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AbstractThe transungual drug delivery system refers to the administration of drugs through the nail plate to treat various nail disorders such as fungal infections, psoriasis, and nail dystrophies. The nail plate is a challenging barrier for drug penetration due to its highly keratinized and tightly packed structure, which limits the permeation of topically applied drugs. Owing to several problems associated with oral therapy, topical therapy remains a preferred treatment option for nail infections due to less side effects, and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, the drugs that have low permeability across the nail plate highlight the need for further research in this area. Researchers working on various aspects to increase drug penetration across the nail plate, which include the use of chemical penetration enhancers, mechanical methods, and physical methods. Recent advances in transungual drug delivery systems have led to the development of antifungal nail lacquers that can penetrate the nail plate and effectively treat nail infections. Other transungual drug delivery systems under investigation include microneedles, ultrasound, and laser-assisted treatment, which can create micropores in the nail plate allowing higher drug delivery. This indicates the potential of research on transungual drug delivery systems. By understanding the anatomy of the nail, utilizing appropriate penetration-enhancing methods, and selecting appropriate drug formulations, the effectiveness of the system can be developed and utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the increasing presence of Muslims in the US, this article elucidates the perspectives, attitudes and practices of American evangelicals towards Muslims in the US. The discussion is informed by data that were gathered through a qualitative study of 40 lay American evangelicals and four pastors, as well as through a focus group study of an evangelical outreach ministry among Muslims. Literature on religious diversity in the US forms the background within which the information drawn from the qualitative interviews and focus group study is discussed and analyzed. The respondents' perspectives and attitudes towards Islam and Muslims in general are quite negative, as well as conflicted in that while the respondents claimed to be open to interacting and dialoguing with Muslims, their practices towards Muslims were often not so hospitable. This inhospitality was a result of a general fear of Islam and Muslims exhibited by the respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lecithin organogels (LOs) are semi-solid systems with immobilized organic liquid phase in 3-D network of self-assembled gelators. This paper attempts to study the various attributes of LOs, starting from selection of materials, optimization of influential components to LO specific characterization. After screening of various components (type of gelators, organic and aqueous phase) and construction of phase diagrams, a D-optimal mixture design was employed for the systematic optimization of the LO composition. The response surface plots were constructed for various response variables, viz. viscosity, gel strength, spreadability and consistency index. The optimized LO composition was searched employing overlay plots. Subsequent validation of the optimization study employing check-point formulations, located using grid search, indicated high degree of prognostic ability of the experimental design. The optimized formulation was characterized for morphology, drug content, rheology, spreadability, pH, phase transition temperatures, and physical and chemical stability. The outcomes of the study were interesting showing high dependence of LO attributes on the type and amount of phospholipid, Poloxamer™, auxillary gelators and organic solvent. The optimized LO was found to be quite stable, easily applicable and biocompatible. The findings of the study can be utilized for the development of LO systems of other drugs for the safer and effective topical delivery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Tamoxifen (TAM) is a non-steroidal estrogen receptor modulator known for its anticancer activity. Apart from marked breast cancer activity, this drug has also shown potential in treating other types of cancers including skin cancers. TAM is reported to be associated with serious side effects primarily due to its systemic distribution. The localized delivery of this drug in this regard would be highly beneficial with respect to safety as well as efficacy. Methods: In the current studies, an endeavor has been made to investigate the efficacy of topically applied liposome-encapsulated TAM on skin cancer model. The drug was encapsulated in phospholipid-based vesicular systems viz. conventional liposomes and elastic liposomes. Incidence of papillomas and histopathological examination were employed to