Topical gel containing Polysiloxanes and hyaluronic acid for skin scar: Formulation design, characterization, and In vivo activity.

BACKGROUND: Scar formation is undesirable both cosmetically and functionally. It shows that silicone gel is effective in preventing and improving scars formed due to a wound formation after injury. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates whether a silicone gel composition based on a novel concept of infusing a biologically active material such as hyaluronic acid and/or salts with various polysiloxane derivatives in a specific proportion to achieve desired viscosity range and their action has a synergistic beneficial effect on skin scar after injury. METHODS: We have developed a topical gel utilizing a combination of emulsifiers, sodium hyaluronate, polysiloxane, and its derivatives. The method of preparation comprises mixing of aqueous phase dispersion and polysiloxanes blend under stirring at room temperature. RESULTS: It results in the formation of a homogenous smooth gel formulation. The developed topical gel formulation was characterized for physicochemical properties, rheology, stability, and anti-scar activity in Wistar rats. It was found that the developed formulation system consists of desirable attributes for skin applications. In vivo investigation of developed polysiloxane gel formulation for anti-scar activity shown promising outcomes compared to marketed product (Kelo-cote scar gel). Furthermore, a histopathology study of healed skin tissues observed the formation of microscopic skin structures compared to the Kelo-cote scar gel. CONCLUSIONS: It indicates that the combination of polysiloxanes and sodium hyaluronate resulting an improvement in anti-scar activity compared to the marketed product containing polysiloxanes alone.

Evaluation of Smoking Prevalence, Secondhand Smoke Exposure, Attitudes of Tobacco Control, and Smoking Cessation Knowledge among Pharmacy and Medical Students in a Private University, Malaysia.

Background: Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of premature morbidity and mortality globally, causing over eight million deaths per year. One of the best approaches to reduce smoking-related deaths is to encourage future health-care professionals in tobacco control programs. Objectives: To assess the smoking prevalence, secondhand smoke exposure, attitudes toward tobacco control, and smoking cessation knowledge and associated factors among pharmacy and medical students in a private university in Malaysia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at two campuses of a private University in Malaysia, and the data were collected online using the Global Health Professionals Students Survey questionnaire and analyzed using IBM-SPSS Version 20. Results: The overall smoking prevalence was 1.6% (P = 0.009). The exposure to secondhand smoke was 21% and 39% at home and in public places, respectively. About 92% of respondents had a good attitude toward tobacco control, whereas 53.4% had good smoking cessation knowledge. However, only 39.4% of the respondents had received formal smoking cessation training. Logistic regression revealed that significant predictors toward tobacco control are the ban of tobacco sales to adolescents, ban on the advertising of tobacco products, ban of smoking in restaurants, and obtaining a specific training on cessation techniques. Conclusions: The prevalence of smoking among pharmacy and medical students was low, but exposure to secondhand smoke was higher. Most of the respondents had a positive attitude and good knowledge of smoking cessation. However, future training needs to be conducted among upcoming health-care professionals to act as a role model for community transformation.

Pharmaceutical Product Development Exploiting 3D Printing Technology: Conventional to Novel Drug Delivery System.

BACKGROUND: 3D printed pharmaceutical products are revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry as a prospective mean to achieve a personalized method of treatments acquired to the specially designed need of each patient. It will depend upon age, weight, concomitants, pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetic profile of the patient and thus transforming the current pharmaceutical market as a potential alternative to conventional medicine. 3D printing technology is getting more consideration in new medicine formulation development as a modern and better alternative to control many challenges associated with conventional medicinal products. There are many advantages of 3D printed medicines which create tremendous opportunities for improving the acceptance, accuracy and effectiveness of these medicines. In 2015, United State Food and Drug Administration has approved the first 3D printed tablet (Spritam®) and had shown the emerging importance of this technology. METHODS: This review article summarizes as how in-depth knowledge of drugs and their manufacturing processes can assist to manage different strategies for various 3D printing methods. The principal goal of this review is to provide a brief introduction about the present techniques employed in tech -medicine evolution from conventional to a novel drug delivery system. RESULTS: It is evidenced that through its unparalleled advantages of high-throughput, versatility, automation, precise spatial control and fabrication of hierarchical structures, the implementation of 3D printing for the expansion and delivery of controlled drugs acts as a pivotal role. CONCLUSION: 3D printing technology has an extraordinary ability to provide elasticity in the manufacturing and designing of composite products that can be utilized in programmable and personalized medicine. Personalized medicine helps in improving drug safety and minimizes side effects such as toxicity to individual human being which is associated with unsuitable drug dose.