Satisfaction of patients with health care services in tertiary care facilities of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional approach

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, the country's healthcare system is undergoing a significant makeover, with accessibility and effectiveness serving as the benchmarks for measuring patient care quality. This study's goal was to ascertain the degree of patient satisfaction with the medical care and services received in Riyadh's tertiary care facilities. The PSQ-18 (Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18), a standardized validated questionnaire including areas of "overall satisfaction," "technical quality," "interpersonal aspect," "communication," "financial aspect," "time spent with the doctor," and "accessibility and convenience," was used in this cross-sectional study on 384 patients of two tertiary care facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over a 6-month period. The degree to which sociodemographic characteristics and components of patient satisfaction are correlated was assessed using binary and multiple regression analysis. When the P-value was < 0.05, the results were considered significant and were presented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR). To ascertain how each PSQ-18 subscale affected other subscales, a Pearson Correlation analysis was conducted. The overall degree of satisfaction with all 18 items was 73.77%. The financial component received a rating of 81% compared to 77% for general satisfaction. Technical quality (75%) was followed by accessibility and convenience (73.5%), communication (73%), and interpersonal elements (72%). At 68%, the time spent in the doctor's domain received the lowest rating. The odds of satisfaction were increased by 3.87 times, 3.45 times, and 3.36 times among those who are employed, qualified by university education, and married compared to unemployed (P-value = 0.018), less qualified (P-value = 0.015) and singles (P-value = 0.026), respectively. The younger age group also made 1.78 times more of a difference in higher satisfaction ratings. The general satisfaction domain showed a positive association with other areas. Participants who were satisfied with the communication and accessibility and convenience domains of healthcare providers were the only ones who were typically satisfied with the domain of doctor time spent. The study's findings could act as a benchmark for Saudi Arabia's healthcare services as well as a starting point for quality assurance procedures.

Facile Synthesis and Fabrication of NIPAM-Based Cryogels for Environmental Remediation

Herein, polymeric cryogels containing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) were synthesized by cryo-polymerization at subzero temperature. The synthesized cryogels were loaded with silver and palladium nanoparticles by the chemical reduction method at room temperature using the reducing agent NaBH₄. Moreover, for comparison with cryogels, pure poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel and its silver hybrid were also prepared by the conventional method at room temperature. The chemical structure and functional group analysis of the pure cryogels was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The synthesis of hybrid cryogels was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction technique and energy dispersive X-ray. The pore size and surface morphology of the pure cryogels, their respective hybrid cryogels and of conventional hydrogels were studied by using the scanning electron microscopy technique. The hybrid cryogels were successfully used as a catalyst for the degradation of methyl orange dye. The degradation performance of the hybrid cryogels was much better than its counterpart hybrid hydrogel for methyl orange dye. The effect of temperature and amount of catalyst on catalytic performance was studied by UV-visible spectroscopy. The reduction follows pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. In addition, the antibacterial activities of these cryogels were evaluated against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC: 2593) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, ATCC: 25922). Both hybrid cryogels have shown much better antibacterial activity for these two strains of bacteria compared to pure cryogels. The results indicate that these cryogels are potential candidates for water purification systems as well as biomedical applications.

Exploiting butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors through a combined 3-D pharmacophore modeling, QSAR, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics investigation†

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative condition associated with ageing, can occur. AD gradually impairs memory and cognitive function, which leads to abnormal behavior, incapacity, and reliance. By 2050, there will likely be 100 million cases of AD in the world's population. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibition are significant components of AD treatment. This work developed models using the genetic method multiple linear regression, atom-based, field-based, and 3-D pharmacophore modelling. Due to internal and external validation, all of the models have solid statistical (R² > 0.81 and Q² > 0.77) underpinnings. From a pre-plated CNS library (6055), we discovered a hit compound using virtual screening on a QSAR model. Through molecular docking, additional hit compounds were investigated (XP mode). Finally, a molecular dynamics simulation revealed that the Molecule5093-4BDS complex was stable (100 ns). Finally, the expected ADME properties for the hit compounds (Molecule5093, Molecule1076, Molecule4412, Molecule1053, and Molecule3344) were found. According to the results of our investigation and the prospective hit compounds, BuChE inhibitors may be used as a treatment for AD.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative condition associated with ageing, can occur.

Role of Flavonoids in Management of Various Biological Targets in Alzheimer's Disease: Evidence from Preclinical to Clinical Studies

More than 10 million people worldwide have Alzheimer's disease (AD), a degenerative neurological illness and the most prevalent form of dementia. AD's progression in memory loss, cognitive deterioration, and behavioral changes are all symptoms. Amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42), the hyperphosphorylated forms of microtubule-associated tau protein, and other cellular and systemic alterations are all factors that contribute to cognitive decline in AD. Rather than delivering a possible cure, present therapy strategies focus on reducing disease symptoms. It has long been suggested that various naturally occurring small molecules (plant extract products and microbiological isolates, for example) could be beneficial in preventing or treating disease. Small compounds, such as flavonoids, have attracted much interest recently due to their potential to alleviate cellular stress. Flavonoids have been proven helpful in various ways, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and anti-apoptotic agents, but their mechanism remains unknown. The flavonoid therapy of Alzheimer's disease focuses on this review, which includes a comprehensive literature analysis.

Design and Evaluation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded Topical Gels: Repurpose of Fluoxetine in Diabetic Wound Healing

The current study aimed to prepare a topical gel containing solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) encapsulating fluoxetine for diabetic wound healing effects. Fluoxetine (FX) was loaded into SLNs by employing an emulsion solvent evaporation technique using stearic acid as a lipid, and soya lecithin as a surfactant. SLNs were then evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), percent entrapment efficiency (%EE), percent drug loading (%DL), and in vitro drug release. The optimized SLN (FS3) composed of FX (100 mg), SA (150 mg), and SA (100 mg) displayed mean particle size (467.3 ± 2.2nm), PDI (0.435 ± 0.02), ZP (-32.2 ± 4.47mV), EE (95.8 ± 3.38%), and DL (16.4 ± 2.4%). FTIR and DSC studies denote drug-polymer compatibility and the amorphous nature of FX in the SLNs. The drug release at 24 h was found to be (98.89 ± 2.57%) which followed the fickian diffusion mechanism. SLN (FS3) was further loaded into carbopol gel and tested for pH, spreadability, and extrudability of pharmaceutical parameters. In-vitro release of FX from the SLN gel and plain gel was compared, diabetic wound healing gel (DWH) showed sustained drug delivery. An in vivo study was also performed for DWH gel in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Histopathological examination exhibited DWH gel-treated wounds have increased hydroxyproline, cellular proliferation, a rise in the number of blood vessels, and the level of collagen synthesis. Thus, DWH gel-loaded SLN encapsulated with FX could be a potential carrier for the effective treatment and management of diabetic wounds.

