Effect of steam sterilization on the rheology of polymer solutions

The effect of steam sterilization (dwell@121 degrees C) on the apparent viscosity of solutions of carbomer 940P, guar gum, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), and xanthan gum was studied. Guar gum and carbomer 940P could be steam sterilized for 30 min without any change in the apparent viscosity. Steam sterilization of HEC and xanthan gum resulted in a substantial decrease in the apparent viscosity and the desirable shear-thinning rheology. The addition of sodium chloride to either polymer prior to steam sterilization diminished the effect of sterilization on the rheology. The apparent viscosity of xanthan solutions was not significantly affected if the solution was made isotonic with sodium chloride (0.15 M). The addition of sodium chloride to xanthan gum after steam sterilization resulted in full recovery of the initial rheological properties. Carbomers, guar gum, and xanthan (in 0.15 M NaCI) are candidates for use in pharmaceutical solutions/suspensions that are subjected to steam sterilization.     

Olanzapine May Be an Effective Adjunctive Therapy in the Management of Acne Excoriée: A Case Report

Abstract Background: The self-inflicted dermatoses such as acne excoriée and neurotic excoriations are often chronic, recurring, and resistant to standard dermatologic therapies. Objective: We present a 28-year-old woman with longstanding acne excoriée, whose acne started at age 14 years and was followed by acne excoriée at age 16 years. The patient reported that her acne and self-excoriative behavior were exacerbated by psychological stress. The previously treatment-resistant acne excoriée responded favorably to treatment with the atypical antipsychotic agent olanzapine. Methods: The patient was started on olanzapine 2.5 mg at bedtime. Results: After 4 weeks of therapy with olanzapine she reported a significant decline in her self-excoriative behavior which was associated with an improvement in her acne excoriée. The patient used the olanzapine 2.5 mg for 6 months, during which time she also entered psychotherapy in order to deal with some psychosocial stressors that were exacerbating her self-excoriative behavior. The patient has not experienced a recurrence in her self-excoriative behavior or acne excoriée for 4 months after discontinuing the olanzapine. Conclusion: Olanzapine may prove to be a useful adjunctive therapy in some self-induced dermatoses including acne excoriée.     

The development and evaluation of a single step multiplex PCR method for simultaneous detection of Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti

A single step novel multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been developed for simultaneous detection of human filarial parasites, Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti, from blood samples and mosquitoes. The primers used were novel and have been tested with the parasite DNA amplifying 188bp (BM) and 129bp (WB) DNA fragments, specific to B. malayi and W. bancrofti, respectively, in a single reaction. The specificity of the PCR product was confirmed by DNA sequencing and slot blot hybridization assay. The test was found highly sensitive for both B. malayi and W. bancrofti by detecting the parasitaemia up to the level of one microfilaria per reaction. The assay was further evaluated on 98 blood samples and 144 mosquito samples collected from filarial endemic areas. The PCR was found to be more efficient in comparison to microscopy by detecting 8% and 5% more filarial parasites in field-collected blood and mosquito samples, respectively. This novel PCR that offers scope for simultaneous detection of both the parasites may be used as a diagnostic tool for the detection of filariasis in population and can be adopted for rapid surveillance and monitoring of mosquitoes for use in the effective control of filariasis.     

Bioinspired artificial platelets for transfusion applications in traumatic hemorrhage

• Among blood components, platelets (PLTs) present the toughest logistic challenges in transfusion due to limited availability, difficult portability and storage, high contamination risks, and very short shelf life (approx. 5 days).
• Robust research efforts are being directed to develop biologic PLTs in vitro as well as design biosynthetic and artificial PLT technologies that can potentially resolve these challenges to allow adequate availability and timely transfusion to improve survival in trauma.