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The proceedings contain 109 papers. The topics discussed include: dose intensity of palbociclib and initial body weight dosage: implications on progression free survival in 220 patients with ER+/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer;characteristics of Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid) recipients and clinical interventions by oncology pharmacists at a tertiary outpatient cancer center;safe handling of non-carcinogenic drugs in the Ghent University Hospital: development, implementation and communication of hospital-specific guidelines;case series: use of olaparib in uncommon locations in patients with impaired homologous recombination;real-world data evaluation of medicines used in special situations in oncohematology: a retrospective study from a comprehensive cancer institution;Dostarlimab in the treatment of recurrent endometrial cancer: real life experience;medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws and CDK4/6 inhibitors in breast cancer;and efficacy and safety outcomes of generic imatinib in adults with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) following the switch from branded imatinib.
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SARS-CoV-2 has infected more than 600 million people worldwide over the last 2.5 years. So far, there efficacy of many antiviral drugs against COVID-19 has been evaluated only in small studies conducted in different countries. Objective. To assess the efficacy of umifenovir in patients with COVID-19. Materials and methods. We performed systematic search of publications in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Sixteen studies with a total of 1,843 patients were included in the analysis. The following endpoints were evaluated: frequencies of negative PCR test on days 7 and 14;mortality in patients with mild, moderate, and severe disease;and frequency of fever resolution on day 7. Results. We found that patients receiving umifenovir demonstrated a significantly higher frequency of negative PCR test on day 7 than patients who received no causal therapy or other antiviral drugs (odds ratio (OR) 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-2.62, p = 0.02, I2 = 13%). This difference was even more significant among patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.24-3.32, p = 0.005, I2 = 0%), as well as on day 14 (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.35-3.94, p = 0.0007, I2 = 50%). We also observed a reduced risk of death in the studies that included only patients with mild and moderate disease (JR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.33-0.83, p = 0.006, I2 = 0). Umifenovir therapy did not affect the frequency of fever resolution by day 7 (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.49-1.56, p = 0.64, I2 = 0%). Conclusion. Umifenovir significantly accelerated virus elimination by days 7 and 14 among patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Umifenovir also reduced the risk of death compared to other antiviral drugs.Copyright © 2022, Dynasty Publishing House. All rights reserved.
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mRNA is a new class of drugs that has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of brain tumors. Thanks to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and numerous therapy-based clinical trials, it is now clear that lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a clinically viable means to deliver RNA therapeutics. However, LNP-mediated mRNA delivery to brain tumors remains elusive. Over the past decade, numerous studies have shown that tumor cells communicate with each other via small extracellular vesicles, which are around 100 nm in diameter and consist of lipid bilayer membrane similar to synthetic lipidbased nanocarriers. We hypothesized that rationally designed LNPs based on extracellular vesicle mimicry would enable efficient delivery of RNA therapeutics to brain tumors without undue toxicity. We synthesized LNPs using four components similar to the formulation used in the mRNA COVID19 vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer): ionizable lipid, cholesterol, helper lipid and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-lipid. For the in vitro screen, we tested ten classes of helper lipids based on their abundance in extracellular vesicle membranes, commercial availability, and large-scale production feasibility while keeping rest of the LNP components unchanged. The transfection kinetics of GFP mRNA encapsulated in LNPs and doped with 16 mol% of helper lipids was tested using GL261, U87 and SIM-A9 cell lines. Several LNP formations resulted in stable transfection (upto 5 days) of GFP mRNA in all the cell lines tested in vitro. The successful LNP candidates (enabling >80% transfection efficacy) were then tested in vivo to deliver luciferase mRNA to brain tumors via intrathecal administration in a syngeneic glioblastoma (GBM) mouse model, which confirmed luciferase expression in brain tumors in the cortex. LNPs were then tested to deliver Cre recombinase mRNA in syngeneic GBM mouse model genetically modified to express tdTomato under LoxP marker cassette that enabled identification of LNP targeted cells. mRNA was successfully delivered to tumor cells (70-80% transfected) and a range of different cells in the tumor microenvironment, including tumor-associated macrophages (80-90% transfected), neurons (31- 40% transfected), neural stem cells (39-62% transfected), oligodendrocytes (70-80% transfected) and astrocytes (44-76% transfected). Then, LNP formulations were assessed for delivering Cas9 mRNA and CD81 sgRNA (model protein) in murine syngeneic GBM model to enable gene editing in brain tumor cells. Sanger sequencing showed that CRISPR-Cas9 editing was successful in ~94% of brain tumor cells in vivo. In conclusion, we have developed a library of safe LNPs that can transfect GBM cells in vivo with high efficacy. This technology can potentially be used to develop novel mRNA therapies for GBM by delivering single or multiple mRNAs and holds great potential as a tool to study brain tumor biology.