determine the efficacy of the tested formulations. Results: The results demonstrated carrier-dependent strong inhibition of skin carcinogenesis with encapsulated drug vis-à-vis drug in the solution form. The encouraging findings from the current work construe immense potential of the TAM-loaded liposomal systems in the management of skin cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the formulation characteristics and pharmacodynamic activity of the lecithinized coal tar formulation (LCT) employing different methodologies and compare it with that of a conventional coal tar formulation (CCT) employing different methodologies. Methods Characterization for skin-staining was carried out employing shaved back skin of rats. Rheological properties were determined using Texture Analyzer™. The dispersibility of the coal tar formulations in water was determined by macroscopic examination. Antipsoriatic pharmacodynamic activity of the formulations was evaluated employing mouse-tail model. Results The study revealed distinct superiority of the LCT vis-à-vis CCT. The LCT was found be nonstaining with no apparent adverse effect on rat skin. Rheological studies revealed significantly better spreadability and lower stickiness of the LCT than that of CCT. The LCT forms uniform dispersion with water, while the CCT tends to form large aggregates. Finally, the pharmacodynamic model demonstrated superior anti-psoriatic activity of the LCT. Conclusions The findings with the LCT were highly encouraging, as it proved to be nonstaining to skin, easily applicable, and water dispersible with markedly improved efficacy. The product was thus potentially more patient-compliant and efficacious. The evaluation methodologies adopted during the studies were found to be accurate, simple, specific, and reproducible with immense potential for assuring the quality of coal tar product(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tamoxifen is a nonsteroidal estrogen-receptor modulator widely used in the treatment of breast cancer. Apoptosis has been reported to be a major mechanism for its antitumor effect. In the current studies, an endeavor was made to investigate the efficacy of vesicularly encapsulated tamoxifen on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Phospholipid-based vesicular systems viz. conventional liposomes and elastic-membrane liposomes were employed to encapsulate the drug. The MTT colorimetric assay was used to determine the efficacy of the tested formulations. The results demonstrated composition-dependent strong inhibition in the viability of MCF-7 cells with encapsulated tamoxifen vis-à-vis free drug. The encouraging findings from the current work construe immense potential of the lipid-based vesicular systems in the treatment of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coal tar is one of the most preferred and frequently used medicinal agents in various dermatological diseases. However, the coal tar formulations available for clinical use suffer from the limitation of staining clothes and skin, eventually leading to a high degree of patient non-compliance. Objective: To test the staining property of a lecithinized formulation vis-a-vis a conventional formulation of coal tar employing different types of fabric. Methods: Six fabrics with different blends of cotton and polyester were employed to test the staining and washability of two coal tar formulations following application for 24 hours and 48 hours. Results: The study revealed the distinct superiority of the lecithinized coal tar formulation vis-a-vis the conventional marketed formulation due to its markedly reduced staining and easier washability. A significant reduction in the staining of fabrics containing polyester was observed with the lecithinized formulation, with the stain becoming progressively worse as the proportion of polyester in the fabric increased. The stains washed off completely with detergent in the case of the lecithinized coal tar formulation, whereas stains from the conventional coal tar formulation remained intact. Conclusion: The developed lecithinized formulation, owing to its superior non-staining and washability characteristics, would potentially increase the acceptability of coal tar amongst patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractNanoemulsions are nano-sized particles, typically ranging from tens to hundreds of nanometers. These nanoemulsions possess various appealing properties, making them highly promising for various applications in pharmaceutics, foods, and cosmetics. These properties include their small size, which allows for a high surface area per unit volume, and their ability to disperse hydrophobic components and enhance absorption effectively. In the pharmaceutical industry, nanoemulsions have been developed to enhance the delivery of hydrophobic active ingredients. Macromolecular surfactants offer enhanced emulsion stability compared to conventional