Capacidade terapêutica da fitoterapia na odontologia: uma análise abrangente das proteínas antimicrobianas, anti-inflamatórias e reparadoras / Therapeutic capacity of phytotherapy in dentistry: a comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and reparative properties

Introdução: A fitoterapia se baseia na utilização de plantas medicinais, através de diferentes formulações farmacêuticas com fins terapêuticos. Na Odontologia, os fitoterápicos têm sido alvo de estudos, devido suas propriedades benéficas, além de apresentarem biocompatibilidade, baixo custo e fácil acesso. Objetivo: Realizar um levantamento na literatura científica sobre a utilização da fitoterapia na Odontologia, com vistas aos efeitos antimicrobiano, anti-inflamatório e reparador. Material e Métodos: A busca ocorreu entre fevereiro a julho/2023, nas bases PubMed e LILACS, além de livre busca, cruzando-se os descritores "Phytotherapy", "Dentistry", "Anti-inflamatory Agents", "Anti-Infective Agents", "Wound Healing", "Fitoterapia", "Odontologia", "Anti-inflamatório", "Antimicrobiano" e "Cicatrização". Após leitura inicial, seguida da análise crítica com aplicação dos critérios estabelecidos, foram selecionadas 50 referências. Desenvolvimento: Diversas plantas são empregadas sob a forma de fitoterapia, como Aloe vera (babosa), Matricaria recutita (camomila), Copaifera (copaíba), Punica granatum (romã), Uncaria tomentosa (unha-de-gato), Malva sylvestris (malva), Althaea officinalis (malvaísco), Myracrodruon urundeuva (Aroeira), Lippia sidoides (Alecrim pimenta) e Glycyrrhiza glabra (Alcaçuz). Na Odontologia, pesquisas evidenciaram resultados satisfatórios para o tratamento de afecções da cavidade oral, especialmente com caráter inflamatório e infeccioso, além de aclerar a cicatrização. Esses achados apontam que a fitoterapia é um tratamento eficaz, acessível e com mínimos efeitos colaterais. Considerações finais: Com base na literatura revisada, a fitoterapia parece ser uma alternativa promissora no tratamento de afecções orais, devido aos seus notáveis efeitos cicatrizantes, antimicrobianos e anti-inflamatórios. Contudo, mais pesquisas com metodologias adequadas são necessárias para que se estabeleçam protocolos clínicos seguros e eficazes.

Introduction: Phytotherapy is based on the use of medicinal plants through different pharmaceutical formulations for therapeutic purposes. In Dentistry, phytotherapeutics have been the subject of studies due to their beneficial properties, as well as their biocompatibility, low cost, and easy accessibility. Objective: To conduct a literature review on the use of phytotherapy in Dentistry, focusing on antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and reparative effects. Materials and Methods: The search took place between February and July 2023, using PubMed and LILACS databases, in addition to a free search, crossing the descriptors "Phytotherapy," "Dentistry," "Anti-inflammatory Agents," "Anti-Infective Agents," "Wound Healing," "Fitoterapia," "Odontologia," "Anti-inflammatory," "Antimicrobial," and "Cicatrização." After an initial reading, followed by critical analysis with the application of established criteria, 50 references were selected. Development: Various plants are employed in phytotherapy, such as Aloe vera (aloe), Matricaria recutita (chamomile), Copaifera (copaiba), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw), Malva sylvestris (mallow), Althaea officinalis (marshmallow), Myracrodruon urundeuva (Brazilian copaiba), Lippia sidoides (rosemary pepper), and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice). In Dentistry, research has shown satisfactory results for the treatment of oral cavity conditions, especially those with inflammatory and infectious characteristics, as well as accelerating healing. These findings suggest that phytotherapy is an effective, accessible treatment with minimal side effects. Final considerations: Based on the reviewed literature, phytotherapy appears to be a promising alternative in the treatment of oral conditions due to its notable healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, more research with appropriate methodologies is necessary to establish safe and effective clinical protocols.

