Treatment Of Chronic Disorders Research Articles

Planar antenna design for contactless energizing applications: resonance analysis

Advances in medical technology suggest that the application of implantable medical devices or Smart Hospital Devices (SHD) can enhance the control and treatment of chronic disorders. However, most of these developments require an electrical power source for operation, making the use of batteries unfeasible. This paper presents the design and resonance analysis of four different geometries for the fabrication of planar antennas as an alternative to a contactless power supply. Previously published software [19] was used to calculate the electrical parameters for each coil design. Operating trials were executed under laboratory conditions, and a bracket manufactured using polylactic acid (PLA) through a 3D printer was used to accurately define the distances between coils to achieve correct alignment between them. Based on the experimental results, it was possible to calculate the resonant frequency of the inductive links at a 5 mm spacing. Similarly, it is possible to calculate the capacitive effect necessary to improve the resonant circuit in different transmitter-receiver planar antenna pairs. The most efficient combination to induce voltage in these links is to use the hexagonal profile design as a transmitter and receiver antenna, applying a sinusoidal signal with 8 MHz frequency.

Impact of TRPV1 on Pathogenesis and Therapy of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a transmembrane and non-selective cation channel protein, which can be activated by various physical and chemical stimuli. Recent studies have shown the strong pathogenetic associations of TRPV1 with neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) via regulating neuroinflammation. Therapeutic effects of TRPV1 agonists and antagonists on the treatment of AD and PD in animal models also are emerging. We here summarize the current understanding of TRPV1's effects and its agonists and antagonists as a therapeutic means in neurodegenerative diseases, and highlight future treatment strategies using natural TRPV1 agonists. Developing new targets and applying natural products are becoming a promising direction in the treatment of chronic disorders, especially neurodegenerative diseases.

Comparing deep freezing, flash freezing and annealing induced materialistic changes during the formulation of alanine and serine monomers mediated fast disintegrating tablets

Despite significant advancements in the formulation of lyophilized fast disintegrating tablets (FDTs), saccharides and polyols remain ubiquitous matrix support agents and disintegration enhancers. This also impeded the use of FDTs in the treatment of chronic disorders wherein sugar intake is restricted to the patients. The present work utilizes the combination of alanine and serine as amino acid material to prepare zero saccharide/polyols FDTs. For the formulation of FDTs, we uniquely employed three different techniques namely, deep freezing, flash freezing and annealing and evaluated the impact of these processes on sublimation rate (thermal modelling), crystallization tendencies and different FDTs properties such as hardness, fracturability, disintegration time (DT), porosity, % weight variation, friability, lyophilization index etc. The findings demonstrated that, in comparison to their individual counterparts, the addition of alanine and serine at optimized ratio could improve the powder characteristics and thereby FDTs characteristics. Annealing also sped up the sublimation process and decreased the amount of time it took for the FDTs to disintegrate. Moreover, it has been found that the tableting properties, including DT, friability, and % weight variation, were under compliance with the United States pharmacopeial (USP) standards, indicating the acceptability of the developed FDTs to the pharmaceutical industries.

The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Hypertension: An Educational Article and Expert Opinion

Dietary health supplements have been increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of chronic disorders. Coenzyme Q10 is a dietary health supplement that has been reported to have an anti-oxidant property as early as the 1966. The aim of this paper is to review coenzyme Q10 research findings relevant to its use in hypertension. Expert opinion: The current evidence-base expert opinion suggests the coenzyme Q10 can used as anti-hypotensive agent in early hypertensive disease and in mild hypertension without significant irreversible vascular changes and also in isolated systolic hypertension.

The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Hypertension: An Educational Article and Expert Opinion

Dietary health supplements have been increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of chronic disorders. Coenzyme Q10 is a dietary health supplement that has been reported to have an anti-oxidant property as early as the 1966. The aim of this paper is to review coenzyme Q10 research findings relevant to its use in hypertension.

