Kiramat Ali Shah, Anam Razzaq, Amos Dormocara
et al.
Abstract Background A biomimetic drug delivery system is a sophisticated method that mimics biological systems to deliver drugs to specific sites in the body. The development of biomimetic drug delivery systems holds significant promise for revolutionizing medicine by improving drug efficacy, patient adherence, and overall treatment outcomes. Main body Herein, we discuss various challenges to bioinspired pulmonary drug delivery, strategies to circumvent these challenges, and biomimetic carriers for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) management. By emulating natural biological processes, a pulmonary drug delivery system can enhance drug delivery to target sites in the body, such as the lungs, where COVID-19 primarily replicates. This targeted approach may improve the drug’s efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. By using biomimetic carriers, such as nanoparticles (NPs) or liposomes inspired by natural structures, researchers aim to develop a more precise and efficient drug delivery system to combat COVID-19. Such advancements could lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced drug dosages, and potentially quicker recovery times for individuals affected by the virus. In addition, owing to their low toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, and lower immunogenicity, cellular membranes, pulmonary surfactant (PS), and other macromolecular components used in pulmonary drug delivery were investigated. This evaluation is organized into four sections for clarity. We initially provide an overview of PS and its significance for lung drug delivery. Secondly, we examine the principal physiological obstacles that restrict pulmonary delivery. Third, we delineate formulations and biomimetic approaches to overcome these obstacles. Ultimately, we emphasize bioinspired carrier platforms for the management of COVID-19 and end with existing deficiencies and future outlooks. Conclusion Overall, the application of biomimetic drug delivery systems in COVID-19 management shows great promise in advancing treatment strategies for infectious diseases like the current pandemic.
Therapeutics. Pharmacology, Pharmacy and materia medica
Vineet Kumar, Prashant C. Patil, Parvathy Sreekumar
Arishta Lakshana is a term from Ayurveda that refers to the signs and symptoms that indicate impending death. Even in modern medicine, there are indications of immediate death, or Arishta Lakshanas, as they are known in ancient Ayurvedic writings, carrying their clinical significance. These warning indicators have their roots in ancient texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, and Ashtanga Sangraha. These are closely related to the state of function of Panchindriya, which are Chakshu, Shrotra, Ghrana, Jihva, and Tvak. According to the contemporary context, Panchindriya is co-related to sense organs. Mahabhutas and Doshic preponderance in Indriyas are attributed to their unique physiological effects; likewise, the vitiation of related Doshas might modify Indriya's function. While stating this, certain conditions have been mentioned by Acharyas that are incurable because of the poor prognosis of the illness. The correlation between Arishta Lakshanas and Panchindriya highlights the significance of Ayurvedic indications in modern medicine. By drawing comparisons between these antiquated signals and current diagnostic and prognostic markers, modern medicine is bridging the gap between conventional wisdom and clinical practice today. In Ayurveda, the concept of Indriya needs to be explored to provide literature.
Rosa Elena Huerta Rosales, Juan Carlos Escudero Nolasco, Renato Willy Santivañez Olulo
et al.
El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las variables psicológicas y sociodemográficas que predicen la violencia de pareja en universitarios de Lima Metropolitana. El diseño fue empírico, no experimental, de estrategia asociativa predictiva. La muestra estuvo conformada por 555 estudiantes de universidades públicas y privadas. Se usó una ficha de datos sociodemográficos, el Cuestionario de violencia en las relaciones de pareja (Soriano, 2006), la Escala de mitos del amor romántico de Bonilla-Algovia y Rivas-Rivero (2020), la Escala de autoestima de Rosenberg (1965), el Cuestionario de dependencia emocional de Lemos y Londoño (2006) y la Escala del perdón en la relación de pareja de Rosales-Sarabia (2014). A nivel bivariado las variables psicológicas que se asocian con la violencia de pareja son dependencia emocional con un tamaño del efecto mediano, así como el resentimiento, mitos del amor romántico y autoestima con magnitud pequeña. Las variables sociodemográficas que se asocian son estado civil y condición laboral. A nivel multivariado, se utilizó la regresión logística binaria, encontrándose que mayor dependencia emocional y resentimiento, menor perdón genuino y autoestima, el ser separado y trabajar a la vez que estudiar predicen la presencia de violencia de pareja en jóvenes universitarios, constituyéndose como factores de riesgo
Constantin-Marinel Vlase, Mariana Stuparu Cretu, Mihaela-Camelia Vasile
et al.
