Formulation of bi-layer matrix tablets of tramadol hydrochloride: Comparison of rate retarding ability of the incorporated hydrophilic polymers

Bi-layer tablets of tramadol hydrochloride were prepared by direct compression technique. Each tablet contains an instant release layer with a sustained release layer. The instant release layer was found to release the initial dose immediately within minutes. The instant release layer was combined with sustained release matrix made of varying quantity of Methocel K4M, Methocel K15MCR and Carbomer 974P. Bi-layer tablets were evaluated for various physical tests including weight variation, thickness and diameter, hardness and percent friability. Drug release from bi-layer tablet was studied in acidic medium and buffer medium for two and six hours respectively. Sustained release of tramadol hydrochloride was observed with a controlled fashion that was characteristic to the type and extent of polymer used. % Drug release from eight-hour dissolution study was fitted with several kinetic models. Mean dissolution time [MDT] and fractional dissolution values [T25%, T50% and T80%] were also calculated as well, to compare the retarding ability of the polymers. Methocel K15MCR was found to be the most effective in rate retardation of freely water-soluble tramadol hydrochloride compared to Methocel K4M and Capbomer 974P, when incorporated at equal ratio in the formulation.

General practitioners' awareness and management of common psychiatric disorders: a community-based survey from Karachi, Pakistan

This study assessed the knowledge and management of common psychiatric disorders by general practitioners [GPs] in Karachi, Pakistan, Structured interviews were carried out in 2009 with 360 GPs selected by cluster random sampling. Patients with psychiatric disorders were estimated to be up to 10% of the daily caseload according to 71.8% of doctors. Two-thirds of GPs were unaware of the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for depression and anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines were the most recognized category of medication [75.3%] and were the most commonly used medication for all mental health conditions. Fewer GPs were familiar with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [35.1%] or tricyclic antidepressants [20.2%]. Lack of time and patients financial constraints were reported to be barriers to care. Most GPs [69.2%] had not received any recent medical education about mental health problems. Gaps in GPs' knowledge about the management of mental disorders have implications for the rational use of psychotropic medications in primary care

Prevalence and risk factors of mycrobacterium tuberculosis infection among prisoners in Kabul central prison [Puli Charkhi], Afghanistan

Afghanistan has the second highest tuberculosis [TB] burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region with 76,000 new cases and 20,000 deaths each year. Among the highest risk settings for TB acquisition and transmission are prisons. There is a paucity of data to inform evidence-based design of health policies to control TB in prisons. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and relevant risk factors of TB in Kabul Puli Charkhi Prison. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kabul Central Prison from January to September 2006. Using a structured questionnaire and tuberculin skin test [PPD], a total of 250 prisoners were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Those who were sentenced to death, had less than 3 months remaining of their sentence, had a previously confirmed case of TB, or were pregnant, were excluded. The prevalence of TB infection was 55.7% [132/237] among the prison population. Using comparison analysis of two outcome groups [positive and negative PPD], we found that age [odds ratio [OR] = 4.14], income [OR = 7.62], duration of incarceration [OR = 2.62], accommodation area [OR = 3.51], personal hygiene [OR = 15.13], content of food [OR = 5.58] and low-grade fever [OR = 3.25] were positively associated with TB infection. To control TB in this environment, attention should be given to high risk groups such as those in low socio-economic classes, the elderly, and low-weight individuals. Rebuilding of damaged prison facilities and better distribution of prisoners will prevent overcrowding and decrease the likelihood of TB transmission. Improving the quality of food and hygiene would also reduce the level of infection. Based on preliminary findings of this study, the National TB program has strengthened its existing activities in prisons and has made a commitment to establish a comprehensive TB centre

