Box-Behnken Based Furosemide-Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) Delivery System for Improving Oral Bioavailability.

Objective: The fabrication of furosemide (FSM) with enhanced oral bioavailability and encapsulation was achieved using a nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) drug delivery system.: The uniform drug distribution is a barrier due to its low dose. The lipid-based delivery system was selected based on its poor solubility and permeability, limiting its poor partitioning and solubility in water-based polymeric delivery systems.

A macromolecule infliximab loaded reverse nanomicelles-based transdermal hydrogel: An innovative approach against rheumatoid arthritis.

Infliximab (IFX) is used as a biotherapeutic agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, its biological activity is lost orally because of variations in gastric pH and enzymatic degradation, and reduced bioavailability. The authors have tried to improve the efficacy of macromolecule delivery through transdermal route. Polycaprolactone-Polyethylene glycol-Polycaprolactone (PCL-PEG-PCL) triblock copolymer previously synthesized and was used as an efficient carrier for the preparation of IFX loaded reverse nanomicelles (IFX-RNMs).

Statistical design and optimization of nano-transfersomes based chitosan gel for transdermal delivery of cefepime.

Objectives: This research aimed to overcome challenges posed by cefepime excessive elimination rate and poor patient compliance by developing transdermal delivery system using nano-transfersomes based chitosan gel.

Methods: Rotary evaporation-sonication method and the Box-Behnken model were used to prepare cefepime loaded nano-transfersomes (CPE-NTFs). The physiochemical characterization of CPE-NTFs were analyzed including DLS, deformability index, DSC and antimicrobial study.

In Silico identification of novel phytochemicals that target SFRP4: An early biomarker of diabesity.

The simultaneous coexistence of complicated metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes within an individual is known as diabesity. Obesity is the key factor for many chronic diseases, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Metabolic stress due to nutrient overload releases different inflammatory mediators.

Development and validation of HPLC method for simultaneous determination of Leflunomide and folic acid in the nanoparticulate system by reversed-phase HPLC.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to develop a highly sensitive, accurate, and reproducible analytical method for the simultaneous detection of LEF and FA in polymeric nanocarriers.

Significance: Leflunomide (LEF), is widely employed in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, long-term delivery of the drug is associated with systemic side effects.

A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led clinical interventions on the health-related quality of life among TB patients.

The study was designed to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led clinical interventions on the health-related quality of life among tuberculosis patients in Pakistan. A randomized, controlled prospective study was carried out in a Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital tuberculosis (TB) control center. Participants who visited the TB center between September 2020 and December 2021 were randomly assigned to two clusters, the usual care group (UC group) the intervention group (pharmaceutical care group), in a 1:1 ratio by a simple envelope technique.

Biological Evaluation and Computational Studies of Methoxy-flavones from Newly Isolated Radioresistant Micromonospora aurantiaca Strain TMC-15.

This study aims to determine UV-B resistance and to investigate computational analysis and antioxidant potential of methoxy-flavones of Micromonospora aurantiaca TMC-15 isolated from Thal Desert, Pakistan. The cellular extract was purified through solid-phase extraction and UV-Vis spectrum analysis indicated absorption peaks at λ 250 nm, 343 nm, and 380 nm that revealed the presence of methoxy-flavones named eupatilin and 5-hydroxyauranetin. The flavones were evaluated for their antioxidant as well as protein and lipid peroxidation inhibition potential using di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) iminoazanium (DPPH), 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine (DNPH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays, respectively.

Independent Associated SNPs at SORCS3 and Its Protein Interactors for Multiple Brain-Related Disorders and Traits.

Sortilin-related vacuolar protein sorting 10 () domain containing receptor 3 () is a neuron-specific transmembrane protein involved in the trafficking of proteins between intracellular vesicles and the plasma membrane. Genetic variation at is associated with multiple neuropsychiatric disorders and behavioural phenotypes. Here, we undertake a systematic search of published genome-wide association studies to identify and catalogue associations between and brain-related disorders and traits.

