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Rahim H, Sadiq A, Ullah R, et al. Int J Nanomedicine. 2020;15:8999–9009. We, the Editors and Publisher of International Journal of Nanomedicine, have retracted the following article. Following publication of the article, concerns were raised regarding the duplication of an image from Figure 3 with an image from an unrelated article. Specifically, The TEM image for Figure 3B has been duplicated with the TEM image for Figure 3B from Rahim H, Sadiq A, Khan S, et al. Aceclofenac nanocrystals with enhanced in vitro, in vivo performance: formulation optimization, characterization, analgesic and acute toxicity studies. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2017;11:2443–2452. https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S140626. In addition, it also appears that features of the image presented in Figure 3B were not part of the original image. The authors did respond to our queries but were unable to provide a sufficient explanation for the duplicated images or provide the original TEM images for the study. As verifying the validity of published work is core to the integrity of the scholarly record, we are therefore retracting the article and the authors do not agree with this decision. We have been informed in our decision-making by our editorial policies and COPE guidelines. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as ‘Retracted’.

Haroon Rahim,1 Abdul Sadiq,2 Riaz Ullah,3 Ahmed Bari,4 Fazli Amin,1 Umar Farooq,5 Naeem Ullah Jan,1 Hafiz Majid Mahmood6 1Department of Pharmacy, Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; 2Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; 3Department of Pharmacognosy (MAPPRC), College of Pharmacy, King Saud University Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 5Legacy Pharmaceutical (Pvt.) Ltd., Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; 6Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Haroon RahimDepartment of Pharmacy, Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology Peshawar, Peshawar 25000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PakistanTel +92 332 946 1642Email hrahimpk@gmail.comPurpose: The aim of the studies was to fabricate aceclofenac (AC) tablets using nanosuspension as granulating fluid to boost its rate of in vitro dissolution and eventually its oral bioavailability.Methods: The optimized nanosuspension with particle size of 112± 2.01 nm was fabricated using HPMC 1% (w/v), PVP-K30 1% (w/v) and SLS 0.12% (w/v) at 400 watts of ultrasonication energy for 15 min duration and 3 sec pause. Then, the optimized aceclofenac nanosuspension was used as granulating fluid for aceclofenac tablets formulation. The characterization was performed using Malvern zetasizer, SEM, TEM, DSC and P-XRD. The granules were evaluated for the bulk and tapped densities, Hausner’s ratio, angle of repose and their resulted values were found within limit. The prepared tablets were tested for average weight, hardness, friability, disintegration, dissolution and in vivo bioavailability in rabbits.Results: The in vitro dissolution data showed the boosted rate of nanosuspension-based tablets compared to the microsuspension-based tablets. The in vivo bioavailability (in rabbits model) of aceclofenac nanosuspension-based tablets (ACN-1, ACN-2) proved an improved absorption as in comparison to the marketed formulation. The Cmax and AUC0→ 24 of ACN-1 and ACN-2 were 1.53-fold, 1.48-fold and 2.23-fold, 2.0-fold greater than that of the marketed drug, and were 1.74-fold, 1.68-fold and 2.3-fold, 2.21-fold greater in comparison to raw drug.Conclusion: This boosted in vitro and in vivo bioavailability may be attributed to reduced particle size of aceclofenac nanoformulations used in tablets. Finally, this will result in faster absorption of these fabricated tablets.Keywords: nanosuspension-based tablets, release kinetics, enhanced oral bioavailability

