An updated landscape on nanopharmaceutical delivery for mitigation of colon cancer.

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to rank among the leading causes of cancer-related death. Systemic toxicity, multidrug resistance, and nonspecific targeting often pose challenges to conventional therapy for CRC. Because it is a complex disease with a complex genetic and environmental pathophysiology, advanced therapeutic strategies are needed. Nanotechnology presents a potential solution that may maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing negative effects by enabling personalized delivery of anticancer drugs. This review focuses on recent developments in colorectal drug delivery systems based on nanotechnology. Numerous nanomaterials, including liposomes, dendrimers, micelles, exosomes, and gold nanoparticles, are developed and used. Distinctive characteristics of mentioned nanocarriers are discussed along with strategies that can be employed for enhancing the delivery of drugs to colorectal cancer cells. The review also quotes the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies that show how these nanomaterials improve drug solubility, stability, and targeted delivery while overcoming the shortcomings of conventional therapies. Nanotechnology has made CRC treatment very efficient and advanced, which has opened up new possibilities for targeted drug delivery. Preclinical and clinical studies have also proved that the use of nano-formulations in colon-specific delivery systems have significant results, indicating potential for better patient outcomes. Future research can be done in order to overcome the hurdles regarding biocompatibility, expansion, and regulatory challenges. Large-scale clinical trials and nanomaterial formulation optimization should be the main goals of future research to confirm the efficacy and safety of these novel treatments.

The role of chondroitin sulphate as a potential biomaterial for hepatic tissue regeneration: A comprehensive review.

Chondroitin sulphate is an anionic hetero-polysaccharide, having numerous structural affinities for building the bio-active components. In addition to biodegradable/biocompatible activities, chondroitin sulphate also possesses anti-coagulant/anti-thrombogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant as well as anti-tumor activities. Chondroitin sulphate has an inherited affinity for glycosylation enzymes and receptors, which are overexpressed over degenerated cells and organelles. Because of this affinity, chondroitin sulphate is nominated as an active cellular/subcellular targeted biological macromolecule to assist in site-specific delivery. Chondroitin sulphate is mainly considered a promising biomaterial for drug targeting and tissue engineering due to its specific physicochemical, mechanical, bio-degradation, and biological characteristics. In this review, the fundamental applications of chondroitin sulphate in hepatic tissue engineering are discussed. Chondroitin sulphate along with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) based scaffold and hydrogels for biopharmaceuticals' delivery in hepatic tissue engineering are critically discussed. In addition, the manuscript also describes leading features and markers involved in hepatic damage, and the potential role of chondroitin sulphate-based delivery systems in hepatic tissue engineering.

Performance of Computer-Aided Detection and Quality of Bowel Preparation: A Comprehensive Analysis of Colonoscopy Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool for detecting and characterizing colorectal polyps during colonoscopy, offering potential enhancements in traditional colonoscopy procedures to improve outcomes in patients with inadequate bowel preparation. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the impact of an AI tool on computer-aided detection (CADe) assistance during colonoscopy in this population. METHODS: This case-control study utilized propensity score matching (PSM) for age, sex, race, and colonoscopy indication to analyze a database of patients who underwent colonoscopy at a single tertiary referral center between 2017 and 2023. Patients were excluded if the procedure was incomplete or aborted owing to poor preparation. The patients were categorized based on the use of AI during colonoscopy. Data on patient demographics and colonoscopy performance metrics were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to compare the groups. RESULTS: After PSM patients with adequately prepped colonoscopies (n = 1466), the likelihood of detecting hyperplastic polyps (OR = 2.0, 95%CI 1.7-2.5, p < 0.001), adenomas (OR = 1.47, 95%CI 1.19-1.81, p < 0.001), and sessile serrated polyps (OR = 1.90, 95%CI 1.20-3.03, p = 0.007) significantly increased with the inclusion of CADe. In inadequately prepped patients (n = 160), CADe exhibited a more pronounced impact on the polyp detection rate (OR = 4.34, 95%CI 1.6-6.16, p = 0.049) and adenomas (OR = 2.9, 95%CI 2.20-8.57, p < 0.001), with a marginal increase in withdrawal and procedure times. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significant improvement in detecting diminutive polyps (< 5 mm) and sessile polyps using CADe, although notably, this benefit was only seen in patients with adequate bowel preparation. In conclusion, the integration of AI in colonoscopy, driven by artificial intelligence, promises to significantly enhance lesion detection and diagnosis, revolutionize the procedure's effectiveness, and improve patient outcomes.

