ACCELERATED STABILITY STUDY AND MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTS ON NEW ORAL MATRIX DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR DICLOFENAC SODIUM

An accelerated stability study was performed on diclofenac sodium controlled release matrix tablets (MT20,MT33,MT34,MT33p,MT34p ) containing natural gums, semi-synthetic gum , Eudragit L100,and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC).Drug content was found to be in the range of 90-105% in all the five matrix formulas. Applying out of stability trend rules (OOT), the best formula was found to be MT33 which contained Guar gum 15%, and gum Arabic15%. No changes in physical appearance, or organoleptic properties were observed. Microbiological tests for the five matrix tablets were evaluated (1). No growth (bacteria or fungi) was detected, in preserved or non-preserved formulas despite of the gum content in these controlled release tablet

Effect of Pressure on Structural, Elastic and Electronic Properties of Perovskite PbTiO3

We study the effect of pressure on Structural, elastic and electronic properties of Cubic and Tetragonal Perovskite using density function theory. The equilibrium parameters obtained are in good agreement with the available literature both experimental and theoretical. We found out that there is transition from tetragonal to cubic at a pressure of around 30GPa. Both crystals are stable in the pressure range of this study (0 – 50 GPa), and the stability increases with increasing pressure. The bulk modulus (B), Young modulus (E) and Shear modulus (G) all increase with increasing pressure. The band-gap increases and decrease around (X-Gamma) and (M-Gamma) for the case of Cubic and decrease for the case of Tetragonal Crystal around (X-Gamma), (Z-Gamma) and (Z-X) which converges at pressure of around 30GPa

Ab initio study of effect of pressure on structural and elastic properties of CaX, X = {O, S, Se}

We present density function theory study of effect of pressure on structural, elastic and electronics properties of compounds CaX (X=O, S and Se) within the generalized gradient approximation. The results presented for transition pressure, elastic parameters and band structures are in good agreement with the available literature. We also present the effect of pressure on these parameters. The generalized stability criteria show that CaSe is not stable above pressure of 29GPa and all the material CaX are not stable at B2 phase. The materials are brittle at equilibrium but this changes with pressure change. They are also generally anisotropic; CaO(B1) was found to be Isotropic at pressure of 12.5GPa. Finally, the band-gap of all the material around (Γ - X)  decreased with pressure, all the material became indirect band-gap semiconductor at high pressure and CaSe undergoes a semiconductor-metal transition at pressure of 68 GPa

Characterization and mathematical modeling of the structure of Canadian crude asphalt binders by x-ray diffraction

Eight samples of asphalt binder were retrieved from the provinces of Ontario and Alberta, Canada. Then they were pre-processed in thin film (1mm) on glass slides. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to perform profile fits, aromaticity and crystallite parameters in asphalt binder samples, and patterns were gotten by employing monochromatic Cu-K-a radiation (40kV and 40mA) using a Rigaku DMax 2200V-PC. Additionally, profile fitting was carried out by applying Pearson VII and Pseudo-Voigt functions from 5° to 35° as well as 60° to 110°= 2θ. The broadening of the diffraction line was simulated and analyzed using X-ray thin film. Outcome indicated a notable relationship between Pearson VII, Pseudo-Voigt, and Generalized Fermi Function (GFF). X-ray line broadening experiments using either the integral or full width at half maximum (FWHM) from diffraction lines are employed in order to simulate X-ray line profiles that emerged from the samples. For researchers as well as workers in the field, issues such as rutting of asphalt pavements in hot environments and cracking in cold ones are issues that not only persist but remain unresolved. Therefore, with the aim of enhancing asphalt pavement performance, it is worth examining compositional and structural characteristics in binders on a microscopic level

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards Hepatitis B infection of people in part of Jigawa State, Nigeria

This study analyzed Knowledge, Attitude/Perception and Practice of the people toward hepatitis B infection in four local governments of Ringim Emirate, Jigawa State. The data were obtained using questionnaire instrument and organized and processed in SPSS version 20 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The result shows that very few (4.9%) people showed good level of knowledge of the infection, and only very few (3.4%) show knowledge of good practice. The result also shows correlation coefficient of 0.917 indicated a positive correlation between knowledge scores. The findings also revealed that there is no statistically significant different between educational level and knowledge of Hepatitis B (p=.336). However, there is statistically significant difference, (p=.000) among other items of socio- demographic characteristics. The study suggested that public health education is needed to improve knowledge, attitude and practice on hepatitis B. Implementation of community mass media health education programme to raise the awareness and the knowledge about hepatitis B using all forms of media especially radios. Health care providers who are involved in the hepatitis control programme need to set schedule to provide education, increase awareness of contact case screening, early identifying and treating hepatitis infection especially hepatitis B. This will help to in prevention and controlling of the infection

Petrological and structural evolution of basement rocks around Guga, Katsina State, northwestern Nigeria

