Medical Purposes Research Articles

Radiolabeled peptides and their expanding role in clinical imaging and targeted cancer therapy.

There is an expanding body of evidence showing that synthetic peptides in combination with radioactive isotopes can be utilized for medical purposes. This area is of particular interest in oncology where applications in diagnosis and therapy are at different stages of development. We review the contributions in this area by the group originally founded by Carlo Pedone in Naples many years ago. We highlight the work of this group in the context of other developments in this area, focusing on three biologically relevant receptor systems: somatostatin, gastrin-releasing peptide, and cholecystokinin-2/gastrin receptors. We focus on key milestones, state of the art, and challenges in this area of research as well as the current and future outlook for expanding clinical applications.

Re-evaluation of guar gum (E 412) as a food additive in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age and follow-up of its re-evaluation as food additive for uses in foods for all population groups.

Guar gum (E 412) was re-evaluated in 2017 by the former EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient sources added to Food (ANS). As a follow-up to this assessment, the Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) was requested to assess the safety of guar gum (E 412) for its uses as food additive in food for infants below 16 weeks of age belonging to food categories 13.1.1 (Infant formulae) and 13.1.5.1 (Dietary foods for infants for special medical purposes and special formulae for infants). In addition, the FAF Panel was requested to address the issues already identified during the re-evaluation of the food additive when used in food for the general population. The process involved the publication of a call for data to allow the interested business operators to provide the requested information to complete the risk assessment. In the response to EFSA requests, one IBO stated that E 412 is not used in food categories 13.1.1 and 13.1.5.1, but it is present in products under food category 13.1.5.2. The Panel concluded that the submitted data are not sufficient to support the safe use of guar gum (E 412) in food for infants (below and above 16 weeks of age) and young children under FC 13.1.1, 13.1.5.1 and 13.1.5.2. Additionally, the Panel concluded that the technical data provided by the IBO support further amendments of the specifications for E 412 laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.

Toxicological effects of two major types of potash used as food additives in Nigeria: Biochemical, hematological, and histopathological analysis of major organs in Wistar rats

Trona or natron, often called potash, are evaporites, which are natural salts used unregulated in Nigeria as food additives, particularly to soften hard beans or tenderize tough cow meat, and for medical purposes. A 90-day sub-chronic toxicological study was conducted on Wistar rats weighing 120-140g to investigate the effects of consumption of these natural salts on hematological, histological and biochemical parameters. The experimental design involved 30 rats (n=10), considering attrition of two rats per group. The animals were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was administered potash type A, group 2 administered potash type B while group 3(control) received only food and water. Standard methods were used to analyze all parameters. All results were presented as mean ± SD, with p-values < 0.05 considered significant. Each potash type has LD50s exceeding 5000mg/kg. Potash types significantly increased AST and ALT levels (p<0.05) in liver function measures compared to the control group. In both potash types, creatinine levels were considerably higher (p<0.05) than the control, but Urea levels were not statistically different (p>0.05). Sample A (Trona) reduced RBCs, Hb, and PCV more than sample B (natron) in rats. Both types had WBCs and Platelets that were similar to controls (p>0.05). Effects of potash on four electrolytes :Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3- shows that potash type B contained elevated (p<0.05) levels of sodium than type A. Our results indicate that chronic consumption of each potash type or even both types, might expose users to hypernatremia, electrolyte imbalance, hematological problems, liver and kidney failures.

