Agent For Treatment Research Articles

Competencies of nurses to participate in safe medication management practices for biologics: A scoping review.

To review the existing literature relating to nurse competence in safe medication management practices for biologics, identify evidence, and develop a competency framework to clarify the role of nurses in these practices. With the widespread use of biological agents in disease treatment, ensuring the safe and economical use of high-cost medicines is particularly important. Even though nurses are essential in patient care, detailed knowledge regarding their competence and role in the safe administration of biologics is lacking. A scoping review was performed following the methodology of Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA ScR guidelines. Electronic databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched using accepted keywords, and relevant articles were identified using inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 3,422 studies were retrieved, 24 of which were eligible for inclusion. The required competencies for nurses were summarized into six areas: clinical specialized knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, safe medication skills, health education skills, communication and coordination skills, and technological literacy. We provide insights into the competencies of nurses involved in the safe medication management of biologics. These competencies can be used to assess the actual competency level of nurses and facilitate the maximization of biological treatment goals and outcomes. This plays a vital role in optimizing the use of healthcare resources and demonstrating outcomes.

Modeling and Optimization of Chemical Pretreatment for Enhanced Co-Digestion of Paper Sludge

<p>In papermaking industry, large water consumption and hazardous wastes generation, particularly paper sludge, present environmental challenges. This study focuses on the valorization of the paper sludge by optimizing the extraction of total sugars through chemical treatment under various operating conditions. A central composite design was used to investigate treatment conditions, by varying chemical treatment agent (sulfuric acid, H2SO4, phosphoric acid, H3PO4, sodium hydroxide, NaOH, and hydrogen peroxide, H2O2), agent concentration (0.75%, 1.5%, and 2%) and treatment duration (up to 140 minutes). Additionally, experiments were conducted to assess biogas production, with monitoring of key parameters such as  cumulative biogas volume, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total sugar. Results were analyzed using the modified Seaman model to elucidate chemical treatment reaction mechanisms. Optimal conditions, achieved with 2% (v/v) sulfuric acid treatment at 100°C for 120 minutes, yielded a maximum total sugar concentration of 1738.96 mg/L. These findings demonstrate the potential for efficient utilization of paper sludge for bioconversion into biogas, contributing to sustainable waste management and resource recovery. </p>

BSP promotes skin wound healing by regulating the expression level of SCEL.

Burn injuries are complex, life-threatening events involving intricate cellular and molecular processes, including angiogenesis, which is vital for effective wound healing. Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP), a bioactive compound from Bletilla striata, exhibits anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. However, its impact on angiogenesis modulation, particularly through the synaptopodin-2-like (SCEL) gene, remains poorly understood. The effects of BSP on HMEC-1 cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were assessed using cell viability, migration, apoptosis, and angiogenesis assays. SCEL's role was explored through lentiviral transfection to manipulate SCEL expression. Animal models were employed to evaluate BSP's therapeutic potential in burn wound healing, with histological analysis, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and molecular assays to assess tissue repair and angiogenesis. BSP significantly alleviated LPS-induced damage in HMEC-1 cells by promoting cell survival, reducing apoptosis, and enhancing migration and angiogenesis. BSP treatment downregulated SCEL expression, reversing LPS-induced cellular damage. In SCEL-overexpressing cells and mice, BSP's beneficial effects on wound healing were attenuated, indicating SCEL's regulatory role in angiogenesis. In vivo, BSP accelerated burn wound closure, improved tissue organization, and enhanced angiogenesis, as evidenced by increased CD31 expression. SCEL overexpression impaired these effects, highlighting the essential role of SCEL downregulation in BSP-mediated healing. BSP promotes burn wound healing by modulating angiogenesis via SCEL downregulation, facilitating cell survival, migration, and vascularization. These findings position BSP as a promising therapeutic agent for burn wound treatment, with further investigation into SCEL's molecular mechanisms offering potential for novel wound care strategies.

Pyridine Derivatives: A Comprehensive Review of Their Potential as Anti-Diabetic Agents.

