Formulation development and in vitro evaluation of fast dispersible, taste masked aceclofenac compacted pellets

The objective of this study was to develop Aceclofenac fast dispersible compacted pellets with improved taste and fast drug release. Pellets were prepared by extrusion-spheronization technique followed by direct compression to make compacted pellets. Formulations were comprised of sucrose, mannitol, ac-di-sol, aspartame, pine apple flavor and magnesium stearate. A mixture of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol [1:1] was used for wet massing. The effect of acdi-sol on the drug release pattern was examined and dissolution profile comparison was established. All formulations followed First order and Weibull models and f2 values indicated dissimilarity with the marketed immediate release product. Taste of compacted pellets was evaluated by a panel of 12 human volunteers. Formulation P5 was found to be an optimized formulation due to satisfactory quality attributes

High performance liquid chromatographic method validation for determination of rosuvastatin calcium in tablet dosage forms

A precise, sensitive and quick High Performance Liquid Chromatographic [HPLC] method for the determination of rosuvastatin calcium in bulk and tablet dosage forms has been validated. The chromatographic scheme involved: Sil-20A auto sampler, LC-20A pump, SPD-20A UV/visible detector with separation attained by C18 column at 40oC temperature through a mobile phase of acetonitrile and buffer [50:50] at a flow rate of 1.0ml/min. The method is precise [%RSD for intra-day and inter-day extended between 1.06-1.54% and 0.103-1.78%] and linear [r[2]=0.9997]. Limit of detection and quantification [LOD and LOQ] of the adopted method were 0.78 and 1.56Mug/ml. The proposed HPLC method was established to be sensitive, precise and swift that can be proficiently adopted in quality control/quality assurance laboratories for predictable investigation of the bulk and oral solid dosage forms of rosuvastatin calcium

Retrospective study on prognostic importance of serum procalcitonin and amino‑terminal pro‑brain natriuretic peptide levels as compared to Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV Score on Intensive Care Unit admission, in a mixed Intensive Care Unit population.

Background: Timely decision making in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is very essential to improve the outcome of critically sick patients. Conventional scores like Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE IV) are quite cumbersome with calculations and take minimum 24 hours. Procalcitonin has shown to have prognostic value in ICU/Emergency department (ED) in disease states like pneumonia, sepsis etc. NTproBNP has demonstrated excellent diagnostic and prognostic importance in cardiac diseases. It has also been found elevated in non-cardiac diseases. We chose to study the prognostic utility of these markers on ICU admission. Settings and Design: Retrospective observational study. Materials and Methods: A Retrospective analysis of 100 eligible patients was done who had undergone PCT and NTproBNP measurements on ICU admission. Their correlations with all cause mortality, length of hospital stay, need for ventilator support, need for vasopressors were performed. Results: Among 100 randomly selected ICU patients, 28 were non-survivors. NTproBNP values on admission significantly correlated with all cause mortality (P = 0.036, AUC = 0.643) and morbidity (P = 0.000, AUC = 0.763), comparable to that of APACHE-IV score. PCT values on admission did not show significant association with mortality, but correlated well with morbidity and prolonged hospital length of stay (AUC = 0.616, P = 0.045). Conclusion: The current study demonstrated a good predictive value of NTproBNP, in terms of mortality and morbidity comparable to that of APACHE-IV score. Procalcitonin, however, was found to have doubtful prognostic importance. These findings need to be confirmed in a prospective larger study.

Knowledge of dentists about epilepsy and their attitude toward the dental treatment of epileptic patients: a survey of dentists in Peshawar - Pakistan

The relationship of epilepsy with society, knowledge of people, attitude, and how may it affect the access of people with epilepsy to dental care. A questionnaire that explored facts about the knowledge, attitude and willingness to provide dental care to people with epilepsy was delivered to 129 dentists personally in the city of Peshawar [KPK], Pakistan. Of the 129 respondents, 10.9% were general dentists. Knowledge was patchy about the epidemiology, causes, treatment and recognition of epilepsy. 44% of dentists did not think that they could safely treat patient of epilepsy in their offices. Lack of knowledge and negative attitude towards epilepsy may affect the access to dental care for people with epilepsy

Reduction of testicular volume of albino rats in lead induced toxicity and reversal of IT with high dosages of vitamin C

