Search results for: twin therapeutic approach

Authors: Sadaf Ilyas

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Recombinant cytokines have been employed successfully as potential therapeutic agent. Some cytokine therapies are already used as a part of clinical practice, ranging from early exploratory trials to well established therapies that have already received approval. Interleukin 15 is a pleiotropic cytokine having multiple roles in peripheral innate and adaptive immune cell function. It regulates the activation, proliferation and maturation of NK cells, T-cells, monocytes/macrophages and granulocytes, and the interactions between them thus acting as a bridge between innate and adaptive immune responses. Unraveling the biology of IL-15 has revealed some interesting surprises that may point toward some of the first therapeutic applications for this cytokine. In this study, the human interleukin 15 gene was isolated, amplified and ligated to a TA vector which was then transfected to a bacterial host, E. coli Top10F’. The sequence of cloned gene was confirmed and it showed 100% homology with the reported sequence. The confirmed gene was then subcloned in pET Expression system to study the IPTG induced expression of IL-15 gene. Positive expression was obtained for number of clones that showed 15 kd band of IL-15 in SDS-PAGE analysis, indicating the successful strain development that can be studied further to assess the potential therapeutic intervention of this cytokine in relevance to human diseases.

Keywords: Interleukin 15, pET expression system, immune therapy, protein purification

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Authors: Khenenou Tarek, Benzaoui Hassina, Melizi Mohamed

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The diagnosis requires a background of current knowledge in the field and also complementary means in which the laboratory occupies the central place for a better investigation. A correct diagnosis allows to establish the most appropriate treatment as soon as possible and avoids both the economic losses associated with mortality and growth retardation often observed in poultry furthermore it may reduce the high cost of treatment. Epedemiologic survey, hematologic and histopathologic study’s are three aspects of diagnosis heavily used in both human and veterinary pathology and the advanced researches in human medicine would be exploited to be applied in veterinary medicine with given modification .Whereas, the diagnostic methods in the east of Algeria are limited to the clinical signs and necropsy finding. Therefore, the diagnosis is based simply on the success or the failure of the therapeutic methods (therapeutic diagnosis).

Keywords: chicken, diagnosis, hematology, histopathology

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Authors: Avigail Moor

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Rape and sexual assault have been widely linked to severe psychological sequelae, the recovery from which often requires professional help. Thanks to the current shift in societal attitudes towards sexual violence, the victim's perspective is increasingly being heard. The present study is yet another step in that direction. Through the investigation of what recovered survivors of sexual assault identify as the therapeutic interventions that most assisted them in overcoming their trauma, guidelines for optimal sexual assault treatment are established. These receive further support from a comparison with expert therapists as to what they view as being most conducive to recovery from rape. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 survivors who have experienced a successful course of therapy and 15 therapists with extensive expertise in the field. The results document considerable agreement between the two perspectives, which share much in common. First, irrespective of the specific techniques involved, both survivors and therapists placed the greatest importance on a respectful and validating therapeutic relationship, that operates to counter the dehumanization and degradation entailed in the assault. In addition, specific interventions were identified, which include the reprocessing of all rape-specific peri-traumatic reactions coupled with the intentional countering of their consequences within the therapeutic relationship. Together, these reports provide a detailed account of post-rape treatment needs and the interventions required for their effective resolution.

Keywords: sexual assault, rape, treatment efficacy, survivors

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Authors: Usama Bin Zubair, Muhammad Azeem

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Introduction: Depression has been one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in Pakistan. A Census conducted by the government of Pakistan in 2017 showed that more than 10000 trans-genders live in Pakistan. HIV, illicit substance use and mental health issues, including depression, have been the main health problems faced by them. Trans-gender population has been suffering from depressive illness more than normal population all over the world. Aim: To assess the prevalence of depression among the transgender population and analyze the relationship of socio-demographic factors with depression. Subjects and Methods: The sample population comprised of one hundred and forty-two transgender people of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Beck depressive inventory II (BDI-II) was used to record the presence and severity of the depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were categorized as mild, moderate and severe. Relationship of the age, smoking, family income, illicit substance use and education were studied with the presence of depressive symptoms among these transgender people of twin cities of Pakistan. Results: A total of 142 transgender people were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the study participants was 39.55 ± 6.18. Out of these, 45.1% had no depressive symptoms while 31.7% had mild, 12.7% had moderate and 10.6% had severe depressive symptomatology. After applying the binary logistic regression, we found that the presence of depressive symptoms had a significant association with illicit substance use among the target population. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among the transgender population in the twin cities of Pakistan. Use of illicit substances like tobacco, cannabis, opiates, and alcohol should be discouraged to prevent mental health problems.

Keywords: depression, transgender, prevalence, sociodemographic factors

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Authors: H. Haseena Banu, D. Karthick, R. Stalin, E. Nandha Kumar, T. P. Sachidanandam, P. Shanthi

