Efficacy and Safety of a Recombinant Plant-Based Adjuvanted Covid-19 Vaccine.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus-like particles (CoVLP) that are produced in plants and display the prefusion spike glycoprotein of the original strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are combined with an adjuvant (Adjuvant System 03 [AS03]) to form the candidate vaccine. METHODS: In this phase 3, multinational, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted at 85 centers, we assigned adults (≥18 years of age) in a 1:1 ratio to receive two intramuscular injections of the CoVLP+AS03 vaccine or placebo 21 days apart. The primary objective of the trial was to determine the efficacy of the CoVLP+AS03 vaccine in preventing symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) beginning at least 7 days after the second injection, with the analysis performed after the detection of at least 160 cases. RESULTS: A total of 24,141 volunteers participated in the trial; the median age of the participants was 29 years. Covid-19 was confirmed by polymerase-chain-reaction assay in 165 participants in the intention-to-treat population; all viral samples that could be sequenced contained variants of the original strain. Vaccine efficacy was 69.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56.7 to 78.8) against any symptomatic Covid-19 caused by five variants that were identified by sequencing. In a post hoc analysis, vaccine efficacy was 78.8% (95% CI, 55.8 to 90.8) against moderate-to-severe disease and 74.0% (95% CI, 62.1 to 82.5) among the participants who were seronegative at baseline. No severe cases of Covid-19 occurred in the vaccine group, in which the median viral load for breakthrough cases was lower than that in the placebo group by a factor of more than 100. Solicited adverse events were mostly mild or moderate and transient and were more frequent in the vaccine group than in the placebo group; local adverse events occurred in 92.3% and 45.5% of participants, respectively, and systemic adverse events in 87.3% and 65.0%. The incidence of unsolicited adverse events was similar in the two groups up to 21 days after each dose (22.7% and 20.4%) and from day 43 through day 201 (4.2% and 4.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The CoVLP+AS03 vaccine was effective in preventing Covid-19 caused by a spectrum of variants, with efficacy ranging from 69.5% against symptomatic infection to 78.8% against moderate-to-severe disease. (Funded by Medicago; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04636697.).

Pathological Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Associated with Hematological Abnormalities.

The SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic that has claimed the lives of 6.9 million people and infected over 765 million. It has become a major worldwide health problem and is also known to cause abnormalities in various systems, including the hematologic system. COVID-19 infection primarily affects the lower respiratory tract and can lead to a cascade of events, including a cytokine storm, intravascular thrombosis, and subsequent complications such as arterial and venous thromboses. COVID-19 can cause thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and neutrophilia, which are associated with worse outcomes. Prophylactic anticoagulation is essential to prevent complications and death rates associated with the virus's effect on the coagulation system. It is crucial to recognize these complications early and promptly start therapeutic anticoagulation to improve patient outcomes. While rare, COVID-19-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) exhibits some similarities to DIC induced by sepsis. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, ferritin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) biomarkers often increase in serious COVID-19 cases and poor prognosis. Understanding the pathophysiology of the disease and identifying risk factors for adverse outcomes is critical for effective management of COVID-19.

Recent Progress in Emerging Novel MXenes Based Materials and their Fascinating Sensing Applications.

Early transition metals based 2D carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides nanomaterials are known as MXenes, a novel and extensive new class of 2D materials family. Since the first accidently synthesis based discovery of Ti3 C2 in 2011, more than 50 additional compositions have been experimentally reported, including at least eight distinct synthesis methods and also more than 100 stoichiometries are theoretically studied. Due to its distinctive surface chemistry, graphene like shape, metallic conductivity, high hydrophilicity, outstanding mechanical and thermal properties, redox capacity and affordable with mass-produced nature, this diverse MXenes are of tremendous scientific and technological significance. In this review, first we'll come across the MXene based nanomaterials possible synthesis methods, their advantages, limitations and future suggestions, new chemistry related to their selected properties and potential sensing applications, which will help us to explain why this family is growing very fast as compared to other 2D families. Secondly, problems that help to further improve commercialization of the MXene nanomaterials based sensors are examined, and many advances in the commercializing of the MXene nanomaterials based sensors are proposed. At the end, we'll go through the current challenges, limitations and future suggestions.

