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Environmental Science and Pollution... Nov 2023In this study, TiO nanoparticle (TiONP)-coated film was produced to protect manuscripts against microorganisms using ecofriendly benign materials. As a result, a simple...
In this study, TiO nanoparticle (TiONP)-coated film was produced to protect manuscripts against microorganisms using ecofriendly benign materials. As a result, a simple method was created that uses poultice biofilm made of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and Phytagel plant cell (PGP) loaded with TiONPs to preserve manuscripts against microbes in an environmentally responsible way. Three volumes (1, 2, 4 mL) of TiONPs were put into a biofilm combination to produce the poultices known as CMC/PGP/TiO-1, CMC/PGP/TiO-2, and CMC/PGP/TiO-3. The synthesized TiONPs were nearly spherical in shape, small in size (98 nm), and stable (zeta potential value - 33 mV). The results showed that the unique deposition of TiONPs on the biofilm surface gave the produced films loaded with TiONPs a rough structure. The highest values of mechanical characteristics were determined to be in CMC/PGP/TiO-1 with values of 25.4 g, 6.6 MPa, and 11.4%, for tensile strength, elongation at break, and tear strength, respectively. Based on molecular identification, the fungus Aspergillus sydowii and the bacterium Nevskia terrae, with accession numbers MG991624 and AB806800, respectively, were isolated and identified from an antiquated manuscript formed from cellulosic fibers. Before the experiments, the produced cotton paper samples were aged, and then, one group was infected for 6 months by A. sydowii and the second group with N. terrae. Following the preparation of a CMC/PGP biofilm loaded with various volumes of TiONPs, poultices were applied to infected cotton paper in order to clean it. The infected cotton paper was placed inside the sandwich-like poultices that were created. The poultice CMC/PGP/TiO-2 demonstrated potential for preventing the growth of A. sydowii and N. terrae-infected cotton paper, when the fibers were saved, cleaned, and coated with CMC/PGP/TiO-2 after absorbing the fungus and the bacterium and exhibiting exceptional antimicrobial activities. Finally, the novel biofilms have demonstrated their capacity to lessen microbial contamination of cotton paper. In order to generalize the usage of these poultices, it is also advised that they be produced on a large scale and tested on a variety of organic materials in the future.
Topics: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Titanium; Nanoparticles; Biofilms
PubMed: 37863855
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30353-7 -
Current Drug Delivery 2024Currently, fungal infections are becoming more prevalent worldwide. Subsequently, many antifungal agents are available to cure diseases like pemphigus, athlete's foot,... (Review)
Review
Currently, fungal infections are becoming more prevalent worldwide. Subsequently, many antifungal agents are available to cure diseases like pemphigus, athlete's foot, acne, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation, albinism, and skin cancer. Still, they fall short due to pitfalls in physiochemical properties. Conventional medications like lotion, creams, ointments, poultices, and gels are available for antifungal therapy but present many shortcomings. They are associated with drug retention and poor penetration problems, resulting in drug resistance, hypersensitivity, and diminished efficacy. On the contrary, nanoformulations have gained tremendous potential in overcoming the drawbacks of conventional delivery. Furthermore, the potential breakthroughs of nanoformulations are site-specific targeting. It has improved bioavailability, patient-tailored approach, reduced drug retention and hypersensitivity, and improved skin penetration. Nowadays, nanoformulations are gaining popularity for antifungal therapy against superficial skin infections. Nanoformulations-based liposomes, niosomes, nanosponges, solid lipid nanoparticles, and potential applications have been explored for antifungal therapy due to enhanced activity and reduced toxicity. Researchers are now more focused on developing patient-oriented target-based nano delivery to cover the lacunas of conventional treatment with higher immune stimulatory effects. Future direction involves the construction of novel nanotherapeutic devices, nanorobotics, and robust methods. In addition, for the preparations of nanoformulations for clinical studies, animal modeling solves the problems of antifungal therapy. This review describes insights into various superficial fungal skin infections and their potential applications, nanocarrier-based drug delivery, and mechanism of action. In addition, it focuses on regulatory considerations, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, clinical trials, patents, challenges, and future inputs for researchers to improve antifungal therapy.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Humans; Nanoparticles; Animals; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Carriers
PubMed: 37859317
DOI: 10.2174/0115672018270783231002115728 -
Medicine International 2023Gout is a chronic disease frequently associated with lifestyle; its prevalence is increasing in Western societies, as well as in the Middle East. Apart from its partial...
