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The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential inhibitory effect of montmorillonite (MMT)-reinforced, glutaraldehyde-crosslinked PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) nanofibers loaded with root extract of Berberis lycium on monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO A and B) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) by using slightly modified Ellman’s test and Amplex Red monoamine oxidase assay, respectively. Enzyme inhibition studies of extract-loaded nanofibers showed significant inhibitory potential against MAO A, B, and BChE. There was an increase in enzyme inhibition with an increased extract concentration loaded to nanofibers. The fibers were characterized by TGA (thermal gravimetric analysis), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray diffractometry), and FTIR (Fourier-transform infra-red) spectroscopy to investigate thermal stability, morphology, structural changes, and functional groups in the nanofibers, respectively. SEM results of fabricated nanofibers reflected the beadless and smooth morphology of nanofibers with the porous structure. The contact angle measurements of fabricated nanofibers showed suitable hydrophilicity of nanofibers. The nanofibers loaded with the root extract of Berberis lycium have been found to be potent inhibitors of MAO A, B, and the BChE enzyme.

The objective of this study was to prepare linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/chitosan/closite nanocomposites by using various concentrations of LLDPE, chitosan, and closite clay mineral. The nanocomposites were then characterized for their thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties by using different analytical techniques including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheological characterization, tensile strength study, and scanning electron microscopy. The TGA demonstrated that crosslinked composites are thermally more stable than non-crosslinked composites. The DSC stated that the percentage crystallinity of crosslinked composites is lower than the non-crosslinked composites. It is also observed that the increasing quantity of chitosan and closite also reduces the percentage crystallinity of the prepared nanocomposites. Rheological characterization revealed that, crosslinked composites are viscoelastic in nature and have high complex viscosities (η*) and high dynamic shear storage modulus (G′), while non-crosslinked composites showed high dynamic shear loss modulus (G″). Tensile strength of crosslinked composites was much higher than non-crosslinked composites, however elongation at break (Eb) values of non-crosslinked composites are higher than crosslinked composites. The scanning electron microscopy displayed strong adhesion between matrix-filler-interphase in crosslinked composites, while some gaps were also observed in non-crosslinked composites. As a conclusion, chitosan, closite clay, and the LLDPE based nanocomposites with improved thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties can be successfully prepared by employing a peroxide-initiated melt compounding technique.

The present study is focused on the assessment of the medicinal therapeutic potential extracts of H. rosea to investigate their pharmacological implications based upon science proofs. The antioxidant activity of fraction of H. rosea, namely, n-hexane (HR-1), ethyl acetate (HR-2), chloroform (HR-3), and n-butanol (HR-4), was performed by using the DPPH radical scavenging method. The cytotoxicity and enzyme inhibition assessment were also performed. All the extracts showed significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and protein kinase inhibition but none of the extracts exhibited α-amylase inhibition activity. The chloroform extract HR-3 may block a kinase receptor from binding to ATP; the lead molecule will be isolated, which may stop cancerous cell growth and demotion of cell division. It is predicted that ethyl acetate, chloroform, and n-butanol extracts of H. rosea contain polyphenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids that are biologically effective candidates exhibiting significant cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. They may control oxidative damage in the body tissues and act as potential antidiabetic and anticancer agents. These studies will also be helpful for future drug designing and drug development research.

Sol-gel method has been adapted to synthesize the composites of poly(4-vinylpyridine) with different rare earth inorganic metal salts. These salts have been incorpo- rated into polymer for enhancing the thermal stability. The resultingproductswerecharacterizedthroughFourierTrans- form Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis. The XRD data show that amorphous character of polymer is enhanced by incorporat- ing inorganic metal salts. Thermal degradation data depict thermal stability of the synthesized composites. Addition- ally, thermal degradation data depict that thermal stability of synthesized composites is enhanced and are more ther- mal stable than P4VP itself, which makes them suitable for coatings.

