Therapeutic Use Research Articles

Tailored Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Potential Cannabinoid Carriers for Anti-Cancer Treatment

We present a novel, multicomponent nanoparticulate carrier system based on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with a designed hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance based on oleic acid and TWEEN 80 to incorporate hydrophobic cannabinoids—cannabigerol and cannabidiol—as well as the hydrophilic anthracycline drug epirubicin, forming a conjugate anticancer system. Additionally, the superparamagnetic iron oxide-based nanoparticles formed the core of the system, thus providing it with magnetic hyperthermia capabilities with a specific absorption rate comparable to the corresponding systems in the literature. The interaction of the conjugate with the cell membrane was studied using the Langmuir monolayers at the air/water interface formed of selected lipids modeling the healthy and cancerous cell membranes. Finally, cytotoxicity tests were carried out against the SKOV-3 cell line in vitro. A synergistic effect was observed when both the cannabinoid and epirubicin were present in the conjugate, as compared to the cannabinoid or epirubicin alone, making our system advantageous for further development for tentative therapeutic use.

Advances in cannabinoid receptors pharmacology: from receptor structural insights to ligand discovery.

The medicinal and recreational uses of Cannabis sativa have been recognized for thousands of years. Today, cannabis-derived medicines are used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. However, cannabis use disorder (CUD) has become the third most prevalent substance use disorder globally. Cannabinoid receptors are the primary targets that mediate the effects of cannabis and its analogs. Despite their importance, the mechanisms of modulation and the full therapeutic potential of cannabinoid receptors remain unclear, hindering the development of the next generation of cannabinoid-based drugs. This review summarizes the discovery and medicinal potential of phytocannabinoids and explores the distribution, signaling pathways, and functional roles of cannabinoid receptors. It also discusses classical cannabinoid drugs, as well as agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists, which serve as key therapeutic agents. Recent advancements in the development of allosteric drugs are highlighted, with a focus on positive and negative allosteric modulators (PAMs and NAMs) that target CB1 and CB2 receptors. The identification of multiple allosteric sites on the CB1 receptor and the structural basis for allosteric modulation are emphasized, along with the structure-based discovery of ago-BAMs for CB1. This review concludes by examining the future potential of allosteric modulators in cannabinoid drug development, noting that ongoing progress in cannabinoid-derived drugs continues to open new avenues for therapeutic use and paves the way for future research into their full medicinal potential.

Therapeutic Evaluation and Utilization Analysis of Mental Health Prescription Digital Therapeutics Within the Current Regulatory Landscape

Prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) are emerging as a pivotal component of digital healthcare, providing software-based therapies for various diseases. This review aims to analyze the regulatory landscape in the U.S., safety, efficacy, and current challenges of PDTs, focusing on mental health conditions. Relevant articles were searched on PubMed, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and FDA Guidance Documents databases, supplemented by manual searches of reference lists from included studies. Inclusion criteria covered English-language studies on the development and application, therapeutic efficacy, and regulatory guidelines of PDTs in mental health. Data extraction and synthesis were conducted to summarize key findings and trends in the literature. FDA regulatory frameworks for PDTs are evolving through pathways of de novo and 510(k) applications, with patient-centric guidance. Clinical trials and real-world data support PDTs’ safety and efficacy, while highlighting regulatory needs. Challenges include payer coverage, patient accessibility, and data privacy concerns. Mixed patient feedback reveals areas for improvement. Limited healthcare provider engagement and payer coverage contributed to financial challenges for PDT manufacturers. Future trends suggest that PDTs will expand beyond mental health. The evolving landscape underscores the need for continued research, regulatory refinement, and collaborative efforts across stakeholders to ensure the successful integration of PDTs into healthcare.

Human chorionic gonadotropin-based clinical treatments for infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia.