low-molecular surfactants. Enhanced stability is due to their slower desorption kinetics at the droplet interface, which reduces the risk of toxicity and skin irritation associated with the latter. This article presents a comprehensive investigation into the role of nanoemulsions in drug delivery. It commences by delineating various emulsion types and subsequently explores techniques for nanoemulsion preparation. Surfactants serve as pivotal components in both the production and stabilization of nanoemulsions. The review provides an encompassing overview of diverse surfactant types, encompassing small molecule variants, particle surfactants, phospholipids, peptides, and protein-based surfactants tailored for nanoemulsions. Additionally, it addresses nanoemulsion instability, elucidating strategies to mitigate instability challenges, and highlights the utilization of nanoemulsions in nanomedicine for effective drug delivery. This comprehensive overview aims to offer insights for researchers engaged in nanoemulsion-related studies and associated interdisciplinary fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Coal tar has been a very popular traditional treatment for various types of psoriasis for over a century. It is the first-line treatment for scalp, hand, and foot psoriasis. However, the application of coal tar on hair invariably causes staining, which results in a high degree of patient non-compliance, especially in patients with non-black hair. Thus, the treatment of scalp psoriasis with a topical coal tar formulation requires that special concern be paid to product esthetics. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the hair-staining characteristics of a novel lecithinized coal tar (LCT) formulation on different types of mammalian hair. Methods Samples of hair from different mammals, including human, sheep, rabbit, and goat, were repeatedly exposed to the LCT formulation over 14 days. The color of hair samples treated with LCT was compared with that of untreated control hair samples. Results The study revealed the distinct non-staining potential of the LCT formulation. Conclusions This LCT formulation lacks the propensity to stain hair and thus has excellent potential to be exploited in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Franz diffusion cell was primarily used to evaluate the permeability and stability of formulations such as topical (gels and creams) and transdermal (lipid nanoparticle formulations). Diffusion cell is a straightforward assay that can reliably measure the in-vitro and ex-vivo drug release from topical preparations such as creams, ointments, liposomes formulations, and gels. It offered crucial critical perspectives on skin, drug, and formulation relationships. In addition, it is also employed for toxicity testing and quality control. Currently, many medications are available in the market, administered through transdermal routes. To treat various skin conditions, medical professionals use a wide range of methods aimed at increasing the skin's permeability and drug absorption. The biggest challenge with transdermal drug delivery system is determining the amount of medication penetrating the skin. Today, there is a lot of research into creating new dermal dosage forms for pharmaceuticals. In this review, the authors discuss various evaluation methods to determine the amount of drug penetrating the skin. With their strengths and weaknesses, these models and assessment methods provide a valuable framework for investigating the dermato-pharmacokinetics of different transdermal formulations. The assessment techniques aid in assessing molecules that cause skin irritation by shedding light on the molecular mechanisms by which they penetrate the skin. These assessment tools and models provide a novel strategy for creating topical medicinal formulations for various skin infection disorders. The present review explores Franz diffusion cell application, its implication in pharmaceutical research, and the regulation related to pharmacopeia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oral administration of donepezil hydrochloride has low brain targeting efficiency especially due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier leading to poor quality of treatment. Hence, this study aimed to systematically design chitosan nanoparticles for direct nose-to-brain delivery of donepezil hydrochloride using the Quality by Design approach for better transport to the brain avoiding the blood–brain barrier. The optimized formulation showed 180.2 nm average particle size and 0.282 polydispersity index, + 16.6 mV zeta potential, more than 90% drug release, and more than 70% drug permeation in 24 h. The studies on in-vitro drug release and ex-vivo permeation showed a sustained release pattern fulfilling Korsemeyer Peppa's model. The confocal laser scanning micrographs showed the spherical nature of nanoparticles. The intranasal administration of