scholarly journals STATE-OF-THE-ART NANOTECHNOLOGY BASED DRUG DELIVERY STRATEGIES TO COMBAT COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 18-29
Author(s):  
SHARON K. JOSEPH ◽  
ARYA M. A. ◽  
SACHIN THOMAS ◽  
SREEJA C. NAIR
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Immunomodulatory Agents ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
The Past ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Delivery Strategies ◽  
Adverse Environmental Conditions

The emerging Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a global impact on all important aspects of our society. As it is known, SARS-Cov-2 can withstand up to 72 h in adverse environmental conditions, which can aid its rapid spread. Woefully, an efficacious and approbated vaccine for the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains unavailable, which makes the problem more frightening and presently more complicated bestowing forlorn medical care. Nevertheless, global clinical research is studying several over-the-counter (OTC) drugs approved for other indications to confront coronavirus. Over the past decade, therapeutic nanoparticles have been regarded as a felicitous tool for the efficient and persnickety delivery of therapeutic groups (i.e., drugs, vaccines, siRNAs, and peptides) to the site of infection. They can adequately convey the drug encapsulated nanoparticle to a designated locus without instigating unsought effects. Besides, they acquiesce the use of non-invasive imaging methods to monitor the surface of the infection and the response to treatment. The formulated nanoparticle is apposite for intranasal drug delivery which is a meritorious method to deliver therapeutic moiety for viral diseases affecting the lungs. Applying nanoparticles via intranasal route surmounted several demerits of mucosal administration like circumventing enzymatic degradation of the therapeutic moiety, upgrading and prolonging the action of the drug, etc., and can thus corroborate as an exceptional strategy to encounter respiratory viruses like coronavirus. In this article, we illuminate the promising role of nanoparticles as effective carriers of therapeutic or immunomodulatory agents to help combat COVID-19. The search criteria used were Pubmed, Medscape, Google scholar, etc and the keywords are coronavirus, nanoformulations, nanoparticles, drug delivery, intranasal delivery, etc. The articles range from 2012 to 2020.

scholarly journals Role of liver biopsy versus non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis: a web-based survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Alboraie ◽  
Marwa Khairy ◽  
Aisha Elsharkawy ◽  
Noha Asem ◽  
Mohamed El Kassas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Cirrhosis ◽  
Liver Biopsy ◽  
Hepatic Fibrosis ◽  
Serum Biomarkers ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Single Method ◽  
Radiological Methods

Abstract Background Liver biopsy is the standard reference for staging hepatic fibrosis. Non-invasive methods for assessment of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis are becoming increasingly popular. Objective We aimed at exploring the change in practice regarding the use of liver biopsy and non-invasive methods for staging hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis among hepatologists. Methods We performed a survey-based study that recruited hepatologists from various Egyptian institutions. Physicians were deemed eligible if they had a degree in internal medicine with hepatology as a subspecialty. We utilized an online-based survey that assessed the acceptability and reliability of liver biopsy, serum biomarkers, and radiological tools for evaluating liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Results A total of 573 responses were retrieved (response rate = 80.3%). Out of them, 58% were having more than 15 years of experience as a hepatologist. Liver biopsy is still considered the gold standard for assessment of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis by 61% of participants. Liver biopsy was accepted by 44% of their patients. 84% reported the need for a more practical alternative to liver biopsy to assess disease progression or response to treatment. 78.34% of participants know serum biomarkers, 84.08% reported that they were acceptable by their patients, 37.79% thought they are reliable. 95.4% were familiar with radiological methods of non-invasive assessment of hepatic fibrosis, 89.1% reported that radiological methods were acceptable by their patients, 62% think that they are reliable and 78% reported they were applicable in clinical practice. Sixty-five percent think that combining non-invasive methods is better than using a single method. Forty percent of participants thought that radiological methods are easier to use for assessment of hepatic fibrosis followed by a combination of non-invasive methods, serum biomarkers, and liver biopsy respectively. Conclusion In conclusion, liver biopsy is still considered the most reliable method for evaluation and staging of liver cirrhosis by hepatologists in Egyptian institutions, despite the modest acceptance by the patients. Nonetheless, non-invasive methods are gaining acceptance by Egyptian physicians and patients, and most of them consider these methods as reliable and applicable tools for predicting the course of liver cirrhosis.