Efficacy of topical tacrolimus in atopic dermatitis

Mainstay treatments for atopic dermatitis include cutaneous hydration, antihistamines and topical glucocorticoids. To avoid side effects associated with long term and higher potency topical corticosteroids, further topical immunosuppressive agents should be tried. Topical tacrolimus has been extensively studied and shows promise in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. To determine the safety and efficacy of tacrolimus in atopic dermatitis. In this randomized, case-control study, out of 60 patients with atopic dermatitis [age ranging 2 to 45 years], 30 [case] were treated with tacrolimus [0.03%] ointment twice daily and 30 [control] were treated with vaseline twice daily for up to 3 weeks. Evaluation included per cent body durface area [%BSA] affected, individual signs of atopic dermatitis, the Severity Score of Atopic dermatitis [SCORAD], and the patient's assessment of pruritus. The outcome variables like erythema, edema/papulation, oozing/crusting, excoriation, pruritus, body surface area involved and SCORAD in the case group improved significantly compared to those in the control group [p< 0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.005, <0.001, <0.001 and <0.001, respectively]. After 3 weeks of tacrolimus, all variables except lichenification score responded significantly. Significantly higher number complained of burning sensation in cases [20%] as compared to none in the control group. Topical 0.03% tacrolimus is more effective than the vehicle alone

effects of diabetes oncatecholamine neurotransmitter mediating enzymedopamine-beta-hydroxylase and other biochemicalparameters in human serum

In Bangladesh weather, environment and pattern of life style are significantly different from those of other developed as well as developing countries. So this makes us curious to determine the serum Dopamine-p-Hydroxylase [DBH] activity, its cofactors and other biochemical parameters in Bangladeshi diabetic patients at different ages of both sexes to determine their changes with age. The study was done in six different age groups of both sexes namely Group I: 10-15 years, Group II: 15-25 years, Group III: 25-35 years, Group IV: 35-45 years, Group V: 45-55 years and Group VI: 55+ years. DBH activity was increased in Groups I, II and decreased in Group VI of both sexes. DBH activity was variable in all other groups. One of the cofactors, ascorbic acid was slightly decreased in all groups. Another cofactor copper was variable. Among the parameters of lipid profiles, only the triacylglycerol level increased in all groups. Other biochemical parameters were variable. From our studies, we concluded that diabetes affects the DBH activity, its cofactors and other biochemical parameters

Extremity vascular trauma-the continuing challenge

A retrospective study of 36 consecutive patients with extremity vascular trauma managed by the South Surgical Ward trauma team between February 1998 to January 2000. All our patients were men with a mean age of 27 years. The commonest clinical presentation.was with haemorrhage [75%] or ischemia [58.4%]. The mode of injury was gunshot wounds [75%], blunt trauma [20%] and iatrogenic injuries [5%]. The most commonly injured arteries were the superficial femoral [27.5%], the popliteal [24%] and the brachial [24%]. The techniques utilized for.repair of the arterial injuries were autogenous reverse vein grafting [51.7%], end-to-end anastomosis [27.6%].and lateral repair [3.4%]. 17.2% of the arterial injuries were ligated. 43% of the venous injuries underwent lateral venorrhaphy while 57% were ligated. Tri-compartment leg fasciotomies were carried out in 14 patients The commonest complication was vein graft thrombosis [16.7%]. Our amputation rate and mortality were both at 6.9%. Early transport of the patient to a good surgical facility, good surgical judgement and the liberal use of. vein grafts improves the outcome in vascular injuries of the extremities

effect of Alfa thalassemia on cord blood red cell indices and interaction with sickle cell gene