Mechanistic Insights into Luteolin-Loaded Elastic Liposomes for Transdermal Delivery: HSPiP Predictive Parameters and Instrument-Based Evidence

We evaluated mechanistic insights into luteolin (LUT)-loaded elastic liposomes (OLEL1) permeated across rat skin. HSPiP software-based parameters, thermal analysis, infrared analysis, and morphological evaluations were employed to understand mechanistic observations of drug permeation and deposition. HSPiP provided HSP values (δ_d, δ_p, and δ_h) of OLEL1 (based on composition), LUT, excipients, and rat skin (literature value and by-default value). Rat skin was studied via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies. The δ_d and δ_h estimation of the skin and phosphatidylcholine showed close relation in terms of δ_d and δ_h. Similarly, OLEL1 and the skin might interact with each other mainly through δ_d and δ_p forces as evidenced by the predicted values. The untreated skin showed characteristic stretching and vibrations as compared to lower frequencies caused by OLEL1. DSC showed changes in the thermal behavior of the skin after OLEL1 treatment as compared to the untreated skin. Visualization of these changes was evident under fluorescence microscopy and SEM for confirmed substantial reversible surface perturbation of the skin protein layer for improved vesicle permeation and subsequent internalization with the inner skin matrix. The AFM study confirmed the nanoscale surface roughness variation caused substantially by OLEL1 and OLEL1 placebo as compared to the untreated control and drug solution. Thus, the study clearly demonstrated mechanistic insights into LUT-loaded vesicles across rat skin for enhanced permeation and drug deposition.

Isolation and Characterization of Flavonoid Naringenin and Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Biological Efficacy of Water Lilly (Nymphaea mexicana Zucc.)

Despite its limited exploration, Nymphaea mexicana Zucc. can be beneficial if pharmacology, isolation, and biological evaluation are given attention. It is an aquatic species that belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae. The thrust area of the work was the extraction, isolation, and biological evaluation of different extracts of the N. mexicana Zucc. plant. The primary goal of this research was to assess the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of the extracts and to isolate the target naringenin compound. Comparative FT IR analysis of different extracts of this plant revealed the presence of functional groups of plant secondary metabolites, including polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, esters, amines, glycosides, alkanes, alkaloids, fatty acids, and alcohols. Moderate free radical scavenging potential has been achieved for the various extracts via reducing power and DPPH assays. While cytotoxic activity was evaluated by colorimetric and lactate dehydrogenase cell viability tests on potent cancer cell lines. Lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (A-549), and breast cells (MC-7) were treated with MeOH extract. The antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains was evaluated using Gram-positive and -negative cultures, where maximum and minimum inhibition zones were recorded for different strains, including 1.6-25.6 μg/mL for Streptococcus aureus, using the agar well diffusion method. In addition, the anti-inflammatory activity of different extracts of N. mexicana Zucc. was evaluated in a nitrite radical scavenging assay with high concentrations of secondary metabolites, which are important against human pathogens and other diseases.

Potential Antioxidant Activity of Apigenin in the Obviating Stress-Mediated Depressive Symptoms of Experimental Mice

This study aimed to examine the antidepressant properties of apigenin in an experimental mouse model of chronic mild stress (CMS). Three weeks following CMS, albino mice of either sex were tested for their antidepressant effects using the tail suspension test (TST) and the sucrose preference test. The percentage preference for sucrose solution and the amount of time spent immobile in the TST were calculated. The brain malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, catalase activity, and reduced glutathione levels were checked to determine the antioxidant potential of treatments. When compared to the control, animals treated with apigenin during the CMS periods showed significantly shorter TST immobility times. Apigenin administration raised the percentage preference for sucrose solution in a dose-dependent manner, which put it on par with the widely used antidepressant imipramine. Animals treated with apigenin displayed a significantly (p ˂ 0.05) greater spontaneous locomotor count (281) when compared to the vehicle-treated group (245). Apigenin was also highly effective in significantly (p ˂ 0.01) lowering plasma corticosterone levels (17 vs. 28 µg/mL) and nitrite (19 vs. 33 µg/mL) produced by CMS in comparison to the control group. During CMS, a high dose (50 mg/kg) of apigenin was given, which greatly increased the reduced glutathione level while significantly decreasing the brain's MDA and catalase activity when compared to the control group. As a result, we infer that high doses of apigenin may have potential antidepressant effects in animal models via various mechanisms.

Immunogenetic Role of IL17A Polymorphism in the Pathogenesis of Recurrent Miscarriage

Interleukin-17A (IL17A) is a proinflammatory cytokine and is assumed to play an important role in fetal rejection. In order to evaluate the potential role of IL17A polymorphism in the pathogenesis of recurrent miscarriage (RM), serum IL17A levels were estimated by ELISA. Single-nucleotide polymorphism was assessed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using gene-specific primers and the EcoNI restriction enzyme. Serum IL17A levels were nonsignificantly (p > 0.5) low in RM patients compared with the control group. IL17A gene amplification by PCR yielded the undigested product of 815 bp, and its digestion with EcoNI enzyme produced 815, 529, 286, and 270 bp fragments for the GG genotype; 529, 286, and 270 bp fragments for the GA genotype; and 529 and 286 bp fragments for the AA genotype. The genotype frequency between the RM and control groups exhibited a significant difference (p = 0.001), whereas no significant difference was observed between allele frequencies in the two groups (p = 0.0954). These data suggest that the IL17A gene polymorphism exhibits no significant effect on IL17A gene expression. However, it significantly decreases and increases RM risk in the homozygous and recessive models, suggesting its potential pregnancy-protecting and -harming roles in the AA and GA + GG genotypes, respectively.

Milk-Compositional Study of Metabolites and Pathogens in the Milk of Bovine Animals Affected with Subclinical Mastitis

Bovine milk is an important food component in the human diet due to its nutrient-rich metabolites. However, bovine subclinical mastitis alters the composition and quality of milk. In present study, California mastitis testing, somatic cell count, pH, and electrical conductivity were used as confirmatory tests to detect subclinical mastitis. The primary goal was to study metabolome and identify major pathogens in cows with subclinical mastitis. In this study, 29 metabolites were detected in milk using gas chromatography−mass spectrometry. Volatile acidic compounds, such as hexanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, lauric acid, octanoic acid, n-decanoic acid, tricosanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, and hypogeic acid were found in milk samples, and these impart good flavor to the milk. Metaboanalyst tool was used for metabolic pathway analysis and principal component estimation. In this study, EC and pH values in milk were significantly increased (p < 0.0001), whereas fat (p < 0.04) and protein (p < 0.0002) significantly decreased in animals with subclinical mastitis in comparison to healthy animals. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen found (n = 54), followed by Escherichia coli (n = 30). Furthermore, antibiotic sensitivity revealed that Staphylococcus aureus was more sensitive to gentamicin (79.6%), whereas Escherichia coli showed more sensitivity to doxycycline hydrochloride (80%).

Two Versatile Pencil Graphite-Polymer Sensor Electrodes Coupled with Potentiometry and Potentiometric Titration Methods: Profiling Determinations of Vitamin V in Tablets and Urine Samples

Herein, we developed a new pencil graphite ion-selective electrode strategy for the broadly used erectile dysfunction medication, sildenafil citrate (SC, vitamin V), for its automated potentiometry and potentiometric titration profiling in marketed tablets and human urine samples. The method was based on ion-pair complexation between SC and sodium tetraphenylborate (Na-TPB) or phosphotungstic acid (PTA), embedded into a pencil-fabricated graphite sensor electrode coated with poly(vinyl chloride, PVC) matrix, which is pre-plasticized with two different pre-studied plasticizers. The modern fabricated electrodes have a proven fast near-Nernstian response for SC over the concentration range of 1.0 × 10^-6 to 1.0 × 10^-2 and 1.0 × 10^-5 to 1.0 × 10^-2 M, with LODs of 6.5 × 10^-7 and 5.5 × 10^-6 over a pH 3-6 for (SC-TPB)- and (SC-PTA)-based membrane sensors, of O-nitrophenyl octyl ether (O-NPOE) and dioctyl phthalate (DOP), respectively. The selectivity coefficients for different interferents, including many inorganic cations, sugars, and/or nitrogenous compounds, were tested and confirmed. Applications of the proposed method were conducted on the determination of SC in its tablets and urine samples under the proper conditions. The percent recovery values were compared with those obtained by an official method and showed an RSD ≤ 0.3% (n = 5).

