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Evaluation of SterculiaUrens Gum as Novel Carrier for Oral Colon Targeted Drug Delivery System

Abstract:

The purpose of the research is to evaluate Sterculiaurens gum as a carrier for oral colon targeted drug delivery system. Sterculia gum has been reported to have wide pharmaceutical applications such as tablet binder, disintegrant, gelling agent and as a controlled release polymer, but it has not been exploited as colon targeting carrier. For evaluation as a carrier for colonic delivery of drugs characterization of gum was done. Microflora degradation studies of gum were conducted in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) pH 7.4 containing rat caecal content under anaerobic environment. Solubility, swelling index, viscosity and pH of the polymer solution were determined. Different formulation aspects considered were: gum concentration (10–40%), concentration of citric acid (10–30 %) on swelling index and in-vitro drug release. The results of the isothermal stress testing (IST) shows no degradation of samples of model ...

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Sotos Syndrome, Isolated Left Ventricular Non Compaction Cardiomyopathy and Ventricular Pre Excitation: A Case Report.

Abstract:

We report the case of a 22 year-old-male patient affected by Sotos syndrome was preoperatively and urgently evaluated for tracheal stent implantation due to respiratory insufficiency caused by idiopathic tracheal stenosis.

Rest electrocardiogram detected a ventricular pre excitation; a transthoracic echocardiography showed a classic pattern fulfilling criteria for isolated left ventricular non compaction. At the best of our knowledge this is the first report of a patient suffering from Sotos syndrome and simultaneously affected by isolated left ventricular non compaction and ventricular pre excitation.

...

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Late Age at Menarche Increased Common Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness in Overweight and Obese Women

Abstract:

Objective:

To determine whether age at menarche is an independent predictor of common carotid artery intima-media thickness in overweight and obese adult women.

Methods:

403 overweight and obese women, aged 18–72 years, were evaluated. We examined the associations among common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT), age at menarche, body mass index, central fat accumulation (indirectly measured by waist circumference), and other well-known cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure; fasting serum insulin, glucose and lipids concentrations; insulin resistance (estimated by homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance)).

Results:

CCA-IMT was significantly and positively correlated with age (r=0.632, p<0.00...

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Sport Activities as a Vehicle for HIV/ AIDS Prevention in Trinidad and Tobago: Organizer’s Perspectives

Abstract:

Various sporting activities are being used as vehicles for HIV/AIDS education and prevention within the field of sport-for-development (SFD). Kicking AIDS Out! is one SFD program that aims to promote protective attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS amongst youth. This study explored organizers’ perspectives of the use of sporting activities in the Kicking AIDS Out! program in Trinidad and Tobago. Qualitative case study methodology was used to examine the case. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews with seven organizers who were Kicking AIDS Out! staff or volunteer members. Thematic analysis guided data analysis. Generated themes include: Sport to Draw, There’s Something for Everyone, the Emotional Wow, and Beyond Sports. These themes illuminate the idea that sport captivates and attracts youth, and illustrate the use of sport activities to promote engagement in the program as they are tailored to the sk...

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Socio-Economic and Demographic Pattern of HIV Occurrence Amongst Attendees in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India.

Abstract:

Objective:

Toanalyze the socio-economic pattern amongst HIV patients in eastern and north-eastern India as measured by different parameters such as educational status, wealth, marital status, sexual behaviour.

Methods:

This study involved 650 HIV seropositive individuals enrolled in a HIV Apex Clinic in a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata, India during 2006 to 2011. Socio-demographic data were obtained while keeping the names of HIV seropositive individual’s names confidential. HIV testing was done according to the guidelines of NACO, India. Diagnoses of different common opportunistic infections were also done.

Results:

Out of the 650 individuals, 53% reported to have presenting symptoms of low grade fever, 21% had weight l...