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Certolizumab is a Fab fragment of a humanized monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Differing from the other TNF-alpha inhibitors due to the absence of Fc fragment and pegylation, it binds to both the soluble and transmembrane forms of TNF-alpha, creating a strong TNF-alpha blockage. Previously approved for psoriatic arthritis, certolizumab received another approval from FDA in 2018 for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis that does not respond to conventional systemic treatments or for which these treatments are contraindicated. Administered via subcutaneous injections, certolizumab also has a low-dose option for patients weighing less than 90 kg. Certolizumab is considered a safe biological drug that can be preferred during pregnancy and lactation.Copyright © 2022 by Turkish Society of Dermatology and Venereology.
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COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV- 2.COVID-19 is now a pandemic, and is not yet fully under control.As the surface spike protein (S) mediates the recognition between the virus and cell membrane and the process of cell entry, it plays an important role in the course of disease transmission.The study on the S protein not only elucidates the structure and function of virus-related proteins and explains their cellular entry mechanism, but also provides valuable information for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVII)-19.Concentrated on the S protein of SARS-CoV-2, this review covers four aspects: (1 ) The structure of the S protein and its binding with angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2) , the specific receptor of SARS-CoV-2, is introduced in detail.Compared with SARS-CoV, the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV- 2 S protein has a higher affinity with ACE2, while the affinity of the entire S protein is on the contrary.(2) Currently, the cell entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 meditated by the S protein is proposed to include endosomal and non-endosomal pathways.With the recognition and binding between the S protein and ACE2 or after cell entry, transmembrane protease serine 2(TMPRSS2) , lysosomal cathepsin or the furin enzyme can cleave S protein at S1/S2 cleavage site, facilitating the fusion between the virus and target membrane.(3) For the progress in SARS-CoV-2 S protein antibodies, a collection of significant antibodies are introduced and compared in the fields of the target, source and type.(4) Mechanisms of therapeutic treatments for SARS-CoV-2 varied.Though the antibody and medicine treatments related to the SARS-CoV-2 S protein are of high specificity and great efficacy, the mechanism, safety, applicability and stability of some agents are still unclear and need further assessment.Therefore, to curb the pandemic, researchers in all fields need more cooperation in the development of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and medicines to face the great challenge.Copyright © Palaeogeography (Chinese Edition).All right reserved.
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Dayuanyin (DYY) has been shown to reduce lung inflammation in both coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and lung injury. This experiment was designed to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of action of DYY against hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) and to evaluate the effect of DYY on the protection of lung function. Animal welfare and experimental procedures are approved and in accordance with the provision of the Animal Ethics Committee of the Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science. Male C57/BL6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, model group, DYY group (800 mg.kg-1), and positive control sildenafil group (100 mg.kg-1). The animals were given control solvents or drugs by gavage three days in advance. On day 4, the animals in the model group, DYY group and sildenafil group were kept in a hypoxic chamber containing 10% +/- 0.5% oxygen, and the animals in the control group were kept in a normal environment, and the control solvent or drugs continued to be given continuously for 14 days. The right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy index, organ indices and other metrics were measured in the experimental endpoints. Meantime, the expression levels of the inflammatory factors in mice lung tissues were measured. The potential therapeutic targets of DYY on pulmonary hypertension were predicted using network pharmacology, the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF- kappaB) signaling pathway-related proteins were measured by Western blot assay. It was found that DYY significantly reduced the right ventricular systolic pressure, attenuated lung injury and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors in mice. It can also inhibit hypoxia-induced activation of NF- kappaB signaling pathway. DYY has a protective effect on lung function, as demonstrated by DYY has good efficacy in HPH, and preventive administration can slow down the disease progression, and its mechanism may be related to inhibit the activation of NF-kappaB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by DYY.Copyright © 2023, Chinese Pharmaceutical Association. All rights reserved.
