Formulation of sildenafil citrate loaded nasal microsphers: An in vitro, ex vivo characterization

The aim of the present study was to prepare gellan gum microspheres of Sildenafil citrate, for intranasal delivery to avoid the first pass metabolism. The microspheres were prepared using spray drying method. The microspheres were evaluated for characteristics like particle size, incorporation efficiency, swelling ability, zeta potential, in-vitro mucoadhesion, ex-vivo mucoadhesion, thermal analysis, XRD study and in-vitro drug release. Treatment of in-vitro data to different kinetic equations indicated diffusion controlled drug delivery from gellan gum microspheres. The results of DSC and XRD studies revealed the molecular amorphous dispersion of Sildenafil citrate into the gellan gum microspheres. Microspheres so prepared were discrete, bulky, free flowing and showed an average encapsulation efficiency ranging from 95-98%. The formulation exhibited a good mucoadhesive strength which was determined in in vitro conditions through falling film technique and was compared with ex vivo studies. The microspheres so prepared also exhibited a good swelling index which confirmed the strong mucoadhesive property of the formulation.Keywords: Gellan gum, Microsperes, Spray drying, Sildinafil citrate, Nasal delivery

Translational science in chronic tendinopathies

Chronic tendinopathies involve majority of patients in clinical practice of orthopaedic surgeons and sports physicians. Translational medicine confers an emerging medical advance efficiently towards the clinician directly from scientists which may be used as a targeted therapy. The main objective of translational research from “bench to bedside” is to test novel inventions in humans. Our purpose in this article to understand the translational medicine approach for chronic tendinopathies in clinical aspects. Translational research in chronic tendinopathies is required certainly due to plenty of reasons. Newer advances and targeted approach to these tendon disorders may curtail the further degenerative process. It aids in earlier diagnosis and prevention of morbidity, early occupancy of occupational activity, lack of economical as well as recreational failure. Pre-disease level activity is ultimate goal of any therapy. Tendon pathophysiology is constantly evolving researched topic in both biochemical as well as molecular aspect. The basic fundamental understanding of complex process of tendon healing and regeneration is necessary for formulating a newer guideline. The cornerstone of treatment of tendinopathies is still non-operative management. Physical therapy, better pain control, NSAIDS are still primary choice for these conditions. Various biological therapy whenever used one should combined them with other appropriate options to obtain an optimum outcome

Formulation of sildenafil citrate loaded nasal microsphers: An in vitro, ex vivo characterization

The aim of the present study was to prepare gellan gum microspheres of Sildenafil citrate, for intranasal delivery to avoid the first pass metabolism. The microspheres were prepared using spray drying method. The microspheres were evaluated for characteristics like particle size, incorporation efficiency, swelling ability, zeta potential, in-vitro mucoadhesion, ex-vivo mucoadhesion, thermal analysis, XRD study and in-vitro drug release. Treatment of in-vitro data to different kinetic equations indicated diffusion controlled drug delivery from gellan gum microspheres. The results of DSC and XRD studies revealed the molecular amorphous dispersion of Sildenafil citrate into the gellan gum microspheres. Microspheres so prepared were discrete, bulky, free flowing and showed an average encapsulation efficiency ranging from 95-98%. The formulation exhibited a good mucoadhesive strength which was determined in in vitro conditions through falling film technique and was compared with ex vivo studies. The microspheres so prepared also exhibited a good swelling index which confirmed the strong mucoadhesive property of the formulation.Keywords: Gellan gum, Microsperes, Spray drying, Sildinafil citrate, Nasal delivery

Machine learning assisted metamaterial‑based reconfigurable antenna for low‑cost portable electronic devices

Antenna design has evolved from bulkier to small portable designs but there is a need for smarter antenna design using machine learning algorithms that can meet today’s high growing demand for smart and fast devices. Here in this research, main focus is on developing smart antenna design using machine learning applicable in 5G mobile applications and portable Wi-Fi, Wi-MAX, and WLAN applications. Our design is based on the metamaterial concept where the patch is truncated and etched with a split ring resonator (SRR). The high gain requirement is met by adding metamaterial superstrates having thin wires (TW) and SRRs. The reconfigurability is achieved by adding three PIN diode switches. Multiple designs have been observed by adding superstrate layers ranging from one layer to four layers with interchanging TWs and SRRs. The TW metamaterial superstrate design with two layers is giving the best performance in gain, bandwidth, and the number of bands. The design is optimized by changing the path’s physical parameters. To shrink simulation time, Extra Tree Regression based machine learning model is used to learn the behavior of the antenna and predict the reflectance value for a wide range of frequencies. Experimental results prove that the use of the Extra Tree Regression based model for simulation of antenna design can cut the simulation time, resource requirements by 80%

