Association between anthropometric measurements of chairs and biomechanical variables leading to musculoskeletal problems in students at different government universities of Multan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between anthropometric measurements of chairs and biomechanical variables leading to musculoskeletal problems in students at different government universities in Multan. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was done on 383 students at different government universities in Multan, Pakistan. There were 23 anthropometric measurements like shoulder height (SH), shoulder breadth (SB), knee height (KH), popliteal height (PH), elbow height sitting (EHS), elbow-fingertip length (EFL), abdominal depth (ABD), buttock-popliteal length (BPL), thigh thickness (TT), forearm width (FW), hip angle (HA), knee angle (KA), cervical flexion (CF), cervical extension (CE), cervical lateral flexion (CLF), cervical rotation (CR), thoracic flexion (TF), thoracic extension (TE), lumber flexion (LF), lumber extension (LE), lumber lateral flexion (LLF), and lumber rotation (LR). There were 11 dimensions of chairs: seat height (SH), seat depth (SD), seat width (SW), desk length (DL), desk width (DW), desk height (DH), backrest height (BH), backrest depth (BD), and seat pan depth (SPD) were measured in six types of commonly used chairs in different universities in Multan. This research was done to determine the fitness of chairs using combinational equations. RESULTS: There was a huge difference between most anthropometric measurements of students and chairs. The recommended measurements were SH (33.2 cm), SW (43.6 cm), SD (42 cm), DH (24.5 cm), DL (51.1 cm), DW (95 cm), BW (42.6 cm), BD (2 cm), BH (55 cm), and SPD (4 cm). CONCLUSIONS: None of the chairs used in the universities of Multan were found to be designed according to the anthropometric dimensions of students, resulting in musculoskeletal problems. It is necessary to revise the design of chairs according to the anthropometric data of students to minimize musculoskeletal problems.

Phytochemical, antioxidant, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous-methanolic leaf extract of Mangifera indica.

OBJECTIVE: Plant-based natural antioxidants have a wide variety of biological activities with significant therapeutic value. Mangifera indica has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments in animals and human, but little is defined about its biological or pharmacological effects. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate phytochemical, antioxidant, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous-methanolic leaf extract of M. indica. METHODS: To investigate the possible impact of aqueous-methanolic leaf extract of M. indica on oxidative stress, inflammation, and pyrexia, we used a combined in vitro and in vivo series of experiments on laboratory animals. RESULTS: Results revealed significant antioxidant potential in 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assay, while significant but dose dependent antipyretic potential was documented in typhoid-paratyphoid A and B (TAB) vaccine and prostaglandin E (PGE) induced pyrexia models. Significant anti-inflammatory effects were observed in both acute and chronic inflammatory models of arachidonic acid and formalin. Phytochemical screening and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of M. Indica confirmed the presence of mangiferin, quercetin, and isoquercetin. These phytoconstituents likely play a role in the observed biological activities. Our results show that M. indica has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects, lending credence to its traditional use and advocating for its utilization as a viable contender in treating oxidative stress-associated ailments. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that Magnifera indica has various properties in the treatment of various diseases.

Green inspired synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Silybum marianum (milk thistle) extract and evaluation of their potential pesticidal and phytopathogens activities.

Background: The green approaches for the synthesis of nanoparticles are gaining significant importance because of their high productivity, purity, low cost, biocompatibility, and environmental friendliness. Methods: The aim of the current study is the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using seed extracts of Silybum marianum, which acts as a reducing and stabilizing agent. central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) optimized synthesis parameters (temperature, pH, reaction time, plant extract, and salt concentration) for controlled size, stability, and maximum yields of ZnO-NPs. Green synthesized ZnO-NPs was characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy and Zetasizer analyses. Results: The Zetasizer confirmed that green synthesized ZnO-NPs were 51.80 nm in size and monodispersed in nature. The UV-visible results revealed a large band gap energy in the visible region at 360.5 nm wavelength. The bioactivities of green synthesized ZnO-NPs, including antifungal, antibacterial, and pesticidal, were also evaluated. Data analysis confirmed that these activities were concentration dependent. Bio-synthesized ZnO-NPs showed higher mortality towards Tribolium castaneum of about 78 ± 0.57% after 72 h observation as compared to Sitophilus oryzae, which only displayed 74 ± 0.57% at the same concentration and time intervals. Plant-mediated ZnO-NPs also showed high potential against pathogenic gram-positive bacteria (Clavibacter michiganensis), gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas syringae), and two fungal strains such as Fusarium oxysporum, and Aspergillums niger with inhibition zones of 18 ± 0.4, 25 ± 0.4, 21 ± 0.57, and 19 ± 0.4 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Silybum marianum-based ZnO-NPs are cost-effective and efficient against crop pests.

