Efectos de la COVID-19 en la calidad de la atención de los servicios de salud en Colombia: Revisión de literatura / Effects of COVID-19 on the quality of health care services in Colombia: a literature review / Efeitos da covid-19 na qualidade dos serviços de saúde na colômbia: revisão da literatura

Introducción: La pandemia por COVID-19 ha afectado significativamente la calidad de los servicios de cuidado de la salud. Objetivo: Analizar los efectos en los atributos de la calidad en salud de los servicios de atención de enfermedades diferentes a la COVID-19 en Colombia, durante el periodo 2020-2022. Materiales y métodos: Se analizaron 24 artículos de alcance nacional y otros específicos de departamentos como Antioquia, Córdoba, Santander y Cundinamarca. Resultados: La pandemia por COVID-19 impactó la calidad de los servicios en la atención de enfermedades como cáncer, accidentes cerebrovasculares y de eventos como la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo. Conclusión: La calidad de la salud se vio afectada en todas sus dimensiones durante las fases de la pandemia, especialmente en la población con enfermedades crónicas y relacionadas con la salud infantil y materna. Además, se destacaron respuestas como el uso de la telemedicina y de la atención domiciliaria para contribuir a la calidad de la salud en Colombia.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the quality of health care services. Objective: To analyze the effects of COVID-19 on the quality of health care services focused on treating diseases other than COVID-19 in Colombia during the 2020-2022 period. Materials and methods: 24 articles were analyzed, which included some studies focused on national issues and others specific to the departments of Antioquia, Cordoba, Santander, and Cundinamarca. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the quality of health services caring for diseases such as cancer, strokes, and critical circumstances like voluntary termination of pregnancy. Conclusion: All dimensions of health care were affected during the pandemic, especially impacting populations with chronic diseases and diseases related to child and maternal health. It is important to highlight that telemedicine and home care contributed to improving the quality of health in Colombia.

Introdução: A pandemia de COVID-19 afetou significativamente a qualidade dos serviços de saúde. Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos da COVID-19 nos atributos de qualidade em saúde dos serviços de atenção a outras doenças além da COVID-19 na Colômbia, durante o período 2020-2022. Materiais e métodos: foram analisados 24 artigos de âmbito nacional e outros específicos de departamentos como Antioquia, Córdoba, Santander e Cundinamarca. Resultados: A pandemia da COVID-19 impactou a qualidade dos serviços no cuidado de doenças como câncer, acidente vascular cerebral e eventos como a interrupção voluntária da gravidez. Conclusão: A qualidade da saúde foi afetada em todas as suas dimensões durante as fases da pandemia, especialmente na população com doenças crônicas e doenças relacionadas à saúde infantil e materna. Além disso, foram destacadas respostas como o uso da telemedicina e do atendimento domiciliar para contribuir para a qualidade da saúde na Colômbia.

Influence of non-pharmacological methods on duration of labor: a systematic review / A influência de métodos não farmacológicos na duração do parto: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract The article aims to verify the influence of MNFs on the duration of the birth process. A systematic review was carried out in the MEDLINE, Web of Science and LILACS databases, through a combination of terms that cover the topic addressed, from 1996 to 2021/April. The Excel spreadsheet was used to collect data to extract information regarding each selected article, in turn, data analysis included the evaluation and classification of quality, reliability and risk of bias, thus, the following tools were used: Cochrane RoB 2, Checklist and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Warm bath, walking, exercises with a birthing ball, breathing techniques, supine position, acupuncture, acupressure and water birth reduced labor time. While spontaneous pushing, massage and immersion baths prolonged labor. Non-pharmacological methods capable of reducing the duration of labor were hot/warm shower, walking, birth ball exercises, breathing techniques, maternal mobility, dorsal position, acupuncture, acupressure and water birth, as well. associated applied techniques such as hot/warm bath, ball exercises and lumbosacral massage, as well as immersion bath, ball exercises, aromatherapy, vertical postures and maternal mobility with alternating vertical postures, shortened the birth time.

