Biomaterials for reliable wearable health monitoring: Applications in skin and eye integration.

Recent advancements in biomaterials have significantly impacted wearable health monitoring, creating opportunities for personalized and non-invasive health assessments. These developments address the growing demand for customized healthcare solutions. Durability is a critical factor for biomaterials in wearable applications, as they must withstand diverse wearing conditions effectively. Therefore, there is a heightened focus on developing biomaterials that maintain robust and stable functionalities, essential for advancing wearable sensing technologies. This review examines the biomaterials used in wearable sensors, specifically those interfaced with human skin and eyes, highlighting essential strategies for achieving long-lasting and stable performance. We specifically discuss three main categories of biomaterials-hydrogels, fibers, and hybrid materials-each offering distinct properties ideal for use in durable wearable health monitoring systems. Moreover, we delve into the latest advancements in biomaterial-based sensors, which hold the potential to facilitate early disease detection, preventative interventions, and tailored healthcare approaches. We also address ongoing challenges and suggest future directions for research on material-based wearable sensors to encourage continuous innovation in this dynamic field.

Reproducible and Interpretable Machine Learning-Based Radiomic Analysis for Overall Survival Prediction in Glioblastoma Multiforme.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate an MRI-based radiomic model for predicting overall survival (OS) in patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), utilizing a retrospective dataset from multiple institutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre-treatment MRI images of 289 GBM patients were collected. From each patient's tumor volume, 660 radiomic features (RFs) were extracted and subjected to robustness analysis. The initial prognostic model with minimum RFs was subsequently enhanced by including clinical variables. The final clinical-radiomic model was derived through repeated three-fold cross-validation on the training dataset. Performance evaluation included assessment of concordance index (C-Index), integrated area under curve (iAUC) alongside patient stratification into low and high-risk groups for overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The final prognostic model, which has the highest level of interpretability, utilized primary gross tumor volume (GTV) and one MRI modality (T2-FLAIR) as a predictor and integrated the age variable with two independent, robust RFs, achieving moderately good discriminatory performance (C-Index [95% confidence interval]: 0.69 [0.62-0.75]) with significant patient stratification (p = 7 × 10-5) on the validation cohort. Furthermore, the trained model exhibited the highest iAUC at 11 months (0.81) in the literature. CONCLUSION: We identified and validated a clinical-radiomic model for stratification of patients into low and high-risk groups based on OS in patients with GBM using a multicenter retrospective dataset. Future work will focus on the use of deep learning-based features, with recently standardized convolutional filters on OS tasks.

The Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Management of Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Current Evidence and Emerging Trends.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a common form of hearing impairment characterized by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, resulting in significant communication difficulties and reduced quality of life. Current treatment options, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and corticosteroids, primarily focus on symptom management and do not address the underlying pathophysiological damage. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous concentrate rich in platelets and growth factors, has emerged as a potential regenerative therapy due to its ability to promote tissue repair and cellular regeneration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of PRP in the management of SNHL, examining the current evidence from preclinical and clinical studies. We discuss the mechanisms through which PRP may promote auditory tissue regeneration and repair, analyze its efficacy and safety profile, and explore innovative approaches and future directions in its application for SNHL. Despite promising preliminary findings, further research is needed to optimize PRP protocols, establish standardized treatment guidelines, and conduct large-scale randomized controlled trials to validate efficacy. This review aims to highlight the potential of PRP as a novel therapeutic strategy in treating SNHL and its possible integration into current clinical practices, offering new hope for patients with this debilitating condition.

Focused Ultrasound in Cancer Immunotherapy: A Review of Mechanisms and Applications.

Ultrasound is well-perceived for its diagnostic application. Meanwhile, ultrasound, especially focused ultrasound (FUS), has also demonstrated therapeutic capabilities, such as thermal tissue ablation, hyperthermia, and mechanical tissue ablation, making it a viable therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. Cancer immunotherapy is an emerging cancer treatment approach that boosts the immune system to fight cancer, and it has also exhibited enhanced effectiveness in treating previously considered untreatable conditions. Currently, cancer immunotherapy is regarded as one of the four pillars of cancer treatment because it has fewer adverse effects than radiation and chemotherapy. In recent years, the unique capabilities of FUS in ablating tumors, regulating the immune system, and enhancing anti-tumor responses have resulted in a new field of research known as FUS-induced/assisted cancer immunotherapy. In this work, we provide a comprehensive overview of this new research field by introducing the basics of focused ultrasound and cancer immunotherapy and providing the state-of-the-art applications of FUS in cancer immunotherapy: the mechanisms and preclinical and clinical studies. This review aims to offer the scientific community a reliable reference to the exciting field of FUS-induced/assisted cancer immunotherapy, hoping to foster the further development of related technology and expand its medical applications.

