Study of polymorphs of progesterone by novel melt sonocrystallization technique: a technical note

A large number of pharmaceuticals exhibit polymorphism; 23% steroids, 60% sulfonamides, and 70% of barbiturates have shown this property. In this study, we have investigated and compared a new technique termed as melt sonocrystallization (MSC) with melt and sonocrystallization (SC) for induction of polymorphism in progesterone (PRG). Polymorphs were characterized by DSC, XRD, FT-IR, and FT Raman spectroscopy. Melt sonocrystallized progesterone (MSC-PRG) contained both the polymorphs, more soluble form II along with less soluble form I, whereas melt progesterone (M-PRG) and sonocrystallized progesterone (SC-PRG) contained only form I. Improvement in dissolution characteristics of both the polymorphs were compared and form II was found to be more readily soluble than form I in deionized water. Reduction in mean particle size of PRG during SC was also determined using laser diffractometer. During stability testing (40°C/75% RH) for 1 month, metastable form II of MSC-PRG was found to be transformed into its more stable state. MSC technique was thus found as a useful tool for induction of polymorphism.

Novel reactions of one-electron oxidized radicals of selenomethionine in comparison with methionine

Pulse radiolysis studies on hydroxyl (*OH) radical reactions of selenomethionine (SeM), a selenium analogue of methionine, were carried out, and the resultant transient radical cations and their subsequent reactions have been reported. At pH<3, the >Se*-OH radical adducts produced on reaction of SeM with *OH radical were converted to selenium centered radical cations (Se*+M), which react with another molecule of SeM to form dimer radical cation M(Se therefore Se)M+. At pH 7, the >Se*-OH radical adducts were converted to a monomer radical of the type (Se therefore N)M+ that acquires intramolecular stability through interaction with the lone pair of the N atom and this radical is denoted as SeM*+. SeM*+ decayed by first order kinetics, and the reduction potential of the couple SeM*+/SeM was determined to be 1.21+/-0.05 V vs NHE at pH 7. SeM*+ oxidized ABTS2- and TMPD with rate constants of (2.5+/-0.1)x10(8) and (6.1+/-0.2)x10(8) M(-1) s(-1), respectively, and reacted with hydroxide ion with a rate constant of (3.8+/-0.9)x10(5) M(-1) s(-1). SeM*+ reacts with molecular oxygen, and the rate constant for this reaction was determined to be (4.3+/-0.2)x10(8) M(-1) s(-1); similar reaction with methionine could not be observed experimentally. Like methionine radical cations, SeM*+ undergoes decarboxylation, although with lesser yield, to produce reducing 3-methyl-selenopropyl amino radicals (referred as alpha-amino radicals). The formation of these radicals was confirmed both by the estimation of the liberated CO2 and by one-electron reduction of MV2+, thionine, and PNAP. These results have been supported by quantum chemical calculations. Implications of these results in the biological role of SeM have also been briefly discussed.

L(9) orthogonal design assisted formulation and evaluation of chitosan-based buccoadhesive films of miconazole nitrate

The present study was aimed to prepare and evaluate buccoadhesive films of miconazole nitrate (MCZ). The films based on chitosan were prepared by solvent casting method using L(9) orthogonal array design to release the drug above its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for a prolonged period of time so as to reduce its frequency of administration. As per the experimental design, guar gum, HPMC K15M and HEC were added at three different levels to control the drug release. Films showed smooth, uniform and non-sticky surface with good flexibility and folding endurance. Thickness and weight-variation data showed no significant difference among the batches, indicating that the polymeric blend possessed a good film forming ability and its desired properties could easily be achieved by varying the composition of the casting solution. Films composed of chitosan with guar gum appeared to be tougher; comparatively more bioadhesive in vitro, resided to an appropriate time interval and swelled at a more reasonable rate than those containing HPMC and HEC, suggesting the superiority of guar gum over other polymers. In vitro drug release studies conducted on all batches and microbiological studies done on the statistically optimized formulation demonstrated that the films had ability to sustain the drug concentration above its MIC for 6 hrs, despite the incorporation of a smaller dose (2.5 mg/cm(2) of the film). Films, except CF2 and CF3, followed Fickian diffusion of release mechanism. FT-IR spectra revealed no interactions between the drug and polymers.

