Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 320 in total

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  1. Kumar A, Hakimi MH, Singh AK, Abdullah WH, Zainal Abidin NS, Rahim A, et al.
    ACS Omega, 2022 Nov 29;7(47):42960-42974.
    PMID: 36467918 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05148
    Carbonaceous shales of the Early Eocene Dharvi/Dunger Formation in the onshore Barmer Basin, northwest India were studied for the first time by integrating geochemical and organic petrological analyses. The carbonaceous shales of the Early Eocene Dharvi/Dunger Formation are characterized by a higher organic carbon content (TOC) of >10 wt % and consist mainly of a mixture of organic matter of types II and III kerogen, with exhibited hydrogen index values ranging between 202 and 292 mg HC/g TOC. The dominance of such kerogen is confirmed by the high amounts of huminite and fluorescent liptinite macerals. Consequently, the carbonaceous shales of the Early Eocene Dharvi/Dunger Formation are promising source rocks for both oil and gas generation potential, with oils of high wax contents, according to pyrolysis-gas chromatography results. The chemical and optical maturity results such as low values huminite/vitrinite reflectance, production index, and T max show that most of the examined carbonaceous shale rocks from the outcrop section of the Kapurdi mine have entered the low maturity stage of oil generation, exhibiting a range of immature to the very early-mature. Therefore, as highlighted in this study, the substantial abundance in hydrocarbon generation potential from these carbonaceous shales in the Dharvi/Dunger Formation may represent future conventional petroleum exploration in the southern part of the Barmer Basin, where the Dharvi/Dunger Formation has reached deeper burial depths.
  2. Mahar AM, Balouch A, Talpur FN, Abdullah, Panah P, Kumar R, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2020 Mar;27(9):9970-9978.
    PMID: 31933082 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07548-y
    In this study, nano-sized ITO supported Pt-Pd bimetallic catalyst was synthesized for the degradation of methyl parathion pesticide, a common extremely toxic contaminant in aqueous solution. On the characterization with different techniques, a beautiful scenario of honeycomb architecture composed of ultra-small nanoneedles or fine hairs was found. Average size of nanocatalyst also confirmed which was in the range of 3-5 nm. High percent degradation (94%) was obtained in 30 s using 1.5 × 10- 1 mg of synthesized nanocatalyst, 0.5 mM NaBH4, and 110 W microwave radiations power. Recyclability of nanocatalyst was efficient till 4th cycle observed during study of reusability. The supported Pt-Pd bimetallic nanocatalyst on ITO displayed many advantages over conventional methods for degradation of methyl parathion pesticide, such as high percent degradation, short reaction time, small amount of nanocatalyst, and multitime reusability. Graphical abstract Schematic illustration of reaction for degradation of methyl parathion.
  3. Dasila H, Sah VK, Jaggi V, Kumar A, Tewari L, Taj G, et al.
    Front Microbiol, 2023;14:1135693.
    PMID: 37025630 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1135693
    It is well-known that phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) promote crop growth and yield. The information regarding characterization of PSB isolated from agroforestry systems and their impact on wheat crops under field conditions is rarely known. In the present study, we aim to develop psychrotroph-based P biofertilizers, and for that, four PSB strains (Pseudomonas sp. L3, Pseudomonas sp. P2, Streptomyces sp. T3, and Streptococcus sp. T4) previously isolated from three different agroforestry zones and already screened for wheat growth under pot trial conditions were evaluated on wheat crop under field conditions. Two field experiments were employed; set 1 includes PSB + recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and set 2 includes PSB - RDF. In both field experiments, the response of the PSB-treated wheat crop was significantly higher compared to the uninoculated control. In field set 1, an increase of 22% in grain yield (GY), 16% in biological yield (BY), and 10% in grain per spike (GPS) was observed in consortia (CNS, L3 + P2) treatment, followed by L3 and P2 treatments. Inoculation of PSB mitigates soil P deficiency as it positively influences soil alkaline phosphatase (AP) and soil acid phosphatase (AcP) activity which positively correlated with grain NPK %. The highest grain NPK % was reported in CNS-treated wheat with RDF (N-0.26%, P-0.18%, and K-1.66%) and without RDF (N-0.27, P-0.26, and K-1.46%), respectively. All parameters, including soil enzyme activities, plant agronomic data, and yield data were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), resulting in the selection of two PSB strains. The conditions for optimal P solubilization, in L3 (temperature-18.46, pH-5.2, and glucose concentration-0.8%) and P2 (temperature-17°C, pH-5.0, and glucose concentration-0.89%), were obtained through response surface methodology (RSM) modeling. The P solubilizing potential of selected strains at <20°C makes them a suitable candidate for the development of psychrotroph-based P biofertilizers. Low-temperature P solubilization of the PSB strains from agroforestry systems makes them potential biofertilizers for winter crops.
  4. Balkrishna A, Kumar A, Arya V, Rohela A, Verma R, Nepovimova E, et al.
    Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2021;2021:3155962.
    PMID: 34737844 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3155962
    Nanotechnology is gaining significant attention, with numerous biomedical applications. Silver in wound dressings, copper oxide and silver in antibacterial preparations, and zinc oxide nanoparticles as a food and cosmetic ingredient are common examples. However, adverse effects of nanoparticles in humans and the environment from extended exposure at varied concentrations have yet to be established. One of the drawbacks of employing nanoparticles is their tendency to cause oxidative stress, a significant public health concern with life-threatening consequences. Cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory problems and diabetes are among the oxidative stress-related disorders. In this context, phytoantioxidant functionalized nanoparticles could be a novel and effective alternative. In addition to performing their intended function, they can protect against oxidative damage. This review was designed by searching through various websites, books, and articles found in PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. To begin with, oxidative stress, its related diseases, and the mechanistic basis of oxidative damage caused by nanoparticles are discussed. One of the main mechanisms of action of nanoparticles was unearthed to be oxidative stress, which limits their use in humans. Secondly, the role of phytoantioxidant functionalized nanoparticles in oxidative damage prevention is critically discussed. The parameters for the characterization of nanoparticles were also discussed. The majority of silver, gold, iron, zinc oxide, and copper nanoparticles produced utilizing various plant extracts were active free radical scavengers. This potential is linked to several surface fabricated phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids and phenols. These phytoantioxidant functionalized nanoparticles could be a better alternative to nanoparticles prepared by other existing approaches.
  5. Flora B, Kumar R, Tiwari P, Kumar A, Ruokolainen J, Narasimhan AK, et al.
    J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2023 Jun;142:105845.
    PMID: 37060714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105845
    A successful attempt has been made to improve the mechanical properties of Hydroxyapatite (HAp) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite nanoparticles (NPs). Various proportions of HAp and rGO were synthesized to improve the mechanical properties. HAp NPs were prepared using the wet precipitation method and further calcined to form crystalline particles. The physicochemical characterization of the HAp NPs revealed that the crystalline size and percentage of crystallinity were calculated to be 42.49 ± 1.2 nm and 44% post calcination. Furthermore, the rGO-HA composites were prepared using ball milling and obtained in the shape of pellets with different ratios of rGO (10, 20, 30, 40, 50% wt.). The mechanical properties have been evaluated through a Universal testing machine. Compared to calcined HAp (cHAp), the strength of variants significantly enhanced with the increased concentration of rGO. The compressive strength of HA-rGO with the ratio of the concentration of 60:40% by weight is a maximum of about 10.39 ± 0.43 MPa. However, the porosity has also been bolstered by increasing the concentration of rGO, which has been evaluated through the liquid displacement method. The mean surface roughness of the composites has also been evaluated from the images through Image J (an image analysis program).
  6. Catolos M, Sandhu N, Dixit S, Shamsudin NAA, Naredo MEB, McNally KL, et al.
    Front Plant Sci, 2017;8:1763.