Short Versus Long Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents Implantation in Patients with Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains uncertain, with increasing data suggestive of acceptable short-term duration. Metabolically accelerated atherosclerosis associated with diabetes makes it essential to study short-term DAPT in this subgroup. With limited studies determining optimal DAPT strategies after second-generation stents in this subset, we aimed to establish the optimal duration of DAPT in the diabetic population using second-generation stents. QUESTION: To determine optimal DAPT duration in diabetic population undergoing PCI in 2nd generation stents. DATA SOURCES: We conducted an electronic database search of randomized controlled trials from PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. STUDY DESIGN: A meta-analysis was conducted comparing outcomes of short-term (3-6 months) DAPT therapy versus long-term (12 months) DAPT therapy in the diabetic population undergoing PCI with second-generation stents. RESULTS: A total of 5 randomized controlled trials were included with a total of 3117 diabetic patients. Short-term DAPT did not show any statistical difference from long-term DAPT in achieving primary outcomes (relative ratio: 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68-1.35, P = 0.84). Overall mortality (OR 0.92; 95% CI, 0.52-1.63, P = 0.98), myocardial infarction [odds ratio (OR)OR 1.02; 95% CI, 0.53-1.94, P = 0.85], stent thrombosis (OR 1.20; 95% CI, 0.55-2.60, P = 0.55), target vessel revascularization (OR 1.10; 95% CI, 0.45-2.73, P = 0.74), and stroke (OR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.082-2.43, P = 0.81) did not show any statistical difference between the 2 groups. Similarly, a subgroup analysis of study population comparing 6 versus 12 months of DAPT in diabetic population did not show any difference in net primary outcomes (relative ratio: 0.86, 95% CI 0.45-1.45, P = 0.60). There was no significant heterogeneity noted between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed no statistically significant benefit of longer DAPT over shorter DAPT therapy in patients undergoing PCI with drug-eluting stent in patients with diabetes.

Easy and fast prediction of green solvents for small molecule donor-based organic solar cells through machine learning.

Solubility plays a critical role in many aspects of research (drugs to materials). Solubility parameters are very useful for selecting appropriate solvents/non-solvents for various applications. In the present study, Hansen solubility parameters are predicted using machine learning. More than 40 machine models are tried in the search for the best model. Molecular descriptors and fingerprints are used as inputs to get a comparative view. Machine learning models trained using molecular descriptors have shown higher prediction ability than the model trained using molecular fingerprints. Machine learning models trained using molecular descriptors have shown their potential to be easy and fast models compared to the density functional theory (DFT)/thermodynamic approach. Machine learning creates a "black box" connection to the properties. Therefore, minimal computational cost is required. With the help of the best-trained machine learning model, green solvents are selected for small molecule donors that are used in organic solar cells. Our introduced framework can help to select solvents for organic solar cells in an easy and fast way.

Physical Characteristics, Blue-Green Band Emission and Photocatalytic Activity of Au-Decorated ZnO Quantum Dots-Based Thick Films Prepared Using the Doctor Blade Technique.

Nanoscale ZnO is a vital semiconductor material whose versatility can be enhanced by sensitizing it with metals, especially noble metals, such as gold (Au). ZnO quantum dots were prepared via a simple co-precipitation technique using 2-methoxy ethanol as the solvent and KOH as the pH regulator for hydrolysis. The synthesized ZnO quantum dots were deposited onto glass slides using a simple doctor blade technique. Subsequently, the films were decorated with gold nanoparticles of different sizes using a drop-casting method. The resultant films were characterized via various strategies to obtain structural, optical, morphological, and particle size information. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals the formation of the hexagonal crystal structure of ZnO. Upon Au nanoparticles loading, peaks due to gold are also observed. The optical properties study shows a slight change in the band gap due to Au loading. Nanoscale sizes of particles have been confirmed through electron microscope studies. P.L. studies display blue and blue-green band emissions. The significant degradation efficiency of 90.2% methylene blue (M.B.) was attained in natural pH in 120 min using pure ZnO catalyst while one drop gold-loaded catalysts, ZnO: Au 5 nm, ZnO: Au 7 nm, ZnO: Au 10 nm and ZnO: Au 15 nm, delivered M.B. degradation efficiency of 74.5% (in 245 min), 63.8% (240 min), 49.6% (240 min) and 34.0% (170 min) in natural pH, respectively. Such films can be helpful in conventional catalysis, photocatalysis, gas sensing, biosensing, and photoactive applications.

