Formulation and in vitro evaluation of sustained release matrix tablets using cross-linked natural gum

Polysaccharide gums because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-immunogenic properties are considered as the best choice for preparing sustained release tablets as compared to their synthetic counterpart. The cross linking of natural gums in matrix tablets increase the sustained release property of matrix tablets. Isoniazid is a first line therapy of tuberculosis, belongs to BCS I with half-life of 3-4 hours. These characteristics make isoniazid a good candidate for sustained release dosage form. Karaya gum crossed linked with trisodium tri metaphosphate was used as release rate retardant for preparing isoniazid cross-linked matrix tablet. Total 8 sustained release formulations were prepared. Both granules and tablets were evaluated under in vitro condition against different parameters. Dissolution studies were performed with all eight formulations for 12 hours using USP apparatus I. Four formulations designated as F1, F2, F3, F4 have drug and karaya gum while other four formulations F5, F6, F7, F8 have drug and crossed linked polymer in ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 respectively. Dissolution data was analyzed by using different kinetic models. Best fit model for most efficient formulation was zero order while release mechanism was super case I. Formulation 8 showed sufficiently slow release kinetics and about 83% of drug was released in 10 hours, indicating that cross-linked karaya gum proved efficient in preparing sustained release tablets

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of Nystatin micro emulsion based gel

Nystatin is a polyene antimycotic obtained from Streptomyces noursei used in the treatment of topical and transdermal fungal infection. Nystatin is nearly insoluble in water [<0.1] and it is amphoteric in nature. The aim of the present study was to design and develop Nystatin micro emulsion based gel for efficient delivery of drug to the skin by water titration method. The Pseudoternary phase diagrams 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 were constructed by water titration method. Micro emulsion based gel was prepared by using oleic acid, Tween 20, propylene glycol as an oil phase, surfactant and cosurfactant respectively. Cabopol 940 was used as a gelling agent. In vitro evaluation of micro emulsion based gel was done for pH, Viscosity, spreadability and droplet size. Micro emulsion based gel showed greater antifungal activity against Candida albicansas compared to control formulations. In vitro drug release studies were conducted for micro emulsion based gel and control formulation using Franz diffusion cell. Drug penetration through synthetic skin followed Zero order model as the values for R[2] higher in case of zero order equation. The optimized micro emulsion based gel was found to be stable and showed no physical changes when exposed to different temperatures for a period of 4 week. The results indicated that the micro emulsion based gel system studied would be a promising tool for enhancing the percutaneous delivery of Nystatin

Evaluation of color doppler imaging in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis

To evaluate the accuracy of Color Doppler Imaging in diagnosing deep vein thrombosis [DVT] of the lower extremities taking Venography as gold standard. Cross validation study. The study was conducted in the radiology department Combined Military Hospital Peshawar from January 2007 to August 2008. Seventy four patients suspected of having deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities were examined by Color Doppler Imaging [CDI]. But sixty nine patients underwent successful venography of the affected lower limbs and 5 patients were excluded from the study. Using venography as the reference standard fro diagnosing DVT, the sensitivity and specificity of CDI was 965 and 94.4%, respectively. Positive predictive value was found to be 98% and negative predictive value was 89.5% .Overall accuracy of the CDI was 95.6%. With meticulous technique, Color Doppler Imaging is highly accurate in diagnosing deep vein thrombosis of symptomatic lower limbs, avoiding contrast venography in most of the cases

assessment study of maternal mortality ratio databank in five districts of North Western Frontier Province Pakistan

Maternal mortality ratio is an indicator to measure the summary of information about mother and child health. It is estimated that about 500 maternal deaths occur per 100,000 live births each year in Pakistan. It is a well known fact that all health statistics coming out of the developing countries are calculated "guesstimates" some are perhaps more close to the real figures than the others. There is a dire need to help generate information that can be used by health professionals, health care planners and managers to save women's lives by improving the quality of care provided to turn away maternal mortality. The maternal mortality ratio for Pakistan as well as for NWFP is projected as 533 /100,000 live births for the year 1990-91 produced by National Institute of Population Studies, Pakistan. This was a retrospective cross-sectional quantitative study for the period [2001-2002] conducted in five districts of [NWFP] North Western Frontier Province, Pakistan. National HMIS data opened the maternal mortality ratio for; Haripur as 0.168 and 0.173, Mansehra 00 and 00, Battagram 00 and 00, Swat 0.051 and 0.524 and Swabi 00 and 0.968 per/1000 live births, respectively. The small part exercise outcome [the study] endorsed more shadowy side of the actual maternal mortality ratio for the same period in the same districts. In our country there is a urgent need to institute an efficient mode of operation to get accurate maternal mortality database. Verbal Autopsy method is cost effective and feasible approach for implementation in a country like Pakistan