Combined Nanofibrous Face Mask: Co-Formulation of Lipases and Antibiotic Agent by Electrospinning Technique

The application of enzyme-based therapies has received significant attention in modern drug development. Lipases are one of the most versatile enzymes that can be used as therapeutic agents in basic skin care and medical treatment related to excessive sebum production, acne, and inflammation. The traditional formulations available for skin treatment, such as creams, ointments or gels, are widely applied; however, their use is not always accompanied by good drug penetration properties, stability, or patient adherence. Nanoformulated drugs offer the possibility of combining enzymatic and small molecule formulations, making them a new and exciting alternative in this field. In this study polymeric nanofibrous matrices made of polyvinylpyrrolidone and polylactic acid were developed, entrapping lipases from Candida rugosa and Rizomucor miehei and antibiotic compound nadifloxacin. The effect of the type of polymers and lipases were investigated, and the nanofiber formation process was optimized to provide a promising alternative in topical treatment. Our experiments have shown that entrapment by electrospinning induced two orders of magnitude increase in the specific enzyme activity of lipases. Permeability investigations indicated that all lipase-loaded nanofibrous masks were capable of delivering nadifloxacin to the human epidermis, confirming the viability of electrospinning as a formulation method for topical skin medications.

Comprehensive newborn screening program: ARAMCO experience, the national need and recommendations

Comprehensive screening programs for congenital diseases of newborn infants are lacking at a national or regional level. A comprehensive newborn screening program modified to the needs and resources available was established in ARAMCO Dhahran Health Center. This program includes screening for congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, abnormal hemoglobins, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficienc, and blood group incompatibilities. Several problems were encountered during the operation which required several modifications of the program. The organization and procedures of the program are described. Since the program was started in 1980, more than 70,000 newborn infants have been screened. Valuable epidemiological data have been collected and necessary information for direct clinical use was obtained. A national program to screen all neonates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is achievable and urgently needed. Recommendations based on ARAMCO experience are given.

Hereditary pyropoikilocytosis: report of two cases from Saudi Arabia

Hereditary pyropoikilocytosis is a rare type of congenital hemolytic anemia reported only in American black children. We report the first two occurrences in Saudi children. This is an autosomal-recessive trait as proved by normal parents and two affected children. A pathogenetic and probably causal relationship with apparent elliptocytosis seems clear as three sibs have that condition.

Splenic function in Saudi children with sickle cell disease

Splenic function was studied in 15 Saudi children with homozygous sickle cell disease. Age range was 4-13 years. Using 99Tc liver spleen scan, it was shown that 13 patients had some splenic function ranging from minimal to normal. This is in contrast to the black sicklers who usually have anatomic asplenia by the age of six to eight years. It might contribute to the relatively mild course in children with sickle cell disease in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia.