Development and statistical optimization of camptothecin loaded hyaluronic acid and zein polymeric nanoparticles towards the treatment of melanoma.

Camptothecin (CPT) is a potent topoisomerase-I inhibitor. Despite its anti-tumor potential, its clinical use is hindered due to severe side effects, poor solubility and lactone ring instability. Herein, novel hyaluronic acid and zein polymeric nanoparticles loaded with CPT (HA-ZE-CPT NPs) were formulated to address its limitations.

Lipid-Based Nanocarriers for Topical Therapy of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: An Insight into the Mechanism of Action.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic infection caused by Leishmania species, affecting millions worldwide. The current treatment options for CL have several limitations, including low efficacy, inability to reach the target site, potential toxicity, and longer treatment duration, leading to poor patient compliance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative treatments, especially topical ones, that are more effective, safe, and patient-friendly.

Magnetic hyperthermia-triggered multi-functional thermo-responsive lipid nanoparticles for enhanced paclitaxel release and cytotoxicity.

The inadequate safety and efficacy of chemotherapy have led cancer medicine to focus on localizing drug delivery to the target. Thermoresponsive nanocarriers (liposomes and polymeric networks) exploit local hyperthermia to trigger targeted payload release; however, their low stability and unpredictable fate have led to failure in clinical studies. To overcome these challenges, we reported first-of-its-kind thermoresponsive lipid nanoparticles (TLNs) that undergo solid-liquid phase transition under hyperthermia to release the payload.

Nanoemulgel mediated enhanced skin curcumin penetration/retention for local treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: and assessment.

Background: Skin delivery of a therapeutically effective drug is imperative for local cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) treatment.

Objective: This study aimed to formulate, optimize, and characterize curcumin-loaded nanoemulgel for enhanced skin drug retention to treat CL locally.

Methods: Nanoemulsions were prepared by high-speed homogenization, characterized, and optimized for size, PDI, zeta potential, stability, morphology, drug contents, encapsulation efficiency, drug release, antileishmanial activity, and cell viability.

Box-Behnken based furosemide-nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) delivery system for improving oral bioavailability.

Objective: The fabrication of furosemide (FSM) with enhanced oral bioavailability and encapsulation was achieved using a nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) drug delivery system.

Significance: The uniform drug distribution is a barrier due to its low dose. The lipid-based delivery system was selected based on its poor solubility and permeability, limiting its poor partitioning and solubility in water-based polymeric delivery systems.

A macromolecule infliximab loaded reverse nanomicelles-based transdermal hydrogel: An innovative approach against rheumatoid arthritis.

Infliximab (IFX) is used as a biotherapeutic agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, its biological activity is lost orally because of variations in gastric pH and enzymatic degradation, and reduced bioavailability. The authors have tried to improve the efficacy of macromolecule delivery through transdermal route. Polycaprolactone-Polyethylene glycol-Polycaprolactone (PCL-PEG-PCL) triblock copolymer previously synthesized and was used as an efficient carrier for the preparation of IFX loaded reverse nanomicelles (IFX-RNMs).

Statistical design and optimization of nano-transfersomes based chitosan gel for transdermal delivery of cefepime.

Objectives: This research aimed to overcome challenges posed by cefepime excessive elimination rate and poor patient compliance by developing transdermal delivery system using nano-transfersomes based chitosan gel.

Methods: Rotary evaporation-sonication method and the Box-Behnken model were used to prepare cefepime loaded nano-transfersomes (CPE-NTFs). The physiochemical characterization of CPE-NTFs were analyzed including DLS, deformability index, DSC and antimicrobial study.

Folate decorated chitosan-chondroitin sulfate nanoparticles loaded hydrogel for targeting macrophages against rheumatoid arthritis.

Inflammatory cell infiltration, particularly macrophages, plays a major contribution to the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Exploiting the overexpression of folate receptors (FR-β) on these recruited macrophages has gained significant attraction for ligand-targeted delivery. Leflunomide (LEF), being an immunomodulatory agent is considered the cornerstone of the therapy, however, its oral efficacy is impeded by low solubility and escalating adverse effects profile.

