Design,delivery and efficacy testing of therapeutic nucleic acids used to inhibit hepatitis C virus gene expression in vitro and in vivo

Despite major achievements in the treatment ofchronic hepatitis C with the combination ofinterferons and the nucleoside analog ribavirin themajority of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection cannot be treated effectively.Toimprove this response rate we used antisensetechnologies to inhibit HCV translation as possibleadditional option for experimental treatment.Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides(ODN) are

Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of <i>Aloe vera</i>: A Review

The plant Aloe vera is used in Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic and Allopathic streams of medicine, and not only tribal community but also most of the people for food and medicine. The plant leaves contains numerous vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and other bioactive compounds with emollient, purgative, anti-microbial, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-helmenthic, antifungal, antiseptic and cosmetic values for health care. This plant has potential to cure sunburns, burns and minor cuts, and even skin cancer. The external use in cosmetic primarily acts as skin healer and prevents injury of epithelial tissues, cures acne and gives a youthful glow to skin, also acts as extremely powerful laxative.

Blastocystis hominis as a cause of chronic diarrhea in low-resource settings:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Blastocystis hominis(B.hominis),an anaerobic unicellular protist parasite,is known for its diverse clinical manifestations upon infecting the human gastrointestinal tract.Although globally distributed,it is particularly prevalent in developing nations.Examining the symptoms and treatment outcomes of B.hominis infection in low-resource settings holds immense significance,providing healthcare practi-tioners with valuable insights to enhance patient care.AIM To synthesize existing evidence on the symptomatology and treatment outcomes of B.hominis infection in low-resource settings.METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines,a systematic review was conducted.The search spanned electronic databases including PubMed,Scopus,and Google Scholar.After a comprehensive screening process,a thorough examination of the papers,adhering to inclusion and exclusion criteria,and data extraction from eligible studies was conducted.The findings underwent summarization through simple descriptive analysis.RESULTS The search yielded 1200 papers,with 17 meeting inclusion criteria.Chronic diarrhea due to B.hominis infection was reported in only two studies,while abdominal pain,diarrhea,flatulence,constipation,and nausea/vomiting emerged as the most commonly documented symptoms.Recovery rates after one week of treatment ranged from 71.8%to 100%,and after two weeks,from 60%to 100%.CONCLUSION In low-resource settings,chronic diarrhea resulting from B.hominis infection is infrequent.Common symptoms include abdominal pain,diarrhea,flatulence,constipation,and nausea/vomiting.Post-treatment,clinical outcomes are notably favorable,supporting the recommendation for treatment.Metronidazole is advocated as the first-line agent,with consideration for switching to a second-line option in cases of treatment failure or poor response.

Continuous Wear of Hydrogel Contact Lenses for Therapeutic Use

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and complications of continuous wear of etafilcon A for therapeutic use. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 228 eyes of 219 outpatients prescribed contact lens (CL) for one week of continuous therapeutic wear during 10 years. The reason for prescription of CLs, the primary disease, the duration of CL wear and the complications were assessed retrospectively. Results: The predominant reason for prescription of CLs was relief of pain or a foreign-body sensation (62.3%) and protection of the corneal epithelium (20.6%). The primary disease was post-penetrating keratoplasty (36.8%), followed by corneal epithelial erosion (14.5%), post-lamellar keratoplasty (14.0%) and bullous keratopathy (12.2%). The average duration of wearing single lens was 6.5 ± 3.2 days. The average duration of wearing CLs in total was 9.2 ± 10.7 months. The most frequent problem associated with continuous wear of CLs was their dropping out of CLs (12.3%). The complications associated with CLs included conjunctivitis with papillary hyperplasia, corneal erosion and superficial punctate keratitis, but corneal ulcer and corneal infiltrates were not found. Conclusion: Serious complications were not shown changing the lenses every week to keep to the prescribed time limit for continuous therapeutic wear, even if corneal epithelial barrier function is impaired.

