Formulation and Characterization of Nystatinloaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Topical Delivery against Cutaneous Candidiasis.

Aims: The objective of the current study was to formulate nystatin (Nyst) into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to enhance its antifungal activity. Place and Duration of Study: Department of pharmaceutical technology, national research centre, Egypt, between mars 2011 to april 2013 Methodology: Nyst loaded NLCs (NYST-NLCs) were prepared by the hot homogenization and ultrasonication method followed by evaluation of its topical effect on the cutaneous candidiasis. The prepared Nyst-NLCs were characterized for entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, morphology (transmission electron microscopy), thermal characterisation (differential scanning calorimetry) and in vitro drug release. The study design involves the investigation of the effect of three independent variables namely liquid lipid type (Miglyol 812 and Squalene), liquid lipid concentration (30 and 50%) and Nyst concentration (0.125 and 0.25%). A stability study for 6 months was performed. A microbiological study was conducted in male rats infected with Candida albicans. Results: NLC dispersions were spherical in shape with particle size ranging from 68.06±6.56 to 141.8±3.33 nm. The entrapment efficiencies ranged from 45.50±2.34 to 92.73±0.33% with zeta potential ranging from -26.2 to -39.2 mV. The stability studies done for 6 months indicated that Nyst-NLCs were stable for more than 6 monthes.the microbiological studies showed A least number of colonies forming units (cfu/ml) were recorded for the selected Nyst-NLCs compared to the drug solution and the Nystatin® cream present in the market. Conclusion: It can be fulfilled from this work that NLCs represent promising carrier for topical delivery of Nyst offering good physical stability, high entrapment efficiency and controlled drug release. Nyst-NLCs are a good candidate for cutaneous treatment of fungal infection.

Inclusion complexes of meloxicam and cyclodextrins

The interaction of meloxicam with cyclodextrins was investigated. The formation of a 1:1 inclusion complex with hydroxy propyl beta-cyclodextrin and a 1:2 complex with beta-cyclodextrin was established. Characterization was conducted by FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, TGA and [1]H-NMR spectroscopy studies. The solubility increased by increasing pH from 1.2-6.8. The dissolution rates revealed enhanced dissolution properties of the cyclodextrin complexes compared to the drug. The partition between n-octanol and 0.1 N HCI or Mclvaine's citric acid phosphate buffer, revealed that the partition coefficient of meloxicam is higher compared to complexes with cyclodextrins. The present study denotes the capability of forming a more soluble product of meloxicam, at physiologic pH, via complexation with cyclodextrins which would result in enhanced bioavailability and improved efficacy

Malnutrition among pre-school children in Alexandria, Egypt.

The study was conducted in Alexandria, Egypt, to assess the current status of malnutrition among 1,217 pre-school children aged 6-71 months. A two-stage cluster-sampling technique was used for selecting the sample. Data on sociodemographic and environmental characteristics of the family, morbidity profiles, and breast-feeding patterns were collected from mothers of the children. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and the prevalence of malnutrition was assessed using three indicators, such as stunting, under-weight, and wasting, following the WHO guidelines and cut-off points. Simple and multiple regression analyses were done for examining the factors associated with the occurrence of malnutrition using principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation. Stunting, under-weight, and wasting were observed in 15%, 7.3%, and 3.6% of the children respectively. High-socioeconomic condition was associated with low prevalence of stunting and underweight (OR = 0.67, confidence interval (CI) = 0.55-0.8 and OR = 0.75, CI = 0.58-0.96 respectively). Good environmental condition was associated with a lower stunting rate (OR = 0.83, CI = 0.72-0.96). Increased age of child and living in a non-squatter area were associated with wasting (OR = 1.02, CI = 1.001-1.03 and OR = 0.38, CI = 0.15-0.97 respectively). Interventions to improve socioeconomic and environmental situations are recommended to reduce the already low level of protein-energy malnutrition further.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Asian female house keepers in Abha District, Saudi Arabia.

A group of 5,518 female Asian house keepers working in Abha District of Saudi Arabia was examined (1990 through 1992) to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections. They came from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Philippines and Thailand. Fresh stool specimens were obtained in special containers and examined by light microscopy of wet smears in normal saline and Lugoll's iodine solution within one hour of collection. The study revealed an overall prevalence of 46.5% which was higher than that reported among the Saudi population. The common parasites found included Trichuris trichiura (28.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (22.2%), Hookworm (14.9%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.6%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.2%), Hymenolepis nana (0.2%), and Giardia intestinalis (0.1%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was statistically different among various studied nationalities. The possibility of spreading such diseases throughout the community should be considered in the light of the nature of work of this group being in close contact with different family members. It is recommended that all expatriate workers be checked and treated if necessary on arrival for the first time or from vacation. This policy must be strictly monitored, particularly for female house keepers.

Anemia among pregnant women in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia: an epidemiologic study.

A cross sectional study was conducted during August 1992, on a representative sample of 6,539 pregnant women attending 69 primary health care centers in the Asir region, southwestern Saudi Arabia for the assessment of their hemoglobin level. The overall prevalence of anemia (Hb < 11 g/dl) was found to be 31.9%. It was found that the prevalence was affected by age (37.3% among those who were less than 20 years old), parity (34.9% among those who had 7 and more deliveries), inter-pregnancy spacing (35.2% among those whose birth spacing was less than 1 year), gestational age, and education (35.1% among illiterates). Health education programs at primary health care level in the region should be revised to stress the importance of balanced diet, compliance with iron medication and sufficient spacing between subsequent pregnancies.

Hypertension in Asir region, southwestern Saudi Arabia: an epidemiologic study.

A population study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hypertension among Saudis at primary health care level in the Asir region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia. All primary health care centers (PHCCs) were visited (238 PHCCs). Data were collected in relation to the updated Saudi population census for 1991. Chronic case registries were revised to identify existing cases of hypertension by age and sex till the end of 1991. Results showed that the prevalence of hypertension amounted to 2.4% among Saudis aged 45 years and more. Males and females aged 45 years and more living at high altitude had a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension (p < 0.05) compared to those living at sea level.

Reactions with thiazole [3,2-a] benzimidazol-3one derivatives: a novel synthesis of pyrano- and pyrido [2,3: 4',5'] thizole [2,3-a] benzimidazole derivatives

A novel synthesis of pyrano-and pyrido[2,3: 4', 5',] thiazolo-[2,3-aJbenzimidazoles via the reaction of malononitrile, ethyl cyanoacetate and cyanoacetamide with 2-arylidene-2,3-dihydrothiazolo [3,2-aJ benzimidazoJ-3-ones is reported. Ring transformation of 4H-pyrans into pyridine derivatives is also reported and discussed