Sustained Release of Diltiazem Hydrochloride from Cross-linked Biodegradable IPN Hydrogel Beads of Pectin and Modified Xanthan Gum.

Interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel beads of pectin and sodium carboxymethyl xanthan were prepared by ionotropic gelation with Al(+3) ions and covalent cross-linking with glutaraldehyde for sustained delivery of diltiazem hydrochloride. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning colorimetry and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterise the hydrogel beads. The swelling of the hydrogel and the release of drug were relatively low in pH 1.2 buffer solutions. However, higher swelling and drug release were observed in pH 6.8 buffer solutions. The carboxyl functional groups of hydrogels undergo ionisation and the osmotic pressure inside the beads increases resulting in higher swelling and drug release in higher pH. The release of drug depends on concentration of polymer, amount and exposure time of cross-linker and drug content in the hydrogel matrices. The present study indicated that the hydrogel beads minimised the drug release in pH 1.2 buffer solutions and to prolong the drug release in pH 6.8 buffer solutions.

Efficacy and safety of sodium phosphate tablets compared with PEG solution in colon cleansing: two identically designed, randomized, controlled, parallel group, multicenter phase III trials.

BACKGROUND: Liquid purgatives for cleansing before colonoscopy often are poorly tolerated. A sodium phosphate tablet has been developed to provide equivalent efficacy with better patient tolerance. These 2 studies compare the safety, efficacy, and patient acceptance of the tablet (Visicol) to a polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution in adults undergoing colonoscopy. METHODS: Two identically designed, randomized, investigator-blinded, multicenter trials were performed. The primary efficacy variable was the overall quality of colon cleansing. Patient tolerance was assessed in terms of compliance with the dosing regimen. Safety assessments included recording of adverse events and changes in biochemical tests, electrocardiogram, and vital signs. RESULTS: Eight hundred forty-five patients participated in the studies; 420 took sodium phosphate tablets and 425 took a PEG solution. The 2 methods of preparation were equivalent in the overall quality of colon cleansing, cleansing in the right colon, and the frequency of inadequate preparation. Overall cleansing was excellent or good in 84.3% of patients in the tablet group and in 76.7% in the PEG group. Patient compliance was greater in the tablet group. There were also significantly fewer GI side effects in this group. CONCLUSIONS: Sodium phosphate tablets, compared with PEG solution, produce equivalent colon cleansing, are associated with fewer GI side effects, and are better tolerated by patients.

Correlation of H. pylori density with grading of chronic gastritis.

Histopathological study of endoscopic gastric mucosa obtained from 251 patients with acid peptic diseases were studied in relation to the degrees of inflammation and the degree of H. Pylori density. Haematoxylin-Eosin and modified Giemsa stains were used. Gastritis grading was done according to Warren and Marshall with slight modification and H. Pylori grading according to our criteria. In this study no definite relationship could be observed between histological grading of chronic gastritis with that of H. Pylori density.

Malignant retrorectal teratoma presenting as an infected perianal sinus.

Retrorectal teratomas are rare tumours arising in the presacral space. We report a case of malignant retrorectal teratoma which presented as an infected perianal sinus. The patient was treated with abdominoperineal resection.

Schwannoma of the oculomotor nerve.

A case is described of oculomotor nerve sheath tumour presenting with signs and symptoms of a posterior fossa space occupying lesion with minimal involvement of the IIIrd nerve.

Styrene-induced peripheral neuropathy. A case report.

A case of peripheral neuropathy due to styrene is described. The diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy was confirmed by a motor-nerve conduction study and sural nerve biopsy.