Plasticiser-Free 3D Printed Hydrophilic Matrices: Quantitative 3D Surface Texture, Mechanical, Swelling, Erosion, Drug Release and Pharmacokinetic Studies.

Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, HPMC, a hydrophilic polymer, is widely used for the development of extended release hydrophilic matrices and it is also considered as a good contender for the fabrication of 3D printing of matrix tablets. It is often combined with plasticisers to enable extrusion. The aim of the current project was to develop plasticizer-free 3D printed hydrophilic matrices using drug loaded filaments prepared via HME to achieve an in vitro (swelling, erosion and drug release) and in vivo (drug absorption) performance which is analogous to hydrophilic matrix tablets developed through conventional approaches. Additionally, the morphology of the printed tablets was studied using quantitative 3D surface texture studies and the porosity calculated. Filaments were produced successfully and used to produce matrix tablets with acceptable drug loading (95-105%), mechanical and surface texture properties regardless of the employed HPMC grade. The viscosity of HPMC had a discernible impact on the swelling, erosion, HPMC dissolution, drug release and pharmacokinetic findings. The highest viscosity grade (K100M) results in higher degree of swelling, decreased HPMC dissolution, low matrix erosion, decreased drug release and extended drug absorption profile. Overall, this study demonstrated that the drug loaded (glipizide) filaments and matrix tablets of medium to high viscosity grades of HPMC, without the aid of plasticisers, can be successfully prepared. Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed the successful fabrication of extended release matrices.

Histomorphological Effects Of Hunger Stress On Ovaries.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of stress is on the rise in our daily life involving various neurobiological, endocrinological and behavioral changes. Hunger stress has a potent influence on mental, physical, and reproductive health by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis. METHODS: It was a laboratory based randomized control trial. Adult female mice (BALB-c strain) weighing 25-27 grams on first day of estrous cycle were taken in two groups (ten each). Group A was kept in normal environment of animal house for one month. Group B was given hunger stress by restricting the diet to about 50% per day for one month. Right ovaries of the animals were dissected out and observed for shape, color, and weight. Histological slides were prepared for the count of primary, secondary, and tertiary follicles. RESULTS: Statistically significant decrease in animal and ovary weight with significant fall in ovarian follicles was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Hunger stress affects the ovaries by reducing its weight and number of follicles.

Knowledge of Ebola virus disease among a university population: A cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of a Pakistani university population (students and employees) regarding Ebola virus disease. A total of 2,200 individuals were approached and 1,647 were enrolled in the study. We observed that the vast majority of study participants (91.8%) had inadequate knowledge of Ebola virus disease (knowledge score ≤ 12). Our findings highlight the need to increase the knowledge of Ebola virus disease by using multidimensional approach involving awareness campaigns, print, electronic, and social media.