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Background/objectives: The aim of the study was to create a nanofiber insert incorporating Timolol (TIM) and Dorzolamide (DOR), targeting the management of glaucoma. This condition encompasses a variety of chronic, advancing ocular disorders typically associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: The insert was made of Eudragite RL100 (EUD) polymer, a biocompatible material with high bioavailability, using the electrospinning method. The inserts were studied for morphology, drug–polymer interaction, physicochemical properties, and in vitro drug-release study. The pharmacokinetic properties of fibers were examined alongside consideration for irritation using a rabbit model and cell compatibility. Results: The results of the in vitro drug-release test showed retention and controlled release of both DOR/TIM over 80 h. Morphological examination demonstrated uniform nanofibers with mean diameters < 465 nm. The cell compatibility test showed a high percentage of cell survival, and none of the formulations irritated the rabbit’s eye. The Area Under the Curve (AUC0-72) for DOR and TIM in EDT formulations was approximately 3216.63 ± 63.25 µg·h/mL and 2598.89 ± 46.65 µg·h/mL, respectively, with Mean Residence Times (MRTs) of approximately 21.6 ± 0.19 h and 16.29 ± 6.44 h. Conclusions: Based on the results, the dual drug-loaded nanofiber preservative-free system can potentially be a suitable alternative to eye drops and can be used to reduce fluctuation and dose frequency.

Resistant schizoaffective disorder has persistent psychotic symptoms and intermittent mood swings. A satisfying method for treating these patients is the use of the antipsychotic drug clozapine, but its use is limited due to significant side effects such as leukopenia and neutropenia. Lithium carbonate is another psychiatric drug that reduces these side effects. We hypothesized that lithium, along with clozapine, in addition to controlling side effects, could have a dual effect on mood episodes in schizoaffective disorder, and used it in a chronic case. The patient was a 48-year-old man with a 20-year history of the disease. Therefore, the use of lithium along with clozapine is recommended in refractory schizoaffective patients.

Parkir dapat menimbulkan permasalah transportasi diperkotaan. Rendahnya okupansi ruang parkir sebuah fasilitas umum juga berdampak pada kemacetan lalu lintas di sekitarnya. Studi ini berfokus pada optimalisasi ruang parkir dengan mengukur tingkat okupansinya. Mikro simulasi diterapkan untuk mendapatkan gambaran okupansi secara spasial. Oleh karena itu, pendekatan agent based digunakan untuk dapat menangkap aspek mikro terutama perilaku pengemudi dalam mencari tempat parkir. Simulasi ini menggunakan tiga skenario dalam analisis okupansinya yaitu parkir yang terjadi pada hari kerja, hari akhir minggu, dan hari raya atau masa libur panjang. Hasilnya adalah okupansi tertinggi terjadi pada skenario hari raya khususnya pada area pintu masuk, railway, dan area mesin tiket. Sementara itu, area tunnel adalah area yang paling sedikit diminati oleh pengendara dan memiliki okupansi paling sedikit. Penambahan pintu masuk dan mesin tiket di dekat area tunnel dapat meningkatkan okupansi parkir yang berarti berpotensi dapat manambah okupansi kendarannya.

Background and purpose: Prolonging the drug release can be a suitable approach to overcome the challenges related to topical ophthalmic administration of drugs especially the ones prescribed for chronic ailments. The sustained delivery of the drug would reduce the required frequency of administration which could extremely improve patient compliance and feeling of well-being. This study aimed to develop nanofibrous inserts for sustained ophthalmic delivery of timolol maleate (TIM) for the treatment of glaucoma. Experimental approach: Polycaprolactone-based nanofibers containing TIM were prepared using pure polycaprolactone or a blend of it with cellulose acetate or Eudragit RL100 polymers by the electrospinning method. Following the preparation, polymeric inserts were evaluated for morphological and physicochemical properties. The in vitro drug release was assessed and the in vivo efficacy of a selected insert in decreasing the intraocular pressure (IOP) was also evaluated in the equine eyes. Findings / Results: Prepared nanofibers indicated diameter ranged between 122-174 nm. The formulations showed suitable physicochemical properties and stability for ophthalmic administration. In vitro release study showed prolonged release of drug during more than 3 days. In vivo evaluation revealed that the prepared insert is non-irritant and non-toxic to the equine eyes while having suitable efficacy in decreasing the IOP during 6 days. Conclusions and implication: Prepared TIM inserts indicated a higher efficacy than commercial TIM eye drop in lowering IOP during a prolonged period. Thus, these formulations can be considered suitable for enhancing patient compliance by reducing the frequency of administration in the treatment of glaucoma.

Polydatin is a natural potent stilbenoid polyphenol and a resveratrol derivative with improved bioavailability. Polydatin possesses potential biological activities predominantly through the modulation of pivotal signaling pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Various imperative biological activities have been suggested for polydatin towards promising therapeutic effects, including anticancer, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-microbial, as well as health-promoting roles on the renal system, the respiratory system, rheumatoid diseases, the skeletal system, and women’s health. In the present study, the therapeutic targets, biological activities, pharmacological mechanisms, and health benefits of polydatin are reviewed to provide new insights to researchers. The need to develop further clinical trials and novel delivery systems of polydatin is also considered to reveal new insights to researchers.

The effect of simple and composite coatings of Sagez (4,8 and12%) and zein (4,8 and 12%) on shelf life, microbial spoilage and quality attributes of sweet lemon during storage (5±1°C and 70 % RH) for 90 days according to a full factorial design was evaluated. Changes in weight, pH, acidity, color (L* value and hue angle), firmness, sensory score and total fungal and yeast were evaluated during the storage time. The performance of the Sagez–zein composite coatings on the sample quality protection was compared with simple and uncoated sample. The results showed that the color, firmness, weight loss (WL), microbial spoilage and sensory attributes of sweet lemon were strongly affected by the Sagez coatings during storage. It was observed that the simple zein coatings and non-coated sample could not extend the shelf life of sweet lemon. Based on results Sagez can be used as an efficient edible coating to extend the shelf life and controlling spoilage of sweet lemon. The results indicated that an increase in the amount of zein in composite coatings significantly (p < 0.05) increased the total mold and yeast, weight loss and firmness and decreased the sensory scores compared to Sagez simple coatings.

Neurogastroenterology and motility is a new but advanced subspecialty within gasteroenterology that cater to difficult, persistent and refractory gut-brain symptoms. Hospital USM has the country's first and new state-of-the art motility lab that was recently launched on the 25 May 2023, and is covered in nationwide media. Another first is the Brain-Gut Clinic, established on the 16 November 2022. The clinic is a new concept that builds on unique multiple disciplines in relation to the gut-brain axis. It is hoped that there will be more awareness on the existence of neurogastroenterology and motility among doctors and community, and that more research can be forthcoming to reduce the disease burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]