Non-viral and viral delivery systems for hemophilia A therapy: recent development and prospects.

Recent advancements have focused on enhancing factor VIII half-life and refining its delivery methods, despite the well-established knowledge that factor VIII deficiency is the main clotting protein lacking in hemophilia. Consequently, both viral and non-viral delivery systems play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for hemophilia patients. The utilization of viral vectors and the manipulation of non-viral vectors through targeted delivery are significant advancements in the field of cellular and molecular therapies for hemophilia. These developments contribute to the progression of treatment strategies and hold great promise for improving the overall well-being of individuals with hemophilia. This review study comprehensively explores the application of viral and non-viral vectors in cellular (specifically T cell) and molecular therapy approaches, such as RNA, monoclonal antibody (mAb), and CRISPR therapeutics, with the aim of addressing the challenges in hemophilia treatment. By examining these innovative strategies, the study aims to shed light on potential solutions to enhance the efficacy and outcomes of hemophilia therapy.

Anti-hyperglycemic effect of Abelmoschus culentesus (Okra) on patients with diabetes type 2: a randomized clinical trial.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) has traditionally been used in diabetes treatment. This study investigated the effect of Okra whole fruit on blood glucose level of patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 with concomitant use of oral hypoglycemic agents. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 120 diabetic patients were assigned to okra group (n = 60) and control group (n = 60). The okra group received 1,000 mg of A.esculentus whole fruit capsules orally, every 6 hr for 8 weeks. The control group received placebo capsule in the same manner. The levels of FBS (fasting blood sugar), BS (blood sugar), and Hemoglobin A1C (HgA1c) were measured at baseline and after intervention in both groups. The levels of FBS, BS, and HgA1c were significantly decreased in okra group within the intervention compared to control group (p < .05). Moreover, the numbers to treat (NNT) for FBS, BS, and HgA1C were seven, eight, and seven, respectively. Okra whole fruit supplementation has a promising anti-hyperglycemic effect in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 who received oral agents. Diabetic patients could benefit from adjuvant therapy of okra with other medication.

Nanoparticle-mediated synergistic chemoimmunotherapy for tailoring cancer therapy: recent advances and perspectives.

Nowadays, a potent challenge in cancer treatment is considered the lack of efficacious strategy, which has not been able to significantly reduce mortality. Chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) as a promising approach in both for the first-line and relapsed therapy demonstrated particular benefit from two key gating strategies, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy to cancer therapy; therefore, the discernment of their participation and role of potential synergies in CIT approach is determinant. In this study, in addition to balancing the pros and cons of CIT with the challenges of each of two main strategies, the recent advances in the cancer CIT have been discussed. Additionally, immunotherapeutic strategies and the immunomodulation effect induced by chemotherapy, which boosts CIT have been brought up. Finally, harnessing and development of the nanoparticles, which mediated CIT have expatiated in detail.

Efficacy and safety of a novel herbal solution for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and comparison with 5% minoxidil: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial study.

FDA-approved drugs for the most common type of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia (AGA), present many side effects and disadvantages. However, herbal compounds are characterized by patient compliance, fewer side effects, and several mechanisms of action. The present study set to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the topical herbal solution and to compare it with 5% minoxidil in men with AGA. A randomized, double-blind controlled trial was conducted from 28 November 2018 to 2 September 2019, in Sina Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. 24 healthy males (mean [SD] age 33.04 [5.81]) with mild to moderate AGA were selected from 44 volunteer participants. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) into two groups. They received 1 ml of topical solutions at morning and evening intervals for 9 months. Primary outcomes consisted of measured hair diameters at baseline and repeated at weeks 12, 24, and 36. Furthermore, hair density was measured at baseline and week 36. The MTS + THS group was significantly superior to the MTS group after 36 weeks of therapy in the hair diameter improvement. At week 36, the mean hair diameter of the MTS + THS group significantly increased compared to the MTS group (P = .001). Hair density increased in both groups; however, only in the MTS + THS group, it was significant (P < .05). The findings established that the topical herbal solution has significant influence on patients with AGA and improvement of their quality of life. This solution can be considered a significant step towards the prevention and treatment of AGA. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03753113.

Dispersive solid-phase extraction adsorbent of methamphetamine using in-situ synthesized carbon-based conductive polypyrrole nanocomposite: focus on clinical applications in human urine.

