Alternative Treatment Research Articles

Synthesis and Characterization of Composite WO3 Fibers/g-C3N4 Photocatalysts for the Removal of the Insecticide Clothianidin in Aquatic Media.

Photocatalysis is a prominent alternative wastewater treatment technique that has the potential to completely degrade pesticides as well as other persistent organic pollutants, leading to detoxification of wastewater and thus paving the way for its efficient reuse. In addition to the more conventional photocatalysts (e.g., TiO2, ZnO, etc.) that utilize only UV light for activation, the interest of the scientific community has recently focused on the development and application of visible light-activated photocatalysts like g-C3N4. However, some disadvantages of g-C3N4, such as the high recombination rate of photogenerated charges, limit its utility. In this light, the present study focuses on the synthesis of WO3 fibers/g-C3N4 Z-scheme heterojunctions to improve the efficiency of g-C3N4 towards the photocatalytic removal of the widely used insecticide clothianidin. The effect of two different g-C3N4 precursors (urea and thiourea) and of WO3 fiber content on the properties of the synthesized composite materials was also investigated. All aforementioned materials were characterized by a number of techniques (XRD, SEM-EDS, ATR-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, DRS, etc.). According to the results, mixing 6.5% W/W WO3 fibers with either urea or thiourea derived g-C3N4 significantly increased the photocatalytic activity of the resulting composites compared to the precursor materials. In order to further elucidate the effect of the most efficient composite photocatalyst in the degradation of clothianidin, the generated transformation products were tentatively identified through UHPLC tandem high-resolution mass spectroscopy. Finally, the detoxification effect of the most efficient process was also assessed by combining the results of an in-vitro methodology and the predictions of two in-silico tools.

LGG-35. ROBUST TUMOR RESPONSE TO CHEMOTHERAPY IN THALAMIC PILOCYTIC ASTROCYTOMA WITH LARGE CYSTIC COMPONENT: A CASE REPORT

Abstract BACKGROUND Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common glioma in children. Prognosis is excellent when complete resection is achievable. However, in central locations, such as optic pathway, thalamus, and brainstem, resection may lead to extensive morbidity, necessitating alternative treatment strategies. Chemo- and targeted therapy options have demonstrated efficacy in controlling tumor growth and providing clinical benefit; however, cystic portions are not typically responsive to either option. METHODS Case report, Retrospective chart review RESULTS A 4-year-old male presented with left sided weakness and ventriculomegaly. MRI of the brain revealed a 3.5 x 3.3 x 4.4 cm mixed solid and cystic enhancing mass extending from the right thalamus down to the right middle cerebellar peduncle. An endoscopic third ventriculostomy and tumor biopsy was performed. Histology confirmed PA, WHO Grade 1. Sequencing confirmed BRAF-KIAA1549 fusion. Chemotherapy was initiated with Carboplatin and Vincristine. Each subsequent MRI of the brain obtained during therapy and at the end of therapy demonstrated significant decrease in both solid and cystic portion of the tumor with complete resolution of symptoms and neurologic deficits. End of therapy MRI demonstrated 1.2 x 1.4 x 1.2 cm mixed solid and cystic mass. CONCLUSIONS The unique aspect of this case is the exceptional and robust response achieved in both solid and cystic components, challenging the historical notion of cystic lesions being less sensitive to chemotherapy. This observation can contribute valuable insights to the evolving understanding of treatment responses in these tumors.