A Patented Dietary Supplement (Hydroxy-Methyl-Butyrate, Carnosine, Magnesium, Butyrate, Lactoferrin) Is a Promising Therapeutic Target for Age-Related Sarcopenia through the Regulation of Gut Permeability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Adequate diet, physical activity, and dietary supplementation with muscle-targeted food for special medical purposes (FSMP) or dietary supplement (DS) are currently considered fundamental pillars in sarcopenia treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a DS (containing hydroxy-methyl-butyrate, carnosine, and magnesium, for its action on muscle function and protein synthesis and butyrate and lactoferrin for their contribution to the regulation of gut permeability and antioxidant/anti-inflammation activity) on muscle mass (assessed by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)), muscle function (by handgrip test, chair test, short physical performance battery (SPPB) test, and walking speed test), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), C-reactive protein (CRP), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)) and gut axis (by zonulin). A total of 59 participants (age 79.7 ± 4.8 years, body mass index 20.99 ± 2.12 kg/m2) were enrolled and randomly assigned to intervention (n = 30) or placebo (n = 28). The skeletal muscle index (SMI) significantly improved in the supplemented group compared to the placebo one, +1.02 (CI95%: −0.77; 1.26), p = 0.001; a significant reduction in VAT was observed in the intervention group, −70.91 g (−13.13; −4.70), p = 0.036. Regarding muscle function, all the tests significantly improved (p = 0.001) in the supplemented group compared to the placebo one. CRP, zonulin, and TNF-alpha significantly decreased (p = 0.001) in intervention, compared to placebo, −0.74 mg/dL (CI95%: −1.30; −0.18), −0.30 ng/mL (CI95%: −0.37; −0.23), −6.45 pg/mL (CI95%: −8.71; −4.18), respectively. This DS improves muscle mass and function, and the gut muscle has emerged as a new intervention target for sarcopenia.

Histopathological Evaluation of the Effects of Siam Weed in Cadmium Induced Toxicity on the Liver of Wistar Rat

Siam plant (Chromolaena odorata) is a plant with a characteristic aromatic smell, since ancient times, had been of interest for medical purposes in the local parlance and had been reported to be used in tradition medicine as antispasmodic, antiprotozoal, anti trypanosomal, antibacterial, antifungal, antihypertensive, anti-inflamatory, astringent, diuretic and hepatotropic agent. The aim of this study is to assess the histological impact of Siam weed on liver damage produced by Cadmium in adult Wistar rats. A total of twentyfive albino Wistar rats were obtained for the experiment. The rats were divided into five groups (A - E) and subjected to various treatments. At the end of administration the liver of the animals was harvested and processed histologically and photomicrographs taken. The photomicrographic images exhibits central vein (CV) and portal tract congestion, together with necrotic regions, sinusoidal space blockage, focal foci of haemorrhage (shown by an arrow), and the presence of Kupffer cells. The study revealed that the intraperitoneal administration of Cadmium in rats resulted in notable hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by histopathological alterations and degeneration of hepatocytes. Conversely, the oral ingestion of Chromolaena Odorata did not have any impact on the liver toxicity induced by Cadmium in rats.

Using Analytical Hierarchy Process for Medical Equipment Maintenance and Replacement Decision in Malaysia Private Hospitals

Medical equipment is any instrument, appliance, software, or material intended by the manufacturer to be used, alone or in combination for medical purpose. Further, medical equipment maintenance and replacement is a challenging procedure, especially for high-end equipment. This topic has been a long debate as the equipment will increase undesirable failure; where an early maintenance or replacement will result in high investment costs and premature disposal and late maintenance or replacement will lead to malfunctions that can pose serious risks to patient safety and healthcare operations. However, hospitals are unable to decide whether to maintain or replace the equipment especially when the equipment reaches its life and has a high repair cost. A few studies were conducted on the same research topic, but most of the findings emphasized maintenance and replacement methods rather than the criteria contributing to the decision. The criteria to maintain or replace medical equipment play an essential role to ensure the equipment is operating cost-effectively. Hence, the objective of this research is to apply Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach to prioritize important criteria that influence decision-makers to decide whether to maintain or replace medical equipment. Some of potential criteria for the decision-making include maintenance cost, support, and regulatory compliance. This research utilized a mixed method approach to gather preliminary data from medical equipment experts and surveys to prioritize the criteria. Findings suggested a list of criteria that are influenced in decision-making to maintain or replace the medical equipment. The prioritization of the criteria reveals the downtime, life cycle cost and beyond economical repair (BER) to be the most important criteria.

