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.

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.

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.

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.

High-intensity focused ultrasound extracorporeal ablation of liver tissuesin rabbits

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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.

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

替加氟和氟尿嘧啶分别与草酸铂联合持续静脉滴入治疗晚期胃癌的比较研究

目的：探讨持续静脉滴入替加氟、氟尿嘧（5-FU）分别与草酸铂（L-OHP）联合对晚期胃癌的效果。方法：67例晚期胃癌患者分别接受方案A（32例）和方案B（35例）治疗。方案A：替加氟800mg／m^2，持续静脉滴入（24h），d1～d5；甲酰四氢叶酸（LV）200mg／m^2，静脉滴入（2h），d1～d5；L-OHP135mg／m^2，静脉滴入（2h），d1。方案B：5-FU750mg／m^2，持续静脉滴入（24h），d1～d5；LV与L—OHP应用方法同方案A。均21d为1个周期。结果：67例患者中CR9例，PR34例，有效率64．0％。TTP和MST分别为7．2个月和11．3个月。方案A有效率高于方案B，分别为68．8％和60．0％，但差异无统计学意义（Χ^2=0．557，P=0．456）。初次化疗患者有效率高于既往接受化疗者，分别为73．7％和60．4％。对复治患者方案A有效率为69．6％，方案B为52．0％，尽管方案A组有效率呈现增高的趋势，但差异无统计学意义（Χ^2=1．545，P=0．214）。两种治疗方案的不良反应均易于耐受。结论：持续静脉滴入替加氟、氟尿嘧啶分别与草酸铂联合可以作为晚期胃癌安全有效的治疗方案。

含草酸铂方案治疗晚期胃癌近期疗效分析——附18例报告

目的 :观察甲酰四氢叶酸钙 (CF)与 5 氟脲嘧啶 (5 FU)合用草酸铂 (OXA)和表阿霉素 (EPI)作为一线方案治疗晚期胃癌的疗效和毒性。方法 :共收治Ⅳ期胃癌 18例 ,其中低分化腺癌 10例 ,中分化腺癌 3例 ,黏液腺癌 3例 ,印戒细胞癌 2例。初治 15例 ,复治 3例。方案包括CF 15 0mg m2 静脉滴入 2h ,第 1～ 5天 ,5 FU 375mg m2 持续静脉滴入 ,连续 12 0h ;国产草酸铂 80～ 10 0mg m2 静脉滴入 2h ,第 1天 ;EPI 60mg m2 静脉推注 ,第 1天 ;3～ 4周为 1个周期。结果 :CR 1例 ,PR 10例 ,NC 5例和PD 2例 ,总有效率 (CR +PR)为 61 1% (11 18)。中位缓解期 8个月 ,中位生存期 11个月 ,1年生存率为4 5 %。主要毒副反应为骨髓抑制和脱发。骨髓抑制为剂量限制性毒性 ,其中Ⅲ～Ⅳ度占 2 2 2 % ,需要配合G CSF的应用。 1例发生Ⅰ度腹泻和 1例发生Ⅰ度外周神经病变 ,未作特殊处理。结论

草酸艾司西酞普兰与文拉法辛治疗老年抑郁症的疗效及不良反应比较

目的比较抗抑郁药草酸艾司西酞普兰与文拉法辛治疗老年抑郁症的疗效及不良反应。方法将64例老年抑郁症患者随机分为A组和B组各32例,A组予以草酸艾司西酞普兰治疗,B组予以文拉法辛治疗,疗程均为8周。2组治疗前和治疗后第2、4、6、8周末分别采用汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD)、不良反应量表(TESS)评定疗效及不良反应。结果 2组临床疗效和HAMD评分变化比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。2组不良反应均较少,但A组较B组更少。结论草酸艾司西酞普兰对老年抑郁症疗效显著,不良反应少,安全有效,患者依从性更好。

