Development and optimization of fluoxetine orally disintegrating tablets using Box-Behnken design

Purpose: To develop and optimise some variables that influence fluoxetine orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) formulation. Methods: Fluoxetine ODTs tablets were prepared using direct compression method. Three-factor, 3- level Box-Behnken design was used to optimize and develop fluoxetine ODT formulation. The design suggested 15 formulations of different lubricant concentration (X1), lubricant mixing time (X2), and compression force (X3) and then their effect was monitored on tablet weight (Y1), thickness (Y2), hardness (Y3), % friability (Y4), and disintegration time (Y5). Results: All powder blends showed acceptable flow properties, ranging from good to excellent. The disintegration time (Y5) was affected directly by lubricant concentration (X1). Lubricant mixing time (X2) had a direct effect on tablet thickness (Y2) and hardness (Y3), while compression force (X3) had a direct impact on tablet hardness (Y3), % friability (Y4) and disintegration time (Y5). Accordingly, Box-Behnken design suggested an optimized formula of 0.86 mg (X1), 15.3 min (X2), and 10.6 KN (X3). Finally, the prediction error percentage responses of Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, and Y5 were 0.31, 0.52, 2.13, 3.92 and 3.75 %, respectively. Formula 4 and 8 achieved 90 % of drug release within the first 5 min of dissolution test. Conclusion: Fluoxetine ODT formulation has been developed and optimized successfully using Box- Behnken design and has also been manufactured efficiently using direct compression technique.

Efficient representation of texture details in medical images by fusion of Ripplet and DDCT transformed images

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the performance of Ripplet Type-1 transform and directional discrete cosine transform (DDCT) and their combinations for improved representation of MRI images while preserving its fine features such as edges along the smooth curves and textures. Methods: In a novel image representation method based on fusion of Ripplet type-1 and conventional/directional DCT transforms, source images were enhanced in terms of visual quality using Ripplet and DDCT and their various combinations. The enhancement achieved was quantified on the basis of peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), mean square error (MSE), structural content (SC), average difference (AD), maximum difference (MD), normalized cross correlation (NCC), and normalized absolute error (NAE). To determine the attributes of both transforms, these transforms were combined to represent the entire image as well. All the possible combinations were tested to present a complete study of combinations of the transforms and the contrasts were evaluated amongst all the combinations. Results: While using the direct combining method (DDCT) first and then the Ripplet method, a PSNR value of 32.3512 was obtained which is comparatively higher than the PSNR values of the other combinations. This novel designed technique gives PSNR value approximately equal to the PSNR’s of parent techniques. Along with this, it was able to preserve edge information, texture information and various other directional image features. The fusion of DDCT followed by the Ripplet reproduced the best images. Conclusion: The transformation of images using Ripplet followed by DDCT ensures a more efficient method for the representation of images with preservation of its fine details like edges and textures.

Comparative assessment of seller’s staining test (SST) and direct fluorescent antibody test for rapid and accurate laboratory diagnosis of rabies.

Background: Rabies causes 55, 000 annual human deaths globally and about 10,000 people are exposed annually in Nigeria. Diagnosis of animal rabies in most African countries has been by direct microscopic examination. In Nigeria, the Seller’s stain test (SST) was employed until 2009. Before then, both SST and dFAT were used concurrently until the dFAT became the only standard method. Objective: This study was designed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the SST in relation to the ‘gold standard’ dFAT in diagnosis of rabies in Nigeria. Methods: A total of 88 animal specimens submitted to the Rabies National Reference Laboratory, Nigeria were routinely tested for rabies by SST and dFAT. Results: Overall, 65.9% of the specimens were positive for rabies by SST, while 81.8% were positive by dFAT. The sensitivity of SST in relation to the gold standard dFAT was 81.0% (95% CIs; 69.7% - 88.6%), while the specificity was 100% (95% CIs; 76% - 100%). Conclusion: The relatively low sensitivity of the SST observed in this study calls for its replacement with the dFAT for accurate diagnosis of rabies and timely decisions on administration of PEP to prevent untimely deaths of exposed humans.

Antimicrobial and bond strength properties of a dental adhesive containing zinc oxide nanoparticles

Aim: To assess the effect of adding zinc oxide nanoparticles to dental adhesives on their anti-microbial and bond strength properties. Methods: 45 human premolars were cut at the cement enamel junction (CEJ) and the crowns were sliced into buccal and lingual halves. The specimens were classified into three groups, etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s and rinsed for 30 s. Single Bond, Single Bond+5% zinc oxide and Single Bond+10% zinc oxide were used in the first, second and third groups. A cylinder of Z250 composite was bonded and cured for 40 s. For anti-bacterial testing, 10 samples of each group were assessed by direct contact test; 10 μL of bacterial suspension was transferred into tubes containing adhesives and incubated for one hour; 300 μL of brain heart infusion (BHI) broth was added to each tube and after 12 h, 50 μL of bacteria and broth were spread on blood agar plates and incubated for 24 h. Results: The colony count decreased significantly in the second and third groups compared to the first. Conclusions: Incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles into dental adhesives increases their anti-microbial properties without affecting their bond strength.