Spermatogenesis is primarily controlled by follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone-driven testosterone. Luteinizing hormone acts on the Leydig cells, stimulating steroid production, predominantly testosterone, and activating critical inter-related spermatogenesis regulatory pathways. Despite evidence that exogenous gonadotropins containing luteinizing hormone activity, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin, can effectively restore spermatogenesis in azoospermic males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, the use of these drugs to treat other forms of non-obstructive azoospermia is the subject of an ongoing debate. In this review, we delve into the molecular properties and functions of human chorionic gonadotropin in spermatogenesis regulation and explore available preparations for therapeutic use. We examine the evidence regarding the effectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin in treating infertility in men with pre-testicular or testicular non-obstructive azoospermia and, additionally, identify the main areas for future research. Our review highlights the critical role of luteinizing hormone activity in spermatogenesis and emphasizes the potential of human chorionic gonadotropin in treating male infertility. The variation in the characteristics of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia underscores the importance of assessing hormonal profiles when contemplating hormonal treatment for these patients. A novel stratification of male infertility patients, the APHRODITE criteria, which considers clinical and laboratory indicators, may assist in identifying individuals who could benefit from human chorionic gonadotropin therapy. While accumulating evidence suggests promising venues for pharmacological treatment in male infertility, including non-obstructive azoospermia, further research is required to completely elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of exogenous gonadotropins with luteinizing hormone activity on sperm production and to establish the most effective dosages and treatment durations.

Baihe Dihuang Tang as a therapeutic candidate for insomnia: Targeting gut dysbiosis and neuroendocrine dysfunction

AbstractBaihe Dihuang Tang (BDT), is a traditional Chinese medicinal formulation historically utilized to manage various health conditions, including insomnia. This therapeutic use of BDT for treating insomnia is rooted in its potential to regulate the gut microbiota, neuroendocrine, and serotonin systems, which may collectively contribute to its effectiveness. This study aims to explore the anti‐insomnia effects of BDT, and focus on its underlying mechanisms, emphasizing the potential interplay with gut microbiota, neuroendocrine, and serotonin pathways. An insomnia mouse model was induced using p‐chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). Subjects received varying doses of BDT or a saline solution as a control. Behavioral assessment was conducted via the open field test and elevated plus maze test. Hypothalamic monoamine neurotransmitter levels were quantified using ELISA kits. Neurosteroid levels in brain and serum samples were determined through high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS). Gut microbiota composition was evaluated using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. PCPA‐induced insomnia led to significant alterations in neurosteroids, monoamine neurotransmitters, and gut microbiota composition. BDT treatment markedly improved behavioral parameters in insomniac mice, evidenced by enhanced motility and reduced sleep latency compared to controls. BDT administration restored neurosteroid and monoamine neurotransmitter dose‐dependently, suggesting potential for neuroendocrine system homeostasis restoration. BDT‐treated mice exhibited significant gut microbiota composition changes, including reduced Acidobacteria, increased Fusobacteria and Firmicutes at the phylum level, and decreased Alistipes at the genus level, compared to the insomnia model group. BDT effectively rectifies gut dysbiosis and mitigates neuroendocrine and serotonin system dysfunctions induced by insomnia, emerging as a promising therapeutic candidate for insomnia management.

Evaluation of Bilva Taila prepared on the principle of Snehapaka through Quality Control Metrics

The globalization of Ayurveda has led to an increased focus on the standardization and quality control of traditional formulations like Sneha Kalpana. It involves the process of infusing fats with herbal properties to enhance their therapeutic effects. Certain principles were given by Acharya Sharangdhara for the preparation of Sneha Kalpana. Bilva Taila was taken as an example of Sneha Kalpana and two samples were prepared according to the Snehapaka principles by two different references. This study aims to evaluate Snehapaka principle through the quality control metrics of Bilva Taila. The organoleptic characters, physico-chemical parameters, phyto-chemical screening, Marmelosin quantification through HPTLC analysis and heavy metal analysis of raw material i.e. Apakva Shushka Bilva Phala (Unripe Bael fruit powder), Tila Taila (Sesame oil) and finished products (Both the samples of Bilva Taila) were done. The results showed that the pH value for all three samples of Taila was similar, while all other physico-chemical parameters varied between samples. Phyto-chemical screening revealed the presence of various functional group in different samples. Marmelosin quantification also vary in different samples. Heavy metal analysis confirmed that all samples met the permissible limits for lead, arsenic and mercury, indicates the quality and safety for therapeutic use. The study concludes that there is difference found in preliminary analysis, Phyto-chemical screening and marmelosin quantification of both the samples of Bilva Taila prepared on the principle of Snehapaka.

