Magister Pharmaceuticae - MPharm

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The transition of regulatory services from drug regulatory unit to Botswana medicines regulatory authority: an evaluation of the changes in regulatory services from the industry’s perspective
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Maloisane, Rebecca M; Egieyeh, Samuel; Gwaza, Luther
The Drug Regulatory Unit (DRU) was established by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to enforce the Drugs and Related Substances Act of 1992 in line with the Botswana National Drug Policy (BNDP) adopted in 2002 and the National Health Policy (NHP) to attain health for all. However, as with many National Regulation Authorities (NRAs) in low and middle-income countries, the DRU had major challenges in inefficient legislation and regulation to address the supply of substandard and falsified medicines, and financial and human resource constraints to maintain and sustain regulatory oversight. The Government of Botswana through the MoH restructured DRU into a semi-autonomous regulatory body, Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BOMRA). To aid the NRAs in building and strengthening regulatory systems' capacity to regulate medicinal products effectively and efficiently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has generated a Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) for member states. As of December 2019, a total of 26 countries underwent formal benchmarking while 54 countries including Botswana completed self-assessments using the WHO-GBT. Despite this self-assessment, there might be a need to assess the efficiency of the regulatory service delivery of BOMRA from the industry’s perspective. The study aimed to assess and compare the changes in the regulatory system for the WHO-recommended regulatory functions and service delivery following the transition of DRU to BOMRA from the industry’s perspective.
Identification of potential antibiofilm hit compounds from two African natural product database against multi-drug resistant staphylococcus aureus: an in silico study
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Ilori, Tosin Lydia; Egieyeh, Samuel
One of the crucial ways by which Staphylococcus aureus develops resistance to antibiotics is biofilm formation, a protective mechanism involving extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix that shields microorganisms from the effects of antibiotics, mechanical forces, pH, and host immune responses. While some encouraging results point to the possible use of FDA-approved medications against biofilms, more research is needed due to sporadic and patchy data. The complex chemical diversity of natural compounds makes them a reservoir of bioactive molecules for drug discovery. This study seeks to identify effective potential antibiofilm compounds from a query dataset compiled from two African natural product databases (SANCDb and AfroDb). A database of known antibiofilm compounds was created from ChEMBL, PubChem, and other related databases while a query dataset of natural products was compiled for this study. The ligand similarity (LS) searches were unable to unequivocally identify distinct differences in the molecular structures and functional group moiety of the active and inactive compounds.
Exploring a participatory multi-stakeholder engagement approach to address chronic medicine use
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Nfurayase, Bonheur Parfaite; Bheekie, Angeni
Background: In South Africa, chronic diseases (CD) fall into the quadruple burdens of diseases. In 2018 the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that chronic diseases were responsible for more than fifty percent of premature deaths. This report followed South Africa’s announcement in 2016 that CDs accounted for forty-nine percent of all total deaths. Globally and locally in South Africa, many progressive policies, strategic documents and interventions to address CDs remain commendable. However, the prevalence and burden of CDs on national healthcare systems and community health is concerning. Consequently, newer and revised approaches and strategies prioritising multi-government and multi-stakeholder collaborations are gaining popularity. Moreover, Participatory Action Research (PAR) and its founding principles as an approach to addressing healthcare issues are gaining momentum. Disappointingly such approaches within chronic disease contexts remain underexplored in South Africa. Bearing these considerations in mind, we explored the use of a Participatory multi-stakeholder engagement approach to address chronic medicine use issues (CMU) within an underserved community in the Western Cape. Our collaborative research project commenced in 2018 in a unique research setting that boasted pre-established partnerships between a pharmacy School and its services partners (NGO and CHWs). These service partners connected the School to surrounding communities through one of their experiential learning programmes, Service Learning in Pharmacy (SLiP).
