Current state of, prospects for, and obstacles to mRNA vaccine development

Given their superior efficacy, rapid engineering, low-cost manufacturing, and safe delivery prospects, mRNA vaccines offer an intriguing alternative to conventional vaccination technologies. Several mRNA vaccine platforms targeting infectious diseases and various types of cancer have exhibited beneficial results both in vivo and in vitro. Issues related to mRNA stability and immunogenicity have been addressed. Current mRNA vaccines can generate robust immune responses, without being constrained by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotype of the recipient. Given that mRNA vaccinations are the only transient genetic information carriers, they are also safe. In this review, we provide an update and overview on mRNA vaccines, including their current state, and the problems that have prevented them from being used in more general therapeutic ways.

Nanomaterials and Their Impact on the Immune System

Nanomaterials have been the focus of intensive development and research in the medical and industrial sectors over the past several decades. Some studies have found that these compounds can have a detrimental impact on living organisms, including their cellular components. Despite the obvious advantages of using nanomaterials in a wide range of applications, there is sometimes skepticism caused by the lack of substantial proof that evaluates potential toxicities. The interactions of nanoparticles (NPs) with cells of the immune system and their biomolecule pathways are an area of interest for researchers. It is possible to modify NPs so that they are not recognized by the immune system or so that they suppress or stimulate the immune system in a targeted manner. In this review, we look at the literature on nanomaterials for immunostimulation and immunosuppression and their impact on how changing the physicochemical features of the particles could alter their interactions with immune cells for the better or for the worse (immunotoxicity). We also look into whether the NPs have a unique or unexpected (but desired) effect on the immune system, and whether the surface grafting of polymers or surface coatings makes stealth nanomaterials that the immune system cannot find and get rid of.

Carbon Nanotubes in Breast Cancer Treatment: An Insight into Properties, Functionalization, and Toxicity

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. It is the main reason why women die from cancer. Early diagnosis due to increased public awareness and better screening helps to tackle the disease through surgical resection and curative therapies. Chemotherapies are frequently used for cancer treatment, but these have severe adverse effects due to a lack of target specificity. Formulation development scientists and clinicians are now particularly concerned with developing safe and efficient drug delivery systems for breast cancer treatment. Potentially relevant literature to get the latest developments and updated information related to properties, functionalization, toxicity and application of carbon nanotubes in breast cancer treatment has been obtained from Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed portals. Nanomedicine has emerged as a novel tool for target-specific delivery systems and other biomedical applications. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are gaining popularity due to their unique mechanical and physiochemical properties for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It is a promising carrier that can deliver micro and macromolecules to the cancer cell. CNTs can be functionalized at the surface with different functional groups, which helps in targeting the drugs to target cancer cells. The present review has elaborated on different functionalization approaches and toxicity aspects of CNTs.

Cellular and molecular basis of therapeutic approaches to breast cancer

In recent decades, there has been a significant amount of research into breast cancer, with some important breakthroughs in the treatment of both primary and metastatic breast cancers. It's a well-known fact that treating breast cancer is still a challenging endeavour even though physicians have a fantastic toolset of the latest treatment options at their disposal. Due to limitations of current clinical treatment options, traditional chemotherapeutic drugs, and surgical options are still required to address this condition. In recent years, there have been several developments resulting in a wide range of treatment options. This review article discusses the cellular and molecular foundation of chemotherapeutic drugs, endocrine system-based treatments, biological therapies, gene therapy, and innovative techniques for treating breast cancer.

