Expression of immune checkpoints (IDO and PD-L1) in oral tongue cancer patients: a 10-year retrospective cohort study in Pakistan.

Background: Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a significant global health issue with high incidence and mortality rates. Current treatments involve surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy; however, prognosis remains poor. Recent research highlights the crucial role of the tumor microenvironment, especially immune cells and checkpoints like PD-L1 and IDO, in TSCC progression.

Amelioration of pain and adjuvant-induced arthritis by syringic acid via modulation of behavioral parameters and inflammatory mediators i.e. TNF-α, Interleukins, MCP-1, NF-kB and COX-2.

Syringic acid with reported anti-inflammatory attribute was investigated in the present study to assess its anti-arthritic potential at doses of 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg using adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. The rat's paw size (mm), arthritic index and behavioral parameters were observed at baseline and subsequently at seven days' interval until the completion of the study, following complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induction. The animals were anesthetized on 28th day and blood samples were obtained for the determination of numerous biochemical, hematological, pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers.

A qualitative exploration of counterfeit, substandard, spurious, and adulterated drugs in Pakistan: A perspective of drug law experts.

Objectives: The issue of quality of medicine is a worldwide phenomenon and counterfeit, substandard, spurious, and adulterated (CSSA) drugs are a substantial threat to public health. This issue is rampant in the context of low-middle-income countries such as Pakistan. The current study involved a phenomenology-based qualitative approach to explore these drugs' perception, knowledge, practice, and issues in combating this menace.

Immunomodulatory properties of a methanolic extract of Ficus lyrata mitigate inflammation in Complete Freund's Adjuvant-induced arthritis.

Ficus lyrata, renowned for its traditional use in alleviating rheumatic pain and inflammation, was validated for its purported anti-arthritic and antiinflammatory properties using InvivoandInvitromodels. In the in-vivo studies, carrageenan-induced acute oedema and a chronic arthritis induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) were employed. Oral dosing of methanolic extract from Ficus lyrata (m-FL) was administered at (250,500 and 750 mg/kg) as well as methotrexate at 1 mg/kg, significantly (p < 0.

Microwave-assisted, sulfhydryl-modified β-cyclodextrin-silymarin inclusion complex: A diverse approach to improve oral drug bioavailability via enhanced mucoadhesion and permeation.

The current study aimed to generate a sulfhydryl-modified β-cyclodextrin-silymarin complex (sulfhydryl-modified β-CD-SMN complex) and to evaluate the enchantment in solubility, permeability, and bioavailability of a model BCS Class IV drug silymarin (SMN). For this purpose, sulfhydryl-modified β-CD was synthesized by replacing all primary and secondary -OH groups at the β-CD backbone with sulfhydryl groups via a novel microwave-assisted technique. Afterward, sulfhydryl-modified β-CD was complexed with silymarin and characterized by FTIR and H NMR spectroscopy.

Correction: Shakir et al. Exorbitant Drug Loading of Metformin and Sitagliptin in Mucoadhesive Buccal Tablet: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization in Healthy Volunteers. 2022, , 686.

In the original publication, a mistake was observed in Figure 5 as published [...

Anti-ulcerative colitis effects of chemically characterized extracts from C in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory bowel disease that involves inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum. To date, no definite cure for this disease is available. The objective of the current study was to assess the effect of on inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers for the exploration of its anti-ulcerative colitis activity in rat models of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis.

Development and characterization of letrozole-encapsulated polymeric beads for sustained release.

The study aimed to prepare and characterize biodegradable sustained-release beads of letrozole (LTZ) for treating cancerous disease. The ionotropic gelation method was used for the preparation and calcium chloride (CaCl) was used as a gelating agent, while chitosan (CTS) and sodium alginate (NaAlg) as biodegradable polymeric matrices in the blend hydrogel beads. The beads were characterized for their size, surface morphology, drug entrapment efficiency, drug-polymer interaction and crystallinity using different analytic techniques, including optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV-spectroscopy, Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) respectively.

