Investigation of synthetic spermaceti wax as a potential oral sustained release drug delivery system

The present study was aimed at investigating drug release from spermaceti wax matrices. Materials such as ethylcellulose and methylcellulose were incorporated into the spermaceti wax matrices and release was evaluated. Spermaceti wax can form matrices that release drug in a sustained release fashion. Higuchi or first order release kinetics were found to explain drug release from spermaceti wax, spermaceti wax-ethylcellulose and spermaceti wax-methylcellulose matrices. However, ethylcellulose and methylcellulose enhanced release rate from spermaceti wax matrices. Spermaceti wax matrices can be used to provide drug delivery systems with prolonged action. Release rate from such systems can be regulated by incorporation of materials such as ethylcellulose and methylcellulose. Keywords: carnauba wax, sustained release, particle size, and kinetics East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 7 2004: 24-2

Investigation of drug release from carnauba wax matrices: a case study of propranolol hydrochloride

A study was carried out to assess the effect of carnauba wax particle size on sustained release characteristics, the effect of drug loading on release and the kinetics of propranolol hydrochloride release from carnauba wax matrices. The results obtained showed that small particles (180 250 µ m) of carnauba wax had superior release on sustaining characteristics than larger particles (>250 µ m). Drug release from small particles was best explained by either the Higuchi mechanism or first order kinetics. In general, as particle size increased, zero order kinetics seemed to contribute to the release mechanism. There was also an increase of drug release as the drug loading was increased. This increase in drug release was probably due to increased porosity. Keywords: carnauba wax, sustained release, particle size and kinetics East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 7 2004: 3-

Investigation of Theophylline Release Kinetics from Carbopol 940P Sustained Release Matrix Tablets

The hydrophilic matrix material, Carbopol 940P, has not been extensively investigated for drug release as the other polymers such as Carbopol 971P and 934P. The present study was aimed at investigating the release kinetics of a highly soluble drug, theophylline, from Carbopol 940P only without the addition of any other ingredient or excipient. Drug release from these matrices was analysed according to Higuchi, first order and zero order release kinetics. At low drug loading (20 %), release was mainly diffusion-controlled as the release pattern was best explained by square root of time kinetics (Higuchi mechanism). However, at higher drug loading (30 % and 40 %), constant release rates were obtained as shown by zero order kinetics explaining the release data best. Constant release rates are most desirable with controlled or sustained release devices. This ensures that constant drug levels in the blood/body are achieved. Carbopol 940P demonstrated that it is applicable in the fabrication of a controlled release matrix that is simple, easy to prepare and cost effective

Alternative mechanisms for delivery of medication in South Africa : a scoping review

CITATION: Mash, R., Christian, C. & Chigwanda, R. V. 2021. Alternative mechanisms for delivery of medication in South Africa : a scoping review. South African Family Practice, 63(1):a5274, doi:10.4102/safp.v63i1.5274.The original publication is available at https://safpj.co.zaBackground: The number of people in South Africa with chronic conditions is a challenge to the health system. In response to the coronavirus infection, health services in Cape Town introduced home delivery of medication by community health workers. In planning for the future, they requested a scoping review of alternative mechanisms for delivery of medication to patients in primary health care in South Africa. Methods: Databases were systematically searched using a comprehensive search strategy to identify studies from the last 10 years. A methodological guideline for conducting scoping reviews was followed. A standardised template was used to extract data and compare study characteristics and findings. Data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: A total of 4253 publications were identified and 26 included. Most publications were from the last 5 years (n = 21), research (n = 24), Western Cape (n = 15) and focused on adherence clubs (n = 17), alternative pick-up-points (n = 14), home delivery (n = 5) and HIV (n = 17). The majority of alternative mechanisms were supported by a centralised dispensing and packaging system. New technology such as smart lockers and automated pharmacy dispensing units have been piloted. Patients benefited from these alternatives and had improved adherence. Available evidence suggests alternative mechanisms were cheaper and more beneficial than attending the facility to collect medication. Conclusion: A mix of options tailored to the local context and patient choice that can be adequately managed by the system would be ideal. More economic evaluations are required of the alternatives, particularly before going to scale and for newer technology.https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5274Publisher's versio

