Pub Date : 2023-04-27DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00139
E. Kupek
Aim: To investigate the causal impact of diet and sedentary behavior on Brazilian schoolchildren’s overweight/obesity using the data from observational studies. Methods: Annual cross-sectional nutritional surveys over the 2013–2015 period, with 26,712 children old 7–12 years in Florianópolis, Brazil, provided the data for this analysis. The surveys applied an online previous-day recall questionnaire on food intake and physical/sedentary activities. Outcome measures were overweight/obesity, whereas exposure variables were daily frequencies of consuming sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods, the total number of dietary items consumed and the total number of sedentary activities per day, and consuming breakfast, mid-morning snacks, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and evening snack. Control variables included child age, sex, family income, school shift, survey year, day of the week the questionnaire refers to, metabolic equivalents (METs) of physical activities (PAs), and the quality of dietary and PA reports. Causal effects were estimated by augmented inverse probability weighting. Results: Daily consumption of sugary drinks, eating ten or more foods, and engaging in three or more sedentary behaviors per day significantly increased the odds ratios (ORs) of being overweight/obese in the range of 3–24% compared to the reference, with 95% confidence intervals in the range of 1–32%. Among 19 ORs with P-value ≤ 0.05, only 3 exceeded 10%. Conclusions: Under certain conditions, not uncommon in large-scale monitoring and surveillance studies, it is possible to evaluate the causal effects of diet and sedentary activities on overweight/obesity. Daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, eating ten or more foods, skipping breakfast, and engaging in three or more sedentary behaviors per day significantly increased the odds of being overweight/obese.
{"title":"Can we estimate the causal effects of diet and sedentary behavior on schoolchildren’s overweight/obesity from observational studies?","authors":"E. Kupek","doi":"10.37349/emed.2023.00139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00139","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: To investigate the causal impact of diet and sedentary behavior on Brazilian schoolchildren’s overweight/obesity using the data from observational studies.\u0000Methods: Annual cross-sectional nutritional surveys over the 2013–2015 period, with 26,712 children old 7–12 years in Florianópolis, Brazil, provided the data for this analysis. The surveys applied an online previous-day recall questionnaire on food intake and physical/sedentary activities. Outcome measures were overweight/obesity, whereas exposure variables were daily frequencies of consuming sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods, the total number of dietary items consumed and the total number of sedentary activities per day, and consuming breakfast, mid-morning snacks, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and evening snack. Control variables included child age, sex, family income, school shift, survey year, day of the week the questionnaire refers to, metabolic equivalents (METs) of physical activities (PAs), and the quality of dietary and PA reports. Causal effects were estimated by augmented inverse probability weighting.\u0000Results: Daily consumption of sugary drinks, eating ten or more foods, and engaging in three or more sedentary behaviors per day significantly increased the odds ratios (ORs) of being overweight/obese in the range of 3–24% compared to the reference, with 95% confidence intervals in the range of 1–32%. Among 19 ORs with P-value ≤ 0.05, only 3 exceeded 10%.\u0000Conclusions: Under certain conditions, not uncommon in large-scale monitoring and surveillance studies, it is possible to evaluate the causal effects of diet and sedentary activities on overweight/obesity. Daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, eating ten or more foods, skipping breakfast, and engaging in three or more sedentary behaviors per day significantly increased the odds of being overweight/obese.","PeriodicalId":72999,"journal":{"name":"Exploration of medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47838412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-26DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00138
G. Giordano, R. Martin-Willett, Laurel P. Gibson, D. Camidge, D. Bowles, K. Hutchison, A. Bryan
Aim: Given the myriad of negative sequalae associated with cancer and its treatment, the palliative use of cannabis by cancer patients is increasingly of special interest. This research sought to explore associations of acute and sustained use of legal market edible cannabis products on pain, cognition, and quality of life in a group of cancer patients. Methods: In this observational study, cancer patients completed a baseline appointment, a two-week ad libitum cannabis use period, and an acute administration appointment that included assessments before cannabis use, one-hour post-use, and two-hour post-use. Participants completed self-report questionnaires related to the primary outcomes and the Stroop task as a measure of objective cognitive function. Results: Twenty-five participants [mean (standard deviation, SD) age = 54.3 years (15.6); 13 females (52.0%)] completed all study appointments and were included in the analysis. Sustained cannabis use was associated with improvements in pain intensity, pain interference, sleep quality, subjective cognitive function, and reaction times in the Stroop task, but no change in general quality of life was observed. High levels of cannabidiol (CBD) use during the two-week ad libitum use period was associated with steeper improvements in pain intensity and sleep quality. Participants reported improvements in pain intensity and increased feelings of subjective high after acute use. High levels of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use during the acute administration appointment was associated with steeper increases in feelings of subjective high. Improvements in pain were associated with improvements in subjective cognitive function. Conclusions: This observational study is among the first of its kind to examine associations between legal market, palliative cannabis use, and subjective and objective outcomes among cancer patients. These early findings concerning pain intensity, sleep quality, and cognitive function can help to inform future, fully powered studies of this important topic (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03617692).
