Sri Lanka has observed a transformation of the classic population pyramid as the decline in fertility which affected early life of the new generations while detecting growth of the elderly population because of declining mortality through the middle ages up to the young-old population. Sri Lanka is yet to experience high level later life mortality which will further shape the age pyramid. It is quite certain with the increase of survival chances of the Sri Lankan population, Sri Lankan society will experience a highly mature population in future with a multitude of challenges which we did not encounter during the 20th century. However, it is quite probable to argue that the society will also change and adjust to this maturing demography. However, our experience so far with the ageing population is that we often equate it with an increasing number of proportion of frail who are dependent and burden on society and family. The numbers themselves are a warning that the society needs to change with the changing demography. One of the most important consequences will be the transition to new demography of death. This phenomenon was first discussed by Leeson (2014) with an example drawn from England and Wales. The present paper adds more dimension with some more data drawn from Sri Lanka in order to qualify that Sri Lanka is also moving towards a transition to a new demography of death. 

The objective of the present study was to develop flurbiprofen quick dissolving tablets by Hole technology. Once these Fast dissolving tablets contact with gastric fluids, the fluid enters the hole formed within the tablet and result in immediate breaking of the Tablet. This quick disintegration of tablets is additionally influenced by the formation of latest absolute space. The ready FDTs was subjected to numerous pre and post formulation studies. Its dissolution and disintegration rate was compared with the formulation (without hole). In-vitro drug release of FDTs F5 showed virtually 98.92% of the drug was in fourteen minute, whereas the formulation F1 showed the 97.07% drug release in seventeen minute. Overall, this method is novel and most helpful for formulation into quick dissolving tablet.

The present work was aimed to study the cerebral hemisphere, its fissures and Commissures of brain of Surti buffalo (n=12), an important milch breed of middle Gujarat. The cerebral hemispheres were the largest part of the brain. Both cerebral hemispheres medially separated by longitudinal fissure and caudally by transverse fissure. Each cerebral hemisphere was made up of inner white matter, cerebral medulla and outer grey matter, cerebral cortex which was highly convoluted and presented sulci, gyri and various fissures viz. callosal sulcus, rhinal sulcus, marginal fissure, ectomarginal fissure, transverse fissure, entomarginal fissure and calloso-marginal fissure. The overall mean value of width of both cerebral hemispheres together at anterior and posterior aspect was 8.39±0.14 and 10.34±0.16 cm, respectively. The overall mean value of weight and length of both cerebral hemispheres were 235.71±2.75 g, 11.66±0.16 cm, whereas width and height at the level of genu and at the level of splenium of both side of cerebral hemispheres were, 4.11±0.27 and 5.58±0.09, 3.18±0.04 and 2.56±0.01 cm, respectively. There were four structures of commissural fibers; the corpus callosum, the anterior commissure, the posterior commissure and the hippocampus commissure that connect the corresponding region of the two cerebral hemispheres. The overall mean value of length and thickness of corpus callosum was 4.62±0.08 and 0.29±0.02 cm.

The present study assessed content validity of the National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA) Chemistry Practicals Examination for Secondary Education in terms of topics represented in the examination. The study involved 30 Chemistry teachers from 13 secondary schools in Dodoma (M), Tanzania. Data were gathered through questionnaires supplemented with focus group discussion, key informants, observation of 14 consecutive National Chemistry practicals examination past papers and examination format documents. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and Excel packages to obtain data for computing Content Validity Ratio (CVR) according to Lawshe’s method. The CVR was -0.816 (CVR varies between 1 to -1; negative value indicate that at least half the subject experts rated the variables as not fundamental, and vice versa for positive value). The study further noted that NECTA Chemistry practically examined topics is about 14.8% and 15.4% of the topics specified in the Chemistry syllabi for junior and senior secondary education respectively. Respondents recommend alternation of Chemistry topics in the national practical examination; to eradicate prediction of questions for next practical examination, provide students with relevant practical skills from various topics and enhances more teaching of science practicals in secondary schools. The study contributes to the understanding of laboratory-based teaching in secondary schools and topics which are examined in the NECTA Chemistry practical examination. 

The objective of the present study was to develop Furazolidone prolonged release microcapsules by solvent evaporation method. This sustained release of microcapsules is additionally influenced by the formulation of latest biodegradable polymer HPMC and Ethyl cellulose, hence drug release pattern. The ready microcapsules were subjected to numerous pre and post formulation studies. Prepared microcapsules were evaluated for the particle size, percentage yield, entrapment efficiency, wall thickness, estimation of drug content and in vitro drug release studies. Results of the present study indicate that Furazolidone microcapsules can be successfully designed to develop sustained drug delivery, that reduces the dosing frequency and their by we can increase the patient compliance. 

The aim of present work was to develop a topical emulgel of antiacne agent, which would effectively deliver the drug without pain or irritation. The major objectives behind the formulation is enhancing the topical delivery of hydrophobic drug (Adapalene), and increases the Absorption of adapalene through human skin by formulating Adapalene Emulgel using Carbopol 934, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMCK100M), and combination of both polymers. Isopropyl myristate (IPM) is used as permeation enhancer. The prepared emulgel were evaluated for their physical appearance, pH determination, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, in vitro drug release, skin irritation test, and stability. All the prepared Emulgel formulation showed acceptable pH, Drug contents, Spreadability, Extrudability, Viscosity. Formulation with combination of both polymers 0.5 % (Carbopol 934 + HPMC K100M) and high amount of emulsifiers (4%) was found to give higher release profile 83.73 %. In-vitro diffusion profile of Adapalene emulgel (optimized batch F10) indicate that 83.73% drug release within 24 hrs, while 77.56% of marketed formulation. Accelerated stability studies were conducted as per ICH guidelines at 40°C± 2°C temperature and 75%RH± 5%RH for 1 Month and indicated that optimized formulation F10 were stable. Skin irritation studies of optimized formulation F10 was performed using rabbit as an animal model for 24 hrs and no erythema and edema were recorded after 24 hrs. The result obtained shows that Topical Emulgel of Adapalene can be used as effective topical system for treatment of Acne.