Randomized controlled trial comparing stabilization of fresh close femoral shaft fractures in children with titanium elastic nail system versus stainless steel elastic nail system.

In vitro mechanical studies have demonstrated equal or superior fixation of pediatric femoral fractures with use of titanium elastic nails (TENS) as compared with stainless steel elastic nails (SSEN). SSEN are less expensive as compared to TENS. However, there are only two studies in the English literature which have compared the results of TENS and SSEN in paediatric femoral shaft fracture. The present study compares the clinical and radiological outcomes of femoral shaft fracture in patients 6-12 years of age, operatively stabilised either by TENS or SSEN. 35 children (6-12 years) with closed, post traumatic femoral shaft fractures were randomized into two treatment groups. Both groups underwent closed reduction internal fixation (CRIF) by either of the implants (TENS OR SSENS) as per randomization protocol and followed up for six months. Comparison of clinical and radiological outcomes in both the groups was done in terms of time to union of fracture and radiological angulations in coronal and sagittal plane. There was no significant difference in both groups with respect to fracture site tenderness and presence of bridging callus at fracture site at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 6 months follow up (p-value = 1.000). There was no significant difference in radiological angulation rate in both groups in the sagittal (p-value = 0.661) as well as in the coronal plane (p-value = 0.219) at six month follow up. Both groups showed a similar rate of complication, most common being prominent hardware. TENS and SSENS are equally effective treatment modalities for paediatric femoral shaft fracture with similar rate of complications. However, SSENS is less costly as compared to TENS and can be considered as an alternative in a resource constrained setup.

Nanomolecularly-induced Effects at Titania/Organo-Diphosphonate Interfaces for Stable Hybrid Multilayers with Emergent Properties.

Nanoscale hybrid inorganic-organic multilayers are attractive for accessing emergent phenomena and properties through superposition of nanomolecularly-induced interface effects for diverse applications. Here, we demonstrate the effects of interfacial molecular nanolayers (MNLs) of organo-diphosphonates on the growth and stability of titania nanolayers during the synthesis of titania/MNL multilayers by sequential atomic layer deposition and single-cycle molecular layer deposition. Interfacial organo-diphosphonate MNLs result in ∼20-40% slower growth of amorphous titania nanolayers and inhibit anatase nanocrystal formation from them when compared to amorphous titania grown without MNLs. Both these effects are more pronounced in multilayers with aliphatic backbone-MNLs and likely related to impurity incorporation and incomplete reduction of the titania precursor indicated by our spectroscopic analyses. In contrast, both MNLs result in two-fold higher titania nanolayer roughness, suggesting that roughening is primarily due to MNL bonding chemistry. Such MNL-induced effects on inorganic nanolayer growth rate, roughening, and stability are germane to realizing high-interface-fraction hybrid nanolaminate multilayers.

Protective effect of Heliotropium eichwaldi against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of methanolic extract of Heliotropium eichwaldii (MHE) in mice with cisplatin-induced acute renal damage. METHODS: Nephrotoxicity was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (16mg/kg). Swiss albino mice were injected with vehicle, cisplatin, cisplatin plus MHE 200 mg/kg and cisplatin plus MHE 400mg/kg, respectively. MHE was administered for 7 d at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg per day orally starting 4 d before cisplatin injection. Animals were sacrificed 3d after treatment and blood as well as kidney tissue was isolated and analyzed. The various parameters such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (CRE), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were analyzed. RESULTS: MHE treatment significantly reduced BUN and serum CRE levels elevated by cisplatin administration (P<0.05). Also, it significantly attenuated cisplatin-induced increase in MDA level and improved the decreased CAT and SOD activities in renal cortical homogenates (P<0.05). Additionally, histopathological examination and scoring showed that MHE markedly ameliorated cisplatin-induced renal tubular necrosis. CONCLUSION: MHE can be considered a potential candidate for protection of nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin.

Preclinical evaluation from in-silico to in-vivo study of polyherbal microsponge sunscreen gel.