Discovery of a natural small-molecule AMP-activated kinase activator that alleviates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a primary cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, there is no approved drug treatment for NASH. AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) is an important metabolic sensor and whole-body regulator. It has been proposed that AMPK activators could be used for treating metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and NASH. In this study, we screened a marine natural compound library by monitoring AMPK activity and found a potent AMPK activator, candidusin A (CHNQD-0803). Further studies showed that CHNQD-0803 directly binds recombinant AMPK with a KD value of 4.728 × 10-8 M and activates AMPK at both molecular and intracellular levels. We then investigated the roles and mechanisms of CHNQD-0803 in PA-induced fat deposition, LPS-stimulated inflammation, TGF-ß-induced fibrosis cell models and the MCD-induced mouse model of NASH. The results showed that CHNQD-0803 inhibited the expression of adipogenesis genes and reduced fat deposition, negatively regulated the NF-κB-TNFα inflammatory axis to suppress inflammation, and ameliorated liver injury and fibrosis. These data indicate that CHNQD-0803 as an AMPK activator is a novel potential therapeutic candidate for NASH treatment. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-023-00168-z.

Recent Advances in Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Immunotherapy.

Cancer is among the current leading causes of death worldwide, despite the novel advances that have been made toward its treatment, it is still considered a major public health concern. Considering both the serious impact of cancer on public health and the significant side effects and complications of conventional therapeutic options, the current strategies towards targeted cancer therapy must be enhanced to avoid undesired toxicity. Cancer immunotherapy has become preferable among researchers in recent years compared to conventional therapeutic options, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. The understanding of how to control immune checkpoints, develop therapeutic cancer vaccines, genetically modify immune cells as well as enhance the activation of antitumor immune response led to the development of novel cancer treatments. In this review, we address recent advances in cancer immunotherapy molecular mechanisms. Different immunotherapeutic approaches are critically discussed, focusing on the challenges, potential risks, and prospects involving their use.

Evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant and antitumor activity of hydroalcoholic extract from Jatropha mollissima leaves in Wistar rats.

Introduction: Despite modern sciences and advancements in new drugs or chemicals, the new era now rushes natural remedies for various illnesses and diseases that lead to end organ damage. In this study, we investigated Jatropha mollissima ethanolic extract's effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and renal toxicity. Methods: To determine phytochemicals, a phytochemical screening was conducted. Various assays were used to measure the antioxidant activity, including the DPPH (2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl), SOD (superoxide dismutase), NO (nitric oxide), and others. The antiproliferative effect of Jm was assessed by MTT assay; morphological analysis was performed using an inverted and phase contrast microscope, ultra morphological analysis of apoptosis with acridine orange (AO)/propidium iodide (PI) staining. Results: It was seen that doxorubicin caused elevated serum markers and abnormal changes in histological patterns. The significant reduction in cardiac and renal marker levels seen in groups given either 400 or 600 mg/kg of crude extract demonstrates that Jm has a protective effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity due to the presence of active phytoconstituents having antioxidant potential. There is a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability when using J. mollissima. Apoptosis was observed in the treated cells. Conclusion: In conclusion, our research lends credence to the idea that J. mollissima could be used for cancer management and have cardioprotective and nephroprotective effects.

Fabrication of PEGylated Chitosan Nanoparticles Containing Tenofovir Alafenamide: Synthesis and Characterization.

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is an antiretroviral (ARV) drug that is used for the management and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The clinical availability of ARV delivery systems that provide long-lasting protection against HIV transmission is lacking. There is a dire need to formulate nanocarrier systems that can help in revolutionizing the way to fight against HIV/AIDS. Here, we aimed to synthesize a polymer using chitosan and polyethylene glycol (PEG) by the PEGylation of chitosan at the hydroxyl group. After successful modification and confirmation by FTIR, XRD, and SEM, TAF-loaded PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles were prepared and analyzed for their particle size, zeta potential, morphology, crystallinity, chemical interactions, entrapment efficacy, drug loading, in vitro drug release, and release kinetic modeling. The fabricated nanoparticles were found to be in a nanosized range (219.6 nm), with ~90% entrapment efficacy, ~14% drug loading, and a spherical uniform distribution. The FTIR analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of PEGylated chitosan and nanoparticles. The in vitro analysis showed ~60% of the drug was released from the PEGylated polymeric reservoir system within 48 h at pH 7.4. The drug release kinetics were depicted by the Korsmeyer-Peppas release model with thermodynamically nonspontaneous drug release. Conclusively, PEGylated chitosan has the potential to deliver TAF from a nanocarrier system, and in the future, cytotoxicity and in vivo studies can be performed to further authenticate the synthesized polymer.