Diabetes mellitus and obesity are two of the most frequent health conditions in the world, prompting medical researchers to seek novel effective treatments. According to World Health Organization (WHO) regulations and several research studies, diabetes is regarded as a significant and leading health concern worldwide. The search for efficient and safe antidiabetic drugs has led to the study of pyridine derivatives, a family of molecules with a wide range of pharmacological characteristics. Pyridines are important heterocyclic chemicals renowned for their various pharmacological properties. Materials were compiled using the three databases of ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar. For this study, only English-language publications have been evaluated based on their titles, abstracts, and full texts using keywords like diabetes, pyridine Derivatives, α- glucosidase inhibitors, and α-amylase inhibitors. Pyridine and its derivatives have received a lot of attention due to their wide range of potential uses in medicinal chemistry and pharmacology. Structural alterations and optimization efforts have resulted in higher effectiveness, selectivity, and safety characteristics. These discoveries highlight the importance of pyridine analogues as a novel class of therapeutic agents for diabetes management. The review highlights the significance of pyridine analogues in the development of antidiabetic treatments, opening new avenues for developing drugs and clinical use. The ongoing advancements in the discovery of pyridine derivatives underscore their potential as prospective agents in diabetic treatments.

Eleutherococcus senticosus Alleviates Aristolochic-Acid-Induced Acute Kidney Damage by Inhibiting the NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway in Mice.

Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES) exerts various pharmacological effects, including renoprotection in a rat model of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, the mechanisms of these effects remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of ES on aristolochic acid (AA)-induced acute kidney injury in mice. The experimental mice were divided into the control group, the model group (AA-induced acute kidney injury model), the model + ES group (Eleutherococcus senticosus boiled-free granules treated by gavage for two weeks), the model + fasudil group (fasudil administered intraperitoneally for three days), and the model + ES + fasudil group. After AA intervention in normal mice, the expression of ASC and NLRP3 and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α were significantly elevated in mouse renal tissues (P < 0.05). However, AA-induced renal dysfunction was ameliorated by both ES and fasudil, which was confirmed by the decrease in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, as well as by renal histopathological abnormalities such as renal tubule dilation and tubular formation. In addition, the inflammatory response of AA-induced renal inflammation was inhibited by both ES and fasudil, and the expression of ASC and NLRP3 and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α were significantly higher in mouse renal tissues after the treatment of either ES or fasudil (P < 0.05). ES may be a potential treatment agent for aristolochic-acid-triggered nephropathy, with inhibition of the NLRP3/IL-1β as one plausible underlying mechanism.

Effects of Pomegranate Seed Oil on Lower Extremity Ischemia-Reperfusion Damage: Insights into Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cell Death

Aim: This study sought to clarify the therapeutic benefits and mechanisms of action of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) in instances of ischemia–reperfusion (IR) damage in the lower extremities. Materials and Methods: The sample size was determined, then 32 rats were randomly allocated to four groups: Control (C), ischemia–reperfusion (IR), low-dose PSO (IR + LD, 0.15 mL/kg), and high-dose PSO (IR + HD, 0.30 mL/kg). The ischemia model in the IR group was established by occluding the infrarenal aorta for 120 min. Prior to reperfusion, PSO was delivered to the IR + LD and IR + HD groups at doses of 0.15 mL/kg and 0.30 mL/kg, respectively, followed by a 120 min reperfusion period. Subsequently, blood and tissue specimens were obtained. Statistical investigation was executed utilizing Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 (SPSS, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Biochemical tests revealed significant variations in total antioxidant level (TAS), total oxidant level (TOS), and the oxidative stress index (OSI) across the groups (p &lt; 0.0001). The IR group had elevated TOS and OSI levels, whereas PSO therapy resulted in a reduction in these values (p &lt; 0.05). As opposed to the IR group, TASs were higher in the PSO-treated groups. Histopathological analysis demonstrated muscle fiber degeneration, interstitial edema, and the infiltration of cells associated with inflammation in the IR group, with analogous results noted in the PSO treatment groups. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expressions of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB), cytochrome C (CYT C), and caspase 3 (CASP3) were elevated in the IR group, while PSO treatment diminished these markers and attenuated inflammation and apoptosis (p &lt; 0.05). The findings demonstrate that PSO has a dose-dependent impact on IR injury. Discussion: This research indicates that PSO has significant protective benefits against IR injury in the lower extremities. PSO mitigated tissue damage and maintained mitochondrial integrity by addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic pathways. Particularly, high-dose PSO yielded more substantial enhancements in these processes and exhibited outcomes most comparable to the control group in biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical investigations. These findings underscore the potential of PSO as an efficacious natural treatment agent for IR injury. Nevertheless, additional research is required to articulate this definitively.