Fast dissolving microneedle patch for pronounced systemic delivery of an antihyperlipidemic drug.

Fast dissolving microneedles (F-dMN) are quite a novel approach delivering specific drug molecules directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the first-pass effect. The present study reported an F-dMN patch to enhance systemic delivery of simvastatin in a patient-friendly manner. The F-dMN patch was developed using polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyvinyl alcohol and characterized using light microscopy, SEM, XRD, FTIR, mechanical strength, drug content (%), an ex-vivo penetration study, an ex-vivo drug release study, a skin irritation test, and a pharmacokinetics study. The optimized F-dMN patch exhibited excellent elongation of 35.17%, good tensile strength of 9.68 MPa, an appropriate moisture content of 5.65%, and good penetrability up to 560 µm. Moreover, it showed 93.4% of the drug content within the needles and 81.75% in-vitro release. Histopathological findings and a skin irritation study proved that the F-dMN patch was biocompatible and did not cause any sort of irritation on animal skin. Pharmacokinetic parameters of F-dMN patches were improved (Cmax 6.974 µg/ml, tmax 1 hr and AUC 19. 518 µg.h/ml) as compared to tablet Simva 20 mg solution (Cmax 2.485 µg/ml, tmax 1.4 hr and AUC 11.199 µg.h/ml), thus confirming bioavailability enhancement. Moreover, stability studies confirmed the stability of the developed F-dMN patch, as investigated by axial needle fracture force and drug content.

Novel Natrosol/Pectin-co-poly (acrylate) based pH-responsive polymeric carrier system for controlled delivery of Tapentadol Hydrochloride.

Background & Objectives: This study aimed to create a controlled delivery system for Tapentadol Hydrochloride by developing interpenetrating networks (IPNs) of Natrosol-Pectin copolymerized with Acrylic Acid and Methylene bisacrylamide, and to analyze the effects of various ingredients on the physical and chemical characteristics of the IPNs. Methods: Novel Tapentadol Hydrochloride-loaded Natrosol-Pectin based IPNs were formulated by using the free radical polymerization technique. Co-polymerization of Acrylic Acid (AA) with Natrosol and Pectin was performed by using Methylene bisacrylamide (MBA). Ammonium persulfate (APS) was used as the initiator of crosslinking process. The impact of ingredients i.e. Natrosol, Pectin, MBA, and Acrylic Acid on the gel fraction, porosity, swelling (%), drug loading, and drug release was investigated. FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM and EDX studies were conducted to confirm the grafting of polymers and to evaluate the thermal stability and surface morphology of the developed IPNs. Results: Swelling studies exhibited an increase in swelling percentage from 84.27 to 91.17% upon increasing polymer (Natrosol and Pectin) contents. An increase in MBA contents resulted in a decrease in swelling from 85 to 67.63%. Moreover, the swelling was also observed to increase with higher AA contents. Significant drug release was noted at higher pH instead of gastric pH value. Oral toxicological studies revealed the nontoxic and biocompatible nature of Natrosol-Pectin IPNs. Interpretation & Conclusion: The developed IPNs were found to be an excellent system for the controlled delivery of Tapentadol Hydrochloride.

Double Asymmetric Core Optimizes Crystal Packing to Enable Selenophene-based Acceptor with Over 18 % Efficiency in Binary Organic Solar Cells.

