Search

Pulsatile system is gaining a lot of interest as it increases patient compliance by means of providing time and site specific drug delivery system. The aim of the present study was to formulate and evaluate pulsatile drug delivery system of amlodipine besylate based on chronopharmaceutical approach for the treatment of hypertension. The basic design involves the preparation of cross-linked hard gelatin capsules by using formaldehyde. Due to formaldehyde treatment the length, external diameter, thickness, weight of the capsules was increased. Then the drug diluents mixture were prepared and loaded in, which was separated by using hydrogel plugs such as HPMC 50 cP, 100 cP, K100LV, methocel K15, sodium CMC, carbopol 971 and xanthan gum at different amount. Prepared formulations were subjected to in vhrodrug release studies. From the in vitro dissolution studies it was found that by increasing the amount of polymer, release rate was decreased. The release rate was above 90% when we used 50 mg and 75 mg polymer (in each hydrogel plug), but in case of using 100 mg polymer the release rate was 70% to 85% in 10 h. That means, in 12 h these formulations can give a satisfactory result which is the most desire in pulsatile drug delivery system. Furthermore, the release data of all formulations were fitted to various mathematical models such as zero order, first order, Korsmeyer Peppas, Higuchi and Flixson-Crowell kinetics. The drug release follows mixed order kinetics and mechanism was found to be non-Fickian diffusion. From the result it was concluded that, all formulations showed compliance with chronotherapeutic objective of hypertension and these modified pulsincap formulations can be a best alternative for high blood pressure patient to avoid multiple dosing. However, further studies can be performed to determine the accurate dosing and better therapeutic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inflammatory markers like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) have been thought to be associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). But their role in the development of diabetes in young is yet to be established. Aims: To compare the concentrations of serum TNF-α and hsCRP between young subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and DM. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed with young subjects under 30 years of age consisting of 40 newly detected DM cases and an equal number of subjects with NGT diagnosed on the basis of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criterion-2017 to see TNF-α and hsCRP levels. Glucose was measured by the glucose oxidase method, hsCRP by immunonephelometry, and TNF-α by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: hsCRP was higher in DM than that of NGT [DM vs NGT: 3.41 (1.37–9.98) vs. 1.29 (0.68–2.65) pg/ml, median (IQR); p=0.003] but TNF-α was similar in both the groups (DM vs. NGT: 16.30±12.95 vs. 14.55±9.84 mg/L, mean±SD; p=0.201). Both body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were positively correlated with hsCRP (BMI: r=0.501, p=0.001; WC: r=0.409, p=0.009) in NGT but not in DM (BMI: r=0.287, p=0.072; WC: r=0.281, p=0.078). Multiple regression analysis revealed BMI (p=0.020), WC (p=0.022), and hsCRP (p=0.041) as independent predictors for DM. Conclusions: This study observed that serum hsCRP but not serum TNF-α was significantly higher in DM in young than that of NGT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of e-waste collection and management trends across six Canadian provinces, focusing on e-waste collection rates, provincial stewardship model attributes, program strategies and budget allocations from 2013 to 2020. Temporal and regression analyses were conducted using data from Electronic Product Recycling Association reports. A group characterization based on geographical proximity is proposed, aiming to explore the potential outcomes of fostering collaboration among neighboring provinces. The analysis emphasizes the significant impact of stewardship model attributes on e-waste collection rates, with Quebec emerging as a standout case, showcasing a remarkable 61.5% surge in collection rates. Findings from group analysis reveal a positive correlation between per capita e-waste collection rate and the growth of businesses and collection sites in Western Canada (Group A - British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba). This highlights the potential benefits of a coordinated waste management approach, emphasizing the importance of shared resources and collaborative policies. Saskatchewan and Manitoba allocated only 6.6% and 7.0% of their respective budgets to e-waste transfer and storage. British Columbia's observed steady decrease of e-waste collection rate. In Group A, stewards handled 2.18–13.95 tonnes of e-waste during the study period. The cost per tonne of e-waste tended to be lower when more e-waste is managed per steward, suggesting the potential benefits of an integrated e-waste collection and management system. [Display omitted] • Six Canadian e-waste stewardship models from 2013 to 2020 were examined. • E-waste collection rates were gradually declining in Canada jurisdictions. • Collection site density, expenditure, efficiency may have affected collection rates. • Eastern and western stewardships had different operational characteristics. • Region-specific collaborative approach may improve stewardship effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to observe iodine nutrition status (urinary iodine [UI] and total goiter rate [TGR]) of schoolgoing children with the age of 6–12 years in Dhaka city. Materials and Methods: This study comprised 530 schoolchildren of 6–12 years of Dhaka city of Bangladesh selected by multistage random sampling. Goiter classified according to the WHO/ICCIDD/UNICEF, and UI was assessed. UI was estimated using wet digestion method. Results: Iodine nutrition status revealed 83.2% children as deficient, which was relatively more in 6–8 years group (89.5%), followed by 9–10 years (80.6%) and 11–12 years (77.2%), (P = 0.008). Out of 530 children, 55.7% had no goiter (295/530), whereas 20.2% (107/530) had Grade I and 24.2% (128/530) had Grade II goiter. There was no statistical difference for iodine sufficiency/deficiency between the children with or without goiter (χ2 = 0.129, P = 0.719). Highest mean (± standard error of mean [SEM]) and median UI was found in low socioeconomic class (81.48 ± 7.84 and 78.85 μg/L, respectively), followed by average (75.12 ± 6.31 and 65.11 μg/L, respectively) and high socioeconomic status (47.81 ± 2.68 and 34.82 μg/L, respectively) (P < 0.001). UI values were comparably higher in children whose parents were aware of iodized salt intake than those who were not (aware vs. unaware: mean [±SEM], 71.52 ± 8.90 vs. 57.20 ± 2.79, P= 0.116; median 51.43 vs. 38.72). Conclusions: Iodine nutrition status of children in Dhaka city of Bangladesh was found to be insufficient as yet. TGR is still much higher though not solely related to iodine nutrition status. Continuous surveillance over the matter is very much needed for a satisfactory iodine nutrition status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is considered a distinct entity among the acute myeloid leukemias (AML). Our purpose is to see its clinical presentations and outcome with ATRA (all- trans retinoic acid). Materials and methods: It is a retrospective descriptive study of 6 patients diagnosed by cytologic criteria between November 2008 and February 2011 in two tertiary care hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. All specific information were recorded in standardized data sheet and analyzed manually. Results: Mean (SD) age of patients was 28.6 (±7.84) years with equal gender distribution. Fever >10 °F, weakness, easy fatigability, and bleeding manifestations were common presentations (100%). The other manifestations were bony tenderness, purpuric spots or DIC, but no lymphadenopathy and organomegaly were seen. Mean (±SD) Hb was 9.03 (±1.06) gm/dl, in 66% ESR was >50mm in 1st hr with 50% leukocytosis and 50% leucopenia but 100% thrombocytopenia.In the peripheral blood 40%-85% of the eukocytes were blast cells. Bone marrow was done in all cases which suggested AML M3 (Acute promyelocytic leukemia) and cytogenetic diagnosis were done in 3 cases, which showed t(15;17)PML-RARA fusion protein positive. ATRA (all-trans retinoic acid) plus chemotherapy (daunorubicin ± cytarabine) achieved complete remission in 5 (80%) patients. Conclusion: Modern treatment is highly effective if administered early. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]