Solubilization and Thermodynamic Analysis of Isotretinoin in Eleven Different Green Solvents at Different Temperatures

The solubilization and thermodynamic analysis of isotretinoin (ITN) in eleven distinct green solvents, such as water, methyl alcohol (MeOH), ethyl alcohol (EtOH), 1-butyl alcohol (1-BuOH), 2-butyl alcohol (2-BuOH), ethane-1,2-diol (EG), propane-1,2-diol (PG), polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG-400), ethyl acetate (EA), Transcutol-HP (THP), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was studied at several temperatures and a fixed atmospheric pressure. The equilibrium approach was used to measure the solubility of ITN, and the Apelblat, van’t Hoff, and Buchowski−Ksiazczak λh models were used to correlate the results. The overall uncertainties were less than 5.0% for all the models examined. The highest ITN mole fraction solubility was achieved as 1.01 × 10−1 in DMSO at 318.2 K; however, the least was achieved as 3.16 × 10−7 in water at 298.2 K. ITN solubility was found to be enhanced with an increase in temperature and the order in which it was soluble in several green solvents at 318.2 K was as follows: DMSO (1.01 × 10−1) > EA (1.73 × 10−2) > PEG-400 (1.66 × 10−2) > THP (1.59 × 10−2) > 2-BuOH (6.32 × 10−3) > 1-BuOH (5.88 × 10−3) > PG (4.83 × 10−3) > EtOH (3.51 × 10−3) > EG (3.49 × 10−3) > MeOH (2.10 × 10−3) > water (1.38 × 10−6). ITN−DMSO showed the strongest solute−solvent interactions when compared to the other ITN and green solvent combinations. According to thermodynamic studies, ITN dissolution was endothermic and entropy-driven in all of the green solvents tested. The obtained outcomes suggested that DMSO appears to be the best green solvent for ITN solubilization.

Silk Fibroin as an Efficient Biomaterial for Drug Delivery, Gene Therapy, and Wound Healing

Silk fibroin (SF), an organic material obtained from the cocoons of a silkworm Bombyx mori, is used in several applications and has a proven track record in biomedicine owing to its superior compatibility with the human body, superb mechanical characteristics, and its controllable propensity to decay. Due to its robust biocompatibility, less immunogenic, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and biodegradable properties, it has been widely used in biological and biomedical fields, including wound healing. The key strategies for building diverse SF-based drug delivery systems are discussed in this review, as well as the most recent ways for developing functionalized SF for controlled or redirected medicines, gene therapy, and wound healing. Understanding the features of SF and the various ways to manipulate its physicochemical and mechanical properties enables the development of more effective drug delivery devices. Drugs are encapsulated in SF-based drug delivery systems to extend their shelf life and control their release, allowing them to travel further across the bloodstream and thus extend their range of operation. Furthermore, due to their tunable properties, SF-based drug delivery systems open up new possibilities for drug delivery, gene therapy, and wound healing.

Promises of Molecular Pharmaceutics in the Development of Novel Drug Delivery Formulations

Abstract:

Molecular pharmaceutics play a critical role in the drug delivery system, representing the direct interconnection of drug bioavailability with its molecular form. There is a diversity in the molecular structures by which it affects its properties, such as amorphous form, crystalline form, partialamorphous molecular dispersion, and disordered state. The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and the excipients utilized in the formulation process contain various divergent modes used in the formulation process. They include better formulations of any type to obtain good quality pharmaceutical products. This review reveals how the molecular states affect the API and are important in maintaining the quality of dosage forms. Furthermore, the physio-chemical properties of the components and various pharmaceutical approaches employed in the formulation of dosage forms are studied from the point of view of molecular pharmaceutics

A review of radical and non-radical degradation of amoxicillin by using different oxidation process systems

Pharmaceutical compounds have piqued the interest of researchers due to an increase in their demand, which increases the possibility of leakage into the environment. Amoxicillin (AMX) is a penicillin derivative used for the treatment of infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. AMX has a low metabolic rate in the human body, and around 80-90% is unmetabolized. As a result, AMX residuals should be treated immediately to avoid further accumulation in the environment. Advanced oxidation process techniques are an efficient way to degrade AMX. This review attempts to collect, organize, summarize, and analyze the most up to date research linked to the degradation of AMX by different advanced oxidation process systems including photocatalytic, ultrasonic, electro-oxidation, and advanced oxidation process-based on partials. The main topics investigated in this review are degradation mechanism, degradation efficiency, catalyst stability, the formation of AMX by-products and its toxicity, in addition, the influence of different experimental conditions was discussed such as pH, temperature, scavengers, the concentration of amoxicillin, oxidants, catalyst, and doping ratio. The degradation of AMX could be inhibited by very high values of pH, temperature, AMX concentration, oxidants concentration, catalyst concentration, and doping ratio. Several AMX by-products were discovered after oxidation treatment, and several of them had lower or same values of LC₅₀ (96 h) fathead minnow of AMX itself, such as m/z 384, 375, 349, 323, 324, 321, 318, with prediction values of 0.70, 1.10, 1.10 0.42, 0.42, 0.42, and 0.42 mg/L, respectively. We revealed that there is no silver bullet system to oxidize AMX from an aqueous medium. However, it is recommended to apply hybrid systems such as Photo-electro, Photo-Fenton, Electro-Fenton, etc. Hybrid systems are capable to cover the drawbacks of the single system. This review may provide important information, as well as future recommendations, for future researchers interested in treating AMX using various AOP systems, allowing them to improve the applicability of their systems and successfully oxidize AMX from an aqueous medium.

Mn3O4@ZnO Hybrid Material: An Excellent Photocatalyst for the Degradation of Synthetic Dyes including Methylene Blue, Methyl Orange and Malachite Green

In this study, we synthesized hybrid systems based on manganese oxide@zinc oxide (Mn₃O₄@ZnO), using sol gel and hydrothermal methods. The hybrid materials exhibited hierarchical morphologies and structures characterized by the hexagonal phase of ZnO and the tetragonal phase of Mn₃O₄. The hybrid materials were tested for degradation of methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and malachite green (MG) under ultraviolet (UV) light illumination. The aim of this work was to observe the effect of various amounts of Mn₃O₄ in enhancing the photocatalytic properties of ZnO-based hybrid structures towards the degradation of MB, MO and MG. The ZnO photocatalyst showed better performance with an increasing amount of Mn₃O₄, and the degradation efficiency for the hybrid material containing the maximum amount of Mn₃O₄ was found to be 94.59%, 89.99%, and 97.40% for MB, MO and MG, respectively. The improvement in the performance of hybrid materials can be attributed to the high charge separation rate of electron-hole pairs, the co-catalytic role, the large number of catalytic sites, and the synergy for the production of high quantities of oxidizing radicals. The performance obtained from the various Mn₃O₄@ZnO hybrid materials suggest that Mn₃O₄ can be considered an effective co-catalyst for a wide range of photocatalytic materials such as titanium dioxide, tin oxide, and carbon-based materials, in developing practical hybrid photocatalysts for the degradation of dyes and for wastewater treatment.