Harnessing Bacteriophages to Combat Antibiotic-Resistant Infections in Africa: A Comprehensive Review.

The conventional treatment of bacterial infections with antibiotics is becoming increasingly ineffective due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. This literature review explores the potential of bacteriophages as an alternative or adjunctive therapy to antibiotics in combating MDR infections in Africa. This analysis focuses on current research regarding the integration of phage therapy into African healthcare, highlighting its challenges and opportunities. This review begins with the AMR crisis and the need for new treatments, then covers the history, mechanisms, benefits, and limitations of phage therapy. Key African studies are summarized, identifying major obstacles such as regulatory issues, infrastructure, and research standardization. Research efforts in West Africa that have made notable progress in bacteriophage research are highlighted. This review concludes with recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals to enhance the development and use of phage therapy in Africa, aiming to reduce antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging the unique advantages of phages, there is potential to significantly mitigate the impact of antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes in Africa.

Circular RNAs in programmed cell death: Regulation mechanisms and potential clinical applications in cancer: A review.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of non-coding RNAs with covalently closed structures formed by reverse splicing of precursor mRNAs. The widespread expression of circRNAs across species has been revealed by high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics approaches, indicating their unique properties and diverse functions including acting as microRNA sponges and interacting with RNA-binding proteins. Programmed cell death (PCD), encompassing various forms such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis, is an essential process for maintaining normal development and homeostasis in the human body by eliminating damaged, infected, and aging cells. Many studies have demonstrated that circRNAs play crucial roles in tumourigenesis and development by regulating PCD in tumor cells, showing that circRNAs have the potential to be biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the intricate associations between circRNAs and diverse PCD pathways in tumor cells, which play crucial roles in cancer development. Additionally, this review provides a detailed overview of the underlying mechanisms by which circRNAs modulate various forms of PCD for the first time. The ultimate objective is to offer valuable insights into the potential clinical significance of developing novel strategies based on circRNAs and PCD for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Comprehensive review of composition, properties, clinical applications, and future perspectives of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement: a systematic analysis.

This review aims to comprehensively explore calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement as a crucial biomaterial in dentistry/endodontics. With its growing clinical relevance, there is a need to evaluate its composition, chemical/physical/biological properties, clinical applications, and future perspectives to provide clinicians/researchers with a detailed understanding of its potential in endodontic procedures. Through systematic analysis of available evidence, we assess the advantages/limitations of CEM cement, offering valuable insights for informed decision-making in dental/endodontic practice. Our findings highlight the commendable chemical/physical properties of CEM cement, including handling characteristics, alkalinity, color stability, bioactivity, biocompatibility, sealing ability, and antimicrobial properties. Importantly, CEM cement has shown the potential in promoting regenerative processes, such as dentinogenesis and cementogenesis. It has demonstrated successful outcomes in various clinical applications, including vital pulp therapy techniques, endodontic surgery, open apices management, root resorption/perforation repair, and as an orifice/root canal obturation material. The efficacy and reliability of CEM cement in diverse clinical scenarios underscore its effectiveness in endodontic practice. However, we emphasize the need for well-designed clinical trials with long-term follow-up to further substantiate the full potential of CEM cement. This review serves as a robust reference for researchers/practitioners, offering an in-depth exploration of CEM cement and its multifaceted roles in contemporary dentistry/endodontics.

Unveiling the role of RNA methylation in glioma: Mechanisms, prognostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets.

Gliomas, the most prevalent malignant brain tumors in the central nervous system, are marked by rapid growth, high recurrence rates, and poor prognosis. Glioblastoma (GBM) stands out as the most aggressive subtype, characterized by significant heterogeneity. The etiology of gliomas remains elusive. RNA modifications, particularly reversible methylation, play a crucial role in regulating transcription and translation throughout the RNA lifecycle. Increasing evidence highlights the prevalence of RNA methylation in primary central nervous system malignancies, underscoring its pivotal role in glioma pathogenesis. This review focuses on recent findings regarding changes in RNA methylation expression and their effects on glioma development and progression, including N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), and N7-methylguanosine (m7G). Given the extensive roles of RNA methylation in gliomas, the potential of RNA methylation-related regulators as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets was also explored, aiming to enhance clinical management and improve patient outcomes.

