Heart Failure: Recent Advances and Breakthroughs.

Heart failure (HF) is a common clinical condition encountered in various healthcare settings with a vast socioeconomic impact. Recent advancements in pharmacotherapy have led to the evolution of novel therapeutic agents with a decrease in hospitalization and mortality rates in HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF). Lately, the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) to construct decision-making models for the early detection of HF has played a vital role in optimizing cardiovascular disease outcomes. In this review, we examine the newer therapies and evidence behind goal-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for managing HF. We also explore the application of AI and machine learning (ML) in HF, including early diagnosis and risk stratification for HFrEF.

Cytotoxicity Study of Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis Using Aloe vera, Honey, and Gymnema sylvestre Leaf Extract.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have gained importance in the field of biomedical research and diagnostics due to their unique physicochemical properties. This study aimed to synthesize AuNPs using Aloe vera extract, honey, and Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract. Physicochemical parameters for the optimal synthesis of AuNPs were determined using 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mM of gold salt at varying temperatures from 20 to 50 °C. X-ray diffraction was used to evaluate the crystal structure of AuNPs, which came out to be a face-centered cubic structure. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the size and shape of AuNPs between 20 and 50 nm from the Aloe vera, honey, and Gymnema sylvestre, as well as large-sized nanocubes in the case of honey, with 21-34 wt % of gold content. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of a broadband of amine (N-H) and alcohol groups (O-H) on the surface of the synthesized AuNPs that prevents them from agglomeration and provides stability. Broad and weak bands of aliphatic ether (C-O), alkane (C-H), and other functional groups were also found on these AuNPs. DPPH antioxidant activity assay showed a high free radical scavenging potential. The most suited source was selected for further conjugation with three anticancer drugs including 4-hydroxy Tamoxifen, HIF1 alpha inhibitor, and the soluble Guanylyl Cyclase Inhibitor 1 H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Evidence of the pegylated drug conjugation with AuNPs was reinforced by ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. These drug-conjugated nanoparticles were further checked on MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells for their cytotoxicity. These AuNP-conjugated drugs can be a good candidate for breast cancer treatment that will lead toward safe, economical, biocompatible, and targeted drug delivery systems.

Rhino-Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis in a Non-diabetic Patient Following COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis has been commonly seen during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Several factors responsible for etiology and pathophysiology have been identified, among which corticosteroids and diabetes have contributed to the lion's share of the outbreak of mucormycosis. In this report, we discuss a case of a 41-year-old non-diabetic male with a recent convalescence from COVID-19 infection presented with gradual vision loss and loss of sensations in his right eye. He was found to have periorbital swelling, restriction of extraocular movements in all gazes, chemosis, ptosis of the right eye, and right maxillary sinus tenderness. His serum investigations, radiologic findings, and blood culture were indicative of rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis. He was started on systemic liposomal amphotericin B immediately and underwent aggressive surgical debridement. A high index of clinical suspicion, aggressive multifaceted management, and follow-up are needed to have successful outcomes, thereby lowering the morbidity of coronavirus-associated mucormycosis.