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Despite growing prevalence of ovarian cancer (OC) in Pakistan, no literature evidence exists regarding its clinic-pathological characteristics, survival and compliance of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer on various chemo-protocols. An observational study was conducted by enrolling 251 recurrent OC patients on 7 different chemo-protocols, from a specialized cancer care hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, using convenient judgmental sampling. The study was conducted for a period of 6 months. Most of the patients were between 18 and 70 years of age, with IIIC FIGO stage and papillary serous histological grade. As per RECIST, improved partial response (PR) (63.3 %) and complete response (CR) (52.1 %) was observed in the CP (carboplatin + paclitaxel) arm, substantiated by improved median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in CP and CD (carboplatin + docetaxel) arms, respectively, yet with no significant differences in survival curves, PFS (p = 0.12) and OS (p = 0.22). Interestingly, the highest and the lowest patient non-compliance were observed in CG (carboplatin + gemcitabine) (81.6 %) and paclitaxel (4.5 %) arms, resp. As per the hazard model for survival, topotecan showed significant association with the therapy related events/deaths compared to other protocols. These data suggest that CP regimen exhibited improved clinical efficacy and decreased toxicity related non-compliance in recurrent ovarian cancer patients of Lahore.

In order to achieve the benefits of targeted drug delivery, this study intended to encapsulate doxorubicin in a linear polyamidoamine and its PEGylated co-polymer. The drug was loaded by using the emulsion solvent evaporation method. By adjusting the doxorubicin to polymer ratios to 1:10, 1:20 and 1:30, three formulations of each polymer/copolymer were prepared. The drug release profile was investigated using phosphate buffered saline. In vitro cytotoxicity investigation was executed on liver cancer cell line (Hep G2 cell lines) by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. The outcome demonstrated that doxorubicin had been successfully loaded on polyamidoamine and its PEGylated co-polymer with a drug loading efficiency of about 90%. Nanocarrier sizes were between 245±1.10 nm -579±1.00 nm and the zeta potential range was +22.4±0.5 mV-+37.9±0.3 mV. In-vitro drug release investigations revealed a characteristic pH-dependent drug release. The cytotoxicity testing of optimal formulation revealed that the doxorubicin was successfully released from the formulations and exerted therapeutic effect. According to our research, doxorubicin could be loaded onto linear polyamidoamines for potent antitumor effects on the target liver cancer cell lines (Hep G2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study is aimed to formulate pH responsive polymeric hydrogels. Potassium per sulphate and Methylene bis acrylamide were employed as initiator and cross linker respectively. To determine the effect of substrate on degree of cross linking different ratios of the acrylic acid (AA), potassium per sulphate (KPS) and methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) were used. Swelling experiments were conducted in both basic and acidic media. Phosphate buffer of pH 7.4 and 0.1N HCl solution were used for swelling experiment of hydrogels. The hydrogels were more responsive towards basic medium as compared to acidic environment. Formulations were also evaluated for In vitro evaluation. Diacerein was selected model drug for hydrogel. Release pattern of the diacerein was studied both in acidic (0.1N HCl solution) and basic medium. Percentage drug release from M3 formulation showed as crosslinker concentration increase (0.03 %) drug release decrease Hydrogel samples were characterized by FTIR to confirm the functional groups of the hydrogels and their components and scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM) was performed to characterize the structure or morphology of the hydrogels. Finally, the dissolution studies were performed to evaluate the sustain release property of the hydrogel samples. Results show that all formulations of hydrogels are pH-sensitive and follow zero-order kinetics for drug release. Hence, optimized nexus (M3) serves as excellent carrier for target drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current research study, novel chitosan-based hydrogel was formulated via crosslinking graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and chitosan. Potassium persulfate was used as free radical generator in the presence of crosslinker (methylene bis acrylamide (MBA)). FTIR spectroscopy was employed to elucidate structure of hydrogel. Moreover, sample morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis was conducted by using thermogravimetric analysis (DSC/TGA). The influence of reaction variables such as concentration of chitosan (CS), acrylic acid (AA) and MBA was optimized to attain hydrogel with significant swelling capacity. Chitosan-g-AA hydrogel depicted pH responsive attributes and swelling–deswelling pulsatile behavior was recorded at pHs 1.2 and 7.4. This on–off switching makes hydrogel ideal candidate for controlled drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The core objective of this work was to formulate compressed tablets containing captopril-loaded microspheres for controlled delivery. Captopril is rapidly absorbed orally and has a bioavailability of ∼75%. The duration of action after a single oral dose is 6–8 h. Due to its relatively short half-life, a controlled released captopril formulation would bring benefits to patients, including reduction in frequency of administration, increased patient compliance and effectiveness of treatment, reduction in plasma concentration fluctuations, as well as a reduction in side effects. Double emulsification technique accompanied by solvent evaporation was employed for manufacturing captopril-loaded microspheres. Developed polymeric carriers were characterized for particle size analysis, entrapment efficiency, DSC, TGA, XRD, EDS, SEM, swelling index, and release studies. Microspheres have displayed spherical geometry and a size within micrometric range. They have shown high encapsulation efficiency (95%) at polymer to drug ratio (1:5:5). All the ingredients were compatible with each other. Optimized formulation ST1 has depicted zero-order drug