scholarly journals The Role of Branch Cell Symmetry and Other Critical Nanoscale Design Parameters in the Determination of Dendrimer Encapsulation Properties

Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald A. Tomalia ◽  
Linda S. Nixon ◽  
David M. Hedstrand
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Metal Cluster ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Void Space ◽  
The Past ◽  
Cell Symmetry ◽  
Family Types ◽  
Approved Drugs

This article reviews progress over the past three decades related to the role of dendrimer-based, branch cell symmetry in the development of advanced drug delivery systems, aqueous based compatibilizers/solubilizers/excipients and nano-metal cluster catalysts. Historically, it begins with early unreported work by the Tomalia Group (i.e., The Dow Chemical Co.) revealing that all known dendrimer family types may be divided into two major symmetry categories; namely: Category I: symmetrical branch cell dendrimers (e.g., Tomalia, Vögtle, Newkome-type dendrimers) possessing interior hollowness/porosity and Category II: asymmetrical branch cell dendrimers (e.g., Denkewalter-type) possessing no interior void space. These two branch cell symmetry features were shown to be pivotal in directing internal packing modes; thereby, differentiating key dendrimer properties such as densities, refractive indices and interior porosities. Furthermore, this discovery provided an explanation for unimolecular micelle encapsulation (UME) behavior observed exclusively for Category I, but not for Category II. This account surveys early experiments confirming the inextricable influence of dendrimer branch cell symmetry on interior packing properties, first examples of Category (I) based UME behavior, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) protocols for systematic encapsulation characterization, application of these principles to the solubilization of active approved drugs, engineering dendrimer critical nanoscale design parameters (CNDPs) for optimized properties and concluding with high optimism for the anticipated role of dendrimer-based solubilization principles in emerging new life science, drug delivery and nanomedical applications.

Enhanced Percutaneous Delivery of Beta-Blockers Using Thermal Resurfacing Drug Delivery System for Topical Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas

Dermatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 236 (6) ◽  
pp. 565-570
Author(s):  
Jacob Mashiah ◽  
Efrat Bar-Ilan ◽  
Amir Koren ◽  
Or Friedman ◽  
Eyal Zur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Partial Response ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Topical Therapy ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Vascular Tumors ◽  
The Past ◽  
Treatment Data

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common vascular tumors in children. In the past few years, topical beta-blockers (bBs) have been reported to be an effective treatment of superficial IHs. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> We sought to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety profile of enhanced percutaneous delivery of bBs for the treatment of IH. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective study of all cases of IHs treated with enhanced percutaneous delivery of bBs between 2018 and 2019 was performed. Epidemiologic, clinical, and treatment data, including effectiveness score and safety, were reviewed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The study included 11 patients with a total of 11 IHs. Of the total number of IHs, 7 (63.7%) showed a good response to treatment and 4 (36.3%) had a partial response; thus all patients (100%) had good or partial response to treatment. No systemic or local adverse effects were reported. <b><i>Limitations:</i></b> This is an uncontrolled retrospective study. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Enhanced percutaneous delivery of bBs is a safe and efficient topical therapy for IH.

The role of ultrasonography in diagnosing hourglass-like fascicular constriction(s) of the anterior interosseous nerve

2021 ◽  
pp. 028418512110529
Author(s):  
Tiezheng Wang ◽  
Hengtao Qi ◽  
Dehua Wang ◽  
Zengtao Wang ◽  
Shougang Bao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Imaging Method ◽  
Upper Arm ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
The Past ◽  
Anterior Interosseous Nerve ◽  
High Frequency Ultrasonography ◽  
Electrophysiological Examination

Background In the past, the diagnosis of hourglass-like fascicular constriction(s) of the anterior interosseous nerve mostly depended on electrophysiological examination, by which the location could not be diagnosed. There are few studies on the evaluation of hourglass-like fascicular constriction(s) by ultrasonography. Purpose To evaluate the role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of hourglass-like fascicular constriction(s) of the anterior interosseous nerve. Material and Methods A retrospective analysis of 12 patients with hourglass-like fascicular constriction(s) of the anterior interosseous nerve was carried out, and the characteristics of the high-frequency ultrasonographic images were summarized and compared with surgical exploration. Results The 12 cases of hourglass-like fascicular constriction(s) of the anterior interosseous nerve were all located in the median nerve of the distal upper arm, including nine cases of single hourglass-like fascicular constriction and three cases of multiple hourglass-like fascicular constrictions. High-frequency ultrasonography can accurately locate the hourglass-like fascicular constriction(s) of the anterior interosseous nerve and the extent of neuropathy. The ultrasonographic images of hourglass-like fascicular constriction(s) of the anterior interosseous nerve showed single or multiple hourglass-like change(s) in the median nerve of the distal upper arm. The nerve fascicles on both sides of the affected nerve with hourglass-like change thickened. Conclusions High-frequency ultrasonography could be a reliable, convenient, and non-invasive diagnostic imaging method for hourglass-like fascicular constriction(s) of the anterior interosseous nerve.