donepezil hydrochloride nanoparticles in Wistar rats showed approximately 2.6 times more drug than donepezil hydrochloride solution given intranasally and approximately 10 times more drug than donepezil hydrochloride solution given orally in the brain respectively after 6 h. Further, confocal micrographs using Rhodamine B (fluorescent dye) loaded nanoparticles confirmed the localization of nanoparticles in the brain post-intranasal administration. The obtained results suggested that the chitosan nanoparticles are promising drug carriers for the nose-to-brain delivery of donepezil hydrochloride for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPharmaceutical sciences are the exploration of the design, composition, action, and conveyance of drugs. It encompasses a wide range of research domains that seems to be fundamental for the discovery and development of new drugs and therapies. It is indeed categorized under many fractions with numerous specialized fields. New concepts in pharmaceutical research, a greater understanding of the properties of polymeric materials, fabricating innovation, and novel methodologies that assure high-quality dosage forms are being constantly pursued. The application of 3D printing technology in the area of drug delivery has brought new scope and opportunities. Various dosage forms like tablets, catheters, nanosuspensions, nanocomposites, multi-layered dosage forms, polypills, caplets, complex drug release dosage forms, and medical drug delivery devices have been explored in the recent past and detailed reviews of pharmaceuticals have also been studied. However, this technology has not been limited to the drug delivery or medical device field only. In this article, the authors highlighted the physiochemical properties of polymers that are utilized in the preparation of pharmaceutical dosage forms and also describes some of the new advancements and educational applications that have given a new dimension to this novel 3D-printing technology apart from the pharmaceutical and biomedical arena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work involved development of phospholipid‐based permeation enhancing nanovesicles (PENVs) for topical delivery of ketoprofen. Screening of phospholipids and process parameters was performed. Central composite design was used for optimization of factors, that is, amount (%, w/w) of phospholipid and ethanol at three levels. The optimized nanovesicles (NVs) were loaded with different terpenes and then incorporated into a gel base. Optimized NVs exhibited 69% entrapment efficiency, 51% transmittance, 328 nm mean vesicle size, and polydispersity index of 0.25. In vitro release kinetics evaluation indicated best fitting as per Korsemeyer–Peppa's model and drug release via Fickian‐diffusion mechanism. The optimized NVs loaded with mint terpene showed minimal degree of deformability and maximal elasticity as compared with the conventional NVs and liposomes. Rheology and texture analysis indicated pseudoplastic flow and smooth texture of the vesicle gel formulation. Ex vivo permeation studies across Wistar rat skin indicated low penetration (0.43‐fold decrease) and high skin retention (4.26‐fold increase) of ketoprofen from the optimized PENVs gel vis‐à‐vis the conventional gel. Skin irritancy study indicated lower scores for PENVs gel construing its biocompatible nature. Stability studies confirmed cold storage is best suitable for vesicle gel, and optimized PENVs were found to be suitable for topical delivery of ketoprofen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been extensively investigated for their potential in nanomedicine. There is a significant level of enthusiasm about the potential of NPs to bring out a transformative impact on modern healthcare. NPs can serve as effective wound dressings or delivery vehicles due to their antibacterial and pro-wound-healing properties. Biopolymer-based NPs can be manufactured using various food-grade biopolymers, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and synthetic polymers, each offering distinct properties suitable for different applications which include collagen, polycaprolactone, chitosan, alginate, and polylactic acid, etc. Their biodegradable and biocompatible nature renders them ideal nanomaterials for applications in wound healing. Additionally, the nanofibers containing biopolymer-based NPs have shown excellent anti-bacterial and wound healing activity like silver NPs. These NPs represent a paradigm shift in wound healing therapies, offering targeted and personalized solutions for enhanced tissue regeneration and accelerated wound closure. The current review focuses on biopolymer NPs with their applications in wound healing. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The long-term efficacy and safety of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) in real world clinical practice including Magmaris need to be elucidated to better understand performance of this new and evolutive technology. