KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES TOWARD CORONAVIRUS DISEASE-19 INFECTION AMONG RESIDENTS OF DELHI NCR, INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY BASED STUDY

Objective: In the given study, we have carried out a survey among general population of Delhi NCR (India) for the knowledge, perceptions, and attitude toward coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and also attempted to reach to a few conclusions in the form of recommendations. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire based online survey (using Google Forms) was conducted between April 2020 and May 2020 to investigative knowledge, perceptions, and attitude toward COVID-19. Chi-square test was used for the computation of p-value. Results: There were total 823 respondents, with 43.01% females and 56.98% males. Around 73.74% respondents believe that it has become a social stigma. About 75.09% were of the opinion that sneezing etiquettes can help in curbing the infection. About 93.43% of study population follows the personal hygiene, 24.78% wished to get insurance coverage. Similarly, interesting data were collected over different aspects of COVID-19. Conclusions: The current pandemic is the first exposure at such a large scale to the existing population but with the progression of time, authorities and general population are collating knowledge about the same. It is to be fought at all the fronts such as medical, social, economic, and psychological. Hence, this type of survey becomes an important tool in decision making

EVALUATION OF AQUEOUS FRUIT EXTRACT OF TAMARINDUS INDICA (L) FOR INHIBITION OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-a AND CYCLO OXYGENASE ENZYMES IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL

 Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF)-α and cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX) inhibition potency of Tamarindus indica Linn. in comparison to standard drug (indomethacin).Methods: Three plants are selected for the studies, namely: Aloe vera (L.), Terminalia chebula Reitz., and T. indica Linn. Estimation of TNF-α in serum (at 1:10 dilution in PBS) was performed using the immunoenzymatic (ELISA) technique. COX inhibitor screening assay kits were used for estimation of COX.Result: All three plant extracts showed a potent significant inhibition of the COX enzyme as compared to the positive control and standard drug when the animal was administered with 400 mg/kg. These studies indicate that the T. indica plant extract showed significant COX inhibition even at low dose. All the extracts were effective anti-inflammatory in nature, however, T. indica extracts at a dose of 400 mg/kg were found to be most potent. It was found to be comparable with that of Indomethacin 10 mg/kg body weight.Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory activity expressed by all the three plants A. vera (L.), T. chebula Reitz., and T. indica L. Among all three plants T. indica (L) was found to be more active against both TNF-α and COX, and it was comparable to standard drug Indomethacin. Need further studies to elucidate the exact secondary metabolite by which these plants express this activity

Development and optimization of erythromycin-loaded lipid-based gel by Taguchi design: In vitro characterization and antimicrobial evaluation

The foremost aim of the current research was to prolong and sustain the release of erythromycin (ERY) by preparing a solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)-based gel formulation for the safe and effective treatment of acne. ERY-loaded SLNs were developed, and various process variables were optimized with respect to particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency using the Taguchi model. The average particle size, PDI, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, and drug loading of optimized SLN (F4) were found to be 176.2±1.82 nm, 0.275±0.011, -34.0±0.84, 73.56%, and 69.74% respectively. The optimized SLN (F4) was successfully incorporated into the carbopol-based hydrogel. The in vitro release of ERY from the SLN gel and plain gel were compared and found to be 90.94% and 87.94% respectively. In vitro study of ERY-loaded SLN gel showed sustained delivery of drug from formulation thus enhancing the antimicrobial activity after 30 hours when compared to ERY plain gel

