Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Not a member yet
705 research outputs found
Sort by
URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN SELECTED RURAL COMMUNITIES IN HADHRAMOUT GOVERNORATE, YEMEN
Get PDFBackground: Urinary schistosomiasis is a potentially life-threatening public health issue in some areas of Yemen, particularly in Hadhramout rural communities. It is considered as one of the most common neglected tropical parasitic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis and associated risk factors among school-age males and females in selected rural communities of Hadhramout, Yemen.
Methods: A total of 450 students participated in this cross-sectional study. Urine samples were collected, then examined for haematuria and Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) eggs using urine dipsticks and filtration technique respectively. To assess knowledge and practices regarding the transmission of urinary schistosomiasis, a pre-tested questionnaire was employed.
Results: An overall (66)14.7% of participants tested positive for S. haematobium, and of those, 54 (12.0%) developed haematuria with a statistically significant difference (p=0.001). A total of 35(53.0% eggs/10 ml urine) had heavy intensity of infection, with a significant difference (p=0.001) between the different communities visited: high in Al-Dhulaya'a (18.2 eggs/10 ml urine) and low in Yabaith (6.1 eggs/10 ml urine). S. haematobium infection showed significantly higher (p=0.002) in males (13.8%) than females (0.9%), and increased with age of participants. Multivariate logistic analysis of risk factors were significantly associated with the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis such as swimming activities (p=0.016), washing clothes (p=0.14), time spent in infested areas more than 15 minutes (p=0.012), habits of defecation/urination in open water sources (p=0.44), self-reported symptoms suggestive of the disease (p=0.03), participants with a history of illness (p=0.014), lack of awareness of schistosomiasis (p=0.050), and no prior treatment with praziquantel (p=0.001).
Conclusions: Urinary schistosomiasis remains highly prevalent among schoolchildren in rural communities in Hadhramaut. The study highlights the urgent need to implement preventive measures, safe drinking water supply, proper sanitation, and vector control programs in order to reduce transmission and morbidity caused by schistosomiasis.
Peer Review History:
Received 3 December 2023; Revised 28 January 2024; Accepted 27 February; Available online 15 March 2024
Academic Editor: Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed, University of Sadat City, Egypt, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Owanaro Peter, Nigeria, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. [email protected]
Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, [email protected]
ANTIFUNGAL SUSCEPTIBILITY AND BIOFILM PRODUCTION OF CANDIDA SPP. ISOLATED FROM THE ORAL MUCOSA OF DENTURE PATIENTS AND ORTHODONTIC PATIENTS COMPARED TO HEALTHY CONTROLS
Get PDFBackground and objectives: The intensity of the infection, the host's immune system, and the selected antifungal drug all affect how a Candida infection is treated. The aim of this investigation was to ascertain the prevalence of antifungal resistance in 148 isolates of oral Candida species and to explore any potential association between the formation of oral Candida biofilms and the rate of antifungal resistance in oral Candida isolates.
Methods: The 310 study participants, whose mean age±SD was equivalent to 37.01±20.9 years old, were split into 3 groups: 104 with dentures, 104 with orthodontic abaratus, and 102 controls without dental prosthesis. Of them, 58.1 percent were women and 41.9% were men. Next, the biofilm development of 148 isolates of Candida species was assessed using the Tissue Culture Palate Methods (TCPM) phenotypic technique. The E-test was subsequently used to ascertain the antibifungal susceptibility pattern of the 148 isolates for different medications.
Results: Seventeen isolates (11.5%) shown a high biofilm formation capacity, 45.4% a moderate biofilm formation capacity, and the remaining isolates exhibited little or weak biofilm formation capacity when the isolates were submitted to the TCP method for biofilm detection. All of the examined isolates of Candida species were successfully combatted by amphotericin B, anidulafungin, and capsaicin. Candida species isolates showed varying resistance rates to fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and ketoconazole: 25%, 15.5%, 27%, 10.8%, and 16.2%, respectively.