MDB-68. DISCOVERING DRUG SENSITIVITIES IN MEDULLOBLASTOMA USING PATIENT- AND PDX-DERIVED TUMOROIDS

Abstract BACKGROUND Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor types and is subdivided into four major types: WNT, SHH, Group 3 and Group 4. Treatment, including resection, cranio-spinal radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, often leads to undesirable long-term side effects. MB prognosis depends on type, subtype, and genetic alterations, reflecting the high level of heterogeneity observed in these tumors and indicating that specific patient populations with particularly poor prognosis require alternative treatment approaches. Therefore, preclinical models are essential for recapitulating MB heterogeneity and developing subtype-specific treatments. METHODS Long-term in vitro MB tumoroid models were developed from patient and PDX tumors and molecularly characterized using DNA methylation and transcriptomic analyses. High-throughput single drug screening (225 compounds) and combination screening were performed to identify (subtype-specific) drug sensitivities. RESULTS Fifteen tumoroid lines were established from TP53-mutated SHH (n=6), Group 3 (G3) MYC-amplified (n=4) and non-amplified (n=5) patient (n=6) and PDX (n=9) tumors. DNA methylation analyses confirmed the maintenance of molecular identity in these tumoroids after long-term culture (>5 passages). Transcriptome analyses reveal a more proliferative, progenitor-like phenotype in these tumoroids compared to patient/PDX tumors. Hight-throughput drug screens identified both common and type-specific drug sensitivities within MB. Notably, drugs targeting CDK7, CDK12, CHECK1, BCL2L, and HDAC demonstrated efficacy in both G3 and TP53-mutated SHH-MB, while TOP1/2 and MDM2 inhibitors were specific for G3-MB. Currently, these drugs are being further investigated to select the most effective synergistic drug combinations for in vivo validation in PDX models. CONCLUSIONS Thus far, we have established already fifteen MB tumoroid models representing SHH-MB and G3-MB and identified several drug targets, including cell cycle kinases and HDACs. Tumoroids closely resemble patient tumors, based on methylome and transcriptome, enhancing their relevance for drug discovery applications in a high-throughput fashion and for prioritizing new treatment strategies for MB patients in clinical trials.

Cortical Venous Thrombosis Caused by Venous Compression by Arachnoid Cyst

Clinical Problem Identification, work-up and treatment approach of isolated cortical venous thrombosis (ICVT) in the absence of traditional risk factors. Case Presentation A 66-year-old previously well male presenting with two episodes of left-sided spreading sensory symptoms, found to be secondary to ICVT from extrinsic compression by an arachnoid cyst. Key Teaching Points Early identification of structural abnormalities causing extrinsic venous compression and ICVT or cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is important for alternative treatment options and to avoid unnecessary testing.

Regulatory network analysis based on integrated miRNA-TF reveals key genes in heart failure

The etiology and pathophysiology of heart failure are still unknown. Increasing evidence suggests that abnormal microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) expression may be associated with the development of heart failure. Therefore, this study aims to explore key miRNAs, TFs, and related genes in heart failure to gain a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of heart failure. To search and download the dataset of mRNA chips related to heart failure from the GEO database (GSE59867, GSE9128, and GSE134766), we analyzed differential genes and screened the common differentially expressed genes on two chips using R language software. The binary interactions and circuits among miRNAs, TFs, and corresponding genes were determined by Pearson correlation coefficient. A regulatory network of miRNAs, TFs, and target genes was constructed based on bioinformatics. By comparing the sequences of patients with and without heart failure, five downregulated genes with hypermethylated mRNA and three upregulated genes with hypomethylated mRNA were identified. The miRNA-TF gene regulatory network consisted of 26 miRNAs, 22 TFs and six genes. GO and KEGG analysis results revealed that BP terms like cellular response to organic substance, cellular response to cytokine stimulus, and KEGG pathways like osteoclast differentiation, MAPK signaling pathway, and legionellosis were enriched of the DEGs. TMEM87A, PPP2R2A, DUSP1, and miR-92a have great potential as biomarkers for heart failure. The integrated analysis of the mRNA expression spectrum and microRNA-transcription factor-gene revealed the regulatory network of heart failure, which may provide clues to its alternative treatment.

Green Synthesis of Phyllanthus Niruri Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia

Nanotechnology is currently the most active research area in modern materials science. While numerous chemical and physical methods exist for the synthesis of nanomaterials, the green synthesis approach is increasingly prominent. Plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles is a green chemical technique that integrates nanotechnology with botany. This novel method of synthesis ideally occurs at ambient temperatures, neutral pH, and is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Given this goal, various routes have been explored for synthesizing nanomaterials. The present study aims to formulate and evaluate herbal nanoparticles derived from Phyllanthus niruri for the natural treatment of sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia is characterized by the presence of sickle-shaped erythrocytes caused by abnormal hemoglobin production. This condition leads to clogging of capillaries and obstructs blood flow in the vessels, resulting in severe complications such as ischemia, hypoxia, and organ failure. While some drugs, such as hydroxyurea, are available for treating sickle cell anemia, they are often associated with severe adverse effects, limiting their frequent use. Therefore, this study focuses on designing herbal nanoparticles as an alternative treatment for sickle cell anemia. The plant material for this study was sourced from an authorized market, dried, and powdered for further processing.

