Methods: The effects of independent variables (poloxamer 407 and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) concentration) on various dependent variables (gelling capacity, pH and viscosity) were investigated by using 32 factorial design and organoleptic evaluation was done with descriptive analysis.
Results: The optimized formula of chloramphenicol in situ gel yielded 9 variations of poloxamer 407 and HPMC bases composition in % w/v as follows, F1 (5; 0.45), F2 (7.5; 0.45), F3 (10; 0.45), F4 (5; 0.725), F5 (7.5; 0.725), F6 (10; 0.725), F7 (5; 1), F8 (7.5; 1), F9 (10; 1). The results indicated that the organoleptic, pH, and gelling capacity parameters matched all formulas (F1-F9), however, the viscosity parameter only matched F3, F6, F8, and F9. Based on factorial design, F6 had the best formula with desirability value of 0.54, but the design recommended that formula with the composition bases of poloxamer 407 and HPMC at the ratio of 8.16 % w/v and 0.77 % w/v, respectively, was the optimum formula with a desirability value of 0.69.
Conclusion: All formulas have met the Indonesian pharmacopoeia requirements based on the physical evaluation, especially formula 6 (F6), which was supported by the result of factorial design analysis.
METHODS: The survey was carried out using a questionnaire given to local dental practitioners. Glove friction and water absorption measurements were made using specially designed equipment.
RESULTS: The survey showed that a selected group of dentist and dental surgery assistants preferred hydrogel-coated gloves, particularly for damp donning, durability and long-term wear comfort. Laboratory measurements showed that the hydrogel coating gave a low friction coefficient against damp skin. The coating was durable, and absorbed water more readily than other treatments.
CONCLUSION: A survey of dental practitioners and dental surgery assistants and laboratory measurements indicates that hydrogel-coated gloves have superior properties, and are preferred to other non-sterile glove types.
Aim: This research aimed to optimize electrospray-operating parameters in producing alginate-RJ microbeads.
Materials and Methods: Optimization of alginate-RJ microbeads electrospray parameters was carried out using 24 factorial design with three center points (19 runs). The studied parameters were flow rate, high voltage, nozzle size, and tip-to-collector distance, whereas the responses were particle size, particle size distribution, and sphericity factor. The responses of each run were analyzed using Design-Expert software.
Results: Nozzle size is a significant parameter that influences the particle size. Flow rate is a significant parameter influencing the sphericity factor.
Conclusion: Screening of the electrospray-operating parameters paves the way in determining the significant parameters and their design space to produce consistent alginate-RJ microbeads.
AIMS: This study aimed at developing and characterizing the ethanolic vesicular hydrogel system of Nigella sativa (NS) oil (NS EV hydrogel) for the enhancement of anti-psoriatic activity.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop NS EV hydrogel and evaluate its anti-psoriatic activity.
METHODS: The identification and quantification of TQ content in different NS seed extracts and marketed oil were measured by an HPTLC method using n-hexane and ethyl acetate as solvent systems. Preparation of ethanolic vesicles (EVs) was performed by solvent injection method, while its antipsoriatic activity was evaluated employing an Imiquad (IMQ)-induced plaque psoriasis animal model.
RESULTS: A compact HPTLC band was obtained for TQ at an Rf value of 0.651. The calibration plot was linear in the range of 1-10 μg/spot, and the correlation coefficient of 0.990 was indicative of good linear dependence of peak area on concentration. From the different NS sources, the high TQ content was obtained in the marketed cold press oil, i.e., 1.45±0.08 mg/ml. Out of various NS oilloaded EVs, the F6 formulation revealed the smallest particle size (278.1 nm), with log-normal size distribution (0.459) and adequate entrapment efficiency. A non-uniform shape was observed in the transmission electron microscopy. The viscosity of F6 formulation hydrogel was 32.34 (Pa·s), which exhibited plastic behavior. In vivo, efficacy studies demonstrated decreased inflammation of the epidermis and dermis and a marked decrease in the levels of IL-17 by NS EV hydrogel compared to plain NS oil and standard drugs (Betamethasone and Dr. JRK Psorolin Oil).
CONCLUSION: It may be concluded from the findings that NS-loaded EV gel was as good as betamethasone cream but more efficacious than the other treatments.
METHOD: We enrolled 95 women (≥ 36 weeks gestation) on their attendance for planned ECV. All participants received terbutaline tocolysis. Regional anaesthesia was not used. ECV was performed in the standard fashion after the application of the allocated aid. If the first round (maximum of 2 attempts) of ECV failed, crossover to the opposing aid was permitted.
RESULTS: 48 women were randomised to powder and 47 to gel. Self-reported procedure related median [interquartile range] pain scores (using a 10-point visual numerical rating scale VNRS; low score more pain) were 6 [5-9] vs. 8 [7-9] P = 0.03 in favor of gel. ECV was successful in 21/48 (43.8%) vs. 26/47 (55.3%) RR 0.6 95% CI 0.3-1.4 P = 0.3 for powder and gel arms respectively. Crossover to the opposing aid and a second round of ECV was performed in 13/27 (48.1%) following initial failure with powder and 4/21 (19%) after failure with gel (RR 3.9 95% CI 1.0-15 P = 0.07). ECV success rate was 5/13 (38.5%) vs. 1/4 (25%) P = 0.99 after crossover use of gel or powder respectively. Operators reported higher satisfaction score with the use of gel (high score, greater satisfaction) VNRS scores 6 [4.25-8] vs 8 [7-9] P = 0.01.
CONCLUSION: Women find gel use to be associated with less pain. The ECV success rate is not significantly different.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered with ISRCTN (identifier ISRCTN87231556).