Research Title: In silico screening, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic analysis of novel sulfonamides as potential antimicrobial drugs docked with protein targets: PDB: 2VF5, 1KZN and 1JIJ

Author: Balakumar Chandrasekarn, Published Year: 2021

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: In silico screening, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic analysis of novel sulfonamides as potential antimicrobial drugs docked with protein targets: PDB: 2VF5, 1KZN and 1JIJ

Keywords: In silico screening; physicochemical; pharmacokinetic

Research Title: N-substituted isatin hydrazones as antimycobacterial and antimicrobial agents

Author: Balakumar Chandrasekarn, Published Year: 2017

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: N-substituted isatin hydrazones as antimycobacterial and antimicrobial agents

Keywords: isatin; hydrazones; antimycobacterial and antimicrobial agents

Research Title: Development of Polymeric-Based Formulation as Potential Smart Colonic Drug Delivery System

Author: Balakumar Chandrasekarn, Published Year: 2022

Polymers, 14

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Conventional oral formulations are mainly absorbed in the small intestine. This limits their use in the treatment of some diseases associated with the colon, where the drug has to act topically at the inflammation site. This paved the way for the development of a smart colonic drug delivery system, thereby improving the therapeutic efficacy, reducing the dosing frequency and potential side effects, as well as improving patient acceptance, especially in cases where enemas or other topical preparations may not be effective alone in treating the inflammation. In healthy individuals, it takes an oral medication delivery system about 5 to 6 h to reach the colon. A colonic drug delivery system should delay or prohibit the medication release during these five to six hours while permitting its release afterward. The main aim of this study was to develop a smart drug delivery system based on pH-sensitive polymeric formulations, synthesized by a free-radical bulk polymerization method, using different monomer and crosslinker concentrations. The formulations were loaded with 5-amino salicylic acid as a model drug and Capmul MCM C8 as a bioavailability enhancer. The glass transition temperature (Tg), tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and tensile elongation at break were all measured as a part of the dried films’ characterization. In vitro swelling and release studies were performed to assess the behavior of the produced formulations. The in vitro swelling and release evaluation demonstrated the potential ability of the developed system to retard the drug release at conditions mimicking the stomach and small intestine while triggering its release at conditions mimicking the colon, which indicates its promising applicability as a potential smart colonic drug delivery system

Keywords: 5-amino salicylic acid; smart delivery system; sustainable polymers; triggered drug delivery; ulcerative colitis

Research Title: Mucilage of Coccinia grandis as an Efficient Natural Polymer-Based Pharmaceutical Excipient

Author: Balakumar Chandrasekarn, Published Year: 2022

Polymers, 14

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Natural eco-friendly materials are recently employed in products to replace synthetic materials due to their superior benefits in preserving the environment. The herb Coccinia grandis is widely distributed in continents like Asia and Africa and used traditionally to treat fever, leprosy, asthma, jaundice, and bronchitis. Mucilage of Coccinia grandis was accordingly extracted, isolated by a maceration technique, and precipitated. The mucilage was evaluated for its physicochemical, binding, and disintegrant properties in tablets using paracetamol as a model drug. The crucial physicochemical properties such as flow properties, solubility, swelling index, loss on drying, viscosity, pH, microbial load, cytotoxicity was evaluated and the compatibility was analyzed using sophisticated instrumental methods (TGA, DTA, DSC, and FTIR). The binding properties of the mucilage was used at three different concentrations and compared with starch and PVP as examples of standard binders. The disintegrant properties of mucilage were used at two different concentrations and compared with standard disintegrants MCCP, SSG, and CCS. The tablets were punched and evaluated for their hardness, friability, assay, disintegration time, in vitro dissolution profiles. In vitro cytotoxicity studies of the mucilage were performed in a human embryonic kidney (HEK) cell line. The outcome of the study indicated that the mucilage had good performance compared with starch and PVP. Further, the mucilage acts as a better disintegrant than MCCP, SSG and CCS for paracetamol tablets. Use of a concentration of 3% or less demonstrated the ability of the mucilage to act as a super disintegrating agent and showed faster disintegration and dissolution, which makes it as an attractive, promising disintegrant in formulating solid dosage forms to improve the therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation results demonstrated that the mucilage is non-cytotoxic to human cells and is safe.

