Due to the extensive use of pharmaceuticals, their presence in the environment is ubiquitous. Such compounds are classified as emerging contaminants and pose a risk to the microbial flora, which contributes to the balanced functioning of ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles. This paper aims to provide an overview of the characteristics, persistence, and impacts of pharmaceutical pollution, particularly its influence on the microbial world. To conduct research on the topic under consideration, a literature review approach was applied through data collected from analysis, molecular, and environmental methods. The method can be useful for studying the characteristics of pharmaceuticals and their impact on soil and aquatic ecosystems. Besides, it is useful for determining how microbes counteract the adverse effects of pharmaceutical contamination. Pharmaceutical pollution has a significant effect on the microbial world. An increased amount of these compounds promotes horizontal gene transfer, which is responsible for the development of antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms. Furthermore, due to persistence, pharmaceutical pollutants accumulate and biomagnify in ecosystems, becoming part of food chains and posing risks to ecosystems and people. Importantly, some bacteria and fungi degrade pharmaceutical products enzymatically, which opens perspectives for bioremediation approaches. Pharmaceutical pollution can significantly impact ecosystems, as its effects extend beyond microorganisms. Rather, the effect extends to higher trophic levels, thus negatively impacting ecosystems and human beings. As noted above, conventional approaches to reducing pharmaceutical pollutants in wastewater are often ineffective. Therefore, the use of microbial remediation, improved wastewater treatment techniques, and more environmentally friendly pharmaceuticals needs to be explored.

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Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most common and complex chronic diseases, requiring continuous management to prevent serious complications that affect the patient’s quality of life. The research problem lies in the gap between drug therapy and the patient’s daily behaviors and psychological state. Our study aims to determine the prevalence of diabetic complications (cardiac, ophthalmic, and neurological) and their relationship to laboratory indicators, health behaviors, and psychological disorders such as depression. Methods: This study employed a descriptive-analytical approach. We used an electronic questionnaire distributed to a random sample of 100 diabetic patients attending various hospitals. The study focused on collecting demographic data, laboratory indicators (HbA1c, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides), and assessing dietary habits, physical activity, and the patients’ psychological state through a set of questions. We then statistically analysed the data to assess correlations among these variables. Results: The age group most affected was 50-69 years, accounting for 68% of participants. Clinical data revealed poor glycemic control, with approximately 83% of patients having HbA1c levels above 6.5%. Elevated triglyceride levels were also observed in 60% of the sample. Behavioral questionnaires revealed that 53% of participants did not undergo regular checkups, and obesity was prevalent, with 48.9% of participants having a body mass index (BMI) over 30. A notable finding was the strong correlation between psychological state and disease management, with 46% of participants experiencing depressive symptoms, which negatively impacted their treatment adherence. Cardiovascular (40%) and vascular (38.5%) complications were the most common among the sample. Conclusion: Our study revealed that diabetic complications are not solely linked to poor clinical control of blood sugar and lipid levels, but are significantly impacted by neglecting psychological aspects and the absence of a culture of regular follow-up. Therefore, based on our research, we recommend integrating psychological support as a fundamental component of the treatment plan for diabetic patients, and we emphasise the importance of health education on self-monitoring and adherence to dietary guidelines to minimise the health burden of advanced complications.

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The visual features of oral solid dosage forms have been shown to influence users’ perceptions and expectations of medications. This study aimed to evaluate how colour and shape impact perceived safety and expected therapeutic efficacy of tablets and capsules, and to investigate potential differences between human perceptual responses and model-based predictions. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out using an online questionnaire with images of tablets and capsules. The final analysis included 80 participants. Participants assessed perceived safety and efficacy based on tablet colour, tablet shape, and capsule colour. Descriptive statistics were used, and correlations between gender and perceptual responses were examined using the chi-square test. Blue tablets and white capsules were most frequently associated with higher perceived safety, while tablet colour showed limited influence on perceived efficacy. In contrast, tablet shape demonstrated a stronger association with expected therapeutic efficacy, with oblong tablets being most frequently perceived as more effective. Capsule colour appeared to influence expectations of efficacy more strongly than tablet colour. Statistically significant gender differences in efficacy perceptions by colour were observed for both tablets and capsules (p < 0.05), whereas no significant gender differences were found for safety-related perceptions. Visual attributes, particularly shape and colour, influence users’ perceptions of oral solid dosage forms, with tablet shape emerging as a more salient cue for efficacy expectations than colour. These findings highlight the importance of empirical assessment of human perceptual responses when considering visual design elements in patient-centred pharmaceutical development.

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Retinal, a derivative of vitamin A, has a high importance in cosmetic skincare due to its ability to accelerate cell renewal and stimulate collagen production. However, there is a growing need to investigate consumers’ knowledge of this active ingredient’s use and side effects. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices regarding the use of topical retinoids among Syrians. 128 Responses were collected. Two quarters of the participants were female and 18-35 years old. Most participants had a basic awareness of the benefits of retinol, especially for acne and wrinkle treatment. However, they relied on non-medical sources for information about retinal. Some participants experienced side effects such as dryness and irritation after using retinal. However, these effects did not prevent them from continuing to use it to achieve the desired results. 75% of users reported a noticeable improvement in their skin after using retinal, leading them to recommend it to others. The results of this study indicate a growing use of retinal among Syrians, highlighting the role of doctors in providing appropriate guidance on the correct method of application, including the timing and frequency of application and how to reduce its side effects.

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The present study aimed to assess lung function tests (PFTs) among Traffic Police personnel in the Jammu region, who work in a high-exposure zone. It is a cross-sectional study conducted after obtaining ethical approval from the committee vide no. IEC/GMC/2022/1013, dated 05-03-2022. The study involved 120 traffic police officers and compared them with healthy individuals, including subgroup analyses between rural and urban areas. PFTs, including FVC, FEV, FEV3, PEFR, and MVV, were recorded for all participants using the computerised spirometer MESPIROR. Results revealed a significant reduction in mean FEV and PEFR among police personnel with longer exposure to traffic duty, with a more pronounced decrease among urban traffic police. Overall, the study concludes that periodic respiratory assessments and preventive strategies are recommended.

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