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Abstract: The aim of the present research work was to develop bilayer tablet dosage form containing combination of immediate and sustained matrix prepared from Hydrochlorothiazide (HTZ) and Losartan Potassium (LP) respectively for the treatment of hypertension and its associated complications. Immediate release HTZ was prepared using different superdisintegrants. LP sustained layer was prepared by compression technique. Both pre-compression and post-compression parameters were analyzed for all the tablets. In vitro release studies were carried out as per USP in pH (1.2) and phosphate buffer pH (6.8) using USP-XXI type II. Bilayer tablet (F6) formulated using higher concentration of HPMC K 15 exhibiting higher LP release rate (83.553± 0.22) for the period of 12 h. The In vitro release profile of drug from sustained matrix could be best expressed by First order as the plot showed highest linearity (R2 = 0.990) and diffusion was the dominating mechanism of drug release. The stability and FTIR studies are also indicating the absence of strong interaction between drug and polymer and compatibility among them. Keywords: Hydrochlorothiazide, Losartan potassium, Bilayer tablets, kinetic models, controlled release.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: The new frontier in the food research is the role of non nutritive components in human health. In the recent past, the importance of dietary fibre in the diet has been increased as a functional ingredient which has opened up a potential market for fibre rich products. The by products available during processing of plant foods are considered as promising source of functional fibres. The aim of the present study was to develop fibre rich products using the natural fibre such as ashgourd (Benincasa hispida) fibre, with high soluble fibre fraction. Ready-to-eat fibre rich Bisi bele bath and vegetable pulav were developed with the optimization of fibre using statistical design software. Fibre, fat and spice mixtures were independent variables with the other components as fixed factors. Since the product acceptance is more dependent on volatile compound form intern the flavour, as well as depends on the test, appearance, colour, texture which are the sensory attributes, total volatiles and sensory attributes were selected as responses. While in the fibre rich vegetable pulav water, fibre and spice mixtures were the independent variables. Both the products were showing good acceptability i.e. in the case of bisi bele bhath 7.1 and in the case of vegetable pulav 6.5 on a 9 point hedonic scale after 6 months of storage at room temperature. The dietary fibre profile of bisi bele bhath was 1.1% soluble fibre and 4.4% insoluble fibre while vegetable pulav had 6.2% insoluble and 1.54% soluble fibre fraction. The products were safe and had an established shelf life of 6 months. Keywords: Natural fibre, RSM, Retort processing, dietary fibre, sensory analysis.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Selenium is a trace element implicated significantly in oxidative stress in biological systems. In this work, a direct method for selenium determination in serum samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction is proposed. Serum samples were five-fold diluted in a 0.14% HNO3 and 0.2% Triton X-100 solution. Aliquots of 20 µL of the diluted serum samples were directly introduced into transversely heated graphite tubes. A total of 5 µg Pd and 3 µg Mg(NO3)2 was used as chemical modifier. Optimization of heating program was conducted by varying pyrolysis and atomization characteristic values. The optimal conditions were found to be 1400 and 2000 °C for pyrolysis and atomization temperatures respectively and 11 seconds for pyrolysis hold time. The standard additions method was employed for calibration. Intra-day and inter-day validation using quality control samples at each point of the addition calibration curve were performed. Good accuracy, precision and recovery were achieved with the proposed method (less than 5% for accuracy and precision). A characteristic mass of 92.550 pg, a limit of detection of 4.010 ppb and a limit of quantification of 13.375 ppb in undiluted serum samples were obtained. Several reference values of serum selenium concentrations were reported. As an application of the present method, selenium levels were determined in serum samples collected from 20 healthy individuals from Northern-Center of Algeria. Selenium concentrations ranged from 86.883 to 133.955 ppb with a mean value of 110.824±11.898 ppb. Keywords: Selenium, serum, optimization, electhrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, healthy individuals |
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Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a complex disorder that requires constant adherence to certain lifestyle measures and medication to achieve good glycaemic control. The main aim of this study was to measure adherence to self- care practices (diet, exercise and medication) among diabetic patients and to identify predicators of adherence. A hospital-based study was conducted in King Abdul Aziz Specialized Hospital, Taif, KSA during June – October 2013. Convenient method of sampling was adopted, whereby all adult (> 18 years) male diabetic patients were recruited. Data was collected through face-to-face interview method using structured questionnaire. Data was processed using the software Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) (Version 21). Overall 378 patients were eligible; 191 (50.5%) > 50 years old and nearly two third had secondary or university education. Overweight and obese patients constituted more than two third of the respondents. Generally adherence to diet, exercise was found to be low. Multivariate analysis showed that only presence of other diseases {adjusted OR 2.8 (1.3-6.0), P = 0.011} and marital status {adjusted OR 3.4 (1.0-11.7), P = 0.049} were found to be significantly associated with adherence to diet. Patients’ age was the only predicator for patients’ commitment to practicing exercise {adjusted OR 4.7(1.3-17.8), P = 0.020)}. Non adherence to medication was found to 80.6 % (n=305). In conclusion non-adherence to the studied self-care practices was suboptimal. Proper and continuous health education accompanied with patients’ motivation may improve patients’ adherence. Keywords: Diabetes, self-care activities, diet, exercise, medication, adherence.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Purpose: To explore Jordanian Pharm.D students' career choices, perceptions and expectations. Methods: This observational study was conducted during June 2013 at the University of Jordan. A total of 192 undergraduate Pharm.D students were invited to complete a questionnaire prepared and validated by the research team. The questionnaire investigated student’s demographics, the reasons behind choosing to study Pharm.D, satisfaction with the Pharm.D course, student’s future plans following graduation, and student’s perceptions about the Pharm.D specialty. Data collected were encoded and analyzed by SPSS database for Windows version17. Results:The majority (93%) of respondents was females,aspired to work as hospital clinical pharmacists (83%) and many (68%) believed that Pharm.D graduates are well respected by the general public. Results indicated that students are unaware of the current Pharm.D salaries and have higher expectations than what is being currently offered in the country. Conclusions:A generation of Pharm.D students from Jordan reported a future aspiration to work as hospital clinical pharmacists. Students have unrealistic salary expectations compared with the current salaries offered in Jordan. ‘Awareness workshops’ targeting students’ knowledge about the Pharm.D degree is required. Keywords: Beliefs, Career Goals, Clinical Pharmacy, Education, Jordan, Pharm.D students.Download Full Article |