Antimicrobial Potential of Cannabinoids: A Scoping Review of the Past 5 Years

In the scenario of fighting bacterial resistance to antibiotics, natural products have been extensively investigated for their potential antibacterial activities. Among these, cannabinoids—bioactive compounds derived from cannabis—have garnered attention for their diverse biological activities, including anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Emerging evidence suggests that cannabinoids may also possess significant antimicrobial properties, with potential applications in enhancing the efficacy of conventional antimicrobial agents. Therefore, this review examines evidence from the past five years on the antimicrobial properties of cannabinoids, focusing on underlying mechanisms such as microbial membrane disruption, immune response modulation, and interference with microbial virulence factors. In addition, their synergistic potential, when used alongside standard therapies, underscores their promise as a novel strategy to address drug resistance, although further research and clinical trials are needed to validate their therapeutic use. Overall, cannabinoids offer a promising avenue for the development of innovative treatments to combat drug-resistant infections and reduce the reliance on traditional antimicrobial agents.

MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2 immunohistochemistry as highly sensitive screening method for DNA mismatch repair deficiency syndromes in pediatric high-grade glioma

Pediatric high-grade glioma (pedHGG) can occur as first manifestation of cancer predisposition syndromes resulting from pathogenic germline variants in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2. The aim of this study was to establish a generalized screening for Lynch syndrome and constitutional MMR deficiency (CMMRD) in pedHGG patients, as the detection of MMR deficiencies (MMRD) may enable the upfront therapeutic use of checkpoint inhibitors and identification of variant carriers in the patients’ families. We prospectively enrolled 155 centrally reviewed primary pedHGG patients for MMR-immunohistochemistry (IHC) as part of the HIT-HGG-2013 trial protocol. MMR-IHC results were subsequently compared to independently collected germline sequencing data (whole exome sequencing or pan-cancer DNA panel next-generation sequencing) available in the HIT-HGG-2013, INFORM, and MNP2.0 trials. MMR-IHC could be successfully performed in 127/155 tumor tissues. The screening identified all present cases with Lynch syndrome or CMMRD (5.5%). In addition, MMR-IHC also detected cases with exclusive somatic MMR gene alterations (2.3%), including MSH2 hypermethylation as an alternative epigenetic silencing mechanism. Most of the identified pedHGG MMRD patients had no family history of MMRD, and thus, they represented index patients in their families. Cases with regular protein expression in MMR-IHC never showed evidence for MMRD in DNA sequencing. In conclusion, MMR-IHC presents a cost-effective, relatively widely available, and fast screening method for germline MMRD in pedHGG with high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (96%). Given the relatively high prevalence of previously undetected MMRD cases among pedHGG patients, we strongly recommend incorporating MMR-IHC into routine diagnostics.

Docetaxel Micelles: A New Formulation to Diminish Hypersensitivity Reactions

Background/Objectives: Docetaxel is a potent anti-cancer agent capable of treating various types of cancer. However, it often induces a range of adverse reactions when used with its standard solubilizer, Tween-80, necessitating allergy prophylaxis with dexamethasone prior to administration. To mitigate the risk of allergic reactions, with nanomicelles garnering significant interest due to their enhanced solubility and thermodynamic stability. Methods: In this research, a mPEG-PLA-Lys(Fmoc) micellar carrier with m = 45 and n = 10 was engineered to encapsulate docetaxel, and its self-assembly into micelles was investigated. Additionally, allergic reaction studies were conducted on animals. Results: The findings indicated that the formulation did not cause hemolysis, vascular, or muscle irritation in rabbits, nor did it elicit an allergic response in guinea pigs. Conclusions: These results suggest that nanomicelle-encapsulated docetaxel can diminish the allergic reactions associated with docetaxel injections, offering a novel approach to enhance the therapeutic utility of this outstanding anti-cancer drug.