Design of a thermoresponsive hydrogel for enhanced intratumoral permeation of a chemotherapeutic agent in oral squamous cell carcinoma
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Tanga, Sandrine; Aucamp, Marique
Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common and aggressive cancer occurring in the oral cavity. Intravenous chemotherapy remains a pivotal part of treatment for the disease; however, these drugs cause debilitating systemic side effects and are unable to permeate into the deep compact layers of tumorous tissue cells. Herein, the intratumoral delivery of doxorubicin using a novel hydrogel blend, of chitosan/k-carrageenan and PluronicTM F127, for a rapid solution-to-gel thermoresponsive transition at 37 °C is proposed to achieve tumour-specific delivery and controlled drug release. For enhanced permeation, a novel monoterpene – limonene with high lipophilicity and anti-cancer effect is combined with the hydrogel system.
Effect of inhaled cationic poly-peptides on respiratory mechanics in the isolated perfused rat lung
(University of the Western Cape, 1998) Wang, Weizhou; Syce, J. A
The inhalation route is increasingly being considered as a viable option to deliver protein drugs into the body, but there has been few studies dealing with the safety of this strategy. The results of in vitro studies have shown that proteins, especially cationic proteins, can interfere with pulmonary surfactant and affect its surface tension lowering activity. If such an interaction also occurs in vivo it may lead to the inactivation of endogenous pulmonary surfactant and have profound adverse effect on the respiratory mechanics of the lung. To investigate this contention a suitable model which allows the inhalation mode of administration of proteins and the continuous monitoring of lung compliance and other parameters is needed. The objectives of this study consequently were to (1) adapt the isolated perfused rat lung (IPL) to allow the administration of exogenous protein via the inhalation route into the alveoli, and (2) to use the adapted model to investigate the effect which inhaled cationic poly-peptides could have on lung function. It was hypothesised that such inhaled cationic peptides would interact with and inactivate the pulmonary surfactant leading to a decrease in lung compliance The lungs from adult Wistar rats were isolated and mounted in the IPL system. Three administration methods viz. aerosol administration, propellent driven administration and intra-tracheal instillation during positive pressure ventilation were considered.
The antimicrobial screening of four South African asteraceae species and the preliminary structural investigation of an antipseudomonal compound from Arctotts auriculata
(University of the Western Cape, 1998) Salie, Fuad; Eagles, P.F.K.
Infectious diseases represent one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, like South Africa. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has also resulted in the emergence of a number of resistant bacterial strains. Four plants belonging to the Asteraceae (Daisy) Family, which forms part of the Fynbos Biome, were screened for their phytochemical composition and mantimicrobial activity. The plants investigated were: Helichrysum crispum, Felicia erigeroides, Eriocephalus africanzs and Arctotis auriculata. The plants were selected on the basis of their ethnobotanical use in various infectious diseases.
The antimicrobial screening of four South African Asteraceae species and the preliminary structural investigation of an antipseudomonal compound from Arctotis auriculata
(University of the Western Cape, 1998) Salie, Fuad; Eagles, Peter; Leng, H.M.J
Infectious diseases represent one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, like South Africa. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has also resulted in the emergence of a number of resistant bacterial strains. Four plants belonging to the Asteraceae (Daisy) Family, which forms part of the Fynbos Biome, were screened for their phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activity. The plants investigated were: Helichrysum crispum, Felicia erigeroides, Eriocephalus africanzs and Arctotis auriculata. The plants were selected on the basis of their ethnobotanical use in various infectious diseases. The results from the phytochemical identification showed that all the plants tested positive for tannins. Flavonoids were detected in the leaves and stems of A. auriculata and F. erigeroides and the stems of E. africanus. Saponins were present in the leaves of H. crispum and the leaves and roots of F. erigeroides. Triterpene steroids were found in the stems of E. africanus and F. erigeroides. Akaloids were only detected in the leaves of A. auriculata and cyanogenic glucosides were in the stems of H. crispum and the leaves of A. auricula/a. None of the plants tested positive for quinones. The disc diffirsion method was used to determine the antimicrobial potential of the selected plant species. The results from this initial study showed that the organic extracts of A. auriculata and H. crispum inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis. The same extracts, together with the organic extracts of F. erigeroides, were active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antifungal activities against Candida albicans were exhibited by the organic extracts of E. africanus, F. erigeroide^s and H. crispum. Organic extracts of A. auriculata and E. africanus, as well as the aqueous extract of the latter plant, were active against Staphylococcus aureus. Hereafter, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and minimum mycobactericidal concentration (MMC) of the most active solvent extracts of selected organs of the four plants were done.
