Applications In Modern Medicine Research Articles

Current status of research on endophytes of traditional Tibetan medicinal plant and their metabolites.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the "Third Pole of the World," has a rich variety of medicinal plants that play an important role in the field of medicine due to its unique geographical environment. However, due to the limited resources of Tibetan medicinal plants and the fragility of the ecological environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, more and more Tibetan medicinal plants are on the verge of extinction. As a reservoir of biologically active metabolites, endophytes of medicinal plants produce a large number of compounds with potential applications in modern medicine (including antibacterial, immunosuppressive, antiviral, and anticancer) and are expected to be substitutes for Tibetan medicinal plants. This paper reviews 12 Tibetan medicinal plants from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, highlighting the diversity of their endophytes, the diversity of their metabolites and their applications. The results show that the endophytes of Tibetan medicinal plants are remarkably diverse, and the efficacy of their metabolites involves various aspects, such as antioxidant, anti-disease and anti-parasitic. In addition, conservation measures for the resources of Tibetan medicinal plants are summarised to provide a reference for an in-depth understanding of the endophytes of Tibetan medicinal plants and to stimulate the scientific community to bioprospect for the endophytes of Tibetan medicinal plants, as well as to provide ideas for their rational exploitation.

A Foley catheter 'the jack of all trades': a literature review of its common and novel uses.

The Foley catheter is one of the most commonly used devices in modern surgical practice. Developed for draining the urinary bladder, this humble catheter has been employed for many other purposes ranging from urine output monitoring to complex urological investigations. Over time, it has evolved into being applied in more complex and innovative ways in various other specialties apart from urology. In this review article, we describe some of the common and novel uses of this deceptively simple device, and discuss the scope of its application in modern medicine.

Enhancing bioavailability of natural extracts for nutritional applications through dry powder inhalers (DPI) spray drying: technological advancements and future directions.

Natural ingredients have many applications in modern medicine and pharmaceutical projects. However, they often have low solubility, poor chemical stability, and low bioavailability in vivo. Spray drying technology can overcome these challenges by enhancing the properties of natural ingredients. Moreover, drug delivery systems can be flexibly designed to optimize the performance of natural ingredients. Among the various drug delivery systems, dry powder inhalation (DPI) has attracted much attention in pharmaceutical research. Therefore, this review will focus on the spray drying of natural ingredients for DPI and discuss their synthesis and application.

A Systematic Review of Terpenoids in Azadirachta indica: Classes, Structures and Medicinal Uses

Azadirachta indica (neem) can be considered as “Nature’s Chemist” due to its therapeutic, pharmaceutical, agro and medicinal properties. Neem tree is the most researched tree so far and has proven to be the most prospect target for the future drug discoveries. Its bioactivity has been associated with vast richness in phytochemicals whereas the terpenoids are the major medicinal components. Terpenoids are classified into different categories which display a wide range of biological activities. This article reviews the terpenoids reported in different parts of neem tree, classes, structures, their usage and application in modern medicine.

Cellular electrophysiological effects of botulinum toxin A on neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and on cardiomyocytes derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells.

Botulinum toxin A is a well-known neurotransmitter inhibitor with a wide range of applications in modern medicine. Recently, botulinum toxin A preparations have been used in clinical trials to suppress cardiac arrhythmias, especially in the postoperative period. Its antiarrhythmic action is associated with inhibition of the nervous system of the heart, but its direct effect on heart tissue remains unclear. Accordingly, we investigate the effect of botulinum toxin A on isolated cardiac cells and on layers of cardiac cells capable of conducting excitation. Cardiomyocytes of neonatal rat pups and human cardiomyocytes obtained through cell reprogramming were used. A patch-clamp study showed that botulinum toxin A inhibited fast sodium currents and L-type calcium currents in a dose-dependent manner, with no apparent effect on potassium currents. Optical mapping showed that in the presence of botulinum toxin A, the propagation of the excitation wave in the layer of cardiac cells slows down sharply, conduction at high concentrations becomes chaotic, but reentry waves do not form. The combination of botulinum toxin A with a preparation of chitosan showed a stronger inhibitory effect by an order of magnitude. Further, the inhibitory effect of botulinum toxin A is not permanent and disappears after 12days of cell culture in a botulinum toxin A-free medium. The main conclusion of the work is that the antiarrhythmic effect of botulinum toxin A found in clinical studies is associated not only with depression of the nervous system but also with a direct effect on heart tissue. Moreover, the combination of botulinum toxin A and chitosan reduces the effective dose of botulinum toxin A.