Biochemical evaluation and medicinal ability of Jatropha mollissima in hepatic disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Jatropha mollissima is one of the most valuable medicinal plants used for the treatment of hepatic disorders. It is evident that 500 mg/kg of sodium valproate causes the hepatotoxicity, ototoxicity, gastrotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, and inflammation. This study was designed to explore the medicinal uses of Jatropha mollissima in hepatic disorders. METHODS: Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wister albino rats by injecting sodium valproate at the rate of 500 mg/kg once daily for fourteen days. Six male rats, each weighing 220-270 g, were placed into four separate groups for the study. The first group was treated with normal saline. Treatment of the second group was carried out by SVP for four days consecutively together with saline for three weeks. Group three and four were treated with sodium valproate and Jm hydroalcoholic extract applied in the concentrations of the 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for the period of the three weeks. Phytochemical screening and HPLC analysis were conducted to identify the phytochemical nature and polyphenols in extract, respectively. DPPH, SOD, and NO tests were performed to measure the antioxidant activity. RESULTS: With the initial dose of treatments to rats, anatomic, physiological, or histopathologic abnormalities were detected. After three weeks, extract of Jatropha mollissima was used to treat the valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that sodium valproate (SVP) and Jm extract were administered together. The hepatoprotective effects were extraordinarily high, with high concentrations of 400 mg/kg.

Formulation and Evaluation of Diclofenac Potassium Gel in Sports Injuries with and without Phonophoresis.

Background: Pain remains a global public heath priority. Phonophoresis, also known as sonophoresis or ultrasonophoresis, is when an ultrasound is used to maximize the effects of a topical drug. Purpose: The objective of this study was to test, in patients injured in sports or accidents (N = 200), the efficacy of diclofenac potassium (DK) 6%, 4%, and 2% formulated gels with and without phonophoresis in comparison with market available standard diclofenac sodium (DS or DN) gel. Methods: The patients were enrolled after informed consent. By using the lottery method, 100 patients were randomly segregated into five groups without phonophoresis and repeated similarly with phonophoresis at a frequency of 0.8 MHz, an intensity of about 1.5 W/cm2, and at continuous mode (2:1). Group-1 was treated with 6% DK gel, group-2 was treated with 4% DK gel, group-3 was treated with 2% DK gel, group-4 was treated with 4% DS gel and group-5 was given control gel three to four times a week for 4 weeks. The patients were screened by using NPRS and WOMAC scales. They were assessed on the baseline, 4th session, 8th session, 12th session, and 16th session. Results: Significant dose-dependently relief was observed in NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and the WOMAC (Western Ontario McMaster Osteo-Arthritis) index for pain in disability and stiffness for each group treated with DK gel compared to DS gel. Phonophoresis increased these benefits significantly when used after topical application of DK gel or DS gel, and the dose-dependent effects of DK gel plus phonophoresis were stronger than the dose-dependent effects of DS gel plus phonophoresis. The faster and profounder relief was due to phonophoresis, which allows more penetration of the DK gel into the skin as compared to the direct application of DK gel in acute, uncomplicated soft tissue injury, such as plantar fasciitis, bursitis stress injuries, and tendinitis. In addition, DK gel with phonophoresis was well tolerated. Thus, in this personalized clinical setting, according to the degree of inflammation or injured-induced pain, disability, and stiffness, DK gel 6% with phonophoresis appeared more effective and thus more recommendable than DS gel 6% alone or DS gel 6% combined to phonophoresis.

