Tradition has it that the politician Robespierre, a famous tribune of the French Revolution, was lying, wounded in the face by a bullet from a firearm, on an 18th century desk, and left a trace of blood there, before being guillotined the next day (1794). This piece of furniture is now kept in the National Archives (Paris, France). A paleo-proteomic study was carried out on several brown stains on the leather of the desk, which confirmed the human blood nature of the sample, but also identified the protein signature of different cranio-facial organs. This confirms not only the historical anecdote surrounding this desk, but also the importance of contemporary ballistic lesions on the eve of Robespierre's death. This demonstrates the importance and precision of paleo-proteomics in paleopathology and for the examination and identification of the precise nature of stains and micro-traces on old samples.
The implantable medical devices (IMDs) in the operating rooms of our hospital are managed through permanent deposits. Recently, a shift in supplier practices seems to limit the opening of permanent deposits in favor of iterative loans. Their increasing number appears to complicate the flow of IMDs. The aim of this study was to estimate the costs associated with these circuits while considering the satisfaction of the key stakeholders involved. The flows of deposits and loans in the orthopedic operating room were analyzed retrospectively over the course of a year. In parallel, a prospective assessment was made of the hours dedicated to managing both permanent and temporary deposits by the preparers and operating room managers. A satisfaction survey was conducted for all stakeholders: preparers, managers, pharmacists, surgeons, nurses, and suppliers. The cost per unit of IMD managed through permanent deposit is €1.89, compared to €2.66 for loans. The overall satisfaction for deposit management is 81%, compared to 55% for the same implant managed through loans (P<0.001). Furthermore, an implant in loan proves to be 68% more expensive for the hospital when the unit cost is weighted by satisfaction (€4.84 vs. €2.33). Managing IMDs through loans is thus more costly for the hospital. This difference becomes even more pronounced when professional satisfaction is factored into all the roles involved in the IMD flows. This study focuses specifically on aspects of IMD management on the ground (renewals, labeling, expired items, and returns). No similar studies were found in literature. The reliance on loans is increasingly burdensome for stakeholders, generating stress and sometimes demotivating work due to a lack of recognition.
Increasingly, molecular chemistry and pharmacology are complementing classical studies in the field of archaeology. In this case, we present the results of the chemical study of pipe residues found in the context of an archaeological mission (AROMA mission: Archaeology of the Exercise of Royal and Magico-Religious Power) in the royal palaces of Abomey (Benin), dating from the 17th-19th century. The search for many products was carried out (mainly tobacco, cannabis) but surprisingly only highlighted the presence of caffeine residues. This result is discussed and compared with field notions and in particular with ethnological surveys where coffee was consumed in the old way, smoked in a pipe (peripheral part or shell, and not the bean itself or the leaves).
Orphan drugs are medications that are produced for the treatment of rare diseases. As there is less number of patients, the drug manufacturing companies are not keen in producing these drugs. Due to high costs of research and development and low profitability, companies do not want to invest in manufacturing of orphan drugs. Several laws have been passed by Governments of different nations to encourage the development of orphan drugs and make it available to patients. This study explores the interrelation dynamics of factors that has resulted in the greater availability of orphan drugs in recent times. Ten factors: internet technology, legislation, online patient support groups, government subsidiary, biotechnological advancements, corporate social responsibility, awareness and diagnosis of rare diseases and exclusive budgeting by pharmaceutical industries for orphan drugs related research and development and production were taken for the study. With a sample size of 38 experts, the technique of decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) was used for the study. It was found that information technology, legislation, support groups, and budget were the causes and the factors awareness, diagnosis, medicine availability, subsidiary, CSR and biotechnology emerged to be the effect.
Implantable drug delivery systems offer numerous benefits, including effective drug administration at lower concentrations, fewer side effects, and improved patient compliance. Various polymers are used for fabricating implants, with biopolymers, particularly polysaccharides, being notable for their ability to modulate drug delivery characteristics. The review aims to describe the strategies employed in the development of polysaccharide-based implants and provide a comprehensive understanding of various polysaccharides such as starch, cellulose, alginate, chitosan, pullulan, carrageenan, dextran, hyaluronic acid, agar, pectin, and gellan gum in the fabrication of implant for targeted therapy. The review explores the biomedical applications of polysaccharide-based implantable devices, highlighting recent advancements in the development of these systems. Detailed discussions cover implants used in the oral cavity, nasal cavity, bone, ocular applications, and antiviral therapy. Additionally, regulatory considerations concerning implantable drug delivery are emphasized. The findings of the study show that polysaccharides can be used for the development of implants for drug delivery applications.