Manipal University

About: Manipal University is a education organization based out in Manipal, Karnataka, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 9525 authors who have published 11207 publications receiving 110687 citations.

Formulation development, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of membrane controlled transdermal systems of glibenclamide.

Abstract: PURPOSE The objective of the present study was to develop the membrane controlled transdermal systems of glibenclamide and to evaluate with respect o various in vitro and in vivo parameters. METHODS The membrane moderated transdermal systems were prepared using drug containing carbopol gel as reservoir and ethyl cellulose, Eudragit RS-100, Eudragit RL-100 and Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) (2%, 9% and 19% vinyl acetate content) rate controlling membranes. The possible interaction between drug and polymer was studied by IR spectroscopy, DSC and HPTLC analysis. The formulations were subjected to various physicochemical studies, in vitro drug release studies and permeation studies through mouse skin. The blood glucose reducing hypoglycemic activity of the systems was studied in both normal and diabetic mice. Various biochemical parameters and histopathological studies were carried out after treating the diabetic mice for 6 weeks. Skin irritation tests, oral glucose tolerance test and pharmacokinetic evaluations were carried out in mice. RESULTS The results suggested no interaction between drug and polymer. Variations in drug release/permeation profiles among the formulations containing different rate controlling membranes were observed. The scanning electron microscopic studies of EVA membranes demonstrated no changes in the surface morphology after in vitro skin permeation studies. The system with EVA rate controlling membrane (with 19% vinyl acetate) was selected for in vivo experiments. The transdermal system produced better improvement with respect to hypoglycemic activity, glucose tolerance test, all the tested biochemical, histopathological and pharmacokinetic parameters compared to oral administration, and exhibited negligible skin irritation. CONCLUSION The present study shows that membrane controlled transdermal systems of glibenclamide exhibited better control of hyperglycemia and more effectively reversed the diabetes mellitus complications than oral glibenclamide administration in mice.

Current concepts in managing fractures of metacarpal and phalangess

Abstract: Fractures of the metacarpal and phalanges constitute 10% of all fractures. No where in the body, the form and function are so closely related to each other than in hand. Too often these fractures are treated as minor injuries resulting in major disabilities. Diagnosis of skeletal injuries of the hand usually does not pose major problems if proper clinical examination is supplemented with appropriate radiological investigations. Proper preoperative planning, surgical intervention wherever needed at a centre with backing of equipment and implants, selection of appropriate anaesthesia and application of the principle of biological fixation, rigid enough to allow early mobilisation are all very important for a good functional outcome. This article reviews the current concepts in management of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures incorporating tips and indications for fixation of these fractures. The advantages and disadvantages of various approaches, anaesthesia, technique and mode of fixation have been discussed. The take-home message is that hand fractures are equally or more worthy of expertise as major extremity trauma are, and the final outcome depends upon the fracture personality, appropriate and timely intervention followed by proper rehabilitation. Hand being the third eye of the body, when injured it needs a multidisciplinary approach from the beginning. Though the surgeon's work appears to be of paramount importance in the early phase, the contribution from anaesthetist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, orthotist and above all a highly motivated patient cannot be overemphasised.

Melioidosis in South Asia (India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan and Afghanistan)

Abstract: Despite the fact that South Asia is predicted to have the highest number of cases worldwide, melioidosis is a little-known entity in South Asian countries. It has never been heard of by the majority of doctors and has as yet failed to gain the attention of national Ministries of Health and country offices of the World Health Organization (WHO). Although a few centers are diagnosing increasing numbers of cases, and the mortality documented from these institutions is relatively high (nearly 20%), the true burden of the disease remains unknown. In India, most cases have been reported from southwestern coastal Karnataka and northeastern Tamil Nadu, although this probably simply reflects the presence of centers of excellence and researchers with an interest in the disease. As elsewhere, the majority of cases have type 2 diabetes mellitus and occupational exposure to the environment. Most present with community-acquired pneumonia and/or bacteremia, especially during heavy rainfall. The high seropositivity rate (29%) in Karnataka and isolation of B. pseudomallei from the environment in Tamil Nadu and Kerala confirm India as melioidosis-endemic, although the full extent of the distribution of the organism across the country is unknown. There are limited molecular epidemiological data, but, thus far, the majority of Indian isolates have appeared distinct from those from South East Asia and Australia. Among other South Asian countries, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are known to be melioidosis-endemic, but there are no cases that have conclusively proved to have been acquired in Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan or Pakistan. There are no surveillance systems in place for melioidosis in South Asian countries. However, over the past two years, researchers at the Center for Emerging and Tropical Diseases of Kasturba Medical College, University of Manipal, have established the Indian Melioidosis Research Forum (IMRF), held the first South Asian Melioidosis Congress, and have been working to connect researchers, microbiologists and physicians in India and elsewhere in South Asia to raise awareness through training initiatives, the media, workshops, and conferences, with the hope that more patients with melioidosis will be diagnosed and treated appropriately. However, much more work needs to be done before we will know the true burden and distribution of melioidosis across South Asia.

DNA double-strand break analysis by γ-H2AX foci: a useful method for determining the overreactors to radiation-induced acute reactions among head-and-neck cancer patients.

Abstract: Purpose Interindividual variability in normal tissue toxicity during radiation therapy is a limiting factor for successful treatment. Predicting the risk of developing acute reactions before initiation of radiation therapy may have the benefit of opting for altered radiation therapy regimens to achieve minimal adverse effects with improved tumor cure. Methods and Materials DNA double-strand break (DSB) induction and its repair kinetics in lymphocytes of head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation therapy was analyzed by counting γ-H2AX foci, neutral comet assay, and a modified version of neutral filter elution assay. Acute normal tissue reactions were assessed by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. Results The correlation between residual DSBs and the severity of acute reactions demonstrated that residual γ-H2AX foci in head-and-neck cancer patients increased with the severity of oral mucositis and skin reaction. Conclusions Our results suggest that γ-H2AX analysis may have predictive implications for identifying the overreactors to mucositis and skin reactions among head-and-neck cancer patients prior to initiation of radiation therapy.