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Use of transdermal patches can evade many issues associated with oral drug delivery, such as first-pass hepatic metabolism, enzymatic digestion attack, drug hydrolysis and degradation in acidic media, drug fluctuations, and gastrointestinal irritation. This article reviews various transdermal patches available in the market, types, structural components, polymer role, and the required assessment tools. Although transdermal patches have medical applications for smoking cessation, pain relief, osteoporosis, contraception, motion sickness, angina pectoris, and cardiac disorders, advances in formulation development are ongoing to make transdermal patches capable of delivering more challenging drugs. Transdermal patches can be tailored and developed according to the physicochemical properties of active and inactive components, and applicability for long-term use. Therefore, a number of chemical approaches and physical techniques for transdermal patch development are under investigation.

Summary Objective The current research work was initiated to develop anti‐aging phytocosmetic formulation of phytoantioxidant, to evaluate their effect on human skin, and to link R parameters of skin with skin sebum and aging. Methods According to COLIPA, 10 healthy male volunteers, aged between 20 and 30 years, having no skin infection or other hypersensitivity disorders, were included in the study. The effect of formulation was evaluated on skin pores and skin elasticity on cheeks for 90 days at regular interval. Various parameters of visible facial pores were assessed using the Skin VisioFace®, Cutometer®, Elastometer®, and Sebumeter®. These data were compared and correlated to examine the possible relationship between visible facial pores, skin elasticity, and skin sebum. Results From R0 to R9, R0, R5, and R9 were negatively correlated with elasticity while R7 shows a positive correlation with elasticity. R7 parameter of Cutometer® was negatively correlated with facial large pores (r = −0.337, P = 0.033). R9 parameter of Cutometer® was significantly positively correlated with facial large pores (r = 0.54, P = 0.000). Conclusion We could assume that the enhancement of skin elasticity would be the fundamental strategies in the prevention of size and count of visible facial pores (fine and large) by the application of formulation containing natural compounds.

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In the present study, berries of two different species of Solanaceae family, Withania somnifera (WS) and Solanum nigrum (SN), were extracted in methanol and then fractionated with solvents, ranging from non-polar to polar, for their phytochemical profiling and investigation of antioxidant and tyrosinase enzyme inhibition capacity. The methanolic extract and n-hexane, ethyl acetate (WSEA, SNEA) and aqueous fractions were chemically analyzed and evaluated for biological activity. Total flavonoids and total phenolics were quantified in WSEA (96.91 ± 1.56 μg QE mg-1 sample and 178.45 ± 2.78 μg GAE mg-1 s ample, r esp.) and S NEA (89.58 ± 0.98 μg QE mg-1 sample and 120.15 ± 2.33 μg GAE mg-1 sample, resp.). HPLC-DAD analysis of ethyl acetate fractions of WS and SN measured 13.74 and 5.34 μg GAE mg-1 dry fraction and 3.72 and 3.41 μg QE mg-1 dry fraction, resp. WSEA and SNEA fractions showed the highest 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity and iron reducing power activity. The highest inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme was also exhibited by WSEA and SNEA (59.6 and 58.7 %) resp. This investigation justifies the medicinal value of W. somnifera and S. nigrum berry extracts as potential and readily available sources of natural antioxidants. Marked tyrosinase enzyme inhibition activity and antioxidant activity of both plant extracts might be due to polyphenols and flavonoids.

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PurposeTo survey fundraising activities of government sector libraries in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey of randomly selected 100 large university, college, public and special libraries of Pakistan is conducted.FindingsThe review of literature reveals that no formal survey of such activities was carried out before. However, general library literature in the country mentions the examples of donations and gifts received in libraries. Data collected through survey show that very few libraries are involved in fundraising activities. Significant donations are given by foundations, international agencies and some individuals. The reasons for non‐engagement of most of the libraries in such activities are shortage of staff and parent organizations' involvement through other offices. Most of the libraries have no future plans for fundraising.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey only focuses on large libraries in the public sector. Small libraries, school libraries and private sector libraries are not covered.Practical implicationsThis is the first paper on this topic in Pakistan. It will help LIS decision makers plan for fundraising activities in libraries.Originality/valueThis paper presents a comprehensive literature review on fundraising in Pakistan. It is the first survey of such activities in this country. The experiences shared by libraries can be helpful for other developing countries.

This paper reports the findings of a study on library fundraising in Pakistan. The review of literature revealed that no formal survey on this topic was carried out before. However, general library literature in the country mentioned the examples of donations and gifts received in libraries. An opinion survey of selected experts in the field of library and information science from various cities was conducted. Their interviews were also audio-recorded. The library leaders showed their opinions on the importance of various fundraising activities. A SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) of Pakistani libraries was also conducted. The respondents also expressed their opinions about which institution/ group should start the process of library fundraising. According to respondents ''there is a potential for library fundraising'' in Pakistani society. The paper stresses that Pakistani librarians should be made aware of the importance and methods of seeking private money to improve their services.