Beneficial Effects Research Articles

Long term remineralizing effect of casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate in white spot lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

White spot lesions (WSLs) appear as white, opaque areas on the teeth and are caused by a demineralization of the enamel. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine whether casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) has beneficial effects on WSLs and provides remineralizing benefits that are superior to those of placebo or no treatment. Following a thorough analysis of the literature across major online sources, 103 papers - 54 of which underwent in-depth evaluation- were found. We used inclusion and exclusion criteria to choose research articles that were appropriate for our review. 10 papers met this review's requirements and were subsequently included. As compared to the controls, CPP-ACP demonstrated increased efficacy in treatment of WSLs in terms of remineralisation and other parameters which included microhardness tests and enamel surface roughness. The forest plots present the results of meta-analyses comparing the effect of CPP-ACP versus control/other agents on white spot lesions (WSLs). In terms of odds ratios (OR), CPP-ACP showed a small increase in the odds of WSLs compared to control/other agents. In-vitro studies showed no significant difference in relative risk (RR) between CPP-ACP and control/other agents. Randomized control trials indicated a small increase in the risk of WSLs with CPP-ACP treatment, but the overall effect was not statistically significant. There was evidence to support the use of CPP-ACP over other agents for WSL prevention or treatment, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Influence of hyperbaric oxygen therapy-specialized care on limb motor function and mental state of cerebral infarction patients with hemiplegia.

Currently, cerebral infarction (CI) is mainly treated by emergency craniotomy or conservative treatment. However, some studies have questioned the functional recovery of patients after hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)-specialized care. This paper mainly explores the influence of HBOT-specialized care on limb motor function (LMF) and mental state of CI patients with hemiplegia. The medical records of 113 CI patients with hemiplegia treated in our hospital from March 2020 to March 2022 were collected. Of these, 53 received routine care nursing (conventional group) and 60 cases were given HBOT-specialized care (research group). Patient general data, scores of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Self-rating Anxiety/Depression Scale (SAS/SDS) and Barthel Index (BI), and nursing efficiency were comparatively analyzed. The two groups showed comparability in general data. FMA and BI scores were increased in the research group after rehabilitation treatment, higher than the baseline and those of the conventional group, while NIHSS, SAS, and SDS scores were reduced, lower compared with baseline and those of the conventional group. In addition, significantly higher nursing efficiency was determined in the research group. HBOT-specialized care has beneficial effects on LMF, mental state, negative emotions and self-care ability of CI patients with hemiplegia and can enhance nursing efficacy, which deserves clinical popularization.

The clinical outcomes and effectiveness of antiviral agents among underweight patients with COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objectives This study investigated the outcomes ofunderweight patients with COVID-19 and the effectiveness of antiviral agents inthis population. Methods A retrospective cohort study using theTriNetX research network wasconducted. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to balance the firstcohort involving COVID-19 patients with underweight and normal-weight. In thesecond cohort, underweight patients receiving antiviral agents and untreatedindividuals were matched using PSM. The primary outcome was a composite ofall-cause hospitalization and death during the 7–30-day follow-up period. Results After PSM, the first cohort including eachgroup of 13,502 patients with balanced baseline characteristics were identifiedfor comparing the outcome of patients with underweight and normal weight. The underweightgroup had a higher risk of the composite primary outcome than those with normalweight (hazard ratio [HR], 1.251; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.132–1.382). The second cohort included each 884 underweight patients withand without receiving antivirals.Compared with untreated patients,those receiving antiviral treatment had a lower risk of composite primaryoutcomes (HR, 0.426; 95% CI, 0.278–0.653). Conclusion Underweight status may be associated with ahigher risk of all-cause hospitalization and death in patients with COVID-19.Among underweight patients, antiviral agents demonstrated clinically beneficial effects.

Molecular Aspects of Carrageenan in the Pharmaceutical and Food Industries

Abstract: Carrageenan is a gel-forming polysaccharide obtained by extracting certain species of red algae. This substance is used in several food groups due to carrageenan's ability to replace fat and combine easily with milk proteins to increase solubility and improve texture. Although the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) considers carrageenan safe for consumption, this point is still subject to intense scrutiny to investigate the potential health risks associated with human consumption. In view of this, the objective of this review was to address the consumption of carrageenan in the food and pharmaceutical industries and its possible toxic effects on health. One hundred and eleven articles were related to the objective of this review. Although carrageenan is widely used for consumption and several studies describe its beneficial effects, a large number of articles have already been bringing possible toxic effects that it can generate in the long term.

