Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)

Perceptions of Pharmacy Students Toward Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy

Author archives:

msp.02.2024.31.36

PERCEPTIONS OF PHARMACY STUDENTS TOWARD ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PHARMACY

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Ali Awadallah Saeed, Ahmad Mohammad Al Zamel, Arwa Sami Dafallah, Anfal Said Eldeen Fagir, Basil Alzebair Idris, Doaa Abubakr Youseef, Tasabeeh bashir Saeed, Walaa Ahmed Idris, Azza Hamid

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.4103/mtsp.mtsp_9_24

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The advancement of community and clinical pharmacy services relies on the ongoing enhancement of patient care, and artificial intelligence (AI) can be a pivotal factor in this progression. Despite the growing use of AI in different areas of pharmacy, there is less awareness among pharmacy students toward this technology. Material and Methods: This study was a descriptive cross￾sectional survey. A total of 100 pharmacy students from Sudan participated in the study. Data were collected through an online electronic questionnaire. The data collected included information about sociodemographics: knowledge toward AI, attitude toward AI, and satisfaction of students with the use of AI in their pharmacy practice. Results: More than two-thirds of the participants (70%) heard about AI, half of them (52%) did not know any application of AI in pharmacy, and 61% of participants were not taught about AI in medical school. On the other hand, 60% of participants did not know the application of AI in pharmacy, whereas 20% stated it can be applied to help in marketing, communications, dispensing, and manufacturing of drugs, more than half of the participants (54%) they thought that the use of AI in pharmacy is good, but that does not replace the role of the pharmacist in the field of pharmacy. There is a statistically significant association between the name of the university and the satisfaction of students with the use of AI in their pharmacy practice (P = 0.003). Conclusion: AI entails the amalgamation of human expertise and resources with AI. As research on AI progresses, with numerous intriguing applications currently underway, some may perceive it as a necessary malevolence, even among those who view it as an adversary. Comprehensive knowledge and familiarity with AI are indispensable in all areas of pharmacy practice. Pharmacy students should receive instruction in the fundamental principles of data science and the basics of AI as part of their study, namely through a health informatics program.

 

Pages 31-36
Year 2024
Issue 2
Volume 8

Download

Posted by Basem

msp.02.2024.24.30

SCREENING OF JELLYFISH VENOM INHIBITORS FROM BEACH MORNING GLORY (IPOMOEA PES-CAPRAE) AGAINST NEMOPILEMA NOMURAI

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Khanh-Hung Vo, Ngoc-Bao-Minh Nguyen, Duy-Anh-Quan Le, Khanh-Thanh-Thuy Nguyen, Luong-Han Nguyen, Ngoc-Lam Nguyen, Thi-Thuy-Nga Phan, Noor Zulfiqar, Thi-Van Hoang, Hai-Anh Ha

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.4103/mtsp.mtsp_8_24

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to identify potential inhibitors from the beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae), a plant traditionally used for treating jellyfish stings, to counteract the effects of the venom. Materials and Methods: We utilized homology modeling to construct three-dimensional models of the jellyfish venom metalloproteinase and validated them using the structure analysis and verification server web-based tool for stereochemical quality assessment. Molecular docking studies were conducted using AutoDock Vina to screen compounds extracted from Ipomoea pes-caprae, focusing on their binding affinities toward the venom metalloproteinase. Key compounds, including quercetin and isochlorogenic acids A and B, were analyzed for their potential inhibitory effects. Results: The homology models of the jellyfish venom metalloproteinase were successfully constructed and validated, indicating reliable structural accuracy. The molecular docking studies identified several promising compounds from Ipomoea pes-caprae. Quercetin exhibited a binding energy of −8.8 kcal/mol, whereas isochlorogenic acids A and B showed binding energies of −8.5 and −9.0 kcal/mol, respectively. These compounds demonstrated strong interactions with key amino acids within the active site of the metalloproteinase, suggesting their efficacy in neutralizing the venom’s toxic effects. Conclusion: Our findings support the potential of compounds from Ipomoea pes-caprae as effective inhibitors of jellyfish venom metalloproteinase. This research validates the traditional use of this plant and lays the groundwork for further pharmacological and clinical studies. Future research should focus on in vitro and in vivo testing to confirm the efficacy of these compounds as new therapeutic agents for treating jellyfish stings

 

Pages 24-30
Year 2024
Issue 2
Volume 8

Download

Posted by Basem

msp.02.2024.19.23

FEED ADDITIVE POTENTIALS OF KOLA NUT, BITTER KOLA, AND WONDERFUL KOLA: A REVIEW

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Taiwo K. Ojediran, Janet T. Ojediran