Comparison of long-lasting therapeutic effects between succimer and penicillamine on hepatolenticular degeneration

AIM To compare the long term effect of succimer (Suc) with that of penicillamine (Pen) in treating hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD). METHODS One hundred and twenty patients with HLD were divided into 2 groups. Group A ( n =60) received Suc 750mg , po. bid. Group B ( n =60) received Pen 250mg , po. qid. The period of maintenance treatment varied from 6 months to 3 years, averaging 1 5 years. Symptoms and therapeutic effects were evaluated by modified Goldstein scale. RESULTS The total effectiveness of group A in two different periods of treatment were 80% and 85% respectively, higher than those of group B (58% and 59% respectively) ( P <0 05). Suc also had obvious curative effects for the patients who failed in the use of Pen. There were fewer side effect in group A than in group B ( P <0 05). Suc and Pen could increase urinary copper excretion effectively and continually. CONCLUSION Suc is more effective and safer than Pen. Clinically, it can replace Pen as first choice drug for long term maintenance therapy of HLD.

Functional dyspepsia of ulcer-dysmotility type:clinical incidence and therapeutic strategy

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Therapeutic role of template-based lymphadenectomy in urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract

Lymphadenectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract has attracted the attention of physicians. The mapping study of lymphatic spread has shown that a relatively wide area should comprise the regional nodes for tumors of the right renal pelvis or the right upper two-thirds of the ureter. A prospective study showed that an anatomical templatebased lymphadenectomy significantly improved patient survival in tumors of the renal pelvis. This benefit was more evident for patients with p T2 stage tumors or higher. The risk of regional node recurrence is significant reduced by template-based lymphadenectomy,which is likely to be associated with improved patient survival. The removal of lymph node micrometastases is assumed to be the reason for therapeutic benefit following lymphadenectomy. The number of resected lymph nodes can be used to assess the quality of lymphadenectomy,but not to determine the extent of lymphadenectomy. The guidelines currently recommend lymphadenectomy for patients with muscle-invasive disease,even though the current recommendation grades are still low. The present limitation of lymphadenectomy is the lack of standardization of the extent of lymphadenectomy and the randomized trials. Further studies are warranted to collect the evidence to support lymphadenectomy.

Allocation of Energy Use in the Biomass-based Fuel Ethanol System and Its Use in Decision Making

The Chinese government is developing biomass ethanol as one of its automobile fuels for energy security and environmental improvement reasons. The energy efficiency of the biomass-based fuel ethanol is critical issue. To investigate the energy use in the three biomass-base ethanol fuel systems, energy content approach, Market value approach and Product displacement approach methods were used to allocate the energy use based on life cycle energy assessment. The results shows that the net energy of corn based, wheat based, and cassava-based ethanol fuel are 12543MJ, 10299MJ and 13112MJ when get one ton biomassbased ethanol, respectively, and they do produce positive net energy.

Water Use in Sugar and Ethanol Industry in the State of Sao Paulo(Southeast Brazil)

Brazil is the largest producer of ethanol from sugarcane in the world. While the ethanol industry is economically important to Brazil for several reasons, it also has a significant impact on the environment. Here we analyze the water consumptive use in the transformation of the feedstock (sugarcane) into ethanol and the impact of industrial byproduct effluents on water resources of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Our estimates indicated that in the 2007-2008 harvest, 700 million m3 was withdrawn mainly from rivers and streams by 140 mills, and of this total 440 million m3 was consumed which yielded a water use of approximately 1.53 m3 ·water·tonˉ1 sugarcane or approximately 18 L·water·L-ˉ1 ethanol. At the same time, a total of 120 million m3 of vinasse by-product was produced in the state, equivalent to an organic load of approximately 3 billion kg·BOD during the harvest season or approximately 8 million kg·BOD·dˉ1. Although the water used by sugarcane mills has decreased in recent decades, it is still possible to further decrease the amount of water used by ethanol production. This would decrease the pressure on 1st order streams of the state from which most water is withdrawn. In addition, the enormous volume of vinasse production must be reduced because it exerts constant pressure on aquatic ecosystems, soil and groundwater due to the constant increase in the potassium (K) concentration in areas where it is used as a fertilizer.