Siderophore sorption to clays

Siderophores are low molecular weight organic ligands exuded by some aerobic organisms and plants to acquire Fe under Fe-limited conditions. The hydroxamate siderophores may sorb to aluminosilicate clays through a variety of mechanisms depending upon the nature of the clay and of the siderophore along with solution conditions such as pH, ionic strength, and presence of metal cations. They may also affect metal binding to clays. Here, we review previous studies of siderophore sorption to aluminosilicate clays; briefly discuss how the techniques of X-ray diffractometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy may be applied to such studies; review effects of siderophores on metal sorption to clays; and highlight some areas for future research.

Colloidal nanocarriers: a review on formulation technology, types and applications toward targeted drug delivery

Colloidal nanocarriers, in their various forms, have the possibility of providing endless opportunities in the area of drug delivery. The current communication embodies an in-depth discussion of colloidal nanocarriers with respect to formulation aspects, types, and site-specific drug targeting using various forms of colloidal nanocarriers with special insights to the field of oncology. Specialized nanotechnological approaches like quantum dots, dendrimers, integrins, monoclonal antibodies, and so forth, which have been extensively researched for targeted delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents, are also discussed. Nanotechnological patents, issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in the area of drug delivery, are also included in this review to emphasize the importance of nanotechnology in the current research scenario.

FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR

Colloidal nanocarriers provide almost endless opportunities in the area of drug delivery. While the review mainly addresses potential oncological applications, similar approaches may be applicable in other conditions with a requirement for targeted drug delivery. Technologies including quantum dots, dendrimers, integrins, monoclonal antibodies are discussed, along with US-based patents related to these methods.

Efficient and robust prediction algorithms for protein complexes using Gomory-Hu trees

Two-Hybrid (Y2H) Protein-Protein interaction (PPI) data suffer from high False Positive and False Negative rates, thus making searching for protein complexes in PPI networks a challenge. To overcome these limitations, we propose an efficient approach which measures connectivity between proteins not by edges, but by edge-disjoint paths. We model the number of edge-disjoint paths as a network flow and efficiently represent it in a Gomory-Hu tree. By manipulating the tree, we are able to isolate groups of nodes sharing more edge-disjoint paths with each other than with the rest of the network, which are our putative protein complexes. We examine the performance of our algorithm with Variation of Information and Separation measures and show that it belongs to a group of techniques which are robust against increased false positive and false negative rates. We apply our approach to yeast , mouse, worm, and human Y2H PPI networks, where it shows promising results. On yeast network, we identify 38 statistically significant protein clusters, 20 of which correspond to protein complexes and 16 to functional modules.

Effects of the microbial siderophore DFO-B on Pb and Cd speciation in aqueous solution

This study investigates the complexation environments of aqueous Pb and Cd in the presence of the trihydroxamate microbial siderophore, desferrioxamine-B (DFO-B) as a function of pH. Complexation of aqueous Pb and Cd with DFO-B was predicted using equilibrium speciation calculation. Synchrotron-based X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy at Pb L(III) edge and Cd K edge was used to characterize Pb and Cd-DFO-B complexes at pH values predicted to best represent each of the metal-siderophore complexes. Pb was not found to be complexed measurably by DFO-B at pH 3.0, but was complexed by all three hydroxamate groups to form a totally "caged" hexadentate structure at pH 7.5-9.0. At the intermediate pH value (pH 4.8), a mixture of Pb-DFOB complexes involving binding of the metal through one and two hydroxamate groups was observed. Cd, on the other hand, remained as hydrated Cd2+ at pH 5.0, occurred as a mixture of Cd-DFOB and inorganic species at pH 8.0, and was bound by three hydroxamate groups from DFO-B at pH 9.0. Overall, the solution species observed with EXAFS were consistent with those predicted thermodynamically. However, Pb speciation at higher pH values differed from that predicted and suggests that published constants underestimate the binding constant for complexation of Pb with all three hydroxamate groups of the DFO-B ligand. This molecular-level understanding of metal-siderophore solution coordination provides physical evidence for complexes of Pb and Cd with DFO-B, and is an important first step toward understanding processes at the microbial- and/or mineral-water interface in the presence of siderophores.