Cardiovascular effects of aqueous leaf extract of Leonotis leonurus in Anesthetized rats
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Tshambuluka, Noxolo; Mugabo, Pierre
The present study was designed to evaluate the hypotensive properties and the mechanisms of action of the aqueous leaf extract of Leonotis leonurus in anesthetized male Wistar rats, using computerized blood pressure recording system.
Effects of the alkaloid present in the ethyl acetate: hexane (1 :4) fraction of Crinum macowanii on the isolated perfused rat heart
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Njagi, Angela Gakii; Mugabo, Pierre
Crinum macowanii (CM) is used in traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases including ischemic heart disease, rheumatic fever, cancer and skin diseases. The aqueous extract of CM bulbs was found have a positive inotropic effect similar to the one of adrenaline in normotensive rats. After the extraction of CM bulbs four fractions were collected, (1:4), (2:3), (3:2) and (4:1), from ethyl actetate: hexane as an eluent. The (1:4) further using PLC and the major band used for the experiments. Structure elucidation was further carried out on the major band isolated and a new alkaloid was identified from the bulbs of CM. The major aim of the study was to test the alkaloid isolated on the "double sided" working heart system. The parameters to be assessed were coronary flow (Qe), aortic output (Qa), cardiac output (CO), systolic and diastolic pressure (SP/DP), pulse pressure and heart rate (Hr). Wistar rats weighing between 250-350g were used. The hearts were isolated and perfused using Krebs Henseleit solution on the "double sided" working heart system. The parameters were monitored through a pressure transducer connected to a power lab and a computer. The Qe, Qa, CO, SP/DP, Pulse pressure and Hr reduced significantly when lycorinone (the proposed name given to the new alkaloid extracted from Crinium macowanii) was used at the concentrations of 0.005μg and 0.05μg. Further studies are recommended for the verification of the mechanism of action of lycorinone (negative chronotropic and negative inotropic effects).
Evaluation of satherlandia frutescens for anti.cancer activity
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Ghogomu, T; Amabeoku, G
The claim for anti-cancer activity of the plant Sutherlandiafrutescens was investigated against some cancer cell lines in-vitro and against a dichlorvos induced chemical carcinogenesis in-vivo. A preliminary phytochemical analysis of the plant extract was also done.
The evaluation of microwave drying on the polymorphic characteristics of carbamazepine granules prepared by the wet granulation process.
(Univeraity of the Western Cape, 2006) Smith, Marco; Syce, James
The drying conditions of granules for tabletting prepared by the wet granulation process traditionally involve conduction, convection and radiation heat transfer. Despite various technological advances utilizing combinations of these conditions, the drying rates for pharmaceutical granules remain relatively high. Microwave drying is an alternate source of drying for pharmaceutical granules providing a faster drying rate, cost reduction benefits as well as reduced shrinkage and structural damage to granules. Polymorphic transformation of compounds in pharmaceutical products have become an important focus area since it can have disastrous economic, therapeutic and legal transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis to determine whether microwave drying would alter the polymorphic characteristics of carbamazepine (CBZ) contained in granules and tablets prepared by a wet granulation process, in comparison to convection tray drying. In addition, the compressed tablets from each drying method were subjected to the British Pharmacopendial [5] quality control standards to verify compliance. Preformulation studies were conducted on CBZ and selected excipients to establish compatibility and suitability in the development of a simple fast release tablet formula. The commercial CBZ powder, termed beta (B)-polymorph, was used to prepare an alpha (a)- and a dihydrate (DHD) polymorph. All three polymorphs were fully characterized by XRPD and FTIR spectral analysis and served as fingerprint markers for granule and tablet evaluation.
