Animal models in biomedical research: Relevance of .

Animal models have become veritable tools in gaining insight into the pathogenesis and progression of several human diseases. These models could range in complexity from to non-human primates. With the aid of these animal models, a lot of new knowledge has been gained about several diseases which otherwise would not have been possible.

Curcumin Attenuates Hyperglycemia and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Quantitative Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial.

Controlling hyperglycemia and inflammation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains an important approach to control diabetes. The use of phytochemicals found in natural herbs has been investigated widely, and there are inconsistent findings in clinical trials, likely associated with a small sample size. A meta-analysis of clinical trials was performed by conducting a comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOHost, and Web of Sciences.

Synergistic Effect of Donepezil and Neurotropic B Vitamins on Dysregulated Antioxidant, Inflammation and Neurotransmitter Status in Aluminium Chloride-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rats.

Combination therapy offers a promising advantage because they target multiple pathways involved in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of donepezil and each of vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and vitamin B1 on aluminium chloride (AlCl)-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Fifty-four rats were divided into nine groups of six.

Systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the status of carotid intima-media thickness and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objectives: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a measurement for subclinical atherosclerosis and has been associated with overall cardiovascular diseases, especially in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to assess the status of carotid health and lipid profile in T2DM.

Design: This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised data published from clinical studies.

Effect of L. (Okra) on Dyslipidemia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies.

The global prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, is rising. While pharmacological treatments for dyslipidemia and associated CVDs exist, not all individuals can afford them, and those who do often experience adverse side effects. Preclinical studies have indicated the potential benefits of and its active phytochemicals in addressing dyslipidemia in rodent models of diabetes.

Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Response and Drug Efflux Transporters Upregulation as Possible Mechanisms of Resistance in Photodynamic Therapy of Cancers.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a groundbreaking approach involving the induction of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) within tumors through visible light activation of photosensitizers (PS) in the presence of molecular oxygen. This innovative therapy has demonstrated success in treating various cancers. While PDT proves highly effective in most solid tumors, there are indications that certain cancers exhibit resistance, and some initially responsive cancers may develop intrinsic or acquired resistance to PDT.

Folic acid supplementation on inflammation and homocysteine in type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: The beneficial effects of folate have been observed under different conditions, but the available evidence on inflammation and reduction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is limited. The study aimed to explore the effects of folate on inflammation and homocysteine amongst individuals with T2DM.

Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were used to search for evidence.

The Wellbeing of Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Era in Public Primary Health Facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa.

As the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) continued to provide uninterrupted health care service delivery; therefore, this disproportionately affected their wellbeing. Our study explored the wellbeing of HCWs during the COVID-19 era in public health facilities in the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng province, South Africa. A qualitative study was conducted among twenty (20) HCWs through face-to-face in-depth interviews (IDIs) in the form of semi-structured interviews, audiotapes, and transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed with NVivo version 10.

Endothelial dysfunction, a predictor of cardiovascular disease in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Unlabelled: Aim Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) is available, the rate of new HIV infections is alarming. With this trend, it is anticipated that the use of ART will continue to rise, potentially resulting in associated vascular disorders. Therefore, we aimed to examine the impact of ART on endothelial function in people living with HIV (PLHIV), a predictor of cardiovascular diseases.

The Impact of Linn and Its Derivatives on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Endothelial Function in Diabetes Mellitus: Evidence from Preclinical and Clinical Studies.

Diabetes mellitus is recognized as the leading contributor to cardiovascular disease and associated mortality rates worldwide. Despite the use of pharmaceutical drugs to treat diabetes, its prevalence continues to rise alarmingly. Therefore, exploring remedies with a lower toxicity profile is crucial while remaining safe and effective in addressing this global public health crisis.

A Systematic Review on Cardiometabolic Risks and Perinatal Outcomes among Pregnant Women Living with HIV in the Era of Antiretroviral Therapy.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens have been shown to cause metabolic changes in people living with HIV (PLWH), predisposing them to cardiometabolic disease (CVMD). However, such evidence is less established in pregnant women living with HIV (pWLWH) on ART. Pregnancy-induced cardiometabolic risks (CMR) can predispose to unfavourable pregnancy outcomes and further persist in the postpartum period, resolve, and recur in subsequent pregnancies, or emerge as newly diagnosed chronic diseases of ageing.

Investigation of the Seasonal Variation in Fat Patterning of Ellisras Rural Children and Adolescents, in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.

An increase in childhood obesity has become a global concern since childhood obesity often leads to adulthood obesity. This study aimed to investigate whether there is seasonal variation in fat patterning, and whether fat patterning is associated with seasons among the Ellisras population aged 5-15 years. A total of 1986 children and adolescents (1034 boys and 952 girls) aged 5-15 enrolled in this cross-sectional study.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Statin Treatment in HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy.

The rate of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections globally is alarming. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves the quality of life among this group of patients, ARTs are associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Moreover, virally suppressed patients still experience immune activation associated with HIV migration from reservoir sites.

A Comprehensive Review on Pharmacological Activities of Pachypodol: A Bioactive Compound of an Aromatic Medicinal Plant Pogostemon Cablin Benth.

As is well known, plant products have been increasingly utilized in the pharmaceutical industry in recent years. By combining conventional techniques and modern methodology, the future of phytomedicines appears promising. (patchouli) is an important herb used frequently in the fragrance industries and has various therapeutic benefits.