In vivo antioxidants, chemical characterization and biochemical and medicinal potential of Murraya koenigii in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Murraya koenigii (Mk) is an old plant with a significant therapeutic value throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The excessive use of cisplatin (Cis> 50 mg/m2) is associated with nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, gastrotoxicity, myelosuppression, and allergic reactions. Remedial measures are needed for the protection of nephrotoxicity against cisplatin. Thus, we have investigated Mk leaf extract's nephroprotective effects to prevent cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. The presence of polyphenols, phenolic compounds, tannins, and saponins was revealed during phytochemical investigation, and antioxidant activity was recorded. There were no toxicological symptoms in the treated rats, and no anatomical, physiological, or histological abnormalities were found compared to the control rats. The results of correcting cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity revealed that the extract has a significant ability to treat kidney damage, with most parameters returning to normal after only three weeks of therapy. It was concluded that co-administered cisplatin with Mk leaves extract showed exceptional nephroprotective effects at a 400 mg/kg dose ratein Cis-induced nephrotoxicity.

A Review of Twenty Years of Research on the Regulation of Signaling Pathways by Natural Products in Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of death among women, and it has become a global health issue due to the increasing number of cases. Different treatment options, including radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and anti-estrogen therapy, aromatase inhibitors, anti-angiogenesis drugs, and anthracyclines, are available for BC treatment. However, due to its high occurrence and disease progression, effective therapeutic options for metastatic BC are still lacking. Considering this scenario, there is an urgent need for an effective therapeutic strategy to meet the current challenges of BC. Natural products have been screened as anticancer agents as they are cost-effective, possess low toxicity and fewer side effects, and are considered alternative therapeutic options for BC therapy. Natural products showed anticancer activities against BC through the inhibition of angiogenesis, cell migrations, proliferations, and tumor growth; cell cycle arrest by inducing apoptosis and cell death, the downstream regulation of signaling pathways (such as Notch, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, and NFAT-MDM2), and the regulation of EMT processes. Natural products also acted synergistically to overcome the drug resistance issue, thus improving their efficacy as an emerging therapeutic option for BC therapy. This review focused on the emerging roles of novel natural products and derived bioactive compounds as therapeutic agents against BC. The present review also discussed the mechanism of action through signaling pathways and the synergistic approach of natural compounds to improve their efficacy. We discussed the recent in vivo and in vitro studies for exploring the overexpression of oncogenes in the case of BC and the current status of newly discovered natural products in clinical investigations.

Synthesis of Chemically Cross-Linked pH-Sensitive Hydrogels for the Sustained Delivery of Ezetimibe.

In recent years, pH-sensitive hydrogels have been developed for the delivery of therapeutic agents to specific target sites that have a defined pH range. The use of pH-responsive polymers in hydrogels allows drug delivery to the desired pH range of the target organ. The primary aim is to increase the retention time of the drug in the small intestine by utilizing the swelling mechanism of the hydrogel at intestinal pH. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used as a polymer to formulate a pH-sensitive hydrogel of Ezetimibe to deliver the drug to the small intestine where it inhibits the absorption of cholesterol. Design Expert software was applied to design and optimize the trial formulations in order to obtain an optimized formulation that has all the desired characteristics of the hydrogels. The PEG/Acrylic Acid hydrogels showed the maximum swelling at pH 6.8, which is consistent with the pH of the small intestine (pH 6-7.4). The maximum entrapment efficiency of the hydrogels was 99%. The hydrogel released 80-90% of the drug within 24 h and followed first-order release kinetics, which showed that the release from the drug was sustained. Hence, the results showed that the choice of a suitable polymer can lead to the development of an efficient drug-loaded hydrogel that can deliver the drug at the specific pH of the target organ.

Evaluation of the hepatoprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Alhagi camelorum against valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite many liver disorders, clinically useful drugs are scarce. Moreover, the available therapies are facing the challenges of efficacy and safety. Alhagi camelorum has been used in folk medicine globally for millennia to treat several ailments. Alhagi camelorum (Ac) is an old plant with a significant therapeutic value throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Our goal was to determine the hepatoprotective activity of Alhagi camelorum against valproic acid induced hepatotoxicity using an animal model. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The animals were segregated in 4-groups (6 male rats each) weighing 250-290 g. Group-1 animals were treated with normal saline, Group-2 animals were treated with VPA at the dose of 500 mg/kg i.p for 14 days consecutively, while Group-3 and 4 were treated with valproic acid (VPA) at the dose of 500 mg/kg i.p for 14 days along with 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg of Ac hydroalcoholic extract respectively. Subsequently, blood serum samples and liver tissues were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Phytochemical screening was carried out to screen for phytochemical classes and HPLC analysis was conducted to screen polyphenols. The antioxidant activity was carried by different assays such as DPPH, SOD, NO etc. KEY RESULTS: The administration of Ac showed hepatoprotection at the doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg. Ac significantly reduces the elevated serum levels of liver biomarkers compared to the valproic acid-induced hepatotoxic group. These findings were confirmed with histopathological changes where Ac was capable of reversing the toxic effects of valproic acid on liver cells CONCLUSION: It is concluded that Ac showed significant hepatoprotective effects at different doses in the animal model used in this study.

