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Kalaimathi Murugesan,1 Padmapriya Srinivasan,1,* Raghunandan Mahadeva,1,* Chhitar M Gupta,1 Wahajul Haq2 1Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bangalore, India; 2Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, Lucknow, India*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Kalaimathi MurugesanInstitute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Biotech Park, Electronic City Phase I, Bangalore 560100, IndiaTel +919585986415Email mathi.biotech@gmail.comBackground: Targeted multidrug-loaded delivery systems have emerged as an advanced strategy for cancer treatment. In this context, antibodies, hormones, and small peptides have been coupled to the surface of drug carriers, such as liposomes, polymeric and metallic nanoparticles loaded with drugs, as tumor-specific ligands. In the present study, we have grafted a natural macrophage stimulating peptide, tuftsin, on the surface of the liposomes (LPs) that were loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and/or curcumin (CUR), by attaching to its C-terminus a palmitoyl residue (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-CO-NH-(CH2)2-NH-COC15H31, P.Tuft) to enable its grafting within the liposome’s bilayer.Methods: The prepared drug-loaded liposomes (DOX LPs, CUR LPs, DOX-CUR LPs, P.Tuft-LPs, P.Tuft-DOX LPs, P.Tuft-CUR LPs, P.Tuft-DOX-CUR LPs) were thoroughly characterised in terms of particle size, drug content, encapsulation efficiency and structural properties using UV–visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The anti-cancer activity and drug toxicity of the liposomal formulations were examined on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor-induced mice model.Results: A significant reduction in the tumor weight and volume was observed upon treating the tumor-bearing mice with palmitoyl tuftsin-grafted dual drug-loaded liposomes (P.Tuft-DOX-CUR LPs), as compared to the single drug/peptide-loaded formulation (DOX LPs, CUR LPs, DOX-CUR LPs, P.Tuft- LPs, P.Tuft-DOX LPs, P.Tuft-CUR LPs). Western blot analysis revealed that the tumor inhibition was associated with p53-mediated apoptotic pathway. Further, the biochemical and histological analysis revealed that the various liposomal preparation used in this study were non-toxic to the animals at the specified dose (10mg/kg).Conclusion: In conclusion, we have developed a targeted liposomal formulation of P.Tuftsin-bearing liposomes co-encapsulated with effective anti-cancer drugs such as doxorubicin and curcumin. In experimental animals, tumor inhibition by P.Tuft-DOX-CUR LPs indicates the synergistic therapeutic effect of the peptide and the dual drug.Keywords: palmitoyl-tuftsin, antitumor, doxorubicin, curcumin

Mariya Gosheva,1 Christian Klameth,1 Lars Norrenberg,2 Lucien Clin,3 Johannes Dietter,4 Wadood Haq,4 Iliya V Ivanov,4–6 Focke Ziemssen,1 Martin A Leitritz7 1University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum am Steinenberg, District Hospital Reutlingen, Reutlingen, 3School of Informatics, Reutlingen University, 4Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, 5Vision Rehabilitation Research Unit, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital, Eberhard Karls, 6ZEISS Vision Science Lab, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, 7Section for Experimental Ophthalmic Surgery and Refractive Surgery, University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany Purpose: Nowadays, complex digital imaging systems allow detailed retinal imaging without dilating patients’ pupils. These so-called non-mydriatic cameras have advantages in common circumstances (eg, for screening or emergency purposes) but present limitations in terms of image quality and field of view. We compare the usefulness of two non-mydriatic camera systems (ie, a handheld versus a stand-alone device) for fundus imaging. The primary outcome was image quality. The secondary outcomes were learning effects and quality grade-influencing factors.Methods: The imaging procedures followed standard protocol and were all performed by the same investigator. Camera 1 (DRS®) was a stand-alone system, while Camera 2 (Smartscope® PRO) was a mobile system. In order to evaluate possible learning effects, we selected an examiner with no prior training in the use of these systems. The images were graded separately by two experienced and “blinded” ophthalmologists following a defined protocol.Results: In total, 211 people were enrolled. Quality grade comparisons showed significantly better grades for Camera 1. Both systems achieved better quality grades for macular images than for disc-centered images. No remarkable learning effects could be demonstrated.Conclusions: Both camera systems are useful for fundus imaging. The greater mobility of Camera 2 was associated with lower image quality. For screening scenarios or telemedicine, it must be determined whether image quality or mobility is more important. Keywords: imaging, non-mydriatic, handheld camera, learning curve

The article reports simple, rapid, and novel enantioselective reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) for separation of (−)‐(3R, 4R)‐ormeloxifene hydrochloride (d‐ORM) and (+)‐(3S, 4S)‐ormeloxifene hydrochloride (l‐ORM) (ORM, centchroman) using chiral stationary phase (Chiral‐AGP, Chiracel OJ‐RH, and ChiraDEX HR). The best enantiomeric separation was obtained on the ChiraDEX HR (α = 0.89, Rs = 1.9) column with a gradient mode elution using a combination of ammonium acetate (10 mM, pH 4.0) and methanol as a mobile phase. The flow rate and column oven temperature were 0.7 mL/min and 30°C, respectively. The detection limits (λmax 280 nm) for d‐ORM and l‐ORM were 0.170 and 0.169 µg/mL, whereas quantification limits were 0.516 and 0.512 µg/mL. The method was validated according to the International Council on Harmonization (ICH) regulatory Guidelines Q2 (R1) in terms of its accuracy, precision, sensitivity, linearity, specificity, robustness, and solution stability. The designed analytical method could be extended as a quality control tool for pharmaceutical quality assessments as well as isomeric quantification of ORM in industrial bulk manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let A εC, Bε[-1,0];. Then P[A,B]denotes the class of analytic functions p in the open unit disk with p(0)=1 such that p(z)=1+Aw(z)/1+Aw(z) where w(0)=0and |w(z) < 1. In this article we find the regions of variability V(z0,λ)for ⨏Z00P(ρ)Dρwhen p ranges over the class Pλ[A,B]defined as Pλ[A,B]={Pε [A,B]:P1(0)=(A-B)λ}or any fixed Z0λ Eandλ εE¯. As a consequence, the regions of variability are also illustrated graphically for different sets of parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce new classes Σk,p,n(α, m, λ, l, ρ) and Tk,p,n(α, m, λ, l, ρ) of p-valent meromorphic functions defined by us- ing the extended multiplier transformation operator. We use a strong convolution technique and derive inclusion results. A radius problem and some other interesting properties of these classes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]