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Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) poses expectant mothers to a higher risk of serious complications and mortality. Following a risk-benefit review, a number of governmental and professional bodies from across the globe recently approved the COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. Aim(s): This study aimed to investigate knowledge, actual acceptance, and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine among the obstetric population. Material(s) and Method(s): Participants were selected from among the expecting women who came for antenatal checkup during the study period (October 1, 2021-November 30, 2021). About 150 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and consented were recruited into the study. Data related to socio-demographic and clinical characteristics as well as knowledge, actual acceptance, and concerns about COVID-19 vaccine were collected through in-person interviews using a prestructured questionnaire. The SPSS version 23 was used to analyze data. The association between the attitude (acceptance and hesitance) of participants toward the COVID-19 vaccine and their sociodemographic and clinical profile was found by Fisher's exact test. Result(s): The actual acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among expecting women was 52.0%. The primary motive for accepting COVID-19 immunization was to protect the fetus, followed by the protection of one's own health. A significant association was found between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and the level of education, socio-economic status, and presence of comorbidities. The leading causes for vaccine reluctance were concerns about the efficacy and safety of the vaccines and lack of awareness about their usage during pregnancy. Conclusion(s): Multifaceted activities are required to promote the effectiveness and safety profile of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as disseminate knowledge about its usage during pregnancy. Clinical significance: Unlike numerous other studies that have investigated the accepting attitude only, the present one has investigated the actual COVID-19 vaccine uptake among the obstetric population.Copyright © The Author(s).
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Introduction: Loop diuretics are the first-line treatment for volume overload in acute decompensation of congestive heart failure (AHF). Loop diuretic resistance is common due to pharmacologic tachyphylaxis. Therefore, thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics are often used as add-on therapy to combine two different pharmacologic mechanisms. This systemic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of metolazone and other thiazide-like diuretics in AHF. Method(s): PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting this systematic review. PubMed, Scopus, PubMed Central, and Embase databases were searched using relevant keywords for studies published before 5 Jan 2022. and title screening was performed, followed by full-text screening using the Covidence software. Data were extracted, and analysis was done using Cochrane Review Manager (RevMan v5.1). The results were reported in odds ratio and mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. Result(s): Out of 2999 studies identified by database search, eight studies met the inclusion criteria (2 RCTs and 6 cohort studies). Pooled analysis using a random-effects model showed no difference in mean difference among the metolazone group and control group for 24 hours total urine output (MD 69.32, 95% CI -638.29 to 776.94;n = 551;I2 = 84%), change in urine output in 24 hours (MD -284.09, 95% CI -583.99 to 15.81;n = 345;I2 = 0%), 48 hours total urine output (MD -465.62, 95% CI -1302.22 to 370.99;n = 242;I2 = 0%) and urine output at 72 hours (MD -13.24, 95% CI -90.88 to 64.40;n = 205;I2 = 0%). However, studies with furosemide only in the comparator arm, 24 hours of total urine outcome favored metolazone (MD 692.70, 95% CI 386.59 to 998.82;n = 334;I2 = 0%). There was no difference between the two groups in the rate of adverse events, loss of weight, mortality, or readmission rates. Conclusion(s): Metolazone therapy in diuretic resistant AHF may improves urine output and facilitates achieving a net negative balance. Thus, metolazone and thiazide-like diuretics can be used as add-on therapy in acute decompensation of heart failure, especially in diuretic resistance.Copyright © 2023 The Author(s)
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Recent advancements in nanotechnology have resulted in improved medicine delivery to the target site. Nanosponges are three-dimensional drug delivery systems that are nanoscale in size and created by cross-linking polymers. The introduction of Nanosponges has been a significant step toward overcoming issues such as drug toxicity, low bioavailability, and predictable medication release. Using a new way of nanotechnology, nanosponges, which are porous with small sponges (below one microm) flowing throughout the body, have demonstrated excellent results in delivering drugs. As a result, they reach the target place, attach to the skin's surface, and slowly release the medicine. Nanosponges can be used to encapsulate a wide range of medicines, including both hydrophilic and lipophilic pharmaceuticals. The medication delivery method using nanosponges is one of the most promising fields in pharmacy. It can be used as a biocatalyst carrier for vaccines, antibodies, enzymes, and proteins to be released. The existing study enlightens on the preparation method, evaluation, and prospective application in a medication delivery system and also focuses on patents filed in the field of nanosponges.Copyright © 2023 The Authors.
