Polymeric Gel Scaffolds and Biomimetic Environments for Wound Healing.

Infected wounds that do not heal are a worldwide problem that is worsening, with more people dying and more money being spent on care. For any disease to be managed effectively, its root cause must be addressed. Effective wound care becomes a bigger problem when various traditional wound healing methods and products may not only fail to promote good healing.

Visible and NIR light photoactivatable -hydroxycinnamate system for efficient drug release with fluorescence monitoring.

Photoactivatable protecting groups (PPGs) have become powerful materials for controlling the activity of biologically important molecules in the biomedical field. However, designing PPGs that can be efficiently activated by biologically benign visible and NIR light with fluorescence monitoring is still a great challenge. Herein, we report -hydroxycinnamate-based PPGs that can be activated by both visible (one-photon) and NIR (two-photon) light for controlled drug release with real-time monitoring.

Crosslinked and PEGylated Pectin Chitosan nanoparticles for delivery of Phytic acid to colon.

Polysaccharide-based nanoparticles (NPs) such as pectin/ chitosan (PN/CN) had always been of greatest interest because of their excellent solubility, biocompatibility, and higher suitability for oral drug delivery. This study employed blending-crosslinking of polymers (PN&CN) followed by emulsification-solvent evaporation to prepare and compare two sets of PEGylated NPs to deliver phytic acid (IP6) to colon orally as it has potential to manage colon cancer but fails to reach colon when ingested in pure form. The first set was crosslinked with Glutaraldehyde (GE) (GE*PN-CN-NPs) while the second set was crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) (TPP*PN-CN-NPs).

Assessment of anti-arthritic activity of lipid matrix encased berberine in rheumatic animal model.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the drug delivery and therapeutic potential of berberine (Br) loaded nanoformulation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-induced animal model. The Br-loaded NLCs (nanostructured lipid carriers) were prepared employing melt-emulsification process, and optimised through Box-Behnken design. The prepared NLCs were assessed for in-vitro and in-vivo evaluations.

Functionalized bosutinib liposomes for target specific delivery in management of estrogen-positive cancer.

This study was designed to create surface-functionalized bosutinib liposomes that could be used for the management of estrogen-positive cancers. The novelty of this work was the anti-cancer activity of bosutinib-loaded liposomes (Bos-LPs) in estrogen-positive cancer via estrogen response elements, responsible for the malignancy of cancer cells. Biotin effectively delivers active moiety to tumor tissues because it interacts with the biotin receptor and operates through the Sodium-dependent multivitamin transporters (SMVT) transporter.

Downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α in rheumatoid arthritis using nano-lipidic carriers of a quinone-based phenolic: an in vitro and in vivo study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a joint ailment with multi-factorial immune-mediated degenerative pathogenesis, including genetic and environmental defects. Resistance to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) happens due to excessive drug efflux over time, rendering the concentration insufficient to elicit a response. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a quinone-based phenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that downregulate numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines.

QbD-assisted development of lipidic nanocapsules for antiestrogenic activity of exemestane in breast cancer.

Some breast cancers are caused by hormonal imbalances, such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play a function in directing the growth of cancer cells. The hormone receptors in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer lead breast cells to proliferate out of control.

Synthesis of salicylic acid phenylethyl ester (SAPE) and its implication in immunomodulatory and anticancer roles.

Salicylic acid phenylethyl ester (SAPE) was synthesized by Zn(OTf)-catalyzed selective esterification of salicylic acid and phenylethyl alcohol and studied for its role as an immunomodulatory and anticancer agent. Low toxicity and favorable physical, Lipinski-type, and solubility properties were elucidated by ADME-tox studies. Molecular docking of SAPE against COX-2 revealed favorable MolDockscore, rerank score, interaction energy, internal pose energy, and hydrogen bonding as compared to ibuprofen and indomethacin.

Mitochondria-Targeted Photoactivatable Real-Time Monitoring of a Controlled Drug Delivery Platform.

The current anticancer therapies are limited by their lack of controlled spatiotemporal release at the target site of action. We report a novel drug delivery platform that provides on-demand, real-time, organelle-specific drug release and monitoring upon photoactivation. The system is comprised of a model anticancer drug doxorubicin, an alkyltriphenylphosphonium moiety to target mitochondria in cancer cells, and a hydroxycinnamate photoactivatable linker that is covalently attached to the drug and mitochondria-targeting moieties such that it can be phototriggered by either UV (one-photon) or NIR (two-photon) light to form a fluorescent coumarin product and facilitate the release of drug payload.

Iridium-Triggered Allylcarbamate Uncaging in Living Cells.

Designing a metal catalyst that addresses the major issues of solubility, stability, toxicity, cell uptake, and reactivity within complex biological milieu for bioorthogonal controlled transformation reactions is a highly formidable challenge. Herein, we report an organoiridium complex that is nontoxic and capable of the uncaging of allyloxycarbonyl-protected amines under biologically relevant conditions and within living cells. The potential applications of this uncaging chemistry have been demonstrated by the generation of diagnostic and therapeutic agents upon the activation of profluorophore and prodrug in a controlled fashion within HeLa cells, providing a valuable tool for numerous potential biological and therapeutic applications.

