In vitro Evaluation of PEGylated-Mucin Matrix as Carrier for Oral Delivery of Metformin Hydrochloride

Purpose: To formulate metformin hydrochloride-loaded PEGylated-mucin microparticles and evaluate their in vitro properties.Method: Three different formulations of metformin hydrochloride (MTH) (PEG-M1, PEG-M2 and PEGM3) were prepared using PEGylation method. PEG-8000 and snail mucin, in a ratio of 1:3, were PEGylated together using solvent interaction principle. Loading of MTH into the matrix was by diffusion method and the microparticles characterized for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, stability and in vitro release in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4).Results: Maximum yield and encapsulation were 97 and 87 % respectively. Zeta potential was -37.7, - 42.3 and -46.2 mV for PEG-M1, PEG-M2 and PEG-M3 with a corresponding polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.320, 0.374 and 0.398, respectively. Particles size was 85, 115, and 145 μm for PEG-M1, PEG-M2 and PEG-M3, respectively, and they showed a unimodal distribution. Drug release was biphasic and exhibited controlled release pattern with maximum release of 92 % in 18 h compared to 81 % in 6 h for the conventional formulation.Conclusion: Extended release metformin hydrochloride formulations were successfully developed using PEGylated mucin matrices.Keywords: Drug delivery, Extended release, Polyethylene glycol, Mucin PEGylation, Encapsulation, Zeta potential, Polydispersity inde

Co-Occurrence of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus in the Nostrils Of Apparently Healthy University Students: A Case Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Candida and Staphylococcus spp. in the nasal cavity of apparently healthy university students. Eighty-six (86) nasal samples from apparently healthy undergraduate students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma were screened with Mannitol agar and Sabrourand’s dextrose agar for S. aureus and Candida albicans respectively. After the incubation period, the microorganisms were isolated and identified through biochemical tests. The data obtained were statistically analysed using SPSS (version 17). Results showed that 74.42% of the apparently healthy students were positive for nostril microbiota. Specifically, 46.51% and 9.30% were positive for S. aureus and C. albicans respectively. Worrisome is the co-occurrence of S. aureus and C. albicans in 18.61% of the sampled apparently healthy students. The result of this study highlights the fact that S. aureus and C. albicans are usually part of the normal flora and may pose no threat in healthy persons. However, co-occurrence of these organisms may otherwise compromise the immune function of individuals.Keywords: Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Student

Comparative Effects of Bone Char and NPK Agricultural Fertilizers on Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria and Fungi in Crude Oil Polluted Soil

Bone char and NPK fertilizers are stimulants for bioremediation of crude oil polluted soil were investigated. Cells were constructed in-situ with dimensions of 1.5m by 1.5m. Crude oil samples were applied to cells with crude penetration depths of 30 cm. The hydrocarbon content (THC), total organic carbon (TOC), bacterial and fungal contents of the soils of the cells were investigated before and 8 weeks after addition of 0.5kg, 2kg and 3.5kg of bone char and NPK fertilizer. The control cells had no bone char or NPK fertilizer. The results showed that bone char and NPK fertilizer significantly reduced THC and TOC when compared with the control. Furthermore, both bone char and NPK fertilizers significantly increased the number of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and fungi as well as total heterotrophic bacteria population. Consequently, THC removal efficiency ranged from 62.24 to 87.74% and TOC removal efficiency ranged from 62.93 to 77.37% for NPK fertilizer and bone char amended cells, respectively. The stimulatory efficiency for THC ranged from 82.00 to 87.23% and stimulatory efficiency for TOC ranged from 72.40 to 77.55% for NPK and bone char respectively. In conclusion, our results suggest that the stimulatory effects of bone char for bioremediation of crude oil contaminated soil are comparative with those of NPK fertilizer

The 2022 symposium on dementia and brain aging in low- and middle-income countries: Highlights on research, diagnosis, care, and impact

\ua9 2024 The Authors. Alzheimer\u27s & Dementia published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Alzheimer\u27s Association.Two of every three persons living with dementia reside in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The projected increase in global dementia rates is expected to affect LMICs disproportionately. However, the majority of global dementia care costs occur in high-income countries (HICs), with dementia research predominantly focusing on HICs. This imbalance necessitates LMIC-focused research to ensure that characterization of dementia accurately reflects the involvement and specificities of diverse populations. Development of effective preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for dementia in LMICs requires targeted, personalized, and harmonized efforts. Our article represents timely discussions at the 2022 Symposium on Dementia and Brain Aging in LMICs that identified the foremost opportunities to advance dementia research, differential diagnosis, use of neuropsychometric tools, awareness, and treatment options. We highlight key topics discussed at the meeting and provide future recommendations to foster a more equitable landscape for dementia prevention, diagnosis, care, policy, and management in LMICs. Highlights: Two-thirds of persons with dementia live in LMICs, yet research and costs are skewed toward HICs. LMICs expect dementia prevalence to more than double, accompanied by socioeconomic disparities. The 2022 Symposium on Dementia in LMICs addressed advances in research, diagnosis, prevention, and policy. The Nairobi Declaration urges global action to enhance dementia outcomes in LMICs

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance.

