Proliposomas: Una aproximación para el desarrollo de liposoma estables

Acknowledgements The authors are thankful to the Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University for providing all the necessary facilities related to the present work (Manuscript Communication Number: IU/R &D/2018MCN000307).Background: For several years, many attempts have been made for the improvement of liposomal stability. In 1986, Payne et al, introduced the concept of Pro-liposome for liposome preparation in order to avoid physicochemical instability encountered in some liposome suspensions such as aggregation, fusion, hydrolysis, and/or oxidation. Objective: The objective of this review is to focus on different aspects related to Proliposomes, their method of preparation, characterization techniques and pointing out its scope in drug delivery systems. Methods: Proliposomes are a new form of drug delivery systems. They are dry, free-flowing granular products composed of drug and phospholipid which, upon addition of water, disperse to form a multi-lamellar liposomal suspension. Results and Discussion: These Proliposomes are nearly as good as or perhaps better than conventional liposomes. In the present review attempt has been made to briefly explain the concept of Proliposomes with a focus on its components, preparation, characterizations and their field of application. Conclusion: Extensive survey of literatures and collected data suggests that Pro-liposomes are promising drug carriers for the future.Antecedentes: durante varios años, se han realizado muchos intentos para mejorar la estabilidad liposomal. En 1986, Payne et al, introdujeron el concepto de pro-liposoma para la preparación de liposoma con el fin de evitar la inestabilidad fisicoquímica encontrada en algunas suspensiones de liposoma tales como agregación, fusión, hidrólisis, y/o oxidación. Objetivo: el objetivo de esta revisión es centrarse en diferentes aspectos relacionados con los Proliposomas, su método de preparación, técnicas de caracterización, asi como señalar su alcance en los sistemas de administración de fármacos. Métodos: los Proliposomas son una nueva forma de sistemas de administración de fármacos. Son productos granulares secos y de flujo libre compuestos por fármacos y fosfolípidos que, al añaderse el agua, se dispersan para formar una suspensión liposomal multilamelar. Resultados y discusión: estos Proliposomas son casi tan buenos o quizás mejores que los liposomas convencionales. En la presente revisión se explica brevemente el concepto de Proliposomas con un enfoque en sus componentes, preparación, caracterizaciones y su campo de aplicación. Conclusión: una extensa encuesta de literaturas y datos recogidos sugiere que los pro-liposomas son portadores de fármacos prometedores para el futuro

MUCOADHESIVE MICROSPHERES FOR CONTROLLED DELIVERY OF DRUGS

ABSTRACTMicrospheres constitute an important part of the novel drug delivery system by virtue of their small size and efficient carrying capacity. Due to theirlong residence time, bioadhesive characteristics mucoadhesion can be coupled to microspheres to develop mucoadhesive microspheres. Bioadhesioncan be defined as the state in which two materials, at least one of which is biological in nature, are held together for a prolonged time period bymeans of interfacial forces. Microspheres are the carrier linked drug delivery system in which particle size is ranges from 1 to 1000 μm range indiameter having a core of drug and entirely outer layers of polymer as a coating material. Mucoadhesive microspheres have advantages like efficientabsorption and improved bioavailability of the drugs due to a high surface to volume ratio, a much more intimate contact with the mucus layer,controlled and sustained release of drug from dosage form and exact targeting of drugs to the absorption site. The present study aims to provide anoverview of various aspects of mucoadhesive microspheres, methodology of preparation of mucoadhesive microspheres, method of evaluation, andtheir applications in drug delivery.Keywords: Mucoadhesion, Mucoadhesive microsphere, Controlled release

A cross-sectional study on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy at peri-urban areas in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Vaccination is a potential public health solution for the prevention of infection. It reduces the severity of symptoms in case of COVID-19. Despite the availability of vaccines, some people are hesitant to be vaccinated. The objectives of the study were to measure the proportion of vaccine hesitancy among the peri-urban population and identify its determinants. An adult population of 303 from two peri-urban areas in the field practice area of Urban Health Training Centre, Rama Medical College were interviewed from 22nd February 2021 to 25th March 2021. Epicollect 5 was used for collecting data and STATA 16 was used for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to compute the adjusted odd ratio (95% confidence interval) to find out the determinants of vaccine hesitancy. Three Cs model guided tools of data collection and analyses. More than one fourth (28%) of the participants were vaccine-hesitant whereas 34.6% of participants had no confidence in the vaccine. Other reasons were complacency (40.6%) and convenience (35.9%). Vaccine hesitancy was significantly associated with gender [AOR = 2.40 (1.12-5.16)] and trust in government [AOR = 0.18 (0.08-0.45)] but no association with age group, political affiliation and source of information about the vaccine.  It is important to build the trust of people in vaccines, make it convenient and resolve the issues that are making them complacent. The health system needs to involve non-governmental organisations to reach out to those for whom there are issues of availability and approach