    PMID: 29085383 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01763
    Drought is the major abiotic stress to rice grain yield under unpredictable changing climatic scenarios. The widely grown, high yielding but drought susceptible rice varieties need to be improved by unraveling the genomic regions controlling traits enhancing drought tolerance. The present study was conducted with the aim to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for grain yield and root development traits under irrigated non-stress and reproductive-stage drought stress in both lowland and upland situations. A mapping population consisting of 480 lines derived from a cross between Dular (drought-tolerant) and IR64-21 (drought susceptible) was used. QTL analysis revealed three major consistent-effect QTLs for grain yield (qDTY1.1, qDTY1.3 , and qDTY8.1 ) under non-stress and reproductive-stage drought stress conditions, and 2 QTLs for root traits (qRT9.1 for root-growth angle and qRT5.1 for multiple root traits, i.e., seedling-stage root length, root dry weight and crown root number). The genetic locus qDTY1.1 was identified as hotspot for grain yield and yield-related agronomic and root traits. The study identified significant positive correlations among numbers of crown roots and mesocotyl length at the seedling stage and root length and root dry weight at depth at later stages with grain yield and yield-related traits. Under reproductive stage drought stress, the grain yield advantage of the lines with QTLs ranged from 24.1 to 108.9% under upland and 3.0-22.7% under lowland conditions over the lines without QTLs. The lines with QTL combinations qDTY1.3 +qDTY8.1 showed the highest mean grain yield advantage followed by lines having qDTY1.1 +qDTY8.1 and qDTY1.1 +qDTY8.1 +qDTY1.3 , across upland/lowland reproductive-stage drought stress. The identified QTLs for root traits, mesocotyl length, grain yield and yield-related traits can be immediately deployed in marker-assisted breeding to develop drought tolerant high yielding rice varieties.
  7. Sumatoh HR, Oliver BG, Kumar M, Elliott JH, Vonthanak S, Vun MC, et al.
    Biomark Med, 2011 Dec;5(6):847-53.
    PMID: 22103621 DOI: 10.2217/bmm.11.79
    Immune restoration disease (IRD) associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis parallels the reconstitution of a pathogen-specific Th1 response. However, it is not clear whether humoral responses to M. tuberculosis antigens also rise, or whether antibody levels predict IRD. Here, humoral immunity to M. tuberculosis antigens was investigated in four Asian cohorts.
  8. Narisetty V, Parhi P, Mohan B, Hakkim Hazeena S, Naresh Kumar A, Gullón B, et al.
    Bioresour Technol, 2022 Feb;346:126590.
    PMID: 34953996 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126590
    Lignocellulosic wastes have the ability to be transformed into oligosaccharides and other value-added products. The synthesis of oligosaccharides from renewable sources bestow to growing bioeconomies. Oligosaccharides are synthesized chemically or biologically from agricultural residues. These oligosaccharides are functional food supplements that have a positive impact on humans and livestock. Non-digestible oligosaccharides, refered as prebiotics are beneficial for the colonic microbiota inhabiting the f the digestive system. These microbiota plays a crucial role in stimulating the host immune system and other physiological responses. The commonly known prebiotics, galactooligosaccharides (GOS), xylooligosaccharides (XOS), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), mannanooligosaccharides (MOS), and isomaltooligosaccharides (IOS) are synthesized either through enzymatic or whole cell-mediated approaches using natural or agricultural waste substrates. This review focusses on recent advancements in biological processes, for the synthesis of oligosaccharides using renewable resources (lignocellulosic substrates) for sustainable circular bioeconomy. The work also addresses the limitations associated with the processes and commercialization of the products.
  9. Nabgan W, Nabgan B, Ikram M, Jadhav AH, Ali MW, Ul-Hamid A, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2022 Mar;290:133296.
    PMID: 34914962 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133296
    The fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) production from dairy effluent scum as a sustainable energy source using CaO obtained from organic ash over titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TNPs) as the transesterification nano-catalyst has been studied. The physical and chemical properties of the synthesized catalysts were characterized, and the effect of different experimental factors on the biodiesel yield was studied. It was revealed that the CaO-TiO2 nano-catalyst displayed bifunctional properties, has both basic and acid phases, and leads to various effects on the catalyst activity in the transesterification process. These bifunctional properties are critical for achieving simultaneous transesterification of dairy scum oil feedstock. According to the reaction results, the catalyst without and with a low ratio of TNPs showed a low catalytic activity. In contrast, the 3Ca-3Ti nano-catalyst had the highest catalytic activity and a strong potential for reusability, producing a maximum biodiesel yield of 97.2% for a 3 wt% catalyst, 1:20 oil to methanol molar ratio for the dairy scum, and a reaction temperature of 70 °C for a period of 120 min under a 300 kPa pressure. The physical properties of the produced biodiesel are within the EN14214 standards.
