24th Hr Research Articles

Comparative Study between General Anesthesia versus General Anesthesia Combined with Thoracic Epidural Analgesia on Cytokine Response in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patients

Background and Objectives: The main benefits of laparoscopic surgery in comparison to open surgery involve the rapid discharge from recovery room, decreased postoperative hospital stays, reduced postoperative discomfort, easier getting back to work and faster return to ordinary daily life as well as cosmetic surgical wounds. The anesthesia type has an essential role in attenuation of the surgical stress and achievement of these advantages. We aimed to determine the outcome of giving general anesthesia in conjunction with thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) compared to general anesthesia alone on stress response to surgery and anesthesia by investigating cytokine reaction (interleukin 6 and 8 levels), hemodynamic changes (BP, HR, RR, SPO2), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores postoperatively in patients subjected for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: This study included 40 patients aged 20 - 60 years old with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) I and II. They were planned for laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Aswan University Hospital from April 2017 to March 2018. They were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A (n. 20) received general anesthesia only and Group B (n. 20) received general anesthesia in conjunction with thoracic epidural analgesia using fentanyl and bupivacaine in the epidural catheter. Chi-square was applied to differentiate categorical variables, whereas comparison between continuous variables was done by using t-test. Two-tailed p ficant. Results: As regards IL-6 and IL-8 post-operative there is significant difference (p nd and 4th hr and 24th hr postoperative, with significantly increased postoperative levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in comparison to their preoperative baseline values. The largest increase in IL6 & IL8 levels was in group A (GA group). VAS score showed significant lower values in TEA group in comparison to GA group. No significant difference between groups as regard intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamic changes. Conclusion: Regional techniques including TEA attenuate and decrease cytokine reaction secondary to surgery which decreases inflammatory process and improves patient outcome and reduces pain score postoperatively.

Influence of vitamin E and vitamin E-selenium combination on arginase activity, nitric oxide level and some spermatological properties in ram semen.

The effects of vitamin E and vitamin E-selenium combination on seminal plasma arginase activity and nitric oxide level and some spermatological properties in rams were investigated in this study. For control group, animals were injected intramuscularly with physiological saline. For vitamin E group, rams were injected intramuscularly with 300mg/ram vitamin E. For vitamin E+selenium group, animals were injected intramuscularly with 5ml/ram vitamin E+selenium. The semen was collected by artificial vagina at 1st, 4th, 24th, 48th and 72nd hr after administration in each group. Significant decreases in seminal plasma arginase activity (at 1st, 24th and 48th hr), nitric oxide level (at 72nd hr) and abnormal sperm rate (at 1st, 24th and 72nd hr), and significant increases in semen volume (at 24th hr), semen mass activity (at 24th and 48th hr), sperm motility (at 24th, 48th and 72nd hr) and concentration (at 1st hr) were observed in vitamin E group compared with control group. Similarly, significant increase in semen volume (at 1st, 24th and 48th hr), mass activity, (at 48th hr), motility (at 48th and 72nd hr) and concentration (at 4th, 24th and 48th hr), and significant decrements in abnormal sperm rate (at 1st, 24th, 48th and 72nd hr), seminal plasma nitric oxide level (at 1st, 4th, 24th and 48th hr) and semen pH (at 24th and 48th hr) were detected in vitamin E+selenium group in comparison to the control group. As a result, it is suggested that vitamin E and/or vitamin E+selenium applications may improve reproductive performance.

