Protective face mask: an effective weapon against SARS-CoV-2 with controlled environmental pollution

Masks are face coverings that give protection from infectious agents, airborne pathogens, bacteria, viruses, surgical fog, dust, and other chemical hazards by acting as a barrier between the wearer and the environment. In the COVID-19 pandemic, this major personal protective equipment's became essential part of our daily life. The aim of this review is to analyze and discuss the different types of masks with their pros and cons, manufacturing procedures, evaluation criteria, and application with some of the sterilization process for reuse and smart mask. The review used a thorough examination of the literature to analyze the preventive effects of surgical, N95, smart mask, and potential environmental damage from those masks. Several studies and evidence were also examined to understand the efficiency of different mask on different environment. N95 respirators are capable of filtering out non-oil-based 95% air-born particles, and surgical masks act as a protective barrier between the wearer and the environment. The application of spoon bond and melt blown techniques in the fabrication process of those masks improves their protective nature and makes them lightweight and comfortable. But the high demand and low supply forced users to reuse and extend their use after sterilizations, even though those masks are recommended to be used once. Universal masking in the SARS-COV-2 pandemic increased the chance of environmental pollution, so the application of smart masks became essential because of their high protection power and self-sterilizing and reusing capabilities.

Incidence of post vitrectomy endophthalmitis in India - A multicentric study by VRSI study Group

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of post vitrectomy endophthalmitis (PVE) is reported to be between 0.02 and 0.84%. Resterilization of single use instruments is a common practice amidst developing countries to make it more affordable to the patients by reducing the cost of the surgery and also reduce the environmental hazard. The aim of our study is to evaluate the incidence of PVE amidst existing sterilization practices of reused instruments in multiple vitreoretinal centres in India.

METHODOLOGY

Centres with an endophthalmitis tracking system were invited to participate in a survey. Twenty-five centres were sent a questionnaire via email. The questionnaire included details about the institution, number of vitrectomies performed in a year, sterilization practices followed pre-operatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively, incidence of endophthalmitis and instrument reuse policies.

RESULTS

A total of 29 cases of endophthalmitis were reported out of the 47,612 vitrectomies performed across various centres. The mean incidence of endophthalmitis was 0.06%. There was no difference in the rates of endophthalmitis based on various pre-operative, intraoperative or postoperative prophylactic measures. Nearly 80% of the centres change most of the instruments after every case, while the rest reused. The mean number of times a cutter was being reused until discarded was 4.7. Nearly 76% followed a performance-based protocol, and the remaining 24% had a fixed protocol for the number of times an instrument can be reused before discarding it.

CONCLUSION

PVE rates are not significantly different in India despite the multiuse of single use instruments. The purpose of this paper is not to suggest an alternate protocol but to creating one in the future with these results in mind, to rationalise the use of single use instruments, make VR surgery more affordable and also have a positive impact on the carbon footprint of consumables in surgery.

Green synthesized cobalt nanoparticles from Trianthema portulacastrum L. as a novel antimicrobials and antioxidants

Trianthema portulacastrum is a dietary and medicinal plant that has gained substantial importance due to its pharmacological properties. This plant was used for its various healing properties since the ancient period in ayurvedic system of medicine. The green synthesis technique is an eco-friendly as well as cost effective technique which can produce more biocompatible nanoparticles when compared with those fabricated by physio-chemical methods. Therefore, nanoparticles produced by green synthesis are credible alternatives to those which are produced by conventional synthesis techniques. This research mainly aims to produce nanoparticles with the methanolic leaf extract of T. portulacastrum. The optimized nanoparticles were further analyzed for anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. Disk diffusion assay was used for the determination of the antimicrobial property and on the other hand, DPPH radical scavenging assay as well as hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity proved the antioxidant property of the formulation. The study revealed that Escherichia coli (gram negative strain) shows greater zone of inhibition when compared with Bacillus subtilis (gram positive bacteria). The nanoparticles have also been reported to show significant anti-fungal activity against the strains of Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum which proves its desirability for its further use against both bacterial as well as fungal infections. The novel formulation can be explored dually as antimicrobial and antioxidant agent.

