Effect of sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors on serum uric acid: an outpatient based prospective interventional study

Background: Hyperuricemia is considered to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It has been found to be related to features of metabolic syndromes like hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are known to have a decremental effect on serum uric acid level. We evaluated the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on serum uric acid of diabetic population.Methods: In this prospective study we recruited 50 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients who were on metformin monotherapy and were having inadequate glycemic control. Patients were prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors as an add-on therapy. Serum uric acid of the subjects was measured at the baseline and after 3 months. The primary outcome was to observe changes in serum uric acid (SUA) levels from the baseline to the end of the study. Glycemic changes were determined by observing the changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (if any).Results: The study population was predominantly male (82%). BMI wise most of the subjects (44%) were overweight. Mean HbA1c of total population was 7.65±0.5, whereas mean serum uric acid was 6.31±0.72 at the baseline. After 3 months HbA1C and serum uric acid levels were 7.45±0.50 and 6.06±0.64 respectively. Both the changes were statistically significant (p<0.005).Conclusions: SGLT2 inhibitors could improve glycemic control and lower SUA levels in patients with uncontrolled T2DM. Randomized study with bigger sample size and longer study period are required to further demonstrate the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on serum uric acid and explore the potential underlying mechanisms

NOVEL DELIVERY APPROACHES OF CO-TRIMOXAZOLE FOR RECREATING ITS POTENTIAL USE-A REVIEW

Co-trimoxazole appropriates to category of broad-spectrum antimicrobial. They are active upon administration in vitro against an extensive collection of microorganisms. Their application in medical field has roughly spanned over decade now. There are numerous approaches that were progressed for improving their effectiveness towards their antimicrobial potency. However, routine use of this could accelerate the chance of bacterial resistance, and portrait it ineffective when required to treat infection. Consequently, newer investigations are necessary to keep the drug effective by minimise the development of resistance and maximise its safe use. Safe use is meant by safe delivery of drug in low dose, low frequency at the targeted molecule by effective ways. This can be achieved by using nanocarrier systems as they possess smart characteristics of effective drug delivery. These nanocarrier systems are including nanoparticle, liposomes, nanogels etc. Present review article deals with the historical perspectives with regards to co-trimoxazole, their mechanism of act/resistance and spectrum of activity in first section. In second portion different novel carriers, importance and application of nanogels, rational for co-trimoxazole nanogels are discussed. In conclusion, different literatures have proved the efficacy of nanogels in delivery of antimicrobial drug similar to co-trimoxazole. In the present time very less data is available for delivery of this drug with novel carriers. Therefore, this review aims to encourage researchers for creating some new findings in this perspective

Role of vitamin D3 supplementation in allergic rhinitis: an outpatient department based prospective analytical observational study

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a common disorder characterized by sneezing, rhinorrhoea, nasal congestion, itching and lacrimation which adversely affect quality of life to a substantial degree. Evidence suggests that low serum vitamin D3 has correlation with severity of allergic rhinitis. The objective of the study was to evaluate whether vitamin D3 supplementation has any role to reduce the severity of disease spectrum among allergic rhinitis patients.Methods: This prospective analytical observational study was carried out in 6 months in ENT OPD of Midnapore medical college and Hospital. Only the persistent moderate to severe allergic rhinitis patients as per ARIA-WHO guideline, aged &gt;12 years were included in this study. 64 subjects were randomised into two groups. The test group received oral vitamin D (60000 IU/week for 2 months) along with levocetirizine, fluticasone spray and montelukast while the control group received three drug therapies without vitamin D3. Allergy symptom score (ASS) was assessed at the start and end of the study period.Results: The study population (n=64) was predominantly female (37) and had a mean age of 39.79 years. The ASS score was 14.06±1.01 in Test group and 13.93±1.01 in Control group and the Post treatment ASS score was 2.65±1.12 and 6.06±0.87 respectively. This difference between groups was significant (p&lt;0.001).Conclusions: There was significant reduction in the Allergy symptom score after vitamin D3 supplementation which alters the course of disease towards clinical improvement

The Functional Nanogel: An Exalted Carrier System

Nanotechnology is widely growing field nowadays. Under these vast variety of carriers are available through which the drugs can be delivered to the affected organ. Nanogels are one of the most effective carrier systems for targeting the drugs directly to the diseased tissues with their highly adaptive properties. Nanogel can be defined as nanoparticles incorporated in hydrogel. These systems are very efficient in embodying drugs of diverse nature and also in enhancing their delivery and retention to the targeting organ. Due to their targeting properties they reduce the dose of drug required in free form and also reduces the side effects produced by accumulation of drugs to any other organ. This review highlights various types of nanogels, their advantages, most commonly used preparation techniques, biomedical applications, drug targeting through nanogels, drug loading and release through the nanogels. The review has also incorporated the recent patents related to the topic. However, there is an urgent need for relevant clinical data from nanogels so as to allow translation of the nanogel concept into a viable therapeutic application for the treatment of cancer. Keywords: Nanogels, Polymers, Drug targeting, Hydrogel, Diagnosis

An Ensemble Framework for Projecting the Impact of Lymphatic Filariasis Interventions Across Sub-Saharan Africa at a Fine Spatial Scale