Gout is a chronic disease frequently associated with lifestyle; its prevalence is increasing in Western societies, as well as in the Middle East. Apart from its partial genetic features, diet accounts for 12% of the causality of the disease, while purine-rich foods contribute decisively to its development and evaluation. The influential Persian physician of the medieval ages, Abu Bakr Muhammad Ibn Zakariya al-Razi (or by his Latin name Rhazes; 860-925 AD), wrote a short book (20 chapters) entitled ''. Rhazes adopted the Hippocratic humoralism, and suggested that the disease results from metabolic excess in the peripheral blood, presenting sex dimorphism and age-dependence. His therapeutic guidelines include a diet prescribed by a physician, the use of laxatives and emetics, counter-balancing excess or deficiency of bile or phlegm and analgesics, bloodletting, foot and steam baths, as well as salves and poultices as preventive measures. He appends differential dietary restrictions/suggestions for phlegmatic or choleric patients: Small rations and intake of good quality foods low in purine by 20% for phlegmatic and 28% for choleric patients, as well as the restriction of foods high in purine by 27% for phlegmatic and 22% for the choleric patients. Finally, the acidic to alkaloid food intake ratio suggested is 2/5 for choleric and 3/7 for phlegmatic patients. His suggested foods and drugs are vitamin C and B-rich complexes, thereby inhibiting the accumulation of tophi.
PubMed: 37854725
DOI: 10.3892/mi.2023.114 -
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative... 2023Avascular necrosis (AVN) is the condition where an interruption of the sub-chondral blood supply leads to the death of cellular components of bones typically at the...
Avascular necrosis (AVN) is the condition where an interruption of the sub-chondral blood supply leads to the death of cellular components of bones typically at the weight-bearing joints. Here we present a case of a 48 years old male patient suffering from AVN for the last two months. The patient had pain in bilateral hip joints which was gradually radiating to the bilateral thigh. The patient also felt difficulty in cross-legged, sitting, and squatting. The Ayurveda diagnosis of the case was established as Asthimajjagata-vata (∼disease due to vitiation of Vatadosha in bone and bone marrow tissues). Oral treatment was administred initially for eight months, followed by a course of Panchatikta-kshira basti (medicated enema enriched with milk) and Shalishastika panda swedana (a specific type of sudation with a poultice of rice bolus) for 24 days. Oral medications were continued during this duration and also for the subsequent 22 months. Kaishora guggulu in the dose of 750 mg twice a day with Dashamula kwath 40 ml twice a day, Ashwagandha churna (Powder of Withania somnifera Dunal) 3 g, Guduchi churna (Powder of Tinospora cordifolia L.) 1g, Chopchini churna (Powder of Smilax china L.) 2g and Shilajatwadi loha 500 mg with milk twice a day were advised to the patient. MRI scans of bilateral hip joints after 23 months of this treatment revealed changes in AVN grade, with the left hip joint transitioning from grade III-B to grade II, and the right hip joint progressing from grade IV-A to grade III. The range of motion at these joints was also improved significantly. Most of these medicines are Rasayana (∼immune-modulatory) in nature. The present case study suggests that Panchakarma procedures and Rasayana may be used for the treatment of AVN.
PubMed: 37741160
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100792 -
Complementary Medicine Research 2023The demand for complementary medicine (CM) is well studied in the outpatient sector, but representative data on type and extent of inpatient care using CM are missing....
