This research attempts to provide insights into the argumentation structures in the discussion of Islam on social media involving 14 Malaysian former Muslims. The social media accounts of the ...participants were observed for 12 months, from January to December 2019. A total of 368 postings put forth arguments related to Islamic authoritative discourse, the Quran and “Sunnah” of the Prophet Muhammad, to justify their renunciation of the Muslim religion. The analysis revealed that the Level 2 argument, which includes the claim, data to support the claim, and the warrant, was identified as the most common argument structure. Level 5, which has more than one rebuttal, was the least common argument structure. The analysis shows that most argument structures were at the lower levels (1–3) in that they offered no strong, clearly identifiable rebuttals. This study concludes that the arguments put forth by former Muslims, in the main, are loosely constructed rather than attempts to build a strong cumulative argumentation to support their reasons for abandoning the Muslim faith.
One of the major challenges with curcumin is its poor solubility in water, which limits its absorption and bioavailability in the body. This study aimed to develop and characterize stable ...microemulsions (MEs) as MEs increase the dispersibility of curcumin in water and aid its absorption in the body. Curcumin-loaded MEs were developed with the goal of enhancing topical delivery and its pharmacological activity (antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer activity, and anti-inflammatory). The pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed to find out the desired microemulsion region. The prepared MEs (ME1–ME5) were evaluated for pH, viscosity, size of the particle, electrical conductivity, zeta potential, and ex vivo permeation of the drug. The optimized ME formulation was selected based on particle size and was further evaluated for biological activity (in vitro/vivo). In vitro cytotoxic effects of formulations were checked on the human liver cancer cell line, HEPG2 (a cell line exhibiting epithelial-like morphology that was isolated from a hepatocellular carcinoma). Geranium oil, Tween 80 (as a surfactant), and propylene glycol (as a cosurfactant) were screened out based on solubility to formulate MEs. The optimized ME formulation (ME5), with a composition of 20:50:30 (geranium oil:Tween 80:propylene glycol), exhibited pH 4.36 ± 0.057, conductivity of 40.06 ± 0.05 μS/cm, viscosity of 165 ± 0.37 mPa·s, and droplet diameter of 199.39 ± 0.017 nm. The ex vivo permeation study demonstrated a significant cumulative amount of curcumin permeated in 24 h and had a flux of 130.91 ± 0.02 μg/cm2/h. Antioxidant activity demonstrated that curcumin-loaded microemulsion (ME5) exhibited higher scavenging activity (99.27 ± 0.021%) than blank microemulsion (94.67 ± 0.001%). Optimized curcumin-loaded microemulsion (ME5) exhibited zones of inhibition of 25.18 and 28.37 mm against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Among the cell lines tested, a higher concentration of ME5 showed the greatest cytotoxicity with a % viability of 8.22 ± 1.09%. Evidently, it also revealed significant in vivo anti-inflammatory effects with 93.29 ± 0.030% inhibition by the carrageenan-induced paw edema model (6 h study) and 88.39 ± 0.002% inhibition by the formalin-induced paw edema model (14 day study). In conclusion, microemulsion was safe and effective for effective delivery of curcumin with the potential for antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities.
The objective of this study was to improve the dissolution and solubility of dexibuprofen (DEX) using hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin (HPβCD) inclusion complexes and also to evaluate the effect of ...presence of hydrophilic polymers on solubilization efficiency of HPβCD. Three different methods (physical trituration, kneading and solvent evaporation) were used to prepare binary inclusion complexes at various drug-to-cyclodextrin weight ratios. An increase in solubility and drug release was observed with the kneading (KN) method at a DEX/HPβCD (1:4) weight ratio. The addition of hydrophilic polymers poloxamer-188 (PXM-188) and poloxamer-407 (PXM-407) at 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 and 20%
enhanced the complexation efficiency and solubility of DEX/HPβCD significantly. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that DEX was successfully incorporated into the cyclodextrin cavity. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) revealed less crystallinity of the drug and its entrapment in the cyclodextrin molecular cage. The addition of PXM-188 or PXM-407 reduced the strength of the DEX endothermic peak. With the addition of hydrophilic polymers, sharp and intense peaks of DEX disappeared. Finally, it was concluded that PXM-188 at a weight ratio of 10.0%
was the best candidate for improving solubility, stability and release rate of DEX.