Lead toxicity is a common industrial hazard. It affects all systems of the body. The study was conducted to see reduction in volume of the testes of albino rats and reversal of it with high dosages of vitamin C. Experimental study. The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Post Graduate Medical Institute [PGMI], Lahore from May 2007 to April 2009. 90 albino rats were divided into five groups A, B, C, D and E. Each group was comprised of 18 animals and divided into 3 subgroups 1, 2 and 3 sacrificed after 5[th], 6[th] and 7[th] weeks. Groups A was given normal saline, group B was given lead acetate 10 mg/kg body weight, group C was given lead acetate with 250 mg/kg body weight of vitamin C, group D was given lead acetate with vitamin C 500 mg/kg body weight and group E was given vitamin C 1000 mg/kg body weight with lead acetate intraperitoneally. The animals sacrificed after the 5[th] week in subgroups A1, B1, C1, D1 and E1 showed insignificant changes while in subgroup A2, B2, C2, D2 and E2 sacrificed after 6[th] week, P value was 0.015 which was significant. The P value of subgroup 3 sacrificed after 7[th] week was 0.002 which was significant. This study showed that lead toxicity brought caused a significant reduction in the volume of the testes. The testes regained their normal size after heavy dosage of vitamin C

Quality evaluation and in vitro interaction studies between levofloxacin 250mg and diclofenac sodium 50mg tablets

Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum antibiotics, work against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and are a clinically proven option for many resistant infections. Among fluoroquinolones Levofloxacin works best against acute sinusitis, inflammation of the lower airways, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, community acquired pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infection including Pyelonephritis, chronic bacterial prostatitis and skin and soft tissue infection. Levofloxacin is a frequently prescribed antibacterial agent with Diclofenac Sodium for pain management in infectious conditions. The objective of the present work is to evaluate the level of interaction between Levofloxacin and Diclofenac Sodium. In this work market available brands of both drugs were also evaluated for quality. The physiochemical parameters like weight variation, thickness variation, and mechanical strength were determined. Similarly the percentage drug release and content uniformity test were also analyzed; the tested quality attributes were found within the recommended pharmacopeia ranges except brand L6 that had high drug content 124.629 +/- 3.614 while brand L[4] and L[5] were not found similar in pH 1.2. When subjected to model dependent analysis Levofloxacin showed compliance with [first order, Higuchi, Hixson Crowell and Weibull] at pH [1.2, 4.5 and 6.8]. However Diclofenac Sodium showed adherence with [first order, Hixson Crowell and Weibull] at pH [1.2, 4.5 and 6.8] but following Higuchi at pH 1.2 and 4.5 only. The interaction studies were also performed spectrophotometrically and simultaneous equation was used to estimate the percentage availability of both the drugs at pH 4.5, 6.8, FaSSGF and FaSSIF. The studies showed that the percent availability of Levofloxacin was increased significantly in FaSSIF i.e. 129.173 +/- 0.323 at 45 minutes in the presence of Diclofenac Sodium

High heel shoes; outcome of wearing in young generation: a cross sectional study

Outcome of wearing high heel shoes in young generation: A Cross Sectional Study. Introduction/ High heels increase the heel height, thus increasing the pressure under the metatarsal head in forefoot, they push the center of mass of the body forward taking the hips and spine out of alignment moreover the altered posture of walking 1-5 in high heels places excessive forces on the inside of the knee joint. All these factors contribute in causing deleterious pathologic deformities. The studies carried out previously were more focused on the adult population furthermore there isn't much work done to investigate the effect of heels in Pakistan therefore, this was a non-invasive study the purpose of which was to evaluate these complications particularly targeting the medical students of medical colleges, Karachi. A total of 220 respondents aged between 15 to 25 years were selected as potential respondents meeting the criteria for selection. A convenience based randomized sampling method was adopted, where the participants were required to fill questionnaires and give their demographic details. They were inquired about the presence of any co morbidities which was an essential part of the exclusion criteria. They were also inquired about their usage of high heel shoes, their size, duration and frequency of usage, and if they had been causing any complications such as bunions, heel spur, callosities or pain in soles, calf or back. The data obtained was analyzed through SPSS and the graphs of frequency for all the complications were computed. After analyzing the 220 participants it was found that 7.7% were males while 92.3% were females, and 61.8% were found to be within 21 to 23 years of age. After the analyses of data for the complications it was found that out of the total participants 18.8% experience foot swelling, 19.4% blisters, 16.4% foot numbness, 12.3% foot callosities, 2.8% heel spur, and 3.7% experience bunions. From this study conducted on the students of medical college it was found that wearing high heel shoes is not associated with any significant complications among most of the students

Protective effect of vitamin C on Diameter of Seminiferous Tubules and Spermatogenesis of Albino Rats with Lead Toxicity