Resumo O objetivo do artigo é verificar a influência dos MNFs na duração do processo de parto. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Web of Science e LILACS, por meio da combinação de termos que contemple a temática abordada, no período de 1996 a 2021/abril. Utilizou-se para coleta de dados a planilha Excel para extração de informações referentes a cada artigo selecionado, por sua vez, a análise dos dados compreendeu a avaliação e classificação da qualidade, confiabilidade e risco de viés, assim, utilizou-se como ferramentas: Cochrane RoB 2, Checklist e Escala de Newcastle-Ottawa. Reduziram o tempo de trabalho de parto banho morno, caminhada, exercícios com bola de parto, técnicas respiratórias, decúbito dorsal, acupuntura, acupressão e parto na água. Enquanto empurrões espontâneos, massagem e banho de imersão prolongaram o trabalho de parto. Os métodos não farmacológicos capazes de reduzir a duração do trabalho de parto foram banho de chuveiro quente/morno, caminhada, exercícios com bola de parto, técnicas de respiração, mobilidade materna, posição dorsal, acupuntura, acupressão e parto na água, também encurtaram o tempo de parto técnicas aplicadas associadas como banho quente/morno, exercícios com bola e massagem lombossacral, assim como banho de imersão, exercícios com bola, aromaterapia, posturas verticais e mobilidade materna com posturas verticais alternadas.

Análisis de la tasa de cesáreas por grupos de Robson en Clínica Universidad de los Andes

Introducción: La tasa de cesáreas es importante para cualquier centro de atención hospitalaria. Es un indicador de calidad utilizado en muchas publicaciones y, aunque no es una estadística vital, se ha reconocido como un indicador de la calidad de atención. Objetivo: Conocer la tasa de cesáreas en una institución utilizando los grupos de Robson. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de bases de datos de la maternidad. Se consideraron las variables de paridad, cesárea anterior, trabajo de parto, inducción, para poder clasificar la población según los grupos de Robson. El análisis consideró los nacimientos desde octubre del 2014 hasta junio del 2021. Resultados: Se observó una tasa de 27,9% en el periodo de estudio. El grupo 5 de Robson, que considera pacientes con una o más tasa de cesáreas, mostró una elevada tasa (68%), contribuyó con el 36% de todas las cesáreas, siendo solamente el 15% de la población. El grupo 3, de multíparas con trabajo de parto espontáneo, tuvo una tasa del 1,8%, contribuyó al 0,4% de las cesáreas, siendo el 20% de la población de estudio. Se encontró una correlación significativa entre uso de parto instrumental y menor tasa de cesáreas, al realizar análisis por operador (Spearman rho: -0,45; IC95%: -0,788 a -0,0190; p = 0,043). Conclusión: La tasa de cesáreas observada fue 27,9%, y las pacientes con cesárea anterior son un grupo donde pueden concentrarse mayores esfuerzos para bajar la tasa global. Entre los operadores, los usuarios de parto instrumental tuvieron menor proporción cesáreas.

Introduction: The cesarean section rate is important for any hospital care center. It is a quality indicator used in many publications, and although not a vital statistic, it has been recognized as an indicator of the quality of care. Objective:: To know the cesarean section rate in an institution using Robson groups. Methods: Retrospective study of maternity databases. The variables of parity, previous cesarean section, labor, induction was considered in order to classify the population according to Robson groups. The analysis considered births from October 2014 to June 2021. Results: A rate of 27.9% was observed in the study period. Robson's group 5, which considers patients with one or more rate of cesarean sections, showed a high rate (68%), contributing to 36% of all cesarean sections, being only 15% of the population. Group 3, multiparas with spontaneous labor, had a rate of 1.8%, contributing to 0.4% of cesarean sections, making up 20% of the study population. A significant correlation was found between the use of instrumental delivery and a lower rate of cesarean sections, when analyzing by operator (Spearman rho: -0.45; IC95%: -0.788 to -0.0190; p = 0.043). Conclusion: The observed cesarean section rate was 27.9%, and patients with a previous cesarean section are a group where greater efforts can be concentrated to lower the overall rate. Among the operators, users of instrumental delivery had a lower proportion of cesarean sections.