scholarly journals Toll-Like Receptor as a Potential Biomarker in Renal Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6712
Author(s):  
Sebastian Mertowski ◽  
Paulina Lipa ◽  
Izabela Morawska ◽  
Paulina Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej ◽  
Dominika Bębnowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Renal Diseases ◽  
Toll Like Receptor ◽  
Progressive Development ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Potential Marker ◽  
Potential Biomarker

One of the major challenges faced by modern nephrology is the identification of biomarkers associated with histopathological patterns or defined pathogenic mechanisms that may assist in the non-invasive diagnosis of kidney disease, particularly glomerulopathy. The identification of such molecules may allow prognostic subgroups to be established based on the type of disease, thereby predicting response to treatment or disease relapse. Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of diseases, such as membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, IgA (immunoglobulin A) nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy, along with the progressive development and standardization of plasma and urine proteomics techniques, have facilitated the identification of an increasing number of molecules that may be useful for these purposes. The growing number of studies on the role of TLR (toll-like receptor) receptors in the pathogenesis of kidney disease forces contemporary researchers to reflect on these molecules, which may soon join the group of renal biomarkers and become a helpful tool in the diagnosis of glomerulopathy. In this article, we conducted a thorough review of the literature on the role of TLRs in the pathogenesis of glomerulopathy. The role of TLR receptors as potential marker molecules for the development of neoplastic diseases is emphasized more and more often, as prognostic factors in diseases on several epidemiological backgrounds.

The role of MIBG scintigraphy in the management of a case of metastatic glomus jugulare tumour

1996 ◽  
Vol 110 (4) ◽  
pp. 373-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Nilssen ◽  
P. J. Wormald
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Mibg Scintigraphy ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Glomus Jugulare ◽  
The Past ◽  
Metastatic Lesions ◽  
Scanning Technique ◽  
Isotope Scanning ◽  
Glomus Jugulare Tumour

AbstractGlomus jugulare tumours with metastases are rare as the diagnosis of metastases in this condition can be difficult.In the past this diagnosis has been made on histology of the metastatic lesions which were identified on clinical grounds. This is one of the reasons why there have been only 20 reported cases in the literature up to 1990 (Johnstone et al., 1990). This case report examines the role of meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy in the diagnosis of metastases. MIBG scintigraphy is an injected radionucleotide isotope scanning technique which is cheap, non-invasive, sensitive as well as being a specific investigation for identifying sites of ectopic neuroendocrine tissue. It may also have a role in the treatment of these tumours.

scholarly journals Screening and prevention of colorectal cancer

BMJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. n1855
Author(s):  
Priyanka Kanth ◽  
John M Inadomi
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Us ◽  
Screening And Prevention ◽  
Current Emphasis

Abstract Mortality from colorectal cancer is reduced through screening and early detection; moreover, removal of neoplastic lesions can reduce cancer incidence. While understanding of the risk factors, pathogenesis, and precursor lesions of colorectal cancer has advanced, the cause of the recent increase in cancer among young adults is largely unknown. Multiple invasive, semi- and non-invasive screening modalities have emerged over the past decade. The current emphasis on quality of colonoscopy has improved the effectiveness of screening and prevention, and the role of new technologies in detection of neoplasia, such as artificial intelligence, is rapidly emerging. The overall screening rates in the US, however, are suboptimal, and few interventions have been shown to increase screening uptake. This review provides an overview of colorectal cancer, the current status of screening efforts, and the tools available to reduce mortality from colorectal cancer.