Solubility and Thermodynamic Properties of Febuxostat in Various (PEG 400 + Water) Mixtures

The solubility of the poorly soluble medicine febuxostat (FXT) (3) in various {polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) (1) + water (H₂O) (2)} mixtures has been examined at 298.2-318.2 K and 101.1 kPa. FXT solubility was measured using an isothermal method and correlated with "van't Hoff, Apelblat, Buchowski-Ksiazczak λh, Yalkowsky-Roseman, Jouyban-Acree, and Jouyban-Acree-van't Hoff models". FXT mole fraction solubility was enhanced via an increase in temperature and PEG 400 mass fraction in {(PEG 400 (1) + H₂O (2)} mixtures. Neat PEG 400 showed the highest mole fraction solubility of FXT (3.11 × 10^-2 at 318.2 K), while neat H₂O had the lowest (1.91 × 10^-7 at 298.2 K). The overall error value was less than 6.0% for each computational model, indicating good correlations. Based on the positive values of apparent standard enthalpies (46.72-70.30 kJ mol^-1) and apparent standard entropies (106.4-118.5 J mol^-1 K^-1), the dissolution of FXT was "endothermic and entropy-driven" in all {PEG 400 (1) + H₂O (2)} mixtures examined. The main mechanism for FXT solvation in {PEG 400 (1) + H₂O (2)} mixtures was discovered to be an enthalpy-driven process. In comparison to FXT-H₂O, FXT-PEG 400 showed the strongest molecular interactions. In conclusion, these results suggested that PEG 400 has considerable potential for solubilizing a poorly soluble FXT in H₂O.

Psyllium-Husk-Assisted Synthesis of ZnO Microstructures with Improved Photocatalytic Properties for the Degradation of Methylene Blue (MB)

Wastewater from the textile industry is chronic and hazardous for the human body due to the presence of a variety of organic dyes; therefore, its complete treatment requires efficient, simple, and low cost technology. For this purpose, we grew ZnO microstructures in the presence of psyllium husk, and the role of psyllium husk was to modify the surface of the ZnO microstructures, create defects in the semiconducting crystal structures, and to alter the morphology of the nanostructured material. The growth process involved a hydrothermal method followed by calcination in air. Additionally, the psyllium husk, after thermal combustion, added a certain value of carbon into the ZnO nanomaterial, consequently enhancing the photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of methylene blue. We also investigated the effect of varying doses of photocatalyst on the photocatalytic properties towards the photodegradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under the illumination of ultraviolet light. The structure and morphology of the prepared ZnO microstructures were explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The degradation of methylene blue was monitored under the irradiation of ultraviolet light and in the dark. Also, the degradation of methylene blue was measured with and without photocatalyst. The photodegradation of methylene blue is highly increased using the ZnO sample prepared with psyllium husk. The photodegradation efficiency is found to be approximately 99.35% for this sample. The outperforming functionality of psyllium-husk-assisted ZnO sample is attributed to large surface area of carbon material from the psyllium husk and the synergetic effect between the incorporated carbon and ZnO itself. Based on the performance of the hybrid material, it is safe to say that psyllium husk has high potential for use where surface roughness, morphology alteration, and defects in the crystal structure are vital for the enhancing the functionality of a nanostructured material. The observed performance of ZnO in the presence of psyllium husk provides evidence for the fabrication of a low cost and efficient photocatalyst for the wastewater treatment problems.

Antiamnesic Potential of Malvidin on Aluminum Chloride Activated by the Free Radical Scavenging Property

Objectives: Malvidin, a dietary anthocyanin can be a potent drug for the treatment of neuronal toxicity. The investigation was aimed to study the antioxidant role of malvidin against aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Methods: To evaluate the neuroprotective role of malvidin, the rats were divided into four different groups: group I received saline, group II received AlCl₃, and groups III and IV were administered with 100 and 200 mg/kg malvidin after AlCl₃ for 60 days. During the evaluation period, all the groups were subjected to a behavioral test. On the 61st day of the study, rat brains were removed and used for a neurochemical assay. Results: From the present study, malvidin ameliorated the effects of AlCl₃ on behavioral parameters. Biochemical investigation revealed that oral treatment of malvidin shows neuroprotective effects through regulation of antioxidant levels and neuroinflammation in the AlCl₃-exposed rats. Conclusion: The results indicate that malvidin possesses antioxidant activity via acetylcholinesterase inhibition and regulation of oxidative stress in neuronal cells. Hence, malvidin could be a potential drug in correcting Alzheimer's disease.

Development and Optimization of Ciprofloxacin HCl-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Using Box–Behnken Experimental Design

Various chitosan (CS)-based nanoparticles (CS-NPs) of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CHCl) have been investigated for therapeutic delivery and to enhance antimicrobial efficacy. However, the Box–Behnken design (BBD)-supported statistical optimization of NPs of CHCl has not been performed in the literature. As a result, the goal of this study was to look into the key interactions and quadratic impacts of formulation variables on the performance of CHCl-CS-NPs in a systematic way. To optimize CHCl-loaded CS-NPs generated by the ionic gelation process, the response surface methodology (RSM) was used. The BBD was used with three factors on three levels and three replicas at the central point. Tripolyphosphate, CS concentrations, and ultrasonication energy were chosen as independent variables after preliminary screening. Particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), encapsulation efficiency (EE), and in vitro release were the dependent factors (responses). Prepared NPs were found in the PS range of 198–304 nm with a ZP of 27–42 mV. EE and drug release were in the range of 23–45% and 36–61%, respectively. All of the responses were optimized at the same time using a desirability function based on Design Expert® modeling and a desirability factor of 95%. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the improved formula against two bacterial strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, was determined. The MIC of the optimized NPs was found to be decreased 4-fold compared with pure CHCl. The predicted and observed values for the optimized formulation were nearly identical. The BBD aided in a better understanding of the intrinsic relationship between formulation variables and responses, as well as the optimization of CHCl-loaded CS-NPs in a time- and labor-efficient manner.

Protective Effect of Fustin Against Ethanol-Activated Gastric Ulcer via Downregulation of Biochemical Parameters in Rats

The fustin plant-derived bioflavonoid obtained from a common plant known as lacquer tree from family Anacardiaceae, formally known as Rhus verniciflua Stokes, is known to exert a variety of therapeutic properties. The current investigation proved the anti-ulcerative property of fustin on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in an experimental animal model. The fustin 50 and 100 mg/kg was studied in an experimental rat model by performing an 8 day protocol. The ulcer index, pH, total acidic content, and biochemical parameters such as glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1β, prostaglandin E-2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase, and nitric oxide (NO) in serum were measured. The gastric parameter such as ulcer index, pH, and acidic content was maintained in the fustin groups compared to the ethanol control group. Clinical presentation of gastric ulcers includes a significant increase in serum levels, GSH, SOD, and CAT and decreased MDA, TNF-α, interleukin-1β, and prostaglandin E-2 parameters in contrast to normal groups. The treatment regimen with fustin has significantly restored all serum parameters in test groups. The current study helps to develop reasonable phytochemical options for the innervations of chemical-induced gastric ulcers.

