Preclinical evaluation of novel synthesised nanoparticles based on tyrosine poly(ester amide) for improved targeted pulmonary delivery.

Fixed dose combinations (FDCs) incorporating two or three medicines in a single inhaler have been created to enhance patient compliance and hence clinical outcomes. However, the development of dry powder inhalers (DPIs), particularly for FDCs, faces challenges pertinent to formulation uniformity and reproducibility. Therefore, this project aimed to employ nanotechnology to develop a FDC of DPIs for market-leading medicines-fluticasone propionate (FP) and salmeterol xinafoate (SAL)-for asthma management.

Development and Characterization of Transdermal Patches Using Novel Thymoquinone-L-Arginine-Based Polyamide Nanocapsules for Potential Use in the Management of Psoriasis.

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a phytochemical compound present in Nigella sativa and has potential benefits for treating dermatological conditions such as psoriasis. However, its clinical use is limited due to its restricted bioavailability, caused mainly by its low solubility and permeability. To overcome this, a new transdermal drug delivery system is required.

In vivo and in vitro transdermal availability of Ibuprofen using novel solubility enhancing fluid nanosized carrier systems.

The objective of this study was to explore the benefits of transdermal drug delivery systems as an alternative option for patients who are unable to tolerate oral administration of drugs, such as ibuprofen (IB). To achieve this, nonionic surfactants and three cosolvents were employed to develop new microemulsions (MEs) that contained IB as nanocarriers. The aim was to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of the drug after transdermal administration.

Four years after the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship program in Jordan: evaluation of program's core elements.

Objectives: To combat antimicrobial resistance, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged healthcare organizations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to implement the core elements of the antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs. In response, Jordan took action and developed a national antimicrobial resistance action plan (NAP) in 2017 and commenced the AMS program in all healthcare facilities. It is paramount to evaluate the efforts to implement the AMS programs and understand the challenges of implementing a sustainable and effective program, in Low-Middle Income Country (LMIC) contexts.

Upholding Quality and Patient Safety during COVID-19 Pandemic-A Jordanian Case Study.

Background: The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a rapid increase in demand for healthcare services over a prolonged period, and the hospital emergency preparedness system has been essential. Therefore, this study aimed to explore Jordanian hospitals' response to emergency situations and examine the underlying role and effect of accreditation programs as a "Quality and Patient Safety" tool to deal with emergency situations during the pandemic.

Methods: An online survey for a cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan between 1 March and 30 May 2022, to examine the opinions of hospitals' top, senior, and middle managers using a validated questionnaire.

Assessment of Hospital Readiness to Respond to COVID-19 Pandemic in Jordan-A Cross Sectional Study.

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals faced tremendous pressure to cope with the emergency preparedness situations needed to cater for the influx of patients while maintaining their essential services. This study aimed to assess the level of readiness of hospitals in Jordan to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic using the WHO hospital readiness checklist. A cross-sectional survey using the modified and validated checklist was conducted in Jordan between 15 May and 15 June 2021.

Taste Masking of Promethazine Hydrochloride Using l-Arginine Polyamide-Based Nanocapsules.

Promethazine hydrochloride (PMZ), a potent H1-histamine blocker widely used to prevent motion sickness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, has a bitter taste. In the present study, taste masked PMZ nanocapsules (NCs) were prepared using an interfacial polycondensation technique. A one-step approach was used to expedite the synthesis of NCs made from a biocompatible and biodegradable polyamide based on l-arginine.

Dermal and Transdermal Macromolecule Delivery Using Enhancer Molecules and Colloidal Carrier Systems - Part 2: Percutaneous Administration of Heparin.

Introduction: Heparin is a commonly used anti-coagulant administered either by intravenous or subcutaneous injection for a systemic effect or topically for the treatment of peripheral vascular disorders.

Objective: This study aimed to formulate heparin in non-ionic colloidal carrier systems (CCSs) having enhanced percutaneous absorption for systemic and topical administration.

Methods: Five CCSs were developed and characterized for their rheological properties, droplet size, and drug loading.

Mechanistic modelling of targeted pulmonary delivery of dactinomycin iron oxide-loaded nanoparticles for lung cancer therapy.

With the increase in respiratory conditions including lung cancer post covid-19 pandemic, drug-loaded nanoparticulate dry powder inhalers (DPIs) can facilitate targeted lung delivery as a patient-friendly, non-invasive method. The aim of this work was to synthesise and optimise iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) containing dactinomycin as a model drug, using Quality by Design principles. Chitosan and sodium alginate were investigated as polymeric coatings.

An Ecological Analysis of Hospitalization Patterns for Diseases of the Nervous System in England and Wales over the Last 20 Years.

Objectives: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the hospitalization pattern of nervous system diseases from 1999 to 2019. Methods: This is ecological research based on data from the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England and the Patient Episode Database in Wales, both of which are publicly available. Data on hospital admissions were collected between April 1999 and March 2019.

Assessment of vaping devices as an alternative respiratory drug delivery system.