КАРДИОНЕЙРОАБЛАЦИЯ – ФИЗИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ОСНОВЫ МЕТОДА, КЛИНИЧЕСКОЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ ПРИ НАРУШЕНИЯХ РИТМА СЕРДЦА

Increased tone of the parasympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system, affecting the pacemaker cells, may cause sinus bradycardia, develop long pauses of heart rhythm, paroxysmal or permanent atrioventricular block followed by reflex syncope. The usual reflex syncope treatment is conservative and includes avoiding situations that trigger syncope (prolonged standing, sight of blood etc.), tilt-training, adequate drinking regime, wearing compression underwear, sleeping with the head of the bed elevated and in some cases stimulating neuro- and vegetotropic therapy. Some patients are refractory to conventional methods of treatment and retain severe symptoms that worsens quality of their life seriously. These patients may be required a pacemaker implantation subsequently. Cardioneuroablation is an alternative treatment in patients with overactive parasympathetic nervous system that is based on radiofrequency catheter ablation of the major parasympathetic autonomic ganglia around the heart.

Complementary and Alternative Treatment Methods Used by Infertile Women in Turkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aims to determine the complementary and alternative therapy (CAM) methods used among infertile women in Turkiye, the prevalence of their use and the factors affecting their use. Method: The sample of the descriptive and cross-sectional study consisted of 142 women who applied to the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Centre of a public hospital and volunteered to participate in the study. The data were collected with "Personal Information Form" and "Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches Scale (CAMAS)". Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis Test were used in the evaluation of the data. Results: While the average age of the women who contributed to the study was found to be 29.77±4.83 years. When the CAM methods used by women are examined, they are mostly prayer (88.0%), prayer (namaz) (78.2%), vow (25.4%), visit to the tomb (24.6%), amulet (20.4%), black pepper (17.6%), ginseng (15.5%), astralagus (13.4%), going to a teacher and having yourself read (13.4%), shark cartilage (13.4%), turtle blood (13.4%), lead casting (4.2%), reiki (2.8%), bioenergy (2.1%) and hypnosis it was determined to be (1.4%). When the mean scores in the CAMAS subscales were examined, it was determined that the highest score was body-mind approaches (40.46±17.37). Conclusion: In line with the research findings, it was determined that the use of CAM was common among infertile women in Turkiye and the most frequently used approaches were spiritual and herbal methods. Health professionals need to evaluate infertile women about their use of CAM methods and inform women about these methods.

Complementary and Alternative Treatment Methods Used by Infertile Women in Turkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aims to determine the complementary and alternative therapy (CAM) methods used among infertile women in Turkiye, the prevalence of their use and the factors affecting their use. Method: The sample of the descriptive and cross-sectional study consisted of 142 women who applied to the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Centre of a public hospital and volunteered to participate in the study. The data were collected with "Personal Information Form" and "Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches Scale (CAMAS)". Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis Test were used in the evaluation of the data. Results: While the average age of the women who contributed to the study was found to be 29.77±4.83 years. When the CAM methods used by women are examined, they are mostly prayer (88.0%), prayer (namaz) (78.2%), vow (25.4%), visit to the tomb (24.6%), amulet (20.4%), black pepper (17.6%), ginseng (15.5%), astralagus (13.4%), going to a teacher and having yourself read (13.4%), shark cartilage (13.4%), turtle blood (13.4%), lead casting (4.2%), reiki (2.8%), bioenergy (2.1%) and hypnosis it was determined to be (1.4%). When the mean scores in the CAMAS subscales were examined, it was determined that the highest score was body-mind approaches (40.46±17.37). Conclusion: In line with the research findings, it was determined that the use of CAM was common among infertile women in Turkiye and the most frequently used approaches were spiritual and herbal methods. Health professionals need to evaluate infertile women about their use of CAM methods and inform women about these methods.