Lithological characterization and structural assessments of basement rocks around Guga, Katsina State was carried out to understand their geologic evolution and deformational history better. Field and petrographic studies were utilized in characterizing macrostructural, textural, and mineralogical components. Migmatite, banded and augen gneisses, schist, quartzite, and granite constitute the major lithologic units in the study area. Migmatite and the closely related banded gneiss are recognized as igneous-derived metamorphic rocks of Eburnean to early Pan African. In contrast, the augen gneisses are metamorphosed analogues of earlier banded gneiss that were intensely deformed within a ductile shear zone during the middle stages of the Pan African. Similarly, the schist and interbedded quartzite were emplaced during this period, subsequently forming part of the Malumfashi supracrustal cover, related to simple ensialic graben-like structural development. The granitic intrusions represent the youngest rock units in the mapped area, resulting from the magmatic activity of the Pan-African orogeny. Structural analysis suggests the mapped area was affected by two-phase deformation events (D1 and D2). The D1 deformation represents a regional, fabric-forming compressional event, while D2 is a localized deformational event associated with the development of a local shear zone linked to the Kalangai fault system (KFS)

Vaccines and immunization: The past, present and future in Nigeria

Vaccines are arguably the most important public health tools available today. Since the successful eradication of smallpox with the use of the vaccine, many vaccines have become available to man. Of great importance to public and child health are the vaccines against the so-called six killer diseases of childhood-measles, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis and poliomyelitis. In the last 2 decades, effective vaccines against the major causes of pneumonia, another childhood killer, have become available. Data from many parts of the world including African countries have shown the benefits of the pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines. The scientific world is still searching for appropriate candidate vaccines for malaria and HIV infection. Despite the availability and effectiveness of many vaccines, the benefits to a country is highly dependent on a viable and sustainable health system which include adequate financing, dynamic and motivated workforce, strong partnerships and effective community participation. If well deployed, available vaccines as elucidated in this discourse can accelerate the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria and many other developing countries.Key words: Vaccines, Immunizations, Nigeria

Analysis of sildenafil citrate in herbal aphrodisiac preparations marketed in Sokoto metropolis and its public health implications

Aphrodisiacs are among the most widely marketed and consumed herbal products in North-Western Nigeria. There are speculations that these products are being adulterated with orthodox medicines in order to boost their effects and sales. The objective of current research was to analyse the presence of adulterated sildenafil citrate in some herbal aphrodisiacs commonly sold and consumed in Sokoto metropolis. Ten different liquid herbal aphrodisiac preparations marketed in Sokoto metropolis were collected from different areas of the city. Each of the preparation was analysed for adulteration with sildenafil citrate using thin layer chromatography and UV spectroscopy. Five of the preparations were found to contain sildenafil citrate in the range of 34 – 291 mg per daily dose. The findings from this study indicate that some of the herbal aphrodisiac preparations marketed in Sokoto metropolis are being adulterated with substantial amount of undeclared sildenafil citrate, a practice that poses serious public health hazard to its consumers. Consequences of which ranges from nausea, dyspepsia, pain, dizziness, abnormal vision, and headache and potentially heart attack especially among adults with underlying chronic diseases such as hypertension among others

Barriers and facilitators to human immunodeficiency virus sero-status disclosure in a tertiary health facility in Kano, Nigeria

Disclosure of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) sero-status to sexual partners, family and friends is essential in preventing HIV transmission. An array of benefits has been associated with disclosure; such as early referral to care and treatment, reduced stigma and increased social support. Objectives: We determined the prevalence, barriers and facilitators to HIV sero-status disclosure among clients attending the Antiretroviral (ARV) clinic in AminuKano-Teaching Hospital, Kano. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 231 HIV positive patients attending ARV clinic at AKTH using a systematic sampling technique. Interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain respondent's socio-demographic characteristics, disclosure status, barriers and facilitators of HIV sero-status disclosure. We conducted univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis using SPSS version 22, and a p- value ≤0.05 was considered as the level of significance. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 35 ± 8.64 years with a male to female sex distribution of 53% to 47 % respectively. Majority were not married (74.0%) and two thirds (67%) were Muslims. This study found that 60% of the respondents had disclosed their HIV sero-status and 97% of them had done so voluntarily. The fear of divorce/neglect (p<0.01, aOR=0.017, 95% CI=0.02-0.15) and fear of stigma (p<0.01, aOR=0.03, 95% CI= 0.00-0.03) were found as barriers to HIV sero-status disclosure. Financial difficulties (p<0.01, aOR=3.03, 95% CI=1.16-5.61) and the need for improved access to necessary medical care (p=0.04, aOR=6.52, 95% CI=1.85-23.15) were found to facilitate HIV sero status disclosure. Conclusion: The study found a low HIV sero-status disclosure in Kano. Disclosure being major recommendation by World Health Organisation and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention requires strengthening during patients counselling and education sessions