Photosynthetic Microbial Desalination Cell to Treat Oily Wastewater Using Microalgae Chlorella Vulgaris

Microbial desalination cell (MDC) offers a new and sustainable approach to desalinate saltwater by directly utilizing the electrical power generated by bacteria during organic matter oxidation. In this study, we used microalgae Chlorella Vulgaris in the cathode chamber to produce oxygen as an electron accepter by photosynthesis process for generate bioelectricity power and treat oil refinery wastewater by microorganisms in both anode and cathode.The power density generated by this Photosynthetic Microbial Desalination Cell (PMDC) with 1KΩ external resistance at the first 4th hr. of operation period was 0.678 W/m3 of anode volume and 0.63 W/m3 of cathode volume. It increased after one day to a peak value of (4.32 W/m3 of anode volume and 4.013 W/m3 of cathode volume). The microalgae growth in the biocathode chamber followed in terms of optical density. The optical density increased from 0.546 at the beginning of the system operation to 1.71 after 24 days of operation period. The percentage removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) of oil refinery wastewater was 97.33% and 79.22% in anode and cathode chamber, respectively. The microalgae in the biocathode were able to remove volatile compounds causing odor from the influent wastewater. TDS removal rate 159.722 ppm/h with initial TDS in desalination chamber of 35000 ppm.

Investigation of histopathological and radiological effects of surfactant treatment in an experimental female rat model of lung contusion.

Objective(s):Pulmonary contusion (PC) is a clinical entity that often accompanies blunt traumas. We aimed to investigate the radiological and histopathological effects of surfactant treatment in an experimental rat model in which lung contusion was formed by blunt thoracic trauma.Materials and Methods:50 female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Five groups were formed randomly. In groups 2, 4, and 5 lung contusion was made by the drop-weight method after anesthesia. Intratracheal surfactant was administered in the 4th hr in groups 3 and 4 and in the 24th hr in groups 4 and 5. All rats were sacrificed and their lungs removed at 48 hr after contusion. Alveolar edema, congestion, hemorrhage, destruction, leukocyte infiltration, immune staining were examined histopathologically.Results:When the first thoracic CT scans were evaluated, we observed two rats with rib fractures and four rats with pneumothorax. 4 and 48 hr thoracic CT evaluation contusion and atelectasis showed no statistically significant decrease (P>0.05). After sacrifice of group 2, in macroscopic evaluation, there was a heterogeneous contusion and hemorrhagic appearance in the lungs of rats and less hemorrhagic appearance was observed in Groups 4 and 5 than in Group 2. In comparison of Immunohistopathological findings, surfactant treatment showed a statistically significant decrease in leukocyte infiltration scores (P=0.046). Immunohistopathologically, surfactant group had more staining but only statistically significant when compared to groups 4 and sham. (P=0.036).Conclusion:Surfactant treatment may be of significant benefit in lung contusion secondary to blunt chest trauma, and further prospective evidence of its efficacy in such disorders is needed.

An evaluation of early and delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

Background: Acute cholecystitis is one of the hepatopancreatobiliary emergencies. With more and more experience in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy studies are being carried out evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis.Methods: Fifty patients presenting with acute cholecystitis were included in this study and randomized using chit in the box method into two groups- early group and delayed group.Results: Mean duration of surgery in the early group is 42.28±5.99 mins and in the delayed group is 39.12±5.55 mins (p=0.06). Gallbladder perforation was reported in 4 patients (16%) in early group and in 2 patients (8%) in delayed group (p=0.67). Gall stone spillage was reported in 3 patients (12%) in early group and in 2 patients (8%) in delayed group (p=1.00). At 6th hr mean VAS (visual analogue scale) score in the early group was 4.0±0.41 and in the delayed group it was 3.6±0.58 (p=0.01). At 12th hr mean VAS score in the early group was 3.4±0.51 and in the delayed group it was 3.3±0.48 (p=0.39). Mean duration of postoperative stay was 2.24±0.60 days in early group and in the delayed group it was 2.08±0.57 days (p=0.34).Conclusions: It has been found that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and feasible in the setting of acute cholecystitis with added advantage of shorter total hospital stay.

