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B eta-cyclodextrin (CD) inclusion complexes of Quercetin were formed and characterized by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy. Plain Quercetin liposomes using phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol were prepared and optimized. Factors such as ratio of lipids employed, drug:lipid ratio, etc. were fine tuned and optimized to achieve maximum entrapment of the Quercetin into the bilayer. Entrapment was further enhanced by double loading the liposomes. These were prepared by incorporating Quercetin as a plain drug as well as the inclusion complexes within the lipid bilayer and the aqueous compartment, respectively, of the liposomes using the thin film hydration technique. The highest entrapment was achieved with a lipid ratio of 9:1, and the amount of plain drug entering the bilayer was 1/10 th the amount of lipid employed. Double loading increased this value to one part of drug per five parts of lipid when Quercetin-beta-CD (1:1 mol/mol) was entrapped. The release of Quercetin from liposomes was highest when the drug was entrapped in the form of a complex with beta cylodextrin. The high entrapment ability of Quercetin in the form of plain drug as well as beta cylodextrin-Quercetin complexes in comparison with plain drug is an indubitable advantage of this approach.How to cite this article: Shaji J, Iyer S. Double-loaded liposomes encapsulating Quercetin and Quercetin beta-cyclodextrin complexes: Preparation, characterization and evaluation. Asian J Pharm 2012;6:218-26.

After placement of a Gianturco-Roubin metallic, coiled coronary stent(s) following balloon angioplasty (PTCA), a pre-discharge (7 day) angiogram determined the patency of the old coronary bypass vein graft(s) (SVG) (> or = 5 years remote from their last surgery, mean age: 8.5 +/- 1.8 years). Metallic, coiled stents were successfully deployed in 95/96 (99%) patients within 100/101 (99%) SVGs. The indications for deployment were threatened [81 patients (84%)] or acute [15 patients (16%)] vein graft closure following PTCA. Intragraft urokinase infusion was performed in 17 patients (17%) [6 patients with baseline occlusions; 11 with abrupt closure post PTCA]. Complications encountered included three (3%) in-hospital deaths (two procedure related) two (2%) Q wave myocardial infarctions, six (6%) non-Q wave myocardial infarctions, and 22 (22%) bleeding problems. These included, not mutually exclusively, 21 (22%) requiring transfusions, six (6%) cases of gastrointestinal bleeding, six (6%) pseudoaneurysms, five (5%) retroperitoneal haemorrhages and two (2%) cerebrovascular accidents. All patients received dipyridamole, aspirin, dextran, and anticoagulation (heparin 10-20,000 U intra-procedurally); a heparin infusion was continued for 5 +/- 1 days, despite warfarin administration which attained a therapeutic prothrombin time (PT) (1.5-2 times control) by 3 +/- 1 days. Out of the 95 successfully treated patients, six with eight stented grafts were ineligible for pre-discharge angiography. Of the six, three died in hospital (four SVGs), one had an intracerebral haemorrhage (one SVG), and two were asymptomatic patients with chronic renal failure (three SVGs).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

This paper analyzes the methods used by the Princeton University Chapter of Engineers Without Borders to ensure the sustainability of a gravity-fed potable water system in rural northwestern Peru. While similar small scale development projects consider sustainability in their design process, some do not recognize the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability. This team, however, is inherently interdisciplinary in nature due to its unique subteam structure, which subsequently affects its approach to sustainability. By examining the technical, social, and financial considerations of the project conducted by the Princeton University Chapter of Engineers Without Borders, this paper argues for a three-pronged approach to sustainability. As can be seen through thoughtful design parameters, strong local partnerships, and strategic financial mechanisms, the project displays promise of future success with regards to sustainability. The main objective of the Princeton Chapter of Engineers Without Borders in this partnership is to ensure that the community has the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to maintain the water system in a self-sufficient manner at the completion of the chapter's involvement.Since its establishment in 2004, the Princeton University Chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB-Princeton) has partnered with communities in several developing countries to implement projects designed to improve the quality of life for their residents. Previous EWB-Princeton projects in Peru have involved installing latrines, solar lighting systems, cookstoves, and most recently, clean water distribution systems.The Peru Team of EWB-Princeton is composed of approximately thirty students of various academic disciplines who design the system, organize logistics, and raise funds during the academic year. The team is organized into four subteams, each of which is tasked with a specific aspect of the project.

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