Development of Adapalene Loaded Liposome Based Gel for Acne.

Retinoids are considered the mainstay treatment for moderate to severe acne. Adapalene, a third-generation retinoid, has physiochemical properties which hinder the effective delivery of the drug to the skin. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop and evaluate adapalene liposomal loaded gel (ADA-LP gel) for the effective management of acne to improve tolerability and delivery to targeted sites as compared to the conventional dosage form of the drug.

Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SEDDS): Measuring Energy Dynamics to Determine Thermodynamic and Kinetic Stability.

This research was designed to identify thermodynamically and kinetically stable lipidic self-emulsifying formulations through simple energy dynamics in addition to highlighting and clarifying common ambiguities in the literature in this regard. Proposing a model study, this research shows how most of the professed energetically stable systems are actually energetically unstable, subjected to indiscriminate and false characterization, leading to significant effects for their pharmaceutical applications. A self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) was developed and then solidified (S-SEDDS) using a model drug finasteride.

Evaluation of Consumers Perspective on the Consumption of Antibiotics, Antibiotic Resistance, and Recommendations to Improve the Rational use of Antibiotics: An Exploratory Qualitative Study From Post-Conflicted Region of Pakistan.

Antibiotics misuse is a global challenge, and the situation is likely to deteriorate in conflict zones with insufficient health services. The misuse of antibiotics is not only associated with antimicrobial resistance but may also lead to serious consequences. This study was aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices on antibiotic consumption, antibiotic resistance (ABR), and related suggestions among residents of conflicted zones in Pakistan.

Assessment of Adverse Drug Events, Their Risk Factors, and Management Among Patients Treated for Multidrug-Resistant TB: A Prospective Cohort Study From Pakistan.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a growing public health problem. Treatment regimens used against MDR-TB are costly, prolonged, and associated with more side effects as compared with the drug-susceptible tuberculosis. This study was framed to determine the incidence of adverse drug events, risk factors, and their management in MDR-TB patients.

Adjunctive vitamin D therapy in various diseases in children: a scenario according to standard guideline.

Background: Adherence to standard guidelines is imperative when question comes to disease management. The present study aimed to evaluate the administration of adjunctive vitamin D therapy in various diseases, its adherence to standard guideline and the effect of socioeconomic status on the consumption of vitamin D in children.

Methods: Cross sectional observational study was conducted among 400 ambulatory pediatric patients at Children's Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, from November 2017 to June 2018.

Exploiting recent trends for the synthesis and surface functionalization of mesoporous silica nanoparticles towards biomedical applications.

Rapid progress in developing multifunctional nanocarriers for drug delivery has been observed in recent years. Inorganic mesoporous silica nanocarriers (MSNs), emerged as an ideal candidate for gene/drug delivery with distinctive morphological features. These ordered carriers of porous nature have gained unique attention due to their distinctive features.

Assessment of Factors Associated with Unfavorable Outcomes among Drug-Resistant TB Patients: A 6-Year Retrospective Study from Pakistan.

The spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR TB) poses significant challenges to the control and successful eradication of TB globally. The current retrospective study was designed to evaluate the treatment outcomes and identify the risk factors associated with unsuccessful outcomes among DR TB patients. A total of 277/308 eligible DR TB patients were enrolled for treatment at the programmatic management unit of DR TB at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad between January 2014 and July 2019.

Identification of Ascorbic Acid and Gallic Acid as Novel Inhibitors of Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein for the Treatment of Obesity-Induced Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) has been reported as major public health issue rising at an alarming rate worldwide, and obesity is the leading risk factor for the development of T2D. Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 () released with inflammatory mediators from adipose tissues constrains the exocytosis of insulin containing granules from the pancreatic islets that leads towards the development to T2D. The significant overexpression of in diabetic patients and its involvement in islet dysfunction suggest its critical role in the development of diabetes.

Positivity, diagnosis and treatment follow-up of cutaneous leishmaniasis in war-affected areas of Bajaur, Pakistan.

