Evaluation of Prunus domestica gum as a novel tablet binder

To evaluate binding potential of Prunus domestica gum in tablets formulations. Six tablet batches (F-1B to F-6B) were prepared by wet granulation method, containing Avicel pH 101 as diluent, sodium diclofenac as model drug using 10, 15 and 20 mg of Prunus domestica gum as binder and PVP K30 was used as standard binder. Magnesium stearate was used as lubricant. Flow properties of granules like bulk density, tapped density, Carr index, Hausner’s ratio, angle of repose as well as physical parameters of the compressed tablets including hardness, friability, thickness and disintegration time were determined and found to be satisfactory. The FTIR spectroscopic analysis showed that the formulation containing plant gum is compatible with the drug and other excipients used in tablets formulation. Hence the plant gum has role as a potential binder in tablets formulations. The dissolution profile showed that tablets formulations containing Prunus domestica gum 15 mg/200 mg of total weight of tablet as binder showed better results as compared to PVP K30.Para avaliar a propriedade aglutinante da goma Prunus domestica em formulações de comprimidos, seis lotes (F-1B para F-6B) foram preparados pelo método de granulação úmida, contendo Avicel pH 101 como diluente e diclofenaco de sódio como fármaco modelo, usando 10, 15 e 20 mg de goma de Prunus domestica como agente aglutinante e PVP K30 como aglutinante padrão. O estearato de magnésio foi utilizado como lubrificante. Propriedades de fluxo dos grânulos, como a densidade, índice de Carr, razão de Hausner, ângulo de repouso, bem como parâmetros físicos dos comprimidos, incluindo o tempo de dureza, friabilidade, espessura e desintegração foram determinados e se mostraram satisfatórios. A análise espectroscópica no FTIR mostrou que a formulação contendo goma vegetal é compatível com o fármaco e outros excipientes utilizados na formulação dos comprimidos. Assim, a goma vegetal tem papel potencial como aglutinante em formulações de comprimidos. O perfil de dissolução das formulações que contêm 15 mg/200 mg do peso total do comprimido em goma de Prunus domestica como aglutinante mostrou melhores resultados comparativamente ao PVP K30

Isolation and preliminary evaluation of Mulva Neglecta mucilage: a novel tablet binder

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial de ligação de mucilagem de Mulva neglecta (MNM), com posterior comparação ao PVP K30. Oito lotes de comprimidos de diclofenaco de sódio foram preparados pela técnica de granulação úmida, mantendo diferentes concentrações (4, 6, 8 e 10% w/w) de mucilagem de Mulva neglecta (extraída de folhas de Mulva neglecta) e PVP K30 como ligante padrão. Os grânulos de lotes formulados mostraram densidade aparente (g/mL) 0.49 ± 0.00-0.57 ± 0.00, densidade compactada (g/mL) 0.59 ± 0.01-0.70 ± 0.01, índice de Carr 09.27 ± 0.95-19.65 ± 0.59, a relação de Hausner 1.12 ± 0.00-1.24 ± 0.01 e ângulo de repouso 30.37 ± 2.90 °C a 36.86 ± 0.94 °C. Os comprimidos foram prensados à dureza de 7.50-7.95 kg/cm2. Os comprimidos apresentaram 0.39 ± 0.02-0.39 ± 0.01% friabilidade e 7:20-14:00 min de tempo de desintegração. A avaliação de grânulos e pós-compressão revelou que todos os parâmetros estavam dentro dos limites da farmacopeia. Os resultados (dureza, desintegração e dissolução) provaram que a mucilagem de Mulva neglecta tem maior capacidade de ligação na preparação da forma de dosagem de comprimido não revestido em relação à PVP K30. Entre todas as formulações, MN-1 e MN-4 mostraram liberação lenta em comparação com PV-1 e PV-4 e, assim, a mucilagem de Mulva neglecta exibiu liberação do fármaco satisfatória para os comprimidos de diclofenaco de sódio.The aim of this study was to evaluate binding potential of Mulva neglecta mucilage (MNM) with subsequent comparison to PVP K30. Eight batches of Diclofenac sodium tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique keeping different concentrations (4, 6, 8 & 10% w/w) of Mulva neglecta mucilage (extracted from leaves of Mulva neglecta) and PVP K30 as standard binder. The granules of formulated batches showed bulk density (g/mL) 0.49 ± 0.00 to 0.57 ± 0.00, tapped density (g/mL) 0.59 ± 0.01 to 0.70 ± 0.01, Carr's index 09.27 ± 0.95 to 19.65 ± 0.59, Hausner's ratio 1.12 ± 0.00 to 1.24 ± 0.01 and angle of repose 30.37 ± 2.90 °C to 36.86 ± 0.94 °C. Tablets were compressed to hardness 7.50 to 7.95 kg/cm2. The tablets showed 0.39 ± 0.02 to 0.39 ± 0.01% friability and 7:20 to 14:00 min disintegration time. Granules and post-compression evaluation revealed that parameters assessed were all found to be within the pharmacopoeial limits. The results (hardness, disintegration and dissolution) proved that Mulva neglecta mucilage has better binding capacity for preparation of uncoated tablet dosage form as compared to PVP K30. Among all the formulations, MN-1 to MN-4 showed slow release as compared to PV-1 to PV-4 and thereby Mulva neglecta mucilage exhibited satisfactory drug release phenomenon tablets of diclofenac sodium

Interdiskursiviti dalam perutusan arahan kerajaan berkaitan COVID-19

Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) telah dilaksanakan sebanyak dua kali iaitu pada 18 Mac 2020 dan 13 Januari 2021 semenjak penularan COVID-19 di Malaysia melalui perutusan Perdana Menteri yang disiarkan secara langsung dalam media elektronik. Walaupun bertujuan memaklumkan khalayak tentang arahan PKP, dijangkakan teks perutusan tersebut dibentuk melalui jalinan wacana atau interdiskursiviti iaitu gabungan genre wacana dan stail yang melaksanakan pelbagai fungsi dalam proses penyampaian arahan, berdasarkan hegemoni politik, ideologi dan budaya masyarakat. Pelbagai persoalan dan persepsi wujud dalam pemikiran rakyat sebelum perutusan PKP diumumkan oleh Perdana Menteri Malaysia. Teks perutusan PKP mengandungi pelbagai hasrat Perdana Menteri dan Kerajaan seperti menyampaikan maklumat, memberikan arahan, menenangkan hati rakyat dan sebagainya. Kaedah analisis kandungan digunakan untuk menganalisis dua teks PKP dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti fungsi dan jenis wacana yang digunakan dalam kedua-dua teks perutusan PKP, seterusnya merungkaikan teknik yang digunakan untuk menyampaikan fungsi tersebut berdasarkan kerangka analisis fungsi wacana dipetik daripada Idris Aman (2006). Kaedah analisis kandungan digunakan untuk menganalisis dua teks PKP dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Dapatan kajian mengemukakan tafsiran interdiskursiviti dalam teks PKP yang direalisasikan melalui lima fungsi utama, iaitu memberitahu, memahamkan, mengemukakan/mempertahan pandangan, meluah hasrat dan mengeluarkan arahan. Hasil kajian juga mendapati bahawa penggunaan tiga teknik baharu dalam fungsi meluah hasrat, iaitu empati, nasihat dan penghargaan. Selain itu, kajian ini memberi kefahaman bahawa interdiskursiviti wujud dalam teks yang mempunyai satu objektif utama dengan pelbagai tujuan yang bergantung pada faktor khalayak, persekitaran dan situasi semasa. Penggunaan interdiskursiviti juga merupakan refleksi kepada strategi komunikasi pewacana yang mengimbangi antara keperluan menunjukkan keprihatinan kepada khalayak dengan keperluan menyampaikan arahan PKP

Examination of adulterated coconut oil by fiber optics displacement sensor using lateral offset approach

A single-mode fiber (SMF) sensor for detecting coconut oil adulteration is proposed. Coconut oil is commonly used in cooking but health problems are caused by its adulteration. The lateral offset approach to the SMF-SMF displacement sensor was employed in this experiment to analyze the sensing responses of adulterant concentrations in coconut oil. The offset distances of the sensing probe were set at 6.47 µm, 11.57 µm, and 14.64 µm. Pure coconut oil, paraffin oil, and palm oil have an initial refractive index of 1.4481, 1.4585, and 1.4634, respectively. Upon completion, the highest sensitivity was observed at a lateral offset distance of 14.64 µm. These values were 0.286 dBm/mol for palm oil detection and 0.045 dBm/mol for paraffin oil detection. The findings of these experiments also showed that the larger the offset distance, the greater the sensitivity of the fiber sensor

