Rheological investigation and its correlation with permeability coefficient of drug loaded carbopol gel: influence of absorption enhancers.

CONTEXT: The present study was planned to investigate the effect of absorption enhancers on the microstructure of Losartan potassium gel and hence its influence on the diffusion of Losartan potassium across nasal mucosa. METHOD: Losartan potassium loaded carbopol gel (1% w/v) with and without absorption enhancers was prepared. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 and ethanol were used as absorption enhancers. Microstructural elucidation of prepared gels was done using shear rheology. Ex vivo drug release studies were performed on the prepared gels. RESULTS: It was observed that the absorption enhancers PEG 4000 and ethanol altered the gel microstructure. The prepared gels were viscoelastic in nature suggesting their suitability for topical application. Permeability coefficient of Losartan potassium loaded into gels was found to be inversely proportional to the storage modulus. Thus increase in storage modulus lead to slow drug diffusion. CONCLUSION: The current study emphasizes on the fact that selection of polymeric carrier for nasal drug delivery and/or absorption enhancer strongly influence the microstructure of the gel and hence the pharmaceutical performance of the formulation.

Nonsurgical management of large periapical lesion in mature and immature teeth using different calcium hydroxide formulations: case series.

This case series evaluates the effectiveness of different calcium hydroxide formulations with various vehicles in management of large periapical lesion in mature and immature teeth. This will help clinicians to make informed judgments about which formulations of calcium hydroxide should be used for specific endodontic procedures.

Total extra-peritoneal repair of groin hernia: prospective evaluation at a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic repair of groin hernia is increasingly being used. However, the relative merits and demerits of laparoscopic repair are debatable. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the total extra-peritoneal (TEP) repair of groin hernia. METHODS: This prospective study was undertaken at a single surgical unit between January 2004 and June 2006. Consecutive patients with elective groin hernias were offered laparoscopic TEP repair. Indigenous balloon or telescopic dissection was used to create extra-peritoneal space. Polypropylene mesh was used in all of the patients and mesh fixation was performed with tackers. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients with age range 18-92 years were included; 180 were males. TEP repair was attempted in 298 groin hernias in 185 patients with a success rate of 89.5%. Indigenous balloon or telescopic dissection was used to create extra-peritoneal space. Thirty-one (31, 10.5%) TEP repairs were converted to transabdominal pre-peritoneal or open repair. Two patients developed recurrence during follow-up. CONCLUSION: TEP is an excellent technique for laparoscopic groin hernia repair, with acceptable rates of complication.

Dental complications of herpes zoster: Two case reports and review of literature.

Herpes zoster (HZ) (shingles) results due to reactivation of varicella-zoster virus. Unusual dental complications like osteonecrosis, exfoliation of teeth, periodontitis, and calcified and devitalized pulps, periapical lesions, and resorption of roots as well as developmental anomalies such as irregular short roots and missing teeth may arise secondary to involvement of 2nd or 3rd division of trigeminal nerve by HZ. Such cases pose both a diagnostic as well as a therapeutic challenge. We report two such rare dental complications of HZ-spontaneous tooth exfoliation and osteonecrosis of the maxilla in a 70-year-old female patient; and multiple periapical pathoses affecting right half of the mandibular teeth in a 45-year-old female patient. Both the patients did not have any associated systemic illness. The aim of this paper was to compare the present cases with all the 46 cases of osteonecrosis and 6 cases of multiple periapical pathoses secondary to trigeminal zoster reported in literature till date The article also throws light that the occurrence of such dental complications of HZ is not entirely dependent on the immune status of the host.

Microwave-Assisted Multicomponent Synthesis of Dihydroquinoxalinones on Soluble Polymer Support.

A one-pot and two-step reaction of four components, including aldehydes, Fmoc-protected α-amino acid, isocyanide, and soluble polymer-supported 4-fluoro-3-amino benzoate ester, was developed for an efficient synthesis of dihydroquinoxalinones under microwave irradiation. Fmoc deprotection followed by intramolecular cyclization of the diamide gave a facile access to novel bicyclic quinoxalin-2-ones. On the basis of this approach, a new route to synthesize this privileged scaffold from the diamide intermediate was designed and accomplished with high yields. Use of multicomponent reaction (MCR) has been shown to display a good functional group tolerance, while the product isolation and purification is straightforward by precipitation and washings. Current library discusses the synthesis and diversification of 21 compounds produced using this strategy.

Development and evaluation of sunscreen creams containing morin-encapsulated nanoparticles for enhanced UV radiation protection and antioxidant activity.

The objective of present work was to develop novel sunscreen creams containing polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) of morin. Polymeric NPs containing morin were prepared and optimized. The creams containing morin NPs were also prepared and evaluated. Optimized NPs exhibited particle size of 90.6 nm and zeta potential of -31 mV. The entrapment efficiency of morin, within the polymeric NPs, was found to be low (12.27%). Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed no interaction between morin and excipients. Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed that the NPs were spherical in shape with approximately 100 nm diameter. Optimized NPs showed excellent in vitro free radical scavenging activity. Skin permeation and deposition of morin from its NPs was higher than its plain form. Different sunscreen creams (SC1-SC8) were formulated by incorporating morin NPs along with nano zinc oxide and nano titanium dioxide. SC5 and SC8 creams showed excellent sun protection factor values (≈40). In vitro and in vivo skin permeation studies of sunscreen creams containing morin NPs indicated excellent deposition of morin within the skin. Morin NPs and optimized cream formulations (SC5 and SC8) did not exhibit cytotoxicity in Vero and HaCaT cells. Optimized sunscreen creams showed excellent dermal safety. SC5 and SC8 creams demonstrated exceptional in vivo antioxidant effect (estimation of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione) in UV radiation-exposed rats. The optimized sunscreen creams confirmed outstanding UV radiation protection as well as antioxidant properties.