Gastroretentive drug delivery system of Ranitidine hydrochloride based on osmotic technology: development and evaluation

Gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) of Ranitidine hydrochloride (RHC) has been designed based on the osmotic technology, with the floating and swelling features in order to prolong the gastric retention time. The developed system consisted of osmotic core (containing drug, osmotic agent and hydrophilic polymers), coated with semipermeable membrane (SPM) which is then further coated with compression coating of gelling agent (HPMC K4M) containing gas generating agent (citric acid). All the developed formulations were evaluated for floating lag time, duration of floating, drug content and in-vitro drug release profile. Formulation variables like levels of hydrophilic polymer (0-18.26%w/w), type of plasticizer (PEG-400, Dibutyl phthalate), coat thickness of SPM (60-100 microm), were found to affect the drug release from the developed formulations. Drug release was directly proportional to hydrophilic nature of plasticizer but inversely proportional to the levels of hydrophilic polymer and coat thickness of SPM. Drug release from developed formulations was independent of level of gas generating agent in compression coat, pH and agitation intensities of release media but dependent on osmotic pressure of the release media. All the developed formulation showed floating lag time of less than 2 min (desired) and were floated for more than 12 hr. Floating lag time was inversely related to level of citric acid in compression coat and directly related to the density of the developed formulations. The manufacturing procedure was found to be reproducible and formulations were stable after 3 months accelerated stability study. Prediction of steady state levels showed the plasma concentrations of RHC to be within desired range.

Formulation and Biopharmaceutical Evaluation of Osmotic Matrix Tablets of Diclofenac Sodium

The objective of our study was to prepare and evaluate osmotic matrix (OM) tablets of diclofenac sodium (DS). In vitro studies were done on USPXXIV dissolution apparatus II in different release medium. Surface characteristics of coating films and osmotic contribution of OM tablets also were studied. In vivo evaluation was carried out in 6 healthy human volunteers using HPLC method to assay plasma samples, and the results were compared with the performance of fabricated matrix and two commercial tablets of DS. Through in vitro drug release kinetics, using regression coefficient analysis and Peppas equation, different pharmacokinetic parameters and relative bioavailability were determined. OM tablets were found to provide more prolonged and controlled therapeutic plasma DS levels and also showed improved bioavailability in comparison to fabricated matrix and commercial tablets studied.

Colon targeted drug delivery systems--an overview

In the last two decades colon targeted drug delivery has gained increased importance not just for the deliver drugs for the treatment of various colonic diseases but also for its potential for delivery of proteins and therapeutic peptides. In the past various traditional approaches used for colon targeted delivery like prodrugs, pH, time dependent, and microflora activated systems, have achieved limited success. For successful colon targeted drug delivery, the drug needs to be protected from absorption and/or the environment of the upper gastrointestinal tract and then be abruptly released into the colon. Hence continuous efforts have been made on designing colon targeted drug delivery systems with improved site specificity and versatile drug release kinetics to fulfill different therapeutic needs. In last couple of years few new systems have been developed for colon targeted drug delivery such as pressure dependent systems, CODES technology, microsponges, pectin and galactomannan coating, microbially triggered osmotic systems, lectins and neoglyconjugated etc. which are reported to have better in-vivo site specificity and design rationale than the earlier approaches. This review article gives an overview of various approaches for colonic targeted drug delivery with emphasis on newer systems, their merits and demerits, in vitro/ in-vivo evaluation and market status of such delivery systems.

Concentration dependent antioxidant/pro-oxidant activity of curcumin studies from AAPH induced hemolysis of RBCs