Cannabidiol (CBD) Listed as a Drug of Abuse by the Italian Health Ministry: Expert Opinion

Abstract: In August 2023, the Italian Health Ministry listed cannabidiol (CBD) as a drug of abuse. This rekindled the debate on the medical and non-medical use of cannabis. The most discussed topics are risks related to the use of cannabis, the decriminalization/legalization of recreational cannabis, and use of cannabis-based drugs for medical purposes. The decision to include CBD in the “Unique Text for drugs of abuse” (DPR.309/1990), along with the already included main psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is not particularly relevant to such ongoing discussions. Even when it comes to cannabis-based drugs for medical purposes, such a decision will have a minimum impact on CBD-based medical prescriptions. Instead, a high economic impact is expected on CBD-based products sold online or in specific shops, including the so-called “cannabis-light”, formally sold as a “technological product” for collection purposes but used as over-the-counter drugs for the treatment of several medical conditions. Cannabis-light products have reduced regular drug consumption by about 10%. Also, they are not entirely safe, as the actual content of THC may significantly differ from the one stated, carrying unexpected health risks. Further, CBD is likely not a drug with addictive potential; however, its uncontrolled use for medical purposes needs to be regulated as the court battles are ongoing.

Design and analysis of ultra-wideband microstrip patch antenna with various conductive materials for terahertz gap

The paper explores the design and analysis of a wideband microstrip patch antenna with a metallic patch and a 3 × 3 split ring resonator (SRR) array operating in the 0.1–5 THz frequency range. The antenna's structure incorporates different conductive materials such as gold, silver, and graphene as a metallic patch. The dimensions of the metallic patch and SRR are calculated to achieve wideband operation within the desired THz range. The SRR array enhances electromagnetic resonance, thereby improving bandwidth and radiation characteristics for medical imaging. The study discusses the equivalent circuit and design equations for the microstrip patch antenna and SRR unit cell. For designing and analyzing the proposed antenna, CST Microwave Studio 2019 software have been used. Performance parameters such as return loss, bandwidth, gain, efficiency, directivity, VSWR, and radiation pattern have been evaluated. The advantages and limitations of each conductive material are evaluated to determine their suitability for THz-based medical imaging applications. The goal is to maximize the antenna's bandwidth, gain, and image resolution for medical imaging purposes. The findings highlight the performance characteristics of gold, silver, and graphene as conductive materials for medical imaging applications, facilitating the development of high-resolution, non-invasive imaging systems with improved diagnostic capabilities.

A Study on Herbal Finish for Wound Healing on Adhesive Bandage

Textile industry is one of the largest contributing sectors of India. It is the second largest employer after agriculture, provided direct employment to over 45 million people. Medical textiles are a category of textiles specifically designed for medical purposes, including first aid, clinical, surgical, and hygienic uses. They are engineered to provide various benefits such as biocompatibility, flexibility, strength, and sterility, anti-allergic, anti-bacterial, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective properties. In that an adhesive bandage is also known as sticking plaster, medical plaster, or simply plaster in British English, is a small medical dressing used for injuries not for serious injuries to require a full-size bandage. Finishes plays a major role in the field of medical textiles, in that herbal finishes are one such category. Tridax is a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae. The most well-known species in this genusis Tridax procumbens, commonly known as coat buttons or tridax daisy. It is a perennial herb that is native to tropical and subtropical regions, and it is widely distributed in countries such as India, Nigeria, Brazil, and the United States. Tridax procumbens has been used in various folk medicinal practices. Parts of the plant, such as the leaves and roots, have been used to treat conditions like skin infections, respiratory issues, digestive problems, and even snakebites in some cultures. This paper deals with the research on tridax finish applied on a bandage to analyse the wound healing property.