Ecofriendly fabrication of cobalt nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica (neem) for effective inhibition of Candida-like fungal infection in medicated nano-coated textile

This study involves the formulation of cobalt nanoparticles by means of ethanolic Azadirachta indica (neem) extract (CoNP@N). Later, the formulated buildup was incorporated into cotton fabric in order to mitigate antifungal infection. Optimization of the formulation was carried out by considering the effect of plant concentration, temperature, and revolutions per minute (rpm) used, through design of the experiment (DOE), response surface methodology (RSM), and ANOVA of the synthetic procedure. Hence, graph was potted with the aid of effecting parameters and the related factors (size of particle and zeta potential). Further characterization of nanoparticles was performed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) was considered for the detection of functional groups. The structural property of CoNP@N was calculated with the aid of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The surface property was measured with the use of a surface area analyzer (SAA). The values of Inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) and zone of inhibition (ZOI), were calculated, so as to determine the antifungal property against both the strains (Candida albicans, MTCC 227and Aspergillus niger, MTCC 8652). The further nano-coated cloth was subjected to a durability test, and hence the cloth was washed (through the purpose of time 0; 10; 25; and 50 washing cycles), and then its anti-fungal operation to a couple of strains was retained. Primarily, 51 μg/ml of cobalt nanoparticles incorporated on the cloth was retained but after 50 washing cycles in 500 ml of purified water, the cloth showed more efficiency contrary to C. albicans than towards A. niger.

Vitreous hemorrhage - Causes, diagnosis, and management

Vitreous hemorrhage is associated with a myriad of conditions such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, proliferative retinopathy following vascular occlusion and vasculitis, trauma, retinal breaks, and posterior vitreous detachment without retinal break. Multiple pathological mechanisms are associated with development of vitreous hemorrhage such as disruption of abnormal vessels, normal vessels, and extension of blood from an adjacent source. The diagnosis of vitreous hemorrhage requires a thorough history taking and clinical examination including investigations such as ultra-sonography, which help decide the appropriate time for intervention. The prognosis of vitreous hemorrhage depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options include observation, laser photo-coagulation, cryotherapy, intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, and surgery. Pars plana vitrectomy remains the cornerstone of management. Complications of vitreous hemorrhage include glaucoma (ghost cell glaucoma, hemosiderotic glaucoma), proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and hemosiderosis bulbi.

Cross linked alginate beads of montelukast sodium coated with eudragit for chronotherapy: statistical optimization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation

BACKGROUND

Chronotherapy is the administration of medication according to the biological rhythm to maximize pharmacological effects and minimize side effects. The objective of the current investigation is to prepare delayed-release beads (DRBs) containing montelukast sodium (MKS) for chronotherapy of asthma.

METHODS

Delayed-release beads of alginate were prepared using a simple method, i.e., ionotropic gelation. The effect of cross-linking agents (zinc or calcium ions) and the concentration of chitosan on the properties of the beads were investigated. The prepared beads were coated by a polymer having pH-independent solubility, i.e., Eudragit RSPO and Eudragit RLPO in different ratios to achieve the desired lag time of 4-5 h. Beads were evaluated for surface morphology, practical yield, encapsulation efficiency, XRD, and in vitro release study. The pharmacokinetic study was carried out in New Zealand white male rabbits.

RESULTS

There are no major differences in the drug release profile observed between Ca++ & Zn++ cross-linked beads. Although, a slight slow release was seen in the case of chitosan reinforced beads. MKS releases from cross-linked alginate beads were slightly altered with sodium alginate concentration, cross-linking time, and talc. At a higher concentration of alginate, slow drug release was observed whereas the addition of talc to alginate increased the release rate. The in vitro release study shows that the optimal formulation of DRBs has a lag time (4.5 h) and the release at 6 h is 74.9%. In vivo pharmacokinetic study of the beads has shown Tmax at 7 h with an initial lag time of 4 h. Concluion: The prepared cross-linked beads when dosed at sleep time may deliver Montelukast Sodium when required to relief from early morning symptoms in asthmatic patients.

Presumed Natural History of Combined Hamartoma of the Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium

PURPOSE

To correlate structural changes of combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (CHRRPE) with patient age.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty eyes of 49 patients (age range, 1-74 years) with CHRRPE studied at 9 tertiary vitreoretinal institutions.