In vivo analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Pericampylus glaucus in experimental animals

Pericampylus glaucus is a common Malaysian plant used traditionally in the treatments of joint pain, abdominal pain and headache. Hence, the present research was aimed to evaluate ethanolic extract of Pericampylus glaucus for analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities in experimental animals. The central and peripheral analgesic activity was determined by acetic acid induced writhing and hot plate method by examining the number of writhing and paw licking or jumping time. Meanwhile, the antipyretic activity was determined by Brewer’s yeast- test that induced pyrexia and carrageenan- that induced hind paw inflammation was used for anti-inflammatory activities. The ethanolic extract of Pericampylus glaucus at doses (300 and 600 mg/kg b.wt) and Ibuprofen (100 mg/kg (b.wt) was used as a reference drug in the whole experiment. Intraperitoneal administration of Pericampylus glaucus produced significant (p<0.01) inhibition in writhing response in acetic acid induced writhing test and dose-dependent (p<0.001) prolonged paw licking in hot plate test as compared to control (normal saline treated group). Similarly, significant (p<0.001) attenuation in lowering rectal temperature was noted in animal groups that were treated with ethanolic extract of Pericampylus glaucus at different doses. The attenuation was, almost the same as produced by ibuprofen treated group. Furthermore, Pericampylus glaucus extract also produced significant reduction in hind paw edema (p<0.001), 4 h after administration of carrageenan and inhibition was 60.19% and 42.17% as compared to control (normal saline treated group). The findings of this study indicated that Pericampylus glaucus possess significant analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities and could possibly be used in the management of fever, pain and inflammation

Anti-urolithiatic effect of Pericampylus glaucus against ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in male sprague dawley rats

Pericampylus glaucus is a common plant used traditionally for the remedies of urinary and kidney stones. Hence, present research was aimed to investigate the antiurolithiatic effect of ethanol extract of P. glaucus against ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in male Sprague Dawley rats. The nephrolithiasis was induced by ethylene glycol (0.75% v/v) in drinking water over a period of 30 days. The animals were divided into normal, lithiatic and extract treated group that received ethanolic extract of P. glaucus at dose rate of 200 and 400 mg/kg (b.wt) by mouth. The calcium, phosphate, urine pH, oxalate, magnesium in urine and histopathalogical examination of the kidney were observed. A significant (p<0.01) increased in the levels of phosphate, calcium, oxalate, and an imbalance in kidney with decreased magnesium excretion in urine were observed in ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis as compared to normal control. Treatment with ethanolic extract of P. glaucus at dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg (b.wt) decreased significantly (p<0.01) the hyperoxaluria, calcium, phosphate, oxalate with significant (p<0.05) increased retention of urinary magnesium and improvement in the renal function as matched to lithiatic group. The histopathological examination showed the deposition of a large number of calcium oxalate crystal in lithiatic group while smaller depositions in 200 mg/kg (b.wt) extract treated group. The results confirmed the antiurolithiatic effect of P. glaucus in male Sprague Dawley rats and validate its traditional uses against urinary stone

Recent progress of tapered optical fiber for biosensing applications

The development of reliable, lightweight, and effective sensors is a vital step in effectively monitoring critical parameter changes. This review focuses on the utilization of tapered optical fiber as a material sensing platform. The fundamental concept of the tapered fiber sensor is based on the interaction of strong evanescent waves caused by the fiber's dimensional change. The primary goal of this review is to explore the potential of tapered optical fiber for biosensing applications. A number of tapered optical fiber configurations and operations have been reviewed in order to propose appropriate optical sensor designs for biosensing applications. Hence, this analysis could serve as a benchmark for a more thorough study of biosensing device development

