Theranostic Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Breast Cancer

Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) with theranostic applications have engrossed innumerable attention in breast cancer therapies. Breast cancer is a malignancy that affects numerous women globally and has a bad prognosis. These novel MNP formulations have ultra-small particle sizes, high intrinsic magnetic field characteristic, effective imaging, drug targeting, and drug delivery characteristics. MNP also has anticancer properties as well as imaging and magnetic targeting abilities. Theranostic application of MNP can be used in preclinical and clinical settings, and it could be beneficial in cancer treatment and imaging. Furthermore, if these nanoparticles can be functionalized with antibodies or ligands, they can be used as new platforms in a variety of biological applications. In a nutshell, theranostic application of MNP is a small step in the long fight against breast cancer.

Drugs Shown to Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 Disease: Comparative Basic and Clinical Pharmacology of Molnupiravir and Ivermectin

The pharmacology of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs, Molnupiravir (M) and repurposed Ivermectin (IV) were compared. The IC50 for the inhibition of viral replication were 0.3μM for M and 2.8μM for IV. Both drugs have good oral absorption, with M achieving peak plasma concentrations by 2 hours and IV by 5 hours. The plasma half life were 7 hours for M and 81-91 hours for IV. M inhibits viral replication inducing viral mutagenesis in RdRp, causing viral error catastrophe and viral extinction. IV affects viral cell entry, nuclear transport and inhibits replication via RdRp. IV has additional effect to suppress cytokine production through STAT-3 inhibition. M is a more potent antiviral drug and IV has a longer residence in the body. Their effects on RdRp and cytokine inhibition are potentially complimentary for anti-COVID-19 activity. Both IV and M should be compared in randomized controlled clinical trials, and the possibility of their combination for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antiviral actions, explored further.

Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of BZR1 Transcription Factor in Zea mays

The BR-responsive genes are then regulated by BRASSINAZOLERESISTANT (BZR) Transcription Factors (TFs). As BRs possess numerous stress-resistant functions, BZR TFs also show activities of stress-resistance along with other developmental functions. Up to 88% similarity of protein sequences has been observed between BZR1 and BZR2 genes. Many positive roles of BZR TFs have been revealed by many studies in positively regulating the BR signal transduction in rice and maize family, but there is a very limited research is available on the BZR gene family of Zea mays. The aim of this study is to perform a wide-genome analysis of BZR1 transcription factor in Zea mays so that regulatory role of BZR TFs in BR-induced signaling pathway can be revealed. Gene structure analysis revealed the information about exons and introns. Phylogenetic analysis was done to identify the maximum likelihood among different families of BZR genes. Restriction analysis provided the information about the presence of restriction sites in Zea mays genome.

Magnitude and Determinants of Non Communicable Disease and Its Contributing Factors in Medical Ward of Mettu Karl Referral Hospital, South Western, Ethiopia: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Non-communicable diseases are defined as diseases or conditions, which affect individuals over an extended period of time (years, decades or even an entire lifetime) and for which there are no known causative agents that are transmitted from one affected individual to another. Noncommunicable diseases are a major global problem. Objective: To find out magnitude and determinants of non-communicable disease and its contributing factors in medical ward of Mettu Karl Referral Hospital. Methods: A prospective observational study design was conducted from April 23/2021 to June 24/2021. Data was collected through employing structured questioner, and then the collected data was coded and analyzed by statistical packages for social sciences 25.0-version statistical software. A test of association was done using binary and multiple logistic regressions. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Findings: The overall prevalence of non-communicable disease in medical ward was 288 (68.2%).Hypertension was the commonest type of noncommunicable disease 41.71% followed by diabetes mellitus 41.5%. Regarding body mass index majority 153 (36.3%) of patients were normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m²) and least 57 (13.5%) of the patients were underweight (<18.5kg/m²). Age, every khat chewers, every alcohol drinkers, BMI ≥thirty kg/m², biochemical risk factors (obesity, high blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar, low density lipoprotein, and comorbidity were significantly predictors of non-communicable diseases). Conclusion and Recommendation: Majority of patients had physical activity ten minutes per day, had sedentary lifestyle ten to thirty hours per week, were walking ten to thirty hours/per week, and above half of patients were use salt always/usually. Health care workers should have teach the patients how to prevent non-communicable diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Flavonoids: Potential Role against COVID-19

