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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mechanism of exogenous nucleic acids and their precursors improving the repair of intestinal epithelium after 7-irradiation in mice

AIM To clone expressed genes associated withrepair of irradiation-damaged mice intestinalgland cells treated by small intestinal RNA,andto explore the molecular mechanism ofexogenous nucleic acids improving repair ofintestinal crypt.METHODS The animal mode of test group andcontrol group was established,forty-five micebeing irradiated by γ ray were treated with smallintestinal RNA as test group,forty mice beingirradiated by γ ray were treated withphysiological saline as control group,five micewithout irradiation were used as normal control,their jejunal specimens were collectedrespectively at 6h,12h,24h,4d and 8d afterirradiation.Then by using LD-PCR based onsubtractive hybridization,these gene fragmentsdifferentially expressed between test group andcontrol group were obtained,and then werecloned into T vectors as well as beingsequenced.Obtained sequences were screenedagainst.GeneBank,if being new sequences,they were submitted to GeneBank.RESULTS Ninety clones were associated withrepair of irradiation-damaged intestinal glandcells treated by intestinal RNA.These clonesfrom test group of 6h,12h,24h,4d and 8dwere respectively 18,22,25,13,12.By screening against GeneBank,18 of which werenew sequences,the others were dramaticallysimilar to the known sequences,mainly similarto hsp,Nmi,Dutt1,alkaline phosphatase,homeobox,anti-CEA ScFv antibody,arginine/serine kinase and BMP-4,repA.Eighteen genefragments were new sequences,their acceptnumbers in GeneBank were respectivelyAF240164-AF240181.CONCLUSION Ninety clones were obtained tobe associated with repair of irradiation-damagedmice intestinal gland cells treated by smallintestinal RNA,which may be related toabnormal expression of genes and matchedproteins of hsp,Nmi,Duttl,Na,K-ATPase,alkalineph-osphatase,glkA,single strandedreplicative centromeric gene as well as 18 newsequences.

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

多排螺旋CT引导下经皮氩氦刀冷冻消融术结合植入^(125)I粒子治疗肺癌的近期疗效观察

目的探讨多排螺旋CT(MSCT)三维重建引导下经皮穿刺氩氦刀冷冻消融术结合植入125I粒子治疗肺癌近期疗效及安全性。方法 51例中晚期肺癌患者在MSCT三维重建引导下,氩氦刀冷冻消融治疗后,对瘤周及未冷冻区应用治疗计划系统(TPS)计算剂量和布粒,再行MSCT三维重建定位植入125I放射性粒子;1、2、3、6个月后全部行胸部CT平扫及增强复查。结果术后1、2、3、6个月随访,好转率分别为9.8%、19.6%、56.9%和46.0%;总有效率分别为31.4%、62.8%、98.0%和92.0%。结论 CT引导下经皮穿刺氩氦刀冷冻消融术结合植入125I粒子治疗肺癌安全、损伤小、并发症轻、近期疗效确切、值得推广。

氩氦冷冻联合非甲基化CpG-ODN对兔肝癌模型的抗肿瘤效应

目的探讨氩氦冷冻治疗对肝癌转移的影响及继发免疫效应的抗肿瘤效果。方法兔VX2肝肿瘤模型54只,30只随机分为A、B和C组,每组10只,分别给予氩氦冷冻、手术切除和假手术(对照组),观察肿瘤转移和生存期;另外24只,随机分成D、E和F组,每组8只,分别给予氩氦冷冻+CpG-ODN、氩氦冷冻和手术治疗,治疗后2周在兔大腿肌肉接种VX2瘤组织。结果A组肝内转移率低于C组(P=0.003),A组肺转移时间比C组推迟;A组和B组相比,不促进肿瘤转移。再接种VX2瘤组织2周后D、E和F组瘤重分别为(0.425±0.327)g(n=6)、(0.704±0.325)g(n=8)和(1.119±0.261)g(n=7),D组与F组瘤重差异有显著性(P=0.003)。结论氩氦冷冻治疗肝肿瘤不促进转移,CpG-ODN能增强氩氦冷冻治疗后的抗肿瘤效果。

