comparative study of dissolution profile of drug by enhancing aqueous solubility through Kneading method

Solid dispersions (SDs) are resulted by dispersion of drug in biologically inert matrix. They can be used to increase the solubility of a drug with low aqueous solubility, thereby improving its oral bioavailability. Higher drug dissolution rates from a SD can be facilitated by optimizing the wetting characteristics of the compound surface, as well as increasing the interfacial area available for drug dissolution. Although the latter can be easily accomplished by, for example: decreasing the particle size of the drug powder but micronized powders may result in further complications as they occasionally tend to agglomerate. A more preferable solution would be to introduce the drug in the form of a molecular dispersion. The aim of present study was to enhance the dissolution rate of diclofenac a practically less water-soluble drug. The same was done by preparation of solid dispersions of the drug employing different ratios of established polymers. This was done by using polymers namely; hydrophilic polymer β-cyclodextrins, PVP and PEG. The kneading method was used to prepare solid dispersions in various ratios with polymer. The dissolution data was studied for all the three formulations. The data obtained was compared with that of physical mixtures containing drug, polymer and lactose in the same ratio as that of solid dispersions. The dissolution data showed that best release was obtained in formulation f1 containing beta –cyclodextrins, PVP and PEG as polymer. The comparative data showed 98% release at approximately 4 hours with polymer β –cyclodextrins, whereas, 90% and 88% release were obtained using PEG and PVP respectively in the same time frame.

Prevalence of HIV and VDRL seropositivity in blood donors of Delhi.

Blood transfusion has been the transmission mechanism in 15 per cent of total patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A few reports are available regarding the trend of HIV seropositivity in northern India. Prevalence of VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory) reactivity varies from 0.8-15 per cent in blood donors. We present data on the prevalence and trends of infection with HIV 1 and 2 and VDRL reactivity in blood donors in Delhi. Between 2000-2002, a total of 76089 (voluntary and replacement) donors were screened. Majority (82.4%) were replacement donors. Seropositivity for HIV and VDRL was seen in 0.54 and 2.6 per cent of donors respectively. The percentage of seropositivity for HIV and VDRL was significantly higher in replacement donors (P<0.001). It is suggested that extensive donor selection and a voluntary donor service would reduce the number of infectious donors significantly. Non-renumerated repeat voluntary donor services are urgently required to lower the prevalence of transmissible infections. While the need to change to a voluntary donor service and devising effective donor screening cannot be over emphasized, there is also a need to mandate HIV antigen detection in India.

Primary adenocarcinoma (intestinal type) of nasal septum--a case report.

Primary nasal septal adenocarcinoma is a rare lesion. A sporadic case of septal adenocarcinoma in a 22 years old male is being described along with review of literature.

Primary mixed germ cell tumour of the liver--a case report.

Germ cell tumours in liver are uncommon. Fewer than 20 cases have been reported in the literature. Primary mixed malignant germ cell tumours of liver are even rare. Here we describe a case of primary mixed malignant germ cell tumour of left lobe of liver in a two and half year old male boy. This is the first reported case of primary mixed malignant germ cell tumour with components of yolk sac tumour and mature teratoma in an infant. The patient complained of gradual increase in abdominal distension, upper abdominal pain and loss of weight. Ultrasonography and computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a large hepatic mass. Serum alpha-feto protein levels were raised. Left lobectomy of liver was done and chemotherapy was initiated. Histopathology of specimen disclosed yolk sac tumour and mature teratoma. Levels of serum alpha-feto protein declined rapidly. Widespread intrahepatic metastasis developed and patient died due to liver dysfunction after six months of left lobectomy.