Isotretinoin‐associated intracranial hypertension: A concise report

AbstractWe present a case of a 24‐year‐old preobese female undergoing isotretinoin treatment for acne vulgaris, who experienced drug‐induced intracranial hypertension (DIIH). Recognizing and addressing this potentially serious adverse effect is essential to prevent severe outcomes, particularly irreversible vision impairment. When suspected, immediate discontinuation of isotretinoin, neuroradiological imaging and urgent ophthalmologic evaluation to rule out papilloedema is imperative. Formulation of alternative treatment strategies, caution while prescribing DIIH‐causing drugs in future patient treatments and proactive reporting of adverse events are integral aspects of its comprehensive management.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles against selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens

Background and aim. Infections caused by pathogenic bacteria increase patient morbidity and mortality and significantly raise treatment costs. The use of silver nanoparticles as an alternative treatment for S aureus, E coli, MRSA, E faecalis, K pneumoniae and P aeruginosa indicates their antibacterial effect and prompts medical research to consider the next generation of antibacterial drugs that could change antibiotic therapy. By combining silver nanoparticles with different classes of antibiotics, the antibacterial effect is evidenced by increased values of the inhibition zone compared to the values obtained for some antibiotics commonly used in the treatment of bacterial infections. This study focuses on comparing the antibacterial activity of antibiotics versus antibiotics combined with silver nanoparticles against various bacteria, by comparing inhibition zones obtained for both. We aim to prove that the size of the inhibition zone for antibiotics combined with silver nanoparticles is greater, thus confirming the improved antibacterial effect. Metods. In this study we tested the antibacterial activity of solutions of silver nanoparticles alone or in combination with different antibiotics. We used standard bacterial strains, ATCC, both Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, as well as Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, but also on clinical isolates: a strain MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and a PDR strain (pan drug resistant) of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Bacterial identification was performed using Vitek MS analyzer (bioMerieux). Antibiotic susceptibility determination was performed with VITEK2 COMPACT SYSTEM (bio Merieux, Inc Durham NC) with ready to use VITEK AST cards. The interpretation of the results was done in compliance with EUCAST 2023-2024 standards. Testing was performed for several classes of antibiotics, silver nanoparticle solutions in 2 concentrations (10 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL) and for combinations of antibiotics with silver nanoparticle solutions. The diameter of the inhibition zone (ZOI) for silver nanoparticles, antibiotics and silver nanoparticles combined with antibiotic against each bacterium was expressed in millimeters. The Kirby-Bauer disk-diffusion method, in accordance with current EUCAST standards, was used to analyze the antibacterial effect of antibiotics, silver nanoparticles, and antibiotics combined with silver nanoparticles at biocompatible doses of 10 and 100 μg/mL. The experiments were conducted in triplicate, and the results were almost identical. Results. The results of this study show that the silver nanoparticles displayed antibacterial activity, proven by the appearance of the inhibition zone, in various sizes, for all bacteria studied. The antibiotic classes tested were beta-lactamins, first, second, third and fourth generation cephalosporins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, lincosamides, aminoglycosides, glycopeptides, tetracyclines, oxazolidinones, sulfonamides, rifamycins, amphenicols. Testing S aureus ATCC 29213, the highest zone of inhibition was demonstrated for cephalosporins (32.6667 ± 0.701 mm), macrolides (31.6667 ± 0.701 mm, and lincosamides (29.6667 ± 0.701 mm). Testing MRSA (internal code GR0333), the highest zone of inhibition for combination of silver nanoparticles and antibiotics was demonstrated for fluoroquinolones (36.3333 ± 0.701 mm), lincosamides (32.3333 ± 0.701 mm), Fusid acid (32.3333 ± 0.701 mm) and aminoglicosides (31.3333 ± 0.701 mm). Testing E coli ATCC 25922 the highest zone of inhibition was for Fosfomycine, 39 mm and for E faecalis ATCC 29212 for aminoglicosides was 19 mm. For K pneumoniae (internal code GQ8575) the inhibition zone for silver nanoparticles 100 μg/mL was 12.3333 ± 0.701 mm and for P aeruginosa ATCC 27253 was 16 ± 1.214 mm. Conclusions. The use of metallic nanoparticles, especially silver ones, as antimicrobial agents with definite bactericidal activity has led medical specialists to consider this new treatment which may change antibacterial therapy. Studies of in vitro combinations between silver nanoparticles and different classes of antibiotics represent a highly efficient and effective new antibacterial treatment against multidrug-resistant bacteria. To avoid the problem of antimicrobial resistance associated with conventional antibiotics, it is necessary to understand the adaptive mechanisms of bacteria under the action of metal nanoparticles, which could be exploited in future studies. Further in vitro and in vivo studies that would assess specify the biocompatibility and toxicity of silver nanoparticles will make these super nanomaterials the medicines of the future.

