Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Montelukast Sodium-Loaded 3D Printed Orodispersible Films for the Treatment of Asthma.

This research aims to produce orodispersible films (ODFs) and determine their potential use in the oral delivery of montelukast sodium for asthma treatment and allergic rhinitis. ODFs were successfully developed by Three-dimensional (3D) printing using propylene glycol (PG), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG). Finally, the amount of montelukast sodium in the ODFs was 5% (w/w). Drug-excipients compatibility with Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mass uniformity, thickness, disintegration time, folding endurance, moisture absorption, pH, in vitro drug release (dissolution), drug content, moisture loss, moisture content, mechanical properties, and cytotoxicity studies were performed on the prepared films. All formulations disintegrated in approximately 40 s. Over 98% of drug release from all films within 2 min was confirmed. It was reported that Fm1-4 (8% HPMC and 1% PEG) and Fm2-4 (10% HPMC and 3% PEG) are more suitable for drug content, but Fm2-4 may be the ideal formulation considering its durability and transportability properties. Based on the characterization results and in vitro release values, the montelukast sodium ODF can be an option for other dosage forms. It was concluded that the formulations did not show toxic potential by in vitro cytotoxicity study with 3T3 cells. This new formulation can efficiently treat allergic rhinitis and asthma diseases.

Peer relationships, adolescent anxiety, and life satisfaction: a moderated mediation model in Turkish and syrian samples.

Prior studies comparing Syrian refugee adolescents to their native peers in the same region have found higher anxiety and lower life satisfaction. Therefore, identifying regulatory variables is crucial for implementing support programs. This study examined the mediating effect of peer relationships and the moderating effect of being a refugee or native adolescent on the relationship between adolescent anxiety and life satisfaction across different samples. Participants and setting: The study included 2,336 adolescents aged 11-19 (M = 14.79, SD = 1.04). Participants completed the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The mediation and moderation effects were analyzed with the path analysis codes written on Mplus 8.3. SPSS 26 was used for descriptive statistics and group comparisons. The findings showed that peer relationships mediate adolescent anxiety and life satisfaction, and this relationship is moderated according to whether the participants are native adolescents or refugee adolescents. This study highlights the significant associations between peer relationships, adolescent anxiety, and life satisfaction and the moderating role of the participant identity. The findings may inform psychological interventions to improve Syrian refugee adolescents' mental health and well-being. These findings may also have implications for policies and programs aimed at supporting the integration of Syrian refugee adolescents in host communities.

A paradigm use of monoclonal antibodies-conjugated nanoparticles in breast cancer treatment: current status and potential approaches.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are integral to cancer treatment over conventional non-specific therapy methods. This study provides a scoping review of the clinically approved mAbs, focusing on the current application of different nanocarrier technologies as drug delivery targets for mAb-conjugated nanoparticles (NPs) as potential features for breast cancer (BC) treatment. An extensive literature search was conducted between the years 2000 and 2023 using various sources of databases. The first part covered mAb classification, types, and mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and clinical applications in BC. The second part covered polymeric, lipid and inorganic-based NPs, which are a variety of mAb-conjugated NPs targeting BC. A total of 20 relevant studies were enrolled indicating there are three different types of nanoparticular systems (polymeric NPs, inorganic NPs and lipid-based NPs) that can be used for BC treatment by being loaded with various active substances and conjugated with these antibodies. While mAbs have altered the way in cancer treatment due to targeting cancer cells specifically, the delivery of mAbs with nanoparticulate systems is important in the treatment of BC, as NPs are still being investigated as distinctive and promising drug delivery methods that can be employed for effective treatment of BC.

The Application of Nanogels as Efficient Drug Delivery Platforms for Dermal/Transdermal Delivery.

The delivery of active molecules via the skin seems to be an efficient technology, given the various disadvantages of oral drug administration. Skin, which is the largest human organ of the body, has the important role of acting as a barrier for pathogens and other molecules including drugs; in fact, it serves as a primary defense system blocking any particle from entering the body. Therefore, to overcome the skin barriers and poor skin permeability, researchers implement novel carriers which can effectively carry out transdermal delivery of the molecules. Another significant issue which medical society tries to solve is the effective dermal delivery of molecules especially for topical wound delivery. The application of nanogels is only one of the available approaches offering promising results for both dermal and transdermal administration routes. Nanogels are polymer-based networks in nanoscale dimensions which have been explored as potent carriers of poorly soluble drugs, genes and vaccines. The nanogels present unique physicochemical properties, i.e., high surface area, biocompatibility, etc., and, importantly, can improve solubility. In this review, authors aimed to summarize the available applications of nanogels as possible vehicles for dermal and transdermal delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients and discuss their future in the pharmaceutical manufacturing field.

Application of Convergent Science and Technology toward Ocular Disease Treatment.

