HPLC with Fluorescence and Photodiode Array Detection for Quantifying Capmatinib in Biological Samples: Application to In Vivo and In Vitro Studies.

Capmatinib, a recently approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is used for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. We describe two new HPLC methods for capmatinib quantification in vivo and in vitro. HPLC with a fluorescence detection method was used to quantify capmatinib in plasma for the first time. The method was successfully applied in a pharmacokinetic study following a 10 mg/kg oral dose of capmatinib given to rats. The chromatographic separation was performed using a Eurospher II 100-3 C18H (50 × 4 mm, 3 µm) column and a mobile phase containing 10 mM of ammonium acetate buffer (pH 5.5): acetonitrile (70:30, v/v), at a flow rate of 2.0 mL min-1. The study also describes the use of HPLC-PDA for the first time for the determination of capmatinib in human liver microsomes and describes its application to study its metabolic stability in vitro. Our results were in agreement with those reported using LC-MS/MS, demonstrating the reliability of the method. The study utilized a Gemini-NX C18 column and a mobile phase containing methanol: 20 mM ammonium formate buffer pH 3.5 (53:47, v/v), delivered at a flow rate of 1.1 mL min-1. These methods are suitable for supporting pharmacokinetic studies, particularly in bioanalytical labs lacking LC-MS/MS capabilities.

Global Research Trends of Health-Related Publications on Ramadan Fasting from 1999 to 2021: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Ramadan fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. The current study aims to examine, analyze, and identify trends of health-related publications on Ramadan fasting. In total, 1468 documents retrieved from Scopus were analyzed. The mean number of authors per document was 3.7, with an average of 13.3 citations per document. The UK ranked first (12.3%, n = 181) regarding the number of documents, followed by Iran (10.4%, n = 153) and then Saudi Arabia (9.8%, n = 144). The most active journal was "Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice" (4.9%, n = 72). Publications related to diabetes and fasting constituted around 29.7% (n = 436) of the literature. The research volume on Ramadan fasting has been noticeably growing. More reliable research is required to aid healthcare professionals in providing patient-specific care.

Smartphone applications for sleep tracking: rating and perceptions about behavioral change among users.

Introduction: This study aims to assess existing sleep apps for mobile phones to determine the perceived effect of these applications on user's attitudes, knowledge, willingness to change, and its likelihood to change behavior from a user's perspective. Material and Methods: A systematic search was conducted through Google play store and iTunes Apple store using terms related to sleep tracking. Apps were evaluated using Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) tool for assessing and classifying mobile health applications quality. Additionally, a convenience sample of subjects were asked to evaluate the included apps for perceived sleep behavior changes. Results: The average MARS app quality score on a 5-point scale was 3.3. Between 30-50% of participants believed that sleep tracker apps are likely to increase awareness about sleep patterns and sleep hygiene, infuence sleep hygiene habits, and are likely to encourage help seeking for sleep hygiene when required. Conclusion: Apps available for sleep self-management and tracking may be valuable tools for self-management of sleep disorder and/or improving sleep quality, yet they require improvement in terms of quality and content, highlighting the need for further validity studies.

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Fluorescence Detection for Quantification of Steroids in Clinical, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Samples: A Review.

Steroids are compounds widely available in nature and synthesized for therapeutic and medical purposes. Although several analytical techniques are available for the quantification of steroids, their analysis is challenging due to their low levels and complex matrices of the samples. The efficiency and quick separation of the HPLC combined with the sensitivity, selectivity, simplicity, and cost-efficiency of fluorescence, make HPLC coupled to fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) an ideal tool for routine measurement and detection of steroids. In this review, we covered HPLC-FLD methods reported in the literature for the steroids quantification in clinical, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications, focusing on the various approaches of fluorescent derivatization. The aspects related to analytical methodology including sample preparation, derivatization reagents, and chromatographic conditions will be discussed.

Physicians' Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes Related to Patient Confidentiality and Data Sharing.

BACKGROUND: The protection of patient confidentiality is an essential practice for the successful provision of healthcare. This study examines physicians' knowledge and attitudes related to data sharing and patient confidentiality. METHODS: This is a descriptive, questionnaire-based study. Physicians were invited via e-mail to complete the study survey. The survey comprised three sections related to knowledge, attitudes, and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 221 physicians, with varying levels of experience and from a range of specialty areas, completed the study survey. Ethical dilemmas were encountered annually by physicians specialized in family medicine and daily by physicians in internal medicine wards more often than those in other departments. The mean score for knowledge was 7.34 (out of 14; SD=2.92) and had a positive correlation with attitudes towards the protection of data confidentiality (r2=0.282, p<0.001). Undergraduate courses were the main source of knowledge related to ethical issues (167; 74.9%). Sex (B=-1.47, p=0.001), marriage (B=-1.198, p=0.021), and source of consultation (B=-.248, p=0.02) were all found to predict knowledge scores. Likewise, attitudes were predicted by experience (B= 0.279, p<0.001), sex (B= -2.797, p=0.002), marriage (B=1.91, p=0.02), and number of ethical dilemmas faced (B=1.695, p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Physicians from different departments were found to lack sufficient knowledge about many aspects of patient confidentiality. While some of the physicians' practices complied with the law, other practices were identified as patient confidentiality breaches.

