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.

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.

马来酸麦角新碱联合缩宫素治疗宫缩乏力性产后出血的效果

目的探讨马来酸麦角新碱联合缩宫素治疗宫缩乏力性产后出血的效果。方法选取本院120例宫缩乏力性产后出血患者为研究对象,根据随机数字表法分为两组,各60例。对照组给予缩宫素治疗,探讨组给予马来酸麦角新碱联合缩宫素治疗,比较两组的治疗效果、不良反应、产后出血量、生活质量、血常规指标。结果探讨组治疗总有效率为98.33%,显著高于对照组的85.00%(P<0.05);探讨组产后1、2、4、24h出血量均少于对照组;治疗后,探讨组社会关系、精神状态、躯体功能、生理功能得分均高于对照组(P<0.05);两组不良反应发生率与血常规指标比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论马来酸麦角新碱药物联合缩宫素治疗宫缩乏力性产后出血,能提高治疗效果与生活质量,减少出血量,且不增加不良反应,有推广价值。

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

益母草联合缩宫素治疗对宫缩乏力性产后出血产妇出血情况的影响

目的:探究益母草联合缩宫素治疗对宫缩乏力性产后出血产妇出血情况的影响。方法:选取2017年6月至2018年6月万宁市人民医院收治的行剖宫产术产妇80例作为研究对象,随机分为对照组和观察组,每组40例。胎儿娩出后,均给予缩宫素进行治疗,观察组在此基础上加用益母草颗粒。观察并比较2组的发生疗效、不同时间点的出血量、产后血红蛋白和红细胞计数、不良反应情况。结果:观察组产妇总有效率为95.00%,显著高于对照组的77.50%(P<0.05)。2组产妇产时、产后2h、产后24h和产后72h的出血量均显著下降,且观察组的出血量低于对照组(P<0.05)。手术后,2组产妇血红蛋白和红细胞计数均下降,但观察组下降较少,高于对照组(P<0.05)。观察组不良反应发生率为10%,对照组不良反应发生率为17.5%,2组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:益母草联合缩宫素治疗对宫缩乏力性产后出血产妇具有较好的临床疗效,可显著控制出血情况,改善血红蛋白和红细胞水平,值得临床推广。

缩宫素在高强度聚焦超声治疗子宫肌瘤中的应用研究

目的探讨术中应用缩宫素在高强度聚焦超声治疗子宫肌瘤中的短期有效性及安全性。方法回顾性分析应用高强度聚焦超声治疗子宫肌瘤的病例,其中术中未使用缩宫素48例(无缩宫素组),术中应用缩宫素(0. 18 U/min)62例(缩宫素组)。术后1周门诊复查及子宫MRI增强扫描评估治疗效果。比较两组消融效率、单位体积消融时间以及临床不良反应的发生率。结果缩宫素组和无缩宫素组消融效率分别为(51. 8±2. 5)%和(69. 5±2. 1)%(P <0. 01),单位体积消融时间分别为(1. 72±0. 37)min和(0. 37±0. 10)min(P <0. 01)。两组疼痛评分、皮肤烫伤、术后低热和少量阴道出血等轻度不良反应发生率比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P> 0. 05),均未出现空腔脏器穿孔等严重不良反应。结论使用缩宫素能提高高强度聚焦超声治疗子宫肌瘤患者的短期消融效率,缩短术中治疗时间,且不增加不良反应发生率。

益母草注射液联合缩宫素预防阴道分娩产后出血的临床观察

目的探讨益母草注射液联合缩宫素注射液预防阴道分娩产后出血和促进子宫复旧的效果。方法将该院经阴道分娩的285例患者随机分为益母草组(A组)、益母草联合缩宫素组(B组)、缩宫素组(C组)。观察产后各时段阴道流血量,子宫复旧情况,产前、产后血红蛋白变化,产后恶露情况,血压、心率的变化以及药物不良反应等。结果 A、B组患者产后阴道流血量、产后子宫复旧、产后恶露时间优于C组,各组产妇产前、产后血红蛋白,血压及心率在用药前后无明显改变。各组均未发生不良反应。结论益母草注射液能够减少产后出血,有缓慢、持续的缩宫效果,与缩宫素注射液联用预防产后出血效果更好,且药物安全性良好。