Biomedical applications of three-dimensional bioprinted craniofacial tissue engineering

Anatomical complications of the craniofacial regions often present considerable challenges to the surgical repair or replacement of the damaged tissues. Surgical repair has its own set of limitations, including scarcity of the donor tissues, immune rejection, use of immune suppressors followed by the surgery, and restriction in restoring the natural aesthetic appeal. Rapid advancement in the field of biomaterials, cell biology, and engineering has helped scientists to create cellularized skeletal muscle-like structures. However, the existing method still has limitations in building large, highly vascular tissue with clinical application. With the advance in the three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technique, scientists and clinicians now can produce the functional implants of skeletal muscles and bones that are more patient-specific with the perfect match to the architecture of their craniofacial defects. Craniofacial tissue regeneration using 3D bioprinting can manage and eliminate the restrictions of the surgical transplant from the donor site. The concept of creating the new functional tissue, exactly mimicking the anatomical and physiological function of the damaged tissue, looks highly attractive. This is crucial to reduce the donor site morbidity and retain the esthetics. 3D bioprinting can integrate all three essential components of tissue engineering, that is, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and regeneration of the lost craniofacial tissues. Such integration essentially helps to develop the patient-specific treatment plans and damage site-driven creation of the functional implants for the craniofacial defects. This article is the bird's eye view on the latest development and application of 3D bioprinting in the regeneration of the skeletal muscle tissues and their application in restoring the functional abilities of the damaged craniofacial tissue. We also discussed current challenges in craniofacial bone vascularization and gave our view on the future direction, including establishing the interactions between tissue-engineered skeletal muscle and the peripheral nervous system.

Gene Therapy for Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Potential Targets and Tools

Neuropsychiatric disorders that affect the central nervous system cause considerable pressures on the health care system and have a substantial economic burden on modern societies. The present treatments based on available drugs are mostly ineffective and often costly. The molecular process of neuropsychiatric disorders is closely connected to modifying the genetic structures inherited or caused by damage, toxic chemicals, and some current diseases. Gene therapy is presently an experimental concept for neurological disorders. Clinical applications endeavor to alleviate the symptoms, reduce disease progression, and repair defective genes. Implementing gene therapy in inherited and acquired neurological illnesses entails the integration of several scientific disciplines, including virology, neurology, neurosurgery, molecular genetics, and immunology. Genetic manipulation has the power to minimize or cure illness by inducing genetic alterations at endogenous loci. Gene therapy that involves treating the disease by deleting, silencing, or editing defective genes and delivering genetic material to produce therapeutic molecules has excellent potential as a novel approach for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. With the recent advances in gene selection and vector design quality in targeted treatments, gene therapy could be an effective approach. This review article will investigate and report the newest and the most critical molecules and factors in neuropsychiatric disorder gene therapy. Different genome editing techniques available will be evaluated, and the review will highlight preclinical research of genome editing for neuropsychiatric disorders while also evaluating current limitations and potential strategies to overcome genome editing advancements.

Protein-Based Drug Delivery Nanomedicine Platforms: Recent Developments

BACKGROUND

Naturally occurring protein cages, both viral and non-viral assemblies, have been developed for various pharmaceutical applications. Protein cages are ideal platforms as they are compatible, biodegradable, bioavailable, and amenable to chemical and genetic modification to impart new functionalities for selective targeting or tracking of proteins. The ferritin/ apoferritin protein cage, plant-derived viral capsids, the small Heat shock protein, albumin, soy and whey protein, collagen, and gelatin have all been exploited and characterized as drugdelivery vehicles. Protein cages come in many shapes and types with unique features such as unmatched uniformity, size, and conjugations.

OBJECTIVES

The recent strategic development of drug delivery will be covered in this review, emphasizing polymer-based, specifically protein-based, drug delivery nanomedicine platforms. The potential and drawbacks of each kind of protein-based drug-delivery system will also be highlighted.

METHODS

Research examining the usability of nanomaterials in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors were identified by employing bibliographic databases and web search engines.

RESULTS

Rings, tubes, and cages are unique protein structures that occur in the biological environment and might serve as building blocks for nanomachines. Furthermore, numerous virions can undergo reversible structural conformational changes that open or close gated pores, allowing customizable accessibility to their core and ideal delivery vehicles.

