In many countries, soiled toilet paper is placed in trash bins rather than flushed down the toilet. We investigated the use of soiled toilet paper in Guatemalan markets to surveil for pathogenic sequence types (STs) of "E. coli" and third generation cephalosporin-resistant "E. coli" (3GCR-EC). We collected used toilet paper…

The subject of pharmaceutical research has traditionally focused on drugs with systemic effects. However, contemporary approaches aspire to achieve targeted drug delivery, with the aim of combatting infections with a precise immune response. Active substances are encapsulated in nanoparticles, transported through the body, and selectively released…

Estimating prescription medicine use is challenging due to recall bias associated with surveys and coverage bias in administrative data. This study assesses how making operational improvements and combining both survey and administrative data sources can increase data quality on filled prescriptions. We use data from the Medicare Current…

Objective: To examine the effects of triple beaded mixed amphetamine salts (TB MAS) on ADHD and executive dysfunction symptoms throughout the day in adults with DSM-5 ADHD. Method: This was a 6 week, single-blind, placebo-lead in trial of TB MAS (12.5-37.5 mg/day); all participants received 2 weeks of single-blind placebo); one individual was a…

Children with autism frequently present with complex mental health diagnoses and psychotropic medications are often a component of comprehensive biopsychosocial treatment plans for these conditions. The purpose of this study is to provide rates and patterns of psychotropic medication use, and predictors thereof, in children and youth with autism…

The aim of this study was to compare the rates of psychotropic medication use and psychotropic polypharmacy between autistic adults with and without intellectual disability (ID) and to examine factors associated with psychotropic medication use and psychotropic polypharmacy in autistic adults, stratified by the presence of ID. We conducted a…

Background: ADHD is a generally persistent neurodevelopmental condition that can have significant consequences if left untreated, and medication, often in conjunction with psychotherapy, is the first-line treatment with well-established efficacy. Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) represent a particularly vulnerable and understudied subgroup and…

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a serious medical disease and the main cause of cardiovascular diseases and premature death worldwide. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of online mindfulness-based stress reduction (OMBSR) on systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) in…

Background: People with neurodevelopmental disabilities are frequently prescribed or administered psychotropic medication, particularly to manage behaviours of concern. Reducing inappropriate psychotropic use has been the target of international research and policy for several decades. Methods: Six electronic databases were searched for…

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nursing interventions applied to elderly individuals to improve rational use of medicines (RUM) and awareness through home visits. It was carried out in a prospective, randomized controlled experimental design with the pretest-post-test control group. The study was completed with 74 elderly…

Background: Research examining the potential effects of stimulant exposure in childhood on subsequent development of substance use disorder (SUD) have focused on differences in the brain reward system as a function of risk. Methods: 18 drug naïve children ages 7 to 12 years (11 High Risk [ADHD + ODD/CD]; 7 Low Risk [ADHD only]), underwent fMRI…

Purpose: Previous studies have demonstrated that physical exercise can modulate the endogenous melatonin level in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and improve their sleep quality. However, it remains unclear whether physical exercise or melatonin supplement, or a combination of both, is more effective in improving sleep quality in this…

We examine the cost-effectiveness of treating epilepsy with anti-epileptic medicines in autistic children, looking at impacts on healthcare providers (in England, Ireland, Italy and Spain) and children's families (in Ireland). We find carbamazepine to be the most cost-effective drug to try first in children with newly diagnosed focal seizures. For…

Objective: This study aimed to compare the approval of medicines for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for pediatric patients across five countries. Method: A document analysis was completed, using the drug labeling for ADHD medicines from five countries; United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and United States (US).…

Background: Adults with intellectual disability are at higher risk of being administered psychotropic medications. The UK-developed SPECTROM (Short-term PsychoEducation for Carers To Reduce Over Medication of people with intellectual disabilities) training programme educates disability support workers on psychotropic medications and alternatives…