The antioxidant properties of curcumin have been studied by evaluating its ability to protect RBCs from AAPH (2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride) induced oxidative damage. RBCs are susceptible to oxidative damage, resulting in peroxidation of the membrane lipids, release of hemoglobin (hemolysis), release of intracellular K(+) ions and depletion of glutathione (GSH). In this paper, lipid peroxidation, hemolysis and K(+) ion loss in RBCs were assessed respectively by formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), absorbance of hemoglobin at 532nm and flame photometry. The treatment of RBCs with curcumin showed concentration dependant decrease in level of TBARS and hemolysis. The IC(50) values for inhibition of lipid peroxidation and hemolysis were estimated to be 23.2+/-2.5 and 43+/-5microM respectively. However in contrast to the above mentioned effects, curcumin in similar concentration range, did not prevent release of intracellular K(+) ions during the process of hemolysis, rather curcumin induced its release even in the absence of hemolysis. The ability of curcumin to prevent oxidation of intracellular GSH due to hemolysis showed mixed results. At low concentrations of curcumin (<10microM) it prevented GSH depletion and at higher concentrations, the GSH levels decreased gradually. Curcumin scavenges the peroxyl radical generated from AAPH. Based on these results, it is concluded that curcumin exhibits both antioxidant/pro-oxidant activity, in a concentration dependent manner.

Learning, education and satisfaction after compulsory rotating internship in Kathmandu University Medical School: a qualitative study of interns' response

BACKGROUND

Internship is an integral part of MBBS training programme and mandatory to all students. Kathmandu University Medical School has adopted a programme of compulsory one year rotating internship including 6 weeks community exposure in out reach clinics for the first batch of students. The purpose of the study is to evaluate interns' feedback concerning learning, education and satisfaction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire with 47 items was administered to 30 interns who had finished one year rotating internship in Kathmandu University Medical School. Fourty-two responses were graded according in Likert scale and 5 open ended questions were analyzed for common themes.

RESULTS

The mean age of the interns was 24.77+/-0.67 yrs with female: male ratio of 1.5:1. Confidence level of communication of interns with faculties was lesser than with junior doctors and patients. Junior doctors and colleagues contributed more in interns' learning than faculties. Community exposure for 6 weeks was considered lengthy and lacking of clear objectives. However, 53.3% interns agreed that achievement of objectives of community posting was high or very high. Of the interns, 50% perceived certain degree of physical or mental or sexual harassment during internship. Interns raised the issue of not involving them as a part of team during clinical posting. Clinical competencies for most of the skills were high or very high.

CONCLUSION

Interns have learned clinical skills and patient care in one year internship programme but contribution of junior doctors and colleague are more than teachers. Clear objectives are needed before clinical and community postings. Process of providing regular feedback from interns and vice versa should be implemented to improve interns' learning, education and satisfaction.

Hydatid cyst of mediastinum

We report a case of hydatid cyst of the mediastinum in a 32-year-old female patient who was admitted with chest pain. CT scan reported posterior mediastinal mass towards the right side. Surgical exploration revealed a loculated cyst in posterior mediastinum on the right side, adherent to the overlying lung and underlying bone. Posterolateral thoracotomy was performed for cyst aspiration and excision. The patient was discharged on albendazole.

Genetic diversity and differentiation of dromedarian camel of India

Estimation of genetic variability and relationship among different livestock breeds is important for management of genetic resources for their sustainable utilization and conservation. This is more important when the livestock species, like camel, have shown a sharp decline in head count during the last decade. In the present study we estimated genetic variability and relationship among four camel breeds of India using 23 microsatellite loci. A total of 252 alleles were observed across all the four populations with mean number of alleles per locus as 8.04, 7.30, 6.39, and 7.43 for Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Kutchi, and Mewari breeds, respectively. The mean observed heterozygosity of the four breeds were 0.58, 0.57, 0.56, and 0.60 for Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Kutchi, and Mewari breeds, respectively and were lower than expected heterozygosity values. The mean estimates of F statistics were 0.227+/-0.044 (F(IT)), 0.157+/-0.038 (F(IS)), and 0.082+/-0.019 (F(ST)). The values were significantly different from zero for all the three measures and point towards the existence of population structure and moderate differentiation in four camel breeds. The exact test also indicated significant population differentiation (P < 0.001). The analysis of molecular variance revealed 12% of the variation attributed to among populations and 88% within populations. Sixty-nine percent of the individuals could be correctly assigned using "leave one out" procedure. All the individuals of Mewari and 42 out of 44 Jaisalmeri were correctly assigned. The existence of strong population structure in Jaisalmeri and Mewari camel was further substantiated by Nei's standard genetic distance as well as interindividual allele sharing distance. Thus these two breeds owing to selection for specific traits are distinct from other camel breeds.