益宫散联合催产素治疗晚期产后出血疗效分析

目的:结合临床实践经验,探讨益宫散联合催产素治疗晚期产后出血的疗效。方法:研究对象选取晚期产后出血患者72例,采用随机数字法将其分为对照组和观察组,每组各36例。对照组接受催产素及常规西医治疗,观察组则接受中西医结合(益宫散联合催产素)治疗。分别比较两组患者治疗后的临床总有效率、宫腔内残留组织、生命体征、不良反应和并发症的发生率。结果:观察组LPH患者血压、尿量、脉搏等生命体征优于对照组,宫腔内残留组织、不良反应和并发症发生率均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),而治疗有效率观察组高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:应用益宫散联合催产素治疗晚期产后出血,可提高临床总有效率,减少宫腔内残留组织,使患者的生命体征得以稳定且不良反应及并发症发生率低,安全性高。

卡前列素氨丁三醇注射液治疗产后出血的效果

目的观察卡前列素氨丁三醇注射液对产后出血的治疗效果。方法选取本院收治的产后出血产妇68例,根据治疗方法将其分为两组,每组34例。常规组给予常规治疗,观察组给予卡前列素氨丁三醇注射液治疗。比较两组治疗效果(治疗总有效率、产后出血情况)。结果观察组治疗总有效率(94.12%)高于常规组(73.53%);观察组产后2 h出血量低于常规组,观察组产后24 h出血量低于常规组。以上结果均存在明显差异(P<0.05)。结论卡前列素氨丁三醇注射液对产后出血的治疗效果显著,具有起效快、作用时间长等优势,可有效减少产后出血量。

Combination of "low-dose" ribavirin and interferon alfa-2a therapy followed by interferon alfa-2a monotherapy in chronic HCV-infected nonresponders and relapsers after interferon alfa-2a monotherapy

AIM To report on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of interferon alfa-2a combined with a "low dose" of ribavirin for relapsers and non responders to alpha interferon monotherapy.METHODS Thirty-four chronic hepatitis C virus-infected non-responders to interferon alfa2a monotherapy (a course of at least 3 months treatment) and 13 relapsers to interferon alfa 2a monotherapy (a dose of 3 to 6 million units three times per week for at least 20 weeks but not more than 18 months) were treated with the same dose of interferon alfa-2a used before (3 to 6 million units three times per week) and ribavirin (10 mg/ kg daily) for 6 months. In complete responders, interferon alfa-2a was administered for further 6 months at the same dose used before as monotherapy.RESULTS Seven (20.6%) of 34 non-responders stopped the combined therapy due to adverse events, including two patients with histological and clinical Child A cirrhosis. In 17/27 (63%)non-responders, the combined therapy was stopped after three months because of non-response. Ten of the 27 non-responders completed the 1;2-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 28 months (16- 37 months)after the treatment, 4/10 (15%) previous non-responders still remained complete responders,All 13 previous relapsers completed the 12-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 22months (9 - 36 months) after treatment, 6/13(46%) the previous relapsers were stillsustained complete responders.CONCLUSION Our treatment schedule of the combined therapy for 6 months of interferon alfa2a with a low dose of ribavirin (10 mg/kg/day)followed by 6 months of interferon alfa-2amonotherapy is able to induce a sustainedcomplete response rate in 15% of non-responders and 46% of relapsers with chronic hepatitis C virus-related liver diseases comparable to those obtained with the standarddoses of ribavirin 1000 - 1200 mg/day.Randomized prospective controlled trials using lower total amounts of ribavirin in combination with interferon should be performed.

Probiotic mixture VSL#3:An overview of basic and clinical studies in chronic diseases

Probiotics are known as“live microorganisms”and have been proven to have a health effect on hosts at the proper dose.Recently,a kind of probiotic mixture including eight live bacterial strains,VSL#3,has attracted considerable attention for its combined effect.VSL#3 is the only probiotic considered as a kind of medical food;it mainly participates in the regulation of the intestinal barrier function,including improving tight junction protein function,balancing intestinal microbial composition,regulating immune-related cytokine expression and so on.The objective of this review is to discuss the treatment action and mechanism for the administration of VSL#3 in chronic diseases of animals and humans(including children).We found that VSL#3 has a therapeutic or preventive effect in various systemic diseases per a large number of studies,including digestive systemic diseases(gastrointestinal diseases and hepatic diseases),obesity and diabetes,allergic diseases,nervous systemic diseases,atherosclerosis,bone diseases,and female reproductive systemic diseases.