Determination of methamphetamine is of great importance in clinical and forensic laboratories because there are low dosages of drugs in the biological media and social problems created due to the methamphetamine consumption. Polymeric carbon based-nano composites are reasonable candidates for dispersive solid phase extraction method due to facial and affordable synthesis process and high selectivity and sensitivity. Nano graphene oxide polypyrolle composite was synthesized and employed as dispersive solid-phase extraction adsorbent for methamphetamine extraction from complex urine matrix. Full characterization of the prepared nano graphene oxide polypyrolle composite was completed and the influential extraction parameters were investigated through one-parameter-at-a-time method. High-performance liquid chromatography detectors were applied as detection and quantification instrument. The optimized extraction parameters included 300 µL of methanol, 10 min of extraction and desorption time, 6000 stirring rate, urine pH value of 10, 60 mg of adsorbent, and 6 mL of urine volume. After outlining the calibration curve, the linear range of the method was considered as 30-800 ng/mL. The detection limit for the suggested method was 9 ng/mL. The analysis of addicted subjects with the proposed method confirmed the utility of the method in different analytical and clinical laboratories.

Herbal Medicines For Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia.

BACKGROUNDS: Androgenic alopecia is a common and unpleasant problem that directly influences the self-confidence and individual life quality. There are various treatment choices that currently are used by people suffering from androgenic alopecia. Drug therapies (e. g. minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, prostaglandin analogues, ketoconazole, Cyproterone acetate and spironolactone), Laser-light treatment, surgical treatment, cell mediated treatment and alternative treatments (vitamin, mineral and herbal components) are common therapeutic methods suggested for management of androgenic alopecia. Herbal medicines are now commonly used all over the world and this has increased global demand. Quality, safety and efficacy of these drugs have become a serious concern. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review is evaluating the herbal or fungal medicines were used in androgenic alopecia and introducing the phytochemicals, biological effects, responsible constituents and the mechanism of this action. RESULTS: The 23 medicinal fungi or plants with their possible mechanisms and active phytoconstituents, which were used in androgenic alopecia are described. METHODS/DESIGN: In this review, most of the natural sources that used in the treatment of androgenic alopecia were collected from electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched for these plants. Data were gathered from 1970 to 2016. CONCLUSION: The summarized findings in this article could be inspiration to product new formulations for treatment of androgenic alopecia with more effective properties and fewer side effect.

Mixed hemimicelle magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction using carbon-coated magnetic nanoparticles for the determination of tramadol in urine samples.

Ionic liquid carbon-coated magnetic nanoparticles were successfully applied as an adsorbent in a mixed hemimicelle magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction method for the determination of tramadol from urine samples coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography with UV-vis detection. The significant parameters affect the extraction efficiency including type and amount of adsorbent, sample volume, pH, ionic strength, type and amount of elution solvent, time of extraction and desorption, time of ionic liquid loading on the adsorbent and stirring rate were studied and optimized. The proposed method provided a fast, straightforward, environmentally friendly and adsorbent recyclable approach for tramadol analysis. The linear range for the tramadol determination was from 100 to 1500 ng/mL. Precisions and accuracies were within 6%. The applicability of the proposed method in clinical trial was tried successfully on determination of tramadol in addicted subjects under tramadol therapy. The mean percent recovery of the patient samples was 94%. The results proved that the proposed method could be applied in clinical and forensic laboratories for determination of tramadol from biological urine samples.

Comparing the effectiveness of Salvia officinalis, clotrimazole and their combination on vulvovaginal candidiasis: A randomized, controlled clinical trial.

