Entandophragma angolense Gum as a Novel Binder and Mucoadhesive Component in Oral Tablets

The present work reports on the mucoadhesive and mechanical properties of the water-soluble gum obtained from Entandophragma angolense when incorporated in oral tablets. Flat-faced chlorpheniramine maleate tablets containing the gum were formulated. The potential for chemical interaction between the gum and drug was evaluated by UV spectroscopy. The mucoadhesive, mechanical and release properties of the tablets were evaluated. The rates of water uptake and erosion were determined for the tablets. The detachment time for the tablets increased from 78.71 ± 0.43 to 84.28 ± 0.75 min, and from 33.57 ± 0.48 to 79.27 ± 4.7 min as the amount of gum per tablet was increased from 2.5 to 10.0% w/w, respectively. The drug release time for all tablets increased with binder concentration. UV spectroscopy suggested the absence of chemical interactions. The novel natural gum compared favourably with established mucoadhesive polymers namely hydroxypropylcellulose and gelatin. The mucoadhesive, mechanical and release properties were a function of polymer concentration.Key words: Entandophragma angolense, chlorpheniramine maleate tablets, mucoadhesion, mechanical propertie

Evaluation of bioadhesive properties of natural and modified banana starches

A study was carried out on banana (Musa paradisiaca) natural and modified starches (pregelatinised and acetylated), to determine the potential bioadhesive properties of the starches in 0.1M hydrochloric acid and phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) to simulate the stomach and small intestine conditions, respectively using the rotating cylinder method. Starches were characterized using particle size, swelling capacity, bulk density, particle density, angle of repose, viscosity, and fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, while the mechanical properties were determined using the crushing strength. The bioadhesive property of the starches were not related to the viscosity as the pregelatinised starch which was the least viscous had the longest time of detachment in both media. Physical mixtures of starches with polyvinylpyrollidone increased adhesion time significantly. Pregelatinised banana starch could be useful in the formulation of drugs targeted to the stomach, which when mixed with polyvinylpyrollidone increases adhesion time.Keywords: Banana starch, pregelatinised starch, acetylated starch, modification, bioadhesionEast and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol.14 (2011) 34-4

Prevalence of obesity and ethno-geographic variation in body sizes of Nigerians with type 2 diabetes mellitus - a multi-centre study

BACKGROUND: Excess weight gain is common in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) but little is known about its ethno-geographic variation among the Nigerian populace. We aimed to report the prevalence and regional variation of overweight/obesity among subjects with type 2 DM in all the six geo-political regions of Nigeria.METHOD: Basic demographic and anthropometric data were consecutively collected from patients with type 2 DM attending out-patient clinics of seven designated teaching hospitals in the six geographic regions of the country using a pre-agreed method of measurement of anthropometry including waist circumference. The study was hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional in design. Body Mass Index (BMI) was categorised using the WHO criteria. Based on recommendations of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) cut-off values for waist circumference, values >94 cm and > 80 cm were taken as abnormal for men and women respectively.RESULTS: A total of 709 subjects with DM comprising 378 (53.3%) females and 331 (46.7%) males (female: male ratio 1:1.14) with an overall mean age (SD) of 51.9 (13.9) years were evaluated. The prevalence of excess body weight among Nigerian subjects with type 2 DM was: peripheral (417 or 58.8%) and abdominal obesity (449 or 63.3%). Also, there was a significant wide variation in excess weight gain (both peripheral and central) across ethno-geographic regions (p=0.001) and between both sexes (p=0.001). In both peripheral and abdominal obesities, whether intra or inter centres, the female subjects with type 2 DM demonstrated relatively higher proportions of anthropometric measures. Generally, subjects from south-south and south-east Nigeria had higher BMI and abdominal obesity compared to those from south-west who had the lowest. The female subjects with type 2 DM were heavier peripherally and centrally compared to their male counterparts.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of peripheral and central obesity among Nigerians living with type 2 DM (especially the female subjects) is unacceptably high. Additionally, there is a wide variation in the proportion and absolute values of both peripheral and central obesity across different parts of Nigeria.KEY WORDS: Obesity, Prevalence, Ethno-Geographic Variation, Nigerians, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitu

brnd variations in the physicochemical properties of metronidazole tablets

No Abstract. Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol. 17 (1) 2007: pp. 22-2

Urinary free cortisol in the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome: How useful?

Cushing’s Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive circulating levels of glucocorticoids. To confirm the clinical suspicion, biochemical tests are needed. These biochemical tests include the measurement of excess total endogenous cortisol secretion assessed by 24‑hour urinary free cortisol (UFC), loss of the normal feedback of the hypothalamo‑pituitary‑adrenal axis assessed by suppressibility after dexamethasone testing, and disturbance of the normal circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion assessed by midnight serum or salivary cortisol. We searched the Medline, Pubmed, journal articles, WHO publications and reputable textbooks relating to Cushing’s syndrome using publications from 1995 to 2011. UFC has been the classic screening test used to confirm hypercortisolemia as the first step in diagnostic work‑up of Cushing’s syndrome. Its long‑term use in clinical practice has led to emergence of significant evidence regarding the utility of UFC in the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. UFC would have been a simple diagnostic tool to use but for the drawbacks in the sample collection, different laboratory methods of assay, not easily determined normal range. UFC use as a screening test is not strongly favoured because cortisol is not uniformly secreted during the day, and the increased prevalence of mild, preclinical or cyclic Cushing’s syndrome. A very high level of UFC negates the need for other test procedures in patients with obvious symptoms and signs of Cushing’s syndrome. We therefore suggest that UFC should be used with other screening tests for Cushing’s syndrome to increase diagnostic yield.Key words: Cushing’s syndrome, diagnosis, screening, urinary free cortisolErratum: Niger J Clin Pract 2013;16:269-72.Title: Urinary free cortisol in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome: How useful?Authors:Ifedayo AO should be read as IA OdeniyiOlufemi AF should be read as OA FasanmadeThe error is regretted- Chief Editor, NJC

