The potential use of bacteria and bacterial derivatives as drug delivery systems for viral infection.

Viral infections in humans are responsible for fatalities worldwide and contribute to the incidence of various human ailments. Controllable targeted medicine delivery against many illnesses, including viral infection, may be significantly aided by using bacteria and bacteria-derived products. They may accumulate in diseased tissues despite physical obstacles, where they can launch antiviral immunity. The ability to genetically and chemically modify them means that vaccinations against viral infections may be manufactured and delivered to affected tissues more safely and effectively. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the latest advancements in the field of utilizing bacteria and bacterial derivatives as carriers for administering medication to treat viral diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, influenza, and Ebola virus.

Solubility of digitoxin in supercritical CO2: Experimental study and modeling.

In this communication, the solubility of digitoxin drug in supercritical CO2 was studied at different operating conditions (311 < T (K) < 343, 120 < P (bar) < 300). The results revealed digitoxin drug solubility (in mole fraction) was between 0.095 × 10-5 to 1.12 × 10-5. In the case of thermodynamic solubility modeling, cubic and non-cubic equation of states i.e. SAFT (statistical associating fluid theory), SRK (Soave-Redlich-Kwong) and sPC-SAFT (simplified perturbed chain SAFT) EoSs and six density-based correlations (Chrastil, Kumar-Johnston (KJ), Mendez-Santiago-Teja (MST), Garlapati and Madras (GM), Bartle et al. and Sung-Shim models) were considered. All used equations indicated reasonable behavior with appropriate accuracy for the solubility of the digitoxin drug. Meanwhile, sPC-SAFT EoS and Kumar-Johnston correlation with AARD% set to 8.96 % and 6.25 %, respectively exhibited greater accuracy in fitting the solubility data. Moreover, total, solvation and vaporization enthalpies of the digitoxin/supercritical carbon dioxide binary mixture were calculated based on KJ, Chrastil and Bartle et al. models.

Small molecule and big function: MicroRNA-mediated apoptosis in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune condition and chronic inflammatory disease, mostly affecting synovial joints. The complex pathogenesis of RA is supportive of high morbidity, disability, and mortality rates. Pathological changes a common characteristic in RA synovial tissue is attributed to the inadequacy of apoptotic pathways. In that regard, apoptotic pathways have been the center of attention in RA therapeutic approaches. As the regulators in the complex network of apoptosis, microRNAs (miRNAs) are found to be vital modulators in both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways through altering their regulatory genes. Indeed, miRNA, a member of the family of non-coding RNAs, are found to be an important player in not even apoptosis, but proliferation, gene expression, signaling pathways, and angiogenesis. Aberrant expression of miRNAs is implicated in attenuation and/or intensification of various apoptosis routes, resulting in culmination of human diseases including RA. Considering the need for more studies focused on the underlying mechanisms of RA in order to elevate the unsatisfactory clinical treatments, this study is aimed to delineate the importance of apoptosis in the pathophysiology of this disease. As well, this review is focused on the critical role of miRNAs in inducing or inhibiting apoptosis of RA-synovial fibroblasts and fibroblast-like synoviocytes and how this mechanism can be exerted for therapeutic purposes for RA.

Synthesis, characterization, and applications of starch-based nano drug delivery systems for breast cancer therapy: A review.

The review examined the potential of starch-based drug delivery systems for managing breast cancer efficiently. It covered the background of breast cancer and the significance of drug delivery systems in treatment enhancement. Starch, known for its versatile physicochemical properties, was explored as a promising biopolymer for drug delivery. The review detailed the properties of starch relevant to drug delivery, synthesis methods, and characterization approaches. It discussed the application of starch-based systems in breast cancer treatment, focusing on their role in improving chemotherapy delivery. The advantages and limitations of these systems, such as biocompatibility and drug loading capacity, were evaluated, along with future research directions in starch modification and emerging technologies. The review concluded by emphasizing the potential of starch-based drug delivery systems in improving breast cancer treatment outcomes.