Effect of Nigella sativa Intake on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Several studies have shown that the intake of N. sativa has a beneficial effect on metabolic syndrome and related disorders. In this meta-analysis, our primary objective was to assess the impact of Nigella sativa consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers among individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and its associated conditions. Our search was conducted on prominent online databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and EMBASE, utilizing relevant keywords until August 2023. This meta-analysis was performed on 16 RCTs comprising 1033 participants. Our results showed that intake of nigella sativa significantly decreased CRP [SMD: -0.60; (95% CI: from -0.96 to -0.23); P = 0.00], TNF-α [SMD: -0.53; (95% CI: from -0.74 to -0.53); P = 0.00]; IL-6 [SMD: -0.54 ; (95% CI: from -1.01 to -0.07); P = 0.02], and MDA: [SMD: -1.28; (95% CI: from -2.11 to -0.46); P = 0.00] levels. In addition, SOD: [SMD: 1.35; (95% CI, from 0.77 to 1.93); P = 0.00] and TAC [SMD: 2.82; (95% CI, from 0.55 to 5.084); P = 0.01] levels significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the placebo group. Our results showed that THE consumption of N. sativa could be associated with improved oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders.

Current Advances in Production and Drying Technologies of Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin, a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein present in milk, exhibits a remarkable array of beneficial properties, including antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Its potential as a novel food and nutritional supplement has sparked substantial interest among researchers and the industry. This review summarizes the recent research progress on the physiological functions of lactoferrin, and summarizes various technological advances in the separation and purification of lactoferrin. Furthermore, it conducts a detailed comparative analysis of various production and drying methods, providing fresh insights and a robust theoretical framework for advancing lactoferrin-related applications. The development of cost-effective and efficient lactoferrin production techniques holds paramount importance, as it plays a pivotal role in accelerating industrial lactoferrin production and driving growth in the dairy industry.

Probiotics Show Promise as a Novel Natural Treatment for Neurological Disorders.

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms shown to improve human health when consumed regularly and in sufficient quantities. Numerous health benefits can be attained by possessing important metabolites with nutritional and medicinal qualities. It has been shown through scientific research that these living microbial consortiums can influence a variety of mental health outcomes, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, cognitive processes, stress responses, and behavioral patterns. Selected strains of bacteria and yeasts control how the central nervous system (CNS) communicates with the gut-brain axis (GBA) through neuronal, humoral, and metabolic pathways to ease mood. Psychobiotics are substances that can affect the digestive system as well as mood and anxiety. There is scant evidence to validate the beneficial effects of psychiatric drugs in treating neurological diseases or disorders. The therapeutic method of research into psychobiotics opens exciting prospects for the future of the field of development. This review compiles the current evidence available in the scientific literature on the use of probiotics to influence neurological disorders.

Factors affecting students’ concept retention in learning science online using instructional videos

Effective science instruction in a blended learning approach is synonymous with the strategic use of instructional videos (IVs) to fill the gap in teacher support. This study aims to determine the IVs’ effectiveness in improving students' concept retention and overall learning experiences. The experimental group was exposed to instruction integrating IVs via embedded mixed-method design, whereas the control group was exposed to traditional lecture methods. The results showed that students' post-test scores and concept retention improved significantly in the experimental group, where students reported better learning experiences than in the control group. This beneficial effect of a technology-integrated approach can be attributed to various elements of IVs, such as engaging content, motion graphics, video length, the language used, and the speaker's perspective. This study recommends that IVs be used to enhance learning opportunities and results in the teaching and learning process.