CONCLUSION

Protein cages' biocompatibility and their ability to be precisely engineered indicate they have significant potential in drug delivery and intracellular administration.

Co-infection associated with SARS-CoV-2 and their management

SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in Wuhan, China and quickly spread throughout the world. This deadly virus moved from person to person, resulting in severe pneumonia, fever, chills and hypoxia. Patients are still experiencing problems after recovering from COVID-19. This review covers COVID-19 and associated issues following recovery from COVID-19, as well as multiorgan damage risk factors and treatment techniques. Several unusual illnesses, including mucormycosis, white fungus infection, happy hypoxia and other systemic abnormalities, have been reported in recovered individuals. In children, multisystem inflammatory syndrome with COVID-19 (MIS-C) is identified. The reasons for this might include uncontrollable steroid usage, reduced immunity, uncontrollable diabetes mellitus and inadequate care following COVID-19 recovery.

Advances in nanomaterial-based immunosensors for prostate cancer screening

Prostate cancer is one of the most common health hazards for men worldwide, specifically in Western countries. Rapid prostate cancer screening by analyzing the prostate-specific antigen present in male serum has brought about a sharp decline in the mortality index of this disease. Immunoassay technology quantifies the target analyte in the sample using the antigen-antibody reaction. Immunoassays are now pivotal in disease diagnostics, drug monitoring, and pharmacokinetics. Recently, immunosensors have gained momentum in delivering better results with high specificity and lower limit of detection (LOD). Nanomaterials like gold, silver, and copper exhibit numerous exceptional features and their use in developing immunosensors have garnered excellent results in the diagnostic field. This review highlights the recent and different immunoassay techniques used to detect prostate-specific antigens and discusses the advances in nanomaterial-based immunosensors to detect prostate cancer efficiently. The review also explores the importance of specific biomarkers and nanomaterials-based biosensors with good selectivity and sensitivity to prostate cancer.

Design, Formulation, and Evaluation of Aloe vera Gel-Based Capsaicin Transemulgel for Osteoarthritis

Topical treatments are a potential therapeutic option for the therapy of osteoarthritis, with significant data supporting the effectiveness and safety of topical formulation. Topical gel formulations may offer an alternative to oral formulations to relieve osteoarthritis (OA) pain while decreasing systemic exposure. Topical capsaicin transemulgel may represent an effective and safe alternative. The transemulgel was prepared from aqueous Aloe vera gel and Carbopol 934 with capsaicin in clove oil emulsion. The optimized transemulgel of capsaicin showed a pH of 6.1 ± 0.1 and viscosity of 15263–998 cps. Data from in vitro diffusion demonstrated improved permeability properties. The formulation caused no skin irritation when applied topically. The optimal transemulgel spreadability was found to be 20.23 g·cm/s. In vitro and ex vivo studies of the optimized formulation were performed. The skin irritant test was performed on rat skin with an optimized and marketed formulation. Both showed no irritation on the skin. The transemulgel of the capsaicin with Aloe vera gel was proven to be effective for osteoarthritis therapy.

966 The Surgical Handbook: Enhancing Surgical Education for Medical Students and Foundation Doctors

Aim

In recent years, the GKT School of Medical Education has introduced a new curriculum resulting in a shift from a single surgical block to an integrated approach. After recognising the potential challenges that the lack of standardisation across various hospitals may cause, we created the Surgical Handbook to supplement learning, improve confidence in approaching surgical patients and prepare students for the United Kingdom Foundation Programme (UKFP).

Method

We sought authorisation for the Surgical Handbook from the GKT medical education faculty, assembled a team and conducted further background research. The National Undergraduate Curriculum by the Royal College of Surgeons of England was an excellent resource in the design of the Surgical Handbook. The handbook underwent multiple cycles of review by senior medical education faculty before its final digital and physical distribution for students.