Asma Iqbal,1 Muhammad Zaman,1,2 Muhammad Wahab Amjad,3 Sharjeel Adnan,1 Maria Abdul Ghafoor Raja,3 Syed Farhan Haider Rizvi,1 Mian Waqar Mustafa,2 Umer Farooq,2 Ghulam Abbas,4 Shahid Shah4 1Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan; 2Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan; 3Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University Rafha, Rafha, Saudi Arabia; 4Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, PakistanCorrespondence: Muhammad ZamanFaculty of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, PakistanTel +92 3006095928Email m.zaman2157@gmail.comIntroduction: Organ transplantation is a critically important procedure, which requires immune modulation by using immunosuppressants. Development of nanoparticles is an emerging and beneficial engineering process to increase the dissolution rate of poorly soluble immunosuppressants as well as to provide controlled release for better therapeutic outcomes.Method: Currently, the nanoprecipitation method was employed to fabricate β-cyclodextrin (βCD) facilitated mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNPs). The prime objectives of the study included, improvement of the dissolution profile of poorly aqueous soluble drug and controlled release from the SLNs to provide steady state drug concentration. Drug release from the prepared SLNs was assessed in two different media, ie, acidic buffer at pH 1.2 and phosphate buffer at pH 7.2 using USP dissolution apparatus for 12 h, followed by the evaluation of drug release mechanism and pattern by applying kinetic models.Results: Justifiably, in acidic medium, the release was found to be 12% more (68%) in comparison to that in basic medium (56%). However, in both dissolution media, drug release was independent of initial concentration (R2> 0.95) with non-Fickian type of diffusion mechanism. The outcomes of the study have exhibited that prepared formulations were in nanosized range (80– 170 nm) with a net charge of ± 23 charge on their surface. They possessed fairly uniform surface with acceptable polydispersity index (0.23± 0.09). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis illustrated that the nanoparticles had uniform particle size and shape.Discussion: The findings show potential applications of the nanoparticles and the method for the development of SLNPs in controlled release of MMF for better therapeutic outcomes. Conclusively, the prepared SLNPs were well designed in nanosized ranges and justifying the once daily controlled release formulation dose of MMF to enhance patient compliance.Keywords: mycophenolate mofetil, β-cyclodextrin, stearic acid, nanoparticles, controlled release, nanoprecipitation method

Muhammad Muzamil Khan,1 Asadullah Madni,1 Nayab Tahir,2 Farzana Parveen,1 Safiullah Khan,1 Nasrullah Jan,1 Ahsan Ali,1 Muhammad Abdurrahim,1 Umar Farooq,3 Muhammad Imran Khan4 1Department of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan; 2College of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan; 3Department of Pharmacy, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan; 4Faculty of Pharmacy, Riphah International University, Lahore, PakistanCorrespondence: Muhammad Muzamil KhanThe Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Punjab 63100, PakistanEmail muzamilpharmacist@gmail.comAsadullah MadniDepartment of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Punjab 63100, PakistanTel +923366248108Email asadpharmacist@hotmail.comBackground: Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNP) are suitable for co-delivery of hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. The structural advantages of polymers and biomimetic properties of lipids enable higher encapsulation of drugs and controlled release profile. Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles have been prepared for co-delivery of curcumin and cisplatin for enhanced cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer.Material and Methods: Chitosan, cisplatin, curcumin, Lipoid S75 were selected as structural components and ionic gelation method was used for preparation of LPHNPs. Nanoparticles were formed via ionic interaction of positively charged chitosan and negatively charged lipid.Results: The optimized nanoparticles were of 225 nm with cationic charge. The encapsulation efficiency was greater than 80% with good drug loading. The drug release profile showed controlled release behavior of both curcumin and cisplatin simultaneously and the absence of burst release. The in vitro therapeutic efficacy and cellular association was evaluated using A2780 ovarian cell lines. To further investigate therapeutic efficacy, we developed 3D spheroids as tumor model to mimic the in vivo conditions. The cytotoxicity and uptake of co-loaded LPHNPs were evaluated on 3D spheroids and results indicated increased chemosensitization and enhanced therapeutic efficacy of co-loaded LPHNPs.Conclusion: Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles could be a suitable platform for co-delivery of curcumin and cisplatin for enhanced cytotoxic effect on ovarian cell lines.Keywords: co-delivery, chemosensitization, curcumin, cisplatin, enhanced therapeutic output