Nephroprotective Effects of Alhagi camelorum against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Albino Wistar Rats.

Alhagi camelorum (AC) is an old plant with a significant therapeutic value throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The overuse of cisplatin (Cis > 50 mg/m2) is associated with observed nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, gastrotoxicity, myelosuppression, and allergic reactions. Remedial measures are needed for the protection of nephrotoxicity against cisplatin. Thus, we investigated the nephroprotective effects of AC plant extract to prevent cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino Wistar rats. The presence of polyphenols, phenolic compounds, tannins, and saponins was revealed during phytochemical investigation, and a significantly intense antioxidant activity was recorded. There were no toxicological symptoms in the treated rats, and no anatomical, physiological, or histological abnormalities were found compared to the control rats. The results of correcting cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity revealed that the extract has a significant ability to treat kidney damage, with most parameters returning to normal after only three weeks of therapy. It is concluded that co-administration of cisplatin with AC extract showed exceptional nephroprotective effects at a dose of 600 mg/kg for Cis-induced nephrotoxicity.

The nephroprotective effects of Daucus carota and Eclipta prostrata against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

The overuse of cisplatin (>50 mg/m2) is limited to nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, gastrotoxicity, myelosuppression, and allergic reactions. The objective of this study was to investigate the nephroprotective effects of Daucus carota and Eclipta prostrata extracts on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. The study involved male Wistar albino rats of 8 weeks weighing 220-270 g. A single injection of 5 mg/kg was injected into the rats for nephrotoxicity. Rats were divided into four groups based on dose conentrations. Blood and urine samples of rats were collected on the 0, 7th, 14th, and 21st days for nephrological analysis. The results showed that Cis + DC/Cis + EP (600 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) increased the body weight and reduced the kidney weight of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats (p < 0.001) as compared to Cis group. The results showed that 600 mg/kg administration of Cis + DC/Cis +EP successfully (p < 0.005) improved the urine and plasmin creatinine, Na, and K level compared to the Cis group. Histopathological results confirmed that Cis + EP/Cis + DC effectively improved the renal abnormalities. It is concluded that the co-administration of Cis + EP extract showed exceptional nephroprotective effects at a dose rate of 600 mg/kg.

Humanistic and socioeconomic burden of COPD patients and their caregivers in Malaysia.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with substantial humanistic and socioeconomic burden on patients and their caregivers. COPD is expected to be 7th leading cause of disease burden till 2030. The objective of the current study was to assess the humanistic and socioeconomic burden of COPD patients and their caregivers in Malaysia. The burden includes the cost of management of COPD, QOL of COPD patients and their caregivers, work productivity and activity impairment of COPD patients and their caregivers due to COPD. One hundred and fifty COPD patients and their caregivers from the chest clinic of Penang Hospital were included in the study from August 2018 to August 2019. Caregiving cost was estimated using the replacement cost approach, while humanistic and social burden was assessed with the help of health status questionnaires. Overall, 64.66% and 7.1% of COPD patients reported to depend on informal caregivers and professional caregivers respectively. COPD patients reported dyspnoea score as 2.31 (1.31), EQ-5D-5L utility index 0.57 (0.23), CCI 2.3 (1.4), SGRQ-C 49.23 (18.61), productivity loss 31.87% and activity impairment 17.42%. Caregivers reported dyspnoea score as 0.72 (0.14), EQ-5D-5L utility index 0.57 (0.23), productivity loss 7.19% and social activity limitation as 21.63% due to taking care of COPD patients. In addition to the huge direct cost of management, COPD is also associated with substantial burden on society in terms of compromised quality of life, reduced efficiency at the workplace, activity impairment and caregiver burden.

Jasminum sambac: A Potential Candidate for Drug Development to Cure Cardiovascular Ailments.