Results

The Surgical Handbook has resulted in a sustained positive impact on surgical education for GKT students, with feedback highlighting it as an excellent additional resource for placements, exams, and the Foundation Programme.

Conclusions

Most doctors in the United Kingdom will undertake a surgical rotation as part of the Foundation Programme. Preparation for this role is essential and linked to the quality of undergraduate surgical education. Nevertheless, the importance of surgical teaching within the undergraduate curriculum remains a topic of debate. Our Surgical Handbook addresses this issue, and we are in the process of collaborating with other medical schools across the United Kingdom and beyond.

Real-time assessment of the Ganga river during pandemic COVID-19 and predictive data modeling by machine learning

In this study, four water quality parameters were reviewed at 14 stations of river Ganga in pre-, during and post-lockdown and these parameters were modeled by using different machine learning algorithms. Various mathematical models were used for the computation of water quality parameters in pre-, during and post- lockdown period by using Central Pollution Control Board real-time data. Lockdown resulted in the reduction of Biochemical Oxygen Demand ranging from 55 to 92% with increased concentration of dissolved oxygen at few stations. pH was in range of 6.5-8.5 of during lockdown. Total coliform count declined during lockdown period at some stations. The modeling of oxygen saturation deficit showed supremacy of Thomas Mueller model (R2 = 0.75) during lockdown over Streeter Phelps (R2 = 0.57). Polynomial regression and Newton's Divided Difference model predicted possible values of water quality parameters till 30th June, 2020 and 07th August, 2020, respectively. It was found that predicted and real values were close to each other. Genetic algorithm was used to optimize hyperparameters of algorithms like Support Vector Regression and Radical Basis Function Neural Network, which were then employed for prediction of all examined water quality metrics. Computed values from ANN model were found close to the experimental ones (R2 = 1). Support Vector Regression-Genetic Algorithm Hybrid proved to be very effective for accurate prediction of pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Dissolved Oxygen and Total coliform count during lockdown.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-022-04423-1.

P-059 Effect of outcome of microfluidic sperm sorter and conventional swim-up technique on DNA integrity of the sperm

Study question

Does the approach of sperm preparation technique plays any role in sperm DNA Integrity

Summary answer

Outcome of the semen sample is directly proportional to the choice of preparation technique. Microfluidics improves sperm selection and results in better sperm DNA integrity

What is known already

Microfluidic systems are promising tools for fluid manipulation that can noninvasively separate motile sperm with higher hydrodynamics profile from the lower ones. It also enables to manipulate micro swimmers as compared to the traditional methods that to without centrifugation .As it is already known that Semen analysis and preparation is one of the most important aspects in andrology and microfluidics can improve sperm analysis and selection, therefore increasing the ART success rates

Study design, size, duration

Comparative study from July 2019 to Dec 2021 in IVF unit of IKDRC Hospital .A total number of 900 patients were enrolled in the study and were randomized by using computer generated list then divided into two groups, Group A contains 460 samples and Group B having 440 samples.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Group A (n = 460) sample was prepared by using Microfluidic sperm Sorting technique and Group B (n = 440) sample was prepared by conventional Swim up technique. Samples were analyzed according to WHO 2010 laboratory manual for examination and processing of human sperm, including all normozoospermic samples. Primary outcomes of the study was DNA Fragmentation index (DFI) and it was evaluated by using sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and secondary outcomes was Progressive motility .

Main results and the role of chance

DNA fragmentation index is significantly lower in group A where Microfluidic Sperm Sorting technique (MFSS )is used than in group B where conventional swim up technique is use (10.06% vs 34.2%, p<0.0001) significant values implies that DNA integrity is better in group A than in group B and progressive motility was also found to be significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (57.6%vs16.9%, p <0.001).

Limitations, reasons for caution

As sample size was smaller, larger randomized control studies are needed to strengthen these results and all normal samples were used for the analysis and preparation , abnormal parameters were not involved .