The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Hypertension: An Educational Article and Expert Opinion

Dietary health supplements have been increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of chronic disorders. Coenzyme Q10 is a dietary health supplement that has been reported to have an anti-oxidant property as early as the 1966 .The aim of this paper is to review coenzyme Q10 research findings relevant to its use in hypertension. Expert opinion The current evidence-base expert opinion suggests the coenzyme Q10 can used as anti-hypotensive agent in early hypertensive disease and in mild hypertension without significant irreversible vascular changes and also in isolated systolic hypertension.

The use of L-carnitine in male reproductive abnormalities: The available evidence

Dietary health supplements have been increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of chronic disorders. During the previous decades, l-carnitine has been reported to have beneficial effects on male reproductive functions. L-carnitine, a non-protein amino acid produced endogenously in the human body from the essential amino acids lysine and methionine or obtained from exogenous dietary sources. The main natural forms of L-carnitine are Acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine. The aim of this paper is to review l-carnitine research findings relevant to its use in male reproductive abnormalities. Treatment of reproductive male abnormalities caused by abnormalities of idiopathic semen quality including oligozoospermia, asthenospermia, and azoospermia include hormonal therapies (Clomiphene citrate, tamoxifen, recombinant FSH, and testosterone undecanoate). Non-hormonal therapies include pentoxifylline, and dietary health supplements including carnitine. Carnitine has the additional advantage of improving associated erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: There is convincing research evidence suggesting that l-carnitine can improve male reproductive and can be useful in the treatment of some form’s male infertility and erectile dysfunction.

The use of L-Carnitine in Male Reproductive Abnormalities: The Available Evidence

Dietary health supplements have been increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of chronic disorders. During the previous decades, L-carnitine has been reported to have beneficial effects on male reproductive functions. L-carnitine, a non-protein amino acid produced endogenously in the human body from the essential amino acids lysine and methionine or obtained from exogenous dietary sources. The main natural forms of L-carnitine are Acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine. The aim of this paper is to review l-carnitine research findings relevant to its use in male reproductive abnormalities. Treatment of reproductive male abnormalities caused by abnormalities of idiopathic semen quality including oligozoospermia, asthenospermia, and azoospermia include hormonal therapies (Clomiphene citrate, tamoxifen, recombinant FSH, and testosterone undecanoate).Non-hormonal therapies include pentoxifylline, and dietary health supplements including carnitine. Carnitine has the additional advantage of improving associated erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: There is convincing research evidence suggesting that l-carnitine can improve male reproductive and can be useful in the treatment of some forms male infertility and erectile dysfunction.

A Comprehensive Review on Sustained Release Matrix Drug Delivery System

Formulations for sustained medication release are very useful in the treatment of chronic disorders. The oral route has selected matrix tablets as the most likely type of prolonged drug release. In order to generate therapeutic activity for a protracted duration, matrix tablets maintain a stable plasma drug concentration and sustain the rate of release of the drug throughout time. In preparations with a short half-life and high dosage frequency, extended-release is crucial. The matrix regulates how quickly the medication is released. Retardants such polyglycolic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) are used. The retardant's matrix core contains the medication. The matrices employed can be mineral-based, hydrophobic, or biodegradable. Drug release is regulated in matrix tablets that can be made using wet granulation or direct compression techniques by the use of various kinds of polymers. Drug release from matrix tablets is controlled by both diffusion- and dissolution-controlled process. As a result, matrix tablets increase therapeutic efficacy while reducing the frequency of drug administration and increasing patient compliance.
 Keywords: Sustained release, Matrix Tablets, HPMC, Retardants, Biodegradable