The evolving role of extracellular vesicles (exosomes) as biomarkers in traumatic brain injury: Clinical perspectives and therapeutic implications.

Developing effective disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) requires reliable diagnostic, disease activity, and progression indicators. While desirable, identifying biomarkers for NDs can be difficult because of the complex cytoarchitecture of the brain and the distinct cell subsets seen in different parts of the central nervous system (CNS). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous, cell-derived, membrane-bound vesicles involved in the intercellular communication and transport of cell-specific cargos, such as proteins, Ribonucleic acid (RNA), and lipids. The types of EVs include exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies based on their size and origin of biogenesis. A growing body of evidence suggests that intercellular communication mediated through EVs is responsible for disseminating important proteins implicated in the progression of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other NDs. Some studies showed that TBI is a risk factor for different NDs. In terms of therapeutic potential, EVs outperform the alternative synthetic drug delivery methods because they can transverse the blood–brain barrier (BBB) without inducing immunogenicity, impacting neuroinflammation, immunological responses, and prolonged bio-distribution. Furthermore, EV production varies across different cell types and represents intracellular processes. Moreover, proteomic markers, which can represent a variety of pathological processes, such as cellular damage or neuroinflammation, have been frequently studied in neurotrauma research. However, proteomic blood-based biomarkers have short half-lives as they are easily susceptible to degradation. EV-based biomarkers for TBI may represent the complex genetic and neurometabolic abnormalities that occur post-TBI. These biomarkers are not caught by proteomics, less susceptible to degradation and hence more reflective of these modifications (cellular damage and neuroinflammation). In the current narrative and comprehensive review, we sought to discuss the contemporary knowledge and better understanding the EV-based research in TBI, and thus its applications in modern medicine. These applications include the utilization of circulating EVs as biomarkers for diagnosis, developments of EV-based therapies, and managing their associated challenges and opportunities.

Protective effects of Yiqi jiedu decoction on ionizing radiation-induced spermatogenic cell injury

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIonizing radiation (IR) has found widespread application in modern medicine. As a result, radiotherapy inevitably causes spermatogenic cell injury. Many Chinese herbal prescriptions or natural extracts have the potential to protect against radiation injury. Aim of the studyWe used GC-2spd cells to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of YQJD decoction on protecting spermatogenic cells from ionizing radiation injury. Materials and methodsFirstly, the GC-2spd cells were irradiated with 60Co γ-rays (1 Gy, 2 Gy, 4 Gy and 8 Gy) to establish an in vitro model of radiation injury. After that, Cells were divided into six groups: negative control group (NC group), model group (IR group), positive drug group (IRA group), high-dose YQJD decoction (IRH group), medium-dose YQJD decoction (IRM group), and low-dose YQJD decoction group (IRL group). DNA damage, oxidative damage and inflammatory factors were measured. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by Flow cytometry. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the morphological changes. ResultsAfter irradiation with 60CO γ-ray, the results indicated that the damage of spermatocyte was significantly induced by radiation exposure over 4 Gy. Furthermore, ionizing radiation could make DNA damage and oxidative stress in in GC-2spd cells. In addition, 60CO γ-ray also caused the increase of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and the change of cell cycle. However, the application of YQJD decoction inhibited the damage and apoptosis of GC-2spd cells in the aspects of anti-oxidation, promoting DNA damage repair and regulating inflammatory reaction. ConclusionsTaken together, the protective effects of YQJD decoction on 60CO γ-ray induced spermatocyte injury were confirmed in this study. This exploration might provide a new strategy for the application of Chinese herbs in radioprotection.