Conclusions: Our findings indicate that azole-resistant Candida species are more common in Yemen. Therefore, a strategy to reduce the overuse and unnecessary side effects of antifungal drugs is urgently required. Fungal culture and antifungal susceptibility testing will be useful tools for resistance surveillance and patient care.
Peer Review History:
Received 5 February 2024; Revised 13 March 2024; Accepted 25 April; Available online 15 May 2024
Academic Editor: Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed, University of Sadat City, Egypt, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Vanina Doris Edo’o, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroun, [email protected]
Dr. Mohsen Ali Al-Hamzi, Thamar University, Factuality of Dentistry, Yemen. [email protected]
PHARMA'S NITROSAMINE CHALLENGE: A REVIEW OF A CALL FOR VIGILANCE
Get PDFNitrosamines are potential carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) that can form in medications under specific conditions. The European Pharmacopoeia (EP) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) both set strict guidelines to minimize their presence. Nitrosamines form when nitrites and amines react in acidic environments, potentially occurring in the stomach or during drug production. They are classified as probable human carcinogens, meaning long-term exposure at high levels may increase cancer risk. Fortunately, nitrosamine levels in most medications are very low and unlikely to pose significant health risks. Both EP and USP have implemented a new general chapter: Nitrosamine Impurities (EP: 2.5.42 and USP: <1469>). These chapters outline acceptable intake limits for six specific nitrosamines and a four-step risk assessment and control strategy. They also detail testing procedures and analytical methods for detecting and measuring nitrosamines in medications. There are similarities between EP and USP as both set comparable acceptable intake limits for the same six nitrosamines. Also, both employ a similar four-step risk management approach. Moreover, both provide information on testing procedures and analytical methods. Nevertheless, there are few differences between both references. There may be slight variations in the specifics of analytical procedures (e.g., detection limits, chromatographic conditions). Regulatory agencies are actively monitoring and controlling nitrosamine levels in medications, ensuring patient safety. Both EP and USP play crucial roles in setting stringent standards and ensuring their consistent implementation across the pharmaceutical industry.
Peer Review History:
Received 28 March 2024; Revised 2 May 2024; Accepted 25 June; Available online 15 July 2024
Academic Editor: Dr. Nuray Arı, Ankara University, Turkiye, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Maya Shaaban Eissa Hussein, Egyptian Russian University, Egypt, [email protected]
Dr. Michael Otakhor Erhunmwunse, St. Philomena Catholic Hospital, Nigeria,[email protected]
EFFECT OF INTERMAXILLARY FIXATION ON BIOCHEMICAL AND BLOOD MARKERS IN A SAMPLE OF YEMENI ADULTS
Get PDFBackground: Intermaxillary fixation is a technique that is used in the treatment of jaw fractures, orthognathic surgery, temporomandibular joint disorders, and occasionally morbid obesity. However, it disrupts normal nutrition, leading to weakened immunity, impaired healing, and higher complication risks, negatively impacting treatment outcomes and patient recovery. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the physiological changes in a sample of Yemeni patients following four weeks of IMF treatment.
Materials and Methods: A study involving ten Yemeni adults underwent intermaxillary fixation for mandibular fractures. Parameters like body weight, lipid profile, liver function tests, kidney function tests, electrolytes, and hemoglobin levels were analyzed before and after treatment at a central blood bank.
Results: The majority of patients were male (80.0%) and aged between 25 and 35 years, and the majority had a unilateral mandibular body fracture (50%). Clinical results after 4 weeks of intermaxillary fixation demonstrated significant reductions in body weight (4.2 kg) and BMI (1.0 kg/m2). post-IMF application, lipid profile analysis showed non-significant changes in total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein levels, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides (p>0.05), liver function tests exhibited significant decreases in AST (7.7 µ/l, p=0.044), kidney function tests and electrolyte analysis revealed non-significant changes, and there were significant reductions in T.WBC (2.48 x 10⁹/L) and neutrophils (19.5%) after IMF (p=0.007).