An injectable hydrogel loaded with GMSCs-derived neural lineage cells promotes recovery after stroke.

Ischemic stroke is a devastating medical condition with poor prognosis due to the lack of effective treatment modalities. Transplantation of human neural stem cells or primary neural cells is a promising treatment approach, but this is hindered by limited suitable cell sources and low in vitro expansion capacity. This study aimed i) to use small molecules to reprogram gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) commitment to the neural lineage cells in vitro, and ii) to use hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel scaffolds seeded with GMSCs-derived neural lineage cells to treat ischemic stroke invivo. Neural induction was carried out with a small molecule cocktail-based one-step culture protocol over a period of 24 hours. The induced cells were analyzed for expression of neural markers with immunocytochemistry and qRT-PCR. The SD rats (n=100) were subjected to the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) reperfusion ischemic stroke model. Then, after 8 days post-MCAO, the modelled rats were randomly assigned to six study groups (n=12 per group): (i) GMSCs, (ii) GMSCs-derived neural lineage cells, (iii) HA and GMSCs-derived neural lineage cells, (iv) HA, (v) PBS, and (vi) sham transplantation control, and received their respective transplantation. Evaluation of post-stroke recovery were performed by the behavioral tests and histological assessments. The morphologically altered nature of neural lineages has been observed of the GMSCs treated with small molecules compared to the untreated controls. As shown by the qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry, small molecules further signifcantly enhanced the experession level of neural markers of GMSCs as compared with the untreated controls (all p<0.05). Intracerebral injection of self-assembling HA hydrogel carrying GMSCs-derived neural lineage cells promoted the recovery of neural function and reduced ischemic damage in rats with ischemic stroke, as demonstrated by histological examination and behavioral assessments (all p<0.05). In conclusion, the small molecule cocktail significantly enhanced the differentiation of GMSCs into neural lineage cells. The HA hydrogel was found to facilitate the proliferation and differentiation of GMSCs-derived neural lineage cells. Furthermore, HA hydrogel seeded with GMSCs-derived neural lineage cells could promote tissue repair and functional recovery in rats with ischemic stroke and may be a promising alternative treatment modality for stroke.

Alternative Access for TAVR: Choosing the Right Pathway.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as an alternative treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis regardless of surgical risk, particularly in those with a high and prohibitive risk. Since the advent of TAVR, transfemoral access has been the standard of care. However, given comorbidities and anatomical limitations, a proportion of patients are not good candidates for a transfemoral approach. Alternative access, including transapical, transaortic, transaxillary, transsubclavian, transcarotid, and transcaval, can be considered. Each alternative access has advantages and disadvantages, so the vascular route should be tailored to the patient's characteristics. However, there is no standardized algorithm when choosing the optimal alternative vascular access. In this review, we analyzed the evolution and current evidence for the most common alternative access for TAVR and proposed an algorithm for choosing the optimal vascular access in this patient population.

Consumption of Apitherapy Products by Late Adolescents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional and Comparative Descriptive Study

Background: Apitherapy has emerged as both a conventional and alternative treatment effective against COVID-19-related symptoms. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the types, frequency, and amount of apitherapy products that late adolescents use before and during the pandemic. Methods: The study employed a cross‐sectional, descriptive, and comparative design. Using stratified random sampling, 3307 late adolescents aged 17 - 21 were included. Data were collected through a questionnaire on demographic characteristics and apitherapy products. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests were used for data analysis, with effect size calculated using Cohen’s d method. Results: Half of the participants (n = 1595, 48.2%) had never heard of “apitherapy” before, while those who had heard mentioned honey (35.6%), pollen (25.5%), propolis (14.9%), royal jelly (11.3%), bee venom (8.4%), and bee bread (4.3%). They reported using these products to “boost their immune systems”, “prevent respiratory infections/reduce cough”, and “reduce nausea and vomiting”. Late adolescents consumed significantly more honey (t = -15.683, P &lt; 0.001, effect size = 0.35), pollen (t = -11.111, P &lt; 0.001; effect size = 0.44), and propolis (t = -15.302, P &lt; 0.001, effect size = 0.45) during the pandemic than before. They primarily examined labels before purchasing (36.4%) and believed that products approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry should be purchased (63.3%). Conclusions: This study underscores the popularity of apitherapy among late adolescents. Further surveys are recommended to better understand young people's apitherapy habits and provide valuable data for healthcare practitioners combating the pandemic.