{"title":"Cannabis use in cancer patients: acute and sustained associations with pain, cognition, and quality of life","authors":"G. Giordano, R. Martin-Willett, Laurel P. Gibson, D. Camidge, D. Bowles, K. Hutchison, A. Bryan","doi":"10.37349/emed.2023.00138","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00138","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: Given the myriad of negative sequalae associated with cancer and its treatment, the palliative use of cannabis by cancer patients is increasingly of special interest. This research sought to explore associations of acute and sustained use of legal market edible cannabis products on pain, cognition, and quality of life in a group of cancer patients.\u0000Methods: In this observational study, cancer patients completed a baseline appointment, a two-week ad libitum cannabis use period, and an acute administration appointment that included assessments before cannabis use, one-hour post-use, and two-hour post-use. Participants completed self-report questionnaires related to the primary outcomes and the Stroop task as a measure of objective cognitive function.\u0000Results: Twenty-five participants [mean (standard deviation, SD) age = 54.3 years (15.6); 13 females (52.0%)] completed all study appointments and were included in the analysis. Sustained cannabis use was associated with improvements in pain intensity, pain interference, sleep quality, subjective cognitive function, and reaction times in the Stroop task, but no change in general quality of life was observed. High levels of cannabidiol (CBD) use during the two-week ad libitum use period was associated with steeper improvements in pain intensity and sleep quality. Participants reported improvements in pain intensity and increased feelings of subjective high after acute use. High levels of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use during the acute administration appointment was associated with steeper increases in feelings of subjective high. Improvements in pain were associated with improvements in subjective cognitive function.\u0000Conclusions: This observational study is among the first of its kind to examine associations between legal market, palliative cannabis use, and subjective and objective outcomes among cancer patients. These early findings concerning pain intensity, sleep quality, and cognitive function can help to inform future, fully powered studies of this important topic (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03617692).","PeriodicalId":72999,"journal":{"name":"Exploration of medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43655058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-26DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00136
V. Law, Jack Hong Ming Young, Hak Yung Ng, Louis Tsz Wang Chan
Aim: Childhood obesity is accompanied by an increased prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) including the prediabetes states. This study aims to investigate and evaluate the use of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for detecting AGT among overweight and obese children. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 895 overweight and obese Chinese children (6–18 years) with obesity assessment and analysis of demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters data between January 2006 and December 2015 at Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Results: The proportion of males and older age group was 63.7% and 55.9%, respectively. Girls were more in older age groups (62.7% vs. 52.0%, P = 0.002). AGT occurred in 17.1% of the cohort [impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was the most frequent morbidity (11.3%)]. After regression analysis, female sex, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), older age group, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ≥ 4.1 were significantly associated with AGT. Conclusions: AGT is common in overweight and obese Chinese children. Girls, older age, higher LDL, TG and HOMA-IR ≥ 4.1 showed significant association with AGT. OGTT is essential and fit-for-purpose to detect AGT in overweight and obese children.