Development of nano structured lipid carrier based hydrogel for the treatment of psoriasis

The present work aimed to develop Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Hydrogel for the treatment of psoriasis, delivered as a topical application on to the skin. Nanostructured Lipid carrier based Hydrogel loaded with methotrexate is a new technique for topical administration for psoriasis. Methotrexate loaded NLC's were prepared by a hot homogenization method using high-pressure homogenizer. Stearic acid and oleic acid were selected as the solid lipid and liquid lipid, respectively. Tween 80 used as a surfactant. The developed lipid formulations were incorporated in 1% Carbopol 934 gel medium to maintain the topical application consistency. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was employed to identify their functional groups. Differential Scanning Calorimetry was employed to determine its melting point. The particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index for the MTX-NLC were found to be 239.12±3.65nm, -24.61mV and 0.245 to 0.517. Scanning electronic microscopy studies will reveal the surface morphology of the nanoparticles. The pH of the drug-loaded formulation was in the range of 4.93 to 5.83. Spreadability was in the range of 3.01±0.59cm to 8.13±0.34cm. Viscosity at 25±2oC was 67325 cps. In vitro studies suggest that initial release rate was observed within first 4 hrs and amount of drug release was 35 to 47± 3.61%, fast and sustained release rate reached by 24th hr and release rate of the drug was 72%. The stability studies reported that the formulation was stable for 30 days after the incorporation of the drug, and there was no drug degradation or decomposition and no change in physical appearance. Hence, results indicate the sustain release activity of MTX-NLC Hydrogels, which could help in preventing the cell division and proliferation of cell acting as a major barrier in the topical application of psoriasis.

Travel to a high volume hospital to undergo resection of gallbladder cancer: does it impact quality of care and long-term outcomes?

BackgroundThe relationship of volume and travel distance to patient outcomes after resection of gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains poorly defined. MethodsThe 2004–2015 National Cancer Database was used to identify GBC resection patients and examine the impact of travel distance, hospital volume and both on overall survival (OS) and quality of care indicators. ResultsAmong 10,174 patients undergoing surgery for GBC, the majority of patients were Caucasian (N = 8,175, 80%) and had a Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score of 0 (N = 6,785, 67%). On unadjusted survival analysis increasing travel distance and hospital volume were associated with improved OS (both p < 0.001). After controlling for competing risk factors, the 4th quartile of hospital volume was associated with a decreased hazard of death (HR 0.831, 95% CI 0.751–0.920, p < 0.001). When both hospital volume and travel distance were included, the association with improved OS persisted only for hospital volume (4th quartile HR 0.835, 95% CI 0.753–0.925, p < 0.001), whereas there was no independent association of increasing travel distance with OS. ConclusionsBoth increasing travel distance and hospital volume were associated with improved OS; however, adjusted models demonstrated that the impact of travel distance was mediated through hospital volume.

Comparison of Serum IgG Concentration, Total Protein, Glutaraldehyde Coagulation 2 Test and Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Activity in Neonatal Foals

The purpose of the present study was to detect the passive transfer status in healthy neonatal foals by comparing serum immunoglobulin G (sIgG) concentration, serum total protein (STP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity and glutaraldehyde test (GCT) duration. Fifteen (15) neonatal foals (0-15 days old)’ blood samples were collected before suckling (day 0), 12th hour(hr), 24th hr (1st day), 7th and 15th days. Serum IgG and STP activity significantly increased after the 12th hr. Conversely, serum GCT duration significantly decreased in neonatal foals after the 12th hr. The results of the present study was shown that measurements of sIgG, STP concentration and GCT duration are useful to detect Failure of Passive Transport (FPT) in neonatal foals. While GCT and STP provide a simple and inexpensive field test, serum GGT measurement is not a beneficial test to determine colostrum intake in newborn foals.

First bathing time of newborn infants after birth: A comparative analysis.