This study was conducted to explore the frequency of positivity of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the tribal district Bajaur located near the Pak-Afghan border. The present study was conducted at the Leishmaniasis Center of Headquarter Hospital Khar District Bajaur, Pakistan. In total, 646 patients were recruited and included in the study after ethical approval and consent from the patients.

Development and In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation of pH-Sensitive Polymeric Nanoparticles Loaded Hydrogel for the Management of Psoriasis.

Methotrexate (MTX), the gold standard against psoriasis, poses severe problems when administered systemically viz increased toxicity, poor solubility and adverse reactions. Hence, a topical formulation of MTX for the management of psoriasis can be an effective approach. The present study aimed to develop an MTX based nanoparticle-loaded chitosan hydrogel for evaluating its potential efficacy in an imiquimod-induced psoriatic mice model.

Effect of Displacement on Adherence to TB Treatment: An Observational Study in TB Patients from Internally Displaced Persons of Pakistan.

Objective: This study was aimed to investigate TB patients adherence and treatment outcomes among internally displaced patients in comparison with adjacent settled areas.

Methods: The study was designed as an observational cross-sectional study among the TB patients of internally displaced populations (IDPs) of North Waziristan Agency (NWA) and adjacent settled areas of Bannu and Lakki Marwat (NIDPs). Based on the study inclusion and exclusion criteria 330 patients fullfilled the inclusion criteria and were assigned equally to both IDPs and NIDPs study groups.

Development and Evaluation of a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Drug-Disease Model of Propranolol for Suggesting Model Informed Dosing in Liver Cirrhosis Patients.

Aim: The study was aimed to understand the underlying causes for the differences in propranolol pharmacokinetics (PK) between healthy and cirrhosis populations by using a systematic whole-body physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model-building approach for suggesting model informed propranolol dosing in liver cirrhosis patients with different stages of disease severity.

Methods: A whole-body PBPK model was developed by using population simulator PK-Sim by using reported physicochemical and clinical data for propranolol in healthy and liver cirrhosis populations. The model evaluation was done by visual verification and comparison of PK parameters using their observed/predicted ratios (R).

Development, optimisation, and evaluation of nanoencapsulated diacerein emulgel for potential use in osteoarthritis.

Aim: This study aimed to utilise the proficient function of diacerein (DCR) and anti-inflammatory polymers to develop sustained release nanoencapsulated emulgel for potential use in osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: Chitosan (CHS) and chondroitin sulphate (CS) were employed as natural anti-inflammatory polymers to encapsulate nanoformulation of DCR. Optimised nanoformulation was prepared and characterised by investigating impact of polymers and surfactant on particle size, PDI, and encapsulation efficiency (EE).

Recent trends, challenges and future outlook of transdermal drug delivery systems for rheumatoid arthritis therapy.

At present, several drug molecules have been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the utilization of these compounds through the oral and parenteral route is limited due to low bioavailability, rapid metabolism, poor absorption, first-pass effect, and serious adverse effects. A transdermal delivery system is an appealing option in this scenario, as it possesses the proficiency to overcome drawbacks associated with the oral and parenteral route.

Effectiveness, Safety, and Patient Satisfaction of Liraglutide in Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

Background and Objectives Liraglutide, an analog of human glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Pakistan since 2016. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has shown promising results in terms of not only glycemic control but also weight loss. Our study aimed to provide evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of liraglutide in Pakistan and to look at the adherence rate and treatment satisfaction of patients using liraglutide.

Microneedle liquid injection system assisted delivery of infection responsive nanoparticles: A promising approach for enhanced site-specific delivery of carvacrol against polymicrobial biofilms-infected wounds.

Biofilms present a challenge to wound healing and are among the most feared complications through the course of wound management. Carvacrol (CAR) has manifested its antibiofilm potential against multidrug resistant bacterial biofilms. Herein, infection responsive nanoparticles (NPs) of CAR were developed (particle size: 199 ± 8.