Design And Development Of Rilpivirine Nanoparticle Containing Chitosan Using Ionic Gelation Method For Hiv Infections

Objective: The primary objective of the current research was to prepare rilpivirine loaded Nanoparticles containing Chitosan using the ionic gelation method for HIV infections. Methods: The nanoparticles of rilpivirine were prepared using the ionic gelation technique. Further, nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in vitro drug release. Results: The optimized nanoparticles were found with a particle size of 130.30±5.29 nm (mean±SD) and entrapment efficiency (% EE) of 77.10±0.50%. Scanning electron microscopy technique exposed spherical particles with uniform size. It was observed that the nanoparticles created showed the absence of the crystalline nature of the drug and its switch to the amorphous state. Results showed that more than 45% of the pure drug is released in 50 min and after 90 min almost about 95% of the drug is released. Conclusion: The research study concluded that the in vitro release profile of nanoparticles was found to be sustained up to 24 hr. Sustained release of the rilpivirine could improve patient obedience to drug regimens, growing action effectiveness.

Psychosocial development of urban children (below 2 years) using culture appropriate indicators of development.

Six hundred essentially normal children 15 days-2 years were randomly assessed for their nutritional and developmental status. Measurement of the mid-upper-arm circumference using the Jellife's technique was employed for a quick nutritional survey. For developmental assessment, the WHO suggested culture appropriate psychosocial Basic Test Battery was used. Shakir's classification of the results did not reveal any malnutrition. Analysis of the data revealed 'at par' performances in Gross Motor, Hearing and Self Help skills and delays in Vision and Fine Motor, Language and Concept Skills. Social skills were particularly advanced.

Culture appropriate indicators for monitoring growth and development of urban and rural children below 6 years.

In this cross sectional study, 2000 apparently normal children aged 0-6 years (1200 urban and 800 rural), were nutritionally and developmentally assessed and their environment scrutinized for possible risk factors. Measurement of mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) using standard techniques revealed malnutrition in 44% of the rural and 24% of the urban children especially in the 2-6 years of age group. Culture appropriate indicators of psycho-social development picked up gross delays in gross motor (GM), vision and fine motor (V&FM) and language skills. Self help, concept hearing (SHCH) skills were recorded as normal while social skills were advanced particularly in the 0-2 years old urban group. By the use of the family protocols, low socio-economic status, malnutrition and 9 other risks factors have been generated for the urban group. No risk factor could be identified for the rural group. Better income emerged as the only real protective factor for the sample showing a direct positive relationship with the 45 skills tested, especially in the 2-6 years age group. Nineteen developmental skills were identified as powerful predictors of development. A prototype home based screening record was constructed for monitoring of growth and development which can be even used by minimally trained primary care worker.

Trial of a screening technique of the developmental assessment of infants and young children (6 weeks-2 years).

Six hundred and nineteen infants and young children from the slums of Jabalpur City were screened by twenty trained paramedical workers using the Woodside Screening Technique. A second screen was given by the author within three days of the first screen on 350 (56.5%) children. The tester/author agreement was 97%. The results of the Woodside Screening Technique were validated against the standard Gesell's Schedules. The specificity and sensitivity rates of 88 and 83%, respectively were better than the original Denver Developmental Screening Test (77% each). Over referral rates which vary between 10-28% were comparable to the original Denver Developmental Screening Test. The under referral rate was 24%. All children tested belonged to the deprived sections of society, having weights below 50th centile of Harvard Standards. Inspite of this 74% of children scored above and at par on the Gesell's Developmental Schedule, only 11% children showing any developmental abnormality. The need to eliminate the cultural bias from the test and draw a new threshold line to separate questionable cases from abnormal ones is highlighted. Recommendations and specific modifications of the Woodside Screening Technique are suggested.

Training of non-professional health workers in a simple technique of developmental screening of infants and young children.

Twenty Anganwadi Workers were trained for developmental screening of infants and young children (6 weeks to 2 yrs) and their results compared with that of a trained medical practitioner. The screening tool used was the Woodside System of screening. A reference test (Gesell's Developmental Schedules) was given to 56.5% of the sample. The tester/tester reliability worked out on 50% of the testers was comparable. The results of the tester/author reliability worked out on 150 children were statistically comparable. A high level of proficiency of the workers was retained throughout the study through constant supervision and cross check by the author. The successful training of insufficiently used paramedical manpower for decreasing cost of medical care and improving utilization of the health delivery system is highlighted.

Changing trends in mortality and morbidity in a teaching hospital in central India.

A comparison of mortality and morbidity pattern of hospital admissions of children under 14 years during 1966-68 and 1977-81 has been made. Annual admission rate has increased from 1515 to 2515, which is in proportion to the population increase of 3 lacs from 1966 to 1981. Recently more than 70% were discharged within a week as against 52% during 1966-68, indicating a faster turnover and a need for more beds. Protein energy malnutrition, infections and diarrhoea with dehydration were main killers. The pattern of mortality and morbidity has not much changed from 1966 to 81 but mortality rates at all ages have considerably declined in recent years (neonatal, post neonatal, preschool and school). Measures to decline it further have been discussed. The data should be of interest to those engaged in planning health strategies and to teachers in defining priorities in Medical education.