Novasomes as Nano-Vesicular Carriers to Enhance Topical Delivery of Fluconazole: A New Approach to Treat Fungal Infections.

The occurrence of fungal infections has increased over the past two decades. It is observed that superficial fungal infections are treated by conventional dosage forms, which are incapable of treating deep infections due to the barrier activity possessed by the stratum corneum of the skin. This is why the need for a topical preparation with advanced penetration techniques has arisen. This research aimed to encapsulate fluconazole (FLZ) in a novasome in order to improve the topical delivery. The novasomes were prepared using the ethanol injection technique and characterized for percent entrapment efficiency (EE), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), drug release, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and antifungal activity. The FN7 formulation with 94.45% EE, 110 nm PS and -24 ZP proved to be the best formulation. The FN7 formulation showed a 96% release of FLZ in 8 h. FTIR showed the compatibility of FLZ with excipients and DSC studies confirmed the thermal stability of FLZ in the developed formulation. The FN7 formulation showed superior inhibition of the growth of Candida albicans compared to the FLZ suspension using a resazurin reduction assay, suggesting high efficacy in inhibiting fungal growth.

Prevalence, determinants of chronic rhinosinusitis and its impact on quality of life among students in Karachi, Pakistan.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common public health issue among students. Methodology:  A total of 300 undergraduate students were selected through multistage cluster sampling from three public-sector universities. Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) were used for determining the quality of life. Chi-square and independent t-test were used. Results: About 46% and 54% (p = 0.001) of social science and health science students were suffering from CRS, respectively. Around 7% and 9% of CRS patients had poor quality of life according to SNOT-22 and RSDI, respectively (p = 0.042 and p = 0.032, respectively). Conclusion: Quality of life was affected in all domains of SNOT-22 and RSDI.

Rhinosinusitis is a common problem in society. Students are affected commonly because of exposure and low awareness. This study determines the burden of flu among medical and nonmedical students. We conducted the survey in public-sector universities. Results of study found that medical students were more suffering from chronic flu. This flu affected the social and family life. Common symptoms are pain in the face, pain in the eye and continuous headache. There is need to increase awareness among students regarding flu.