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Background of the study: Type 2 diabetes is emerging as the predominant metabolic disorder in the world among adults characterized mainly by the resistance of the insulin sensitive tissues towards insulin followed by the decrease in the insulin secretion. The treatment for this disease usually involves treatment with oral synthetic drugs which are known to cause several side effects. Therefore, identification of new biomarkers as therapeutic target is the need of the hour. miRNAs are small, non–protein-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression by promoting degradation and/or inhibit the translation of target mRNAs and have emerged as biomarkers in predicting diabetes mellitus. Objective of the study: To elucidate the therapeutic role of gallic acid in modulating the alterations in glucose metabolism induced by miRNAs 194 and 135a in Type 2 diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: T2D was induced in rats by feeding them with a high fat diet for 2 weeks followed by intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg/body weight (b.wt.) of streptozotocin. Microarrays were used to assess the expression of miRNAs in control, diabetic and gallic acid treated rats. Gene expression studies were carried out by RT PCR analysis. Results: Forty one miRNAs were differentially expressed in Type 2 diabetic rats. Among these, the expression of miRNA 194 was significantly decreased whereas miRNA 135a was significantly increased in Type 2 diabetic rats. The glucose metabolism was also altered significantly in skeletal muscle of Type 2 diabetic rats. Conclusion: T2D is associated with alterations in the expression of miRNAs in skeletal muscle. Both these miRNAs 194 and 135a play an important role in glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle of diabetic rats. Gallic acid effectively ameliorated the alterations in glucose metabolism. Hence, both these miRNAs can serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in diabetes mellitus. The study also establishes the role of gallic acid as therapeutic agent. Acknowledgment: The financial assistance provided in the form of ICMR women scientist by ICMR DHR INDIA is gratefully acknowledged here.

Keywords: gallic acid, high fat diet, type 2 diabetes mellitus, miRNAs

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Authors: Maria Malliarou, Efrossini Lyraraki, Pavlos Sarafis, Theodosios Paralikas, Styliani Kotrotsiou, Evangelia Kotrotsiou, Mairy Gouva

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Women with breast cancer have to adapt to physical malformations, side effects of chemotherapy, emotional insecurity, and changes in social roles. Inability to recognize the co-morbidity of psychiatric conditions can have an aggravating effect on patient compliance in therapeutic interventions, resulting in treatment delays and an impact on overall survival. The purpose of this study was to identify the quality of life of breast cancer patients undergoing external radiation therapy and to correlate it with depression and anxiety. Patients were asked to respond to an anonymous questionnaire with general demographic and clinical questions, followed by the EORTCQLQ-C30 questionnaire for assessing the quality of life of patients with breast cancer. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as well as the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was also administered. The statistical analysis of the data was done in IBM SPSS. Results indicated that the incidence of anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients is high both in HADS (37.5 % with mild to moderate depression and 62.5 % with significant to severe depression) and DASS - 21 (39.2 % mild to moderate depression and 60.8 % significant to severe) scales. The correlation of anxiety and depression with life quality was negative for HADS (r = -, 810, p = .000) as well as for DASS-21 (r = -, 682, p = .000). The psychological impact of breast cancer on patients is important. Its correlation with the quality of life may lead to better tolerance to treatment and better effectiveness of the therapeutic approach.

Keywords: anxiety, breast cancer, depression, quality of life

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Authors: A. K. Aswathy, Asha Manoharan, Arya Manoharan

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The purpose of this study are to define the nature of oral sensory issues in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), identify important components of the assessment and treatment of this issues specific to this population, and delineate specific therapeutic techniques designed to improve assessment and treatment within therapeutic settings. Literature review and case example is used to define the predominant nature of the oral sensory issues that are experienced by some children on the autism spectrum. Characteristics of this complex disorder that can have an impact on feeding skill and behavior are also identified. These factors are then integrated to create assessment and intervention techniques that can be used in conjunction with traditional feeding approaches to facilitate improvements in eating as well as reducing oral apraxic component in this unique population. The complex nature of ASD and its many influences on feeding skills and behavior create the need for modification to both assessment and treatment approaches. Additional research is needed to create therapeutic protocols that can be used by speech-language pathologists to effectively assess and treat feeding and oro motor apraxic difficulties that are commonly encountered in children with ASD.

Keywords: autism, assessment, feeding, intervention, oral sensory issues, oral apraxia

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Authors: Enido Fabiano de Ramos, Ieda Kanashiro Makiya, Francisco I. Giocondo Cesar

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This study investigates the application of Digital Twins (DT) in Smart Hospital Environments (SHE), through a bibliometric study and literature review, including comparison with the principles of Industry 4.0. It aims to analyze the current state of the implementation of digital twins in clinical and non-clinical operations in healthcare settings, identifying trends and challenges, comparing these practices with Industry 4.0 concepts and technologies, in order to present a basic framework including stages and maturity levels. The bibliometric methodology will allow mapping the existing scientific production on the theme, while the literature review will synthesize and critically analyze the relevant studies, highlighting pertinent methodologies and results, additionally the comparison with Industry 4.0 will provide insights on how the principles of automation, interconnectivity and digitalization can be applied in healthcare environments/operations, aiming at improvements in operational efficiency and quality of care. The results of this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the potential of Digital Twins in Smart Hospitals, in addition to the future potential from the effective integration of Industry 4.0 concepts in this specific environment, presented through the practical framework, after all, the urgent need for changes addressed in this article is undeniable, as well as all their value contribution to human sustainability, designed in SDG3 – Health and well-being: ensuring that all citizens have a healthy life and well-being, at all ages and in all situations. We know that the validity of these relationships will be constantly discussed, and technology can always change the rules of the game.

