Matrix Science Medica (MSM)

Meniere’s disease (MD) is a morbid inner ear disease that manifests disabling symptoms such as episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and fullness in the ear, for which patients seek immediate medical attention. The treatment of disabling vertigo of patients with MD remains controversial. Endolymphatic hydrops of the inner ear is presently considered the pathophysiology for explaining the underlying mechanisms of MD. There are many therapeutic options for MD, but no one is considered a highly effective modality for the cure of the MD. The primary purpose of the medical treatment of MD is to treat his or her symptoms rather than disease. Betahistine and diuretics are usually effective medical treatments for controlling vertigo in MD. However, there is no proven medical therapy for hearing loss or evolution of the disease in MD. There are several reports in favor of intratympanic use of aminoglycosides for the control of vertigo. Endolymphatic sac decompression is a surgical treatment option in the case of medically intractable MD. Vestibular neurectomy and labyrinthectomy are two important surgical techniques for the treatment of disabling vertigo of MD, but these surgical procedures are associated with relatively higher surgical morbidity. Recently, treatment with chemical labyrinthectomy/transtympanic gentamycin injection and endolymphatic sac decompression have gained favor for MD because they have less invasive techniques and are associated with fewer risks and side effects. The objective of this review article is to discuss current treatment options for MD to relieve disabling symptoms of MD and so improving the quality of life.

We read the article entitled “Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Leptomeningeal Cyst with Atypical Presentation: Cough‑Induced Headache” on the esteemed “Matrix Science Medica” with great interest. Dar et al. presented two adult patients with posttraumatic leptomeningeal cysts presenting as cough-induced headache. The headache worsened on forceful coughing in both individuals. In this context, the presence of growing skull fractures with headache and cough highlights the possible association between this type of headache and cerebrospinal fluid dynamic

Blistering distal dactylitis is an uncommon condition resulting from superficial skin infection, leading to bullous eruption in the distal phalanx. In rare instances, the extent of the lesion beyond classical presentation is reported. The most commonly described causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus and the condition has a good prognosis if diagnosed and managed early. We report a rare presentation of blistering distal dactylitis in the form of an extensive involvement of the affected finger with purulent bullous formation. The drainage of the pus and appropriate antibiotics led to the good outcome. The knowledge of the characteristic clinical picture of blistering distal dactylitis and its varied presentations shall help it diagnose early in routine clinics.

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between early marriage and child development. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a population of mothers with children <3 years old. The subjects of this study are mothers with children aged 3–36 months, who know their age at first marriage, are not currently divorced, and are willing to  engage in the study. Results: There is a relationship between early marriage and impaired child growth and development. Conclusions: It was concluded that early marriage affects the growth and development of children <3 years old. Thus, the government or society needs to make efforts to prevent early marriage through the right approach in Indonesia.

Background: Breast milk is the first need for a newborn baby. Infants aged 0–6 months who are breastfed without any other food define exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding can be influenced by several factors, one of which is contraception. Inappropriate use of contraception can affect exclusive breastfeeding. Aims: This study aimed to determine the correlation between contraceptive use and exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia in 2017. Materials and Methods: The research design in this study was descriptive-analytic with a cross-sectional approach. This study examines the population of women of childbearing age who are married and have their last child aged 0–6 months with a total sample of 1891 people, with a sampling technique using total sampling. The data were taken from the results of the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey. The data analysis of this study used the Chi‑square statistical test. Result: The results of data analysis showed that 53% of women of childbearing age used contraception, and 47% of women of childbearing age did not use contraception. Meanwhile, 46% of women of childbearing age gave exclusive breastfeeding, and 54% of women of childbearing age did not give exclusive breastfeeding. The Chi-square test results showed a P = 0.000 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the study results, it can be concluded that there is a correlation between contraceptive use and exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia in 2017.

Introduction: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), protein originally referred to as vascular permeability factor, maybe a signal protein produced by cells that stimulate the formation of blood vessels and a sub-family of growth factors. They are important signaling proteins engaged in both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. It is a part of the system that restores the oxygen supply to tissues when blood circulation is insufficient like in hypoxic conditions. The serum concentration of VEGF is high in asthma and DM. The aim of this study to explore the relevance of VEGF level with the complication of diabetes mellitus (diabetic retinopathy [DR] and diabetic nephropathy (DN)). Methodology: Case–control study carried out in Khartoum–Sudan from August 2018 to August 2020. One hundred and four patients divided into four groups, 3 ml of blood were collected from each subject in sterile plain vacationer tube (3 ml) then was centrifuged, and the serum was stored at −20°C to measure VEGF level by using ELISA kits (E‑EL‑H0111, 96T). Results: We have confirmed previous observations of increased plasma VEGF Levels in patients with DR and DN. A total of 103 quality controls divided into four groups (diabetics with DR, diabetics with DN diabetics without DR or DN, and health individuals) were observed to determine the relationship between serum of VEGF levels and diabetes complication DR and DN. Conclusions: High level of VEGF plays a major role in the pathogenesis of DR and DN.