Cultural Health Moments: A Search Analysis During Times of Heightened Awareness to Identify Potential Interception Points with Digital Health Consumers

Year after year whenever someone who is considered “high profile” discovers that they have some sort of sickness or if they pass away due to a sickness, there seems to be a heightened interest in that person. At the same time however, there is a heightened awareness of the type of sickness that the person had. Finding the moments in which there is a heightened sense of awareness towards a specific topic can be something of high value to various agencies and organizations. The objective of this study was to explore the moments in which people start to do some initial search queries when there is a high-profile health moment. Once it is understood when this moment occurs, further research can be done to understand where the search behavior shifts to searches of awareness, signs, symptoms, and introspection over time

Ultra-broadband and polarization-insensitive metasurface absorber with behavior prediction using machine learning

The solar spectrum energy absorption is very important for designing any solar absorber. The need for absorbing visible, infrared, and ultraviolet regions is increasing as most of the absorbers absorb visible regions. We propose a metasurface solar absorber based on Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) substrate which increases the absorption in visible, infrared and ultraviolet regions. GST is a phase-changing material having two different phases amorphous (aGST) and crystalline (cGST). The absorber is also analyzed using machine learning algorithm to predict the absorption values for different wavelengths. The solar absorber is showing an ultra-broadband response covering a 0.2–1.5 µm wavelength. The absorption analysis for ultra-violet, visible, and near-infrared regions for aGST and cGST is presented. The absorption of aGST design is better compared to cGST design. Furthermore, the design is showing polarization insensitiveness. Experiments are performed to check the K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN)-Regressor model’s prediction efficiency for predicting missing/intermediate wavelengths values of absorption. Different values of K and test scenarios; C-30, C-50 are used to evaluate regressor models using adjusted R2 Score as an evaluation metric. It is detected from the experimental results that, high prediction proficiency (more than 0.9 adjusted R2score) can be accomplished using a lower value of K in KNN-Regressor model. The design results are optimized for geometrical parameters like substrate thickness, metasurface thickness, and ground plane thickness. The proposed metasurface solar absorber is absorbing ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions which will be used in solar thermal energy applications

Priprava i karakterizacija čvrstih disperzija etorikoksiba s polietilenglikolom 4000 i polivinilpirolidonom K30