Orodispersible sublingual films (OSFs) composed of hydrophilic polymers were loaded with poloxamer-188 and d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS-1000) mixed micelles to improve the oral ...bioavailability of a poorly soluble drug, ebastine (EBT). Mixed micelles formed by thin-film hydration method were incorporated into orodispersible sublingual film, consisting of HPMC and glycerol, using solvent casting technique. The mixed micelles and films were thoroughly evaluated for physicochemical characterization (size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, thickness, weight, surface pH studies, disintegration time, swelling indices, mechanical properties, FTIR, PXRD, DSC, SEM, AFM, in vitro drug release, in vivo bioavailability, and toxicological studies). The results showed that the average particle size of mixed micelles was 73 nm. The mean zeta potential and PDI of the optimal mixed micelles formulation were -26 mV and 0.16, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum entrapment efficiency 82% was attained. The film's disintegration time was in the range of 28 to 102 s in aqueous media. The integrity of micelles was not affected upon incorporation in films. Importantly, the micelles-loaded films revealed rapid absorption, high permeability, and increased bioavailability of EBT as compared to the pure drug. The existence of ebastine loaded mixed micelles in the films enhanced the bioavailability about 2.18 folds as compared to pure drug. Further, the results evidently established in-vitro and in-vivo performance of bioavailability enhancement, biocompatibility, and good safety profile of micelles-loaded orodispersible EBT films. Finally, it was concluded that film loaded with poloxamer-188/TPGS-1000 mixed micelles could be an effective carrier system for enhancing the bioavailability of ebastine.
BCS class II drugs exhibit low aqueous solubility and high permeability. Such drugs often have an incomplete or erratic absorption profile. This study aimed to predict the effects of β-cyclodextrin ...(βCD) and different hydrophilic polymers (poloxamer 188 (PXM-188), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and soluplus (SOLO)) on the saturated solubility and dissolution profile of hydrophobic model drug rivaroxaban (RIV). Binary inclusion complex with βCD were prepared by kneading and solvent evaporation method, at drug to cyclodextrin weight molar ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4. Saturated solubility of the hydrophobic model moiety was evaluated with βCD to explore the increment in saturated solubility. Dissolution test was carried out to assess the drug release from the produced binary inclusion complex in the aqueous medium. Solid state analysis was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. When compared to pure drug, the binary complex (Drug: βCD at molar ratio of 1:2 w/w) demonstrated the best performance in terms of enhanced solubility and drug release. Furthermore, ternary inclusion complex was prepared with hydrophilic polymers SOLO, PVP K-30 and PXM-188 at 0.5%,1%,2.5%,5% and 10% w/w to optimized binary formulation RIV:βCD (1:2) prepared by kneading (KN) and solvent evaporation (S.E) method. The findings demonstrated that among ternary formulations (1:2 Drug: βCD: SOLO 10% S.E) manifested greatest improvement in saturated solubility and dissolution rate. Results of solubility enhancement and improvement in dissolution profile of model drug by ternary inclusion complexation were also supported by FTIR, DSC, XRD, and SEM analysis. So, it can be concluded that the ternary inclusion systems were more effective compared to the binary combinations in improving solubility as well as dissolution of hydrophobic model drug rivaroxaban.