release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan (CHT) based biodegradable nanovectors were synthesized and modified with poly ethylene glycol 4000 (PEG-4000). CHT having medium molecular weight with 75% to 85% deacetylation was phthaloylated with phthalic anhydride, followed by PEGylation using PEG-4000. After confirmation of successful PEGylation by fourier transforminfra red spectroscopy (FTIR), the modified polymer was further processed to develop the nanocarrier using ionic gelation method by the addition of sodium tripolyphosphate (NaTPP). The prepared nanocarriers were subjected to physicochemical evaluation. The surface morphology of the particles was observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM), and particle size by dynamic light scattering (DLS) method, which was about 159-170nm in diameter. The zeta potential of the prepared nanovectors was +0.907mV which was due to cationic nature of nanovectors. The cell viability studies were also conducted to find the suitability of the carrier for in-vivo application, using liver cancerous cells (Hep G2). The findings have disclosed the concentration dependent activities of the particles, as viability of the cell was shown to be decreased with the increase in the concentration of the particles. Conclusively, the study was successful in determining the toxicity profile of these nanovectors as these were proved non-toxic at specific concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study has been premeditated to appraise the anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of a native medicinal plant Saussurea hypoleuca Spreng root. Anticancer assays including MTT, Alamar Blue (AB), Neutral Red (NR) & LDH were employed on root methanolic extract (RME) and all fractions to calculate % age of cell viability and cell cytotoxicity. All fractions of plant root were tested for in vitro as well as in vivo anti-inflammatory assays by reported methods. GC-MS analysis of n-hexane: chloroform fractions in column chromatography has shown isopropyl myristate, hexadecanoic acid, 11-octadecenoic acid, Di-n-octyl phthalate, dioctyl ether, decanedioic acid, 1H-3a,7-Methanoazulene, 3,4-hexanedione and Tetracosapentaene. Percentage of cell viability in anticancer assays was significantly high in all fractions. However, whole results were momentous with ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions owning to excellent profile in evaluating cytotoxicity in each assay. COX-2 inhibition was calculated which was high in RME (68.69%), ethyl acetate (56.52%), aqueous (55.21%) and chloroform fraction (53.47%). Carrageenan and formalin models were developed on rats to investigate in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. RME (56.19%, 71.09%, 66.4%, 67.99%) and ethyl acetate (51.36%, 64.97%, 55.63% & 61.01%) produced significant % age inhibition in dose dependent manner at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses respectively. All above findings direct that plant root holds strong anticancer and antiinflammatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The objective of study was to design bilayer matrix tablet of metoprolol tartrate and lisinopril maleate. The direct compression method was used for preparation of both layers. Precompression and postcompression parameters were evaluated. USP Type II dissolution apparatus was used for the in vitro drug release study using 0.1 N HCl for immediate release of lisinopril maleate layer for 2 h and phosphate buffer at pH 6.8 for 10 h for metoprolol tartrate sustained layer. In vitro data were fitted into various kinetic models. Precompression parameters showed good flow properties of powder blend. Postcompression parameters were within compendia range. L7 (2% SSG and 3% CC-Na) was selected for formulation of immediate release layer that showed 91.6% drug release after 10 min, and for sustained release formulation, M4 (9% pectin, 9% acacia, and 20% Eudragit L100) showed 92.5% drug release for 10 h. Most formulations of sustained layer followed Higuchi drug release kinetics. Bilayer matrix tablet of metoprolol tartrate and lisinopril maleate can be formulated for the treatment of postmyocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present report is a significant effort to explore detail description of N. Sativa, its pharmacognostic characteristics, morphological characteristics, and mechanism of actions, doses and medicinal uses. Nigella sativa (N. Sativa) is greatest form of healing medicine. It is also known as Prophetic Medicine as its use has been mentioned in Prophetic Hadit, as natural remedy for all the diseases except death. It is recommended on daily basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine). Hazrat Abu Hurairah States "I have heard from Rasool Allah (PBUH) that there is cure for every disease in black seeds except death and black seeds are shooneeze". Salim Bin Abdullah narrates with reference to his father Hazrat Abdullah Bin Omar that Rasool Allah (PBUH) said, 'Let all the black seed upon you, these contain cure of all diseases except death'. N. sativa claimed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, gastro-protective and other useful properties. Biological and pharmacological effects are attributed to its two important constituents Thymoquinone (TQ) and Nigella sativa oil (NSO). TQ has interaction with human serum albumin. Seeds containing volatile oils mainly Melanthin showed toxicity at larger doses. This report is a reference for all pharmaceutical researchers, physicians and biologists researching on N.Sativa and will open a door towards novel agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to introduce the technology for the development of rate-controlled oral drug delivery system to overcome various physiological problems. Several approaches are being used for the purpose of increasing the gastric retentive time, including floating drug delivery system. Gastric floating lisinopril maleate and metoprolol tartrate bilayer tablets were formulated by direct compression method using the sodium starch glycolate, crosscarmellose sodium for IR layer. Eudragit L100, pectin, acacia as sustained release polymers in different ratios for SR metoprolol tartrate layer and sodium bicarbonate, citric acid as gas generating agents for the floating extended release layer. The floating bilayer tablets of lisinopril maleate and metoprolol tartrate were designed to overcome the various problems associated with