CT引导下氩氦刀冷冻介入治疗肝癌不良反应实施治疗性干预的疗效观察

目的:探讨对CT引导下经皮肝穿刺氩氦刀冷冻介入术治疗肝癌过程中的不良反应实施干预的疗效。方法:回顾性分析68例经皮肝穿刺氩氦刀冷冻介入治疗肝癌的患者,在术后发生不良反应时给予相应的干预措施,采用心理干预措施、物理降温与药物降温相结合、止痛药物与心理干预相结合、止血药物与观察病情、有效的冻伤皮肤治疗、药物止吐、保障组织灌流及胃肠减压等方法,观察实施治疗性干预的疗效。结果:CT引导下经皮肝穿刺氩氦刀靶向冷冻介入术治疗肝癌中出现的不良反应,通过治疗性干预手段,其症状均得到改善,总有效率为93.7%。结论:全面细致地实施治疗性干预措施是氩氦刀介入治疗肝癌过程中重要的手段,疗效满意,可以有效地减少不良反应的发生,提高患者的生命质量。

氩氦冷冻消融肿瘤的影像学表现及疗效评估

氩氦冷冻消融肿瘤是一种新兴的治疗技术,超声、CT及磁共振是目前用于冷热消融过程导引和监控的主要设备。因导引方式的不同,冰球的影像学表现亦不同,并是术后疗效评估的主要手段。

艾灸治疗带状疱疹30例

目的 研究艾灸治疗带状疱疹的临床疗效及作用特点 ,并与激光治疗相对照。方法 6 1例患者随机分为治疗组(艾灸组 ) 30例和对照组 (激光组 ) 31例。艾灸组采用艾条回旋灸法局部熏灸 ,激光组用氦 氖激光治疗仪 ,散焦直接照射皮损区。结果 治疗组痊愈 17例 ,显效 4例 ,好转 4例 ,无效 5例 ,总有效率 83.33%。对照组痊愈 13例 ,显效 5例 ,好转 4例 ,无效 9例 ,总有效率 70 .97%。 2组疗效无显著性差异 ,但在促进疱液吸收、疱疹结痂和红肿消退方面优于对照组。结论 灸法和激光治疗均可缩短本病的自然病程 ,加速其痊愈 ,疗效确切 ,灸法在促进疱液吸收、疱疹结痂和红肿消退方向优于激光治疗。

肝癌的氩氦刀冷冻治疗

探讨氩氦刀冷冻治疗肝癌的方法、安全性及疗效。应用四刀系统对 46例晚期肝癌患者分别采取开腹冷冻、经皮穿刺冷冻及手术切除肝断面的冷冻治疗。结果示 ,全组无手术死亡 ,无出血、胆瘘、肝破裂及穿刺道转移等并发症 ;术前AFP值增高的 17例 ,术后AFP值均有下降 ,其中 12例恢复正常 ,46例患者均得到 1年以上随访 ,16例存活 1年以上 ,3 0例 1年内死亡 ,1年存活率为 3 4 8%。其中肝癌病灶 <5cm者 5例 ,均生存 1年以上 ;病灶 5～ 10cm者共 2 6例 ,1年存活 9例 ( 6例肝功能异常者均 1年内死亡 ) ;病灶 >10cm者 15例 ,有 2例存活 1年以上。初步研究结果示 ,冷冻为不能手术切除的肝癌提供了一有效的治疗途径 ;经皮穿刺或经腹冷冻治疗肝癌是一种安全。

400mW氦氖激光器及其在光动力学治疗上的应用

一种高功率氦氖激光器采用两只扁平放电截面氦氖激光管，其输出功率可达４００ｍＷ，经光学系统耦合单股石英光纤输出，作光动力学治癌用。经４４例临床治疗，总治愈率可达６０％。本文还简要讨论了不同激光光源作光动力学治癌疗效差异机制等问题。