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PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF ALGINATE FILMS FOR PERIODONTAL
DRUG DELIVERY Periodontitis is a common dental disease, which causes gingival inflammation and periodontal pocket formation. Metronidazole, which is an antimicrobial agent used in the treatment of periodontitis, has several dose related toxic side effects. Localised and controlled delivery of metronidazole into the periodontal pocket will obviate the need for high dose multiple regimen therapy and its adverse effects. Polymeric films of alginate crosslinked with calcium chloride were prepared by solvent evaporation technique. The films showed very slow rate of in vitro degradation upto 45 days and 25 days in distilled water and alkaline medium respectively. In vivo, the films were stable for 5 to 7 days. In vivo studies were carried out by inserting the placebo and drug containing films into the periodontal pockets of two separate groups of patients. The films were nontoxic and did not cause discomfort, irritation, distaste in patients. Evaluation of clinical parameters like gingival inflammation in patients showed that there was no swelling, bleeding or distaste and gingival index decreased from 3 to 1 within 5 days post insertion of films. Controlled delivery of metronidazole from alginate films directly into the periodontal pocket can be considered as a potential alternative to conventional oral therapy and thus mitigate toxic side effects. p 5-8 A HIGH PRECISION R-POINT DETECTION ALGORITHM Abstract not available. p 9-12 SCREENING FOR PLATELET MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES BY NATURAL
PRODUCTS Abstract not available. Volume 13, Number 2, January 2000 p 40-42 EFFECT OF STRAIN RATE ON MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES AND FAILURE MODES OF BONE CEMENT Strain rate sensitivity of PMMA cement to an important factor requires characterization as the cement is subjected to variable load and strain rate under in vivo conditions. It was observed that with increase of loading rate in five steps was a sharp rise in ultimate strengths and modulus of elasticity. However, at a very high speed i.e. 25 mm/sec, the inertia of the measuring system jeopardized the record. When speed was increased 50 fold, the strength increased by 29% and modulus by 1.6%. p 43-51 MOTOR BEHAVIOUR OF TONGUE IN PALATAL
DEFECTS AND REHABILITATION - AN ULTRASONOGRAPHIC STUDY Efficient functioning of tongue depends on various factors, which range from central nervous system to local factors. Palate has an important role in the function of tongue. Defects in palatal contour wi ll manifest as compromised speech, deglutition and mastication. Palatal defects can be of congenital or acquired nature and in such subjects, tongue tends to alter its positions to favour proper functions. This study aimed at, evaluating ultrasonographica l ly, the motor skills of tongue in normal individuals and comparing the same in subjects with congenital and acquired palatal defects. A total of 24 subjects were included in the study who were divided into three groups of eight subjects each. Group I subj e cts were controls, Group II subjects were those with congenital palatal defects and Group III subjects were with acquired palatal defects. All subjects were evaluated ultrasonographically using a 3.5 MHz linear probe. Group II and Group III subjects were e valuated at three stages viz, before rehabilitation, immediately after rehabilitation and 90 days after rehabilitation. Parameters analysed were mean velocity of movement of tongue and duration of tongue-palate contact. Using ultrasonography it was found t hat subjects with congenital palatal defects did not show any significant improvement in motor skills within the period of study. Whereas subjects with acquired defects could achieve significant improvement. Clinically successful rehabilitation of palatal defects need not be so with ultrasonographic evaluation. p52-56 SURFACE MODIFICATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL
EVALUATION OF FOLEY'S URINARY CATHETER Prolonged use of Foley's urinary catheters in the bed ridden patients lead to a variety of nosocomial Urinary Tract Infection [UTI]. The present study deals w ith synthesis of a poly[methyl methacrylate-N-vinyl pyrrolidone-butyl acrylate] terpolymer, its subsequent iodination and coating over the catheter. The terpolymer coated catheters were evaluated for thickness, solubility and surface properties by contact angle studies. The antimicrobial activity of the coated catheters was assessed using zone of inhibition technique. The release of iodide ions from the coating was also evaluated using an iodide ton selective electrode and it was observed that the release c ontinued for more than a week. The results indicate that the coated catheters acquired antimicrobial activity. Moreover, as a result of a hydrogel coating over the catheter, the surface was rendered smooth and frictionless, upon equilibration in water for few hours. Copyright © 2000 Society for Biomaterials and Artificial Organs (India). |
