Bioethics: awareness, attitudes and opinions among University students and Faculty/researchers

To assess awareness, attitudes and opinions regarding bioethical issues among graduate students and faculty/researchers of universities in Lahore, Pakistan. A questionnaire consisting of 20 questions was designed and sent to 700 students and faculty members/researchers of 14 academic departments/research institutions of seven universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics using SPSS 16.0. We obtained responses from 87% [614/700] participants. The sample populations appeared receptive to latest developments in science and technology; and were optimistic that such developments will have positive effect on their lives. On average almost 90% of the respondents were familiar with the term "bioethics"; 75.4% of the respondents desired that bioethics should be taught regularly in the classes. However, students of two important disciplines of knowledge i.e law and Islamic studies had awareness levels of only 43% and '0'% respectively regarding the term bioethics. A vast majority of the respondents were not satisfied with the state laws, policies, rules, regulations and institutions concerned with bioethical issues. The survey indicated that cloning [27.2%], abortion [24.6%] and organ donation [13.2%] are regarded as the most important bioethical issues, probably for specific reasons of the glamour attached to the technology, moral connotations and the hype created by media respectively. Educated youth in general have positive attitude towards S and T and its effect on their lives. Awareness level among students and faculty of life sciences is very high; however it is dismally low among students of Law and Islamic studies. The results of this survey does not necessarily mirror the awareness level, attitudes and opinions in the society at large since literacy level among the masses is low [57%] and prevalence of higher levels of education is even lower

Effect of channeling agents on the release pattern of theophylline from kollidon SR based matrix tablets

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of channeling agent on the release profile of theophylline from Kollidon SR based matrix systems. Matrix tablets of theophylline using Kollidon SR which is plastic in nature were prepared by direct compression process. NaCl and PEG 1500 were used as channeling agents. Drug release study was evaluated for eight hours using USP 22 paddle-type dissolution apparatus using distilled water as the dissolution medium. The release mechanisms were explored and explained with zero order, Higuchi, first order and Korsmeyer equations. The release rate, extent and mechanisms were found to be governed by the type and content of the channeling agents. Increased rate and extent of the drug release were found by using higher content of channeling agent [42.49%] in the matrix due to increased porosity when compared with the formulation having no channeling agents. On the other hand decreased rate and extent of drug release were observed in the formulation having lower channeling agent content [19.76%]. PEG 1500 ensures maximum release of drug from Kollidon SR than NaCl when other parameters were kept unchanged. It was found that type and amount of channeling agent significantly affect the time required for 50% of drug release [T50%], percentage drug release at 8 hours, release rate constant [K] and diffusion exponent [n]. Kinetic modeling of dissolution profiles revealed drug release mechanism ranges from diffusion controlled or Fickian transport to anomalous type or non-Fickian transport, which was mainly dependent on the type and amount of channeling agents. These studies indicate that the proper balance between a matrix forming agent and a channeling agent can produce a drug dissolution profile similar to a desired dissolution profile

Theophylline loaded gastroretentive floating tablets based on hydrophilic polymers: preparation and in vitro evaluation

This investigation describes the preparation and in vitro evaluation of gastroretentive floating tablet of theophylline. Two hydrophilic cellulose derivatives, Methocel K100M and Methocel K15MCR were evaluated for their gel forming and release controlling properties. Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid were incorporated as gas generating agents. The effects of soluble components [sodium bicarbonate and citric acid], gel forming agents and amount variation of theophylline on drug release profile and floating properties were investigated. Tablets were prepared by direct compression technique. Formulations were evaluated for in vitro buoyancy and drug release study was evaluated for eight hours using USP XXII paddle-type dissolution apparatus using 0.1N HCl as dissolution medium. The release mechanisms were explored and explained with zero order, first order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer equations. The release rate, extent and mechanisms were found to be governed by polymer and floating agent content. The content of active ingredient was also a vital factor in controlling drug release pattern. It was found that polymer content and amount of floating agent significantly affected the mean dissolution time, percentage drug release after 8 hours, release rate constant and diffusion exponent

Effects of Plant Extracts on Conidial Germination, Mycelial Growth and Sporulation of Fungi Isolated From Poultry Feed

Effect of ethanolic extracts of Lawsonia inermis, Azadirachta indica, Vinca rosea, Tagetes patula, Ocimum sanctum, Colocasia antiquorum, Adhatoda vasica, Moringa oleifera, Datura metel and Curcuma longa leaf on conidial germination, mycelial growth and sporulation of Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and A. fumigatus were examined. The conidial germination of A. flavus and A. fumigatus were most inhibited by the extract of L. inermis, while that of A. niger was inhibited by A. indica. Other tested plant extracts have a good effect on conidial germination on the selected fungi. The highest mycelial growth of A. flavus (37 mm) was found in V. rosea, but in case of A. niger and A. fumigatus it (38 and 39 mm) was found in D. metel. The lowest (4, 9 and 6 mm) respectively mycelial growth of these fungi found in L. inermis. The highest sporulation (75 x 10(4)/ml) of A. flavus was counted in V. rosea, but in case of A. niger and A. fumigatus those (45 x 10(4) and 55 x 10(4)/ml) were in D. metel and the lowest (5 x 10(4), 12 x 10(4) and 9 x 10(4)/ml) respectively sporulation of these fungi counted in L. inermis plant extract medium.