Procalcitonin-guided duration of antibiotic treatment in children hospitalised with confirmed or suspected bacterial infection in the UK (BATCH): a pragmatic, multicentre, open-label, two-arm, individually randomised, controlled trial.

Background: Procalcitonin is a rapid response biomarker specific for bacterial infection, which is not routinely used in the UK National Health Service. We aimed to assess whether using a procalcitonin-guided algorithm would safely reduce the duration of antibiotic therapy compared with usual care, in which C-reactive protein is the commonly used biomarker.

Methods: The BATCH trial was a pragmatic, multicentre, open-label, parallel, two-arm, individually randomised, controlled trial conducted in 15 hospitals in England and Wales.

Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Skin Diseases and for Cosmetic Purposes in Norway.

Skin diseases in Norway represents an important area of study due to their incidence and prevalence, yet ethnobotanical research in this context remains scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Norwegian traditional medicine regarding the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic purposes through a comparative analysis with EMA monographs. Participants were surveyed using semi-structured interviews.

Development and Evaluation of Oromucosal Spray Formulation Containing Plant-Derived Compounds for the Treatment of Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases of the Oral Cavity.

According to data in the literature, natural products and essential oils are often used in dental practice. To develop a new oromucosal spray for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, clove CO extract and essential oils of lavender and grapefruit were used as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Clove extract was obtained by the method of subcritical extraction from various raw materials, the choice of which was based on the yield of the CO extract and the study of its phytochemical and microbiological properties.

In Vitro Study of Cyano-Phycocyanin Release from Hydrogels and Ex Vivo Study of Skin Penetration.

Background: This study explored the most suitable materials for incorporating cyano-phycocyanin (C-PC) into hydrogels, focusing on maintaining the C-PC's long-term structural integrity and stabilityNext, the release of C-PC from the hydrogels and its skin penetration were investigated.

Methods: A series of 1% (/) C-PC hydrogels was prepared using various gelling agents and preservatives. Spectrophotometric measurements compared the amount of C-PC in the hydrogels to the initially added amount.

The Antinociceptive Role of Nrf2 in Neuropathic Pain: From Mechanisms to Clinical Perspectives.

Neuropathic pain, a chronic condition resulting from nerve injury or dysfunction, presents significant therapeutic challenges and is closely associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, a critical cellular defense mechanism against oxidative stress, has emerged as a promising target for neuropathic pain management. Nrf2 modulators enhance the expression of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes, thereby reducing oxidative damage, inflammation, and mitochondrial impairment.

Diagnosis of Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Strengths and Challenges in the Genomic Era.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a group of rare primary inborn errors of immunity characterised by a defect in the phagocyte respiratory burst, which leads to severe and life-threatening infective and inflammatory complications. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the genetic and molecular pathophysiology of X-linked and autosomal recessive CGD, and growth in the availability of functional and genetic testing, there remain significant barriers to early and accurate diagnosis. In the current review, we provide an up-to-date summary of CGD pathophysiology, underpinning current methods of diagnostic testing for CGD and closely related disorders.

In Vitro and In Silico Anti-Glioblastoma Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of L. and L.

Glioblastoma, the most aggressive and challenging brain tumor, is a key focus in neuro-oncology due to its rapid growth and poor prognosis. The C6 glioma cell line is often used as a glioblastoma model due to its close simulation of human glioma characteristics, including rapid expansion and invasiveness. Alongside, herbal medicine, particularly Artemisia spp.

Optimizing Encapsulation: Comparative Analysis of Spray-Drying and Freeze-Drying for Sustainable Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from L. Peels.

Spray-drying and freeze-drying are indispensable techniques for microencapsulating biologically active compounds, crucial for enhancing their bioavailability and stability while protecting them from environmental degradation. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these methods in encapsulating L. (grapefruit) peel extract, focusing on sustainable recovery from waste peels.

Technological Functionalisation of Microencapsulated Genistein and Daidzein Delivery Systems Soluble in the Stomach and Intestines.

Encapsulating antioxidant-rich plant extracts, such as those found in red clover, within microcapsules helps protect them from degradation, thus improving stability, shelf life, and effectiveness. This study aimed to develop a microencapsulation delivery system using chitosan and alginate for microcapsules that dissolve in both the stomach and intestines, with the use of natural and synthetic emulsifiers. The microcapsules were formed using the extrusion method and employing alginate or chitosan as shell-forming material.

Impact of Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer and Sodium Starch Glycolate Excipients on Phenolic Extraction from Red Clover: Enhancing Biological Activity and Antioxidant Potential.

Adding certain excipients during the extraction process can enhance the concentration of target compounds, leading to potentially increased biological properties of the plant extract. This study explores the impact of PVP/VAC and SSG excipients on red clover bud extracts, aiming to enhance their concentration of target compounds and, consequently, their biological properties. The antioxidative potential was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods, and the chemical profile was determined using mass spectrometry.

Development and Evaluation of Two-Phase Gel Formulations for Enhanced Delivery of Active Ingredients: Sodium Diclofenac and Camphor.

The formulation of biphasic gels as potential semi-solid carriers for hydrophilic and lipophilic active substances is promising for the development of pharmaceutical preparations. The aim of this study was to design a stable bigel composition and to determine the influence of the organogel/hydrogel ratio on the gel's physical-chemical and structural-mechanical properties. The investigated compositions of organogel/hydrogel remained stable at ratios ranging from 5/95 to 40/60.