Perceptions, symptoms, and practices of electronic cigarette users: Descriptive analysis and validation of Arabic short form vaping consequences questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: E-cigarette (EC) use is increasing worldwide. Understanding the practices and perceptions of e-cigarette users and profiling the symptoms they experience is essential for regulating the use of such products. This study aims to investigate the practices and perceptions of e-cigarette users in Jordan and examine the symptoms (e.g. respiratory) they associate with e-cigarette use. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to assess EC use and tobacco smoking behaviors and the corresponding health symptoms among EC users in Jordan. EC use expectancies were also assessed using the Short Form Vaping Consequences Questionnaire, which was first translated into Arabic and tested for validity and reliability. RESULTS: Out of the 400 EC users surveyed, 95.5% were male, 76.2% used nicotine-containing juice, and 56.8% were concurrent tobacco smokers. Further, the participants had a mean age of 28.9 years (±10.2). Among dual EC/cigarette users, 88.6% reported that they tried to quit cigarette smoking, with e-cigarette use being the most commonly tried method of smoking cessation. The smoking-related symptoms reported by regular cigarette smokers mainly included sputum production (77.5%). The participants reported that using e-cigarettes instead of tobacco cigarettes had led to improvements in their sputum production (60.8%), breathing (59%), and general wellbeing (52%). Pleasant taste, enjoyable taste sensation, and flavor were significantly stronger (P-value < 0.05) among e-cigarette users compared to dual users. Dual EC/cigarette users reported stronger perceptions in the negative consequences scale, particularly with regards to the hazardous effects of smoking on health (P-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dual daily use of e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is a common practice among EC users. We recommend that further research is conducted on dual EC/cigarette use and the potential health risks this may have (e.g. higher nicotine intake as compared to the single use of either products).

Media's effect on shaping knowledge, awareness risk perceptions and communication practices of pandemic COVID-19 among pharmacists.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), an infection of the zoonotic coronavirus, is presenting a healthcare challenge around the globe. This study aims to assess the levels of disease knowledge and risk perception among pharmacists. We also recognize predictors of risk perception and perceived media roles. Methods This is a questionnaire-base cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was developed on a web-based platform and invitations were sent to pharmacists nationwide to participate in the study using social media applications. Results A total of 486 pharmacists participated in this study, where females were dominant (78.6%, n = 382). Most (40.4%, n = 198) pharmacists scored 4 out of 5 in basic disease knowledge, and more than half were able to recognize common methods of spread. Risk was highly perceived among participants, and was predicted by gender, living area, and having children (p < 0,05). Frequency of watching the media and sources of information also influenced both risk perception and perceived media roles. Conclusion Disease awareness among pharmacists, as well as risk perception must be considered for effective risk communication planning. The role of media in shaping perceptions should also be carefully studied to encourage compliance with government containment measures and engagement in preventive behaviors.

Patterns and Predictors of Internet Gaming Disorder: An Observational Study from Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a rapidly growing public health problem that may have detrimental effects. The purpose of this study is to identify factors associated with IGD status. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, a convenient sample of gamers in Jordan was recruited and asked to participate in an online survey based on the nine criteria of the 20-item Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD-20) used to assess gaming disorder. Sociodemographic and psychosocial data were also obtained. RESULTS: A total of 504 gamers participated in this study. The mean age of respondents was 21.6 ± 3.90 years. Using the standard IGD-20 scale, 96 participants (19%) were classified as potential IGD cases, compared to 408 (80.9%) non-disordered gamers. Males were dominant among the population, constituting 348 (69%) of gamers. Males also played significantly more hours per week [17.8 ±16.75] compared to females [13 ± 17.65]. The majority of gamers (411 (81.5%)) were students, although unemployed adults played for the highest total time [23.9 ± 30.84 hours/week]. Device type used for gaming also significantly (p <0.05) affected the time spent playing. Predictors of IGD included educational level (p< 0.05) and playing hours/week (p< 005). Conversely, no significant associations were found between IGD and gender, age, employment, or sleeping hours. IGD is increasingly being diagnosed among both genders and presents a health challenge for internet users. CONCLUSION: Establishing gamer profiles and recognizing predictors of IGD is therefore vital for guiding clinical classification and diagnosis of the disease.

Smartphone Applications for Period Tracking: Rating and Behavioral Change among Women Users.

