Carboxymethyl starch encapsulated 5-FU and DOX co-loaded layered double hydroxide for evaluation of its in vitro performance as a drug delivery agent.

Achieving a new oral drug delivery system with controlled drug release behavior is valuable in cancer therapy. Therefore, for the first time, doxorubicin (DOX) and 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) were simultaneously co-loaded on the as-synthesized layered double hydroxides LDH(MgAl). The resulted system was encapsulated with carboxymethyl starch to improve its efficiency for colon cancer therapy. Several characterization techniques were used to evaluate the successful synthesis of the CMS@LDH(MgAl)@DOX,5-Fu microspheres. The scanning electron microscopy result showed that the size of prepared microspheres is about 72 µm. Additionally, the presence of one broad peak at 2θ ~ 20 of the X-ray diffraction spectrum approved its amorph nature. The drug release study showed a controlled release profile with ~22% of DOX and 29% of 5-Fu. In addition, the cell viability test outcome confirmed the sustained drug release pattern from CMS@LDH(MgAl)@DOX,5-Fu against the colon cancer cell line. The results suggest that the prepared microspheres are capable to operate as an acceptable formulation for oral co-drug delivery.

The Immunological Therapeutic Strategies for Controlling Multiple Sclerosis: Considerations during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

A growing body of evidence initially suggested that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) might be more susceptible to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Moreover, it was speculated that patients with MS treated with immunosuppressive drugs might be at risk to develop a severe diseases course after infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV2). However, the recently published data have shown that MS patients do not have a higher risk for severe COVID-19. Although there is no indication that patients with MS and immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive therapy are generally at a higher risk of severe COVID-19, it is currently being emphasized that the hazards of poorly treated MS may outweigh the putative COVID-19 dangers. In this review, we discuss the challenges and considerations for MS patients in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Depression and Exercise: A Clinical Review and Management Guideline.

CONTEXT: There is an increasing interest to detect how exercise affects depression symptoms. Although recent findings confirm the positive effect of exercise on depression, there is no clear guideline regarding advice on exercise for patients with depression. The following review aims at presenting the contemporary literature regarding the nature of depression, exercise, the underlying mechanisms and the management of an exercise program in individuals with depression. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We searched electronic databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, ISI web of knowledge and PsychInfo (from January 2000 to October 2014). We reviewed the systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large-scale randomized control trials on effects of exercise on depression. RESULTS: Recent evidence has emerged on characteristics of effective exercise programs and those patients with depression that will most benefit from the exercise programs. However due to the methodological weaknesses and inconsistencies of studies, conclusions must be made with caution. CONCLUSIONS: We have provided a number of recommendations for clinicians and researchers who plan to use exercise protocols in depression.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Patterns of Participation in Daily Physical and Play Activities.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) indicates several neurodevelopmental impairments which may end in impairments in motor or physical activities. Daily physical activity involvement was investigated in a total of 83 children (52 boys and 31 girls) with ASD aged 6-15 years. Results indicated that only 10 (12%) of children with ASD were physically active. Children were predominantly engaged in solitary play rather than social play activities. Gender, family income, and household structure were found to be associated with activity scores. Financial burden and lack of opportunities were noted as the leading barriers to physical activities. In conclusion, findings indicated a low rate of physical activity participation in children with ASD that is closely associated with sociodemographic variables.