alpha -thalassemia is known to be prevalent in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. There are no largescale reports regarding the effect of alpha -thalassemia on red cell indices of cord blood from Saudi Arabia. Similarly, there are no reports regarding the interaction of alpha -thalassemia and the sickle cell gene in relation to red cell indices in cord blood. To address these issues, we undertook a study on neonatal cord blood samples. Materials and In a prospective study, cord blood samples from 504 neonates from the Qatif area of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia were analyzed for complete blood counts [CBC] and cellulose acetate Hb electrophoresis. Hb S was confirmed by citrate agar Hb electrophoresis. There were 243 case samples with normal Hb electrophoresis [Hb A 27.2 +/- 7% and Hb F 72.6 +/- 7.7%]. Their mean Hb [g/dL], RBC [x1012/L], Hct [%], MCV [fl], MCH [pg], MCHC [g/dL], RDW-SD [fl] and RDWCV [%] were 15.05 +/- 1.6, 4.5 +/- 0.5, 47.4 +/- 5.3, 106 +/- 8, 33.6 +/- 2.3, 31.8 +/- 1.7, 69.2 +/- 9.5 and 17.9 +/- 1.7, respectively. There were 136 cases with alpha -thalassemia trait [alpha TT], 57 cases with sickle cell trait [SCT] and 50 cases of sickle cell trait with alpha -thalassemia trait [SCT/alpha TT]. There were 10 cases of Hb H disease [6 definite], including one with sickle cell disease [SCD] and two with SCT, Hb Bart's 23.9%-43.6%; four probable with Hb Bart's 10.9%-16.1%, and one with SCT. The effect on red cell parameters in Hb H disease were most pronounced. In addition, there were seven cases of SCD, four of whom had coexistent alpha -thalassemia trait [SCD/alpha TT]. The prevalence of alpha -thalassemia in this cohort of Saudi population was 39.99%. Hb H disease appeared as common as SCD. Sickle cell gene was seen in 23.4% of neonatal samples. alpha -thalassemia gene significantly reduces MCH, MCV, RDW-SD, Hct, Hb, and increases RBC count in both normal or sickle cell trait neonates. Generally, the variation of red cell parameters is directly proportional to the amount of Hb Bart's in the cord blood. Sickle cell gene in itself produces low MCV, RDW-SD and MCH in cord blood. Further, normal reference values for red cell parameters of cord blood are established

Auditory brainstem response [ABR] findings in post-meningitic children

Auditory brainstem response [ABR] was performed on 39 children after the recovery from meningitis in addition to 20 healthy children served as controls. Hearing loss was detected in the form of sensorineural hearing loss in 16 patients of which ten had bilateral profound hearing loss. A mild conductive hearing loss was present in four patients and 19 patients showed normal hearing. Brainstem abnormalities were present in the form of prolonged latencies of waves I, V, interwave latencies of I-III and I-V. The age of onset of meningitis and associated neurologic complications were not associated with an increased incidence of hearing loss

Fibrogastroduodenoscopy: a reliable diagnostic procedure in upper gastrointestinal disorders

The results of 2198 fibreoptic endoscopic examinations of the upper gastrointestinal tract [GIT] were studied. In 69.2% cases one or more pathological lesions could be detected in the upper GIT. Symptomatic young female patients were found to have functional dyspepsia in 60.9% cases. Duodenal Ulcer Disease [DUD] was the most frequent finding followed by macroscopic gastritis and Gastric Ulcer Disease [GUD]. Fibreoptic endoscopic examination of the upper GIT was found to be safe, acceptable and accurate diagnostic procedure

Spectrophotometric studies of some benzoylacetanilides

The electronic absorption spectra of some benzoylacetanilides are investigated in organic solvents of varying polarities. The important bands in the ir spectra of the compounds as well as the main signals in the [1] Hnmr spectra are discussed in relation to molecular structure. The pK[a]of the compounds are also determined from potentiometric acid-base titration

Synthesis of new quinoline derivatives as antimicrobial agents

2-hydroxy quinoline-4-hydrazide was condensed with carbon disulfide in ethanolic KOH on cold and by refluxing, the former condition gave 1,3,4-thiadiazoyl-quinoline derivative [II], while the second gave 1,3-4-oxadiazolyl-quinoline derivative [IV]. Reaction of [IV] with formaldehyde and some secondary amines realized Mannich reaction at oxadiazolyl nitrogen moiety. Also, alkyl halides reacted with [IV] and gave S-alkyl derivatives. Replacement of S-alkyl radical by N-R group was also successful via interaction of [VI] with amines. Reaction of [IV] with monochloroacetic acid afforded the S-acetic acid derivative [VII], which on condensation with ethylenediamine gave the tricyclic compound [VIII]

