Synthesis and Investigation of Mechanical Properties of the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Fiber Composites Using Fused Deposition Modeling.

Additive manufacturing is becoming a global phenomenon due to its versatile properties and numerous benefits, which is not possible by conventional machining processes. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) shows a huge potential of shift from rapid prototyping toward the rapid manufacturing. Nowadays, the strength of the FDM-printed parts is very important to consider along with all the printing parameters, which affect the strength of these parts. This study includes the investigation of printing parameters (infill density, layer thickness, and shell count) on the strength of FDM-printed parts of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and carbon fiber-reinforced ABS (ABS-CF). These printing parameters directly affect the quality as well as the strength of the 3D-printed parts through FDM. Tensile tests were performed on the universal testing machine on both types of printed parts. The optimized parameters for the 3D-printed samples of the pristine ABS are found to be 0.1045 mm of layer thickness, 57.72% of infill density, and 7.63 numbers of shell count, while the optimum parameters obtained for ABS-CF are 0.2780 mm of layer thickness, 28.37% of infill density, and 9.88 numbers of shell count. The results show that the layer thickness and shell count have a significant effect on the ultimate tensile strength of the 3D-printed parts.

A Comprehensive Review of Hydrogel-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Classification, Properties, Recent Trends, and Applications.

As adaptable biomaterials, hydrogels have shown great promise in several industries, which include the delivery of drugs, engineering of tissues, biosensing, and regenerative medicine. These hydrophilic polymer three-dimensional networks have special qualities like increased content of water, soft, flexible nature, as well as biocompatibility, which makes it excellent candidates for simulating the extracellular matrix and promoting cell development and tissue regeneration. With an emphasis on their design concepts, synthesis processes, and characterization procedures, this review paper offers a thorough overview of hydrogels. It covers the various hydrogel material types, such as natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and hybrid hydrogels, as well as their unique characteristics and uses. The improvements in hydrogel-based platforms for controlled drug delivery are examined. It also looks at recent advances in bioprinting methods that use hydrogels to create intricate tissue constructions with exquisite spatial control. The performance of hydrogels is explored through several variables, including mechanical properties, degradation behaviour, and biological interactions, with a focus on the significance of customizing hydrogel qualities for particular applications. This review paper also offers insights into future directions in hydrogel research, including those that promise to advance the discipline, such as stimuli-responsive hydrogels, self-healing hydrogels, and bioactive hydrogels. Generally, the objective of this review paper is to provide readers with a detailed grasp of hydrogels and all of their potential uses, making it an invaluable tool for scientists and researchers studying biomaterials and tissue engineering.

Formulation, Characterization, and Evaluation of ß-Cyclodextrin Functionalized Hypericin Loaded Nanocarriers.

St. John's wort in western Europe has been extensively utilized for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Hypericin, a red pigment, is found to be responsible for its antidepressant activity. The aim of the current study was to prepare a nanoemulsion (O/W) of hypericin designed for immediate delivery of the drug to the brain for the treatment of depression. The nanoemulsion was prepared by means of a homogenization technique, and that was followed by its physicochemical evaluation. Tween-80, Span-80, ß-cyclodextrin, ethanol, and eucalyptus oil were utilized for the manufacturing of the nanoemulsion. Morphological studies have revealed globular structures of nanosize that were confirmed by the zeta analysis. The consistency of particles was revealed by the low polydispersity values. pH values of all formulations lay within the range of nasal pH. The viscosity of the prepared formulations was affected by the increase in concentrations of ß-cyclodextrin. After passing from the centrifugation and freeze-thaw studies, the prepared formulations showed good stability. Formulation F2 having a composition of oil phase (0.125 mL), aqueous phase (1.25 mL), and ß-cyclodextrin (8%) showed the best results out of all the formulations, and F2 had a pH of 5.7, 5.35 cP viscosity, 1.332 refractive index, 148.8 globule size, and -10.8 zeta potential. The mean percentage drug release and in vitro and ex vivo percentage drug permeations were observed to be 71.75, 76, and 75.07%, respectively. Meanwhile, formulation F2 showed the maximum drug release and permeation. In vivo behavior studies including the open field test, elevated plus maze test, and tail suspension test were conducted to see the antidepressant effect of hypericin along with comparison with a commercially available treatment. In conclusion, the prepared formulation shows good efficacy as an antidepressant and can be considered as a natural alternative over synthetic drugs.

Vesicular approach of cubosomes, its components, preparation techniques, evaluation and their appraisal for targeting cancer cells.

