A DoE-based development and characterization of Nadifloxacin-loaded transethosomal gel for the treatment of Acne vulgaris

Abstract Background The objective of this current research was to enhance the topical delivery of Nadifloxacin (NDFX) by incorporating it into a transethosomal gel formulation. NDFX has limited penetration into the deep layer of the skin because it is poorly water soluble and it has a log p value of 2.47. To optimize the formulation, the “Box–Behnken design” was utilized. The independent variables included phosphatidylcholine 90, tween 80 and ethanol. The produced formulations underwent evaluation for entrapment efficiency, vesicle size and zeta potential. The optimized formulation was then incorporated into suitable gel bases and subjected to further investigation, including in vitro diffusion, ex vivo penetration, in vitro antimicrobial assay and in vivo anti-acne activity. Results The optimized formulation exhibited an entrapment efficiency of 80.12%, a vesicle size of 156.1 nm and a zeta potential of − 33.23 mV. TEM images confirmed the presence of encapsulated vesicles with a spherical shape. The in vitro diffusion study demonstrated that the transethosomal gel containing Carbopol 934 (1%) exhibited higher drug release compared to the HPMC K4M gels. Furthermore, the ex vivo permeation study revealed that the optimized transethosomal gel demonstrated increased permeation compared to the commercially available formulation. Conclusion The optimized transethosomal formulation displayed enhanced in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo anti-acne effects against Propionibacterium acnes in Wistar albino rats when compared to the marketed formulation

The value of open-source clinical science in pandemic response: lessons from ISARIC

International audienc

ISARIC-COVID-19 dataset: A Prospective, Standardized, Global Dataset of Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19

The International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC) COVID-19 dataset is one of the largest international databases of prospectively collected clinical data on people hospitalized with COVID-19. This dataset was compiled during the COVID-19 pandemic by a network of hospitals that collect data using the ISARIC-World Health Organization Clinical Characterization Protocol and data tools. The database includes data from more than 705,000 patients, collected in more than 60 countries and 1,500 centres worldwide. Patient data are available from acute hospital admissions with COVID-19 and outpatient follow-ups. The data include signs and symptoms, pre-existing comorbidities, vital signs, chronic and acute treatments, complications, dates of hospitalization and discharge, mortality, viral strains, vaccination status, and other data. Here, we present the dataset characteristics, explain its architecture and how to gain access, and provide tools to facilitate its use