Approaches for posaconazole therapeutic drug monitoring and their clinical benefits.

OBJECTIVE: This review examines the progress of research on posaconazole therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) that has focused on differences in the TDM of posaconazole after clinical application in different formulations and in different populations, the factors that affect posaconazole concentrations, the advantages of posaconazole TDM in terms of clinical efficacy and cost savings, and measurement methods. METHODS: A literature search (2006 to 2024) was performed in PubMed and Embase with the following search terms: noxafil, posaconazole hydrate, posaconazole, drug monitoring, therapeutic drug monitoring, and TDM. Abstracts of review articles, prospective studies, and retrospective studies were reviewed. RESULTS: TDM should be implemented earlier for posaconazole tablets and injections than for oral posaconazole suspensions. Posaconazole TDM is beneficial for improving clinical efficacy, and the incidence of breakthrough invasive fungal infections (IFIs) can be significantly reduced by gradually adjusting the posaconazole dose in response to TDM in patients with inadequate trough concentrations. Early TDM allows more patients to achieve target therapeutic posaconazole concentrations. TDM can also facilitate dose adjustments, which reduce the cost of this expensive drug. Different assay techniques, including chromatography, microbiological detection, chemofluorimetry, paper spray mass spectrometry, and capillary electrophoresis, can be used for posaconazole TDM. CONCLUSIONS: Posaconazole TDM has potential clinical utility and cost-saving benefits and could improve the outcomes of IFI treatment.

Diffuse unilateral MRI breast entities.

Many benign and malignant breast entities can present with diffuse unilateral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. The unilateral breast findings can be broken down into three broad categories including asymmetric diffuse masses/non-mass enhancement (NME), diffuse unilateral skin thickening, and diffuse asymmetric background enhancement. Although correlation with clinical history is always necessary, biopsy is often needed to make a definitive diagnosis. There are some findings on MRI which can help narrow the differential including morphology, distribution, T2W signal, enhancement kinetics, and associated skin thickening. Malignant entities which will be discussed in this review include ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, Paget disease, inflammatory breast cancer, and locally advanced breast cancer. Benign entities which will be discussed in this review include idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM), infectious mastitis, pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia, giant fibroadenoma, early and late radiation changes, unilateral breast feeding, and central venous obstruction, all which have varied MRI appearances. It is important for radiologists to be familiar with the common entities that can present with diffuse asymmetric unilateral MRI breast findings to ensure the correct diagnosis and management is undertaken.

Advances in Functionalized Hydrogels in the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction and Drug-Delivery Strategies.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality rates, posing a significant threat to patient's health and quality of life. Following a MI, the damaged myocardial tissue is typically not fully repaired, leading to permanent impairment of myocardial function. While traditional treatments can alleviate symptoms and reduce pain, their ability to repair damaged heart muscle tissue is limited. Functionalized hydrogels, a broad category of materials with diverse functionalities, can enhance the properties of hydrogels to cater to the needs of tissue engineering, drug delivery, medical dressings, and other applications. Recently, functionalized hydrogels have emerged as a promising new therapeutic approach for the treatment of MI. Functionalized hydrogels possess outstanding biocompatibility, customizable mechanical properties, and drug-release capabilities. These properties enable them to offer scaffold support, drug release, and tissue regeneration promotion, making them a promising approach for treating MI. This paper aims to evaluate the advancements and delivery methods of functionalized hydrogels for treating MI, while also discussing their potential and the challenges they may pose for future clinical use.

The complex link between the gut microbiome and obesity-associated metabolic disorders: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities.

Microbial interactions are widespread and important processes that support the link between disease and microbial ecology. The gut microbiota is a major source of microbial stimuli that can have detrimental or beneficial effects on human health. It is also an endocrine organ that maintains energy homeostasis and host immunity. Obesity is a highly and increasingly prevalent metabolic disease and the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. An imbalance in the gut microbiome is associated with several diseases including obesity-related metabolic disorders. This review summarizes the complex association between the gut microbiome and obesity-associated metabolic diseases and validates the role and mechanisms of ecological dysregulation in the gut in obesity-associated metabolic disorders. Therapies that could potentially alleviate obesity-associated metabolic diseases by modulating the gut microbiota are discussed.