The imperative of counselling as a tool for family security

Security is a prerequisite for other basic needs of man. Any normal human being can only think of what to eat, do and desire other things after being confident of his security. Family security is essential for the security of the nation. The people that constitute the society, and the country are members of the family. If the country will be secured then the family must be secured. Inspite of the importance of security in the affairs of people, yet there is security challenge all over the world. The people that are causing security breach are from families. The authors therefore focus this paper on the state of insecurity, causes of insecurity, what the family can do to overcome security challenges. The paper recommends that every family should have a counsellor that security challenge can be taken to the police should be properly armed and that other law enforcement agents should take the issue of security more seriously. Also, all the three tiers of the government should see to the problem of unemployment and find practical solution to it. Keywords: Family, Counselling, Securit

Body mass index and its effect on serum cortisol level

Introduction: Cortisol measurement is indicated in suspected over or underproduction of cortisol by the adrenal cortex. The finding of low cortisol can create concern and initiate further investigations for the exclusion of adrenal insufficiency. Cushing’s syndrome is frequently included in the differential diagnosis of obesity. Some literature describes reduced serum cortisol levels in obesity, however, this is not a well‑recognized phenomenon.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and serum cortisol levels.Subjects, Materials and Methods: Seventy healthy participants agreed to take part in the study. The anthropometric measurements (weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences) were done. Exclusion criteria include those with a history of adrenal/pituitary disease or medications altering cortisol level. The basal cortisol (BC) sample was taken at 8 a.m. immediately before administration of an intravenous bolus injection of 250 μg adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). BMI categories were defined as normal and high if BMI was 18.5-24.99 kg/m2 and ≥ 25 kg/m2, respectively.Results: Forty (57.1%) participants had normal BMI while 30 (42.9%) participants had BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (P = 0.053). The mean BC level was lower in participants with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 but not significant. There was a negative correlation between BMI and BC level (r = −0.205, P = 0.88) while a positive correlation existed between stimulated cortisol level and BMI (r = 0.009, P = 0.944).Conclusion: Persons with BMI above 25 kg/m2 had lower BC level though not statistically significant, the trend was noticed. Subjecting people whose BMI is above 25 kg/m2 to further stimulation with ACTH because of low BC is not advised because their response to ACTH stimulation was similar to those who have normal BMI.Key words: Adrenal gland, adrenocorticotropic hormone, body mass index, cortisol, obesit

Endocrine‑related diseases in the emergency unit of a Tertiary Health Care Center in Lagos: A study of the admission and mortality patterns

Introduction: Non‑communicable diseases are emerging as an important component of the burden of diseases in developing countries. Knowledge on admission and mortality patterns of endocrine‑related diseases will give insight into the magnitude of these conditions and provide effective tools for planning, delivery, and evaluation of health‑care needs relating to endocrinology. Materials and Methods: We retrieved medical records of patients that visited the emergency unit of the Lagos University Teaching hospital, over a period of 1 year (March 2011 to February 2012) from the hospital admissions and death registers. Information obtained included: Age, gender, diagnosis at admission and death, co‑morbidities. Diagnoses were classified as endocrine‑related and non‑endocrine related diseases. Records with incomplete data were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 1703 adult medical cases were seen; of these, 174 were endocrine‑related, accounting for 10.2% of the total emergency room admission in the hospital. The most common cause of endocrine‑related admission was hyperglycaemic crises, 75 (43.1%) of cases; followed by diabetes mellitus foot syndrome, 33 (19.0%); hypoglycaemia 23 (13.2%) and diabetes mellitus related co‑morbidities 33 (19.0%). There were 39 endocrine‑related deaths recorded. The result revealed that 46.1% of the total mortality was related to hyperglycaemic emergencies. Most of the mortalities were sepsis‑related (35.8%), with hyperglycaemic crises worst affected (71.42%). However, the case fatalities were highest in subjects with thyrotoxic crisis and hypoglycaemic coma. Conclusion: Diabetic complications were the leading causes of endocrine‑related admissions and mortality in this health facility. The co‑morbidity of sepsis and hyperglycaemia may worsen mortality in patients who present with hyperglycaemic crises. Hence, evidence of infection should be sought early in such patients and appropriate therapy instituted.Keywords: Admissions, diabetes, endocrine‑related diseases, hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia emergency, mortalityNigerian Medical Journal | Vol. 54 | Issue 4 | July-August | 201