Partos verticalizados e ocorrência de lacerações perineais em casa de parto do Distrito Federal / Vertical births and occurrence of perineal lacerations in a birth center in the Federal District

Comparar as distintas posições verticalizadas adotadas por parturientes durante o trabalho de parto, associando à ocorrência de possíveis lacerações perineais e seus respectivos graus. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico, observacional, descritivo, transversal, retrospectivo, de abordagem quantitativa. O estudo foi realizado na Casa de Parto de São Sebastião, localizada no Distrito Federal, a qual contou com uma amostra aleatória de 499 mulheres, que tiveram seus partos no período de janeiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2021. Resultados: O estudo apontou que 354 mulheres adotaram posições verticalizadas durante o período expulsivo e 249 obtiveram algum grau de laceração; já 145 adotaram posições não verticalizadas e 74 tiveram algum grau de laceração. Entre as posições verticalizadas, a mais adotada foi com o uso da banqueta de parto (37%). Conclusão: As posições verticalizadas estão associadas ao maior número de lacerações, porém o grau da laceração varia entre as posições.(AU)

To compare the different upright positions adopted by parturients during labor, associating them with the occurrence of possible perineal lacerations and their respective degrees. Methodology: This is an epidemiological, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study with a quantitative approach. The study was carried out at the Casa de Parto de São Sebastião, located in the Federal District, which had a random sample of 499 women who gave birth between January 2018 and December 2021. Results: The study found that 354 women adopted upright positions during the expulsive period and 249 had some degree of laceration; 145 adopted non-upright positions and 74 had some degree of laceration. Among the upright positions, the most commonly adopted was the use of the birthing stool (37%). Conclusion: Upright positions are associated with a higher number of lacerations, but the degree of laceration varies between positions.(AU)

Comparar las diferentes posiciones erguidas adoptadas por las parturientas durante el trabajo de parto, asociándolas con la ocurrencia de posibles laceraciones perineales y sus respectivos grados. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio epidemiológico, observacional, descriptivo, transversal, retrospectivo y con abordaje cuantitativo. El estudio se realizó en la Casa de Parto de São Sebastião, ubicada en el Distrito Federal, que contó con una muestra aleatoria de 499 mujeres que dieron a luz entre enero de 2018 y diciembre de 2021. Resultados: El estudio encontró que 354 mujeres adoptaron posiciones erguidas durante el período expulsivo y 249 tuvieron algún grado de laceración; 145 adoptaron posiciones no erguidas y 74 tuvieron algún grado de laceración. Entre las posturas erguidas, la más adoptada fue el uso del taburete de parto (37%). Conclusión: Las posiciones verticales se asocian con el mayor número de laceraciones, pero el grado de laceración varía entre las posiciones.(AU)

Grupo centrado: experiência com mulheres na vivência do ciclo gravídico puerperal / Centered group: a study with women experiencing pregnancy-puerperal cycle / Grupo focal: experiencia con mujeres en la vivencia del ciclo de embarazo puerperal

OBJETIVO: Compreender experiência de grupo orientado pela Abordagem Centrada na Pessoa (ACP) com mulheres que vivenciam o ciclo gravídico puerperal, no contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). MÉTODO: Pesquisa qualitativa, de inspiração fenomenológica, e utilização do referencial da ACP como norteador do estudo. As informações foram coletadas por meio de grupo, em quatro encontros presenciais nos meses de maio e junho de 2022, utilizando-se dos instrumentos Versão de Sentido (VS's) e Entrevista Fenomenológica (EF), sendo as informações organizadas em Eixos de Sentido e compreendidas a partir das premissas da ACP em diálogo com estudos vinculados às temáticas emergidas. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Os Eixos elaborados a partir das VS's evidenciaram aspectos e tendências típicas do desenvolvimento de grupo fundamentado pela ACP; descreveram o grupo como espaço de acolhimento e liberdade experiencial, no qual se facilitou a expressão de vivências significativas relacionadas à gestação, parto e puerpério; apresentaram, ainda, o sentido de que a experiência grupal constituiu-se como promotora de trocas e apoio mútuo, de desenvolvimento e aprendizagens significativas. Os Eixos formulados com base na EF revelaram que as mulheres compreenderam a participação no grupo como uma experiência positiva, que propiciou cuidado aos aspectos emocionais, impulsionando autoconhecimento e desenvolvimento; e facilitadora de mudanças construtivas na vivência da maternidade. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo demonstrou a viabilidade de grupo centrado na assistência integral à saúde da mulher no período gravídico puerperal, e as convergências entre os princípios da ACP e os que orientam a prática na assistência do SUS.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding the group guided by the Person-Centered Approach (PCA) with women who experience the pregnancypuerperal cycle, in the Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS (Brazilian National Health System) context. METHOD: Qualitative research of phenomenological inspiration using the PCA framework as a guide for the study. Information was collected through groups, in four face-to-face meetings between May and June 2022, using the Sense's Version (SV's) and Phenomenological Interview (PI), with the information organized in Sense Axes and understood from the premises of the PCA in dialogue with studies linked to emerging themes. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The Axes created from the SV's showed aspects and tendencies which are typical of the development of a group based on the PCA; described the group as a welcoming space and experiential freedom, in which the expression of significant experiences related to pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium was facilitated; they also presented, the sense that the group experience was constituted as a promoter of exchanges and mutual support, of development and significant learning. The Axes formulated based on the PI, revealed that the women understood participation in the group as a positive experience, which provided care for emotional aspects, boosting self-knowledge and development; and a facilitator of constructive changes in the experience of motherhood. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated the viability of a group centered on comprehensive care for women's health in the pregnancy-puerperal period between the PCA principles and those that guide the SUS care practice.