Monodisperse Gold Nanoparticles: A Review on Synthesis and Their Application in Modern Medicine.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are becoming increasingly popular as drug carriers due to their unique properties such as size tenability, multivalency, low toxicity and biocompatibility. AuNPs have physical features that distinguish them from bulk materials, small molecules and other nanoscale particles. Their unique combination of characteristics is just now being fully realized in various biomedical applications. In this review, we focus on the research accomplishments and new opportunities in this field, and we describe the rising developments in the use of monodisperse AuNPs for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This study addresses the key principles and the most recent published data, focusing on monodisperse AuNP synthesis, surface modifications, and future theranostic applications. Moving forward, we also consider the possible development of functionalized monodisperse AuNPs for theranostic applications based on these efforts. We anticipate that as research advances, flexible AuNPs will become a crucial platform for medical applications.

Overview and Update on Extracellular Vesicles: Considerations on Exosomes and Their Application in Modern Medicine.

Simple SummaryExosomes are a subpopulation of extracellular vesicles, nanosized particles, lipid bilayer-enclosed, naturally secreted from cells after the fusion of intracellular Multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane. Their components are proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites by which they can act as mediators of cell-to-cell communication. They play a key role in regulating pathophysiological processes, such as immune response, neuronal communication, cancer biogenesis, and regulation. Therefore, they have been largely exploited for their potential therapeutic and diagnostic application. Due to their endogeneity, exosomes present superior biocompatibility and stability in comparison to synthetic carriers, and then they can be used as delivery vehicles. Herein, reviewing recent studies, information on exosome biogenesis, structural characteristics, isolation, and detection current methods is summarized. Further, the obstacles to overcome in the application of exosomes as delivery systems are also considered.In recent years, there has been a rapid growth in the knowledge of cell-secreted extracellular vesicle functions. They are membrane enclosed and loaded with proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and other biomolecules. After being released into the extracellular environment, some of these vesicles are delivered to recipient cells; consequently, the target cell may undergo physiological or pathological changes. Thus, extracellular vesicles as biological nano-carriers, have a pivotal role in facilitating long-distance intercellular communication. Understanding the mechanisms that mediate this communication process is important not only for basic science but also in medicine. Indeed, extracellular vesicles are currently seen with immense interest in nanomedicine and precision medicine for their potential use in diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications. This paper aims to summarize the latest advances in the study of the smallest subtype among extracellular vesicles, the exosomes. The article is divided into several sections, focusing on exosomes’ nature, characteristics, and commonly used strategies and methodologies for their separation, characterization, and visualization. By searching an extended portion of the relevant literature, this work aims to give a quick outline of advances in exosomes’ extensive nanomedical applications. Moreover, considerations that require further investigations before translating them to clinical applications are summarized.

Application of β-Glucosidase in a Biphasic System for the Efficient Conversion of Polydatin to Resveratrol.

Resveratrol, an ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine, has beneficial effects on human health and huge potential for application in modern medicine. Polydatin is extracted from plants and then deglycosylated into resveratrol; enzymatic methods are preferred for this reaction. In this study, a β-D-glucosidase from Sphingomonas showed high efficiency in transforming polydatin into resveratrol and was tolerant toward organic solvents. Applying this enzyme in a biphasic transformation system resulted in 95.3% conversion of 20% concentration crude polydatin to resveratrol in 4 h. We thus report a new method for high-efficiency, clean production of resveratrol.