In-silico Studies and Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Assessment of Microencapsulated Celecoxib against Scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is an enervating and chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Celecoxib (CXB) possesses efficacious antioxidants and has neuroprotective, anti- inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. However, the poor bioavailability of CXB limits its therapeutic utility. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the microencapsulated celecoxib MCXB) for neuroprotection. CXB was screened by molecular docking study using AutoDock (version 5.2), and the following proteins, such as 4EY7, 2HM1, 2Z5X, and 1PBQ were selected for predicting its neuroprotective effect. Scopolamine 20 mg/kg/day for approximately 7 days was administered to albino rats. Pure CXB 100 mg/kg/- day and 200 mg/kg/day, and MCXB 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day were administered, respectively. Further, to assess the oxidative stress, the nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were evaluated using chemical methods. The neurochemical biomarkers like AChE, glutamate, and dopamine were evaluated using the ELISA method. Further, the histopathology of brain cells was carried out to assess the neuro-regeneration and neurodegeneration of the neurons. There was a significant binding interaction of CXB (score -6.3, -6.5, -5.1, -9.1) and donepezil (score- 5.5, -7.6, -7.0, and -8.6) with AchE (4EY7), β-secretase (2HM1, monoamine oxidase (2Z5X), and glutamate (1PBQ), respectively. MCXB-treated rats (100 mg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day) showed increased SOD levels (p < 0.001), whereas NO, catalase, and LPO levels were significantly (p < 0.001) decreased as compared to scopolamine-treated rats. Further, MCXB-treated rats showed a modulatory effect in the level of dopamine and AchE. However, the glutamate level was significantly (p < 0.001) decreased. In addition to that, histopathological examination of the hippocampus part showed remarkable improvement in brain cells. So, the findings of the results revealed that MCXB, in a dose-dependent manner, showed a neuroprotective effect against scopolamine-induced AD. This effect may be attributed to the activation of cholinergic pathways.

Analysis of lipogenic and metabolic subtypes and survival outcome in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

775 Background: Delayed diagnosis and rapid progression are major drivers of poor survival outcomes for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In previous studies, molecular profiling in tumor tissue has identified Cholesterogenic, Classical, or Exocrine-Like pathological subtypes associated with improved prognosis. Herein, in a clinical trial called Project Survival, we molecularly and clinically characterized a prospective PDAC biomarker cohort. This multicenter (n=6) clinical trial (NCT 02781012) of PDAC combined with high-fidelity longitudinal phenotypic characterization and multi-omic profiling was utilized to identify biomarkers with diagnostic and therapeutic utility. The study included assessment of plasma, serum, buffy coat, urine, saliva, and tumor tissue samples and followed 269 PDAC subjects for up to 7 years (Median survival was 700 days, with IQR of 822 days). Methods: We assessed plasma samples to identify circulating biomarkers using proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics profiling. Multi-omic comparison of patients with Overall Survival (OS) above the 75th percentile (improved survival) against those with OS below the 25th percentile (poor survival) was performed. Results: We identified distinct panels of proteins, metabolites, and lipids that were associated with patient survival outcomes. Protein biomarkers that were increased in improved survival outcomes were associated with cholesterol metabolism (7/14, p-value = 0.00085) and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis (5/12, p-value = 0.00089), however, protein markers associated with immune surveillance and inflammation were associated with poorer survival. For metabolite biomarkers, 19 metabolites were increased in poorer survivors of which 13/19 were carnitine metabolites, and 42 metabolites were increased in patients with improved survival. Interestingly, only two lipid molecular species of the diacylglyceride family were increased in patients with poorer survival. Conclusions: Project Survival, a prospective biomarker-driven clinical trial identified distinct metabolic and molecular subtypes of patients which characterize survival outcome in PDAC. These subtypes go beyond tumor genomic characterization and align with distinct cholesterogenic and glucogenic phenotypes associated with survival outcomes, which can potentially be leveraged for therapeutic intervention strategies.