Assessing the potential fasting and postprandial mechanisms involved in the acute hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects of four selected plants from Iran used in traditional Persian medicine.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In traditional Persian medicine (TPM), people often use herbal infusions as a dosage form to treat diseases related to hyperglycemia, known as 'dam-kardeh'. Traditionally, herbal preparations of Eryngium bungei Boiss. (E. b), Tragopogon buphthalmoides (DC.) Boiss. (T. b), Salvia hydrangea DC. ex Benth. (S. h), and Juniperus polycarpos K. Koch. (J. p) are used to manage diabetes in Iran. However, there is no evidence of their effectiveness in controlling glucose levels and their mechanisms remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate whether traditional doses of plant infusions can have hypoglycemic and/or anti-hyperglycemic effects during fasting and/or postprandial states and establish the basis for future research on their potential mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of traditional doses of herbal extracts on blood glucose levels in STZ-NA-induced hyperglycemic rats were investigated in 2-h acute tests during fasting and postprandial states (with a glucose load). In addition, the potential inhibitory effect in vitro of enzymes involved in relevant pathways, such as gluconeogenesis (fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, FBPase and glucose-6-phosphatase, G6Pase), carbohydrate breakdown (intestinal α-glucosidases), and insulin sensitivity (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, PTP-1B) was evaluated. Acute toxicity tests were carried out and HPLC-SQ-TOF was used to analyze the chemical profiles of the plant extracts. RESULTS: In the fasting state, T. b, S. h, and E. b were as effective as glibenclamide in lowering blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic rats. Moreover, all three suppressed G6Pase and FBPase enzymatic activity by 90-97% and 80-91%, respectively. On the other hand, significant postprandial hypoglycemic efficacy was observed for E. b, S. h, and T. b. Based on the AUC values, T. b caused a reduction comparable to the therapeutic efficacy of repaglinide. When investigating the possible mechanisms of action involved in this activity, E. b, S. h, and T. b showed significant inhibition of PTP-1B in vitro (>70%). Finally, all plant extracts showed no signs of acute toxicity. Several compounds that may contribute to biological activities were identified, including phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides. CONCLUSIONS: The present study supports the traditional use of T. b, E. b and S. h for the control of diabetes in the fasting and postprandial state. Moreover, these plants were found to be rich in bioactive compounds with hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities. On the other hand, J. p, showed a modest effect only in the fasting state and after 90 min. Further studies are needed to expand these results by analyzing the chemical composition and using complementary experimental models.

Uncovering the pharmacological mechanisms of Patchouli essential oil for treating ulcerative colitis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pogostemonis Herba has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory disorders. Patchouli essential oil (PEO) is the primary component of Pogostemonis Herba, and it has been suggested to offer curative potential when applied to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the pharmacological mechanisms of PEO for treating UC remain to be clarified. AIM OF THE STUDY: To elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms of PEO for treating UC. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study, transcriptomic and network pharmacology approaches were combined to clarify the mechanisms of PEO for treating UC. Our results reveal that rectal PEO administration in UC model mice significantly alleviated symptoms of UC. In addition, PEO effectively suppressed colonic inflammation and oxidative stress. Mechanistically, PEO can ameliorate UC mice by modulating gut microbiota, inhibiting inflammatory targets (OPTC, PTN, IFIT3, EGFR, and TLR4), and inhibiting the PI3K-AKT pathway. Next, the 11 potential bioactive components that play a role in PEO's anti-UC mechanism were identified, and the therapeutic efficacy of the pogostone (a bioactive component) in UC mice was partially validated. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the mechanisms through which PEO can treat UC, providing a rigorous scientific foundation for future efforts to develop and apply PEO for treating UC.

Topical frankincense treatment for frostbite based on microcirculation improvements.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Chinese traditional medicine frankincense, which can promote blood circulation, is often used to treat skin lesions, including frostbite. AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore the properties of frankincense oil extract (FOE) and its active ingredients and their effect on frostbite wound recovery as an approach to understand the mechanism associated with microcirculation-improvement therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The microcirculation-improving effects of FOE and its active ingredients were evaluated using liquid nitrogen-induced frostbite animal models. The rewarming capacity of FOE on the skin was determined through infrared detection, and frostbite wound healing was evaluated following haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and fibre analysis. Moreover, related factors were examined to determine the anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and microcirculatory properties of FOE and its active ingredients on affected tissue in the context of frostbite. RESULTS: FOE and its active ingredients rapidly rewarmed wound tissue after frostbite by increasing the temperature. Moreover, these treatments improved wound healing and restored skin structure through collagen and elastin fibre remodelling. In addition, they exerted anti-apoptotic effects by decreasing the number of apoptotic cells, reducing caspase-3 expression, and eliciting anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing COX-2 and ß-catenin expression. They also improved microcirculatory disorders by decreasing HIF-1α expression and increasing CD31 expression. CONCLUSIONS: FOE and its active components can effectively treat frostbite by enhancing microcirculation, inhibiting the infiltration of inflammatory cells, decreasing cell apoptosis, and exerting antinociceptive effects. These findings highlight FOE as a new treatment option for frostbite, providing patients with an effective therapeutic strategy.