Controversies regarding transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have tantalized regenerative medicine with their therapeutic potential,yet a cloud of controversies looms over their clinical tran-splantation.This comprehensive review navigates the intricate landscape of MSC controversies,drawing upon 15 years of clinical experience and research.We delve into the fundamental properties of MSCs,exploring their unique immuno-modulatory capabilities and surface markers.The heart of our inquiry lies in the controversial applications of MSC transplantation,including the perennial debate between autologous and allogeneic sources,concerns about efficacy,and lingering safety apprehensions.Moreover,we unravel the enigmatic mechanisms surro-unding MSC transplantation,such as homing,integration,and the delicate balance between differentiation and paracrine effects.We also assess the current status of clinical trials and the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.As we peer into the future,we examine emerging trends,envisioning personalized medicine and innovative delivery methods.Our review provides a balanced and informed perspective on the controversies,offering readers a clear understanding of the complexities,challenges,and potential solutions in MSC transplantation.

Percutaneous ethanol injection, radiofrequency and their combination in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM： To evaluate the therapeutic effect and the indication of percutaneous ethanol injection （PEI）, radiofrequency ablation （RFA） and their combination in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. METHODS： Two hundred and fifty-five patients with HCC received treatment of PEI, RFA or their combination. Group1 （〈 3 on in diameter, n=85） was treated with PEI, group2 （〈 3 cm in diameter, n=153） with RFA. Group3 （〉3 cm in diameter, n=86） was divided into two groups. Group 3a （/7=34） was treated with RFA, while group 3b （n=52） was treated with RFA for 2 wk after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization or PEI. Contrast-enhanced sonography was performed for 61 patients before and after RFA. Liver function and serum alpha-fetoprotein （AFP） were measured for all patients. Changes of the lesions on ultrasound and contrast-enhanced CT/HRI were evaluated for assessing the therapeutic responses. The 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were recorded after treatment. RESULTS： In group 1, the complete necrosis rate of lesions after 1 mo was 77.6% （66/85）. The level of AFP declined conspicuously after 1 mo. The 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival rate after treatment was 80.0% （52/65）, 60.4% （32/53）, 52.5% （21/40） and 33.3% （7/21）, respectively. In group 2, the complete necrosis rate of lesions after 1 moh was 92.2% （141/153）. The level of AFP decreased conspicuously after i mo. The 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival rate after treatment was 94.6% （88/93）, 73.2% （52/71）, 63.5% （33/52） and 46.4% （13/28）, respectively. In group 3a, the complete necrosis rate of lesions after 1 mo was 23.5% （8/34）. AFPdropped down to the normal level in only one patient after 1 mo. The 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rate after treatment was 47.6% （10/21）, 42.9% （6/14） and 27.3% （3/11）, respectively. Only one patient was still alive after 5 years. In group 3b, the complete necrosis rate of lesions after 1 mo was 57.7% （30/52）. The level of AFP decreased after 1 mo. The 1-, 2-, 3- and S-year survival rate after treatment was 68.6% （24/35）, 46.2% （12/26）, 36.8% （7/19） and 27.3% （3/11）, respectively. CONCLUSION： The therapeutic effect of RFA on small HCC is better than that of PEI. Small HCC is the optimal indication of RFA. For recurrent HCC （diameter〉3 cm）, the combined treatment of RFA and PEI/ACE should be used.

Clinacanthus nutans:a review of the medicinal uses,pharmacology and phytochemistry

Clinacanthus nutans Lindau is known as snake grass belonging to the Acanlhaceae family.This plant has diverse and potential medicinal uses in traditional herbal medicine for treating skin rashes,insects and snake bites,lesions caused by herpes simplex virus,diabetes,and gout in Malaysia.Indonesia.Thailand and China.Phylochemieal investigations documented the varied contents of bioaclive compounds from litis plant namely flavonoids,glycosides,glycoglyeerolipids.cerebrosides and monoacylmonogalatosylglycerol.The pharmacological experiment proved that various types of extracts and pure compounds from this species exhibited a broad range of biological properties such as anti-inflammatory,antiviral,antioxidant,and anti-diabetic activities.The lindings of toxicity study showed that extracts from this plant did not show any toxicity thus it can be used as strong therapeutic agents for specific diseased conditions.However,further experiments on chemical components and their mode of action showing biological activities are required to elucidate the complete phytochemical profile and assess to confirm their suitability tor future drugs.This review summarizes the medicinal uses,phytochemistry and pharmacology of this plant in order to explore its therapeutic potential and gaps necessitating for prospected research work.