MXene-containing pressure sensor based on nanofiber film and spacer fabric with ultrahigh sensitivity and Joule heating effect

As an important branch of wearable electronics, pressure sensors have the properties of stability, accurate signal transmission and strong durability, and can quickly respond to the compression deformation of the human body, which is essential to intelligent wearable textiles. Here, we fabricated a smart wearable textile called the MXene-containing pressure sensor with both sensing and electrothermal properties, in which the MXene nanofiber film is used as the electric heating layer, and the spacer fabric coated with MXene is used as the pressure layer. After electrospinning, MXene was successfully adhered to the surface of the pressure layer by polyacrylonitrile as a nanofiber film, which shows excellent Joule heating properties. The novel structure enables high sensitivity (508.79 kPa−1, from 1 to 5 kPa; 29,397.97 kPa−1, from 12 to 35 kPa), good electric heating (over 70°C under 18 V), high breathability (mesh structure) and shock absorption because of the reticulated spacer fabric. There are many potential applications, such as smart insoles, cushions and mattresses, and in this work smart insoles were fabricated for monitoring human motions whether in walking or running. Another applied device is a numeric keyboard, which can recognize finger presses as different numbers. Overall, we provide a new strategy for the fabrication of a multifunctional MXene/spacer fabric-based pressure sensor, and may encourage the innovation of intelligent tactile textiles, which have potential applications in modern medicine and robot protection.

Natural and Cultural History of Xanthorhiza simplicissima

Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima Marshall, Ranunculaceae) is a low-growing deciduous shrub native to hardwood forests in the eastern United States. This review synthesizes existing knowledge about yellowroot's natural and cultural history including traditional uses, contemporary applications, and future implications. Emphasis is placed on the southern Appalachian mountain region, which is the core of its cultural importance. Natural history and ethnobotanical knowledge about yellowroot were collected from published literature, oral histories, and field observations. While it was first described by botanists in the 18th Century, yellowroot was already a well-established and culturally significant plant to the Native peoples of southern Appalachia for centuries. At least 34 Indigenous medicinal and craft uses are documented, confirming that yellowroot was, and to an extent still is, a culturally significant plant for Indigenous people in the southern Appalachian region. European and African American settlers to the region also incorporated the plant into many of their folk traditions, and wild harvesting and cultivation continues to this day. Modern analytical techniques have identified key phytoactive compounds in yellowroot extracts, lending credence to its traditional medicinal uses and potential applications in modern medicine.

The method of aromatherapy, application in modern medicine

Aromatherapy is a method of treatment with essential oils. The use of the aromatherapy method in global clinical practice has its roots in the distant past. Research into the use of essential oils in medicine continues. The article describes an approach to the use of aromatherapy for therapeutic doctors and other medical specialists. The article is based on the materials of the author’s lectures.

Using the microbiome in clinical practice.

Using the microbiome in clinical practice.

Bacteriophage Technology and Modern Medicine.

The bacteriophage (or phage for short) has been used as an antibacterial agent for over a century but was abandoned in most countries after the discovery and broad use of antibiotics. The worldwide emergence and high prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria have led to a revival of interest in the long-forgotten antibacterial therapy with phages (phage therapy) as an alternative approach to combatting AMR bacteria. The rapid progress recently made in molecular biology and genetic engineering has accelerated the generation of phage-related products with superior therapeutic potentials against bacterial infection. Nowadays, phage-based technology has been developed for many purposes, including those beyond the framework of antibacterial treatment, such as to suppress viruses by phages, gene therapy, vaccine development, etc. Here, we highlighted the current progress in phage engineering technology and its application in modern medicine.

Antifungal Activity of Piper betle, Ocimum sanctum Linn, Curcuma longa and Murraya koenigii on Candida albicans