Keywords: digital twin, smart hospital, healthcare operations, industry 4.0, SDG3, technology

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Authors: Chih-Rong Shyr, Chi-Ping Huang

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Intravesical BCG is the gold-standard therapy for high risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after TURBT, but if not responsive to BCG, these BCG unresponsive patients face cystectomy that causes morbidity and comes with a morality risk. To provide the bladder sparing options for patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC, several new treatments have been developed to salvage the bladders and prevent progression to muscle invasive or metastatic, but however, most approved or developed treatments still fail in a significant proportion of patients without long term success. Thus more treatment options and the combination of different therapeutic modalities are urgently needed to change the outcomes. Xenogeneic rejection has been proposed to a mechanism of action to induce anti-tumor immunity for the treatment of cancers due to the similarities between rejection mechanism to xenoantigens (proteins, glycans and lipids) and anti-tumor immunities to tumor specific antigens (neoantigens, tumor associated carbohydrates and lipids). Xenogeneic urothelial cells (XUC) of porcine origin have been shown to induce anti-tumor immune responses to inhibit bladder tumor progression in mouse bladder cancer models. To further demonstrate the efficacy of the distinct intravesical XUC treatment in NMIBC, and the combined effects with chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as a alternate therapeutic option, this study investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of intravesical XUC immunotherapy in an orthotopic mouse immune competent model of NMIBC, generated from a mouse bladder cancer cell line. We found that the tumor progression was inhibited by intravescial XUC treatment and there was a synergy between intravesical XUC with intravesical chemotherapeutic agent, gemcitabine or systemic ICI, anti-PD1 antibody treatment. The cancer cell proliferation was decreased but the cell death was increased by the intravecisal XUC treatment. Most importantly, the mechanisms of action of intravesical XUC immunotherapy were found to be linked to enhanced infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell as well as NK cells, but decreased presence of myeloid immunosuppressive cells in XUC treated tumors. The increased stimulation of immune cells of XUC treated mice to xenogeneic urothelial cells and mouse bladder cancer cells in immune cell proliferation and cytokine secretion were observed both as a monotherapy and in combination with intravesical gemcitabine or systemic anti PD-L1 treatment. In sum, we identified the effects of intravesical XUC treatment in monotherapy and combined therapy on tumor progression and its cellular and molecular events related to immune activation to understand the anti-tumoral mechanisms behind intravesical XUC immunotherapy for NMIBC. These results contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms behind successful xenogeneic cell immunotherapy against NMIBC and characterize a novel therapeutic approach with a new xenogeneic cell modality for BCG-unresponsive NMIBC.

Keywords: xenoantigen, neoantigen, rejection, immunity

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Authors: Ferreira R., Rocha K.

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Ozone therapy is indicated for improving skin aesthetics, adjusting oxidative tissue levels, increasing collagen production, and even skin volumizing. This paper aims to carry out a case report that demonstrates the positive results of ozone therapy in association with superficial peeling. The application in association showed positive results for bio-stimulating activities in the reported case demonstrating to be a viable clinical technique. The bio-stimulating effect of ozone therapy in association with peeling is a promising aesthetic therapeutic modality with fast and safe results as an aesthetic therapeutic option.

Keywords: bio-stimulating effect, ozone therapy, neocollagenesis, peeling

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Authors: Ekaterina Sánchez Romero, Emily Gabriela Aguirre Herrera, Sandra Luz Espinoza Esquerra, Jorge García Campos

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Female, 7 months old, daughter of a mother with anemia during pregnancy, with no history of atopy in the family, since birth she presents with recurrent dermatological and gastrointestinal infections, chronically treated for recurrent diaper dermatitis. At 6 months of age, she begins with generalized pallor, hyperpigmentation in hands and feet, smooth tongue, psychomotor retardation with lack of head support, sedation, and hypoactivity. She was referred to our hospital for a fever of 38°C, severe diaper rash, and pancytopenia with HB 9.3, platelets 38000, neutrophils 0.39 MCV: 86.80 high for her age. The approach was initiated to rule out myeloproliferative syndrome, with negative immunohistochemical results of bone marrow aspirate; during her stay, she presented neurological regression, lack of sucking, and focal seizures. CT scan showed cortical atrophy. The patient was diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency due to history; gamma globulin was administered without improvement with normal results of immunoglobulins and metabolic screening. When dermatological and neurological diagnoses were ruled out as the primary cause, a nutritional factor was evaluated, and a therapeutic trial was started with the administration of vitamin B12 and zinc, presenting clinical neurological improvement and resolution of pancytopenia in 2 months. It was decided to continue outpatient management. Discussion: We present a patient with neurological, dermatological involvement, and pancytopenia, so the most common differential diagnoses in this population were ruled out. Vitamin B12 deficiency is an uncommon entity. Due to maternal and clinical history, a therapeutic trial was started resulting in an improvement. Conclusion: VitaminB12 deficiency should be considered one of the differential diagnoses in the approach to pancytopenia with megaloblastic anemia associated with dermatologic and neurologic manifestations. Early treatment can reduce irreversible damage in these patients.

Keywords: vitamin B12 deficiency, pediatrics, pancytopenia, diaper dermatitis

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Authors: Hojjat Mohammadi, Randall Divito, Gary J. E. Kramer

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Tunnelling and pipe jacking in very soft soils (fat clays), even with an Earth Pressure Balance tunnel boring machine (EPBM), can cause large ground displacements. In this study, the short-term and long-term ground and tunnel response is predicted for twin, pipe-jacked EPBM 3 meter diameter tunnels with a narrow pillar width. Initial modelling indicated complete closure of the annulus gap at the tail shield onto the centrifugally cast, glass-fiber-reinforced, polymer mortar jacking pipe (FRP). Numerical modelling was employed to simulate the excavation and support installation sequence, examine the ground response during excavation, confirm the adequacy of the pillar width and check the structural adequacy of the installed pipe. In the numerical models, Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model with the effect of unloading was adopted for the fat clays, while for the bedrock layer, the generalized Hoek-Brown was employed. The numerical models considered explicit excavation sequences and different levels of ground convergence prior to support installation. The well-studied excavation sequences made the analysis possible for this study on a very soft clay, otherwise, obtaining the convergency in the numerical analysis would be impossible. The predicted results indicate that the ground displacements around the tunnel and its effect on the pipe would be acceptable despite predictions of large zones of plastic behaviour around the tunnels and within the entire pillar between them due to excavation-induced ground movements.