Cancer has been characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Majority of drugs given through chemotherapy produce unwanted and adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents to the other healthy cells and tissues of body. Various nanocarriers have now been considered for treatment of cancer. Among various nanocarriers, cubosomes are the nano sized dispersions that have drawn interest of researchers recently. Cubosomes are defined as dispersions of colloidal nature containing cubic crystalline liquid formations in aqueous medium in presence of suitable surfactant molecules. The unique capacity to encapsulate lipophilic, hydrophilic, and amphiphilic compounds inside their structure distinguishes them among others. Top- down method and hydrotrope method are most often employed methods for cubosomes preparation. Cubosomes can be characterized by Polarized light microscopy Photon correlation spectroscopy X-ray scattering (SAXS), Transmission electron microscopy and various stability studies. Cubic lipid nanoparticles have a very stable cubic structure that enables slower dissociation rate, increased retention and site-specific delivery of drugs. Cubosomes containing extracts of cornelian cherry for boosting anti-cancerous effects in cancer of colorectal cells by preventing against GIT destruction. When applied for skin cancer, cubosomes have shown to be having enhanced permeation of the drug. In liver cancer, increased bioavailability of drug was observed via cubosomes. This current review elaborates the advancement of cubosomes and their effective role in the treatment of cancer. This review aims to describe vesicular approach of cubosomes, its composition and method of preparation, characterization tests as well as elaborates various applications of cubosomes in cancer.

Amikacin-Loaded Chitosan Hydrogel Film Cross-Linked with Folic Acid for Wound Healing Application.

PURPOSE: Numerous carbohydrate polymers are frequently used in wound-dressing films because they are highly effective materials for promoting successful wound healing. In this study, we prepared amikacin (AM)-containing hydrogel films through the cross-linking of chitosan (CS) with folic acid along with methacrylic acid (MA), ammonium peroxodisulfate (APS), and methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). In the current studies, an effort has been made to look at the possibilities of these materials in developing new hydrogel film wound dressings meant for a slow release of the antibiotic AM and to enhance the potential for wound healing. METHODS: Free-radical polymerization was used to generate the hydrogel film, and different concentrations of the CS polymer were used. Measurements were taken of the film thickness, weight fluctuation, folding resistance, moisture content, and moisture uptake. HPLC, FTIR, SEM, DSC, and AFM analyses were some of the different techniques used to confirm that the films were successfully developed. RESULTS: The AM release profile demonstrated regulated release over a period of 24 h in simulated wound media at pH 5.5 and 7.4, with a low initial burst release. The antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacterial strains exhibited substantial effectiveness, with inhibitory zones measuring approximately 20.5 ± 0.1 mm. Additionally, in vitro cytocompatibility assessments demonstrated remarkable cell viability, surpassing 80%, specifically when evaluated against human skin fibroblast (HFF-1) cells. CONCLUSIONS: The exciting findings of this study indicate the promising potential for further development and testing of these hydrogel films, offering effective and controlled antibiotic release to enhance the process of wound healing.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 presenting with features of mixed pattern acute liver injury in a young healthy female, a case report.

COVID-19 associated severe acute liver injury in a young healthy patient has not been reported much in the literature. And currently, there are no standard management guidelines. We want to report a case of acute liver injury of mixed pattern in a young healthy female with asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. She presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and yellowish discoloration of her skin. Further laboratory investigations revealed mixed pattern liver injury with highly raised liver enzymes. She was managed with N-acetyl cysteine protocol and monitoring of her liver enzymes. Other causes of acute liver injury were ruled out. She remained stable during her hospital stay and follow up. Our aim is to highlight the significance of acute liver injury in COVID 19 patients that may lead to fatal outcomes if not managed and monitored accordingly.

Investigation on synthesis of ternary g-C3N4/ZnO-W/M nanocomposites integrated heterojunction II as efficient photocatalyst for environmental applications.