Conclusions: Intermaxillary fixation in Yemeni adults leads to weight loss and changes in liver and blood parameters, indicating its systemic effects. These findings highlight the importance of nutritional support and close monitoring during IMF treatment to mitigate malnutrition risks and optimize healing outcomes.
Peer Review History:
Received 21 May 2024; Reviewed 15 July 2024; Accepted 25 August; Available online 15 September 2024
Academic Editor: Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed, University of Sadat City, Egypt, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Prof. Abdulwahab Ismail Al-kholani, Dean of Faculty of Dentistry at 21 September University, Yemen. [email protected]
Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, [email protected]
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS OF ROOT BARK METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF BOSWELLIA DALZIELII IN ALBINO MICE
Get PDFBackground and objective: Boswellia dalzielii has been traditionally used in the Far North region (Cameroon) to treat fever, rheumatism, asthma and various inflammatory conditions. This investigation was designed to determine the anti-edematous and antioxidant properties to confirm its storied claims.
Methods: The DPPH radical scavenging and reduced Fe3+to the Fe2+ assays were two methods used to evaluate the antioxidant activities. The swelling caused by carrageenan paw and xylene ear edema to cause inflammation were applied to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities of the extract. The mechanisms of action of the methanol extract were evaluated in the serotonin test. Fever induced by yeast was exploited to value antipyretic activity in albinos animals. Diclofenac, ascorbic acid, and paracetamol were utilized as standard medicaments.
Results: Results published the existence of cardiac glycosides, flavonoid, simple phenols, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins and alkaloids. The results indicated also no acute toxicity and the LD50 was above 3000 mg/kg. The methanolic extract exhibited the best activity IC50 (178.12 µg/mL) against DPPH radical with, which was comparable with ascorbic acid (179.12 µg/mL) and a strong reducing power with an IC50 of about 147.85 µg /mL. In addition, the roots extract of B. dalzielii significantly inhibited (p<0.001) the volume of paw edema, ear edema and the fever.
Conclusion: Finally, the present study published clearly that the B. dalzielii methanolic extract (BDME) possess important antioxidant and anti-edematous effects. The phytoconstituents found in this methanol extract were responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Peer Review History:
Received 21 May 2024; Reviewed 15 July 2024; Accepted 25 August; Available online 15 September 2024
Academic Editor: Dr. Gehan Fawzy Abdel Raoof Kandeel, Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Ogbonna B. Onyebuchi, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, [email protected]
Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, [email protected]
ANTIOXIDANT AND HISTOLOGIC RESPONSES OF ARTEMETHER-LUMEFANTRINE IN EXPERIMENTALLY COMPROMISED RATS’ TESTES
Get PDFAim: The current study assessed the response of MSG and AL on rats' testes histomorphology and homogenate antioxidant markers.
Methodology: Thirty (30) male Wistar rats were allotted to six groups(sample size, n=5) by random sampling and exposed to MSG and AL daily and per oral for 7 days thus: Groups A, distilled water (1 mL Kg−1), B, therapeutic concentration of Artemether-lumefantrine, TAL, (1.14 mg Kg−1AL), C, high dose Artemether-lumefantrine, HAL (5.7 mg Kg−1AL), D, MSG (8000 mg Kg−1), E, TAL (1.14 mg Kg−1AL)+ MSG (8000 mg Kg−1) and F, HAL (5.7 mg Kg−1AL)+ MSG (8000 mg Kg−1). Alterations in the testes histology and antioxidant markers were assessed while data were tested for statistical significance by acceptable protocols.