Optimizing physicochemical properties, antioxidant potential, and antibacterial activity of dry ginger extract using sonication treatment.

This research paper focused on enhancing the physico-chemical attributes, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial effectiveness of dry ginger extract through sonication as an assistant extraction treatment. Ginger, resulting from the rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, is known for its culinary and medicinal uses outstanding to its antioxidant and antimicrobial possessions from phenolic acids and flavonoids. The study explored the use of sonication as an assistant extraction method and found that it significantly augmented the total phenolic content of the ginger extract by 28 % compared to traditional extraction methods, reaching 10.55 ± 1.50 mg GAE/g, DW. The research assessed the physicochemical belongings, antioxidant action, and antibacterial possibility of the sonicated ginger extract. The sonicated extract exhibited scavenging activity against the DPPH radical of 56.0 %. Pearson correlation investigation revealed a strong confident correlation between the phenolic content and antioxidant activity (r = 0.92, p < 0.01), as well as volatile compounds exhibited a moderate confident correlation with antibacterial action (r = 0.67, p < 0.05). The sonicated ginger extract also demonstrated potent antibacterial action, preventing the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These findings contribute to the development of more efficient methods for extracting phenolic from ginger and provide insights into the relationships between phenolic and bioactive properties.

Preventing social defeat stress-induced behavioural and neurochemical alterations by repeated treatment with a mix of Centella asiatica, Echinacea purpurea and Zingiber officinale standardized extracts.

Background: Prolonged exposure to stress is a risk factor for the onset of several disorders. Modern life is burdened by a pervasive prevalence of stress, which represents a major societal challenge requiring new therapeutic strategies. In this context, botanical drug-based therapies can have a paramount importance. Methods: Here we studied the preventive effects of a repeated treatment (p.o. daily, 3 weeks) with a combination of Centella asiatica (200 mg/kg), Echinacea purpurea (20 mg/kg) and Zingiber officinale (150 mg/kg) standardized extracts, on the chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) deleterious outcomes. After 10 days of CSDS exposure, male mice' performances were evaluated in paradigms relevant for social (social interaction test), emotional (tail suspension test), cognitive (novel object recognition) domains as well as for pain perception (cold plate and von Frey tests) and motor skills (rotarod). Mice were then sacrificed, the spinal cords, hippocampi and frontal cortices dissected and processed for RT-PCR analysis. Results: Extracts mix treatment prevented stress-induced social aversion, memory impairment, mechanical and thermal allodynia and reduced behavioural despair independently of stress exposure. The treatment stimulated hippocampal and cortical BDNF and TrkB mRNA levels and counteracted stress-induced alterations in pro- (TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL4, IL10) cytokines expression in the same areas. It also modulated expression of pain related genes (GFAP and Slc1a3) in the spinal cord. Conclusion: The treatment with the extracts mix obtained from C. asiatica, E. purpurea and Z. officinale may represent a promising strategy to promote resilience and prevent the deleterious effects induced by extended exposure to psychosocial stress.

The effect of cold plasma treatment on the fruit quality and aroma components of winter jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. 'Dongzao').

Cold plasma (CP) is a novel environmental-friendly preservation technology that causes minimal damage to fruits. The flavor and quality of winter jujubes have decreased with the extended storage time. Currently, the research on the use of CP on winter jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. 'Dongzao') mainly focuses on the effect of the treatment on storage quality. There is limited research on the effect of CP treatment on the flavor of winter jujubes. This study used different CP (80 kV) treatment durations (0, 5, and 10 min) to treat winter jujubes. The appropriate treatment time was selected by observing the changes in color, respiratory intensity, soluble sugar content, total acid content, and vitamin C (VC) content of winter jujubes. Amino acid analyzer and headspace solid-phase microextraction in combination with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection were used to analyze the effect of CP treatment on the flavor compounds of winter jujubes. The results showed that the 5-min CP treatment could significantly slow down the red coloration of winter jujube while maintaining high soluble sugar, total acid, and VC content. At the respiration peak, the respiratory intensity of the 5-min CP treatment group was 0.74 mg CO2·kg-1·h-1 lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). CP treatment slowed down the decrease in the content of amino acids and volatile organic compounds (such as 2-methyl-4-pentenal, 2-hexenal, and 3-hexenal) in winter jujubes. This study will provide basic data for applying CP preservation technology in postharvest winter jujubes.

