Application of Carbon-based Nano Adsorbents in the Extraction of Amphetamines from Urine Samples.

Amphetamines, as psychoactive drugs, are extensively abused in society and cause serious mental and physical disorders among young people. Furthermore, the extremely euphoric and excited sense of stimulant consumption leads to dramatic social problems. Determination of various analytes and related metabolites in the complex biological matrices at trace levels has made sample preparation an indispensable part of forensic sciences. According to the problems above, providing high sensitivity, solving some analytical problems like matrix effects in LCMS-MS, and needing a cleaner extract are remarkable aspects of novel sample preparation methods in drug analysis. Application of nanotechnology and carbon-based nanocomposites seems to bring the above properties in developed and novel sample preparation methods. This review will try to provide an overview of different carbonic nano adsorbents used in sample preparation methods of amphetamines and discuss their superiority over the other nanomaterials.

Non-viral and viral delivery systems for hemophilia A therapy: recent development and prospects.

Recent advancements have focused on enhancing factor VIII half-life and refining its delivery methods, despite the well-established knowledge that factor VIII deficiency is the main clotting protein lacking in hemophilia. Consequently, both viral and non-viral delivery systems play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for hemophilia patients. The utilization of viral vectors and the manipulation of non-viral vectors through targeted delivery are significant advancements in the field of cellular and molecular therapies for hemophilia. These developments contribute to the progression of treatment strategies and hold great promise for improving the overall well-being of individuals with hemophilia. This review study comprehensively explores the application of viral and non-viral vectors in cellular (specifically T cell) and molecular therapy approaches, such as RNA, monoclonal antibody (mAb), and CRISPR therapeutics, with the aim of addressing the challenges in hemophilia treatment. By examining these innovative strategies, the study aims to shed light on potential solutions to enhance the efficacy and outcomes of hemophilia therapy.

In situ forming alginate/gelatin hydrogel scaffold through Schiff base reaction embedded with curcumin-loaded chitosan microspheres for bone tissue regeneration.

In this study, we developed a biocompatible composite hydrogel that incorporates microspheres. This was achieved using a Schiff base reaction, which combines the amino and aldehyde groups present in gelatin (Gel) and oxidized alginate (OAlg). We suggest this hydrogel as a promising scaffold for bone tissue regeneration. To further boost its osteogenic capabilities and mechanical resilience, we synthesized curcumin (Cur)-loaded chitosan microspheres (CMs) and integrated them into the Gel-OAlg matrix. This formed a robust composite gel framework. We conducted comprehensive evaluations of various properties, including gelation time, morphology, compressive strength, rheological behavior, texture, swelling rate, in vitro degradation, and release patterns. A remarkable observation was that the inclusion of 30 mg/mL Cur-CMs significantly enhanced the hydrogel's mechanical and bioactive features. Over three weeks, the Gel-OAlg/Cur-CMs (30) composite showed a cumulative curcumin release of 35.57%. This was notably lower than that observed in standalone CMs and Gel-OAlg hydrogels. Additionally, the Gel-OAlg/Cur-CMs (30) hydrogel presented a reduced swelling rate and weight loss relative to hydrogels devoid of Cur-CMs. On the cellular front, the Gel-OAlg/Cur-CMs (30) hydrogel showcased superior biocompatibility. It also displayed increased calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and elevated osteogenic gene expression in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). These results solidify its potential as a scaffold for bone tissue regeneration.

The Effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract Ointment on Pain and Episiotomy Wound Healing in Nulliparous Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Episiotomy is a usual midwifery surgery. Iran is a country with an abundant source of medicinal plants. This study aimed to investigate ginger extract ointment's effects on the pain and recovery of episiotomy incisions in nulliparous women. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in a public hospital in Iran on 70 nulliparous women with an episiotomy incision. The women were randomly assigned to ginger extract ointment and placebo groups. The primary outcomes included pain and wound healing that were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), redness, edema, ecchymosis/bruising, discharge, and an approximation scale (REEDA). The participants were followed up before discharge from the hospital and 5×1 and 10×1 days after the intervention. The secondary outcome was the number of painkillers used during the study. Data were analyzed by chi-square, independent t test, and the Mann-Whitney U via SPSS-13. The significance levels were determined to be P≤0.05. Results: There was no significant difference between participants treated with ginger extract ointment and placebo in the pain and wound healing scores before the intervention, 5×1 and 10×1 days after the intervention. But, the pain intensity decreased, and the recovery speed increased clinically. Also, regarding the secondary outcome of this study, no significant difference between the placebo and intervention groups in the number of painkillers participants took. Conclusion: The ginger ointment could not significantly improve episiotomy wounds' pain and healing rate, but it was clinically helpful. So more studies with different doses of this ointment are needed.