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.4103/mtsp.mtsp_6_24

ABSTRACT

cThe chemical constituents of different types of kolas are beginning to gain attention as a natural feed additive because of safety risks, residues, and consumer dissatisfaction associated with the use of synthetic products. This review explores a diverse array of literature on the use of kola nut, bitter kola, and wonderful kola as feed additives from different sources such as Springer, PubMed, Scopus, Crossref, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and Index Copernicus Journals. The chemical composition of kola nut, bitter kola, and wonderful kola showed that they contained carbohydrate, ash, crude fiber, ether extract, crude protein, tannin, saponin, phytic acid, phenol, trypsin inhibitor, sterol, steroids, flavonoid, alkaloid, oxalate, caffeine, hydrogen cyanide, and vitamins in different proportions. These bioactive compounds gave the kolas phytogenic potentials as feed additives. The use of these kolas influenced growth response, especially weight gain and fed conversion ratio, nutrient digestibility, hematological parameters, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, carcass weight, egg production, and spermatogenesis in broilers, layers, rabbits, and pigs differently. There is a dearth of information on the use of kola nut seed or pod in layers and pigs; bitter kola seed in pigs and wonderful kola seed in poultry and rabbits. More effort is still needed to determine the appropriate inclusion levels and fully elucidate their mode of action.

 

Pages 19-23
Year 2024
Issue 2
Volume 8

Download

Posted by Basem

msp.01.2024.10.18

A REVIEW ON BIOLOGY, STATUS, AND MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE OF ECHINOCHLOA COLONA L.

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Bhuwan Bohara, Sarita Oli, Binod Kafle, Kusum Thapa, Menuka Bohara

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.4103/mtsp.mtsp_3_24

ABSTRACT

Echinochloa colona L., commonly known as jungle rice, is a pervasive weed that poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity worldwide. This review explores the comprehensive aspects of the weed, including its biology, ecological status, and intriguing medicinal properties. As a C4 grass species, E. colona L. adapts well to diverse environmental conditions, leading to its wider spread distribution and adverse impact on crop yields. The review begins by delving into the weeds’ morphological and physiological characteristics, shedding light on its life cycle, growth habits, and reproductive mechanisms. The ecological status selection provides insights into E. colona L. global distribution, its impact on different crops, and the mechanisms that contribute to its resilience and adaptability. In addition to its role as a notorious weed, E. colona L. harbors medicinal properties that have been conventionally recognized in various cultures. The review explores the ethnobotanical uses of E. colona L., emphasizing its potential therapeutic benefits. Phytochemical analyses reveal the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidants and exploration of its medicinal applications. Despite its weed status, understanding the ecological and biological aspects of E. colona L. is crucial for developing effective management strategies. Furthermore, recognizing the medicinal potential of this weed may offer alternative perspectives, fostering research into sustainable uses that could benefit both agriculture and human health. This comprehensive review provides a valuable resource for researchers, agronomists, and pharmacologists, guiding future studies aimed at harnessing the full potential of E. colona L.

 

Pages 10-18
Year 2024
Issue 1
Volume 8

Download

Posted by Basem

msp.01.2024.07.09

BIOACTIVITIES OF OSBECKIA OCTANDRA DC. EXTRACTS

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Saravanan Vivekanandarajah, Vinujan Shanmugalingam, Pholtan Rajamanoharan

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.4103/mtsp.mtsp_5_24

ABSTRACT

Osbeckia octandra DC. is a small shrub that belongs to the Melastomataceae family. This plant species has been used in Sri Lankan Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, ascites, jaundice, other liver disorders, and hyperlipidemia. This work aims to present a comprehensive, systematic review of O. octandra. The electronic databases, including the Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Semantic Scholar, were employed to identify the related published studies of O. octandra up to December 2023. Both in vitro and in vivo studies show that O. octandra has antihepatotoxic activity, immunomodulatory activity, antioxidant activity, cholinesterase inhibitory activity, protease inhibitory activity, and hepatoprotective activity. On the other hand, the phytochemistry of O. octandra is unknown. Furthermore, none of the active compounds have been identified for their reported pharmacological activities. Hence, further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies should be conducted on extracts, and active compounds should be identified from these extracts. Only limited scientific evidence is available for the ethnopharmacological uses of O. octandra. Therefore, this work provides the basis for carrying out further pharmacological activity research and phytochemistry analyses of this plant species.