Umar Farooq,1,* Touqeer Ahmad,1,* Ajmal Khan,2 Rizwana Sarwar,1 Jazib Shafiq,3 Yasir Raza,4 Ayaz Ahmed,3 Safi Ullah,5 Najeeb Ur Rehman,2 Ahmed Al-Harrasi21Department of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, Pakistan; 2Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman; 3Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan; 4Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan; 5Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan*These authors contributed equally to this workBackground: Infections caused by drug resistant bacteria are a major health concern worldwide and have prompted scientists to carry out efforts to overcome this challenge. Researchers and pharmaceutical companies are trying to develop new kinds of antimicrobial agents by using different physical and chemical methods to overcome these problems.Materials and methods: In the present study, rifampicin conjugated silver (Rif-Ag) nanoparticles have successfully been synthesized using a chemical method. Characterization of the nanoparticles was performed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and AFM.Results: The AFM, SEM, and TEM results showed that the average particle size of Rif-Ag nanoparticles was about 15–18±4 nm. The FTIR spectra revealed the conjugation of –NH2 and –OH functional moiety with silver nanoparticles surface. Considering the penetrating power of rifampicin, the free drug is compared with synthesized nanoparticle for antimicrobial, biofilm inhibition, and eradication potential. Synthesized nanoparticles were found to be significantly active as compared to drug alone.Conclusion: This study has shown greater biofilm inhibitory and eradicating potential against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, as evident by crystal violet, MTT staining, and microscopic analysis. So, it will be further modified, and studies for the mechanism of action are needed.Keywords: rifampicin, silver nanoparticles, TEM, AFM, antibiofilm, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae

Binte Zehra,1,* Ayaz Ahmed,1,* Rizwana Sarwar,2 Ajmal Khan,3 Umar Farooq,2 Syed Abid Ali,4 Ahmed Al-Harrasi3 1Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan; 2Department of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, Pakistan; 3Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman; 4Hussain Ebrahim Jamal Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: Globally, the prevalence and mortality rates of lung cancer have been escalated with the increasing trend of tobacco smoking. The toxicity and irresponsive nature of the available drugs for lung cancer treatment demands an alternative approach.Methods: In this study, four known compounds namely, cirsimaritin (4′,5, -dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavone) (1), eupatorin (5,3′-dihydroxy-6,7,4′-trimethoxyflavone) (2), betulin (Lup-20 (29)-ene-3, 28-diol) (3), and β-amyrin acetate (12-Oleanen-3yl acetate) (4) have been isolated from the leaves extract of Quercus incana. Preliminary screening of these natural compounds (1–4) was performed against non-small cell lung carcinoma (NCI-H460) and normal mouse fibroblast (NIH-3T3) cell lines.Results: The compounds were found to be antiproliferative against cancer cells with wide therapeutic index in comparison to the normal cells. Effects of betulin (3) on cell migration, invasion, apoptosis, and expression of important apoptosis- and metastasis-related markers were observed at different concentrations. The results showed significant dose-dependent induction of apoptosis after the treatment with betulin (3) followed by increased expression of the caspases family (ie, caspase-3, -6, and -9), proapoptotic genes (BAX and BAK), and inhibiting anti-apoptotic genes (BCL-2L1 and p53). Furthermore, wound healing and transwell invasion assays suggested that betulin (3) could also regulate metastasis by inhibiting MMP-2/-9. Osteopontin, a central regulator of apoptosis and metastasis was also inhibited in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion: The present findings suggest that betulin (3) can be an attractive chemotherapeutic target for treating resistant lung cancers. Keywords: Quercus incana, betulin, cirsimaritin, eupatorin, b-amyrin acetate, non-small cell lung carcinoma, metastasis, MMP-2, MMP-9, apoptosis, caspases, osteopontin