Anti-Cancer Properties of Resveratrol: A Focus on Its Impact on Mitochondrial Functions.

Cancer is one of the most serious public health issues worldwide, demanding ongoing efforts to find novel therapeutic agents and approaches. Amid growing interest in the oncological applications of phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols, resveratrol-a naturally occurring polyphenolic stilbene derivative-has emerged as a candidate of interest. This review analyzes the pleiotropic anti-cancer effects of resveratrol, including its modulation of apoptotic pathways, cell cycle regulation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, its interaction with cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment.

Acute and Sub-Chronic Intraperitoneal Toxicity Studies of the Herbal Extract in Balb/c Mice.

essential oil () has been reported to have an impact on the cardiovascular system. However, its toxicity remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to evaluate the toxicological aspects of the extract.

Mucoadhesive Alginate/Pectin Films Crosslinked by Calcium Carbonate as Carriers of a Model Antifungal Drug-Posaconazole.

The mucosal membrane of the oral cavity, due to its unique structure and availability, constitutes an appropriate site for the delivery of drugs, both with local and systemic effects. Mucoadhesive buccal films are drug dosage forms that due to their convenience of application, flexibility and size, are characterized by patients' compliance. Sodium alginate and pectin are natural polymers from the polysaccharides group, with mucoadhesive properties, that are widely applied to obtain buccal films.

Essential Oil Exhibits a Smooth Muscle Relaxant Effect.

A recent in vivo study in pigs demonstrated the hypotensive properties of essential oil extracted from the blossoming plant . This study was designed to examine the effect of essential oil (EO) on smooth muscle contraction. Tension measurements were performed on prostate strips and intact aortic rings isolated from rats.

Phenotypic Variability in PRKCD: a Review of the Literature.

Purpose: Protein kinase C δ (PKCδ) deficiency is a rare genetic disorder identified as a monogenic cause of systemic lupus erythematosus in 2013. Since the first cases were described, the phenotype has expanded to include children presenting with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome-related syndromes and infection susceptibility similar to chronic granulomatous disease or combined immunodeficiency. We review the current published data regarding the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, investigation and management of PKCδ deficiency.

Phenolic Compounds of L. as the Potential Alternative Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases.

The roots and rhizomes of L. (Crassulaceae), which is widely growing in Northern Europe, North America, and Siberia, have been used since ancient times to alleviate stress, fatigue, and mental and physical disorders. Phenolic compounds: phenylpropanoids rosavin, rosarin, and rosin, tyrosol glucoside salidroside, and tyrosol, are responsible for the biological action of , exerting antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-aging, anti-fatigue activities.

The Multifaceted Syndromic Primary Immunodeficiencies in Children.

Background: Disorders of immunity are poorly recognised in some rare multisystem genetic conditions. We aim to describe syndromic features and immunological defects in children with syndromic primary immunodeficiencies (sPIDs).

Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of children aged 0-18 years with sPIDs under the care of the paediatric immunology service at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, United Kingdom, from January 2006 to September 2021.

The Study of the Cytotoxicity, Proliferative and Microbiological Activity of the Medicated Chewing Gum with Ascorbic Acid and Lysozyme Hydrochloride Using Different Culture of Cells.

Medicated chewing gum with lysozyme hydrochloride and ascorbic acid as active pharmaceutical ingredients was developed for application in dentistry. The aim of this research was to study the cytotoxicity, proliferative, and microbiological activities of the active ingredients in different types of cell cultures. The preclinical study of active pharmaceutical ingredients and their combinations was carried out using culture lines such as HepG2 (human hepatocarcinoma cells), Hek293 (human embryonic kidney cells), and MAEC (mouse aortic endothelial cells).

Novel Drug Targets and Emerging Pharmacotherapies in Neuropathic Pain.

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition characterized by abnormal signaling within the nervous system, resulting in persistent and often intense sensations of pain. It can arise from various causes, including traumatic nerve injury, neuropathy, and certain diseases. We present an overview of current and emerging pharmacotherapies for neuropathic pain, focusing on novel drug targets and potential therapeutic agents.

Lumicitabine, an orally administered nucleoside analog, in infants hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection: Safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic results.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations and mortality. Lumicitabine, an oral nucleoside analog was studied for the treatment of RSV. The phase 1b and phase 2b studies reported here assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of lumicitabine in infants/neonates hospitalized with RSV.

Reactogenicity, immunogenicity and breakthrough infections following heterologous or fractional second dose COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents (Com-COV3): A randomised controlled trial.

Background: This was the first study to investigate the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of heterologous or fractional second dose COVID-19 vaccine regimens in adolescents.

Methods: A phase II, single-blind, multi-centre, randomised-controlled trial recruited across seven UK sites from September to November 2021, with follow-up visits to August 2022. Healthy 12-to-16 years olds were randomised (1:1:1) to either 30 µg BNT162b2 (BNT-30), 10 µg BNT162b2 (BNT-10), or NVX-CoV2373 (NVX), 8 weeks after a first 30 µg dose of BNT162b2.