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term performance of Magmaris, drug-eluting bioresorbable metallic scaffold, in all-comers patients' population. Methods: We included in this prospective registry first 54 patients (54 ± 11 years; male 46) treated with Magmaris, with at least 30 months of follow-up. Diabetes mellitus and acute coronary syndrome were present in 33 (61%) and 30 (56%) of the patients, respectively. Patients were followed for device- and patient-oriented cardiac events during a median follow-up of 47 months (DOCE–cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization; POCE–all cause death, any myocardial infarction, any revascularization). Results: Event-free survivals for DOCE and POCE were 86.8% and 79.2%, respectively. The rate of DOCE was 7/54 (13%), including in total target vessel myocardial infarction in two patients (4%), target lesion revascularization in six patients (11%), and no cardiac deaths. The rate of POCE was 11/54 (21%), including in total any myocardial infarctions in 3 patients (6%), any revascularization in 11 patients (20%), and no deaths. Definite Magmaris thrombosis occurred in two patients (3.7%), and in-scaffold restenosis developed in five patients (9.3%). Variables associated with DOCE were implantation of ≥2 Magmaris BVS (HR: 5.4; 95%CI: 1.21–24.456; p = 0.027) and total length of Magmaris BVS ≥ 40 mm (HR: 6.4; 95%CI: 1.419–28.855; p = 0.016), whereas previous PCI was the only independent predictor of POCE (HR: 7.4; 95%CI: 2.216–24.613; p = 0.001). Conclusions: The results of the long-term clinical outcome following Magmaris implantation in patients with complex clinical and angiographic features were acceptable and promising. Patients with multi-BVS and longer multi-BVS in lesion implantation were associated with worse clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitiligo is a psychologically devastating condition. Topical therapy is employed as first-line treatment in localized vitiligo. Currently, several topical agents are available in many forms viz. methoxsalen (solution and cream), trioxsalen (solution), corticosteroids (gel, cream, ointment and solution) and calcineurin inhibitors (ointment and cream). Although topical therapy has an important position in vitiligo treatment, side-effects or poor efficacy affect their utility and patient compliance. Novel drug delivery strategies can play a pivotal role in improving the topical delivery of various drugs by enhancing their epidermal localization with a concomitant reduction in their side-effects and improving their effectiveness. The current review emphasizes the potential of various phospholipid based carriers viz. liposomes, transferosomes, ethosomes, lipid emulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles and organogels in optimizing and enhancing the topical delivery of anti-vitiligo agents, whilst reducing the side effects of drugs commonly used in its topical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation is focused on improving oral bioavailability of poorly soluble and lipophilic drugs, curcumin (CRM) and duloxetine (DXH), through the solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) and identifying their potential against attenuation of NP in chronic constriction injury (CCI)–induced rats through the solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS). The optimized batch of S-SNEDDS reported was containing CRM and DXH (30 mg each), castor oil (20% w/w), tween-80 (40% w/w), transcutol-P (40% w/w), and syloid 244 FP (1 g). The high dose of each of naïve CRM (NCH), naïve DXH (NDH), physical mixture of DXH and CRM (C-NCM-DXH), S-SNEDDS-CRM (SCH), S-SNEDDS-DXH (SDH), and S-SNEDDS-CRM-DXH (C-SCH-SDH) was subjected for MTT assay. The developed formulations were subjected to pharmacokinetic studies and results showed about 8 to 11.06 and 2-fold improvement in oral bioavailability of CRM and DXH through S-SNEDDS. Furthermore, CCI-induced male Wistar rats were treated with SSNEDDS containing CRM and DXH, S-SNEDDS containing individual drug, individual naïve forms, and their combination from the day of surgery for 14 days and evaluated for behavioral at pre-determined time intervals. On the terminal day, animals were sacrificed to assess tissue myeloperoxidase, superoxide anion, protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, total calcium levels, and histopathological changes. Pronounced effect was observed in rats treated with S-SNEDDS containing both drugs with respect to rats receiving any of other treatments owing to enhanced oral bioavailability through S-SNEDDS. Therefore, it can be concluded that S-SNEDDS of both drugs and their coadministration can accelerate the prevention of NP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides originating from marine sources have been studied as potential material for use in wound dressings because of