Resveratrol cross-linked chitosan loaded with phospholipid for controlled release and antioxidant activity.

Despite the therapeutic effects of resveratrol, its clinical application is restricted by its poor oral bioavailability and low water solubility. To overcome these physicochemical and pharmacokinetic limitations, encapsulation of resveratrol (RV) into nanodevices has been explored. Resveratrol cross-linked chitosan nanoparticles modified with phospholipids (RVC-lipid) were synthesized using a double emulsion technique. The surface morphology of RVC-lipid nanoparticles was evaluated with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Particle size was measured using dynamic light scattering technique (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to identify the crystallographic nature and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to measure changes in the chemical structures of the resveratrol and RVC-lipid nanoparticles. Results showed RVC-lipid nanoparticle had a characteristic amorphous structure, a mean particle sizes of 570nm in DI water and 950nm in ethanol, and an encapsulation efficiency of 63.82% in aqueous medium and 85.59% in ethanol medium. In-vitro release studies demonstrated a slow and sustained release of resveratrol governed by diffusion. Based on assays of antioxidant activity the scavenging activity of RVC-lipid nanoparticles was inferior to that of resveratrol due to its prolonged release. We concluded that phospholipids are the potential carriers for resveratrol.

FeMoO4 based, enzyme-free electrochemical biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of norepinephrine.

Herein, FeMoO4 (FM) nanorods were synthesized by a template-free, facile, hydrothermal method in an aqueous medium. The surface morphology of FeMoO4 was identified with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to identify the crystallographic nature of the as-synthesized FeMoO4. The as-synthesized material was used as an active electrode material for the oxidation of a neurotransmitter (i.e. norepinephrine (NE)) by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. FeMoO4 possesses polycrystallanity and bimetallic character, which helps to enhance the performance of the FM/GCE as compared to the GCE. The enhanced performance was also due to the formation of Fe (II)-dioxygen complexes, which catalyze the oxidation of NE. Meticulous observations taken from CV studies proved the diffusion-controlled nature of the reaction with a diffusion coefficient of 1.10×10(-4)cm(2)/s and a standard heterogeneous rate constant of 4.078×10(-3)cm/s. The amperometric response of NE on the FM/GCE showed a linear increase in the current between 5.0×10(-8)M and 2.0×10(-4)M with a detection limit of 3.7×10(-9)M. In the amperometric study, the time required to reach the 98% steady state response, after successive additions of 50nM NE, was less than 3s. The FM/GCE showed good sensitivity, and stability for the determination of NE.

Impact of medicine-related information on medicine purchase and use by literate consumers.

AIMS: To measure impact of information, education, and communication intervention (IEC) on rational medicine use, purchase, and stocking behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a pre- and post-design, interventional study. Base data were collected in first visit, using pre tested questionnaire from 500 respondents, who were of either gender, English speaking, at least graduates, permanent residents, and willing to participate. IEC was framed based on problems identified from this data. First intervention was handouts distributed in the second visit, containing information on cost saving in medicine purchase. Second intervention was a lecture session on medicine prices, rational use of medicines, and tips on saving on medicine purchase. Five articles about medicine use and price differences were published in the local newspaper, over 10 days, formed third intervention. After 1 month, post-intervention data was collected using same instrument with some additional questions. Results were analyzed by Chi-square test using Graph Pad prism Version 3.0. RESULTS: Awareness about price variation, self-medication, expiry period, generic and brand quality increased post-intervention. Attitudes toward new, costly, brands, injections, sharing and reusing old prescriptions changed post-intervention. Behavioral changes in stocking habits, adherence to doctors' advice, getting cash memo, comparing prices, reading labels, were seen post-intervention. CONCLUSION: People carry false notions about medicines which influence their use and habits. This intervention successfully changed behavior and could bring awareness on many aspects of medicine use.

Comparison of safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness of benzyl benzoate, permethrin, and ivermectin in patients of scabies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare three treatment modalities in scabies for safety, efficacy, and economy in a local population of Nagpur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, comparative clinical trial conducted in 103 participants, randomly allocated to three groups. First group received benzyl benzoate (BB) 25% lotion, second group received permethrin 5% cream, whereas third group received tablet ivermectin 200 mug/kg as a single dose. The participants were recalled after one week for follow-up evaluation. If there were no signs of cure, the same intervention was repeated. The participants were followed up for two weeks for cure rate, adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring, and postintervention observation. The follow-up was stopped after two weeks. STATISTICS: Fischer's exact test using Graph pad Instat v 3.05. RESULTS: Ivermectin showed 100% cure rate after two weeks of treatment. Permethrin decreased pruritus by 76% at the end of one week and had significantly better cure rate than ivermectin. At the end of two weeks treatment, this finding was reversed, that is, cure rate in ivermectin group was 100%. For cost-effectiveness analysis, treatment regimens were formulated hypothetically for comparison from Markov population tree for decision analysis. It was found that BB and ivermectin each consecutively for two weeks were most cost effective regimens giving complete cure in four weeks, while ivermectin was the fastest regimen giving the same results in two weeks. CONCLUSION: Benzyl benzoate as first line intervention and ivermectin in the remaining gave best cost-effective results in the study patients of scabies.

