Development of functionalized chitosan-coated carboxylated mesoporous silica: a dual drug carrier

The principle aim of the present study is to synthesis a novel mesoporous silica-based dual drug delivery system (DDDS) with unique features for the delivery of amoxicillin (antibiotic) and thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin). The DDDS was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force micrographs analyses. The stimuli response behaviour of the drug carrier was studied by conducting swelling experiments as a function of pH and time. Drug release studies were carried out by mimicking gastric and intestinal conditions and found that the release of both drugs attained its maximum in the intestinal condition. The in vitro release data were analysed using Peppa’s potential equation in order to predict the release mechanism. The release of antibiotic follows non-Fickian mechanism whereas that of vitamin was diffusion controlled. An in vitro cytotoxicity analysis was carried out on L929 cells and the results showed that the synthesized DDDS is safe. DPPH assay and antibacterial activity were also analysed. From the investigation, it is evident that the prepared DDDS has potential application as dual drug carrier.     

Removal of Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution using a cation exchanger derived from banana stem

BACKGROUND: Environmental pollution and its abatement have attracted much attention for some time. The problem of removing pollutants from water and wastewater has grown along with rapid industrialization. Formaldehyde polymerized banana stem (FPBS) having sulphonic acid groups was investigated as an adsorbent for cadmium(II) removal from aqueous solutions. RESULTS: The outstanding function of the adsorbent was demonstrated at pH 9.0. The adsorption efficiency of FPBS was compared with BS and results showed that FPBS was two times more effective than BS for cadmium(II) removal. Maximum recoveries of 97.3 and 90.3% for 10 and 25 mg L^?1 initial concentrations were obtained at pH 9.0. Kinetic studies revealed that adsorption occurred in two stages: external mass transport in the first stage and intra‐particular diffusion in the second stage. Adsorption was found to be rapid and equilibrium was attained in 60 min. Among the various desorbing agents tested, 99.2% cadmium recovery was achieved with 0.1 mol L^?1 HCl. CONCLUSIONS: The uptake efficiency of cadmium(II) by FPBS was determined. Repeated adsorption‐desorption study showed that FPBS can be used as an adsorbent for the removal and recovery of Cd(II) from aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Potential adverse outcomes of psychotropic and narcotic drug use in Canadian seniors

Infants who ingest high amounts of fluoride can be at risk of dental fluorosis. The authors analyzed the fluoride concentration of 238 commercially available infant foods. Fluoride concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 8.38 micrograms of fluoride per gram, with the highest fluoride concentrations found in infant foods containing chicken. Infant foods, especially those containing chicken, should be considered when determining total fluoride intake.     

Vitrectomy for retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: Posterior lens fragments after phacoemulsification can be a serious complication of cataract surgery. This study is designed to evaluate the clinical features of eyes after pars plana vitrectomy has been performed to remove posteriorly dislocated lens fragments after phacoemulsification. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective chart review of 126 consecutive eyes of 126 patients with dislocated lens fragments after phacoemulsification, managed with pars plana vitrectomy at Associated Retinal Consultants of Michigan. These eyes were operated on from January 1986 through January 1996. RESULTS: The relation of the intervals between cataract surgery and vitrectomy to various postoperative clinical parameters was studied. Clinical features at presentation included elevated intraocular pressure (IOP over 25 mmHg) in 52.4% of the eyes, uveitis in 69.6%, and corneal edema in 50.8%. Initial visual acuity was 20/400 or worse in 73.8% of the eyes. The mean preoperative visual acuity was 20/278 (median, 20/400), whereas the mean final visual acuity was 20/40 (median, 20/50) after a mean follow-up of 18.9 months. Retinal detachments were found in 20 eyes: 7 before vitrectomy and 13 during or after it. After surgery, 44% of eyes achieved a final visual acuity of 20/40 or better and 90% were 20/400 or better. The distribution of best-corrected final visual acuities among the eyes showed statistically significant differences based on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) used, with posterior chamber IOL greater than anterior chamber IOL, and anterior chamber IOL greater than aphakia. Reasons for a poor visual outcome included persistent corneal edema (four eyes), retinal detachment (two eyes), central retinal vein occlusion (two eyes), age-related macular degeneration (two eyes) glaucoma (one year), and endophthalmitis (one eye). CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant differences between early (< 7 days) and delayed (8 days or more) vitrectomy when increased IOP, corneal edema, choroidal effusions, cystoid macular edema, and visual acuity were analyzed. The use of vitrectomy to remove posteriorly dislocated lens fragments has been shown to be an effective treatment method that significantly reduces the inflammatory response and hastens visual recovery.