Pathological Role of Biofilm in Fungal Rhinosinusitis

QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
W F Ezzat ◽  
A M Askoura ◽  
A N Elshazly ◽  
H Y Falah
Keyword(s):  
Nasal Polyposis ◽  
P Value ◽  
Fungal Sinusitis ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
The Past ◽  
First Case ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Intracranial Complications ◽  
Infection Resistance

Abstract Background The first case of fungal sinusitis was reported in 1885. This fungal disease occurred rarely until the past decade, when a worldwide increase in its incidence occurred. Till one decade back bacteria was implicated as pathogen in most form of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Fungi were thought to be responsible for few specific forms, sine 1999, when ponikau and associates claimed that fungi were responsible for nearly all cases of CRS. Their study demonstrated the presence of fungi & eosinophils from nose & paranasal sinuses from ∼96 % cases of CRS. Aim of the Work The aim of the work was to detect the presence of fungal biofilm, in patients with fungal sinusitis trying to find its role in recurrence of fungal sinus infection, resistance to medical treatment and occurrence of intra orbital and intracranial complications. Patients and Methods The study consisted of 20 different cases of fungal sinusitis controlled by 10 cases of non fungal sinusitis. Control cases were divided into 5 cases of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyposis and 5 cases of deviated septum with no evidence of sinusitis undergoing nasal surgery. Results Using statistical analysis, there was evidence of pressure of fungal biofilm in different cases of fungal sinusitis whether primary or recurrent, also whether invasive or non invasive. Comparing cases with controls, There was statistically significant difference between them as regard Biofilm (p-value: &lt; 0.001) with incidence reaching (70 %) in cases while (0%) in controls. By applying risk analysis for biofilm, we used relative risk (p value = 0.0001) which is statistically significant indicating higher risk of positive biofilm in cases of fungal sinusitis, also by Using odds ratio (p value= 0.0002) which is statistically significant indicating higher risk of positive biofilm in cases of fungal sinusitis. Conclusion The study showed the presence of fungal biofilm in different cases of fungal siunsitis whether primary or recurrent, also whether invasive or non invasive.

scholarly journals Carrageenan Based Bionanocomposites as Drug Delivery Tool with Special Emphasis on the Influence of Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abida Kalsoom Khan ◽  
Ain Us Saba ◽  
Shamyla Nawazish ◽  
Fahad Akhtar ◽  
Rehana Rashid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles ◽  
The Past ◽  
Different Types

Over the past few years, considerable attention has been focused on carrageenan based bionanocomposites due to their multifaceted properties like biodegradability, biocompatibility, and nontoxicity. Moreover, these composites can be tailored according to the desired purpose by using different nanofillers. The role of ferromagnetic nanoparticles in drug delivery is also discussed here in detail. Moreover, this article also presents a short review of recent research on the different types of the carrageenan based bionanocomposites and applications.

scholarly journals Movements of the Glottis During Horn Performance: A Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter W Iltis ◽  
Sarah L Gillespie ◽  
Jens Frahm ◽  
Dirk Voit ◽  
Arun Joseph ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Movement ◽  
Acquisition Time ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Advanced Level ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
The Past ◽  
Dynamic Level ◽  
Technological Limitations ◽  
Serial Images

OBJECTIVE: The functional role of the glottis in brass performance is poorly understood and controversial, particularly with respect to pedagogy. Technological limitations have prevented the non-invasive, systematic study of the glottis in the past, but developments in real-time magnetic resonance imaging (RT-MRI) allow representations of glottal movement during performance on a MRI-compatible horn to be recorded and quantified. METHODS: We present RT-MRI data obtained on 6 advanced-level horn players from serial images acquired at an acquisition time of 33.3 ms as they performed sustained note exercises on three notes (concert Eb2, Eb4, and Bb4) at each of three dynamics (pp, mf, and ff) and a staccato exercise. An advanced-level trumpet player was also studied performing a modification of the staccato exercise designed to minimize vertical movement of the larynx. Glottal movements and positions in the coronal plane were analyzed using a customized MATLAB toolkit. RESULTS: In sustained note playing, there is a significant influence of dynamic on the degree of glottal adduction/abduction. There is greater adduction with softer notes, and greater abduction with louder notes. In slow staccato playing, glottal closure accompanies the cessation of each note and persists until iteration of the next note in the sequence. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that RT-MRI provides a suitable method to identify and quantify glottal movement during horn playing. We further show that there is a direct relationship between dynamic level and glottal adduction/abduction, and that the glottis is involved in performing notes during slow staccato playing.

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