BACKGROUND: Electromagnetic spectrum of the UV region predominantly becomes the reason for skin's detrimental effects that give the genesis of innumerable skin ailments; because of this reason, the sunscreen products are required before condition in day to day lifestyle; products such as moisturizers, lotions, creams, shampoos, and other hair and skin preparations are accessible and accompanied by sunscreen properties, but they do not provide extended effect, also causes side effects due to harsh chemicals. AIM: The present study focuses on the effects of polyherbal extracts containing Microsponge gel for the protection of skin from ultraviolet rays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present research, already prepared Microsponge gel through quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion (QESD) technique was used for the HPLC, in-silico, in-vitro antioxidant activity, and in-vivo study. AdmetSAR software tool was utilized for the in-silico study, whereas for the in-vivo study, UV radiations are given on Albino rats using solarimeter. RESULTS: Results shown the active constituents are non-carcinogenic and non-toxic; IC50 values show good antioxidant activity and minimal effect of UV radiations after application of the gel formulation on animal skin. DISCUSSION: The results manifest prominent effects on animal skin further test for presence of ascorbic acid level and total protein in blood further verify the efficacy of the formulation. CONCLUSION: The study consequently established a strong ground for further extensive clinical studies.

Formulation and development of herbal microsponge sunscreen gel.

PURPOSE: The endeavor of this study is to prepare and developed a method for microsponge gel as a polyherbal formulation along with their evaluation methods for sunscreen properties. METHOD: Polyherbal extracts as an active component for preparing microsponge formulation used in ratio of a drug, i.e. Poly herbal extracts, ethyl cellulose used as polymer, Polyvinyl alcohol as an emulsifier present in the formulation was successfully obtained by using method quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion. The formulations prepared were considered for substantial characterization. The physical description of microsponge formulation, having a coating of Gel-3 exhibits more loading efficiency and production yield. The mentioned formulation of microsponge was formulated with the help of gel using carbopol and then test performed are pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, and in-vitro release. Most of the microsponge preparations are prepared by drug loading in it and the consequences are good to reproduce. The best formulation was prepared and then comparison study was done with one of the marketed simple gel of polyherbal extract and other one is microsponge loaded gel of polyherbal extract by using Franz diffusion cell. RESULT: The release profile details about that the microsponge loaded gels are showing excellent release rate while comparing to simple marketed gel of polyherbal extract.

Spontaneous rupture of EPL and ECRB tendons in a washerwoman: an unusual phenomenon.

Spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon is rare, and spontaneous non-traumatic rupture of both extensor pollicis longus (EPL) and extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendons is not reported in literature. Rupture of EPL is usually associated with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic or local steroid injections, fractures of the wrist and repetitive and excessive abnormal motion of the wrist joint. We describe a case of spontaneous rupture of the EPL and ECRB tendons in a female patient, washerwoman by occupation, with no predisposing factor. Exploration of the tendons along with end to end tendon repair was done with excellent results. We describe the possible mechanism of the injury and result after one year follow up.

Development and optimization of enteric coated mucoadhesive microspheres of duloxetine hydrochloride using 3(2) full factorial design.

BACKGROUND: Microspheres constitute an important part of oral drug delivery system by virtue of their small size and efficient carrier capacity. However, the success of these microspheres is limited due to their short residence time at the site of absorption. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to formulate and systematically evaluate in vitro performance of enteric coated mucoadhesive microspheres of duloxetine hydrochloride (DLX), an acid labile drug. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DLX microspheres were prepared by simple emulsification phase separation technique using chitosan as carrier and glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent. Microspheres prepared were coated with eudragit L-100 using an oil-in-oil solvent evaporation method. Eudragit L-100was used as enteric coating polymer with the aim to release the drug in small intestine The microspheres prepared were characterized by particle size, entrapment efficiency, swelling index (SI), mucoadhesion time, in vitro drug release and surface morphology. A 3(2) full factorial design was employed to study the effect of independent variables polymer-to-drug ratio (X1) and stirring speed (X2) on dependent variables, particle size, entrapment efficiency, SI, in vitro mucoadhesion and drug release up to 24 h (t24). RESULTS: Microspheres formed were discrete, spherical and free flowing. The microspheres exhibited good mucoadhesive property and also showed high percentage entrapment efficiency. The microspheres were able to sustain the drug release up to 24 h. CONCLUSION: Thus, the prepared enteric coated mucoadhesive microspheres may prove to be a potential controlled release formulation of DLX for oral administration.

Protective effect of Heliotropium eichwaldi against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice / 中西医结合学报

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of methanolic extract of Heliotropium eichwaldii (MHE) in mice with cisplatin-induced acute renal damage.