A comprehensive review on lipid-based nanoparticles via nose to brain targeting as a novel approach.

The central nervous system (CNS) has been a chief concern for millions of people worldwide, and many therapeutic medications are unable to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Advancements in nanotechnology have enabled safe, effective, and precise delivery of medications towards specific brain regions by utilising a nose-to-brain targeting route. This method reduces adverse effects, increases medication bioavailability, and facilitates mucociliary clearance while promoting accumulation of drug in the targeted brain region. Recent developments in lipid-based nanoparticles, for instance solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), liposomes, nanoemulsions, and nano-structured lipid carriers have been explored. SLNs are currently the most promising drug carrier system because of their capability of transporting drugs across the blood-brain barrier at the intended brain site. This approach offers higher efficacy, controlled drug delivery, target specificity, longer circulation time, and a reduction in toxicity through a biomimetic mechanism.

A detailed investigation of rare earth lanthanum substitution effects on the structural, morphological, vibrational, optical, dielectric and magnetic properties of Co-Zn spinel ferrites.

In this work, Co0.5Zn0.5LaxFe2-xO4 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.10) spinel ferrites were synthesized using the sol-gel auto-combustion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Rietveld refinement confirmed the presence of a cubic spinel structure. The crystallite size was estimated to be between 17.5 nm and 26.5 nm using Scherrer's method and 31.27 nm-54.52 nm using the Williamson-Hall (W-H) method. Lattice constants determined from XRD and Rietveld refinement ranged from (8.440 to 8.433 Å and 8.442 to 8.431 Å), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a non-uniform distribution of morphology with a decrease in particle size. The bandgap values decreased from 2.0 eV to 1.68 eV with increasing rare earth (La3+) doping concentration. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups and M-O vibrations. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss exhibited similar behavior across all samples. The maximum tan δ value obtained at lower frequencies. Regarding magnetic behavior, there was a decrease in magnetization from 55.84 emu/g to 22.08 emu/g and an increase in coercivity from 25.63 Oe to 33.88 Oe with higher doping concentrations. Based on these results, these materials exhibit promising properties for applications in microwave and energy storage devices.

Nanoparticle-based Gene Therapy for Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Neurological disorders present a formidable challenge in modern medicine due to the intricate obstacles set for the brain and the multipart nature of genetic interventions. This review article delves into the promising realm of nanoparticle-based gene therapy as an innovative approach to addressing the intricacies of neurological disorders. Nanoparticles (NPs) provide a multipurpose podium for the conveyance of therapeutic genes, offering unique properties such as precise targeting, enhanced stability, and the potential to bypass blood-brain barrier (BBB) restrictions. This comprehensive exploration reviews the current state of nanoparticle-mediated gene therapy in neurological disorders, highlighting recent advancements and breakthroughs. The discussion encompasses the synthesis of nanoparticles from various materials and their conjugation to therapeutic genes, emphasizing the flexibility in design that contributes to specific tissue targeting. The abstract also addresses the low immunogenicity of these nanoparticles and their stability in circulation, critical factors for successful gene delivery. While the potential of NP-based gene therapy for neurological disorders is vast, challenges and gaps in knowledge persist. The lack of extensive clinical trials leaves questions about safety and potential side effects unanswered. Therefore, this abstract emphasizes the need for further research to validate the therapeutic applications of NP-mediated gene therapy and to address nanosafety concerns. In conclusion, nanoparticle-based gene therapy emerges as a promising avenue in the pursuit of effective treatments for neurological disorders. This abstract advocates for continued research efforts to bridge existing knowledge gaps, unlocking the full potential of this innovative approach and paving the way for transformative solutions in the realm of neurological health.

