Bilastine (BLS) is non-sedating new-brand H1 antihistamine that has selective peripheral effects, the drug has a problem of an insufficient aqueous solubility and accordingly low dissolution rate, and low bioavailability. Solid dispersion (SD) is one of the most effective techniques for improving the solubility and the dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs by the dispersion of drug within an inert hydrophilic carrier. The aim of this study is to increase the solubility and dissolution rate of the BLS using SD technique. Twenty-nine BLS SD formulas were prepared using different carrier polymers include Pluronic 407 (Poloxamer407), Poloxamer188, Urea, Polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30) and employing two different preparation methods (solvent evaporation and kneading method) at different drug: polymer ratios (1:1 ,1:3,1:5,1:10,1:15). The prepared SD formulas were evaluated for their percent yield, drug content, aqueous solubility, dissolution rate, PXRD, and FTIR. The SD technique successfully improved the solubility and dissolution rate of BLS. The improvement was largely dependent on the polymer type and drug: polymer ratio. The solubility improvement using different polymers was in the following order: PVP K30> PLX188> PEG6000> Urea> PLX407. The solid dispersion formula that showed the best outcomes in terms of dissolution improvement was prepared using the solvent evaporation technique employing PVP K30 at ratio of drug: polymer of 1:15. The optimized formula showed 10.2 folds increment in the solubility compared to pure BLS. It can be concluded that the SD technique can successfully improve the solubility and dissolution rate by solvent evaporation method with careful selection of the carrier polymer and drug: polymer ratio.
Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii ) is considered a critical healthcare problem for patients in intensive care units due to its high ability to be multidrug-resistant to most commercially available antibiotics. The aim of this study is to develop a colorimetric assay to quantitatively detect the target DNA of A. baumannii based on unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from different clinical samples (burns, surgical wounds, sputum, blood and urine). A total of thirty-six A. baumannii clinical isolates were collected from five Iraqi hospitals in Erbil and Mosul provinces within the period from September 2020 to January 2021. Bacterial isolation and biochemical identification of isolates
... Show MoreThe performance of a vapor compression refrigeration system (VCRS)-based residential air conditioner operating in a high-ambient temperature (HAT) country was investigated using six zero-ODP (ozone depletion potential) refrigerants as replacements to R22. The non-flammable alternative refrigerants considered in the present research were R134a, R404A, R407C, R410A, R448A, and R507A. Using the basic conservation laws, the VCRS was modeled during steady-state operation and solved using engineering equation solver (EES) software. Coefficient of performance (COP), pressures and temperatures at compressor suction and discharge, Global Warming Potential (GWP), critical pressure and temperature, compressor
Introduction: Elite football performance hinges on rapid tactical decision-making under physical and cognitive strain. While peripheral fatigue’s effects on motor output are well documented, the neurophysiological markers of mental fatigue and their impact on in-game decision making remain underexplored. Objective: To determine how EEG-derived central fatigue indices—frontal theta power and the theta/alpha ratio—relate to tactical decision accuracy and speed in elite football players. Methodology: Twenty male national-level footballers (age 22.4 ± 2.1 years; ≥ 5 years’ experience) completed the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 while wearing an 8-channel dry-electrode frontal EEG headset. Frontal theta
... Show MoreBackground: The primary stability of the dental implant is a crucial factor determining the ability to initiate temporary implant-supported prosthesis and for subsequent successful osseointegration, especially in the maxillary non-molar sites. This study assessed the reliability of the insertion torque of dental implants by relating it to the implant stability quotient values measured by the Osstell device. Material and methods: This study included healthy, non-smoker patients with no history of diabetes or other metabolic, or debilitating diseases that may affect bone healing, having non-restorable fractured teeth and retained roots in the maxillary non-molar sites. Primary dental implant stability was evaluated using a torque ratc
... Show MoreThe purpose of this study was to measure serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP7), Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), Growth Hormone (GH), Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and insulin in acromegaly patients and healthy controls. The acromegaly group had 60 patients, while the population group had 30 people who had never had acromegaly before. The concentration of IGFBP7, IGF-1, GH, IL-6, and insulin were determined. The results of the present study indicate that IGFBP7 level in the acromegaly group was significantly lower (1.690.07 ng/mL vs. 2.740.12 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.001). IGF-1, GH, IL-6, and insulin concentrations were also significantly higher in acromegaly patients. The diagnostic accuracy (2.194) was exce
... Show MoreWe aimed to obtain magnesium/iron (Mg/Fe)-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) nanoparticles-immobilized on waste foundry sand-a byproduct of the metal casting industry. XRD and FT-IR tests were applied to characterize the prepared sorbent. The results revealed that a new peak reflected LDHs nanoparticles. In addition, SEM-EDS mapping confirmed that the coating process was appropriate. Sorption tests for the interaction of this sorbent with an aqueous solution contaminated with Congo red dye revealed the efficacy of this material where the maximum adsorption capacity reached approximately 9127.08 mg/g. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models helped to describe the sorption measure
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates T cell function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AhR ligands, 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and 6-Formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), on gut-associated microbiota and T cell responses during delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction induced by methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) in a mouse model. Mice with DTH showed significant changes in gut microbiota including an increased abundance of
Chronic kidney disease is one of the leading public health problems that affect millions of women and men worldwide.
This study aims to examine the effect of deep breathing to reduce discomfort amongst patient undergoing haemodialysis (HD).
This randomised controlled experimental study was conducted consisted of 108 patients (54 in each group) who undergoing HD in hospitalised adults’ patients between November 2024 an