INTRODUCTION
The demand for complementary medicine (CM) is well studied in the outpatient sector, but representative data on type and extent of inpatient care using CM are missing. Therefore, our aim was to examine the range of CM treatments offered and the types of indications for using CM in acute care hospitals in the German state of Bavaria.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey by contacting the medical heads of all 388 Bavarian acute care hospitals between November 2020 and April 2021. The questionnaire included a wide range of CM to assessed availability of CM supply, most frequent indications, and medical specialities. Furthermore, we assessed basic information about the hospital and the participating medical staff.
RESULTS
A total of 101 (26%) hospitals participated in the survey. At least one CM treatment was offered by 92% of the responding hospitals and 75% offered at least 5 therapy modalities (mean of 10 treatments, range: 0-25). These were most commonly massage therapies (68%), relaxation techniques (63%), phytotherapy (60%), mindfulness-based treatments (53%), art, diet, and exercise therapies (each 48%), aromatherapy (46%), acupuncture, and compresses/poultices (both 42%). The most reported medical conditions for CM treatments (in descending order) were chronic pain, mental disorders, degenerative affections, sleep disorders, fatigue syndrome, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and acute pain.
CONCLUSION
According to the Bavarian acute care hospitals that participated in our postal survey, a considerable part offered CM. Further research should include personal interviews and more detailed assessments of indications and attitudes for the use of CM in acute care hospital settings.
UNLABELLED
Einleitung Die Nachfrage nach Komplementärmedizinischen Verfahren (CM) ist für den ambulanten Sektor gut untersucht, aber es fehlen Daten über Art und Umfang der komplementärmedizinischen Versorgung im stationären Bereich. Unser Ziel war es daher, das CM-Angebot und die medizinischen Indikationen in Akutkrankenhäusern im Bundesland Bayern zu untersuchen.Methoden Wir führten eine Querschnittsbefragung durch, bei der die klinischen Leitungen aller 388 bayerischen Akutkrankenhäuser zwischen November 2020 und April 2021 angeschrieben wurden. Der Fragebogen inkludierte ein breites Spektrum an CM-Verfahren und erfasste deren Verfügbarkeit, die häufigsten Indikationen und Anwendungsgebiete. Ergänzend wurden grundlegende Informationen des Krankenhauses und des medizinischen Personals erfragt.Ergebnisse Insgesamt nahmen 101 (26%) Krankenhäuser an der Befragung teil. Die meisten Ausfüllenden hatten mindestens zwei Jahrzehnte klinische Berufserfahrung. Mindestens eine CM Behandlung wurde von 92% der teilnehmenden Krankenhäuser angeboten und 75% boten mindestens 5 Therapiemodalitäten an (Mittelwert: 10 Behandlungen; Spanne: 0–25). Dabei handelte es sich am häufigsten um Massagen (68%), Entspannungstechniken (63%), Phytotherapie (60%), achtsamkeitsbasierte Behandlungen (53%), Kunst-, Ernährungs-und Bewegungstherapie (jeweils 48%), Aromatherapie (46%), Akupunktur und Kompressen/Umschläge (jeweils 42%). Die häufigsten genannten Indikationen für CM-Behandlungen waren (in absteigender Reihenfolge) chronische Schmerzen, psychische Störungen, degenerative Erkrankungen, Schlafstörungen, Erschöpfungssyndrom, funktionelle Magen-Darm-Beschwerden und akute Schmerzen.Schlussfolgerung Nach Angaben der bayerischen Akutkrankenhäuser, die an unserer postalischen Umfrage teilgenommen haben, bietet ein erheblicher Teil CM an. Weitere Untersuchungen sollten persönliche Interviews und detailliertere Bewertungen der Indikationen und Einstellungen für den Einsatz von CM in Akutkrankenhäusern umfassen.Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Complementary Therapies; Phytotherapy; Hospitals; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 37673058
DOI: 10.1159/000531930 -
Schmerz (Berlin, Germany) Dec 2023Osteoarthritis of the knee (gonarthritis) represents a medical challenge. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Osteoarthritis of the knee (gonarthritis) represents a medical challenge.
RESEARCH QUESTION
What is the evidence with respect to approaches of complementary medicine and their integration into multimodal pain management concepts?