The rapid industrialization of the world is disparagingly manipulating our environment and natural ecosystem. The researchers are taking keen interest to invent novel material as photocatalyst for non-degradable organic pollutants. Solar energy-driven practices employing semiconductors are a novel approach towards wastewater remediation. Here in, we successfully synthesized a vigorous photocatalysts comprising of g-C3N4 and doped ZnO-W/M (M = Co, Ce, Yb, Sm) by co-precipitation followed by metals doping via calcination approach. The structural, morphological, and photocatalytic applications for organic pollutants of synthesized heterostructure nanocomposites were examined by XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX and UV visible spectrophotometer. Diffraction peaks attributed to both g-C3N4 and ZnO-W were detected in the XRD spectra. The FTIR spectra also inveterate the formation of g-C3N4/ZnO-W/M composites. The SEM images reveal an agglomerated morphology and EDS analysis also confirmed close contact between g-C3N4, ZnO-W and doped metals. The abridged energy band gap of g-C3N4/ZnO-W/M (M = Ce, Yb, Sm, Co) nanocomposites calculated via Tauc plot are 2.68, 2.88, 3.24 and 3.29 eV respectively. Narrowing of bandgap is considered an imperative triumph for the degradation of industrial effluents. The photocatalytic activity was performed against four different dyes and follows the trend Ce > Yb > Sm > Co. The recyclability tests were carried out for different dyes and no substantial catalytic activity loss was observed even after the fourth experimental run, which proves that reported ternary heterojunctions exhibit high mechanical stability and reusability.The species trapping experiment exposed that generated h+ are the principal active specie for dye photodegradation reactions. This work disseminates a novel photocatalyst for the removal of synthetic dyes.

Efficient photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B dye using solar light-driven La-Mn co-doped Fe2O3 nanoparticles.

This work aims to develop a highly efficient solar light-induced photocatalyst based on La-Mn co-doped Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Pure Fe2O3 and La-Mn co-doped Fe2O3 nanoparticles were fabricated by a simple co-precipitation method. The photocatalysts were analyzed for their morphological, structural, and magnetic characteristics. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated the formation of semi-spherical nanoparticles along with small aggregations. The size of nanoparticles was measured using a transmission electron microscope and found in the range of 42-49 nm. The crystalline nature and geometry of synthesized nanoparticles were investigated using X-ray diffraction analysis. Due to the incorporation of La-Mn, the saturation magnetization and remanent magnetization of the nanoparticles decreased from 6.17 to 2.89 emu/g and 1.15 to 0.52 emu/g, respectively, while the coercivity was reduced from 756.72 to 756.67 Oe. The surface area of nanoparticles was increased from 77.93 to 87.45 m2/g as a result of La-Mn co-doping. The photocatalytic performance of the Fe2O3, La0.1Mn0.3Fe1.6O3, and La0.2Mn0.2Fe1.6O3 catalysts was assessed by their capability to degrade Rhodamine B (RhB) under solar light illumination. La0.2Mn0.2Fe1.6O3 displayed exceptional degradation performance, degrading RhB to 91.78% in 240 min, in comparison to La0.1Mn0.3Fe1.6O3 (71.09%) and pristine Fe2O3 (58.21%) under specified reaction conditions ((RhB) = 50 ppm; (catalyst) = 40 mg/L; pH = 7; T = 25 °C)). RhB degradation was affected by changing pH, catalytic dosage, dye concentration, and temperature. The degradation of RhB was found to be pseudo-1st order kinetics. The exceptional photocatalytic performance of La0.2Mn0.2Fe1.6O3 catalysts showed that the synthesized nanoparticles could be effectively utilized to remove organic pollutants from industrial wastewater.

Systematic Investigation of Structural, Morphological, Thermal, Optoelectronic, and Magnetic Properties of High-Purity Hematite/Magnetite Nanoparticles for Optoelectronics.

Iron oxide nanoparticles, especially hematite (α-Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4) have attained substantial research interest in various applications of green and sustainable energy harnessing owing to their exceptional opto-magneto-electrical characteristics and non-toxicity. In this study, we synthesized high-purity hematite and magnetite nanoparticles from a facile top-down approach by employing a high-energy ball mill followed by ultrasonication. A systematic investigation was then carried out to explore the structural, morphological, thermal, optoelectrical, and magnetic properties of the synthesized samples. The experimental results from scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction corroborated the formation of highly crystalline hematite and magnetite nanoparticles with average sizes of ~80 nm and ~50 nm, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed remarkable results on the thermal stability of the newly synthesized samples. The optical studies confirmed the formation of a single-phase compound with the bandgaps dependent on the size of the nanoparticles. The electrochemical studies that utilized cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques verified these iron oxide nanoparticles as electroactive species which can enhance the charge transfer process with high mobility. The hysteresis curves of the samples revealed the paramagnetic behavior of the samples with high values of coercivity. Thus, these optimized materials can be recommended for use in future optoelectronic devices and can prove to be potential candidates in the advanced research of new optoelectronic materials for improved energy devices.