Determination of Colchicine in Pharmaceutical Formulations, Traditional Extracts, and Ultrasonication-Based Extracts of Colchicum autumnale Pleniflorum (L.) Using Regular and Greener HPTLC Approaches: A Comparative Evaluation of Validation Parameters

In the literature, there is a scarcity of greener analytical approaches for colchicine (CLH) analysis. As a result, efforts were made in this study to develop and validate a greener reversed-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique for CLH analysis in traditional extracts (TE) and ultrasonication-based extracts (UBE) of commercial Unani formulations, commercial allopathic formulations, and Colchicum autumnale Pleniflorum (L.) obtained from Egypt and India. This new technique was compared to the regular normal-phase HPTLC method. The greenness profile of both methods was estimated using the Analytical GREENness (AGREE) approach. In the 100–600 and 25–1200 ng/band ranges, regular and greener HPTLC procedures were linear for CLH analysis, respectively. For CLH analysis, the greener HPTLC method was more sensitive, accurate, precise, and robust than the regular HPTLC method. For CLH analysis in TE and UBE of commercial Unani formulations, commercial allopathic formulations, and C. autumnale obtained from Egypt and India, the greener HPTLC method was superior in terms of CLH content compared to the regular HPTLC method. In addition, the UBE procedure was superior to the TE procedure for both methods. The AGREE scores for regular and greener reversed-phase HPTLC methods were found to be 0.46 and 0.75, respectively. The AGREE results showed excellent greener profile of the greener HPTLC method over the regular HPTLC technique. Based on several validation criteria and pharmaceutical assay findings, the greener HPTLC method is regarded as superior to the regular HPTLC approach.

Immunology of osteoporosis: relevance of inflammatory targets for the development of novel interventions

Osteoporosis is recognized as low bone mass and deteriorated bone microarchitecture. It is the leading cause of fractures and consequent morbidity globally. The established pathophysiological evidence favors the endocrine factors for osteoporosis and the role of the immune system on the skeletal system has been recently identified. Due to the common developmental niche bone and immune system interactions have led to the emergence of osteoimmunology. Immune dysregulation can initiate inflammatory conditions that adversely affect bone integrity. The role of immune cells, such as T-lymphocytes subsets (Th17), cannot be neglected in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Local inflammation within the bone from any cause attracts immune cells that participate in the activation of osteoclasts. This work summarizes the present knowledge of osteoimmunology in reference to osteoporosis and identifies novel targets for immunotherapy of osteoporosis.

Simultaneous Estimation of Escitalopram and Clonazepam in Tablet Dosage Forms Using HPLC-DAD Method and Optimization of Chromatographic Conditions by Box-Behnken Design

The study aimed to develop a new reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method with diode array detection (DAD) detection for simultaneous estimation of escitalopram (EST) and clonazepam (CZP) in tablet dosage forms with a quality by design (QbD) approach. The chromatographic conditions were optimized by Box-Behnken design (BBD) and developed method was validated for the linearity, system suitability, accuracy, precision, robustness, sensitivity, and solution stability according to International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. EST and CZP standard drugs peaks were separated at retention times of 2.668 and 5.046 min by C-18 column with dimension of 4.6 × 100 mm length and particle size packing 2.5 µm. The mobile phase was methanol: 0.1% orthophosphoric acid (OPA) (25:75, v/v), with a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min at temperature of 26 °C. The sample volume injected was 20 µL and peaks were detected at 239 nm. Using the standard calibration curve, the % assay of marketed tablet was founded 98.89 and 98.76 for EST and CZP, respectively. The proposed RP-HPLC method was able to detect EST and CZP in the presence of their degradation products, indicating the stability-indicating property of the developed RP-HPLC method. The validation parameter’s results in terms of linearity, system suitability, accuracy, precision, robustness, sensitivity, and solution stability were in an acceptable range as per the ICH guidelines. The newly developed RP-HPLC method with QbD application is simple, accurate, time-saving, and economic.

Phytochemical Profiling and Antibacterial Activity of Methanol Leaf Extract of Skimmia anquetilia

Skimmia anquetilia is a plant species native to the Western Himalaya region that has tremendous potential for phytochemical activities. This study aimed to identify bioactive compounds and assess the antibacterial activity of S. anquetilia. To determine the major bioactive chemicals in the methanol leaf extract of S. anquetilia, we used a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The presence of 35 distinct phytoconstituents was discovered using GC-MS, which could contribute to the therapeutic capabilities of this plant species. The most predominant compound was 2R-acetoxymethyl-1,3,3-trimethyl-4t-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-1t-cyclohexanol (23.9%). Further, the leaf extract was evaluated for antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus. The extract showed the highest zone of inhibition against E. coli (19 mm) followed by P. aeruginosa (18 mm) and K. Pneumoniae (17 mm) at 160 mg mL^-1. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of methanol extract against the strain of P. aeruginosa (2 mg mL^-1) demonstrated significant antibacterial activity. The findings of the present study highlight the potential of S. anquetilia for the development of herbal medicines for the treatment of various pathogenic infections.

An Overview of the Neuropharmacological Potential of Thymoquinone and its Targeted Delivery Prospects for CNS Disorder

At present, people and patients worldwide are relying on the medicinal plant as a therapeutic agent over pharmaceuticals because the medicinal plant is considered safer, especially for chronic disorders. Several medicinal plants and their components are being researched and explored for their possible therapeutic contribution to CNS disorders. Thymoquinone (TQ) is one such molecule. Thymoquinone, one of the constituents of Plant Nigella Sativa, is effective against several neurodegenerative diseases like; Alzheimer's, Depression, Encephalomyelitis, Epilepsy, Ischemia, Parkinson's, and Traumatic. This review article presents the neuropharmacological potential of TQ's, their challenges, and delivery prospects, explicitly focusing on neurological disorders along with their chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity. Since TQ has some pharmacokinetic challenges, scientists have focused on novel formulations and delivery systems to enhance bioavailability and ultimately increase its therapeutic value. In the present work, the role of nanotechnology in neurodegenerative disease and how it improves bioavailability and delivery of a drug to the site of action has been discussed. There are a few limitations for developing novel drug formulation, including solubility, pH, and compatibility of nanomaterials. Since here we are targeting CNS disorders, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) becomes an additional challenge Hence, the review summarized the novel aspects of delivery and biocompatible nanoparticles-based approaches for targeted drug delivery into CNS, enhancing TQ bioavailability and its neurotherapeutic effects.

Application of hydrophilic polymers for the preparation of tadalafil solid dispersions: micromeritics properties, release and erectile dysfunction studies in male rats

The objective of the present study was to improve the dissolution rate and aphrodisiac activity of tadalafil by using hydrophilic polymers. Solid dispersions were prepared by solvent evaporation-Rota evaporator using Koliphore 188, Kollidon^® VA64, and Kollidon^® 30 polymers in a 1:1 ratio. Prepared tadalafil-solid dispersions (SDs) evaluated for yield, drug content, micromeritics properties, physicochemical characterizations, and aphrodisiac activity assessment. The optimized SDs TK188 showed size (2.175 ± 0.24 µm), percentage of content (98.89 ± 1.23%), yield (87.27 ± 3.13%), bulk density (0.496 ± 0.005 g/cm3), true density (0.646 ± 0.003 g/cm3), Carr's index (23.25 ± 0.81), Hausner ratio (1.303 ± 0.003) and angle of repose (<25°). FTIR spectrums revealed tadalafil doesn't chemically interact with used polymers. XRD and DSC analysis represents TK188 SDs were in the amorphous state. Drug release was 97.17 ± 2.43% for TK188, whereas it was 32.76 ± 2.65% for pure drug at the end of 2 h with 2.96-fold increase in dissolution and followed release kinetics of Korsmeyer Peppa's model. MDT and DE were noted to be 17.48 minutes and 84.53%, respectively. Furthermore, TK188 SDs showed relative improvement in the sexual behavior of the male rats. Thus the developed SDs TK188 could be potential tadalafil carriers for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Аssessment of E-learning readiness among different levels of Nursing Learners in KING SAUD MEDICAL CITY