AIM: To determine the effect of vaginal tablet of Salvia officinalis, alone and in combination with Clotrimazole, on the recovery of Vulvovaginal candidiasis. METHODS: In this triple-blind randomized controlled trial, 111 participants were randomly assigned into three groups of 37 patients using block randomization with block sizes of 6 and 9, and allocation ratio of 1:1:1: 100 mg vaginal tablet of Clotrimazole and Placebo (CP), 400 mg vaginal tablet of S. officinalis and Placebo (SP), and vaginal tablet of S. officinalis and Clotrimazole (SC), once daily for 7 days. On the seventh day after the treatment was ended up, Vulvovaginal candidiasis were examined by vaginal symptoms and wet test, and if positive, they were examined by culture in chrome agar Candida medium. RESULTS: Socio-demographic characteristics was similar (P > 0.05). Thirty-six, 36 and 35 patients, respectively in CP, SC and SP groups recruited in the study. The frequency of a positive wet test confirmed by Sabrodextrose agar medium 7 days after treatment was significantly lower in SC group than the reference group of CP (adjusted odds ratio = 0.09, 95% confidence interval: 0.93-0.932, P = 0.043). There was no significant difference between SP and CP group (P = 0.071, 95% confidence interval: 0.032-1.151, adjusted odds ratio = 0.192). Also, there was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of vaginal symptoms at the baseline (P > 0.05), however the statistical differences were indicated after the intervention in cheesy discharge, pruritus and Vulvovaginal edema (P < 0.05.(. CONCLUSION: S. officinalis in the form of vaginal tablet, alone and when combined with Clotrimazole, can treat the Vulvovaginal Candidiasis.

Design and formulation of nano-porous controlled porosity osmotic pumps (CPOPs) containing a poorly water soluble drug, glibenclamide.

The aim of this study was to design and develop controlled porosity osmotic pumps containing glibenclamide (as an insoluble agent) coated with nano-scale pore formers. Solubility enhancement methods including co-grinding with an anionic surfactant and pH adjustment in core formulation were employed and the prepared cores were coated with nano-suspension coating method. The prepared nano-porous osmotic pump (CPOP) system assessed by comparative parameters including D24h (cumulative release percentage after 24h), tL (lag time of the drug release from device), drug release rate from device and RSQzero. Solubility studies of glibenclamide co-ground with an anionic surfactant showed that by increasing the concentration of SLS to 83.33% (ratio of drug: SLS 1:5) in the presence of calcium carbonate, the solubility of glibenclamide was enhanced remarkably. Release study also displayed enhanced D24h and improved kinetic related parameter (RSQ zero) by increasing SLS and calcium carbonate in the core formulation via nano-porous CPOPs. It can be concluded that by employing both co-grinding technology and pH adjustment method in core formulation of glibenclamidenano-suspension coated CPOPs, enhanced D24h, drug release rate and improved kinetic related parameter (RSQ zero)) was achieved.

The effect of prebiotic vaginal gel with adjuvant oral metronidazole tablets on treatment and recurrence of bacterial vaginosis: a triple-blind randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: Bacterial vaginosis is a change in the normal vaginal bacterial flora that leads to loss of hydrogen peroxide producing lactobacilli and overgrowth of predominantly anaerobic bacteria. The present study was conducted to compare the effects of prebiotic vaginal gel with oral metronidazole tablet and metronidazole tablet alone on treatment and recurrence of bacterial vaginosis. METHODS: The present triple-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in Sadatmandi Hospital in Robat-Karim town, where 100 patients were randomly divided into intervention (receiving a 5 mg prebiotic vaginal gel applicator plus three 250 mg metronidazole tablets per day for 7 days) and control (receiving a 5 mg placebo vaginal gel applicator and three 250 mg metronidazole tablets per day for 7 days) groups. Then, patients were assessed for bacterial vaginosis on 90 ± 3 day after treatment. Data collected were analyzed in SPSS-21 using Chi square, repeated measures, and student's t tests at a significance level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: The results obtained showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of personal and social characteristics, clinical complaints, or laboratory markers. On the 10th day, healing rate based on Amsel and Nugent criteria was 76% in the intervention group and 30% in the control group [odds ratio (OR) 4.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.7-9.4]. On the 90th day, healing rate was 84% in the intervention group and 62% in the control group (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.3-8.9). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant treatment with prebiotic vaginal gel improves the efficacy of bacterial vaginosis treatment.