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Timely, effective, and safe antiviral therapy in COVID-19 patients reduces complications, disability and mortality rates. The greatest concern with remdesivir is the risk of drug-induced liver injury, including in patients whose liver function is compromised by COVID-19. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of remdesivir in patients with confirmed SARSCoV-2 infection who had been admitted to an infectious diseases hospital in the Volgograd region in March 2022. Material(s) and Method(s): the authors carried out an open, non-randomised, single-arm study using medical records of 234 patients who had been diagnosed with "U07.1 COVID-19, virus identified" and prescribed remdesivir upon admission. The effectiveness of therapy was evaluated using two criteria: the need for oxygen supplementation or ventilatory support, or mortality. The authors conducted the evaluation on days 7, 14, and 28 using the six-point ordinal severity scale by Y. Wang et al. The safety of therapy was assessed on the basis of complaints and changes in laboratory findings. Result(s): for the patients prescribed remdesivir at admission, the 7-day mortality rate was 3.0%, the 14-day mortality rate was 5.6%, and the 28-day mortality rate was 7.3%. With the exception of a patient with myocardial infarction, all the patients who had been hospitalised with mild COVID-19 and prescribed remdesivir did not require oxygen therapy and/or transfer to intensive care and were discharged following recovery. The patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 had the 14-day mortality rate of 6.4% and the 28-day mortality rate of 8.6%. 17 patients (7.2%) discontinued remdesivir prematurely for various reasons, including adverse drug reactions. Remdesivir therapy of 5-10 days was associated with an increase in ALT activity by 2.7 +/- 0.8 times in 15.9% of patients with mild COVID-19, by 3.8 +/- 1.8 times in 20.4% of patients with moderately severe COVID-19, and by 4.8 +/- 2.7 times in 24% (12/50) of patients with severe COVID-19. In two patients (0.9%), the increase exceeded 10-fold the upper limit of normal. Conclusion(s): the obtained results support recommending remdesivir to patients with mild, moderate and severe COVID-19, including those with moderately elevated baseline activity of hepatic transaminases.Copyright © NEICON ISP LLC. All rights reserved.
