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Objective(s): Baclofen, a muscle relaxant, exhibits limited dermal penetration, restricting its therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to optimize baclofen delivery using ultrasonically manufactured niosomes (Baclosomes) for improved antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity. Materials and Methods: The effect of cholesterol:surfactant (Chol:Surf) ratio on Baclosome characteristics was investigated using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Dermal permeation studies were conducted in rats to assess baclofen delivery to the dermis and recipient compartment. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using a rat model. Results: Increasing Chol content significantly increased Baclosome particle size. The Chol:Surf ratio also influenced zeta potential (ZP), ranging from -9.10 ± 1.81 to -28.81 ± 1.3mV. DSC and PXRD analyses confirmed the amorphous nature of baclofen within the Baclosomes. There was no chemical interaction between the drug and the excipients which supported by ATR-FTIR analysis. Dermal permeation studies showed higher baclofen levels in the dermis and recipient compartment for Baclosome gel compared to plain baclofen gel, without inducing dermal irritation. Baclosome gel demonstrated significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects compared to control groups (baclofen gel and diclofenac gel). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that ultrasonically manufactured Baclosomes effectively enhance baclofen delivery to the skin, resulting in improved antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity. Optimization of the Chol:Surf ratio significantly influenced Baclosome characteristics, highlighting the potential of this formulation approach for enhancing drug efficacy. This approach could offer a promising strategy for improving the therapeutic benefits of baclofen in treating musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most significant human pathogens that causes various sorts of diseases and invasive infections. Recently, due to the resistance of this bacterium to several medications, it has become difficult to treat infections caused by it. The use of biological compounds to control infections might be a solution to this challenge. This study aimed to investigate the influence of kojic acid (KA) on the expression of some virulence factors of S. aureus. Methods: Clinical samples were collected from hospital sources. The standard diagnostic test and molecular techniques were used to identify S. aureus strains. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of KA were determined according to guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The expression levels of α-hemolysin (hla) and enterotoxin A (sea) genes were measured in the presence and absence of KA using a real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. The obtained data were analyzed using standard statistical methods in SPSS software (version 16) and Prism GraphPad software. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant in the comparative data. Results: The results indicated that the values of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of S. aureus after KA treatment were 512 μg/mL. As a result, the expression of the hla gene was decreased 9 fold and the expression levels of the sea gene were decreased 2.7 fold. Conclusions: In this study, the desirable effects of KA on S. aureus strains were observed. In conclusion, the application of KA potentially reduces the virulence factors of S. aureus. These promising results can breathe hope in the fight against pathogenic S. aureus strains by repressing their virulence factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the current investigation, an ultrasonic approach was performed to produce menadione sodium bisulfite-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (MSB-SLNs) with rhamnolipid as bio-surfactant, which aimed to increase the dermal delivery and anti-pigmentation effect. Methods: To achieve optimum delivery for MSB, the impact of the ratio of two surfactants (rhamnolipid: Tween) on nanoparticle attributes and the respective functions were evaluated. In vitro diffusion process, in vitro cytotoxicity assay, determination of melanin content of melanoma cells, L-DOPA auto-oxidation inhibitory test, and skin irritation studies carried out to investigate the suitability of MSB formulation in dermal application. Results: The optimized nanoparticles showed an average particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and drug entrapment efficiency of 117.26±1.12 nm, -6.28±0.33 mV, 0.262±0.002, 83.34±0.75% respectively in hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of 12. The in vitro diffusion process demonstrated that MSB-SLN gel had a prolonged release pattern. The levels of MSB in the cutaneous layers (52.192±2.730% or 961.59±50.313 μg/cm2) and the receiver compartment (23.721±1.803 % or 437.049± 33.236 μg/cm2) for the MSB-SLN gel was higher than MSB simple and showed no cutaneous irritancy and toxicity in rats. MSB-SLN inhibited melanin formation and was remarkably higher than free MSB. MSB-SLN inhibited L-3,4- dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) auto-oxidation to a greater extent (95.14±1.46%) than MSB solution (72.28±0.83%). Conclusion: This study's observations revealed that the produced MSB-SLN might be used as a potential nano-vehicle for MSB dermal administration, thereby opening up innovative options for the management of hyper-melanogenesis problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The main cause of mortality in burn patients is infection from burns. Drug-resistant bacteria are the main causes of wound infection, so alternative antibiotic therapies hold significant importance. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a collagen hydrogel that contains a nanoemulsion of Lavandula essential oil on the healing process of infected burn wounds. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 20 rats were randomly divided after applying burns with a 10 mm diameter hot plate and infecting the wounds with multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa into four groups, including a positive control, a negative control, the first experiment (collagen hydrogel), and the second experiment (collagen hydrogel containing Lavandula essential oil nanoemulsion). On the 4th, 11th, and 18th days, tissue samples were taken for pathology studies. The important parameters in burn wound healing with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining methods were investigated and scored according to Abramov's method. Results: Based on the pathology findings, experimental groups 1 and 2 compared to the negative and positive control groups were effective in rat infection wound healing. The hydrogel scaffold in the experimental groups increased fibroblasts and angiogenesis compared to the control groups. Epithelization was noticed only in the hydrogel group containing nanoemulsion. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the use of collagen hydrogel with Lavandula essential oil nanoemulsion has potential as a wound dressing. This is because it has the potential to effectively promote healing and act as an antibacterial agent to prevent infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Spironolactone (SPN), which is classified as an anti-androgen, has demonstrated efficacy in treating acne. This study aimed to utilize ultrasonication to create a chitosan-coated nano lipid carrier (NLC) for enhancing the delivery of SPN to the skin and treating acne. Methods: Various hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values were investigated to optimize the SPN-NLCs. Photon correlation spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to characterize the solid state of SPN in nanoparticle form. Additionally, the optimized formulation was used in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Results: Reducing the HLB of the surfactant mixtures resulted in a reduction in the size of SPNNLCs. The formula with the smallest particle diameter (238.4±0.74 nm) and the lowest HLB value (9.65) exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 79.88±1.807%. Coating the optimized SPN-NLC with chitosan increased the diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and EE. In vitro skin absorption studies demonstrated sustained release profiles for chitosan-coated SPN-NLC. In the double-blind trial, a gel containing chitosan-coated SPN-NLC effectively treated mild to moderate acne vulgaris, leading to improved healing and reduced lesion count after 8 weeks of therapy compared to the placebo. It successfully addressed both non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions without adverse effects on the skin. Conclusion: The findings indicate that chitosan-coated SPN-NLCs have the potential as nanoparticles for targeted SPN delivery to the skin, offering novel options for the treatment of acne vulgaris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sedative medications are widely used in intensive care unit patients. Decreased peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SPO2) is one of the common cases in patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Dexmedetomidine on Peripheral oxygen saturation among COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: Sixty patients were randomly divided into two intervention groups (n=30) and control (n=30). Patients in the intervention group received dexmedetomidine with a bolus dose of 1 µ/kg/h for 10 minutes and then with a dose of 0.2 µ/kg/h to achieve a RASS score of -2 to +1. Patients in the control group received sedation drugs such as benzodiazepines, opium, or propofol according to the routine of the center. The well-known Richmond Stimulation and Sedation Scale (RASS) was used to evaluate patient sedation. Results: Data analysis has shown that the changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and breathing rate are not significantly different between the two groups of patients (P>0.05). Patients in the intervention group have higher SPO2 compared to control group patients from 72 hours after starting Dexmedetomidine without any considerable adverse effect (P<0.01). Conclusion: The potential sedation effect of dexmedetomidine can be attributed to the improvement in lung mechanics due to better relaxation in the thorax. Improvement in SpO2, and mental status (from agitated to calm) of patients which could be due to dexmedetomidine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral mucositis is a troublesome symptom for people who receive radiotherapy and chemotherapy and it is a dose-dependent factor. Atorvastatin is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and various studies have proven its anti-inflammatory effects. The goal of this study was to evaluate atorvastatin 1% mouthwash effects in prevention of radiotherapyinduced mucositis. Methods: Atorvastatin 1% suspension was prepared for mouthwash in this randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Thirty patients randomly received atorvastatin or placebo mouthwash. They had to gargle 5cc of mouthwash, 3 times per day during radiotherapy. The severity and pain of mucositis was evaluated every week, during their treatment. Results: The severity of mucositis between the two study groups was significant every four weeks (p<0.05) and the percentage of patients with more severe mucositis was less in the atorvastatin group. It is found that the pain intensity was lower after 3 and 4 weeks in atorvastatin group. Conclusion: These findings indicated that atorvastatin mouthwash showed a significant activity in relieving of radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis and pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Several studies reported the apoptotic and lytic activity of melittin (Mel) in different tumor cells. In this study, a novel nano-complex was developed composed of AS1411aptamers, melittin and gold nanoparticle for the treatment of breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Gold nanoparticles (GNP) were synthesized using reduction of tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4). Melittin modified with cysteine and AS1411aptamer conjugated to the gold nanoparticle. Gel retardation assay was used to prove the formation of GNP-Mel-AS1411 complex. Physicochemical properties of complex were investigated by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The cytotoxicity of Mel and GNP-Mel-AS1411 complex were evaluated in both MCF-7 (target) and L929 (non-target) cells by the MTT assay. Results: The average size of GNP and GNP-Mel-AS1411 complex were 20 ± 2.5 and 270.5± 3.2 respectively. The results of MTT assay revealed that this nanocomplex was more cytotoxic in MCF-7 (cell viability = 19% ± 2%) and less cytotoxic in L929 cells (cell viability = 73% ± 1.6%). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the gold nanoparticle-melittin-AS1411 complex had a potential value in cancer cell targeted delivery of melittin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review provides a literature update of the progress in optical and electrochemical aptasensors for the detection of streptomycin in human sera and animal-derived foods. The uncontrolled use of antibiotics and rising resistance to them, has created a global problem. Therefore, the detection and quantitation of antibiotics, i.e., streptomycin by robust, easy, and sensitive methods is in great demand. Among different strategies, new analytical methods for the efficient detection and quantitative determination of streptomycin have been developed. Aptasensors or aptamer-based biosensors have attracted more attention due to their unique recognition, simple fabrication, and significant selectivity, sensitivity, and specificity. Advantages of aptasensors will be highlighted in this review, with emphasis on methodological technique and specific properties of aptasensors developed for STR determination. In this review paper, we will focus on the recent development of aptasensors for streptomycin detection, considering the papers summarized in the data bases scopus and google scholar covering the period of time from 2013 till 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Objective of the present investigation was to enhance the skin delivery of vitamin A (Vit A) via producing solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) through ultrasonication technique. Methods: For achieving optimal skin delivery, impacts of two surfactants ratio of Tween80:Span80 on nanoparticles (NPs) features and the respective functions were examined. Powder X-ray diffractometer (PXRD), photon correlation spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were applied for characterizing the solid state of Vit A in the SLN. Results: Results showed that size of the NPs is usually enhanced by adding co-emulsifier (Span80). Notably, minimum NPs size (64.85±4.259 nm) was achieved while the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of the binary surfactants was 12.08, close to HLB of beeswax (HLB=12) as lipid matrix. Also, maximum entrapment efficiency (66.01±8.670%) was observed in the formulation. DSC thermogram indicated an amorphous form of Vit A in SLN. ATR-FTIR spectra of Vit A-SLN illustrated that prominent functional groups are found in the formulations that might be a sign of acceptable entrapment of Vit A in a lipid matrix. Moreover, ATR-FTIR studies showed no chemical interactions between Vit A and excipients. Skin irritation test proved the non-irritancy of Vit A-SLN2, when applied to the dorsal region of Wistar rats. Finally, any cellular toxicity was not seen for NPs. Conclusion: It was found that the procured Vit A-SLNs could be utilized as potent carriers for the dermal delivery of Vit A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the seroprevalance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in the general population of Mazandaran province in Iran and to estimate the percentage of asymptomatic, mild, and severe infections. Methods: We chose 1 588 inhabitants of Mazandaran province with cluster sampling. We measured their SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) serum levels. Demographics, risk factors, and symptoms were collected. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was calculated by age and city and the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol and further stratified by demographic variables and risk factors. Finally, we identified the symptoms and factors related to COVID-19 with logistic regression. Results: Two hundred subjects (12.59%) were tested positive for either IgG or IgM. Until May 23, 2020, the prevalence of COVID-19 was 15.26% (95% CI: 12.97%-17.79%) based on direct standardization and WHO's standardized age groups. Based on multivariate logistic regression, the incidence of getting an infection increased by an average of 11.6% for every 10-year increase in age (OR=1.116, 95% CI: 1.008-1.236, P=0.035). Furthermore, those in contact with COVID-19 patients had a 66.1% higher risk of developing the disease (OR=1.661, 95% CI: 1.104-2.497, P=0.015). In addition, the chance of getting SARS-CoV-2 infection was almost four times higher in people who had consulted a doctor during the pandemic than those who had not (OR=3.942, 95% CI: 2.813-5.524, P<0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of COVID-19 in Mazandaran province could be higher than the officially reported statistics based on diagnostic tests and clinical cases. There seems to be more asymptomatic or mild symptom cases than what was previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]