Natural Inhibitory Treatment of FungiInduced Deterioration of Carbonate and Cellulosic Ancient Monuments: Isolation, Identification and Simulation of Biogenic Deterioration.

Fungi play a significant role in the deterioration of various types of monuments. Therefore, the protection of ancient monuments from fungal attacks is an important goal that must attract the attention of researchers worldwide. A total of 69 fungal isolates were recovered from 22 deteriorated objects compromising paper, textiles, wood, and stone in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) storeroom, Cairo, Egypt. The isolates were identified as 12 different species categorized into three different genera, namely, Aspergillus (9 species), Penicillium (2 species) and Trichoderma (1 species). Among them, Aspergillus fumigatus was the most prevalent species. Three essential oils were assessed for antifungal activity and compared with the antifungal effects of five synthetic microcides to identify a natural inhibitory treatment. Thyme oil and sodium azide were found to be the most active growth inhibitors, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 625 and 100 ppm, with inhibition zone diameters of 19.0 ± 0.70 - 23.76 ± 1.15 and 13.30 ± 0.35 - 19.66 ± 0.54 mm, respectively. An in vitro simulation of the biodeterioration process was conducted using spores of the A. fumigatus strain NMEC-PSTW.1 on model cubes made of paper, textile, wood, and stone materials. The changes in the characteristics of the artificially deteriorated materials were analyzed using environmental scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed changes in the morphology, physical properties, and chemical composition induced by A. fumigatus NMEC-PSTW.1. Overall, thyme oil is recommended as a natural inhibitor to protect carbonate and cellulosic monuments in NMEC against fungal attack.

Evaluation of Comparative Efficacy of Levothyroxine Versus Kshar Basti and Kanchanar Guggul in the Treatment of Hypothyroidism: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that has an impact on the body's general metabolism. Thus, the secretions of the thyroid gland can modify the overall metabolism of the entire body. The prevalence of hypothyroidism is increasing quickly, with rates of 2%-5% in affluent countries and 11% in India. Individuals diagnosed with hypothyroidism need to take medication for the rest of their lives, resulting in significant stress. Therefore, conducting a study in this area is imperative. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the therapeutic enema (Kshar Basti) and oral Kanchanar Guggul in the treatment of hypothyroidism. METHODS: The trial group (n=45) will receive a therapeutic enema (Kshar Basti) followed by oral Ayurvedic drugs for 180 days. The control group (n=45) will be given levothyroxine tablets at a dosage of 1.6 µg/kg/day for the same duration. The objective is to examine the alterations in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Any deviation of the serum TSH by more than 20% from the initial values, while keeping triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels within the normal range, will be deemed statistically significant. Consequently, we anticipate a statistically significant variation in serum TSH levels between the therapeutic enema and Kanchanar Guggul treatments. Presently, the drug preparation operations are in progress. We expect to start enrolling patients in June 2024, do data analysis in December 2025, and acquire results by early 2026, marking the end of this trial. CONCLUSIONS: This study will evaluate the efficacy of the therapeutic enema, specifically Kshar Basti, in treating hypothyroidism. Furthermore, more research can determine the efficacy of a therapeutic enema (Kshar Basti) in treating overt hypothyroidism and hypothyroidism during pregnancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry India CTRI/2023/05/052389; https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?EncHid=Nzk1NjY=&Enc=&userName=052389. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/57287.

Assessment of poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) and lime for surface water treatment (pond, river, and canal water): seasonal variations and correlation analyses.

