Formulation And Evaluation Of Famotidine Fast Dissolving Tablets Using Synthetic Superdisintegrants

Objective: The main aim of the present research work was to formulate fast dissolving tablets of famotidine by direct compression method and to evaluate the effect of synthetic super disintegrating agent on drug release pattern. Methods: The fast dissolving tablets were prepared by using crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, sodium starch glycolate as superdisintegrants (2, 4 and 6 %w/w), mannitol 20 % and microcrystalline cellulose (44, 46 and 48 % w/w) as a directly compressible vehicle. All the prepared tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, drug content uniformity, weight variation, disintegrating time, wetting time and in vitro drug release studies. Results: All the prepared fast dissolving tablets formulations were within the Pharmacopoeial standards limits. Based on in vitro drug release studies (>90 % within 30 min), the optimised formulations were optimised tested for the short term stability (at 40 ˚C/75% RH for 3 mo) and drug excipient interaction (fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). Conclusion: Hence, formulation prepared with 6 % w/w of crosspovidine and 44 % w/w of microcrystalline cellulose as emerged as the overall best formulation (>90 % within 30 min) compared to marketed product (>70 % within 30 min). Short-term stability studies on the formulations indicated that there are no significant changes in drug content and in vitro drug release (p<0.05).

Assessment of interns and postgraduate dental student’s knowledge regarding equipment ergonomics.

Context: The substantial knowledge concerning ergonomics and its practical application is vital for forestalling musculoskeletal disorders. The role of equipment ergonomics (EE) in preventing these work‑related ailments is significantly noteworthy. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevailing perception of postgraduates (PGs) and interns regarding EE and preparing the Indian dental workforce for the challenges of India’s growing economy and population. Settings and Design: Authors conducted a cross‑sectional survey between December 2013 and February 2014 amidst the interns and PG dental students of Davangere city, Karnataka, India. Subjects and Methods: The data were collected using 21‑item custom designed proforma, comprising of questions evaluating student’s basic knowledge about EE. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using Chi‑square test in each group (PGs and interns) and Mann–Whitney test was implemented for comparison between both groups. Results: Of 358 subjects surveyed, 48% PGs and 52% interns affirmed that they came across EE only through this survey. In addition, 91.18% of PGs and 90.59% interns believed that the accentuation on EE is less in the current dental curriculum. Conclusions: Comprehensive understanding and practical application of EE among the participants was found to be lacking. The importance of microbreaks and chair side exercises should be emphasized and training should be initiated at an early stage before improper postural habits develop.

Sweet's syndrome with tendinitis.

A 30 years man presented with fever and skin manifestations in the form of multiple tender, erythematous, asymmetric nodules and papules predominantly over the upper arms and back. The nodules were coalescing to form irregular sharply demarcated plaques over the forearms and thighs. There were pustules over the nodules. He also had tendoachilles tendinitis. The total leucocyte count, differential count and skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Sweet's syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis). This patient, a case of Idiopathic Sweet's syndrome with tendoachilles tendinitis responded to oral corticosteroids.

Rare cause for short stature--Kallmann's syndrome--a case report.

Kallmann's syndrome is a neuroendocrine disorder, characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with hyposmia. We report a 27 year old male who presented with short stature and pain in the lumbar region. On detailed evaluation he had growth retardation, features of hypothalamic hypogonadism as evidenced by endocrimological tests and anosmia since birth. He had co-existent caries spine T10,T11 causing pain in the lumbar region-MRI brain showed normal olfactory pathway while the response to nasal stimulants was markedly attenuated. We present this case for its very care occurrence in the eastern part of the world and the typical feature being normal MRI brain with functional defect of the olfactory pathway.

Purification and characterization of flavokinase from Neurospora crassa.

The ATP-dependent phosphorylation of riboflavin to FMN by flavokinase is the key step in flavin biosynthesis. Flavokinase has been purified from a fungal source for the first time. The enzyme purified from a cell wall lacking mutant of Neurospora crassa, slime, is a monomer of M(r) 35.5 kDa with maximal activity at alkaline pH and high temperature (55 degrees C). The K(m) for both substrates is the lowest reported for flavokinase from any source so far (120 nM for riboflavin and 210 nM for MgATP2-). The enzyme exhibits preference for Mg2+ over Zn2+ as the essential activator and is also significantly activated by several cations. Activation by orthophosphate may be physiologically relevant for the intracellular regulation of flavokinase.