Elastin-targeted nanoparticles delivering doxycycline mitigate cytokine storm and reduce immune cell infiltration in LPS-mediated lung inflammation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cytokine storm invoked during acute and chronic lung injury promotes alveolar damage and remodeling. The current study shows that degraded elastin-targeted nanoparticles releasing doxycycline (Doxy NPs) are potent in mitigating cytokines storm, migration of immune cells in the lungs, and inhibiting inflammasome pathways in the LPS mouse model. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Cytokine storm and lung injury were induced using LPS and elastase in C57BL/6 mice (rodent model for emphysema). The mice were then treated with I.V. Doxy NPs, blank NPs, or Doxy a day before LPS administration. Cytokine levels, immune cell population, and MMP activity were analyzed in broncheo-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) 4 hours after LPS administration. Additionally, gene expression of IL-6, IL-1beta, MCP-1, NLRP3, Caspase 1 and MMPs were investigated in alveolar cells on day 3 after LPS administration. KEY RESULTS: Doxycycline NPs but not Doxycycline significantly decreased IL-6, TNF-α, IL-23 and were significantly more effective in decreasing the percentage of immune cells in the BALF. This is the first in-vivo study to demonstrate that Doxycycline can effectively inhibit inflammasome pathways in the lungs. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: IV administration of elastin antibody conjugated Doxycycline-loaded albumin NPs can effectively modulate the local immune environment in the lungs, which is not achieved by IV Doxycycline even at 100-fold higher dose. This novel method of drug delivery can effectively lead to the repurposing of traditional Doxycycline as a potential adjunct treatment for managing the cytokine storm in the lungs in COPD and viral infections.

FINTECH DRIVEN FINCLUSION - AN ANALYSIS OF MOBILE PAYMENTS DURING COVID-19

Covid-19 brought a manifold growth in technology and technology-driven products. This article is an analysis of mobile payments during the covid time and how this mode of digital payment facilitated financial inclusion. The study is based on secondary data collected from various sources and it concludes that although social distancing and contactless payments did promote mobile payments challenges like attitude, awareness, adoption, etc., of the stakeholders and the role of regulators need to be discussed.

‘Sampark’ (Communication) to connect with patient`s family in COVID times

The Novel Coronavirus posed a unique type of challenge that the healthcare industry across the globe faced. Despite the prevalent infection control practices and infrastructural controls pre-existing in the healthcare organizations, the virus demanded further changes not only in the infrastructure, but also in our day to day practices and behavioral patterns. In the journey of coming forth and delivering best care, satisfaction of patient attendants was a challenge. Due to COVID appropriate regulations, family was not able to meet their Loved ones during admission in hospital.The Hospital Management along with senior clinicians looked into the root cause through Ishikawa Analysis .How the Patient satisfaction score decreased to 92% in IPD. Ishikawa Analysis churned up the reason for dissatisfaction . During difficult COVID times, families were already under lot of psychological stress and not being able to meet their loved ones who were admitted in the hospital further adding to their dissatisfaction.InterventionStep 1 -In View of addressing the communication Barrier, a dedicated family liaison team was established. Step 2-At the time of patient admission, one dedicated SPOC and contact details of designate attendant was taken from the patient family to share a real time feedback with them.Step 3- Any challenge what so ever was escalated to Medical Admistration Team Step 4- ‘ Family Liaising Team’ was in touch with the on ground staff in COVID facility for any escalations and condition of the patient. Step 5 : Particular time slot was fixed for family briefing daily by the treating doctor.ImpactThe impact has been multi-layered where certain changes did show an instant effect to its full magnitude. Patient Satisfaction Score increased from 92% to 96%.Appreciations from Patients and Family Members on different platforms like Google reviews ,twitter and software for patient satisfaction.