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Vascular Damage in Newly Diagnosed Young Hypertensive Patients, Assessed by Carotid Intima Media Thickness: An Indian Perspective

Abstract:

Background:

Western studies have shown that hypertension increases carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) as early as in childhood and adolescence. However, similar data from India is lacking. Indians have different genetic, racial, geographic, cultural and dietary patterns. Hence a similar trend may not be experienced among young Indian subjects.

Methods:

46 young cases (age 16 – 35 years) of hypertension were recruited along with age, sex and BMI matched controls. Patients with body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2, diabetes mellitus and secondary causes of hypertension were ruled out. All patients underwent carotid ultrasonography for assessment of cIMT.

Results:

Mean age and BMI of cases was 25.4 years and 20.89 kg...

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Relationship Between Awareness of HIV/AIDS and Attitudes of Secondary School Students to Premarital HIV Counseling and Testing in Zaria, Northern Nigeria

Abstract:

Background:

In Nigeria HIV infection is transmitted mainly through heterosexual route, affecting mostly individuals within reproductive age groups. As a result, HIV/AIDS education is advocated as a strong component of family and reproductive health education in the school curriculum which should emphasize responsible sexual behavior, premarital chastity and protective sexual practice.

Aims/ Objectives:

To evaluate student’s knowledge of HIV/AIDS, premarital HCT, and reactions to possible discordant HCT results.

Methods:

Cross sectional questionnaire-based study of 600 students in 6 schools in Zaria/Sabon Gari LGAs. Exclusion criteria: students aged ≤13 years, married, in JSS 1-3, SS1.

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Rhabdomyolysis in a HIV-infected Patient Following the Addition of Raltegravir, A Case Report with Review of the Literature

Abstract:

Antiretrovirals have traditionally been associated with much toxicity. Newer antiretrovirals are considered much less toxic relative to older antiretrovirals. Upon its FDA-approval in 2009, raltegravir’s adverse drug reaction profile was found to be similar to placebo. However, recently there have been reports of increased creatine kinase and rhabdomyolysis following the initiation of raltegravir. We describe a 52-year-old, African-American man who developed rhabdomyolysis after starting raltegravir for HIV. Rhabdomyolysis resolved upon discontinuation of raltegravir. Use of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale indicated a probable relationship (score of 6). Although raltegravir is a well-tolerated antiretroviral, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of rhabdomyolysis when prescribing this medication.

...

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Cardiac Mechanics in Patients with Systemic Hypertension with Normal EF: A Speckle - Strain Imaging Study

Abstract:

Background:

Conventional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) are usually unable to reveal very early subtle abnormalities in left ventricular (LV) systolic function caused by hypertension, prior to manifestation of hypertrophy (LVH). This study was undertaken to assess whether speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) provides more insight into early hypertension induced LV systolic dysfunction, with the purpose of identifying patients at higher risk for heart failure (HF).

Methods:

Fifty patients (54.16 ± 8.4 years) and 50 controls (52.17 ± 8.6 years) were enrolled. According to the presence or absence of LVH, patients were classified as LVH(+) and LVH(–), respectively. Global longitudinal function was calculated by TDI, global strains (longitudinal (LS), radial (RS), and circu...

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Update and Expansion of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Program Archive (HAPPA)

Abstract:

Established in 1996 with funding from CDC and NIH, the HIV/AIDS Prevention Program Archive (HAPPA) is now the biggest private sector collection of HIV-related evidence-based behavioral interventions (EBIs). Each EBI in HAPPA has been determined by a distinguished Scientist Expert Panel to have demonstrated efficacy in preventing HIV or its risk-related behaviors in the United States. The multimedia replications kits contain everything that a new site would need to implement an EBI such as a user guide that gives an overview of the program and the evidence of its effectiveness; a facilitator’s manual that gives step-by-step implementation protocols for each session; and session implementation materials referenced in the facilitator's manual such as slides, video clips, participant handouts, activity masters, checklists, and homework assignments for the next session. The program packages also contain evaluation materials such as surveys and questionnaires that we...

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