Safety and Pharmaceutical Evaluation of a Novel Natural Polymer, Ocicum, as Solubility and Dissolution Enhancer in Solid Dispersion.

Plant mucilages are commonly employed as excipients in pharmaceutical manufacturing. (Lamiaceae family), a source of hydrophilic mucilage referred herein as Ocicum, was evaluated for the solubility enhancer of a model drug, aceclofenac, in solid dispersions prepared using different methods. Polymer was extracted from and solid dispersions of aceclofenac were fabricated with Ocicum or Poloxamer 407 using polymer-to-drug ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 utilizing solvent evaporation, lyophilization and melt methods.

Exorbitant Drug Loading of Metformin and Sitagliptin in Mucoadhesive Buccal Tablet: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization in Healthy Volunteers.

The aim of the proposed study is to develop a mucoadhesive buccal delivery system for the sustained delivery of metformin (MET) and sitagliptin (SIT) against diabetes mellitus (DM) with improved bioavailability. Polymeric blend of Carbopol 940 (CP), agarose (AG) or polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP) as mucoadhesive agents in formulations (R1-R15) were compressed via the direct compression technique. Tablets were characterized for solid state studies, physicochemical and in vivo mucoadhesion studies in healthy volunteers.

Development of Optimized Sumatriptan-Prochlorperazine Combined Orodispersible Films Without Disintegrant: in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo Characterization.

Sumatriptan succinate and prochlorperazine maleate are a clinically proven combination for treating migraine and associated nausea and vomiting. Classical oral dosage forms are not frequently workable in migraine because of the associated nausea/vomiting, and no effective fixed dose combination is available. Thus, the aim of the study was to optimize a combined sumatriptan-prochlorperazine orodispersible film for rapid release of drugs.

Enhanced Mefenamic Acid Release from Poloxamer-Silicon Dioxide Gel Filled in Hard Gelatin Capsules - An Application of Liquid Semisolid Matrix Technology for Insoluble Drug.

Introduction: Liquid Semisolid Matrix (LSSM) technology involves the filling of drugmixed gel in hard gelatin capsules for different applications.

Methods: In continuation of our previous work on LSSM technology, 10% (w/w) of practically insoluble model drug, mefenamic acid was incorporated in gels of different poloxamers with 8% (w/w) SiO.

Results: Gels exhibited plasticity or pseudoplasticity along thixotropy at 2 and 24 h enabling their easy filling into hard gelatin capsules without content seepage.

Enhanced solubility and biopharmaceutical performance of atorvastatin and metformin via electrospun polyvinylpyrrolidone-hyaluronic acid composite nanoparticles.

The study was aimed to improve the aqueous solubility of atorvastatin (AT) and ameliorate permeability of metformin (MT) in a combination formulation, improving their oral bioavailability. Several AT-MT loaded polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) based nanoparticles were prepared through electrospraying method (ES-NPs), and tested for physicochemical, in vitro, and in vivo parameters. Among the trialed formulations, a sample consisting of AT, MT, PVP, and HA at the weight ratio of 1/6.

Perceptions of and barriers to ethical promotion of pharmaceuticals in Pakistan: perspectives of medical representatives and doctors.

Background: In Pakistan, drug promotion practices, ethical or unethical, have rarely been in the spotlight. We aimed to assess the perception and barriers of medical representatives (MRs) and doctors (MDs) regarding ethical promotion of pharmaceuticals in Pakistan.

Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in seven major cities of Pakistan for 6-months period.

Formulation and in-vitro characterization of Capsaicin loaded ethosomes.

The ability of ethosomes to entrap capsaicin was evaluated using four methods of preparation that are; hot method, cold method, classic method and injection method. The ethosomes were prepared, optimized and characterized with the aim to identify a technique best suitable for their formulation. Vesicle shape, size and entrapment efficiency was determined by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and ultracentrifugation techniques, respectively.