METHODS

We analyzed the clinical findings with respect to lesion topography and pigmentation as well as investigated the OCT findings regarding the thickness, vitreoretinal interface, outer plexiform layer distortion, ellipsoid zone disruption, and retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch's membrane complex involvement of CHRRPE.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical and imaging findings of CHRRPE at different ages.

RESULTS

Analysis of 50 CHRRPE patients revealed that younger patients were more likely to demonstrate partial thickness involvement of the retina (P = 0.009) with predominantly inner retinal layer involvement (P = 0.04). The inverse was true for older patients with CHRRPE. In addition, older patients more commonly showed pigmentary changes. Eyes with CHRRPE were more likely to show an increase in central macular thickness independently of tumor location.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, we believe that CHRRPE typically begins in the inner retina and continues toward the outer retina over time, with increase in central macular thickness, despite the location of the tumor.

Safety and efficacy of Razumab™ (world's first biosimilar ranibizumab) in wet age-related macular degeneration: a post-marketing, prospective ASSET study

Background

Razumab™ (world’s first biosimilar ranibizumab) is approved for several macular disorders including wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of biosimilar ranibizumab in wet AMD.

Methods

This prospective, multicentre, rAnibizumab bioSimilar Safety Efficacy postmarkeTing (ASSET) study enrolled patients aged ≥ 50 years with wet AMD having best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between 20/40 and 20/320. The patients received intravitreal biosimilar ranibizumab 0.5 mg every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. Safety endpoints included the incidence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), and immunoreactivity after 6 months. The efficacy endpoints were the proportion of patients who lose fewer than 15 letters, increase in BCVA, change in central retinal thickness (CRT), and change in Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) score, from baseline to 24 weeks.

Results

Of the 126 enrolled patients, majority (95.24%) of the patients received all 6 doses of biosimilar ranibizumab (total 3 mg). Nineteen AEs were reported (n = 16; 12.7%); majority (78.9%) were mild. There were no serious AEs reported, except one AE of death which was unrelated to the study drug. None of the patients discontinued the study due to an AE. The most common ocular AE was increase in intraocular pressure (4 events) and non-ocular AE was pyrexia (5 events). A total of 7.9% (10/126) patients prior to dosing and 7.1% (9/126) patients post-treatment were positive for anti-ranibizumab antibodies. No AEs suggestive of immunogenicity were noted. At 24-weeks, 97.60% patients in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (N = 125) and 97.41% patients in the per-protocol (PP) population (N = 116) lost < 15 letters from baseline visual acuity. In the ITT and PP populations, 31.20% and 32.76% patients, respectively, showed improved visual acuity by ≥ 15 letters. Significant improvements in BCVA (mean difference: 8.8, 9.2, p < 0.001 for ITT, PP) and VFQ-25 (8.5, 9.2, p < 0.001 for ITT, PP) were seen; CRT reduced significantly (125 µm, 119.3 µm, p < 0.001 for ITT, PP).

Conclusion

Razumab™ (world’s first biosimilar ranibizumab) was well-tolerated without new safety concerns and significantly improved visual acuity in wet AMD patients.

Trial registration CTRI/2016/03/006739. Registered 18 March 2016—Prospectively registered, http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=13141&EncHid=&userName=2016/03/006739

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40942-021-00293-w.

Antidepressant activity of Spathodea campanulata in mice and predictive affinity of spatheosides towards type A monoamine oxidase

The antidepressant activity of Spathodea campanulata flowers was evaluated in mice and in silico. When tested at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, the methanol extract of S. campanulata (MESC) showed dose-dependent antidepressant activity in the force swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), lithium chloride-induced twitches test and the open field test. In FST and TST, animals treated with MESC demonstrated a significant decrease in the immobility period compared to the control group. The lithium chloride-induced head twitches were significantly reduced following administration of MESC. The latter, at the dose of 400 mg/kg, also significantly reduced locomotor activity. Following administration of MESC, changes in the levels of serum corticosterone, and of norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylglycol (MHPG), 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in different brain regions using HPLC. The presence of spatheoside A (m/z 541) and spatheoside B (m/z 559) in MESC was detected using HPLC/ESI-MS. These two iridoids demonstrated a high predictive binding affinity for the active site of the type A monoamine oxidase (MAO-A) enzyme with scores of 99.40 and 93.54, respectively.  These data suggest that S. campanulata flowers warrants further investigation as a source of novel templates for antidepressive drugs.

