Sufficiency of a single administration of filarial antigens adsorbed on polymeric lamellar substrate particles of poly (L-lactide) for immunization

A majority of antigens require repeated administration to ensure development of adequate humoral and cell mediated immune response. To minimize the number of administrations required, we investigated the utility of biodegradable polymeric lamellar substrate particles of poly (l-lactide) (PLSP) as adjuvant for filarial antigen preparations. PLSP was prepared and characterized and Brugia malayi adult worm extract (BmA) and its SDS-PAGE resolved 54-68 kDa fraction F6 were adsorbed on to PLSP. Swiss mice received a single injection of PLSP-F6, PLSP-BmA, FCA-F6, FCA-BmA and two doses of the plain antigens. Specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgE levels in serum, IFN-γ, TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) release from cells of the immunized animals in response to antigen challenge were studied. The average size of PLSP particles was <10 μm and its % antigen adsorption efficacy was 60.4, 55.2 and 61.6 for BSA, BmA and F6, respectively. Single injection of PLSP-F6 or PLSP-BmA produced better immune responses compared to one injection of FCA-F6/BmA or two injections of plain F6 or BmA. Moreover, PLSP-F6 produced much better response than PLSP-BmA. These data demonstrate for the first time that PLSP is a superior immunoadjuvant for enhancing the immune response to filarial BmA and F6 molecules and obviates the need for multiple immunization injections.     

The role of Gateway drugs and psychosocial factors in substance dependence in Eastern India

OBJECTIVE: Western studies have identified the gateway patterns of substance use which lead the way from the so called "Soft Drugs" (like nicotine, etc.) to the "Hard Drugs" (like Opioids) [the Gateway hypothesis]. Nicotine and alcohol have been implicated as the most common initiating drugs in studies from different places, however, studies are lacking from this region. This study was designed to find the drugs of initiation and to understand the factors for initiation, maintenance, and relapse of these substances in persons dependent on them in Eastern India. METHOD: Seventy subjects with ICD 10 DCR diagnosis of substance dependence admitted consecutively in Center for Addiction Psychiatry, Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP), Ranchi, were taken up for the study after taking written informed consent. A semistructured questionnaire including the substance use part of Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory (MINI) was administered. RESULTS: Alcohol and opioids were the most common drugs of dependence but nicotine and alcohol were found to be the most common initiating drugs in both alcohol and opioid groups. Persons dependent on opioids presented earlier for treatment, with earlier development of withdrawal symptoms and having completed lesser years of formal education, and had higher monthly incomes as compared to those dependent on alcohol. The most common psychosocial factors determining initiation and maintenance were peer pressure or curiosity. CONCLUSIONS: If adolescents and youth can be motivated to stay away even from the "gateway drugs" by targeting common initiation factors, it may lead to delay in dependence or possibly avoidance of development of dependence.     

Solubility enhancement of a poorly water-soluble anti-malarial drug: experimental design and use of a modified multifluid nozzle pilot spray drier

A modified multifluid nozzle spray drier was used to prepare drug containing microparticles of a poorly water-soluble anti-malarial drug, artemisinin (ART) with the aim of improving its solubility. We investigated the spray drying of ART with maltodextrin (MD) via a full factorial experimental design considering the effect of drying temperature, feed ratio (ART:MD), feed flow rate and pressure on the physical properties and solubility of spray-dried ART. Characterization of the ART powder, spray-dried ART microparticles and spray-dried ART-MD were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and solubility. DSC and XRD studies suggested that the crystallinity of spray-dried particles was decreased with increasing inlet temperatures and flow rate. The particle size of spray-dried ART microparticles was found to be dependent on inlet temperature, flow rate, pressure and feed ratio. The solubility of spray-dried ART particles in composites was markedly increased as compared to commercial ART. A solubility surface-response model was regressed and statistically assessed before elucidating the significant and direct relationships between inlet temperature and feed rate on one hand and solubility on the other. An optimal pressure condition was observed while feed ratio had relatively reduced effect on solubility. The model was also used in an optimization exercise identifying the optimal solubility to be 66.2 +/- 7.17 microg/mL under the calculated spray drying conditions of: inlet temperature = 140 degrees C, feed ratio (ART:MD) = 0.1, feed flow rate = 250 mL h(-1), and pressure = 1.38 bar.     

Therapeutic Potential of Semaglutide,a Newer GLP-1 Receptor Agonist,in Abating Obesity,Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Neurodegenerative diseases: A Narrative Review

Pharmaceutical Research - Semaglutide, a peptidic GLP-1 receptor agonist, has been clinically approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and is available in subcutaneous and oral dosage...     

KID syndrome: response to acitretin

KID syndrome is rare. We report a 17-year-old girl who presented with universally ichthyotic red hue on the face, trunk, and extremities along with deafness and keratitis since childhood. She was diagnosed with KID syndrome. Treatment with acitretin cleared the hyperkeratotic ichthyotic lesions with little effect on the cornea or hearing. Acitretin seems to be a promising new treatment in KID syndrome.