Search

This study aims to develop a thermoresponsive biomaterial system of irinotecan (IRT) and curcumin (CUR) nano-transferosomal gel (IRT-CUR-NTG) for targeting colorectal cancer (CRC). The IRT-CUR-NTs were statistically optimized and loaded into poloxamer-based thermosensitive gel. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of the IRT-CUR-NTs were performed, whereas pH, gelation time, gelation temperature, gel and mucoadhesive strength of the IRT-CUR-NTG were investigated. In-vitro release and anticancer analyses were explored using HT29 cells. Additionally, in-vivo pharmacokinetics study was investigated followed by histopathological examination and in-vivo anticancer analysis. The PS, PDI, ZP, %EE of IRT and %EE of CUR were found to be 136.15 nm, 0.143, −15.5 mV, 95.05% and 85.12%, respectively. IRT-CUR-NTs exhibited spherical shape with no chemical interactions among the constituents. Similarly, IRT-CUR-NTG was homogenous gel suitable for rectal administration. IRT-CUR-NTG manifested prolonged release profiles of IRT and CUR. Moreover, a significantly enhanced (4-fold) bioavailability and no toxicity of IRT-CUR-NTG was observed when compared with conventional gel. IRT-CUR-NTs were found to be more effective against HT29 cell lines. In-vivo antitumor analysis demonstrated significantly reduced tumor volume and tumor mass after treatment with IRT-CUT-NTG, indicating improved antitumor effect. It can be concluded that IRT-CUR-NTG is suitable biomaterial system for colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) affects 7% of the world's population and is challenging to control since existing medications are inadequate and have negative effects. Electrocutaneous devices, such as scrambler therapy (ST), have emerged as a possible option and have shown promising results in multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, the long-term efficacy of ST remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ST in CNP reduction over time. We used the data sources including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to September 2023. Five placebo and three routine-care controlled RCTs were selected among the screened abstracts. Two authors independently extracted the data. Data was pooled using a model under the common parameters assumption. The studies were evaluated for methodological quality using the MethodologicAl STandard for Epidemiological Research (MASTER) scale. The primary outcome measure was pain reduction; pain was converted to a common 0 to 10 scale, and a weighted mean difference of more than 2 points on a 10-point pain scale was considered clinically important. Eight RCTs that evaluated the effect of ST on CNP were included, with a total sample size of 350 participants. None of the participants withdrew in all these trials owing to adverse events or lack of efficacy. There was high-quality evidence that ST reduced pain in the short term, with a mean difference of –3 points. The dose-response meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in pain scores post-treatment, with a peak reduction at day 40. The effect of ST remained below the baseline values for 90 days, although with limited certainty. This study is the first dose-response meta-analysis to assess the duration of efficacy of ST in the treatment of CNP. The results demonstrated a clinically significant and more sustained reduction in pain created by ST compared to conventional treatments. Our findings indicate that ST could be used as a safe and effective alternative for managing CNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three dimensional bioprinting has been the cutting edge of tissue engineering research that has shown the tremendous potential of fabricating customized desired 3D tissue model only of its appropriate size and dimension. The combination of different nanomaterials with dimensional scales and the 3D bioprinting technologies enabled the manufacturing of various transplantable tissue scaffolds such as multilayered skin, bone, vascular grafts, cardiac tissues, tracheal splints, skull bone and cartilaginous structures with unique, physical, chemical and biological properties similar to the native structure for the treatment of osteosarcoma, cancer bone metastasis, breast cancer and inflammatory diseases as well as tissue regeneration. The exploration of the implications of nanoparticles in engineering bone scaffolds have just commenced and have revealed tremendous growth in the clinical efficacy of 3D bioprinted tissue scaffolds. In this review, we have discussed briefly the integration of nanotechnology and nanobiomaterials with 3D bioprinted tissue engineered scaffolds for engineering tissue and organ implants and the mechanism of 3D printing nanotechnology in addition of various 3D bioprinting strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of ageing is the consequence of both genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with metabolic disorders and characterized by mitochondrial dysfunctions generated due to reactive oxygen species. Current reports indicate that cellular ageing or senescence retrograde mitochondrial signaling disorders, telomere shortening, heterochromatin configuration, endoplasmic reticulum strain and unfolded protein responses. Supplemental vitamins, inhibition of cell cycle arrest and controlled expressions of tumor promoting genes p53, p21CIP1 and p16INK4a are robust telomere length longevity promoting interventions and prolong youthful cell functions. This review is aimed to provide an update on the molecular approach mediating the cellular ageing in developmental and programmed replicative ageing cascade with focus on DNA damage response in various cell types. Through rational ideas and critical investigation, we conclude that the combination of irretrievable alternations caused by metabolic reactions elicit the accelerated mechanisms of cellular ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To find out correlation of metabolic status (HbA1c, liver function tests, renal function tests, and hemoglobin (Hb)) with stage of diabetic retinopathy. Study Design: Observational correlational study. Place and Duration of Study: Mayo hospital Lahore, from April 2016 to October 2016. Methods: After approval from the Institutional Review Board of King Edward Medical University, 188 patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in any one of their eyes, were enrolled. The mean age of subjects was 54.43 ± 9.17 years. Staging of diabetic retinopathy was done by an ophthalmologist and relevant blood workup was carried out. If a patient had DR in both eyes, the eye in the advanced stage was recorded. Spearman rho (ρ) correlation coefficients were analyzed. The determination coefficient (r²) was also