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Objectives: To understand changes to granting access to novel vaccines by NITAG and payers and how prevention has become a focus in many markets Methods: Secondary research by studying various NITAG documents and published articles followed by primary research with experts in EU4 and UK Results: For NITAG recommendations, disease burden, vaccine efficacy, vaccine safety, followed by Epidemiology and mathematical modelling are conducted by most Western countries. Published studies on efficacy, effectiveness and reactogenicity are considered as key reference. UK specifically takes into account health economic modelling outputs. Recommendations in other markets are also considered in making local decisions. For vaccine funding payers consider the efficacy, durability and dosing regimen as key drivers, followed by aspects of strain coverage, formulation and storage. Platform were not considered by payers, while physicians considered it to be very important. For cost containment reasons, many NITAGs issue a recommendation for a narrow patient population Payers in all markets indicated that there is focus or prioritization of prevention strategies from ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and are likely to remain. UK for instance has increased its prevention budgets;however, this does not mean there is higher willingness to pay. In Germany there is no ring-fenced prevention specific budget. Conclusion(s): Severity of the disease is an important criterion in assessing the burden, an influential factor in vaccine decision making. In all countries in focus, Payers anticipate that the evaluation of new vaccines launched post-COVID-19 to be faster. Structural changes in Italy (restructure of AIFA and new NITAG) and UK (new public health agency), add to uncertainties on timelines. The length of the evaluation process will depends mainly on pre-work done with availability of local data on burden, epidemiology, and cost-effectiveness modelling.Copyright © 2023
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Introduction: Spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion stimulation (SCS and DRG) are standard of care in chronic neuropathic pain. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was critical to arrange postoperative care. Furthermore, the disparity between travel times and transportation options could influence the decision on seeking healthcare. Lacking financial resources could enhance this issue. Telehealth is usually restricted to video conferences, without interfering with implanted medical devices. Now, there exists a platform for remote programming of those devices. It is accessible via smartphones and allows direct contact between a patient and their doctor. Method(s): We initiated a pilot study for evaluating the performance of remote care in patients with SCS or DRG stimulation. We plan the enrollment of 20 patients, 10 each in the retrospective and the prospective group. Retrospective data has been collected from on-site programmed patients in our outpatient clinic in a large registry study. Prospective data is being collected under the new standard of care in the remotely programmed patients. We assess ten scores and categories to evaluate the status preoperatively, at implantation, and the postoperative course. The postoperative data are assessed in the context of video conferences for remote programming. 12 months after implantation, a final video conference is scheduled. In both groups, the same stimulation systems are used. Result(s): The study is ongoing. In the retrospective group (n=8), the mean duration of the programming appointment including waiting time was 43 minutes and the mean travel time 71 minutes (mean travel distance 106km with corresponding costs). So far, 5 patients have been enrolled for remote programming. Measured with the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire, their overall satisfaction with the system is high. In the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale 6 months after implantation, the retrospective group has a mean of 5 and the prospective group of 6 points. Considering the Visual Analog Scale, there was an improvement in both groups between the baseline and follow-up (in the retrospective group from mean 8 to 5 and in the prospective group from mean 8 to 2). Conclusion(s): The general convenience with the remote programming is high. Compared to the retrospective group, the patients do not experience a lack of efficacy of their stimulation. The use of remote programming offers various advantages, e.g., no travel times nor costs that allow simplified and more frequent programming. Especially in a pandemic or in case of travel limitations it is a very helpful tool. Disclosure: Mareike Mueller, MD: None, Andrea Dreyer: None, Phyllis McPhillips, RN: None, Guilherme Santos Piedade, MD: None, Sebastian Gillner, MD: ABBOTT: Consulting Fee:, Boston Scientific: Consulting Fee:, Philipp Slotty, MD: None, Jan Vesper, MD,PhD: Abbott: Consulting Fee:, Abbott: Fees for Non-CME/CE Services (e.g. advisor):, Medtronic: Fees for Non-CME/CE Services (e.g. advisor):, Boston Scientific: Consulting Fee:, Medtronic: Consulting Fee:, UniQure: Fees for Non-CME/CE Services (e.g. advisor):, ABBOTT: Consulting Fee:, Abbott: Speakers Bureau:, ABBOTT: Consulting Fee: Self, ABBOTT: Speakers Bureau: Self, ABBOTT: Contracted Research: Self, Boston Scientific: Consulting Fee: Self, Boston Scientific: Contracted Research: SelfCopyright © 2023
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Vaccination has been proved to be the most effective strategy to prevent the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The mRNA vaccine based on nano drug delivery system (NDDS) - lipid nanoparticles (LNP) has been widely used because of its high effectiveness and safety. Although there have been reports of severe allergic reactions caused by mRNA-LNP vaccines, the mechanism and components of anaphylaxis have not been completely clarified yet. This review focuses on two mRNA-LNP vaccines, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273. After summarizing the structural characteristics, potential allergens, possible allergic reaction mechanism, and pharmacokinetics of mRNA and LNP in vivo, this article then reviews the evaluation methods for patients with allergic history, as well as the regulations of different countries and regions on people who should not be vaccinated, in order to promote more safe injection of vaccines. LNP has become a recognized highly customizable nucleic acid delivery vector, which not only shows its value in mRNA vaccines, but also has great potential in treating rare diseases, cancers and other broad fields in the future. At the moment when mRNA-LNP vaccines open a new era of nano medicine, it is expected to provide some inspiration for safety research in the process of research, development and evaluation of more nano delivery drugs, and promote more nano drugs successfully to market.Copyright © 2023, Chinese Pharmaceutical Association. All rights reserved.