Context:Over the years drug resistance has become a common phenomenon and it holds true for antifungal drugs also. In the ancient Indian scriptures like Sushruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita, the medicinal plants having the antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties have been described. Some of these plants are Piper betle (Paan), Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi), Curcuma longa (Turmeric) and Murraya koenigii (Currypatta Plant). Aims and Objectives: To determine antifungal activity of different plants extracts by experimentally recoding their zone of inhibition and also determining their minimum inhibitory concentration. Material and Methods: Fresh extracts of all plants were collected and ethyl acetate, ethanolic and aqueous extracts have been prepared. MIC was determined using tube dilution method and zone of inhibition is recorded in agar plates with Candida albicans. The data for the present study was entered in the Microsoft Excel 2007 and analyzed using the SPSS statistical software 23.0 Version. The descriptive statistics included mean and standard deviation. The intergroup comparison was done using independent t test and Chi Square test to find the difference between the individual groups. The level of the significance for the present study was fixed at 5 %. Results: Out of all four plants extracts Piper betle showed maximum antifungal activity in ethyl acetate and ethanolic solutions, while in aqueous solution Murraya koenigii showed high antifungal activity. MIC value of Piper betle is 125 µg/L which was lowest among the four used extracts. Conclusion: Piper betle showed promising antifungal activity and thus can be further studied for its practical applications in modern medicine.

Mini-Review on Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Studies of Piper regnellii (Miq.) C.DC.

Piper regnellii (Miq.) C.DC. is an herbaceous plant that can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and commonly employed in folk medicine for the treatment of wounds, swellings, and skin irritations. In particular, phytochemical studies on P. regnellii have yielded essential oils, benzofuran neolignans, and phenylpropanoids, while the extracts and compounds demonstrated a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. The present study aims to provide a review of previously published studies conducted on both the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of P. regnellii. Accordingly, the scientific journals used for this brief literature review were obtained from various electronic sources, including Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. In particular, the outcome of this review is expected to support the therapeutic potential of P. regnellii further as well as provide convincing evidence to its future clinical applications in modern medicine. Overall, this is aimed to increase the amount of data that supports the application and exploitation of new drug development.

Nanodrug Delivery Systems in Periodontics

Nanotechnology is of intense interest to researchers due to the basic fact that the properties of the material can be effectively manipulated when the size is transformed to nanoscopic. New opportunities arise out of the unique features which have been effectually utilized in the development of nano pharmaceuticals. This has revolutionized the health care system extensively by its diverse applications in modern medicine and dental science. Material science and periodontics have jointly adopted this technology to produce nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, which find considerable significance in the management of periodontal diseases. Periodontitis is principally polymicrobial in nature, affecting the supporting structures of the tooth. In addition to the conventional mechanical debridement, adjunctive chemical therapy is, at most times, required to resolve the chronic inflammation. Hence, targeted drug delivery using nanoparticles with improved pharmacological and therapeutic properties may form better treatment strategies for managing this chronic inflammation. As nanoscale technology finds a scope in varied applications in periodontics, this current review highlights the various nanoscale drug delivery systems for managing periodontal diseases.

Possibilities of blockchain technology application for the health care system

The blockchain technology has many applications in modern medicine. This can be data management, accounts and finance, as well as others. It is important for each category of tasks to choose their own solution and bring the maximum effect for the participants of the system, which will interact on new terms. The key beneficiaries of the participants will be health care users, health care providers, and insurance companies. The paper considers projects with a choice of different types of blockchain with the corresponding advantages and disadvantages. It also lists specific problems and risks inherent in blockchain projects in healthcare, as well as some recommendations for their reduction or elimination. The normative legal acts adopted in Russia, which regulate the legal field in the industry, has analyzed, recommendations for improvement has presented. At the moment, there are only a few laws and regulations governing this area, which is insufficient for their full application in practice. Our paper is aimed at choosing the suitable algorithm of consensus and also the architecture of all system working with blockchain technology.

Dance Movement Therapy: Is There Scope in Modern Medicine?

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) has evolved over decades and is currently increasing its scope of application in modern medicine. The origin of DMT dates back to the early 1900s. Review of Literature explores the benefits of DMT as a holistic approach in treatment of various medical conditions ranging from mental health to physical rehabilitation purposes. There is a strong argument regarding imbibing DMT in care homes and across all age groups at various levels and forms as it is proving beneficial. Recognised programmes and trainers with knowledge of structured DMT is the way forward.