Muhammad Jamshaid

Poloxamer sorption on liposomes: comparison with polystyrene latex and influence on solute efflux

The adsorption characteristics of several polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene (POE-POP) block copolymers (Synperonics) were studied on both polystyrene microspheres and small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) composed of egg phosphatidylcholine (egg PC). Photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) was used to monitor the increase in hydrodynamic radius following polymer sorption. Apparent adsorbed layer thickness (δ) of all POE-POP block copolymers was shown to be Langmurian. This δ increased non-linearly with the molecular weight of the polymer. Adsorption of Synperonic F108 occurred rapidly onto latex particles with no subsequent change of hydrodynamic radius on storage. For SUVs, δ was significantly less (P < 0.05) than that measured for the same polymer with polystyrene microspheres, which may indicate a degree of bilayer penetration by the polymers. The efflux rate of entrapped 6-carboxyfluorescein (6-CF) was considerably lower for SUVs prepared from egg PC and cholesterol (1 : 1 molar ratio) than for those prepared from egg PC alone when suspended in Synperonic F108. Retention of 6-CF was higher for multilamellar vesicles (MLVs) than for SUVs when incubated in the same polymer solution.

Understanding and responsiveness level about cervical cancer and its avoidance among young women of Pakistan.

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality amongst the gynecological cancers worldwide, especially in developing countries. There are few to no initial symptoms and signs. This study was conducted to assess the awareness level of young Pakistani women about cervical cancer and to educate them about this deadly disease. A detailed questionnaire regarding demographic data and information about cervical cancer was distributed in different cities of Punjab. A total of 873 women took part in this survey and 70.1 percent were totally unaware of this cancer. Only 8.5% of the whole surveyed population knew accurately about cancer of cervix, 7% of the surveyed respondents correctly specified the human papilloma virus as the causative agent. Only 5.2% respondents were able to identify the Pap smear test as a diagnostic measure. Out of all the surveyed population only 4.3% of individuals were found to be vaccinated against this disease and the majority was found from the medical profession. Medical professionals, students, working women, housewives and uneducated individuals took active part in this survey. This study demonstrates a low level of awareness among Pakistani women and a need for an active campaign by media and government to increase understanding as well as introducing measures for improved prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.

Influence of polymer ratio and surfactants on controlled drug release from cellulosic microsponges

Microsponge refers to a highly cross-linked particle system with a capacity to adsorb (like a dry sponge) pharmaceutical materials. There are various methods available to prepare microsponge formulations, in this study we used quasi emulsion-solvent diffusion method with a combination of hydrophobic (ethyl cellulose) and hydrophilic (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) polymers mediated via Tween 80 and polyvinyl alcohol. Various ratios and amounts of the polymers and surfactants were used to prepare microsponge formulations using ketoprofen as a model drug and extensively characterised. Our results, for the first time, indicate successful and optimised formulation with desired pharmaceutical characteristics using a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers.

(4R,5R,6S,7R,8S,9R,10S,13S)-7,8β-Epoxy­momilactone-A

The title compound, C20H26O4, was extracted from Leucas Urticifolia, a wild Lamiaceae herb distributed in the Punjab, Baluchistan, Sindh and the Rajputana desert of Pakistan. The plant is utilized for various medicinal applications by the local community. The title compound is based on the pimarane–diterpene skeleton. The molecule exhibits an epoxy ring fused to momilactone-A, leading to a pentacyclic molecular structure. The absolute configuration was assigned by comparison with the crystal structure of momilactone, but needs further verification. The crystal structure is governed by four intermolecular hydrogen-bond interactions of the C—H⋯O type.

Relative pharmacokinetics of three amikacin brands in onco-hemotologic pediatric patients experiencing febrile neutropeina.

SummaryThree commercially available brands of amikacin were investigated in aparallel study design for the assessment of comparative pharmacokinetics in pediatric oncology patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenic febrile episode. Amikacin concentration in serum samples was determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay method using Abbott TDx system. Computer software, PK II was used for computation of pharmacokinetic parameters of amikacin. The serum concentration of all brands nonsignificantly (p>0.05) varied at all time points, except at 1 and 2 hrs post dosing.At 1hr post dosing, the serum concentration of brand II varied from rest of two brands. Whereas at 2 hr following I/V infusion brands II and I were statistically different. Highest serum concentration of 38.69±1.45 μ/ml was observed in case of brand III while brands I and II showed lower but not significantly different serum concentration values, i.e., 36.30±1.65 and 37.89±1.32 μ/ml, respectively when compared with brand I.The other pharmacokinetic parameters of 3 brands found to have non-significant difference (P<0.05) except, t1/2α and CI of brands I and II that deviated statistically significant (p<0.01). The relative bioavailability of brand II and III as compared with brand I, considered as standard 86.17 and 96.86%, respectively falls within the accepted limits of ±20% required for the bioequivalence of any two brands.Based upon findings of the present study, all these brands may be used interchangeably in oncology patients. Further studies, however are needed to determine whether the statistically elevated CI value in brand II is of any clinical significance.

Fabrication and in vitro characterization of fenofibric acid-loaded hyaluronic acid–polyethylene glycol polymeric composites with enhanced drug solubility and dissolution rate

Abstract The target of the present work was to formulate and characterize a fenofibric acid-loaded hyaluronic acid–polyethylene glycol (HA-PEG) polymeric composite to improve solubility and dissolution of the drug in the aqueous media. Several fenofibric acid-loaded HA-PEG polymeric composites were fabricated with varying quantities of HA and PEG 6000 using the solvent-evaporation method. The impact of relative quantities of HA and PEG was examined on solubility and dissolution of the drug. The thermal and structural physiognomies were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Spectroscopic study was accomplished by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Shape and surface features of the solid particles were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All the formulations demonstrated greater solubility and dissolution than did plain fenofibric acid powder. Both the HA and PEG positively affected solubility and dissolution of the drug in the aqueous media. A fenofibric acid-loaded HA-PEG polymeric composite, consisting of fenofibric acid/HA/PEG at the weight ratio of 0.5/6.0/0.75, respectively, provided the highest solubility (0.45 ± 0.05 mg/mL) and dissolution (∼90% in 15 min) in this study. Moreover, the loaded drug was in the amorphous state, and had no covalent linkages with polymeric matrices. Thus, this HA-PEG polymeric composite might be a suitable drug delivery system for oral administration of fenofibric acid. Graphical Abstract