 

Pages 07-09
Year 2024
Issue 1
Volume 8

Download

Posted by Basem

msp.01.2024.01.06

ADVANCEMENTS IN NUTRACEUTICAL DELIVERY: INTEGRATING NANOTECHNOLOGY AND MICROENCAPSULATION FOR ENHANCED EFFICACY AND BIOAVAILABILITY

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Shanzay Gul, Tahseen Fatima Miano, Anees Mujeeb, Muzafaruddin Chachar, Memoona Islam Majeedano, Ghazal Murtaza, Wazeer Ahmed, Yasha Abid Khanzada, Mariam Ansari

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.4103/mtsp.mtsp_1_24

ABSTRACT

Telemedicine, Nutraceuticals, derived from various foods, have gained significance for promoting health and managing diseases. Despite their nutritional value, challenges such as low solubility, poor diffusion, gastrointestinal instability, and limited bioavailability impede their effectiveness as preventive
agents. Nanotechnology‑driven drug delivery systems, including liposomes, nanospheres, nanoemulsions, micelles, and nanocrystals, offerinnovative solutions to enhance efficacy and oral bioavailability. These advanced formulations not only augment the physicochemical properties and therapeutic efficacy of nutraceuticals but also enable targeted delivery. Adiverse range of nanocarriers, encompassing liposomes to inorganic nanoparticles, addresses specific challenges in nutraceutical formulations, exhibiting unique properties such as heightened stability, palatability, and lymphatic uptake for increased bioavailability. Lipid nanocarriers facilitate the permeation of neuroprotective nutraceuticals through the blood–brain barrier, while liposomal delivery systems shield bioactives from oxidation and light, accommodating both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. In addition, polymeric nanocarriers, exemplified by micelles, outperform lipidic counterparts, ensuring controlled release. Natural sources contribute to the development of polymeric nanoparticles, offering controlled delivery with reduced toxicity. Polysaccharides and proteins diversify delivery platforms, encompassing the loading of nutraceuticals and functional nutrients. Nanotechnology emerges as a pivotal player in advancing the solubility, bioavailability, and stability of bioactives, with ongoing research focused on refining formulations, like curcumin, for effective cancer and inflammation management. While these advancements hold promise, careful consideration of challenges, including toxicity and cost, is imperative to fully unlock the potential of nanotechnology in nutraceutical delivery, ensuring both safety and cost‑effectiveness. The significance of microencapsulation and nanotechnology in the nutraceutical delivery system is thoroughly explored in this comprehensive reviewagement and awareness. While telemedicine presents a promising avenue for improving health‑care delivery in Africa, careful consideration of the continent’s unique challenges is essential. Collaborative efforts involving governments, health‑care providers, technology developers, and communities are crucial for overcoming barriers and maximizing the potential benefits of telemedicine in advancing health‑care equity and quality across Africa.

Pages 01-06
Year 2024
Issue 1
Volume 8

Download

Posted by Basem

msp.04.2023.124.132

TELEMEDICINE IN HEALTH CARE: A REVIEW OF PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES IN AFRICA

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Oluwatoyin Ayo-Farai, Oluwatosin Ogundairo, Chinedu Paschal Maduka, Chiamaka Chinaemelum Okongwu, Abdulraheem Olaide Babarinde, Olamide Tolulope Sodamade

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.4103/mtsp.mtsp_24_23

ABSTRACT

Telemedicine, the use of telecommunications technology to deliver health‑care services remotely, has witnessed significant growth worldwide, offering new possibilities for enhancing health‑care accessibility and delivery. This review explores the progress and challenges of implementing telemedicine in the unique context of Africa. Despite the continent’s diverse health‑care landscape and infrastructural variations, telemedicine has shown promise in addressing critical health‑care challenges. The study outlines the progress made in telemedicine adoption across Africa, highlighting successful initiatives, such as mobile health applications, teleconsultations, and telemonitoring programs. These efforts have contributed to improved health‑care access, particularly in remote and underserved areas. In addition, the utilization of telemedicine has played a crucial role in disease management, prevention, and health education. However, the implementation of telemedicine in Africa is not without challenges. Infrastructure limitations, including inadequate Internet connectivity and inconsistent electricity supply, pose significant hurdles. Furthermore, the shortage of trained health‑care professionals and concerns related to data security and privacy must be addressed to ensure the sustainable and widespread adoption of telemedicine. This study critically examines the regulatory landscape surrounding telemedicine in various African countries, emphasizing the need for harmonized policies to encourage cross‑border collaboration and standardization. The sociocultural factors influencing the acceptance of telemedicine among diverse populations are also discussed, acknowledging the importance of community engagement and awareness. While telemedicine presents a promising avenue for improving health‑care delivery in Africa, careful consideration of the continent’s unique challenges is essential. Collaborative efforts involving governments, health‑care providers, technology developers, and communities are crucial for overcoming barriers and maximizing the potential benefits of telemedicine in advancing health‑care equity and quality across Africa.