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Objective: Viruses are agents that can infect all kinds of living organisms, and the most important hosts are humans, animals, plants, bacteria and fungi. Viral diseases are responsible for serious morbidity and mortality worldwide, are a major threat to public health, and remain a major problem worldwide. The recently prominent Coronaviruses (CoVs) within this group belong to the Coronaviridae family, subfamily Coronavirinae, and are large (genome size 26-32 kb), enveloped, single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA ) viruses that can infect both animals and humans. The world has experienced three epidemics caused by betaCoVs in the last two decades: SARS in 2002-03, MERS in 2012, and COVID-19, first identified in 2019. COVID-19 continues to be our current health problem and studies on the subject continue. Result and Discussion: The term "antiviral agents" is defined in very broad terms as substances other than virus-containing vaccine or specific antibody that can produce a protective or therapeutic effect for the clearly detectable effect of the infected host. Nature has the potential to cure humanity's helplessness against viruses with many different plant species with strong antiviral effects. During the screening of plants with antiviral effects, focusing on plants used in folk medicine is of great importance in terms of maximizing the benefit to humanity - saving time and effort by dealing with valuable ancient knowledge on a scientific basis. In this review, viral diseases and the plants used in these diseases and determined to be effective are mentioned.Copyright © 2022 University of Ankara. All rights reserved.
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Objectives: The 90-day double-blind phase (DBP) of the Phase 3 EASE study demonstrated accelerated wound healing for Oleogel-S10 (birch triterpenes) versus control gel in epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Here, we report safety and total wound burden results from the 24-month open-label phase (OLP) in which all patients received treatment with Oleogel-S10. Method(s): Total wound burden was assessed using EB Disease Activity and Scarring Index (EBDASI) and Body Surface Area Percentage (BSAP). Data are reported without visit windows to reflect a realworld situation more accurately, particularly considering the COVID- 19 pandemic. Result(s): The patient population was made up of dystrophic EB (n = 178, 86.8%) and junctional EB (n = 25, 12.2%);71.7% (n = 147) of patients were aged <18 years. 141 patients (68.8%) completed the OLP. The mean (SD) treatment duration for all patients was 584.7 (246.1) days. Adverse events were reported in 77.1% of all patients in the OLP versus 81.7% of those receiving Oleogel-S10 in the DBP. Mean BSAP for patients treated with Oleogel-S10 in the DBP reduced from 12.1% at study entry to 6.1% with 27 months of treatment. Similarly, the mean EBDASI skin activity score in the Oleogel-S10 group improved from 19.6 to 15.1 after 27 months. In addition, reductions in both BSAP and EBDASI from OLP baseline were observed in patients who transitioned from control gel to Oleogel-S10 in the OLP. Discussion(s): These data support a reassuring long-term safety profile of Oleogel-S10. Furthermore, the reduction in wound burden previously reported with 15 months of Oleogel-S10 treatment is maintained to the end of OLP. This is encouraging given the nature of this chronic genetic disorder in which there is regular cycling of patients' fragile wounds.
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly spread worldwide. Although several vaccines have been developed to control the spread of the disease, the safety and efficacy of the vaccine to patients with autoimmune liver disease are uncertain. However, subjects need to decide whether to receive the vaccine for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study found that 29 of 40 patients with autoimmune liver disease experienced anxiety to receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. After providing information about COVID-19 and the vaccines, the number of patients with vaccination anxiety was reduced from 40 to 14 (p=0.000685). Appropriate provision of the information of COVID-19 and the vaccine improved vaccine anxiety in patients with autoimmune liver disease.Copyright © 2021 The Japan Society of Hepatology.