Solid dispersions of artemether and polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) were prepared in ratio 12 : 88 (group-1). Self-emulsified solid dispersions of artemether were prepared by using polyethylene glycol 6000, Cremophor-A25, olive oil, Transcutol, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in ratio 12 : 75 : 5 : 4 : 2 : 2, respectively (group-2). In third group, only Cremophor-A25 was replaced with Poloxamer 188 compared to group-2. The solid dispersions and self-emulsified solid dispersions were prepared by physical and freeze dried methods, respectively. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy, and solubility, dissolution, and stability studies. X-ray diffraction pattern revealed artemether complete crystalline, whereas physical mixture and freeze-dried mixture of all three groups showed reduced peak intensities. In attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra, C–H stretching vibrations of artemether were masked in all prepared samples, while C–H stretching vibrations were representative of polyethylene glycol 6000, Cremophor-A25, and Poloxamer 188. Differential scanning calorimetry showed decreased melting endotherm and increased enthalpy change (ΔH) in both physical mixture and freeze-dried mixtures of all groups. Scanning electron microscopy of freeze-dried mixtures of all samples showed glassy appearance, size reduction, and embedment, while their physical mixture showed size reduction and embedment of artemether by excipients. In group-1, solubility was improved up to 15 times, whereas group-2 showed up to 121 times increase but, in group-3, when Poloxamer 188 was used instead of Cremophor-A25, solubility of freeze-dried mixtures was increased up to 135 times. In fasted state simulated gastric fluid at pH 1.6, the dissolution of physical mixture was increased up to 12 times and freeze-dried mixtures up to 15 times. The stability of artemether was substantially enhanced in freeze-dried mixtures by using polyethylene glycol 6000, Cremophor-A25, and Poloxamer 188 of self-emulsified solid dispersions of artemether in Hank’s balanced salt solution at pH 7.4.

The exposure to ultraviolet radiations (UVR) is the key source of skin sunburn; it may produce harmful entities, reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to aging. The skin can be treated and protected from the injurious effects of ROS by using various pharmaceutical formulations, such as cream. Cream can be loaded with antioxidants to quench ROS leading to photo-protective effects. Moreover, modern medicines depend on ethnobotanicals for protection or treatment of human diseases. This review article summarizes variousin vivoantioxidant studies on herbal creams loaded with phyto-extracts. These formulations may serve as cosmeceuticals to protect skin against injurious effects of UVR. The botanicals studied for dermatologic use in cream form includeAcacia nilotica, Benincasa hispida, Calendula officinalis, Camellia sinensis, Camellia sinensis, Nelumbo nucifera, Capparis decidua, Castanea sativa, Coffea arabica, Crocus sativus, Emblica officinalis Gaertn, Foeniculum vulgare, Hippophae rhamnoides, Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Malus domestica, Matricaria chamomillaL.,Moringa oleifera, Morus alba, Ocimum basilicum, Oryza sativa, Polygonum minus, Punica granatum, Silybum marianum, Tagetes erectaLinn.,Terminalia chebula, Trigonella foenum-graecum, andVitis vinifera. The observed anti-aging effects of cream formulations could be an outcome of a coordinating action of multiple constituents. Of numerous botanicals, the phenolic acids and flavonoids appear effective against UVR-induced damage; however the evidence-based studies for their anti-aging effects are still needed.

Several pathologies such as neurodegeneration and cancer are associated with aging, which is affected by many genetic and environmental factors. Healthy aging conceives human longevity, possibly due to carrying the defensive genes. For instance, FOXO (forkhead box O) genes determine human longevity. FOXO transcription factors are involved in the regulation of longevity phenomenon via insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling. Only one FOXO gene (FOXO DAF-16) exists in invertebrates, while four FOXO genes, that is, FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4, and FOXO6 are found in mammals. These four transcription factors are involved in the multiple cellular pathways, which regulate growth, stress resistance, metabolism, cellular differentiation, and apoptosis in mammals. However, the accurate mode of longevity by FOXO factors is unclear until now. This article describes briefly the existing knowledge that is related to the role of FOXO factors in human longevity.

The purpose of this study was to fabricate a triple-component nanocomposite system consisting of chitosan, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and drug for assessing the application of chitosan–PEG nanocomposites in drug delivery and also to assess the effect of different molecular weights of PEG on nanocomposite characteristics. The casting/solvent evaporation method was used to prepare chitosan–PEG nanocomposite films incorporating piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin. In order to characterize the morphology and structure of nanocomposites, X-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy were used. Drug content uniformity test, swelling studies, water content, erosion studies, dissolution studies, and anti-inflammatory activity were also performed. The permeation studies across rat skin were also performed on nanocomposite films using Franz diffusion cell. The release behavior of films was found to be sensitive to pH and ionic strength of release medium. The maximum swelling ratio and water content was found in HCl buffer pH 1.2 as compared to acetate buffer of pH 4.5 and phosphate buffer pH 7.4. The release rate constants obtained from kinetic modeling and flux values of ex vivo permeation studies showed that release of piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin increased with an increase in concentration of PEG. The formulation F10 containing 75% concentration of PEG showed the highest swelling ratio (3.42±0.02) in HCl buffer pH 1.2, water content (47.89±1.53%) in HCl buffer pH 1.2, maximum cumulative drug permeation through rat skin (2405.15±10.97 μg/cm2) in phosphate buffer pH 7.4, and in vitro drug release (35.51±0.26%) in sequential pH change mediums, and showed a significantly (p

