Biomedical subjects

K H Yuen

Publications and source records attributed to K H Yuen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Drug-polymer mixed coating: a new approach for controlling drug release rates in pellets.

A new approach to developing a drug-polymer mixed coat for highly water-soluble diltiazem pellets was investigated at different coating levels. Drug layering and the coating procedures were performed using a bottom spray fluidized bed coater. Drug pellets were coated with Eudragit NE40 (NE40) alone and in combination with diltiazem and hydrophilic cellulose derivatives. Dissolution studies revealed that incorporation of hydrophilic substances such as methylcellulose (MC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and the drug itself considerably increased the release rates. The release from mixed polymer coatings was fast compared to pellets coated with NE40 only. The major portion of the drug was released in about 2 hours in case of MC and NE40 mixed coat compared to hours from coated pellets containing HPMC or diltiazem. Incorporation of 15% to 25% drug with respect to the polymer coat helped to achieve a drug-release profile at a desirable rate over a 12 hour period. Moreover, the test formulation comprising 25% diltiazem with respect to 7% NE40 had a dissolution profile that matched the commercial product, Herbesser SR capsules. The release of diltiazem from the coated pellets was slightly affected by the pH of dissolution media.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2005

Significance of lipid matrix aging on in vitro release and in vivo bioavailability.

A polyglycolised glyceride carrier, Gelucire 50/13, was incorporated with paracetamol as a model drug, filled into hard gelatin capsules and stored at three different temperatures for various lengths of time. The resultant solidified matrix within the capsule was subjected to thermal analysis using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to ascertain its supramolecular structure. Polymorphic transformations towards more stable gelucire forms were observed upon aging the matrices, with samples stored at a temperature near the melting range of the lower temperature gelucire melting fraction showing the most profound changes. The increase in the rate of drug release from aged samples could be correlated to the alterations to the supramolecular structure of the gelucire. Accelerated drug release from aged samples could also be seen from in vivo studies using healthy human volunteers, although the extent of absorption was not affected. Therefore, even though the sustainability of release may be compromised by aging the gelucire matrices, the bioavailability of the incorporated drug is unlikely to be affected.

Acetaminophen↗

PubMed2005

Student learning in clinical nursing education: perceptions of the relationship between assessment and learning.

There is a wealth of literature demonstrating that clinical nursing education is an important part of the baccalaureate programme in preparing students for entry into the nursing profession. While much attention has been given to the factors that can affect learning outcomes in the clinical environment, student and teacher perceptions of the relationship between assessment and learning has remained an under-researched area. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions about what students learned and how they learned during their clinical practicum, and to examine the role played by assessment in influencing student learning. Data were collected through a series of focus group interviews with groups of nursing students, graduates, and teachers. It was revealed that students' learning during the clinical practicum was, to a large extent, affected by their perceptions of the assessment tasks. As a result, they adopted a surface approach to learning and focused on preparing for the assessment tasks to the detriment of their learning. Assessment, in this study, exerted what has been described as a negative "backwash" effect on learning. Since assessment may also foster student learning in a positive way, suggestions are offered as to what can be done to bring about a positive "backwash" effect.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed2005

Eudragit NE40-drug mixed coating system for controlling drug release of core pellets.

This study was aimed at developing a controlled-release coating system around core pellets with aqueous dispersion, along with some water channeling agents. Core pellets of diltiazem were prepared using the extrusion-spheronization technique and subsequently coated with aqueous dispersion of Eudragit NE40 alone, or drug-polymer mixtures using bottom-spray fluidized bed coater. The lag time in drug release profiles increased as the coating levels of Eudragit NE40 were increased, whereas no lag time was observed in core pellets coated with drug-polymer mixtures. Mixed coating at the 7% level exhibited comparatively better release profiles and provided desirable release rates during the 12-hour testing interval. Diltiazem HCl release from mixed coating was fairly independent of pH and drug loading. Curing of coated pellets was found to be an essential step for stable drug release profiles. The selection of core size range had remarkable effect on drug release rate and was considerably reduced by using greater core size.

