Development and efficacy assessment of polyherbal phytosomal gel for accelerated wound healing.

Curcuma longa L. and Plumbago zeylanica L. are renowned for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, primarily attributed to their polyphenolic compounds. However, the limited water solubility of these compounds poses challenges to their effective utilization. Encapsulation within phytosomes offers a solution by enhancing bioavailability and permeability. This study aimed to formulate a phytosome-based polyherbal gel incorporating methanolic extracts of P. zeylanica and C. longa to explore its potential in wound healing. Methanolic extracts of P. zeylanica roots and C. longa rhizomes were encapsulated in phytosomes using the lipid film hydration technique. Various phytosome formulations were developed and characterized for encapsulation efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential. The optimized phytosomal dispersion (F7) was integrated into a carbopol-based hydrogel matrix. In vitro release studies demonstrated prolonged release compared to conventional forms. Stability testing confirmed the robustness of the phytosomal gel at 4 °C/60 ± 5% RH. Wound healing activity was assessed using an excision wound model. The phytosomal gel exhibited enhanced wound contraction and reduced epithelization time compared to conventional gel and control groups, signifying its potent wound-healing effect. In conclusion, the polyherbal phytosomal gel, incorporating P. zeylanica and C. longa, holds promise in promoting wound healing, presenting a novel and effective approach in the realm of topical formulations for wound care.

Oral Disintegrating Tablets of Proton Pump Inhibitors for Chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: An Update.

Oral disintegrating tablets (ODT) offer an attractive choice for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) patients suffering from dysphagia. In chronic condition, GERD patient suffers from severe erosive esophagitis. Thus patients feel difficulty and pain during swallowing, which results in patient in-compliance toward medication of tablets or capsules- especially in geriatrics and pediatric patients. These symptoms of GERD patients have attracted the formulation scientists in improving the formulation methodology for such patients. Orally disintegrating tablets could increase the therapeutic impact and drug compliance in these patients. The aim of this compilation is to provide a more convenient way to develop an oral disintegrating drug delivery system of proton pump inhibitors in patients suffering from odynophagia, associated with chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Oral disintegrating tablets (ODT), when placed on the tongue, can quickly disintegrate and release the medicament. It later dissolves or disperses in saliva without any additional water. The saliva containing drug can easily be swallowed and descends into the stomach leading to maximum absorption from the mouth, throat, and upper esophagus. The patient compliance and bio-availability of Oral disintegrating tablets (ODT) are high compared to other conventional tablets.

Short interval follow-up after a benign concordant MR-guided vacuum assisted breast biopsy--is it worthwhile?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of short-interval follow-up after benign concordant MRI-guided breast biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approved, retrospective review of consecutive biopsies performed over 3 years (2007-10) yielded 170 women with 188 lesions that were considered benign concordant. Indication for original study, biopsy results, follow-up recommendations, compliance and outcomes of subsequent MRI and mammography examinations were reviewed. RESULTS: The most common indication for breast MRI was high-risk screening 119/170 (70 %). Overall, 59 % of lesions (113/188) had follow-up MRI. Of those lesions (n = 113), 43 % (49/113) presented within 7 months, 26 % (29/113) presented within 8-13 months, 11.5 % (13/113) presented within 14-22 months, and 19 % (22/113) presented after 23 months. At initial follow-up, 37 % of lesions were stable and 61 % were decreased in size. Three lesions were recommended for excision based on follow-up imaging with one malignancy diagnosed 2 years following biopsy. One additional patient had MRI-detected bilateral cancers remote from the biopsy site 3 years after biopsy. CONCLUSION: Overall cancer yield of lesions with follow-up MRI was 0.9 % (1/113); no cancers were detected at 6 months. Our data suggests that 6-month follow-up may not be required and that annual screening MRI would be acceptable to maintain a reasonable cancer detection rate. KEY POINTS: Follow-up recommendations after benign concordant MRI-guided breast biopsy remain controversial. Cancer detection rate was 0.9 % overall with no cancers detected at 6 months. Short-interval follow-up after benign concordant MRI-guided breast biopsy may not be necessary.

Outcome of high-risk lesions at MRI-guided 9-gauge vacuum- assisted breast biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to determine the frequency of underestimation of high-risk lesions at MRI-guided 9-gauge vacuum-assisted breast biopsy and to determine the imaging and demographic characteristics predictive of lesion upgrade after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutively detected lesions that were found only at MRI and biopsied under MRI guidance from May 2007 to April 2012. Imaging indications, imaging features, and histologic findings were reviewed. The Fisher exact test was used to assess the association between characteristics and lesion upgrade. Patients lost to follow-up or who underwent mastectomy were excluded, making the final study cohort 140 women with 151 high-risk lesions, 147 of which were excised. RESULTS: A database search yielded the records of 1145 lesions in 1003 women. Biopsy yielded 252 (22.0%) malignant tumors, 184 (16.1%) high-risk lesions, and 709 (61.9%) benign lesions. Thirty of the 147 (20.4%) excised high-risk lesions were upgraded to malignancy. The upgrade rate was highest for atypical ductal hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ, and radial scar. No imaging features were predictive of upgrade. However, there was a significantly higher risk that a high-risk lesion would be upgraded to malignancy if the current MRI-detected high-risk lesion was in the same breast as a malignant tumor previously identified in the remote history, a recently diagnosed malignant tumor, or a high-risk lesion previously identified in the remote history (p = 0.0001). The upgrade rate was significantly higher for women with a personal cancer history than for other indications combined (p = 0.0114). CONCLUSION: The rate of underestimation of malignancy in our series was 20%. No specific imaging features were seen in upgraded cases. Surgical excision is recommended for high-risk lesions found at MRI biopsy and may be particularly warranted for women with a personal history of breast cancer.