Development and characterization of self-assembling sirolimus-loaded micelles as a sublingual delivery system

The aim of this study was to develop self-assembling micelles of poorly water soluble potent immunosuppressant agent sirolimus (SRL) to enhance the solubility and mucosal permeability as stable aqueous formulations for sublingual administration. D-alpha-tocopheryl 1000 succinate (TPGS), soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), and sodium cholate (NaC) were used to prepare the SRL-loaded micelles using the one-step self-assembly method. The mean hydrodynamic diameter of optimal micelles ranged from approximately 13 to 42 nm with low polydispersity index (PDI). The formulations possessed drug loading (DL) and drug encapsulation efficiency (EE) of around 18% and 99%, respectively. SPC caused an increase in mean hydrodynamic diameter and PDI of micelles, but no negative impact on DL and EE values was observed when used at concentrations of = 25% (w/w) of amphiphiles. However, NaC caused a detrimental effect on the characteristics of micelles in every respect. Ex vivo permeation studies revealed that TPGS-based micelles without SPC were not able to enhance the permeation of SRL compared to the SRL solution through bovine sublingual mucosa. However, the incorporation of SPC into the micelles significantly increased the mucosal permeation of SRL compared to the SRL solution. The optimal formulations maintained their characteristics at 4 degrees C for at least 90 days. These results support the feasibility of SRL-loaded micelles as a sublingual delivery system.This study was supported by Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordination (Project Number: 17-ECZ-016)Ege University Scientific Research Projects Coordination [17-ECZ-016

Effects of Reduction Mammaplasty Operations on the Spinal Column: Clinical and Radiological Response

Women with macromastia suffer from bodily disproportions like increased spinal curvature owing to the mass effect caused by severely large breasts. In such cases, the erector spinae muscles generate an overcompensatory pressure to maintain a normal posture, resulting in neck, back, and lumbar pain. This study aimed to objectively show the improvement of physical symptoms after reduction mammaplasty and evaluate psychological and physical changes of patients

Examination of Gender Differences on Cognitive and Motivational Factors that Influence 8th Graders' Science Achievement in Turkey

WOS: 000366174600008We examined the influence of several students' cognitive and motivational factors on 8th graders' science achievement and also gender differences on factors that significantly contribute to the science achievement model. A total of 99 girls and 83 boys responded all the instruments used in this study. Results showed that girls outperformed boys on science achievement. Furthermore, regression analyses showed a model including initial conceptual knowledge, scientific reasoning, and utility value of science as independent variables best predicted science achievement. Results also showed girls and boys did not differ on initial conceptual knowledge and scientific reasoning but on utility value of science. Implications for science education were discussed according to the findings.Kocaeli University Scientific Research Projects DepartmentKocaeli University [HDP2014/09]This research was supported by Kocaeli University Scientific Research Projects Department under research project number # HDP2014/09

Improvements in Vertebral-Column Angles and Psychological Metrics After Abdominoplasty With Rectus Plication

Substantial fluctuations in body weight can result in diastasis recti and weakening of the connections between the lateral abdominal muscles and the rectus sheath

Formulation and evaluation of fexofenadine hydrochloride orally disintegrating tablets for pediatric use

WOS: 000428979600026Allergic rhinitis is a common disease in children which has considerable negative effects on the quality of life. Fexofenadine hydrochloride (FFH) is a second-generation oral antihistamine which has been widely perscribed for alleviating symptoms of AR in children. The aim of this study was to take the advantage of convenient direct compression method for preparation of Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs) containing 30 mg FFH per tablet. Six ready-to-use commercial tablet excipients (F-Melt (R), Pearlitol (R) Flash, Pharmaburst (R) 500, Prosolv (R) Easytab SP, Ludiflash (R), Parteck (R) ODT (R)) were used for direct compression and suitability of these excipients were evaluated. ODTs could be successfully compressed with all the investigated excipients and all of the formulations exhibited acceptable crushing stregth, low friability and remarkably short disintegration time. The ODTs which were able to possess a disintegration time below 30 s were considered eligible for further studies. In vitro dissolution studies showed a complete release of the drug from ODTs made from Pharmaburst (R) 500 within 15 min. Short term stability results exhibited no significant change of the drug in tested formulations. In conclusion, FFH containing ODTs formulated with Pharmaburst (R) 500 were determined explicitly the most promising formulation when compressed at a force of 1000 kg.Yuzuncu Yil University FoundationYuzuncu Yil University [2013-SBE YL 049]; TR Prime Ministry State Planning Organization FoundationTurkiye Cumhuriyeti Kalkinma Bakanligi [09/DPT/001]The authors would like to thank Prof. Dr. Idris Turel from Adiyaman University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology. This study was supported by Yuzuncu Yil University Foundation (Project Number: 2013-SBE YL 049). The authors would also like to thank to the TR Prime Ministry State Planning Organization Foundation (Project Number 09/DPT/001)

Effects of spinal anaesthesia related complication and demographic distribution on patient satisfaction following caesarean section

Patient satisfaction is an important issue for patients overall health status and perception. Aim of the present study was to evaluate spinal anaesthesia related complications and other factors related with overall satisfaction level and compare satisfaction levels of patients from 3 different regions of Turkey whom underwent caesarean section (CS) procedure under spinal anesthesia. Satisfaction levels of 285 patients underwent caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia were evaluated at postoperative 1st and 3rd days using a questionnaire form. Also perioperative complications and possible correlations between satisfaction levels were investigated. Patients satisfaction levels were not affected by origins of patients. Most of the patients expressed satisfaction after spinal anaesthesia both at 1st and 3rd days postoperatively (82.1% vs 79.6% respectively). Postoperative pain at surgical site, backache and headache were top 3 factors related with decreased patient satisfaction. Also recurrent spinal puncture attempts, painful puncture attempts, inadequate analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting were correlated with decreased satisfaction levels (p [Med-Science 2019; 8(4.000): 941-6