ABSTRACT
Purpose: Corneal foreign bodies (CFBs) due to occupational exposure have been largely ignored in Indian literature, especially nonmetal workers. Our study looks at a broad range of occupations and settings that contribute to CFB in our local Indian population. The study objective was to determine the occupations, level of education and demographics of patients presenting with CFB acquired during occupational work. Methods: Prospective hospital-based study at a tertiary eye hospital in Gurgaon, Haryana, India, within duration of 9 months. Patients presenting with CFB were asked a set of questions relating to their occupation, level of education, understanding of the potential complications of CFB, and demographics. Results: A total of 83 patients were included in the study. CFB were attributed only to males. 66% of patients were in the age group of 14--29 years. 30% of patients were in the age group 30--44 years and 4% of patients were between 45 and 60 years old. The metal work industry was responsible for 47% of presentations. The construction industry was responsible for 27% of presentations. Electricians and carpenters combined were responsible for 10% of presentations and 17% of presentations occurred in other sectors. Conclusion: CFB occur across a number of occupations in the construction industry, not just metallic workers. Among a population that is generally poorly educated and have nominal understanding of the impact that CFB can have on vision, occupational hazard education is necessary to address this problem.
ABSTRACT
The objective of proposed work was to develop Ondansetron Hydrochloride (OND HCl) sustained release matrix tablets for the better treatment of vomiting for extended period of time. Sustained release matrix tablet is the drug delivery system that is designed to achieve a prolonged therapeutic effect by continuously releasing medication over an extended period of time after administration of single dose. The matrix tablets of OND HCl were prepared by direct compression method using varying ratio of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and ethyl cellulose. The bends of tablets were evaluated for bulk and tapped density, % compressibility index and angle of repose and powder of all formulations blend exhibited that low interparticle friction and excellent flow characteristics. The prepared matrix tablets were then assessed for different physical tests like consistency of weight, thickness, hardness, friability, drug content and in vitro drug release. Each batch of the OND HCl matrix tablets were of good quality as to hardness, thickness, friability and % medicament content. The in vitro drug release study was done for 2 hours by utilizing paddle technique in 0.1N HCl (pH 1.2) as dissolution media and 6 hours using phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) as dissolution media. The drug release study showed that all formulation FMT-1, FMT-2, FMT-3, FMT-4, FMT-5 and FMT-6 were provide the drug release on sustained manner up to 8 hrs. Amongst the developed matrix tablets formulations, FMT-2 containing ethyl cellulose (100 mg) was optimized as best because FMT-2 show highest drug release profile and promoting the sustained release of drug, which could potentially improve the patient compliance.