conventional oral dosage form. Floating tablets were evaluated for floating lag time, drug contents and in-vitro dissolution profile and different kinetic release models were applied. It was clear that the different ratios of polymers affected the drug release and floating time. L2 and M4 showed good drug release profile and floating behavior. The linear regression and model fitting showed that all formulation followed Higuchi model of drug release model except M4 that followed zero order kinetic. From the study it is evident that a promising controlled release by floating bilyer tablets of lisinopril maleate and metoprolol tartrate can be developed successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea buckthorn berries are therapeutically used as folk medicine for a variety of diseases, however, the scientific evidence is hardly available to support their role. This study explored their chemical constituents and their role as antioxidant and antibacterial agents. Three common solvents such as petroleum ether (40° - 60°C), chloroform and methanol were successively used for the extraction of active principles from sea buckthorn berries. Five major fractions (F1-F5) were isolated from the active methanol extract by column and thin layer chromatography. An attempt was made to identify the chemical nature of pooled fractions by available spectral means. Antioxidant potential of methanol extract and its fractions was measured by DPPH, formation of phosphomolybdenum complex and TBA methods. The hole-plate diffussion method was used to find out the antibacterial activity. A very brief structure-activity relationship of the potent antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds is discussed. Methanolic extract and its fractions contain numerous phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, which may be responsible for antioxidant and antibacterial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of gingival recession and its severity in association with local contributing factors in patients visiting Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar. Study was conducted from September 2016 to January 2017.One hundred and seventy-five patients of both genders were selected using convenient sampling technique. The participants involved in this study were examined in Periodontics Department, Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar, using mouth mirror, triple syringe, and WHO probe under dental unit light. Miller's classification was used for measuring various grades of gingival recession. Data were analyzed using SPSS, V-22. The maximum age of patient was 53 years and minimum 18 years and the mean age was calculated as 32 years (SD 9.71). Calculations showed that 50% (n=87) of all the patients were male and remaining 50% (n=88) were females age ranged from 18 to 53 years. Males with gingival recession were 25% (n=44) and females were 32% (n=58). Out of the total 175 patients, those with Miller Class I were 28.6 % (n=50) followed by Miller's class II, 27.4 % (n=48), Miller's Class III 5.7 % (n=10) and Miller's Class IV 2.9 % (n=5). The recommendations of this study is that every patient should be educated and instructed about the correct brushing technique, the correction of malaligned teeth, the discontinuation of inju-rious oral habits especially snuff dipping, frequent use of mouthwashes and interdental cleaning aids e.g. dental floss etc. as all of these aids will lead to prevention of plaque accumulation and thus the prevention of periodontal disease which causes gingival recession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present report is a significant effort to explore detail description of N. Sativa, its pharmacognostic characteristics, morphological characteristics, and mechanism of actions, doses and medicinal uses. Nigella sativa (N. Sativa) is greatest form of healing medicine. It is also known as Prophetic Medicine as its use has been mentioned in Prophetic Hadit, as natural remedy for all the diseases except death. It is recommended on daily basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine). Hazrat Abu Hurairah States ''I have heard from Rasool Allah (PBUH) that there is cure for every disease in black seeds except death and black seeds are shooneeze''. Salim Bin Abdullah narrates with reference to his father Hazrat Abdullah Bin Omar that Rasool Allah (PBUH) said, 'Let all the black seed upon you, these contain cure of all diseases except death'. N. sativa claimed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, gastro-protective and other useful properties. Biological and pharmacological effects are attributed to its two important constituents Thymoquinone (TQ) and Nigella sativa oil (NSO). TQ has interaction with human serum albumin. Seeds containing volatile oils mainly Melanthin showed toxicity at larger doses. This report is a reference for all pharmaceutical researchers, physicians and biologists researching on N. sativa and will open a door towards novel agent.

The present time is considered as an era of advancements in drug delivery systems. Different novel approaches are under investigation that range from uniparticulate to multi particulate system, macro to micro and nano particulate systems. Pelletization is one of the novel drug delivery technique that provides an effective way to deliver the drug in modified pattern. It is advantageous in providing site specific delivery of the drug. Drugs with unpleasant taste, poor bioavailability and short biological half-life can be delivered efficiently through pellets. Their reduced size makes them more valuable as compared to the conventional drug deliv- ery system. Different techniques are used to fabricate the pellets such as extrusion and spheronization, hot melt extrusion, powder layering, suspension or solution layering, freeze pelletization and pelletization by direct compression method. Various natural polymers including xanthan gum, guar gum, tragacanth and gum acacia, semisynthetic polymers like cellulose derivatives, synthetic polymers like derivatives of acrylamides, can be used in pellets formulation. Information provided in this review is collected from various national and intemational research articles, review articles and literature available in the books. The purpose of the current review is to discuss pellets, their characterizations, different techniques of pelletization and the polymers with potential of being suitable for pellets formulation.