Ameliorating Effect of Triticum aestivum (WG) Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity: Role of Cytokines, Free Radicals and Apoptotic Cascade

Objectives Cisplatin (CP) is a most potent chemotherapeutic agent; however, CP causes nephrotoxicity that limits its therapeutic utility. Triticum aestivum called wheatgrass (WG) is a strong antioxidant and potent detoxifying herb that has not only been studied for anticancer activity but also for efficacy and safety when combined with anticancer drugs. This study investigated the efficacy of WG against CP-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods Male rats were allocated into five sets of six rats in each: (1) normal control (NC), (2) CP-treated (7.5 mg/kg) as positive control (PC), (3) WG-200 mg/kg alone, and (4) CP with WG-100, and (5) CP with WG-200 mg/kg groups. Hydro-alcoholic extract of WG was administered orally to the animals for two weeks, and CP was administered intraperitoneally to the respective groups on the 10th day to induce nephrotoxicity. Serum was used for kidney function and kidneys for histological examination and quantification of apoptosis markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Results CP-induced nephrotoxicity was apparent from histological damage and increased levels of BUN, Cr and UA. CP also caused an increase in malondialdehyde and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) activities and led to up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis markers. WG caused a significant decrease in Cr, BUN, UA, MDA and increase in GSH, SOD and CAT activities. Conclusion WG ameliorated histological damage and led to a reversal of cytokines and apoptosis markers. Both doses of WG effectively ameliorated CP-induced nephrotoxicity; thus, during chemotherapy, WG could be a promising adjunct to CP.

Implementing cloud computing in drug discovery and telemedicine for quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis

This work aims to use cutting-edge machine learning methods to improve quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis, which is used in drug development and telemedicine. The major goal is to examine the performance of several predictive modeling approaches, including random forest, deep learning-based QSAR models, and support vector machines (SVM). It investigates the potential of feature selection techniques developed in chemoinformatics for enhancing model accuracy. The innovative aspect is using cloud computing resources to strengthen computational skills, allowing for managing massive amounts of chemical information. This strategy produces accurate and generalizable QSAR models. By using the cloud's scalability and constant availability, remote healthcare apps have a workable answer. The goal is to show how these methods may improve telemedicine and the drug development process. Utilizing cloud computing equips researchers with a flexible set of tools for precise and timely QSAR analysis, speeding up the discovery of bioactive chemicals for therapeutic use. This new method fits well with the dynamic nature of pharmaceutical study and has the potential to transform the way drugs are developed and delivered to patients via telemedicine.

Identification of immune-associated genes with altered expression in the spleen of mice enriched with probiotic Lactobacillus species using RNA-seq profiling.

Probiotics are living microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed. Here, we investigated the effects of probiotics on gene expression in the spleen of mice using RNA-sequencing analysis between negative control and probiotic groups (including 4 Lactobacillus strains: Lactobacillus fermentum, L. casei, L. plantarum, and L. brevis). Mice exposed with probiotic in 4 weeks by intragastric administration. Then, spleen tissues of the control and probiotics groups were collected on days 14 and 28 for RNA sequencing. In total, 665, 186, and 81 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly expressed on day 14 vs control, day 28 vs control groups, and probiotics day 28 vs day 14 groups, respectively. On the other hand, 12 toll-like receptor genes underwent additional validation through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), affirming the increased alignment between qRT-PCR and RNA-Seq findings. In addition, the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes and gene ontology analyses revealed that the DEGs were predominantly enriched in defense responses to pathogens, including inflammatory bowel diseases, malaria, leukaemia virus 1, and herpes virus, as well as immune processes related to immune response and signal transduction. This study represents the first investigation into mice's gene expression in the spleen exposed to probiotics using Lactobacillus spp. isolated from a field strain in Vietnam. Our results provide valuable insights into the impacts and functions of probiotics on mammalian development, offering crucial information for the potential therapeutic use of probiotics in defending against pathogens in Vietnam. The findings from this study highlight the potential of probiotics in modulating gene expression in the spleen, which may have implications for immune function and overall health in mice.