The present study deals with the assessment of different physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity (E.C.), turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and dissolved oxygen) in different surface water such as pond, river, and canal water in four different seasons, viz. March, June, September, and December 2023. The research endeavors to assess the impact of a cationic polyelectrolyte, specifically poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC), utilized as a coagulation aid in conjunction with lime for water treatment. Employing a conventional jar test apparatus, turbidity removal from diverse water samples is examined. Furthermore, the samples undergo characterization utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The study also conducts correlation analyses on various parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity of raw water, polyelectrolyte dosage, and percentage of turbidity removal across different water sources. Utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, these analyses aim to establish robust relationships among initial turbidity, temperature, percentage of turbidity removal, dosage of coagulant aid, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) in pond water, river water, and canal water. A strong positive correlation could be found between the percentage of turbidity removal and the value of initial turbidity of all surface water. However, a negative correlation could be observed between the polyelectrolyte dosage and raw water's turbidity. By elucidating these correlations, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of PDADMAC and lime in water treatment processes across diverse environmental conditions. This research enhances our comprehension of surface water treatment methodologies and provides valuable insights for optimizing water treatment strategies to address the challenges posed by varying water sources and seasonal fluctuations.

Translational perspectives on the therapeutic potential of Hyptis crenata essential oil terpenes in smooth muscle function.

Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are classes of organic compounds found in various natural products, such as the essential oil of Hyptis crenata (EOHc). The therapeutic potential of these terpenes present in EOHc is evidenced by their effect on smooth muscle and potential clinical applications. Among the highlighted monoterpenes, such as sabinene, α-pinene, and ß-pinene, a relaxing effect on rat intestinal smooth muscles is observed, attributed to interaction with calcium channels. Furthermore, monoterpenoids like borneol, cineole, and linalool also demonstrate vasorelaxant properties, suggesting potential in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions. Sesquiterpenes, such as caryophyllene and aromadendrenes, exhibit relaxing effects in various smooth muscle tissues, such as rat uterus and guinea pig ileum, indicating pharmacological potential in these areas. The translational exploration of targets, such as calcium channels and G protein-coupled receptors, highlights the importance of these compounds in discovering new therapies based on natural products for treating various medical conditions.

Studies on the Preparation of a Microemulsion Formulation of Matricaria Recutita Essential Oil and the Treatment of 2,4-Dinitro-Chlorobenzene- Induced Eczema in Mice by Inhibiting Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Eczema, an inflammatory skin disease causing intense itching, is a function of a range of internal and external factors, impacting individuals of all ages and leading to economic loss. Inflammation is the most important manifestation of eczema, and Matricaria recutita essential oil (MREO) extracted from Matricaria recutita possesses excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. METHODS: In this study, Matricaria recutita microemulsions were prepared by the trans-phase emulsification method and their stability was determined by evaluating the relevant indexes. Establishment of 2,4-dinitro-chlorobenzene-induced AD model in mice. Detection of serum indexes of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α, and on pathological tissue sections, the HE staining, toluidine blue staining, immunohistochemistry, and observation were performed. RESULTS: The study obtained optimal conditions for the preparation of microemulsion formulations of Matricaria recutita. Through quality evaluation, it was found that the microemulsion increased stability, reduced irritation, and retained anti-inflammatory activity and therapeutic effects on eczema compared to Matricaria recutita essential oil (MREO). Studies have demonstrated that microemulsion formulations of Matricaria recutita and Matricaria recutita significantly down regulate the proinflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-6. It was shown by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining that both Matricaria recutita essential oil (MREO) and Matricaria recutita microemulsion (MRME) improved the inflammatory status of eczematous skin tissues in mice. The number of mast cells expressed in the tissues was decreased in the surface-treated group, as shown by toluidine blue staining. Additionally, the number of mast cells expressed in the tissues in the surface-treated group was reduced, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry revealed that MREO and MRME have immunomodulatory effects on the tissues. CONCLUSION: The study showed that microemulsion formulations of Matricaria recutita may serve as a novel remedy for eczema.

The effects of aromatherapy and music on pain, anxiety, and stress levels in palliative care patients.

AIM: Pain and anxiety levels in palliative care patients negatively impact their quality of life, highlighting the need for research on non-pharmacological methods. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of music and aromatherapy interventions on pain, anxiety, and stress levels in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was designed as a single-blind, four-group, randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 88 patients hospitalized in a palliative care center (receiving palliative care services with terminal or advanced diseases). Patients were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 22, music, aromatherapy, music and aromatherapy, and control group). Patients in the experimental groups received the intervention to which they were assigned for 20 min each day for three consecutive days: music, aromatherapy, or music accompanied by aromatherapy. No intervention was applied to the control group. The patients' levels of pain, anxiety, and stress were assessed before and after the intervention using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Facial Anxiety Scale (FAS), and the Distress Thermometer. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the demographic characteristics of the groups (p > 0.05). The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated statistically significant differences in pre- and post-intervention scores for VAS, FAS, and Distress across all experimental groups on all follow-up days (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Implementing music, aromatherapy, and their combination effectively reduced pain, anxiety, and stress levels in palliative care patients, suggesting these non-pharmacological interventions can improve their quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrails.gov (Registration number: NCT06024954) at 05-SEP-2024.

