Introduction: Methadone hydrochloride (MDN) is an effective pharmacological substitution treatment for opioids dependence, adopted in different countries as methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programmes. However, MDN can exacerbate the addiction problem if it is abused and injected intravenously, and the frequent visits to the MMT centres can reduce patient compliance. The overall aim of this study is to develop a novel extended-release capsule of MDN using the sol-gel silica (SGS) technique that has the potential to counteract medication-tampering techniques and associated health risks and reduce the frequent visits to MMT centres. Methods: For MDN recrystallisation, a closed container method (CCM) and hot-stage method (HSM) were conducted, and MDN crystals were characterised using the polarised light microscope (PLM). MDN crystal thickness was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy (CM) to establish a relationship between MDN crystals thickness and their birefringence colours using the Michel-Levy Birefringence Colour Chart. The experimental series was continued to produce novel silica-based MDN formulations A and B capsules by adding MDN powder at the end and beginning of the SGS process, respectively. The silica-based MDN formulations were characterised by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), SEM, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), PLM and mean grey value (MGV) analyses. The in vitro release studies (n=3) for the silica-based MDN formulations and pure MDN capsules were conducted in a phosphate buffer solution (pH= 7.2) for 7 days. Stability studies were conducted for 1 month by keeping the silica-based MDN capsules under 25°C and 57% RH. Results: The optimal method to produce large numbers of MDN crystals was the CCM, and MDN crystals were characterised as diamond shaped with an intrinsic angle of 62o. The SEM surpassed the CM in measuring MDN crystal thickness, and Mann-Whitney U Test showed statistically significant differences between SEM and confocal thickness measurements (U= 1283, p < 0.05) as the SEM exhibited thinner diamond crystals (6.62 ± 2.9 µm) than the CM measurements (9.6 ± 4.6µm). According to the Michel-Levey birefringence colour chart (using the SEM mean thickness of MDN crystals and their retardation value of 428 nm), most of MDN crystals demonstrated a yellow colour. The FT-IR, SEM, DSC, MGV and PLM analyses of both silica-based MDN formulations revealed that MDN was successfully incorporated inside the silica network producing amorphous material (with no appearance of the melting peak of pure MDN at 233.4°C) with evidence of no physical or chemical interaction between sol-gel silica and MDN. However, the TGA analysis revealed a significantly greater amount of MDN was loaded inside the silica-based MDN formulation B compared to A (t = 2.80, p = 0.009, n=6), as 28.3 ± 0.6 mg of MDN was loaded in the former while 25.6 ± 0.7 mg in the latter. In addition, the silica-based MDN formulation B released 10% more MDN after 7 days than formulation A, and both formulations were stable when stored for 1 month under 57% RH and 25°C. Conclusion: The novel combined use of SEM and PLM techniques shows a potential for the identification of MDN in forensic science as it established a range of birefringence colours of MDN crystals. Moreover, the new silica-based MDN formulation B can help to deter MDN abuse and increase patient adherence to MMT due to its potential to sustain MDN release and reduce the frequent visits to MDN treatment centres.
Fuzzy numbers are used in various fields such as fuzzy process methods, decision control theory, problems involving decision making, and systematic reasoning. Fuzzy systems, including fuzzy set theory. In this paper, pentagonal fuzzy variables (PFV) are used to formulate linear programming problems (LPP). Here, we will concentrate on an approach to addressing these issues that uses the simplex technique (SM). Linear programming problems (LPP) and linear programming problems (LPP) with pentagonal fuzzy numbers (PFN) are the two basic categories into which we divide these issues. The focus of this paper is to find the optimal solution (OS) for LPP with PFN on the objective function (OF) and right-hand side. New ranking f
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In this article, a new deterministic primality test for Mersenne primes is presented. It also includes a comparative study between well-known primality tests in order to identify the best test. Moreover, new modifications are suggested in order to eliminate pseudoprimes. The study covers random primes such as Mersenne primes and Proth primes. Finally, these tests are arranged from the best to the worst according to strength, speed, and effectiveness based on the results obtained through programs prepared and operated by Mathematica, and the results are presented through tables and graphs.