Hearing loss prevalence and years lived with disability, 1990–2019: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Hearing loss affects access to spoken language, which can affect cognition and development, and can negatively affect social wellbeing. We present updated estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study on the prevalence of hearing loss in 2019, as well as the condition's associated disability. Methods We did systematic reviews of population-representative surveys on hearing loss prevalence from 1990 to 2019. We fitted nested meta-regression models for severity-specific prevalence, accounting for hearing aid coverage, cause, and the presence of tinnitus. We also forecasted the prevalence of hearing loss until 2050. Findings An estimated 1·57 billion (95% uncertainty interval 1·51–1·64) people globally had hearing loss in 2019, accounting for one in five people (20·3% [19·5–21·1]). Of these, 403·3 million (357·3–449·5) people had hearing loss that was moderate or higher in severity after adjusting for hearing aid use, and 430·4 million (381·7–479·6) without adjustment. The largest number of people with moderate-to-complete hearing loss resided in the Western Pacific region (127·1 million people [112·3–142·6]). Of all people with a hearing impairment, 62·1% (60·2–63·9) were older than 50 years. The Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index explained 65·8% of the variation in national age-standardised rates of years lived with disability, because countries with a low HAQ Index had higher rates of years lived with disability. By 2050, a projected 2·45 billion (2·35–2·56) people will have hearing loss, a 56·1% (47·3–65·2) increase from 2019, despite stable age-standardised prevalence. Interpretation As populations age, the number of people with hearing loss will increase. Interventions such as childhood screening, hearing aids, effective management of otitis media and meningitis, and cochlear implants have the potential to ameliorate this burden. Because the burden of moderate-to-complete hearing loss is concentrated in countries with low health-care quality and access, stronger health-care provision mechanisms are needed to reduce the burden of unaddressed hearing loss in these settings

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. Methods The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. Findings Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4.45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4.01-4.94) deaths and 105 million (95.0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44.4% (41.3-48.4) of all cancer deaths and 42.0% (39.1-45.6) of all DALYs. There were 2.88 million (2.60-3.18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50.6% [47.8-54.1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1.58 million (1.36-1.84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36.3% [32.5-41.3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20.4% (12.6-28.4) and DALYs by 16.8% (8.8-25.0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34.7% [27.9-42.8] and 33.3% [25.8-42.0]). Interpretation The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe

Global investments in pandemic preparedness and COVID-19: development assistance and domestic spending on health between 1990 and 2026

Background The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted gaps in health surveillance systems, disease prevention, and treatment globally. Among the many factors that might have led to these gaps is the issue of the financing of national health systems, especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), as well as a robust global system for pandemic preparedness. We aimed to provide a comparative assessment of global health spending at the onset of the pandemic; characterise the amount of development assistance for pandemic preparedness and response disbursed in the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic; and examine expectations for future health spending and put into context the expected need for investment in pandemic preparedness. Methods In this analysis of global health spending between 1990 and 2021, and prediction from 2021 to 2026, we estimated four sources of health spending: development assistance for health (DAH), government spending, out-of-pocket spending, and prepaid private spending across 204 countries and territories. We used the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)'s Creditor Reporting System (CRS) and the WHO Global Health Expenditure Database (GHED) to estimate spending. We estimated development assistance for general health, COVID-19 response, and pandemic preparedness and response using a keyword search. Health spending estimates were combined with estimates of resources needed for pandemic prevention and preparedness to analyse future health spending patterns, relative to need. Findings In 2019, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, US$9·2 trillion (95$7·3 trillion (95% UI 7·2–7·4) in 2019; 293·7 times the $24·8 billion (95$43·1 billion in development assistance was provided to maintain or improve health. The pandemic led to an unprecedented increase in development assistance targeted towards health; in 2020 and 2021, $1·8 billion in DAH contributions was provided towards pandemic preparedness in LMICs, and$37·8 billion was provided for the health-related COVID-19 response. Although the support for pandemic preparedness is 12·2% of the recommended target by the High-Level Independent Panel (HLIP), the support provided for the health-related COVID-19 response is 252·2% of the recommended target. Additionally, projected spending estimates suggest that between 2022 and 2026, governments in 17 (95% UI 11–21) of the 137 LMICs will observe an increase in national government health spending equivalent to an addition of 1% of GDP, as recommended by the HLIP. Interpretation There was an unprecedented scale-up in DAH in 2020 and 2021. We have a unique opportunity at this time to sustain funding for crucial global health functions, including pandemic preparedness. However, historical patterns of underfunding of pandemic preparedness suggest that deliberate effort must be made to ensure funding is maintained