Calcium Channel Blockers↗

PubMed2005

Gastrointestinal transit monitoring and absorption of controlled-release pellets of diltiazem.

The gastrointestinal (GI) transit and absorption of a multiparticulate controlled-release diltiazem formulation were investigated with reference to an innovator preparation. Transit of controlled-release pellets in GI tract was monitored using two marker drugs, namely paracetamol and sulfasalazine. Both formulations had little intersubject variation in gastric emptying and small intestine transit time. In both formulations, about 51% to 64% of the drug was absorbed while pellets were in the small intestine and the remaining amount while in the colon. The results found in this study were comparable to the other workers who used gamma scintigraphy or indirect method. Therefore, the method used in this study is a reliable alternative for studying GI transit of pellets.

Acetaminophen↗

PubMed2004

Comparative bioavailability study of a generic sustained release diclofenac sodium tablet.

The bioavailability of a generic diclofenac sodium sustained release tablet preparation (Zolterol, SR) was compared with the innovator product, Voltaren, SR. Twelve healthy adult male volunteers participated in the study, which was conducted according to a randomized, two-way crossover design with a wash out period of one week. The bioavailability of diclofenac was compared using the parameters area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0-infinity)), peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax). No statistically significant difference was observed for both logarithmically transformed AUC(0-infinity), Cmax values and Tmax value of the two preparations.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

An investigation into the structure and bioavailability of alpha-tocopherol dispersions in Gelucire 44/14.

In this investigation we describe the preparation, physical characterisation and in vivo behaviour of solid dispersions of a liquid nutraceutical, alpha-tocopherol, in Gelucire 44/14 with a view to establishing whether dispersion in this matrix may provide a means of formulating a liquid drug in a solid dosage form while also improving the oral bioavailability. Using Vitamin E Preparation USP as the source of alpha-tocopherol, dispersions were prepared using a melt-fusion method with active loadings up to 50% (w/w) and characterised using differential scanning calorimetry and optical microscopy. Capsules containing 300 IU alpha-tocopherol were manufactured and the absorption profiles compared to a commercial soft gelatin capsule preparation in healthy human volunteers. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) studies were performed in order to elucidate the mechanism by which drug release may be occurring. Differential scanning calorimetry studies indicated that the presence of the active had a negligible effect on the melting profile of the carrier, indicating limited miscibility between the two components, a conclusion supported by the microscopy studies. Similarly, the dispersions were shown to exhibit a glass transition corresponding to the incorporated drug, indicating molecular cooperativity and hence phase separation from the lipid base. Despite the phase separation, it was noted that capsules stored for 18 months under ambient conditions showed no evidence of leakage. Bioavailability studies in six healthy male volunteers indicated that the Gelucire 44/14 formulation showed an approximately two-fold increase in total alpha-tocopherol absorption compared to the commercial preparation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy studies indicated that, on contact with water, the dispersions formed two interfacial layers, from which the Gelucire 44/14 disperses in the liquid medium as small particles. Furthermore, evidence was obtained for the dispersed material becoming incorporated into the hydrated lipid. In conclusion, the dispersion of the liquid drug in Gelucire 44/14 appears to allow the dual advantages of the preparation of a solid formulation and improved bioavailability of this material.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Inclusion complexation of artemisinin with alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins.