Aim: Nurses’ and students’ willingness to increase information and practical skills through electronic platforms may help in setting up hundreds of timesaving and economical e-learning programs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the readiness of e-learning among different levels of nurses and nursing students. Methods: In this quantitative research, 425 participants from King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were included. The study population included nurses and nursing students. Results: With p < 0.042 the research indicated that there are statistically significant differences between nursing groups with respect to e-Learning readiness. Conclusions: The nursing staff and students in King Saud Medical City demonstrated significant readiness levels towards e-learning, while the level of readiness and experience towards e-learning vary for different nursing groups

Formulation of Isopropyl Isothiocyanate Loaded Nano Vesicles Delivery Systems: In Vitro Characterization and In Vivo Assessment

Isopropyl Isothiocyanate (IPI) is a poorly water-soluble drug used in different biological activities. So, the present work was designed to prepare and evaluate IPI loaded vesicles and evaluated for vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, drug release, and drug permeation. The selected formulation was coated with chitosan and further assessed for the anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic activity. The prepared IPI vesicles (F3) exhibited a vesicle size of 298 nm ± 5.1, the zeta potential of −18.7 mV, encapsulation efficiency of 86.2 ± 5.3% and PDI of 0.33. The chitosan-coated IPI vesicles (F3C) exhibited an increased size of 379 ± 4.5 nm, a positive zeta potential of 23.5 ± 2.8 mV and encapsulation efficiency of 77.3 ± 4.1%. IPI chitosan vesicle (F3C) showed enhanced mucoadhesive property (2.7 folds) and intestinal permeation (~1.8-fold) higher than IPI vesicles (F3). There was a significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in size, muco-adhesion, and permeation flux achieved after coating with chitosan. The IPI chitosan vesicle (F3C) demonstrated an enhanced bleeding time of 525.33 ± 12.43 s, anti-thrombin activity of 59.72 ± 4.21, and inhibition of platelet aggregation 68.64 ± 3.99%, and anti-platelet activity of 99.47%. The results of the study suggest that IPI chitosan vesicles showed promising in vitro results, as well as improved anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic activity compared to pure IPI and IPI vesicles.

Triazoles and Their Derivatives: Chemistry, Synthesis, and Therapeutic Applications

Among the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, triazoles emerge with superior pharmacological applications. Structurally, there are two types of five-membered triazoles: 1,2,3-triazole and 1,2,4-triazole. Due to the structural characteristics, both 1,2,3- and 1,2,4-triazoles are able to accommodate a broad range of substituents (electrophiles and nucleophiles) around the core structures and pave the way for the construction of diverse novel bioactive molecules. Both the triazoles and their derivatives have significant biological properties including antimicrobial, antiviral, antitubercular, anticancer, anticonvulsant, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant activities. These are also important in organocatalysis, agrochemicals, and materials science. Thus, they have a broad range of therapeutic applications with ever-widening future scope across scientific disciplines. However, adverse events such as hepatotoxicity and hormonal problems lead to a careful revision of the azole family to obtain higher efficacy with minimum side effects. This review focuses on the structural features, synthesis, and notable therapeutic applications of triazoles and related compounds.

Development, In-Vitro Characterization and Preclinical Evaluation of Esomeprazole-Encapsulated Proniosomal Formulation for the Enhancement of Anti-Ulcer Activity

Objective: The present study aimed to develop and optimize esomeprazole loaded proniosomes (EZL-PNs) to improve bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Method: EZL-PNs formulation was developed by slurry method and optimized by 33 box-Bhekhen statistical design software. Span 60 (surfactant), cholesterol, EZL concentration were taken as independent variables and their effects were evaluated on vesicle size (nm), entrapment efficiency (%, EE) and drug release (%, DR). Furthermore, optimized EZL-PNs (EZL-PNs-opt) formulation was evaluated for ex vivo permeation, pharmacokinetic and ulcer protection activity. Result: The EZL-PNs-opt formulation showed 616 ± 13.21 nm of vesicle size, and 81.21 ± 2.35% of EE. EZL-PNs-opt exhibited negative zeta potential and spherical confirmed scanning electron microscopy. EZL-PNs-opt showed sustained release of EZL (95.07 ± 2.10% in 12 h) than pure EZL dispersion. The ex-vivo gut permeation result exhibited a significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced flux than pure EZL. The in vivo results revealed 4.02-fold enhancement in bioavailability and 61.65% protection in ulcer than pure EZL dispersion (43.82%). Conclusion: Our findings revealed that EZL-PNs formulation could be an alternative delivery system of EZL to enhance oral bioavailability and antiulcer activity.

A Simple, Cost-Effective, and Green HPTLC Method for the Estimation of Ascorbic Acid in Solvent and Ultrasound-Assisted Extracts of Phyllanthus emblica, Capsicum annuum, and Psidium guajava

Greener analytical methodologies for the estimation of ascorbic acid (AA) are poorly reported in the literature. Furthermore, the green indexes of the literature’s analytical assays of AA estimation have not been assessed. As a consequence, the aim of this research is to invent and validate a simple, cost-effective, and green reverse-phase “high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)” method for the estimating AA in the solvent extracts (SE) and ultrasound-assisted extracts (UAE) of Phyllanthus emblica, Psidium guajava, and Capsicum annuum. The greener mobile phase for AA estimation was a binary mixture of water and ethanol (70:30, v/v). At a wavelength of 265 nm, the detection of AA was carried out. The greener HPTLC technique was linear in the 25–1200 ng/band range. In addition, the method was simple, cost-effective, accurate, precise, robust, sensitive, and green. The amount of AA was highest in the SE and UAE of P. emblica compared to the SE and UAE of P. guajava and C. annuum. The amount of AA in the SE of P. emblica, P. guajava, and C. annuum was found to be 491.16, 168.91, and 144.30 mg/100 g, respectively. However, the amount of AA in the UAE of P. emblica, P. guajava, and C. annuum was found to be 673.02, 218.71, and 199.30 mg/100 g, respectively. Using the “analytical GREEnness (AGREE)” methodology, the greenness index for the developed method was calculated to be 0.88, showing that the developed method has an excellent green profile. When it came to extracting AA, the UAE method outperformed the SE method. These findings suggested that the developed method might be used to estimate the AA in a variety of vegetable crops, plant-based extracts, and commercial formulations. Furthermore, because of the use of greener solvent systems against the commonly utilized hazardous solvent systems for AA determination, this technique is also safe and sustainable.

Sepsis triggered oxidative stress-inflammatory axis: the pathobiology of reprogramming in the normal sleep-wake cycle

In individuals with sepsis-related neurodegenerative illness, sleep and circadian rhythm disturbance are common. The alteration in genomic expression linked with the immune-directed oxidative stress-inflammatory axis is thought to cause these individuals' abnormal sleep. On the other hand, sleep is linked to normal brain activity through common neurotransmitter systems and regulatory mechanisms. Ailments (ranging from cognitive to metabolic abnormalities) are seldom related to aberrant sleep that is made worse by sleep disturbance, which throws off the body's sleep-wake cycle. PubMed/Springer link /Public library of science/ScienceDirect/ Mendeley/Medline and Google Scholar were used to find possibly relevant studies. For the literature search, many keywords were considered, both individually and in combination. 'Sepsis,' 'Epidemiology of sepsis,' 'Sepsis-related hyper inflammation,' 'Relationship of sepsis-associated clock gene expression and relationship of inflammation with the reprogramming of genetic alterations' were some of the key terms utilized in the literature search. Our main objective is to understand better how traumatic infections during sepsis affect CNS processes, particularly sleep, by investigating the pathobiology of circadian reprogramming associated with immune-directed oxidative stress-inflammatory pathway responsive gene expression and sleep-wake behaviour in this study.