目的:儿童肥胖伴随着异常糖耐量(AGT)的患病率增加，包括前驱糖尿病状态。本研究旨在探讨和评价口服糖耐量试验(OGTT)在超重和肥胖儿童中检测AGT的应用。方法:对2006年1月至2015年12月在香港将军澳医院就诊的895名超重和肥胖中国儿童(6-18岁)进行肥胖评估，并分析人口统计学、人体测量学和生化参数数据。结果:男性占63.7%，老年占55.9%。较大年龄组中女孩较多(62.7% vs. 52.0%， P = 0.002)。AGT发生率为17.1%[糖耐量受损(IGT)是最常见的发病率(11.3%)]。经回归分析，女性、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)、甘油三酯(TG)、年龄较大、胰岛素抵抗稳态模型评估(HOMA-IR)≥4.1与AGT显著相关。结论:AGT在中国超重和肥胖儿童中普遍存在。女孩、年龄较大、LDL、TG较高、HOMA-IR≥4.1与AGT有显著相关性。OGTT对于检测超重和肥胖儿童的AGT至关重要。
{"title":"Abnormal glucose tolerance in children: oral glucose tolerance test is fit-for-purpose","authors":"V. Law, Jack Hong Ming Young, Hak Yung Ng, Louis Tsz Wang Chan","doi":"10.37349/emed.2023.00136","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00136","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: Childhood obesity is accompanied by an increased prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) including the prediabetes states. This study aims to investigate and evaluate the use of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for detecting AGT among overweight and obese children.\u0000Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 895 overweight and obese Chinese children (6–18 years) with obesity assessment and analysis of demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters data between January 2006 and December 2015 at Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.\u0000Results: The proportion of males and older age group was 63.7% and 55.9%, respectively. Girls were more in older age groups (62.7% vs. 52.0%, P = 0.002). AGT occurred in 17.1% of the cohort [impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was the most frequent morbidity (11.3%)]. After regression analysis, female sex, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), older age group, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ≥ 4.1 were significantly associated with AGT.\u0000Conclusions: AGT is common in overweight and obese Chinese children. Girls, older age, higher LDL, TG and HOMA-IR ≥ 4.1 showed significant association with AGT. OGTT is essential and fit-for-purpose to detect AGT in overweight and obese children.","PeriodicalId":72999,"journal":{"name":"Exploration of medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41352393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-26DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00134
G. Annarumma, Alessandro Spinelli, Alessandro Serio, Tammaro Di Fraia, Carlo Maria Gallinoro, Lucrezia Caoduro, D. Tarantino, A. Demeco, Erica Keeling, S. Palermi, A. Biffi, F. Sirico
Aim: Forward head posture (FHP) is a very common pathological neck posture among people who frequently use multimedia devices, and it could be related to some musculoskeletal disorders. However, its role in influencing lung function and its relationship with neck disability are still debated in the literature. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of FHP on respiratory function, and to explore a possible relationship between FHP and neck discomfort. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 83 subjects (35.7 ± 8.4 years aged), enrolled at the Ferrari corporate wellness program “Formula Benessere”. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) was measured with a digital goniometer to assess head posture: FHP was defined with a CVA < 50° in an upright position. Spirometry was conducted according to European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society (ERS/ATS) criteria. Finally, subjects enrolled were evaluated through a self-administered neck disability index (NDI) questionnaire. Results: Among the 60 participants with agreement about the CVA measurements, 45 had FHP (11 females and 34 males) with lower CVA values. No significant differences were found in spirometric parameters between subjects with FHP (n = 45) and subjects without FHP (n = 15). Furthermore, the two groups did not differ either in NDI scores (P = 0.148). Conclusions: There is no clear relationship between FHP and respiratory function indices. Moreover, no differences have been found in NDI values between subjects with FHP and subjects without FHP. Respiratory rehabilitation strategies should be focused on other parameters than FHP itself.