In dentistry, various root coverage procedures (RCPs) are practising to treat gingival recession, still achieving complete root coverage (CRC) is more challenging. It even scales from conventional to advanced surgical RCP. The most important factor in achieving CRC is a proper presurgical evaluation by assessing the dimension of hard and soft tissues. Following the miller classification system, it helps to guide and predict successful RCP. Despite this, many dentists have struggled to implement RCP in their daily work. This article explains an evidence-based literature review to decide their actual outcomes, to address differing opinions and make informed choices before using various RCP. This will make a clinician choose the ideal RCP (either conventional or minimally invasive procedures) for the case at hand. To ensure that the expertise was accurate, an online search was conducted on the PubMed/Medline site. This included articles published between 2000 and 2019, all of which are related to positive results and the success rate of various RCP. A total of 796 articles of these were related to the RCP. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select relevant papers. This review article aims to highlight the fact that RCP is believed to produce successful results. Advanced treatment mode of RCP aids in achieving a higher degree of performance than conventional RCP. For localized and generalized defects, subepithelial connective tissue graft, coronally advanced flap (CAF), and CAF + connective tissue graft are considered a more predictable option. However, there are several drawbacks to this RCP that must be found and addressed.

One of the most important measures advocated for the prevention of transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) infection is the use of a face mask.[1] However, this measure will not be useful if the compliance of the population is not good. The protection offered by the masks does not depend only on the type of mask but more importantly on how correctly the mask is used. The best and most efficient masks are the N95 and KF94 HEPA masks; however, they are uncomfortable to wear, need to be tightly fit to the face, and are costly. Comparatively, surgical masks are more comfortable and have long been proven to be effective; however, the loose‑fitting leads to possible leakage of aerosols. Cotton masks are much more comfortable but their efficacy is the least

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) is an ongoing pandemic that spreads mainly through close contact and tiny respiratory droplets. The ocular surface is a potential site for transmission, whereas the ophthalmologists are highly potential to acquire infection. Because of the presence of the angiotensin enzyme 2 in different ocular tissues and cytokine storm results in vasoconstriction, ischemia, hypercoagulopathy, and thromboembolic phenomenon, this virus easily binds and in different ocular manifestations such as conjunctivitis, retinal vascular occlusion, diabetes retinopathy, ocular nerve palsies, and orbital mucormycosis. Mucormycosis is a life‑threatening infection that often affects patients with diabetes mellitus and other immunocompromised patients. The diagnosis of mucormycosis is usually done by microbiological tests and radiological investigations. Proper ocular care and awareness among clinicians need the hour for prompt management of orbital mucormycosis. Here, we are presenting a case of COVID‑19‑associated mucormycosis with subconjunctival involvement of mucormycosis.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the attitude and satisfaction of doctors toward clinical pharmacists’ role at Omdurman Military Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted in Omdurman Military Hospital in Khartoum state, Sudan. A self‑administered questionnaire was delivered to 165 doctors who had previously worked with clinical pharmacists. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The Chi-square test was used for the data analysis. Results: A total of 165 filled questionnaires were returned, 84 (50.9%) of them were males, and over 50% were aged under 31 years. Around 94.6% of them agreed that the clinical pharmacist is an important and integral part of the medical team, while 89.1% believed that clinical pharmacists could improve overall patient outcomes/quality of patient care. Collectively, 85.6% of the participants had a positive attitude toward the clinical pharmacist’s role. Moreover, the calculated overall satisfaction of doctors toward clinical pharmacy services showed that 83% had ahem with a high level of satisfaction. There was a significant relationship between doctors’ attitude and satisfaction with the area of practice, years of experience, and the duration of work in settings where clinical pharmacy service is provided. Conclusions: The study identified a positive attitude and high level of doctor satisfaction with clinical pharmacist role and confidence in the abilities of the clinical pharmacists, also found that doctors overwhelmingly favor the presence of clinical pharmacists, frequently seek their advice, and feel they improve the quality of patient care