their desirable characteristics of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity. Marine-derived polysaccharides used as wound dressing, provide several benefits such as promoting wound healing by providing a moist environment that facilitates cell migration and proliferation. They can also act as a barrier against external contaminants and provide a protective layer to prevent further damage to the wound. Research studies have shown that marine-derived polysaccharides can be used to develop different types of wound dressings such as hydrogels, films, and fibres. These dressings can be personalised to meet specific requirements based on the type and severity of the wound. For instance, hydrogels can be used for deep wounds to provide a moist environment, while films can be used for superficial wounds to provide a protective barrier. Additionally, these polysaccharides can be modified to improve their properties, such as enhancing their mechanical strength or increasing their ability to release bioactive molecules that can promote wound healing. Overall, marine-derived polysaccharides show great promise for developing effective and safe wound dressings for various wound types. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides originating from marine sources have been studied as potential material for use in wound dressings because of their desirable characteristics of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity. Marine-derived polysaccharides used as wound dressing, provide several benefits such as promoting wound healing by providing a moist environment that facilitates cell migration and proliferation. They can also act as a barrier against external contaminants and provide a protective layer to prevent further damage to the wound. Research studies have shown that marine-derived polysaccharides can be used to develop different types of wound dressings such as hydrogels, films, and fibres. These dressings can be personalised to meet specific requirements based on the type and severity of the wound. For instance, hydrogels can be used for deep wounds to provide a moist environment, while films can be used for superficial wounds to provide a protective barrier. Additionally, these polysaccharides can be modified to improve their properties, such as enhancing their mechanical strength or increasing their ability to release bioactive molecules that can promote wound healing. Overall, marine-derived polysaccharides show great promise for developing effective and safe wound dressings for various wound types. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advantage of spray drying technique over the conventional surface adsorption technique for co-formulation of solid SNEDDS (S-SNEDDS) of curcumin (CRM) and duloxetine (DXH) is discussed. Liquid SNEDDS were prepared using castor oil (20% w/w), Tween-80 (40% w/w) and Transcutol® P (40% w/w) as oil, surfactant and co-surfactants containing both CRM and DXH. S-SNEDDS were formulated by adsorption of liquid SNEDDS onto porous hydrophilic and hydrophobic carriers through spray drying and surface adsorption techniques. The percentage drug loading for CRM and DXH in optimized L-SNEDDS was 87.22 ± 1.87 and 92.32 ± 0.19%, mean droplet size, 113.14 ± 1.14 nm; polydispersity index, 0.20 ± 0.026, and zeta potential − 13.2 mV, respectively. Prepared formulation was evaluated for parameters such as, oil adsorption tendency, micromeritic characteristics, disintegration and dissolution behaviour to identify suitable carrier for conversion of L-SNEDDS into S-SNEDDS. Among the carriers used, Syloid® 244FP revealed highest oil adsorption capacity. Spray drying of L-SNEDDS using Syloid® 244FP as carrier further improved micromeritic properties with lower angle of repose (22.18 ± 0.22°), higher flow rate (4.33 ± 0.26 g/s), lower true (1.23 ± 0.22 g/cm 3 ), bulk (0.202 ± 0.05 g/cm 3 ) and tapped density (0.216 ± 0.07 g/cm 3 ). In vitro dissolution and ex-vivo permeation studies revealed non-significant (P > 0.05) drugs' release from S-SNEDDS powders/tablets viz-a-viz their L-SNEDDS formulation. SNEDDS were found to be remarkably superior over the unprocessed drugs in their dissolution and permeation studies. They were found to be stable in terms of droplet size, dissolution pattern, tablet hardness and assay when subjected to stability testing. Scanning Electron Microscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction studies revealed that crystalline drugs were converted to their amorphous state in the SNEDDS formulations. Spray drying technique has, therefore proved to distinctly improve the micromeritics and biopharmaceutical attributes in the co-formulation of curcumin and duloxetine S-SNEDDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current treatment strategies for diabetic wound care provide only moderate degree of effectiveness; hence new and improved therapeutic techniques are in great demand. Diabetic wound