Doe guided chitosan based nano-ophthalmic preparation against fungal keratitis

A recent upsurge in ocular infections is a pointer towards an enhanced prevalence of ophthalmic disorders, posing challenges for researchers globally. The caveats of conventional therapeutics demand a specifically designed Ocular Drug Delivery System (ODDS) and hence the primary objective of the present work is a fabrication of a Design of Expert (DoE) guided Chitosan based Antifungal loaded Nanoparticles (CANs), as a locoregionally effective eye formulation/drops for fungal keratitis therapy. The purported formulation was prepared using High-Pressure Homogenisation technique and was critically characterized on various parameters to check their suitability as an ODDS. The optimized formulation has fruitfully yielded irregularly spherical particles in up to a size of 200 nm and a Poly-dispersity Index (PDI) of less than 0.2 nm. The optimised formulation has further showcased a high mucoadhesion capacity thereby, suggesting the greater retention of CANs on the mucous membrane of an eye with low ocular irritancy as highlighted using HET-CAM (Hen's Egg Chorioallantoic Membrane) test. The in-vitro drug release study across a dialysis membrane has indicated both diffusion as swelling controlled release pattern for an optimized formulation. The ex-vivo corneal permeation study on goat corneal tissues using a Franz-Diffusion cell also has indicated a steady increase in the permeation of drug with time for an optimized formulation. Further, the optimised formulation was found to be non-irritant and ocular safe in ex-vivo transcorneal toxicity studies on goat corneal tissues. In conclusion, the designing of a proposed nanosized formulation, offers a promising step towards the management of external ocular diseases with a positive attributes of high patient compliance, controlled drug delivery, prolonged drug precorneal residence time and enhanced ocular bioavailability. The optimized CANs could be further exploited as a potential ODDS

A novel and multifunctional excipient for vaginal drug delivery

The present study explores the pharmaceutical potential of a natural organic matter (fulvic acid) for sustained release, acid buffering capacity and mucoadhesion in vaginal drug delivery. The antifungal drug, Itraconazole, was first converted into inclusion complexes with fulvic acid (1:1 & 1:2 molar ratio) and then characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT IR) and Mass Spectroscopy. Results were also authenticated by conformational analysis. Solubility analysis of complexes yielded different thermodynamic parameters and explained the driving force for solubilisation when the pH was varied in an acidic range. MTT assays were also performed to assess the potential in vitro cell toxicity of the complexes in comparison to the neat drug. The complexes were then formulated into tablets and optimized for hardness, mucoadhesion and release profiles. The optimized tablets presented with satisfactory mucoadhesion, acid buffering and spreading ability. Moreover, the antifungal activity of the formulation was also increased due to improved aqueous solubility of the drug despite the larger size of the complex. The study also indicated the potential use of fulvic acid as a functional excipient in the preparation of a vaginal drug delivery system (VDDS)

The Changing Landscape for Stroke\ua0Prevention in AF: Findings From the GLORIA-AF Registry Phase 2

Background GLORIA-AF (Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation) is a prospective, global registry program describing antithrombotic treatment patterns in patients with newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke. Phase 2 began when dabigatran, the first non\u2013vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC), became available. Objectives This study sought to describe phase 2 baseline data and compare these with the pre-NOAC era collected during phase 1. Methods During phase 2, 15,641 consenting patients were enrolled (November 2011 to December 2014); 15,092 were eligible. This pre-specified cross-sectional analysis describes eligible patients\u2019 baseline characteristics. Atrial fibrillation disease characteristics, medical outcomes, and concomitant diseases and medications were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Of the total patients, 45.5% were female; median age was 71 (interquartile range: 64, 78) years. Patients were from Europe (47.1%), North America (22.5%), Asia (20.3%), Latin America (6.0%), and the Middle East/Africa (4.0%). Most had high stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc [Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age  6575 years, Diabetes mellitus, previous Stroke, Vascular disease, Age 65 to 74 years, Sex category] score  652; 86.1%); 13.9% had moderate risk (CHA2DS2-VASc = 1). Overall, 79.9% received oral anticoagulants, of whom 47.6% received NOAC and 32.3% vitamin K antagonists (VKA); 12.1% received antiplatelet agents; 7.8% received no antithrombotic treatment. For comparison, the proportion of phase 1 patients (of N = 1,063 all eligible) prescribed VKA was 32.8%, acetylsalicylic acid 41.7%, and no therapy 20.2%. In Europe in phase 2, treatment with NOAC was more common than VKA (52.3% and 37.8%, respectively); 6.0% of patients received antiplatelet treatment; and 3.8% received no antithrombotic treatment. In North America, 52.1%, 26.2%, and 14.0% of patients received NOAC, VKA, and antiplatelet drugs, respectively; 7.5% received no antithrombotic treatment. NOAC use was less common in Asia (27.7%), where 27.5% of patients received VKA, 25.0% antiplatelet drugs, and 19.8% no antithrombotic treatment. Conclusions The baseline data from GLORIA-AF phase 2 demonstrate that in newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients, NOAC have been highly adopted into practice, becoming more frequently prescribed than VKA in Europe and North America. Worldwide, however, a large proportion of patients remain undertreated, particularly in Asia and North America. (Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation [GLORIA-AF]; NCT01468701