Alternative mechanisms for delivery of medication in South Africa: A scoping review

Background: The number of people in South Africa with chronic conditions is a challenge to the health system. In response to the coronavirus infection, health services in Cape Town introduced home delivery of medication by community health workers. In planning for the future, they requested a scoping review of alternative mechanisms for delivery of medication to patients in primary health care in South Africa. Methods: Databases were systematically searched using a comprehensive search strategy to identify studies from the last 10 years. A methodological guideline for conducting scoping reviews was followed. A standardised template was used to extract data and compare study characteristics and findings. Data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: A total of 4253 publications were identified and 26 included. Most publications were from the last 5 years (n = 21), research (n = 24), Western Cape (n = 15) and focused on adherence clubs (n = 17), alternative pick-up-points (n = 14), home delivery (n = 5) and HIV (n = 17). The majority of alternative mechanisms were supported by a centralised dispensing and packaging system. New technology such as smart lockers and automated pharmacy dispensing units have been piloted. Patients benefited from these alternatives and had improved adherence. Available evidence suggests alternative mechanisms were cheaper and more beneficial than attending the facility to collect medication. Conclusion: A mix of options tailored to the local context and patient choice that can be adequately managed by the system would be ideal. More economic evaluations are required of the alternatives, particularly before going to scale and for newer technology

Depression in Zimbabwe: a community approach to prevention and treatment

A position paper on primary health care for the management of mental health in Zimbabwe.This paper reports on a process whereby research findings, generated by a collaborative project between primary health care workers and a University team, were utilized by a community to formulate local plans for the prevention and management of depression. Action-oriented research, with a high level of community participation, follows on directly from the Declaration of Alma-Ata1 and has been called Health Systems Research (HSR). The principle of HSR is that it should be useful and have a direct focus on solving practical and relevant problems.2 Priorities should be generated by health workers and by the community rather than purely by academics and as much as possible of the research should be carried out by those already working at ground level. Results should lead to implementable recommendations and the research is not complete until those recommendations are underway

The investigation of a hydrophobic matrix for oral controlled drug delivery systems

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN005304 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Evaluation of a Hydrophobic–Hydrophilic (Hydrogenated Castor Oil-Gum Tragacanth) Matrix using Propranolol Hydrochloride as Test Drug

An evaluation of propranolol hydrochloride release from hydrogenated castor oil–gum tragacanth matrices was carried out. The pH of the dissolution medium was found to affect propranolol hydrochloride release from such matrices. Acidic pH was found to enhance release while alkaline pH retarded release. This was attributed to possibly the effect of gum tragacanth matrix material or the propranolol hydrochloride itself. Either square root of time kinetics or first order kinetics could explain propranolol hydrochloride release mechanism from the hydrogenated castor oil–gum tragacanth matrices. Addition of hydrophobic hydrogenated castor oil matrix material to the hydrophilic gum tragacanth matrix was found to enhance release. This was attributed to possibly the disruption of the gum tragacanth matrix by the hydrophobic hydrogenated castor oil matrix material. Although gum tragacanth is primarily a hydrophilic material, it was found to have better release sustaining characteristics than the hydrophobic matrix material hydrogenated castor oil. Keywords: Hydrogenated castor oil, gum tragacanth, matrix, hydrophobic, hydrophilicEast and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 10 (3) 2007: pp.68-7

Academic English for Master’s in Management

Используемые программы: Adobe Acrobat.Гриф.Труды сотрудников Самар. ун-та (электрон. версия).This tutorial Academic English for Master’s in Management is recommended for use by students of Master’s in Management degree programmes to equip them with the necessary skills and for self-study of different Master’s in Management modules in the English language. The course presents the fundamental aspects, processes and general approaches of management focused on achieving the objectives and vision of a modern organisation by contributing to the formation of students’ systematic and clear thinking in the subject area. The tutorial covers extensive material in business management. As such, it is also equally suitable for use in other degree programmes focusing on business management, business administration, strategic management, and others, for research students, PhD students, and students in other fields of study. This instructional tutorial was compiled on 17 June 2021 for students enrolled in the Master’s degree programme – 38.04.02 Management