BACKGROUND: The use of mobile apps for health and well-being has grown exponentially in the last decade, as such apps were reported to be ideal platforms for behavioral change and symptoms monitoring and management. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically review period tracking applications available at Google Play and Apple App Stores and determine the presence, features, and quality of these smartphone apps. In addition, behavioral changes associated with the top 5 rated apps were assessed. METHODS: This study used the Systematic Search Criteria through Google Play Store and iTunes Apple Store, using terms related to period tracking. Apps were scanned for matching the inclusion criteria and the included apps were assessed by two reviewers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), a tool that was developed for classifying and assessing the quality of mHealth apps. RESULTS: Forty-nine apps met the inclusion criteria. Most of the apps enabled setting user goals, motivations, and interactivity, tracking multiple symptoms or mood changes, allowed notifications, and used graphs to illustrate the tracking result over a specific period of time. The majority of features and functions within these apps were offered for free, while some apps included limited in-app purchases or needed Internet connection to function. Certain apps were reported by participants to promote behavioral change and increase knowledge and awareness regarding monthly periods. CONCLUSIONS: Period tracking apps were easy to use and navigate and can hence be readily adopted into routine tracking and management of periods. However, most apps were not based on significant evidence and may need further development to support period-related symptom management.

Piperine Alters the Pharmacokinetics and Anticoagulation of Warfarin in Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Piperine, the bioactive compound of black pepper, and warfarin are metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes and are both highly plasma protein-bound compounds. In this study, we evaluated the effect of co-administered piperine on the pharmacokinetics and anticoagulation of warfarin in rats. METHODS: We studied four Sprague-Dawley rat groups: a negative control group receiving only oral warfarin, a test group receiving warfarin plus piperine, a positive control group receiving warfarin plus sulfaphenazole (CYP2C inhibitor), and another positive control group receiving warfarin plus ketoconazole (CYP3A inhibitor). We also analyzed plasma concentrations of warfarin and its major metabolite, 7-hydoxywarfarin. Blood clotting time, calculated as international normalized ratio (INR), was also measured. RESULTS: Our results showed that although co-administration of piperine produced a non-significant decrease in warfarin concentrations, it resulted in significantly lower 7-hydroxywarfarin metabolite concentrations. Piperine significantly decreased, by sixfold, AUC0-∞, by eightfold, Cmax, but significantly increased, by fivefold, CL/F and, by sixfold, Vd/F of 7-hydroxywarfarin. The INR values were consistent with the decrease in warfarin concentration in the presence of piperine and showed a significant decrease at 24 h after warfarin dose. CONCLUSION: We conclude that piperine could be a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 metabolism of warfarin in vivo and, contrary to the expectation, may reduce the plasma concentration and anticoagulation of warfarin. This interaction could have a clinical significance and should be investigated in patients.

Predictors of symptom burden among hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study at 13 hospitals.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the clinical characteristics and symptomatology of ESRD patients in Jordan taking a multidimensional approach. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that included a cohort of 620 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Data were retrieved via patient survey administration and electronic health records. A modified version of the Charlson Comorbidity index (CCI) was utilized to assess comorbidity. Symptoms were assessed using the validated Arabic version of the CKD Symptom Burden Index (CKD-SBI). RESULTS: The mean (± SD) age of participants was 50.9 ± 16.1 years, with the 59.8% being males. Diabetes was the leading cause of kidney disease among patients (29.2%), followed by hypertension (20.7%) and medication use (8.6%). Common comorbidities included hypertension (72.4%), diabetes (38.4%), and cardiovascular disease (18.7%). Patients experienced 13 CKD-related symptoms on average, with a total symptom burden score of 29.6. Muscle strain was the most common symptom (62.6%), followed by itchiness (59.7%), nervousness (57.7%), and anxiety (57.7%). Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) [ß = 0.88, 95% CI (0.34-1.41)], male gender [ß = - 5.59; 95% CI (- 8.34 to - 2.85)], higher educational level [ß = - 3.38; 95% CI (- 6.39 to - 0.37)], and number of dialysis sessions/week (ß = 6.22, 95% CI 3.37-9.07) were independent predictors of total symptom burden. Similarly, these factors predicted symptom troublesomeness, intensity, and recurrence. CONCLUSION: A holistic clinical picture of ESRD that includes multidimensional symptom assessment is warranted for better disease management and resource allocation. Our paper identifies key characteristic of this population and factors contributing to total symptom burden.

Patient Data Sharing and Confidentiality Practices of Researchers in Jordan.

PURPOSE: The main focus of this study is to assess the knowledge and practices of healthcare practitioners regarding data sharing, security, and confidentiality, with a focus on the use of health data retrieved from electronic health records (EHRs) for research purposes. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey study was conducted across all academic institutions including all researchers in the medical field in Jordan. Personal and administrative practices in data sharing were assessed through collecting data from respondents. RESULTS: The response rate was 22% with an average of 10.25 years of experience in publications. Almost 60% had published at least 1 to 3 studies using EHRs. The prevalence of researchers who "Always" used antivirus software and preserved patient's information was 75.5% and 92.2%, respectively. However, other personal security and confidentiality measures were not satisfactory. Less than half of health data used in the research was "Always" anonymised or encrypted and only around 44.0% had "Always" used sensitive data with more specificity than normal data. CONCLUSION: Confidentiality and data sharing practices of healthcare practitioners and researchers were generally less than optimal. Efforts from healthcare providers, health institutions, and lawmakers should be put in place to protect the security and confidentiality of electronic patient data.