Influence of levodropropizine and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin association on the physicochemical characteristics of levodropropizine loaded in hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin microcontainers: Formulation and in vitro characterization.

Background: Poorly water-soluble drugs do not dissolve well in aqueous-based gastrointestinal fluid; therefore, they are not well absorbed. Thus, employing a suitable solubility enhancing technique is necessary for such a drug. Drug/HP‑β‑CD complexation is a promising way to improve solubility and dissolution of a poorly water-soluble drug.

Pattern of inappropriate antibiotic use among hospitalized patients in Pakistan: a longitudinal surveillance and implications.

Background: The inappropriate use of antibiotics in hospitals increases resistance, morbidity, and mortality. Little is currently known about appropriate antibiotic use among hospitals in Lahore, the capital city of Pakistan.

Methods: Longitudinal surveillance was conducted over a period of 2 months among hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan.

Folate-Functionalized Thiomeric Nanoparticles for Enhanced Docetaxel Cytotoxicity and Improved Oral Bioavailability.

To achieve remotely directed delivery of anticancer drugs, surface-decorated nanoparticles with ligands are reported. In this study, folic acid- and thiol-decorated chitosan nanoparticles loaded with docetaxel (DTX-NPs) were prepared for enhanced cellular internalization in cancer cells and improved oral absorption. The DTX-NPs were explored through in vitro and in vivo parameters for various parameters.

Development and evaluation of mucoadhesive buccal tablet containing metronidazole for the treatment of periodontitis and gingivitis.

The current study was designed to evaluate mucoadhesive buccal tablet containing metronidazole (MTZ) for local action aided by Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M (HPMC) and Carbopol 940® (CP) as mucoadhesive polymers with other ingredients like sodium starch glycolate (SSG), polyvinyl pyrollidone K30 (PVP) as disintegrant and binders respectively. Formulations (F1-F8) were prepared by direct compression method and characterized for different physicochemical parameters. Results showed that the average weight and friability were within USP limits.

APPLICATION OF VARIOUS POLYMERS AND POLYMERS BASED TECHNIQUES USED TO IMPROVE SOLUBILITY OF POORLY WATER SOLUBLE DRUGS: A REVIEW.

Solubility is concerned with solute and solvent to form a homogenous mixture. If solubility of a drug is low, then usually it is difficult to achieve desired therapeutic level of drug. Most of the newly developed entities have solubility problems and encounter difficulty in dissolution.

Effect of Rheology and Poloxamers Properties on Release of Drugs from Silicon Dioxide Gel-Filled Hard Gelatin Capsules-A Further Enhancement of Viability of Liquid Semisolid Matrix Technology.

The liquid and semisolid matrix technology, filling liquids, semi-solids and gels in hard gelatin capsule are promising, thus, there is a need of enhanced research interest in the technology. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate isoniazid (freely soluble) and metronidazole (slightly soluble) gels filled in hard gelatin capsules for the effect of poloxamers of different viscosities on release of the drugs. Gel of each drug (10% w/w, particle size 180-250 μm), prepared by mixing poloxamer and 8% w/w hydrophilic silicon dioxide (Aerosil® A200), was assessed for rheology, dispersion stability and release profile.

Microbial and chemical analysis of illicit drugs samples confiscated from different areas of PakistanMicrobial and chemical analysis of illicit drugs samples confiscated from different areas of Pakistan.

The microbial and chemical analysis of illicit drug samples from different areas of Pakistan i.e. Quetta, Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad was conducted in a cross-sectional study at National Institute of Health, Islamabad.

Formulation and in vitro evaluation of colchicines and naproxen sodium sustain release tablets in combination for treatment of gout.

Present investigation concern with combination of two drugs for the treatment of gout. One of these drug (naproxen sodium) is pain killer which is sustain their action within the body for 12 hours and the other drug (colchicine) is anti-gout, which release as conventional dosage. After oral administration naproxen will act as sustain release dosage and increase patient compliance about six batches of tablet were developed and evaluate .