  10. Singh P, Pandey P, Arya DK, Anjum MM, Poonguzhali S, Kumar A, et al.
    Biomed Mater, 2023 Mar 27;18(3).
    PMID: 36921352 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605X/acc4a1
    The morbidity rate following a surgical procedure increasing rapidly in the cases associated with surgical site infections. Traditional sutures lack the ability to deliver drugs as the incorporation of the drug in their structure would hamper their mechanical properties. To prevent such infections, we developed an extracellular matrix mimicking electrospun nanofibrous yarns of poly-(D,L)-lactic acid and polyvinyl alcohol loaded with vancomycin and ferulic acid, prepared by uniaxial electrospinning technique.In-vitrocharacterization such as scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, tensile strength testing, degradation studies, and antimicrobial studies along within-vivoevaluation done with help of incision wound healing rat model and simultaneous testing of microbial load in the incised tissue. Thein-vitrostudies indicated the nanofiber yarns have size range 200-300 nm with a tensile strength of 7.54 ± 0.58 MPa. The dual drug-loaded yarn showed sustained drug release over a period of 48 h.In-vitrowater uptake and biodegradation data indicated optimum results suitable for suturing applications. Antimicrobial study showed excellent antimicrobial activity against bothS. aureus and E. coli.Results obtained fromin-vivostudy suggested excellent wound healing potential of nanofiber yarns as compared with commercial silk sutures. The histopathological studies confirmed restoring ability of nanofiber yarn to the normal skin structure. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) study revealed the downregulation of inflammatory markers i.e. TNF-alpha and IL-6, making nanofibers sutures suitable for surgical wound healing applications. Overall, the present study may conclude that the developed dual drug-loaded nanofiber yarns have excellent potential in surgical wound healing applications.
  11. Dastan D, Mohammed MKA, Al-Mousoi AK, Kumar A, Salih SQ, JosephNg PS, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Jun 05;13(1):9076.
    PMID: 37277466 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36427-3
    According to recent reports, planar structure-based organometallic perovskite solar cells (OPSCs) have achieved remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE), making them very competitive with the more traditional silicon photovoltaics. A complete understanding of OPSCs and their individual parts is still necessary for further enhancement in PCE. In this work, indium sulfide (In2S3)-based planar heterojunction OPSCs were proposed and simulated with the SCAPS (a Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator)-1D programme. Initially, OPSC performance was calibrated with the experimentally fabricated architecture (FTO/In2S3/MAPbI3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au) to evaluate the optimum parameters of each layer. The numerical calculations showed a significant dependence of PCE on the thickness and defect density of the MAPbI3 absorber material. The results showed that as the perovskite layer thickness increased, the PCE improved gradually but subsequently reached a maximum at thicknesses greater than 500 nm. Moreover, parameters involving the series resistance as well as the shunt resistance were recognized to affect the performance of the OPSC. Most importantly, a champion PCE of over 20% was yielded under the optimistic simulation conditions. Overall, the OPSC performed better between 20 and 30 °C, and its efficiency rapidly decreases above that temperature.
  12. Goh KW, Stephen A, Wu YS, Sim MS, Batumalaie K, Gopinath SCB, et al.
    J Cancer, 2023;14(13):2491-2516.