Wider implications of the findings

According to our study the samples prepared by Microfluidic technique have higher DNA integrity than samples prepared by Swim up technique. Lower DNA Fragmentation index in microfluidics outcome indicates lower DNA damage. Choice of technique for the preparation of semen sample also plays a key role in better sperm selection.

Trial registration number

N/A

Cardiovascular disease risk factors and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction in young adults in two nationwide cohorts in the united states

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can have considerable morbidity and devastating socioeconomic and psychological consequences in young adults. Previous studies reveal that the decline in mortality in AMI has mainly been in the older population while being comparatively less significant in younger patients. This study compares young adults (18 to 44 years) hospitalized with AMI across two nationwide cohorts, 2007 and 2017, in the United States (US). It examines the burden of AMI hospitalizations, the prevalence of comorbidities, and in-hospital outcomes in young adults a decade apart. It highlights the rise in AMI hospitalizations, lack of decrease in mortality, sex-based and racial disparities, the surge in post-MI complications, and the decline in reperfusion interventions in young AMI patients over a decade.

Purpose

Coronary heart disease prevalence is challenging to ascertain in younger adults because of limited data and frequent silent clinical presentations. AMI and its complications can cause considerable morbidity, psychological trauma, and socioeconomic burden in the young.

Methods

We identified hospitalizations for AMI in young adults in 2007 and 2017 using the weighted data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), which covers 20% of stratified data of all non-federal community hospitals in the US. We compared the following data between the two cohorts: admission rates, sociodemographic features, in-hospital morbidity, complications, mortality, rate of coronary interventions, and healthcare utilization between the two cohorts. We used Pearson’s Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. We also applied multivariable regression analyses to assess and compare the risk of cardiovascular complications and in-hospital mortality while controlling for confounders, including age, sex, race, median household income quartile, primary insurance enrolment, and pre-existing comorbidities.

Results

AMI’s incidence was higher in males in both the cohorts, although with a decline (71.1% vs 66.1%), whereas it rose from 28.9% to 33.9% in females. Hypertension (47.8% vs 60.7%), smoking (49.7% vs 55.8%), obesity (14.8% vs 26.8%), and diabetes mellitus (22.0% vs 25.6%) increased in the 2017 cohort (Table 1). We found no significant difference in all-cause mortality (aOR = 1.01 (0.93-1.10), p=0.749). Post-AMI complications, cardiogenic shock (aOR = 1.16 (1.06-1.27), p=0.001), and fatal arrhythmias increased. Reperfusion interventions decreased in the 2017 cohort (PCI; aOR=0.95 (0.91-0.98), p<0.001; CABG; aOR=0.66 (0.61-0.71), p<0.001) (Table 2).

Conclusion

Our study highlights the rise in AMI hospitalizations, plateauing of mortality, gender disparity, the surge in post-MI complications, and a reassuring decline in the requirement of reperfusion interventions in young AMI patients over a decade.

Frequency, risk and predictors of type 2 myocardial infarction hospitalizations in young obese patients: A nationwide population-based analysis in the United States

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Obesity in the young population is emerging as a challenging health concern. Though there is a rising prevalence of obesity and its potential association with demand ischemia-related myocardial infarction, data remains non-existent to evaluate the association of obesity or higher body mass index (BMI) with type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI). We aim to identify the frequency, risk and predictors of T2MI in young hospitalized obese patients compared to non-obese patients in this population-based study.

Methods

We used National Inpatient Sample (2018, ICD-10 codes) to identify T2MI in young (18-44 years) hospitalized patients. Obesity was identified from comorbidities or using diagnostic codes for BMI>30 kg/m2. We performed multivariable regression analysis for the primary outcome of odds of T2MI in young obese patients compared to non-obese patients. The frequency of T2MI was compared between obese vs non-obese patients in overall and subgroup populations. Sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities in T2MI-obese vs. T2MI-non-obese cohorts were also compared. A p<0.05 was considered a threshold for statistical significance.