Differences in the effects and action modes of gut commensals against dextran sulfate sodium-induced intestinal inflammation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex relapsing inflammatory disease in the gut and is driven by complicated host-gut microbiome interactions. Gut commensals have shown different functions in IBD prevention and treatment. To gain a mechanistic understanding of how different commensals affect intestinal inflammation, we compared the protective effects of six probiotics (belonging to the genera <em>Akkermansia</em>, <em>Bifidobacterium</em>, <em>Clostridium</em>, and <em>Enterococcus</em>) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice with or without gut microbiota. Anti-inflammatory properties (ratio of IL-10 and IL-12) of these strains were also evaluated in an in vitro mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) co-culture system. Results showed that four probiotics (belonging to the species <em>B. breve</em>, <em>B. bifidum</em>, and <em>E. faecalis</em>) can alleviate colitis in normal mice. The probiotic strains differed in regulating the intestinal microbiota, cytokines (IL-10, IL-1β and IFN-γ), and tight junction function (Zonulin-1 and Occludin). By constrast, <em>A. muciniphila</em> AH39 and <em>C. butyricum</em> FHuNHHMY49T1 were not protective. Interestingly, <em>B. breve</em> JSNJJNM2 with high anti-inflammatory potential in the MLN model could relieve colitis symptoms in Abx-treated mice. Meanwhile, <em>E. faecalis</em> FJSWX25M1 induced low levels of cytokines in vitro and showed no beneficial effects. Therefore, we provided insight into the clinical application of probiotics in IBD treatment.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Enhancement of Cardiogenesis-Related Signaling Pathways by S-nitroso-N-pivaloyl-D-penicillamine (SNPiP): Implications for Improved Diastolic Function and Cardiac Performance.

We previously reported a novel compound called S-nitroso-N-pivaloyl-D-penicillamine (SNPiP), which was screened from a group of nitric oxide (NO) donor compounds with a basic chemical structure of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), to activate the non-neuronal acetylcholine (NNA) system. SNPiP-treated mice exhibited improved cardiac output and enhanced diastolic function, without an increase in heart rate. The NNA-activating effects included increased resilience to ischemia, modulation of energy metabolism preference, and activation of angiogenesis. Here, we performed transcriptome analysis of SNPiP-treated mice ventricles to elucidate how SNPiP exerts beneficial effects on cardiac function. A time-course study (24 and 48 h after SNPiP administration) revealed that SNPiP initially induced Wnt and cGMP-protein kinase G (PKG) signaling pathways, along with upregulation of genes involved in cardiac muscle tissue development and oxytocin signaling pathway. We also observed enrichment of glycolysis-related genes in response to SNPiP treatment, resulting in a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis, which was suggested by reduced cardiac glucose contents while maintaining ATP levels. Additionally, SNPiP significantly upregulated atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and sarcolipin (SLN), which play crucial roles in calcium handling and cardiac performance. These findings suggest that SNPiP may have therapeutic potential based on the pleiotropic mechanisms elucidated in this study.

N-acetylcysteine Attenuates Cigarette Smoke-induced Alveolar Epithelial Cell Apoptosis through Reactive Oxygen Species Depletion and Glutathione Replenish In vivo and In vitro.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is well known for its antioxidant properties, along with potential protective effects on COPD. However, the molecular mechanism of NAC against the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) in COPD remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the anti-apoptosis effect of NAC in COPD mice and alveolar epithelial cells. In the present study, the mouse model of COPD was established by cigarette smoke (CS), and mouse alveolar epithelial (MLE-12) cells were treated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE). TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blot were performed to evaluate the effects of NAC on apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Meanwhile, LButhionine- sulfoximine (BSO), a glutathione (GSH) inhibitor, was used to uncover the mechanism of COPD treatment by NAC. We found that NAC pretreatment could attenuate the protein levels of apoptosis, ER stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction-related genes caused by CS in vivo. Meanwhile, CSE could decrease MLE-12 cell viability, which was prevented by apoptosis inhibitor ZVAD-FMK but not necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin-1. Pretreatment of MLE-12 cells with NAC increased cellular GSH levels, inhibited cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and decreased protein level of apoptosis, ER stress, and mitochondrial dysfunctionrelated genes. Moreover, experiment results showed that BSO could completely reverse the beneficial effects of NAC. Our study confirmed that NAC can attenuate CS-induced AEC apoptosis via alleviating ROS-mediated ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction pathway, and the mechanism was found to be related to replenishing the cellular GSH content.

Purinergic Signaling and its Role in the Stem Cell Differentiation.