Development and validation of HPLC method for simultaneous determination of Leflunomide and folic acid in the nanoparticulate system by reversed-phase HPLC.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to develop a highly sensitive, accurate, and reproducible analytical method for the simultaneous detection of LEF and FA in polymeric nanocarriers.

Significance: Leflunomide (LEF), is widely employed in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, long-term delivery of the drug is associated with systemic side effects.

A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led clinical interventions on the health-related quality of life among TB patients.

The study was designed to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led clinical interventions on the health-related quality of life among tuberculosis patients in Pakistan. A randomized, controlled prospective study was carried out in a Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital tuberculosis (TB) control center. Participants who visited the TB center between September 2020 and December 2021 were randomly assigned to two clusters, the usual care group (UC group) the intervention group (pharmaceutical care group), in a 1:1 ratio by a simple envelope technique.

Biological Evaluation and Computational Studies of Methoxy-flavones from Newly Isolated Radioresistant Micromonospora aurantiaca Strain TMC-15.

This study aims to determine UV-B resistance and to investigate computational analysis and antioxidant potential of methoxy-flavones of Micromonospora aurantiaca TMC-15 isolated from Thal Desert, Pakistan. The cellular extract was purified through solid-phase extraction and UV-Vis spectrum analysis indicated absorption peaks at λ 250 nm, 343 nm, and 380 nm that revealed the presence of methoxy-flavones named eupatilin and 5-hydroxyauranetin. The flavones were evaluated for their antioxidant as well as protein and lipid peroxidation inhibition potential using di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) iminoazanium (DPPH), 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine (DNPH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays, respectively.

Recent Developments in Oral Delivery of Vaccines Using Nanocarriers.

As oral administration of vaccines is the preferred route due to its high patient compliance and ability to stimulate both cellular and humoral immune responses, it is also associated with several challenges that include denaturation of vaccine components in the acidic environment of the stomach, degradation from proteolytic enzymes, and poor absorption through the intestinal membrane. To achieve effective delivery of such biomolecules, there is a need to investigate novel strategies of formulation development that can overcome the barriers associated with conventional vaccine delivery systems. Nanoparticles are advanced drug delivery carriers that provide target-oriented delivery by encapsulating vaccine components within them, thus making them stable against unfavorable conditions.

Independent Associated SNPs at SORCS3 and Its Protein Interactors for Multiple Brain-Related Disorders and Traits.

Sortilin-related vacuolar protein sorting 10 () domain containing receptor 3 () is a neuron-specific transmembrane protein involved in the trafficking of proteins between intracellular vesicles and the plasma membrane. Genetic variation at is associated with multiple neuropsychiatric disorders and behavioural phenotypes. Here, we undertake a systematic search of published genome-wide association studies to identify and catalogue associations between and brain-related disorders and traits.

Development of Adapalene Loaded Liposome Based Gel for Acne.

Retinoids are considered the mainstay treatment for moderate to severe acne. Adapalene, a third-generation retinoid, has physiochemical properties which hinder the effective delivery of the drug to the skin. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop and evaluate adapalene liposomal loaded gel (ADA-LP gel) for the effective management of acne to improve tolerability and delivery to targeted sites as compared to the conventional dosage form of the drug.

Exploiting Recent Trends in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia through Topical Nanocarriers of Minoxidil.

Androgenic alopecia, a polygenetic disorder, is characterized by well-defined hair loss that progresses gradually. The disease affects both males and females and exerts a drastic impact on a person's psychological well-being. Minoxidil (MIN) is the commonly prescribed FDA-approved agent for the treatment of disease.

Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SEDDS): Measuring Energy Dynamics to Determine Thermodynamic and Kinetic Stability.