Side-chain tailoring is a promising method to optimize the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, asymmetric alkyl chain-based small molecular acceptors (SMAs) are still difficult to afford. Herein, we adopted a novel asymmetric n-nonyl/undecyl substitution strategy and synthesized two A-D1 A'D2 -A double asymmetric isomeric SMAs with asymmetric selenophene-based central core for OSCs. Crystallographic analysis indicates that AYT9Se11-Cl forms a more compact and order intermolecular packing compared to AYT11Se9-Cl, which contributed to higher electron mobility in neat AYT9Se11-Cl film. Moreover, the PM6 : AYT9Se11-Cl blend film shows a better morphology with appropriate phase separation and distinct face-on orientation than PM6 : AYT11Se9-Cl. The OSCs with PM6 : AYT9Se11-Cl obtain a superior PCE of 18.12 % compared to PM6 : AYT11Se9-Cl (17.52 %), which is the best efficiency for the selenium-incorporated SMAs in binary BHJ OSCs. Our findings elucidate that the promising double asymmetric strategy with isomeric alkyl chains precisely modulates the crystal packing and enhances the photovoltaic efficiency of selenophene-incorporated SMAs.

Optimized Crystal Framework by Asymmetric Core Isomerization in Selenium-Substituted Acceptor for Efficient Binary Organic Solar Cells.

Both the regional isomerization and selenium-substitution of the small molecular acceptors (SMAs) play significant roles in developing efficient organic solar cells (OSCs), while their synergistic effects remain elusive. Herein, we developed three isomeric SMAs (S-CSeF, A-ISeF, and A-OSeF) via subtly manipulating the mono-selenium substituted position (central, inner, or outer) and type of heteroaromatic ring on the central core by synergistic strategies for efficient OSCs, respectively. Crystallography of asymmetric A-OSeF presents a closer intermolecular π-π stacking and more ordered 3-dimensional network packing and efficient charge-hopping pathways. With the successive out-shift of the mono-selenium substituted position, the neat films give a slightly wider band gap and gradually higher crystallinity and electron mobility. The PM1 : A-OSeF afford favourable fibrous phase separation morphology with more ordered molecular packing and efficient charge transportation compared to the other two counterparts. Consequently, the A-OSeF-based devices achieve a champion efficiency of 18.5 %, which represents the record value for the reported selenium-containing SMAs in binary OSCs. Our developed precise molecular engineering of the position and type of selenium-based heteroaromatic ring of SMAs provides a promising synergistic approach to optimizing crystal stacking and boosting top-ranked selenium-containing SMAs-based OSCs.

Developing Efficient Small Molecule Acceptors with sp2 -Hybridized Nitrogen at Different Positions by Density Functional Theory Calculations, Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Machine Learning.

Chemical structure of small molecule acceptors determines their performance in organic solar cells. Multiscale simulations are necessary to avoid trial-and-error based design, ultimately to save time and resources. In current study, the effect of sp2 -hybridized nitrogen substitution at the inner or the outmost position of central core, side chain, and terminal group of small molecule acceptors is investigated using multiscale computational modelling. Quantum chemical analysis is used to study the electronic behavior. Nitrogen substitution at end-capping has significantly decreased the electron-reorganization energy. No big change is observed in transfer integral and excited state behavior. However, nitrogen substitution at terminal group position is good way to improve electron-mobility. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of newly designed acceptors is predicted using machine learning. Molecular dynamics simulations are also performed to explore the dynamics of acceptor and their blends with PBDB-T polymer donor. Florgy-Huggins parameter is calculated to study the mixing of designed small molecule acceptors with PBDB-T. Radial distribution function has indicated that PBDB-T has a closer packing with N3 and N4. From all analysis, it is found that nitrogen substitution at end-capping group is a better strategy to design efficient small molecule acceptors.

Regioisomer-Free Difluoro-Monochloro Terminal-based Hexa-Halogenated Acceptor with Optimized Crystal Packing for Efficient Binary Organic Solar Cells.