Okra ameliorates hyperglycaemia in pre-diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical evidence.

Despite the use of available pharmaceutical drugs, high rates of metabolic diseases and cardiovascular disorders are alarming. This calls for alternative therapies that can attenuate these complications. Therefore, we investigated the beneficial effects of okra on glycaemic control in pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).

Advancements in electrochemical technologies for the removal of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in wastewater: A review.

In recent times, the need to make water safer and cleaner through the elimination of recalcitrant pharmaceutical residues has been the aim of many studies. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, enrofloxacin, and levofloxacin are among the commonly detected pharmaceuticals in wastewater. Since the presence of these pharmaceuticals in water bodies poses serious risks to living organisms, it is vital to adopt effective wastewater treatment techniques for their complete removal.

Pinostrobin alleviates testicular and spermatological damage induced by polystyrene microplastics in adult albino rats.

Background: Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) have become major environmental pollutants that adversely effects multiple organs specifically testicles. Pinostrobin (PN) is an important flavonoid which, shows several pharmacological potentials.

Purpose: The current study was designed to elucidate the mitigative effects of PN against PS-MPs induced testicular toxicities in rats.

Nanocarrier design-function relationship: The prodigious role of properties in regulating biocompatibility for drug delivery applications.

The concept of drug delivery systems as a magic bullet for the delivery of bioactive compounds has emerged as a promising approach in the treatment of different diseases with significant advantages over the limitations of traditional methods. While nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems are the main advocates of drug uptake because they offer several advantages including reduced non-specific biodistribution, improved accumulation, and enhanced therapeutic efficiency; their safety and biocompatibility within cellular/tissue systems are therefore important for achieving the desired effect. The underlying power of "design-interplay chemistry" in modulating the properties and biocompatibility at the nanoscale level will direct the interaction with their immediate surrounding.

Phenolic composition of ten plants species used as ethnoveterinary medicines in Omusati and Kunene regions of Namibia.

The therapeutic benefits of phenolic compounds found in plants are well known. The purpose of this study was to determine the phenolic content of ten plant species used as ethnoveterinary treatments in Namibia's Omusati and Kunene regions. The plants of concern were Aloe esculenta, Fockea angustifolia, Boscia albitrunca, Combretum imberbe, Acacia nilotica, Colophospermum mopane, Acacia erioloba, Ziziphus mucronata, Ximenia americana, and Salvadora persica.

Phytochemical-Stabilized Platinum-Decorated Silver Nanocubes INHIBIT Adenocarcinoma Cells and Enhance Antioxidant Effects by Promoting Apoptosis via Cell Cycle Arrest.

(1) Background: The increasing use of silver and platinum bimetallic nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer presents significant advances in biomedical applications due to their extraordinary physicochemical properties. This study investigated the role of aqueous phytochemical extract in stabilizing platinum nanodots-decorated silver nanocubes (-Pt@AgNPs) for enhancing antioxidant activities and their mechanism. (2) Methods: UV-Vis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the formed -Pt@AgNPs.

Medicinal uses, pharmacological activities, phytochemistry, and the molecular mechanisms of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) plant extracts: A review.

Punica granatum L (pomegranate) is one of the Mediterranean medicinal plants that has been used for generations in treating ulcers, diarrhea, and male infertility. Increasing evidence has revealed that pomegranate possesses myriads of pharmacological activities such as anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-malaria, anti-fibrotic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and other effects. Consumption of pomegranate could be used to improve gut microbiota, and therefore prevent obesity and diabetes.

Presence and Virulence Characteristics of Shiga Toxin and Non-Shiga Toxin-Producing O157 in Products from Animal Protein Supply Chain Enterprises in South Africa.

Consumption of food that is contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) has been linked to serious foodborne disease outbreaks. Our aim was to provide a descriptive study on the presence and virulence factors of STEC and non-STEC O157 isolates recovered from 2017 diverse meat and meat product samples from all provinces of South Africa ( = 1758) and imported meat from South Africa's major ports of entry ( = 259). A cross-sectional study was undertaken to analyze raw intact meat, raw processed (nonintact) meat, and ready-to-eat (RTE) meat from cattle, game, sheep, pork, and poultry.

Survey of Ethnoveterinary Medicines Used to Treat Livestock Diseases in Omusati and Kunene Regions of Namibia.

The aim of this study was to find, evaluate, and document ethnoveterinary medications used to treat livestock ailments in Namibia's Omusati and Kunene regions. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview a total of 100 people. The results of the survey will be useful in creating the groundwork for future scientific research and validation.

Ginger from Farmyard to Town: Nutritional and Pharmacological Applications.

Ginger () is one of the most widely used natural products consumed as a spice and medicine for treating diabetes, flatulent intestinal colic, indigestion, infertility, inflammation, insomnia, a memory booster, nausea, rheumatism, stomach ache, and urinary tract infections. To date, over 400 bioactive components, such as diarylheptanoids, gingerol analogues, phenylalkanoids, sulfonates, monoterpenoid glycosides, steroids, and terpene compounds have been derived from ginger. Increasing evidence has revealed that ginger possesses a broad range of biological activities, especially protective effects against male infertility, nausea and vomiting, analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and other effects.