Studies on the synthesis of certain sulphur compounds as antimicrobials, antishistosoma and Molluscidies

Interaction of 3, 3-dimercapto-1-[2-thienyl]-2-propen-1-one [I] with alkylhalides, acid chloride gave the S, S-disubstituted derivatives [II, IV], condensation of [I] with aldehydes afforded different products according to the reagent used. In concentrated hydrochloric acid it gives the dithioacetals [V]; while in glacial acetic acid, the chalcone [VI] was the unexpected product. Sulphurization of [I] with P4S10 afforded 5 [2-thienyl]-1,2-dithiacyclopenten-3, thione [VII] in a satisfactory yield; while bromination of [VII], followed by boiling in water gave 5 [2-thienyl]-1, 2-dithiacyclopenten-3-one [IV]. Bromination of [IX] yielded the 4-bromoderivative [X] which on treating with methanolic potassium hydroxide hydrolyses and through interreaction, 2, 5-di [2-thienyl]-1, 4-dithiacyclohexadiene-3, 6-dicarboxylic methylester [IX] was collected. Desulphurization of [XV] followed by alkaline hydrolysis gave 2, 4-di [2-thienyl] thiophene 3, 5-dicarboxylic acid [XVIII]. Oxidative cyclization of furfurylidene thiosemicarbazone gave 2-amino-5 [2-furyl]-1, 3, 4- thiadiazole [XIX] which on treating with isocyanates; namely, naphthyl, and/or cyclohexyl gave the disubstituted ureas [XX]. Condensation of disubstituted urea derivative with bromoethylacetate or/and chloroacetyl chloride obtained the imidazolidinone derivative [XXI], while with dibromoethane yielded the hedantoin derivative [XXII], screening of most derivatives showed activities

Synthesis of some naphthalene -sulphonohydrazides and related compounds of potential biological activity

In a search for new pest control agents, the following naphthalene sulphonohydrazides have been prepared: naphthalene-1-sulphonyl hydrazide, naphthalene-2-sulphonyl hydrazide, 4-chloronaphthalene-1-sulphonyl hydrazide and naphthalene-1, 5-bis-sulphonyl hydrazide. The hydrazides have been converted into a number of derivatives [e.g. hydrazones, and their N-methyl and s-benzyl-iso-thiuronium derivatives]. The compounds were characterised by their ultraviolet, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance, and these are briefly discussed. The insecticidal activity of these compounds was screened against cotton leaf worm

Fluorescence polarization as a tool to study lectin-sugar interaction.

The binding of Ricinus communis agglutinin and Abrus agglutinin to 4-methylumbelliferyl β-D-galactopyranoside was studied by equilibrium dialysis, fluorescence quenching and fluorescence polarization. The number of binding sites and the association constant value obtained by fluorescence polarization for both Ricinus communis agglutinin and Abrus agglutinin are in close agreement with those obtained by the other methods. This indicates the potential of ligand-fluorescence polarization measurements in the investigation of lectin-sugar interactions.

Some reactions of coumarins with hydrazine and ethylenediamine

The Reaction between coumarin derivatives and hydrazine hydrate or ethylenediamine is investigated and the mechanism of reaction is rationalized

Thioarylidenephthalides and related compounds: V Some new classes of phthalimidines synthesis of 2-substituted-3 [a naphthal or p-tolylsulphonamidobenzal] phthalimidines

3-[alpha-Naphthal] phthalimidines[V] as well as 2-thio-[IX] and 1-thio-[XI] 3-[alpha-naphthal] phthalides are prepared and some of their-reactions are investigated. 3-[p-Tolylsulphonamidobenzal] phthalides [XVIa and XVII] as well as the isomers 4-chloro and 7-chloro-3-[P-tolylsulphonamidobenzal] phthalides [XVIb and XVIc] and some of their P-tolylsulphonamidobenzal phthalimidines, [XIX and XX] are synthesized