    PMID: 37670975 DOI: 10.7150/jca.85260
    Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most common cancers that impact the global population, with high mortality and low survival rates after breast and lung cancers. Identifying useful molecular targets in GI cancers are crucial for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcomes, however, limited by poor targeting and drug delivery system. Aptamers are often utilized in the field of biomarkers identification, targeting, and as a drug/inhibitor delivery cargo. Their natural and chemically modifiable binding capability, high affinity, and specificity are favored over antibodies and potential early diagnostic imaging and drug delivery applications. Studies have demonstrated the use of different aptamers as drug delivery agents and early molecular diagnostic and detection probes for treating cancers. This review aims to first describe aptamers' generation, characteristics, and classifications, also providing insights into their recent applications in the diagnosis and medical imaging, prognosis, and anticancer drug delivery system of GI cancers. Besides, it mainly discussed the relevant molecular targets and associated molecular mechanisms involved, as well as their applications for potential treatments for GI cancers. In addition, the current applications of aptamers in a clinical setting to treat GI cancers are deciphered. In conclusion, aptamers are multifunctional molecules that could be effectively used as an anticancer agent or drug delivery system for treating GI cancers and deserve further investigations for clinical applications.
  13. Choi T, Sarkar M, Bonham M, Brock T, Brooks IA, Diug B, et al.
    Front Med (Lausanne), 2023;10:1146832.
    PMID: 37849488 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1146832
    INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Course evaluation in health education is a common practice yet few comprehensive evaluations of health education exist that measure the impact and outcomes these programs have on developing health graduate capabilities.

    AIM/OBJECTIVES: To explore how curricula contribute to health graduate capabilities and what factors contribute to the development of these capabilities.

    METHODS: Using contribution analysis evaluation, a six-step iterative process, key stakeholders in the six selected courses were engaged in an iterative theory-driven evaluation. The researchers collectively developed a postulated theory-of-change. Then evidence from existing relevant documents were extracted using documentary analysis. Collated findings were presented to academic staff, industry representatives and graduates, where additional data was sought through focus group discussions - one for each discipline. The focus group data were used to validate the theory-of-change. Data analysis was conducted iteratively, refining the theory of change from one course to the next.

    RESULTS: The complexity in teaching and learning, contributed by human, organizational and curriculum factors was highlighted. Advances in knowledge, skills, attitudes and graduate capabilities are non-linear and integrated into curriculum. Work integrated learning significantly contributes to knowledge consolidation and forming professional identities for health professional courses. Workplace culture and educators' passion impact on the quality of teaching and learning yet are rarely considered as evidence of impact.

    DISCUSSION: Capturing the episodic and contextual learning moments is important to describe success and for reflection for improvement. Evidence of impact of elements of courses on future graduate capabilities was limited with the focus of evaluation data on satisfaction.

    CONCLUSION: Contribution analysis has been a useful evaluation method to explore the complexity of the factors in learning and teaching that influence graduate capabilities in health-related courses.

  14. Musara A, Yamada Y, Takizawa K, Seng LB, Kawase T, Miyatani K, et al.
    Asian J Neurosurg, 2019 11 25;14(4):1283-1287.
    PMID: 31903379 DOI: 10.4103/ajns.AJNS_121_19
    Basilar apex aneurysms constitute 5%-8% of all intracranial aneurysms. Microsurgical clipping of basilar tip aneurysms is still advocated for as it is safe, especially for unruptured basilar tip aneurysms which have a low risk of postoperative mortality or morbidity. Careful patient preparation is needed preoperatively because the risk of intraoperative rupture is significant. Good surgical techniques should be applied. The skill will need to be preserved as endovascular surgery becomes more popular. This is a case of basilar tip aneurysm managed by clipping through the anterior temporal approach, followed by a review of the literature.
  15. Aboul-Soud MAM, Ashour AE, Challis JK, Ahmed AF, Kumar A, Nassrallah A, et al.
    Plants (Basel), 2020 Sep 30;9(10).