A novel and multifunctional excipient for vaginal drug delivery

The present study explores the pharmaceutical potential of a natural organic matter (fulvic acid) for sustained release, acid buffering capacity and mucoadhesion in vaginal drug delivery. The antifungal drug, Itraconazole, was first converted into inclusion complexes with fulvic acid (1:1 & 1:2 molar ratio) and then characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT IR) and Mass Spectroscopy. Results were also authenticated by conformational analysis. Solubility analysis of complexes yielded different thermodynamic parameters and explained the driving force for solubilisation when the pH was varied in an acidic range. MTT assays were also performed to assess the potential in vitro cell toxicity of the complexes in comparison to the neat drug. The complexes were then formulated into tablets and optimized for hardness, mucoadhesion and release profiles. The optimized tablets presented with satisfactory mucoadhesion, acid buffering and spreading ability. Moreover, the antifungal activity of the formulation was also increased due to improved aqueous solubility of the drug despite the larger size of the complex. The study also indicated the potential use of fulvic acid as a functional excipient in the preparation of a vaginal drug delivery system (VDDS)

Safety Concern and Regulatory Status of Chemicals Used in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

Cosmetics and personal care products (PCPs) are a few of the most commonly used products across the globe with a whopping market share of approximately USD 500 billion. These products are used for cleansing purposes and for improving the quality and beauty of the face, hair, and skin. There are many chemical substances involved in the manufacturing of cosmetics and PCPs. These chemical substances incorporated in cosmetics or PCPs are crucial to develop high-quality products with superior appearance, applicability, and stability; however, excessive use of such chemicals in cosmetics and PCPs has become a safety concern as many of these are reported to cause severe health complications. Overuse of cosmetics and PCPs with hazardous material should be minimized, especially by pregnant women and children. Gynecologists advise pregnant women not to use cosmetics and PCPs with hazardous chemicals. The implementation of a lawful framework is crucial to establish the safety of cosmetics and PCPs. Cosmetic companies/industries must be strictly regulated and made compliant to the guidelines in order to protect human health and minimize safety concerns. In this review, hazardous chemicals incorporated in the personal care products/cosmetics and their related risk and health complications have been discussed in detail. Additionally, regulatory status and clinical trials of chemical substances that involve toxicity and causing severe complications have also been discussed

Quality and In Vivo Assessment of a Fulvic Acid Complex: A Validation Study

The present work aimed to re-assess the bioavailability enhancement potential of fulvic acid (FA). Carbamazepine (CBZ) and peat were used as a model drug and FA source, respectively. Our group has already evaluated the bioavailability enhancement potential of a less commercially viable source of FA, i.e., shilajit. In the present work, the phase solubility of CBZ was analyzed with varying concentrations of peat-sourced FA (2–12% w/v). The prepared complex (CBZ-FA) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Dissolution, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic studies were also carried out. The results showed the presence of an interaction between the drug and FA within the complex, which led to 98.99 ± 2.0% enhancement in drug solubility. The results also showed 79.23 ± 2.1% dissolution of the complexed drug over 60 min and 69.32 ± 2.2% permeation from the intestinal gut sac over 90 min, which led to a significant enhancement of bioavailability and a reduction in the duration of epileptic seizures. Thus, this study re-authenticates our earlier results and suggests switching the FA source (shilajit to peat) for commercial product development