Clitoria ternatea Mediated Synthesis of Graphene Quantum Dots for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

The main purpose of the present study was to synthesize graphene quantum dots (GQDs)from the flowers of Clitoria ternatea with the help of one-pot microwave-assisted green synthesis for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Further, the synthesized graphene quantum dots show a particle size of 10 nm ±1.3, a PDI of 0.354 ± 1.8, and a ζ potential of -46 ± 0.4, indicating the good stability of the quantum dots. With the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transfer electron microscopy (TEM) examination, the surface microscopic behavior of the synthesized quantum dots was determined. The presence of functional groups in the quantum dots was determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study, the chemical state information on the sample was determined with the help of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the surface area of the dots was determined with the help of a surface area analyzer. With the help of a radial arm maze and water morris maze assay, the learning and memory capacity of the quantum dots was assessed, and the results show that the ctGQDs significantly decreased the transfer latency to reach the baited arm in 10.37 ± 1.65 s or to the hidden platform in 18.42 ± 0.99 s in 7 days. The synthesized quantum dots show more inhibition of the acetyl cholinesterase enzyme, i.e., 86.32 ± 1.52%, as compared to that of pure donepezil, i.e., 72.46 ± 2.21%. ctGQDs considerably increased the level of glutathione and protein and decreased the level of lipid peroxide and nitric oxide. The histopathological image of ctGQDs shows more preservation of small pyramidal cell and treats the disorganization of the cells. These results suggest that the quantum dots significantly crossed the blood-brain barrier since they were small in size and were effective in reducing Alzheimer-like symptoms in rodents, and thus, it can be concluded that Clitoria ternatea flowers can be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of Alzheimer's.

Herbal ethosomal gel containing luliconazole for productive relevance in the field of biomedicine

This study includes development, characterization, and optimization of herbal ethosomal formulation. The aim of the present study is to develop drug loaded ethosomes capped with Azadirachta indica (neem) which, was further incorporated in Carbopol 934 K thereby, resulting in the formation of ethosomal gel. The formulation is aimed to express effective treatment against fungal infection. The build was formulated using drug (Luliconazole), soyalecithin, ethanolic neem extract and propylene glycol. In total nine ethosomal, formulations of distinct concentrations of ingredients were processed, to determine out the optimized formulation among the all. Further the prepared drug loaded ethosomes were subjected to various evaluation parameters like particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI) and % entrapment efficiency. For the evaluation of its surface morphology, transmission electron microscopy was executed whereas, atomic force microscopy was carried out which contributes in detail and depth information of surface morphology. For the analysis of thermal behavior Thermal gravimetric analysis graph was obtained for luliconazole, soyalecithin, neem extract, physical mixture and optimized formulation (LF5). Attenuated total internal reflection Fourier transforms infra-red spectroscopy was performed for luliconazole, soyalecithin, neem extract, physical mixture, and optimized formulation (LF5) to examine the interaction between the drug and the excipients. Viscosity, pH, spreadability and extrudability of the ethosomal gel were calculated to determine the suitability of the formulation for topical application. In vitro drug permeation study and antifungal activity was executed out with the aid of Wistar albino rat skin model and tube dilution assay respectively. The complete study wrap up, that this herbal ethosomal approach provides advanced sustained and targeted delivery of luliconazole. On analyzing the results, ethosomal formulation LF5 was found to be optimized one, due to its optimum concentration of soyalecithin (300 mg) and ethanol (35%). Hence it has maximum entrapment efficiency of 86.56 ± 0.74%. Optimum vesicle size, zeta potential, and PDI were found to be 155.30 ± 1.2 nm, - 42.20 ± 0.3 mV, and 0.186 ± 0.07 respectively. In vitro drug permeation study expresses release of 83.45 ± 2.51 in 24 h whereas; the in vivo activity proved that LF5 is more active and effective against Candida parapsilosis in comparison to Aspergillus niger. In the end, it was estimated that ethosomal suspension and lyophilized ethosomal suspension was utmost stable at 4 °C/60 ± 5 RH. The complete study clearly indicates that the buildup of ethosomal formulation with luliconazole and neem extract show synergistic effect thereby, expressing excellent result against the treatment of fungal infection.