A Green High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography Method for the Determination of Caffeine in Commercial Energy Drinks and Formulations

The literature on green analytical approaches for caffeine estimation is limited. As a consequence, this study aimed to establish a reverse-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique for caffeine estimation in a variety of commercial energy drinks (ED) and pharmaceutical formulations that is rapid, sensitive, and green. The combination of ethanol-water (55:45 v v−1) was used as a mobile phase. The detection of caffeine was carried out at 275 nm. The green reverse-phase HPTLC method was linear in the concentration range of 50−800 ng band−1. Furthermore, the developed method for caffeine estimation was simple, quick, economical, accurate, precise, robust, sensitive, and green. The amount of caffeine in different marketed ED (ED1−ED10) was recorded in the range of 21.02−37.52 mg 100 mL−1 using the developed HPTLC method. However, the amount of caffeine in different commercial formulations (F1−F3) was estimated as 10.63−20.30 mg 100 mL−1 using the same method. The “analytical GREEnness (AGREE)” scale for the developed analytical method was predicted to be 0.80, utilizing 12 distinct components of green analytical chemistry, indicating the HPTLC approach’s excellent greener profile. Overall, the developed method for estimating caffeine in marketed ED and dosage forms was found to be reliable.

Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies for Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s Disease: A Perspective Through Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second leading neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by severe locomotor abnormalities. Levodopa (L-DOPA) treatment has been considered a mainstay for the management of PD; however, its prolonged treatment is often associated with abnormal involuntary movements and results in L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). Although LID is encountered after chronic administration of L-DOPA, the appearance of dyskinesia after weeks or months of the L-DOPA treatment has complicated our understanding of its pathogenesis. Pathophysiology of LID is mainly associated with alteration of direct and indirect pathways of the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic loop, which regulates normal fine motor movements. Hypersensitivity of dopamine receptors has been involved in the development of LID; moreover, these symptoms are worsened by concurrent non-dopaminergic innervations including glutamatergic, serotonergic, and peptidergic neurotransmission. The present study is focused on discussing the recent updates in molecular mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for the effective management of LID in PD patients.

Formulation of Piperine Nanoparticles: In Vitro Breast Cancer Cell Line and In Vivo Evaluation

Piperine (PPN), one of the most investigated phytochemicals, is known to have excellent therapeutic efficacy against a variety of ailments including breast cancer. However, its physicochemical properties such as poor aqueous solubility restrict its clinical application. Therefore, the present investigation was designed to develop PPN encapsulated lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (PPN-LPHNPs) to overcome the limitation. The developed PPN-LPHNPs were optimized by the three-factor, three-level Box−Behnken design (33-BBD). The optimized PPN-LPHNPs were then evaluated for their drug release profile, cytotoxicity assay against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, and gastrointestinal stability as well as colloidal stability. In addition, the optimized PPN-LPHNPs were evaluated for ex vivo intestinal permeation and in vivo pharmacokinetic in albino Wistar rats. As per the results, the optimized PPN-LPHNPs showed a small average particles size of <160 nm with a low (<0.3) polydispersity index, and highly positive surface charge (>+20 mV). PPN-LPHNPs revealed excellent gastrointestinal as well as colloidal stability and sustained release profiles up to 24 h. Furthermore, PPN-LPHNPs revealed excellent cytotoxicity against both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cancer cells compared to the free PPN. Moreover, animal studies revealed that the PPN-LPHNPs exhibited a 6.02- and 4.55-fold higher intestinal permeation and relative oral bioavailability, respectively, in comparison to the conventional PPN suspension. Thus, our developed LPHNPs present a strong potential for improved delivery of PPN.

Utilization of Artificial Intelligence in Disease Prevention: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Implications for the Healthcare Workforce

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been described as one of the extremely effective and promising scientific tools available to mankind. AI and its associated innovations are becoming more popular in industry and culture, and they are starting to show up in healthcare. Numerous facets of healthcare, as well as regulatory procedures within providers, payers, and pharmaceutical companies, may be transformed by these innovations. As a result, the purpose of this review is to identify the potential machine learning applications in the field of infectious diseases and the general healthcare system. The literature on this topic was extracted from various databases, such as Google, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The articles having important information were selected for this review. The most challenging task for AI in such healthcare sectors is to sustain its adoption in daily clinical practice, regardless of whether the programs are scalable enough to be useful. Based on the summarized data, it has been concluded that AI can assist healthcare staff in expanding their knowledge, allowing them to spend more time providing direct patient care and reducing weariness. Overall, we might conclude that the future of “conventional medicine” is closer than we realize, with patients seeing a computer first and subsequently a doctor.

Development of Therapeutic and Prophylactic Zinc Compositions for Use against COVID-19: A Glimpse of the Trends, Inventions, and Patents

Zinc is an essential nutrient for human health; it is involved in the catalytic, structural, and regulatory functions of the human cellular system. Different compositions of zinc, as well as its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, are available on the market. Recent studies have demonstrated the role of zinc in combating COVID-19. It has been determined that zinc prevents the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into cells by lowering the expression of ACE-2 receptors and inhibiting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2. Zinc also prevents the cytokine storm that takes place after the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the cell, via its anti-inflammatory activity. The authors believe that no study has yet been published that has reviewed the trends, inventions, and patent literature of zinc compositions to treat/prevent COVID-19. Accordingly, this review has been written in order to fill this gap in the literature. The information about the clinical studies and the published patents/patent applications was retrieved from different databases. This review covers patent literature on zinc compositions up to 31 January 2022. Many important patents/patent applications for zinc-based compositions filed by innovative universities and industries were identified. The patent literature revealed zinc compositions in combination with zinc ionophores, antioxidants, antivirals, antibiotics, hydroxychloroquine, heparin, ivermectin, and copper. Most of these studies were supported by clinical trials. The patent literature supports the potential of zinc and its pharmaceutical compositions as possible treatments for COVID-19. The authors believe that countless zinc-based compositions are still unexplored, and there is an immense opportunity to evaluate a considerable number of the zinc-based compositions for use against COVID-19.

Formulation of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Cephalexin: Physiochemical Characterization and Antibacterial Evaluation

A cephalexin (CEP) self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) was developed in this study to improve the drug’s oral administration. The CEP-SNEDDS was made utilizing an aqueous titration method employing Lauroglycol 90, Poloxamer 188, and Transcutol-HP. Box-Behnken design (BBD) with three factors at three levels was used for optimization, and their impacts on globule size (nm), transmittance (percent), and emulsification time (s) were assessed. The optimized formulation (Opt-F3) was further tested for zeta potential, refractive index, percent transmittance, thermodynamic stability, in-vitro release, ex vivo permeability, antibacterial activity, and bioavailability. The chosen formulation (Opt-F3) had a globule size of 87.25 ± 3.16 nm, PDI of 0.25, zeta potential of −24.37 mV, self-emulsification duration of 52 ± 1.7 s, and percentage transmittance of 99.13 ± 1.5%, viscosity of 96.26 ± 2.72 cp, and refractive index of 1.29 ± 0.1. It showed a sustained release profile (94.28 ± 5.92 percent in 24 h). The Opt-F3 formulation had 3.95 times the permeability of CEP-dispersion. In comparison to CEP-dispersion, it also demonstrated greater antibacterial efficacy against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. The oral bioavailability of Opt-F3 is 3.48 times higher than that of CEP-dispersion, according to an in-vivo investigation. It has been determined that the prepared CEP-SNEDDS may be an advantageous carrier for CEP delivery.

