Development & Validation of RP-HPLC Method for the Estimation of Doravirine in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Dosage Form

A simple, accurate, rapid and precise isocratic reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed and validated for determination of Doravirine in tablets. The chromatographic separation was carried out on Dionex C18 (250 x 4.6mm, 5µ) with a mixture of methanol: 0.05M potassium dihydrogen phosphate (40:60%v/v) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. UV detection was performed at 306 nm. The retention time was 5.24 min for Doravirine. Calibration plot was linear (r2=0.999) over the concentration range of 200-600 µg/mL. The method was validated for accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity, robustness, LOD and LOQ. The proposed method was successfully used for quantitative analysis of tablets. No interference from any component of pharmaceutical dosage form was observed. Validation studies revealed that method is specific, rapid, reliable, and reproducible. The high recovery and low relative standard deviation confirm the suitability of the method for routine determination of Doravirine in bulk and tablet dosage form.

Effects of Medical Drugs According to Sweating Localization in Primary Hyperhidrosis

Background: Primary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating localized to different parts of the body, mostly on the hands. It is exact cause unknown, negatively affects the psychosocial structure of the person and a clinically important health problem. Aims: In the study, it was aimed to examine the effects of drugs used on primary hyperhidrosis. Study Design: The drugs used by the patients who applied to the thoracic surgery clinic with the complaint of sweating and their effects were analyzed retrospectively. Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital Thoracic Surgery Clinic between January 1, 2015, and September 30, 2021 (outcomes of seven years). Methodology: A total of 120 patients(45 female, 75 male and age range 8-67) with sweating complaints were identified. Age, gender, sweating localization and drugs used were examined. Statistically, data were analyzed with 95% confidence interval(CI) and Chi Square test. Results: A total of 120 patients were analyzed. 37.5% were female and 62.5% male.The mean age was 27.1±1.54 years.Patients were use 23.4% Aluminum hydrochloride cream),20.8% Bornaprine hydrochloride, 20% Hyoscine-N-butylbromide.According to sweating localizations;42.6% palmar only, 18.7% palmar and axilla, 18.7% palmar and craniofacial, 7.8% palmar and plantar, 5.9% diffuse, 4.5% cranial, 1.8% palmar and abdomen.It is more often between ages of 21-30 and in male.According to the complaints of patients with a history of using medical treatment; there were 34.5% partial response and 20.2% complete response, and no response to medical treatment in 45.3%. Conclusion: In the study; according to the localization of sweating;Aluminum hydrochloride cream reduces sweating on the palmar, and Hyoscine-N-butylbromide reduces axillary and palmar sweating. Bornaprine hydrochloride reduces sweating on all localizations except craniofacial and abdomen, and is related with a complete response on palmar sweating.According to sweating localizations; although there are localizations where all three drugs used are effective, it has been concluded that these drugs used in primary hyperhidrosis do not respond fully at a high rate.

Placebo effect unboxed: A Review

As in our body, brain is the most powerful part and our mind could be excellent healing tool when any chance is provided. The idea that our brain can be one of the convincing parts in our body for the fake treatment is the real point this is called as placebo effect [1]. This effect refers to the impact of placebo on any one. However, treatments which are not active also were also demonstrated measurable and positive health response [2]. The ability of placebo effect is reviewed as psychological process [1]. In some cases, placebos can exert an influence powerful enough to mimic the effects of real medical treatments. This effect is more than positive thinking [3]. When this response occurs, many people have no idea they are responding to what is essentially a "sugar pill." Placebos are often utilized in medical research to help doctors and scientists discover and better perceive the physiological and mental effects new medications [2] For exactly understanding the placebo effect importance it is crucial to know more about how and why it works. This article explains how this effect is recognized in modern medicine and elements of placebo effect and suggests few conditions under which making utilization of therapeutic potential of this effect could be ethically acceptable, if not warranted.

Hepatic Enzyme Effects of an Imperata cylindrica Extract

This study was performed to investigate the effects of aqueous Imperata cylindrica root extract on hepatic enzyme levels of alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Forty (48) male wistar rats were divided into six groups consisting of eight animals each. Diabetes mellitus was induced using intraperitoneal administration 150 mg/kg body weight of alloxan and treatment was carried out for a period of 28 days. The first group served as the normal control and received only feed and water ad libitum. In Group 2 were diabetic rats without treatment with extracts. Group 3: diabetic rats treated with 200 mg/kg aqueous Imperata cylindrica root extract. Group 4: diabetic rats treated with 400mg/kg aqueous Imperata cylindrica root extract. Group 5: diabetic rats treated with 600mg/kg ethanol extract of aqueous Imperata cylindrica root extract. While Group 6 was diabetic rats treated with 0.5mg/kg Glibenclamide. The liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly (p < 0.05) changed in rats treated with Alloxan (150mg/kg b.w.) while treatment with the respective dosages of extracts significantly changed the levels of these parameters to normal. The results obtained indicate that the different doses of aqueous Imperata cylindrica root extracts were beneficial in mending damages to the liver caused by Alloxan monohydrate in the male wistar rats.