Ferroptosis-inducing nanomedicine and targeted short peptide for synergistic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

The poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still an urgent challenge to be solved worldwide. Hence, assembling drugs and targeted short peptides together to construct a novel medicine delivery strategy is crucial for targeted and synergy therapy of HCC. Herein, a high-efficiency nanomedicine delivery strategy has been constructed by combining graphdiyne oxide (GDYO) as a drug-loaded platform, specific peptide (SP94-PEG) as a spear to target HCC cells, sorafenib, doxorubicin-Fe2+ (DOX-Fe2+), and siRNA (SLC7A11-i) as weapons to exert a three-path synergistic attack against HCC cells. In this work, SP94-PEG and GDYO form nanosheets with HCC-targeting properties, the chemotherapeutic drug DOX linked to ferrous ions increases the free iron pool in HCC cells and synergizes with sorafenib to induce cell ferroptosis. As a key gene of ferroptosis, interference with the expression of SLC7A11 makes the ferroptosis effect in HCC cells easier, stronger, and more durable. Through gene interference, drug synergy, and short peptide targeting, the toxic side effects of chemotherapy drugs are reduced. The multifunctional nanomedicine GDYO@SP94/DOX-Fe2+/sorafenib/SLC7A11-i (MNMG) possesses the advantages of strong targeting, good stability, the ability to continuously induce tumor cell ferroptosis and has potential clinical application value, which is different from traditional drugs.

Novel non-pharmacological strategies for managing dentophobia in adult patients - literature review.

Dentophobia concerns a substantial portion of the adult population, often leading to avoidance of dental care and subsequent deterioration in oral health. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted nature of odontophobia and examines various non-pharmacological strategies aimed at its management in adult patients. Factors contributing to dentophobia, including past traumatic experiences, feelings of vulnerability, and mistrust in dental professionals, are discussed, highlighting the complex interplay of psychological, physiological, and environmental influences. Novel approaches such as Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy offer promising avenues for systematically desensitising patients to their fears and enhancing treatment acceptance. Aromatherapy utilising essential oils like chamomile, orange, and lavender, as well as dog-assisted therapy, have shown potential in creating calming environments and reducing patient anxiety during dental procedures. Muscle relaxation therapy, biofeedback techniques, and process simulations provide additional tools for addressing the physiological and cognitive aspects of odontophobia. Cognitive-behavioural therapy interventions, including brief sessions focused on cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy, demonstrate efficacy in reducing fear of dentists and improving treatment outcomes. By incorporating these diverse non-pharmacological strategies into dental practice, clinicians can enhance patient experiences, increase treatment acceptance and adherence, and ultimately improve oral health outcomes. While these interventions show promising results, further research is needed to refine their implementation, optimize their effectiveness, and ensure accessibility to patients with dentophobia. By addressing the multifaceted nature of dental anxiety and adopting a patient-centred approach, clinicians can provide holistic care, fostering better oral health and overall well-being in their patients.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of Andrographolide and Ajwain as promising alternatives to antibiotics for treating Salmonella gallinarum infection in chicken.

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella gallinarum, poses a significant challenge to poultry health and food safety. In response, alternative strategies are urgently needed to mitigate bacterial infections without exacerbating antibiotic resistance. Phytoremediation, a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach, harnesses the natural detoxification capabilities of plants to remediate contaminants. This study explores the potential of combined phytoremediation using Andrographolide, derived from Andrographis paniculata, and Ajwain derived from Trachyspermum ammi as promising alternatives to antibiotics for treating Salmonella gallinarum infection in poultry. Andrographolide, known for its potent antimicrobial properties, exhibits inhibitory effects while Ajwain, rich in bioactive compounds, possesses antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. By leveraging their combined phytoremediation potential, Andrographolide and Ajwain offer a multifaceted approach to combat Salmonella gallinarum within the poultry environment. The study employed a rigorous experimental design, including in vitro assessments of antimicrobial susceptibility, cytotoxicity, and optimal concentration determination. Following this, in vivo experiments were conducted using a chicken model infected with Salmonella gallinarum. Results demonstrated that the selected combinations effectively reduced mortality rates, alleviated clinical symptoms, and mitigated gross pathological signs associated with Salmonella infection. Gene expression studies indicated a downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, underscoring potential implications of a combined phytoremediation strategy as an innovative and sustainable solution to address Salmonella gallinarum infections in poultry production systems.