Results

Out of 1,268,255 young hospitalized patients with obesity, 555 had T2MI. T2MI was significantly higher in young obese than non-obese (44 T2MI/100000 hospitalizations in young obese patients vs. 17 T2MI/100000 hospitalizations in young non-obese patients, overall 0.04% in obese vs. 0.02% in non-obese, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed higher odds of T2MI in obese than nonobese when adjusted for demographics (aOR 2.65, 95% CI:2.42-2.90, p<0.001) and social demographics with comorbidities (aOR 1.60, 95% CI:1.24-2.07, p<0.001). In young obese, higher risk was found with advancing age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.11, p=0.001), in males than females (aOR 2.70, p<0.001), and blacks (aOR 2.22, p=0.011) and Native Americans (OR 3.91, 95% CI: 1.13-13.49, p=0.011) vs whites. Comorbidities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.86), chronic kidney disease (CKD, OR 2.36), rheumatoid arthritis/collagen vascular disease (RA/CVD, OR 3.04) Iin young obese patients independently increased the risk of T2MI hospitalizations [Table 1]. The T2MI-obese cohort had a significantly higher rate of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, COPD, and prior history of MI and TIA/stroke compared to the T2MI-nonobese cohort [Table 2].

Conclusion

This nationwide analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of T2MI in young obese patients compared to nonobese after excluding patients with concomitant diagnoses of T1MI. Males, blacks compared to females and whites, and comorbidities including COPD, CKD and RA/CVD predicted a higher risk of T2MI in young obese patients. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the role of higher body mass index in myocardial oxygen demand-supply mismatch and short-term/long-term risk and outcomes of T2MI.

Nationwide frequency, risk and outcomes of type-2 myocardial infarction in patients with versus without previously revascularized myocardial infarction (type 1)

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI), due to a mismatch between myocardial oxygen demand and supply, is being increasingly recognized with improved diagnostics. The upsetting concern of developing T2MI in patients with prior revascularized occlusive acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or type 1 MI (T1MI) makes it crucial to define the clinical profile and outcomes of T2MI in revascularized patients of ACS.

Purpose

To determine the risk and prognosis of T2MI in patients who had previously had coronary revascularization (PCI or CABG)

Methods

We used the National Inpatient Sample (2018) dataset from the United States to identify T2MI adult hospitalizations using ICD-10 codes and define our study arm as T2MI excluding secondary T1MI diagnoses but having prior revascularized (with percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting) AMI. We then compared demographics and comorbidities in T2MI cohort with vs without personal history of revascularized AMI. We used multivariate analysis to study the odds of T2MI hospitalizations with prior revascularized AMI and in-hospital outcomes (all-cause mortality, cardiogenic shock and resource utilization) adjusting for confounders.

Results

There were 33155 T2MI adult hospitalizations after excluding AMI (median age 71 years, 50.6% male, 67.3% white); 1435 (4.3%) had previously revascularized AMI. T2MI in the study arm had higher chances of hospitalization with prior revascularized AMI when adjusted for socio-demographics (aOR 6.92, 95% CI:6.50-7.36, p<0.001) and socio-demographics with comorbidities (aOR 5.70, 95%CI: 5.48-5.94, p<0.001) (Table 1). Study arm often had elderly (≥65 years old, 78.4% vs 65.8%), male (66.6% vs 49.9%), white (76.7% vs 66.9%), upper socio-economic class (20.2 vs 16.8%), patients who were often admitted to non-electively (99.3 vs 97.1%) and to rural (10.5 vs 9.3%) hospitalizations compared to control arm. The study arm had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal failure, deficiency anemias, prior TIA/stroke, depression and smoking. T2MI cohort with prior revascularized AMI did not show any significant association with in-hospital all-cause mortality (1.7 vs 3.0%, aOR 0.49, 95%CI 0.18-1.34, p=0.164) and cardiogenic shock (1.7% vs 2.1%, p=0.399) however, had lower hospital expenditure (median USD 31273 vs 36567) and fewer transfers to other facilities (19.5 vs 22.1%) than those without prior revascularized AMI (Table 2).