Keywords: binding agent; disintegrating agent; natural polymer; mucilage; Coccinia grandis

Research Title: Target protein degradation by protacs: A budding cancer treatment strategy

Author: Mohammad Bayan, Published Year: 2023

Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 250

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Cancer is one of the most common causes of death. So, its lethal effect increases with time. Near about hundreds of cancers are known in humans. Cancer treatment is done to cure or prolonged remission, and shrinkage of the tumor. Cytotoxic agents, biological agents/targeted drugs, hormonal drugs, surgery, radiotherapy/proton therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy are currently used in the treatment of cancer but their cost is high and cause various side effects. Seeing this, some new targeted strategies such as PROTACs are the need of the time. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) has become one of the most discussed topics regarding cancer treatment. Few of the PROTAC molecules are in the trial phases. PROTACs have many advantages over other strategies such as modularity, compatibility, sub-stoichiometric activity, acting on undruggable targets, molecular design, and acts on intracellular targets, selectivity and specificity can be recruited for any cancer, versatility, and others. PROTACs are having some unclear questions on their pharmacokinetics, heavy-molecular weight, etc. PROTACs are anticipated to bring about a conversion in current healthcare and will emerge as booming treatments. In this review article we summarize PROTACs, their mechanism of action, uses, advantages, disadvantages, challenges, and future aspects for the successful development of potent PROTACs as a drug strategy.

Keywords: PROTACs, Cancer, E3 Ligases, Protein Degradation, Ubiquitination.

Research Title: The Moderating Role of Liquidity in the Relationship between the Expenditures and Financial Performance of SMEs: Evidence from Jordan

Author: Fahd Mohammed Saleh Al-Duais, Published Year: 2023

Economies, 11(4)

Faculty: Business

Abstract: The current paper aims to investigate the moderating role of liquidity in the relationship between accounting and advertising expenditures and the financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Jordan. Furthermore, the present paper highlights the importance of managing expenditures and improving financial performance. Since the performance of Jordanian SMEs is extremely critical, furthermore, the present paper explores the possibility of empowering these businesses in order to achieve profitability. This paper is based on descriptive statistics, regression, and correlation analysis in order to analyze the data, collecting secondary data from 200 SMEs. The results demonstrate that accounting expenditures are key factors for financial performance, especially in SMEs. Moreover, SMEs are more sensitive to liquidity challenges, which significantly impact their short-term expenditure and consequently influence their financial performance. It is evident that accounting expenditures moderated by liquidity have a positive effect on the financial performance of SMEs. However, our findings indicate a negative effect regarding the relationship between advertising expenditures and financial performance. According to the results of this study, regulators may offer new regulations and legislation in the future to the Ministry of Finance and the Amman Stock Exchange.

Keywords: accounting expenditure; advertising expenditure; liquidity; small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

Research Title: The sustainable alleviation of poverty and the promotion of green development in Tibet

Author: Fahd Mohammed Saleh Al-Duais, Published Year: 2023

2023· Forum on the Development of Xizang (Tibet) (May 23, 2023), Beijing Conference Center (No.88 Laiguangying West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing)

Faculty: Business

Abstract: This paper aims to examine the social development outcomes historically in Tibet regarding poverty eradication, education, employment, health care, and social integration. In addition, the paper will provide concrete suggestions for improving future social development work in Tibet. The main theoretical approach used is a literature and policy review of social development in Tibet. Tibet's social development strategy has been reviewed. Once Tibet's basic needs have been met, the road to progress is likely to be towards a more participatory approach, in which Tibetans will be able to contribute directly and influence their own future. This paper aims to provide a view of definitive account of recent historical development strategies and outcomes in Tibet; and, subsequently, the future prospects and challenges the region faces. It suggests increasing attention to vocational education and promoting and encouraging the maintenance of a sustainable environment, mitigating population growth, and integrating with other communities in other nearby counties and cities. Especially these factors lead in one way or another to the sustainability of poverty alleviation, development and the green environment.

Keywords: poverty alleviation, Tibet, China, Green Development, Sustainability

Research Title: Unravelling the intertwined nexus of firm performance, ESG practices, and capital cost in the Chinese business landscape

Author: Fahd Mohammed Saleh Al-Duais, Published Year: 2023

Faculty: Business

Abstract: This research explores the relationship between a company’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and its capital equity cost (COE) in the Chinese market. Using statistical methods like regression analysis, the study aims to uncover how ESG disclosure relates to COE. Key findings reveal that environmental and social disclosures increase capital equity costs, indicating higher costs for companies with strong ESG practices. However, governance disclosures don’t significantly impact COE, suggesting that environmental and social aspects carry more weight in shaping investor perceptions and influencing costs compared to governance. The research also shows that this ESG-COE link is more significant for financially sound companies, indicating greater cost implications for strong performers. The study further demonstrates that strong ESG practices are perceived as lower risk, leading to lower capital equity costs. Chinese firms with high ESG scores tend to have lower capital costs, indicating rising investor appreciation for ESG in the Chinese market. The study’s robustness check supports these findings, reinforcing the growing importance of ESG in investment decisions. This research has implications for companies, investors, and policymakers, stressing the role of ESG in attracting investment and reducing costs. Policymakers can use these insights to encourage improved ESG practices and transparency. Overall, the study underscores ESG’s impact on capital equity costs in China, offering valuable insights for decision-makers and highlighting ESG’s relevance in financial choices.

