Background: Onychomycosis is by far the most common finger or toe nail fungal infectious disease caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophytic molds or yeast. It accounts for 50% of the total nail disorders, and affects patients physically, socially, and psychologically and can seriously influence their quality of life. Objectives: Oral antifungals are routinely used to treat the nail fungal disease; however oral therapy is associated with severe side effects and longer treatment times. In recent years, drug delivery directly into the nail or nail bed has gained attention and various topical products have been tested that can cure the disease when applied topically or transungually. Nevertheless, drug penetration into and through the nail is not straightforward and requires chemicals to improve its permeability or by applying physical stress to promote drug penetration into and through the nail. This lucid review presents an overview of various causes of onychomycosis, current therapeutic approaches, and efforts aimed at increasing the permeability of nails through various strategies such as chemical, physical and mechanical methods for permeation enhancement. Conclusion: Various strategies have been proposed for the treatment of onychomycosis, however, much research into a more precise and effective therapy is still required.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a complicated female disorder worldwide. Researchers conducted a quantitative study to examine multiple environmental determinants contributing to its symptoms severity. Data of 150 PCOS diagnosed women (16 to 45 years) was gathered from private clinics and hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. Chi-square, spearman’s correlation, and linear regression tests were run. Chicken, fast food and spicy food intake were found to be the significant predictors of PCOS severity (F (1, 148) = 6.903, p = 0.01), (F (1, 148) = 11.400, p = 0.001), and (F (1, 148) = 4.525, p = 0.035) respectively. We also found significant relationships of sedentary lifestyle (p = .034) & BMI (p = 0.025) with PCOS symptoms severity. However, relationship of socioeconomic status (SES) was non-significant with the disease severity. These determinants will direct healthcare professionals in proper management and counseling of PCOS women thus improving their life quality.

Objective: Solubility of naproxen sodium is limited. In conventional dosage form it causes different gastro intestinal problems. To overcome these difficulties naproxen sodium loaded nano sponges were designed. Methodology: Nanosponges were formulated by using emulsion solvent evaporation technique. To obtain dispersion of nanosponges, homogenization of active drug, with specified quantities of polyvinyl alcohol, dichloromethane, ethyl cellulose and distilled, water was done. Compatibility among excipients and active drug was checked by FTIR and results didn’t show any interaction between them. 11 trial formulations were tested for poly dispersity, zeta potential, particle size and viscosity. Results: Results showed all formulations except NS9, NS10 and NS11 were in nano range. Formulation NS1 to NS6 fall in category of “mid poly dispersity” and formulation NS7 to NS11 were in the category of “very poly dispersity”. Values of Zeta potential of all formulations were in negative range -0.106 to -9.75 mV. The value of viscosity of all formulations were 0.8872. NS2 and NS3 were selected for further testing like Franz cell diffusion study, stability testing and drug loading efficiency. In Franz cell diffusion study, drug release for NS2= 89.62%, for NS3= 89.10% at 50 minutes’ time. Stability studies performed for the 21 days, NS2 and NS3 revealed slight change in percentage drug content at 4°C and 25°C, and major changes were observed at 45°C temperature. Drug loading efficiency was found in NS2= 97.659 % and for NS3= 98.901%. Conclusion: Nanosponges formulations loaded with naproxen sodium have successfully been prepared.

Background: Gradual liver damage occurs due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) that may result in liver fibrosis and even cancer. Pakistan is a developing country with the second highest prevalence 4.5-8% of hepatitis C. The main purpose of this study was to estimate the quality of life of people affected with hepatitis, to create general awareness about the disease and to determine pharmacoeconomic considerations of hepatitis C treatment. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in village Wali Pur Bura of District Nankana sahib, Punjab, Pakistan. Sample size determined by Daniels equation was 100, both male and female participants were included this study. The data was collected to assess the health status data of study population through validated questionnaire and a urdu version of tool EuroQol 5D-5L, comprising of five (5) questions covering the various aspects of health. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 16. Paired sample statistics for comparing two attributes of the study and frequencies were calculated. Results: In current study, majority (70 %) of patients were belong to the lower class and only 39% patients were aware of Punjab Government's participation in hepatitis free treatment plan. 60% patients showed marked reduction in quality of life and the reason behind was painful interferon therapy. Poor quality of life is observed due to the extra hepatic symptoms of HCV including depression. According to the health scale of 60 participants out of 100 was having below Average health status, 21 participants possessed Average Health while 19 participants had Excellent Health. Conclusion: Hence, concluded that due to hepatitis C, health as well as socioeconomic and family life is badly affected. Majority of the participants were having poor quality of life. Costly treatment is beyond the reach of majority of rural population that increases the incidence of depression among patients and their families.