A network pharmacology and transcriptome analysis of the therapeutic effects of tea tree oil on the lungs of chicks exposed to hydrogen sulfide.

This study investigated the use of tea tree oil (TTO) in the treatment of H2S-induced lung injury in chickens, focusing on the detoxification mechanism. H2S can damage the respiratory system and reduce growth performance. TTO can improve immune inflammation and growth performance. The mechanism by which TTO mitigates the harmful effects of H2S on chicken lungs remains unclear. Therefore, the experimental model was established by H2S exposure and TTO addition in drinking water. The 240 one-day-old Roman pink chicks were selected for the experiment. The trial was divided into control group (CON), treatment group (TTG, 0.02 mL/L TTO+H2S) and H2S exposure group (AVG, H2S). There were 4 replicates in each group and the trial lasted for 42 d. The therapeutic effect of TTO on lung injury in chickens were determined by growth performance evaluation, transcription sequencing and network pharmacology analysis. The results showed that in the test's third week, the body weights of the chickens in the CON were higher than those in the AVG and TTG (P < 0.05). Pathological sections showed that TTO alleviated the symptoms of lung inflammation and bleeding caused by ROS. As showed by transcriptional sequencing, the mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes Caspase-9, BAK-1, BCL-2 and BAX were significantly altered (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of inflammation-related genes IL-2, IL-6, and IL-17 were downregulated (P < 0.05). Network pharmacological analysis showed that CA2, CA4, GABRA5 and ADH1C were the key targets of TTO. The TTO treatment significantly altered these targets (P < 0.05). Molecular docking confirmed the strong binding ability between the active component and the targets. This study showed that TTO inhibits H2S-induced oxidative damage to the lungs, thereby improving their health status. This provides a new solution for the prevention of harmful gas in the poultry industry.

Delivery effectiveness of and adherence to intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine with or without targeted information transfer or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in western Kenya: a three-armed, pragmatic, open-label, cluster-randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: High-level resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine threatens the efficacy of WHO-recommended intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with single-dose sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine to prevent malaria. Monthly IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, a 3-day regimen, is an emerging alternative, but this regimen poses potential implementation and adherence challenges. We aimed to assess adherence to a multiday IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine regimen and its delivery effectiveness in routine antenatal care settings in western Kenya. METHODS: We conducted a pragmatic, three-armed, open-label, cluster-randomised trial in antenatal clinics in 18 health-care facilities (six facilities per group) in Kisumu County and Homa Bay County in western Kenya. Clusters were facilities offering routine antenatal care services provided by trained Ministry of Health staff with 100 or more antenatal clinic attendances per month between July, 2018, and June, 2019. Private or mission hospitals, dispensaries, referral hospitals, and trial sites were excluded. Individuals in their first trimester, living with HIV, or who were not attending a scheduled antenatal clinic visit were excluded. The 18 antenatal clinics were grouped into matched triplets stratified by location and clinics in each matched triplet were randomly assigned to one of the three study groups (1:1:1). Masking was not possible. Two groups were given IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (one group with a targeted information transfer intervention and one group without any additional interventions) and one group was given the standard of care (ie, IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine). The primary endpoint, adherence, was defined as the proportion of participants completing their most recent 3-day IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine regimen. This completion was verified by pill counts during home visits no more than 2 days after participants' 3-day regimens ended. The secondary endpoint, delivery effectiveness, was defined as the proportion of participants who received the correct number of IPTp tablets and correctly repeated dosing instructions (ie, correctly recalled the instructions they received about self-administered dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine doses and the number of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine tablets they had received) at their exit from the antenatal clinic. Individuals receiving treatment for malaria, visiting a clinic for registration only, or interviewed during IPTp drug stock-outs were excluded from analyses. We used generalised linear mixed models to compare endpoints among the IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine groups. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04160026, and is complete. FINDINGS: 15 facilities (five per group) completed the trial, with 1189 participants having exit interviews (377 in the IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine group, 408 in the IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine only group, and 404 in the IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus targeted information transfer intervention group) and 586 participants having home visits (267 in the IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine only group and 319 in the IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus targeted information transfer intervention group) from Sept 8 to Dec 10, 2020. Relative to the IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine only group, adherence was 16% higher in the IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus targeted information transfer intervention group (266 [83%] of 319 participants vs 196 [73%] of 267 participants; adjusted relative risk [RR] 1·16, 95% CI 1·03-1·31; p=0·0140). Delivery effectiveness in the IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus targeted information transfer intervention group was not significantly different from that in the IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine group (352 [87%] of 403 participants vs 335 [89%] of 375 participants; adjusted RR 0·97, 95% CI 0·90-1·05; p=0·4810). However, delivery effectiveness in the IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine only group was significantly lower than in the IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine group (300 [74%] of 404 participants vs 335 [89%] of 375 participants; 0·84, 0·75-0·95; p=0·0030). INTERPRETATION: Targeted information transfer interventions to health-care providers and pregnant individuals boost antenatal care delivery adherence to a multiday regimen with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine. FUNDING: European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership 2, UK Joint Global Health Trials Scheme of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health and Care Research, and Wellcome Trust; and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