The objective of the present investigation was to study the influence of polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP) on in vitro dissolution of etoricoxib from solid dispersions. The preliminary studies were carried out using physical mixture of drug and carriers. The solid dispersions were prepared using the solvent evaporation method. A 32 factorial design was adopted in the solvent evaporation method using the concentration of PEG and PVP as independent variables. Full and reduced models were evolved for dependant variables, such as the percentage of drug release in 10 min (Q10), percentage of drug release in 30 min (Q30), percentage of drug release in 45 min (Q45) and percent dissolution efficiency (DE). The reduced models were validated using two check points. Q10 > 65%, Q30 > 75%, Q45 > 85% and DE > 80% were used as constraints for the selection of an optimized batch. Contour plots are presented for the selected dependant variables. PEG was found to be more effective in increasing the drug dissolution compared to PVP. Wettability study was carried out for pure drug and optimized batch. FT-IR spectroscopy, microscopic study, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction study were carried out in order to characterize drug in the solid dispersions. Improved dissolution was attributed to decreased crystallinity of the drug, improved wetting and solubilizing effects of carriers such as PEG and PVP from the solid dispersion of etoricoxib. In conclusion, dissolution of etoricoxib can be modulated using appropriate levels of hydrophilic carriers.U radu je proučavan utjecaj polietilenglikola 4000 (PEG) i polivinilpirolidona K30 (PVP) na in vitro oslobađanje etorikoksiba iz čvrstih disperzija. Preliminarni pokusi provedeni su sa smjesom ljekovite tvari i polimernih nosača. Čvrste disperzije pripravljene su metodom uparavanja otapala. Za ovu metodu razvijen je 32 faktorijalni dizajn koristeći koncentraciju PEG i PVP kao nezavisne varijable. Za zavisne varijable razvijeni su potpuni i reducirani modeli, kao što su postotak oslobođene ljekovite tvari u 10 (Q10), 30 (Q30) ili 45 minuta (Q45) i postotak učinkovitosti oslobađanja (DE). Reducirani modeli su validirani pomoću dviju kontrolnih točaka. Q10 > 65%, Q30 > 80%, Q45 > 85% i DE > 80% su upotrebljeni kao ograničenja za izbor optimirane serije. Prikazane su konturne linije za pojedine zavisne varijable. Oslobađanje lijeka bilo je učinkovitije iz pripravaka s PEG-om. Vlaženje je proučavano za čistu ljekovitu supstanciju i omptimiranu seriju. Za karakterizaciju ljekovite tvari u čvrstim disperzijama korištene su FT-IR spektroskopija, mikroskopske studije, diferencijalna pretražna kalorimetrija i difrakcija rentgenskim zrakama. Povećano oslobađanje posljedica je smanjene kristaliničnosti ljekovite tvari, pojačanog vlaženja i solubilizacijskog učinka polimernih nosača u disperzijama. Može se zaključiti da se oslobađanje etorikoksiba može modulirati promjenom količine hidrofilnih nosača

The online outpatient booking system 'Choose and Book' improves attendance rates at an audiology clinic: a comparative audit

Background The 'Choose and Book' system provides an online booking service which primary care professionals can book in real time or soon after a patient's consultation. It aims to offer patients choice and improve outpatient clinic attendance rates. Objective An audit comparing attendance rates of new patients booked into the Audiological Medicine Clinic using the 'Choose and Book' system with that of those whose bookings were made through the traditional booking system. Methods Data accrued between 1 April 2008 and 31 October 2008 were retrospectively analysed for new patient attendance at the department, and the age and sex of the patients, method of appointment booking used and attendance record were collected. Patients were grouped according to booking system used - 'Choose and Book' or the traditional system. The mean ages of the groups were compared by a t test. The standard error of the difference between proportions was used to compare the data fromthe two groups. A P value of - 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results 'Choose and Book' patients had a significantly better rate of attendance than traditional appointment patients, P 0.1 (95% CI _3.0, 16.2%). The 'Choose and Book' patients, however, were significantly older than the traditional appointment patients, P < 0.001 (95% CI 4.35, 12.95%). Conclusion This audit suggests that when primary care agents book outpatient clinic appointments online it improves outpatient attendance

Priprava kompleksa etorikoksiba s β-ciklodekstrinom metodom gnječenja i njihova karakterizacija

The binary system of etoricoxib with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was prepared by the kneading method. Drug-cyclodextrin interactions in solution were investigated by the phase solubility analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffractometry and microscopic study were used to characterize the solid state of all binary systems, whereas their dissolution properties were evaluated according to the USP XXIII paddle method. The results indicate partial interaction of the drug with β-CD in the physical mixture and complete interaction in the kneaded complex. The dissolution of etoricoxib was notably increased as compared to pure drug as well as its physical mixture. The complex showed more than 75% drug released in 30 min.Metodom gnječenja pripravljen je binarni sustav etorikoksiba s β-ciklodekstrinom (β-CD). Tijekom 30 minuta iz kompleksa se oslobodilo više od 75% ljekovite tvari, što je značajno više u odnosu na fizičku smjesu etorikoksiba i β-CD ili na čistu ljekovitu tvar. Interakcije lijeka i ciklodekstrina u otopini ispitivane su analizom fazne topljivosti. Za karakterizaciju čvrstog stanja svih binarnih sustava korišteni su diferencijalna pretražna kalorimetrija, infracrvena spektroskopija, difrakcija rentgenskih zraka na praškastom uzorku i mikroskopija. Oslobađanje je praćeno metodom lopatice prema USP XXIII. Rezultati ukazuju na djelomičnu interakciju ljekovite tvari s β-CD u fizičkoj smjesi i potpunu interakciju u kompleksu