Antimalarial prescribing under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) 1 2

ABSTRACT Background: Malaria is still a dreaded disease in many developing countries. Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) was adopted for malaria control as it offers better efficacy to previous chloroquine-based remedies. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was established to provide access to qualitative care at an affordable cost from different professional members of the healthcare team. Enrolees access care for approved health conditions in accredited facilities

Characterization and Disintegrant Potential of Phosphorylated Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) Starch in Immediate Release Ibuprofen Tablet Formulation

The study was aimed at evaluating the physicochemical properties of phosphorylated tiger nut starch (TNP) and its disintegrant properties in immediate release ibuprofen tablets. Native tiger nut starch (TNS) was modified by phosphorylation with disodium hydrogen orthophosphate at 130oC and its physicochemical properties were evaluated. Ibuprofen tablets were formulated with TNP and sodium starch glycolate (SSG) at concentrations of 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0% as disintegrants. Phosphorylation of TNS led to improved flow properties and swelling and hydration capacities among other changes in the physicochemical properties. TNP had comparable properties with SSG. FTIR study confirmed modification and also showed that TNP is compatible with ibuprofen powder. Ibuprofen tablets produced with TNP as disintegrant had acceptable tablet properties comparable to those produced with SSG. The disintegrant potential improved with increased concentration of TNP. The results indicate that TNP has a promising disintegrant potential in tablet formulations.&#x0D; Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 18(1): 21-29, 2019 (June)</jats:p

Formulation and development of metformin-loaded microspheres using Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae) gum as co-polymer

Abstract Background Khaya gum is a bark exudate from Khaya senegalensis (Maliaecae) that has drug carrier potential. This study aimed to formulate and comparatively evaluate metformin-loaded microspheres using blends of khaya gum and sodium alginate. Khaya gum was extracted and subjected to preformulation studies using established protocols while three formulations (FA; FB and FC) of metformin (1% w/v)-loaded microspheres were prepared by the ionic gelation method using 5% zinc chloride solution as the cross-linker. The formulations contained 2% w/v blends of khaya gum and sodium alginate in the ratios of 2:3, 9:11, and 1:1, respectively. The microspheres were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, entrapment efficiency, swelling index, and in vitro release studies. Results Yield of 28.48%, pH of 4.00 ± 0.05, moisture content (14.59% ± 0.50), and fair flow properties (Carr’s index 23.68 ± 1.91 and Hausner’s ratio 1.31 ± 0.03) of the khaya gum were obtained. FTIR analyses showed no significant interaction between pure metformin hydrochloride with excipients. Discrete spherical microspheres with sizes ranging from 1200 to 1420 μm were obtained. Drug entrapment efficiency of the microspheres ranged from 65.6 to 81.5%. The release of the drug from microspheres was sustained for the 9 h of the study as the cumulative release was 62% (FA), 73% (FB), and 80% (FC). The release kinetics followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model with super case-II transport mechanism. Conclusion Blends of Khaya senegalensis gum and sodium alginate are promising polymer combination for the preparation of controlled-release formulations. The blend of the khaya gum and sodium alginate produced microspheres with controlled release properties. However, the formulation containing 2:3 ratio of khaya gum and sodium alginate respectively produced microspheres with comparable controlled release profiles to the commercial brand metformin tablet. </jats:sec

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

A Study of The Quality of Cement Sand Mix in Sandcrete Block Moulding in Ondo State Nigeria

This study determined the quality of the mix ratio of sand and cement in sandcrete block in Ondo State of Nigeria. This involved the determination of number of headpans of sand that are mixed with one headpan of cement and the ratio of cement sand mix in sandcrete blocks produced in Ondo State. This study was carried out through interview of labourers at the 90 spots of block moulding in Ondo State. Thirty spots were taken each of the three senatorial districts in Ondo State. The study showed the cement sand mix ratio to be 1:11. This implies that there is 83% increase of sand in the mix above the standard. Very weak sandcrete blocks have arisen from this mix ratio over the years and must have contributed to the incessant building collapses. The followings are the recommendations: Sandcrete blocks should be made on the site in an approved machine to be provided by the contractor or an approved supplier and should have a minimum crushing strength of 273.4 tonner per square of gross area at 28 days in case of hollow blockwork. The blocks should be composed of 1:6 cement and sand measured by volume unless otherwise specified or directed on the site, turned three times until an even colour and consistency occur throughout. Water should be added gently from a watering can through a rose, the quantity of water added being just sufficient to secure cohesion. After wetting, the mixture shall be turned over three times and well rammed into moulds and smoothed from the machine on pellets, the blocks should be made to mature under shade in different rows, one block high, with a space between each block and for at least 24 hours. Then they should not be stacked up or removed from shade for at least a further 7 days then stacked up not more than 5 blocks high in shade for a minimum of 14 days. No block should be built into any part of the building until they have been cured for at least 14 days. The faces of blocks except where otherwise described should be left rough for plastering. The concrete blocks generally shall be 450 mm long, 225mm or 150mm deep and of the required thickness.Keywords: Cement, Sand, Cement Sand Mix, Sandcrete Block, Ondo State Nigeria.&#x0D;  </jats:p