Stochastic demethylation and redundant epigenetic suppressive mechanisms generate highly heterogeneous responses to pharmacological DNA methyltransferase inhibition

BackgroundDespite promising preclinical studies, the application of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in treating patients with solid cancers has thus far produced only modest outcomes. The presence of intratumoral heterogeneity in response to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors could significantly influence clinical efficacy, yet our understanding of the single-cell response to these drugs in solid tumors remains very limited.MethodsIn this study, we used cancer/testis antigen genes as a model for methylation-dependent gene expression to examine the activity of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and their potential synergistic effect with histone deacetylase inhibitors at the single-cancer cell level. The analysis was performed on breast cancer patient-derived xenograft tumors and cell lines, employing a comprehensive set of techniques, including targeted single-cell mRNA sequencing. Mechanistic insights were further gained through DNA methylation profiling and chromatin structure analysis.ResultsWe show that breast cancer tumors and cell cultures exhibit a highly heterogenous response to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, persisting even under high drug concentrations and efficient DNA methyltransferase depletion. The observed variability in response to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors was independent of cancer-associated aberrations and clonal genetic diversity. Instead, these variations were attributed to stochastic demethylation of regulatory CpG sites and the DNA methylation-independent suppressive function of histone deacetylases.ConclusionsOur findings point to intratumoral heterogeneity as a limiting factor in the use of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors as single agents in treatment of solid cancers and highlight histone deacetylase inhibitors as essential partners to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in the clinic.

Optimization of the poloxamer 407-conjugated gelatin to synthesize pH-sensitive nanocarriers for controlled paclitaxel delivery

Chemotherapy is one of the most prevalent and efficacious treatments for a wide variety of cancers; however, chemotherapeutic agents have clinically limited applications due to their low water solubility and risk of side effects. Nanomedicine can help to easily deliver hydrophobic and hydrophilic agents for cancer treatment. Here, we describe a nanocarrier system that enables the sustainable and controllable release of hydrophobic anticancer drugs, Paclitaxel, based on poloxamer 407-conjugated gelatin (GeP) copolymers. The particle size, zeta potential, morphology, and thermal stability of the nanogels were characterized. The successful synthesis of nanogels was confirmed by analyzing their chemical components. Among the GePs at different amounts of poloxamer 407, a ratio of gelatin and poloxamer (Ge:P) at 1:15 for preparation resulted in the nanogels being positive in charge, spherical in shape, and 97.84 ± 2.94 nm in hydrodynamic diameter (Dh), with optimal drug-carrying efficacy. The in vitro drug release from nanogels was accelerated in the tumor microenvironment at pH 5.5 in comparison to pH 7.4, and the drug release kinetics from nanogels were due to Fickian diffusion. Finally, the cytotoxicity assays indicated that GePs were biocompatible nanocarriers without toxicity on both normal (VERO) and breast cancer cell (MCF-7) lines, which could improve the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of paclitaxel. Overall, these results revealed an optimal ratio (1:15) of Ge:P for the synthesis of pH-responsive hybrid nanogels for sufficient paclitaxel releasement to kill MCF-7 for effective cancer treatment.

Investigation of the protective effects of dichloroacetic acid in a rat model of diabetic neuropathy

BackgroundDiabetic neuropathy (DN) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by complex pathophysiological changes affecting both autonomic and somatic components of the nervous system. Inflammation and oxidative stress are recognized contributors to the pathogenesis of DN. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of dichloroacetic acid (DCA) in alleviating DN symptoms, focusing on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.MethodsThirty-two adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Control, Diabetic, and two DCA-treated groups receiving 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg of DCA, respectively. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (STZ) injections. Assessments included lipid peroxidation levels, plasma fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) levels, electrophysiological measurements, histological examination of the sciatic nerve, and motor function tests.ResultsTreatment with DCA significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating decreased lipid peroxidation. Plasma TGF-β levels were also lower in the DCA-treated groups, suggesting diminished inflammation. Conversely, plasma FGF-21 levels were elevated. Electrophysiological assessments revealed enhanced compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes and reduced distal latencies in DCA-treated rats, indicative of improved nerve conduction. Histopathological examinations showed reduced perineural thickness in the sciatic nerves of DCA-treated rats, pointing to decreased fibrosis. Enhanced performance in motor function tests was observed in these rats, implying improved muscle strength and motor capacity.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates that DCA therapy significantly reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in a rat model of DN, thereby ameliorating neuropathic symptoms. These results support the potential of DCA as a promising therapeutic agent for DN treatment. Further research is warranted to explore its clinical applications and to provide more detailed insights.