Ethosomes: a potential nanovesicular carrier to enhancing the drug delivery against skin barriers.

Ethosomes, which are liposomes like structures, mainly composed primarily of ethanol, have attracted considerable attention due to their potential to enhance the drug permeation via skin. The article discusses the formulation and preparation methods of ethosomes, offering insights into the various factors that influence their size, shape, and stability. Moreover, it explores the techniques used to assess the physicochemical properties of ethosomes and their impact on drug delivery effectiveness. The article also elucidates the mechanism by which ethosomes enhance skin permeation, emphasising their ability to modify the lipid structure and fluidity of the stratum corneum. Additionally, the review investigates the applications of ethosomes in diverse drug delivery scenarios, including the delivery of small molecules, peptides, and phytoconstituents. It highlights the potential of ethosomes to improve drug bioavailability, extend drug release, and achieve targeted delivery to specific skin layers or underlying tissues.

Dysphagia: An Unusual Presentation of Metastatic Uterine Cervical Carcinoma.

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women and the fourth leading cause of death from cancer. The most common sites of metastasis are the pelvic lymph nodes, vagina, and the pelvic sidewalls. Distant metastases are uncommon but can involve the bone, lung, and liver. Characteristics associated with increased rate of distant metastasis include bulky tumor, endometrial extension, lymph node involvement, and advanced disease. We report the case of a woman with stage II cervical carcinoma, who presented with dysphagia due to cervical cancer metastases to the mediastinum.

Supernumerary, ectopic tooth in the maxillary antrum presenting with recurrent haemoptysis.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic eruption of teeth in non-dental sites is a rare phenomenon and can present in a variety of ways such as chronic or recurrent sinusitis, sepsis, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, headaches, ostiomeatal complex disease and facial numbness. However, presentation of such patients with recurrent haemoptysis has not been described in the literature so far. We have described a case of an ectopic, supernumerary molar tooth in the maxillary antrum in a patient who initially presented with haemoptysis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old male presented with a 2-month history of episodic haemoptysis. A pedunculated growth from the inferior nasal turbinate was seen with fibre-optic visualization. Although the patient was empirically started on antibiotic and anti-allergic therapy, there was no improvement after a few weeks and the patient had recurrent episodes of haemoptysis. Fibre-optic visualization was repeated showing bilateral osteomeatal erythema. Computed tomography scan of the paranasal sinuses demonstrated complete opacification of the left maxillary antrum along with a focal area of density comparable to bone. An ectopic, supernumerary molar tooth was found in the left maxillary antrum on endoscopic examination and subsequently removed. In addition, copious purulent discharge was seen. Post-operatively, the patient was treated with a 10-day course of oral amoxicillin-clavulanate. On follow-up, he reported resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Recurrent haemoptysis has not been described as a presentation for a supernumerary, ectopic tooth in literature before. We recommend that in patients with sinusitis-type of opacification of maxillary antrum and whose condition is refractory to conventional medical treatment, consideration should be given to the investigation of possible underlying anomalies as the cause of such symptoms. Presence of foreign bodies and ectopic teeth in paranasal sinuses can be reliably excluded with the use of appropriate radiological imaging and endoscopic examination.

Hepatitis C therapy--the future looks bright.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections affect about 170 million individuals worldwide and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Over the past three decades, ribavirin and interferon-alpha have remained the only available medicines for treating hepatitis C sufferers. Given that this combination therapy is partially effective at best and is associated with severe side-effects, there is an unmet need for new molecular entities which inhibit HCV replication. By employing a combination of structure-based drug design together with high-throughput screening approaches, several pharmaceutical companies have been successful in identifying potentially useful compounds for treating HCV infections. This article provides an overview of some of the small-molecule inhibitors that have shown promise so far in clinical trials and which could reach the clinic within the next three years.