The study was designed as an experimental study to describe the effect of the first bathing time on the body temperature and skin moisture of a newborn after birth. The study population consisted of term newborns between January and June 2016 in the Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Hospital at Istanbul. The sample group was randomly divided into two groups according to different bathing times. The first group (39 infants) was given a bath 24 hr after birth, and the second group (34 infants) was given a bath 48 hr after birth. The infants in both the groups were dried with the first towel and then wrapped in a second dry towel, and a cap put to prevent hypothermia and to minimize any minor fluid loss. The body temperature and skin moisture level were measured before the bath, after the bath, and 10 min after the bath. It was determined that the 10th-minute body temperatures of the infants with the first bathing time 48 hr after birth were significantly higher compared with the infants with the first bath time 24 hr after birth (Z = -2.654; p = .008). Postponing of the first bathing time of newborns to 48 hr after birth was effective in preserving the body temperature of the infant. Postponing the bath to the 48th hr improved moisture, which may improve skin integrity and aid with skin development.

Mon2 predicts poor outcome in ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

There are limited data on the role of human monocyte subsets in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The study aimed to establish the relationship between monocyte subsets, their phagocytic and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) activity and outcomes in STEMI. Monocyte subsets and their phagocytic activity and intracellular levels of inhibitory κB kinase β (IKKβ, marker of NFκB activity) were measured by flow cytometry in 245 patients with STEMI, median follow-up of 46months. Mon2 (CD14++CD16+CCR2+) counts were independently predictive of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) [4th quartile HR 3.42 (95% CI 1.43-8.16), P=0.006 and 3rd quartile HR 2.88 (95% CI 1.19-7.00), P=0.02 vs. 1st quartile]. Mon2 subset was the only subset associated with higher occurrence of heart failure (4th quartile vs. 1st quartile, sevenfold, P=0.001 on univariate analysis; fivefold, P=0.04 on multivariable analysis). On receiver operating characteristic, analysis including of Mon2 improved prognostic value of troponin T and creatine kinase for MACE and heart failure (HF). Higher intracellular Mon2 IKKβ levels were associated with 10-fold lower occurrence of HF on multivariable analysis (4th vs. 1st quartiles, P=0.03). Abnormal Mon1 and Mon2 phagocytic capacities were related to HF development, but the association was dependent on the infarct size and other prognosticators. High Mon2 levels were associated with lower ejection fraction after STEMI onset (P=0.001) and at 6-month follow-up (P<0.001). Abnormal Mon2 characteristics have a unique association with poor outcome in patients with STEMI. The relation of Mon2 with occurrence of HF is strongly and independently related to their functional status, which may have potential therapeutic implications.

The effect of position change on vital signs, back pain and vascular complications following percutaneous coronary intervention.

To determine the effect of position change that is applied after percutaneous coronary intervention on vital signs, back pain and vascular complications. In order to minimise the postprocedural complications, patients are restricted to prolonged bed rest that is always accompanied by back pain and haemodynamic instability. Randomised-controlled quasi-experimental study. The study sample chosen for this study included 200 patients who visited a hospital in Turkey between July 2014-November 2014. Patients were divided into two groups by randomisation. Patients in the control group (CG, n=100) were put in a supine position, in which the head of the bed (HOB) was elevated to 15°, the patient's leg on the side of the intervention was kept straight and immobile; positional change was applied to patients in the experimental group (EG, n=100). After the procedure in the EG, the systolic blood pressure (T4-T6), the rate of postprocedural vascular complications (1%) and the back pain scores were significantly lower (between T5-T6) than the CG, also, the back pain was the lowest level in the standard fowler's position in the 6thhr wherein the HOB was elevated by 45-60°. It was found that systolic blood pressure and back pain were at the lowest levels in the standard fowler's position in the 6thhr after the procedure when the HOB was elevated 45-60° and the result was clinically significant and the position change decreased back pain without causing any vascular complications. Low fowler's position was applied in which HOB was elevated 15-30° and standard fowler's position was applied in which the HOB was elevated 45-60° could be safe and applicable in patients by nurses after the procedure.

