FORMULATION, DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERISATION OF NIMODIPINE LOADED SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES

Objective: The aim of the present study is to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of Nimodipine using hot homogenization followed by ultrasonication technique and to improve the dissolution characteristics of the drug. Methods: The Nimodipine-loaded SLN was prepared using palmitic acid and stearic acid as a lipid matrix and Tween-80 as an emulsifier by a hot homogenization and ultra-sonication method. The physicochemical characteristics of SLN were investigated for entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, particle size analysis, Fourier transform infrared studies, scanning electron microscopy, and stability studies. Results: The mean particle size, PDI, Zeta potential and entrapment efficiency of optimized Nimodipine SLN formulation of stearic acid was found to be 119.54 nm, 0.165,-17.60mV, 85% and for palmitic acid was found to be 132.54 nm, 0.155,-17.0mV, 81% respectively. In vitro drug release studies indicated that after an initial burst release, SLN could provide prolonged release of Nimodipine. The selected SLNs have shown good stability for a period of 180 d. Conclusion: SLN formulations showed the best results in EE as well as in vitro drug release and therefore, these results indicate that SLN might be a promising delivery system to enhance the release of Nimodipine

Growth and maturity of Indian oil sardine Sardinella longiceps (Valenciennes, 1847) along southwest coast of India

Growth studies are important to determine the total recruitment of fish with respect to time while information on age and length at first maturity are essential to assess the spawning stock. The present communication deals with growth, maturity and mortality parameters of Indian oil sardine Sardinella longiceps from southwest coast of India. Length at first maturity of oil sardine was found to be 15.7 and 15.2 cm for male and female, respectively. Comparison of length at first maturity of oil sardine with earlier studies showed only minor variations. The growth parameters L∞, K, and age at zero length (t0) were calculated as 19.8 cm, 1.14 yr-1 and -0.0464 respectively. From the VBG equation, the length attained at the end of I, II and III year is estimated as 13.79, 17.87 and 18.9 cm respectively. Two peaks of recruitment to the fishery were observed. The values of total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) estimated are 4.33, 2.7 and 1.6 respectively. The exploitation rate was found to be 0.37

FORMULATION AND PHARMACOKINETIC DETERMINATION OF GALLIC ACID IN EMBLICA OFFICINALIS

Objective: The present work was to formulate oral herbal tablets of Emblica officinalis extract and also with pure gallic acid, further to determine the dosage frequency through pharmacokinetic profiles obtained for the same.Methods: The Emblica officinalis fruits were suitably extracted and the concentration of gallic acid in Emblica officinalis extract was estimated by HPTLC (High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography) with a comparison to pure form. Tablets were prepared with extract and synthetic form through direct compression technique by varying the process and formulation parameters. The formulated tablets were administered to rabbit models and their pharmacokinetic profile was studied after withdrawing blood samples through HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography).Results: The concentration of gallic acid in Emblica officinalis was found to be 8.21%. The pre and post compression parameters evaluated for the formulated batches found to be within the pharmacopoeial limits. The in vivo pharmacokinetic studies conducted in rabbit models showed that there were no significant differences with p-value between the pharmacokinetic data obtained for pure and extract gallic acid tablets. The Cmax was found to be 4.59±0.95 µg/ml in the extract form which was little low when compared to the pure form of 6.38±1.08 µg/ml. The t1/2 in the extract form was 6.0±0.33 h, whereas it was 4.92±0.36 h in the pure form of gallic acid.Conclusion: The Emblica officinalis extract tablet showed average t1/2 of 6 h, so about every 6 h one tablet compared to 4 h of t1/2 for pure gallic acid tablet can be the dosing frequency for the rabbit.Â

Scope for light assisted fishing in Southeastern Arabian Sea

Scope for light assisted fishing in Southeastern Arabian Se

Evaluation of Parentral Antibiotic Utilization in Medical Inpatients

ABSTRACT The study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of regulations on the utilization of antibiotics administered by the parental route. It was performed by evaluating the total number of doses of antibiotics consumed before and after imposing regulations. All the hospitalized patients in the medical ward were subjected for evaluation. The uses of all antibiotics were regulated using drug formulary and restrictions in the prescribing pattern. It was observed that the doses of antibiotics consumed by the parental route were altered significantly after the regulation

