siRNA Treatments for Diabetic Neuropathy: Obstacles and Delivery Techniques.

Targeting genes using siRNA shows promise as an approach to alleviate symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. It focuses on neuropathies and distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) to explore the potential use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a treatment for diabetic neuropathy. Timely identification and management of neuropathy play a critical role in mitigating potential complications. RNAi success depends on understanding factors affecting small interfering RNA (siRNA) functionality and specificity. These include sequence space restrictions, structural and sequence features, mechanisms for nonspecific gene modulation, and chemical modifications. Addressing these factors enhances siRNA performance for efficient gene silencing and confidence in RNAi-mediated genomic studies. Diabetic retinopathy, particularly in South Asian, African, Latin American, and indigenous populations, is a significant concern due to its association with diabetes. Ethnicity plays a crucial role in its development and progression. Despite declining rates in the US, global trends remain concerning, and further research is needed to understand regional differences and reinforce ethnicity-based screening and treatment protocols. In this regard, siRNA emerges as a valuable instrument for early intervention strategies. While presenting promising therapeutic applications, siRNA utilization encounters challenges within insect pest control contexts, thereby providing insights into enhancing its delivery mechanisms for neuropathy treatment purposes. Recent advancements in delivery modalities, such as nanoparticles, allow for the controlled release of siRNA. More investigation is necessary to grasp the safety and efficacy of siRNA technology fully. It holds promise in transforming the treatment of diabetic neuropathy by honing in on particular genes and tackling issues such as inflammation and oxidative stress. Continuous advancements in delivery techniques have the potential to enhance patient results significantly. SiRNA targets genes in diabetic neuropathy, curbing nerve damage and pain and potentially preventing or delaying the condition. Customized treatments based on genetic variations hold promise for symptom management and enhancing quality of life.

Nephroprotective Effect of Bergapten Against Cyclophosphamide-Mediated Renal Stress, Inflammation, and Fibrosis in Wistar Rats: Probable Role of NF-kB and TGF-ß1 Signaling Molecules.

Cyclophosphamide (CPM) is a well-established antineoplastic drug with marked clinical outcomes in various types of cancers. Despite being a promising drug, its use is associated with significant renal toxicity and often limits its use, leading to compromised clinical outcomes. Therefore, this study explored the renal protective effect of bergapten (BGP), a natural bioactive compound that showed marked antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. Till now, BGP has not been studied for its renal protective effect in an in vivo model. Animals were divided into control, toxic, BGP-3, BGP-10, and BGP Per se. The control group was treated with normal saline for 2 weeks. To the toxic group, CPM 200 mg/kg was given on day 7 as i.p. To BGP-3, 10, and Per se, BGP-3 and 10 mg/kg, ip was given 2 weeks with a single shot of CPM 200 day 7. To the Per se group, only BGP 10 mg/kg, ip was given from day 1 to day 14. After 14 days, animals were sacrificed, and kidneys were removed and studied for the markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, renal injury, renal fibrosis, and renal damage using biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies. We found that BGP-10 effectively reversed the damage toward normal, whereas BGP-3 failed to exhibit a significant renal protective effect. We conclude that bergapten could be a potential renal protective drug, and hence, more detailed cellular molecular-based studies are needed to bring this drug from the bench to the bedside.

Nanoengineered chitosan functionalized titanium dioxide biohybrids for bacterial infections and cancer therapy.

Nanoengineered chitosan functionalized titanium dioxide biohybrids (CTiO2@NPs) were prepared with Amomum subulatum Roxb extract via one-pot green method and assessed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, SEM and EDAX analyses. As revealed by XRD pattern, the nanohybrids exhibits a rutile TiO2 crystallites around 45 nm in size. The emergence of the Ti-O-Ti bond is identified by observing a peak between 400 and 800 cm-1. A wide bandgap (4.8 eV) has been observed in CTiO2@NPs, due to the quantum confinement effects and the oxygen vacancies reveal the intriguing potential of developed nanohybrids for various applications. Surface flaws were identified by observing an emission band at 382, 437, 482, 517, and 556 nm. They also exhibit better antibacterial performances using well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus substilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Escherichia coli. CTiO2@NPs were discovered to have free radical scavenging activity on DPPH analysis and exhibit IC50 value as 95.80 µg/mL and standard (Vitamin C) IC50 is 87.62 µg/mL. CTiO2@NPs exhibited better anticancer properties against the osteosarcoma (MG-63) cell line. All these findings suggest that there is a forum for further useful therapeutic applications. Therefore, we claim that nano-engineered carbohydrated TiO2 phytohybrid is a promising solution for bacterial infections and bone cancer.

Public and healthcare providers awareness of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The rapid and extensive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of concern for both general public and healthcare profession. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate the awareness of both the general public and healthcare providers in Qassim region in Saudi Arabia. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted randomly in different shopping malls in Qassim region from 10th of February to 10th of March 2020. All participants have answered the designed questionnaire. The structured questionnaire recorded demographics and awareness of both public participants as well as health care providers. RESULT: A total of 130 participants have answered the designed questionnaire, out of which 67participants were males (58.5%) and 54 were females (41.5%). Overall, 129 (99%) out of the 130 participants are aware of COVID-19, and 116 (90%) have recognize it as a respiratory disease and 100% of the participants have recognized it as a contagious disease. Around 94% of the participants were able to recognize the correct incubation period of the virus. Participants of the age group 20-40 showed higher awareness level than other age groups (P value = 0.005). In addition, government employees showed higher awareness level than other profession groups (P = 0.039). Results showed significant positive correlation between the recognition of high-risk groups, reliable source of information, infection symptoms, disease prevention and available treatments. CONCLUSION: General public and health care professionals from Qassim Region showed adequate awareness of COVID-19. However, there is a strong need to implement periodic educational interventions and training programs on infection control practices for COVID-19 across all healthcare professions.

Corticosteroid therapy for 2019-nCoV-infected patients: A case series of eight mechanically ventilated patients.

High-dose short-term corticosteroid therapy is effective and produces favorable clinical outcome in patients with severe 2019-nCoV infection who are candidates for mechanical ventilation with close monitor/ing for the adverse effect of corticosteroids.