Current Advances in Nanotechnology-Mediated Delivery of Herbal and Plant-Derived Medicines.

Phytomedicine has been used by humans since ancient times to treat a variety of diseases. However, herbal medicines face significant challenges, including poor water and lipid solubility and instability, which lead to low bioavailability and insufficient therapeutic efficacy. Recently, it has been shown that nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are appropriate to overcome the above-mentioned limitations. The present review study first discusses herbal medicines and the challenges involved in the formulation of these drugs. The different types of nano-based drug delivery systems used in herbal delivery and their potential to improve therapeutic efficacy are summarized, and common techniques for preparing nanocarriers used in herbal drug delivery are also discussed. Finally, a list of nanophyto medicines that have entered clinical trials since 2010, as well as those that the FDA has approved, is presented.

How can Fullerenes Help in the Treatment of Diseases? A Review Article on Pharmaceutical Usage of Fullerenes as Carriers.

Drug degradation is a process that can render pharmaceuticals inactive without causing any visible distortion. This can disrupt the therapeutic process, and on occasion, when the process produces toxic metabolites, it can have much more fatal consequences. Light is one of the most significant components that might cause deterioration, and several attempts have been made to improve and increase the practical photosensitizing of nano-scaled pharmaceuticals. Considering this, the insolubility and aggregating qualities of fullerenes have received significant attention. Fullerene is considered to have a unique carbon structure. In order to gain improved water solubility and biocompatible properties, fullerenes have been combined with water-soluble, biodegradable, and adjustable polymers. More specifically, these linkers exhibit increased tumor cell identification and greater tumor cell suppression when linked to therapeutic ligands (tumor-targeting) or stimuliresponsive polymers. According to scientific studies, fullerene-drug combinations can be used in certain complex diseases, like infectious and viral types. Several studies have combined fullerenes into nano-emulsions or liposomes for various pharmacological objectives. In the current work, fullerene/polymer nanomaterials are discussed for potential therapeutic techniques for the treatment of various diseases, particularly cancer and AIDS. According to the research studies, fullerene is a suitable element with outstanding physical and chemical properties that has a wide range of potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry, including drug delivery system design, photodynamic cancer therapy, and antioxidant therapy.

Immobilized nanoparticles-mediated enzyme therapy; promising way into clinical development.

Enzyme (Enz)-mediated therapy indicated a remarkable effect in the treatment of many human cancers and diseases with an insight into clinical phases. Because of insufficient immobilization (Imb) approach and ineffective carrier, Enz therapeutic exhibits low biological efficacy and bio-physicochemical stability. Although efforts have been made to remove the limitations mentioned in clinical trials, efficient Imb-destabilization and modification of nanoparticles (NPs) remain challenging. NP internalization through insufficient membrane permeability, precise endosomal escape, and endonuclease protection following release are the primary development approaches. In recent years, innovative manipulation of the material for Enz immobilization (EI) fabrication and NP preparation has enabled nanomaterial platforms to improve Enz therapeutic outcomes and provide low-diverse clinical applications. In this review article, we examine recent advances in EI approaches and emerging views and explore the impact of Enz-mediated NPs on clinical therapeutic outcomes with at least diverse effects.

The effect of PEGylation on drugs' pharmacokinetic parameters; from absorption to excretion.

When drugs enter the field of human life, they face problems in the area of delivery, delivery to the destination, and metabolism. These problems can cause reducing drug's therapeutic effect and even increase its side effects. Together, these cases can reduce the patient's compliance with the treatment and complicate the treatment process. Much work has been done to solve or at least reduce these problems. For example, using different forms of a single drug molecule (like Citalopram and Escitalopram); a bit changes in the drug's molecule like Meperidine and α-Prodine, and using carriers (like Tigerase®). PEGylation is a recently presented method that can use for many targets. Poly Ethylene Glycol or PEG is a polymer that can attach to drugs by using different methods and causing sustained release, controlled metabolism, targeted delivery, and other cases. All of them, although they will not necessarily lead to an increase in the effect of the drug, will lead to the improvement of the treatment process in certain ways. In this article, the team of authors has tried to collect and carefully review the best cases based on the PEGylation of drugs that can help the readers of this article.