OBJETIVO: Comprender la experiencia de grupo orientado por el Enfoque Centrado en la Persona (ACP) con mujeres que vivenciaron el ciclo de embarazo puerperal, en el contexto del Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS (Sistema Único de Salud). MÉTODO: Pesquisa cualitativa de inspiración fenomenológica e utilización del referencial de la ACP como guía de estudio. Las informaciones fueron colectadas por medio de un grupo, en cuatro encuentros presenciales en los meses de mayo y junio del 2022, utilizando-se de los instrumentos Versiones del Sentido (VS's) e Entrevista Fenomenológica (EF), siendo las informaciones organizadas en Ejes del Sentido y comprendidas a partir de las premisas de la ACP en dialogo con estudios vinculados a las temáticas emergidas. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIONES: Los Ejes elaborados a partir de las VS's evidenciaron aspectos y tendencias típicas del desarrollo del grupo fundamentado por la ACP, describieron el grupo como espacio de acogimiento y libertad experimental en lo cual se facilitó expresar las vivencias significativas relacionadas a la gestación, el parto y el puerperio, presentaron todavía, el sentido de que la experiencia grupal e constituyó como promotora de cambios y apoyos mutuos, de desarrollo y aprendizajes significativos. Los Ejes formulados con base en la EF, revelaron que las mujeres comprendieron la participación en el grupo como una experiencia positiva que les proporcionó cuidados a los aspectos emocionales aumentando el autoconocimiento y desarrollo; y facilitadora de cambios constructivos en la vivencia de la maternidad. CONCLUSIÓN: El estudio demostró la viabilidad del grupo enfocado en la asistencia integral a la salud de la mujer en el período del embarazo puerperal, y las convergencias entre los principios de la ACP y los que orientan la practica en la asistencia del SUS.

Experiencia de parto instrumental con vacuum en Hospital Público de Santiago de Chile

Introducción: El vacuum es el instrumento de elección para asistir el parto instrumental en países desarrollados. Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio es exponer los resultados maternos y fetales del uso del vacuum en población chilena y promover su disponibilidad y uso en nuestro país y Latinoamérica. Método: El estudio se realizó entre octubre de 2017 y diciembre de 2021, incluyendo a pacientes que tuvieron parto instrumental con vacuum en el Hospital San Juan de Dios de Chile. Se compararon los partos exitosos con vacuum y los partos en los que se requirió el uso de otro instrumento o una cesárea posterior al uso del instrumento. Resultados: Se realizaron 153 vacuum, correspondientes al 28,59% del total de partos instrumentales. El 79,74% tuvo éxito. El 5,88% no recibió anestesia o se aplicó anestesia local. Solo el 3,27% presentó desgarro perineal con compromiso del esfínter anal. El 91,5% de los recién nacidos no tuvieron complicaciones fetales. Un 20,3% requirió reanimación neonatal. Conclusiones: El estudio muestra que el vacuum es una opción segura y efectiva de parto instrumental en nuestra población. La correcta capacitación y protocolos adecuados son necesarios para garantizar resultados exitosos.