Keywords: finite element modeling (FEM), pipe-jacked tunneling, very soft clay, EPBM

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Authors: Suzan M. Shahin, Mohammed A. Salem

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Essential oils are expensive phytochemicals produced and extracted from specific species belonging to particular families in the plant kingdom. In the United Arab Emirates country (UAE), which is located in the arid region of the world, nine species, from the Lamiaceae family, having the capability to produce therapeutic grade essential oils. These species include; Mentha spicata, Ocimum forskolei, Salvia macrosiphon, Salvia aegyptiaca, Salvia macilenta, Salvia spinosa, Teucrium polium, Teucrium stocksianum, and Zataria multiflora. Although, such potential species are indigenous to the UAE, however, there are almost no studies available to investigate the chemical composition and the quality of the extracted essential oils under the UAE climatological conditions. Therefore, great attention has to be given to such valuable natural resources, through conducting highly supported research projects, tailored to the UAE conditions, and investigating different extraction techniques, including the application of the latest available technologies, such as superficial fluid CO2. This is crucially needed; in order to accomplish the greatest possibilities in the medicinal field, specifically in the discovery of new therapeutic chemotypes, as well as, to achieve the sustainability of this natural resource in the country.

Keywords: essential oils, extraction techniques, Lamiaceae, traditional medicine, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

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Authors: Ntokozo Mthembu

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Access to relevant health indicates people’s likelihood of survival, including craft of indigenous healing and its related practitioners- izinyanga. However, the emergence of a dreaded novel corona virus - COVID-19 that has engulfed almost the whole world has necessitated the need to revisit the state of traditional healers in South Africa. This circumstance tended to expose the reality of social settings in various social structures and related policies including the manner coloniality reveal its ugly head when it comes treatment between western and African based therapeutic practices in this country. In attempting to gain a better understanding of such experiences, primary and secondary sources were consulted when collecting data that perusal of various literature in this instance including face-to-face interviews with traditional healers working on the street of Tshwane Municipality in South Africa. Preliminary findings revealed that the emergence of this deadly virus coincided with the moment when the government agenda was focussed on fulfilment of its promise of addressing the past inequity practices, including the transformation of medical sector. This scenario can be witnessed by the manner in which government and related agencies such as health department keeps on undermining indigenous healing practice irrespective of its historical record in terms of healing profession and fighting various diseases before times of father of medicine, Imhotep. Based on these preliminary findings, it is recommended that the government should hasten the incorporation of African knowledge systems especially medicine to offer alternatives and diverse to assess the underutilised indigenous African therapeutic approach and relevant skills that could be useful in combating ailments such as COVID 19. Perhaps, the plural medical systems should be recognized and related policies are formulated to guarantee mutual respect among citizens and the incorporation of healing practices in South African health sector, Africa and in the broader global community.

Keywords: indigenous healing practice, inyanga, COVID-19, therapeutic, urban, experience

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Authors: Daniel Motlhanka, Neo Kerebotswe

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The strong and long history of use of medicinal plants in Botswana to address existing and emerging health threats provides undebatable evidence for their potential as innovative therapeutic tools. The prevalence of emerging health threats, such as COVID-19 and hard-to-treat non-communicable diseases, warrants the scientific community to revisit and exploit ethnopharmacology for its potential as a source of therapeutic tools. Many studies conducted on bioactivity-guided bioassays of ethnobotanical resources have proved a number of health beneficial properties of these plants, such as free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and, most importantly, the capability of medicinal plants to alleviate oxidative stress. In this work, a number of medicinal plants used in Botswana traditional medicine were investigated for both their free radical scavenging capability and total phenolic contents using the Free Radical Scavenging Power (FRSP) and Folin Ciocalteau (FC) method. At 100 micrograms/ml all the studied plants expressed above 90% Scavenging power and expressed total phenolic contents between 5000- 8890 mg/L.GAE. These plants are promising tools for engineering active therapeutic tools against life-threatening diseases of oxidative stress origin.

Keywords: oxidative stress, non-communicable diseases, total phenolics, ethnobotanicals

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Authors: Manal M. Shehata, Kawther M. Abdel-Hamid, Nashwa A. Mohamed, Marwa H. Bakr, Maged S. Mahmoud, Hala M. Elbadre

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Introduction: The worldwide rapid increase in diabetes poses a significant challenge to current therapeutic approaches. Therapeutic utility of bone marrow transplantation in diabetes is an attractive approach. However, the oxidative stress generated by hyperglycemia may hinder β-cell regeneration. Curcumin, is a dietary spice with antioxidant activity. Aim of work: The present study was undertaken to investigate the therapeutic potential of curcumin, bone marrow transplantation, and their combined effects in the reversal of experimental diabetes. Material and Methods: Fifty adult male healthy albino rats were included in the present study.They were divided into two groups: Group І: (control group) included 10 rats. Group П: (diabetic group): included 40 rats. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Group II will be further subdivided into four groups (10 rats for each): Group II-a (diabetic control). Group II-b: rats were received single intraperitoneal injection of bone marrow suspension (un-fractionated bone marrow cells) prepared from rats of the same family. Group II-c: rats were treated with curcumin orally by gastric intubation for 6 weeks. Group II-d: rats were received a combination of single bone marrow transplantation and curcumin for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, blood glucose, insulin levels were measured and the pancreas from all rats were processed for Histological, Immunohistochemical and morphometric examination. Results: Diabetic group, showed progressive histological changes in the pancreatic islets. Treatment with either curcumin or bone marrow transplantation improved the structure of the islets and reversed streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia. Combination of curcumin and bone marrow transplantation elicited more profound alleviation of streptozotocin-induced changes including islet regeneration and insulin secretion. Conclusion: The use of natural antioxidants combined with bone marrow transplantation to induce pancreatic regeneration is a promising strategy in the management of diabetes.

