as first line treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Failure to PPIs has been mentioned as a problem in pharmacotherapy of GERD. The present study compared the symptom relief, quality of life (QoL) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of omeprazole plus buccal buspirone with that of omeprazole alone.

Aflibercept therapy for exudative age-related macular degeneration resistant to bevacizumab and ranibizumab.

Background: Despite the good outcomes achieved with intravitreal angiogenic therapy, a subset of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients experience resistance to therapy after repeated injections. Switching drugs could offer benefit to this group of patients.

Purpose: To determine visual and anatomical outcomes in a cohort of neovascular AMD patients resistant to repeated injections of bevacizumab/ranibizumab after switching to aflibercept therapy.

Comparison of Mirtazapine and Olanzapine on Nausea and Vomiting following Anthracycline-cyclophosphamide Chemotherapy Regimen in Patients with Breast Cancer.

We evaluated and compared the efficacy and safety of mirtazapine (MTZ) with olanzapine (OLP) for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) following anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide (AC) regimen. Eligible participants were chemotherapy-naive early-stage breast cancer patients who were scheduled to undergo adjuvant AC. The patients were randomized to take oral MTZ or OLP in combination with aprepitant (A), dexamethasone (D), and granisetron (G), (ADG).

Novel Application of Near-infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics Approach for Detection of Lime Juice Adulteration.

The aim of this study is to investigate the novel application of a ‎handheld near infra-red spectrophotometer coupled with classification methodologies as a screening approach in detection of adulterated lime juices. For this purpose, a miniaturized near infra-red spectrophotometer (Tellspec) in the spectral range of 900-1700 nm was used. Three diffuse reflectance spectra of 31 pure lime juices were collected from Jahrom, Iran and 25 adulterated juices were acquired.