Antibacterial and antibiotics resistance modifying activity of oil extract of Myristica fragrans’s mace (aril) against Multi-Antibiotic Resistant phenotypes with a comparative study against Cymbopogon citratus

This study systematically inspects the potent antimicrobial properties inherent in Myristica fragrance (Javitri) and Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) essential oils. The core point is the targeted action against multiantibiotic-resistant (MAR) bacteria, a critical concern amidst the rising tide of antibiotic resistance. Notably, herbal alternatives are gaining traction as promising solutions. The research involves methodical extraction and assessment of these oils against formidable MAR strains, involving Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas sp. and through GC-MS analysis, we were able to find out the phytochemicals responsible for outstanding antimicrobial property of essential oil extracted from the mace of Myristica fragrans(Javitri). A significant part of this investigation delves into the synergistic interplay of Myristica fragrans oil with antibiotics. Through our research, we intend to re-establish the application of traditional herbal components for the purpose of medication and also in synergism with ineffective antibiotics and therapeutic strategies to face the antibiotic resistance crisis.

Use of Cannabis for Medical or Recreational Purposes Among US Young Adults: Correlates and Implications for Problematic Use and Interest in Quitting

Use of Cannabis for Medical or Recreational Purposes Among US Young Adults: Correlates and Implications for Problematic Use and Interest in Quitting

Core/shell nanofibrous conduit containing natural surfactant enhanced axonal regrowth guiding for peripheral nerve regeneration

This study illustrated the impact of Saponins in electrospun nanofibers on nerve regeneration and compared them with Tween 80, which is commonly used as a synthetic surfactant. The study explores the effect of Saponins, natural emulsifiers known for their effectiveness in forming and stabilizing emulsions. Surfactant choice is crucial due to its effects on fluid stability, influenced by parameters like polymer concentration, homogenization rate, and surfactant type/amount. This study explored PCL as the core and PVA as the shell.Core/shell scaffolds displayed favorable wettability (contact angle: 67.0° ± 1.3) and improved mechanical properties (wet state tensile strength: PVA 1.1 ± 0.2 MPa, PVA/PCL-Saponin 2.0 ± 0.5 MPa). The MTT viability assay demonstrated higher viability of PC12 cells on Saponin-containing nanofibers (85.0 % ± 0.1) compared to Tween 80 (69.0 % ± 0.1) after 24 h. Subcutaneous implantation in rats showed no significant inflammation after one week. Eventually, in the animal model, the conduit containing Saponin was more effective than Tween 80 in repairing the rat's sciatic nerve within six weeks, as evidenced by NF-200 counts and histological studies. Overall, the study indicates that PVA/PCL-Saponin nanofibers, without requiring Saponin surfactant removal, show high quality and effectiveness for tissue engineering and medical purposes.

Protein-Mediated Changes in Membrane Fluidity and Ordering: Insights into the Molecular Mechanism and Implications for Cellular Function.

Probing protein-membrane interactions is vital for understanding biological functionality for various applications such as drug development, targeted drug delivery, and creation of functional biomaterials for medical and industrial purposes. In this study, we have investigated interaction of Human Serum Albumin (HSA) with two different lipids, dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (dDPPG) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (dDPPC), using Vibrational Sum Frequency Generation spectroscopy at different membrane fluidity values. In the liquid-expanded (LE) state of the lipid, HSA (at pH 3.5) deeply intercalated lipid chains through a combination of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, which resulted in more ordering of the lipid chains. However, in the liquid-condensed (LC) state, protein intercalation is decreased due to tighter lipid packing. Moreover, our findings revealed distinct differences in HSA's interaction with dDPPG and dDPPC lipids. The interaction with dDPPC remained relatively weak compared to dDPPG. These results shed light on the significance of protein mediated changes in lipid characteristics, which hold considerable implications for understanding membrane protein behavior, lipid-mediated cellular processes, and lipid-based biomaterial design.

Using Quail Eggs for Medical Purposes

The composition of quail eggs was studied. Due to their beneficial properties, quail eggs are used in the treatment of allergic diseases, obesity and asthma in medicine. Purpose of the study: to inform about the beneficial properties and use of quail eggs in medicine, the chemical composition of quail eggs and how to choose a quail egg for use. A review of the scientific literature on the medicinal properties of quail eggs is provided, as well as the results of the authors’ own observations. In addition to the known anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, immunostimulating, brain-improving, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, antiviral, and radioprotective properties have been noted.

