Chitosan ionically cross-linked with tripolyphosphate at regulated temperatures (25°C, 40°C, and 50°C) and varying cross-linking times (30 min, 2 h and 4 h respectively) was used to form microparticles employed in the encapsulation of pyrimethamine, an antiprotozoal drug. The yields, equilibrium moisture contents, percentage concentration, swelling characteristics, entrapment efficiency, release properties, infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry of the formulated microparticles were evaluated. The yield of microparticles produced ranged from 0.3515 to 0.7749 g per 100 ml of cross linking solution. The products possessed relatively little amounts of moisture (0.22 − 3.04 % w/v). The entrapment efficiencies ranged from 25.55 to 99 % with the product formed at ambient temperature and cross linking time of 30 min possessing the highest efficiency. The swelling kinetics on the microcapsules revealed that all the products swelled in the various pH media following mainly anomalous sorption mechanism with a few diffusion controlled mechanism. The greatest swellings however occurred at the swelling medium of pH 1 while the least swelling occurred at pH 7. Spectral and differential scanning calorimetric properties of the chitosan used in the study were consistent with those of standard chitosan. The infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry of the products confirmed that encapsulation actually occurred with the spectral characters of the products differing from those of the parent constituents (chitosan, tripolyphosphate and pyrimethamine). Based on these factors, tripolyphosphate cross-linked chitosan microparticles present a suitable matrix for the controlled release of pyrimethamine.

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Background: Significant benefit from involving community pharmacists in diabetes management has been demonstrated. This study was undertaken to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacists to diabetes care in Tripoli, Libya. Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty six conveniently selected community pharmacists were surveyed by 2 questionnaires. The first documented the available services and pharmacists' perceived role in diabetes care. The second evaluated the pharmacists' diabetes knowledge based on a validated 23 item questionnaire, the “Arabic Short Diabetes Knoledge Test” (ASDKT). Results: The survey demonstrated inconsistent supply of different diabetic medications. Insulin was not available throughout most of the pharmacies, whereas Sulphonylureas and Metformin were more readily available. Urine and blood glucose testing strips and glucose meters were available irregularly in about half of the pharmacies. The role of pharmacists in diabetes care was mainly viewed as supply and dispensing, dispensing and instruction and help and support. Diabetes educational activities offered by the pharmacists included providing information on availability of diabetes-related items, counseling on the use of drugs, instruction on use of glucose meters and answering general questions about diabetes. The information provided was rated as good and adequate by almost three quarters of the participants. The median ASDKT's overall score for all questions was 16/23. General diabetes information score was 9/15 and for insulin therapy-specific questions was 7/8. The sources of information used in diabetic education were books and journals, through learning from colleagues, product literature and attending lectures were thought to be helpful. Pharmacists were prepared to enhance their education by meetings and lectures, Journals and books, audiotapes and self-education. Conclusions: Community pharmacists offer a readily accessible potential resource for diabetes education. Our survey of practicing pharmacists, elucidated their readiness to participate in a multidisciplinary diabetes management team. Incorporation of community pharmacists in any national diabetes educational program is necessary.

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