A study of portal vein embolization with absolute ethanol injection in cirrhotic rats

AIM To investigate the effects of portal vein embolization (PVE) with absolute ethanol injection on the cirrhotic livers.METHODS Absolute ethanol was injected intraportally into normal and cirrhotic SD rats and the changes of the animals in anatomy, pathology, liver function as well as portal hemodynamics were observed.RESULTS At a dose of 0.05mL/100g of ethanol, the survival rate was 100% in normal rats compared with 40.9% in cirrhotic rats. PVE in the cirrhotic rats with 0.03mL/100g of ethanol, caused significant hypertrophy in non-embolized lobes, mild or moderate damage to the hepatic parenchyma, slight and transient alterations in liver function, portal pressure and portal flow.CONCLUSION PVE with absolute ethanol injection in the setting of liver cirrhosis could be safe at an appropriate dose, and precautions aimed at preserving liver function were preferable.INTRODUCTIONPortal vein embolization (PVE) plays an important role in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We modified the conventional method of transcatheter embolization and developed a new PVE technique with ethanol injection via a fine needle in experimental study[1] and subsequent clinical application under guidance of portoechography[2]. To further elucidate the therapeutic basis of this technique, particularly its effects on the cirrhotic liver, we observed the alterations in liver anatomy, pathology, biochemistry and portal hemodynamics in cirrhotic rats undergoing PVE with ethanol injection.

Efficacy of percutaneous ethanol injection in the adjuvant treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma after TACE

Objective： To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous ethanol injection （PEI） in the adjuvant treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） by primary end points of time to progress （TTP）. Methods： The study population consisted of 73 consecutive patients with inoperable HCC （China Classification System IIN liB）. Among them, 22 patients were treated with TACE and PEI （experimental group）, and the rest 51 were treated only with TACE （control group）, and then the time to progress （TTP） and overall survival （OS） of these two groups were analyzed. Results： The median TTP was 10 months [95% confidence interval （CI）, 7.9-12.1 months] in experimental group and 6 months （95% CI, 4.7-7.3 months） in control group. The 3-month,6-month, and 1-year Progression Free Survival （PFS） rates were respectively 77.3%, 63.6%, and 48.1% in experimental group, and 76.5%, 42.15%, and 24.8% in control group. The TTP of experimental group was significantly longer than that of control group （P 〈 0.05）. The median survival period was 17 months [95% confidence interval （CI）, 11-23 months] of experimental group and 12 months （95% CI, 10-14 months） of control group （P 〉 0.05）. Conclusion： Compared with single TACE, the combination of TACE and PEI can obviously postpone disease progress and prolong survival of HCC patients.

High-intensity focused ultrasound extracorporeal ablation of liver tissuesin rabbits

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The role of drug utilization evaluation in medical sciences

Background:Drug utilization evaluation(DUE)is defined by the World Health Organization(WHO)and focuses on the medical,social,and economic consequences of pharmaceutical marketing,distribution,prescribing,and usage in society.The WHO recommends a physician to every 1000 people.According to the recent data from the Health Ministry in 2019,in which 1.16 million doctors are of active population with just 80%,or 0.9 million,practicing.As a result,a ratio of 0.68 doctors for every 1000 people,which is much below as per the WHO reports.This article describes history,types,WHO guidelines,need and purpose of DUE.Objective:The main aim of this paper is to provide information about the rational use of medication in outpa­tient and inpatient department with special emphasis of DUEs.It also provides awareness directly to healthcare professionals,researchers,academicians,pharmacist and nurses to reduce the irrationality of medicines.Methods:The method used to compile this review information gathered from websites,Google scholar,PubMed,Research gate,and studies published on DUE from July 20 to Oct 22 were included as source of information.Results:We studied more than 35 published study on DUE,that reveals most of the physicians prescribed branded drugs not generic drugs,but WHO prescribing indicator allows to prescribe generic drugs in the hospital pharmacy to maintain better inventory control.It may also help to prevent pharmacist misunderstanding during dispensing.Conclusion:The use of generic prescription names avoids the possibility of medication product duplication and lowers patient costs.It is important to remember that incorrect medication prescriptions have impact on both patients and their family members.WHO indicators identify irrational prescribing behaviours to make therapy more rational and cost-effective.