Periplanta americana extract regulates the Th17/Treg cell balance via Notch1 in ulcerative colitis

BackgroundPeriplanta americana extract (PAE), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, has been used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC), various types of wounds and ulcers, infantile malnutrition, palpitation, asthma, and so on. However, the exact mechanisms of PAE in UC have still not been fully revealed. The study aims to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of PAE in UC.MethodsThe efficacy of PAE was evaluated using a DSS-induced UC mice model and the colon inflammation and mucosal barrier were comprehensively assessed. Furthermore, Network pharmacological analysis was utilized to identify potential targets and signaling pathways of PAE in the UC treatment. The proportion and the markers of Th17 and Treg cells in the spleen and colon were examined. The signal transduction was detected in vivo. In vitro, an activated Notch1-mediated Th17/Treg was modeled, and the effect of PAE on the epithelial cell barrier was examined.ResultsPAE mitigated colon inflammation and intestinal barrier damage in UC mice. Network pharmacological analysis showed that the targets of UC intervention by PAE may be closely related to Th17 cell differentiation, the IL-17 signaling pathway, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. Mechanistically, PAE regulated the balance of Th17/Treg and inhibited the Notch1/Math1 pathway in the colon of UC mice. In vitro, PAE intervention alleviated the activated Notch1-mediated Th17/Treg imbalance in Jurkat T cells. After notch1-activated Jurkat T cells were co-cultured with HCoEpic cells, the expressions of Occludin, ZO1 were higher in the HCoEpic cells.ConclusionPAE could alleviate colon inflammation and mucosal barrier damage in UC, which are related to the inhibition of Notch1 and the regulation of the Th17/Treg balance. PAE might be a potential candidate agent for UC treatment.

Mesalazine: a novel therapeutic agent for periodontitis via regulation of periodontal microbiota and inhibiting Porphyromonas gingivalis

IntroductionPeriodontitis and inflammatory bowel disease are chronic inflammatory diseases with shared epidemiological, biological, and therapeutic associations. Given the similarities in their pathogenic factors, this study hypothesized that mesalazine, a key treatment agent for inflammatory bowel disease, could also be effective in managing periodontitis.MethodsThe antimicrobial effect of mesalazine on Porphyromonas gingivalis was investigated in vitro, including observations of morphological changes on the surface of P. gingivalis. Additionally, the impact of mesalazine on both the formation and established plaque biofilms was examined. The antimicrobial mechanism was elucidated by assessing the expression of P. gingivalis virulence genes and by determining the disruptive effect on P. gingivalis cell membranes. An in vivo rat model of periodontitis was constructed to evaluate mesalazine’s efficacy and its influence on the periodontal bacterial flora in the context of periodontitis.Results and discussionOur results demonstrated that mesalazine concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg/mL significantly inhibited P. gingivalis proliferation over 72 h. Flow cytometry revealed a marked reduction in the number of viable cells following mesalazine treatment. At the nanometer scale, mesalazine induced crumpling and rupture of the P. gingivalis surface, compromising cell membrane integrity. Mesalazine not only suppressed the formation of plaque biofilms by P. gingivalis and polymicrobial communities but also disrupted pre-existing biofilms. The data also suggested that mesalazine could disrupt the integrity of the P. gingivalis cell membrane and inhibit the expression of virulence factors. An animal model of periodontitis in rats was successfully constructed in vivo. Mesalazine treatment inhibited alveolar bone resorption, alleviated inflammation of periodontal tissues, and improved the composition of the periodontal flora to a healthier state. This study establishes that mesalazine can treat periodontitis through modulation of the periodontal flora and its anti-inflammatory properties, thus broadening its classical therapeutic applications.