Effects of Calcium-Vitamin D and Calcium-Alone on Pain Intensity and Menstrual Blood Loss in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: There is limited evidence on effectiveness of calcium and vitamin D on dysmenorrhea. The authors aimed to determine the effect of combined calcium-vitamin D and calcium-alone on pain intensity and menstrual blood loss in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Design: A randomized double-blind trial. Setting: Dormitories of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Subjects: 85 students with moderate or severe primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: Participants were randomized into three groups: receiving one tablet/day of 1000 mg calcium + 5000 IU vitamin D3, calcium-alone 1000 mg, or matched placebo, from 15th cycle day until menstrual pain disappearance in the following cycle, for three cycles. Pain intensity and menstrual blood loss were assessed one cycle before, three cycles under, and one cycle following intervention using 10-cm visual analog scale and pictorial blood loss assessment chart, respectively. The groups were compared using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Time after intervention and interaction of time with group had no significant effects on the outcomes. Compared to the placebo group, mean pain intensity was lower in the both calcium-vitamin D (adjusted difference -0.7, 95% confidence interval -1.6 to 0.3) and calcium-alone (-1.6, -2.6 to -0.6) groups, but the difference was statistically significant only in the calcium-alone group. Menstrual blood loss was not significantly different in the either calcium-vitamin D (-4.7, -21.9 to 12.4) or calcium-alone (-0.4, -17.4 to 16.4) groups compared to placebo. Conclusions: Intake of the calcium-alone was effective in reducing menstrual pain intensity. The results could not indicate significant effects of calcium-vitamin D on the pain or any of the interventions on menstrual blood loss. Clinical trial registration: This study was approved by the Ethics committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (code 92145) and registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with IRCT201402043706N21.

Nanoethosomal formulation of gammaoryzanol for skin-aging protection and wrinkle improvement: a histopathological study.

BACKGROUND: Free radical scavengers and antioxidants, with the main focus on enhanced targeting to the skin layers, can provide protection against skin ageing. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to prepare nanoethosomal formulation of gammaoryzanol (GO), a water insoluble antioxidant, for its dermal delivery to prevent skin aging. METHODS: Nanoethosomal formulation was prepared by a modified ethanol injection method and characterized by using laser light scattering, scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The effects of formulation parameters on nanoparticle size, encapsulation efficiency percent (EE%) and loading capacity percent (LC%) were investigated. Antioxidant activity of GO-loaded formulation was investigated in vitro using normal African green monkey kidney fibroblast cells (Vero). The effect of control and GO-loaded nanoethosomal formulation on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of rat skin was also probed. Furthermore, the effect of GO-loaded nanoethosomes on skin wrinkle improvement was studied by dermoscopic and histological examination on healthy humans and UV-irradiated rats, respectively. RESULTS: The optimized nanoethosomal formulation showed promising characteristics including narrow size distribution 0.17 ± 0.02, mean diameter of 98.9 ± 0.05 nm, EE% of 97.12 ± 3.62%, LC% of 13.87 ± 1.36% and zeta potential value of -15.1 ± 0.9 mV. The XRD results confirmed uniform drug dispersion in the nanoethosomes structure. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant studies confirmed the superior antioxidant effect of GO-loaded nanoethosomal formulation compared with control groups (blank nanoethosomes and GO suspension). CONCLUSIONS: Nanoethosomes was a promising carrier for dermal delivery of GO and consequently had superior anti-aging effect.

Comparing the effects of Calendula officinalis and clotrimazole on vaginal Candidiasis: A randomized controlled trial.

This triple-blind trial examined the effects of Calendula officinalis vaginal cream on the treatment of vaginal Candidiasis (primary outcome) and sexual function (secondary outcome). Married women aged 18-45 years with vaginal Candidiasis (n = 150) were recruited from April to October 2014 and randomized into Calendula and clotrimazole groups, using 5-g vaginal cream every night for seven nights. Clinical and laboratory assessments were conducted at 10-15 and 30-35 days after intervention and the female sexual function index was assessed at 30-35 days. Six women were lost to follow-up. The frequency of testing negative for Candidiasis in the Calendula group was significantly lower at the first (49% vs. 74%; odds ratio (OR) 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16-0.67) but higher at the second (77% vs. 34%; OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.5-6.2) follow-up compared to the clotrimazole group. The frequency of most signs and symptoms were almost equal in the two groups at the first follow-up, but were significantly lower in the Calendula group at the second follow-up. Sexual function had almost equal significant improvement in both groups. Calendula vaginal cream appears to have been effective in the treatment of vaginal Candidiasis and to have a delayed but greater long-term effect compared to clotrimazole.