Introduction: Vacuum extraction is the instrument of choice for assisting instrumental delivery in developed countries. Objective: The aim of the study is to present the maternal and fetal outcomes of vacuum use in the Chilean population and promote its availability and usage in our country and Latin America. Method: The study was performed between October 2017 and December 2021, including patients who underwent instrumental delivery with a vacuum extraction at the Hospital San Juan de Dios in Chile. Successful vacuum deliveries were compared with deliveries where another instrument was required, or a cesarean section was performed after instrument use. Results: A total of 153 vacuum deliveries were carried out, accounting for 28.59% of all instrumental deliveries. 79.74% were successful. 5.88% did not receive anesthesia or received local anesthesia. Only 3.27% experienced perineal tear with involvement of the anal sphincter. 91.5% of newborns had no fetal complications. 20.3% required neonatal resuscitation. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that the vacuum is a safe and effective option for instrumental delivery in our population. Proper training and appropriate protocols are necessary to ensure successful outcomes.

Perceptions and feelings of pregnant women undergoing outpatient follow-up for toxoplasmosis

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis persists as a neglected disease and poses a challenge to public health, especially due to the risk of vertical transmission, which can lead to countless biological complications for the newborn and to psychological and emotional repercussions for the mother. Objective: To understand the perceptions and feelings of pregnant women affected by toxoplasmosis undergoing outpatient follow-up. Materials and Methods: A qualitative and exploratory study developed with 12 women with gestational toxoplasmosis undergoing specialized outpatient follow-up in a municipality from the state of Paraná, Brazil. The data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and subjected to content analysis, supported by descending hierarchical classification. Results: The pregnant women experienced situations ranging from diagnosis and treatment to preventing the disease in the child and family. These experiences generated fear, distress and uncertainty about the disease, which were not adequately addressed during prenatal assistance in primary care. However, the pregnant women emphasized the importance of the multiprofessional team at the secondary level in monitoring and health education. Discussion: Although the pregnant women felt confident about the treatment and its implications for the child's health, discovering the diagnosis impacted their everyday lives and those of their families, especially due to lack of reliable information about toxoplasmosis and to the absence of emotional support at the primary level. Conclusions: There was a temporary scenario of disinformation among these women, who were not properly guided and supported. However, the guidelines offered in secondary health care were essential for improving knowledge and practices in health.

Elemene Antitumor Drugs Development Based on "Molecular Compatibility Theory" and Clinical Application: A Retrospective and Prospective Outlook / 中国结合医学杂志

Elemene, derived from Curcuma wenyujin, one of the "8 famous genuine medicinal materials of Zhejiang province," exhibits remarkable antitumor activity. It has gained wide recognition in clinical practice for effectiveness on tumors. Dr. XIE Tian, introduced the innovative concept of "molecular compatibility theory" by combining Chinese medicine principles, specifically the "monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy" theory, with modern biomedical technology. This groundbreaking approach, along with a systematic analysis of Chinese medicine and modern biomedical knowledge, led to the development of elemene nanoliposome formulations. These novel formulations offer numerous advantages, including low toxicity, well-defined composition, synergistic effects on multiple targets, and excellent biocompatibility. Following the principles of the "molecular compatibility theory", further exploration of cancer treatment strategies and methods based on elemene was undertaken. This comprehensive review consolidates the current understanding of elemene's potential antitumor mechanisms, recent clinical investigations, advancements in drug delivery systems, and structural modifications. The ultimate goal of this review is to establish a solid theoretical foundation for researchers, empowering them to develop more effective antitumor drugs based on the principles of "molecular compatibility theory".

Research progress of needle-free injection technology / 药学学报

Needle-free injection technology (NFIT) refers to the drug delivery systems in which drugs are propelled as high-speed jet streams using any of the pressure source to penetrate the skin to the required depth. NFIT is a promising drug delivery system as it enables the injection of liquids, powders, and depot/projectiles, and has the advantages of preventing needle stick accidents, improving drug bioavailability, eliminating needle-phobia, increasing vaccine immunity, simplifying operations and is convenient for patients to use. NFIT and its research background, the structure and classification of needle-free jet injectors (NFJI), drugs that can be delivered using NFJI and the factors affecting the injection effect are comprehensively reviewed in this paper. The limitations and potential development directions are summarized to provide a theoretical basis for the application and development of NFIT.

