ABSTRACT
Background: Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) were brought into the market with the intent of providing benefits primarily to patients and physicians. Nevertheless, despite their multiple advantages, they have their own set of drawbacks, especially regarding irrational FDCs. If physicians continue to prescribe them, prohibiting their sale would become all the more challenging. This cross-sectional survey study was planned to comprehend the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of physicians regarding such FDCs at a tertiary care teaching institute of western Uttar Pradesh, India. Methodology: A pre-validated questionnaire was communicated electronically to all the attending physicians. For data analysis, descriptive statistics were applied and a χ2 test was performed for inter-group comparison. Results: Amongst the 108 respondents, participation was almost comparable from both medical and surgical branches, with most participants being junior residents (58%). Even with sound knowledge of FDCs, only 46.30% of them were aware of banned FDCs. Similarly, only 6.48% could correctly identify the disadvantages associated with the use of FDCs, and 33.18% could correctly recognize irrational FDCs. This finding was consistently reflected in their attitude and practice and only 15.74% of respondents cross-referenced FDCs with the available literature. Furthermore, despite 88.89% of respondents checking for rationality of FDCs before prescribing them, a compendium of irrational FDCs is routinely prescribed. Conclusion: To amend these shortcomings in prescribing of irrational FDCs, some recommendations are proposed by the authors herein.
ABSTRACT
Green thermoplastic starch (TPS) nanocomposite films aided by cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from Chrysopogon zizanioides roots were developed and characterized. When compared to other lignocellulosic fibers, Chrysopogon zizanioides roots revealed exceptionally high cellulose content (~48%). CNFs were separated using an environmentally friendly acid isolation technique that included three stages: (i) alkali treatment; (ii) bleaching; and (iii) mild acid hydrolysis using oxalic acid in an autoclave. Following that, green nanocomposite films were made from potato starch using the solution casting process, by which we used glycerol (30 wt%) to make thermoplastic starch. Then, cellulose nanofibers in different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 wt%) were added to the thermoplastic starch matrix. The isolated CNFs had diameters in the range of 17-27 nm. Besides, these nanostructures presented a very high crystallinity index (~65%), thereby enhanced the thermal stability. TPS/CNF green nanocomposites containing 3 wt% CNFs had exceptional tensile strength (~161%), tensile modulus (~167%), thermal stability, and crystallinity. As a result, nanocomposite films made of starch and cellulose nanofibers (3 wt%) extracted from Chrysopogon zizanioides roots would be alternatives for sustainable packaging. It can be concluded that Chrysopogon zizanioides roots have high potential for polymer industry.