Results: MSG mono-therapy altered the rats’ testes anti-oxidation mechanism and histology by increasing (p<0.05) glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), and magnesium (Mg),but decreasing (p<0.05) zinc (Zn) levels and degenerating spermatids within the seminiferous tubules compared to control, and other treatments (except CAT activity in MSG + HAL-fed group that increased (p<0.05) above that of MSG–fed rats). These responses following TAL and HAL mono-treatments were inconsistent compared to control and MSG mono-therapies. These underscore the proclivity of MSG + HAL co-therapy to up-regulate the apparent dysfunction in CAT metabolism, and the inconsistency in the apparent modulatory responses by AL against effects by MSG mono-therapy in the rats’ testes.
Conclusion: AL caused inconsistent modulation of alterations in rats’ testes histology and antioxidant function markers due to MSG assault. The modulation may not be sustainable and the alterations may be instead being spiked warranting caution in co-feeding AL and MSG to rats.
Peer Review History:
Received 5 December 2023; Revised 28 January 2024; Accepted 29 February; Available online 15 March 2024
Academic Editor: Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Rima Benatoui, Applied Neuroendocrinology Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University of Annaba, Algeria. [email protected]
Dr. Tamer Elhabibi, Suez Canal University, Egypt, [email protected]
ANALYSIS OF SOME HEAVY METALS LEVEL IN ISPARTA'S DRINKING WATER USING UV SPECTROPHOTOMETRY AND PRINCIPAL COMPONENT REGRESSION
Get PDFBackground: Heavy metals, which are likely to be found in natural water samples, can cause some discomfort when taken into the body in high amounts. The aim of this study is to create complexes of iron, copper and cadmium, which are major heavy metals that can be found in natural water samples, with ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) chelate, to analyze these complexes with UV-Spectrophotometry after the optimum conditions to be created in water samples, and to apply the principal component regression chemometric method to the data obtained here.
Method: In the applied spectrophotometric method, complexes of each heavy metal were first formed with APDC. Then, appropriate mixtures of these complexes were prepared and their spectra were recorded. Principal component regression chemometric method was applied to the data obtained.
Results: Very consistent results of the chemometric method applied to the data obtained in the spectrophotometric analysis of the complexes of the heavy metals studied after providing optimum conditions were observed.
Conclusion: It can be stated that the method developed in the research and the chemometric method applied to the data obtained from here can be easily applied in routine water analysis.
Peer Review History:
Received 10 December 2023; Revised 29 January 2024; Accepted 3 March; Available online 15 March 2024
Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Dennis Amaechi, MrsFoluBabade Mini Estate , Flat 5 by Old Soldiers Quarter, Sabongari/Bwari, Abuja- Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. [email protected]
Dr. Wafa Mohamed Al Madhagi, Sana’a University, Yemen, [email protected]
Prof. Cyprian Ogbonna ONYEJI, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, [email protected]
CORRELATION OF EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS WITH BREAST CANCER: A CASE CONTROL STUDY
Get PDFBackground and aims: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a gamma herpes virus and one of the most common infections globally. It has been linked to several health problems, including breast cancer, which is a leading cause of death among females worldwide. In Yemen, breast cancer is one of the top reported cancers in women. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between EBV and breast cancer among Yemeni women in Sana'a city.
Methods: The study is a case-control study that included newly diagnosed, untreated breast cancer patients as cases and healthy women attending the National Cancer Control Foundation as controls. A total of 150 participants were tested for EBV (VCA) IgG using ELISA.
Results: The association between EBV and BC in the case and control groups was found by the investigation. 48 women (64.0%) who tested positive for EBV IgG were included in the control group, whereas 71 women (94.7%) among the patients had the antibody identified. A substantial correlation between EBV and BC was found by statistical analysis; a chi-square value of 21.510 and a p-value of less than 0.001 supported this conclusion. With a 95% confidence interval, the odds ratio was 10.0 (3.3-30.4). Moreover, women above the age of thirty showed a higher risk than women under that age (p=0.006). In addition, compared to the control group, divorced and bereaved women had a significantly higher chance of contracting EBV (p= 0.002).