Purinergic signaling is a mechanism in which extracellular purines and pyrimidines interact with specialized cell surface receptors known as purinergic receptors. These receptors are divided into two families of P1 and P2 receptors, each responding to different nucleosides and nucleotides. P1 receptors are activated by adenosine, while P2 receptors are activated by pyrimidine and purines. P2X receptors are ligand-gated ion channels, including seven subunits (P2X1-7). However, P2Y receptors are the G-protein coupled receptors comprising eight subtypes (P2Y1/2/4/6/11/12/13/14). The disorder in purinergic signaling leads to various health-related issues and diseases. In various aspects, it influences the activity of non-neuronal cells and neurons. The molecular mechanism of purinergic signaling provides insight into treating various human diseases. On the contrary, stem cells have been investigated for therapeutic applications. Purinergic signaling has shown promising effect in stem cell engraftment. The immune system promotes the autocrine and paracrine mechanisms and releases the significant factors essential for successful stem cell therapy. Each subtype of purinergic receptor exerts a beneficial effect on the damaged tissue. The most common effect caused by purinergic signaling is the proliferation and differentiation that treat different health-related conditions.

Identifying the Anti-inflammatory Effects of Astragalus Polysaccharides in Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation.

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), a group of bioactive compounds obtained from the natural source Astragalus membranaceus(AM), exhibits numerous pharmacological actions in the central nervous system, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Despite the remarkable benefits, the effectiveness of APS in treating anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis and the corresponding mechanism have yet to be fully understood. As such, this study aims to investigate the impact of APS on anti-NMDAR encephalitis and explore the potential molecular network mechanism. The impact of APS intervention on mice with anti-NMDAR encephalitis was assessed, and the possible molecular network mechanism was investigated utilizing network pharmacology and bioinformatics techniques such as Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG),protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and molecular docking. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to detect the expression of core target proteins. APS significantly ameliorated cognitive impairment and reduced susceptibility to PTZ-induced seizures in mice with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, confirming the beneficial effect of APS on anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Seventeen intersecting genes were identified between APS and anti-NMDAR encephalitis. GO and KEGG analyses revealed the characteristics of the intersecting gene networks. STRING interaction in the PPI network was applied to find crucial molecules. The results of molecular docking suggested that APS may regulate interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as potential targets in anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Furthermore, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α detected by ELISA in anti-NMDAR encephalitis mice were significantly downregulated in response to the administration of APS. The findings of this study demonstrate the significant role of APS in the treatment of anti-NMDAR encephalitis, as it effectively suppresses inflammatory cytokines. These results suggest that APS has the potential to be considered as a viable herbal medication for the treatment of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

An evidence-based review of Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae) fruits on animal models, human studies, and case reports

Context: Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae), commonly known as noni, is widely used as a complementary and alternative therapy in many countries due to its numerous beneficial effects on health. Aims: To thoroughly analyze the efficacy and safety of M. citrifolia fruit across all reported areas. Methods: The articles were explored on the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases using a combination of keywords: Morinda citrifolia AND human studies; Morinda citrifolia AND pharmacological activities using PRISMA guidelines. Results: Studies in animal models revealed its activity as anti-dyslipidemia, anti-lipogenesis, anti‑fungal, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, immunostimulatory, anti-alopecia, photoprotective, antitumor, antiviral, anticancer, antidopaminergic, and antimicrobial. Based on the clinical and efficacy evidence, it is apparent that M. citrifolia is a potentially valuable medicinal plant whose status should be upgraded from laboratory bench to bedside. The safety of M. citrifolia has been confirmed and proven by no occurrence of AEs or only mild gastrointestinal discomforts. However, five cases of male and female patients aged from 14 to 63 years old reported different symptoms, such as fatigue, headache, vomiting, pigmentation, or acute hepatitis, after a high-dose daily use of this supplement. Conclusions: Taking everything into consideration, M. citrifolia, despite its mild adverse events, has a beneficial efficacy and safety as an antioxidant; nevertheless, caution and therapy drug monitoring is required if this plant is to be taken in a long-term period.

Modulating Mitochondrial Dynamics Mitigates Cognitive Impairment in Rats with Myocardial Infarction.