Eyes are one of the main critical organs of the body that provide our brain with the most information about the surrounding environment. Disturbance in the activity of this informational organ, resulting from different ocular diseases, could affect the quality of life, so finding appropriate methods for treating ocular disease has attracted lots of attention. This is especially due to the ineffectiveness of the conventional therapeutic method to deliver drugs into the interior parts of the eye, and the also presence of barriers such as tear film, blood-ocular, and blood-retina barriers. Recently, some novel techniques, such as different types of contact lenses, micro and nanoneedles and in situ gels, have been introduced which can overcome the previously mentioned barriers. These novel techniques could enhance the bioavailability of therapeutic components inside the eyes, deliver them to the posterior side of the eyes, release them in a controlled manner, and reduce the side effects of previous methods (such as eye drops). Accordingly, this review paper aims to summarize some of the evidence on the effectiveness of these new techniques for treating ocular disease, their preclinical and clinical progression, current limitations, and future perspectives.

Bioadhesive Nanoparticles as Potent Drug Delivery Carriers.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, numerous scientists have gained interest in nanotechnology- based systems, especially for biomedical applications. Then, nanocarriers present tunable abilities and can be easily functionalized to target specific epithelial cells, tissues, and organs, while various materials can be chosen and generate nanosized particles. At present, nanoparticles that possess bioadhesion have been studied as potent drug carriers since they can easily penetrate and target organs. OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to explore the various applications of the bioadhesive nanoparticles found in the literature. METHODS: Authors have studied the literature finding that bioadhesive nanoparticles can be administered via routes such as oral, topical, ocular, dermal, vaginal, etc., according to the clinician's opinion and treatment choice. Therefore, the knowledge of general characteristics of bioadhesive nanoparticles, the bioadhesion theory, and other properties of nanoparticles should be known for developing innovative bioadhesive drug nanocarriers. RESULTS: In this review article, the authors state the current knowledge of theories. In addition, the present categories of nanoparticles and their basic characteristics are also discussed. Finally, the biomedical applications of bioadhesive nanocarriers and the several administration routes are extensively reviewed. CONCLUSION: The review article aims to cover the most current bioadhesive nanoparticles for drug delivery to assist any scientist who desires to study or develop innovative bioadhesive formulations.

Preparation and in vitro-in vivo evaluation of QbD based acemetacin loaded transdermal patch formulations for rheumatic diseases.

This research aimed to develop patches for transdermal delivery of acemetacin, which can be used to treat rheumatic diseasesand to determine their potential use. Patches were successfully created by solvent casting method using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 400, tween 80, and dimethyl sulfoxide. Prepared patches were found using the Design of Experiments (DoE) method within the Quality by Design (QbD) approach. F1-ACM with a thickness of 0.1 ± 0.0 cm, a weight of 43.33 ± 6.29 mg, pH of 4.99 ± 0.24, moisture content of 18.33 ± 2.98%, a tensile strength of 9.196 ± 0.441 Mpa, elongation at break of 28.722 ± 0.803% and drug content of 100% was chosen as ideal formulation. 89.7% of ACM from F1-ACM was released in 5 min. F1-ACM significantly (p < 0.05) increased the response latency to the thermal stimulus at 90th (3.071 ± 0.517) and 120th (3.87 ± 0.332) min in the hot plate test. In the tail-flick experiment, F1-ACM significantly (p < 0.05) increased the reaction delay against heat stimuli at 90th (3.016 ± 0.695), 120th (2.884 ± 0.851), and 180th (2.893 ± 0.932) min. F1-ACM patch significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited paw edema formation at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h after induction of inflammation as compared to the control group. Therefore, this formulation can be employed more efficiently for rheumatic disease.

An Updated Review for the Diabetic Wound Healing Systems.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Diabetes is a global health problem that has resulted in millions of deaths; one of the most common diabetes complications is that wounds of diabetic patients tend to heal more slowly or may not heal at all, resulting in undesirable outcomes. Diabetic wounds, if become chronic and infected, could provoke lower extremities amputation, sepsis, and even death. Hence, early detection, careful examination, debridement, cleaning, and prevention or controlling the infection of diabetic wounds are important factors for the successful outcome of the case. Over the years, various promising wound dressings incorporating antimicrobial molecules, growth factors, and wound healing agents have been developed, targeting diabetic wounds. Nonetheless, the choice of dressing is mainly based on the experience of each clinician. SUMMARY: This review summarizes the main points of diabetes complications, diabetic wounds, and infections. Further, an overview of the current drug delivery systems for topical wound delivery of various active ingredients has been performed. This update could be helpful for scientists and especially clinicians who desire to plan and work with new strategies for the healing of diabetic wounds.

Current Status of Mucoadhesive Gel Systems for Buccal Drug Delivery.