Drugs that act in the lymphatic system and lymphatic drug delivery: review and perspective / 药学学报

The lymphatic system, as well as pathological changes of the lymphatic system, underlies the progress of an array of diseases and conditions, including cancer, inflammation and autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases and metabolic syndrome. A variety of biological targets in the lymphatic system can be employed to modulate these high-burden diseases, and the pharmacokinetics and drug delivery strategies in the context of lymphatics are of critical importance to optimise drug exposure to lymphatic-related targets. As such, research and drug development in this field has gained increasing attention in recent years. This article aims to provide an overview of pharmaceutical research with a focus on the lymphatic system and therapeutic targets within the lymphatics, followed by lymphatic drug delivery approaches, which may be of interest for researchers in academia, pharmaceutical industry and regulatory sciences.

Preparation of tripterygium glycoside nanoparticles and therapeutic effect on arthritis rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To prepare tripterygium glycoside nanoparticles and probe into their therapeutic effect on collagen-induced arthritis ( CIA) rats. Methods Tripterygium glycosides polyglycoside nanoparticles were prepared by thin film dispersion method and their quality was assessed. The CIA model was established and drug intervention performed. The body weight, toe swelling degree and arthritis index were measured. The pathological changes of the organs, knee and ankle synovium were observed. The serum levels of kidney function and inflammatory cytokine expression were detected in rats. Results The prepared tripterygium wil-fordii polyglycoside nanoparticles were round particles with uniform distribution and stable properties under electron microscope. Compared with the model group, the swelling of the left and right toes of medication group significantly decreased (P < 0. 01), and the ar-thritis index markedly decreased ( P < 0. 01). Among them, the efficacy of the TG-NPs group was better than that of the TG group. Compared with the normal group, the indexes of heart, spleen, kidney and testis all significantly decreased (P <0. 05, P<0.01). TG-NPs group had a significantly reduced pathological ankle-joint injury in knee cartilage and increased apoptotic synovial cells. Compared with the model group, the serum levels of ALT and BUN and CRE in TG-NPs group were significantly lower (P < 0. 05 ), and IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 levels decreased significantly (P <0. 05). Conclusions TG-NPs have good therapeutic effect on CIA through induction of synovial cell apoptosis and decrease of the expression of inflammatory cytokines. By intravenous injection of blood circula-tion, slow and controlled release of drugs can be achieved, the first pass effect caused by oral drug can be avoided, the viscera toxicity can be reduced, which provides an experimental basis for the development of new nanoagents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Research progress on exosome-based antitumor drug delivery system / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Tumor is the main cause of global related death.Although the existing treatment methods have made significant progress,the lack of specificity and low bioavailability are still the challenge in the treatment.Exosomes are lipid bilayer extracellular vesicles that were released in the range of 30—150 nm when a multi vesicular body(MVB) fuses with plasma membrane,which are important mediators of intercellular communication,and can transport cellular components such as proteins,lipids and nucleic acids to neighboring or distant cells,thus changing the role of recipient cells.Exosomes have been used as natural nano-carriers for drug delivery.After being loaded with antitumor drugs,they can be delivered to the focus for targeted treatment of various tumors,and the therapeutic effect is good.In this paper,the advantages of exosomes-based antitumor drug delivery system,drug loading methods and the research progress of exosomes from different cells in cancer treatment are reviewed so as to provide important basis for the targeted treatment of cancer.

Effects of different storage and transportation devices on the temperatures of “internet plus drug delivery”in hospital under high-temperature conditions in summer / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore suitable storage and transportation conditions for “internet plus drug delivery” under high- temperature conditions. METHODS A survey on high-temperature conditions in summer in Beijing was conducted； a retrospective analysis was conducted on “internet plus drug delivery” orders in our hospital from July 2021 to June 2022， summarizing the proportion and delivery range of drugs under different storage and transportation conditions. Additionally， simulation and validation experiments were performed to investigate optimal drug storage and transportation devices for “internet plus drug delivery” in Beijing under high-temperature conditions in summer. RESULTS The monthly average temperature in Beijing from June to August consistently exceeded 25.0 ℃ between 1991 and 2022. From July 2021 to June 2022， a total of 104 drugs were required to be stored below 25.0 ℃， accounting for 31.23% of the 333 drugs listed in our hospital’s “internet plus drug delivery” catalog in Beijing. These drugs were delivered 1 058 times， accounting for 19.63% of the total deliveries. Simulation and validation experiments demonstrated that the average maximum temperature during the next-day delivery process of “carton + foam box + composite aluminum film pearl cotton + 500 g ice bag×2 + gas column bag” was 9.6 ℃， the average minimum temperature was 2.7 ℃， and all the temperatures remained below 15.0 ℃， which could effectively ensure the quality of drugs. CONCLUSIONS Under the high-temperature conditions in summer in Beijing， the storage and transportation device of “carton + foam box + composite aluminum film pearl cotton + 500 g ice bag×2 + gas column bag” can meet the temperature requirements specified in the drug storage instructions for Beijing intra-city drug delivery.