Effects of zinc and magnesium supplements on postpartum depression and anxiety: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Postpartum anxiety and depression are prevalent disorders. The authors of this study aimed to determine the effects of zinc and magnesium supplements on depressive symptoms and anxiety in postpartum women referred to three governmental, educational hospitals in Tabriz, Iran during 2014-2015. In this triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, the participants were randomly assigned to the zinc sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and placebo groups (n = 33 per group). The intervention groups received a 27-mg zinc sulfate tablet or 320-mg magnesium sulfate tablet per day for 8 weeks, whereas the control group received a placebo tablet each day during the same period. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were completed before and 8 weeks after the intervention. Blood samples were drawn from each participant to determine serum levels of zinc and magnesium before intervention at 48 hours after delivery. Also, a 24-hour dietary questionnaire was used during the first and last 3 days of the intervention. Adjusting for baseline scores as well as zinc and magnesium serum levels, no significant difference was observed between groups 8 weeks after delivery in mean scores of depressive symptoms (p = .553), state anxiety (p = .995), and trait anxiety (p = .234). This study concluded magnesium and zinc did not reduce postpartum anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Effects of Vitamin K on Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 and Rheumatoid Factor in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by an increase in some autoantibodies and proteolytic enzymes, leading to joint destruction. Although recent investigations have considered vitamin K as an anti-inflammatory nutrient with an important role in bone metabolism, there is currently limited information on its efficacy in RA. We aimed to examine the effects of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) on the biomarker of joint destruction and autoantibody in patients with RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial in which 64 women with RA who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were randomly allocated to an intervention or a control group. Vitamin K1 or placebo was administered to the participants for 8 weeks. Baseline characteristics and anthropometric measures were obtained. Clinical status using disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS-28), serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and rheumatoid factor (RF) were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The serum level of MMP-3 compared with the baseline values did not change significantly in the groups. However, the serum concentration of RF decreased significantly in the vitamin K1 group (p = 0.041). Intergroup comparison showed no significant change in RF serum level after adjusting for relevant confounders (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin K1 supplementation at 10 mg/day for 8 weeks did not alter joint destruction and immune status in the patients with RA compared with the controls.

Histological assessment of follicular delivery of flutamide by solid lipid nanoparticles: potential tool for the treatment of androgenic alopecia.

CONTEXT: Flutamide is a potent anti-androgen with the several unwanted side effects in systemic administration, therefore, it has attracted special interest in the development of topically applied formulations for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to prepare and characterize the solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of Flutamide for follicular targeting in the treatment of the androgenic alopecia. METHODS: Flutamide-loaded SLNs, promising drug carriers for topical application were prepared by hot melt homogenization method. Drug permeation and accumulation in the exercised rat skin and histological study on the male hamsters were performed to assess drug delivery efficiency in vitro and in vivo, respectively. RESULTS: The optimized Flutamide-loaded SLNs (size 198 nm, encapsulation efficiency percentage 65% and loading efficiency percentage 3.27%) exhibited a good stability during the period of at least 2 months. The results of X-ray diffraction showed Flutamide amorphous state confirming uniform drug dispersion in the SLNs structure. Higher skin drug deposition (1.75 times) of SLN formulation compared to Flutamide hydroalcoholic solution represented better localization of the drug in the skin. The in vivo studies showed more new hair follicle growth by utilizing Flutamide-loaded SLNs than Flutamide hydroalcoholic solution which could be due to the higher accumulation of SLNs in the hair follicles as well as slowly and continues release of the Flutamide through the SLNs maximizing hair follicle exposure by antiandrogenic drug. CONCLUSION: It was concluded Flutamide-loaded SLN formulation can be used as a promising colloidal drug carriers for topical administration of Flutamide in the treatment of androgenic alopecia.