    PMID: 33008079 DOI: 10.3390/plants9101295
    Organic fractions and extracts of willow (Salix safsaf) leaves, produced by sequential solvent extraction as well as infusion and decoction, exhibited anticancer potencies in four cancerous cell lines, including breast (MCF-7), colorectal (HCT-116), cervical (HeLa) and liver (HepG2). Results of the MTT assay revealed that chloroform (CHCl3) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc)-soluble fractions exhibited specific anticancer activities as marginal toxicities were observed against two non-cancerous control cell lines (BJ-1 and MCF-12). Ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry Q-Exactive™ HF Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap™ coupled with liquid chromatography (UHPLC) indicated that both extracts are enriched in features belonging to major phenolic and purine derivatives. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis (FACS), employing annexin V-FITC/PI double staining indicated that the observed cytotoxic potency was mediated via apoptosis. FACS analysis, monitoring the increase in fluorescence signal, associated with oxidation of DCFH to DCF, indicated that the mechanism of apoptosis is independent of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results of immunoblotting and RT-qPCR assays showed that treatment with organic fractions under investigation resulted in significant up-regulation of pro-apoptotic protein and mRNA markers for Caspase-3, p53 and Bax, whereas it resulted in a significant reduction in amounts of both protein and mRNA of the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. FACS analysis also indicated that pre-treatment and co-treatment of human amniotic epithelial (WISH) cells exposed to the ROS H2O2 with EtOAc fraction provide a cytoprotective and antioxidant capacity against generated oxidative stress. In conclusion, our findings highlight the importance of natural phenolic and flavonoid compounds with unparalleled and unique antioxidant and anticancer properties.
  16. Murdani A, Kumar A, Chiu HM, Goh KL, Jang BI, Khor CJ, et al.
    Dig Endosc, 2017 Jan;29(1):3-15.
    PMID: 27696514 DOI: 10.1111/den.12745
    The aim of this position statement is to reinforce the key points of hygiene in digestive endoscopy. The present article details the minimum hygiene requirements for reprocessing of endoscopes and endoscopic devices, regardless of the reprocessing method (automated washer-disinfector or manual cleaning) and the endoscopy setting (endoscopy suite, operating room, elective or emergency procedures). These minimum requirements are mandatory for patient safety. Both advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies should be carried out in an environment that is safe for patients and staff. Particular attention is given to contaminants. Procedural errors in decontamination, defective equipment, and failure to follow disinfection guidelines are major factors contributing to transmission of infection during endoscopy. Other important risk factors include inadequate cleaning, use of older endoscopes with surface and working channel irregularities, and contamination of water bottles or irrigating solutions. Infections by multidrug-resistant organisms have become an increasing problem in health-care systems worldwide. Since 2010, outbreaks of multidrug-resistant bacteria associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography have been reported from the USA, France, Germany, and The Netherlands. In many endoscopy units in Asia and the Middle East, reprocessing procedures have lagged behind those of Western countries for cultural reasons or lack of financial resources. This inconsistency in standards is now being addressed, and the World Endoscopy Organization has prepared this position statement to highlight key points for quality assurance in any endoscopy unit in any country.
  17. Lau CS, Chia F, Dans L, Harrison A, Hsieh TY, Jain R, et al.
    Int J Rheum Dis, 2019 Mar;22(3):357-375.
    PMID: 30809944 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185X.13513
    AIM: To update recommendations based on current best evidence concerning the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), focusing particularly on the role of targeted therapies, to inform clinicians on new developments that will impact their current practice.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of relevant literature from 2014 to 2016 concerning targeted therapies in RA was conducted. The RA Update Working Group evaluated the evidence and proposed updated recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach, to describe the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. Recommendations were finalized through consensus using the Delphi technique.

    RESULTS: This update provides 16 RA treatment recommendations based on current best evidence and expert clinical opinion. Recommendations 1-3 deal with the use of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The next three recommendations (4-6) cover the need for screening and management of infections and comorbid conditions prior to starting targeted therapy, while the following seven recommendations focus on use of these agents. We address choice of targeted therapy, switch, tapering and discontinuation. The last three recommendations elaborate on targeted therapy for RA in special situations such as pregnancy, cancer, and major surgery.

    CONCLUSION: Rheumatoid arthritis remains a significant health problem in the Asia-Pacific region. Patients with RA can benefit from the availability of effective targeted therapies, and these updated recommendations provide clinicians with guidance on their use.

  18. Dey AD, Bigham A, Esmaeili Y, Ashrafizadeh M, Moghaddam FD, Tan SC, et al.
    Semin Cancer Biol, 2022 11;86(Pt 2):396-419.