We have previously demonstrated that oxidative stress and brain mitochondrial dysfunction are key mediators of brain pathology during myocardial infarction (MI). <P> Objective: To investigate the beneficial effects of mitochondrial dynamic modulators, including mitochondrial fission inhibitor (Mdivi-1) and mitochondrial fusion promotor (M1), on cognitive function and molecular signaling in the brain of MI rats in comparison with the effect of enalapril. Male rats were assigned to either sham or MI operation. In the MI group, rats with an ejection Fraction less than 50% were included, and then they received one of the following treatments for 5 weeks: vehicle, enalapril, Mdivi-1, or M1. Cognitive function was tested, and the brains were used for molecular study. <P> Results: MI rats exhibited cardiac dysfunction with systemic oxidative stress. Cognitive impairment was found in MI rats, along with dendritic spine loss, blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, brain mitochondrial dysfunction, and decreased mitochondrial and increased glycolysis metabolism, without the alteration of APP, BACE-1, Tau and p-Tau proteins. Treatment with Mdivi-1, M1, and enalapril equally improved cognitive function in MI rats. All treatments decreased dendritic spine loss, brain mitochondrial oxidative stress, and restored mitochondrial metabolism. Brain mitochondrial fusion was recovered only in the Mdivi-1-treated group. <P> Conclusion: Mitochondrial dynamics modulators improved cognitive function in MI rats through a reduction of systemic oxidative stress and brain mitochondrial dysfunction and the enhancement of mitochondrial metabolism. In addition, this mitochondrial fission inhibitor increased mitochondrial fusion in MI rats.

Neuroprotective Effect of Combined Treatment with Epigallocatechin 3-Gallate and Melatonin on Familial Alzheimer's Disease PSEN1 E280A Cerebral Spheroids Derived from Menstrual Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is caused by mutations in one or more of 3 genes known as AβPP, PSEN1, and PSEN2. There are currently no effective therapies for FAD. Hence, novel therapeutics are needed. To analyze the effect of treatment with a combination of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, aMT) in a cerebral spheroid (CS) 3D in vitro model of PSEN 1 E280A FAD. We developed a CS in vitro model based on menstrual stromal cells derived from wild-type (WT) and mutant PSEN1 E280A menstrual blood cultured in Fast-N-Spheres V2 medium. Beta-tubulin III, choline acetyltransferase, and GFAP in both WT and mutant CSs spontaneously expressed neuronal and astroglia markers when grown in Fast-N-Spheres V2 medium for 4 or 11 days. Mutant PSEN1 CSs had significantly increased levels of intracellular AβPP fragment peptides and concomitant appearance of oxidized DJ-1 as early as 4 days, and phosphorylated tau, decreased ΔΨm, and increased caspase-3 activity were observed on Day 11. Moreover, mutant CSs were unresponsive to acetylcholine. Treatment with a combination of EGCG and aMT decreased the levels of all typical pathological markers of FAD more efficiently than did EGCG or aMT alone, but aMT failed to restore Ca2+ influx in mutant CSs and decreased the beneficial effect of EGCG on Ca2+ influx in mutant CSs. Treatment with a combination of EGCG and aMT can be of high therapeutic value due to the high antioxidant capacity and anti-amyloidogenic effect of both compounds.

Beneficial Effects of Human Schwann Cell-Derived Exosomes in Mitigating Secondary Damage After Penetrating Ballistic-Like Brain Injury.

There is a growing body of evidence that the delivery of cell-derived exosomes normally involved in intracellular communication can reduce secondary injury mechanisms after brain and spinal cord injury and improve outcomes. Exosomes are nanometer-sized vesicles that are released by Schwann cells and may have neuroprotective effects by reducing post-traumatic inflammatory processes as well as promoting tissue healing and functional recovery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of human Schwann-cell exosomes (hSC-Exos) in a severe model of penetrating ballistic-like brain injury (PBBI) in rats and investigate effects on multiple outcomes. Human Schwann cell processing protocols followed Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) with exosome extraction and purification steps approved by the Food and Drug Administration for an expanded access single ALS patient Investigational New Drug. Anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats (280-350g) underwent PBBI surgery or Sham procedures and, starting 30 min after injury, received either a dose of hSC-Exos or phosphate-buffered saline through the jugular vein. At 48h after PBBI, flow cytometry analysis of cortical tissue revealed that hSC-Exos administration reduced the number of activated microglia and levels of caspase-1, a marker of inflammasome activation. Neuropathological analysis at 21 days showed that hSC-Exos treatment after PBBI significantly reduced overall contusion volume and decreased the frequency of Iba-1 positive activated and amoeboid microglia by immunocytochemical analysis. This study revealed that the systemic administration of hSC-Exos is neuroprotective in a model of severe TBI and reduces secondary inflammatory injury mechanisms and histopathological damage. The administration of hSC-Exos represents a clinically relevant cell-based therapy to limit the detrimental effects of neurotrauma or other progressive neurological injuries by impacting multiple pathophysiological events and promoting neurological recovery.