The effect of multivitamin supplements on continuation rate and side effects of combined oral contraceptives: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effect of multivitamin use during the pill-free interval on the continuation rate and side effects of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) within the first few cycles of use. METHODS: In this trial, 332 women presenting to public health centres in an Iranian city each received a COC pack containing 21 pills and were randomised to one of three groups: two of the groups also received 42 multivitamin pills or 42 placebo pills to be taken once a day for 7 days before starting COCs and again during the 7-day pill-free interval for five cycles, while the third group received no multivitamin or placebo pills with their COCs. The groups were compared using Cox regression and χ(2) tests. RESULTS: There were no losses to follow-up. Continuation rates at the sixth cycle were 88% for the multivitamin group, 75% for the placebo group and 67% for the no intervention group. Compared with the multivitamin group, the six-cycle discontinuation rate was significantly higher in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-4.45; p = 0.019) and no intervention group (HR 3.15, 95% CI 1.66-5.99; p < 0.001). Nausea, mood changes, weight gain and breast tenderness were significantly less common in the multivitamin group than in the other groups in all cycles, and spotting/irregular bleeding and dizziness were significantly less common in most of the second, third and sixth cycle follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Multivitamin supplements could significantly reduce the side effects of COCs in the initial cycles and improve continuation rates. However, the study limitations do not allow for any definite conclusion for their use in clinical practice, especially in communities rich in nutrients.

In situ forming alginate/gelatin hydrogel scaffold through Schiff base reaction embedded with curcumin-loaded chitosan microspheres for bone tissue regeneration.

In this study, we developed a biocompatible composite hydrogel that incorporates microspheres. This was achieved using a Schiff base reaction, which combines the amino and aldehyde groups present in gelatin (Gel) and oxidized alginate (OAlg). We suggest this hydrogel as a promising scaffold for bone tissue regeneration. To further boost its osteogenic capabilities and mechanical resilience, we synthesized curcumin (Cur)-loaded chitosan microspheres (CMs) and integrated them into the Gel-OAlg matrix. This formed a robust composite gel framework. We conducted comprehensive evaluations of various properties, including gelation time, morphology, compressive strength, rheological behavior, texture, swelling rate, in vitro degradation, and release patterns. A remarkable observation was that the inclusion of 30 mg/mL Cur-CMs significantly enhanced the hydrogel's mechanical and bioactive features. Over three weeks, the Gel-OAlg/Cur-CMs (30) composite showed a cumulative curcumin release of 35.57%. This was notably lower than that observed in standalone CMs and Gel-OAlg hydrogels. Additionally, the Gel-OAlg/Cur-CMs (30) hydrogel presented a reduced swelling rate and weight loss relative to hydrogels devoid of Cur-CMs. On the cellular front, the Gel-OAlg/Cur-CMs (30) hydrogel showcased superior biocompatibility. It also displayed increased calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and elevated osteogenic gene expression in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). These results solidify its potential as a scaffold for bone tissue regeneration.

Application of Carbon-based Nano Adsorbents in the Extraction of Amphetamines from Urine Samples.

Amphetamines, as psychoactive drugs, are extensively abused in society and cause serious mental and physical disorders among young people. Furthermore, the extremely euphoric and excited sense of stimulant consumption leads to dramatic social problems. Determination of various analytes and related metabolites in the complex biological matrices at trace levels has made sample preparation an indispensable part of forensic sciences. According to the problems above, providing high sensitivity, solving some analytical problems like matrix effects in LCMS-MS, and needing a cleaner extract are remarkable aspects of novel sample preparation methods in drug analysis. Application of nanotechnology and carbon-based nanocomposites seems to bring the above properties in developed and novel sample preparation methods. This review will try to provide an overview of different carbonic nano adsorbents used in sample preparation methods of amphetamines and discuss their superiority over the other nanomaterials.

The effect of PEGylation on drugs' pharmacokinetic parameters; from absorption to excretion.

When drugs enter the field of human life, they face problems in the area of delivery, delivery to the destination, and metabolism. These problems can cause reducing drug's therapeutic effect and even increase its side effects. Together, these cases can reduce the patient's compliance with the treatment and complicate the treatment process. Much work has been done to solve or at least reduce these problems. For example, using different forms of a single drug molecule (like Citalopram and Escitalopram); a bit changes in the drug's molecule like Meperidine and α-Prodine, and using carriers (like Tigerase®). PEGylation is a recently presented method that can use for many targets. Poly Ethylene Glycol or PEG is a polymer that can attach to drugs by using different methods and causing sustained release, controlled metabolism, targeted delivery, and other cases. All of them, although they will not necessarily lead to an increase in the effect of the drug, will lead to the improvement of the treatment process in certain ways. In this article, the team of authors has tried to collect and carefully review the best cases based on the PEGylation of drugs that can help the readers of this article.