Total saponin extracts of Pseudostellaria heterophylla ameliorates meibomian gland dysfunction through SCD1/SPT1/ceramide axis.

Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Tài Zǐ Shēn, TZS) is a traditional Chinese medicine with spleen and qi benefits. Its immunomodulatory, anti-fatigue, anti-stress, and lipid metabolism regulation effects have been clinically confirmed, but its role in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of action of TZS in treating MGD. Several therapeutic agents were used to predict MGD treatment using the "Disease-Syndrome-TCM" network mechanism. We then performed a network pharmacology analysis to identify possible targets and pathways for drug treatment of the disease. It was then validated by in vitro experiments. The animal models were taken and analyzed by slit lamp and stereo microscope. HE and ORO staining analysis were then performed. Next, the expressions of key protein indicators were tested by IF, and finally the metabolism of key substances such as lipids and ceramides were detected by SRS imaging. The "Disease-Syndrome-TCM" network mechanism was used to predict several therapeutic agents for MGD treatment including TZS et al. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the targets of active components in the total saponins of TZS (PHS) were significantly enriched in the pathways of PPAR and AMPK. Subsequently, seven targets of PHS were identified, which were enriched in signaling pathways associated with lipid metabolism and inflammation. Furthermore, in vivo experiments showed that PHS alleviated meibomian glands (MG) obstruction and atrophy induced by A939, a SCD1 inhibitor. PHS treatment significantly increased PPAR-γ proteins in MGs, contributing to the normal differentiation of acini. Additionally, PHS treatment resulted in a reduction in the number of K10-positive cells, which partially prevented keratinization and abnormal differentiation of acinar cells. TUNEL assay results indicated that PHS mitigated apoptosis in MGs. Detailed exploration using Raman spectroscopy imaging showed that PHS could enhance the expression of SCD1 protein and the unsaturation degree of fatty acids, which in turn downregulated SPT1 protein and endogenous ceramides de novo biosynthesis. This study elucidated the effects of PHS in alleviating MGD and highlighted the pharmacological mechanisms involved, specifically the upregulation of SCD1 and inhibition of de novo ceramides biosynthesis. These findings provided a research basis for advancing its clinical application in MGD treatment.

Transformation of eucalyptus ash into alkalizing agents for dairy effluent treatment

Transformation of eucalyptus ash into alkalizing agents for dairy effluent treatment

Inactivation activity and mechanism of high-voltage pulsed electric fields combined with antibacterial agents against Alicyclobacillus spp. in apple juice.

Alicyclobacillus spp. are crucial factors affecting the quality of fruit juice, so it is very important to control their contamination. In this study, the inactivation activity and mechanism of high-voltage pulsed electric fields (HVPEF) combined with antibacterial agents against Alicyclobacillus spp. in apple juice were investigated. It was found that under the optimal conditions of electric field strength 9.6kV/cm, treatment time 20min, frequency 1000Hz, and duty ratio 50%, HVPEF treatment could reduce bacteria by 1.89-4.76 log CFU/mL. Moreover, the inactivation activities of six antibacterial agents (propyl paraben, glycerol monocaprate, octyl gallate, heptyl paraben, nisin, carvacrol) alone and their combination with HVPEF were further investigated. The results showed that with the combined treatment, the minimum bactericidal concentrations of carvacrol, nisin, and heptyl paraben were reduced by >50% to 1mg/mL, 10IU/mL, and 0.02mg/mL, respectively. Based on this, the most resistant strain of A. acidoterrestris (DSM 3922) was identified to elucidate the inactivation mechanism. It was demonstrated that the antibacterial process could alter the permeability and fatty acid composition of the cell membrane, causing the cells to deform and shrink, leading to leakage of intracellular proteins, and also affect the synthesis of ROS and ATP, ultimately resulting in bacterial death. In addition, the various treatments had no significant effect on the soluble solids content, titratable acid, soluble sugar content, organic acids and aroma components of apple juice. The combination of HVPEF treatment and antibacterial agents could effectively maintain the quality of apple juice.