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Verapamil Hydrochloride (VH) has been determined spectrophotometrically by using Methyl Orange (MO). In our previous researches MO was used for determination of Mexiletine Hydrochloride [1]. The method was based on complexation between (MO and VH). After shaking and diluting the complex solution with D.W, the pH was adjusted with NaOH and HCl to pH 4. The colored complex formed between VH and the reagents were transferred into separating funnels and extracted using 4.5 ml CH2Cl2 and were shaken for (4 minutes). The extracted organic layer was used for the preparation of the calibration curves for spectrophotometric measurements of VH at 437nm. The blanks were carried out in exactly the same way throughout the whol
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Four batches of sertraline HCl microspheres were prepared using a poly (D-L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymer ( Mw. 9, 27, 30 and 83 KDa) as a delivery system. The microspheres were prepared by a dispersion/solvent extraction-evaporation method and characterized for drug loading by UV, particle size by laser diffractometry and surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in vitro sertraline HCl release was studied. Spherical microspheres with a mean diameter of 21 to 26 µm loaded with 24.6 – 38.2% were produced. The in vitro drug release was shown to be depend on polymer molecular weight and also on the drug loading. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to investigate the physical state
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Statement of the Problem. The use of orthodontic fixed appliances may adversely affect oral health leading to demineralizing lesions and the development of gingival problems. Aims of the Study. The study aimed to coat orthodontic archwires with chlorhexidine hexametaphosphate nanoparticles (CHX-HMP NPs) and to evaluate the elusion of CHX from CHX-HMP NPs. Materials and Methods. A solution of CHX-HMP nanoparticles with an overall concentration of 5 mM for both CHX and HMP was prepared, characterized (using atomic force microscope and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy), and used to coat orthodontic stainless steel (SSW) and NiTi archwires (NiTiW). The coated segments were characterized (using scanning electron microscopy
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New membrane electrodes for determination of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride were prepared depending on ciprofloxacin hydrochloride - phosphotungstic acid (CFH-PT) as an active material and these electrodes were made with three plasticizers: Di-octylphenylphosphonate(DOPH), Di-butyl phosphate (DBP)Tri-n-butyl phosphate(TBP), in PVC matrix. One of the ciprofloxacin electrodes was gave Nernstian slope equal to 57.21 mV/ decade for DOPH membrane with concentration range from 1.5×10-5 to1.0×10-1 M, and detection limit equal to 1.5×10-6 M .Lifetime was 93 days. Non- Nernstian responses equal to 39.40 and 30.70 mV/ decade for membranes DBP, TBP, respectively. These electrodes were gave concentration range from 1.0× 10-5 to 1.0×10-2 and from 4.0
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Nimodipine (NMD) is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker useful for the prevention and treatment of delayed ischemic effects. It belongs to class ? drugs, which is characterized by low solubility and high permeability. This research aimed to prepare Nimodipine nanoparticles (NMD NPs) for the enhancement of solubility and dissolution rate. The formulation of nanoparticles was done by the solvent anti-solvent technique using either magnetic stirrer or bath sonicator for maintaining the motion of the antisolvent phase. Five different stabilizers were used to prepare NMD NPs( TPGS, Soluplus®, HPMC E5, PVP K90, and poloxamer 407). The selected formula F2, in which Soluplus
has been utilized as a stabilizer, has a par
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An inert matrix that is used to control the release of (PTX) was prepared using Eudragit RL100 and RSPM types as matrix forming agent . The matrices were prepared by either dry granulation(slugging) , or wet granulation method using chloroform as a solvent evaporation vehichle. The cumulative release was adjusted by using polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP) or ethylcellulose (EC) polymers .The results indicated that both methods of preparation were valid for incorporation PTX as a sustained release granules .Moreover ,the results revealed that best polymer used was Eudragit RSPM in 3:20 polymer drug ratio .Besides to that , the results indicated that the release profiles were affected by pH- medium&
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