{"title":"Forward head posture and neck disability: what is the effect on lung function?","authors":"G. Annarumma, Alessandro Spinelli, Alessandro Serio, Tammaro Di Fraia, Carlo Maria Gallinoro, Lucrezia Caoduro, D. Tarantino, A. Demeco, Erica Keeling, S. Palermi, A. Biffi, F. Sirico","doi":"10.37349/emed.2023.00134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00134","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: Forward head posture (FHP) is a very common pathological neck posture among people who frequently use multimedia devices, and it could be related to some musculoskeletal disorders. However, its role in influencing lung function and its relationship with neck disability are still debated in the literature. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of FHP on respiratory function, and to explore a possible relationship between FHP and neck discomfort.\u0000Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 83 subjects (35.7 ± 8.4 years aged), enrolled at the Ferrari corporate wellness program “Formula Benessere”. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) was measured with a digital goniometer to assess head posture: FHP was defined with a CVA < 50° in an upright position. Spirometry was conducted according to European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society (ERS/ATS) criteria. Finally, subjects enrolled were evaluated through a self-administered neck disability index (NDI) questionnaire.\u0000Results: Among the 60 participants with agreement about the CVA measurements, 45 had FHP (11 females and 34 males) with lower CVA values. No significant differences were found in spirometric parameters between subjects with FHP (n = 45) and subjects without FHP (n = 15). Furthermore, the two groups did not differ either in NDI scores (P = 0.148).\u0000Conclusions: There is no clear relationship between FHP and respiratory function indices. Moreover, no differences have been found in NDI values between subjects with FHP and subjects without FHP. Respiratory rehabilitation strategies should be focused on other parameters than FHP itself.","PeriodicalId":72999,"journal":{"name":"Exploration of medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42963127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-26DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00137
Mauro G. Silva, F. Inserra, J. Mariani, Laura Antonietti, M. Núñez, C. Tajer, L. Ferder, P. Inserra, F. Ross, Milagro Sánchez Cunto, Magalí Bertelli, G. de Larrañaga, Eliana M Cela, D. Maglio, M. Gironacci, W. Manucha
Aim: To evaluate angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang-(1-7) levels and the cytokine profile in patients hospitalized with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and contrast them with patients with identical clinical conditions but treated with high doses of vitamin D (vitD). Methods: From the 218 patients recruited (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04411446), 16 participated in this sub-study and were randomized to a single oral dose of 500,000 IU vitD (n = 10) or placebo (n = 6). Plasmatic Ang II and Ang-(1-7) levels were determined by radioimmunoassay and interleukins (ILs) 1, 6, 8, and 10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and after treatment. Parallel, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH vitD) concentrations as vitD status was measured by a chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: A trend towards an increase in Ang-(1-7) and a decrease in Ang II levels were observed in placebo- and vitD-treated COVID-19 patients compared to baseline values. There was no difference in Ang II and Ang-(1-7) levels between placebo- and vitD-treated COVID-19 patients. Similar results were obtained with ILs profile. COVID-19 patients showed an increase in the protective component of the RAS which was not improved by vitD treatment. Conclusions: VitD did not improve RAS disbalance in COVID-19. Notwithstanding, the authors visualize that acute treatment with high doses of vitD may show a trend to a decline in inflammatory ILs and an increase in protective markers. Finally, the authors would like to highlight the limitations of this preliminary study, namely the small number of patients and the use of a large single bolus dose of vitD rather than lower daily doses for extended periods with prolonged follow-up times. All these factors need special consideration in the designs of new vitD supplementation trials. All these factors need special consideration in the designs of new vitD supplementation trials (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04411446).