Herein, we synthesized new hetero-halogenated end groups with well-determined fluorinated and chlorinated substitutions (o-FCl-IC and FClF-IC), and synthesized regioisomer-free small molecular acceptors (SMAs) Y-Cl, Y-FCl, and Y-FClF with distinct hetero-halogenated terminals, respectively. The single-crystal structures and theoretical calculations indicate that Y-FClF exhibits more compact three-dimensional network packing and more significant π-π electronic coupling compared to Y-FCl. From Y-Cl to Y-FCl to Y-FClF, the neat films exhibit a narrower optical band gap and gradually enhanced electron mobility and crystallinity. The PM6 : Y-FClF blend film exhibits the strongest crystallinity with preferential face-on molecular packing, desirable fibrous morphology with suitable phase segregation, and the highest and balanced charge mobilities among three blend films. Overall, the PM6 : Y-FClF organic solar cells (OSCs) deliver a remarkable efficiency of 17.65 %, outperforming the PM6 : Y-FCl and PM6 : Y-Cl, which is the best PCE for reported hetero-halogens-based SMAs in binary OSCs. Our results demonstrate that difluoro-monochloro hetero-terminal is a superior regio-regular unit for enhancing the intermolecular crystal packing and photovoltaic performance of hetero-halogenated SMAs.

Optimization and validation of an analytical method for the estimation of methotrexate in rabbit plasma.

Methotrexate (MTX) is an anticancer drug used for the treatment of various cancers and autoimmune diseases. In this study, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated for the estimation of MTX in rabbit plasma with high estimation rate and recovery. Various validation parameters like, sensitivity, sample recovery, accuracy and precision analysis were studied. The pre-saturated reversed C18 end capped HPLC column was used to separate MTX present in rabbit plasma. A solvent mixture of 100mM phosphate buffer pH 7.4 and acetonitrile (92:8 percent v/v) was employed as the mobile phase. Analysis was carried out at ʎ max 303 nm and retention time of MTX was found 5.32 min. During the method development and validation ICHQ2 (R1) guidelines were strictly followed. Developed method was found excellent in terms of recovery of MTX from plasma samples (98.6%). It is obvious from the current study that the developed HPLC method can be utilized to analyze the level of MTX in patients. Furthermore, the cost of the developed method for the determination of MTX would be very low as compared to the previously reported methods.

Development and optimization of tibezonium iodide and lignocaine hydrochloride containing novel mucoadhesive buccal tablets: a pharmacokinetic investigation among healthy humans.

OBJECTIVE: It is clinically important to deliver a sustained-release mucoadhesive dosage of local anesthetic and antimicrobial agents for pain control. The current study aimed to develop and evaluate chitosan (CHI) based buccal mucoadhesive delivery for the local release of tibezonium iodide (TBN) and lignocaine hydrochloride (LGN). METHODS: Direct compression technique was employed, aided by other mucoadhesive polymers like hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and sodium alginate (SA) and evaluated for physicochemical and in vivo character. RESULTS: Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis (FTIR), powdered X-ray diffraction (XRPD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) absence of physical interaction between ingredients. The physical parameters complied with USP specifications for all formulations. Optimum swellability (551.9%) was offered from formulation TL15, containing 30% SA. The highest ex vivo mucoadhesive strength (24.79 g) and time (18.39 h) was found with TL8. Formulation TL8 also exhibited maximum in vivo residence time (11.37 h). Almost complete drug release at 6 h was possessed by formulation TL5 (HPMC and CHI, 20% each) for TBN (99.98%) and LGN (99.06%). The optimized formulation TL5 exhibited dosage stability up to 6 months at 75% relative humidity and retained drug contents. TL5 was well tolerated by the volunteers with no inflammation, pain or irritation found. Almost 73% of volunteers reported an increase in salivary secretion. The first-order salivary Cmax of TBN and LGN were found as 16.02 and 7.80 µg/mL within 4 h, respectively. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the sustained release mucoadhesive dosage form of TBN and LGN can be an effective and alternative option to conventional delivery.