Therapeutic potential of cannabis for surgical wound healing in rats.

This study was conducted to evaluate the wound-healing activities of a Cannabis sativa L. plant extract and cannabidiol on incision wounds. An incision was created and sutured in rats under anaesthesia. Routine wound care procedures were applied for 10 days, followed by histological wound examinations. The cellular bioactivities of the hemp extract and CBD were assessed for MCP-1, EGF, BFGF, IL-8, and COL-1 using ELISA on the rat skin wound healing activity. A one-way ANOVA was used for the data analysis. The EGF values in the plasma were similar in the povidone-iodine, hemp seed oil, and hemp essential oil groups (P > 0.05). However, the EGF levels were lower in the CBD group compared to the other groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.005). The MCP-1 values in the hemp seed oil, hemp essential oil, and CBD were similar (P > 0.05), whereas povidone iodine exhibited lower MCP-1 levels compared to the other groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.005). It was determined that the plasma BFGF, IL-8, and COL 1 values of the groups were similar (P > 0.05). To our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the effects of CBD, seed oil, and hemp leaf extract on incision wound healing. It demonstrates that hemp extract holds greater potential benefits for wound healing compared to CBD.

Exploring the mechanism of action of Bidens pilosa L. in combating hepatic fibrosis through network pharmacology and molecular docking: An observational study.

Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking methods, to explore the possible targets and mechanisms of Bidens pilosa L. in treatment of liver fibrosis. The TCMSP, GeneCard, OMIM, TTD and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the targets of Bidens pilosa L and liver fibrosis, than the intersection targets were screened out by Venny 2.1.0, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the core targets were obtained by the STRING database. Use Cytoscape3.7.2 software to draw the "traditional Chinese medicine-component-target-disease" network. The DAVID database platform was explored to analyze the biological process and pathway, and predict the anti-liver fibrosis mechanism of Bidens pilosa L. AutoDock and PyMol were used to verify the molecular docking between the active ingredients of Bidens pilosa L. and the core targets. Six active components of Bidens pilosa L. and 106 intersection targets were screened. PIK3R1, HSP90AA1, SRC, TP53, AKT1, RELA and other core targets were screened by PPI network analysis. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the anti-liver fibrosis of Bidens pilosa L mainly involved in the regulation and negative regulation of apoptosis process, positive regulation of protein kinase B signal transduction, positive regulation of cell migration and other biological processes. Pathways acting on cancer, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, lipids and atherosclerosis, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and other signaling pathways. Molecular docking showed that the active components of Bidens pilosa L. displayed good binding activity with core target proteins, and the average binding energy was -7.47 kcal/mol. The possible mechanism of the active components against liver fibrosis is to regulate the PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and other signaling pathways by acting on core targets such as PIK3R1, HSP90AA1, SRC, TP53, AKT1, RELA, and induce the apoptosis of activated HSC cells to reverse and improve liver fibrosis.