Over the past few years, considerable attention has been focused on carrageenan based bionanocomposites due to their multifaceted properties like biodegradability, biocompatibility, and nontoxicity. Moreover, these composites can be tailored according to the desired purpose by using different nanofillers. The role of ferromagnetic nanoparticles in drug delivery is also discussed here in detail. Moreover, this article also presents a short review of recent research on the different types of the carrageenan based bionanocomposites and applications.

Several pathologies such as neurodegeneration and cancer are associated with aging, which is affected by many genetic and environmental factors. Healthy aging conceives human longevity, possibly due to carrying the defensive genes. For instance, FOXO (forkhead box O) genes determine human longevity. FOXO transcription factors are involved in the regulation of longevity phenomenon via insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling. Only one FOXO gene (FOXO DAF-16) exists in invertebrates, while four FOXO genes, that is, FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4, and FOXO6 are found in mammals. These four transcription factors are involved in the multiple cellular pathways, which regulate growth, stress resistance, metabolism, cellular differentiation, and apoptosis in mammals. However, the accurate mode of longevity by FOXO factors is unclear until now. This article describes briefly the existing knowledge that is related to the role of FOXO factors in human longevity.

The global presence of arsenic (As) in drinking water has endangered the safety of human health. The present research investigated the removal of As in drinking water using bio-sand filtration (BSF). Various treatments i.e. T1 (Pinus bark), T2 (brick powder), and T3 (mixture of T1 and T2) were used to investigate the As removal from drinking water by batch mode column experiments at room temperature (15‐20˚C) for 90 d. Batch experiments were conducted to check the As removal efficiency of Pinus bark and brick powder. Adsorption studies involved changing of the As and adsorbent concentrations. The BSF containing Pinus bark having depth of 5 cm showed the maximum As adsorption i.e. 95% over the time period of 80 d and adsorbed the maximum As concentration of 13.843 mg. The BSF may serve as good option for the treatment of potable water especially in the developing countries.

Fungal endophytes are group of fungi that grow within the plant tissues without causing immediate signs of disease and are abundant and diverse producers of bioactive secondary metabolites. The Chaetomium genus of kingdom fungi is considered to be a rich source of unique bioactive metabolites. These metabolites belong to chemically diverse classes, i.e., chaetoglobosins, xanthones, anthraquinones, chromones, depsidones, terpenoids and steroids. Cheatomium through production of diverse metabolites can be considered as a potential source of antitumor, cytotoxic, antimalarial, antibiotic and enzyme inhibitory lead molecules for drug discovery. This review covers isolation of Cheatomium endophytes, extraction and isolation of metabolites and their biological activities.

Purpose: To investigate the in vitro permeation and drug release kinetics of flurbiprofen gel.Methods: Thirteen batches (G1, G2 … G13) of flurbiprofen gels were prepared using different ratios ofpermeation enhancers, i.e., propylene glycol (PG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), by response surface methodology (RSM). Viscosity, pH, spreadability, consistency and drug content of the flurbiprofen gels were measured. Permeation experiments were conducted using silicone membrane in a modified Franz diffusion cell. Permeation parameters determined include diffusion coefficient (D), Flux (J), lag time (tLag), permeation coefficient (Kp), input rate (IR) and enhancement ratio (ER). Primary skin irritation test was performed for the optimized gel, G3, using 11 human volunteers.Results: Maximum solubility (72.15 ± 0.02 mg/mL) of flurbiprofen was observed in a mixture (2:1) of methanol and water. Partition coefficient (Ko/w) was determined as logP = 3.68 ± 0.11. The gels were stable under various storage conditions, and were homogenous, crystalline and transparent. Viscosity, pH, spreadability, consistency and drug content were in the range of 150 – 178 × 102 cps, 5.42 - 5.75, 5.0 - 7.0 g.cm/s, 3.0 - 9.0 mm, and 97.99 - 99.86 %, respectively. No irritation or lesions (erythma, redness and ulceration) occurred in human volunteers over a 30-day period. The optimized formulation, G3, showed maximum flux through silicone membrane.Conclusion: PG and PEG are effective enhancers of flurbiprofen from various formulations when used in various ratios.Keywords: Flurbiprofen, Gel, Diffusion, Permeation enhancers, Skin irritation, Silicone membrane

Currently, the clinical use of sweat as biofluid is limited. The collection of sweat and its analysis for determining ethanol, drugs, ions, and metals have been encompassed in this review article to assess the merits of sweat compared to other biofluids, for example, blood or urine. Moreover, sweat comprises various biomarkers of different diseases including cystic fibrosis and diabetes. Additionally, the normalization of sampled volume of sweat is also necessary for getting efficient and useful results.

