Context: Nanoemulsions (NE) are one of the robust delivery tools for drugs due to their higher stability and efficacy. Objectives: The purpose of present investigation is to develop stable, effective and safe NE of docetaxel (DTX). Methods: Soybean oil, lecithin, Pluronic F68, PEG 4000 and ethanol were employed as excipients and NEs were prepared by hot homogenization followed by ultra-sonication. NEs were optimized and investigated for different in vitro and in vivo parameters viz. droplet size, poly dispersity index, charge; zeta potential, drug content and in vitro drug release, in vitro cytotoxicity, in vitro cell uptake and acute toxicity. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to study morphology and structure of NEs. Stability studies of the optimized formulation were performed. Results: Droplet size, poly dispersity index, zeta potential, drug content and in vitro drug release were found to be 233.23 ± 4.3 nm, 0.24 ± 0.010, À43.66 ± 1.9 mV, 96.76 ± 1.5%, 96.25 ± 2.1%, respectively. NE F11 exhibited higher cell uptake (2.83 times than control) and strong cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cancer cells (IC 50 ; 13.55 ± 0.21 mg/mL at 72 h) whereas no toxicity or necrosis was observed with liver and kidney tissues of mice at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Transmission electron microscopy ensured formation of poly-dispersed and spherical droplets in nanometer range. NE F11 (values indicated above) was selected as the optimized formulation based on the aforesaid parameters. Conclusion: Conclusively, stable, effective and safe NE was developed which might be used as an alternative DTX therapy.

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BackgroundThere is a continual rise in the prevalence of non-cancerous conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) owing to an enormous load of diabetes, hypertension, and vascular diseases. A positive attitude and healthy lifestyle for CKD prevention can only be followed when the masses are well aware and educated about the disease. This study aimed to compare, correlate, and evaluate the distribution of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions among relatives or caretakers of patients with kidney disease or at risk of the disease. MethodologyThis cross-sectional study aimed at obtaining data on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions using the Chronic Kidney Diseases Screening Index questionnaire from the relatives of CKD patients. All data were computed and analyzed using SPSS version 28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). ResultsThe majority of the relatives of CKD patients had poor knowledge (63.6%) and poor attitude (51.6%) levels. On the contrary, most respondents had good practices (52.8%) level toward the risk for CKD. A significant correlation was noted between education and knowledge (p < 0.050). A significant association was also observed between education and occupation with attitude (p < 0.001 and p < 0.050, respectively). Additionally, a significant association was noted between age and perception (p < 0.001). ConclusionsInformed and well-educated populations are less prone to acquire or progress to CKD. From this study, we can understand the need for improvement in public knowledge, which has the potential to help in saving the lives of many patients progressing toward end-stage renal diseases.

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Objective: The work was planned to evaluate the results of cartilage graft in the surgical treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media. Study Design: A prospective study. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective study of tympanoplasties and tympanomastoid surgeries performed on 100 patients. The main outcome measures were both anatomical and functional in form of graft incorporation and postoperative hearing function. Results: Cartilage was used as tympanic membrane and/or ossicle graft in the cases. There were no immediate postoperative or long term complications of surgery except for 10 cases in which there was a failure of graft uptake. There was a 7.6-decibel (dB) improvement in mean air conduction threshold post-operatively. A mean closure of average air bone gap of 8.4 decibels (dB) was noted which was statistically significant. Conclusion: The cartilage graft is a very effective option for the repair of the conducting mechanism of the ear with good take-up rates, less chances of rejection or extrusion and very few significant complications. The thickness of cartilage creates stiffness that is more resistant than the fascia to the anatomic deformities caused by negative middle ear pressure thus improving the long term integrity of the graft.

Pilonidal disease is a common acquired surgical problem, which becomes the cause of marked discomfort and absentism amongst young men. It occurs in the cleavage of intergluteal cleft and is infamous for the recurrences following surgery and the associated prolonged wound care. Pilonidal sinus disease usually presents with an acute abscess, which later becomes a sinus with recurrent similar abscesses. Pilonidal sinus disease is of acquired origin and has multifactorial etiology. Many options are available in the management inclusive of conservative methods and operative procedures. Pilonidal sinus disease has remarkable recurrence rates after all the described surgical procedures. We studied cases of pilonidal sinus disease for their demographic pattern, clinical presentation and the applied surgical procedure. Recurrent pilonidal sinuses were evaluated for the possible cause of failure after previous surgical procedure. We present the article with thorough review of recent literature on pilonidal sinus disease.

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