COVID-19 and influenza are highly contagious respiratory viral diseases and priority global public health concerns. We conducted a retrospective observational study of COVID-19 and/or influenza hospitalized cases, during 2023. We identified 170 influenza cases, 150 COVID-19 cases and 3 co-infections. Overall, 29.10% of patients had at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and 4.6% received the seasonal Flu vaccine. The demographic data found older patients in the COVID-19 group and a higher index of the comorbidities, mainly due to chronic heart diseases, hypertension, and diabetes. Fever, chills, and rhinorrhea were more frequently related to influenza, while cough was prevalent in COVID-19. Antibiotics were more used in influenza than COVID-19, either pre-hospital or in-hospital. The mortality rate within the first 30 days from the onset of the respiratory infection was higher in influenza compared to COVID-19. We concluded that the COVID-19 clinical picture in hospitalized patients is changing to influenza-like symptoms. The evolution is variable, related to chronic comorbidities, but influenza had more frequent severe forms. All through 2023, due to poor vaccination rates, COVID-19 and influenza have continued to cause numerous hospitalizations, and a new strategy for efficient vaccinations is required.
Abstract Background Mitochondrial dysfunction emerges as an early pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production are pivotal in the initiation of neuronal cell apoptosis. Pedunculoside(Ped), a novel triterpene saponin derived from the dried barks of Ilex rotunda Thunb, exhibits a potent anti-inflammatory effect. In the course of drug screening, we discovered that Ped offers significant protection against apoptosis induced by Aβ1-42. Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of Ped in AD are yet to be elucidated. Methods Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular ROS production. The expression of proteins associated with apoptosis was determined using western blot analysis and flow cytometry. In vivo, the pathological characteristics of AD were investigated through Western blot and tissue immunofluorescence techniques. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris Water Maze and Novel Object Recognition tests. Results We demonstrated that Ped decreased apoptosis in PC12 cells, reduced the generation of intracellular ROS, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential. Mechanistically, we found that the protective effect of Ped against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity was associated with activation of the AMPK/GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway. In vivo, Ped alleviated memory deficits and inhibited neuronal apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of 3 × Tg AD mice, along with the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway. Conclusion The findings indicate that Ped exerts its neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress and apoptosis through the AMPK signaling cascade. The results demonstrate that Ped is a potential candidate for the treatment of AD. Graphical Abstract
Jeong-Hyun Moon, Gyoungeun Park, Jung Eun Jang
et al.
Background: Occipital neuralgia (ON) is an established risk factor for headaches
in the posterior cervical region. Several conservative treatments by nerve decompression
and pain relief are available for ON, but these treatments have limitations.
Acupuncture treatment, which is known to demonstrate analgesic effects, involves
various stimulation methods, and several studies have reported their clinical benefit.
No recent systematic review (SR) has compared each acupuncture type for
ON treatment. Thus, this SR aims to investigate the clinical effectiveness of each
acupuncture type for treating ON.
Methods: We will identify relevant studies using electronic databases, including
EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure
(CNKI), Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), Korean Medical Database,
KoreaMed, and National Digital Science Library (NDSL) from the inception
until August 2023. The primary outcome will include the numerical change of pain
symptoms (visual analog scale and numerical rating scale) and effective rate. Safety
and secondary outcomes will include adverse events and quality of life. We will
compare the conservative treatment with the acupuncture treatment using network
meta-analysis. The Cochrane Collaboration “risk of bias” tools will be used to
assess the quality of included trials. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment,
Development, and Evaluation will be used to examine the evidence level.
Conclusion: This study will provide clinical evidence of several acupuncture types
for ON and help clinicians decide on the best.
Miscellaneous systems and treatments, Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Background and aims: Physical activity can promote the mental and physical health of individuals in various ways. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the levels of physical activity, corona-induced anxiety, and anthropometric indices among active and inactive students.
Methods: This is a correlational and causal-comparative study. The statistical population of this research included all female students at Farhangian University of Mashhad, Hasheminejad Campus in the academic year of 2020-2021 (n=655), from which 247 cases were randomly chosen. Evaluation of the anxiety of corona disease, the level of physical activity related to work, sports, and leisure time, anthropometric indices related to health, and the prevalence of corona were performed.
