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Context: Parkinson disease (PD) is a common, progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by marked depletion of striatal dopamine and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possibility of targeting an anti-Parkinson’s drug ropinirole (RH) to the brain using polymeric nanoparticles. Materials and methods: Ropinirole hydrochloride (RH)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) were prepared by an ionic gelation method. The RH-CSNPs were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, loading capacity, entrapment efficiencyin vitrorelease study, andin vivodistribution after intranasal administration. Results and discussion: The RH-CSNPs showed sustained release profiles for up to 18 h. The RH concentrations (% Radioactivity/g) in the brain following intranasal administration (i.n.) of RH-CSNPs were found to be significantly higher at all the time points compared with RH solution. The concentration of RH was highest in the liver (7.210 ± 0.52), followed by kidneys (6.862 ± 0.62), intestine (4.862 ± 0.45), and lungs (4.640 ± 0.92) in rats following i.n. administration of RH-CSNPs. Gamma scintigraphy imaging in rats was performed to ascertain the localization of drug in the brain following intranasal administration of formulations. The brain/blood ratios obtained (0.251 ± 0.09 and 0.386 ± 0.57 of RH (i.n.) and RH-CSNPs (i.n.), respectively) at 0.5 h are indicative of direct nose to brain transport, bypassing the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Conclusion: The novel formulation showed the superiority of nose to brain delivery of RH using mucoadhesive nanoparticles compared with other delivery routes reported earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A buccoadhesive drug delivery system of Insulin was prepared by solvent casting technique and characterized in vitro by surface pH, bioadhesive strength, drug release and skin permeation studies. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose-DVP was chosen as the controlled release matrix polymer. The optimized formulation J4 contained Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose-DVP 2% (w/v), insulin (50 IU/film), propylene glycol (0.25 ml) and Isopropyl alcohol: water (1:4) as solvent system. Bioadhesive strength of the prepared patches was measured on a modified physical balance using bovine cheek pouch as the model membrane. In vitro release studies were carried out at 37 ± 2° using phosphate buffer pH 6.6, in a modified dissolution apparatus fabricated for the purpose. Cumulative amount of drug released from the optimized formulation J4 was 91.64% in 6 hours. In vitro permeation studies were carried out on J4 at 37 ± 2° using Franz diffusion cell. Cumulative amount of drug permeated from J4 was 6.63% in 6 hours. In order to enhance the permeation of protein drug, different permeation enhancers were evaluated. The results suggested that sodium deoxycholate 5% (w/v) was the best permeation enhancer among those evaluated. It enhanced the permeation of insulin from 6.63% to 10.38% over a period of 6 hours. The optimized patches were also satisfactory in terms of surface pH and bioadhesive strength. It can also be easily concluded that the system is a success as compared to the conventional formulations with respect to invasiveness, requirement of trained persons for administration and most importantly, the first pass metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign bodies in the nasopharyngeal area are rare. Cases of two infants while playing with siblings accidently put hair clip in the mouth which got pushed in the nasopharynx by digital manipulation by their mother are being presented. Diagnosis of both the patients was confirmed by radiological examination. Fortunately both the foreign bodies were retrieved without any complication. With the experience of two such cases we strongly recommend the need for awareness regarding avoidance of manipulation by parents/guardians of the oral/pharyngeal foreign bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents letter to the editor referencing article related to the anterior dislocation of an intraocular lens.