Research Progress of Osimertinib Supported by Nanodrug Delivery System Against Non-small Cell Lung Cancer / 肿瘤防治研究

Osimertinib is an irreversible third representative epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with T790M resistance and classical EGFR mutations. However, the therapeutic effectiveness of osimertinib is limited by acquired drug-resistance, poor water solubility and low tumor accumulation rates. Nanodrug delivery systems can increase the solubility and stability of drugs, prolong the blood circulation time of drugs, improve the uptake rate of cells, promote drug accumulation in tumor tissues, and improve drug resistance. Thus, they are effective in overcoming the limitations of traditional targeted drugs. In this study, we reviewed the mechanism of action of the third-generation EGFR-TKI osimertinib, focused on research advances in osimertinib nanodrug delivery systems against NSCLC, and explored the challenges and future development direction in this field.

Research progress of nano-drug delivery system for the treatment of ocular fundus diseases / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Diseases of ocular fundus are the leading causes of severe vision impairment or even blindness in patients worldwide, and the medical treatments are seriously limited by the difficulty of therapeutic drugs entering the fundus due to the various physiological barriers. Nano-drug delivery systems, with their nanoscale size and large surface area, can be loaded with therapeutic drugs of different physicochemical properties and modified with various surface active substances, which can not only improve the solubility and penetration of the drugs, but also protect biologic drugs from degradation and improve the biological safety and bioavailability, as well as deliver therapeutic drugs to specific ocular targets. All of these make the therapeutic potential enormous. Currently, more and more studies have been carried out to take advantage of nanomaterials for the treatment of different fundus diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, fundus neovascularization, endophthalmitis and fundus tumors. This review analyzes the challenges and barriers faced by different routes of drug administration in the treatment of fundus diseases, the physicochemical properties of common nano-drug delivery systems that have been studied in related fields, and further summarizes the progress, advantages, limitations, and future directions of the application of various nano-drug delivery systems for the treatment of ocular fundus diseases in recent years.

Unlocking the potential of amorphous calcium carbonate: A star ascending in the realm of biomedical application

Calcium-based biomaterials have been intensively studied in the field of drug delivery owing to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Calcium-based materials can also deliver contrast agents, which can enhance real-time imaging and exert a Ca2+-interfering therapeutic effect. Based on these characteristics, amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), as a brunch of calcium-based biomaterials, has the potential to become a widely used biomaterial. Highly functional ACC can be either discovered in natural organisms or obtained by chemical synthesis However, the standalone presence of ACC is unstable in vivo. Additives are required to be used as stabilizers or core-shell structures formed by permeable layers or lipids with modified molecules constructed to maintain the stability of ACC until the ACC carrier reaches its destination. ACC has high chemical instability and can produce biocompatible products when exposed to an acidic condition in vivo, such as Ca2+ with an immune-regulating ability and CO2 with an imaging-enhancing ability. Owing to these characteristics, ACC has been studied for self-sacrificing templates of carrier construction, targeted delivery of oncology drugs, immunomodulation, tumor imaging, tissue engineering, and calcium supplementation. Emphasis in this paper has been placed on the origin, structural features, and multiple applications of ACC. Meanwhile, ACC faces many challenges in clinical translation, and long-term basic research is required to overcome these challenges. We hope that this study will contribute to future innovative research on ACC.