Formulation and evaluation of interpenetrating polymeric network for controlled drug delivery.

Novel Cytarabine-loaded agarose and fenugreek-based hydrogel were formulated via the crosslinking process. Graft copolymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA) on agarose and fenugreek was carried out by using methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker and potassium persulfate as an initiator. The influence of different formulation ingredients (fenugreek, agarose, MBA, MAA) on swelling index, percentage drug release, and percentage gel content were investigated. It was observed that an increase in the concentration of fenugreek and agarose resulted in an increase in the swelling index (72.45-97.17%). However, an increase in the amount of MBA led to a decrease in the swelling index from 74.23% to 57.74%. A similar result tendency was noted in the case of drug release. FTIR was employed to elucidate effective grafting. The thermal behavior of hydrogel was evaluated through TGA and DSC analysis whereas surface morphology was elucidated through SEM. Release studies were performed at both acidic and basic pH, that is, 1.2 and 7.4. Hence, formulated biocompatible hydrogels proved to be a promising system for the controlled delivery of Cytarabine.

A Synergistic Strategy of Manipulating the Number of Selenophene Units and Dissymmetric Central Core of Small Molecular Acceptors Enables Polymer Solar Cells with 17.5 % Efficiency.

A dissymmetric backbone and selenophene substitution on the central core was used for the synthesis of symmetric or dissymmetric A-DA'D-A type non-fullerene small molecular acceptors (NF-SMAs) with different numbers of selenophene. From S-YSS-Cl to A-WSSe-Cl and to S-WSeSe-Cl, a gradually red-shifted absorption and a gradually larger electron mobility and crystallinity in neat thin film was observed. A-WSSe-Cl and S-WSeSe-Cl exhibit stronger and tighter intermolecular π-π stacking interactions, extra S⋅⋅⋅N non-covalent intermolecular interactions from central benzothiadiazole, better ordered 3D interpenetrating charge-transfer networks in comparison with thiophene-based S-YSS-Cl. The dissymmetric A-WSSe-Cl-based device has a PCE of 17.51 %, which is the highest value for selenophene-based NF-SMAs in binary polymer solar cells. The combination of dissymmetric core and precise replacement of selenophene on the central core is effective to improve Jsc and FF without sacrificing Voc .

Electron-Deficient and Quinoid Central Unit Engineering for Unfused Ring-Based A1 -D-A2 -D-A1 -Type Acceptor Enables High Performance Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells with High Voc and PCE Simultaneously.

Here, a pair of A1 -D-A2 -D-A1 unfused ring core-based nonfullerene small molecule acceptors (NF-SMAs), BO2FIDT-4Cl and BT2FIDT-4Cl is synthesized, which possess the same terminals (A1 ) and indacenodithiophene unit (D), coupling with different fluorinated electron-deficient central unit (difluorobenzoxadiazole or difluorobenzothiadiazole) (A2 ). BT2FIDT-4Cl exhibits a slightly smaller optical bandgap of 1.56 eV, upshifted highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels, much higher electron mobility, and slightly enhanced molecular packing order in neat thin films than that of BO2FIDT-4Cl. The polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on BT2FIDT-4Cl:PM7 yield the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.5% with a Voc of 0.97 V, which is higher than that of BO2FIDT-4Cl-based devices (PCE of 10.4%). The results demonstrate that the subtle modification of A2 unit would result in lower trap-assisted recombination, more favorable morphology features, and more balanced electron and hole mobility in the PM7:BT2FIDT-4Cl blend films. It is worth mentioning that the PCE of 12.5% is the highest value in nonfused ring NF-SMA-based binary PSCs with high Voc over 0.90 V. These results suggest that appropriate modulation of the quinoid electron-deficient central unit is an effective approach to construct highly efficient unfused ring NF-SMAs to boost PCE and Voc simultaneously.

Rosuvastatin, Perindopril and Ezetimibe loaded instant release buccal films: Development and in vitro characterization.