An Assessment of In-vitro and In-vivo Evaluation Methods for Theranostic Nanomaterials.

Nanoparticles (NPs) as nanocarriers have emerged as novel and promising theranostic agents. The term theranostics revealed the properties of NPs capable of diagnosing the disease at an early stage and/or treating the disease. Such NPs are usually developed employing a surface engineering approach.

Biogenic nanosized gold particles: Physico-chemical characterization and its anticancer response against breast cancer.

With the advancement of nanotechnology, the nano-sized particles make an imprint on our daily lives.The present investigation revealed that biomolecules present in seed exudates of Vigna radiata are responsible for the synthesis of AuNPs, confirmed by the routine characterization techniques. Anticancer efficacy showed by AuNPs might be due to the release of phytochemicals in the exudate which is being adsorbed on the surface of AuNPs referencing their anticancer efficacy against the tested breast cancer cell lines.

Synthesis of pH-sensitive crosslinked guar gum-g-poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylonitrile) for the delivery of thymoquinone against inflammation.

The present work aims to synthesize the pH-sensitive crosslinked guar gum-g-poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylonitrile) [guar-g-(AA-co-ACN)] via microwave-assisted technique for the sustained release of thymoquinone. The synthesized material [guar-g-(AA-co-ACN)] was optimized by varying synthetic parameters viz. monomer concentration, reaction time, and microwave power to obtain the maximum yield of the crosslinked guar gum grafted product as well as maximum encapsulation of thymoquinone.

Credible Protein Targets and Curative Strategies for COVID-19: a Review.

The pandemic of coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID-19) due to the serious respiratory condition created by the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) presents a challenge to recognize effective strategies for management and treatment. In general, COVID-19 is an acute disease that can also be fatal, with an ongoing 10.2% case morbidity rate.

Metal toxicity and natural antidotes: prevention is better than cure.

Toxicity due to heavy metals (HM), specifically mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) remains a challenge to scientists till date. This review gives insights into natural antidotes for the management and prevention of HM toxicity. Various databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Science Direct were searched for available facts on natural antidotes and their commercial products against HM toxicity till date.

Oxidative stress mediated hepatotoxicity induced by ZNP and modulatory role of fruit extract on male Wistar rat.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNP) are being used in various fields viz cosmetics industry as UV protectants, in the food packaging industry due to their anti-bacterial properties, in agriculture as micronutrients, etc. Increased applications of ZNPs in our day to day life, leading to the contamination of the surrounding environment posing a direct or indirect health risk. Various reports suggest that fruits and vegetables are a rich source of phytochemicals having antioxidant properties which help in neutralizing ROS generated on metal toxicity of the body.

New drugs and clinical trials rules 2019: Changes in responsibilities of the ethics committee.

The New drugs and Clinical trials rules 2019 (New rules) was introduced on 19 March 2019 by Government of India. New rules have set specific requirements for ethics committee (EC). The EC is required to follow requirements set as per New rules and to forward their report to Central Licensing Authority (CLA).

Assessment of intermittent exposure of zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZNP)-mediated toxicity and biochemical alterations in the splenocytes of male Wistar rat.

Nanoparticles are being used extensively and found in applications to various fields ranging from agriculture to electronic devices, diagnosis to drug delivery, and cosmetics to food packaging. Increasing usage of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) raises potential concern for human health as well as to the environment. The present study aims to explore the effects of intermittent intraperitoneal exposure of ZNP on the spleen of male Wistar rat.

Costs and cost-effectiveness analyses of mCARE strategies for promoting care seeking of maternal and newborn health services in rural Bangladesh.

Objective: We examined the incremental cost-effectiveness between two mHealth programs, implemented from 2011 to 2015 in rural Bangladesh: (1) Comprehensive mCARE package as an intervention group and (2) Basic mCARE package as a control group.

Methods: Both programs included a core package of census enumeration and pregnancy surveillance provided by an established cadre of digitally enabled community health workers (CHWs). In the comprehensive mCARE package, short message service (SMS) and home visit reminders were additionally sent to pregnant women (n = 610) and CHWs (n = 70) to promote the pregnant women's care-seeking of essential maternal and newborn care services.

Oral delivery of allopurinol niosomes in treatment of gout in animal model.

Context: Gout is a painful disorder which does not have an efficient delivery system for its treatment.

Objective: Development and in vitro, in vivo evaluation of allopurinol-loaded nonionic surfactant-based niosomes was envisaged.

Materials And Methods: Niosomes were prepared with Span 20 and Tween 20 (1:1 molar ratio) using ether injection method.

Overview of a multi-stakeholder dialogue around Shared Services for Health: the Digital Health Opportunity in Bangladesh.

Background: National level policymaking and implementation includes multiple stakeholders with varied interests and priorities. Multi-stakeholder dialogues (MSDs) can facilitate consensus building through collective identification of challenges, recognition of shared goals and interests, and creation of solution pathways. This can shape joint planning and implementation for long-term efficiency in health and other sectors.