Keywords: ESG rating score, cost of capital, firm performance, investment decisions, transparency

Research Title: Development and Characterization of Gel-Based Buccoadhesive Bilayer Formulation of Nifedipine

Author: Mohammad Bayan, Published Year: 2023

Gels, 9

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: A promising controlled drug delivery system has been developed based on polymeric buccoadhesive bilayered formulation that uses a drug-free backing layer and a polymeric hydrophilic gel buccoadhesive core layer containing nifedipine. The DSC thermogravimetric analysis confirms the drug’s entrapment in the gel layer and reveals no evidence of a potential interaction. Various ratios of bioadhesive polymers, including HPMC K100, PVP K30, SCMC, and CP 934, were combined with EC as an impermeable backing layer to ensure unidirectional drug release towards the buccal mucosa. The polymeric compositions of hydrophilic gel-natured HPMC, SCMC, and CP formed a matrix layer by surrounding the core nifedipine during compression. Preformulation studies were performed for all of the ingredients in order to evaluate their physical and flow characteristics. Ex vivo buccoadhesive strength, surface pH, swelling index, in vitro and in vivo drug release, and ex vivo permeation investigations were performed to evaluate the produced gel-based system. Rapid temperature variations had no appreciable impact on the substance’s physical properties, pharmacological content, or buccoadhesive strength during stability testing using actual human saliva. It was clear from a histological examination of the ex vivo mucosa that the developed system did not cause any irritation or inflammation at the site of administration. The formulation NT5 was the best one, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9966. The in vitro and in vivo drug release profiles were well correlated, and they mimic the in vitro drug release pattern via the biological membrane. Thus, the developed gel-based formulation was found to be novel, stable, and useful for the targeted delivery of nifedipine.

Keywords: nifedipine; buccoadhesive; triggered delivery; ex vivo permeation; polymeric gel

Research Title: Household Food Insecurity and Nutritional Status of PreSchool Children Following Relaxation of COVID-19 Restrictions

Author: Yousef Abdel-Kareem Abusamra, Published Year: 2023

Journal of Xi’an Shiyou University, Natural Science Edition, VOLUME 19 ISSUE 06

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Studies found a high prevalence of household food insecurity (HFIS) and malnutrition and an association between them during the movement restriction period of the COVID-19 pandemic. This nutritional status should have improved by now as movement restrictions, including quarantine, have been lifted. Therefore, the goal of this cross-sectional study was to determine the current prevalence of HFIS and malnutrition and their associations and contributing factors among pre-school children (i.e., children under the age of 5 years) following relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions in Jordan. A sample of 386 children (197 boys and 189 girls) in Irbid, Jordan, were recruited in this study following the simple random sampling method. The levels of HFIS and malnutrition were assessed using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) and the World Health Organization (WHO) growth reference values, respectively. Relevant information were managed and measurements made and employed to calculate four major anthropometric indicators for the sample children (weight to height (WHZ), height to age (HAZ), weight to age (WAZ) and Body Mass Index to age (BMI/A) (BMI/A)). The results of analysis pointed out that prevalence of food insecurity among the sample children was 58.2%, where 19.9% of the kids were experiencing moderate food insecurity and 38.3% were suffering from severe food insecurity. On the other hand, prevalence of malnutrition among those children was 1.81%, where 1.55% of the kids were emaciated and 1.26% were severely emaciated. The results also indicated that mother’s age, number of children in the family, income of the family, monthly expenses on food and beverages and the energy expenses contributed significantly (p<0.05) to food insecurity. Moreover, the study found that HFIS had negative correlations with WHZ (r=−0.272, p=0.000), WAZ (r=−0.193, p=0.000) and BMI/A (r=−0.263, p=0.000) and a positive correlation with HAZ(r=0.041, p=0.00). The study reports high prevalence of HFIS among children under the age of 5 years in Jordan, even after relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions on mobility. However, prevalence of malnutrition among this group of the population is low. These results spotlight the continued impact of the COVID- 19 crisis on the financial statuses of households

Keywords: Anthropometry, Household Food Insecurity, Jordan, Malnutrition, Pre-school children.