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The potential of liquisolid systems to improve the dissolution properties of a water-insoluble agent (indomethacin) was the purpose of this survey. In this study, different formulations of liquisolid tablets using different co-solvents (non-volatile solvents) were prepared and the effect of several amounts of them on the dissolution behaviour of indomethacin was investigated. It is worth mentioning that the ratio of microcrystalline cellulose (carrier) to silica (coating powder material) was 20 in all formulations. To evaluate any interaction between indomethacin and the other components in liquisolid formulations, the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used. The results showed that the liquisolid formulations exhibited significantly higher drug dissolution rates in comparison with directly compressed tablet. The enhanced rate of indomethacin dissolution derived from liquisolid tablets was probably due to an increase in wetting properties and surface area of drug particles available for dissolution. Moreover, it was indicated that the fraction of molecularly dispersed drug (FM) in the liquid medication of liquisolid systems was directly proportional to their indomethacin dissolution rate (DR). An attempt was made to correlate the percentage drug dissolved in 10 min with the solubility of indomethacin in PEG 200 and glycerin. In conclusion, the liquisolid compacts technique can be a promising alternative for the formulation of water insoluble drugs, such as indomethacin into rapid release tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To formulate mucoadhesive chlorhexidine tablets and evaluate their drug release characteristics and mechanism. Methods: Chlorhexidine buccal adhesive tablets were prepared by direct compression using a blend of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and chitosan as the bioadhesive polymers. Their dissolution properties were assessed according to USP 24 (paddle method). In order to determine the mode of drug release from the tablets, the release data were subjected to various release kinetic models. The bioadhesive strength of the tablets was also evaluated. Results: The results showed that as the proportion of HPMC in the blend increased, drug release rate decreased, with the lowest release rate observed when HPMC alone was used as the bioadhesive polymer (p < 0.001). Both the type and ratio of the polymers used influenced release kinetics. Also, bioadhesion force increased with increasing proportion of HPMC in the tablets, with the highest adhesion force shown when HPMC was the only polymer used, and lowest when chitosan was used alone (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The chlorhexidine formulations developed showed promise as a bioadhesive delivery system for the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop an extended-release tablet formulation using a new in situ cross-linking method. The effects of polyvalent cations on theophylline release from tablets made with the polyanionic polymers sodium alginate and sodium carboxymethylcellulose, were investigated. Different miliequivalents of the di and tri-valent cation, Ca2+ and Al3+, were added to tablet formulations. The results of the dissolution study showed that incorporation of cations sustained the drug release. This is due to an in situ cross-linking between the polyanionic polymers and the added cation in tablet formulation. The drug release prolongation and the release kinetics were dependent on the nature of the polymers and the cations' concentrations and valences. The drug release rate decreased by an increase in cation concentration. The combination of the two investigated polymers decreased the drug release rate to a higher extent in comparison with formulations containing each polymer alone. A zero-order drug release kinetic was observed in formulations containing 1:1:1 ratio of drug: Na alginate: NaCMC, and the investigated cations. These results showed that the in situ cross-linking by polyanionic polymers can be used for controlling the drug release rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oil of the dried flowering aerial parts of Stachys persica Gmel. (Labiatac) collected from the suburb of Nour, Mazandaran Province, North of Iran, in May 2007, were isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by means of CC and CC/MS. The major components of S. persica oil were pinocamphone (25.6%), (E)-β-farnesene (6.3%) and hexadecanoic acid (6.2%). The antimicrobial activity of S. persica oil was studied using the disk diffusion method and determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi , Pseudornonas aeroginosa, Aspergilus niger and Candida albicans. The S. persica oil exhibited concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity on Bacillus subtilis, Aspergilus niger and Candida albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The increasing effect of liquisolid systems on dissolution behavior of poor soluble drugs has been proved. In this research, the effect of glycerin, as a nonvolatile solvent, on release