MDMA-assisted dialectical behavioral therapy for borderline personality disorder: A qualitative study of mental health clinicians

AbstractIn 2021, the final series of phase 3 clinical trials looking at MDMA-AT for treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found that 71.2% of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) full-dose participants no longer met criteria for PTSD. MDMA-assisted therapy is not US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved in treating borderline personality disorder (BPD), and while PTSD is quite different from BPD, it is possible that some of the beneficial effects of MDMA-assisted therapy may be applicable in treating BPD. Interviewing two clinicians utilizing dialectical behavioral therapy treatment and two MDMA-assisted therapy clinicians was one way to examine the phenomenology of MDMA-assisted therapy with BPD individuals in a thoughtful manner. An exploratory, qualitative, interview-based study assessed clinicians' perspectives of MDMA-assisted therapy and BPD and increased our understanding of underlying therapeutic mechanisms and processes and the role of pharmacological factors in these treatment modalities, optimizing treatment context, and leading to improved clinical responses and patient recovery. The codes generated unique perspectives of the participants revealing a chronological narrative which included three phases of treatment.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Curcumin Effectively Mitigate Freund's Adjuvant-induced Arthritis via their Anti-inflammatory and Gene Expression of COX-1, IL-6 and IL-4.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis that damages joints and can affect the thymus and the spleen. RA is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system targets the body's own tissues. The causes of RA are unknown, although a genetic link is thought to be involved. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of curcumin, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and their combination on the disruption of serum cytokines, ankle joint, thymus and spleen histopathology, and affected genes in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in male and female Wistar rats. Experimental animals were organized into 16 groups (6 animals for each), eight groups including male rats and the other eight groups including females rats. The groups are normal control, CMC, curcumin, MSCs, CFA, CFA/curcumin, CFA/ MSCs and the arthritic group treated with MSCs and curcumin. One subcutaneous injection of 0.1 mL CFA was given to rats into the right hind leg footpad to induce RA. The arthritic rats were intravenously injected three times with bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) and/or treated orally with curcumin daily (100 mg per kg body weight per day) for 21 days. Curcumin and BM-MSCs work together to dramatically (P < 0.05) restore the high serum PGE2 and IL-17 levels and lower the IL-13 level in arthritic rats to normal levels. Deleterious effects on the spleen and thymus histological structure were counteracted. Gene expression of COX-1 and IL-6 was increased and IL-4 was decreased; these changes were improved by the combination treatment (P< 0.05). Based on these findings, additive therapeutic effects on RA occur from the combined treatment of curcumin and BM-MSCs compared with their individual use (P< 0.05). Thus, it can be said that both curcumin and BM-MSCs are effective at reducing inflammation while also having beneficial effects on the ankle joint, thymus and spleen.

Wikstroemia: A Review on its Phytochemistry and Pharmacology.

Wikstroemia (the family Thymelaeaceae) consists of medicinal plants which established great value in traditional medicines for many years. For instance, W. indica is always recommended for treatments of syphilis, arthritis, whooping cough, and cancer. No systematic review of bioactive compounds from this genus has been recorded to date. The objective of the current study is to review phytochemical investigations and pharmacological effects of Wikstroemia plant extracts and isolates. By searching on the internet, the relevant data about Wikstroemia medicinal plants were retrieved from internationally renowned scientific databases, such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, Sci-Finder, Pubmed, and so on. More than 290 structurally diverse metabolites were separated and identified from this genus. They include terpenoids, lignans, flavonoids, coumarins, mono-phenols, diarylpentanoids, fatty acids, phytosterols, anthraquinones, and others. Pharmacological records indicated that Wikstroemia plant crude extracts and their isolated compounds bring out various beneficial effects, such as anticancer, antiinflammatory, anti-aging, anti-viral, antimicrobacterial, antimalarial, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities Conclusion: Wikstroemia has been regarded as a worthy genus with numerous phytochemicals and various pharmacological potentials. Modern pharmacological studies have successfully provided evidence for traditional uses. Nonetheless, their action mechanisms need to be further investigated. Although various secondary metabolites were identified from Wikstroemia plants, the current pharmacological research mainly concentrated on terpenoids, lignans, flavonoids, and coumarins.