Miconazole Nitrate based cubosome hydrogels for topical application

Cubosomes are discrete, sub-micron, nano-structured particles of bicontinuous cubic liquid crystalline phase. Cubosomes consist of honeycombed (cavernous) structures separating two internal aqueous channels and a large interfacial area. They are the biocompatible novel approach for the drug delivery system. The controlled release application of these nanoparticles is of a great significance in cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical fields. The present study is concerned with the design and evaluation of a novel nano-particulate system; cubosomes, loaded with miconazole nitrate (MN); which is used as antifungal agent. Cubosome dispersions were formulated by emulsification technique using different concentrations of a lipid phase monoolein and the nonionic surfactant, Poloxamer 407. The prepared cubosomal dispersions were characterized regarding dimensional distribution, particle size, and in vitro drug release. The optimum formulae were incorporated in a CMC or HPMC based hydrogels, to form cubosomal hydrogels (cubogels). The cubogels were characterized regarding in vitro release of (MN), viscosity and pH. A comparison between the cubogels and a commercially available product, Miconaz® cream, was carried out to judge their efficacy. The drug release from the commercial preparation was lower than all the prepared nano-emulsion based gel formulations. G1 and G8 showed highest drug release percent (100%) after 8 hours, in contrast the marketed formulation released (44.8%) of the drug after 8 hrs. The in vitro Miconazole nitrate release data were fitted to Korsmeyerpeppa's release model. The formulation exhibited non-fickian transport with zero order kinetics. Formulae G1, G8 and G10, that showed both small droplet size and highest extent of drug release, were microbiologically evaluated against Candida albicans (C. albicans) using agar cup diffusion method. The selected formulae showed superior antimycotic activity compared to the commercially available formulation

Miconazole Nitrate based cubosome hydrogels for topical application

Cubosomes are discrete, sub-micron, nano-structured particles of bicontinuous cubic liquid crystalline phase. Cubosomes consist of honeycombed (cavernous) structures separating two internal aqueous channels and a large interfacial area. They are the biocompatible novel approach for the drug delivery system. The controlled release application of these nanoparticles is of a great significance in cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical fields. The present study is concerned with the design and evaluation of a novel nano-particulate system; cubosomes, loaded with miconazole nitrate (MN); which is used as antifungal agent. Cubosome dispersions were formulated by emulsification technique using different concentrations of a lipid phase monoolein and the nonionic surfactant, Poloxamer 407. The prepared cubosomal dispersions were characterized regarding dimensional distribution, particle size, and in vitro drug release. The optimum formulae were incorporated in a CMC or HPMC based hydrogels, to form cubosomal hydrogels (cubogels). The cubogels were characterized regarding in vitro release of (MN), viscosity and pH. A comparison between the cubogels and a commercially available product, Miconaz® cream, was carried out to judge their efficacy. The drug release from the commercial preparation was lower than all the prepared nano-emulsion based gel formulations. G1 and G8 showed highest drug release percent (100%) after 8 hours, in contrast the marketed formulation released (44.8%) of the drug after 8 hrs. The in vitro Miconazole nitrate release data were fitted to Korsmeyerpeppa's release model. The formulation exhibited non-fickian transport with zero order kinetics. Formulae G1, G8 and G10, that showed both small droplet size and highest extent of drug release, were microbiologically evaluated against Candida albicans (C. albicans) using agar cup diffusion method. The selected formulae showed superior antimycotic activity compared to the commercially available formulation

Heterogeneous wireless networks for smart grid distribution systems: Advantages and limitations