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Qualitative nonsystematic literature search on the epidemiology and pathophysiology as well as informative clinical trials, meta-analyses and clinical guidelines about conservative treatment including complementary therapy for gonarthritis.
RESULTS
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a frequent condition with biopsychosocial risks factors for chronification. The German S2k clinical guideline (k = consensus-based, not based on scientific systematic literature searches) published by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) in 2017 has not yet been updated. The current guidelines of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) date from 2020. Both guidelines recommend exercise therapy, weight reduction, short-term analgesics, topical therapy, intra-articular corticoid injections and acupuncture with variable strengths. Furthermore, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), laser and other electrophysical therapies, shock waves, traction treatment, ergotherapy, comfrey poultices and mudpacks can also be used. Current research supports the benefits of tai chi/qigong and medicinal leaches.
CONCLUSION
Complementary treatment approaches, such as acupuncture, tai chi/qigong, topical naturopathic self-treatment and leeches (with limitations) can, in addition to behavioral changes, exercise therapy and short-term pharmacological treatment, be important evidence-based components of integrative pain management concepts, e.g. in terms of an interdisciplinary multimodal pain treatment (IMPT). Besides pain reduction and functional improvement they promote the internal control conviction through the possibility of self-treatment and self-exercise.
Topics: Humans; Pain Management; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Complementary Therapies; Analgesics; Pain
PubMed: 37505229
DOI: 10.1007/s00482-023-00739-0 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023Dermatological ailments are a major health problem, especially when related to human immune deficiency syndrome and acquired immune deficiency. The goal of this study...
Dermatological ailments are a major health problem, especially when related to human immune deficiency syndrome and acquired immune deficiency. The goal of this study was to identify the medicinal plants used by the indigenous peoples of the Northwestern Himalayas to treat dermatological diseases. Several field trips were conducted in the spring and summer seasons of 2020-2021 to collect the plants of dermatological value and information about their use through open-ended semi-structured interviews ( = 53) and group discussions ( = 33). The current investigation found 64 ethnomedicinal plants belonging to 34 families commonly used to treat a variety of dermatological ailments. The main growth form was herbs (80%), followed by trees (8%) and ferns (6%). It was found that leaves (51%) were the most commonly used plant part, followed by roots and the whole plant. Wound healing was the most dominant application, with 18 plant species used, followed by skin burns cured by 11 plant species and skin boils by eight plant species. Out of the total (18%) of medicinal plants with cosmetic uses, i.e., roots of , , and were crushed into powder and mixed with turmeric, and the paste is applied topically for glowing skin. Among the various preparation methods, paste (38%) was the most common way of preparation, followed by poultice (29%) and infusion (9%). Between ethnic groups, the maximum homogeneity was between Gujjar and Bakarwal ethnic groups (23 species, 36%), followed by Gujjars and Kashmiri (14 species, 22%). Bakarwals and Gujjar people live in the same geographical location, and they graze their animals in pastures, practice extensive transhumance pastoralism, and pass through different ecological landscapes, thus having sufficient experiences with certain plants and retaining more knowledge. The species identified with the highest utilization based on the number of citations and use value included , , , , , , and . The findings of this study demonstrate that people who reside in the Northwestern Himalayas region still rely on medicinal plants.
PubMed: 37050200
DOI: 10.3390/plants12071575 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Aug 2023Salvia officinalis L., Sambucus nigra L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Agrimonia eupatoria L., Fragaria vesca L. and Malva sylvestris L. are plants that have a long...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Salvia officinalis L., Sambucus nigra L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Agrimonia eupatoria L., Fragaria vesca L. and Malva sylvestris L. are plants that have a long tradition in European folk medicine. To this day, they are part of medicinal teas or creams that help with the healing of skin wounds and the treatment of respiratory or intestinal infections. However, so far these plants have not been investigated more deeply than in their direct antibacterial effect.
AIM OF THE STUDY
Our research is focused on adjuvants that inhibit the mechanism of antibiotic resistance or modulate bacterial virulence. Based on a preliminary screening of 52 European herbs, which commonly appear as part of tea blends or poultice. Six of them were selected for their ability to revert the resistant phenotype of nosocomial bacterial strains.