Antioxidant potential of crude extract, flavonoid-rich fractions, and a new compound from the seeds of Cordia dichotoma

The current study assessed the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract and different fractions of the seeds of Cordia dichotoma by 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate method. Phytochemical screening of C. dichotoma seed extract was done using thin-layer chromatography technique and phytochemical methods. The percentage yield of secondary metabolites like alkaloids and saponins was also determined. The methanolic extract was subjected to isolation by Column Chromatography. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of significant amounts of phenols and flavonoids in the extract. TLC analysis confirmed the presence of phytoconstituents with the application of derivatizing agents like aluminium chloride and anisaldehyde. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents obtained were 37.7 and 32.16% w/w, respectively. The crude seed extract of C. dichotoma showed inhibition at all concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum scavenging activity was exhibited by the methanolic extract with a low IC50 value. A new compound named Cordioside was also isolated from the same extract. The phytochemical screening of the seed extract showed the presence of rich amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which may be acting as the key factors responsible for the antioxidant activity. The results revealed that methanolic extract and the aqueous fraction of C. dichotoma seed possess a significant antioxidant activity

Antioxidant potential of crude extract, flavonoid-rich fractions, and a new compound from the seeds of Cordia dichotoma

437-44The current study assessed the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract and different fractions of the seeds of Cordia dichotoma by 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate method. Phytochemical screening of C. dichotoma seed extract was done using thin-layer chromatography technique and phytochemical methods. The percentage yield of secondary metabolites like alkaloids and saponins was also determined. The methanolic extract was subjected to isolation by Column Chromatography. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of significant amounts of phenols and flavonoids in the extract. TLC analysis confirmed the presence of phytoconstituents with the application of derivatizing agents like aluminium chloride and anisaldehyde. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents obtained were 37.7 and 32.16% w/w, respectively. The crude seed extract of C. dichotoma showed inhibition at all concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum scavenging activity was exhibited by the methanolic extract with a low IC50 value. A new compound named Cordioside was also isolated from the same extract. The phytochemical screening of the seed extract showed the presence of rich amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which may be acting as the key factors responsible for the antioxidant activity. The results revealed that methanolic extract and the aqueous fraction of C. dichotoma seed possess a significant antioxidant activity

COVID-19 vaccination: Is it a matter of concern?

Background: COVID-19 vaccination is still a matter of concern among the public since its inception. Primary care physicians being in prime position can share accurate and ample information about COVID-19 vaccination so we estimated proportion and determinants of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with Covishield vaccine, vaccination and reasons of non-vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2021. Data collection was done by using data capture tool Epicollect-5. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of AEFI and vaccine acceptance with various demographic variables. Results: Of 520 subjects, 408 got vaccinated, and of these 125 (30.6%) developed AEFI. Females without AEFI had lower median age than females having AEFI. Only religion (aOR = 5.311; 95%CI: 1.216–23.1) was significantly associated with AEFI. Education (aOR = 0.399; 95%CI: 0.199–0.799), marital status (aOR = 0.459; 95%CI: 0.245–0.858), and religion (aOR = 3.874; 95%CI: 1.96–7.648) were significantly associated with vaccination. Most common local AEFIs were inflammation (46; 36.8%) followed by lump (10; 8%) at the site of injection. Most common systemic AEFI were fever (87; 69.6%), feeling unwell (65; 52%), generalized weakness/fatigue (30; 20%), tiredness (26; 20.8%), flu-like symptoms (12; 9.6%), dizziness (10; 8%), headache (8; 6.4%) and gastrointestinal events (7; 5.6%). Conclusion: Most of the AEFI were mild and transient, resolved without any medical management. This study warrants active reporting of AEFI, public release of safety, and efficacy data. Primary care physicians can play a pivotal role by targeted awareness campaigns and trust-building activities to alleviate fear and anxiety related to vaccine