USE OF CELL-BASED BIOASSAY FOR THE QUALITY CONTROL OF BOTANICAL THERAPEUTICS

The single most important factor in modernization efforts of traditional oriental medicines is the limited understanding of active compounds responsible for claimed therapeutic effects.Indeed,the unknown identity of biologically active molecules generates major difficulties associated with botanical therapeutics in general.This includes management of raw materials,poor understanding of

经导管肝动脉化疗栓塞联合经皮无水乙醇注射治疗肝癌的长期疗效观察

背景与目的肝癌的介入治疗中,经导管肝动脉化疗栓塞(transcatheterarterialchemoembolization,TACE)与经皮无水乙醇注射(percutaneousethanolinjection,PEI)是开展最广泛、效果最显著的两项治疗措施。TACE联合PEI可明显提高肝癌的近效疗效,但远期随访结果报道较少。本研究拟探讨TACE联合PEI治疗肝癌的长期效果及价值。方法675例肿瘤直径为2～15cm(平均9.6cm)、不能切除的原发性肝细胞癌(hepatocellularcarcinoma,HCC)接受介入治疗,其中179例行TACE联合PEI治疗(联合组),496例行单纯TACE治疗(TACE组)。两组中各有10例介入治疗后行Ⅱ期手术切除,标本送病理研究。其他病例随访5～7年以上(平均6.6年),分别统计1、3、5、7年累计生存率。联合组与TACE组两组无论是手术切除病例,还是随访病例,介入治疗前的一般资料均具有可比性。结果病理研究显示,虽然治疗前后肿块缩小程度两组无显著性差异,但联合组肿瘤平均坏死程度[(100.0±0.0)%]及完全坏死率(100%)均显著高于TACE组[分别为(91.5±7.1)%和20%,P<0.05或0.01]。随访结果显示,联合组1、3、5、7年生存率分别为80.5%、58.6%、29.6%和16.5%,TACE组分别为68.5%、27.8%、7.2%和5.2%,统计学处理均有显著性差异(P<0.01)。

动脉栓塞化疗联合激光消融治疗肝癌的临床研究

目的以动脉栓塞化疗联合经皮无水乙醇注射消融(TOCE+PEI)疗法为对照组,通过前瞻性临床随机对照研究,探讨动脉栓塞化疗联合激光消融(TOCE+ILT)治疗肝癌的疗效和毒副反应。方法120例原发性肝癌患者随机进入研究组和对照组,分别接受TOCE+ILT和TOCE+PEI治疗,两组疗法均可重复操作,直至CT显示肿瘤消融完全为止,治疗后进行疗效评价和随访。结果120例患者中完成2年随访者105例,其中研究组54例,对照组51例,研究组完全坏死率显著高于对照组(84.8%vs73.9%,X2=4.405,P=0.036);研究组AFP转阴率显著高于对照组(77.8%vs56.1%,X2=4.592,P=0.032);两组1年生存率分别为92.6%和88.2%,无统计学差异,2年生存率分别为79.6%和60.8%,研究组显著高于对照组(!2=4.477,P=0.034)。两组患者治疗前肝功能指标无统计学差异,治疗结束后1周研究组谷丙转氨酶升高幅度显著低于对照组(95.90±56.06U/Lvs116.31±45.27U/L,t=2.04,P=0.043)。两组患者治疗后均有程度不等的栓塞后综合征反应,无严重并发症发生。结论TOCE+ILT疗法治疗肝癌疗效好,副作用小,是一种值得推广的治疗模式。

CT引导下经皮无水乙醇注射治疗肝癌门静脉瘤栓

目的探讨CT引导下经皮无水乙醇注射治疗肝癌门静脉瘤栓的疗效。方法对20例肝癌伴门静脉瘤栓患者,进行CT引导下门静脉瘤栓内无水乙醇注射治疗。每周1～2次,1～3次为一疗程,每例1～2个疗程,疗程间隔1个月,治疗后随访6个月～5年。结果20例中,17例(85%)瘤栓有不同程度改善,其中2例(10%)瘤栓消失,15例(75%)瘤栓缩小或无进展,3例(15%)无效。结论CT引导下经皮注射无水乙醇治疗门静脉瘤栓是一种有效治疗方法,治疗病例的选择是取得良好疗效的关键。