Supporting a conventional power grid with advanced communication capabilities is a cornerstone to transferring it to a smart grid. A reliable communication infrastructure with a high throughput can lay the foundation towards the ultimate objective of a fully automated power grid with self-healing capabilities. In order to realize this objective, the communication infrastructure of a power distribution network needs to be extended to cover all substations including medium/low voltage ones. This shall enable information exchange among substations for a variety of system automation purposes with a low latency that suits time critical applications. This paper proposes the integration of two heterogeneous wireless technologies (such as WiFi and cellular 3G/4G) to provide reliable and fast communication among primary and secondary distribution substations. This integration allows the transmission of different data packets (not packet replicas) over two radio interfaces, making these interfaces act like a one data pipe. Thus, the paper investigates the applicability and effectiveness of employing heterogeneous wireless networks (HWNs) in achieving the desired reliability and timeliness requirements of future smart grids. We study the performance of HWNs in a realistic scenario under different data transfer loads and packet loss ratios. Our findings reveal that HWNs can be a viable data transfer option for smart grids. 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Acknowledgments: This work was made possible by the United Arab Emirates University UPAR Grant No. 31N226.Scopu

LORNOXICAM-LOADED NANOSPONGES FOR CONTROLLED ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT: IN VITRO/IN VIVO ASSESSMENT

Objective: To design a controlled topical delivery system of lornoxicam (LX) in order to enhance skin permeation and treatment efficacy. Nanosponges were selected as a novel carrier for this purpose. Methods: Nanosponges were formulated via the emulsion solvent evaporation method using ethyl cellulose (polymer) and polyvinyl alcohol (surfactant). Nanosponge dispersions were characterized for colloidal properties, entrapment efficiency and in vitro release study. The nanosponge formulation (LS1) was then incorporated into carboxymethyl cellulose sodium hydrogels and evaluated for pH, viscosity and in vitro drug release. Skin irritation was evaluated, and anti-inflammatory activity was assessed via rat hind paw edema method. Results: Nanosponges were in the nano-sized range and attained a uniform round shape with a spongy structure. LS1exhibited the highest LX release after 6 h, so it was incorporated as hydrogel. Formulated hydrogels showed acceptable physicochemical parameters (pH, drug content and rheological properties). Skin irritation testing proved LX-loaded nanosponge hydrogel formulation (G1) to be non-irritant. In vivo study revealed an enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of G1 for 6 h (p<0.001). Conclusion: The developed nanosponge hydrogel is an efficient nanocarrier for improved and controlled topical delivery of LX

Mapping curie point depth of the west African Craton from satellite magnetic data and its implication for diamond exploration

The main objective of this work is to map the Curie depth of the West African Craton (WAC) using satellite magnetic data with the aim to provide first order evaluation, within this vast territory, for the spatial association between Curie-depth surface and known kimberlite locations. Taking into account Clifford's rule, the first and foremost exploration guideline for diamond exploration is the existence of a sufficiently thick lithosphere that expected to have a low surface heat flow. The Curie depth is closely related to the surface heat-flow conditions and lithosphere thickness. In actual fact, the only few regions that have sufficient density of surface heat flow measurements corroborate the association of these conditions with the diamond resources. To better explore in an efficient way the spatial relationship between the Curie depth and known diamondiferous primary sources within the WAC, we used GIS-based weights of evidence method to provide a quantitative analysi

ZOLMITRIPTAN BRAIN TARGETING VIA INTRANASAL ROUTE USING SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES FOR MIGRAINE THERAPY: FORMULATION, CHARACTERIZATION, IN-VITRO AND IN-VIVO ASSESSMENT