Effectiveness of different tooth brushing techniques on the removal of dental plaque in 6-8 year old children of Gulbarga.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the respective effectiveness of the horizontal scrub, Fones, and modified Bass methods demonstrated on the cast to individual child within the classroom setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 healthy children studying in 1(st) and 2(nd) grades in the age range of 6-8 years were randomly selected from various schools of Gulbarga district, Karnataka, India. They were equally divided into three groups. Children in each group were demonstrated only one of the three brushing techniques, viz. horizontal scrub technique to group A, Fones technique to group B, and modified Bass technique to group C, using a cast model. All the children were re-examined and reviewed after 24 h and plaque index was re-assessed to obtain the follow-up data. The results were compared with the baseline data, and statistical analysis was carried out using paired t-test and intergroup comparison was made using analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. RESULTS: Statistically significant (P < 0.001) reduction in plaque score was seen in modified Bass technique followed by horizontal scrub technique and the least efficacy was seen in Fones technique. CONCLUSION: This study showed that modified Bass technique was the most effective brushing technique in children.

Probing influence of methodological variation on active loading of acetazolamide into nanoliposomes: biophysical, in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo and rheological investigation.

In the present work comparative evaluation of acetate and pH gradient techniques for effective drug loading in liposomes has been investigated. The acetazolamide (ACZ) loaded liposomes prepared by two methods were analyzed by vesicle size analysis, zeta potential, percent encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug release studies and intraocular pressure lowering activity. ICH guidelines were followed for determining stability of the prepared liposomes. The superiority of acetate gradient method for active loading of acetazolamide has been established. The prepared acetate gradient positive liposomes showed extended hypotensive effect when compared to other liposomal formulations. Thus ACZ loaded liposomes prepared by acetate gradient technique may serve as promising ocular delivery system in the treatment of glaucoma. The current work emphasizes the fact that the techniques used for active drug loading into liposomes strongly influence the pharmaceutical performance of the final formulation.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in dental patients with tobacco smoking, chewing, and mixed habits: A cross-sectional study in South India.

BACKGROUND: A variety of oral mucosal lesions and conditions are associated with the habit of smoking and chewing tobacco, and many of these carry a potential risk for the development of cancer. There have been no studies that report the prevalence of habits and associated oral changes in the population in Dharwad region, of Karnataka, south India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was carried out at SDM Dental College (Dharwad, Karnataka). A total of 2400 subjects (1200 subjects with and 1200 subjects without habits) attending the dental hospital were interviewed and examined by trained professionals to assess any oral mucosal changes. RESULTS: Oral mucosal lesions were found in 322 (26.8%) subjects who had tobacco smoking and chewing habits as compared to 34 (2.8%) subjects without those habits. Oral leukoplakia (8.2%) and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) (7.1%) were the prevalent oral mucosal lesions found in subjects who had those habits, while the other lesions (1.7%) namely; oral candidiasis, median rhomboid glossitis, recurrent apthous ulcer, frictional keratosis, and oral lichen planus (0.9%) were frequently reported among individuals without those habits. The odds of developing oral lesions in subjects with tobacco habits was nearly 11.92 times that of abstainers (odds ratio, OR = 11.92, 95% confidence intervals, CI = 10.61-14.59%). CONCLUSION: The study showed that the risk of the development of oral lesions associated with tobacco smoking, chewing, or both is quite high. Males who had one or more of these habits showed more frequent oral changes than females. The study reinforces the association of OSF with gutkha and areca nut chewing, and leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and oral cancer with tobacco smoking, chewing, or mixed habits.

Rare association of dens invaginatus with impacted mesiodens - A case report.

Mesiodens is a supernumerary tooth occupying the position in the maxillary anterior region. This additional tooth structure may cause disturbance in eruption or position of the adjacent teeth. About 8-25% of supernumerary teeth in the anterior region erupt spontaneously. Un-erupted supernumerary teeth are incidentally identified on a routine radiographic examination. Dens invaginatus is a rare tooth malformation showing an in-folding of enamel and dentine of affected tooth sometimes extending deep into the pulp cavity and the root portion. We report a case of un-erupted mesiodens causing midline diastema of permanent teeth subsequently corrected following extraction of mesiodens. Dens invaginatus was identified affecting the un-erupted mesiodens. It is rare to find dens invaginatus associated with a supernumerary tooth and only 10 such instances of dens invaginatus affecting supernumerary teeth have been reported in the English literature.

Development of pH sensitive polyacrylamide grafted pectin hydrogel for controlled drug delivery system.

In the present study an attempt was made to graft polyacrylamide on pectin. The grafted polymer was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. Rheological property of pectin solution was compared with the product solution. The grafted polymer was cross-linked with varying amount of glutaraldehyde. The swelling properties of the cross-linked product were also studied. The salicylic acid, an antipyretic drug, was incorporated in the cross-linked gel as a model drug and the drug release studies were done in a modified Franz's diffusion cell. The effect of cross-linking density on the release property of salicylic acid was studied through the cross-linked product. The product showed better film forming property and gelling property than pectin. The comparative rheological properties of pectin and grafted copolymer indicated change in the property of the product. FTIR studies indicated incorporation of amide group. Differential scanning calorimetry and XRD suggested formation of a new polymer. Swelling study indicated pH dependent swelling of the cross-linked hydrogel. Salicylic acid release indicated pH dependent release from the hydrogel.