Genipin-modified gelatin nanocarriers as swelling controlled drug delivery system for in vitro release of cytarabine.

The aim of the present investigation was to design biocompatible gelatin nanoparticles, capable of releasing the cytarabine drug in a controllable way by regulating the extent of swelling of nanoparticles. In order to achieve the proposed objectives, gelatin (Type A, derived from acid cured tissue) was modified by crosslinking with genipin and nanoparticles of crosslinked gelatin were prepared using single water in oil (W/O) emulsion technique. The nanoparticles were characterized by techniques like FTIR, SEM, TEM, particles size analysis, and surface potential measurements. The nanoparticle chemical architecture was found to influence drug-releasing capacity. The influence of experimental conditions such as pH and simulated physiological fluids as the release medium was also investigated on the release profiles of cytarabine. It is possible to fabricate high-performance materials, by designing of controlled size gelatin nanoparticles with good biocompatible properties along with desired drug release profiles.

Ketodex, a combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in children: a preliminary report.

A combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine for upper gastrointestinal endoscopies (UGIE) was studied in 46 children aged 2-12 years over a 6-month period. Dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg and ketamine 2 mg/kg were given as a bolus over 5 min. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and sedation scores were noted before induction as baseline and then every 5 min until recovery. The duration and ease of the procedure, time to recovery, and adverse effects, if any, were also recorded. UGIE could be performed with ease in 41 of the 46 cases. The HR, MAP, and SpO2 did not change significantly from the baseline. No airway intervention was required in any patient. There was no laryngospasm or shivering in any of the children, and one, four, and 11 children had hiccup, vomiting, and increased salivation, respectively. The Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium score was <4 in all except for two cases. The results of this case series show that this drug combination not only promises to be clinically effective but also safe for UGIE in children. Further randomized controlled trials with standard sedation protocols will be required to draw definite conclusions.

Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) - Should we not be concerned?

Local anesthetics are one of the most commonly used drugs in the field of medicine. Yet little is known about the systemic toxicity that can occur with their overdose. In the last few years, a lot of research has taken place understanding the etiology of the Local anesthetics systemic toxicity (LAST) and the role of lipid emulsion in treating it. There is a need to increase the awareness about LAST and establish a protocol to treat any serious neuro or cardiotoxicity.

Significance of free radicals in chronic tonsillitis.

The present study was carried on adolescents suffering from chronic tonsillitis. Blood (pre and post tonsillectomy) as well as tonsil samples were evaluated for -MDA, SOD and Catalase. Our results showed a decrease in level of MDA and increase in SOD and Catalase levels post tonsillectomy. Presence of MDA and SOD in tonsillar tissue reinforce involvement of oxidative stress in pathophysiology of chronic tonsillitis.

Platelet ionic calcium and serum total calcium in essential hypertension.

A total of 44 cases comprising hypertensive (31) and normotensive group (13) were studied. Serum total calcium concentrations remained unaltered in hypertensives. Platelet cytosolic calcium in hypertensive group was significantly higher as compared to the normotensive controls. Platelet cytosolic calcium correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure significantly.

Platelet serotonergic mechanisms and glomerulonephritis.

Proven cases (28) of glomerulonephritis (GN) were evaluated for clinico-biochemical profile, bleeding time, platelet count, platelet aggregation and platelet serotonergic mechanisms. Inordinate increase in platelet aggregation and altered platelet serotonergic mechanisms (reduced 5-HT, uptake, reduced intraplatelet 5-HT and increased plasma 5-HT) were demonstrated in some histopathological types of GN. The mechanisms and importance of these alterations have been discussed.

Tick-borne rickettsioses in Pune district, Maharashtra, India.

An extensive study on tick-borne rickettsioses in the Pune district of Maharashtra revealed that Indian tick typhus exists as a zoonosis, which only occasionally causes disease in man. By sero-conversion in guinea pigs, presumptive isolates of Rickettsia conori and Coxiella burnetii were recovered from 4 of the 11 species of ticks examined. Boophilus microplus and Rhipicephalus haemaphysalis were found to be harbouring R. conori whereas C. burnetii was isolated from Haemaphysalis intermedia and Hyalomma hussaini in addition to the above mentioned 2 tick species. Complement fixation tests carried out on sera from various species of rodents and gerbils revealed the presence of antibodies against the R. conori antigen in the sera of Rattus blanfordi, R.r. rufescens and Suncus murinus. In the case of large mammals, similar antibodies were detected in the sera from dog, cow, horse and sheep. C. burnetii infection was found to exist in both the sylvan and domestic cycle, as evidenced from the involvement of ticks, large and small mammals and man in its natural history.

Ontogeny of alpha-foetoprotein in human foetal brain.

Alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) was found to be present in human foetal brain during early embryonic life. Antigenically and electrophoretically foetal brain AFP is similar to that found in human foetal serum. Like serum AFP it did not bind oestradiol. Developmental profile of the proteins in foetal brain was distinct from that observed in foetal serum, amniotic fluid and maternal serum compartments. Peak levels of brain AFP were obtained in foetuses in the 20th week of gestation. These levels decreased rapidly and no AFP could be detected in foetal brains derived from the third trimester of pregnancy. The origin of AFP and its possible role in foetal brain development is discussed.

Relation between haemolymph proteins and fat body during metamorphosis in Danais chrysippus Linn. II.

Changes in haemolymph protein fractions and histology, of adipose tissue has been observed in the larvae, pupae and newly emerged adults of Danais chrysippus. At time of pupation, proteins get accumulated in the fat body and in turn are utilized in metabolic process occuring during metamorphosis. A clear correlation exists between the adipose tissue and haemolymph proteins. A human-serum-albumine like proteins was not observed in this insect species.

Relation between haemolymph proteins and fat body during metamorphosis in Sarcophaga lineatocollis.

Histological changes in the fat body and in the qualitative haemolymph protein picture has been observed during metamorphosis in Sarcophagalineatocollis. A clear correlation exists in the synthesizing machinary i.e., adipose tissue and the haemolymph proteins. Proteins get accumulated in the fat body at the time of pupation to be made available for further metabolic processes occuring during the metamorphosis. A protein fraction identical to human serum albumin like protein could not be observed in this insect species.

Protein and lipid concentration in the haemolymph of Danais chrysippus. Linn.

Proteins and lipids in the haemolymph in both the sexes of the Danais chrysippus has been observed during the first gonotropic cycle. The concentration fluctuations in these haemolymph metabolites are correlated with the physiological state of the insect. The total protein and lipid concentration in the haemolymph of unmated females have been found to be low than the concentration found for the normal females although it followed the same type of oscillations in the concentration as have been observed for normal females.

Relation between corpus allatum and haemolymph proteins in Sphaerodema rusticum Fabr.

The active and inactive stages of the corpora allata have been described on the basis of size and nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio. The polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis of the haemolymph has been done in the males and different stages of reproducing females. A protein fraction with a value 14 less than or equal to Rm less than 16 has been observed only in females. Out of 8 protein fractions, 5 showed oscillations in their concentration at the time of vitellogenesis. Finally active stages in the corpora allata are correlated with the fluctuations in haemolymph protein concentration.