healing is a complex physiological process that involves synchronisation of various biological events such as haemostasis, inflammation, and remodelling. Nanomaterials like polymeric nanofibers (NFs) offer a promising approach for the treatment of diabetic wounds and have emerged as viable options for wound management. Electrospinning is a powerful and cost-effective method to fabricate versatile NFs with a wide array of raw materials for different biological applications. The electrospun NFs have unique advantages in the development of wound dressings due to their high specific surface area and porosity. The electrospun NFs possess a unique porous structure and biological function similar to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), and are known to accelerate wound healing. Compared to traditional dressings, the electrospun NFs are more effective in healing wounds owing to their distinct characteristics, good surface functionalisation, better biocompatibility and biodegradability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the electrospinning procedure and its operating principle, with special emphasis on the role of electrospun NFs in the treatment of diabetic wounds. This review discusses the present techniques applied in the fabrication of NF dressings, and highlights the future prospects of electrospun NFs in medicinal applications. [Display omitted] • An estimated 700 million individuals (20–79 years old) will get had diabetes by 2045. • Electrospinning is a process used in manufacturing of nanofibers which possess larger surface area with tuneable porosity. • Natural polymers used in electrospun wound dressing like chitosan and gelatin. • Various electrospinning techniques are used like Single fluid, Double-fluid, Multifluid, co-axial etc. • Commercially available electrospun NF Zeus BiowebTM contains composites base of (Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropathic pain associated with chronic alcohol consumption is a medico-socioeconomical problem that affects both central and peripheral nervous system and has no satisfactory treatment till date. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of co-administration of curcumin and sildenafil on alcohol induced neuropathic pain in rats. In order to carry out this, ethanol (35% v/v, 10 g/kg, p.o.) was administered for 10 weeks to induce neuropathic pain. Curcumin (30 and 60 mg/kg, i.p.) and sildenafil (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) were given alone and in combination at their lower doses (30 mg/kg curcumin and 5 mg/kg, sildenafil, i.p.) to investigate the changes in thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, allodynia and histopathological parameters. Biochemical estimations of thiobarbituric acid reactive species, glutathione and protein was also carried out to evaluate oxidative stress. The results revealed that chronic alcohol consumption for 10 weeks caused significant thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, allodynia and increased oxidative stress. Individual administration of both the drugs at their low as well as high doses were able to improve the symptoms of alcohol induced neuropathic pain. Whereas co-administration of curcumin and sildenafil at their lower doses itself were found to significantly improve nerve functions, biochemical and histopathological parameters as compared to their individual administration. It is therefore proposed that co-administration of curcumin and sildenafil may bring new dimension towards attenuation of alcohol induced neuropathic pain affecting central as well as peripheral nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Docetaxel has always attracted the researchers owing to its promises and challenges. Despite marked efficacy, concerns like poor aqueous solubility, lower bioavailability, poor tissue penetration and dose related side-effects offer further scope of research on docetaxel. The present study aims to explore the potential of C 60 -fullerenes in the delivery of docetaxel to cancerous cells. C 60 -fullerenes were carboxylated, acylated and conjugated with the drug. The chemical processes were monitored by UV, FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. The conjugate was further characterized for drug loading, micromeritics, drug release, morphology and evaluated for in-vitro cytotoxicity, haemolysis and in-vivo pharmacokinetic profile. The developed nanoconstruct was able to enhance the bioavailability of docetaxel by 4.2 times and decrease the drug clearance by 50%. The developed system was able to control the drug release and was found to be compatible with erythrocytes. The cytotoxic potential on studied MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cell lines was also enhanced by many folds, indicating marked promise in efficacy enhancement and dose reduction. The present findings are encouraging and offer a technique to enhance the delivery and efficacy