The present study was conducted to investigate the inclusion complexation of artemisinin (ART) with natural cyclodextrins (CyD), namely alpha-, beta-, and gamma-CyDs with the aim of improving its solubility and dissolution rate. Complex formation in aqueous solution and solid state was studied by solubility analysis, dissolution, and thermal analysis. Solubility diagrams indicated that the complexation of ART and the three CyDs occurred at a molar ratio of 1:1, and showed a remarkable increase in ART solubility. Moreover, the thermodynamic parameters calculated by using the van't Hoff equation revealed that the complexation process was associated with negative enthalpy of formation and occurred spontaneously. The complexation capability of CyDs with ART increased in the order of alpha- < gamma- < beta-CyDs and could be ascribed to the structural compatibility between the molecular size of ART and the diameter of the CyD cavities. Dissolution profiles of the three complexes demonstrated an increased rate and extent of dissolution compared with those of their respective physical mixtures and a commercial preparation. In solid-state analysis, using differential scanning calorimetry, the gamma-CyD was capable of complexing the highest percentage of ART, followed by beta- and alpha-CyDs. The respective estimated percentage of ART complexed by the CyDs were 85%, 40%, and 12%.

Artemisinins↗

PubMed2003

Therapeutic equivalence of a low dose artemisinin formulation in falciparum malaria patients.

We have evaluated the therapeutic equivalence of a beta-cyclodextrin-artemisinin complex at an artemisinin dose of 150 mg, with a commercial reference preparation, Artemisinin 250 at a recommended dose of 250 mg. One hundred uncomplicated falciparum malarial patients were randomly assigned to orally receive either beta-cyclodextrin-artemisinin complex (containing 150 mg artemisinin) twice daily for five days or the active comparator (containing 250 mg artemisinin) twice daily for five days. The patients were hospitalized for seven days and were required to attend follow up assessments on days 14, 21, 28 and 35. All patients in both treatment groups were cured of the infection and achieved therapeutic success. At day seven of treatment, all patient blood was clear of the parasites and the sublingual temperature of all patients was less than 37.5 degrees C. Moreover, the parasite clearance time in both treatment groups was similar, being approximately three days after initiation of treatment. Comparable plasma artemisinin concentrations were observed between patients in both treatment groups at 1.5 and 3.0 h, although slightly higher levels were obtained with patients in the beta-cyclodextrin-artemisinin complex-treated group. The beta-cyclodextrin-artemisinin complex at a dose of 150 mg artemisinin was therapeutically equivalent to 250 mg Artemisinin 250. Additionally, patients receiving beta-cyclodextrin-artemisinin complex showed less variability in their plasma artemisinin concentrations at 1.5 h post-dosing, which suggested a more consistent rate of drug absorption.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Improved oral bioavailability of artemisinin through inclusion complexation with beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins.

The bioavailability of beta- and gamma-cyclodextrin artemisinin complexes was evaluated in comparison with a normal commercially available preparation, Artemisinin 250. Twelve healthy male volunteers participated in the study conducted according to a three-way crossover design. The bioavailability was compared using the parameters, total area under the plasma level-time curve (AUC(0-infinity)), peak plasma concentration (C(max)), and time to reach peak plasma concentration (T(max)). A statistically significant difference was observed between the values of the complexes and Artemisinin 250 for the three parameters. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the values of the beta- and gamma-cyclodextrin complexes. Moreover, the 90% confidence interval for the ratio of the AUC(0-infinity) values of the beta-cyclodextrin complex over those of Artemisinin 250 was estimated to be between 1.51-2.04, while that of C(max) was between 1.73-2.93. For the gamma-cyclodextrin complex, the respective intervals were 1.30-1.76 and 1.43-2.43. These findings indicated that the beta- and gamma-cyclodextrin complexes had a much higher rate and extent of bioavailability compared to Artemisinin 250. In addition, the absorption of artemisinin was observed to be poor and negligible when the preparations started to arrive in the colon. This could be attributed to poor dissolution of artemisinin in the semi-solid faecal matter in the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Improved high performance liquid chromatographic analysis of omeprazole in human plasma.

A simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of omeprazole in human plasma. Omeprazole and the internal standard, chloramphenicol, were extracted from alkalinized plasma samples using dichloromethane. The mobile phase was 0.05 M Na2HPO4-ACN (65:35, v/v) adjusted to pH 6.5. Analysis was run at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min at a detection wavelength of 302 nm. The method was specific and sensitive with a detection limit of 2.5 ng/ml at a signal-to-noise ratio of 4:1. The limit of quantification was set at 5 ng/ml. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 5-1280 ng/ml. Mean recovery value of the extraction procedure was about 96%, while the within and between day coefficient of variation and percent error values of the assay method were all less than 14%.

Chloramphenicol↗

PubMed2001

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienols under different food status.

We have investigated the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienols under fed and fasted conditions in eight healthy volunteers. The volunteers were administered a single oral dose of mixed tocotrienols (300 mg) under fed or fasted conditions. The bioavailability of tocotrienols under the two conditions was compared using the parameters peak plasma concentration (Cmax), time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) and total area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(o-infinity)). A statistically significant difference was observed between the fed and fasted logarithmic transformed values of Cmax (P < 0.01) and AUC(0-infinity) (P < 0.01) for all three tocotrienols. In addition, the 90% confidence intervals for the ratio of the logarithmic transformed AUC(0-infinity) values of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienols under the fed state over those of the fasted state were found to lie between 2.24-3.40, 2.05-4.09 and 1.59-3.81, respectively, while those of the Cmax were between 2.28-4.39, 2.31-5.87 and 1.52-4.05, respectively. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the fed and fasted Tmax values of the three homologues. The mean apparent elimination half-life (t(1/2)) of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienols was estimated to be 4.4, 4.3 and 2.3 h, respectively, being between 4.5- to 8.7-fold shorter than that reported for alpha-tocopherol. No statistically significant difference was observed between the fed and fasted t(1/2) values. The mean apparent volume of distribution (Vd/f) values under the fed state were significantly smaller than those of the fasted state, which could be attributed to increased absorption of the tocotrienols in the fed state.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2001

Estimated coefficient of variation values for sample size planning in bioequivalence studies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present communication is to provide information regarding the intrasubject coefficent of variation obtained from 30 bioequivalence studies covering 16 drugs which can be used for estimation of sample size. Additionally, an attempt was also made to estimate the test power of each of the studies conducted. METHODS: The intrasubject coefficient of variation was estimated from the residual mean square error obtained from analysis of variance of the parameters AUC0-infinity, Cmax and Cmax/AUC0-infinity after logarithmic transformation. The test power in the analyses of the above parameters was subsequently estimated using nomograms provided by Diletti et al. [1991]. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Thirty products covering 16 drugs were studied in which 22 were immediate-release (including one dispersible tablet) and 8 were sustained-release formulations. The intrasubject coefficient of variation for the parameter AUC0-infinity was smaller than Cmax, and hence considerably more studies were able to attain a power of greater than 80% using 12 volunteers for the AUC0-infinity, compared to the Cmax. However, the variability in the Cmax could be reduced by using the parameter Cmax/ AUC0-infinity, and thus, provide a more realistic estimation of sample size, since the latter reflects only the rate of absorption and not both the rate and extent as in the case of Cmax [Endrenyi et al. 1991].

Absorption↗

PubMed2000

Formulation variables affecting drug release from xanthan gum matrices at laboratory scale and pilot scale.

The purpose of this research was to study processing variables at the laboratory and pilot scales that can affect hydration rates of xanthan gum matrices containing diclofenac sodium and the rate of drug release. Tablets from the laboratory scale and pilot scale proceedings were made by wet granulation. Swelling indices of xanthan gum formulations prepared with different amounts of water were measured in water under a magnifying lens. Granules were thermally treated in an oven at 60 degrees C, 70 degrees C, and 80 degrees C to study the effects of elevated temperatures on drug release from xanthan gum matrices. Granules from the pilot scale formulations were bulkier compared to their laboratory scale counterparts, resulting in more porous, softer tablets. Drug release was linear from xanthan gum matrices prepared at the laboratory scale and pilot scales; however, release was faster from the pilot scales. Thermal treatment of the granules did not affect the swelling index and rate of drug release from tablets in both the pilot and laboratory scale proceedings. On the other hand, the release from both proceedings was affected by the amount of water used for granulation and the speed of the impeller during granulation. The data suggest that processing variables that affect the degree of wetness during granulation, such as increase in impeller speed and increase in amount of water used for granulation, also may affect the swelling index of xanthan gum matrices and therefore the rate of drug release.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗

PubMed2000

Improved high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of terazosin in human plasma.