Conclusions: According to the study's findings, there may be a link between EBV infection and a higher risk of breast cancer. To further understand the underlying mechanisms and potential strategies to reduce this risk, more research is required.
Peer Review History:
Received 1 December 2023; Revised 19 January 2024; Accepted 27 February; Available online 15 March 2024
Academic Editor: Dr. Muhammad Zahid Iqbal, AIMST University, Malaysia, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Andrzej Szymański, Poznan University of Technology, Poland, [email protected]
Dr. Fátima Morales Marín, University of Murcia, Spain, [email protected]
EVALUATION OF ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY OF ODONTOGENIC BACTERIA IN CERVICOFACIAL CELLULITIS IN THE CITY OF SANGMELIMA, CAMEROON
Get PDFAim and objective: Cervicofacial cellulitis of dental origin is a polymicrobial infection characterized by inflammation of the deep spaces of the neck and face. These conditions can be life-threatening, as the bacteria can spread throughout the body, leading to descending necrotizing mediastinitis, sepsis and death. Management is greatly challenging because of microbial polymorphism, probabilistic antibiotic selection treatment sometimes being hesitant and inappropriate because of lack of consensus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility of odontogenic bacteria in cervicofacial infections.
Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted from May 2019 to August 2020 in the odontostomatology and bacteriology departments of the Sangmelima District and Reference Hospitals in Cameroon. Thirty five samples were collected by swabbing or puncture. Specific culture media were used to inoculate samples. Sensitivity of isolated bacteria was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer diffusion disk method. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0.
Results: Thirty samples were positive (85.7%). Bacteria isolated were Streptococcus (40%), Staphylococcus (30%), Pseudomonas (20%), Escherichia coli (6.7%) and Lactobacillus (3.3%). Sensitivity testing was performed with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, metronidazole, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, imipenem and clindamycin. Bacteria were more sensitive to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin and imipenem.
Conclusion: Bacteria identified in purulent secretions from cervicofacial cellulitis are much more sensitive to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin and imipenem.
Peer Review History:
Received 25 March 2024; Revised 4 May 2024; Accepted 27 June; Available online 15 July 2024
Academic Editor: Prof. Dr. Gorkem Dulger, Duzce University, Turkey, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, [email protected]
Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, [email protected]
THE IMPACT OF COLLABORATIVE CARE ON COST OF TREATMENT FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION- A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Get PDFIntroduction: For evaluation of the long term costs and benefits of physician-pharmacist collaboration associated with physician management for the treatment of essential hypertension. Around the world the major cause of death is hypertension. It is an incurable condition that requires proper therapeutic regimens for its life-long management. Due to this, hypertension therapy can be financially burdensome to the patient, and the rates of non-compliance are increased.
Aims and Objectives: To observe the results of collaborative, clinical, and interventive approaches to hypertension management, on the cost-effectiveness of therapy, this study aimed to collect and compare cost information on hypertension management, mortality, and morbidity across different countries and cost groups. Using this information, future healthcare expenses can be better planned; for example, by initial emergency response or by changing the way money is distributed. This will lead to more high-pressure jobs. Therefore, it will be more costly to control blood pressure.
Method: A systematic review was conducted using 6 major electronic databases that investigated the influence of collaborative care upon healthcare expenses in hypertensive patients and hypertension therapy costs, before and after the intervention of medical personnel, was observed.
Conclusions: It was concluded that interventions provided by the collaboration of medical personnel, in the management of hypertension, made the therapy more cost-effective and hence the rate of patient compliance and adherence to the therapy were increased.
Peer Review History:
Received 18 May 2024; Reviewed 11 July 2024; Accepted 26 August; Available online 15 September 2024
Academic Editor: Dr. Tamer Elhabibi, Suez Canal University, Egypt, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Ogbonna B. Onyebuchi, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, [email protected]
Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, [email protected]