Study of anti-diabetic activity of alstonia scholaris (L.) R.BR. root extract

Complementary therapies are being investigated extensively in the treatment of chronic disorders like diabetes mellitus (DM). The anti-diabetic efficacy of a methanol extract of Alstonia scholaris root on normoglycemic, glucose-loaded, and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats was investigated in this work. Single and multiple doses of Alstonia scholaris root extracts at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg were given to normoglycemic, glucose-loaded, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. At various points following administration, blood sugar levels were measured. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnett's t-test were used to statistically analyse the data. Significant was defined as a p value of less than 0.05. In normoglycemic rats, the extract reduced blood glucose levels by 6.3 percent (p < 0.01) and 7.12 percent (p < 0.01) after 8 hours at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The decline in blood sugar levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats was 44.28 percent (p < 0.01) and 56.66 percent (p < 0.001), respectively, at the same dosage level. During the research, the reference medication was glibenclamide. Thus, the hypoglycaemic activity of Alstonia scholaris root extract suggests that it could be used to generate a new herbal medication for diabetes treatment.

Transition-oriented patient education program for adolescents and young adults with ADHD

Transition-oriented patient education program for adolescents and young adults with ADHD Abstract. Background: The transition from child- to adult-centered treatment includes numerous challenges in the treatment of chronic disorders. This process can be further complicated by disease-specific characteristics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). This secondary analysis evaluated a transition workshop in individuals with ADHD. Methods: In total, 56 adolescents and young adults with ADHD (age M = 17.3 years, SD = 1.1; 17.9 % female) and their parents were quasi-randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n = 28) or an intervention group (IG, n = 28). The CG received regular medical care, whereas the IG additionally participated in a one-and-a-half-day transition workshop (ModuS-T). Before and 4 weeks after the intervention, transition competence was assessed with the Transition Competence Scale (TKS), patient activation with the Patient Activation Measure 13 for Adolescents (PAM® 13), and satisfaction with care with the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (ZUF-8). Results: The IG showed significantly improved transition competence (p ≤ .001) compared to the CG. There was no significant intervention effect in terms of patient activation (p = .194). Overall, the IG was highly satisfied with the workshop. Discussion: To date, transition workshops have been evaluated predominantly in individuals with chronic somatic disorders. This secondary analysis indicates that a generic workshop is also associated with improved transition competence and high satisfaction in individuals with chronic mental disorders. The integration of such approaches into routine care needs to be discussed.

Emerging Prospective of Phytomolecules as Antioxidants Against Chronic Diseases

The unstable and highly reactive free radical contained an unpaired electron in a nuclear orbital, which are generated inside the body by strong impact of UV light, ionizing radiation, smoking, air pollution, injury, and inflammation. The free radicals produce oxidative stress which plays a role in inflammation, ageing, diabetes, obesity, cancer, cardio vascular, skin and neurodegenerative disorders via disturbances in levels of various biomarkers. The free radicals are killed by an antioxidant thought oxidation of different atoms, thus, protects DNA from harmful impact. Antioxidant defense, which comprises both endogenous and exogenous chemicals, protects biological systems against free radical toxicity. Many foods and medicinal plants contain antioxidant phytomolecules, which have an essential role in the mitigation and treatment of chronic disorders, such as inflammation, cancer, diabetes, ageing, cardiovascular issues, etc. induced by oxidative stress.

The Use of Fenugreek Supplementation in Diabetes

Dietary health supplements have increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of chronic disorders. During the previous decades, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds have been reported to have hypoglycemic and cholesterol lowering effects when used in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, and in experimental diabetic animals. The aim of this paper is to review fenugreek research findings relevant to its use in diabetes. There is convincing research evidence suggesting that fenugreek can improve hyperglycemia and has a protective effective against diabetic complications through immunomodulatory, insulin stimulation, and antioxidant effects, enhancing adipocyte differentiation, inhibition of inflammation in adipose tissues, and preventing or lessening pancreatic and renal damage. Many of the beneficial effects of fenugreek in diabetes have been attributed to four bioactive components including diosgenin, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, furostanolic saponins, and the fiber in fenugreek.