profile of indomethacin was evaluated. Materials and methods: The Avicel as carrier and silica as coating powder material in 20: 1 ratio were used. Indomethacin was dispersed in glycerin with different ratios. The binary mixtures of Avicel and silica were added to the mixture containing the drug and glycerin under continuous mixing. Starch as disintegrate was mixed with all formulations for a period of 10 minutes. After preparing several formulations, the release profiles were evaluated. To evaluate any interaction between indomethacin and the other components in liquisolid formulations, the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used. Results: The results showed that liquisolid formulations exhibited significantly higher drug dissolution rates in comparison with directly compressed tablet. The enhanced rate of indomethacin dissolution from liquisolid tablets was probably due to an increase in wetting properties and surface area of drug particles available for dissolution. Also, it has been shown that the fraction of molecularly dispersed drug (FM) in the liquid medication of liquisolid systems was directly proportional to their indomethacin dissolution rate (DR). An attempt was made to correlate the percentage drug dissolved in 10-minutes with the solubility of indomethacin in glycerin. Conclusion: The liquisolid compacts technique can be a promising alternative for the formulation of water insoluble drugs, such as indomethacin into rapid release tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the essential oil obtained from the dried flowering aerial parts of Marrubium vulgare L. (Labiatae) was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Twenty components have been identified in the essential oil of M. vulgare. The major constituents of the essential oil were β-bisabolene (20.4%), δ-cadinene (19.1%) and isocaryophyllene (14.1%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essential oil derived from the evergreen plant Thymus vulgaris acts as an antifungal agent with strong antimicrobial activity, but it has low water solubility. The current study therefore aimed to enhance the solubility of thyme essential oil by formulating it into a nanoemulsion and investigating its effectiveness on a broad range of fungi. The identification of the compositions of essential oils was performed using GC–MS. Thyme essential oil nanoemulsion (TV EO-NE) was prepared by using a high-pressure homogenization method. Both viability and cytotoxicity outcomes on Human fetal foreskin fibroblast cells were gauged by different concentrations of Thymus vulgaris essential oils and TV EO-NE after 24 and 48 h. Antifungal susceptibility tests were carried out based on the modified CLSI M60 document for yeasts and CLSI M28-A3 documents for filamentous fungi. Thyme essential oil was mainly composed of thymol (22.10 %), p-cymene (21.31 %), carvacrol (13.02 %), carvacrol acetate (6.72 %), and linalool (5.58 %). The TV EO-NEs were spherical with a mean diameter of 127.6 ± 62.52 nm and zeta potential of −9.82 ± 6.07 mV. The MIC90 for C. albicans and C. glabrata isolates was 0.031 μg/mL and 0.0625 μg/mL for C. parapsilosis. Also, MIC90 for both dermatophytes and Aspergillus fumigatus isolates was determined to be 0.016 μg/mL. For yeasts and filamentous fungi, a significant reduction in MIC values was observed using TV EO-NE (p < 0.05). The study highlighted T. vulgaris and thymol to be promising alternatives for the treatment of cutaneous mycoses especially when the etiological agents are resistant to conventional antifungal drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the essential oil obtained from the dried aerial parts of Leonurus cardiaca L. (Labiatae) was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Forty-one components have been identified in the oil of L. cardiaca. The major constituents of the oil were epi-cedrol (9.7%), α-humulene (9.2%), dehydro-1,8-cineole (8.9%), germacrene D (8.9%), spathulenol (8.8%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relapse is one of the main features of multiple sclerosis (MS). Corticosteroids are the first line of management during MS relapse. Since tapering or non-tapering prednisolone after corticosteroid pulse has been a controversial issue, this clinical trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the tapering regimen. Having been treated by intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) pulse, sixty-six patients with MS-relapse were randomly assigned to receive oral prednisolone tapering (OPT) or placebo. The regimen was administered in line with the study protocol and the dose was tapered over 20 days. Demographics and symptoms, impact on activities of daily living (ADL), and management procedures were recorded according to Assessing Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis (ARMS) Questionnaire. The incidence of adverse events was assessed using the same questionnaire. Patients' disability improvement was assessed using the Extended Disability Scale (EDSS) during relapse, and over the first, third, sixth months following treatment. As shown by the results