    PMID: 35700939 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.003
    Chemotherapy is the first choice in the treatment of cancer and is always preferred to other approaches such as radiation and surgery, but it has never met the need of patients for a safe and effective drug. Therefore, new advances in cancer treatment are now needed to reduce the side effects and burdens associated with chemotherapy for cancer patients. Targeted treatment using nanotechnology are now being actively explored as they could effectively deliver therapeutic agents to tumor cells without affecting normal cells. Dendrimers are promising nanocarriers with distinct physiochemical properties that have received considerable attention in cancer therapy studies, which is partly due to the numerous functional groups on their surface. In this review, we discuss the progress of different types of dendrimers as delivery systems in cancer therapy, focusing on the challenges, opportunities, and functionalities of the polymeric molecules. The paper also reviews the various role of dendrimers in their entry into cells via endocytosis, as well as the molecular and inflammatory pathways in cancer. In addition, various dendrimers-based drug delivery (e.g., pH-responsive, enzyme-responsive, redox-responsive, thermo-responsive, etc.) and lipid-, amino acid-, polymer- and nanoparticle-based modifications for gene delivery, as well as co-delivery of drugs and genes in cancer therapy with dendrimers, are presented. Finally, biosafety concerns and issues hindering the transition of dendrimers from research to the clinic are discussed to shed light on their clinical applications.
  19. Sharma DS, Wadhwa S, Gulati M, Kumar B, Chitranshi N, Gupta VK, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Jan 01;224:810-830.
    PMID: 36302483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.10.168
    Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the chronic complications of diabetes. It includes retinal blood vessels' damage. If untreated, it leads to loss of vision. The existing treatment strategies for DR are expensive, invasive, and need expertise during administration. Hence, there is a need to develop a non-invasive topical formulation that can penetrate deep to the posterior segment of retina and treat the damaged retinal vessels. In addition, it should also provide sustained release. In recent years, novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) have been explored for treating DR and found successful. In this study, chitosan (CS) modified 5-Fluorouracil Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (CS-5-FU-NLCs) were prepared by modified melt emulsification-ultrasonication method and optimized by Box-Behnken Design. The size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency of CS-5-FU-NLCs were 163.2 ± 2.3 nm, 0.28 ± 1.52, 21.4 ± 0.5 mV and 85.0 ± 0.2 %, respectively. The in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation study confirmed higher and sustained drug release in CS-5-FU-NLCs as compared to 5-FU solution. HET-CAM Model ensured the non-irritant nature of CS-5-FU-NLCs. In vivo ocular studies of CS-5-FU-NLCs confirmed antiangiogenic effect of 5-FU by CAM model and diabetic retinopathy induced rat model, indicating successful delivery of 5-FU to the retina.
  20. Awasthi A, Gulati M, Kumar B, Kaur J, Vishwas S, Khursheed R, et al.
    Biomed Res Int, 2022;2022:1659338.
    PMID: 35832856 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1659338
    Diabetic wound (DW) is a secondary application of uncontrolled diabetes and affects about 42.2% of diabetics. If the disease is left untreated/uncontrolled, then it may further lead to amputation of organs. In recent years, huge research has been done in the area of wound dressing to have a better maintenance of DW. These include gauze, films, foams or, hydrocolloid-based dressings as well as polysaccharide- and polymer-based dressings. In recent years, scaffolds have played major role as biomaterial for wound dressing due to its tissue regeneration properties as well as fluid absorption capacity. These are three-dimensional polymeric structures formed from polymers that help in tissue rejuvenation. These offer a large surface area to volume ratio to allow cell adhesion and exudate absorbing capacity and antibacterial properties. They also offer a better retention as well as sustained release of drugs that are directly impregnated to the scaffolds or the ones that are loaded in nanocarriers that are impregnated onto scaffolds. The present review comprehensively describes the pathogenesis of DW, various dressings that are used so far for DW, the limitation of currently used wound dressings, role of scaffolds in topical delivery of drugs, materials used for scaffold fabrication, and application of various polymer-based scaffolds for treating DW.
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