Sulfate Tablets Research Articles

Effect of daily versus intermittent iron therapy in pregnant women: hematological and pregnancy outcome

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare daily iron supplementation and intermittent iron supplementation in preventing anemia in healthy pregnant women. Material and Method: Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial. From May 2004 – December 2006, 141 healthy pregnant women without anemia, between 14 - 20 weeks of pregnancy were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Completed data were obtained in 110 patients, 55 in each group. The first group (n = 55) received a 100 mg-ferrous sulfate tablet daily, the second group (n = 55) received a 100 mg-ferrous sulfate tablet two tablets once weekly, respectively till delivery. Serum hemoglobin, ferritin, and iron were measured before and after the supplementation. Paired t and ANOVA tests were used as appropriate. Results: There were no significant differences between the pre- and post-treatment hemoglobin levels (p= 0.871) and serum ferritin levels (p= 0.741) with iron supplementation in the two groups when the maternal hemoglobin level was >11g/dL before enrolment. However, For those women who had a hemoglobin concentration <11gm/dL at the beginning, the rise in hemoglobin concentration was significantly greater at the end in the daily supplemented group as compared to the weekly group (1.44±1.51 gm/dl vs. 0.12±1.05 gm/dl, p=0.015). Although when the changes in the serum ferritin level which occurred in each group were compared, there was no significant difference (p=0.415) between the two intervention groups. Conclusions: These results suggest, daily or weekly iron supplementation is equally effective for healthy pregnant women without anemia.

Determination of chondroitin sulfate in synovial fluid and drug by ratiometric fluorescence strategy based on carbon dots quenched FAM-labeled ssDNA

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) plays an increasingly important role in clinical settings and pharmacy quality control. However, sensitive and simple methods for CS detection remain limited. In this work, positively charged nitrogen doped carbon dots (P-NCDs) with internal luminescence and quenching property to FAM-labeled random-sequence ssDNA (F-ssDNA) were prepared by a simple heating method. P-NCDs attached and quenched F-ssDNA through electrostatic interaction to form the system of P-NCDs and F-ssDNA (P-NCDs/F-ssDNA) with retained fluorescence intensity of P-NCDs. The highly negatively charged CS reacted electrostatically with P-NCDs and then replaced F-ssDNA in P-NCDs/F-ssDNA to recover the fluorescence intensity of the original quenched F-ssDNA while retaining the internal fluorescence intensity of P-NCDs. Thus, by using restored F-ssDNA as the signal controlled by adding CS to P-NCDs/F-ssDNA, a ratiometric fluorescence strategy based on the retained fluorescence of P-NCDs as reference signal was fabricated through synchronous fluorescence spectrometry for the sensitive detection of CS. Under the optimal experimental conditions, a linear equation for CS was obtained for CS concentration within the range of 0.05–2.0 μg/mL. The method was also successfully applied for the accurate determination of CS in joint fluid samples of arthritic patients, chondroitin sulfate tablets, and chondroitin sulfate eye drops, suggesting its appreciable application potential in the clinic.

A Comparative Study between Lactoferrin versus ferrous sulfate in iron-deficiency during pregnancy

Abstract Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the condition in which there is decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. It is caused by insufficient dietary intake and absorption of iron, or iron loss from bleeding. Bleeding can be from a range of sources such as the intestinal, uterine or urinary tract. Aim of the Work to compare the efficacy and the safety of lactoferrin versus ferrous sulphate for the treatment of iron deficiency pregnant women. Patients and Methods This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 98 women selected from pregnant women attending the antenatal outpatient clinic of Ain Shams University Maternity hospital. All patients were divided into two groups; the first group included 49 pregnant women who received lactoferrin (Pravotin100 mg sachets, Hygint pharmaceuticals, Egypt) twice daily orally for 30 days which was dissolved in 1/4 glass of water before meals by 15 minutes. The second group included 49 pregnant women who received 520 mg of dried ferrous sulphate tablets (Feosol tablets, Meda pharmaceuticals, Egypt) once daily orally for 30 days on empty stomach but may be taken with meals to avoid stomach upset. Results Total increase in HB after 1month with lactoferrin was higher compared to ferrous sulfate (-13.572 gdl)(p < 0.001). Gastroinestinal adverse events occurred more frequently with ferrous sulfate than the lactoferrin group (p < 0.001).The number of women requesting change the drug was higher in the ferrous sulfate group(p < 0.001). Conclusion Oral lactoferrin was better tolerated and more acceptable with higher increase in mean hemoglobin when compared to oral iron therapy over one month treatment. Oral lactoferrin can be used as a good substitute to oral iron therapy in iron deficiency during pregnancy.