An Investigation of the Anticancer Mechanism of Caesalpinia sappan L. Extract Against Colorectal Cancer by Integrating a Network Pharmacological Analysis and Experimental Validation.

Caesalpinia sappan L. has exhibited various pharmacological effects, yet its anticancer activities against colorectal cancer (CRC) and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the anticancer properties of an ethanol extract of C. sappan L. (CSE) against CRC cells, focusing on the identification of bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action. A network pharmacology analysis was conducted to identify potential CRC targets and bioactive compounds of CSE, using LC-MS for compound identification. The anticancer effects of CSE were then validated through in vitro and in vivo models of CRC. The network pharmacological approach identified 87 overlapping genes between CSE targets and CRC-related genes, with protein-protein interaction analysis highlighting 33 key target genes. CSE inhibited cell proliferation in human CRC cell lines, including HCT 116, KM12SM, HT-29, and COLO 205, and induced apoptosis via caspase 3/7 activation. Western blot analyses confirmed the modulation of critical signaling pathways, including STAT3, AKT, and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Furthermore, CSE significantly suppressed tumor growth in MC38 CRC-bearing mice. These findings suggest that CSE possesses substantial potential as a natural anticancer agent for CRC treatment, highlighting the need for further exploration in therapeutic development.

Impact of topical and systemic therapy on carotid-intima media thickness in psoriasis.

Atherosclerosis, in which chronic inflammation is also effective in it's pathogenesis, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in psoriasis patients. Early diagnosis and management of atherosclerosis is important. Measurement of carotid intima media thickness is a method used to determine subclinical atherosclerosis. Our aim in this study is to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis patients and to examine the effects of targeted therapies on atherosclerosis. This study included 105 psoriasis patients who applied to psoriasis outpatient clinic between May 2022 and December 2022. The patients' age, gender, psoriasis area severity index (PASI) and the initiated treatment agent (topical treatment, sekukinumab, iksekizumab, guselkumab, risankizumab) were noted. Carotid intima-media thickness measurements were taken at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. In patients who were treated with secukinumab, ixekizumab, risankizumab, and guselkumab, there was a statistically significant decrease in catorid-intima media thickness at 6th month when compared with the baseline measurements (p = 0,002 p < 0,001 p < 0,001 p = 0,036 p < 0,001). On the other hand, an increase in the thickness was observed in the topical treatment group. According to our study results, targeted systemic treatments contribute to the improvement of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis patients, while this effect was not seen in topical treatments. These results are consistent with literature data reporting that psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease.

Formulation and characterization of surfactants with antibacterial and corrosion-inhibiting properties for enhancing shale gas drainage and production

A Gemini cationic surfactant was synthesized through an aldehyde-amine condensation reaction to address challenges related to bacterial corrosion and foaming during shale gas extraction. This treatment agent exhibits sterilization, corrosion mitigation, and foaming properties. The mechanism of action was characterized through tests measuring surface tension, particle size, sterilization efficacy, corrosion mitigation efficiency, and foaming behavior. Results from the surface tension test indicate that at 60 °C, surfactants with a low carbon chain structure achieve the lowest surface tension of 32.61 mN/m at the critical micelle concentration. Particle size distribution (PSD) tests reveal that within the 1–10 critical micelle concentration range, three types of surfactants can form aggregates through self-assembly, with a PSD range of 100–400 nm. Antibacterial performance tests demonstrate that a concentration of 0.12 mmol/L at 20–60 °C achieves a bactericidal rate exceeding 99%, maintained even after 24 h of contact. The bactericidal effect is enhanced under acidic and alkaline conditions. Corrosion mitigation tests show that at 50 °C, the corrosion mitigation rate reaches an optimal value of over 70%. Bubble performance evaluation results suggest that the optimal surfactant concentration is 1 mmol/L at 60 °C, exhibiting resistance to mineralization up to 200 g/L. The development of this surfactant establishes a foundation for effectively addressing issues related to bacterial corrosion and wellbore fluid encountered in shale gas wells.

Examining memory reconsolidation as a mechanism of nitrous oxide's antidepressant action.