Lonicerae Japonicae Flos with the homology of medicine and food: a review of active ingredients, anticancer mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, quality control, toxicity and applications.

Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (LJF, called Jinyinhua in China), comes from the dried flower buds or flowers to be opened of Lonicera japonica Thunb. in the Lonicera family. It has a long history of medicinal use and has a wide range of application prospects. As modern research advances, an increasing number of scientific experiments have demonstrated the anticancer potential of LJF. However, there is a notable absence of systematic reports detailing the anti-tumor effects of LJF. This review integrates the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with contemporary pharmacological techniques, drawing upon literature from authoritative databases such as PubMed, CNKI, and WanFang to conduct a comprehensive study of LJF. Notably, a total of 507 compounds have been isolated and characterized from the plant to date, which include volatile oils, organic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, triterpenes and triterpenoid saponins. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that LJF extract, along with components such as chlorogenic acid, luteolin, rutin, luteoloside, hyperoside and isochlorogenic acid, exhibits potential anticancer activities. Consequently, we have conducted a comprehensive review and summary of the mechanisms of action and clinical applications of these components. Furthermore, we have detailed the pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicity of LJF, while also discussing its prospective applications in the fields of biomedicine and preventive healthcare. It is hoped that these studies will provide valuable reference for the clinical research, development, and application of LJF.

Progress in research on induced sputum in asthma: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical significance of induced sputum in asthma through a retrospective analysis of induced sputum in patients with asthma. DATA SOURCES: The data and references cited in this article were obtained from PubMed, Sci-Hub, and Web of Science. STUDY SELECTION: Observational studies with reliable data were selected. CONCLUSIONS: The cytological count, -omics, and pathogen detection of induced sputum are helpful for the clinical diagnosis of asthma and in guiding medication choices.

Recent Advances in representative small-molecule DRD2 inhibitors: Synthetic Routes and clinical applications.

The dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) represents a pivotal target for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Parkinson's disease. The successful discovery of numerous effective DRD2 inhibitors has led to their clinical application and ongoing evaluation in various clinical trials. This review explores the synthetic approaches and clinical applications of prototypical small-molecule DRD2 inhibitors that have received approval or are currently undergoing clinical trials, highlighting their therapeutic potential and challenges. The synthesis of these inhibitors employs various chemical strategies, including modifications of phenothiazine and butyrophenone structures, which have yielded significant antipsychotic agents like chlorpromazine and haloperidol. Additionally, newer classes of inhibitors, such as aripiprazole, exhibit partial agonist activity at DRD2, offering a unique therapeutic profile. Clinically, DRD2 inhibitors demonstrate efficacy in managing positive symptoms of schizophrenia, manic episodes in bipolar disorder, and dopaminergic imbalance in Parkinson's disease. However, the emergence of adverse effects, including tardive dyskinesia, extrapyramidal symptoms and metabolic syndrome, presents substantial challenges. Advances in the development of second-generation antipsychotics aim to balance efficacy with a better side effect profile by targeting additional neurotransmitter receptors. This review aims to deliver an overview of the synthesis and clinical applications of representative small-molecule DRD2 inhibitors across various clinical phases, thereby offering strategic insights for the advancement of DRD2 inhibitor development.

Synthetic routes and clinical application of new drugs approved by EMA during 2023.

In 2023, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted approval to 77 new molecular entities (NMEs), consisting of 45 new chemical entities (NCEs) and 32 new biological entities (NBEs). These pharmacological agents encompass a broad spectrum of therapeutic domains, including oncology, cardiology, dermatology, diagnostic medicine, endocrinology, gastroenterology and hepatology, metabolic disorders, and neurology. Among the 77 approved pharmaceuticals, three received accelerated review status, and 17 (22 %) were granted orphan drug designation for the treatment of rare diseases. This review provides an overview of the clinical applications and synthetic routes of 42 newly approved NCEs by the EMA in 2023. The objective is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the synthetic approaches used in the development of these drug molecules, thereby inspiring the creation of novel, efficient, and applicable synthetic methodologies.

Advances in exosomes utilization for clinical applications in cancer.