PEGylated Lipova E120 liposomes loaded with celecoxib: in-vitro characterization and enhanced in-vivo anti-inflammatory effects in rat models

The goal of the current investigation was to prepare PEGylated Lipova E120 liposomes loaded with celecoxib for the effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). PEGylated liposomes were prepared and were characterized using techniques such as particle size distribution, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro release, in-vivo and stability studies. The morphological study was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. To determine the interaction between drug and polymer Fourier transform infrared, Raman, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry studies were performed. Results show that formulation F6 was optimized with a particle size of 92.12 +/- 1.7 nm, a PDI of 0.278 +/- 0.22, a zeta potential of - 40.8 +/- 1.7 mV with a maximum encapsulation of 96.6 +/- 0.05% of drug in the PEGylated liposomes. The optimized formulation shows a maximum release of drug i.e. 94.45 +/- 1.13% in 72 h. Tail immersion assay shows that the optimized formulation F6 significantly increases the reaction time and carrageenan-induced assay shows that the optimized formulation inhibits the increase in paw edema thus providing a pain relief treatment in RA. These results suggest that the PEGylated liposomes provide a sustained release of celecoxib and helps in effective treatment of RA.

A facile one pot synthesis of novel pyrimidine derivatives of 1,5-benzodiazepines via domino reaction and their antibacterial evaluation

A new series of pyrimidine (8, 14, 18 and 23) embellished analogues of 1,5-benzodiazepines were synthesized by the one-pot domino approach using the catalyst DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane). For each compound synthesized, anti-microbial efficacy was determined using broth microdilution assay and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀). Furthermore, FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscope) studies were also carried out to observe the effect of the structure of test compounds on the morphology of both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) cell walls. The leakage of nucleotides and their integral components from compromised bacterial cells was assessed by plotting the optical density (OD) with respect to time of exposure at 320 nm. Anti-bacterial studies revealed that compound 23 was most active against targeted bacterial species. Results of the antibacterial study indicated that all the test compounds possess significant antibacterial potential against targeted bacterial strains. Amongst all, in the FE-SEM study, compound 23 caused marked alteration in bacterial cell morphology and resulted in maximum leakage of cell nucleotides in bacterial strains as compared to controls. Further efforts are required to establish their efficacy as antibacterial agents in clinical management.

Flurbiprofen loaded ethosomes - transdermal delivery of anti-inflammatory effect in rat model

Background

Ethosomes have been widely used in Transdermal Drug Delivery System (TDDS) as they increase the permeation of drug across the skin.

Methods

Flurbiprofen loaded vesicular ethosomes were formulated, optimized and characterized for particle size, entrapment efficiency, poly dispersive index (PDI), microscopy using Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Interaction of drug and excipients were studied using Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Differential scanning colorimetry (DSC), Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Further, ethosomal formulations of flurbiprofen were evaluated for stability study of three months and in vitro drug permeation study was carried out using albino rat skin. In addition, skin irritation test was evaluated by Draize test and in vivo study of prepared formulation was examined through paw edema assay by inducing carrageenan and cold plate method.

Results

Amongst all formulations, EF5 formulation exhibited ideal surface morphology, with maximum entrapment efficiency (95%) with optimal excipient concentration i.e. 200 mg phospholipid and 35% ethanol. The ideal vesicle size was achieved as 162.2 ± 2 nm, with zeta potential − 48.14 ± 1.4 mV with the PDI of 0.341. In-vitro permeation study shows a release of 82.56 ± 2.11 g/cm² in 24 h and transdermal flux was found as 226.1 μg/cm²/h. Cold plate test indicates that the formulation EF5 showed a marked analgesic activity and Carrageenan induced paw edema test indicates that the formulation EF5 inhibits the increase in paw edema. Ethosomal suspension at 4 °C showed maximum stability.