There is an ongoing need to identify novel pharmacological agents for the effective treatment of depression. One emerging candidate, which has demonstrated rapid-acting antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant groups, is nitrous oxide (N2O)-a gas commonly used for sedation and pain management in clinical settings and with a range of pharmacological effects, including antagonism of NMDA glutamate receptors. A growing body of evidence suggests that subanaesthetic doses of N2O (50%) can interfere with the reconsolidation of maladaptive memories in healthy participants and across a range of disorders. Negative biases in memory play a key role in the onset, maintenance, and recurrence of depressive episodes, and the disruption of affective memory reconsolidation is one plausible mechanism through which N2O exerts its therapeutic effects. Understanding N2O's mechanisms of action may facilitate future treatment development in depression. In this narrative review, we introduce the evidence supporting an antidepressant profile of N2O and evaluate its clinical use compared to other treatments. With a focus on the specific memory processes that are thought to be disrupted in depression, we consider the effects of N2O on memory reconsolidation and propose a memory-based mechanism of N2O antidepressant action.

Exploring apoptotic pathways in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells: combined effects of napabucasin and doxorubicin.

Neuroblastoma often begins in infancy and one of the most common types of cancer among children is someone. Napabucasin (NP) (BBI608), a natural naphthoquinone emerging as a novel inhibitor of STAT3, has been found to effectively kill cancer stem-like tumor cells. On the other hand, the effect of Napabucasin on SH-SY5Y cells is currently unclear. The effects and mechanisms of NP and doxorubicin (DX) on human metastatic neuroblastoma cells were investigated. In this study, human neuroblastoma cells line (SHSY-5Y) were used. Apoptotic activation of NP and DX via the Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathway was evaluated by qRT-PCR, western blot and Tali cytometry. It was also detected by MTT, a cell viability test. NP and DX antiproliferative and invasive effected to SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, NP induced apoptosis by pausing the cell cycle. Moreover, NP treatment inhibited the expression of Bcl-2, which is associated with apoptosis, while it clearly inhibited the expression of Bax and CASP3 genes. As a results showed that NP and DX suppressed the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells and could do this through apoptotic pathways. NP can be used to suppress metastasis of SHSY-5Y cells as an inhibitor of the apoptosis pathway Bcl-2. It is thought that NP, which provides tumor suppression through an apoptotic mechanism, may be an alternative treatment agent in neurological cancers such as neuroblastoma.

Computational insights into Sitahe (Leuconotis eugenifolia) bioactive compounds: A promising approach for radioprotection through p53 inhibition

The radioprotective potential of Sitahe (Leuconotis eugenifolia) phytochemicals in cancer radiotherapy remains largely unexplored. In this study, in silico docking simulations were conducted to systematically assess the ability of key phytochemicals from Sitahe to modulate p53 activity, a critical gene in DNA repair and cancer therapy. SwissADME analysis revealed favorable physicochemical properties for compounds such as baurenol, alpha amyrin, and beta amyrin, although high lipophilicity may pose challenges for bioavailability. Molecular docking studies identified strong binding affinities between these compounds and the p53 DNA binding domain, with baurenol demonstrating the highest binding affinity at −6.75 kcal/mol, which is better compared to rhazinilam (−4.55 kcal/mol), leuconolam (−4.36 kcal/mol), leuconoxine (−4.26 kcal/mol), and dehydroleuconoxine (−4.76 kcal/mol). Hydrogen bonding with key residues such as Thr123 further enhanced the stability of these complexes. The low inhibition constants (Ki) suggest significant inhibitory potential, particularly for baurenol (11.31 μM). To evaluate the stability and reliability of these interactions, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed over a duration of 500 ns. The results demonstrated that the selected compounds maintained stable molecular dynamics profiles, showing consistent interactions with the target protein throughout the simulation period. Among the compounds tested, baurenol exhibited the best performance with a MM/PBSA binding energy of −68.568 kJ/mol, which is better than rhazinilam (−63.538 kJ/mol). These findings suggest that baurenol, along with other Sitahe phytochemicals, could serve as dual-function agents, offering protection to healthy tissues from radiation-induced damage while targeting cancer cells through p53 modulation. Although these in silico and MD results are promising, further validation through in vitro and in vivo studies is essential to confirm their therapeutic potential and optimize their pharmacokinetic properties. This study positions Sitahe phytochemicals, particularly baurenol, as promising candidates for the development of novel radioprotective agents in cancer treatment.