Results: The results showed that there is a significant difference between active and inactive students regarding corona anxiety and physical activity levels (p=0.001). Correlation results showed that there is a significant relationship between corona anxiety and physical activity level (p=0.001). The results of linear regression indicated that physical activity related to exercise is a predictor of corona anxiety (p=0.003), but occupational physical activity and leisure time cannot predict corona anxiety.
Conclusion: Based on these results, it can be said that, especially in special conditions such as corona epidemic, physical activity and regular exercise can alleviate the level of anxiety in people and improve their mental and physical health.
Objective: To explore the therapeutic capacity of the Liangxue Xiaoban (LXXB) decoction and its disassembled prescriptions in the modulation of T cell subsets and recurrence-related indexes of psoriasis using a psoriasis-like mouse model. Methods: The psoriasis model was generated by the treatment of BALB/c mice (n = 48) with imiquimod. Mice were divided into six groups: control, psoriasis model, tripterygium glycosides, LXXB decoction, Liangxue decoction, and Qingqi decoction. After the intervention period, the interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-22, and interferon-γ levels in mice were examined and hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted to determine pathological changes in the skin tissues. T cell subset changes in the skin-draining lymph nodes were analyzed using flow cytometry, and the expression levels of the associated transcription factors and recurrence-related indexes in the skin tissues were determined using a polymerase chain reaction. Results: LXXB decoction attenuated the levels of CD8+ T, Th17, and Th1 cells and induced an increase in the Th2 and Treg cell levels. The disassembled prescriptions promoted or inhibited specific subsets of T cells to improve the symptoms of psoriasis. Notably, the LXXB and Liangxue decoctions suppressed the expression of IL-22 at both the gene and protein levels and restored the CD103 and IL-15 expressions in the skin tissue to the normal range. Conclusion: LXXB decoction exerted significant immunoregulatory effects on T cell subsets and improved the recurrence-related indexes. Interestingly, the Liangxue prescription appeared to have a therapeutic advantage in terms of Th17 modulation and psoriasis recurrence, while the Qingqi prescription performed better in Treg immunoregulation.
Yaşar Mahsut Dinçel, Erdem Can, Mohammad Amiry
et al.
Objective:This study aims to evaluate what information is given in Turkish videos about osteoporosis on YouTube and to determine the quality and reliability of the videos.Materials and Methods:The first 50 Turkish videos about osteoporosis on YouTube were evaluated in terms of quality, reliability, and information level. Two searches were conducted for related content on YouTube and two orthopedics surgeons evaluated the videos simultaneously. The Global Quality score (GQS) (1-5) and DISCERN (15-75) scoring systems were used to assess the quality of the video content. With the Osteoporosis Specific scale (1-29), it was questioned what information specifically about osteoporosis was given in the videos while the accuracy of the video source information was evaluated with the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) score (1-4). Descriptive data regarding the number of views, comments, likes, dislikes were recorded, as well as the upload date to YouTube and the duration of the videos. The popularity of videos was evaluated with the video power index.Results:Considering the messages given in the videos, the most frequent information was “decrease in bone mass” with 41 videos. This was followed by “osteoporosis is a risk of fracture” and “there are risk factors for osteoporosis.” The Osteoporosis Specific score was low 8.92. The mean DISCERN score was 25.020 (15-75) and the mean GQS was 1.98 (0-5), indicating low quality. The JAMA score (1-4) for which the video source was questioned showed a low level of reliability of 1.66. Videos about osteoporosis prepared by people other than healthcare professionals were more popular (82.25 vs. 56.80) (cc=0.296, p=0.037).Conclusion:The content of the videos on YouTube osteoporosis is generally inadequate or inaccurate. Higher quality and informative videos based on international guidelines can contribute to patient compliance and increase public awareness of osteoporosis.
Kholilah Samosir, siti rizkaramdhaniartie, Iwan Iskandar
et al.
The Incidence Rate of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) in Karimun Regency was 92.6 per 100,000 population. Tebing sub-district is the sub-district with the highest number of dengue fever cases, as many as 108 cases, 28 cases of which are in the Tebing sub-district. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and actions of residents about dengue disease with larva positive homes in the RT. 003 RW. 002 in Tebing Village, Karimun Regency in 2021. This research was an analytical study with a cross-sectional approach. The number of samples as many as 98 respondents. There was 32 respondents (32.7%) had good knowledge, there were 50 respondents (51%) had a good attitude, and 19 respondents (19.4%) had good actions against dengue disease. Houses with positive dengue mosquito larvae as many as 23 (23.5%). There was no relationship between knowledge and larvae positive house (Pvalue 0.959 > 0.05) and attitude with larva positive house (P value 0.336 > 0.05). However, the action against DHF was associated with positive larvae (Pvalue 0.000 < 0.05). People should do 3M Plus activities more often and keep their houses clean regularly, not store used goods that have the potential to breed mosquitoes, and sprinkle abate powder.