An investigation into the impact of training pharmacists' assistants in early recognition and referral procedures on tuberculosis referral rates in the Cape Town metropole
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Dalais, Lyzelle; Butler, N.C
Due to the resurgence of TB globally, in 2006 the WHO and the STOP-TB partnership launched a Global plan to STOP TB. This is a l0 year plan which aims to save l4 million lives between 2006 and 2015. Specific targets were set which aims to halt and begin to reverse the incidence of TB by 2015. The targets were to detect at least 70o/o of new sputum smear-positive TB cases and to cure at least 85% of these cases by 2005, and to reduce TB prevalence and death rates by 50o/o relative to 1990 by 2015 and to thus eliminate TB as a public health problem (l case per million population) by 2050 (WHO, 2006). Most individuals tend to approach a pharmacy to obtain information, advice or medication as it is easily accessible. The purpose of this study was to train Pharmacists' assistants' in TB symptom recognition and referral procedures and to measure its effect on referral rates. Methods: A convenience sample of (n-28) Phamacists' assistants (PA) from community pharmacies in the Cape Town Metropole region was selected to participate in the study. For the purpose of this study PAs were trained on referral procedures when recognising TB symptoms, the use of referral cards and the TB suspect register and appropriate referral to TB clinics for sputum tests. Pre-test and post1-test questionnaires covered the relevant questions pertaining to knowledge of TB and recognition of TB symptoms. The PAs were re-assessed using a post2-test questionnaire 4 months after the training to determine whether the knowledge gained in the training session was sustained. Part2 of the methodology was a supplementary sample of 3 pharmacies in which the PAs (n=12) were trained using a summarized but more intensive training method, which focused on the key aspects of the TB training to determine if the outcomes would be the same. Both samples reflected a decline in participants for the post2-test. This decrease was N=15 and N=8 from N=28 and N=12 respectively. The trends in knowledge scores between the two samples were similar. For sample N=15, an increase in knowledge from the pre-test questionnaire to post 1-test questionnaire (27 .2%) and a decrease in knowledge from post 1-test to post2-test (11.9%) was seen. Although there was a decrease in knowledge, it was still higher than the initial pre-test knowledge. For the sample N=8 there was an increase in knowledge from pre-test to post1 test (28.6) and a decrease in knowledge of 7.4% from post 1-test to post2- test. This decrease in knowledge was still above the initial knowledge gained. There was a smaller decrease in mean knowledge scores for N=8 than the decrease noticed in the sample N=15. The behaviours regarding utilization of the referral system was unsuccessful in both samples. [n study sample N=15 only I PA had referred patients using this method. In study sample N=8 none of the PA had referred patients using the referral system. Results & conclusion: It was found that there was an increase in knowledge after the intervention but a decrease in knowledge for the post2-test of both samples. The study sample N=12 training reflected a visibly higher maintenance of the mean knowledge from the post1-test to post2-test. According to the data from the post2 questionnaires patients were referred but the actual utilization of the referral procedures by means of record keeping was not implemented effectively in both samples. It is thus recommended that future studies should investigate the issue of documentation within pharmacies among pharmacy staff and that the movement of staff to different pharmacies is also considered.
Pharmacological evaluation of the medicinal plants, pelargonium triste (l), elytropappus rhinocerotis (l.f), and olea europaea africana (mill.) for antidiarrhoeal activity in mice
(University of the Western Cape, 2001) Bamuamba, Kopinga; Amabeoku, George J
Three medicinal plant species, Pelargonium triste (L.), Elytropappus rhinocerof,s (L.F.), and Olea europaea africana (Mill.), commonly used in the Western Cape traditional medicine to treat various ailments were assessed for activity against castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice. The chemical composition and the high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of the plant extracts were also investigated. At the doses of 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 75 mg/kg all the plant extracts significantly (p< 0.05) reduced the number of diarrhoeal episodes in mice. At the doses of 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg the P. frisfe and E. rhinocerofis aqueous extracts significantly reduced the total diarrhoeal stool mass, and also significantly delayed the onset of diarrhoea in mice. The effect of P. fnsfe against castor oil-induced diarrhoea was dose dependent. Olea europaea africana did not significantly alter the onset of diarrhoea or the total diarrhoeal stool mass. The data obtained indicate that P. triste, E. rhinocerofis, and O. europaea africana possess anti-diarrhoeal properties, which justify their use in the Western Cape by traditional medicines practitioners to treat diarrhoea. The data also show that all three plant-species contain tannins and saponins. In addition, P. triste and O. europaea africana contain reducing sugars, where as E. rhinocerolzs contains cardiac glycosides.