Conclusions

The overall study concluded that this ethosomal approach offers a new delivery system for sustained and targeted delivery for flurbiprofen.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12944-019-1064-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

PEG-PLGA- hybrid nanoparticles loaded with etoricoxib - phospholipid complex for effective treatment of inflammation in rat model

The aim of the present study was to increase the bioavailability of the etoricoxib by making PEG-PLGA-Hybrid nanoparticles using emulsion solvent evaporation method. Then the prepared nanoparticles were further characterised using TEM, particle size, PDI, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and drug release study. Lipid (Phospholipon 90-G) and drug thermal behaviour were studied using DSC, TGA. The results of optimised formulation of Particle size, PDI and zeta potential was found 216.6 ± 4.0 nm, 0.24 ± 0.19 and +36.3 ± 1.9 mV. Encapsulation efficiency was found in the range of 77.15% w/v to 93.88% w/v. In-vivo study shows that the optimised formulation at a particular dose decreases the swelling index and number of writhes. Stability study indicated that the nanoparticles can be stored at a temperature of 4 ± 2 °C/60 ± 5% RH in well-closed container, away from heat and damp places. The prepared formulation has significantly increased the bioavailability of etoricoxib via oral administration.

Flurbiprofen-loaded ethanolic liposome particles for biomedical applications

Present study deals with the preparation, characterization and in-vivo evaluation of flurbiprofen loaded ethanolic liposome which provides predetermined and controlled release of drug through a transdermal drug delivery system. Ethanolic liposomes were prepared by using flurbiprofen, phospholipon 90-G, and ethanol in varied concentration ratio. The prepared ethanolic liposomes were optimized and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersive index and % entrapment efficiency. FTIR study was performed to analyze the interaction between drug and excipient. To study the thermal behavior of the formulation DSC and TGA were carried out. The surface morphology of ethanolic liposome was performed with the help of SEM, TEM, and AFM. In-vitro drug permeation study of the optimized formulation was carried out using the albino rat skin model and peripheral nociceptive activity was evaluated by writhing assay. In addition, formulations were also inspected for stability study for three months at a different temperature. The optimized formulation EF5 exhibited a particle size of 167.2 ± 3.7 nm with a zeta potential of -51.6 ± 0.2 mV and PDI of 0.209. The optimized formulation showed an ideal surface morphology with a maximum % entrapment efficiency i.e. 93.51 ± 2.1. In-vitro permeation study shows a release of 70.23% in 24 h and transdermal flux was found as 238.2 μg/cm²/h. Writhing assay demonstrate that the optimized formulation decreases the number of writhes and thus shows the peripheral analgesic activity. In stability study, optimized formulation showed maximum stability at 4 °C. These results suggest that transdermal system mediated application of flurbiprofen loaded ethanolic liposome can be considered as an effective way to afford consistent and predictable release of flurbiprofen which could provide beneficial effects in the management of various inflammatory diseases.

Peripapillary Versus Macular Combined Hamartoma of the Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium: Imaging Characteristics

PURPOSE

To compare clinical, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) characteristics of peripapillary vs macular variants of combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (combined hamartoma).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational, comparative case series.

METHODS

Setting: Multicenter collaborative study.

STUDY POPULATION

Fifty eyes with a clinical diagnosis of combined hamartoma. Observational Analysis: A comparative analysis of color fundus photographs (CFPs), OCT, and FAF was performed for peripapillary and macular variants of combined hamartoma.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pigmentation and OCT features of macular and peripapillary combined hamartoma.

RESULTS

The review of imaging from 50 eyes of 49 patients diagnosed with combined hamartoma identified 18 (36%) peripapillary lesions, 27 (54%) macular lesions, and 5 (10%) peripheral lesions. A comparative analysis of peripapillary vs macular combined hamartoma identified differences in the following features: lesion pigmentation on CFPs corresponding to hypoautofluorescent FAF (88% vs 0%, P < .001) and OCT features of full-thickness involvement (88% vs 3%, P < .001), preretinal fibrosis (27% vs 81%, P < .001), maxi peaks (5% vs 88%, P < .001), intraretinal cystoid spaces (72% vs 40%, P < .038), outer plexiform layer involvement (5% vs 96%, P < .001), ellipsoid zone disruption (83% vs 3%, P < .001), RPE disruption (77% vs 3%, P < .001), and choroidal neovascularization (16% vs 0%, P = .028).

CONCLUSIONS

This comparative analysis identified a higher frequency of pigmentation with hypoautofluorescence, full-thickness retinal involvement, intraretinal cystoid spaces, ellipsoid zone disruption, RPE disruption, and choroidal neovascularization in peripapillary combined hamartoma. These findings suggest that lesions occurring near or at the optic nerve are associated with a more severe degree of pigmentary changes and retinal disruption than those located in the macula.

