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Biomedical subjects

N H Shah

Publications and source records attributed to N H Shah.

26 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Binding of host iron-binding proteins and expression of iron-regulated membrane proteins by different serotypes of Pasteurella multocida causing haemorrhagic septicaemia.

Pasteurella multocida strains of serotype B: 2,5, B: 3,4 and E: 2,5 are associated with haemorrhagic septicaemia in domestic and feral ruminants. These strains were investigated for their ability to bind transferrin, lactoferrin and haemoglobin and for their ability to use these host iron-binding proteins as a source of iron. All strains bound haemoglobin, none of the strains bound lactoferrin, whereas transferrin binding was restricted to serotype B: 2,5 strains. Growth experiments indicated that transferrin (serotype B: 2,5) and haemoglobin could restore bacterial growth under iron-depleted conditions. Two distinct serotype-independent profiles of iron-regulated membrane proteins were expressed in vitro as well as in vivo.

Animals↗

Mechanical properties of single pellets containing acrylic polymers.

Three aqueous-based acrylic latex dispersions, Eudragit L 30 D, NE 30 D, and RS 30 D, were incorporated as granulating binders into a powder blend of microcrystalline cellulose and anhydrous lactose by wet massing. Spheronized pellets were prepared by extrusion-spheronization and the mechanical properties of single pellets, including the tensile strength at break and the Young's modulus were determined from the stress-strain profiles using a Chatillon TCD-200 tension/compression digital test gauge. The influence of particle size and plasticizer on the mechanical properties of pellets containing Eudragit RS 30 D was investigated. All bead formulations deformed by brittle fracture under a diametral compression force. The mechanical strength was found to be influenced by the adhesive strength between the polymers and the powder particles instead of the cohesive strength of each polymer. The Young's modulus and the tensile strength were also significantly influenced by the type and concentration of polymer, the presence of plasticizer, and the particle size of the beads. The results were related to the properties of the polymers and the fracture mechanisms of the beads. Furthermore, the polymer type and the incorporation of plasticizer influenced the susceptibility of the moistened extruded granules to the shearing forces during the spheronization process, which influenced the surface morphological properties of the pellets.

Acrylates↗

Percutaneous needle biopsy in exudative ascites.

Seventy-two patients with exudative ascites were subjected to percutaneous needle biopsy of peritoneum. The overall diagnostic yield was 64%, with the commonest finding being caseous granuloma (39%), followed by metastatic carcinoma (25%). The procedure was safe and easy to perform on the bed side. Peritoneal tissue was obtained in all cases, without any major complications.

Adolescent↗

A modified bioassay for microbial mosquito larvicides.

The proposed bioassay-the grid assay-eliminates the influence of cannibalism while allowing recycling to take place. The LC50 values of the grid assay were intermediate to those of the group and the individual assay. The grid assay thus reflects the true toxicity values of the microbial pesticides being tested. Viable count studies of the microbial pesticides employed, viz., Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 and Bacillus sphaericus 2362, performed along with the assay support the results of the bioassay.

Animals↗

Enteral, oral, and rectal absorption of ceftriaxone using glyceride enhancers.

In vivo models in rodents and primates were used to investigate ways of overcoming the poor oral and rectal absorption of ceftriaxone. The sodium salt of ceftriaxone at 20 mg/kg was formulated in C8-C10 chain length, mono- and diglyceride extracts of coconut oil (Capmul) and administered intraduodenally to adult rats. Peak plasma levels of 17-52 micrograms/ml and bioavailability averaging 38% were attained. Significant plasma levels (42-45 micrograms/ml) were also demonstrated in squirrel monkeys with doses of 20 mg/kg ceftriaxone formulated in Capmul and given by the enteral route. Enteric-coated capsules containing this formulation were also orally administered to squirrel monkeys and gave high plasma levels (10-31 micrograms/ml) between 1 and 6 h following dosing. In rectal absorption studies, ceftriaxone formulated in Capmul as a suspension gave peak blood levels of 62-84 micrograms/ml (average bioavailability 42%) in the rabbit. In the baboon, rectal administration of ceftriaxone formulated with Capmul in a Witepsol H15 suppository gave Cmax levels ranging from 9 to 48 micrograms/ml, depending on the dose of the antibiotic and the drug/enhancer ratio.

Administration, Oral↗

Evaluation of drug formulations using LD50 testing in mice.

The LD50 values were utilized to assess the relative rate of absorption of two very poorly soluble drugs. Formulations of these drugs were studied by micronization; addition of surfactant, alkaline or buffering agents, and/or bile salts; coprecipitation; melt or fusion techniques; or granulation with hydrophilic agents. Differences in toxicities were demonstrated from formulations compared to pure drugs by the LD50 method. This study shows that the LD50 is a practical, rapid method of achieving comparative evaluations of drug formulations.

Animals↗

Controlled delivery of drugs from a novel injectable in situ formed biodegradable PLGA microsphere system.

A novel method for in situ preparation of injectable biodegradable microspheres from the copolymer, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), without incorporating unacceptable organic solvents is described. The delivery system is a dispersion of PLGA microglobules ('premicrospheres' or 'embryonic microspheres') in an acceptable vehicle mixture (continuous phase) and whose integrity is maintained by the use of appropriate stabilizers. A solution of PLGA, triacetin, a model protein (cytochrome c), PEG 400, and Tween 80 (oil phase 1) is added dropwise with continuous homogenization to Miglyol 812-Span 80 solution (oil phase 2), thereby inducing phase separation (coacervation) of PLGA and forming PLGA microglobules (containing cytochrome c) dispersed in the continuous phase. This novel drug delivery system (NDDS) is a dispersion and has a viscous consistency, but is sufficiently syringeable. When injected, it comes in contact with water from an aqueous buffer or physiological fluid and, as a result, the microglobules harden to form solid matrix type microparticles entrapping cytochrome c (in situ formed microspheres). Cytochrome c is then released from these microspheres in a controlled fashion. The composition, rationale, and optimization of the NDDS are described here. Various formulation variables such as the PLGA concentration and type and the substitution of the continuous phase by a fresh oil phase 2 influenced the characteristics of this system. A preliminary investigation of the reproducibility and stability of the NDDS, as well as the physical stability of the encapsulated cytochrome c, revealed that these characteristics were not adversely affected.

Antifungal Agents↗