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The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate positively charged nanoparticles of aceclofenac for ocular delivery. The nanoparticles were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method using Eudragit RS 100. The optimized nanoparticles were found to have narrow particle size range (238.9 ± 8 nm) with nearly spherical shape, positive zeta potential (40.3 ± 3.8). Higher entrapment efficiency of aceclofenac (94.53 ± 1.0%) with prolonged in vitro drug release profiles was also observed. Powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry studies indicated decrease in crystallinity of drug within the nanoparticulate polymeric matrix. The formulation was found to have higher permeation as compared to aceclofenac aqueous solution. Nanoparticle formulation was found to be quite stable and well tolerated with no signs of corneal damage. The in vivo studies involving the arachidonic acid-induced ocular inflammation in rabbits showed optimal efficacy of the nanoparticles with significantly higher inhibition of polymorphonuclear leukocytes migration (p < 0.05) and lid closure scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocular inflammatory diseases, such as uveitis, scleritis, episcleritis and dry eye syndrome are commonly treated with eye drop formulations. In the present study, attempts were made to prepare aceclofenac oil formulations to evaluate its transcorneal permeation and anti-inflammatory effect. Ophthalmic solutions of aceclofenac with or without (0.5% v/v) benzyl alcohol were formulated in different vegetable oils and permeation studies were carried out. Aceclofenac ophthalmic solution in linseed oil containing benzyl alcohol exhibited maximum permeation (4.42% in goat, 4.26% in sheep and 3.94% in buffalo) through corneas under study. The partition characteristics of aceclofenac in linseed oil reinforced the results of permeation studies. The optimized formulation (linseed oil containing benzyl alcohol) showed better stability profile. Linseed oil aceclofenac formulation showed significant inhibitory effect on ocular inflammation induced by arachidonic acid in rabbit eyes (p < .05) and hence it can be considered as a potential approach for treatment of ocular inflammatory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the current study, polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles entrapping both clozapine (CLZ) and risperidone (RIS) were formulated by spray-drying using Buchi Nano Spray Dryer B-90 (Flawil, Switzerland). Parameters such as inlet temperature, spray mesh diameter, sample flow rate, spray rate and applied pressure were optimized to produce nanoparticles having desired release profile using both low- and high-molecular weight PLGA polymer. Smallest size nanoparticle of size around 248 nm could be prepared using a 4.0 μm mesh diameter with low-molecular weight polymer. The load of CLZ and RIS was 126.3 and 58.2 μg/mg of polymer particles, respectively. Entrapment efficiency of drugs in PLGA nanoparticles was 94.74% for CLZ and 93.12% for RIS. Both the drugs released continuously from the nanoparticle formulations. PLGA nanoparticles formulated using low-molecular weight polymer released around 80% of the entrapped drug over 10 days of time. Nature of drug inside polymer particles was amorphous, and there was no chemical interaction of CLZ and RIS with polymer. Polymeric nanoparticles were found to be non-toxic in nature using PC12 cell line. This nanospray drying process proved to be suitable for developing polymeric nanoformulation delivering dual drugs for the treatment of Schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa species can be dangerous opportunistic pathogen because of its tolerance to physical, chemical, and antibacterial compounds. In hospitals, P. aeruginosa is a formidable opportunistic pathogen, and therefore, the medical concern with infection of immunologically compromised patients in burns and neonatal units, is well justified. Material and methods: Total 1583 samples like swab, urine, sputum, pus, pleural fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), ascitic fluid and blood samples from different clinical departments were tested at Clinical Microbiology Department of B. J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat during April 2009 to April 2010. Results: Out of 1583 samples, 807 samples turned culture positive. Out of 807 culture positive samples, 100 were culture positive for P. aeruginosa. The maximum number (68%) of P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained from swab samples. The highest number of such isolates (48%) belonged to surgical ward. P. aeruginosa showed highest sensitivity against Cefepime - Tazobactam (97%). Conclusion: This study showed that P. aeruginosa is acquiring resistance to commonly used antibiotics as well as newer antibiotics. The antimicrobial agents are losing their efficacy because of spread of the resistant organism, indiscriminate use of antibiotics, and unhygienic condition. It is the need of the time that antibiotic policies should be formulated and implemented to resist and overcome this serious problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Salmonella typhi is widely prevalent in India and it causes endemic and epidemic typhoid fever. Early and proper antibiotic administration is necessary to reduce morbidity, complication and mortality of typhoid. Material and methods: A total of 1006 febrile patients, receiving treatment at Guru Govindsingh Hospital, Jamnagar, were included in this study. 1006 blood culture samples for S. typhi were collected from these patients. Blood cultures were tested for clinical bacteriology, as per standard protocol. Results: 30 blood cultures grew positive for S. typhi with the isolation rate of 2.98%. 