{"title":"Mechanistic approaching study in COVID-19 patients treated with high doses of vitamin D","authors":"Mauro G. Silva, F. Inserra, J. Mariani, Laura Antonietti, M. Núñez, C. Tajer, L. Ferder, P. Inserra, F. Ross, Milagro Sánchez Cunto, Magalí Bertelli, G. de Larrañaga, Eliana M Cela, D. Maglio, M. Gironacci, W. Manucha","doi":"10.37349/emed.2023.00137","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00137","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: To evaluate angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang-(1-7) levels and the cytokine profile in patients hospitalized with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and contrast them with patients with identical clinical conditions but treated with high doses of vitamin D (vitD).\u0000Methods: From the 218 patients recruited (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04411446), 16 participated in this sub-study and were randomized to a single oral dose of 500,000 IU vitD (n = 10) or placebo (n = 6). Plasmatic Ang II and Ang-(1-7) levels were determined by radioimmunoassay and interleukins (ILs) 1, 6, 8, and 10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and after treatment. Parallel, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH vitD) concentrations as vitD status was measured by a chemiluminescence immunoassay.\u0000Results: A trend towards an increase in Ang-(1-7) and a decrease in Ang II levels were observed in placebo- and vitD-treated COVID-19 patients compared to baseline values. There was no difference in Ang II and Ang-(1-7) levels between placebo- and vitD-treated COVID-19 patients. Similar results were obtained with ILs profile. COVID-19 patients showed an increase in the protective component of the RAS which was not improved by vitD treatment.\u0000Conclusions: VitD did not improve RAS disbalance in COVID-19. Notwithstanding, the authors visualize that acute treatment with high doses of vitD may show a trend to a decline in inflammatory ILs and an increase in protective markers. Finally, the authors would like to highlight the limitations of this preliminary study, namely the small number of patients and the use of a large single bolus dose of vitD rather than lower daily doses for extended periods with prolonged follow-up times. All these factors need special consideration in the designs of new vitD supplementation trials. All these factors need special consideration in the designs of new vitD supplementation trials (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04411446).","PeriodicalId":72999,"journal":{"name":"Exploration of medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46927450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-25DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00132
R. Parveen, Monalisha Samal, Nafis, H. Mukhtar, Sayeed Ahmad
Aim: The main objective of the study was to formulate, evaluate and perform an optimization study of chaulmoogra oil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) based gel. Methods: The study involves isolation, identification, and quantification of hydnocarpic acid (HA), using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and characterization using ultraviolet (UV), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectroscopy (MS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Different concentration of assorted solid lipids and surfactants was used for the preparation of SLN gel with the improved transdermal application. Size distribution, entrapping efficiency, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and percent yield were tested for the prepared SLN and the characterization of SLN gel was evaluated on the basis of in vitro diffusion study, stability studies, homogeneity, and skin irritancy test. Results: The amount of HA quantified in the oil sample was found to be 54.84% w/w. The percent yield and entrapment efficiency (EE) of HA SLNs were 96.176 ± 1.338% and 90.2 ± 0.5% respectively. The in vitro percent cumulative drug release was 80.89% for the developed SLN, the homogeneity test showed no grittiness, and the prepared gel was found to be effective as it shows no signs of erythema post-treatment of 10 days. The in vitro dissolution studies showed better results for SLN gel when compared to SLN suspension. Conclusions: The nano-gel could be a better option for the topical delivery of herbal drugs with improved bioavailability providing several benefits over conventional formulation.
{"title":"Development of solid lipid nanoparticle gel for transdermal delivery system of chaulmoogra oil","authors":"R. Parveen, Monalisha Samal, Nafis, H. Mukhtar, Sayeed Ahmad","doi":"10.37349/emed.2023.00132","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00132","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The main objective of the study was to formulate, evaluate and perform an optimization study of chaulmoogra oil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) based gel.\u0000Methods: The study involves isolation, identification, and quantification of hydnocarpic acid (HA), using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and characterization using ultraviolet (UV), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectroscopy (MS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Different concentration of assorted solid lipids and surfactants was used for the preparation of SLN gel with the improved transdermal application. Size distribution, entrapping efficiency, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and percent yield were tested for the prepared SLN and the characterization of SLN gel was evaluated on the basis of in vitro diffusion study, stability studies, homogeneity, and skin irritancy test.\u0000Results: The amount of HA quantified in the oil sample was found to be 54.84% w/w. The percent yield and entrapment efficiency (EE) of HA SLNs were 96.176 ± 1.338% and 90.2 ± 0.5% respectively. The in vitro percent cumulative drug release was 80.89% for the developed SLN, the homogeneity test showed no grittiness, and the prepared gel was found to be effective as it shows no signs of erythema post-treatment of 10 days. The in vitro dissolution studies showed better results for SLN gel when compared to SLN suspension.\u0000Conclusions: The nano-gel could be a better option for the topical delivery of herbal drugs with improved bioavailability providing several benefits over conventional formulation.","PeriodicalId":72999,"journal":{"name":"Exploration of medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41424770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-25DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00133
Lindsey B. Cundra, Manasa Vallabhaneni, Michael Saadeh, Kevin V. Houston, B. Yoo, Steve M. D’Souza, David A. Johnsonv
The novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has created a major public health crisis. Various dietary factors may enhance immunological activity against COVID-19 and serve as a method to combat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The dietary factors that are responsible for boosting immunity may provide a therapeutic advantage in patients with COVID-19. Investigators have demonstrated that vitamins B6, B12, C, D, E, and K, and trace elements like zinc, copper, selenium, and iron may serve as important tools for immunomodulation. Herein this is a review the peer-reviewed literature pertaining to dietary immunomodulation strategies against COVID-19. This review is intended to better define the evidence that dietary modifications and supplementation could positively influence the proinflammatory state in patients with COVID-19 and improve clinical outcomes. With appropriate insight, therapeutic interventions are discussed and directed to potentially modulate host immunity to mitigate the disease mechanisms of COVID-19.