Keywords: diabtes, panceatic islets, bone marrow transplantation, curcumin

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Authors: Mahdiyeh Gholaminezhad

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Context: The study focuses on the potential impact of Sorafenib on SOAT1 protein in liver cancer treatment, addressing the need for more effective therapeutic options. Research aim: To explore the effects of Sorafenib on the activity of SOAT1 protein in liver cancer cells. Methodology: Molecular docking was employed to analyze the interaction between Sorafenib and SOAT1 protein. Findings: The study revealed a significant effect of Sorafenib on the stability and activity of SOAT1 protein, suggesting its potential as a treatment for liver cancer. Theoretical importance: This research highlights the molecular mechanism underlying Sorafenib's anti-cancer properties, contributing to the understanding of its therapeutic effects. Data collection: Data on the molecular structure of Sorafenib and SOAT1 protein were obtained from computational simulations and databases. Analysis procedures: Molecular docking simulations were performed to predict the binding interactions between Sorafenib and SOAT1 protein. Question addressed: How does Sorafenib influence the activity of SOAT1 protein and what are the implications for liver cancer treatment? Conclusion: The study demonstrates the potential of Sorafenib as a targeted therapy for liver cancer by affecting the activity of SOAT1 protein. Reviewers' Comments: The study provides valuable insights into the molecular basis of Sorafenib's action on SOAT1 protein, suggesting its therapeutic potential. To enhance the methodology, the authors could consider validating the docking results with experimental data for further validation.

Keywords: liver cancer, sorafenib, SOAT1, molecular docking

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Authors: Omar Nouri, Wafa Mnejja, Fatma Dhouib, Syrine Zouari, Wicem Siala, Ilhem Charfeddine, Afef Khanfir, Leila Farhat, Nejla Fourati, Jamel Daoud

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Purpose and Objective: Intensity modulated radiation (IMRT) technique, associated with induction chemotherapy (IC) and/or concomitant chemotherapy (CC), is actually the recommended treatment modality for nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic results and the patterns of relapse with this treatment protocol. Material and methods: A retrospective monocentric study of 145 patients with NPC treated between June 2016 and July 2021. All patients received IMRT with integrated simultaneous boost (SIB) of 33 daily fractions at a dose of 69.96 Gy for high-risk volume, 60 Gy for intermediate risk volume and 54 Gy for low-risk volume. The high-risk volume dose was 66.5 Gy in children. Survival analysis was performed according to the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Log-rank test was used to compare factors that may influence survival. Results: Median age was 48 years (11-80) with a sex ratio of 2.9. One hundred-twenty tumors (82.7%) were classified as stages III-IV according to the 2017 UICC TNM classification. Ten patients (6.9%) were metastatic at diagnosis. One hundred-thirty-five patient (93.1%) received IC, 104 of which (77%) were TPF-based (taxanes, cisplatin and 5 fluoro-uracil). One hundred-thirty-eight patient (95.2%) received CC, mostly cisplatin in 134 cases (97%). After a median follow-up of 50 months [22-82], 46 patients (31.7%) had a relapse: 12 (8.2%) experienced local and/or regional relapse after a median of 18 months [6-43], 29 (20%) experienced distant relapse after a median of 9 months [2-24] and 5 patients (3.4%) had both. Thirty-five patients (24.1%) died, including 5 (3.4%) from a cause other than their cancer. Three-year overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival, disease free survival, metastasis free survival and loco-regional free survival were respectively 78.1%, 81.3%, 67.8%, 74.5% and 88.1%. Anatomo-clinic factors predicting OS were age > 50 years (88.7 vs. 70.5%; p=0.004), diabetes history (81.2 vs. 66.7%; p=0.027), UICC N classification (100 vs. 95 vs. 77.5 vs. 68.8% respectively for N0, N1, N2 and N3; p=0.008), the practice of a lymph node biopsy (84.2 vs. 57%; p=0.05), and UICC TNM stages III-IV (93.8 vs. 73.6% respectively for stage I-II vs. III-IV; p=0.044). Therapeutic factors predicting OS were a number of CC courses (less than 4 courses: 65.8 vs. 86%; p=0.03, less than 5 courses: 71.5 vs. 89%; p=0.041), a weight loss > 10% during treatment (84.1 vs. 60.9%; p=0.021) and a total cumulative cisplatin dose, including IC and CC, < 380 mg/m² (64.4 vs. 87.6%; p=0.003). Radiotherapy delay and total duration did not significantly affect OS. No grade 3-4 late side effects were noted in the evaluable 127 patients (87.6%). The most common toxicity was dry mouth which was grade 2 in 47 cases (37%) and grade 1 in 55 cases (43.3%).Conclusion: IMRT for nasopharyngeal carcinoma granted a high loco-regional control rate for patients during the last five years. However, distant relapses remain frequent and conditionate the prognosis. We identified many anatomo-clinic and therapeutic prognosis factors. Therefore, high-risk patients require a more aggressive therapeutic approach, such as radiotherapy dose escalation or adding adjuvant chemotherapy.