Different Types of Naturally based Drug Delivery Carriers: An Explanation and Expression of Some Anti-cancer Effects.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide and a major impediment to increasing life expectancy. However, survival rates with average standard cancer treatment strategies have not significantly improved in recent decades, with tumor metastasis, adverse drug reactions, and drug resistance still posing major challenges. Replacement therapies are essential for treating this terrible disease. Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of phytochemical-derived conjugated chemotherapeutic agents due to their biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, low resistance, and dynamic physiochemical properties that distinguish normal cells in treating various types of cancer. The use of plant-based carriers has many advantages, such as the availability of raw materials, lower cost, lower toxicity in most cases, and greater compatibility with the body's structure compared to chemical and mineral types of carriers. Unfortunately, several challenges complicate the efficient administration of herbal medicines, including physicochemical disadvantages such as poor solubility and instability, and pharmacokinetic challenges such as poor absorption and low bioavailability that can cause problems in clinical trials. Novel delivery systems such as liposomes, phytosomes, nanoparticles, and nanocapsules are more suitable as delivery systems for phytomedicinal components compared to conventional systems. The use of these delivery systems can improve bioavailability, pharmacological activity, prolonged delivery, and provide physical and chemical stability that increases half-life. This article discusses different types of phytocompounds used in cancer treatment.

Oral Insulin Delivery: A Review On Recent Advancements And Novel Strategies.

BACKGROUND: Due to the lifestyle of people in the community in recent years, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus has increased, so New drugs and related treatments are also being developed. INTRODUCTION: One of the essential treatments for diabetes today is injectable insulin forms, which have their problems and limitations, such as invasive and less admission of patients and high cost of production. According to the mentioned issues, Theoretically, Oral insulin forms can solve many problems of injectable forms. METHODS: Many efforts have been made to design and introduce Oral delivery systems of insulin, such as lipid-based, synthetic polymer-based, and polysaccharide-based nano/microparticle formulations. The present study reviewed these novel formulations and strategies in the past five years and checked their properties and results. RESULTS: According to peer-reviewed research, insulin-transporting particles may preserve insulin in the acidic and enzymatic medium and decrease peptide degradation; in fact, they could deliver appropriate insulin levels to the intestinal environment and then to blood. Some of the studied systems increase the permeability of insulin to the absorption membrane in cellular models. In most investigations, in-vivo results revealed a lower ability of formulations to reduce BGL than subcutaneous form, despite promising results in in-vitro and stability testing. CONCLUSION: Although taking insulin orally currently seems unfeasible, future systems may be able to overcome mentioned obstacles, making oral insulin delivery feasible and producing acceptable bioavailability and treatment effects in comparison to injection forms.

Effect of date palm pollen supplementation on female sexual function in non-menopausal women: A double blind randomized clinical trial.

Objective: Despite numerous experimental studies in the literature, there are few clinical trials regarding the effect of date palm pollen (DPP) supplementation on sexual function improvement. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the impact of DPP on female sexual function in Iranian non-menopausal women. Methods: Between October 2019 and December 2019, health centers in the city of Khalkhal, volunteers meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited in randomized clinical trials. Sixty-eight women were randomly stratified and assigned to one of the two study groups: placebo group (n = 35) and palm pollen group (n = 35), and received a starch or palm pollen capsule (300 mg per day), respectively, for 35 d. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) instrument was used to assess female sexual function. Results: After DPP supplementation, the increase in desire, lubrication, and the overall score, was statistically significant compared to the placebo group (P = 0.002, P = 0.000, and P = 0.042; respectively); Whilst there was no significant differences in the remaining domains (arousal: P = 0.763; orgasm: P = 0.370; satisfaction: P = 0.474; pain: P = 0.259). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the coitus and preintervention levels of desire (r = 0.298, P = 0.038), arousal (r = 0.328, P = 0.021), lubrication (r = 0.361, P = 0.011), orgasm (r = 0.320, P = 0.025), satisfaction (r = 0.327, P = 0.022), and overall scores (r = 0.338, P = 0.018). Conclusion: This study suggests that DPP (300 mg supplementation for 35 d), given to non-menopausal women, could improve the lubrication and desire domains of FSFI.

Microextraction Techniques for Sample Preparation of Amphetamines in Urine: A Comprehensive Review.