Syndromic treatment of sexually transmitted infections: a western cape community pharmacist study
(University of the Western Cape, 2001) Ward, Kim Lana; Butler, Nadine
This cross-sectional survey of 85 randomly selected community pharmacists in the Western Cape, South Africa. estimates that 200 000 sexually transmitted infections (STl) cases are seen in private community pharmacies throughout the Western Cape per annum, contirming anecdotal evidence that community pharmacies are a preferred source of STI care. This study also describes the views of pharmacists regarding their utilisation as STI care providers, and the treatment practices of those who currently provide this service to the community. The majority (74.1%) of pharmacists view their current role in STI treatment as under-utilised and 98oZ expressed a slight to strong willingness to play a role in the syndromic treatment of STIs. Pharmacists' knowledge of the link between HIV and STIs is associated with an increased willingness to provide STI syndromic treatment (RR: 3 03, 959/oCI 1.45- 6.31, p=0.0004). The quality of STI treatment among those pharmacists currently providing medication is poor, with only 13.6oh (n=44) of pharmacists prescribing the correct treatment for penile discharge, 6.37o(n:32) for genital ulcers and OYo (n:32) prescribing the correct treatment for vaginal discharge. The findings of this study underline the need for STI treatment services ln communlty pharmacies, and the need for a pharmacist training intervention in the syndromic treatment of STIs.
An evaluation of the Bronchodilator properties of Mentha longifolia and Artemisia afra, traditional medicinal plants used in the Western Cape.
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Harris, Lynne; Syce, James
The overall objective of this study was to investigate the claims that Mentha longifulia (ML) and Artemisia afra (AA) have anti-asthmatic properties. To realize this objective we were to determine the effects that the plants may have on contractions induced by agonists (e.g. methacholine, histamine, and leukotriene D+) and also to partially investigate the mechanism that may be involved' We hypothesized that extracts of Mentha longifotia arrd Artemisia afra would have respiratory airway smooth muscle relaxant properties and would be able to reverse methacholine and/or,histamine and/or leukotriene D+-induced contractions. plants were collected from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Institute and aqueous extracts prepared. Solutions of plant extracts were injected into an organ bath containing a zigzagcut guinea pig tracheal strip that had been pre-contracted with methacholine, histamine or leukotriene D+.
Formulation and evaluation of tablets manufactured from Dodonaea Angustifolia plant material
(University of the Western Cape, 2001) Kayitare, Egide; Syce, James A.