<p>Physicochemical Quality Assessment of Antimalarial Medicines: Chloroquine Phosphate and Quinine Sulfate Tablets from Drug Retail Outlets of South-West Ethiopia</p>

BackgroundMalaria is a complex disease and main community health problem in Africa and the top leading cause of outpatient visits, admissions, and deaths in Ethiopia. Its effective management is possible through early diagnosis and immediate treatment employing antimalarials. The quality of these drugs has to be good enough to attain their intended purpose. However, there are treatment failures resulted from the consumption of falsified and substandard antimalarials. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to evaluate the quality of two commonly used antimalarial drugs [chloroquine phosphate and quinine sulfate tablets] and to determine whether the quality of these drugs was affected by the origin, brand and sample collection sites in South-West Ethiopia.MethodsRandom sampling based on Ethiopian malaria eco-epidemiological strata map, with different levels of medicines outlets, was applied to select sampling sites.ResultsSixty samples were bought from 43 drug retails (pharmacy, drug store, and drug vendor) in twelve different geographical locations of South-West Ethiopia between June and July 2016. Visual inspection was done for all samples before the lab experiment. A 28.3%, 31.7%, and 6.8% of samples failed to comply with the Pharmacopoeial quality standards for visual inspection, hardness and weight variation tests, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that origin and geography from which samples were collected significantly affects the active pharmaceutical content of both drugs at P < 0.05 level. Significant variation was observed for chloroquine samples within batches of the same manufacturing and between origins.ConclusionThis study indicated that all the chloroquine and quinine tablets met the quality specification concerning friability, dissolution and assay. Out-of-specification results for weight variation, hardness and visual inspection tests for the chloroquine tablets are signs of substandard/spurious/falsely labeled/falsified/counterfeit actions that may compromise the quality of these drugs. Besides, within the acceptance limit, the origin of drugs and collection sites have found to determine the quality which raises good manufacturing practice and storage (drug supply chain system) issues to be evaluated.

Fractional iron absorption from enteric-coated ferrous sulphate tablet.

Background & objectives:Iron supplementation is widely used public health measure to manage iron deficiency anaemia. In India, enteric-coated iron tablets are administered to adolescent boys and girls to avoid adverse effects such as gastritis, which reduces compliance, but this may result in poor iron absorption. Data on the absorption of iron from enteric-coated ferrous sulphate tablets are lacking. The present study using stable isotopic approach was aimed to measure iron absorption in iron deficient women.Methods:Iron absorption was measured from stable isotope-labelled enteric-coated ferrous sulphate (57Fe, ECFS) and uncoated ferrous sulphate (58Fe, UCFS) tablets in iron-deficient (n=9) women, aged 18-40 yr with no infection or inflammation. The two types of tablets (ECFS and UCFS) were administered on consecutive days, 60 min after breakfast, and the sequence being random. Blood samples were collected before dosing, and on day 15, to measure iron absorption from the shift in iron isotopic ratios in haemoglobin.Results:Eight women completed the iron absorption study. Iron absorption was found to be significantly lower in ECFS compared to UCFS (3.5 vs. 12%, P<0.05) consumption.Interpretation & conclusions:Our study showed poor iron bioavailability from ECFS, and supplementation programmes may consider UCFS tablets for better haematological outcomes.

Mg2+-doped LiFePO4/C cathode from expired lithium carbonate and ferrous sulfate tablets

The wide application and oversupply of various medicines are inevitably accompanied by the production of massive amounts of expired medicines, which can trigger the environmental contamination and waste of resources if these are not reasonably managed. For this reason, the efforts were made to recycle two expired medicines (lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) tablets) simultaneously into magnesium ion-doped lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4; LFP)/carbon (C) powders through a facile high-temperature solid-state reaction. In addition, the economic feasibility was analyzed and discussed. The results suggested that 0·51 wt% magnesium ions were successfully doped into the lithium (Li) site of LFP/carbon, and the corresponding molecular formula was Li0·92Mg0·04FePO4/C, which resulted in the double effects: a decrease in the unit cell volume and an increase in the electronic conductivity. Furthermore, the magnesium ion/LFP/carbon cathode also exhibited better electrochemical lithium-storage performance compared with the undoped LFP/carbon cathode, indicating high application feasibility in lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the recycling process was economically profitable, which would stimulate the development of the circular economy of waste expired medicines and lithium-ion batteries.