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This study attempts to generate new insights into the wide spread online and offline conspiratorial discourse on COVID-19. Twofold analytical lens consisted of narrative interrelations framework and ...content analysis showed how the linguistic resources and conversational such as popular socio-religious discourses, hypothetical narratives, personal narratives, personal mental archives, and interpolated arguments are integrated in the interpretation of intertextual Bases such as Bill Gates’ TED talk 2015 (26%); Nematullah Wali’s predictions (32%); ‘End of Days’ book by Sylvia Browne (14.9%); and ‘The Eyes of Darkness’ novel by Dean Koontz (22%) by which the conspiracists in Pakistan construct an internally persuasive discourse promoting conspiracy theories on COVID-19. Several linguistic resources such as mood, modality, topicalization, insinuation, and intertextuality emerged as the main tools of making the conspiracy theories internally persuasive.
Herbal medicines are gaining importance due to more advantages and less toxic effects. Withania coagulans is natural plant that possesses multiple activities. Its main constituents are withaferin and ...withanolide. The purpose of present study is to identify main constituent of Withania coagulans and preparation of extract loaded micro emulsions. Withania coagulans fruit extract in methanol/chloroform (1:1) was collected in semisolid form and LCMS was done to identify active compound, and then micro emulsions were prepared using Tween 80: Transcutol (1:1) Frankincense oil, and water to enhance its stability for topical application. Five formulations were prepared by Pseudo ternary phase diagram and evaluated for pH, conductivity, viscosity, drug contents, particle size analysis, and polydispersity. Withania coagulans extract was evaluated for anti-bacterial activity against (Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and S. typhi) and anti-fungal activity against (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). Anti-inflammatory activity was checked for both extract and Extract based micro emulsion. Among all five formulations F5 shows best physiochemical properties with small globule size, good stability and high anti-inflammatory activity. Based on these results it was concluded that Withania coagulans extract loaded micro emulsions can be used for topical application with promising anti-inflammatory activities. Data for in-vivo studies for checking the topical effect of Withania coagulans is provided elsewhere.
Pectin-co-poly acrylic acid (Pec-co-poly (AA)) hydrogels are imperative and new type of chemically cross-linked hydrogels. A research was conducted to develop pH-sensitive, controlled release, and ...biocompatible hydrogels by free radical polymerization and scrutinize the suitability of Pec-co-poly (AA) hydrogels as drug carriers. Different formulations were designed using central composite model.
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-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) was used as a cross-linker and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that hydrogels are thermally stable. Hydrogels have a porous structure, clearly expressed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results concede the grafting reaction of AA on pectin. Hydrogels were figured out for pH-responsive behaviour by dynamic and equilibrium swelling ratio at low and high pH. The effects of pectin and acrylic acid (AA) content on swelling were also studied and revealed an increasing trend in swelling with increasing concentration of either pectin or AA. Similarly, developed hydrogels were also evaluated for different modalities for drug loading and release employing nifedipine as model drug. Constructed models are found to be suitable prediction tools, with contour plots and response surface plots providing an easy tool for estimation of response nature over entire setting of variables. It is concluded that highly stable Pec-co-poly (AA) hydrogels are developed. These have potential to be used as carrier for controlled delivery of nifedipine.
The augmented block design (ABD) is commonly used in breeding programs to evaluate the performance of large number of genotypes using non-replicated new test treatments and replicated check ...treatments. The purpose of this design is to determine which test treatment performs better than check treatments. The objective of this study is to identifying better genotype of Mash been than check treatment under rain feed condition of Pakistan. For this purpose, the data of 125 mash been genotypes included 5 check entries were analyzed. The experiment was conducted in augmented block design using 6 blocks in rain feed condition of Pakistan and data of different attribute were recorded. The analysis showed that the treatment effects (adjusted) are significant for all attributes. However, for all attribute other than the number of seeds/pod, the adjusted block effects are non-significant, indicating that the evaluated blocks are homogeneous. Only three principal components were considered, first component explained 33.85% of variation and 21.85%, 17.51% explained by PC2 and PC3 respectively for the first season whereas in the second season 33.62%, 23.43%, and 16. 86% variation described with respect to the first, second, and third principal components. First PC designated as a component of productivity, second as component of pod appearance while third designed as a component of physical appearances. All attributes showed significant and positive association with other attributes, only significantly negative association was among number of pods/plant and100-seeds weight.
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