RESUMO
Mini matrices containing Losartan potassium as a model drug were prepared by extrusion method using Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose as matrix materials with or without xanthan gum and carbopol, and combination of xanthan gum and carbopol and propylene glycol as plasticizer. The prepared mini matrices were further evaluated for surface texture, uniformity of diameter, thickness, weight, moisture content, drug content uniformity, drug-excipients interaction, relative swelling, mucoadhesive test, in vitro drug release pattern. All the HPMC mini matrices showed good swelling which is proportional to concentration of polymer. The In vitro release of drug was in the range of 64.83% to 93.66%. Formulation H1 prepared with a drug-polymer ratio of 1:0.5 (LSP:HPMC) and 5% propylene glycol by weight of polymer as plasticizer showed promising results as a controlled release dosage form and released approximately 93.66% of the drug in 12 h. This study proves that extrusion method can be used for designing controlled release drug delivery systems providing nearly zero-order drug release over a period of 12 h.
RESUMO
To determine the frequency, experiences and correlates of sexual violence among female adolescents in Riyadh city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2 schools in Riyadh city for adolescent females starting from January 2008 for 3 months. Five classes with 25 students in each were randomly selected from intermediate and secondary grade of each school. Four hundred and nineteen students were included. A self-answering questionnaire was distributed and collected after 15 minutes by 3 research assistants. Forty-two adolescent students [10%] were exposed to sexual violence. Only 31% of the students were taught how to react to sexual violence. Students whose order was >/= 5th among siblings and who had unsupportive parents in discussing sexual issues were more exposed to sexual violence [x2=4.02, p=0.044, x2=4.24, p=0.039]. Being >/= 5th in order among siblings and having unsupportive parents in discussing sexual issues were correlates for exposure to sexual violence