Keywords: therapeutic results, prognostic factors, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, nasopharyngeal carcinoma

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Authors: Milind D. Meshram

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Ascarids are the most frequent worm parasite of dogs and cats. There are two species that commonly infect dogs: Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. Adult roundworms live in the stomach and intestines and can grow to 7 inches (18 cm) long. A female may lay 200,000 eggs in a day. The eggs are protected by a hard shell. They are extremely hardy and can live for months or years in the soil. A dog aged about 6 years, from Satara was referred to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC) with a complaint of abdominal pain, anorexia, loss of condition and dull body coat with mucous pale membrane. The clinical examination revealed Anaemia, palpation of abdomen revealed enlargement of liver, slimy feel of the intestine loop, diarrhea.

Keywords: therapeutic management, Toxocara canis, induced hepatitis, dogs

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Authors: Manel Bouloudenine, Karima Djeddou, Hadjer Ben Manser, Hana Soualah Alila, Mohmed Bououdina

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This survey research involves the elaboration and characterization of silver nanoparticles for therapeutic and environmental applications. The silver nanoparticles "Ag NPs" were synthesized by reducing AgNO3 with microwaves. The characterization of nanoparticles was done by using Transmission Electron Microscopy " TEM ", Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy "EDS", Selected Area Electron Diffraction "SEAD", UV-Visible Spectroscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering "DLS". Transmission Electron Microscopy and Electron Diffraction have confirmed the nanoscale, the shape, and the crystalline quality of as synthesized silver nanoparticles. Elementary analysis has proved the purity of Ag NPs and the presence of the Surface Plasmon Resonance phenomenon "SPR". A strong absorption shift was observed in the visible range of the UV-visible spectrum of as synthesized Ag NPs, which indicates the presence of metallic silver. When the strong absorption in the ultraviolet range of the spectrum has revealed the presence of ionic Ag NPs ionic Ag aggregates species. The autocorrelation function measured by the Dynamic Light Scattering has shown a strong monodispersed character of Ag NPs, which is indicated by the presence of a single size population, with a minima and a maxima laying between 40 and 111 nm. Related to other research, our results confirm the performance properties of as synthesized Ag NPs, which allows them to be performing in many technological applications, including therapeutic and environmental ones.

Keywords: silvers nanoparticles, microwaves, EDS, TEM

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Authors: Dong-An Wang

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All kinds of microspheres have been extensively employed as carriers for drug, gene and therapeutic cell delivery. Most therapeutic cell delivery microspheres rely on a two-step methodology: fabrication of microspheres and subsequent seeding of cells onto them. In this study, we have developed a novel one-step cell encapsulation technique using a convenient and instant water-in-oil single emulsion approach to form cell-encapsulated gelatin microspheres. This technology is adopted for hyaline cartilage tissue engineering, in which autologous chondrocytes are used as therapeutic cells. Cell viability was maintained throughout and after the microsphere formation (75-100 µm diameters) process that avoids involvement of any covalent bonding reactions or exposure to any further chemicals. Further encapsulation of cell-laden microspheres in alginate gels were performed under 4°C via a prompt process. Upon the formation of alginate constructs, they were immediately relocated into CO2 incubator where the temperature was maintained at 37°C; under this temperature, the cell-laden gelatin microspheres dissolved within hours to yield similarly sized cavities and the chondrocytes were therefore suspended within the cavities inside the alginate gel bulk. Hence, the gelatin cell-laden microspheres served two roles: as cell delivery vehicles which can be removable through temperature curing, and as porogens within an alginate hydrogel construct to provide living space for cell growth and tissue development as well as better permeability for mutual diffusions. These cell-laden microspheres, namely “temperature-cured dissolvable gelatin microsphere based cell carriers” (tDGMCs), were further encapsulated in a chondrocyte-laden alginate scaffold system and analyzed by WST-1, gene expression analyses, biochemical assays, histology and immunochemistry stains. The positive results consistently demonstrated the promise of tDGMC technology in delivering these non-anchorage dependent cells (chondrocytes). It can be further conveniently translated into delivery of other non-anchorage dependent cell species, including stem cells, progenitors or iPS cells, for regeneration of tissues in internal organs, such as engineered hepatogenesis or pancreatic regeneration.

Keywords: biomaterials, tissue engineering, microsphere, hydrogel, porogen, anchorage dependence

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Authors: Jagdish S. Patel, Piyush Chudasama

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Context: Over-expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) plays critical role in absorption of many drug candidates which results into lower bioavailability of the drug. P-glycoprotein also over expresses in many pathological conditions like diabetes, affecting the drug therapy. Modulation of P-gp expression using inhibitors can help in designing novel formulation enhancing the bioavailability of the drug in question. Objectives: The main focus of the study was to develop advanced glycation end products (AGEs) induced P-gp over expression in Caco-2 cells. Curcumin, piperine and epigallocatechin gallate were used to evaluate their P-gp inhibitory action using combinatorial approach. Materials and methods: Methylglyoxal (MG) induced P-gp over expression was checked in Caco-2 cells using real time PCR. P-gp inhibitory effects of the phytochemicals were measured after induction with MG alone and in combination of any two compounds. Cytotoxicity of each of the phytochemical was evaluated using MTT assay. Results: Induction with MG (100mM) significantly induced the over expression of P-glycoprotein in Caco-2 cells after 24 hr. Curcumin, piperine and epigallocatechin gallate alone significantly reduced the level of P-gp within 6 hr of treatment period monitored by real time PCR. The combination of any two phytochemical also down regulated the expression of P-gp in cells. Combinations of Curcumin and epigallocatechin gallate have shown significant down regulation when compared with other two combinations. Conclusions: Combinatorial approach for down regulating the expression of P-gp, in pathological conditions like diabetes, has demonstrated promising approach for therapeutic purpose.