Objectives: The study was undertaken to investigate whether lead toxicity can reduce the diameter and spermatogenesis of testes of albino rats. If the reduction occurs, with what dose the animals can be protected by vitamin C against lead toxicity. Study Design: Experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Department of Anatomy, PGMI, Lahore from March 2007 to August, 2007. Materials and Methods: In this study, 90 animals [albino rats] were taken from National Health Institute Islamabad. These were divided into five groups. Each group has 18 animals as group A, B, C, D and E. Results: The lead treated animals reduced 16% of diameter in 4 weeks as reported by Harvey. The loss of diameter I and reduction in spermatogenesis was due to lead toxicity. In another study by Biswas and Gosh, the animals gave same results with lead toxicity in 14 days. In this experiment it has proved that lead toxicity reduced the body weight of albino rats and this toxicity can be protected with heavy dose of vitamin C. Conclusion: Vitamin C reduces the toxic effects of lead on diameter of seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis of rats, which is shown in this study

Dyslipidemia in young adults aged [20-40] years attending Baghdad teaching hospital and Al-Mansour primary health care center in Baghdad city

Hyperlipidemia is a condition characterized by high quantities of lipids in the blood stream. Lipids include cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids. Fats and cholesterol are generally processed in the liver and carried on proteins in the blood, forming lipoproteins. Its complications include pancreatitis, atherosclerosis, coronary artery diseases and stroke. Is to estimate the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in the Iraqi young adults aged 20-40 years and to shed a light on any significant association between some socio-demographic and life style variables with hyperlipidemia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from the first of December 2011 to the first of June 2012. The prevalence rate of any lipid abnormality [at least one abnormality] was 75%.The prevalence rates of elevated serum total cholesterol, low serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated serum triglyceride and elevated serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol were [32.5%, 38.5%, 29.5%, 30%], respectively. The prevalence rate of elevated TC/HDL ratio was 61%. There is a high prevalence of lipid abnormality in young adults of whom males had higher prevalence than females but the difference was not significant. The significant associated risk factors with hyperlipidemia were age, BMI, newly diagnosed or uncontrolled diabetic and hypertensive patients, cholesterol/fat rich diet and type of cooking oil

Comparison of pressure lowering effects of timolol/dorzolamide combined preparation versus latanoprost in primary open angle glaucoma

To compare the intraocular pressure [IOP] lowering effect of Timolol/Dorzolamide combined preparation to that of Latanoprost in eyes with primary open angle glaucoma. Randomized control trial [RCT]. The Eye department, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, over six months, from 9th June 2008 to 8th December 2008. Eighty Six patients included were divided into two equal groups. Initial IOP measurement was taken for every patient using Goldmann Applanation Tonometer with Fluorescein. Topical Antiglaucoma therapy was started in patients of either group. Group A patients were administered timolol/dorzolamide combined preparation where as latanoprost was administered to group B patients. Follow up IOP measurements were recorded at 4 week and 8 week interval for every patient and findings were endorsed on a pre-designed proforma. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11.0. Eight week follow up IOP of Group A [14.51 +/- 2.54] was significantly lower than the initial IOP [19.37 +/- 2.49] [p<0.05]. For Group B, difference between initial IOP [19.53 +/- 2.69] and 8 week follow up IOP [14.09 +/- 2.23] was also statistically significant. The difference between mean IOP of the two groups at 4 week [p=0.284] and at 8 week [p=0.419] follow up was not statistically significant. Frequency of cases with >/= 4 mm Hg drop at 4 week follow up was 26 [60.46%] in group A as against 29 [67.44%] in group B [p=0.50], whereas at 8 week follow up it was 31 [72.09%] for group A and 34 [79.07%] in group B [p=0.451]. The results suggest that latanoprost monotherapy and timolol/dorzolamide combined therapy is equally effective in controlling IOP in patients with POAG.

Health risks associated with obesity

The association of obesity with a number of pathological disorders; such as hypertension; type 2 diabetes mellitus; cardiovascular diseases; neoplasms; gallstones; respiratory system diseases and sleep apnoea; is discussed. Also; the different factors that determine the degree of impairment in obesity are discussed; these include the amount of body fat; distribution of fat and presence of other risk factors. Brief discussions on the prevalence of obesity in South Africa and the effects of obesity on reproductive function are also presented

Knowledge, Beliefs and practice of faith healers in Saudi Arabia

Mental health literacy of health providers, consumers and the public has many important implications in psychiatry. to explore psychiatric knowledge, beliefs and practice of faith healers. Settings: Al-Qassim Area, Saudi Arabia. Method: Fourty-five faith healers were interviewed on a pre-designed questionnaire. Faith healers showed good psychiatric knowledge with lack of mental illness stigma which was compatible with their educational level. However, they attributed psychiatric disorders etiologically to psychosocial factors and supernatural forces. Despite strong belief in the efficacy of Holy Quran in the treatment, they more often than not refer their patients to consult mental health professionals and showed interest to work in mental health hospitals only after they receive adequate training in psychiatry. Trained faith healers may be of value in offering mental and spiritual health services to clients with mental problems, and also in destigmatizing mental illnesses