of the questionnaire, 75% reported that their ADL was not or minimally affected by OPT and there was no significant difference in terms of ADL after treatment between the two groups (p=0.3). The effect of treatment on return to the previous state of health (RSH) showed that there were no differences between the two groups of the study (p=0.5). The improvement of disability in the two groups of oral prednisolone and placebo did not indicate a difference in terms of EDSS in the first and third and six months (p = 0.5, p = 0.9, p=0.3, respectively). Also, the occurrence of some side effects such as weight gain (p = 0.000) and increased appetite (p = 0.004) was higher in the OPT group. The findings of this study revealed that the efficacy of an OPT after a corticosteroid pulse is non-superior to IVMP plus only in case the safety and tolerability profile are comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current research, the main focus was to overcome dermal delivery problems of atorvastatin. To this end, atorvastatin solid lipid nanoparticles (ATR-SLNs) were prepared by ultra-sonication technique. The prepared SLNs had a PDI value of ≤ 0.5, and the particle size of nanoparticles was in the range 71.07 ± 1.72 to 202.07 ± 8.40 nm. It was noticed that, when the concentration of lipid in ATR-SLNs increased, the size of nanoparticles and drug entrapment efficiency were also increased. Results showed that a reduction in the HLB of surfactants used in the preparation of SLN caused an increase in the particle size, zeta potential (better stability), and drug entrapment efficiency. Despite Tween and Span are non-ionic surfactants, SLNs containing these surfactants showed a negative zeta potential, and the absolute zeta potential increased when the concentration of Span 80 was at maximum. DSC thermograms, FTIR spectra, and x-ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern showed good incorporation of ATR in the nanoparticles without any chemical interaction. In vitro skin permeation results showed that SLN containing atorvastatin was capable of enhancing the dermal delivery of atorvastatin where a higher concentration of atorvastatin can be detected in skin layers. This is a hopeful promise which could be developed for clinical studies of the dermal delivery of atorvastatin nanoparticles as an anti-inflammatory agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research aimed to formulate and optimize testosterone enanthate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (TE-SLNs) for the enhanced TE transdermal delivery. To this end, TE-SLNs were prepared using ultrasound-assisted emulsification technique and their properties and permeation across the excised rat skin were investigated. Evaluation of lipid type as well as the ratio and contents of surfactant mixtures resulted in a polydispersity index, particle size, drug loading, drug encapsulation efficiency, and zeta potential of 0.317 ± 0.006, 87.66 ± 1.52 nm, 21.61 ± 0.45 %, 44.71 ± 1.14 % and -23.06 ± 0.50 mV, respectively. ATR-FTIR spectra of TE-SLNs exhibited the prominent functional groups of TE in the formulations, indicating a well-dispersion of TE in the lipid matrix without any chemical interaction with other components of the formulation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated that TE in SLNs is in an amorphous state. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that the prepared TE-SLNs have a stable size and maintained their sphericity. The results of TE permeation across the excised rat skin from SLNs displayed cumulative amounts of 110.61 ± 17.7 μg/cm2, which is 3.2 fold improvement in TE permeation in comparison with the testosterone enanthate solution in oleic acid (p < 0.05). Furthermore, no cellular toxicity was observed for the nanoparticles. The results showed that the prepared TE-SLNs can be applied as the potential carriers for transdermal delivery of testosterone enanthate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major problem in the management of burn wounds are infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the major cause of infection in burn wounds. Antibiotic resistant bacteria around the world has become a major therapeutic challenge. Bacteriophages and their lysine are suggested as an antimicrobial alternative agent. Phage display technique is suggested for production of recombinant lysine by Nano carrier technology. The approach of this study was to evaluate the potential of recombinant Nano phage efficacy in MRSA burn wound infection in vivo. The 3rd degree burn wounds were induced in 54 rats and infected with MRSA ATCC 33591 via the topical route in four groups. Burn wound size was measured in 0, 14, 21, 28 days. The efficacy of Nano phage gel was assessed on the basis of percentage collagen deposition, granulation tissue, neovascularization, fibroblastic maturity, re-epithelization, and scar formation in rats following treatment in 14, 21, 28 days. The results showed that the percentage of wound size were 3 cm on base line day and the average macroscopic wound healing rates were increased in the prevention groups receiving