Investment in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing in Africa over the past year has led to a major increase in the number of sequences that have been generated and used to track the pandemic on the continent, a number that now exceeds 100,000 genomes. Our results show an increase in the number of African countries that are able to sequence domestically and highlight that local sequencing enables faster turnaround times and more-regular routine surveillance. Despite limitations of low testing proportions, findings from this genomic surveillance study underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic and illuminate the distinct dispersal dynamics of variants of concern-particularly Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron-on the continent. Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve while the continent faces many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Formulation and in vitro evaluation of ibuprofen-loaded poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles

Purpose: To enhance and control the release of ibuprofen from poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles.Methods: Ibuprofen-loaded microparticles containing PLGA were formulated using aemulsification/solvent evaporation method. Various concentrations of ibuprofen (200, 300, 400 and 0 mg) were loaded into the PLGA microparticles and the formulations labeled A, B, C and D, respectively. The microcapsules were characterized for drug loading, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential (ZP) and drug release.Results: The zeta potential of the microparticles were -53, -68.7, -43.1, and -37.4 mV for batches A, B, C and D, respectively. Polydispersity index ranged from 0.745 to 0.900. Encapsulation efficiency (EE %) and loading capacity (LC) ranged from 83.4 to 89.3 and 23.4 to 30.1, respectively. Maximum and minimum release of 92 and 72.0 % at 18 h were obtained for batches C and A, respectively.Conclusion: The study shows that PLGA-loaded with ibuprofen can serve as an alternative carrier for controlled release of ibuprofen.Keywords: Ibuprofen, Microparticles, Controlled release, Zeta potential, Polydispersit

Novel carrier system for enhancing oral delivery of metformin

This study was designed to evaluate the potential of PEGylated lipospheres as carriers for improved oral delivery of metformin hydrochloride. Lipospheres were prepared by melt-emulsification method using Phospholipon® 90H in beeswax (30%w/w) as the lipid matrix containing increasing quantities of PEG 4000 and characterized. The in vitro and in vivo release of the formulations was evaluated. Results show that the particle size and encapsulation efficiency ranged from 33.18±1.75 - 83.23±6.05 μm and 85 to 93%, respectively. Drug release showed a biphasic pattern and was found to follow the Higuchi square root model. Metformin hydrochloride -loaded lipospheres lowered basal blood glucose levels by 60% and sustained antihyperglycemia for over 20 h. This study suggests that encapsulation of metformin hydrochloride into PEGylated lipospheres could reduce its dosing frequency and the associated side effects resulting from high doses of metformin hydrochloride as seen in conventional tablet formulations.Keywords: PEGylated, lipospheres, metformin hydrochloride, anti-diabeticAfrican Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(50) 4568-457

Fournier\'s Gangrene: Irrua Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, Experience.

Fournier\'s gangrene can no longer be considered idiopathic or a disease of young adult males in apparent good health. This work aims to highlight the changes in the knowledge of the epidemiology vis-à-vis current management recommendations. This study is retrospective. Case files of seventeen patients seen within the ten-year period of 1997-2006 were retrieved, relevant information extracted. All were males who had easily identifiable aetiological factors. Perianal sepsis was the most common (23.53%) followed by diabetes mellitus (17.64%). The disease was fulminating in 2 (11.76%) with over all mortality of 2 (11.76%), one a diabetic and the other an HIV positive patient. Epidemiology of Fournier\'s gangrene is better understood now. There is an a etiology in most of the cases. All our patients were males, a finding similar to other authors from the region and casting doubt on the existence of female genital gangrene. The prognosis is worse when it is associated with immune suppression from diabetes mellitus and HIV infection. Keywords: Fournier\'s gangrene. Changing epidemiology. Female genital gangrene. eponym. AfricansSudanese Journal of Dermatology Vol. 6 (1) 2008: pp. 34-4