Objective: Zolmitriptan, a class of antidepressant drugs with poor bioavailability due to its first-pass metabolism. The aim of this study was to improve systemic bioavailability and explore the brain targeting impact of nasal Zolmitriptan (Zol) solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) gel for migraine treatment.  Methods: Stearic acid and cholesterol used as solid lipid and lecithin as a surfactant, emulsion solvent evaporation technique was used to produce Zolmitriptan SLNs. (Zol) SLNs were characterized for particle size, percent entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release. Formula S6 showed greater percent entrapment efficiency (PEE), adequate particle size and sustained drug release behavior. Formula S6 was integrated into HPMC gel (3%) to prepare nasal gel. Zol SLN nasal gel was subjected to histopathological study to ensure brain targeting.  Results: It was observed that all prepared Zol SLNs were in the nano-sized range with a polydispersity index of<0.5. In the cholesterol/lecithin combination, higher PEE%, better stability, and less agglomeration inclination were discovered. Results of the release profiles showed that developed Zol-SLNs were able to release Zolmitriptan in a sustained manner. Histopathological study of the brain tissues showed that Zolmitriptan SLN nasal gel can reach brain cells and localized for 24 h although the hydrophobicity of the target drug. Conclusion: Intranasal administration of Solid lipid nanostructure of Zolmitriptan through the olfactory pathway in which it travels from the nasal cavity to brain tissue achieved drug targeting potential of about 90% compared with conventional Zolmitriptan tablets. The small particle size helped them to squeeze themselves through the small opening in the olfactory neurons to the brain via different endo-cystic pathways of neuronal cells in nasal tissue membranes

Comparison of cognitive function, socioeconomic level, and the health-related quality of life between epileptic patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and without

Background Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with epilepsy proves to be very common. Both epilepsy and ADHD impair quality of life. We aimed to evaluate cognitive function, socioeconomic level, and quality of life (QOL) among children with ADHD and epilepsy. A total of 100 children were divided into 5 groups (20 children/group) as (I) epilepsy, (II) ADHD with epilepsy, (III) ADHD with EEG changes, (IV) ADHD without EEG changes, and (V) control. Children aged between 6 and 11 years were recruited for this study. Early Childhood Epilepsy Severity Scale (E-Chess), Conners’ Parent Rating Scale (CPRS), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-3rd edition (WISC-III), socioeconomic scale for assessment of social burden and socioeconomic classes, and PedsQL (quality of life measure) assessed. Results Children with ADHD and epilepsy had the lowest PedsQL total scores and lower scores than other groups especially in performance IQ score. The highest percentage of low socioeconomic class (25%) was observed in the group of ADHD with epilepsy and the group of epilepsy. Conclusion ADHD with epilepsy is associated with low performance IQ, poor socioeconomic level, and quality of life. Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory scores show significant correlation with total IQ score in the group of ADHD with epilepsy

A framework for the evaluation of air pollution caused by motor vehicles.

This research investigated the problem of air pollution caused by vehicles in the city of Tripoli, Libya. This also included the identification of the socioeconomic and institutional factors which have contributed to the increased severity of the air pollution problem. The issues addressed included legal, institutional and technical aspects. A descriptive method was applied in which a case study approach was adopted. Primary data were collected through personal interviews with responsible people in relevant institutions, including EGA, GTL and ATD, complemented by questionnaires and direct observations. The data collected from the interviews and questionnaires were analysed using Excel and SPSS software.Owing to the lack of data on vehicular emissions in the study area, an inventory of the annual vehicular emissions in the city was made through the application of COPERT.4 software which is widely used for calculating vehicular emissions. This inventory covered the period from 2005 to 2010. Laboratory Mobile was also used to measure the concentration of vehicular emissions in the city centre of Tripoli, and compared with the vehicular concentrations in Sheffield, UK, for the same period.A framework was developed and validated to evaluate the air pollution caused by vehicles in Tripoli. The findings from the research showed that there has been a dramatic increase in the quantity of vehicle emissions in the city, highlighting the extent of the problem. Some influencing factors which have made a significant contribution to the occurrence and increased severity of traffic air pollution in Tripoli include: the increase in the vehicle fleet, the quality and quantity of the fuel consumed, insufficient public transportation, a shortage of public awareness, and deficiencies in the relevant legislation. Obstacles facing the responsible institutions include a lack of capable and qualified staff, and a shortage of necessary equipment for monitoring and addressing traffic problems and pollution.It is concluded that Tripoli has been subjected to air pollution caused by vehicles, which needs to be addressed through the incorporation of a comprehensive strategy and implementation of the developed framework. Additionally, economic, legal, institutional and technical recommendations are presented for the management of air pollution caused by vehicles in the city of Tripoli, Libya