Psychological disorders and dramatic social problems are serious concerns regarding the abuse of amphetamine and its stimulant derivatives worldwide. Consumers of such drugs experience great euphoria along with serious health problems. Determination and quantification of amphetamine-type stimulants are indispensable skills for clinical and forensic laboratories. Analysis of low drug doses in bio-matrices necessitates applications of simple and also effective preparation steps. The preparation procedures not only eliminate adverse matrix effects, but also provide reasonable clean-up and pre-concentration benefits. The current review presents different methods used for sample preparation of amphetamines from urine as the most frequently used biological matrix. The advantages and limitations of various sample preparation methods were discussed focusing on the miniaturized methods.

Clinical Application Study of Polymeric Nanospheres Network in Methylphenidate Extraction from Urine Samples by Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction Adsorbent.

Purpose: This research introduces a polymeric nanosphere as a new dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE) adsorbent for the extraction of methylphenidate (MPH) from urine and its high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Methods: Polymeric nanosphere is a kind of copolymeric network obtained by copolymerization of an ionic liquid monomer and styrene in the presence of vinyltriethoxysilane and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate. HPLC coupled with ultra violet detector was applied for the determination and quantification of MPH. Dominant parameters in extraction were modified by the one-parameter-at-a-time method. The results are as follow: 10 mg of polymeric nanospheres (PNS), 400 µL of acetonitrile (ACT), 5 mL of urine with the pH value of 9, and the extraction and desorption times of 2 and 5 minutes, respectively, which can be selected as the optimum extraction conditions. Results: Calibration curve was plotted through optimized conditions, and the proposed method was validated. The results demonstrated that the method presented linearity in the concentration range of 30-1200 ng/mL. Selectivity, matrix effect and metabolites interference effect were investigated and the method presented no obvious interference effect during the analysis run time. Repeatability, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values of the method can be reported in this section as well. The method showed satisfactory results with 98.8% relative recovery in the analysis of positive urine samples. Conclusion: The findings convinced the applicability of the introduced method for DSPE and HPLC analysis of the positive urine samples in different laboratories.

Anti-hyperglycemic effect of Abelmoschus culentesus (Okra) on patients with diabetes type 2: a randomized clinical trial.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) has traditionally been used in diabetes treatment. This study investigated the effect of Okra whole fruit on blood glucose level of patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 with concomitant use of oral hypoglycemic agents. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 120 diabetic patients were assigned to okra group (n = 60) and control group (n = 60). The okra group received 1,000 mg of A.esculentus whole fruit capsules orally, every 6 hr for 8 weeks. The control group received placebo capsule in the same manner. The levels of FBS (fasting blood sugar), BS (blood sugar), and Hemoglobin A1C (HgA1c) were measured at baseline and after intervention in both groups. The levels of FBS, BS, and HgA1c were significantly decreased in okra group within the intervention compared to control group (p < .05). Moreover, the numbers to treat (NNT) for FBS, BS, and HgA1C were seven, eight, and seven, respectively. Okra whole fruit supplementation has a promising anti-hyperglycemic effect in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 who received oral agents. Diabetic patients could benefit from adjuvant therapy of okra with other medication.

Application of Carbonic Nanosheets Based on Urea Precursors as Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction Adsorbent for Extraction of Methamphetamine from Urine Samples.

Purpose: This paper established the application of synthesized graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (GCNNs) as an influential dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE) adsorbent in extracting methamphetamine from complicated urine media coupled with high performance liquid chromatography. Methods: The graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (GCNNs) was synthesized easily and applied as adsorbent in the extraction process. The effective extraction parameters were investigated by one-parameter-at-a-time. Under optimized conditions the method was validated. Results: The calibration curve was plotted in the concentration range of 50-1500 ng/mL through the optimized conditions and the proposed method was validated. The method was used for the analysis of positive urine samples and showed satisfactory results with the average 99.7% relative recovery. Conclusion: The results persuade the capability of this novel method in analyzing of the positive urine samples in diverse clinical and forensic laboratories.

Nanoparticle-mediated synergistic chemoimmunotherapy for tailoring cancer therapy: recent advances and perspectives.

Nowadays, a potent challenge in cancer treatment is considered the lack of efficacious strategy, which has not been able to significantly reduce mortality. Chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) as a promising approach in both for the first-line and relapsed therapy demonstrated particular benefit from two key gating strategies, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy to cancer therapy; therefore, the discernment of their participation and role of potential synergies in CIT approach is determinant. In this study, in addition to balancing the pros and cons of CIT with the challenges of each of two main strategies, the recent advances in the cancer CIT have been discussed. Additionally, immunotherapeutic strategies and the immunomodulation effect induced by chemotherapy, which boosts CIT have been brought up. Finally, harnessing and development of the nanoparticles, which mediated CIT have expatiated in detail.

