DEVELOPMENT OF BINARY AND TERNARY COMPLEX OF CEFUROXIME AXETIL WITH CYCLODEXTRIN FOR IMPROVING PHARMACEUTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Objective: The current research objective is systematic development and characterization of binary and ternary inclusion complexes of cefuroxime axetil with β-cyclodextrin to improve its pharmaceutical characteristics by using the kneading method. Methods: Phase solubility study was carried out using Higuchi and Connors method. Based on its result, binary complexes of cefuroxime axetil with different ratio of β-cyclodextrin were developed and characterized using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD). Then, binary complexes were analyzed for in vitro dissolution testing. The ternary complexes were developed using different ratio of PVP K-30 as a ternary component and evaluated for in vitro dissolution testing and in vitro taste masking. Results: Binary complex of cefuroxime axetil with β-cyclodextrin (1:1) showed better drug release than pure drug. During the development of the ternary complex, β-cyclodextrin (1:1) and 1% w/v PVP K-30 as a ternary agent resulted in an optimized ternary complex. The DSC, FT-IR and XRD studies clearly revealed the formation of binary and ternary complexes. The ternary complex showed better drug release of>85% within 30 min. in comparison to binary complex. The in vitro taste-masking study revealed the taste masking efficiency of the ternary complex of cefuroxime with β-cyclodextrin. Conclusion: The developed binary and ternary complex of cefuroxime axetil based on β-cyclodextrin with PVP K-30 showed improved in vitro dissolution rate and taste masking in comparison to pure drug. The drug release was better in ternary complexes. The present research work successfully shows the utility of binary and ternary complexes for improving pharmaceutical characteristics of cefuroxime axetil

AN UPDATED OVERVIEW OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, was first described in 1935. PCOS, which may also be referred to as polycystic ovary disease is the most common hormonal disorder found in premenopausal women. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and is the most common cause of infertility due to ovulation. A PCOS is an endocrine disorder which affects the adolescent girls. A PCOS is a condition in which a woman has an imbalance of female sex hormones. This may lead to changes in the menstrual cycle, cyst in the ovary, failure to conceive, and other health problems. It is a common health problem among teenagers and young women. It affects 5–10% of women in their reproductive years. These problems cause infertility. Two principal components to diagnose this syndrome are menstrual dysfunction and clinical or laboratory hyperandrogenism in which these items are used in clinical diagnosis. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects between 5% and 10% of women of reproductive age and remains the most enigmatic reproductive disorders. The most common symptoms of PCOS are obesity, acne, amenorrhea, irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, insulin resistance (IR), and high cholesterol. Due to the varied nature of PCOS and the large range of possible signs and symptoms, health personnel need a thorough knowledge of the disorder and its management. It is a major disorder characterized by elevated levels of male hormones (androgens), acne, and hirsutism. It can even cause IR, anovulation, and infertility on prolonging incidence of cysts. One of the treatments for PCOS is the use of synthetic medicine, which can help to treat PCOS but with side effects. However, many women who suffer from PCOS opt to use alternative medicine in conjunction with traditional medicine to improve their condition. There are some herbs that are very helpful in treating PCOS. Since PCOS is a curable disorder, it can be cured by the use of natural remedies or allopathic medication. There is a growing interest in herbal remedies or allopathic medication to cure the PCOS. There is a need to change the lifestyle management, diet to control the PCOS level. The natural remedies include treatment with phytoestrogenic and non-estrogenic herbs such as Licorice, Ginseng, Black cohosh, Dong, soy, evening primrose, honey, fenugreek, Schisandra root, and many other which are effective and safe. Many plants have been highly esteemed sources and have advantages which reduce PCOS and also having a hypoglycemic effect. In this review, an attempt has been made to study the use of natural remedy for the treatment of PCOS

Oral health situation analysis and integration of Massive Open Online Course Modules on Oral Health Promotion in WHO SEAR Countries: A Comprehensive Report

Background: Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) modules are deemed to be novel educational models to optimize learning. They can be useful in delivering oral health education to primary health care workers to strengthen the oral health care delivery system. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the current oral health situation analysis of the South East Asia region countries and to assess areas where the MOOC modules can be integrated as oral health training material. Methodology: A focus group discussion was held virtually with 70 participants from SEAR. The MOOC modules were developed as learning activities to facilitate the application of the material learned, in public settings. The themes for the situation analysis were based on oral health policy, barriers to dental treatment needs and action plan for implementation of the MOOC modules in each SEAR country. Results: Results highlighted the importance of formulating and implementing oral health policy at the national level among the participating countries. Nepal, Maldives, Timor–Leste reported on existing gaps regarding the unmet dental treatment needs. The inclusion of helath care workers in conducting dental procedures was observed in Bhutan. Global school health promoting initiatives were recorded in Maldives. The participating SEAR countries reported on the sensitization of primary healthcare workers through the developed MOOC modules. Conclusion: The developed massive open online course module was acknowledged to be an improved and interactive tool for primary health care workers by the country's oral health officers for oral health promotion and networking

Global Status of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Tobacco Cessation Interventions Among Dental Professionals: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND With the emergence of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, globally the use of tobacco has decreased notably, although, it still requires efforts at individual, organizational, community level to decrease the rate further. Dental professionals are at an excellent position to provide tobacco cessation counselling and interventions, however, it is not practiced much due to lack of training and lack of knowledge. Therefore, this systematic review was conducted to assess the global status of knowledge, attitude and practice on tobacco cessation interventions among dental professionals. MATERIALS AND METHOD A systematic search of 6 databases with no language restriction since 2000 was undertaken. Studies were included if they assessed knowledge, attitude and practice on tobacco cessation interventions among dental professionals using a validated or prevalidated tool. The data obtained for assessment of knowledge, attitude, practice, curriculum and barriers were represented through heatmaps. Quality assessment of the studies was done using Newcastle Ottawa scale. RESULTS Fifty six studies were included in this systematic review. Majority of the studies were found to be of moderate quality. Knowledge regarding the tobacco cessation interventions was more theoretical than practical. All the studies showed a favorable attitude among dental professionals towards tobacco cessation intervention. CONCLUSION The included studies lack homogeneity in assessing knowledge, attitude and practice on tobacco cessation interventions. The development and validation of a standardized questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitude and practice on tobacco cessation interventions could be a potentially effective way to uniformly gather data on the subject