ABSTRACT
This study investigated the neurologic effect of Telfairia occidentalis on cadmium chloride-induced toxicity in male rats. Twenty-five male rats were grouped as follows: Group A: control, Group B-E: CdCl₂ 0.5ml; CdCl₂+ T. occidentalis 0.3ml; CdCl₂+T. occidentalis 0.5ml and CdCl₂+ T. occidentalis 0.7ml, respectively. Gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector, Ultraviolet visible ray spectrophotometry and total antioxidant capacity of T. occidentalis was done. Oxidative stress markers, muscle function markers and plasma electrolyte were assayed. The gait parameters of the animals were observed using gait test apparatus. This study lasted for 4 weeks. Blood and brain samples were collected. The phytochemical results revealed alkaloids, flavonones, terpenes, phenols, anthrocyanins and epicatechin. The biochemical results were in comparison with control and group B. The results were statistically significant at 95% confidence interval. MDA decreased in groups C, D and E, PC decreased in groups C, D and E and F2ISOP decreased in group C, D and E. An increase in SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH in groups C, D and E. A decrease in plasma creatine kinase level and an increase in AChE levels of groups C, D and E was revealed. There was no change in level. SL, SDL and BOS values increased in groups C, D and E. This study revealed that T. occidentalis has the tendency to ameliorate neurotoxicity and anemia induced by cadmium chloride.

ABSTRACT
Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies substance abuse as one of the frequent activities that constitute "negative risk-taking," particularly among teenagers and young adults. Objective: We assessed the prevalence, correlates and effects of substance abuse among pharmacy students in a Nigerian university. Methods: This study was a questionnaire-based prospective cross-sectional study. Descriptive statistics of frequency, mean, and standard deviation was used to summarize the data, The relationship between categorical variables was determined using the Pearson Chi square (X2) test, with a P value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, 150 questionnaires were distributed for the study and retrieved. 147 (98%) of the participants were aged 20-25 years, 2 (1.3%) of the participants were aged 25-30 while 1 (0.7%) was above 35years. Out of the 150 participants, 75 (50%) were males and 75 (50%) were females. Most of the participants 98 (65.3%) were in 400 level while the rest52 (34.7%). About 136 (90.7%) of participants disagreed to having family history of alcohol use while 14 (9.3%) agreed to that. Most of the participants 124 (82.7%) were actively involved in religion. The p-value for the use a substance before passively was p= 0.000 and actively p= 0.000. Conclusion: The prevalence of substance abuse among the respondents was high. The lifestyle of people in their immediate environment significantly affects the therapeutic outcome of patients directly or indirectly. Alcohol was the most abused substance. Stress relief, peer pressure, curiosity and recreation have been identified as the major reasons why the students abuse drugs. It is expected that health providers maintain high level of health standard both physically and psychologically in order to be fit enough to administer treatment to the public. For this reason, proper attention must be given to health providers in their formative years in college to reduce to the ba

ABSTRACT
Long before the discovery of microbes, plants were well known for their healing potential against different diseases including infectious diseases. MDR (Multi Drug Resistant) bacteria are a source of major concern for clinicians as most primary antibiotics do not work against them. Due to this, there is a drastic increase in the number of infections caused by MDR strains which in turn leads to an increasing number of deaths due to lack of treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the anti-microbial properties of the extract of Phyllodium longipes, a lesser-known edible plant valued for its medicinal properties. However, its antimicrobial properties are largely unknown. In this study we explored its antimicrobial property against some pathogenic bacteria including MDR strains. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the ethanol extract of the plant was determined. This study shows that the plant extract is highly effective against Gram positive bacteria MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus), Gram negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhi, while it is mild to moderately effective against other pathogenic bacteria.

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Illegible handwritten prescriptions for look-alike sound-alike medications (LASAMs) compromise pharmaceutical service quality, dispensing errors, and patient safety risks. Methods: To date, little is documented on the real dispensing practices of Libyan community pharmacists when presented with illegible prescription orders involving poorly handwritten LASAMs. Therefore; this cross-sectional study using simulated patient methodology, was performed to assess predictors for dispensing errors among 400 community pharmacists and evaluate their ability to interpret and dispense illegible handwritten prescriptions of LASAMs. Four prescriptions, each with 1–4 items (10 total items, including either Duphalac® or Duphaston®) were evaluated, yielding a thousand measurements. Results: The findings revealed significant challenges in interpreting illegible handwritten prescriptions, with 45.5% of pharmacists correctly identifying the LASAM. Generic drug names as Aspirin (94%) and Dexamethasone (77%), were interpreted more accurately compared to brand names like Utrogestan® (21%) and Pregnyl® (12%). Key predictors of dispensing errors include: single drug item prescriptions ([AOR] [95% CI]: 1.842 [1.15-2.950]; p = 0.011), crowded pharmacy ([AOR] [95% CI]: 2.165[1.256- 3.731]; p = 0.005), and evening visits ([AOR] [95% CI]: 1.983[1.119- 3.517]; p = 0.019). Pharmacists who sought additional information ([AOR] [95% CI]: 0.330 [0.208- 0.524]; p < 0.001), or referred patients to the physician ([AOR] [95% CI]: 0.241 [0.124- 0.468]; p < 0.001) achieved correct dispensing, reducing errors by 67% and 75.9%; respectively. Conclusion: Urgent systemic interventions, including the implementation of Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) systems, standardized prescription-writing practices, and targeted pharmacists training programs are critical to enhance patient safety in Libya’s healthcare system.