Treatment of chronic pain syndrome of patients with advanced forms of uterine cervical cancer in ambulatory conditions

The analysis of the effectiveness of the use of morphine sulfate tablets in chronic pain syndrome in 52 patients with advanced cervical cancer (stage III–IV), which were under our supervision in 2015–2016, is presented. To assess the intensity of pain, was used a visual-analogue scale. All patients had pain syndrome: 39 (75 %) patients had severe pain (4–6 points), and 13 (25 %) had very severe unbearable pain (7–10 points). In all cases, with regular use of morphine sulfate tablets and ancillary drugs, a good effect of therapy was achieved: in 39 (75 %) patients the intensity of pain decreased from 4–6 points to 0–3 points, and in 13 (25 %) patients – from 7–10 points to 4–6 points.

A Randomized, Crossover Study on the Effect of Food on the Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of Morphine ARER (MorphaBond™ ER), an Abuse-Deterrent Formulation of Extended-Release Morphine.

IntroductionFood can alter the pharmacokinetics of certain abuse-deterrent formulations. Morphine ARER is an oral abuse-deterrent formulation of ER morphine sulfate tablets formulated with physical and chemical properties that contribute to the abuse-deterrent aspects of the drug. This study compared the relative bioavailability of Morphine ARER in the presence and absence of food.MethodsThis was a randomized, single-dose, two-treatment, crossover study in which healthy adults received Morphine ARER 100 mg under fasting and fed conditions. Subjects were given naltrexone 50 mg to limit opioid effects. Plasma concentrations of morphine and its active metabolite morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G) were obtained up to 48 h post-dose; area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUC0–∞), maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) and time to Cmax (Tmax) were calculated. Safety was evaluated by observation or report of adverse events, which were monitored during the treatment periods.ResultsOf 28 enrolled subjects, 27 completed all treatments; 1 subject in the fasted group withdrew voluntarily. Under fed conditions, the Cmax for morphine was 33% higher (44.78 vs. 33.30 ng/ml for fed and fasted conditions, respectively) and the median Tmax was 30 min longer than under fasted conditions. The overall morphine exposure (AUC0–∞) was similar for fed (440.6 ng · h/ml) vs. fasted conditions (395.1 ng · h/ml). For M6G, the Cmax and AUC0–∞ were similar under both conditions, and the median Tmax for M6G was 60 min longer under fed conditions. Common adverse events were somnolence and nausea.ConclusionMorphine ARER can be administered without regard to food.Plain Language SummaryPlain language summary available for this article.FundingInspirion Delivery Sciences, LLC.

Trends in Opioid Prescribing and Dispensing by Veterinarians in Pennsylvania

Veterinarians are a subset of opioid prescribers. To assess the quantity and trends in prescribing and dispensing of several different opioids in the past 11 years in a large veterinary hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This cross-sectional study inventoried all opioid tablets and/or patches dispensed or prescribed by veterinarians practicing in a multispecialty academic veterinary teaching hospital in Philadelphia for small animals and species, such as rabbits, birds, and reptiles, from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2017. Prescribing data were obtained from all veterinarians who wrote a prescription for opioids by reviewing detailed pharmacy records of controlled substances for the study period. Data included all opioids dispensed, or prescribed to animals (patients) undergoing evaluation at the center or being followed up as outpatients by the veterinarians in the hospital. Statewide veterinarian prescribing data were used for comparison. Data were analyzed from December 24, 2017, through May 15, 2018. The trend in administration and prescribing of 4 specific opioid analgesics (codeine sulfate, hydrocodone bitartrate, and tramadol hydrochloride tablets as well as fentanyl citrate patch) during the 11-year study period. The individual opioids were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for comparison. The study included 134 veterinarians (70.9% women) with 366 468 patient visits. During the study period, the hospital veterinarians prescribed 105 183 689 tablets of tramadol, 97 547 tablets of hydrocodone, 38 939 tablets of codeine, and 3153 fentanyl patches to dogs (73.0%), cats (22.5%), and exotic animals (4.5%). Overall, MME use increased 41.2%, whereas visits increased by 12.8%. The comparison data for Pennsylvania revealed a predominance of hydrocodone use (688 340 tablets prescribed), although data were not available for comparison with tramadol because it is a Schedule IV drug. Results of this study suggest that the large, increasing volume of opioids prescribed at 1 veterinary teaching hospital highlights concerns parallel to those about excessive opioid prescribing in humans. The extent to which these data may represent similar volumes of prescriptions from the general veterinary practices and hospitals across the United States is suggested by the accompanying Pennsylvania state data. These findings highlight an opportunity to assess the risk of veterinarian opioid prescriptions to safeguard public health.