Ajmal Khan,1,2 Sadia Naz,1 Umar Farooq,1 Muhammad Shahid,3 Irfan Ullah,4 Iftikhar Ali,5 Abdur Rauf,6 Yahia Nasser Mabkhot7 1Department of Chemistry, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad, Pakistan; 2University of Nizwa Chair of Oman’s Medicinal Plants and Marine Natural Products, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman; 3Department of Pharmacy, Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, 4Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, 5Department of Chemistry, Karakoram International University, Gilgit-Baltistan, 6Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; 7Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Background: Vitex negundo L. has been widely studied for its beneficial effect in inflammatory and pain conditions. The present study describes the isolation of two new bioactive chromone constituents from V. negundo and their in vivo evaluation for anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. Methods: Two new chromone derivatives, namely, methyl 3-(2-(5-hydroxy-6-methoxy-4-oxo-4H-chromen-2-yl)ethyl)benzoate (1) and 3-(1-hydroxy-2-(5-hydroxy-6-methoxy-4-oxo-4H-chromen-2-yl)ethyl)benzoic acid (2) were isolated from V. negundo and their structures were determined through various spectroscopic techniques including mass spectrometry, UV, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and two-dimensional-NMR like correlation spectroscopy and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation techniques. The isolated compounds (1–2) were tested for their prospective antinociceptive activity in acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction assay and anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenan-induced paw edema assay in mice. Results: Significant attenuation (P

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to report the experience of a tertiary-care center in Makkah, Saudi Arabia in managing cases of functional aphonia. Study settings and design A case series study was conducted at the Phoniatrics Outpatient Clinics of King Abdullah Medical City in Holy Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods Cases with functional aphonia managed by modified voice therapy technique in the period from March 2011 to January 2016 at the Phoniatrics Outpatient Clinics were recruited. Management consisted of auditory perceptual assessment, acoustic analysis, laryngeal examination, and voice handicap index measurement. All these parameters were recorded for each case before and after management. Statistical analysis Data were analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences version 16, and data were subjected to descriptive as well as inferential analyses. Results A total of 15 patients with functional aphonia were managed. One female patient had an exceptionally long period of aphonia, and her case is presented separately. The success rate of the procedure used for management was 100%. Conclusion Using the nonphonatory function of vocal folds in a modified manner by experienced therapists leads to recovery of voice regardless of the period of aphonia.

The present study is the first record of deducing age-wise and sex-wise normal reference intervals (RIs) for various serum biochemical attributes in apparently healthy Sipli sheep being reared under intensive farming system at Livestock Farm of the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (FV&AS), The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB). Blood samples were aseptically collected, serum was harvested and analyzed for serum chemistry analytes through semiautomatic chemistry analyzer using commercial kits. For the sake of analysis, groups were assigned as per age i.e. G1= up till 1year (n= 41), G2= from 1 to 2 years (n= 46), G3= from 2 to 3 years (n= 43) and as per sex i.e. females (n= 79) and males (n= 51). All the overall mean values and RIs for all the studied attributes were within the reference ranges provided in earlier studies for sheep. Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and creatinine were significantly (P=0.05) lower in females as compared to those in males. However, uric acid was significantly (P=0.05) higher for females 52.8±2.6mmols/L as compared to 44.5±2.9mmols/L for males. The remaining attributes (Alanine Transaminase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, Total Proteins, Albumin, Glucose, Low Density Lipoproteins, High Density Lipoproteins and Urea) did not differ -significantly (P=0.05) between male and female sheep under study. For age-related results, only ALP, glucose and HDL were significantly (P=0.05) different between the three studied age groups of Sipli sheep. The ALP and glucose were higher in G1 animals (up till 1 year) whereas HDL was lower in G2 animals (from 1 to 2 years) as compared to their counter-part groups 1 and 3. The data can be beneficial in diagnostic/prognostic purpose for veterinarians, academicians, researchers and all other stakeholders of sheep-rearing sector in Pakistan as well as for other indigenous sheep breeds being reared under similar climatic conditions throughout the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]