evaluated. Results: The male-to-female ratio was 1:1. There were 161 (85%) patients with Non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), 16 (8.5%) had Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and 11 (5.8%) had Adevanced diabetic eye disease. Spearman rho correlation of stage of retinopathy with HbA1c, BUN, Serum creatinine, Bilirubin, SGPT, SGOT, ALP, and Hb were -0.20, 0.160, 0.052, 0.008, -0.13, 0.119, 0.294 and -0.61 respectively; showing positive correlation to BUN, Serum creatinine, Bilirubin, SGOT, and Alkaline phosphate, and negative to HbA1c, SGPT, and Hb. The correlation was significant with BUN and ALP; p = 0.03 and p < 0.001 respectively. Conclusion: Stages of DR showed a positive correlation with BUN, Serum creatinine, Bilirubin, SGOT, and ALP, and negative to HbA1c, SGPT, and Hb. Metabolic state of the diabetic patients should be determined and kept under control while managing diabetic retinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to compare knowledge, attitude and regarding contact lens use between medical and non-medical students of Superior University, Lahore. Methodology: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted. The study included 127 medical students (M) and 127 nonmedical students who were contact lens users. A peer-reviewed questionnaire was used to determine their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding contact lens use. Results: The participants were all between the ages of 18 and 28 (both medical and non-medical). There were 50% medical students and 50% non-medical students among the 254 students. They used lenses for a variety of reasons, including cosmetic reasons (40.9%), refractive error correction (30.7%), and both (28.3%). The medical students had a high level of knowledge about contact lens use specially the duration of wearing contact lenses per day. The hygienic practices that participants in both groups had differed significantly according to instructions (Medical: 81.1 %, Non-medical: 68.5 %), removing lenses before swimming (Medical: 86.6 %, Non-medical: 74.8 %), removing lenses before sleeping (Medical: 90.6 %, Non-medical: 81.9 %), and cleaning contact lens case with toothbrush (Medical: 20.5 %, Non-medical: 29.9 %). In both groups, was the prevalent was the improper lens hygiene practices like changing lens storage solution daily, using tap water for cleaning lenses, not washing hands before handling lenses, and not storing contact lenses in fresh solution every night. Conclusion: Although medical students had better knowledge regarding contact lens usage than non-medical students. Whereas, non-medical students had a poor knowledge of the risks and consequences of wearing contact lenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To find out Ocular surface disorder in persons using digital devises more than 8 hours Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted at Rashid Latif Medical College Lahore from August 2019 to December 2019. Students and IT department personal were included in this study using electronic gadgets more than 8 hours/day. 84 participants with age range 15 to 40 years and both genders were included by using non probability convenience sampling technique. Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaires was distributed to the participants and they were required to mark the appropriate answer in the questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 20.0 software. Results: Out of 84 participants, 36(42.9%) were males and 48 (57.1%) were females. Mean age 23.63±4.103 years. 60(71.4%) were students and 24 (28.6%) were IT employees. Out of 84 participants 37(44.0%) had no dry eye. While 14(16.7%) had mild 11(13.1%) and 22(26.2%) had severe dry eye. According to gender 15(40.5%) male were normal, 6(42.9%) mild, 6(54.5%) moderate and 9(40.9%) had severe dry eye and 22(59.5%) female were normal, 8(57.1%) mild, 5(45.5%) moderate and 13(59.1%) had severe dry eye. According to occupation 28(57.7%) student were normal, 10(71.4%) mild, 8(72.7%) moderate and 14(63.6%) had severe dry eye and 9(24.3%) IT employs were normal, 4(28.6%) mild, 3(27.3%) moderate and 8(36.4%) had severe dry eye.OSDI was used to categorize severity of disease. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is significant frequency of dryness of eyes and other ocular symptoms among computer and other digital devices users. Dry eye was found more in females as compared to males. Students have been more affected than IT employers as students have been using digital devices such as smartphone, laptop for longer hours now a days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appendiceal mucocele is an infrequent but well recognized entity that can present with a variety of clinical syndromes or can be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. A 55 years old patient was admitted in the emergency department for acute right lower quadrant pain. A diagnosis of appendicitis was made. At operation an appendiceal mucocele was found. An appendectomy was performed. The diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele is an important one in that it can be associated with malignancies and other serious gastrointestinal, ovarian, and urological complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to enhance the anti-leishmanial efficacy of miltefosine (MTF) and reduce its toxic effects by loading it into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). Micro-emulsion technique was used to prepare MTF-loaded NLCs. The optimized NLCs were characterized in terms of various physicochemical parameters including particle size, poly dispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to evaluate the potential of NLCs as an effective nanocarrier system for oral delivery of MTF in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. The optimized MTF-loaded NLCs exhibited mean particle size of 160.8 ± 5.3 nm with narrow PDI and high incorporation efficiency (IE%) of 96.17 ± 1.3%. MTF-loaded NLCs demonstrated slow release of the incorporated drug as compared to the drug solution. The optimized formulation showed significant decrease in hemolytic potential, 2.5~folds increase in anti-leishmanial efficacy and 6~fold decrease in macrophage cytotoxicity as compared to MTF solution, in vitro. Macrophage uptake study confirmed passive targeting ability of MTF-loaded NLCs. In-vivo analysis demonstrated enhanced anti-leishmanial effect of the MTF-loaded NLCs and better pharmacokinetic profiles with no gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. NLCs are potential nanocarriers for the oral delivery of MTF with enhanced anti-leishmanial activity, better safety profile and reduced hemolytic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]