Formulation and Optimization of Metronidazole and <i>Lactobacillus</i> spp. Layered Suppositories via a Three-Variable, Five-Level Central Composite Design for the Management of Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis, a polymicrobial clinical syndrome characterized by a shift in healthy vaginal microbiota due to bacterial colonization, is characterized by high recurrence rates after conventional treatment with an antimicrobial agent. This has necessitated the need to develop a formulation that has the potential to ensure Lactobacilli viability and bacterial clearance. This study seeks to develop and optimize a layered suppository using a five-level central composite design to ensure optimized metronidazole release and lactic acid viability. Layered suppositories were formulated using the fusion method using polyethylene glycol blend 1500/4000 and Ovucire® as suppository bases. Lactobacillus fermentum was incorporated in the molten mass before molding the solid body suppositories into the cavity of hollow-type suppositories and sealing the molten excipients. Artificial neural network model predictions for product optimization showed high predictive capacity, closely resembling experimental observations. The highest disintegration time recorded was 12.76 ± 0.37 min, with the optimized formulations showing lower times of 5.93 ± 0.98 min and an average weight of 1.17 ± 0.07 g. Histopathological observations determined high compatibility of suppositories with vaginal cells with no distortion or wearing of the vagina epithelium. This optimized formulation provides a safe and promising alternative to conventional suppositories in the treatment and prevention of the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis

Cassava attractiveness in Nigeria: a policy improvement approach

The study examined Policy improvement and Cassava attractiveness. The purpose was to determine the optimum rewards using three strategies: Selling of farm produce to harvesters, making wholesale of harvested outputs, and retailing harvested outputs. Survey design was employed on 360 farmers and Howard policy improvement technique was used to forecast expected rewards to cassava farmers in the three local government areas. Results showed that Cassava farmers can maximize their earnings from cassava by retailing at the local markets in Oredo and Egor local government areas and by making wholesales at Ikpoba Okha Local government area. Using this policy, they will realize approximately N2360 per Basin and approximately N33040 per plot of 100ft × 100ft. This will translate to N143724 per acre (4.35 plots of 100ft2)