METHODS
Herbs selected for this study were obtained from commercially available sources. For the extraction of active compounds ethanol was used. Modulation of virulence was observed as an ability to inhibit bacterial cell-to-cell communication using two mutant sensor strains of Vibrio campbellii. Biofilm formation, and planktonic cell adhesion was measured using a static antibiofilm test. Ethidium bromide assay was used to checked the potential of inhibition bacterial efflux pumps. The antibacterial activities of the herbs were evaluated against resistant bacterial strains using macro dilution methods.
RESULTS
Alcohol extracts had antibacterial properties mainly against Gram-positive bacteria. Of all of them, the highest antimicrobial activity demonstrated Malva sylvestris, killing both antibiotic resistant bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus with MIC of 0.8 g/L and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 0.7 g/L, respectively. Fragaria vesca extract (0.08 g/L) demonstrated strong synergism with colistin (4 mg/L) in modulating the resistant phenotype to colistin of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Similarly, the extract of S. officinalis (0.21 g/L) reverted resistance to gentamicin (1 mg/L) in S. aureus. However, Sambucus nigra and Matricaria chamomilla seem to be a very promising source of bacterial efflux pump inhibitors.
CONCLUSION
The extract of F. vesca was the most active. It was able to reduce biofilm formation probably due to the ability to decrease bacterial quorum sensing. On the other hand, the activity of S. nigra or M. chamomilla in reducing bacterial virulence may be explained by the ability to inhibit bacterial efflux systems. All these plants have potential as an adjuvant for the antibiotic treatment.
Topics: Plants, Medicinal; Staphylococcus aureus; Plant Extracts; Virulence; Colistin; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Biofilms
PubMed: 37044231
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116484 -
Toxicology Reports 2023(L.) Vahl () is a grass like herb habitually breeds as weed in paddy fields and mostly disseminated in tropical or sub-tropical countries of south and south-east Asia,...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
(L.) Vahl () is a grass like herb habitually breeds as weed in paddy fields and mostly disseminated in tropical or sub-tropical countries of south and south-east Asia, northern Australia, and west Africa. The plant has been traditionally used to treat fever as a form of poultice. However, no scientific study regarding its toxicity profile has been testified.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The study has been carried out to determine the potential toxicity of the methanol extract from leaves of the , employing the technique of acute and subchronic oral administration in mice.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In the acute toxicity study according to OECD guideline 425, oral administration of FM methanol extract at single doses of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg in both sexes of Swiss albino mice was performed. Toxic symptoms, abnormal behavior, changes in body weight, and mortality were observed for 14 consecutive days. In subchronic toxicity study according to OECD guideline 407, plant extract was administered orally at doses of 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg daily for 28 days. The general toxic symptoms, abnormal behavior, changes in body weight were observed daily. Biochemical analysis of serum, and histopathological examination of liver were performed at the end of the study.
RESULTS
No mortality, abnormal behavior and urination, changes in sleep, food intake, adverse effect, and non-linearity in body weight have been recorded during acute toxicity study at the doses of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. Also, in subchronic toxicity study, FM extract produced no mortality or any kind of adverse effects in regards of general behavior, body weight, urination, sleeping routine, and food intake. In case of analysis of thirteen different biochemical parameters, concentrations of aspartate transaminase (AST) and glucose were altered significantly in male and female mice in both acute and subchronic study. Total cholesterol and triglycerides at 5000 mg/kg.bw were changed in male mice in acute toxicity study. On the other hand, female mice had altered triglycerides in subchronic test. All other critical parameters were found unaffected. In subchronic test, histopathological examination of liver demonstrated cellular necrosis at 2000 mg/kg.bw in both male and female mice while minor necrosis was observed at 1000 mg/kg.bw. Thus, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) can be assumed around 1000 mg/kg.bw.
CONCLUSION
The present study suggests that treatment with FM extract does not reveal significant toxicity.
PubMed: 36891508
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.02.006