Sensitivity Enhancement for Direct Injection Capillary Electrophoresis to Determine Morphine in Human Serum via In-capillary Derivatization.

Rapid and simple micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) with in-capillary derivatization and fluorescence detection has been developed to determine morphine in human serum. The sample was introduced into a background electrolyte (BGE) containing potassium ferricyanide, whereas morphine was oxidized into highly fluorescent product, pseudomorphine. Different parameters for derivatization and subsequent separation were systematically investigated for the analysis of morphine in serum. Efficient performance of the developed MEKC system was carried out in a single run using BGE made up of 70 mM sodium tetraborate decahydrate (pH 10.5), 0.30 mM potassium ferrricyanide, 80 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate, and applied voltage of 9 kV. The combination of MEKC with in-capillary derivatization of morphine was successfully achieved with a high degree of sensitivity. The validation of the method showed good linearity between areas of morphine and the corresponding concentrations over the range of 5-5000 ng/mL. Excellent accuracy and precision were obtained at all concentration levels. The mean recoveries of morphine were ranging from 83.86 to 94.45%. The validated MEKC method successfully permitted determination of morphine in clinical samples after a single oral dose of controlled release morphine sulfate tablets.

Design, Development and Evaluation of Extended Release Tablets of Anti-asthmatic Agents using various Polymers

The aim of this investigation was to define and assess Salbutamol sulphate and Theophylline framework tablets, prolonged discharge dosage form, for the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Powder blends of the drugs (Salbutamol sulphate and Theophylline) and polymers (HPMC K100M and Xanthan Gum) were evaluated for loose bulk density, tapped bulk density, compressibility index and angle of repose which shows satisfactory results. The direct compression method was used for the preparation of Extended-release tablets using hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K100M), a semi-synthetic polymer, and xanthan gum(a natural polymer) in changing ratios keeping the total weight 250 mg for each tablet. The fabricated tablets were then evaluated for various physical tests like diameter, thickness, uniformity of weight, hardness, friability and drug content. The results of all these tests were found to be satisfactory as per guidelines mentioned in the standards. The in-vitro dissolution study was carried out for 24 hours using type II dissolution apparatus. Among all the formulation, F7 shows 97.16 ±0.59 % of drug release at the end of 12 hours. This finding reveals that above a particular concentration of HPMC K100M and xanthan gum are capable of providing extended drug release from the dosage form.

Effectiveness of erythropoietin supplementation against chronic heart failure with anemia, and its effect on serum hypersensitive C reaction protein, homocysteic acid and Btype natriuretic peptide

Purpose: To study the effectiveness of exogenous erythropoietin (EPO) against chronic heart failure (CHF) with anemia, and its effect on serum hypersensitive C reaction protein (hs-CRP), homocysteic acid (Hcy ) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP).Methods: A total of 136 patients suffering from CHF with anemia from June 2015 to June 2017 were randomly divided into observation group (n = 68) and control group (n = 68). On the basis of conventional anti-heart failure therapy, the control group received oral ferrous sulfate tablets, while the observation group received oral ferrous sulfate tablets combined with EPO subcutaneous injection. Blood indices, cardiac function and serology were determined and tested in all patients before treatment, and at 4 months after treatment.Results: After treatment, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cell (RBC), blood platelet count (PLT) and serum iron were significantly higher than those before treatment in the two groups; the levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those in control group (p &lt;0.05). Following treatment, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and 6-minute walking distance in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), end-systolic dimension (LVESD) and cardiac functional grading in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). After treatment, hs-CRP, Hcy and BNP were significantly lower than pre-treatment values in the two groups, while the values for the observation group were significantly lower than those of control group (p &lt;0.05). Correlation analysis showed that LVEF and Hb were negatively correlated with hs-CRP, Hcy and BNP (p &lt;0.05).Conclusion: Serum hs-CRP, Hcy and BNP are involved in the occurrence and progression of CHF with anemia. Exogenous EPO can effectively improve anemia and cardiac function in these patients.Keywords: Erythropoietin, Chronic heart failure, Anemia, C-reaction protein, B-type natriuretic peptide