Enigma of categorizing COVID-19-related lung parenchymal diseases and management experience with follow-up outcomes in Qatar: a case series.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become one of the worst global pandemics in recent history. Post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease is a significant concern in COVID-19 survivors. It is a disabling clinical condition for patients and a burden on the healthcare system. With time and subsequent waves of COVID-19 globally, the post-COVID-19 sequelae of lung diseases can be debilitating. We report cases of three patients with persistent hypoxia post-COVID-19, raising concerns for interstitial lung disease in Qatar. In this report, we shared our experience of the patient's clinical course, complications, and outcomes with post-COVID-19 sequelae of lung parenchymal disease. Patients were followed up during and after treatment until recovery or discharge from the hospital.

Strategic combination of metal-organic frameworks and C3N4 for expeditious photocatalytic degradation of dye pollutants.

The potential of fabricated silver and bismuth Co-N-doped imidazolate embedded into graphitic nitride BiO-Ag(0)/C3N4@ZIF-67 for the degradation of Methylene blue (MB) and Congo red (CR) dyes have been reported. The synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The band gaps of ZIF-67, C3N4 and composites were calculated using Tauc plot. Besides, it was revealed that incorporation of silver, bismuth, and C3N4 reduced the band gap energy to 2.2 eV. The introduction of metallic species in the precursors promoted better charge separation behavior towards photogenerated electron and hole in the heterojunction composite. Two perilous organic dyes; MB and CR were degraded under natural sunlight irradiation. The photocatalytic efficiency of BiO-Ag(0)/C3N4@ZIF-67 for the removal of CR and MB significantly increased compared to bare ZIF-67. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of BiO-Ag(0)/C3N4@ZIF-67 is attributed to the higher surface area and Plasmon effect of noble silver metal. The solar light-triggered degradation of MB and CR yielded efficient efficiency of 96.5 and 90% for 10 mg/L of dye solution each. Additionally, the effect of pH was evaluated for optimizing degradation of CR and MB dyes. The kinetics studies of both CR and MB were clarified according to Langmuir model. The reusability and quenching investigation of active species were carried out to discover find catalytic potential of the composite. Besides, possible dye degradation mechanism was proposed for BiO-Ag(0)/C3N4@ZIF-67. The obtained results indicated that solar-light triggered photocatalyst BiO-Ag(0)/C3N4@ZIF-67 can be employed as a promising approach for photocatalytic elimination of organic pollutants.

Environmental determinants and PCOS symptoms severity: a cross-sectional study.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a complicated female disorder worldwide. Researchers conducted a quantitative study to examine multiple environmental determinants contributing to its symptoms severity. Data of 150 PCOS diagnosed women (16 to 45 years) was gathered from private clinics and hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. Chi-square, spearman's correlation, and linear regression tests were run. Chicken, fast food and spicy food intake were found to be the significant predictors of PCOS severity (F (1, 148) = 6.903, p = 0.01), (F (1, 148) = 11.400, p = 0.001), and (F (1, 148) = 4.525, p = 0.035) respectively. We also found significant relationships of sedentary lifestyle (p = .034) & BMI (p = 0.025) with PCOS symptoms severity. However, relationship of socioeconomic status (SES) was non-significant with the disease severity. These determinants will direct healthcare professionals in proper management and counseling of PCOS women thus improving their life quality.

Intensive Poultry Farming Practices Influence Antibiotic Resistance Profiles in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Inhabiting Nearby Soils.

BACKGROUND: The drastic increase in use of antibiotics as a mandatory part of production in poultry and livestock has led to the development of bacterial resistance against antibiotics. The spread of resistant bacteria from poultry to humans increases the risk of treatment failure by antibiotics because of resistance genes transfer. STUDY OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to estimate and compare the P. aeruginosa resistance profile collected from areas around the poultry farm premises and areas at least 500 meters away from the nearest poultry farm. We studied the effect of antibiotic usage in farms on the bacterial profile present in the upper layer of soil. METHODOLOGY: A total of 1,200 moist soil samples were collected from areas within a 25 meters range of poultry farms and areas that had no poultry farms in its 500 meters vicinity. P. aeruginosa was cultured and isolated. The antibiotic susceptibility profile was carried out by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and results were analyzed according to CLSI guidelines. Statistical analysis was carried out to check the significance of results. RESULTS: A total of 300 P. aeruginosa isolates were isolated, among which 140 isolates were isolated from areas around the poultry farm premises and had higher prevalence of antibiotic resistance. A total of 160 isolates were isolated from areas outside the poultry farm range. Resistance was not as high as in the isolates from around the farm. The ESBL production was higher in the isolates that were in close contact with the poultry farm as compared to the isolates away from the farm. CONCLUSION: Use of antibiotics in the poultry farm for production significantly increases the resistance in bacterial strains present in the upper layer of soil around the poultry farm within at least a 25 meter range.