Oligopeptide-based molecular labelling of (bio)degradable polyester biomaterials

Nowadays, a very important motivation for the development of new functional materials for medical purposes is not only their performance but also whether they are environmentally friendly. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the possibility of labelling (bio)degradable polymers, in particular those intended for specific applications, especially in the medical sector, and the potential of information storage in such polymers, making it possible, for example, to track the ultimate environmental fate of plastics. This article presents a straightforward green approach that combines both aspects using an oligopeptide, which is an integral part of polymer material, to store binary information in a physical mixture of polymer and oligopeptide. In the proposed procedure the year of production of polymer films made of poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) and a blend of poly(1,4-butylene adipate-co-1,4-butylene terephthalate) and polylactide (PBAT/PLA) were encoded as the sequence of the appropriate amino acids in the oligopeptide (PEP) added to these polymers. The decoding of the recorded information was carried out using mass spectrometry technique as a new method of decoding, which enabled the successful retrieval and reading of the stored information. Furthermore, the properties of labelled (bio)degradable polymer films and stability during biodegradation of PLLA/PEP film under industrial composting conditions have been investigated. The labelled films exhibited good oligopeptide stability, allowing the recorded information to be retrieved from a green polymer/oligopeptide system before and after biodegradation. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay) study of the PLLA and PLLA/PBAT using the MRC-5 mammalian fibroblasts was presented for the first time.

Factors Influencing Domestic Tourist to Visit Bali as a Medical Tourism Destination: A Preliminary Investigation

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of destination image, destination image, perceived value of medical costs, and perceived value of medical facilities and services on the intention to visit Bali as a medical tourism destination. The research used quantitative methodology, employing a survey method. The population consisted of all of domestic tourists who visited Bali. The sample was 87 domestic tourists who came to Bali for medical tourism purposes. The research findings indicate that destination image, perceived value of medical costs, and perceived value of medical facilities and services have an impact on intention to visit Bali for medical tourism. However, the perception of Bali as a destination did not have any impact on tourists' intention to visit for medical tourism purposes. These findings provide both theoretical and practical implication. A collaborative effort involving several parties is necessary to enhance the branding and promotion of medical tourism.

Open mitral valve replacement with a balloon-expandable prosthesis using the valve-in-valve technique: a case report

Mitral defects are the most common acquired heart disturbances. The only radical treatment for severe valve stenosis or its insufficiency is surgical correction of the defects. The main challenge of implanting a mechanical mitral prosthesis is associated to its thrombosis complication that demands repeated surgical intervention on re-replacement of the mitral prosthesis. Herein, a clinical case of patient P. (58 years old) is presented, who was admitted to the Federal Center for Cardiovascular Surgery (Penza, Russia) with thrombosis of the mitral valve prosthesis and its dysfunction. The patient has already been undergone repeated surgery to replace the mitral valve. The purpose of the clinical case description is to demonstrate the using of open mitral valve replacement method based on the valve-in-valve technique with a transcatheter balloon-expandable prosthesis, its efficacy and safety.The considered method of treatment can simplify the main stage of the surgical intervention; reduce the time of artificial circulation and aortic clamping as well as the number of intraoperative complications. This type of surgical treatment can be considered as an option for re-prosthesis in patients at high surgical risk who are indicated for re-intervention due to impaired function of previously implanted heart valve prosthesis. A clinical case attests the possibility, efficacy and safety of using a balloon-expandable prosthesis for mitral valve replacement with the valve-in-valve technique upon repeated surgical interventions. Received 12 January 2024. Revised 16 February 2024. Accepted 19 February 2024. Informed consent: The patient’s informed consent to use the records for medical purposes is obtained. Funding: The study did not have sponsorship. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Contribution of the authorsLiterature review: M.A. DenisovDrafting the article: I.Ya. SenzhapovCritical revision of the article: A.I. MikulyakSurgical treatment: V.V. Bazylev, M.G. ShmatkovFinal approval of the version to be published: V.V. Bazylev, A.I. Mikulyak, M.G. Shmatkov, I.Ya. Senzhapov, M.A. Denisov