BACKGROUND: Buccal drug delivery is a fascinating research field. Gel-based formulations present potent characteristics as buccal systems since they have great physicochemical properties. METHODS: Among the various gels, in situ gels are viscous colloidal systems consisting of polymers; when physiological conditions change (pH, temperature, ion activation), they are transformed into the gel phase. These systems can improve bioavailability. Other systems, such as nanogels or emulgels can also be applied for buccal delivery with promising results. Polymeric gel-based systems can be produced by natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic polymers. Their main advantage is that the active molecules can be released in a sustained and controllable manner. Several gels based on chitosan are produced for the entrapment of drugs demonstrating efficient retention time and bioavailability due to chitosan mucoadhesion. Besides polysaccharides, poloxamers and carbopol are also used in buccal gels due to their high swelling ability and reversed thermal gelation behavior. RESULTS: Herein, the authors focused on the current development of mucoadhesive gel systems used in buccal drug delivery. After explaining buccal drug delivery and mucoadhesion, various studies with hydrogels, in situ gels, and nanogels were analyzed as buccal gel systems. Various mucoadhesive gel studies with mucoadhesive polymers have been studied and summarized. This review is presented as valuable guidance to scientists in formulating buccal mucoadhesive drug delivery systems. CONCLUSION: This review aimed to assist researchers working on buccal drug delivery by summarizing buccal drug delivery, mucoadhesion, and buccal mucoadhesive gel systems recently found in the literature.

Detecting and targeting neurodegenerative disorders using electrospun nanofibrous matrices: current status and applications.

Neurodegeneration is defined as the progressive atrophy and loss of function of neurons; it is present in neurodegenerative disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's diseases. The detection of such disorders is performed by various imaging modalities while their therapeutic management is quite challenging. Besides, the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders is still under ongoing research due to complex and multi-factorial mechanisms. Currently, targeting the specific proteins responsible for neurodegeneration is of great interest to many researchers. Furthermore, nanotechnology-based approaches for targeting the affected neurons became an emerging field of interest. Nanostructures of various forms have been developed aiming to act as therapeutics for neurodegeneration, in which electrospun nanofibers seem to play an important role as biomedical products for both detection and management of the diseases. Electrospinning is an intriguing method able to produce nanofibers with a wide range of sizes and morphological characteristics. Such nanofibrous matrices can be delivered through different administration routes to target various diseases. In this review, the most recent advancements in electrospun nanofibrous systems that target or detect multiple neurodegenerative diseases have been enlightened and an introduction to the general aspects of neurodegenerative diseases and the electrospinning process has been made. Finally, future perspectives of neurodegeneration targeting were also discussed.

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems and their Potential in Alzheimer's Disease Management.

Alzheimer's disease is a neuropathological disease with symptoms such as language problems, confusion as to place or time, loss of interest in activities, which were previously enjoyed, behavioral changes, and memory loss. Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia affect almost 46.8 million people globally and are estimated to strike about 131.5 million people in 2050. It has been reported that Alzheimer's is the sixth main cause of mortality. The most used drugs, which are currently approved by the Food, and Drug Administration for Alzheimer's disease are donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, memantine, and the combination of donepezil and memantine. However, most of the drugs present various adverse effects. Recently, the transdermal drug delivery route has gained increasing attention as an emerging tool for Alzheimer's disease management. Besides, transdermal drug delivery systems seem to provide hope for the management of various diseases, due to the advantages that they offer in comparison with oral dosage forms. Herein, the current advancements in transdermal studies with potent features to achieve better Alzheimer's disease management are presented. Many researchers have shown that the transdermal systems provide higher efficiency since the first-pass hepatic metabolism effect can be avoided and a prolonged drug release rate can be achieved. In summary, the transdermal administration of Alzheimer's drugs is an interesting and promising topic, which should be further elaborated and studied.

Schizophrenia; A Review on Promising Drug Delivery Systems.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia belongs to mental illnesses affecting 1% of the worldwide population. Its therapy is still unmet; thus, researchers aimed to develop new pharmacological molecules which can improve its management. METHODS: Moreover, the current typical and atypical antipsychotics should be formulated in more efficacious systems that can deliver the drug in the brain with as few side effects as possible. Further, the development of long-acting efficient drug delivery systems could be significant in minimizing frequent dosing which is nonpreferred to schizophrenics. RESULTS: Herein, authors focused on current developments of antipsychotic medications used in schizophrenia management. Various studies, which include the use of first and second-generation antipsychotics, were analyzed according to their efficacy. In fact, in this review, oral, injectable, transdermal and intranasal formulations entrapped antipsychotics are presented to be valuable guidance for scientists to formulate more effective drug delivery systems for schizophrenic patients. CONCLUSION: This review aimed to assist researchers working on schizophrenia management by summarizing current medications and newly synthesized drug delivery systems recently found in the literature.