A simple, sensitive and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the determination of terazosin in human plasma. The method involves a one-step single solvent extraction procedure using dichloromethane with a 0.25 ml plasma sample. Recovery values were all greater than 90% over the concentration range 0.25-100 ng/ml. Terazosin was found to adsorb to glass or plastic tubes, but this could be circumvented by using disposable plastic tubes. Also, rinsing the injector port with methanol after each injection helped to prevent any carry-over effect. The internal standard, prazosin, did not exhibit this problem. The method has a quantification limit of 0.25 ng/ml. The within- and between-day coefficient of variation and accuracy values were all less than 7% over the concentration range 0.25-100 ng/ml and hence the method is suitable for use in pharmacokinetic studies of terazosin.

Calibration↗

PubMed2000

Gamma-scintigraphic study of the gastrointestinal transit and in vivo dissolution of a controlled release diclofenac sodium formulation in xanthan gum matrices.

A xanthan gum matrix controlled release tablet formulation containing diclofenac sodium was evaluated in vitro and was found to release the drug at a uniform rate. The gastrointestinal transit behaviour of the formulation as determined by gamma scintigraphy, using healthy male volunteers under fasted and fed conditions, indicated that gastric emptying was delayed with food intake. In contrast, the small intestinal transit remained practically unchanged under both food statuses. Therefore, the delay in caecal arrival observed in the fed state can be attributed to the delay in gastric emptying. Rate of diclofenac sodium absorption was generally higher in the fed state compared to the fasted state, however the total amount absorbed under both food statuses remained practically the same. The rate of in vivo dissolution of the drug in the fed state was faster compared to that in the fasted state. Thus, at the time of caecal arrival, in vivo dissolution was complete in the fed state, unlike in the fasted state, where almost 60% of the drug was delivered to the colon.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Improved bioavailability of vitamin E with a self emulsifying formulation.

A single dose study was conducted to evaluate the bioavailability of a novel self-emulsifying vitamin E preparation, in comparison with that of a commercial product, Natopherol, available as soft gelatin capsules under fasted condition. The self-emulsifying preparation achieved a faster rate and higher extent of absorption. A statistically significant difference was observed between the values of the two preparations in the parameters AUC, Cmax and Tmax. Moreover, the 90% confidence interval of the logarithmic transformed AUC values of the self-emulsifying preparation over those of the soft gelatin capsule product was found to be between 2.1 and 4.1, suggesting an increase in bioavailability of between 210 and 410%. As for Cmax, the 90% confidence interval was between 2.1 and 3.0. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the t(1/2) values estimated from the plasma concentration versus time data of the two preparations. The values are also comparable to those reported in the literature.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Possible mechanism for drug retardation from glyceryl monostearate matrix system.

Lipophilicity was evaluated as a possible mechanism for drug retardation from a glyceryl monostearate matrix system. Lipophilicity of the glyceryl monostearate matrix system was studied using contact angle measurement of water droplets on the surface of compressed disks, extrudate ascension of water, and movement of water through a powder mixture packed in a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) column. Increase in glyceryl monostearate content resulted in an increase in water droplet contact angle, decrease in the rate of water ascending the extrudate, and increase in the pressure values as a function of flow rate of water moving through the powder mixture. These could be due to the increase in lipophilicity of the matrix, rendering the matrix less wettable. As a result, the rate of water penetration into the matrix decreased, and the drug release could be sustained.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