LC determination of rofecoxib in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations

An isocratic reversed phase-liquid chromatographic (RP-LC) method has been developed for the determination and purity evaluation of rofecoxib in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms using photodiode array detection set at 225 nm. The method is simple, rapid and selective. The method is capable of detecting all process intermediates and other related compounds, which may be present at trace levels in finished products. Hence the method is very useful for process monitoring during the production of rofecoxib. Chlorophenyl methyl sulphone has been used as internal standard for the quantitative determination of rofecoxib. The method is linear in the range of 125-500 microg. The precision for inter- and intra-day assay variation of rofecoxib is below 1.6% relative standard deviation (R.S.D.). The accuracy determined as relative mean error (R.M.E.) for the intra-day assay is within +/-2.0%. The drug was extracted from tablets (Vioxx) using acetonitrile. The percentage recoveries from dosage forms were ranged from 98.2 to 102.6.     

Comprehensive evaluation of cortical structure abnormalities in drug-naïve, adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A surface-based morphometry study

The study objective was to comprehensively evaluate drug-naïve, adult patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) for cortical structure abnormalities in comparison with healthy controls. In this cross-sectional study of case–control design, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (1-mm) was performed in drug-naïve OCD patients (N = 50) &; age- sex-, education- and handedness-matched healthy controls (N = 40). We examined cortical volume, thickness, surface area &; local Gyrification Index (LGI) through a completely automated surface-based morphometric analysis using FreeSurfer software. OCD symptoms and insight were assessed using Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Symptom (Y-BOCS) check-list and severity scale. Illness severity was assessed using Clinical Global Impression Severity (CGI-S) Scale. OCD patients had significantly deficient volume, thickness and surface area of right anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG). Right lingual gyrus surface area was found to be significantly decreased in patients. Y-BOCS obsession score had significant negative correlation with left frontal pole volume. Y-BOCS compulsion score had significant negative correlations with right ACG volume and surface area and right lateral orbitofrontal cortex LGI. CGI-Severity score had significant negative correlations with right lingual gyrus volume, thickness and surface area as well as right lateral orbitofrontal area. Y-BOCS insight score showed a significant negative correlation with LGI of left medial OFC and left rostral ACG. Identification of novel deficits involving occipital brain regions and first-time observations of relevant correlations between various illness characteristics and cortical measures in OCD patients supports a network involving anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal and occipital brain regions in the pathogenesis of OCD.     

Frequency and predictors for angiographically improved inflow of contrast medium after carotid angioplasty and stenting

Percutaneous transluminal carotid angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) can result in immediate improvement in cerebral blood flow (CBF) evident through faster transit of contrast medium on angiography. To evaluate frequency and predictors of changes in inflow of contrast medium before and after PTAS, we reviewed 86 patients (mean age 68.6 ± 9.1 years) treated for symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Clinical data and lesion characteristics were extracted from charts and digital angiograms, respectively. Perfusion change was assessed qualitatively by comparing pre- and poststenting images matched for projection and time from injection. Improved inflow was defined on the basis of spatial or temporal distribution of contrast medium: grade –1: fewer vessels visible after stenting; 0: no change; 1: more distal small arteries visible; 2: time-matched poststenting image showing a capillary blush; 3: time-matched poststenting image showing small veins, 4 time-matched poststenting image showing large veins and sinuses. Faster inflow of contrast medium was observed in 74 % of patients (grades 1: 34 %,and 4: 4.7 %). In linear regression analysis, higher degrees of ipsilateral stenosis were associated with greater changes in inflow of contrast medium (P < 0.05). Right internal carotid lesions were associated with greater change in inflow than left-sided lesions (P < 0.01). In 31 patients (36 %) we initially showed contralateral anterior cerebral artery (ACA) filling, and in 39 % of these, normal filling was restored after stenting. Lesser contralateral carotid stenosis was associated with crossed ACA filling and with restoration of normal filling pattern after stenting. Faster appearance of a contrast-medium blush is seen in most cases of carotid angioplasty and stenting and depends on the degree of hemodynamic inflow obstruction relieved by stenting. Received: 1 December 2000/Accepted: 10 January 2001     

Factors affecting scholastic performances of adolescents

Objective  The present study aims at recognizing the social influence, study habits and health factors affecting scholastic performances of adolescents and to compare these factors among the adolescents between two categories of school. Methods  A total of 1230 adolescents (13–18 yrs) were screened. Data was collected by personal interview, using the teenage screening questionnaire, Trivandrum, between May 2004 and November 2005. Results  A total 615 students from corporation and private schools were studied. 39.76% (489) were high achievers, 13.5% (166) were low achievers with p < 0.001. In the low achievers, 12.03% were from the corporation schools and 1.46% from private schools. The incidence of poor study habits and social factors were increased in low achievers of corporation schools. On multivariate analysis, the predictor variables for poor scholastic performance were adolescent having refractory error, not having help for study at home, not doing home work regularly, not solving question bank papers and reading only before examinations. Conclusion  It is feasible and worthwhile to identify the determinants of scholastic performance and plan intervention strategies at each school. The results of this study highlight the importance of implementing newer strategies, focusing on strict study patterns and creating the conducive school and home environment for study, so as to achive better scholastic performances.     

Hepatoblastoma in siblings

Two infants, a brother and sister, with hepatoblastoma of the right lobe of the liver were treated and are alive and lead normal lives. Only three other familial occurrences of this tumor have so far been documented.