BACKGROUND: Rosuvastatin Calcium and Ezetimibe are used to control cholesterol level while Perindopril Erbumine is used to treat hypertension. Hepatic metabolism reduces the therapeutic effect of these drugs. OBJECTIVE: Instant release buccal films (IRBFs) could possibly be a solution to this issue. The objective of the study was to formulate IRBFs of Rosuvastatin Calcium, Perindopril Erbumine and Ezetimibe using solvent casting technique. METHODS: Polymers used to prepare IRBFs included hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC E5), PEG 400 (as plasticizer) and Tween 80 (as surfactant). Solvent casting technique was used to fabricate the films, followed by their in-vitro analysis including high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared evaluation (FTIR), In-vitro dissolution, In-vitro disintegration, stability tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), folding fortitude, thickness evaluation, surface pH, tensile strength, weight variation and percentage moisture content. RESULTS: Optical microscopy as well as SEM analysis displayed that the surfaces of IRBFs were smooth with uniform mixing of ingredients. IRBFs disintegrated within 15 seconds while on dissolution they exhibited instant drug release i.e. 100% release in 2 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The results show promising potential of IRBFs in drug delivery.

Spirulina inclusion levels in a broiler ration: evaluation of growth performance, gut integrity, and immunity.

Spirulina has been used as a food source from many years for human and animals because of its superior profile of nutrition. Spirulina (SPA) having antiviral activities can boost immune system, and better nutritional profile can increase growth performance by improving gut morphology. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of spirulina supplementation in ration on the humoral and cellular immune response, gut histomorphology, and economics of broiler production. A total of 120 day-old chicks were assigned to 4 dietary treatment; SPA0, SPA1, SPA2, and SPA3, each with 3 replicates having 10 birds in each replicate until 42 days of age. Treatment SPA0 was kept as control, and the birds were fed on basal ration, while the other treatments SPA1, SPA2, and SPA3 were supplemented with 1, 1.5, and 2 g spirulina/kg feed, respectively. Dietary supplementation of SPA3 significantly (P < 0.05) improved feed intake (8.95%), weight gain (12.5%), feed conversion ratio, and dressing percentage than that of control. Dietary treatment of SPA had comparatively low level of heterophil and higher level of lymphocytes than the control treatment. Spirulina supplementation had significant (P < 0.05) effect over antibody titer, against ND vaccine. The supplementation of SPA in diet at all levels has a significant effect on lengths of villi, and it increased number of goblet cells. The SPA3 showed significant increase in net and gross return of birds followed by SPA2, SPA1, and SPA0. It was concluded that spirulina improved growth performance, gut integrity, and immunity with better economics in broiler production.

Flexible Zinc-Ion Hybrid Fiber Capacitors with Ultrahigh Energy Density and Long Cycling Life for Wearable Electronics.

Emerging wearable electronics require flexible energy storage devices with high volumetric energy and power densities. Fiber-shaped capacitors (FCs) offer high power densities and excellent flexibility but low energy densities. Zn-ion capacitors have high energy density and other advantages, such as low cost, nontoxicity, reversible Faradaic reaction, and broad operating voltage windows. However, Zn-ion capacitors have not been applied in wearable electronics due to the use of liquid electrolytes. Here, the first quasisolid-state Zn-ion hybrid FC (ZnFC) based on three rationally designed components is demonstrated. First, hydrothermally assembled high surface area and conductive reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube composite fibers serve as capacitor-type positive electrodes. Second, graphite fibers coated with a uniform Zn layer work as battery-type negative electrodes. Third, a new neutral ZnSO4 -filled polyacrylic acid hydrogel act as the quasisolid-state electrolyte, which offers high ionic conductivity and excellent stretchability. The assembled ZnFC delivers a high energy density of 48.5 mWh cm-3 at a power density of 179.9 mW cm-3 . Further, Zn dendrite formation that commonly happens under high current density is efficiently suppressed on the fiber electrode, leading to superior cycling stability. Multiple ZnFCs are integrated as flexible energy storage units to power wearable devices under different deformation conditions.