Anaerobic digestion of herbal waste: a waste to energy option.

Herbal waste produced during the manufacturing of herbal products is a potential feedstock for anaerobic digestion due to high amount of organic matter that can be transformed into biogas as an energy resource. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to convert herbal waste produced during the manufacturing of common of Ayurveda products into biogas through anaerobic digestion process using batch test study under controlled mesophilic temperature conditions of 35°C with food to inoculum ratio of 0.75. The maximum biomethane potential (BMP) of 0.90 (gCH4COD/g CODfed) and sludge activity of 0.70 (gCH4-CD/gVSS) was exhibited by WS herbal waste owing to its high chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 4g/g and better solubilization potential of the organic matter showing change in volatile suspended solids (ΔVSS) of 79%. On the other hand, the waste derived from the TA herb, exhibited the least biogas yield of 0.55 (gCH4COD/g CODfed) and sludge activity of 0.40 (gCH4-CD/gVSS), albeit with higher organic matter present. This was due to the possible hindrance of waste solubilization by the presence of lignin. The waste derived from VVL and PE showed intermediate BMP and sludge activity. The methane generation rate constant (k), a key indicator of the biodegradation potential, was also evaluated. The k values showed similar trend as of BMP values ranging from 0.081 to 0.15 d-1 thus indicating the influence of presence of lignin and the change in ΔVSS. The present study proves anaerobic digestion to be an alternative treatment method to be a milestone for management of herbal wastes and can be successfully implemented on real-scale systems.

A low-cost, portable device for the study of the malaria parasite’s growth inhibition via microwave exposure

Recently, a novel method for the growth inhibition of malaria parasites using microwaves was proposed. However, the apparatuses used to demonstrate this method are high-cost and immovable, hindering the progression in this field of research, which is still in its early stages. This paper presents the redesign, construction, and validation of an equivalent system, converting it into a portable and low-cost system, capable of replacing the existing one. The proposed system is mainly composed of an RF generator (MAX2870), an RF amplifier (SKYWORKS 66292-11) and a graphical user interface. Likewise, the RF applicator proposed by the original study was redesigned, resulting in a five-fold improvement in return loss. The obtained results indicate that the proposed system achieves 90% parasite growth inhibition, matching the performance of its counterpart at less than 1% of its cost. These results represent a breakthrough for the creation of smaller, enhanced devices that open new possibilities for an alternative treatment to combat this devastating disease.

Ohwia caudata inhibits doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating mitochondrial dynamics via the IGF-IIR/p-Drp1/PARP signaling pathway.

The most effective drug, doxorubicin (DOX), is widely used worldwide for clinical application as an anticancer drug. DOX-induced cytotoxicity is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction. There is no alternative treatment against DOX-induced cardiac damage despite intensive research in the present decades. Ohwia caudata has emerged as a potential herbal remedy that prevents from DOX-induced cytotoxicity owing to its pharmacological action of sustaining mitochondrial dynamics by attenuating oxidative stress and inducing cellular longevity. However, its underlying mechanisms are unknown. The novel treatment provided here depends on new evidence from DOX-treated H9c2 cells, which significantly enhanced insulin-like growth factor (IGF) II receptor (IGF-IIR) pathways that activated calcineurin and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (p-Drp1) at ser616 (p-Drp1[ser616]); cells undergo apoptosis due to these factors, which translocate to mitochondria and disrupt their function and integrity, and in terms of herbal medicine treatment, which significantly blocked these phenomena. Thus, our findings indicate that maintaining integrity of mitochondria is an essential element in lowering DOX-induced cytotoxicity, which further emphasizes that our herbal medicine can successfully block IGF-IIR pathways and could potentially act as an alternative mechanism in terms of cardioprotective against doxorubicin.

A Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal Extract Combination Compared to 3% Minoxidil Solution for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Trial

Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects both men and women. Standard treatments include topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, which can cause undesirable side effects. Therefore, a natural herbal extract is required for an alternative treatment. Objectives This study aims to assess both the efficacy and safety profiles of an herbal extract comprising a combination of dihydroquercetin glucoside, epigallocatechin gallate glucoside, zinc, and glycine, compared to the minoxidil solution for the treatment of AGA. Methods About 30 males and 30 females were recruited. The males and females were divided equally into two groups (n=30), randomly receiving either a minoxidil solution or herbal extraction twice a day for 24 weeks. Clinical efficacy, total hair count, and hair mass index (HMI) were evaluated. Results A total of 30 males and 30 females completed the study. The total hair counts (hairs/cm2) at baseline in the herbal group and minoxidil group were 334.8±108.8 and 368.3±178.4, respectively, and the total hair counts at 24 weeks in the herbal group and minoxidil group were 345.0±119.2 and 391.5±183.1 (p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.001), respectively. The HMI in the herbal and minoxidil groups significantly increased by 25.83±17.18 and 33.70±15.17 (p=0.001, p&lt;0.001) at 24 weeks. However, there was no significant difference in total hair count and HMI between the two groups at 24 weeks (p= 0.250, p=0.065). No local adverse effects were observed in both groups. Conclusions The non-significant difference in efficacy and safety to minoxidil solution suggests that the herbal extraction could be an alternative treatment for AGA. Clinical Trial Registration Number TCTR20220927001.

Leriglitazone halts disease progression in adult patients with early cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy.

Cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD) is an X-linked rapidly progressive demyelinating disease leading to death usually within a few years. The standard of care is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but many men are not eligible due to age, absence of a matched donor, or lesions of the corticospinal tracts (CST). Based on the ADVANCE study showing that leriglitazone decreases the occurrence of CALD, we treated 13 adult CALD patients (19-67 years of age) either not eligible to HSCT (n= 8) or awaiting HSCT (n= 5). Patients were monitored every 3 months with standardized neurological scores, plasma biomarkers and brain MRI comprising lesion volumetrics and diffusion tensor imaging. The disease stabilized clinically and radiologically in 10 patients with up to 2 years of follow-up. Five patients presented with gadolinium enhancing CST lesions that all turned gadolinium negative and, remarkably, regressed in four patients. Plasma neurofilament light chain levels stabilized in all 10 patients and correlated with lesion load. The two patients who continued to deteriorate were over 60 years of age with prominent cognitive impairment. One patient rapidly died from Covid19. These results suggest that leriglitazone can arrest disease progression in adults with early-stage CALD and may be an alternative treatment to HSCT.

Topical moisturizer with rose stem cell-derived exosomes (RSCEs) for recalcitrant seborrheic dermatitis: A case report with 6 months of follow-up.

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) poses significant treatment challenges due to its chronic nature and the side effects associated with long-term use of conventional therapies like topical corticosteroids. In the search for alternative treatments, exosomes, particularly those derived from rose stem cells (RSCEs), offer a promising avenue due to their potential in managing chronic skin conditions. This case report examines the efficacy of a topical moisturizer containing RSCEs in treating a patient with refractory SD, aiming to provide an alternative treatment pathway. A 40-year-old male with a long-standing history of SD, unresponsive to traditional treatments, underwent a novel treatment regimen. This regimen included an initial topical application of 2.5 mL of RSCEs followed by a maintenance phase involving the application of a RSCE-containing moisturizer. Clinical outcomes were assessed through the Patient's Global Assessment (PGA) and Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) scores, along with evaluations of scaling and erythema. Remarkable clinical improvement was noted as early as 1-day post-treatment, with significant reductions in redness, scaling, and itching. The patient experienced sustained relief throughout the 6-month follow-up, with a recurrence in the sixth month that was less severe than previous flare-ups. This demonstrated not only the efficacy of RSCEs in symptom management but also their potential in extending remission periods. The chronic management of SD can benefit from innovative treatments like the RSCE-containing moisturizer, as shown in this case report. While the observed outcomes are promising, indicating substantial improvements in skin condition and symptom management, larger controlled studies are necessary to validate the therapeutic potential of exosome-containing moisturizers fully. This case underscores the need for alternative therapies in SD treatment, highlighting the role of exosomes as a viable option.