Preparation and characterization of microspheres for controlled release of anti HIV drug.

A series of blend microspheres were developed from gelatin and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) by emulsion crosslinking method employing glutaraldehyde (GA) as a crosslinker. Valganociclovir hydrochloride (VHCL), an anti HIV drug, was loaded in to these microspheres via insitu method. These microspheres were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), to confirm the formation of crosslinking and absence of chemical interactions between drug, polymer and crosslinking agent. Further the microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy to study the surface morphology of the microspheres and observed that the microspheres have smooth surface with spherical structure and no phase separation. The microspheres with the average particle sizes ranging from 614.5μm to 693.4μm were obtained. X-ray diffraction (X-RD) studies were performed to understand the crystalline nature of drug and its uniform distribution into blend microspheres. An in vitro release study was performed in phosphate buffer solution (pH-7.4) at 370C. The release rates were fitted to an emperical equation to understand the diffusion parameters, which indicate non-Fickian or anomalous trend release of VHCL. Further the results indicated that the release of drug was found for more than 12 h.

Hemostatic changes following surgery

Measurements of hemostatic variables were performed prior to and up to the fifth day following general surgery in patients of Arab origin [N = 53]. There was a significant postoperative elevation in the levels of plasma fibrinogen, clotting factors VIII and reduction of factor VII, ATIII, plasminogen, packed cell volume and platelet count. No significant changes were noted in PT, PTT, TT, RT, alpha-2-antiplasmin and factor X. Platelet aggregation responses to ADP, adrenaline, collagen, arachidonic acid and ristocetin was likewise unaffected by surgery. It was concluded that although the changes in plasmatic coagulation parameters are similar to that reported in Caucasians, lack of evidence of enhanced aggregation following surgery may explain the presumed low incidence of deep vein thrombosis in Arabs

Cystosarcoma phyllodes: case report

This paper reports a case of cystosarcoma phyllodes which is a rare type of breast tumour. Its clinicopathological presentation and treatment are discussed