Formulation and Characterization of Ziprasidone Floating Pellets

The objective of this study is to design and evaluate Ziprasidone Floating pellets, which prolongs the release rate of the drug while extending the residence time of the drug within the body environment and without causing undeliterious effects to the subject. Ziprasidone and controlled matrix polymer granules were prepared by different granulation techniques in the ratio of 1:1, 1:1.5 and 1:2.Ziprasidone multi unit formulations comprising cellulose polymers were prepared by wet granulation technique, where as the Ziprasidone multi unit formulations comprising lipoidal / fatty polymers were prepared by melt granulation technique. Ziprasidone multi unit formulations with drug and polymer proportion as 1:1, F1 and F2 formulations consisting Cellulose polymers HPMC K4M and HPMC K100 respectively were prepared by wet granulation technique. Keywords: Ziprasidone, wet granulation, Floating pellets, melt granulation and polymer.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of N-Heterocyclic Substituted Fluoro-Benzothiazole Sulphonamido Analogs as a Potential Therapeutic Agents

The present investigation is aimed to synthesize fluorobenzothiazole comprising sulphonamido pyrazole analogs starting from fluoro-chloroaniline to get 2-amino-6-fluoro-7-chloro (1,3) benzothiazole (I), this was treated with anilino-s-methyl ethylene cyanoacetamide in the presence of ethanol to get desired molecules. The synthesized targeted molecules are characterized, docked and screened for their invitro antidiabetic properties. Keywords: Fluorobenzothiazole, Docking, antidiabetic

Multi-mycotoxins and Fungal Contaminants of Wheat from Anambra State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the fungal and mycotoxins contamination of 36 Wheat (Triticum aestivium) samples purchased randomly from the seller of the agricultural produce in local markets of Anambra State, Nigeria. Results from the studies showed that two hundred and three fungal isolates consisting of 18 species of moulds and 5 species of yeasts contaminated the wheat samples at varying degrees. For moulds, Aspergillus species contaminated the samples mostly with (28) isolates followed by Penicillum species (19) isolates while Verticillium species and Cladosporium species had equal least contaminations with (3) isolates each. Among the yeast species, Candida rugosahad the highest number of contamination with (37) isolates followed by Cryptococcus laurentii (31) isolates while Candida stellatoides (9) isolates had the least contamination. Twenty-four fungal metabolites were also recovered. The concentration of trichothecene mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (2067µg/kg), a protein synthesis and cell proliferation inhibitor in animals exceeded the maximum acceptable limits for human consumption. It can be deduced therefore that wheat circulating in Anambra State, Nigeria are variously contaminated with different xerophilic moulds and mycotoxins which can exert adverse health problems to consumers. Keyword: Wheat samples, fungal contaminants, multi-mycotoxins and market zones

Formulation development & Evaluation of Phospholipids Complex of Euphorbia neriifolia Linn Extract

Phytoconstituents have been utilized as medicines for thousands of years, yet their application is limited owing to major hurdles like deficit lipid solubility, large molecular size and degradation in the gastric environment of gut. To overcome this hurdle, Novel Drug Delivery System (NDDS) proves to be a promising method for formulations containing phytoconstituents. In present work, phyto-phospholipids complex (phytosomes) of Euphorbia neriifolia L. has been prepared to improve the absorption and bioavailability of phytoconstituents. Euphorbia neriifolia L. consists of flavonoids, saponins and polyphenols which possess various medicinal properties. These constituents are hydrophilic in nature and have large molecular size, thus causing poor absorption. Phyto-phospholipids complex of Euphorbia neriifoliahas been prepared by taking Phosphatidylcholine (PC), Cholesterol and Euphorbia neriifolia extract in different ratio and the formulation been optimized to achieve maximum entrapment efficiency and smaller molecular size. The prepared phytosomes has been evaluated by Optical Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering and UV/Vis Spectroscopy for physical appearance, entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential and dissolution rate. The result so obtained indicates the improvement in the absorption rate and bioavailability of the phytoconstituents. Thus, Novel Drug Delivery System (NDDS) possess a great potential in overcoming the challenges of plant based formulations. Keywords: Euphorbia neriifolia, Phyto-phospholipids Complex, Novel Drug Delivery System, Phytosomes

Scope of Conventional and Fractal Morphometry in Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Cancer