COMPARATIVE IN VITRO EVALUATION OF BRANDS OF CLOTRIMAZOLE CREAM FORMULATIONS MARKETED IN ETHIOPIA

The aim of present work was to undertake comparative in vitro quality evaluation of six marketed clotrimazole cream formulations in Ethiopia with respect to physico-chemical properties like viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, pH and drug content. In vitro clotrimazole release from cream formulations was also studied using synthetic cellulose acetate membrane at 37 ÂoC in a solvent containing methanol and PBS 7.4 in the ratio of 75:25 as receiver medium. The cumulative amounts of the drug released over 12 h (µg mm-2) were analyzed. All clotrimazole cream formulations showed good and smooth homogeneous appearance with white color. The pH of clotrimazole cream formulations ranged from 4-7, which is a physiologically acceptable pH range and in principle devoid of any skin irritation. Clotrimazole content ranged from 90-110%, ensuring the uniformity of the drug content in all formulations. The increase in diameter of clotrimazole cream formulations following the spreadability test was found to range from 4-6 cm. Cream formulation D (Clotri-Denk) exhibited highest viscosity values than other formulations, whereas formulation E (Chinese Clotrimazole BP) showed lowest viscosity value. Cream formulation F (Mycoril) showed better extrudability and spreadability as compared to other formulations. Drug release from all formulations was slow in the first 6 hrs. After the 6th hr, steady drug release continued for formulation D and E. Fast drug release was observed in formulations A (Candid) and B (Candigen), whereas for the formulations C (Canesten), D and E, steady drug release pattern was observed after the 6th hr. It can be concluded that all clotrimazole cream formulations fulfilled the quality criteria of in-house and pharmacopeias specifications. Keywords: In Vitro Evaluation, Clotrimazole, Cream, Spreadability, Extrudability, Ethiopia

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND EVALUATION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF AERIAL PART EXTRACTS OF PLANTAGO MAJOR L.

Objective: This study aims to perform phytochemical screening and investigate anti-inflammatory activity of extract from aerial part of the plant Plantago major L.Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening of plant extract was carried out using standard qualitative procedures and anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema model in male Wistar albino rats using plethysmometer. Diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg, b.w.) was used as standard drug.Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of the different extracts revealed that they were rich in secondary metabolite compounds such as carbohydrates, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, fats and oils, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and iridoid glycosides. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema models in Wistar albino rats. The anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract (ME) was found to be dose dependent in carrageenan-induced paw edema model. The ME has shown significant (p&lt;0.05) inhibition of paw edema, 61.11% and 55.55% on 4th hr at the doses of 900 and 600 mg/kg, respectively.Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that ME of the aerial parts of the plant possess significant (p&lt;0.05) anti-inflammatory potential.

Development of An Antidiabetic Phytocomposite Loaded Phytoceutical Formulation, Its Quality Control and Pharmacokinetic Studies and Establishing In Vitro- In Vivo Correlation

This study reports the development of solid oral phytoceutical formulations with Phytocomposite (PHC), an antidiabetic poly herbal preparation as the active core material. Spherical, monolithic PHC microspheres of size range (10 -100 µm) were obtained with Hausner ratio, Carr’s index and angle of repose of 1.141± 0.010, 12.418±0.769 and 25.17±0.96 respectively. Encapsulation efficiency amongst different batches (F1-F5) ranged from 96.8- 100.7, with 99% release profile up to 12h. Conventional and sustained release tablets were prepared by direct compression and compatibility amongst polymers and the PHC checked by FTIR studies. Natural polymers viz. gum kondagogu, gum karaya, Aegle marmelos gum were used as release retardant. Optimized batch of conventional tablets (F6) showed 99.8 % release in 35 min and optimized batch of PHC-SR tablets (F12) showed 99.9% release at 12th hr, both followed zero order kinetics and non-Fickian diffusion. These optimized formulations were subjected to stability studies and the similarity factors (f2) of the conventional and SR tablets were 88.75 and 66.76 respectively. Pharmacokinetic parameters of three formulations in rat plasma were analyzed by PK Solver 2.0. In vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) of three different formulations showed Level A correlation in all cases.

A prospective study of dietary patterns and cancer mortality among Blacks and Whites in the REGARDS cohort.