Exploring the potential of nanocarriers in antipsoriatic therapeutics

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease characterized by erythematous, scaly patches on the skin. It can be effectively managed with topical therapies since they deliver drugs to target sites of disease efficiently and can minimize systemic side-effects while ensuring high patient compliance. However, conventional topical formulations are ineffective in treating psoriasis due to their poor percutaneous penetration and inability to reach deeper layers of the skin. Thus, it is important to explore new approaches for managing psoriasis safely and effectively while also maintaining patient compliance without compromising safety. Over the last few decades, a variety of nanocarriers have been extensively investigated as a new approach to delivering drugs to the skin that are effective against psoriasis. These nanocarriers are notable for their therapeutic effectiveness, increased localization of medication in the skin, and reduced side-effects. The purpose of this review is to explore the recent advances in polymer-based, lipid-based, metallic, and microneedle-based novel nanoformulations of antipsoriatic drugs. There have been detailed discussions about several nanocarrier systems including nanoemulsions, liposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, micelles, gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, and microneedles. In a nutshell, nanoformulations are considered a promising avenue for psoriasis treatment since they offer better penetration, targeted delivery, and enhanced safety and efficacy

Gut microbiota disparities between active Crohn's disease and healthy controls: A global systematic review

Purpose: Crohn's disease (CD) is challenging to manage. It has been suggested that modifying the gut microbiota could be a treatment strategy. We performed this systematic review to compare the gut microbiota between active CD and healthy controls. Results: The family Enterobacteriaceae and genus Bacteroides were increased in active CD compared to controls in 13 and 8 studies, respectively. The family Oscillospiraceae and genus Faecalibacterium decreased in active CD vs controls in 12 and 10 studies, respectively. Conclusion: Specific bacteria were associated with the microbiomes of active CD patients versus controls, offering insights into potential microbial targets for CD treatments

Morbidity profile and outcome of new-born admitted in sick newborn care units of Uttar Pradesh, India

Introduction and aim. Reduction in child morbidity and mortality is result of upgradation of infrastructure and quality of public health care services. India alone accounts for 30% of the global neonatal deaths occur in India that occurs due to preventable cause. So, the aim of this study was to assess the pattern and status of neonatal mortality observed in SNCUs of Uttar Pradesh, India. Material and methods. Descriptive study was conducted based on secondary data obtained from sick new born care units (SNCU) online database from 89 Government-supported SNCUs of Uttar Pradesh, from April 2014 to March 2016. Data obtained included age, weight, sex, diagnosis, and outcome. Results. 22933 neonates admitted in SNCU were included in study with 14269 (62.2%) were males and 8664 (37.8%) females. Majority of the subject (20070; 87%) were in 0-5 days old age group. Most (72.5%) of admitted new-born improved and discharged. Low birth weight was significantly (χ2 = 1334.2, p<0.001) related with outcome. Birth asphyxia contributed to maximum (36.11%) numberof deaths, followed by respiratory distress syndrome (25.21%), sepsis (15.38%), prematurity and extremely low birth weight (5.8%). Conclusion. Improved antenatal care, improved access to health facility, timely referral of high-risk cases, capacity building, intensive interventional management can reduce neonatal mortality and its complications. Study also warrants, in-depth community-based qualitative study to identify gender-specific, equity issues

Estimating net primary productivity in tropical forest plantations in India using satellite-driven ecosystem model

<p>Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is a significant biophysical vegetation variable to understand the spatio-temporal distribution of carbon and source-sink nature of the ecosystem. This study was carried out in a forest plantation area and aimed to (i) estimate the spatio-temporal patterns of NPP during 2009 and 2010 using Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach [CASA] model and (ii) study the effects of climate variables on the NPP using generalized linear modelling (GLM) approach. The total annual NPP varied from 157.21 to 1030.89 gC m⁻² yr⁻¹ for the year 2009 and from 154.36 to 1124.85 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹ for the year 2010. The annual NPP was assessed across four major plantation types, where maximum NPP gain (106 and 139 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹ ) in October was noticed in teak (<i>Tectona grandis</i>) and minimum (77 and 109 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹ ) in eucalyptus (<i>Eucalyptus hybrid</i>) during 2009 and 2010.The validation, using field-estimated NPP, showed under-estimation of modelled NPP, with maximum MAPE of 34% for eucalyptus and minimum of 13% for teak. The dominant influence of precipitation on the NPP was revealed by GLM explaining more than 20% of variation. CASA model efficiently estimated the annual NPP of plantations. The accuracy could be improved further with inclusion of higher resolution data.</p