World Health Organization (WHO) defined the terminology ‘Oral Potentially malignant disorders’ (OPMD) as the presence of risk of malignancy in a lesion or condition either during the time of initial diagnosis or at a future date with the commonly accepted prevalence of 1–5%. All OPMDs may not transform into malignancy, many factors have been explored which effectively assess the risk of malignant transformation in OPMDs including many clinical, pathological and molecular factors. Qualitative & experimental factors of different cells in cytological preparations and/or biopsy specimens are reliable parameters for pathologists. The analysis and assessment of histological units can be enhanced by image analysis assisted by a computer that can be used for statistical comparisons. Fractal geometry is considered to be an ideal method of image analysis in quantitative microscopy & histopathology. Fractal dimension analysis is not only limited to determining cell and tumour types but can also be used for determining cellular behaviours in vitro such as cell migration, apoptosis and cellular differentiation, which can be a useful characterization of oral cancer lines and further help in the treatment planning. Keywords: Oral Cancer, Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs), Conventional morphometry, Fractal Dimension, Photomicrograph

Design, Development and Evaluation of Matrix Tablet

Recently, sustained release formulations have become a very helpful tool in medical practice, providing patients with a variety of benefits. Sustained release is also a potential method for reducing pharmacological side effects by preventing fluctuations in the concentration of the drug in the plasma. Nowadays, relatively few pharmaceuticals are emerging from research and development, and current drugs are suffering from resistance as a result of their inappropriate usage. Thus, altering the operation is an appropriate and optimum method of increasing the effectiveness of a medicine by a little variation in the drug distribution. The release of the medication through such a system is regulated by both dissolution and diffusion processes. Most medications, if not correctly designed, may quickly release the drug at a higher pace, resulting in hazardous concentrations of the drug upon oral administration. This review discusses the fundamentals of sustained release formulations and the many varieties available. Key words: Matrix tablets, Sustained release, Sustain release polymers, Patient convenience and compliance.

Association Between Costochondritis and Vitamin D Deficiency: An Observational Study

Background: Vitamin D is an integral part of bony health. Its deficiency leads to multiple bony pains, including costochondritis. Aims and Objectives: Present study aimed to evaluate the association of costochondritis with vitamin D deficiency. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients with chest pain with costochondral tenderness were taken. Clinical history, examination, investigation, including electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and chest x-ray was made. Results: 63% and 37% were female and male, respectively. Mean vitamin D level was low in females as compared to males (21.9±8.47 and 31.7±6.23 respectively). Prolonged duration of chest pain was associated with low vitamin D level that was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common in the Indian community, may lead to bony pains, costochondritis, osteomalacia. Replacement of vitamin D is recommended to alleviate skeletal manifestations. Keywords: vitamin D deficiency, non-cardiac chest pain, costochondritis

Management of Peripheral Neuropathy and Cardiovascular Effects in Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Peripheral nerves are susceptible to damage by a wide array of toxins, medications, and vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin B12 (VB12) deficiency neuropathy is a rare debilitating disease that affects mostly the elderly. It is important to consider these etiologies when approaching patients with a variety of neuropathic presentations in this review were have included most relevant and latest information on mechanisms causing Peripheral neuropathy in VB12 deficiency. We also have included cardiovascular disorders and their management. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been implicated in endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. The association of homocysteine (Hcy) and VB12 with cardiovascular risk factors in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has also been studied Keywords: Peripheral Neuropathy, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Cardiovascular Disease and Homocysteine.

Process Validation in Pharmaceutical Product Development: An Overview

As per GMP process validation is very important and required part in product development. Process Validation is required for ensuring and providing the documentary evidence and also required for giving the Surety that process by which the formulation is prepared is capable of consistently producing the product of required quality and purity. A validated manufacturing process is one which has been proved to do what it purports on is represented to do. The proof of validation is obtained through the collection and evaluation of data, preferably, beginning from the process development phase and Continuing through the production phase. Validation necessarily includes process qualification (the qualification of materials, equipment Systems, buildings, personnel), but it also includes the control on the entire process for repeated batches or runs. This article gives a general introduction and overview about process validation in pharmaceutical manufacturing process and its importance. Keywords: GMP, Validation, validation manufacturing process.

Molecular Detection of HSV type 2 Infection among Infertile Males in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections of humans were first documented in ancient Greece. HSVs belong to family Herpesviridae, and are characterized by being enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses with relatively large complex genomes. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) DNA seems to play a significant role in male infertility, it is significantly related to low sperm count as well as poor motility. Aim: This study aimed to determine the incidence of HSV-2 DNA among infertile males in Khartoum State, Sudan by using molecular methods. Methods: The study was carried out in Khartoum State, Sudan, during May-August 2018. A total of 50 semen samples from infertile males were included. HSV-2 was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Result: Among 50 semen samples from infertile males, 6(12%) samples were found positive for HSV-2 DNA. Conclusion: Our findings showed no association between HSV-2 DNA and low sperm count in infertile Sudanese men. Our study also revealed the need for further investigations in different parts of the country to highlight the extent of the viral related men infertility problem in Sudan. Keywords: HSV-2, RT-PCR, infertility, men, Sudan