Clinical therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis treated with the assisted therapy of acupuncture at the points detected with thermosensitive moxibustion in Zhuang medicine

To evaluate the clinical therapeutic effects and safety on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with acupuncture at the points detected with thermosensitive moxibustion in Zhuang medicine combined with western medication. A total of 168 RA patients in compliance with the inclusive criteria were collected and randomized into an observation group and a control group, 84 cases in each one. In the control group, in reference to the updated guideline of new drugs by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) in 2013, the medication scheme was formulated for oral administration, methotrexate tablet 7.5 mg, once a week; salazosulfapyridine enteric-coated tablets, 100 mg, twice a day; hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets, 20 mg, twice a day; and meloxicam tablets, 15 mg, once a day. In the observation group, besides the treatment as the control group, the acupuncture therapy at the points detected with thermosensitive moxibustion in Zhuang medicine was given. The mild moxibustion was applied near to the affected joint with the moxa material of Zhuang herbal medicine to detect the sensitization points. Afterwards, the acupuncture technique of Zhuang medicine was given on those points, without any manipulation applied. The needles were retained for 30 min, once daily. The treatment for 2 weeks was as one course, continuously for 2 courses. The indexes were observed before and after treatment in the two groups including gripping power, the time of morning stiffness, the swollen joint count 28 (SJC 28), the tender joint count 28 (TJC 28), the disease activity score 28 (DAS 28), the score of patient global assessment of disease activity (PtGA) and the score of provider global assessment of disease activity (PhGA), as well as rheumatoid factors (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and anti-cyclic peptide containing citrulline (A-CCP). The clinical therapeutic effects were evaluated in the two groups. After 4-week treatment, a total of 163 patients accomplished the clinical trial, 81 cases in the observation group and 82 cases in the control group. The results of gripping power, the time of morning stiffness, SJC 28, TJC 28, PtGA, PhGA, DAS 28, RF, CRP, ESR and A-CCP were all improved as compared with those before treatment (all P<0.05). In 4 weeks of treatment, the results of gripping power, the time of morning stiffness, SJC 28, TJC 28, PtGA, PhGA, DAS 28, as well as CRP and ESR in the observation group were better than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The results of RF and A-CCP were not different significantly between the two groups (both P>0.05). The total effective rate was 85.19% (69/81) in the observation group, higher than 70.73% (58/82) in the control group (P<0.05). The acupuncture therapy at the points detected with thermosensitive moxibustion in Zhuang medicine achieves the satisfactory clinical effects with few adverse effects.

Management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients

Background. Breakthrough pain reflects a transitory exacerbation of pain that breaks through chronic pain (background, or persistent, or basal pain) which is controlled by around-the-clock medication (opioids). Materials and method. We assessed 107 patients treated with strong opioids (oxycodone) for baseline pain. Thirty-three patients needed the second opioid for breakthrough pain. We evaluated the pain intensity in patients who presented breakthrough pain, before and after the initiation of the treatment. Results. The patients’ distribution according to the dose of strong opioids with immediate release, per day, for breakthrough pain, was the following: morphine 20 mg – 2 patients, 40 mg – 3 patients; morphine sulphate tablets immediate release 20 mg – 3 patients, 30 mg – 1 patient, 40 mg – 21 patients, 60 mg – 1 patient, 80 mg – 1 patient; fentanyl tablets with immediate release – 1 patient. Discussion and conclusions. Basal pain lasts more than 12 hours per day and is controlled by the around-the-clock medication (opioids). The assessment of breakthrough pain is very important (physical examination, evaluation of the extent of the disease, pain history, pain intensity, temporal features, and interference with activity). Breakthrough pain has an important prevalence and a negative impact on the quality of life of cancer patients. Managing breakthrough pain leads to an improved quality of life, which has positive outcomes for patients. These outcomes will be reflected in their physical and psychological symptoms, and also in their social life.

