Topical delivery is preferable over systemic delivery for cutaneous leishmaniasis, because of its easy administration, reduced systemic adverse effects and low cost. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) has broad-spectrum activity against various parasites and has the potential to avoid drug resistance developed by enzymatic mutations. NTZ oral formulation is associated with severe dyspepsia and stomach pain. Herein, NTZ-transethosomes (NTZ-TES) were prepared and loaded into chitosan gel (NTZ-TEG) for topical delivery. NTZ-TES were prepared by the thin-film hydration method and optimized statistically via the Box-Behnken method. The optimized formulation indicated excellent particle size (176 nm), polydispersity index (0.093), zeta potential (−26.4 mV) and entrapment efficiency (86%). The transmission electron microscopy analysis showed spherical-sized particles and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated no interaction among the excipients. Similarly, NTZ-TEG showed optimal pH, desirable viscosity and good spreadability. NTZ-TES and NTZ-TEG showed prolonged release behaviour and higher skin penetration and deposition in the epidermal/dermal layer of skin in comparison with the NTZ-dispersion. Moreover, NTZ-TES showed higher percentage inhibition, lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) against promastigotes and higher macrophage uptake. Additionally, skin irritation and histopathology studies indicated the safe and non-irritant behaviour of the NTZ-TEG. The obtained findings suggested the enhanced skin permeation and improved anti-leishmanial effect of NTZ when administered as NTZ-TEG.

To assess the knowledge and awareness of osteoporosis and its risk factors among female university students in Mirpur Azad Kashmir. A cross-sectional study was carried out in female university students in Mirpur Azad Kashmir using a self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge and awareness of osteoporosis was assessed using OKAT (Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool) and descriptive analysis by using SPSS (version 25). Pearson Chi-Square test (p < 0.05) was used to assess significance.Mean age of the participants was 22.45 + 1.279 years. Mean total score was 11.86 + 3.3. The overall score of knowledge was moderate (68.8%). There was a significantly high difference about risk factors, complications, and preventive measures of osteoporosis between the two groups (p = 0.000). Discipline and family history of disease were significantly associated with overall knowledge score. This study concluded that overall knowledge of osteoporosis among female students was moderate. A well-structured education programs must be added to curriculum to prevent osteoporosis in later stages.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) belong to the fullerene family, also known as graphene. These graphenes are similar to the graphite sheets and when these are turn up in the cylindrical form they are known as carbon nanotubes. Currently, the most common methods used for CNTs preparation are: Electric-arc-discharge methods, Chemical-vapor-deposition method and Laserablation method. In order to cross the cell membrane, functionalization of the pristine CNTs is performed. Because of the sp2 hybridization and closely packed hexagons in their structure, functionalization of the pristine CNTs can be done easily with either therapeutic agent or the imaging agent. They have wide applications in the field of bio-imaging because of their intrinsic optical, mechanical and electrical properties. They can be used as efficient contrast agents and the biosensors as well as efficient carriers for the delivery of therapeutic or imaging agents.

Different nanocarrier systems owing to their nano size, increased surface area and unique electrical and magnetic properties are employed for biomedical applications. Among the various nanocarrier systems, hollow nanocapsules are one of the most interesting carrier systems for thier use in bioimaging and biomedical applications. The unique properties of hollow nanocapsules make them suitable for use in bioimaging. In this article hollow nanocpsules have been classified into four classes based on thier composition: (i) liposomes, (ii) polmersomes and other polymeric hollow nanocapsules, (iii) metallic hollow nanocapsules and (iv) others. The formation and design of these hollow nanocapsules and their diagnostic and therapeutic applications using different agents/imaging probes and imaging modalities is discussed briefly. Hollow nanocapsules have revolutionized the field of biomedical imaging.