The liquid dosage form is the most frequently used form for traditional plant medicines. However, this dosage form is associated with many problems, e.g. physicochemical instability, microbial contamination, etc. which may be solved using a solid dosage form. This study investigates the formulation and manufacture of tablets containing two types of material prepared from the leaves of Dodonaea angustifolia. The main goal of the present study was to formulate and produce tablets containing the same amount of plant material as found in the usual dose of D. angustifolia decoction. ln addition, the suitability of using directly dried leaf powder and dried aqueous extract of the leaves, as raw material for the tablets, was compared. lt was hypothesized that tablets with acceptable physical properties and containing 80% or more of plant material could be produced and that tablets containing dry leaf powder or dry plant extract would possess different properties. Raw plant material in the form of dried leaf powder and dried aqueous extracts (Dry Extract 1 from wide leaf plant and Dry Extract 2from narrow leaf plant) of D. angustifolr3 were prepared and their physical characteristics determined. Based on the latter, suitable excipients were selected and formulas containing the same amount of the plant material as found in a single decoction dose of D. angustifolia were elaborated. Thereafter, tablets containing these plant materials were manufactured using the direct compression method and the physical properties of the manufactured tablets were assessed. Results of the pre-formulation study indicated distinct differences in physical properties between the three plant materials. The dry leaf powder had a median particle size of 20prm compared to 200pm and 3441tm for Dry Extracts 1 and 2, respectively. The dry leaf powder was significantly more soluble in ethanol than water (55.7t0.g vs. 26.1+3o/o, t-test, p=0.05), while the extracts dissolved completely but required vigorous shaking. The compressibility of the dry powder was very good (11.910.5%), that of dry extract 2 good (15.9t2.8Yo) and that of Dry Extract 1 only passable (22.6tO.8%). All the powders showed poor flowability, but they had different potentials to pick up moisture. More importantly, the dry extracts became very cohesive and tended to dissolve in the absorbed moisture at relative humidity above 60%. The tablets containing the dry leaf powder and those containing Dry Extracts 1 and 2 required different formulas and different compression forces and displayed different physical properties. The final proportions of plant material per tablet were B5o/of or dry powder,650/o for dry extract 1 and 7Oo/of or dry extract 2. Finally, all the final tablets had acceptable physical properties. However, the tablets containing the dry extracts showed slow disintegration (27.6 and 29.6min for Dry Extracts 1 & 2, respectively, vs. 3.1min for dry powder) and low dissolution rate (38.60/o and 6o.20/o al 45min for Extracts 1 and 2 vs. 92.7o/o for the dry powder). We conclude that the different forms of raw material prepared from the leaves of D. angustifotia have different properties, but can be formulated and manufactured into directly compressed tablets. However, the form of raw material dictates whether the tablets can contain a high proportion (80% plus) of plant material and also influences the properties of the final tablets. Comparable results can be anticipated if materials from other parts of the plant and/or from other plants are to be used.
Evaluation of the pulmonary effects of the traditionally prepared Artemisia afra steam inhalation and nebulized aqueous extract and the possible involvement of flavonoid luteolin
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Mjiqiza, Sizwe Joel; Syce, J. A.
Artemisia afra is a popular medicinal plant traditionally used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis etc., most frequently as a steam inhalation. The effectiveness of this steam inhalation, its active constituent(s), and the disposition of the latter has not yet been evaluated. The plant, however, contains appreciable amounts of flavonoids, such as luteolin, that are potential markers for use in the evaluation of the pulmonary effects of the plant, in a model such as the isolated perfused rat lung (IPL). The objectives of this study were, firstly to compare the luteolin content in dried crude A. afra leaves and an aqueous extract of A. afra; secondly, to compare the pulmonary effects of the traditionally-prepared A. afra steam inhalation and nebulized A. afra aqueous extract and luteolin solutions; and thirdly, to determine the pulmonary disposition and effect of intravenously administered luteolin. To realize these objectives, aqueous extract of A. afra was prepared according to the traditional healers method. Luteolin contents of the plant solutions and perfusion medium were determined using HPLC. The IPL model was adapted to allow administration via steam inhalation and nebulization, as well as the monitoring of pulmonary function tidal volume (TV), respiratory resistance (RL) and compliance (CL). To determine the pulmonary disposition, luteolin was administered in the perfusion medium, perfusate samples taken over an hour and half, and assessed for luteolin content. The traditionally prepared A. ofra extract contained significantly (p<0.001) higher luteolin levels (49. 554 + 0.4021p,g125m9, n:5) than the A. afra crude dried leaves (15. 939 + 1.1829 p,gl25mg, n:5) indicating that the aqueous extraction process concentrated the plant's active constituents. Lung preparations remained stable during the equilibration period, for example, CL increased at a steady rate of 0.00118+ 0.00149 and 0.00155+0.00128 ml/cmHzO per min (n:4) for the steamed and nebulized saline group of lungs respectively indicating that the IPL was successfully adapted for this study, and the isolated lungs remained suitably stable and sensitive for the measurement of lung function. Inhaled steam of A. afra (10 mg/ml) changed lung function drastically, for example, a dose of l0 mg/ml increased TV significantly (p<0.001) by 3.56 Yo, CL significantly (p<0.05) by 3.42 Yo, and decreased RL significantly (p<0.05) by 9.72 % immediately after inhalation while inhaled saline did not affect lung function. Higher doses of the plant extract (50 mg/ml) produced even higher changes in lung function (TV and CL increased by 7 .59% and 1 t.76yo, while RL decreased by 10.98%) indicating that the steam inhalation of A. afra produced significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent improvement in lung function.