Lipid nanovehicles overcome barriers to systemic RNA delivery: Lipid components, fabrication methods, and rational design

Lipid nanovehicles are currently the most advanced vehicles used for RNA delivery, as demonstrated by the approval of patisiran for amyloidosis therapy in 2018. To illuminate the unique superiority of lipid nanovehicles in RNA delivery, in this review, we first introduce various RNA therapeutics, describe systemic delivery barriers, and explain the lipid components and methods used for lipid nanovehicle preparation. Then, we emphasize crucial advances in lipid nanovehicle design for overcoming barriers to systemic RNA delivery. Finally, the current status and challenges of lipid nanovehicle-based RNA therapeutics in clinical applications are also discussed. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive overview showing how to utilize lipid nanovehicles to overcome multiple barriers to systemic RNA delivery, inspiring the development of more high-performance RNA lipid nanovesicles in the future.

pH-Responsive polymer boosts cytosolic siRNA release for retinal neovascularization therapy

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has a promising future in the treatment of ocular diseases due to its high efficiency, specificity, and low toxicity in inhibiting the expression of target genes and proteins. However, due to the unique anatomical structure of the eye and various barriers, delivering nucleic acids to the retina remains a significant challenge. In this study, we rationally design PACD, an A-B-C type non-viral vector copolymer composed of a hydrophilic PEG block (A), a siRNA binding block (B) and a pH-responsive block (C). PACDs can self-assemble into nanosized polymeric micelles that compact siRNAs into polyplexes through simple mixing. By evaluating its pH-responsive activity, gene silencing efficiency in retinal cells, intraocular distribution, and anti-angiogenesis therapy in a mouse model of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, we demonstrate the efficiency and safety of PACD in delivering siRNA in the retina. We are surprised to discover that, the PACD/siRNA polyplexes exhibit remarkable intracellular endosomal escape efficiency, excellent gene silencing, and inhibit retinal angiogenesis. Our study provides design guidance for developing efficient nonviral ocular nucleic acid delivery systems.

Logic-gated tumor-microenvironment nanoamplifier enables targeted delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 for multimodal cancer therapy

Recent innovations in nanomaterials inspire abundant novel tumor-targeting CRISPR-based gene therapies. However, the therapeutic efficiency of traditional targeted nanotherapeutic strategies is limited by that the biomarkers vary in a spatiotemporal-dependent manner with tumor progression. Here, we propose a self-amplifying logic-gated gene editing strategy for gene/H2O2-mediated/starvation multimodal cancer therapy. In this approach, a hypoxia-degradable covalent-organic framework (COF) is synthesized to coat a-ZIF-8 in which glucose oxidase (GOx) and CRISPR system are packaged. To intensify intracellular redox dyshomeostasis, DNAzymes which can cleave catalase mRNA are loaded as well. When the nanosystem gets into the tumor, the weakly acidic and hypoxic microenvironment degrades the ZIF-8@COF to activate GOx, which amplifies intracellular H+ and hypoxia, accelerating the nanocarrier degradation to guarantee available CRISPR plasmid and GOx release in target cells. These tandem reactions deplete glucose and oxygen, leading to logic-gated-triggered gene editing as well as synergistic gene/H2O2-mediated/starvation therapy. Overall, this approach highlights the biocomputing-based CRISPR delivery and underscores the great potential of precise cancer therapy.

Immunostimulatory gene therapy combined with checkpoint blockade reshapes tumor microenvironment and enhances ovarian cancer immunotherapy

Immune evasion has made ovarian cancer notorious for its refractory features, making the development of immunotherapy highly appealing to ovarian cancer treatment. The immune-stimulating cytokine IL-12 exhibits excellent antitumor activities. However, IL-12 can induce IFN-γ release and subsequently upregulate PDL-1 expression on tumor cells. Therefore, the tumor-targeting folate-modified delivery system F-DPC is constructed for concurrent delivery of IL-12 encoding gene and small molecular PDL-1 inhibitor (iPDL-1) to reduce immune escape and boost anti-tumor immunity. The physicochemical characteristics, gene transfection efficiency of the F-DPC nanoparticles in ovarian cancer cells are analyzed. The immune-modulation effects of combination therapy on different immune cells are also studied. Results show that compared with non-folate-modified vector, folate-modified F-DPC can improve the targeting of ovarian cancer and enhance the transfection efficiency of pIL-12. The underlying anti-tumor mechanisms include the regulation of T cells proliferation and activation, NK activation, macrophage polarization and DC maturation. The F-DPC/pIL-12/iPDL-1 complexes have shown outstanding antitumor effects and low toxicity in peritoneal model of ovarian cancer in mice. Taken together, our work provides new insights into ovarian cancer immunotherapy. Novel F-DPC/pIL-12/iPDL-1 complexes are revealed to exert prominent anti-tumor effect by modulating tumor immune microenvironment and preventing immune escape and might be a promising treatment option for ovarian cancer treatment.