Development and characterization of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) of atorvastatin calcium

The main aim of the present investigation is to develop and characterize the self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) of atorvastatin calcium (ATV) for improving the dissolution thereby oral bioavailability and to minimize the gastric degradation. Naturally occurring different vegetable oils, various surfactants and co-surfactants were studied for ATV solubility to identify the components of SNEDDS. Ternary phase diagrams comprising surfactant, cosurfactant and oil were plotted. In the ternary phase diagrams the area of self-nanoemulsifying region was marked for the compositions that are giving dispersion with a globule size ≤ 200 nm. Effect of drug loading on the phase behavior of selected system was studied. A series of SNEDDS were prepared by selecting from the nanoemulsifying area of 2.5% ATV system. Prepared SNEDDS were evaluated for visual observations, turbidity, effect of pH of the dispersion media on globule size and zeta potential, robustness to dilution and in vitro dissolution study and optimized. FT-IR and DSC were studied for interaction between drug and excipients if any. Forced degradation and accelerated stability studies were conducted for optimized SNEDDS. ATVF 04 and 11 were selected as optimized SNEDDS due to their smaller mean globule size (75.2 and 85.8 nm respectively), lower turbidity values, faster drug release and higher DE values among the other SNEDDS. The optimized ATV SNEDDS were not affected by the pH of dissolution medium. FT-IR study revealed no interaction between drug and excipients used. Forced degradation studies indicated the stability of ATV in the gastric environment. Accelerated stability studies showed no significant changes in the mean globule size, zeta potential, drug content and drug release before and after storage of optimized SNEDDS.     

Prosthodontic rehabilitation of a patient with bilateral auricular deformity

Maxillofacial prosthodontics is an art and science which provides life like appearance to the person with facial deformity. Maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation for acquired defects has become more complex and sophisticated with advancement in techniques and materials. This case report describes the clinical and laboratory procedure for fabricating an auricular prosthesis for a patient with trauma related bilateral auricular deformity. Ear prosthesis was fabricated in two parts taking retention from external auditory canal.     

Acute respiratory distress syndrome due to Strongyloides stercoralis in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Strongyloides stercoralis is a nematode endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. In immunocompetent subjects, pulmonary disease caused by the parasite is unremarkable but the same can be life threatening in immunocompromised subjects. Though described in literature it is rarely seen in Indian subjects. We report a patient with ARDS due to Strongyloides stercoralis complicating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with neutropenia.     

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of trachea

A 20-year-old male, presented with cough, haemoptysis, breathlessness and wheezing for the past one month. Contrast enhanced computerised tomographic (CECT), scan of chest and fibreoptic bronchoscopy revealed an endotracheal mass that on histopathological examination showed adenoid cystic carcinoma of trachea. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of chest confirmed involvement of adjacent prevertebral, para-oesophageal and subcarinal lymph nodes rendering the tumour inoperable.     

The relationship between innercanthal dimension and interalar width to the intercanine width of maxillary anterior teeth in central Indian population

Statement of Problem:

Selection of proper sized maxillary anterior teeth is one of the difficult clinical steps in complete denture esthetics. Several studies have been reported to establish methods of estimating the combined width of maxillary anterior teeth.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists between the innercanthal distance (ICD) and interalar width (IAW) with the combined width of maxillary anterior teeth.

Material and Methods:

The maxillary anterior teeth of 600 adult subjects were examined. ICD was measured between the median angles of the palpebral fissure. IAW was measured between the ala of the nose at their widest point. The mean combined width of the maxillary anterior teeth was determined intraorally at their widest dimension. Pearson''s correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between ICD, IAW and the combined width of maxillary anterior teeth (α =0.05).

Results:

Although the Pearson correlation coefficients were relatively small, a significant relationship existed between innercanthal dimension and IAW (P < 0001).

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that ICD and IAW cannot be used as a preliminary method for determining the width of the maxillary anterior teeth for edentulous patients.Key Words: Innercanthal distance, interalar width, intercanine width