Abstract Background Buzhongyiqi decoction (BD), Sijunzi decoction (SD), and Shenlingbaizhu decoction (SHD) have been extensively used clinically for the treatment of diseases caused by spleen-Qi deficiency and microbial fermentation has historically been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This study aimed to investigate the mitigative effect of TCM and fermented TCM (FTCM) with Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) on antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and to select an optimal formula and then identify its compounds. Methods Dysbacteriosis in mice was induced by ceftriaxone sodium (CS). The mice were then treated with LP, BD, SD, SHD, fermented BD, fermented SD (FSD), and fermented SHD. Diarrhea indexes, the abundances of gut bacteria, intestinal morphometrics, and mRNA expressions of genes related to intestinal barrier function were assessed. Then, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) were employed to identify and relatively quantify the compounds in the selected decoctions. Results CS significantly increased the fecal output weight, the total number of fecal output, and fecal water content, indicating the occurrence of diarrhea. Bacterial culture tests showed that the above symptoms were accompanied by the disruption of specific intestinal flora. TCM, LP, and FTCM alleviated the diarrhea index and recovered the intestinal microbiota. FTCM showed more advantageous than TCM or LP alone. The mRNA expressions of aquaporins (AQPs) and tight junctions (TJs) decreased by CS were enhanced by TCM, LP, and FTCM. In addition, through UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS, (S)-(-)-2-hydroxyisocaproic acid, L-methionine, 4-guanidinobutyric acid (4GBA), and phenyllactate (PLA) in SD and FSD were identified and relatively quantified. Conclusions TCM, LP, and TCM fermented with LP alleviated CS-induced diarrhea symptoms, and improved the intestinal flora and barrier function. Four compounds including (S)-(-)-2-hydroxyisocaproic acid, L-methionine, 4GBA, and PLA in FSD, which were identified by UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS, might function in modulating intestinal flora and improving villi structure.
Antony Joseph Raj, Saroj Biswakarma, Nazir A. Pala
et al.
Abstract Background Traditional knowledge on ethnomedicinal plant is slowly eroding. The exploration, identification and documentation on utilization of ethnobotanic resources are essential for restoration and preservation of ethnomedicinal knowledge about the plants and conservation of these species for greater interest of human society. Methods The study was conducted at fringe areas of Chilapatta Reserve Forest in the foothills of the eastern sub-Himalayan mountain belts of West Bengal, India, from December 2014 to May 2016. Purposive sampling method was used for selection of area. From this area which is inhabited by aboriginal community of Indo-Mongoloid origin, 400 respondents including traditional medicinal practitioners were selected randomly for personal interview schedule through open-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire covered aspects like plant species used as ethnomedicines, plant parts used, procedure for dosage and therapy. Results A total number of 140 ethnomedicinal species was documented, in which the tree species (55) dominated the lists followed by herbs (39) and shrubs (30). Among these total planted species used for ethnomedicinal purposes, 52 species were planted, 62 species growing wild or collected from the forest for use and 26 species were both wild and planted. The present study documented 61 more planted species as compared to 17 planted species documented in an ethnomedicinal study a decade ago. The documented species were used to treat 58 human diseases/ailments including nine species used to eight diseases/ailments of domestic animals. Stomach-related problems were treated by maximum number of plants (40 species) followed by cuts and wounds with 27 plant species and least with one species each for 17 diseases or ailments. Maximum number of 12 diseases/ailments was cured by Melia azedarach followed by Centella asiatica and Rauvolfia serpentina which were used to cure 11 diseases/ailments each. Conclusions The list of 140 plant species indicates that the Chilapatta Reserve Forest and its fringe areas are rich in biodiversity of ethnobotanical plant species. Rauvolfia serpentina were the most valuable species in terms of its maximal use with higher use value. The documentation of 78 species maintained in the home gardens indicates the community consciousness on the conservation values of these ethnobotanical species. The communities should be encouraged with improved cultivation techniques of commercially viable ethnobotanical species through capacity building, timely policy intervention along with strong market linkage. This will ensure income generation and livelihood improvement and ultimate conservation of these species.
