Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)

Hepatitis B Vaccination Status, Knowledge, and Attitudes among Healthcare Workers in Military Hospital, Khartoum State: A Cross‑sectional Study

msp.03.2024.56.61

HEPATITIS B VACCINATION STATUS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ATTITUDES AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN MILITARY HOSPITAL, KHARTOUM STATE: A CROSS‑SECTIONAL STUDY

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Saffaa Yahia, Somia Babiker, Moatasem Gasmallah Mohamed, Abazar Hussin Ahmed, Ameen Awad Al‑Amin Babiker, Ehab Ahmed Altayeb, Hassan Gamal Hassan, Mubark Maisra, Ali Awadallah Saeed

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_1

ABSTRACT

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant public health issue that causes a substantial number of cases of hepatitis‑related illness and death. It is particularly important to vaccinate healthcare workers (HCWs), as they face a higher risk of HBV infection due to their exposure to infected blood and other bodily fluids in their line of work. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends HBV vaccination for adult populations at risk of infection. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the vaccination status, knowledge, and attitudes of HCWs toward HBV vaccination in a military hospital. Materials and Methods: An institution‑based descriptive cross‑sectional study performed between May 2022 and September 2022 for HCWs working in Omdurman Military Hospital who were available at the time of data collection; data were collected using a self‑administered and online questionnaire; the obtained results were analyzed. Results and Conclusion: Only 50% of HCWs in military hospitals possessed adequate knowledge, while the majority exhibited a positive attitude toward HBV infection. In terms of vaccination status, approximately two‑thirds of HCWs were immunized, but only half of them completed the recommended number of vaccine doses. The educational activities of the infection control training programs should be strengthened to enhance the awareness of HCWs regarding HBV infection and vaccination. It is necessary to implement comprehensive vaccination programs against hepatitis B in various medical fields. In addition, a mandatory and cost‑free policy for hepatitis B vaccination should be established for HCWs and medical students.

 

Pages 56-61
Year 2024
Issue 3
Volume 8

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msp.03.2024.50.55

EFFECTIVENESS OF CHLORAMBUCIL AS FRONT‑LINE THERAPY IN SUDANESE PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA ATTENDING KHARTOUM ONCOLOGY HOSPITAL

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Suad Z. Mohammed, Nadeen T. Ali, Kannan O. Ahmed, Bashir Alsiddig Yousef

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_1

ABSTRACT

Background: Chlorambucil was the standard of care therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), it becomes restricted for a specific type of CLL population, due to the launching of more effective anticancer agents. However, in Sudan, chlorambucil remains the first‑line therapy in CLL. Thus, the study aimed to determine the effectiveness of chlorambucil in Sudanese CLL patients who attended the Khartoum Oncology Hospital from January 2014 to October 2017. Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective hospital‑based study in which files of patients who met the inclusion criteria were critically reviewed using a data collection sheet. The main response indicative parameters were lymphocytes count, lymph node enlargement, and organomegaly status. Effectiveness was assessed by measuring the overall response rate (ORR) as the primary endpoint and the progression‐free survival (PFS) as the secondary endpoint. Results: A total of 64 patients were included, 62.5% of them were male. The majority of them (59.4%) were aged ≥65 years old. Clinically, 43.8% of these patients were at stage IV. Around 63.1% of the patients received high dosages of chlorambucil. The median PFS for chlorambucil was 18 months. The complete clinical and partial remission rates were 24.4% and 20%, respectively. The ORR was significantly higher with the higher dose of chlorambucil (P = 0.019). While in terms of PFS, there was an insignificant difference between high dose (15 months) and small dose (22 months) of chlorambucil. Conclusion: In CLL Sudanese patients, chlorambucil was shown to have low response rates. High doses of chlorambucil lead to induction of better ORR, but there was no additional benefit in PFS compared to those who received low doses of chlorambucil.

 

Pages 50-55
Year 2024
Issue 3
Volume 8

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msp.03.2024.45.49

PALATAL PERFORATION, A MORBID CLINICAL ENTITY IN THE ORAL CAVITY

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Santosh Kumar Swain

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_1

ABSTRACT

The palate is a favorable site of the oral cavity for soft tissue lesions. Palatal perforation is an uncommon clinical condition. It may result from
inherited or acquired factors. The acquired causes include infections, malignancy, and certain drug abuse. There are different factors such as diseases process or effects of certain drugs can affect the blood supply leading to tissue ischemia and lesions in the palate. Chronic necrosis of the epithelium lining the palate may destroy the bone to leave a bony sequester that eventually results in palatal perforation. The two most typical symptoms of an oronasal fistula are speech difficulties and nasal regurgitation. For histological study, palatal lesions should be biopsied. It is necessary to get the proper cultures and stains for fungus, bacteria, and mycobacteria. Depending on the underlying etiology, palatal perforations have different treatment options and prognoses. The treatment of palatal perforation and prognosis vary depending on the cause. This review focuses on details of palatal perforation including its etiopathology, classification, clinical features, and its current management.

 

Pages 45-49
Year 2024
Issue 3
Volume 8

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msp.02.2024.37.44

DETERMINATION OF THE MINERAL CONTENT, PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, AND THE ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF THE SEED EXTRACTS OF CARICA PAPAYA ON SOME CLINICAL ISOLATES

Journal: Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)
Osayamen Collins Udinyiwe, Andrew Edosa Omoregie

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_10_24

ABSTRACT

Medicinal plants are common in our environment and have been useful in traditional medicine. The present study was conducted to evaluate the mineral content, the phytochemical, and antimicrobial properties of Carica papaya seed extracts on clinical isolates. The C. papaya seeds were sourced from fruits sellers from the Ekosodin community in Ovia North East Local Government, Benin City, Edo State. The seeds were air-dried for 14 days. The extract was obtained by maceration using distilled water and ethanol as solvents. The results of the mineral composition for both aqueous and ethanolic extracts indicated that sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, nitrogen, chromium, and iron were present. The phytochemical screening for both aqueous and ethanolic extracts indicated the presence of compounds such as saponins, phenolics, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The antimicrobial assay revealed that C. papaya seed extracts had good antimicrobial properties with a minimum inhibition of 100mg/mL observed in Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis for the aqueous extract, 1.04mg/ml S. epidermidis and B. subtilis, and 2.08mg/ml Candida spp. for the ethanol extract. The minimum bactericidal concentration of the ethanol extract in this study was 4.16mg/ml for S. epidermidis and 8.33mg/ml for B. subtilis, and the minimum fungicidal concentration was 8.33mg/ml for Candida spp. The results from this study indicated that C. papaya seeds possess sufficient mineral components and phytochemical components, indicating their potential use as supplementary antimicrobial agents and essential nutrients for both humans and animals.

 

Pages 37-44
Year 2024
Issue 2
Volume 8

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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