Keywords: p-glycoprotein, curcumin, piperine, epigallocatechin gallate, p-gp inhibition

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Authors: Vasiliki Markantoni, Eftychia Platsidaki, Georgios Chaidemenos, Georgios Kontochristopoulos

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Introduction: Bromhidrosis, also known as osmidrosis, is a common distressing condition with a significant negative effect on patient’s quality of life. Its etiology is multifactorial. It usually affects axilla, genital skin, breasts and soles, areas where apocrine glands are mostly distributed. Therapeutic treatments include topical antibacterial agents, antiperspirants and neuromuscular blocker agents-toxins. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and possible complications of topical glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic agent, for treatment of bromhidrosis. Glycopyrrolate, applied topically as a cream, solution or spray at concentrations between 0,5% and 4%, has been successfully used to treat different forms of focal hyperhidrosis. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients, six males and fourteen females, meeting the criteria for bromhidrosis were treated with topical glycopyrrolate for two months. The average age was 36. Eleven patients had bromhidrosis located to the axillae, four to the soles, four to both axillae and soles and one to the genital folds. Glycopyrrolate was applied topically as a cream at concentration 2%, formulated in Fitalite. During the first month, patients were using the cream every night and thereafter twice daily. The degree of malodor was assessed subjectively by patients and scaled averagely as ‘none’, ‘mild’, ‘moderate’, and ‘severe’ with corresponding scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The modified Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to assess the quality of life. The clinical efficacy was graded by the patient scale of excellent, good, fair and poor. In the end, patients were given the power to evaluate whether they were totally satisfied with, partially satisfied or unsatisfied and possible side effects during the treatment were recorded. Results: All patients were satisfied at the end of the treatment. No patient defined the response as no improvement. The subjectively assessed score level of bromhidrosis was remarkably improved after the first month of treatment and improved slightly more after the second month. DLQI score was also improved to all patients. Adverse effects were reported in 2 patients. In the first case, topical irritation was reported. This was classed as mild (erythema and desquamation), appeared during the second month of treatment and was treated with low-potency topical corticosteroids. In the second case, mydriasis was reported, that recovered without specific treatment, as soon as we insisted to the importance of careful hygiene after cream application so as not to contaminate the periocular skin or ocular surface. Conclusions: Dermatologists often encounter patients with bromhidrosis, therefore should be aware of treatment options. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the use of topical glycopyrrolate as a therapeutic approach for bromhidrosis. Our findings suggest that topical glycopyrrolate has an excellent safety profile and demonstrate encouraging results for the management of this distressful condition.

Keywords: Bromhidrosis, glycopyrrolate, topical treatment, osmidrosis

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Authors: Ailin Agaahi, Nafise Daneshvar Hoseini, Shahnaz Tamizi, Mehrdad Sabet

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Music education has been recognized as a valuable therapeutic and educational intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study explores the experiences and perceptions of parents whose children with ASD have participated in music lessons at the Tehran Conservatory. The aim is to understand the impacts and barriers of this educational approach, providing insights into the real-world experiences of families integrating music into the lives of their children. Qualitative research was conducted through in-depth interviews with parents of children with ASD enrolled in the Tehran Conservatory's music program. The interviews examined parental motivations, observations of their child's progress, and evaluations of the program's effectiveness. Preliminary findings suggest that the music program positively impacts social interaction, emotional regulation, and communication. Parents highlighted the program's adaptability to meet the unique needs of children with ASD and the supportive environment fostered by specialized instructors. However, several barriers were identified, including the need for greater awareness and acceptance of music education for children with ASD and the limited availability of similar programs in the region. This research contributes valuable insights from parents and caregivers, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and effective music programs to support the needs of children with ASD and their families.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, music education, therapeutic intervention, parental perspectives

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Authors: Santi Maneewatchararangsri, Wanpen Chaicumpa, Patcharin Saengjaruk, Urai Chaisri

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Leptospirosis is a globally neglected disease that continues to be a significant public health and veterinary burden, with millions of cases reported each year. Early and accurate differential diagnosis of leptospirosis from other febrile illnesses and the development of a broad spectrum of leptospirosis vaccines are needed. The LipL32 outer membrane lipoprotein is a member of Leptospira adhesive matrices and has been found to exert hemolytic activity to erythrocytes in vitro. Therefore, LipL32 is regarded as a potential target for diagnosis, broad-spectrum leptospirosis vaccines, and for passive immunotherapy. In this study, we established LipL32-specific mouse monoclonal antibodies, mAbLPF1 and mAbLPF2, and their respective mouse- and humanized-engineered single chain variable fragment (ScFv). Their antibodies’ neutralizing activities against Leptospira-mediated hemolysis in vitro, and the therapeutic efficacy of mAbs against heterologous Leptospira infected hamsters were demonstrated. The epitope peptide of mAb LPF1 was mapped to a non-contiguous carboxy-terminal β-turn and amphipathic α-helix of LipL32 structure contributing to phospholipid/host cell adhesion and membrane insertion. We found that the mAbLPF2 epitope was located on the interacting loop of peptide binding groove of the LipL32 molecule responsible for interactions with host constituents. Epitope sequences are highly conserved among Leptospira spp. and are absent from the LipL32 superfamily of other microorganisms. Both epitopes are surface-exposed, readily accessible by mAbs, and immunogenic. However, they are less dominant when revealed by LipL32-specific immunoglobulins from leptospirosis-patient sera and rabbit hyperimmune serum raised by whole Leptospira. Our study also demonstrated an adhesion inhibitory activity of LipL32 protein to host membrane components and cells mediated by mAbs as well as an anti-hemolytic activity of the respective antibodies. The therapeutic antibodies, particularly the humanized-ScFv, have a potential for further development as non-drug therapeutic agent for human leptospirosis, especially in subjects allergic to antibiotics. The epitope peptides recognized by two therapeutic mAbs have potential use as tools for structure-function studies. Finally, protective peptides may be used as a target for epitope-based vaccines for control of leptospirosis.