{"title":"Immunomodulation strategies against COVID-19 evidence: key nutrients and dietary approaches","authors":"Lindsey B. Cundra, Manasa Vallabhaneni, Michael Saadeh, Kevin V. Houston, B. Yoo, Steve M. D’Souza, David A. Johnsonv","doi":"10.37349/emed.2023.00133","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00133","url":null,"abstract":"The novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has created a major public health crisis. Various dietary factors may enhance immunological activity against COVID-19 and serve as a method to combat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The dietary factors that are responsible for boosting immunity may provide a therapeutic advantage in patients with COVID-19. Investigators have demonstrated that vitamins B6, B12, C, D, E, and K, and trace elements like zinc, copper, selenium, and iron may serve as important tools for immunomodulation. Herein this is a review the peer-reviewed literature pertaining to dietary immunomodulation strategies against COVID-19. This review is intended to better define the evidence that dietary modifications and supplementation could positively influence the proinflammatory state in patients with COVID-19 and improve clinical outcomes. With appropriate insight, therapeutic interventions are discussed and directed to potentially modulate host immunity to mitigate the disease mechanisms of COVID-19.","PeriodicalId":72999,"journal":{"name":"Exploration of medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48296301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-25DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00130
Kevin V. Houston, Ankit Patel, Michael Saadeh, Alejandra Vargas, Ana Rosa Vilela Sangay
The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome remains an emerging topic of study and the characterization and impact on human health and disease continue to be an area of great interest. Similarly, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the healthcare system with active disease, lasting effects, and complications with the full impact yet to be determined. The most current evidence of the interaction between COVID-19 and the GI microbiome is reviewed, with a focus on key mediators and the microbiome changes associated with acute disease and post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS).
{"title":"Gastrointestinal microbiome and coronavirus disease: evidence of a bidirectional association","authors":"Kevin V. Houston, Ankit Patel, Michael Saadeh, Alejandra Vargas, Ana Rosa Vilela Sangay","doi":"10.37349/emed.2023.00130","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00130","url":null,"abstract":"The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome remains an emerging topic of study and the characterization and impact on human health and disease continue to be an area of great interest. Similarly, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the healthcare system with active disease, lasting effects, and complications with the full impact yet to be determined. The most current evidence of the interaction between COVID-19 and the GI microbiome is reviewed, with a focus on key mediators and the microbiome changes associated with acute disease and post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS).","PeriodicalId":72999,"journal":{"name":"Exploration of medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47329016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-25DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00131
Lisanne Vervoort, J. Vermeesch
DNA paralogs that have a length of at least 1 kilobase (kb) and are duplicated with a sequence identity of over 90% are classified as low copy repeats (LCRs) or segmental duplications (SDs). They constitute 6.6% of the genome and are clustering in specific genomic loci. Due to the high sequence homology between these duplicated regions, they can misalign during meiosis resulting in non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) and leading to structural variation such as deletions, duplications, inversions, and translocations. When such rearrangements result in a clinical phenotype, they are categorized as a genomic disorder. The presence of multiple copies of larger genomic segments offers opportunities for evolution. First, the creation of new genes in the human lineage will lead to human-specific traits and adaptation. Second, LCR variation between human populations can give rise to phenotypic variability. Hence, the rearrangement predisposition associated with LCRs should be interpreted in the context of the evolutionary advantages.