Emulgel: an effective drug delivery system.

BACKGROUND: Emulgels are the emerging drug delivery system nowadays that has become popular for the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. This formulation is considered a novel type of drug delivery system and a mixture of emulsion and gel. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to throw light on the preparation of emulgels and their evaluation which will conclude how important these dosage forms are. In the coming years, it will be most commonly used because it is easy to use and enhances patient compliance. CONCLUSION: Emulgels are easily removable, spreadable, thixotropic, greaseless, have a pleasing appearance, emollient, long shelf life, and transparent. In the present era, the emulgels are being used for the delivery of many drugs like analgesics, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne and anti-fungal. Hence, it is of great pharmacological importance and is relatively free of side effects.

Artesunate-induced hemolysis in severe complicated malaria - A diagnostic challenge: A case report and literature review of anemia in malaria.

Malaria infection, which results due to the parasitic protozoan Plasmodium, has several known etiologies of hemolytic anemia as a possible complication in cases such as concurrent G6PD deficiency, severe parasitemia, or use of parenteral antimalarials. Although artemisinin-based antimalarial therapies are generally well-tolerated, several cases of severe post-artemisinin delayed hemolysis (PADH) have been recently reported, which present a diagnostic challenge, and affect morbidity and mortality in patients with malarial infection. We highlight the case of a young lady with Plasmodium falciparum severe parasitemia who developed hemolytic anemia after parenteral artesunate therapy.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Thiol-Conjugated Poloxamer and Its Pharmaceutical Applications.

The current study was designed to convert the poloxamer (PLX) into thiolated poloxamer (TPLX), followed by its physicochemical, biocompatibilities studies, and applications as a pharmaceutical excipient in the development of tacrolimus (TCM)-containing compressed tablets. Thiolation was accomplished by using thiourea as a thiol donor and hydrochloric acid (HCl) as a catalyst in the reaction. Both PLX and TPLX were evaluated for surface morphology based on SEM, the crystalline or amorphous nature of the particles, thiol contents, micromeritics, FTIR, and biocompatibility studies in albino rats. Furthermore, the polymers were used in the development of compressed tablets. Later, they were also characterized for thickness, diameter, hardness, weight variation, swelling index, disintegration time, mucoadhesion, and in vitro drug release. The outcomes of the study showed that the thiolation process was accomplished successfully, which was confirmed by FTIR, where a characteristic peak was noticed at 2695.9968 cm-1 in the FTIR scan of TPLX. Furthermore, the considerable concentration of the thiol constituents (20.625 µg/g of the polymer), which was present on the polymeric backbone, also strengthened the claim of successful thiolation. A mucoadhesion test illustrated the comparatively better mucoadhesion strength of TPLX compared to PLX. The in vitro drug release study exhibited that the TPLX-based formulation showed a more rapid (p < 0.05) release of the drug in 1 h compared to the PLX-based formulation. The in vivo toxicity studies confirmed that both PLX and TPLX were safe when they were administered to the albino rats. Conclusively, the thiolation of PLX made not only the polymer more mucoadhesive but also capable of improving the dissolution profile of TCM.

Illicit sale of controlled drugs at community pharmacy/medical stores of Punjab, Pakistan: A road to demolition of public health.

Sale of controlled drugs without prescription is a burning issue in developing countries like Pakistan. Illicit sale practices lead towards drug abuse and misuse among youngsters and negatively impact the health of youth and economy of any country. Present study aims to highlight the illicit sale practices at community pharmacies/drug stores of Punjab, Pakistan. Study was conducted at community pharmacies/drug stores (n = 200) of Punjab, Pakistan. Sales men at pharmacies/drugs stores were interviewed and then their statements were cross verified by sending fake customers at their community pharmacies to check the extent of illicit sale practices by them. Gathered data was analyzed using SPPS-22. Out of 200 pharmacies, pharmacists were physically present at 5% of pharmacies (n = 200), rest of the 95% pharmacies (n = 190) were being run by non-qualified persons and were found to be engaged in illicit sale practices. Controlled drugs were being provided to customers without prescription, which is a dilemma and need to be addressed for effective policy making. Physical presence of pharmacists at community pharmacies/drug stores is necessary to overcome the illicit sale practices. Effective policy must be developed and implemented by Governmental Authorities to prevent the youth from hazards associated with drug abuse and misuse.