Conclusion

Population-based analysis of this nationally representative sample revealed up to six times higher risk of developing T2MI in patients with prior history of AMI (revascularized) but without any significant impact on all-cause in-hospital mortality or cardiogenic shock. Future studies are warranted to assess the short-term/long-term outcomes of T2MI in high risk patient population with previously revascularized AMI.

Alginate: Enhancement Strategies for Advanced Applications

Alginate is an excellent biodegradable and renewable material that is already used for a broad range of industrial applications, including advanced fields, such as biomedicine and bioengineering, due to its excellent biodegradable and biocompatible properties. This biopolymer can be produced from brown algae or a microorganism culture. This review presents the principles, chemical structures, gelation properties, chemical interactions, production, sterilization, purification, types, and alginate-based hydrogels developed so far. We present all of the advanced strategies used to remarkably enhance this biopolymer’s physicochemical and biological characteristics in various forms, such as injectable gels, fibers, films, hydrogels, and scaffolds. Thus, we present here all of the material engineering enhancement approaches achieved so far in this biopolymer in terms of mechanical reinforcement, thermal and electrical performance, wettability, water sorption and diffusion, antimicrobial activity, in vivo and in vitro biological behavior, including toxicity, cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, immunological response, biodegradation, porosity, and its use as scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. These improvements to overcome the drawbacks of the alginate biopolymer could exponentially increase the significant number of alginate applications that go from the paper industry to the bioprinting of organs.

Natural compounds as safe therapeutic options for ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology. Several conventional treatments for UC such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, tumor necrosis factor antagonist, integrin blockers, and interleukin antagonist, and salicylates are available but are associated with the various limitations and side-effects. None of the above treatments helps to achieve the ultimate goal of the therapy, i.e., maintenance of remission in the long-term. Natural remedies for the treatment of UC show comparatively less side effects as compared to conventional approaches, and affordable. The current review presents details on the role of herbal drugs in the treatment and cure of UC. Google, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus portals have been searched for potentially relevant literature to get the latest developments and updated information related to use of natural drugs in the treatment of UC. Natural products have been used over centuries to treat UC. Some of the essential herbal constituents exhibiting antiulcerogenic activity include gymnemic acid (Gymnema sylvestre), shagoal (Zingiber officinale), catechin (Camellia sinensis), curcumin (Curcuma longa), arctigenin (Arctium lappa), and boswellic acid (Boswellia serrata). Although many plant-derived products have been recommended for UC, further research to understand the exact molecular mechanism is still warranted to establish their usefulness clinically.

Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids on Tumor Microenvironment: A Molecular Switch in Neoplasia Transformation

The efficacy of chemotherapy depends on the tumor microenvironment. This microenvironment consists of a complex cellular network that can exert both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on tumor genesis. Given the increasing interest in the effectiveness of cannabis, cannabinoids have gained much attention as a potential chemotherapy drug. Cannabinoids are a group of marker compounds found in Cannabis sativa L., more commonly known as marijuana, a psychoactive drug used since ancient times for pain management. Although the anticancer potential of C. sativa, has been recognized previously, increased attention was generated after discovering the endocannabinoid system and the successful production of cannabinoid receptors. In vitro and in vivo studies on various tumor models have shown therapeutic efficiency by modifying the tumor microenvironment. However, despite extensive attention regarding potential therapeutic implications of cannabinoids, considerable clinical and preclinical analysis is needed to adequately define the physiological, pharmacological, and medicinal aspects of this range of compounds in various disorders covered in this review. This review summarizes the key literature surrounding the role of cannabinoids in the tumor microenvironment and their future promise in cancer treatment.