The Theoretical Investigations and Molecular Dynamic Stimulation of Isoniazid as a Corrosion Inhibitor

API5L Steel is known as one of the most useful materials on earth which is also subject to corrosion in certain environments. Many methods have been used to minimize its corrosion, but the use of inhibitors is widely accepted. The use of green inhibitors has gained wide usage because of their environmental friendliness. The theoretical investigations of isoniazid as corrosion inhibitor was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), whereas theoretically, quantum chemical parameters and molecular dynamic simulations of the inhibitor were studied. The analyses of the experimental results showed that the expired drug (isoniazid) decreased the corrosion rate of API5L steel in a 0.5M H2SO4 medium. The inhibition efficiency decreased with a decrease in inhibitor concentration. FTIR results showed that the inhibition mechanism is physical through the functional groups present in the expired drug. Relying on quantum chemical parameters and molecular dynamic simulations results, the adsorption/binding strength of the concerned inhibitor molecule on API5L steel surface follows a good order. The computed adsorption/binding energy values (Eads) for the various isolated concentrations from the inhibitor indicate the adsorption process to be non-covalent (physiosorption) which is in good agreement with the literature.

Zero Prevalence of HIV and HCV Coinfection in the Highly HIV-infected Population of Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis C affects 5–15% of the 38 million people living with HIV globally. Africa which has the second highest prevalence of HIV/HCV co-infection following Asia. This alarming statistics has made it crucial that studies be done to also ascertain the HIV/HCV co-infection prevalence in the country and host factors which may influence the co-infection. Objective: Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of HCV infection amongst the HIV population of Rivers state, Nigeria. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), in Rivers State, Nigeria, from February 2017 to September 2019. Methods: In this study, 226 HIV-infected individuals were recruited comprising 105 males and 121 females. These subjects were screened for the presence of HIV and HCV using ELISA and was performed according to the kit manufacturer’s stipulations. The demographic characteristics of the participants were obtained using a questionnaire designed for the study. Results: The presence of antibodies to HIV-1 reconfirmed the HIV status in all the study subject. A seroprevalence rate of 0.0% was observed for HIV/HCV infection. The ratio of females to males was found to be 1.2:1. The ages of the study population ranged from 16 to 70 years with a median age of 42.5 years. A large number (30.5%, n = 69) of the participants were within the age group 40 – 49 years, followed by those within 30 – 39 years (26.1%, n= 59), 50 – 59 years (17.3%, n = 39) and >59 years (13.7%, n = 31). Participants that were within younger age groups had less population; 20 – 29 years (9.7%, n = 22), with those that are <20 years having the least population (2.7%, n = 6). Many (49.1%, n = 111) of the study participants were found to be married. About 46.5% (n = 105) of them were single, while a few (4%, n = 10) were widowed. Conclusion: No coinfection of HIV/HCV was found, in spite of Nigeria being endemic for HCV. However, despite this zero rate of HIV/HCV coinfection, routine screening for HCV markers should be carried out to reduce morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals.

Evaluation of In vitro Antioxidant and Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis of Methanol Leaf Extract of Fadogia cienkowskii Scheinf Fam. Rubiaceae

Aim: Fadogia cienkowskii Scheinf has been used in ethno medicine for the treatment of pyrexia, convulsion in children, inflammation and malaria. The aim of this work is to ascertain the presence of some phytochemicals in the leaf of Fadogia cienkowskii Scheinf and to investigate the antioxidant property of the methanol leaf extract of the plant. Study Design: This work was designed to investigate the presence of some phytochemicals in the plant and to further evaluate the antioxidant property of the methanol leaf extract of the plant using three models. Methodology: The pulverized leaves (1 kg) was extracted with 5.0 L of 95% methanol employing cold maceration technique. The extract obtained was dried using rotatory evaporator. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical evaluations were carried out using standard methods. Antioxidant capacity was investigated using 2,2 diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power and total antioxidant capacity models. Results: The percentage yield of extract is 20%. Flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, alkaloids and steroids were present in the extract. Total phenol concentration was 0.55+ 0.13 ug/ml. The amount of flavonoid was 3.28+0.01 g by gravimetry with sample weight of 5+0.02 gm. The antioxidant activity of the plant methanol leaf extract showed maximal effect as demonstrated by its EC 50 of 3.811+0.03 ug/ml compared with the ascorbic acid standard 4.989+0.02 ug/ml using DPPH method. This result was validated by the FRAP and TAC models. Conclusion: The presence of polyphenolic biomolecular compounds in the extract confirms the use of the plant in Ethnomedicine.