This research was designed to identify thermodynamically and kinetically stable lipidic self-emulsifying formulations through simple energy dynamics in addition to highlighting and clarifying common ambiguities in the literature in this regard. Proposing a model study, this research shows how most of the professed energetically stable systems are actually energetically unstable, subjected to indiscriminate and false characterization, leading to significant effects for their pharmaceutical applications. A self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) was developed and then solidified (S-SEDDS) using a model drug finasteride.

Evaluation of Consumers Perspective on the Consumption of Antibiotics, Antibiotic Resistance, and Recommendations to Improve the Rational use of Antibiotics: An Exploratory Qualitative Study From Post-Conflicted Region of Pakistan.

Antibiotics misuse is a global challenge, and the situation is likely to deteriorate in conflict zones with insufficient health services. The misuse of antibiotics is not only associated with antimicrobial resistance but may also lead to serious consequences. This study was aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices on antibiotic consumption, antibiotic resistance (ABR), and related suggestions among residents of conflicted zones in Pakistan.

Assessment of Adverse Drug Events, Their Risk Factors, and Management Among Patients Treated for Multidrug-Resistant TB: A Prospective Cohort Study From Pakistan.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a growing public health problem. Treatment regimens used against MDR-TB are costly, prolonged, and associated with more side effects as compared with the drug-susceptible tuberculosis. This study was framed to determine the incidence of adverse drug events, risk factors, and their management in MDR-TB patients.

Hydrogel Containing Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded with Argan Oil and Simvastatin: Preparation, In Vitro and Ex Vivo Assessment.

Transdermal hydrogels have the potential to improve therapeutic outcomes via enhancing bioavailability and reducing toxicity associated with oral delivery. The goal of the present study was to formulate and optimise argan oil loaded transdermal hydrogel containing lipid nanoparticles. The high pressure homogenization (HPH) method was utilised to fabricate Simvastatin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SIM-SLNs) with precirol ATO 5 as a lipid core and Poloxamer 407 (P407) to stabilise the core.

Adjunctive vitamin D therapy in various diseases in children: a scenario according to standard guideline.

Background: Adherence to standard guidelines is imperative when question comes to disease management. The present study aimed to evaluate the administration of adjunctive vitamin D therapy in various diseases, its adherence to standard guideline and the effect of socioeconomic status on the consumption of vitamin D in children.

Methods: Cross sectional observational study was conducted among 400 ambulatory pediatric patients at Children's Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, from November 2017 to June 2018.

Exploiting recent trends for the synthesis and surface functionalization of mesoporous silica nanoparticles towards biomedical applications.

Rapid progress in developing multifunctional nanocarriers for drug delivery has been observed in recent years. Inorganic mesoporous silica nanocarriers (MSNs), emerged as an ideal candidate for gene/drug delivery with distinctive morphological features. These ordered carriers of porous nature have gained unique attention due to their distinctive features.

Assessment of Factors Associated with Unfavorable Outcomes among Drug-Resistant TB Patients: A 6-Year Retrospective Study from Pakistan.

The spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR TB) poses significant challenges to the control and successful eradication of TB globally. The current retrospective study was designed to evaluate the treatment outcomes and identify the risk factors associated with unsuccessful outcomes among DR TB patients. A total of 277/308 eligible DR TB patients were enrolled for treatment at the programmatic management unit of DR TB at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad between January 2014 and July 2019.

Skin cancer biology and barriers to treatment: Recent applications of polymeric micro/nanostructures.

Background: Skin cancer has been the leading type of cancer worldwide. Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are now the most common types of skin cancer that have been reached to epidemic proportion. Based on the rapid prevalence of skin cancers, and lack of efficient drug delivery systems, it is essential to surge the possible ways to prevent or cure the disease.

Positivity, diagnosis and treatment follow-up of cutaneous leishmaniasis in war-affected areas of Bajaur, Pakistan.

This study was conducted to explore the frequency of positivity of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the tribal district Bajaur located near the Pak-Afghan border. The present study was conducted at the Leishmaniasis Center of Headquarter Hospital Khar District Bajaur, Pakistan. In total, 646 patients were recruited and included in the study after ethical approval and consent from the patients.