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Skin infections considered as one of the predominant disorders that could greatly influence humans. Topical drug delivery is believed to be an effective substitute to systemically delivered medication for skin disorders management. Erythromycin has been proven to retain anti-bacterial activity. Based on that, the aim of existent study is to develop a proper nanocarrier, namely; nanoemulsion using tea tree oil including Erythromycin. Applying quality by design approach, the optimized nanoemulsion was selected based on number of independent variables namely; particle size and in vitro release study. Yet, in order to get appropriate topical application, the optimized nanoemulsion was combined with previously prepared hydrogel base to provide Erythromycin based nanoemulgel. The developed nanoemulgel was assessed for its organoleptic and physical characters to ensure its suitability for topical application. Stability study was implemented over three months after being kept in two distinct environments. Eventually, the antibacterial behavior of the preparation was investigated on MRSA to verify the expected antibacterial improvement and validate the effectiveness of the developed nanocarrier. The formulation showed consistent appearance, with pH (6.11 ± 0.19), viscosity (10400 ± 1275 cP), spreadability (54.03 ± 2.3 mm), extrudability (80.36 ± 3.15 g/cm2) and drug content (99.3 ± 0.46 %) that seemed to be satisfied for topical application. It could provide 48.1 ± 4.2 % releases over 6 h in addition to be stable at room temperature and at refrigerator. Ultimately, the formula showed a significant antibacterial activity against MRSA proving the combination and the nanocarrier effectiveness.
RESUMO
Purpose: This study investigated the access to and disparities in telemedicine use among patients with chronic conditions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study of randomly selected primary healthcare centers was conducted to ensure that each of the 17 municipalities in Riyadh were represented. Three hundred and forty-two participants who completed the questionnaire were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. The relationship between demographic and socioeconomic factors and telemedicine utilization was evaluated using the chi-square test and multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model. Results: Among the 342 participants, the study revealed that 25.73% of the patients utilized telemedicine. Older participants had lower odds of telemedicine use than did those aged ≤ 30 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.112, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.045-0.279 for 50-59 years; AOR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.076-0.474 for 60-69 years; AOR = 0.223, 95% CI = 0.092-0.542 for ≥ 70 years]. Female sex (AOR = 2.519, 95% CI = 1.44-4.408), having a higher education level (AOR = 3.434, 95% CI = 1.037-7.041 for secondary education and AOR = 5.87, 95% CI = 2.761-8.235 for higher education), and living in urban areas (AOR = 2.721, 95% CI = 1.184-6.256) were associated with higher odds of telemedicine use. Among socioeconomic factors, employed participants had higher odds of telemedicine use (AOR = 4.336, 95% CI = 2.3-8.174). Furthermore, compared to those with the highest socioeconomic status (SES) index, those with the lowest SES were less likely to use telemedicine than those with the highest SES index (AOR = 0.193, 95% CI = 0.055-0.683 for the lower bottom (poorest). Conclusion: This study highlights a significant disparity in the utilization of telemedicine services across different populations, primarily due to demographic and socioeconomic factors.