Invasive Klebsiella pneumoniae Syndrome in Qatar: A Case Report.

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is a Gram-negative bacteria that can infect most of the body's organs, from the lungs to the central nervous system. It is notorious for causing pneumonia in alcoholic, diabetic, and hospitalized patients. It is now emerging as a cause of abscesses involving multiple organs. Invasive K. pneumoniae is most commonly observed in the Asian population but has been reported in other geographical areas as well. We present a case of invasive K. pneumoniae. The patient was initially admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA); further investigations showed multiple abscesses involving the liver, lungs, brain, and muscles. K. pneumoniae was identified in blood and liver abscess cultures. The patient was managed for DKA as per protocol, and was administered broad-spectrum antibiotics with percutaneous drainage of liver abscess for invasive K. pneumoniae syndrome. In this paper, we highlight the invasive nature of K. pneumoniae, which may aid clinicians in diagnosing and managing similar cases, thereby preventing the associated high morbidity and mortality.

Chitosan based controlled release drug delivery of mycophenolate mofetil loaded in nanocarriers system: synthesis and in-vitro evaluation.

Background: Organ transplantation is an important and critical procedure, which requires the suppression of immunity, and to suppress the immunity, a constant plasma concentration of immunosuppressant is required.Objectives: The said objective can be achieved by formulating a controlled release drug delivery system of the drug. Chitosan (CHT) nanoparticles (NPs) have been revolutionizing the conventional drug delivery system, for the past two decades. The aim of the current research work was to develop and evaluate CHT-based mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) loaded nanoparticles (CHT/MMF-NPs) using different drug to polymer ratios.Methods: The challenge was to entrap a lipophilic drug within NPs by the ionic gelation method of the positively charged CHT, using tripolyphosphate (TPP) as the crosslinking agent. The prepared CHT/MMF-NPs were evaluated for physical and chemical characterizations, including particle size, surface charge, entrapment efficiency (EE), surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical compatibilities, X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and in-vitro dissolution studies.Results: Outcomes of the studies revealed that particles were 260 ± 17 nm in diameter, with the smooth and regular surface. Satisfactory values of EE (99%) have indicated the suitability of selected ingredients and employed methodology. Moreover, FTIR has confirmed the chemical compatibilities of the formulations. In-vitro dissolution studies have indicated diffusion type of controlled and sustained drug release during 24 h, with zero-order, as best fit kinetic model.Conclusion: Conclusively, the successful achievement of objectives has indicated the suitability of excipients and methodology to prepare CHT/MMF-NPs for better therapeutic outcomes.

The Role of Anticoagulation in Post-COVID-19 Concomitant Stroke, Myocardial Infarction, and Left Ventricular Thrombus: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily affects the lungs but can involve any organ. The medical community is struggling to cope with the critical illness associated with the disease. On top of that, patients who have recovered from COVID-19 have presented with complications such as thrombotic episodes in various organs both during and after being infected with SARS-CoV-2. A COVID-19-associated prothrombotic state has been mentioned in multiple recent research articles. The role of anticoagulants is debatable, because even after receiving them prophylactically, many patients have experienced thrombotic episodes. The situation, therefore, represents a challenge to the medical community. CASE REPORT We report on a COVID-19-associated prothrombotic state in a 65-year-old man with no history of comorbid illness. Initially, he presented with right-sided weakness and was found to have had an acute ischemic stroke. Urgent imaging after the stroke revealed changes on electrocardiography that were remarkable for left bundle branch block. The patient's elevated cardiac enzyme levels correlated with a silent acute myocardial infarction (MI). His echocardiogram revealed a left ventricular (LV) thrombus. He was managed with a multidisciplinary approach involving Neurology, Cardiology, and Medicine. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19-associated prothrombotic episodes involving arterial and venous systems have been reported in the literature. But concomitant stroke, acute MI, and LV thrombus rarely have been documented. The role of prophylactic or therapeutic anticoagulation is still unclear because even when patients are on these drugs, they continue to develop thrombotic episodes. Indeed, further studies are required to develop a standard management plan for what can be a fatal situation.