Review Article: The use of fenugreek supplementation in diabetes

Dietary health supplements have increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of chronic disorders. During the previous decades, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds have been reported to have hypoglycemic and cholesterol lowering effects when used in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, and in experimental diabetic animals. The aim of this paper is to review fenugreek research findings relevant to its use in diabetes. There is convincing research evidence suggesting that fenugreek can improve hyperglycemia and has a protective effective against diabetic complications through immunomodulatory, insulin stimulation, and antioxidant effects, enhancing adipocyte differentiation, inhibition of inflammation in adipose tissues, and preventing or lessening pancreatic and renal damage. Many of the beneficial effects of fenugreek in diabetes have been attributed to four bioactive components including diosgenin, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, furostanolic saponins, and the fiber in fenugreek.

The use of fenugreek supplementation in diabetes

Dietary health supplements have increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of chronic disorders. During the previous decades, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds have been reported to have hypoglycemic and cholesterol lowering effects when used in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, and in experimental diabetic animals. The aim of this paper is to review fenugreek research findings relevant to its use in diabetes. There is convincing research evidence suggesting that fenugreek can improve hyperglycemia and has a protective effective against diabetic complications through immunomodulatory, insulin stimulation, and antioxidant effects, enhancing adipocyte differentiation, inhibition of inflammation in adipose tissues, and preventing or lessening pancreatic and renal damage. Many of the beneficial effects of fenugreek in diabetes have been attributed to four bioactive components including diosgenin, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, furostanolic saponins, and the fiber in fenugreek.

Precision dietary guidelines and ingredients for chronic diseases in pre-senior and senior populations

The aging of the population underlines an important challenge for the health system not only from sanitary and economic reasons but also by quality perspectives concerning preventive care, where precision nutrition (PN) and the prescription or advice on healthy habits becomes relevant. PN focuses on provide nutrition adapted to each individual, understanding that the prevention or treatment of chronic disorders (obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.) must be addressed in a comprehensive way, considering not only relevant personal and clinical information, but also healthy aging and phenotypical and genotypical features. This guide was prepared due to the need to develop precision nutritional models that allow individualized nutritional treatment for each subject and physiopathological particularities with emphasis on the elderly. Therefore, the requirements of the Spanish pre-senior and senior populations, dietary recommendations and precision foods are reviewed in this document: have at least three daily meals, reduce total calories, choose a varied and balanced diet with fresh foods and high nutritional density, add vegetables, legumes and fish, consume dairy products and fiber, prefer white meat instead of red, avoid fried foods, sausages and processed foods, moderate the consumption of salt, coffee and alcohol, and get hydrated.

Risk factors for frequent users of the emergency department among adults aged 55 and older

Introduction: Excessive use of the emergency department (ED) is a major source of healthcare expenditure. ED frequent users, have been identified as a major contributing factor to a disporportionate amount of ED visits and costs, making up 20% to 30% of all annual visits. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors that place adults age 55 and older at risk for frequent ED use.Methods: The Transitional Care Model (TCM): Hospital Discharge Screening Criteria for High Risk Older Adults was used to identify risk factors for frequent use of ED services in adults 55 and older.Results and conclusions: A third of the sample (33%) had active behavioral and/or psychiatric issues. A majority of the sample (87%) had two or more hospitalizations within 6 months of a prior ED visit, and seventy-two percent were hospitalized within thirty days of an Emergency Department visit. Almost 70% had at least 1 chronic diagnosis of diabetes (41.5%), heart failure (35.8%), or COPD (28%). Most patients were between ages 70-85 years old and risk factors for ED frequent use included 4 or more coexisting health conditions, 6 or more prescription medications, previous hospital admissions, active behavioral and/or psychiatric issues. Identifying older adults at high risk for ED frequent use may provide earlier interventions and less reliance on ED use for care and treatment of chronic disorders.

A Mechanistic Review on Medicinal Plants Used for Diabetes Mellitus in Traditional Persian Medicine.