Exosomes are regarded as having transformative potential for clinical applications. Exosome-based liquid biopsies offer a noninvasive method for early cancer detection and real-time disease monitoring. Clinical trials are underway to validate the efficacy of exosomal biomarkers for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and predicting treatment responses. Additionally, engineered exosomes are being developed as targeted drug delivery systems that can navigate the bloodstream to deliver therapeutic agents to tumor sites, thus enhancing treatment efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. Exosomes also exhibit immunomodulatory properties, which are being harnessed to boost antitumor immune responses. In this review, we detail the latest advances in clinical trials and research studies, underscoring the potential of exosomes to revolutionize cancer care.

Artificial Intelligence in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Transforming Care and Outcomes.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) is revolutionizing the landscape of women's healthcare. This review article explores the transformative impact of AI technologies on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of obstetric and gynecological conditions. We examine key advancements in AI-driven imaging techniques, predictive analytics, and personalized medicine, highlighting their roles in enhancing prenatal care, improving maternal and fetal outcomes, and optimizing gynecological interventions. The article also addresses the challenges and ethical considerations associated with the implementation of AI in clinical practice. This paper highlights the potential of AI to greatly improve the standard of care in OB/GYN, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for women, by offering a thorough overview of present AI uses and future prospects.

Advances in the study of LNPs for mRNA delivery and clinical applications.

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was discovered in 1961 as an intermediary for transferring genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis. The COVID-19 pandemic brought worldwide attention to mRNA vaccines. The emergency use authorization of two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273, were major achievements in the history of vaccine development. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), one of the most superior non-viral delivery vectors available, have made many exciting advances in clinical translation as part of the COVID-19 vaccine and therefore has the potential to accelerate the clinical translation of many gene drugs. In addition, due to these small size, biocompatibility and excellent biodegradability, LNPs can efficiently deliver nucleic acids into cells, which is particularly important for current mRNA therapeutic regimens. LNPs are composed cationic or pH-dependent ionizable lipid bilayer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), phospholipids, and cholesterol, represents an advanced system for the delivery of mRNA vaccines. Furthermore, optimization of these four components constituting the LNPs have demonstrated enhanced vaccine efficacy and diminished adverse effects. The incorporation of biodegradable lipids enhance the biocompatibility of LNPs, thereby improving its potential as an efficacious therapeutic approach for a wide range of challenging and intricate diseases, encompassing infectious diseases, liver disorders, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular conditions, among others. Consequently, this review aims to furnish the scientific community with the most up-to-date information regarding mRNA vaccines and LNP delivery systems.

The application of rhubarb concoctions in traditional Chinese medicine and its compounds, processing methods, pharmacology, toxicology and clinical research.

Objective: This study reviews the development of rhubarb processing and the current status of pharmacological research. We summarized the effects of different processing methods on the active compounds, pharmacological effects, and toxicity of rhubarb, as well as the clinical application of different concoctions, providing reference for further pharmacological research and clinical application of rhubarb. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as Pubmed, Embase, National Science and Technology Library, Web of science, CNKI, China Science and Technology Journal Database, SinoMed, and the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Search terms included "rhubarb", "raw rhubarb", "wine rhubarb", "cooked rhubarb", "rhubarb charcoal", "herbal processing", "compounds", "pharmacological effects", "inflammation", "gastrointestinal bleeding", and "tumor". Results: Historical records of rhubarb processing date back to the Han Dynasty, with continual innovations. Currently, the types of rhubarb used in traditional Chinese medicine have stabilized to three species: Rheum palmatum L., Rheum tanguticum Maxim.ex Balf. and Rheum officinale Baill. Common concoctions include raw rhubarb, wine rhubarb, cooked rhubarb and rhubarb charcoal. The active compounds of rhubarb are known to defecation, exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, regulate coagulation, protect the digestive system, and possess anti-tumor activities. Guided by Chinese medicine theory, the use of different rhubarb concoctions can enhance specific effects such as purgation to eliminate accumulation, clearing heat and toxins, cooling blood to stop hemorrhages, activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and inducing dampness to descend jaundice, thereby effectively treating various diseases. The therapeutic impact of these concoctions on diseases reflects not only in the changes to the active compounds of rhubarb but also in the formulations of traditional Chinese medicine. Processing has also shown advantages in reducing toxicity. Conclusion: Different processing methods alter the active compounds of rhubarb, thereby enhancing its various pharmacological effects and meeting the therapeutic needs of diverse diseases. Selecting an appropriate processing method based on the patient's specific conditions can maximize its pharmacological properties and improve clinical outcomes.