60% S. typhi isolates were resistant to chloramphenical, ampicillin, and co-trimoxazole and hence, were multidrug resistant S. typhi. Ciprofloxacin was the most effective drug with 93.33 % sensitivity. Conclusion: Ciprofloxacin remains the drug of choice for treatment of typhoid fever. Unchecked use of ciprofloxacin antibiotic should be rationalized, since selection pressure has now emerged as ciprofloxacin resistance in S. typhi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: HAV and HEV infections occur chiefly as a result of unhygienic conditions. This study was done to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies to HAV and HEV in patients of acute viral hepatitis. This study will also determine the disease distribution in different age groups. Methods: Serum samples of the patients presenting with jaundice were received in Serology laboratory, Department of Microbiology, B.J.M.C., of the patients admitted in Civil Hospital and outside from nearby PHCs and CHCs. These samples were tested for detection of IgM antibody against HEV and HAV by ELISA. Results and Interpretation: 1045 patients suspected of acute viral hepatitis were studied over a period of 3 months. The seropositivity of HAV was 49, out of which 35 were in the pediatric age group (71.4%). Seropositivity of HEV was 290, out of which 272 were adults (93.7%). Conclusion: HAV and HEV are notifiable diseases under IDSP. This study will help in determining the magnitude of public health problem posed by HAV and HEV. Also it will identify the age associated disease burden. Addressing the public health problems associated with the enteric transmission of viral hepatitis will require implementing stronger measures to prevent fecal contamination of food and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality in the health care institutions is multifaceted & multidimensional with its core element as the customer's satisfaction. Improvement in the health care services is a long drawn relentless process which can be achieved by implementing a carefully planned Quality Management System. Laboratory services B.J. Medical College & Civil Hospital Ahmedabad, has set its Quality indicators and is monitoring it as a part of continual improvement. One of the Quality indicators is Sample rejection. The laboratory aims to reduce the sample rejections by complying with the standards & recommended guidelines. Methods: This is to monitor & analyze the Sample Rejections as a Quality Indicator for Continual improvement of the Microbiology Department. Primary data collection done before training & secondary data collection done after the training of nursing staff & Resident Doctors. Results: The sample rejection rate of the Microbiology Laboratory in the month of July 2010 was 0.31%. After the training of the nursing staff as well as resident doctors regarding proper collection & transport of samples based on scientific principles, a decreasing trend in the sample rejection rate is observed. i. e. from .31% to 0.11 % in the 13 months duration of study. Conclusion: The implementation of a systematic error-tracking system i.e. monitoring the sample rejections, analysing its trend, taking preventive & corrective actions to reduce the sample rejection rate in daily practice definitely improves the quality of the laboratory results and is a quality indicator for continual improvement of the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal ulcer is a major cause of blindness throughout the world. When the cornea is injured by foreign particles, there are chances of infection by the organism and development of ulcer. Bacterial infection in the cornea is invariably an alteration of the defense mechanism of the outer eye. It is essential to determine the local etiology within a given region when planning a corneal ulcer management strategy. Laboratory evaluation is necessary to establish the diagnosis and to guide the antibiotic therapy. One hundred corneal ulcer patients were studied by collecting their corneal scraping samples and processing at Clinical Microbiology department of Shree Meghaji Petharaj Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India during a period of 17 months. All clinical microbiology laboratory procedures followed standard protocols described in the literature. 40 (40%) patients from the age group of 20-70 years had been confirmed as - any organism culture positive - within the corneal ulcer patient population. Fungi were isolated from 26 (26%) corneal ulcer patients. The bacterial etiology was confirmed in 14 (14%) corneal ulcer patients. The major risk factors for mycotic keratitis were vegetative injury (16, (62%)), followed by conjunctivitis (4, (15%)), and blunt trauma (3, (11%)). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most commonly isolated bacterium (6, (43%)), followed by Proteus spp. (4, (29%)). Corneal Infections due to bacteria and filamentous fungi are a frequent cause of corneal damage. Microbiological investigation is an essential tool in the diagnosis of these infections. The frequency of fungal keratitis has risen over the past 20 to 30 years. Prognosis of bacterial corneal infection has improved since the introduction of specific antibacterial therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal ulcer is a major cause of blindness throughout the world. When the cornea is injured by foreign particles, there are chances of infection by the organism and development of ulcer. Bacterial infection in the cornea is invariably an alteration of the defense mechanism of the outer eye. It is essential to determine the local etiology within a given region when planning a corneal ulcer management strategy. Laboratory evaluation is necessary to establish the diagnosis and to guide the antibiotic therapy. One hundred corneal ulcer patients were studied by collecting their corneal scraping samples and processing at Clinical Microbiology department of Shree Meghaji Petharaj Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India during a period of 17 months. All clinical microbiology laboratory procedures followed standard protocols described in the literature. 40 (40%) patients from the age group of 20-70 years had been confirmed as - any organism culture positive - within the corneal ulcer patient population. Fungi were isolated from 26 (26%) corneal ulcer patients. The bacterial etiology was confirmed in 14 (14%) corneal ulcer patients. The major risk factors for mycotic keratitis were vegetative injury (16, (62%)), followed by conjunctivitis (4, (15%)), and blunt trauma (3, (11%)). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most commonly isolated bacterium (6, (43%)), followed by Proteus spp. (4, (29%)). Corneal Infections due to bacteria and filamentous fungi are a frequent cause of corneal damage. Microbiological investigation is an essential tool in the diagnosis of these infections. The frequency of fungal keratitis has risen over the past 20 to 30 years. Prognosis of bacterial corneal infection has improved since the introduction of specific antibacterial therapy.