The aim of the present study was to encage a drug into liposomal structures to make them more effective, safe and targeted to liver cells. The investigation deals with critical parameters controlling the formulation and evaluation of silibinin (silymarin, CAS22888-70-6) liposomes. Small unilamellar liposmal vesicles were prepared using the ethanol injection method. The various formulation and process variables were optimized to improve the drug entrapment efficiency. The study includes the selection of lipid composition, impact of charge imparting agent and the nature of hydration medium. The stability and size parameters were critically monitored. The liposomal systems were also studied for hepatoprotective activity in mice against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity and gastroprotective activity using the pyloric ligation method. The results indicate a significant effect of cholesterol on drug-entrapment and drug-leakage characteristics. The size distribution range was from 0.056-1.270 microns with the most frequent size ranging from 0.266-0.466 micron. The amount of drug loaded in these vesicles was approx. 90%. Lipid cholesterol mass ratio of 10:2 has a maximum entrapment of 87.2% (+/- 1.77). The results obtained from the in vivo studies indicate the improved performance of silymarin in liposomes at a level of 55.6% hepatoprotection in comparison to 33.08% of plain drug. Plain liposomes showed hepatoprotection though to a lower degree of 24.2%. Liposomal silymarin and plain liposomes also showed significant antiulcer activity as compared with plain silymarin and control groups.

There is a growing number of children worldwide accessing second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB); however, there are very few child-friendly formulations. For paediatric use, dispersible tablets offer distinct advantages over liquid formulations and other approaches. This is particularly relevant for TB, where stability, long shelf-life and reduced manufacturing, transport and storage costs are all critical to ensuring that drugs are accessible and affordable. In addition, fixed-dose combinations that reduce the pill burden and provide adequate taste masking may promote long-term adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment and prevention regimens likely to last many months in children. Partial adherence may result in treatment failure and the further selection and spread of resistant mycobacteria. Unfortunately, no second-line TB paediatric drugs exist in dispersible formulations. We discuss here the main obstacles to developing such tablets and present strategies for overcoming them. We also advocate for timely anticipation of paediatric use when new TB drugs are being developed, and for the development of child-friendly anti-tuberculosis formulations in general.

Trauma to the chest is considered as one of the most serious injuries of the chest and it is also a common cause of mortality and morbidity. It is also the leading cause of death from physical trauma after head and spinal cord injury. Chest trauma is the primary or a contributing factor in approximately 1/4th of all trauma related deaths. Chest trauma accounts for 20-25% of deaths due to trauma. Approximately, 16,000 deaths per year in India alone are a result of chest trauma. The study was conducted on 25 patients of blunt chest trauma admitted in a G.G. Hospital affiliated to M.P. Shah Govt. Medical College during the years 2016- 2018. Detailed clinical history was recorded including age, sex, symptoms, mode of injury, associated injuries, external bleeding and mental status. Out of 25 patients having blunt chest trauma most common age group was 31-40 years, road traffic accident being the most common mode of injury in 60%, 64% having less than 4 ribs fractured, 60% having hemothorax and 54% having pneumothorax and 60% patients were treated with intercostal tube drainage. The study revealed that road traffic accident was the most common cause of blunt chest trauma. Majority of the patients with blunt chest trauma can be managed conservatively with pain management. Few required intercostal tube drain without the need of other invasive therapy.