The influence of the proposed professional fee for community pharmacists on prescription income
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Terblanche, Sanri; Valodia, Praneet
prescription pricing in community pharmacies in South Africa involves a percentage mark-up on the cost of the product, followed by a varying discount to either the client or the medical scheme. The Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) has developed a new remuneration system for the community pharmacist whereby the price the client pays consists of the reimbursement cost of the product plus a professional fee. It was expected that the system would be implemented during 2002. An independent assessment of the development and validation of the professional fee was necessary. No standard operating procedure to apply the professional fee to a data set of prescriptions and comparing it to the current pricing method existed' There was uncertainty on how the prescription income of community pharmacies would be affected by the professional fee. The aim of the study was to explore the influence of the proposed professional fee for community pharmacists on prescription income.' The study was conducted to (l) assess the development and validation of the professional fee by PSSA and (2) develop a standard operating procedure to apply the proposed professional fee on a data set of prescriptions derived from community pharmacies. Three different sized pharmacies were conveniently selected. Claimed and private prescription information of six months was obtained. The data was used to determine the income using the mark-up pricing method. To determine the income using the professional fee pricing method, a formula was developed to calculate the cost price from the gross price of each item. The proposed professional fee of R28.39 (including VAT) was added to schedule 3-7 items and a 30% mark-up was added to schedule 0-2 items. The difference in income between the two pricing methods was calculated. The incidence of overpricing and a cost neutral professional fee was calculated. A cost neutral professional fee was the value of the fee when there was no difference in income between the two pricing methods.
Determination of plasma concentrations using Lc/ms and pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin in Patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis and In patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis co- Infected with hiv
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Taha, Esraa; Mugabo, Pirrie
Many studies have investigated the pharmacokinetics of anti-tuberculosis drugs in patients infected with tuberculosis. However, little is known about the pharmacokinetics of the drugs that are used in the treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR- TB). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the steady state concentrations and the pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin, one of the drugs used in the treatment of MDR-TB in patients infected with MDR-TB and patients with MDR-TB co-infected with HIV Plasma samples were drawn at different times over 24 hours after ofloxacin oral administration. For the determination of ofloxacin plasma concentrations, the liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analysis method was used.
The use of Dioxy MP 14 (stabilized aqueous chlorine dioxide) to control environmental airborne microorganisms
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Mbamalu, Oluchi Nneka; Uebel, Reinhard
Dioxy MP 14 is a locally developed form of stabilized chlorine dioxide in an aqueous medium. It has all the sanitizing properties of chlorine dioxide gas, a neutral compound of chlorine in the +IV oxidation state, which has been used extensively as a non-toxic sterilizing agent with various applications. In this study, Dioxy MP14 was tested in a commercial chicken pen to determine its effectiveness as an environmental sanitizing agent. Control of environmental microbes in a chicken pen is important to ensure healthy birds and optimum egg production. The biocide was introduced via an overhead misting system with a variable dosing pump at various daily frequencies. The effectiveness of environmental microorganism control was determined with air settle plates. The health and performance of the chickens were evaluated and compared to chickens in a control pen. The results show a decrease in airborne microbial load in the treated pen. Better egg production and lower mortality of the chickens in the treated pen compared to the control pen, indicate effective environmental microbial control was achieved with a residual 7.46 ppm Dioxy MP 14 at a daily dose given for 5 minutes every 2 hours. This study was a pilot study, with encouraging results, for an extended study to investigate the feasibility of introducing Dioxy MP 14 through a misting system in a clinical environment (clinics and hospitals) to control airborne pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis thereby reducing the infection risks for clinical workers and medical staff.

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