Jasminum sambac (L.) is a South Asian folkloric medicinal plant that has traditionally been used to treat cardiovascular problems. The current investigation was meticulously organized to explore the pharmacological foundation for the medicinal uses of J. sambac pertaining to cardiovascular ailments and to investigate the core mechanisms. Mechanistic investigation revealed that crude leaf extract of J. sambac produced ex-vivo vasorelaxant effects in endotheliumintact aorta ring preparation and hypotensive effect was recorded via pressure and force transducers coupled to the Power Lab Data Acquisition System. Moreover; J. sambac showed cardioprotective effects against adrenaline -induced left ventricular hypertrophy in rabbits observed hemodynamic. CK-MB, LDH, troponin, CRP, ALT, AST, ALP levels were shown to be lower in the myocardial infarction model, as were necrosis, oedema, and inflammatory cell recruitment in comparison to control. J. sambac has shown good antioxidant potential as well as prolonged the noradrenaline induced platelet adhesion. The vasorelaxant and cardioprotective effects in both in vivo and ex vivo experiments, which are enabled by activation of muscarinic receptor and/or releasing the nitric oxide and by reducing the adrenaline, induced oxidative stress, justifying its usage in cardiovascular disorders.

A National Survey to Assess the COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Conspiracy Beliefs, Acceptability, Preference, and Willingness to Pay among the General Population of Pakistan.

The current study aims to assess the beliefs of the general public in Pakistan towards conspiracy theories, acceptance, willingness to pay, and preference for the COVID-19 vaccine. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online self-administered questionnaire during January 2021. The Chi-square test or Fisher exact test was utilized for statistical data analysis. A total of 2158 respondents completed the questionnaire, among them 1192 (55.2%) were male with 23.87 (SD: ±6.23) years as mean age. The conspiracy beliefs circulating regarding the COVID-19 vaccine were believed by 9.3% to 28.4% of the study participants. Among them, 1040 (48.2%) agreed to vaccinate on its availability while 934 (43.3%) reported the Chinese vaccine as their preference. The conspiracy beliefs of the participants were significantly associated with acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. The existence of conspiracy beliefs and low vaccine acceptance among the general population is a serious threat to successful COVID-19 vaccination.

Insights into the Role of Biopolymer Aerogel Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

The global transplantation market size was valued at USD 8.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11.5% over the forecast period. The increasing demand for tissue transplantation has inspired researchers to find alternative approaches for making artificial tissues and organs function. The unique physicochemical and biological properties of biopolymers and the attractive structural characteristics of aerogels such as extremely high porosity, ultra low-density, and high surface area make combining these materials of great interest in tissue scaffolding and regenerative medicine applications. Numerous biopolymer aerogel scaffolds have been used to regenerate skin, cartilage, bone, and even heart valves and blood vessels by growing desired cells together with the growth factor in tissue engineering scaffolds. This review focuses on the principle of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and the role of biopolymer aerogel scaffolds in this field, going through the properties and the desirable characteristics of biopolymers and biopolymer tissue scaffolds in tissue engineering applications. The recent advances of using biopolymer aerogel scaffolds in the regeneration of skin, cartilage, bone, and heart valves are also discussed in the present review. Finally, we highlight the main challenges of biopolymer-based scaffolds and the prospects of using these materials in regenerative medicine.

In vivo assessment of reversing aminoglycoside antibiotics nephrotoxicity using Jatropha mollissima crude extract.

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are widely employed clinically due to their powerful bactericidal activities, less bacterial resistance compared to beta lactam group and low cost. However, their use has been limited in recent years due to their potential induction of nephrotoxicity. Here we investigate the possibility of reversing nephrotoxicity caused by gentamicin in rat models by using ethanolic crude extract of the medicinal plant Jatropha Mollissima. Nephrotoxic male Wistar rats was obtained by gentamicin antibiotic, which then treated with two doses of J. mollissima crude extract for 3 weeks with monitoring their parameter in weekly base. Our results indicate that J. mollissima crude extract at both doses has strong protection ability against gentamicin nephrotoxicity, most of tested parameters backed to normal values after few days from the administration of the crude extract, which could be due to the antagonized the biochemical action of gentamicin on the proximal tubules of the kidney. The results of histopathologic analysis showed observable improvement in J. mollissima treated groups compared with untreated groups. Our findings suggests the J. mollissima has exceptional nephron protection potentials able to reverse the nephrotoxicity caused by gentamicin antibiotic.