the recombinant Nano phage gel and natural phage gel, in the treatment groups with secondary infection receiving the recombinant Nano phage gel and the natural phage gel, and in the two control groups respectively. The average microscopic wound healing rates were increased in the prevention groups receiving the recombinant Nano phage gel and natural phage gel, in the treatment groups with secondary infection receiving the recombinant Nano phage gel and the natural phage gel, and in the two control groups respectively. In conclusion the recombinant Nano phage gel is efficacy to treat and prevent MRSA burn wound infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the pigmentation of iris and around the eyelid is a common side effect of latanoprost, a prostaglandin F2alpha analogue used in the treatment of glaucoma. Hence, the authors decided to study the effectiveness of topical latanoprost on vitiligo patches around the eyelid. In this randomized, double‐blind, clinical trial study, 31 patients with vitiligo vulgaris and focal vitiligo involving the eyelids were evaluated. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. First group received topical latanoprost gel twice daily for 12 weeks, whereas the second group received placebo with the same protocol. To evaluate severity of the disease the VIDA rating system was used. Serial photos of the patches were taken to compare and evaluate the repigmentation percentage of the patches. The patients in both groups had almost similar VIDA score (p >.05). First group showed improved pigmentation, whereas participants in the second group did not show any improvement in the pigmentation. The group treated with latanoprost showed significant reduction in the symptoms of the disease, whereas those treated with placebo did not show any alteration (p >.05). No significant complications were observed in either groups. Latanoprost proved effective in treating vitiligo disease involving eyelids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Nigella sativa L. (N. sativa) extract on preventing the incidence of acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) in breast cancer patients.Methods: Sixty-two breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) were randomly assigned to receiveN. sativa 5% gel or placebo. Patients were instructed to apply the medications twice daily during RT period. The severity of ARD, the incidence of moist desquamation, worst experienced pain, and skin-related quality of life (SRQOL) scores were assessed weekly during RT.Results: Patients who were treated with the N. sativa gel developed ARD significantly less frequently compared to those who used the placebo (p < 0.05 for all weeks except week 2, p = 0.36). The incidence time of grade 2 and 3 of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (RTOG/EORTC) toxicity was prolonged significantly with N. sativa gel as compared to placebo (35 vs. 29 days, p = 0.00 and 42 vs. 40 days, p = 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, the occurrence of moist desquamation was delayed in the N. sativa gel group compared with the placebo group (37 vs. 33 days, p = 0.01). The mean score of the worst pain that patients experienced in the placebo group was significantly higher than that of the N. sativa gel group at week 3 (2.5 ± 0.5 vs. 1.2 ± 0.3, p < 0.05). Nonetheless, the application of N. sativa gel had no significant effect on the SRQOL of patients at any week.Conclusion: N. sativa extract significantly decreases the severity of ARD and delays the onset of moist desquamation in breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The main cause of mortality in burn patients is infection from burns. Drug-resistant bacteria are the main causes of wound infection, so alternative antibiotic therapies hold significant importance. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a collagen hydrogel that contains a nanoemulsion of Lavandula essential oil on the healing process of infected burn wounds. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 20 rats were randomly divided after applying burns with a 10 mm diameter hot plate and infecting the wounds with multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa into four groups, including a positive control, a negative control, the first experiment (collagen hydrogel), and the second experiment (collagen hydrogel containing Lavandula essential oil nanoemulsion). On the 4th, 11th, and 18th days, tissue samples were taken for pathology studies. The important parameters in burn wound healing with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining methods were investigated and scored according to Abramov's method. Results: Based on the pathology findings, experimental groups 1 and 2 compared to the negative and positive control groups were effective in rat infection wound healing. The hydrogel scaffold in the experimental groups increased fibroblasts and angiogenesis compared to the control groups. Epithelization was noticed only in the hydrogel group containing nanoemulsion. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the use of collagen hydrogel with Lavandula essential oil nanoemulsion has potential as a wound dressing. This is because it has the potential to effectively promote healing and act as an antibacterial agent to prevent infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Iran. Death toll due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is high in this country. The purpose of the present investigation was to provide more information on the relationship between serum levels of vitamin D in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in north of Iran. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in COVID-19 patients (n=80) attending Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iran 2020, who were confirmed for COVID-19 infection with CT-Scan or RT-PCR. Seventy healthy individuals were also examined as the control group. SPSS V19 was applied for data analysis. Results: In this study, 80 patients with COVID-19 (mean age: 57.22 ± 17.44 years old) and 70 healthy individuals (mean age: 48.69 ± 12.99 years) were studied. There were 38 and 35 males in these two groups, respectively. Serum Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in patients with COVID-19 than those in the control group (18.72 ± 12.53 vs. 30.86 ± 15.19 ng/ml, P< 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that serum levels of Vitamin D were lower in patients with COVID-19 than healthy individuals and frequency of Vitamin D deficiency was higher in these patients. Hence, further studies are needed to clarify the role of serum Vitamin D concentrations in patients with COVID-19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of controlling periorbital hyperpigmentation disorders is one of the most important research goals in cosmetic preparations. In the current investigation, 1% vitamin K (Vit K) was incorporated into a Chitosan/alginate hydrogel which aimed to increase the dermal delivery and anti-pigmentation effect. The Vit K-hydrogel was evaluated using several different tests, including volume expansion/contraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet (UV) absorbance spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Vit K hydrogel's drug release profile showed a steady increase over time. Furthermore, the modified Vit K hydrogel formulations showed no harmful effects in an in vitro cytotoxicity study. The Vit K hydrogel was tested for dermal irritation on Wistar rats, and the hydrogel was found to be non-irritating. Furthermore, Vit K-hydrogel inhibited melanin formation (31.76 ± 1.14%) and was remarkably higher than free Vit K. In addition, Vit K-hydrogel inhibited L-dopa auto-oxidation to a greater extent (94.80 ± 2.41%) in comparison with Vit K solution (73.95 ± 1.62%). Vit K-hydrogel enhanced percutaneous transport of Vit K, according to in vitro percutaneous absorption findings, suggesting that this innovative formulation may provide new therapeutic options for periorbital hyperpigmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Baclofen is an agonist for a subtype of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA-B) receptors and traditionally been used for the systemic treatment of spasticity. Topical application of baclofen has been shown to reduce pain in patients with localized neuropathic pain.Objectives: In this study, we investigate the efficacy of baclofen cream (5%) in reducing postoperative pain and analgesic requirement after open hemorrhoidectomy.Design: The patients were randomly assigned to either baclofen (5%) cream or placebo immediately after surgery and then every 12 h for 14 days.Patients: A total of 66 patients with third- and fourth-degree hemorrhoids undergoing open hemorrhoidectomy were randomly assigned to this trial.Setting: This study was conducted at a single educational hospital.Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures: The primary outcomes were intensity of pain, measured with a visual analog scale, and the analgesic requirement, measured by the amount of the acetaminophen consumption.Results: No significant difference was found in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Postoperative pain score of the baclofen group was significantly lower on week 1 (P = 0.01) and week 2 (P = 0.02) than the placebo group. Similarly, patients in the baclofen group consumed significantly less analgesic medication on week 1 (P = 0.025) and week 2 (P = 0.024) than the control group.Conclusion: Topical application of baclofen effectively relieves pain after hemorrhoidectomy with minimal side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Tabari cohort study (TCS), part of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN), is a large longitudinal prospective cohort designed to better understand the risk factors associated with major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across two urban and mountainous regions in north of Iran. Methods: The enrollment phase of TCS started in June 2015 and ended in November 2017. During this phase, individuals aged 35--70 years from urban and mountainous regions of Sari township (Mazandaran province) were invited to the cohort center by health volunteers (urban regions) and Behvarz (mountainous areas) using census information. Data was collected based on the PERSIAN cohort study protocols. Hypertension was defind as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg or history of diagnosis with hypertension or taking antihypertensive medications among participants free from cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes was defined as fasting blood sugar ≥126 mg/dL or a history of diagnosis or taking glucoselowering medications among all participants. Results: A total of 10,255 participants were enrolled in TCS, 59.5% of whom were female. Among the total population, 7,012 participants were urban residents (68.4%). The prevalence of daily smoking in the total population was 9.1%. Body mass index in 75.9% of participants was ≥25 kg/m². The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders were 22.2%, 17.2%, and 10.5%, respectively. Conclusion: The Tabari cohort is different from other cohorts in terms of levels of risk factors associated with NCDs. This study has certain important strengths including its population-based design and large sample size that provides a valid platform for conducting future investigations and trials. A biobank that has been designed to store blood, nail, hair and urine samples for future research is another strength of this study. Researchers who are interested in using the information can refer to the following web page: http://persiancohort.com. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Metformin solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared by the ultra-sonication method. • Solid state analysis ruled out any interaction between metformin and excipients. • Ratio of Tween:Span had a significant influence on performance of Met-SLN. • Gels containing Met-SLN showed better performance on the skin delivery of metformin. Abstract The aim of the present study was to enhance the skin delivery of metformin by making solid lipid nanoparticles containing metformin using the ultra-sonication method. To achieve the optimum skin delivery for metformin, the effects of the ratio of two surfactants (Tween:Span) on nanoparticles properties and their performance were investigated. Photon correlation spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Powder X-ray Diffractometer (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize the solid state of metformin in solid lipid nanoparticles. Generally, the particle size of nanoparticles decreased by the addition of co-emulsifier (Span®60). Results showed that all formulations made by binary mixtures of surfactants had low particle size, low Polydispersity index and high zeta potential. It was interesting to note that the smallest nanoparticles (203.8 ± 15.356) was obtained when the HLB of the binary surfactants (HLB of 11.67) was closer to the HLB of beeswax (HLB of 12) used in the preparation of SLN. It was also found that by decreasing the HLB of the system from 14.9 to 10.06 the zeta potential of SLNs increased from −0.651 ± 0.315 to −6.18 ± 0.438 mV. But, a further reduction in the HLB from 10.06 to 8.45 caused a reduction in the zeta potential from −6.18 to −3.596 ± 0.255. Results showed that the highest entrapment efficiency of 45.98 ± 9.20% was obtained for formulation with larger particle size and with the highest HLB value (HLB 14.9). DSC study showed that metformin in SLN is in an amorphous form. FT-IR spectra of Met-SLN showed that the prominent functional groups existed in the formulations which could be an indication of good entrapment of metformin in a lipid matrix. FT-IR results also ruled out any chemical interaction between the drug and the excipients. The amounts of metformin detected in the skin layers and the receptor chamber at all sampling times were higher for nanogel compared to metformin gel. This is an indication of a better performance of Metformin nanogel ex-vivo and could be developed further for clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the essential oil obtained from the dried flowering aerial parts of Froriepia subpinnata (Ledeb.) Baill. (Umbelliferae) was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Thirty-six components have been identified in the oil. The major constituents of the oil were p-cymen-8-ol (34.7%), terpinolene (12.5%) and limonene (10.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the essential oil obtained from the dried flowering aerial parts of Clinopodium vulgare L. (Labiatae) was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Fifty-two components have been identified in the essential oil of C. vulgare. The major constituents of the essential oil were vulgarone B (24.4%), santolinyl acetate (10.2%) and 14-hydroxy-α-muurolene (6.0%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the essential oil obtained from the dried flowering aerial parts of Messerschmidia sibirica L. (Boraginaceae) was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Twenty-three components have been identified in this the oil. The major constituents of the essential oil were 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (29.9%), (E,E)-farnesyl acetate (12.3%) and phytol (10.8%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the essential oil obtained from the dried aerial parts of Kickxia spuria (L.) Dum. (Scrophulariaceae) was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Forty components have been identified in the essential oil of K. spuria. The major constituents of the oil were selin-11-en-4α-ol (19.4%), caryophyllene oxide (8.9%), (Z)-isoeugenol (8.3%) and β-bisabolene (5.2%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

and purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin on sleep quality and cognitive function of individuals undergoing hemodialysis. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 102 eligible individuals were assigned to two equal intervention and control groups. The intervention group received melatonin 3 mg tablets half an hour before going to bed for six weeks, while the control group was given a placebo with similar conditions. This study had 102 participants who were divided into intervention and control groups. The mean age of the participants was 58.30 (SD = 12.10). Among the participants, 54.90% were female. Moreover, 33.33% of the individuals received dialysis for four years or longer. After the intervention, the mean and standard deviation of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was 12.66 (SD = 3.09) in the intervention group and 18.86 (SD = 3.8) in the control group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the mean sleep quality index in the intervention group showed a statistically significant difference before and after the intervention (P < 0.001); the PSQI score declined from 20.21 to 12.66. Likewise, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups after intervention in the mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) index (P = 0.002); it was 24.27 (SD = 3.42) in the intervention group and 22.15 (SD = 2.3) in the control group. The mean MoCA score in the intervention group showed a significant difference before and after the intervention (P < 0.001), increasing from 21.19 to 24.27. According to the study's findings, melatonin can improve individuals undergoing hemodialysis' cognitive function and sleep quality. • After the intervention, the mean and standard deviation of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was 12.66 (SD = 3.09) in the intervention group and 18.86 (SD = 3.8) in the control group (P < 0.001). • The mean sleep quality index in the intervention group showed a statistically significant difference before and after the intervention (P < 0.001); the PSQI score declined from 20.21 to 12.66. • There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups after intervention in the mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment index (P = 0.002); it was 24.27 (SD = 3.42) in the intervention group and 22.15 (SD = 2.3) in the control group. • The mean MoCA score in the intervention group showed a significant difference before and after the intervention (P < 0.001), increasing from 21.19 to 24.27. • Mmelatonin can improve individuals undergoing hemodialysis' cognitive function and sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atorvastatin is a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitor widely used in treatment of hypercholesterolemia and prevention of coronary heart disease and has various pleiotropic effects. In this study, the efficacy of atorvastatin emulgel (2 %) in reducing postoperative pain at rest, pain during defecation and analgesic requirement after open hemorrhoidectomy was investigated. Methods: A total of 66 patients with third- and fourth-degree hemorrhoids undergoing open hemorrhoidectomy were included in this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. The patients were randomly assigned to either atorvastatin emulgel or placebo immediately after surgery and then every 12 h for 14 days. The primary outcomes were intensity of pain at rest and during defecation, measured with a visual analog scale, and the analgesic requirement, measured by amount of pethidine and acetaminophen consumption, and percent of wound healing. Results: There was no significant difference in the average postoperative pain scores in the first 48 h ( P = 1, P = 0.128 and P = 0.079) after the surgery between the two groups, but at the week 1 the pain scores during defecation were considerably lower in the atorvastatin group than in placebo group ( P = 0.004), which also was the same at the week 2 ( P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in the average pethidine and acetaminophen (mg) administration at 12 h and 24 h between the two groups after surgery. Regarding the data about wound healing, at the week two the healing was much better in the treatment group than it was in control group and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.04). Conclusions: Compared with placebo, atorvastatin emulgel reduced postoperative pain at rest and on defecation and could improve the healing process after open hemorrhoidectomy. Trial registration number: IRCT201404013014N8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]