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease targeted for elimination as a public health problem by 2030. Although mass treatments have led to huge reductions in LF prevalence, some countries or regions may find it difficult to achieve elimination by 2030 owing to various factors, including local differences in transmission. Subnational projections of intervention impact are a useful tool in understanding these dynamics, but correctly characterizing their uncertainty is challenging. Methods: We developed a computationally feasible framework for providing subnational projections for LF across 44 sub-Saharan African countries using ensemble models, guided by historical control data, to allow assessment of the role of subnational heterogeneities in global goal achievement. Projected scenarios include ongoing annual treatment from 2018 to 2030, enhanced coverage, and biannual treatment. Results: Our projections suggest that progress is likely to continue well. However, highly endemic locations currently deploying strategies with the lower World Health Organization recommended coverage (65%) and frequency (annual) are expected to have slow decreases in prevalence. Increasing intervention frequency or coverage can accelerate progress by up to 5 or 6 years, respectively. Conclusions: While projections based on baseline data have limitations, our methodological advancements provide assessments of potential bottlenecks for the global goals for LF arising from subnational heterogeneities. In particular, areas with high baseline prevalence may face challenges in achieving the 2030 goals, extending the "tail"of interventions. Enhancing intervention frequency and/or coverage will accelerate progress. Our approach facilitates preimplementation assessments of the impact of local interventions and is applicable to other regions and neglected tropical diseases.</p

An Ensemble Framework for Projecting the Impact of Lymphatic Filariasis Interventions Across Sub-Saharan Africa at a Fine Spatial Scale

BackgroundLymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease targeted for elimination as a public health problem by 2030. Although mass treatments have led to huge reductions in LF prevalence, some countries or regions may find it difficult to achieve elimination by 2030 owing to various factors, including local differences in transmission. Subnational projections of intervention impact are a useful tool in understanding these dynamics, but correctly characterizing their uncertainty is challenging.MethodsWe developed a computationally feasible framework for providing subnational projections for LF across 44 sub-Saharan African countries using ensemble models, guided by historical control data, to allow assessment of the role of subnational heterogeneities in global goal achievement. Projected scenarios include ongoing annual treatment from 2018 to 2030, enhanced coverage, and biannual treatment.ResultsOur projections suggest that progress is likely to continue well. However, highly endemic locations currently deploying strategies with the lower World Health Organization recommended coverage (65%) and frequency (annual) are expected to have slow decreases in prevalence. Increasing intervention frequency or coverage can accelerate progress by up to 5 or 6 years, respectively.ConclusionsWhile projections based on baseline data have limitations, our methodological advancements provide assessments of potential bottlenecks for the global goals for LF arising from subnational heterogeneities. In particular, areas with high baseline prevalence may face challenges in achieving the 2030 goals, extending the "tail" of interventions. Enhancing intervention frequency and/or coverage will accelerate progress. Our approach facilitates preimplementation assessments of the impact of local interventions and is applicable to other regions and neglected tropical diseases

An Ensemble Framework for Projecting the Impact of Lymphatic Filariasis Interventions Across Sub-Saharan Africa at a Fine Spatial Scale.

Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease targeted for elimination as a public health problem by 2030. Although mass treatments have led to huge reductions in LF prevalence, some countries or regions may find it difficult to achieve elimination by 2030 owing to various factors, including local differences in transmission. Subnational projections of intervention impact are a useful tool in understanding these dynamics, but correctly characterizing their uncertainty is challenging. Methods We developed a computationally feasible framework for providing subnational projections for LF across 44 sub-Saharan African countries using ensemble models, guided by historical control data, to allow assessment of the role of subnational heterogeneities in global goal achievement. Projected scenarios include ongoing annual treatment from 2018 to 2030, enhanced coverage, and biannual treatment. Results Our projections suggest that progress is likely to continue well. However, highly endemic locations currently deploying strategies with the lower World Health Organization recommended coverage (65%) and frequency (annual) are expected to have slow decreases in prevalence. Increasing intervention frequency or coverage can accelerate progress by up to 5 or 6 years, respectively. Conclusions While projections based on baseline data have limitations, our methodological advancements provide assessments of potential bottlenecks for the global goals for LF arising from subnational heterogeneities. In particular, areas with high baseline prevalence may face challenges in achieving the 2030 goals, extending the "tail" of interventions. Enhancing intervention frequency and/or coverage will accelerate progress. Our approach facilitates preimplementation assessments of the impact of local interventions and is applicable to other regions and neglected tropical diseases

Nanotechnology and Neutraceuticals

This paper provides an insight of some of the growing number of nano-applications being researched and commercialized in nutraceuticals. Recently, number of applications in dairy and food processing, preservation, packaging and development of functional foods have become based on nanotechnology. Several critical challenges, including discovering of beneficial compounds, establishing optimal intake levels, developing adequate food delivering matrix and product formulation including the safety of the products need to be addressed. In addition the potential negative effects of nanotechnology- based delivery systems on human health need to be considered.</p

NOVEL APPROACHES IN OCULAR DRUG DELIVERY-A REVOLUTION

Conveying the therapeutic agent to the human eye has been a struggling task for formulators and scientists because of the complicated arrangement of the eye. The therapeutic agents needed to deliver the drugs to specific sites of the eye require the crossing of various ocular barriers, which act as hitches for drug delivery. Conventional preparations present in the market do not achieve the desired therapeutic results due to their lower bioavailability, less retention time, or difficulty in reaching the site of action. In a need to overcome the challenges with these preparations, various modern technologies are being applied to address the same with outstanding results. The purpose of the present review is to focus on several innovative approaches, viz., the development of novel ocular drug delivery systems including liposomes, niosomes, nano-wafers, cubosomes, microneedles, dendrimers, and many others, adopted to combat various ocular diseases. In the present review, various novel formulations and drug delivery approaches have been taken into consideration, as developed, and reported by various scientists and researchers working in the field of ocular drug delivery systems