Positive Subjective and Analgesic Effects of Cannabis: Implications for CUD and Therapeutic Use

Positive Subjective and Analgesic Effects of Cannabis: Implications for CUD and Therapeutic Use

Role of Conventional and Novel Classes of Diuretics in Various Diseases

Diuretics are advised as the initial course of action for hypertension because they are successful in lowering hypervolemia and resolving electrolyte abnormalities. The most popular diuretics are included with their main characteristics in this summary. The primary line of treatment for common cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases is diuretics. Patients with hypertension, oedema, heart failure, as well as a variety of renal disorders are frequently treated with conventional diuretics. The usage of the various types of diuretics that are now licensed for therapeutic use generally has a favourable risk/benefit ratio. Nevertheless, they are not without drawbacks. Pharmaceutical scientists have thus been working to develop new drugs with an enhanced pharmacological profile. SGLT2 inhibitors (sodium-glucose-linked cotransporter 2 inhibitors) have altered how hypoglycaemic medications are thought to affect heart failure. Despite the presence or absence of diabetes, the sodiumglucose- linked cotransporter subtype 2-inhibitor class, which was first developed as a therapy for T2DM (Type 2 Diabetes mellitus), has shown considerable promise in lowering cardiovascular risk, particularly in relation to heart failure (HF) outcomes. The immediate and substantial improvements observed in clinical studies do not appear to be attributable to the drug's fundamental mechanism, which involves inducing glycosuria and diuresis by blocking receptors in the renal nephron. Among patients with chronic heart failure and cirrhosis, hyponatremia is a risk factor for death.

Amplification of the therapeutic potential of AMPA receptor potentiators from the nootropic era to today.

α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic receptors (AMPA receptors or AMPARs) are involved in fast excitatory neurotransmission and as such control multiple important physiological processes. AMPARs also are involved in the dynamics of synaptic plasticity in the nervous system where they impact neuroplastic responses such as long-term facilitation and long-term potentiation that regulate biological functions ranging from breathing to cognition. AMPARs also regulate neurotrophic factors that are strategically involved in neural plastic changes in the nervous system. As with other major ionotropic receptors, modulation of AMPARs can have prominent effects on biological systems that can include marked tolerability issues. AMPAR potentiators (AMPAkines) are positive allosteric modulators of AMPARs which have clear therapeutic potential. Medicinal chemistry combined with new pharmacological findings have defined AMPAkines with favorable oral bioavailability and pharmacological safety parameters that enable clinical advancement of their therapeutic utility. AMPAkines are being investigated in patients with diverse neurological and psychiatric disorders including spinal cord injury (breathing and bladder function), cognition, attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and major depressive disorder. The present discussion of this class of compounds focuses on their general value as therapeutics through their impact on synaptic plasticity.

Application of novel strategies in chronic wound management with focusing on pressure ulcers: new perspective.