Fatemeh Bina PharmD, PhD Candidate, Roja Rahimi PharmD, PhD
Origanum majorana L. commonly known as sweet marjoram has been used for variety of diseases in traditional and folklore medicines, including gastrointestinal, ocular, nasopharyngeal, respiratory, cardiac, rheumatologic, and neurological disorders. Essential oil containing monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes as well as phenolic compounds are chemical constituents isolated and detected in O majorana . Wide range of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-platelet, gastroprotective, antibacterial and antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiatherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic, antitumor, antiulcer, and anticholinesterase inhibitory activities have been reported from this plant in modern medicine. This article summarizes comprehensive information concerning traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of sweet marjoram.
Saket J. Thaker, Prajakta P. Gandhe, Charuta J. Godbole
et al.
Background: Genetic polymorphisms in drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) impart distinct drug metabolizing capacity and a unique phenotype to an individual. Phenytoin has large inter-individual variability in metabolism due to polymorphisms in CYP2C9 and CYP2C19. As per Ayurveda, Prakriti imparts a unique phenotype to an individual.
Objective: To assess whether Prakriti can substitute phenotyping [therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)] and genotyping in individualizing therapy with phenytoin in epilepsy patients.
Methods and materials: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of three years. Prakriti was assessed using standardized and validated software. Polymorphisms in CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 were assessed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Plasma concentrations of phenytoin (phenotype) were determined using reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RF-HPLC).
Results: Total 351 patients were enrolled for the study. Kapha vata (KV) (39%) was the predominantly observed Prakriti followed by vata kapha (VK) (20.8%) and vata pitta (VP) (8.83%) among the patients. The CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 genotype distributions were in accordance with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. There was no association between Prakriti and genotypes and Prakriti and phenotype (p > 0.05 each). Patients with CYP2C9 *1/*3 genotype were thrice more likely to have toxic plasma concentrations of phenytoin as compared to those with wild-type genotype (*1/*1) (Adjusted odds ratio – 3.36; 95% C.I. 1.61, 7.01). However, no such association was observed between polymorphisms of CYP2C19 and phenotype.
Conclusions: We did not find any association between Prakriti and either phenotype or genotypes suggesting that Prakriti assessment would be of limited utility in individualizing phenytoin therapy in epilepsy patients.
O. B. ERShOVA, K. Yu. BELOVA, I. V. NOVIKOVA
et al.
At thepresent time there is a great interest in médical researche devoted to investigation the role of cytokines (interleukins) in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, etc.), and osteoporosis. The review provides data on the conducted research on the importance of cytokines in the event of these diseases.
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Local knowledge systems are not considered in the conservation of fragile seagrass marine ecosystems. In fact, little is known about the utility of seagrasses in local coastal communities. This is intriguing given that some local communities rely on seagrasses to sustain their livelihoods and have relocated their villages to areas with a rich diversity and abundance of seagrasses. The purpose of this study is to assist in conservation efforts regarding seagrasses through identifying Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) from local knowledge systems of seagrasses from 40 coastal communities along the eastern coast of India. We explore the assemblage of scientific and local traditional knowledge concerning the 1. classification of seagrasses (comparing scientific and traditional classification systems), 2. utility of seagrasses, 3. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of seagrasses, and 4. current conservation efforts for seagrass ecosystems. Our results indicate that local knowledge systems consist of a complex classification of seagrass diversity that considers the role of seagrasses in the marine ecosystem. This fine-scaled ethno-classification gives rise to five times the number of taxa (10 species = 50 local ethnotaxa), each with a unique role in the ecosystem and utility within coastal communities, including the use of seagrasses for medicine (e.g., treatment of heart conditions, seasickness, etc.), food (nutritious seeds), fertilizer (nutrient rich biomass) and livestock feed (goats and sheep). Local communities are concerned about the loss of seagrass diversity and have considerable local knowledge that is valuable for conservation and restoration plans. This study serves as a case study example of the depth and breadth of local knowledge systems for a particular ecosystem that is in peril.</p> <p>Key words: local health and nutrition, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), conservation and natural resources management, consensus, ethnomedicine, ethnotaxa, cultural heritage</p>