Keywords: leptospira lipl32-specific antibodies, therapeutic epitopes, epitopes characterization, immunotherapy

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Authors: Shweta Jha, Digambar Darekar, Krishna Kadam

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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most common of psychiatric disorders. It has a wide range of symptoms, aetiologies and risk factors, and these reasons make MDD affect not only the primary patient, but also their family, caregivers and associates; by negatively impacting their self dignity, economic condition and self-confidence. Thus, it is important to help individuals suffering from MDD learn adaptive mechanism and deal effectively with their environment, with that aim this study focused on a comparative therapeutic intervention using Behaviour Activation (BA), Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and Waiting list control (WLC) for management of MDD. This study apart from enhancing personal skills will also help us understand which therapeutic method would be more beneficial in treating and prolonging relapse in patients with MDD in Indian population. Fifteen individuals following application of inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected as study samples. They were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. Ten sessions of therapy, forty-five minutes each according to the proposed sessions plan were conducted for each group. The individuals selected as samples were re–assessed after 2 months and 6 months post intervention. The overall result showed that individuals treated with BA and REBT showed more improvement in comparison to those in WLC.

Keywords: behaviour activation, major depressive disorder, rational emotive behaviour therapy, therapeutic intervention

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Authors: Rajiv Jash, Himangshusekhar Maji

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Phytomolecules have long been associated with the effective treatment of various disorders since ages. This study focuses on identifying the immunomodulatory pure molecules isolated from plants, which can be studied for their effect in alleviating IgAN. All the phytomolecules mentioned here have inflammation-reducing properties, and IgAN, being an autoimmune disease, can be a good target of these phytomolecules. Various pathological pathways of IgA nephropathy can be targeted with these phytomolecules, and this study is an effort to find out the rationale behind the choice of the molecules based on their ability to target the effector molecules of those pathological pathways.

Keywords: IgAN, fibrosis, inflammation, ESRD, TGFβ

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Authors: Ferreira R., Rocha K.

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Ozone therapy is indicated for improving skin aesthetics, bio-stimulating and ergogenic effect. This paper aims to carry out a case report that demonstrates the positive results of ozone therapy in buttock augmentation. The application showed positive results for skin bio stimulating, neocollagenesis, adipogenesis, and ergogenic muscle effect in the reported case, demonstrating to be a viable clinical technique. Buttock augmentation with ozone therapy is a promising aesthetic therapeutic modality with fast and safe results as an aesthetic therapeutic option for buttock augmentation.

Keywords: bio-stimulating effect, ozone therapy, muscular ergogenic, buttock augmentation

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Authors: Murtada Ahmed Oshi, Jin-Wook Yoo

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Layer-by-layer (LBL) coating has gained popularity for drug delivery of therapeutic drugs. Herein we described a novel approach for enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of the locally administered dexamethasone (Dex) for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We utilized a LBL-coating technique on Dex microcrystals (DexMCs) with multiple layers of polyelectrolytes composed of poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), poly (sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and Eudragit® S100 (ES). The successful deposition of the layers onto DexMCs surfaces were confirmed through zeta potential measurement and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The surface morphology was investigated through scanning electron microscopy. The drug encapsulation efficiency was 95% with a mean particle size of 2 µm and negative surface charge (-40 mV). Moreover, in vitro drug release study showed a minimum release of the drug ( 15%) at an acidic condition during initial first 5 h, followed by sustained-release at an alkaline condition. For in vivo study, LBL-DxMCs were administered orally to ICR mice suffering from dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. LBL-DxMCs substantially enhanced anti-IBD activities as compared to DxMCs. Macroscopic, histological and biochemical (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and myeloperoxidase) examinations revealed marked improvements of colitis signs in the mice treated with LBL-DxMCs compared with those treated with DxMCs. Overall, LBL-DxMCs could be a suitable candidate for the treatment of IBD.

Keywords: dexamethasone, inflammatory bowel disease, LBL-coating, polyelectrolytes

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Authors: Vince Macri, Jakub Petioky, Paul Zilber

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Virtual-reality-based technology, i.e. video-game-like simulations (collectively, VRSims) are used in therapy for a variety of medical conditions. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a discussion on criteria for selecting VRSims to augment treatment of survivors of acquired brain injury. Specifically, for treatments to improve or restore brain motor function in upper extremities affected by paresis or paralysis. Six uses of virtual reality are reviewed video games for entertainment, training simulations, unassisted or device-assisted movements of affected or unaffected extremities displayed in virtual environments and virtual anatomical interactivity.

Keywords: acquired brain injury, brain-motor function, virtual anatomical interactivity, therapeutic simulations

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