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The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to sicken millions worldwide and fundamentally change the way people interact with each other. In order to better characterize the SARS-CoV-2 virus and potentially develop methods of inhibition for further spread of the disease, this research project focused on synthesizing and characterizing the trans-membrane region of the accessory protein ORF7a. ORF7a has been implicated in proper viral assembly, leading to the idea that inhibition of this protein could prevent viral copies from being produced and halt the spread of the virus. The goal of this project was to determine the oligomerization state of the protein through a fluorescence assay in order to better understand the quaternary structure of the ORF7a complex and how it folds. The fluorescence assay is performed using three different samples of the synthesized peptide: one labeled with a TAMRA fluorophore, one labeled with a NBD fluorophore, and the last is unlabeled. After determining the oligomerization state of the protein, potential inhibitors could be synthesized and tested for their efficacy at inhibiting the function of the protein. Further applications of these inhibitors on other viruses can be explored due to the highly conserved nature of transmembrane domains across multiple viral families. Synthesis of the protein was done using a Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) technique and multiple batches of all three samples of peptide have been generated. Characterization and purification were done using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) as well as Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS). Current research focuses on the purification and quantification of purified ORF7a oligopeptide for implementation of the fluorescence assay. -Hampden-Sydney College Office of Undergraduate Research.Copyright © 2023 The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
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The current outbreak of COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has affected > 210 countries. Various steps are taken by different countries to tackle the current war-like health situation. In India, the Ministry of AYUSH released a self-care advisory for immunomodulation measures during the COVID-19 and this review article discusses the detailed scientific rationale associated with this advisory. Authors have spotted and presented in-depth insight of advisory in terms of immunomodulatory, antiviral, antibacterial, co-morbidity associated actions, and their probable mechanism of action. Immunomodulatory actions of advised herbs with no significant adverse drug reaction/toxicity strongly support the extension of advisory for COVID-19 prevention, prophylaxis, mitigations, and rehabilitation capacities. This advisory also emphasized Dhyana (meditation) and Yogasanas as a holistic approach in enhancing immunity, mental health, and quality of life. The present review may open-up new meadows for research and can provide better conceptual leads for future researches in immunomodulation, antiviral-development, psychoneuroimmunology, especially for COVID-19.Copyright © 2021, Institute of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University.
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Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a pharmacist-managed protocol for transitioning critically ill patients from intravenous (iv) to subcutaneous insulin compared with a provider-managed process. Method(s): This single-center, retrospective, observational study included patients admitted to the medical or surgical/trauma intensive care unit who received a continuous infusion of iv insulin from January 2019 to April 2021. Patients were excluded if they were less than 18 years of age, pregnant, incarcerated, or received iv insulin for the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, calcium channel blocker or beta blocker overdose, or hypertriglyceridemia. The primary outcome was the percentage of blood glucose (BG) concentrations within the target range of 70-150 mg/dL from 0 to 48 h following transition to subcutaneous insulin. Secondary outcomes included percentage of BG concentrations within goal range following transition at 0-12 h and 12-24 h, incidence of hypo- and hyperglycemia, and percentage of patients requiring dose adjustments after initial transition. Result(s): A total of 110 unique patients were included with 70 patients in the provider-managed group and 40 patients in the pharmacist-managed group. On average, pharmacists transitioned patients to 63% basal insulin based on their 24-h total day dose of insulin. The pharmacist-managed group achieved glycemic control in 53% of transitions at 12 h, 40% at 24 h, and 47% from 0 to 48 h, while the provider group achieved glycemic control in 25% of transitions at 12 h, 12% at 24 h, and 18% from 0 to 48 h (p < 0.001 for all time points). As for safety end points, the pharmacist-managed group demonstrated lower rates of hypoglycemia (p = 0.001), severe hypoglycemia (p = 0.332), hyperglycemia (p < 0.001), and severe hyperglycemia (p < 0.001) compared with the provider-managed group. Conclusion(s): Pharmacists can effectively and safely transition critically ill patients from iv to subcutaneous insulin utilizing a standardized protocol.Copyright © 2023 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.