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread all over the globe and emerged as one of the most threatening transmissible disease. The infection can cause an acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with a systemic immune response and inflammation. Up to now, there is no specific drugs available for its treatment. Flavonoids are important natural polyphenolic compounds widely distributed in the plant kingdom. It has been demonstrated the potential role of these metabolites in the modulation of signaling pathways particularly those related to inflammation and immunity. This review focuses on the anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids and their effectiveness as possible therapeutic options to fight SARS-COV-2 infection.

Novel Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Controlled Released LDH-Curcumin Nanocomposite Via Intramuscular Implantation, In-Vivo Study

One of the most common problems in wounds is delayed healing and complications such as infection. Therefore, the need for novel materials accelerates the healing of wounds especially abdominal wounds after surgery besides high efficiency and safety is mandatory. The rate of wound healing, anti-inflammatory and biocompatibility of Zn-Al LDH alone and loaded with Curcumin was screened via in-vivo assays through intramuscular implantation in rat abdominal wall with intact peritoneum cavity. The implanted drugs were formed through Curcumin loaded into LDH of Zn-Al with drug release of 56.78 ±1.51% within 24 h. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, Field emission scanning microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscope and BET surface area. The integrity of blood circulation, inflammatory signs, wound healing rate, capacity of tissue integration, antigenicity and composite biocompatibility, auto fluorescence ability of collagen bundles and the tensile strength of the muscle were assessed histopathologically after 7 and 30 days post-implantation. Excellent wound healing ability was achieved with shortest length between the wound gap edges and higher tensile strength of the muscle. Besides emit florescence very well followed by good healing and tensile muscles strength in Curcumin while very low strength with scar formation in Curcumin-Zn/Al-LDH in both acute and chronic wound. No signs of inflammation in Curcumin & Zn-Al LDH. No vessels obstruction or bleeding observed in both Zn/Al-LDH and Curcumin more than nanocurcumin and control which examined through candling. Good healing & infiltrated immune cells in same groups through histopathological examination. This work supports the anti-inflammatory, wound healing and biocompatibility of both LDH and Curcumin with living matter, increasing their biomedical applications in this era with safety and increasing efficacy with prolonged drug release.

Genome Wise Identification and Phylogenetic Analyses of NOTCH1 Gene

The NOTCH gene encode transmembrane receptor. It play a vital role in several process stem cell maintenance and differentiation during embryonic and adult development. When ligand bind at a specific part intracellular part of NOTCH receptor is cleaved and translocate to the nucleus from where it can bind to transcription site. NOTCH activity can promotes tissue growth and cancer in some conditions but they also suppress tumors formation in others. Their gene structure show the amount of introns and exons by a dimensions structure of NOTCH gene. (Powell, Passmore et al. 1998)Various tools or database such as Mega7, Pfam and Gene structure and display server are used to analyze their phylogeny and their chromosome positions gene structure and introns and exons. Further studies are made to target the NOTCH pathway on growth and cancer suppressor.

Cytochrome C and COI Sequence of O.laetus Review

The COI sequence of O.laetus was submitted to the Genbank database holding an accession number HQ908084 (Figure1). The amino acid sequence of the corresponding COI gene was also updated under the accession number ADZ05746, which turned out to contain 222 amino acids. Base statistics of the O.laetus COI are presented in Figure 2. It can be seen from the table that the fragment is rich in AT content as expected with thymine occurring most frequently followed by the others in the order A, C & G. The AT% stood at 67.2 in comparison to GC% at 32.8. The protein entry was subjected to family confirmation by searching the InterProScan database and the results indicate a very high and significant match confirming our sequence to be a part of Cytochrome C.