Marked racial differences exist in dietary patterns and obesity, as well as cancer mortality. This study aims to assess whether dietary patterns are associated with cancer mortality overall and by race. We identified 22,041 participants from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort. Dietary patterns were categorized into: Convenience (Chinese and Mexican foods, pasta, pizza), Plant-based (fruits, vegetables), Southern (added fats, fried foods, sugar-sweetened beverages), Sweets/Fats (sugary foods) and Alcohol/Salads (alcohol, green-leafy vegetables, salad dressing). Using Cox regression, we examined the association between quartiles of dietary patterns and cancer mortality, adjusted for potential confounders, overall among all participants and stratified by race. A total of 873 cancer deaths were observed over the 10-year observation period: 582 (66.7%) in Whites and 291 (33.3%) in Blacks. Greater adherence to the Southern dietary pattern was associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality (4th vs. 1st quartile HR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.32-2.10) overall, especially among Whites (4th vs. 1st quartile HR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.22-2.08). The convenience (HR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.56-0.94) and Plant-based (HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.55-0.93) dietary patterns were associated with up to a 28% reduced risk of cancer mortality, but only among Whites. Greater adherence to the Southern dietary pattern increased the risk of cancer mortality, while greater adherence to the convenience and Plant-based diets reduced the risk of cancer mortality among Whites. Racial differences were observed in the association between dietary patterns and cancer mortality, but warrant further study.

Study of analgesia using bupivicaine as local infiltration in cholecystectomy

Background: Minimally invasive procedures hold an important position in nowadays’ surgical practice. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the main treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis. Post-operative pain management has been a constant challenge to many of the surgeons. Effective relief of pain has got physiological and psychological benefits. Because of their side effects most of the analgesic dosage is inadequate. There is need for developing newer modalities which can provide good analgesia with fewer side effects. The objective of the study was to compare preemptive and preclosure infiltration of bupivacaine in reducing post operative pain and analgesic requirement. Methods: Double blind randomized clinical trial was done in GIMS Hospital Gadag. Total of 40 patients, 20 undergoing open Cholecystectomy, 20 undergoing laparoscopic Cholecystectomy were included in study. Post-operative pain measured using numerical VAS and amount of analgesic use. Results: In open Cholecystectomy there was significant difference in pain score at 3 rd hr and 6 th hr. Requirement of rescue analgesia occurred early in preclosure group and also the numbers of doses required were more when compared to preemptive grou. Requirement of rescue analgesia occurred early in preclosure group and also there was significant difference in analgesic requirement at 6th hr and at 10th hr. Conclusions: Preemptive infiltration is helpful in delaying first dose of analgesic and decreasing the number of analgesic doses in first 48 hrs postoperatively in open cholecystectomy. Preemptive infiltration of bupivacaine delays the time duration for the requirement of first analgesic dose and may also be helpful in reducing the number of analgesic doses in postoperative period when compared to preclosure infiltration in common abdominal surgeries.

Pharmaceutical Development and Evaluation of Reservoirtype Ciprofloxacin Ocular Insert

Ocular inserts of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride were prepared with the aim of achieving once a day administration. Drug reservoir was prepared using sodium CMC while rate controlling membrane was prepared using Eudragit RS100 and RL100. Ocular inserts were evaluated for their physicochemical parameters like thickness, weight uniformity, drug content, percent moisture loss, and percent moisture absorption. The in vitro drug release studies were carried out using Bi-chambered donor receiver compartment model. In vitro drug release kinetic data was treated according to Zero, First, and Higuchi kinetics to access the mechanism of drug release. At the end of 24th hr, in-vitro percentage drug release was obtained for the formulations RF1 was% 46.02 and for RF5 was 98.23%. The drug release from the formulation RF5 (Eudragit RS and RL 100 (1:1)) was 98.23 % at the end of 24th hour which was available as controlled and prolonged. In Kors Meyer Peppas, n value in optimized batch (RF5) was observed 1.399 which indicated super case II transport occurs. All physical parameters evaluated were satisfactory. So formulation RF5 was selected as the best formulation.

