Gangliocytic Paraganglioma of Dorsolumbar Spine: A Rare Tumor at Rare Site.

Spinal paragangliomas are rare benign tumors. The gangliocytic paragangliomas (GP) of spine are even rarer. The GPs are almost exclusively seen in duodenum. In spine, the usual site of affection is cauda equina region. The involvement of other spinal levels is far less often and includes thoracic and cervical region. We report this case of GP involving the conus medullaris region and reaching up to the upper part of cauda equina. The prognosis of spinal GP is excellent after total excision, as it is classified under WHO Grade I tumor. The patient made a full recovery after tumor removal. Clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics of this rare tumor are discussed here along with.

Preparation, Evaluation and Optimization of Multiparticulate System of Mebendazole for Colon Targeted Drug Delivery by Using Natural Polysaccharides.

PURPOSE: A Multiparticulate system of Mebendazole was developed for colon targeted drug delivery by using natural polysaccharides like Chitosan and Sodium-alginate beads. METHODS: Chitosan microspheres were formulated by using Emulsion crosslinking method using Glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent. Sodium-alginate beads were formulated by using Calcium chloride as gelling agent. Optimization for Chitosan microspheres was carried out by using 2(3) full factorial design. 3(2) full factorial design was used for the optimization of Sodium-alginate beads. The formulated batches were evaluated for percentage yield, particle size measurement, flow properties, percent entrapment efficiency, Swelling studies. The formulations were subjected to Stability studies and In-vitro release study (with and without rat caecal content). Release kinetics data was subjected to different dissolution models. RESULTS: The formulated batches showed acceptable particle size range as well as excellent flow properties. Entrapment efficiency for optimized batches of Chitosan microspheres and sodium alginate beads was found to be 74.18% and 88.48% respectively. In-vitro release of drug for the optimized batches was found to be increased in presence of rat caecal content. The best-fit models were koresmeyer-peppas for Chitosan microspheres and zero order for sodium-alginate beads. CONCLUSION: Chitosan and Sodium-alginate was used successfully for the formulation of Colon targeted Multiparticulate system.

Chitosan: a propitious biopolymer for drug delivery.

Scientists have always been interested in the use of natural polymers for drug delivery. Chitosan, being a natural cationic polysaccharide has received a great deal of attention in the past few years. It is obtained by deacetylation of chitin and is regarded as the second most ubiquitous polymer subsequent to cellulose on earth. Unlike other natural polymers, the cationic charge possessed by chitosan is accountable for imparting interesting physical and chemical properties. Chitosan has been widely exploited for its mucoadhesive character, permeation enhancing properties and controlled release of drugs. Moreover it's non-toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable properties make it a good candidate for novel drug delivery system. This review provides an insight on various chitosan based formulations for drug delivery. Some of the current applications of chitosan in areas like ophthalmic, nasal, buccal, sublingual, gastro-retentive, pulmonary, transdermal, colon-specific and vaginal drug delivery have been discussed. In addition, active targeting of drugs to tumor cells using chitosan has been described. Lastly a brief section covering the safety aspects of chitosan has also been reviewed.

Screening for diabetes mellitus using gingival crevicular blood with the help of a self-monitoring device.

PURPOSE: The purpose of study was to compare blood glucose in capillary finger-prick blood and gingival crevice blood using a self-monitoring blood glucose device among patients with gingivitis or periodontitis. METHODS: Thirty patients with gingivitis or periodontitis and bleeding on probing (BOP) were chosen. The following clinical periodontal parameters were noted: probing depth, BOP, gingival bleeding index, and periodontal disease index. Blood samples were collected from gingival crevicular blood (GCB) and capillary finger-prick blood (CFB). These samples were analyzed using a glucose self-monitoring device. RESULTS: Descriptive statistical analysis has been carried out in the present study. Data were analyzed using a Pearson's correlation coefficient and Student's t-test. A r-value of 0.97 shows very strong correlation between CFB and GCB, which was statistically highly significant (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that GCB may serve as potential source of screening blood glucose during routine periodontal examination in populations with an unknown history of diabetes mellitus.

Periodontitis and risk of diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease with varying degrees of systemic and oral complications. The periodontium is also a target for diabetic damage. Diabetes is a pandemic in both developed and developing countries. In recent years, a link between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus has been postulated. The oral cavity serves as a continuous source of infectious agents that could further worsen the diabetic status of the patient and serve as an important risk factor deterioration of diabetes mellitus. The present review highlights the relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis. The potential mechanisms involved in the deterioration of diabetic status and periodontal disease are also discussed.

In-vitro pediculicidal activity of Hedychium spicatum essential oil.

The essential oil extracted from rhizomes of Hedychium spicatum was evaluated for in-vitro pediculicidal activity. At 5%, 2% and 1% concentration the essential oil showed more significant activity than 1% permethrin based product.