Perceptions of tuberculosis and treatment seeking behaviour in Ilala and Kinondoni Municipalities in Tanzania.

This study was carried out in Ilala and Kinondoni Municipalities in Tanzania to explore the perceptions of Tuberculosis (TB), and treatment seeking behaviour, among patients attending healthcare facilities. The study was conducted in four randomly selected health facilities providing directly observed treatment (DOT). Exit interviews were administered to 69 randomly selected TB patients. The mean age of the respondents was 33.2 years (range = 11-72 years). Forty-six (66.7%) of the patients had primary school education. Fifty-nine (84.1%) patients had good knowledge on the transmission of TB. Majority (75%) of the respondents were of the opinion that the incidence of TB was on the increase and this was mainly associated with HIV/AIDS epidemic. All respondents knew that TB was a curable disease if one complies with the treatment. Sixty-four (60%) respondents had good knowledge on the correct duration of tuberculosis treatment. The median duration before seeking treatment from a health facility was 1.5 months. The majority of the patients 47 (68%) visited public health facilities for treatment as their first action. Overall, 83.8% (57/68) respondents said females comply better with treatment than male patients. The majority of the respondents lived within a walking distance to a healthcare facility. Only 18.8% (13/69) had to spend an average of US$ 0.2-0.3 as travel costs to the healthcare facility. Most of the respondents (57.8%) said they were well attended by service providers. Half (21/42) and 59.3% (16/27) of the males and females, respectively, mentioned good patient-service provider relationship as an important reason for satisfaction of the service (chi2 = 0.57, df = 1, P > 0.005). Twenty-nine (42%) of respondents were of the opinion that female TB patients conformed better to treatment than males and a similar number thought that both of them equally conformed to treatment. Findings from this study indicate that a large population in urban settings are aware that health facilities play a major role in TB treatment. In conclusion, there is a need to further explore how this information could potentially be used to enhance early seeking of appropriate services among TB patients in the era of rapid urbanization. Strategies in the control of TB and other diseases should focus on advocacy in seeking appropriate care.

Brucellosis in Arusha and Manyara Regions; Tanzania: A Challenge to Public Health

Setting: Karatu; Ngorongoro; Babati; Mbulu and Hanang districts in Arusha and Manyara regions; Tanzania. Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted in Karatu; Ngorongoro; Babati; Hanang and Mbulu districts in Arusha and Manyara regions between July and September 2002. Review of Hospital records and interview with district medical officers; hospital Incharge and clinicians were conducted.Results: Out 170;345 patients who attended hospitals in Babati; Dareda; Karatu; Hydom; Katesh; Wasso; Endulen and Mbulu hospitals in the year 2001; 619(0.36) were diagnosed as having brucellosis. It was found out that women suffer from brucellosis more than males. Out of 619 cases of brucellosis reported in the year 2001; 432 (69.8) were females and 187(30.2) were males. Most of the patients were of the age between 16-35 (46.3) i.e. after school age compared to the middle aged 36-50 (30.4). Few cases were found in the pre school age (7 years); school age (7-15) and old age (50 years) Conclusion There is a need to carry out a study that will establish the burden caused by brucellosis in the area. This should also include investigating the relationship between infection in animals and that in humans. There is also a need to investigate the burden of the disease to the community as well and not only to those who attend hospitals. Factors that favor acquisition of brucellosis to animals and subsequent transmission to humans must be explored and pointed out clearly so that the communities can be made aware of and hence minimize the chances for transmission of brucellosis

Mycobacterial adenitis: role of Mycobacterium bovis, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, HIV infection, and risk factors in Arusha, Tanzania.

OBJECTIVE: To assess risk factors and mycobacterial agents in mycobacterial adenitis. DESIGN: Cross sectional involving comparison analysis of high-risk groups. SETTING: Seven hospitals in rural and semi-rural districts of Arusha. SUBJECTS: The study comprised of 457 patients of clinically diagnosed mycobacterial adenitis. INTERVENTIONS: Biopsy materials were cultured and identification of mycobacterial isolates, and HIV infection testing were performed using standard methods. A questionnaire was used to establish information for assessing risk factors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportions of mycobacterial isolates, risk factors and odds ratios. RESULTS: Of the 457 specimens, 65(14.2%) were culture positive. Isolates identified were M. bovis, 7(10.8%) M. tuberculosis, 27(41.5%) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria 31(47.7%). HIV infection and ingestion of raw milk were linked with increased risk of M. bovis infection by OR of 13.6 (95% CI, 1.7 - 109.9) and 15.28 (3.26 - 71.7), respectively. On multivariate analysis, an OR of 16.2 (1.3 - 201.3) for having M. bovis adenitis was linked to HIV infection, raw milk and houses with poor ventilation. An OR of 5.2 (1.2 - 20.6) for non-tuberculous mycobacterial adenitis was linked to history of TB in the family, HIV infection, raw milk, raw animal products and poor knowledge on transmission of tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: M. bovis caused one out of ten cases of culture positive mycobacterial adenitis. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria were more common than M. tuberculosis (50% and 40% of the cases, respectively). HIV infection and raw animal products are among the risk factors identified for M. bovis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial adenitis.