Purpose: To ascertain the preference of COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad, Pakistan (CIIT) students for various ‘over the counter’ analgesics.Methods: This cross-sectional survey study on self-medication of ibuprofen in students of CIIT was conducted in July - August 2013 using a self-administered questionnaire. Five hundred students with an average age of 20 - 25 years cooperated in this inquisition. The questionnaire contained 18 questions including socio-demographic queries, economical status, perception of the frequency of pain, their locality, and behavior and knowledge of participants on the use of ibuprofen regarding its therapeutic and adverse effects, and interactions.Results: Out of the 500 participants in the study, 70.4 % were female. The response rate was 68.2 %. Ibuprofen (54 %) was the most used analgesic of all the NSAIDs among the respondents. Approximately, 11.2 % of the respondents reported that they suffer from pain almost every day. The younger and more educated respondents had better level of awareness about the ibuprofen’s indications as compared to those who had low level of education. Of the respondents, 29.6 % were not aware of any side effect caused by ibuprofen. Approximately, 22.4 % of the respondents had no knowledge of the interactions of ibuprofen while 61.2 % of the participants consult a physician about painkillers.Conclusion: Although many of the students undergo almost daily pain and favor ibuprofen over other NSAIDs analgesics among but they still lack information on its appropriate handling and safety. The overall result of the survey indicates very low level of information about the drug interaction.Keywords: Pain, OTC, analgesic, ibuprofen, questionnaire based survey, awareness

Purpose : To determine the prevalence of hepatic infections, viz, hepatitis B (HBV) virus and hepatitis C virus (HCV), in the euthyroid population of Southern Punjab Province of Pakistan. Methods : A total of 120 euthyroid patients (36 male and 84 female) with a mean age of 30.7 ± 0.09 years) were included in this study. HBV and HCV, as well as the thyroid hormones, namely, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were detected in the serum of the subjects using commercial kits. Results : Out of 120 subjects 4 (3.3 %) were positive for HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) and 18 (15 %) for anti-HCV. HCV infection was approximately 4 times higher than HBV infection (p = 0.00028). Prevalence of HBsAg in males (8 %) was significantly higher than in females (1.2 %, p = 0.006345) whereas prevalence of HCV in males (16.7 %) was not significantly different from that in females (14.2 %, p = 0.521303). HCV (16.7 %) was significantly higher than HBV infection (8.33 %, p = 0.0102) in male sufferers. Similarly, among females patients, the incidence of HCV (14.2 %) was significantly higher (p = 0.000011) than HBV infection (1.2 %). Conclusion : The prevalence of HCV is higher than that of HBV in the studied population; furthermore, this prevalence of HCV is higher than values reported in other studies. The high level of HCV infection in the studied population is of concern, indicating the need for preventive measures to be put in place. Keywords : Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Prevalence, Euthyroid

The existing aromatase inhibitors produced unwelcome effects impose the discovery of novel drugs with privileged selectivity, a reduced amount of toxicity and humanizing potency. In this study, we illuminate the binding mode of polyketide azaphilanoid pigments monascin, ankaflavin, monascorubrin and monascorubramine isolated from Monascus fungus to the aromatase by molecular docking. The 3-dimensional structure of aromatase enzyme (PDB: 4KQ8) was obtained from the Protein Data Bank. PatchDock docking software was used to analyze structural complexes of the aromatase with monascus pigments. Comparatively, the AutoGrid model presented the most briskly constructive binding mode of monascin to aromatase. Docked energies in kcal/mol are: monascin;-13.2; monascorubramine:-12.8, monascorubrin:-12.3; ankaflavin: -10.5. These outcomes exposed these ligands could be potential drugs to treat hormone dependent breast cancer. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjp.v9i4.20435