The respiratory system has generated significant interest as an alternative drug delivery route. However, because of the limitations encountered with the present inhalation devices, alternative options could present an ideal opportunity to enhance therapeutic effectiveness and patient compliance. Vaping devices have been extensively used to deliver nicotine.

Novel Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol Fixed-Dose Combination Nano-Encapsulated Particles Using Polyamide Based on L-Lysine.

One of the key challenges in developing a dry powder inhaler (DPI) of an inhalable potent fixed-dose combination (FDC) is the ability of the formulation to generate an effective and reproducible aerosol able to reach the lower parts of the lungs. Herein, a one-step approach is presented to expedite the synthesis of nanoaggregates made from a biocompatible and biodegradable polyamide based on L-lysine amino acid employing market-leading active pharmaceutical ingredients (fluticasone propionate (FP) and salmeterol xinafoate (SAL)) for the management of asthma. The nanoaggregates were synthesized using interfacial polycondensation that produced nanocapsules with an average particle size of 226.

Novel Thymoquinone Nanoparticles Using Poly(ester amide) Based on L-Arginine-Targeting Pulmonary Drug Delivery.

Thymoquinone (), the main active constituent of , has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, which suggest its potential use in secondary infections caused by COVID-19. However, clinical deployment has been hindered due to its limited aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability. Therefore, a targeted delivery system to the lungs using nanotechnology is needed to overcome limitations encountered with .

Correction: Naser et al. Knowledge and Practices during the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Middle East: A Cross-Sectional Study. 2021, , 4699.

The authors would like to make the following corrections about the published paper [...

In Vitro Assessment of Sunscreen Efficacy Using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy on Synthetic Skin.

Although there are several methods for assessing the sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreen products, there is no standard and reliable in vitro method. Each test entails limitations and drawbacks. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the employability of FTIR as an alternative and quick method to evaluate the efficacy of various sunscreen formulations, their concentrations, and the timing of their application.

Physicians' Knowledge and Practices Regarding Asthma in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Asthma is a chronic non-communicable disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality and requires ongoing clinical care. Appropriate knowledge by physicians is vital in the management of asthma. Therefore, this study aims to explore and identify the gaps in physicians' knowledge and practices concerning the management of asthma.

Development of orally dissolving films for pediatric-centric administration of anti-epileptic drug topiramate - A design of experiments (DoE) study.

Children have often been treated as small adults in relation to drug formulation, but research has now shown this not to be the case. Therefore, there is a push from regulatory bodies to provide drug formulations specifically tailored towards the needs of this fragmented population. Orally dissolving films (ODFs) have been identified as an emerging opportunity, to bridge this gap.

Clinical and Therapeutic Characteristics of Cancer Patients in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aims: Due to the continuous changes in modern lifestyle and the need to explore the effect of these changes on the risk of developing cancer, ongoing research on the epidemiology and characteristics of cancer patients is requested. This study explored the epidemiology of cancer, its characteristics, treatment patterns, and risk factors in the southern region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using cancer patients' medical records at Asir Central Hospital in the southern region of Saudi Arabia.

Formulation of sublingual promethazine hydrochloride tablets for rapid relief of motion sickness.

The delivery of antihistaminic agents via the oral route is problematic, especially for elderly patients. This study aimed to develop a sublingual formulation of promethazine hydrochloride by direct compression, and to mask its intensely bitter taste. Promethazine hydrochloride (PMZ) sublingual tablets prepared by direct compression were optimized using Box-Behnken full factorial design.

Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: Depression and anxiety persist in cancer patients, creating an additional burden during treatment and making it more challenging in terms of management and control. Studies on the prevalence of depression and anxiety among cancer patients in the Middle East are limited and include many limitations such as their small sample sizes and restriction to a specific type of cancer in specific clinical settings. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and risk factors of depression and anxiety among cancer patients in the inpatient and outpatient settings.

Knowledge and awareness of the general population and healthcare providers about retinoblastoma: It is time to know the glow.

Retinoblastoma is the most frequent primary intraocular tumour in childhood. Early detection of retinoblastoma is the key to successful management with a higher chance of survival. This study aims to assess the knowledge of the general population and healthcare providers about retinoblastoma in term of presentation, risk factors, timing for diagnosis, and complications.

Knowledge and Practices during the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Middle East: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of the general public in the Middle Eastern countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted between the 19th of March and the 6th of April 2020 in three Middle Eastern countries (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait) to explore the knowledge and practices of the Middle Eastern population regarding COVID-19. A previously developed questionnaire was adapted and used for this study.

Depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Aims: The emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic, with a high transmission and mortality rate, has created an extraordinary crisis worldwide. Such an unusual situation may have an undesirable impact on the mental health of individuals which, in turn, may influence their outcomes. This study aimed to explore the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological disposition of residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Cost considerations of dermatological care in Jordan: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Physicians play a key role in improving patient adherence, specifically in dermatological care. Expensive medications are associated with poor patient adherence and worsening clinical outcomes. This study aims to explore the cost estimation interest of patients with dermatological conditions, the influence of the cost on their drug use behavior, and cost communication practices by dermatologists.