The Effect of Panax ginseng on Genitourinary Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Menopause and estrogen deprivation cause a rise in the number of urogenital tract complaints. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of ginseng on genitourinary syndrome. METHODS: This randomized trial was conducted on 60 postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome. The participants were randomly allocated to ginseng and placebo groups twice daily for 4 weeks. Vaginal maturation index and vaginal pH were evaluated before and 4 weeks after intervention as the primary outcomes. Also, the atrophic vaginitis and incontinence questionnaires were completed before and after intervention as the secondary outcomes. The safety of intervention was assessed by the side effects checklist. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in objective symptoms after the intervention, but the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001) in terms of subjective symptoms of atrophic vaginitis. One case of insomnia and palpitation and 2 cases of hot flashes were reported in the intervention group, and 1 case of gastric discomfort and change in urine appearance was reported in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Ginseng only improved the patient-assessed symptoms and had no significant effect on the clinician-assessed outcomes. Further studies are required to determine the precise pharmacological mechanisms of ginseng on genitourinary syndrome.

Formulation and Quality Control of Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs): Recent Advances and Perspectives.

Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) rapidly disintegrate or dissolve in the oral cavity without using water. Demand for ODTs has increased, and the field has overgrown in the pharmaceutical industry and academia. It is reported that ODTs have several advantages over other conventional tablets. Since some of them are absorbed from the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus as the saliva passes down into the stomach, in such cases, the bioavailability of the drug improves meaningfully. Furthermore, the immediate release property of ODTs makes them a popular oral dosage form in patients with swallowing challenges, children, and for cases with a need for rapid onset of action. The current review article explains the features of active ingredients and excipients used in the formulation of ODTs, discusses multiple ODT formulation and preparation techniques with their merits and demerits, and also, offers remedies for problems associated with ODTs. Moreover, quality control steps and required considerations are presented.

Efficacy and safety of a novel herbal solution for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and comparison with 5% minoxidil: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial study.

FDA-approved drugs for the most common type of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia (AGA), present many side effects and disadvantages. However, herbal compounds are characterized by patient compliance, fewer side effects, and several mechanisms of action. The present study set to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the topical herbal solution and to compare it with 5% minoxidil in men with AGA. A randomized, double-blind controlled trial was conducted from 28 November 2018 to 2 September 2019, in Sina Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. 24 healthy males (mean [SD] age 33.04 [5.81]) with mild to moderate AGA were selected from 44 volunteer participants. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) into two groups. They received 1 ml of topical solutions at morning and evening intervals for 9 months. Primary outcomes consisted of measured hair diameters at baseline and repeated at weeks 12, 24, and 36. Furthermore, hair density was measured at baseline and week 36. The MTS + THS group was significantly superior to the MTS group after 36 weeks of therapy in the hair diameter improvement. At week 36, the mean hair diameter of the MTS + THS group significantly increased compared to the MTS group (P = .001). Hair density increased in both groups; however, only in the MTS + THS group, it was significant (P < .05). The findings established that the topical herbal solution has significant influence on patients with AGA and improvement of their quality of life. This solution can be considered a significant step towards the prevention and treatment of AGA. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03753113.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Honey Gel and Clotrimazole Cream in the Treatment of Vaginal Candidiasis Signs: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Due to the increasing resistance to synthetic antifungal drugs, the use of drugs with a natural origin, with low side effects and low prices is a priority. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of topical honey gel and clotrimazole cream in treatment of signs of vaginal candidiasis. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the topical use of honey and clotrimazole in the signs of vulvovaginal candidiasis in clinics and medical centers in Tabriz. The study was performed on 106 non-pregnant women (18 to 45 years old) who had clinical signs of candidiasis. Patients were randomly divided into two groups receiving honey gel and clotrimazole vaginal cream (53 people per group). Each group was treated for 8 days. Before, 4, and 8 days after the intervention, patients recorded the sings of disease and possible side effects of drugs using a researcher-made questionnaire. The results were analyzed using SPSS software ver. 22. Inter-group comparison was carried out using McNemar, Cochran Q and independent t tests. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: sults: In the three evaluation periods, a significant reduction in the sings was observed compared to the before starting of treatment regimes. The results of the cultures were similar and there was no significant difference between the two honey gel and clotrimazole cream groups. Conclusion: Our results may suggest that honey gel could have promising benefits in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis as the main drug or as an adjunct to other antifungal drugs.