Pages 124-132
Year 2023
Issue 4
Volume 7

Download

Posted by Basem

msp.04.2023.119.123

IMPLEMENTATION OF TOTAL PRODUCTIVE MAINTENANCE IN A LOCAL PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Jo‑Christine E. Macalinao

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.4103/mtsp.mtsp_18_23

ABSTRACT

This paper determines the implementation of total productive maintenance (TPM) at a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in the Philippines. It also assesses the significance of TPM practices from the viewpoint of employees involved in production. Atotal of 44 employees participated in the survey. The data gathered were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019 Data analysis. The extent of TPM implementation was ranked by the value of the weighted mean, the practices that had the higher weighted average, implemented to a great extent. The significance of TPM practices was tested with the aid of a t‑test statistical tool at a hypothesized mean of 2.5. The findings revealed that the manufacturing company implemented TPM practices to a high extent to maintain integrity and improve production quality by reducing downtime through preventive maintenance, technology assessment and usage, and employee involvement in maintaining their equipment. The results also indicated the significance of TPM practices in improving a company’s production quality. The results of the study provide guidance and references to improve maintenance procedures and improve productivity

Pages 119-123
Year 2023
Issue 4
Volume 7

Download

Posted by Basem

msp.04.2023.112.118

IMPACT OF DRUG PRICE REGULATION ON PATIENT ACCESS TO MEDICINES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Bankole Ibrahim Ashiwaju, Ochuko Felix Orikpete, Elesho Yusuf Alade, Ahmed Raji, Abel Olusegun Adesanya, Tochukwu Chinwuba Nwankwo

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.4103/mtsp.mtsp_23_23

ABSTRACT

This systematic review explored the multifaceted impact of drug price regulation on patient access to essential medicines. Recognizing the complexity of this relationship, the paper investigates the influence of various types of drug price regulation mechanisms, the disparities across different geographical regions and health‑care systems, and the differential effects between branded and generic drugs. Our findings illustrate that the effects of drug price regulation are not universally uniform or predictable, but rather, they are highly context dependent. Direct price control measures can, on the one hand, improve accessibility through affordability; yet on the other hand, potentially disrupt drug supply. Indirect price control methods, such as reference pricing and value‑based pricing, while designed to spur competition, can be hampered by administrative complexities and potentially stifle pharmaceutical innovation. Despite the pervasive use of drug price regulation, access to essential medicines remains disparate and inequitable, indicating a need for a comprehensive approach that includes health system reforms, improved health literacy, and greater collaboration between stakeholders. Future research should further investigate the enduring disparities in patient access to medicines, the long‑term effects of various pricing mechanisms, and their interplay with the evolving pharmaceutical industry and health‑care landscapes.

Pages 112-118
Year 2023
Issue 4
Volume 7

Download

Posted by Basem

msp.04.2023.109.111

A REVIEW ON STINGING NETTLE: MEDICINAL AND TRADITIONAL USES

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Prakash Awasthi, Sujan Bogati, Dipesh Joshi, Prakash Shah

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.4103/mtsp.mtsp_21_23

ABSTRACT

In Nepal, stinging nettles, also known as “sisnu” or “bichu ghaas,” play a significant role in cultural and traditional traditions. For the inhabitants of Nepal, stinging nettles have cultural importance in addition to being useful as food and medicine. These stinging plants’ fragile leaves and shoots are used extensively in Nepalese culinary customs to enhance dishes like “sisnu ko saag.” Nettles’ high nutritional value, which is enhanced by their abundance of vitamins, minerals, and proteins, enriches the local diet, especially in rural locations where a variety of vegetables could be hard to come by. Stinging nettles have gained acceptance in conventional medical procedures in addition to their culinary usage. Nettle extracts and teas are frequently used in Nepali communities to treat conditions including joint pain, arthritis, and allergies because they think that nettles have diuretic, anti‑inflammatory, and pain‑relieving characteristics. In Nepali hair care practices, nettles are also used as a natural cure for preserving healthy hair and scalp. Culturally, the intake of stinging nettles is associated with rites and festivals like Dashain, where it has symbolic meaning. The fibers taken from nettle stalks are used to make traditional fabrics and apparel, conserving artisanal techniques from the past.

Pages 109-111
Year 2023
Issue 4
Volume 7

Download

Posted by Basem