Improving Therapeutic Adherence of Oral Antidiabetics in Insulin-Dependent Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: the Combination of a Fixed-Dose

Objective: To assess whether the combination of fixed-dose Oral Antidiabetic drugs (OA) in a single tablet compared to OA separated into 2 or more tablets is an effective strategy to improve adherence in insulin-dependent patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2). Methods: This was a prospective, longitudinal, multi-center study, carried out in 3 primary care centers in Spain. One hundred and twenty patients treated with OA and insulin prescribed for insulin-dependent DM2 were included. A cluster randomization was performed based on two groups: (1) Control Group (CG): Sixty patients treated with two OA prescribed separately in different tablets, and (2) an Intervention Group (IG): Sixty patients treated with OA were with 2 drugs in combination at a fixed dose, in a single tablet. Three visits took place. AO Adherence was measured by using electronic monitors (MEMS). Average adherence percentage (%; Average AP) and daily compliance (%; Daily AP) was calculated. A patient was considered adherent when AP was 80–100%. Insulin adherence was measured by counting. Results: One hundred and ten patients completed the study (79 in the IG and 31 in the CG). Global adherence was 92,59% and 79,62% in IG and 82,85% and 48,21% in CG at 6 and 12 months, respectively (p<0.05 by groups). Daily adherence was 79,62% and 62,96% in IG and 17,85% and 10,71% in CG at 6 and 12 months, respectively (p<0.05). Global adherence with insulin by count was 77,78% and 70,37% in IG and 57,14% and 60,71% in CG at 6 and 12 months, respectively with significant differences. In the non-adherent group, the number of concomitant medications and glucemia and haemoglobin A glycosylate levels at 6 and 12 months, were significantly higher than in the adherent population. The NNT was 4,42 patients to prevent one non-adherence. Conclusions: The combination of fixed-dose OA in a single tablet compared to OA separated into 2 or more tablets is an effective strategy to improve AO therapeutic adherence in patients with insulin-dependent DM2.

Cardiovascular Health, Testosterone, and Oxandrolone: Leveraging the Myotrophic-Androgenic Ratio in Males with a Sarcopenic Obese Phenotype

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are a group of organic compounds that include testosterone, or related compounds that induce similar effects by serving as structural analogues. Because of their propensity to induce gene expression that promotes protein synthesis, increased lean body mass, and strength, they have found utility in medicine to aide patients with chronic wasting syndromes, deficiencies in growth stature, and trauma recovery (e.g., burns). Contemporary off-label use of these classes of agents are also being used in anti-aging capacities under clinical supervision, and those with cardiovascular deficits related to metabolic derangement. Nevertheless, as hormones, testosterone and its analogues have systemic effects and their glut can be deleterious to global organs, namely the heart. Chronic utilization of these agents can be seen in domains of competitive physical activities given their performance enhancing effects. Associated with this abuse in particular have been ubiquitous clinical accounts of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE), chronic hypertension, dyslipidemia, and left ventricular remodeling given the pleiotropic effects of testosterone and its analogues. One agent in particular, oxandrolone, a synthetic AAS, has an interesting profile as it has a biological disposition to more anabolic and metabolic effects compared to other AAS, with less profuse androgenic properties. There has been evidence to show that even oxandrolone supplementation may show promise in improving peripheral homeostasis conducive to positive cardiovascular health, especially in obese patients with features of metabolic syndrome, a condition related to endocrinological dysfunction and aberrant adiposity. In this commentary we will review the effects of this AAS with a commentary on cardiovascular physiology constructed around translational biology and clinical data. Commentaries such as the latter are scant in the literature and offer perspectives crucial to understanding the intersections between habitus, physiologic status, and the heart. Overall, oxandrolone shows promise related to its pharmacology in patients with low muscle tone and significant adiposity, namely cardiometabolic profiles if administered with clinical prudence due to its novel structure, metabolism, and effects.