Paralarva of the sharpear enope squid Ancistrocheirus lesueurii (Oegopsida: Ancistrocheiridae) in the southeastern Arabian Sea

First morphological description of an early stage paralarva of the sharpear enope squid Ancistrocheirus lesueurii from southeastern Arabian Sea is presented. The paralarva was collected at dusk by using surface tows of zooplankton nets in February 2012. The presence of paralarva A. lesueurii indicates that this species completes its life cycle in this sea. A comparison of the arm formula of paralarva and adult stages shows a major change in the formula during metamorphosis to adult

Rapid assessment of the fish trade, arrivals and price realization in Kerala

Fisheries contribute to around 3 % of the economy of Kerala and provides employment to about 2.14 lakh people including its secondary and tertiary sectors such as marketing and processing. The marine fish landings in Kerala (2015) was 4.82 lakh tonnes forming 73.36 % of the total fish production in the state. A considerable 30% reduction in the marine fish landings during 2015 compared to the average (2010-14) landings of 6.82 lakh tonnes was noticed

Key distinguishing characters (KDCs) of official (Boerhaavia diffusa L.) and commonly mistaken (Trianthema portulacastrum L.) sources of Mukkirattai of Siddha

Boerhaavia diffusa L. has been used extensively in Siddha system of medicine and is often confused with Trianthema portulacastrum L. due to morphological similarities. This particular study compares, analyses and identifies the key distinguishing features of the two whole plant drugs based on pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects. The samples were studied for macroscopy, microscopy, physicochemical analysis, preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPTLC following standard procedures. Macroscopic studies showed few notable differences in macro-microscopy of root, stem, leaves and flowers of both the plants. Microscopically root, stem, leaf and petiole of both the plants showed differences in layers of cork, presence of crystals and medullary rays (in root), the thickness of cuticle, cortex and arrangement of vascular bundles (stem), presence of characteristic type of trichomes (leaf) and shape of the petiole. Powder microscopy showed differences in epidermis, crystal types and shape of pollen. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phenol, saponins and coumarins in B. diffusa and was not detected in T. portulacastrum. There were significant differences in the values of quantitative microscopy, physicochemical parameters and HPTLC of both the whole plant samples. The finding of this study will be helpful for the correct identification of the plant

Vertical root fractures: A review

Vertical root fractures are mostly caused following endodontic therapy, and the chances are increased many fold if the final restoration includes placement of a post. The condition is difficult to diagnose and equally difficult to treat. Earlier treatment options included extraction of single rooted teeth, but with the advent of adhesive dentistry. There is a paradigm shift towards preservation of these teeth. This review addresses the etiology, diagnosis and management of vertical root fractures

Impulse effect of demonetisation on the fishing operations, trade and fish consumption in Ernakulam, Kerala

A rapid survey was conducted during 24-26 November 2016 in order to assess the effect of demonetisation of the ` 1000 and ` 500 currency bills on the marine fishing operations, trade and fish consumption in Ernakulam district, Kerala across different landing centres and markets. A structured schedule eliciting information on the details related to the total number of fishing operations, crew size, landings, price realised, etc. was used (Annexure 1). The traders (exporters, wholesalers and retailers) were queried on the changes in the quantum of transaction and prices (paid and demonstration realised) during the pre and past periods. The study analysed the extent of different fishing operations by mechanised, motorised and non-mechanised sector in the landing centres / harbours of Munambam, Chellanam, Fort Cochin, Cochin Fisheries harbour and Kalamukku during the pre-demonetised (prior to 8th November) and post demonetised (9-23 November 2016) period covering a fortnight The fishing operations include the number of trips, days of fishing, depth of fishing, crew size, crew share, operating cost etc. The traders from the Broadway, Thevara, Thoppumpady, Chambakkara and Kaloor fish markets were interviewed for assessing the status of the business during these days. In addition, consumers were interviewed on their pattern of fish consumption during the period