Invading blood cells, extracellular tissue, and soluble mediators all play important roles in the wound-healing process. There is a substantial global burden of disease and mortality attributable to skin defects that do not heal. About 1% to 2% of the population in industrialized nations suffers from chronic wounds that don't heal, despite healthcare breakthroughs; this condition is very costly, costing about $25 billion each year in the US alone. Amputation, infection (affecting as many as 25% of chronic wounds), sepsis, and dermal replacements are all consequences of conventional therapeutic approaches like growth factor therapy and diabetic foot ulcers account for 85% of lower limb amputations. Despite these obstacles, scientists are constantly looking for new ways to speed healing and close wounds. The unique immunomodulatory capabilities and multipotency of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have made them a potential therapeutic choice in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Animal models of wound healing have shown that MSCs can speed up the process by as much as 40% through enhancing angiogenesis, modulating inflammation, and promoting fibroblast migration. Clinical trials provide more evidence of their effectiveness; for instance, one RCT found that, after 12weeks, patients treated with MSCs had a 72% smaller wound size than those in the control group. This review offers a thorough examination of MSCs by combining the latest research with preclinical evidence. Highlighting their potential to transform treatment paradigms, it delves into their biological properties, how they work during regeneration and healing, and therapeutic usefulness in controlling chronic wounds.

Feasibility study of emotion mimicry analysis in human–machine interaction

Health apps have increased in popularity as people increasingly follow the advice these apps provide to enhance physical and mental well-being. One key aspect of improving neurosensory health is identifying and expressing emotions. Emotional intelligence is crucial for maintaining and enhancing social interactions. In this context, a preliminary closed-loop feedback system has been developed to help people project specific emotions by altering their facial expressions. This system is part of a research intervention aimed at therapeutic applications for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The proposed system functions as a digital mirror, initially displaying an animated avatar’s face expressing a predefined emotion. Users are then asked to mimic the avatar’s expression. During this process, a custom emotion recognition model analyzes the user’s facial expressions and provides feedback on the accuracy of their projection. A small experimental study involving 8 participants tested the system for feasibility, with avatars projecting the six basic emotions and a neutral expression. The study results indicated a positive correlation between the projected facial expressions and the emotions identified by participants. Participants effectively recognized the emotions, with 85.40% accuracy demonstrating the system’s potential in enhancing the well-being of individuals. The participants were also able to mimic the given expression effectively with an accuracy of 46.67%. However, a deficiency in the performance of one of the expressions, surprise, was noticed. In the post processing, this issue was addressed and model enhancements were tailored to boost the performance by ~ 30%. This approach shows promise for therapeutic use and emotional skill development. A further wider experimental study is still required to validate the findings of this study and analyze the impact of modifications made.

Assessment of the Effect of Hydro-Ethanolic Extracts of Xylopia aethiopica and Zingiber officinale on Some Haematological and Biochemical Profiles in Wistar Rats

In recent years, plant-derived natural products have gained significant attention for their diverse pharmacological benefits. This study assessed the effect of hydro-ethanolic extracts of Xylopia aethiopica (locally called Uda) and Zingiber officinale on some haematological and biochemical profiles in Wistar rats. A total of 55 albino rats weighing about 120g were assigned to five groups. The first group acted as the control, while the other four groups received a daily dose of 100mg/kg body weight of Xylopia aethiopica and Zingiber officinale extracts, along with the drug Astymin, for 28 days. Blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture from each animal to assess specific biochemical and haematological parameters. The statistical analysis used was Graph Pad Prism version 9.02. The results showed that extracts, both individually and in combination, significantly reduced renal and liver inflammation, as indicated by lower levels of creatinine, urea, chloride, potassium, and aminotransferases (AST and ALT). Both extracts reduced cardiovascular disease risk by lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL-cholesterol. Xylopia aethiopica reduced triglycerides to 0.68 ± 0.01 mmol/L, while Zingiber officinale reduced them to 0.95 ± 0.01 mmol/L, both significantly lower than the control value of 1.16 ± 0.03 mmol/L. For HDL-cholesterol, Xylopia aethiopica increased it to 1.18±0.01 mmol/L, Zingiber officinale to 0.81 ± 0.01 mmol/L, and the combination to 1.23 ± 0.02 mmol/L, all significantly higher than the control level of 0.98 ± 0.01 mmol/L. The study indicates that both extracts, at a 100 mg/kg dose for up to 4 weeks, are safe for therapeutic use without causing organ toxicity.