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Traditional medicines worldwide suggest a wide range of natural remedies for the prevention and treatment of chronic disorders, including diabetes mellitus. This mechanistic review aims to highlight the significance of medicinal plants traditionally used as dietary supplements in Persian medicine in adjunct with restricted conventional drugs for the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus. Mounting evidence suggests that these natural agents perform their protective and therapeutic effect on diabetes mellitus via several cellular mechanisms, including regeneration of pancreatic β cell, limitation of glycogen degradation and gluconeogenesis, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, antiapoptosis, antioxidative stress, as well as modulation of intracellular signaling transduction pathways. In conclusion, traditional medicinal plants used in Persian medicine can be considered as dietary supplements with therapeutic potential for diabetes mellitus and maybe potential sources of new orally active agent(s).

Assess the frequency and severity of adverse drug reactions due to errors in drug intake at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Drug-related problems are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and a significant burden on healthcare resources. There are few studies to account for errors in drug intake leading to adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This study was pursued with the objective of determining the frequency and severity of the ADRs resulting from erroneous drug intake, the expenses incurred in treating the same. Methods: The study was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. The study subjects were patients with ADRs due to errors in drug intake and from self-medication. All the information regarding the ADR were collected as per ADR reporting form issued by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. Causality was assessed by both Naranjo and the WHO criteria for causality assessment. Direct cost of all the medications, hospital charges (admission, bed charges, consultations paid, treatment charges, investigations, and conveyance charges) were recorded to find the financial burden due to error in drug intake. Results: The study showed that nearly 30% of the ADRs were due to errors in drug intake and the major contributing factor is self-modification either by discontinuation or missed doses. Major drugs that are implicated in these ADRs were that of metformin and insulins among anti-diabetic drugs and amlodipine and atenolol among antihypertensives. These two groups contributed to 18 (62%) of the total 29 ADRs. Organ system commonly involved was central nervous system and that was followed by musculoskeletal system. The average direct cost incurred in the management of these ADRs was Rs. 5773 for non-serious adverse events (SAE’s) and Rs. 11,400 for SAE’s. Conclusion: Proper education about the importance of compliance and damaging consequences of self-modification of drug dosage in patients who are on treatment for chronic disorders like diabetes and hypertension will be an effective strategy to prevent many of these ADRs.

Applications of immunochemistry in human health: advances in vaccinology and antibody design (IUPAC Technical Report)

Abstract This report discusses the history and mechanisms of vaccination of humans as well as the engineering of therapeutic antibodies. Deeper understanding of the molecular interactions involved in both acquired and innate immunity is allowing sophistication in design of modified and even synthetic vaccines. Recombinant DNA technologies are facilitating development of DNA-based vaccines, for example, with the recognition that unmethylated CpG sequences in plasmid DNA will target Toll-like receptors on antigen-presenting cells. Formulations of DNA vaccines with increased immunogenicity include engineering into plasmids with “genetic adjuvant” capability, incorporation into polymeric or magnetic nanoparticles, and formulation with cationic polymers and other polymeric and non-polymeric coatings. Newer methods of delivery, such as particle bombardment, DNA tattooing, electroporation, and magnetic delivery, are also improving the effectiveness of DNA vaccines. RNA-based vaccines and reverse vaccinology based on gene sequencing and bioinformatic approaches are also considered. Structural vaccinology is an approach in which the detailed molecular structure of viral epitopes is used to design synthetic antigenic peptides. Virus-like particles are being designed for vaccine deliveries that are based on structures of viral capsid proteins and other synthetic lipopeptide building blocks. A new generation of adjuvants is being developed to further enhance immunogenicity, based on squalene and other oil–water emulsions, saponins, muramyl dipeptide, immunostimulatory oligonucleotides, Toll-like receptor ligands, and lymphotoxins. Finally, current trends in engineering of therapeutic antibodies including improvements of antigen-binding properties, pharmacokinetic and pharmaceutical properties, and reduction of immunogenicity are discussed. Taken together, understanding the chemistry of vaccine design, delivery and immunostimulation, and knowledge of the techniques of antibody design are allowing targeted development for the treatment of chronic disorders characterized by continuing activation of the immune system, such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, or allergies that have long been refractory to conventional approaches.