A series of di- and tri-organotin complexes of 2-thionaphthalene of general formula RR'RSnL (R=R'=R=C 6 H 5 , CH 3 , n-C 4 H 9 , C 6 H 11 , C 6 H 5 CH 2 ; R=R'=C 6 H 5 CH 2 , R=CI; R=R'=Me, R=C 10 H 7 S and L=2-thio-naphthalene, C 10 H 7 S) have been prepared by the reaction of di-or tri-organotin chloride(s) with 2-thionaphthalene. All compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, MS, NMR ( l H, 13 C, 119 Sn) and 119 Sn Mossbauer spectroscopies. X-ray crystal structures of the representative compounds (C 6 H 5 ) 3 SnL and (CH 3 ) 2 SnL 2 confirm a tetrahydral geometry about tin. The biological activities of these compounds against various bacteria and fungi have been investigated.

Purpose : To formulate sustained-release (SR) matrix tablets of tizanidine hydrochloride (THC) and to investigate the effect of matrix polymer type on drug release profile of drug. Methods : Matrix tablets of THC were prepared by direct compression method using a combination of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and ethylcellulose (EC) in varying ratios. In all the formulations, the amount of THC was 6.87 mg (equivalent to 6 mg base). USP type-I (basket) apparatus was used for the dissolution study. The dissolution study was performed in 0.1M HCl for the first 2 h and in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) for another 10 h. The dissolution data were subjected to drug release models to ascertain the kinetics of drug release. Additionally, in vitro swelling and buoyancy studies were carried out on the optimized formulation. The optimized formulation was compared with a commercial reference product using similarity factor (ƒ 2 ) test. Results : F4 formulation, containing 145 g of HPMC only, (with ƒ 2 value of 67.38) was selected as optimized formulation (compared to the reference commercial product), and it released 97.84 % of the drug in 12 h. The release data showed best fit to first-order kinetics (R 2 = 0.9963 - 0.9989), though nonsignificantly (p > 0.05) different from the Higuchi model (R 2 = 0.9813 - 0.9955) except for formulation F6. Based on Koppcha model data, drug release mechanism involved both diffusion and erosion (n = 0.513 - 0.597) with diffusion being dominant. The optimized formulation exhibited 162 % swelling at the end of 11 h, after which no further weight gain occurred. Conclusion : Suitable sustained-release tablets of tizanidine hydrochloride have been successfully prepared using direct compression Drug release is sustained by increasing the content of the matrix polymers used. Keywords : Tizanidine, HPMC, EC, Koppcha, Hixson-Crowell, Stokes-Einstein’s equation

This review is focused essentially on the synthesis and applications of gold nanoparticles in the field of medicine and targeted drug delivery. Nanotechnology has become one of the most interesting and advanced areas of research in this field. Among nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles demonstrate special advantages in this field due to their unique properties, small size and high surface area-to-volume ratio. These particles have been widely used in various biomedical applications and drug delivery systems due to their inert nature, stability, high dispersity, non-cytotoxicity and biocompatibility. Keywords : Biosynthesis, Gold nanoparticles, Biomedical applications, Targeted drug delivery, Nanotechnology.

Purpose: To identify malnourished cases and determine their relationship with weaning time and socioeconomic factors in under-5 children in Swat, Pakistan.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric Ward and Outpatients Department (OPD), Saidu Teaching Hospital, Swat, Pakistan using case files from October to December 2011.Results: A total of 186 children were studied to identify malnutrition, out of which 101 (37.7 %) were male and 85 (32.0 %) female. Moreover, 95 (35.7 %) of the mothers were < 30 years of age and 91 (34.0 %) > 30 years. About 33.7 % of the children were weaned before the age of 4 months. The maternal age of 28.6 % of the malnourished children was < 20 years, and about 2l % of the malnourished children were not immunized against eight EPI (Expanded Program on Immunization) target diseases, viz, poliomyelitis, neonatal tetanus, measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis-B, Hib pneumonia & meningitis, and childhood tuberculosis. Respondents from urban location 98 (36.7 %), while 88 (33.0 %). Based on Gomezfs classification, out of 186 children, 19 (7.1 %) werevictims of malnutrition; mothers of 35.6 % of the children were uneducated and 25.5 % had primary level (5 years) education. The number of siblings per mother was . 5 in the case of 64.8 % of the malnourished children. More than half of the children were at risk of malnutrition.Conclusion: The incidence of malnutrition is about the same for both male and female children. Risk factors for malnutrition in the children include lack of education, teenage pregnancy, lack of immunization, and large family size.Keywords: Malnutrition, Gomezfs classification, Weaning time, Risk factors, Teenage pregnancy, Swat