Multi-functional bandage - bioactive glass/metal oxides/alginate composites based regenerative membrane facilitating re-epithelialization in diabetic wounds with sustained drug delivery and anti-bactericidal efficacy.

Chronic wounds, especially diabetic, foot and pressure ulcers are a major health problem affecting >10 % of the world's populace. Calcium phosphate materials, particularly, bioactive glasses (BG), used as a potential material for hard and soft tissue repair. This study combines nanostructured 45S5 BG with titania (TiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) into a composite via simple sol-gel method. Prepared composites with alginate (Alg) formed a bioactive nanocomposite hydrogel membrane via freezing method. X-ray diffraction revealed formation of two phases such as Na1.8Ca1.1Si6O14 and ß-Na2Ca4(PO4)2SiO4 in the silica network. Fourier transformed InfraRed spectroscopy confirmed the network formation and cross-linking between composite and alginate. <2 % hemolysis, optimal in vitro degradation and porosity was systematically evaluated up to 7 days, resulting in increasing membrane bioactivity. Significant cytocompatibility, cell migration and proliferation and a 3-4-fold increase in Collagen (Col) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) expression were obtained. Sustained delivery of 80 % Dox in 24 h and effective growth reduction of S. aureus and destruction of biofilm development against E. coli and S. aureus within 24 h. Anatomical fin regeneration, rapid re-epithelialization and wound closure were achieved within 14 days in both zebrafish and in streptozotocin (STZ) induced rat in vivo animal models with optimal blood glucose levels. Hence, the fabricated bioactive membrane can act as effective wound dressing material, for diabetic chronic infectious wounds.

Data on known anti-virals in combating CoVid-19.

Design and development of effective anti-virals in combating CoVid-19 is a great challenge worldwide. Known drugs such as chloroquine, lopinavir, favipiravir and remdesivir are used in the management of CoVid - 19. It is known that Ivermectin and remdesivir both are effective against filoviruses, paramyxo viruses. Available data also shows that ivermectin and remedesivir repress the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Thus, we document the potential use of ivermectin and remdesivir in the management of CoVid -19.

Capsaicin inhibits benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung carcinogenesis in an in vivo mouse model.

OBJECTIVE: Lung cancer is a serious health problem in most developed countries and its incidence rate is profusely increasing. Capsaicin, a component of red chilli and red pepper has been studied widely for its chemopreventive properties. The aim of the present study is to explore the anti-tumor activity of capsaicin against benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung tumorigenesis in Swiss albino mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Benzo(a)pyrene was administered orally (50 mg/kg body weight) to induce lung cancer in Swiss albino mice. Hematological study (hemoglobin content, RBC, WBC count and differential count), histochemical analysis of mast cells and Western blot analysis of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were carried out. RESULTS: Hematological parameters and the histochemical analysis of mast cells showed abnormal changes, and the immunoblotting analysis revealed increased protein expression of TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2 and NF-κB in lung cancer-challenged mice administered with benzo(a)pyrene. Capsaicin (10 mg/kg body weight) supplementation to lung cancer bearing mice considerably prevented all the above abnormalities. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate the protective effect of capsaicin against benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung carcinogenesis in mice.