Efficacy of standardized extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) in improving iron status of adults in malaria endemic area: A randomized controlled trial

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIndigenous community of Mkuranga district have been using aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa L. for treating anemia. However, there have been neither safety nor efficacy studies to validate this medicinal product in anemia. AimThe purpose of this study was to establish efficacy and safety of standardized aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa L. in anemic adults. Materials and methodsThis was a randomized controlled clinical trial in which 130 adults’ men and women aged 18–50 years were involved after meeting the inclusion criteria. Initially, standardized aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa L. was prepared using optimized extraction parameters. Stratified randomization was used to randomize participants into four fixed dose groups. The first group received oral dose of 1000ml while the 2nd group was randomized to receive 1500ml orally. The last two groups were given a dose of 2000ml of extract and 200mg ferrous sulphate tablet respectively. Primary endpoint was the actual change of iron status indicators at the end of 30 days follow up period as compared to those recorded at baseline. Adverse effects were assessed at every 10th day scheduled visit. In all arms, HB and hematopoietic parameters were measured using HemoCue hemoglobinometer® (HemoCue, Ängelholm, Sweden) and hematology analyzer® respectively at the trial site. Follow up was done for 30 days. A total of 82 participants were included for analysis. ResultsA standardized aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa L. did not improve iron status in anemic adults in malaria endemic region (P>0.005). However, there was evidence to support the safety of the extract for human consumptions as herbal supplement. Iron and organic acids contents of H. sabdariffa L. extract showed the potential of improving hematopoietic parameters. Studies with bigger sample size are therefore needed to establish the efficacy of the extract when concurrently used with malaria chemoprophylaxis in malaria endemic areas.

Highly Fe3+-Selective Fluorescent Nanoprobe Based on Ultrabright N/P Codoped Carbon Dots and Its Application in Biological Samples.

Measuring the levels of Fe3+ in human body has attracted considerable attention for health monitoring as it plays an essential role in many physiological processes. In this work, we reported a selective fluorescent nanoprobe for Fe3+ detection in biological samples based on ultrabright N/P codoped carbon dots. By employing adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) as the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus source, the N/P codoped carbon dots could be simply prepared through hydrothermal treatment. The obtained carbon dots exhibited high quantum yields up to 43.2%, as well as excellent photostability, low toxicity, and water solubility. Because of the Fe-O-P bonds formed between Fe3+ and the N/P codoped carbon dots, this nanoprobe showed high selectivity toward Fe3+ against various potential interfering substances in the presence of EDTA. The fluorescence quenching of as-fabricated carbon dots was observed with the increasing Fe3+ concentration, and the calibration curve displayed a wide linear region over the range of 1-150 μM with a detection limit of 0.33 μM. The satisfactory accuracy was further confirmed with the river samples and ferrous sulfate tablets, respectively. With the above outstanding properties, these N/P codoped carbon dots were successfully applied for direct detection of Fe3+ in biological samples including human blood serum and living cells. As compared to the most reported carbon dots-based Fe3+ sensors, this nanoprobe showed high fluorescence, good accuracy, and excellent selectivity, which presents the potential practical application for diagnosis of Fe3+ related disease.

Formulation and In vitro Evaluation of Oral Floating Tablets of Salbutamol Sulphate: Comparison with Effervescent Tablets

The aim of this research was to develop and evaluate gastric floating tablets of salbutamol sulphate. The oral delivery of anti-asthmatic salbutamol sulphate tablets were facilitated by preparing floating dosage form which could increase its absorption in the stomach by increasing the gastric residence time of the drug. Floating tablets were formulated by using different polymers like carbopol, xanthan gum, HPMC-K4 MCR and HPMC- K100 MCR with different proportions. A comparative study of normal effervescent tablets of salbutamol sulphate had also been done. The prepared tablets were evaluated for all their physicochemical properties and in vitro buoyancy study. In vitro dissolution studies of the formulations were done in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer using USP apparatus 2 (paddle method) at 50 rpm. Percent drug release of the formulations (F-1 to F-11) was from 87.34%- 99.12% after 12 hours. From the results, F-11 was selected as an optimized formulation based on 12 h drug release which showed minimal floating lag time and maximum floating time. On the other hand, 100% drug was released within 2 hours from the F-12 of effervescent salbutamol sulphate tablets in which polymer was absent while gas generating sodium bicarbonate and citric acid were present. The results of the study were consistent and may encourage formulating similar dosage form with other drugs.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 15(2): 203-208, 2016 (December)