Quality Control Standardization, Contaminant Detection and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Prunus domestica Linn. Fruit

The increase in the use of herbal medicines has led to the implementation of more stern regulations in terms of quality variation and standardization. As medicinal plants are prone to quality variation acquired due to differences in geographical origin, collection, storage, and processing, it is essential to ensure the quality, efficacy, and biological activity of medicinal plants. This study aims to standardize the widely used fruit, i.e., Prunus domestica Linn., using evaluation techniques (microscopic, macroscopic, and physicochemical analyses), advanced instrumental (HPLC, HPTLC, and GC-MS for phytochemical, aflatoxins, pesticides, and heavy metals), biological, and toxicological techniques (microbial load and antioxidant activities). The results revealed a 6-8 cm fruit with smooth surface, delicious odor, and acidic taste (macroscopy), thin-walled epidermis devoid of cuticle and any kind of excrescences with the existence of xylem and phloem (microscopy), LOD (15.46 ± 2.24%), moisture content (13.27 ± 1.75%), the high extractive value of 24.71 ± 4.94% in water:methanol (1:1; v/v) and with ash values in the allowed limits (physicochemical properties), and the presence of numerous phytochemical classes such as alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, etc. (phytochemical screening). Furthermore, no heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd, Ar), pesticides, ad microbial limits were detected beyond the permissible limits specified, as determined with AAS, GC-MS analysis, and microbial tests. The HPTLC was developed to characterize a complete phytochemical behavior for the components present in P. domestica fruit extract. The parameters utilized with the method used and the results observed for the prunus herein may render this method an effective tool for quality evaluation, standardization, and quality control of P. domestica fruit in research, industries, and market available food products of prunus.

Role of platelet rich plasma mediated repair and regeneration of cell in early stage of cardiac injury

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a widely accepted treatment approach and has heightened the quality of care among physicians. PRP has been used over the last decade to boost clinical results of plastic therapies, periodontal surgery and intra-bony defects. According to certain research, elevated levels of PRP growth factors that could promote tissue repair and have the potential for PRP to be beneficial in regenerating processes that Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeons, Veterinary Officers, Athletic medicine specialists and Dermatologists have long admired. PRP is an autologous whole blood fraction that has a heavy amount of a variety of growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-b), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) which can facilitate repair and regeneration. Moreover, a clinical trial of PRP in severe angina patients has shown its excellent safety profile. However, PRP is a very complex biological substance with an array of active biomolecules, its functions are yet to be fully clarified. In-addition, there was insufficient work assessing possible cardiovascular tissue benefits from PRP. Thus, it still remains necessary to identify the most clinically important cardiovascular applications and further research in clinical scenario need to be validated.

Formulation of Chitosan-Coated Apigenin Bilosomes: In Vitro Characterization, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxicity Assessment

We prepared apigenin (APG)-loaded bilosomes (BLs) and evaluated them for vesicle size, zeta-potential and encapsulation efficiency. The formulations were prepared with cholesterol (CHL), sodium deoxy cholate (SDC), Tween 80 (T80) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) using solvent evaporation method. The prepared formulations showed the optimum result was coated with much mucoadhesive polymer chitosan (CH, 0.25 and 0.5% w/v). The chitosan-coated bilosomes (CH-BLs) were further evaluated for surface morphology, drug−polymer interaction, mucoadhesion, permeation, antimicrobial activity and cell viability. The prepared APG-BLs showed nano-metric size (211 ± 2.87 nm to 433 ± 1.98 nm), polydispersibility index <0.5, negative zeta potential (−15 to −29 mV) and enhanced encapsulation efficiency (69.5 ± 0.93 to 81.9 ± 1.3%). Based on these findings, selected formulation (F2) was further coated with chitosan and showed a marked increase in vesicle size (298 ± 3.56 nm), a positive zeta potential (+17 mV), superior encapsulation efficiency (88.1 ± 1.48%) and improved drug release (69.37 ± 1.34%). Formulation F2C1 showed significantly enhanced permeation and mucoadhesion (p < 0.05) compared to formulation F2 due to the presence of CH as a mucoadhesive polymer. The presence of CH on the surfaces of BLs helps to open the tight membrane junctions and leads to enhanced permeation. A TEM study revealed non-aggregated smooth surface vesicles. The antimicrobial and cell viability assessment revealed better effects in terms of zone of inhibition and cell line assessment against two different cancer cell line. From the study, it can be concluded that APG-CHBLs could be a superior alternative to conventional delivery systems.

A Greener Stability-Indicating High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography Approach for the Estimation of Topiramate

Despite various reported analytical methods for topiramate (TPM) analysis, greener analytical approaches are scarce in literature. As a consequence, the objective of the current research is to design a normal-phase stability-indicating high-performance thin-layer chromatography (SI-HPTLC) methodology for TPM analysis in marketed tablet dosage forms that is rapid, sensitive, and greener. TPM was derivatized densitometrically and analyzed at 423 nm in visible mode with anisaldehyde-sulfuric acid as the derivatizing agent. The greener SI-HPTLC technique was linear in the 30–1200 ng band⁻¹ range. In addition, the suggested SI-HPTLC methodology for TPM analysis was simple, rapid, cheaper, precise, robust, sensitive, and environmentally friendly. The greener SI-HPTLC method was able to detect TPM along with its degradation products under acid, base, and oxidative degradation conditions. However, no TPM degradation was recorded under thermal and photolytic stress conditions. TPM contents in commercial tablet dosage forms were recorded as 99.14%. Using 12 different principles of green analytical chemistry, the overall analytical GREEnness (AGREE) score for the greener SI-HPTLC method was calculated to be 0.76, confirming the proposed normal-phase SI-HPTLC method’s good greener nature. Overall, these results demonstrated that the suggested SI-HPTLC technique for TPM measurement in pharmaceutical products was reliable and selective.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Complex Disease with a Genetics Approach

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting females in their reproductive age. The early diagnosis of PCOS is complicated and complex due to overlapping symptoms of this disease. The most accepted diagnostic approach today is the Rotterdam Consensus (2003), which supports the positive diagnosis of PCOS when patients present two out of the following three symptoms: biochemical and clinical signs of hyperandrogenism, oligo, and anovulation, also polycystic ovarian morphology on sonography. Genetic variance, epigenetic changes, and disturbed lifestyle lead to the development of pathophysiological disturbances, which include hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation in PCOS females. At the molecular level, different proteins and molecular and signaling pathways are involved in disease progression, which leads to the failure of a single genetic diagnostic approach. The genetic approach to elucidate the mechanism of pathogenesis of PCOS was recently developed, whereby four phenotypic variances of PCOS categorize PCOS patients into classic, ovulatory, and non-hyperandrogenic types. Genetic studies help to identify the root cause for the development of this PCOS. PCOS genetic inheritance is autosomal dominant but the latest investigations revealed it as a multigene origin disease. Different genetic loci and specific genes have been identified so far as being associated with this disease. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and related genetic studies have changed the scenario for the diagnosis and treatment of this reproductive and metabolic condition known as PCOS. This review article briefly discusses different genes associated directly or indirectly with disease development and progression.