{"title":"Low copy repeats in the genome: from neglected to respected","authors":"Lisanne Vervoort, J. Vermeesch","doi":"10.37349/emed.2023.00131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00131","url":null,"abstract":"DNA paralogs that have a length of at least 1 kilobase (kb) and are duplicated with a sequence identity of over 90% are classified as low copy repeats (LCRs) or segmental duplications (SDs). They constitute 6.6% of the genome and are clustering in specific genomic loci. Due to the high sequence homology between these duplicated regions, they can misalign during meiosis resulting in non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) and leading to structural variation such as deletions, duplications, inversions, and translocations. When such rearrangements result in a clinical phenotype, they are categorized as a genomic disorder. The presence of multiple copies of larger genomic segments offers opportunities for evolution. First, the creation of new genes in the human lineage will lead to human-specific traits and adaptation. Second, LCR variation between human populations can give rise to phenotypic variability. Hence, the rearrangement predisposition associated with LCRs should be interpreted in the context of the evolutionary advantages.","PeriodicalId":72999,"journal":{"name":"Exploration of medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43656486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-20DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00135
S. Santonocito, S. Ferlito, Alessandro Polizzi, V. Ronsivalle, G. Reitano, A. Lo Giudice, G. Isola
The periodontium is an appropriate target for regeneration, as it cannot restore its function following disease. Significantly, the periodontium's limited regenerative capacity could be enhanced through the development of novel biomaterials and therapeutic approaches. Notably, the regenerative potential of the periodontium depends not only on its tissue-specific architecture and function but also on its ability to reconstruct distinct tissues and tissue interfaces, implying that the development of tissue engineering techniques can offer new perspectives for the organized reconstruction of soft and hard periodontal tissues. With their biocompatible structure and one-of-a-kind stimulus-responsive property, hydrogels have been utilized as an excellent drug delivery system for the treatment of several oral diseases. Furthermore, bioceramics and three-dimensional (3D) printed scaffolds are also appropriate scaffolding materials for the regeneration of periodontal tissue, bone, and cartilage. This work aims to examine and update material-based, biologically active cues and the deployment of breakthrough bio-fabrication technologies to regenerate the numerous tissues that comprise the periodontium for clinical and scientific applications.
{"title":"Impact exerted by scaffolds and biomaterials in periodontal bone and tissue regeneration engineering: new challenges and perspectives for disease treatment","authors":"S. Santonocito, S. Ferlito, Alessandro Polizzi, V. Ronsivalle, G. Reitano, A. Lo Giudice, G. Isola","doi":"10.37349/emed.2023.00135","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00135","url":null,"abstract":"The periodontium is an appropriate target for regeneration, as it cannot restore its function following disease. Significantly, the periodontium's limited regenerative capacity could be enhanced through the development of novel biomaterials and therapeutic approaches. Notably, the regenerative potential of the periodontium depends not only on its tissue-specific architecture and function but also on its ability to reconstruct distinct tissues and tissue interfaces, implying that the development of tissue engineering techniques can offer new perspectives for the organized reconstruction of soft and hard periodontal tissues. With their biocompatible structure and one-of-a-kind stimulus-responsive property, hydrogels have been utilized as an excellent drug delivery system for the treatment of several oral diseases. Furthermore, bioceramics and three-dimensional (3D) printed scaffolds are also appropriate scaffolding materials for the regeneration of periodontal tissue, bone, and cartilage. This work aims to examine and update material-based, biologically active cues and the deployment of breakthrough bio-fabrication technologies to regenerate the numerous tissues that comprise the periodontium for clinical and scientific applications.","PeriodicalId":72999,"journal":{"name":"Exploration of medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45075045","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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