Effect of Zinc Supplement on Prevention of PPROM and Improvement of some Pregnancy Outcomes in Pregnant Women with a History of PPROM: A Randomized Double -Blind Controlled Trial

Background Preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) prior to 37 weeks’ gestation is among the most common obstetrics problems, which is associated with prenatal mortality and several maternal and neonatal complications. History of PPROM is a risk factor for recurrence. Zinc has an important effect on the strength of membranes by affecting collagen [tensile] strength - a substance with immunity mechanism and antioxidant properties.Objectives This study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc supplement on the prevention of PPROM and improvement of some pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with a history of PPROM during the second trimester and the early third trimester.Methods In this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 108 healthy pregnant women (at gestational age of 16 - 30 weeks) with a history of PPROM and singleton pregnancy were selected by convenience sampling method in the Midwifery Clinic of Shahid Akbarabadi hospital in Tehran, Iran, between 2014 and 2015. They were then divided into two groups of placebo and zinc sulfate tablet (40 mg) recipient using randomized block design. In total, 92 subjects completed the study. The frequency of PPROM was regarded as the primary outcome, and frequency of PROM, average gestational age at birth, average birth weight, and average head circumference were considered as the secondary outcomes. The statistical analysis was based on intent-to-treat principle.Results There was no between-groups difference in terms of demographic and pregnancy specifications. Results showed no significant between-groups (zinc versus placebo recipient) difference (P > 0.05) in terms of the frequency of preterm pregnancy (22% versus 33.3%), frequency of PPROM (4.9% versus 11.8%), frequency of PROM (14.6% versus 17.6%), average birth weight (3192.17 g versus 3080.52 g), average gestational age at birth (38.2 weeks versus 37.2 weeks), and average head circumference at birth (34.63 cm versus 34.81 cm).Conclusions According to the results, daily intake of zinc sulfate (40 mg) by pregnant women with a history of PPROM does not contribute to the prevention of PPROM and PROM and improvement of average gestational age at birth and anthropometric measurements.

Effects of zinc and magnesium supplements on postpartum depression and anxiety: A randomized controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACTPostpartum anxiety and depression are prevalent disorders. The authors of this study aimed to determine the effects of zinc and magnesium supplements on depressive symptoms and anxiety in postpartum women referred to three governmental, educational hospitals in Tabriz, Iran during 2014–2015. In this triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, the participants were randomly assigned to the zinc sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and placebo groups (n = 33 per group). The intervention groups received a 27-mg zinc sulfate tablet or 320-mg magnesium sulfate tablet per day for 8 weeks, whereas the control group received a placebo tablet each day during the same period. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were completed before and 8 weeks after the intervention. Blood samples were drawn from each participant to determine serum levels of zinc and magnesium before intervention at 48 hours after delivery. Also, a 24-hour dietary questionnaire was used during the first and last 3 days of the intervention. Adjusting for baseline scores as well as zinc and magnesium serum levels, no significant difference was observed between groups 8 weeks after delivery in mean scores of depressive symptoms (p = .553), state anxiety (p = .995), and trait anxiety (p = .234). This study concluded magnesium and zinc did not reduce postpartum anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Evaluation of Iron Bioavailability in Caco-2 cell Culture Model: Modification of the Original Method

Background and Objectives: In the original in vitro method for evaluation of iron bioavailability using caco-2 cell model, ferritin formation by cells is considered as a functional indicator of both absorption and utilization of iron. However, as iron is measured in the tested material and then ferritin concentration is measured in caco-2 cell lysate, it is almost impossible to have a concrete measure of iron bioavailability because the percent of absorbable iron cannot be calculated by the concentration of iron in caco-2 cell lysate. To overcome this problem, the original method was modified by using ferrous sulfate tablet as a standard and also including blank well in the cell culture plate to subtract the baseline ferritin concentration from the ferritin concentration of other wells.