A Novel Approach in Pigment Printing Using Nano-keratin Based Binder

This study is devoted to preparation and characterization of nano-keratin based binder (NKBB) from cheap renewable natural resources, namely coarse Egyptian wool or feather. The prepared NKBB is utilized as a biodegradable, environment-friendly and relatively cheap binder in textile pigment printing of polyester, pure polyacrylic, viscose, polyester/viscose, and polyester/acrylic fabrics. Different concentrations of the prepared NKBB as well as its mixture with commercially produced one are used in the pigment printing paste. The colour strength of the printed fabrics as well as their fastness properties to light, washing, and perspiration are evaluated. The effect of the used binder on the bending stiffness of the printed fabrics is also assessed. Results show that the NKBB gives almost the same colour strength and fastness properties as the commercial binder with improved stiffness of the printed samples in relation to that printed with commercial one

Bilosomes as a promising nanoplatform for oral delivery of an alkaloid nutraceutical:improved pharmacokinetic profile and snowballed hypoglycemic effect in diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening metabolic disease. At the moment, there is no effective treatment available to combat it. In this study, we aimed to develop berberine-loaded bilosomes (BER-BLS) to boost the oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of berberine, a natural antidiabetic medication. The BER-BLS was fabricated using a thin-film hydration strategy and optimized using a central composite design (face-centered). The average vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, and surface charge of the optimized BER-BLS preparation were 196.5 nm, 89.7%, (−) 36.4 mV, respectively. In addition, it exhibited higher stability and better-sustained release of berberine than the berberine solution (BER-SOL). BER-BLS and BER-SOL were administered to streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. The optimized BER-BLS formulation had a significant hypoglycemic impact, with a maximum blood glucose decrease of 41%, whereas BER-SOL only reduced blood glucose by 19%. Furthermore, the pharmacological effect of oral BER-BLS and BER-SOL corresponded to 99.3% and 31.7%, respectively, when compared to subcutaneous insulin (1 IU). A pharmacokinetic analysis found a 6.4-fold rise in the relative bioavailability of berberine in BER-BLS when compared to BER-SOL at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight. Histopathological investigation revealed that BER-BLS is suitable for oral administration. Our data demonstrate that BLS is a potential nanocarrier for berberine administration, enhancing its oral bioavailability and antidiabetic activity

Vardenafil Oral Dispersible Films (ODFs) with advanced dissolution, palatability, and bioavailability

Oral, quick response, and on demand, also known as a spontaneous oral treatment for erectile dysfunction, is highly needed by both patients and physicians. Vardenafil is selective (fewer side effects) and more effective in difficult-to-treat conditions than sildenafil. This study aims at fostering the dual objectives of using biomolecules such as artificial sweetening agents to solubilize and mask the bitterness of vardenafil loaded on biodegradable polymeric materials (PVA, MC, SA, and PVP K30) to fabricate oral, fast-dissolving films (vardenafil ODFs) in the mouth without the need for water to ingest the dosage form. Furthermore, coprecipitated-dispersed mixtures of vardenafil and three sweeteners (sorbitol, acesulfame K, and sucralose) were prepared and characterized using FTIR, DSC, and solubility studies. Moreover, eight different vardenafil ODFs were prepared using the solvent-casting method. Modified gustatory sensation test, in vitro disintegration, and release studies were performed. In addition, the optimized ODF (F8) was compared with the commercial film-coated tablets pharmacokinetically (relative bioavailability, onset, and duration of actions were estimated). The results indicated that the three sweetening agents had comparable solubilizing capacity. However, both sucralose- and acesulfame K-based ODFs have a more enhanced sweet and palatable taste than sorbitol-sweetened ODF. The SA- and PVP K30-based ODFs showed significantly faster disintegration times and release rates than MC. In conclusion, PVA has good film-forming properties, but a higher ratio of PVA adversely affected the disintegration and release characteristics. The % relative bioavailability for ODF was 126.5%, with a superior absorption rate constant (Ka) of 1.2-fold. The C(max) and estimated T(max) were compared to conventional film-coated tablets

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Clinical profile of cyanotic congenital heart disease in neonatal intensive care unit at Sohag University Hospital, Upper Egypt

Background: Cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) accounts for 25% of congenital heart defects and has a high morbidity and mortality in neonates. Objective: The aim of this work was to study clinical profile and available therapeutic modalities used in the management of CCHD. Subjects and methods: This was a prospective study carried out for a period of one year, starting from January 2011, and included 50 neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Sohag University Hospital, Sohag, Upper Egypt. All included patients were subjected to thorough clinical history, full clinical examination, initial and frequent measurement of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry, blood gas analysis, and echocardiography. Also, therapeutic modalities used in management of CCHD were noted. Results: 50 neonates were diagnosed as having CCHD, out of them 39 (78%) were males with male to female ratio 3.55:1. The mean age of presentation was 11.78 ± 9.4 days. CCHD frequency was found to be 9.5% (50/524) in our NICU population. The most common type of CCHD was d-transposition of great arteries (D-TGA) (66%) followed by complex CCHD (12%) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) (12%), whereas the less common type was hypoplastic right ventricle (2%). All cases presented with central cyanosis and needed medical treatment whereas balloon atrial septostomy was performed in 26% of cases. Seventy-four percent of cases were improved and referred to higher centers while 26% were expired during hospital stay. Conclusion: CCHD is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. CCHD frequency was significant (9.5%) in our study population with D-TGA being the commonest type. Majority of neonates with CCHD showed survival with suitable management. Early diagnosis and referral to pediatric cardiac center for proper management will improve the outcome. Neonatologists and pediatric cardiologists should be familiar with diagnosis and management of CCHD

A novel approach in pigment printing using nano-keratin based binder

83-91This study is devoted to preparation and characterization of nano-keratin based binder (NKBB) from cheap renewable natural resources, namely coarse Egyptian wool or feather. The prepared NKBB is utilized as a biodegradable, environment-friendly and relatively cheap binder in textile pigment printing of polyester, pure polyacrylic, viscose, polyester/viscose, and polyester/acrylic fabrics. Different concentrations of the prepared NKBB as well as its mixture with commercially produced one are used in the pigment printing paste. The colour strength of the printed fabrics as well as their fastness properties to light, washing, and perspiration are evaluated. The effect of the used binder on the bending stiffness of the printed fabrics is also assessed. Results show that the NKBB gives almost the same colour strength and fastness properties as the commercial binder with improved stiffness of the printed samples in relation to that printed with commercial one