A Critique of Computer Simulation Software's Used in Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Analysis

BACKGROUND

In the pharmaceutical sectors, the computer plays a crucial role as a commander of all the theoretical aspects and provides a workbench to improve the overall quality of pharmaceutical research and development. The aim of this article is to provide a computational approach to the development of numerous technology of computer software in the field of clinical pharmacokinetics. The computational technique practised by clinical pharmacist and scientist with the applied knowledge and skills in dealing with clinical pharmacokinetics problems can be applied in routine clinical practices.

METHODS

To solve the various complicated pharmacokinetic equations and modeling of pharmacokinetic processes, various software were used like Population pharmacokinetics, Individual pharmacokinetics, Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) pharmacokinetics, in - silico pharmacokinetics like Window-Based Non-linear model fitting (WinNonlin), Statistical Analysis Software (SAS), Non-linear Mixed Effects Modelling (NONMEM), PK Solution etc. Results: Various software's which was described in this paper help in the development of experimental study designs, statistical treatment of data and various simulation studies, etc. A robust software solution should be easy to use and address the three main parts of the PK-PD workflow like data management, analysis, and reporting. PK-PD software's allow researchers to predict ADME properties of new drug entity. For the study of the pharmacokinetic, the best software is WINBUGS where there is no limitation of dimensional array and size of the problem. The best software to be used for individual pharmacokinetics is T.D.M.S in which, we can apply Bayesian and least square method for curve fitting and it can be used for both linear and non-linear pharmacokinetic data.

CONCLUSION

Various software were discussed here. This software not only help in knowing the history of the software but also help in gaining more knowledge about pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics simulation. Different software such as population pharmacokinetic, individual pharmacokinetic and others discussed in this article will help in the reporting and analyzing of data. The important points to be considered while selecting the software is also discussed which will help in easy accessing of software.

Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles: Development & statistical optimization of norfloxacin for topical drug delivery system

Poly lactic acid is a biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic polymer, widely used in many pharmaceutical preparations such as controlled release formulations, parenteral preparations, surgical treatment applications, and tissue engineering. In this study, we prepared lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for topical and site targeting delivery of Norfloxacin by emulsification solvent evaporation method (ESE). The design of experiment (DOE) was done by using software to optimize the result, and then a surface plot was generated to compare with the practical results. The surface morphology, particle size, zeta potential and composition of the lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles were characterized by SEM, TEM, AFM, and FTIR. The thermal behavior of the lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles was characterized by DSC and TGA. The prepared lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles of Norfloxacin exhibited an average particle size from 178.6 ± 3.7 nm to 220.8 ± 2.3 nm, and showed very narrow distribution with polydispersity index ranging from 0.206 ± 0.36 to 0.383 ± 0.66. The surface charge on the lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles were confirmed by zeta potential, showed the value from +23.4 ± 1.5 mV to +41.5 ± 3.4 mV. An Antimicrobial study was done against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles showed potential activity against these two. Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles of Norfloxacin showed the %cumulative drug release of 89.72% in 24 h. A stability study of the optimized formulation showed the suitable condition for the storage of lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles was at 4 ± 2 °C/60 ± 5% RH. These results illustrated high potential of lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles Norfloxacin for usage as a topical antibiotic drug carriers.

•

Efficient topical drug delivery systems of norfloxacin have been synthesized.

•

Norfloxacin loaded to the core of lipid- polymer hybrid nanoparticles were prepared.

•

The formulations were optimized by factorial design and characterization techniques.

•

A unique formulation of norfloxacin that offer prolonged and control delivery.

Comparison of clinico-microbiological profile and treatment outcome of in-house and referred post cataract surgery endophthalmitis in a tertiary care center in South India

Background

The purpose of the study is to compare the clinico-microbiological profile and treatment outcome of in-house vs referred cases of post cataract surgery endophthalmitis in a tertiary eye care facility in South India.

Methods

The clinical records of 50 culture-positive cases each of in-house (group A) and referred (group B) post cataract surgery endophthalmitis were analyzed. The management protocol was similar in both groups.