Assessment of Health Risk of Daily Fluoride Intake of Some Selected Dentifrices used in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Several dentifrices are marketed and used by individuals for the purposes of cleaning and maintaining the aesthetic and health of the teeth, promote oral hygiene and aid in removal of dental plaque and food materials from the teeth. This study was thus designed to assess the pH and fluoride concentrations in selected dentifrices and the possible health risks associated with daily fluoride intake of these selected dentifrices used in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study estimated the pH and fluoride concentration of the different dentifrices by the pH meter and Ion Selective Electrode method. In addition, the Daily fluoride intake (DFI), Chronic daily intake (CDI) and Hazard quotient (HQ) for the different dentifrices to assess the risk of fluoride intake was calculated. Results: From the result of this study, it was noticed that only one dentifrice, chewing stick (Massularia acuminate) has a pH (6.8) that conform to the recommended pH range (6.0-7.5) by NAFDAC while the other dentifrices have a pH value (7.6-10.1) that was higher than the pH range recommended by NAFDAC. For the fluoride concentration, it was observed that some of the dentifrices like Dr. Agnes Nwanmma dental powder (440 ppm), Dr. White dental powder (480 ppm) and Eradental powder (760 ppm) have low fluoride concentration when compared with the fluoride standard concentration stipulated by SON/ NAFDAC (825-1250 ppm) while the other dentifrices showed fluoride concentration within the range stipulated by stipulated by SON/ NAFDAC but they were below the fluoride concentrations stated on their different labels. The DFI of the dentifrices was within the range (53.86-131.58 mg/day), CDI (0.744-1.8275 mg/kg/day and the HQ (12.27-30.46). Conclusion: Although the fluoride concentrations of the dentifrices were within the normal range as stipulated by NAFDAC and SON, the observation of HQ > 1 in all the dentifrices implied that dentifrices commonly used in Nigeria may pose health risk to the consumers.

Predictors of Severe Perineal Tear during Delivery in Yenagoa, Southern Nigeria

Background:Perineal tear is a very common complication of vaginal delivery, and it is often mild. However, when severe, it could result in torrential life threatening hemorrhage and anal sphincter injury, with fecal incontinence. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the predictors of severe perineal tear (3rd and 4th degree tear), using mild perineal tear (1st and 2nd degree) as control. It would also determine the rate of perineal tear, and the maternal and fetal demographic risk factor associated with it. Materials and Methods: This was an analytic observational study of 186 women who had perineal tear during vaginal delivery. Out of these, 19 women had severe (3rd and 4th degree) perineal tear, also known as obstetrics anal sphincter injury (OASI). This was compared to 167 women who had mild perineal tear (1st and 2nd degree) during the study period. Maternal demographic information retrieved was maternal age, parity, educational level, and occupation. Obstetrics factors were booking status, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, rank of the accoucheur (nurse or doctor), and degree of perineal tear. Fetal demographic data was birth weight and fetal sex. Categorical variables were compared with odds ratio, difference in mean was compared with student’s t-test, and the degree of association for quantitative variables was determined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Predictor variables were determined using simple logistic regression, and multivariate analysis. Confidence interval was set at 95%, and statistical significance was set at p value of < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of OASI (3rd and 4th degree perineal tear) in Yenagoa was 1.1%. The significant risk factors were women of younger age, odds ratio = 1.04(0.37, 2.87) with p = 0.04, low parity, odds ratio = 0.20(0.07, 0.55) with p = 0.008, low educational background, odd ratio = 18.9(5.92, 60.81), and birth weight ≥ 4kg, odds ratio = 0.30[0.09, 1.06] with p = 0.04. Using simple liner regression, the most significant predictors for severe perineal tear were mode delivery (r2 = 65.5%), and educational level (r2 = 30.0%). However, on stepwise multivariate analysis, these two factors accounted for 68.5%. Conclusion: The rate of severe perineal tear is relatively low in Yenagoa, Nigeria, and comparable to what obtains in many countries. The most significant predictors were mode of delivery and educational level. Careful selection of the mode of delivery, especially instrumental vaginal deliveries, and women empowerment could minimize the rate in our environment.

Orodispersible Films as a Solution to Drug Acceptability Issues: A Short Review

Despite the fact that the tablets are the most widely used dosage form, they are not suitable for young children and patients with swallowing difficulties, especially the elderly. Orodispersible films (ODFs) dissolve rapidly in the mouth and deliver an accurate amount of the active ingredient, which makes them an easy-to-use dosage form that can improve drug acceptability and, therefore, treatment adherence. The findings of the 4 studies that we discussed in this review prove that ODFs have experimentally-proven good acceptability in all age groups and that they are clinically superior to tablets and syrups in terms of acceptability. Therefore, despite some limitations, ODFs are still an innovative and patient-centered dosage form that can contribute to improving drug acceptability and treatment adherence particularly in children and elderly patients. Pharmaceutical companies should focus on developing more ODF-based drugs and also other innovative dosage forms that can make the drug-taking experience even-easier.