potential of anticancer agents, especially belonging to BCS class IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite marked antipsoriatic activity of dithranol (anthralin), the drug is quite infrequently employed in therapeutic practice owing to its strong propensity to cause skin problems like irritation, erythema and peeling, and potential formulation problems like photolability and high lipophilicity. Accordingly, it was planned to systematically formulate optimized dithranol-loaded emulsomes with enhanced biocompatibility, efficacy and stability. Emulsomes were prepared by a thin film hydration technique and optimized for composition using formulation by design (FbD). The optimized dithranol-loaded emulsomes were found to substantially enhance the antipsoriatic activity on a mouse-tail model vis-à-vis marketed product. Also, the selected composition offered enhanced drug permeation and marked skin retention. The formulation was found to be quite non-irritant, stable and biocompatible in comparison to the marketed product. The present findings establish the usefulness of lipid-based colloidal carriers to increase the stability, and enhance the efficacy and patient compliance of an age-old irritant dithranol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsaicin, extracted from the fruits of Capsicum, is a powerful local stimulant with strong rubifacient action, devoid of vesication. Topical use of capsaicin is quite common in the treatment of various pain-associated musculo-skeletal disorders, itching and neuropathy. Despite its high pharmacodynamic potential, the patient compliance to the drug is reported to be poor owing to multiple skin problems like irritation, burning sensation, and erythma. The present study targets the encasement of drug in the interiors of flexible membrane vesicles (FMVs), as these are reported to have better penetration in the deeper layers of skin, thus leading to enhanced localization of drug and consequently, decreased skin irritation. Multilamellar drug-loaded FMVs, prepared by thin-film hydration were evaluated for their efficacy in vitro and in vivo. When compared with conventional liposomes, the formulated FMVs showed higher skin retention during ex vivo permeation studies employing LACA mice skin, higher analgesic potential using radiant tail-flick method in mice, and better flexibility in regaining their size. Being less of an irritant, these vesicular carriers were also found to be more comfortable on human skin. Thus, the capsaicin-loaded FMVs offer high potential as topical drug delivery technologies with improved patient acceptance and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cell wall proteins called expansins are thought to disrupt hydrogen bonding between cell wall polysaccharides without hydrolyzing them. We describe here a novel gene with sequence similarity to plant expansins, isolated from the cellulolytic fungus Trichoderma reesei . The protein named swollenin has an N-terminal fungal type cellulose binding domain connected by a linker region to the expansin-like domain. The protein also contains regions similar to mammalian fibronectin type III repeats, found for the first time in a fungal protein. The swollenin gene is regulated in a largely similar manner as the T. reesei cellulase genes. The biological role of SWOI was studied by disrupting the swo1 gene from T. reesei . The disruption had no apparent effect on the growth rate on glucose or on different cellulosic carbon sources. Non-stringent Southern hybridization of Trichoderma genomic DNA with swo1 showed the presence of other swollenin-like genes, which could substitute for the loss of SWOI in the disruptant. The swollenin gene was expressed in yeast and Aspergillus niger var. awamori . Activity assays on cotton fibers and filter paper were performed with concentrated SWOI-containing yeast supernatant that disrupted the structure of the cotton fibers without detectable formation of reducing sugars. It also weakened filter paper as assayed by an extensometer. The SWOI protein was purified from A. niger var. awamori culture supernatant and used in an activity assay with Valonia cell walls. It disrupted the structure of the cell walls without producing detectable amounts of reducing sugars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) have been designed to overcome long‐term limitations of metallic drug‐eluting stents including permanent metallic "caging" that might trigger late coronary adverse events. Here, we report for the first time a case of 72‐year gentleman with previous coronary artery disease, treated by successful implantation of BVS (Absorb, Abbott Vascular) due to significant stenosis of internal pudenda artery and erectile dysfunction. After 2 years, BVS completely resorbed and there were no signs of pudendal artery restenosis on CT scan, whereas blood flow and sexual function improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]