АТОМНО-ДИСЛОКАЦИОННАЯ МОДЕЛЬ УДАЛЕНИЯ ПОВЕРХНОСТНЫХ СЛОЕВ СТРУЙНЫМ ЭЛЕКТРОЛИТНО-ПЛАЗМЕННЫМ ПОЛИРОВАНИЕМ

This work is devoted to the development of a model for the removal of surface layers of anode material due to a jet electrolyte-plasma discharge formed by a hollow cathode. The results of studies of the main types of discharges that occur during the formation of jet electrolyte-plasma processing are presented. The influence of each type of discharge on the morphology of the surface layer of the anode-product was studied. The power, lifetime and energy of single discharges are estimated, and their influence on the surface is assessed. A theory has been proposed for the removal of surface layers by single discharges at the atomic dislocation level. Theoretical calculations are confirmed by the results of experimental studies and multiphysics simulations carried out in the COMSOL Multiphysics program. Practical research results confirm the possibility of reducing the roughness parameter Ra during jet electrolyte plasma by more than 20 times, while obtaining an extremely low parameter Ra of 0.019 μm. The area of application of the results of these studies may be the development of technological processes for dimensional and finishing processing of curved surfaces, such as blisks, turbine blades, and various products for household and medical purposes.

Efficient isolation and characterization of functional melanin from various plant sources

SummaryIn recent years, natural pigments in living organisms have attracted increased interest as an excellent biological material for the development of new biotechnological approaches. Melanin, a large polymeric pigment, has important functions in cells, including free radical scavenging and radiation protection, making this molecule attractive for medical and nutritional purposes. The variety of forms of melanin in organisms requires the use of various approaches to its purification. In this study, we have developed a simple yet unique and effective method for extracting melanin from six plant sources. The melanin yield was in the range of 6.7–21.5% for the plant sources used. The advantage of using grape skin waste as a raw material is shown, which is of great importance for obtaining cheap and functional melanin. The activity of purified melanin in scavenging 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical is IC50 3.2–99.0 mg L−1. This remarkable feature highlights the attractiveness of grape melanin for further use as a natural antioxidant in medicine. The ability of grape melanin to adsorb heavy metal ions highlights its attractiveness for the food industry and for the development of other biotechnological applications. Smoke, after passing through a cigarette filter charged with melanin, is significantly enriched with reducing agents, which is a phenomenon for the health of smokers.

Real-world NUDT15 genotyping and thiopurine treatment optimization in inflammatory bowel disease: a multicenter study.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of NUDT15 codon 139 genotyping in optimizing thiopurine treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Japan, using real-world data, and aimed to establish genotype-based treatment strategies. A retrospective analysis of 4628 IBD patients who underwent NUDT15 codon 139 genotyping was conducted. This study assessed the purpose of the genotyping test and subsequent prescriptions following the obtained results. Outcomes were compared between the Genotyping group (thiopurine with genotyping test) and Non-genotyping group (thiopurine without genotyping test). Risk factors for adverse events (AEs) were analyzed by genotype and prior genotyping status. Genotyping test for medical purposes showed no significant difference in thiopurine induction rates between Arg/Arg and Arg/Cys genotypes, but nine Arg/Cys patients opted out of thiopurine treatment. In the Genotyping group, Arg/Arg patients received higher initial doses than the Non-genotyping group, while Arg/Cys patients received lower ones (median 25mg/day). Fewer AEs occurred in the Genotyping group because of their lower incidence in Arg/Cys cases. Starting with < 25mg/day of AZA reduced AEs in Arg/Cys patients, while Arg/Arg patients had better retention rates when maintaining ≥ 75mg AZA. Nausea and liver injury correlated with thiopurine formulation but not dosage. pH-dependent mesalamine reduced leukopenia risk in mesalamine users. NUDT15 codon 139 genotyping effectively reduces thiopurine-induced AEs and improves treatment retention rates in IBD patients after genotype-based dose adjustments. This study provides data-driven treatment strategies based on genotype and identifies risk factors for specific AEs, contributing to a refined thiopurine treatment approach.