Formulation and evaluation of ileo-colonic targeted matrix-mini-tablets of Naproxen for chronotherapeutic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

AbstractIn this present research work, the aim was to develop ileo-colonic targeted matrix-mini-tablets-filled capsule system of Naproxen for chronotherapeutic treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. So Matrix-mini-tablets of Naproxen were prepared using microsomal enzyme dependent and pH-sensitive polymers by direct compression method which were further filled into an empty HPMC capsule. The compatibility was assessed using FT-IR and DSC studies for pure drug, polymers and their physical mixtures. The prepared batches were subjected to physicochemical studies, drug content estimation, in-vitro drug release and stability studies. When FTIR and DSC studies were performed, it was found that there was no interaction between Naproxen and polymers used. The physicochemical properties of all the prepared matrix-mini-tablets batches were found to be in limits. The drug content percentage in the optimized formulation F18 was found to be 99.24±0.10%. Our optimized matrix-mini-tablets-filled-capsule formulation F18 releases Naproxen after a lag time of 2.45±0.97h and 27.30±0.86%, 92.59±0.47%, 99.38±0.69% at the end of 5, 8, 12h respectively. This formulation was also found to be stable as per the guidelines of International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. Thus, a novel ileo-colonic targeted delivery system of Naproxen was successfully developed by filling matrix-mini-tablets into an empty HPMC capsule shell for targeting early morning peak symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Structure and stability of glucoamylase II from Aspergillus niger: a circular dichroism study

Glucoamylase II (EC 3.2.1.3) from Aspergillus niger has 31 % α-helix, 36 % β-structure and rest aperiodic structure at pH 4.8 as analysed by the method of Provencher and Glockner (1981,Biochemistry, 20,33). In the near ultra-violet circular dichroism spectrum the enzyme exhibits peaks at 304, 289, 282 and 257 nm and troughs at 285, 277 and 265 nm respectively. The enzyme activity and structure showed greater stability at pH 4.8 than at pH 7.0, were highly sensitive to alkaline pH but less sensitive to acid pH values. The enzyme retained most of its catalytic activity and structure even on partial removal of carbohydrate moieties by periodate treatment but was less stable at higher temperatures and storage at 30‡C. Reduction of the periodate treated enzyme did not reverse the loss of stability. Binding of the synthetic substrate, p-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucoside, perturbed the environment around aromatic amino acids and caused a decrease in the ordered structure

Reversal of abscisic acid induced stomatal closure by benzyl adenine

Benzyl adenine enhanced stomatal opening in isolated epidermal strips of Commelina benghalensis and Tridax procumhens. The stimulation was maximum at a concentration of 5×10−5 M BA. But kinetin had no remarkable effect on stomatal opening. The activity of benzyl adenine was observed over a narrow range of concentrations, from 10−5 M to 10−4 M. The increase in stomatal aperture was more pronounced in Commelina than in Tridax. Presence of benzyl adenine in the medium prevented the stomatal closure expected from abscisic acid and could reverse considerably the stomatal closure induced earlier by abscisic acid. It is felt that the balance between abscisic acid and cytokinins can possibly control the stomatal aperture effectively

ACENOCOUMAROL OR WARFARIN: WHICH IS THE CLINICIAN'S ALLY?

ABSTRACTWarfarin and acenocoumarol are commonly prescribed oral anticoagulant drugs that are used in the prevention and treatment of thromboembolicdisorders across the world. Although both these drugs act by a similar mechanism, there are significant differences between them, especially in termsof their half-lives, and more importantly, in their variability in response pharmacogenetically. This case report highlights an instance wherein warfarinproved to provide a much more stable anticoagulant cover, as compared to that provided by acenocoumarol.Keywords: Thrombosis, Bleeding, Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, Anticoagulant, International normalized ratio

HEMICHOREA: AN UNUSUAL MANIFESTATION OF THYROTOXICOSIS

ABSTRACTChorea is usually associated with neurological diseases. However, it can also be seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumaticfever (Sydenham's chorea), polycythemia vera, and thyrotoxicosis. Here, we report an interesting case of hemichorea in a 32-year-old lady, whopresented with acute onset of jerky, non-repetitive involuntary movements of the left upper and lower limbs. After detailed evaluation, she was foundto have thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid Tc-scan showed diffuse uptake suggesting Grave's disease. A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was normal.Other causes of chorea like SLE and rheumatic fever were excluded. She was started on carbimazole. On follow-up after 6 weeks of therapy, there wasthe complete disappearance of chorea, and her thyroid hormone levels were normal.Keywords: Extrapyramidal syndrome, Hyperthyroidism, Corpus striatum, Dancing movements

Rhabdomyoma of larynx – A diagnaostic dilemma

AbstractIntroductionRhabdomyomas of the head and neck are unusual. Extracardiac rhabdomyoma is a rare benign tumor of striated muscle origin that is found in adults and children. We report a case of rhabdomyoma of the larynx, which presented a diagnostic dilemma.Case reportWe report an uncommon case of a 50-year-old man, who presented with change in voice for two years. Endoscopic examination of the larynx revealed a smooth mass covered by intact mucosa involving the right aryepiglottic fold and a false vocal cord with restricted right vocal cord mobility. Biopsy from the lesion revealed a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. The patient underwent total laryngectomy. To our surprise, histologic examination and immunohistochemical diagnosis proved it to be rhabdomyoma of the adult type with no evidence of malignancy.DiscussionMost extracardiac rhabdomyomas arise from the pharyngeal constrictor muscles, the floor of the mouth, or the base of the tongue. Rarely, rhabdomyomas may arise from the larynx. Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis is essential for diagnosis. Treatment of rhabdomyoma consists primarily of complete excision with preservation of the surrounding tissues.ConclusionOur case demonstrates various differential diagnoses possible in laryngeal neoplasms. It also shows that immunocytochemistry plays an important role in differential diagnosis

PHENYTOIN-INDUCED ACUTE GENERALIZED EXANTHEMATOUS PUSTULOSIS

ABSTRACTPhenytoin is the first line antiepileptic for generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is still the go to†drug despite the availability of newer antiepileptics,chieflybecause of its lowcost and highefficacy.Phenytoinis associatedwith toxicitiesinvolvingmultiple organsystemssuch asbrain,blood, and skin. One of the most common adverseeffectsis the developmentof skin rashes.It can rangefrommild tolife-threateningskineruptions.This is a case reportof a younggirlwhodevelopedacutegeneralizedexanthematouspustulosis followingphenytointherapyforposttraumaticseizures.Keywords: Drug-induced rash, Anti-epileptic, Type-4 hypersensitivity, Hydantoi

Isolation of intact mesophyll cells from the leaves of higher plants

A total of 146 species of angiosperms belonging to 35 taxonomically diverse families were screened for the isolation of living mesophyll cells from the leaves. Seventy-three species belonging to 22 families, on mild maceration in mortar with the isolation medium (pH 5.8) containing 0.7 M mannitoJ, 2 mM EDTA, 5 mM MgCl2, 5 mM K2HPO4 and 1 mM NaNO3, followed by fractional centrifugation, yielded intact mesophyll cells as seen under a research microscope. The high frequency of cell release, associated with the high percentage recovery of chlorophyll in cells was a common feature of most of the plant species examined by us. Nearly 87% of the chlorophyll present in the leaf could be recovered from the isolated cells in Dolichos lablab. The isolated cells retained active photosynthetic carbon metabolism as evidenced by high rates of ferricyanide reduction as well as carbon assimilation