Effect of Quercetin Inhalation on Experimental Sepsis-Induced Lung Injury

Background: Sepsis-induced lung injury is caused by recruitment of neutrophils and activated cytokines in alveoli, leading to plasma extravasation and inflammation. Quercetin was reported to have a significant anti-inflammatory activity owing to its direct inhibition of several initial processes of inflammation. This study investigated the effect of local administration of quercetin in adult SD rats with sepsisinduced lung injury. Materials and Methods: Sepsis-induced lung injury was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in adult SD rats. Three doses of quercetin inhalation were given at 1-hr intervals in differing doses of 20, 40 and 60 mg/Kg of BW after the CLP procedure, divided into early (3 hrs after CLP) and late (6 hrs after CLP) treatment. Serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) were collected after sacrifice of the animals, and neutrophils and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were analyzed by ELISA. Lung tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and the severity of lung injury was evaluated under a microscope. Results: Neutrophil counts in the blood increased with the passage of time and became significant during the 9 ~ 18th hr in septic rats. However, a delayed increase in neutrophils in BALF was observed from the 12th to the 24th hr after CLP. Following treatment with quercetin inhalation, the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the BALF decreased significantly in both the early and late treatment groups, and early treatment with 40 mg/Kg BW showed the best efficacy. However, the abovedescribed changes in the IL-1β and TNF-α levels were not present in peripheral blood. Pathological results revealed that lung injury was less severe in the quercetin-treated groups than in the control group. Conclusions: We concluded that local administration of quercetin is effective in reducing lung injury in septic rats, especially following early treatment, with little systemic influence. It was suggested that quercetin inhalation may play a therapeutic role for the treatment of infectious lung diseases.

Effects of inactive parapoxvirus ovis on cytokine levels in rats.

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of iPPOV on pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in rats. iPPOV (1 ml/rat) was administered intraperitoneal route to 49 rats, except for 7 rats (Control, 0 group). Serum samples were collected from 7 rats at 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 24th hr after treatments. Levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-10 were determined using ELISA. Administration of iPPOV stimulated TNF-α (16th and 24th hr) and IL-6 (12th, 16th and 24th hr) synthesis and caused fluctuations in IL-10 and IL-12 concentrations. In conclusion, increased cytokine levels could be attributed to immunomodulatory activity of iPPOV, however, detailed studies are required to fully understand effects of iPPOV on immune system.

Optimization and Evaluation of Solubility-Modulated Gastroretentive Floating Matrix Tablet of Furosemide

The objective of the present study was to prepare delivery system for furosemide which has poor solubility and has specific absorption in stomach. Solid dispersion of furosemide (SD) was prepared in polyethylene glycol 6000 and characterized using differential scanning calorimetry. Floating gastroretentive tablets of the prepared solid dispersion were then prepared by wet granulation technique, using polymer Methocel K100M CR (HPMC) and sodium bicarbonate. A 32 factorial design was applied systematically to study the effect of the amount of HPMC (X1) and sodium bicarbonate (X2) on the floating lag time (YFLT) and amount of drug release at the end of 1st hr (Y60), 6th hr (Y360) and 12th hr (Y720). The solubility of SD was higher than that of drug alone and the physical mixture. The results of multiple regression analysis, when applied to responses obtained for experimental design batches, indicated that low level of HPMC and high level of sodium bicarbonate decreased the floating lag time, while the amount of drug released at all time points decreased with increase in level of HPMC. Swelling behavior of experimental design batches was studied and its relationship with mechanism of drug release was interpreted. Batch D3 came close to satisfying the drug release and floating criteria. Drug compatibility with the excipients used was ascertained using FTIR. Stability studies were carried out at recommended storage conditions and the tablets were found to be stable. Delivery system could be developed for furosemide which addressed the solubility and site specificity issues of drug.&#x0D;