国产草酸铂联合氟尿嘧啶及甲酰四氢叶酸钙治疗胃肠癌近期疗效分析

目的 :观察国产草酸铂 (L OHP)联合氟尿嘧啶 (5 FU)、甲酰四氢叶酸钙 (CF)治疗晚期胃癌、大肠癌的疗效。方法 :LFP方案L OHP 130mg m2 ,静脉滴入 ,d1 ;CF 10 0mg m2 ,静脉滴入 ,d1 ～d5;5 FU5 0 0mg m2 ,静脉滴入 ,4～ 6h ,d1 ～d5(5 FU后用 ) ,2 1d为 1个周期。结果 :全组CR 1例 ,PR 12例 ,SD14例 ,PD 5例 ,总有效率 4 0 6 %。初治有效率 4 5 4 % ,复治有效率 38 1% ;胃癌与大肠癌有效率分别为4 1 7%和 37 5 %。主要不良反应为消化道反应及外周神经毒性。结论 :L OHP联合 5 FU、CF方案疗效肯定 ,经济实用 。

草酸艾司西酞普兰和氟西汀治疗老年抑郁症的疗效和不良反应分析

目的:比较抗抑郁药氟西汀和草酸艾司西酞普兰治疗老年抑郁症后抑郁症状的改善以及不良反应的分析。方法:将64例符合中国精神障碍分类与诊断标准第三版诊断标准的老年期抑郁症患者随机平分为两组,分别给予氟西汀和草酸艾司西酞普兰治疗6周。治疗前和治疗后2、4、6、8周末分别采用汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD)、副反应量表(TESS)评定疗效和不良反应。结果:1.第1周草酸艾司西酞普兰组的症状明显轻于氟西汀组(P<0.01),第2周末两组HAMD减分率无显著差异。2.经过6周治疗后,草酸艾司西酞普兰组和氟西汀组的有效率分别为85.58%、84.26%,治愈率分别为52.6%、49.8%,两组的有效率和治愈率差异不显著。3.两组不良反应比较,草酸艾司西酞普兰的不良反应更轻微。结论:草酸艾司西酞普兰与氟西汀对老年抑郁症患者有肯定疗效,不良反应小;草酸艾司西酞普兰起效更快,不良反应更轻微,老年患者对其的依从性更好。

草酸铂联合FL三周方案二线治疗晚期肠癌25例疗效分析

目的评价草酸铂（L-OHP）联合氟脲嘧啶（5-FU）、甲酰四氢叶酸钙（CF）二线治疗晚期复发大肠癌的疗效和不良反应。方法L-OHP 130 mg/m^2,静脉滴入,2 h,d1;CF 100 mg/m^2,5-FU前2小时静脉滴入,d1-d5;5-FU 500 mg/m^2,静脉滴入,6-8 h,d1-d5,21 d为1个周期。结果全组CR 1例,PR 3例,SD 17例,PD 4例,总有效率为16%,疾病控制率为84%。主要不良反应为中性粒细胞减少、消化道反应及外周神经毒性。结论L-OHP联合5-FU、CF方案（OFL）二线治疗晚期复发大肠癌安全、有效,毒性反应可耐受。

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.

Medicinal plants with hepatoprotective activity in Iranian folk medicine

There are a number of medicinal combinations in the Iranian traditional medicine which are commonly used as tonic for liver.In this review,we have introduced some medicinal plants that are used mainly for the treatment of liver disorders in Iranian folk medicine,with focus on their hepatoprotective effects particularly against CCI_4 agent.In this study,online databases including Web of Science.PubMed.Scopus,and Science Direct were searched for papers published from January 1970 to December 2013.Search terms consisted of medicinal plants,traditional medicine,folk medicine,hepatoprotective.Iran,liver,therapeutic uses,compounds,antioxidant.CCI_4.anti-inflammatory,and antihepatotoxic,hepatitis,alone or in combination.Allium hirtifolium Boiss..Apium graveolens L..Cynara scolyinus.Berberis vulgaris L..,Calendula officinalis,Nigella sativa L..Taraxacum officinale.Tragopogon porrifolius.Prangos ferulacea L..Allium sativum,Marribium vulgare,Ammi majus L..Citrullus lanatus Thunb.Agrimonia eupatoria L.and Primus armeniaca L.are some of the medicinal plants that have been used for the treatment of liver disorders in Iranian folk medicine.Out of several leads obtained from plants containing potential hepatoprotective agents,silymarin,P-sitosterol,betalain,neoandrographolide.phyllanthin.andrographolide.curcumin.picroside.hypophyllanlhin.kutkoside,and glycyrrhizin have been demonstrated to have potent hepatoprotective properties.Despite encouraging data on possibility of new discoveries in the near future,the evidence on treating viral hepatitis or other chronic liver diseases by herbal medications is not adequate.