Results

The time to report to the institute was longer in group B (group B 13.63 [±11.67; 95% CI, 9.95–17.31] days; group A 6.83 [±7.61; 95% CI, 4.57–9.09] days; P = 0.002). The average inflammatory scores in presentation were comparable (group A 17.85 ± 5.83; group B 18.18 ± 7.35; P = 0.243). The final visual outcome was clinically superior in group A (≥20/200-group A 60.42% and group B 44%, P = 0.11; ≤20/400-group A 37.5% and group B 52%, P = 0.62), but statistically not significant. There were more gram-positive organisms in group A (62% vs 38%; P = 0.027) and more gram-negative organisms in group B (52% vs 24%; P = 0.007). Gram-positive bacteria were mostly sensitive to vancomycin (95.24% to 96.67%), but gram-negative bacteria were partly sensitive to ceftazidime (58.33% to 64%).

Conclusions

One could suspect gram-negative infection more often in the referred cases of endophthalmitis. While vancomycin could continue to be the antibiotic of choice in gram-positive bacteria, specific antibiotic following due sensitivity for gram-negative bacteria should replace the empiric use of ceftazidime.

PEGylated liposomes of anastrozole for long-term treatment of breast cancer: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

The aim of present study was to develop conventional and PEGylated (long circulating), liposomes containing anastrozole (ANS) for effective treatment of breast cancer. ANS is a third-generation non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor of the triazole class used for the treatment of advanced and late-stage breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Under such disease conditions the median duration of therapy should be prolonged until tumor regression ends (>31 months). Liposomes were prepared by the thin film hydration method by using ANS and various lipids such as soyaphosphatidyl choline, cholesterol and methoxy polyethylene glycol distearoyl ethanolamine in different concentration ratios and evaluated for physical characteristics, in vitro drug release and stability. Optimized formulations of liposome were studied for in vitro cytotoxic activity against the BT-549 and MCF-7 cell lines and in vivo behavior in Wistar rats. Preformulation studies, both Fourier transform infrared study and differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed no interaction between the drug and the excipients used in the formulations. The optimized formulations AL-07 and AL-09 liposomes showed encapsulation efficiencies in the range 65.12 ± 1.05% to 69.85 ± 3.2% with desired mean particle size distribution of 101.1 ± 5.9 and 120.2 ± 2.8 nm and zeta potentials of -43.7 ± 4.7 and -62.9 ± 3.5 mV. All the optimized formulations followed Higuchi-matrix release kinetics and when plotted in accordance with the Korsemeyer-Peppas method, the n-value 0.5 < n < 1.0 suggests an anomalous (non-Fickian) transport. Likewise, the PEGylated liposomes showed greater tumor growth inhibition on BT-549 and MCF-7 cell lines from in vitro cytotoxicity studies (p < 0.05). Pharmacokinetic study of conventional and PEGylated liposomes in Wistar rats demonstrated a 3.33- and 20.28-fold increase in AUC(0-∞) values when compared to pure drug (p < 0.001). Among the formulations, PEGylated liposomes showed encouraging results by way of their long circulation and sustained delivery properties for effective treatment of breast cancer.

Novel approach of aceclofenac fast dissolving tablet

Fast disintegrating tablets (FDTs) have received ever increasing demand during the last decade, and the field has become a hastily growing area in the pharmaceutical industry. Upon introduction into the mouth, these tablets dissolve or disintegrate in the mouth in the absence of additional water for easy administration of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Aceclofenac, an NSAID, has been recommended orally for the treatment of bone and connective tissue disorder and thus the formulation of the same resulted in development of several FDT technologies. The present aim is to formulate a tablet which disintegrate and dissolve rapidly and give its rapid onset of action: analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory action. Besides, the conventional tablets also show poor patient compliance an attempt had been made to formulate for FDT of aceclofenac by using various super disintegrants like sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium and crosspovidone (polyplasdone XL) and PEG 6000 followed by novel technique. The tablets were evaluated for friability, hardness, weight variation, disintegration time, wetting time, in vitro dissolution studies and drug content studies. It was concluded that the batch which was prepared by using combination of crosspovidone and sodium starch glycolate as a super disintegrant shows excellent disintegration time, enhance dissolution rate, taste masking and hence lead to improve efficacy and bioavailability of drug.