Tumours of the head and neck comprise an important group of neoplasia, the incidence of which is increasing in many parts of the world. This increase remains high, despite all the advances in modern medicine. This malignancy is more prevalent in the developing world and unfortunately, has not received satisfactory attention as the more prevalent cancers of the developed world, like lung, breast, or colon cancer. Recent advances in diagnosis and therapeutic techniques of these lesions have yielded novel molecular targets, uncovered signal pathway dominance and advanced early cancer detection. This review covers recent advances in our understanding of the etiology, molecular changes and the possible role that genomic and proteomic research might play in the diagnosis and effective cure of this modern-day scourge.
Bacteria that attach to surface aggregate in a hydrated polymeric matrix of their own synthesis to form biofilms. These represent microbial societies with their own defense and communication system. Transitioning from acute to chronic infection is frequently associated with biofilm formation.Bacteria in biofilms are innately more resistant to antimicrobial agents. The presence of indwelling medical devices increases the risk for biofilm formation and subsequent infection. The current antibiotic therapies are of limited effectiveness in resolving biofilms infection.This review attempts to discuss the stages in biofilm formation, their pathogenic mechanisms, effect of antimicrobial agents, detection and eradication of the biofilms.
In conclusion, optimized 1.5% w/v chitosan gel was thermoresponsive, mucoadhesive, syringeable, and released drugs in slow and controlled manner with effectiveness against broad range of microbes.
Abstract. Metronidazole (MZ) and levofloxacin (LF) are widely employed for treatment of periodontitis, but high oral dose and resistance development after long-term oral administration limit their use. The aim of this study was to alleviate shortcomings in the treatment of periodontitis by fabrication of intrapocket, biodegradable films of chitosan (CS) loaded with MZ and LF meant for inserting into periodontal pockets to treat infections. The films were developed by solvent casting technique using propylene glycol as plasticizer and glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent. Their physical characteristics, such as drug content, surface pH, swelling index, and folding endurance, exhibited results within limit. Further, FTIR and DSC studies revealed stability of films and compatibility between drugs and excipients. SEM images of films showed the presence of free drug particles on the surface causing burst effect. In vitro release in McIlvaine buffer pH 6.6 was of sustained nature assisted by the burst effect. CS and crosslinking agent concentrations negatively affected drug release and positively affected T 90 (time for releasing 90% of the drug) due to altered matrix density. In contrast, the plasticizer concentration increases membrane permeability and hence increased drug release, lowering T 90 . Crosslinked films demonstrated sustained release up to 7 days. The antibacterial efficacy of films was tested on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, indicating good antibacterial activity. Clinical trials on patients proved the therapeutic efficacy of the films by a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the clinical markers of periodontitis, i.e. gingival index, plaque index and pocket depth. Conclusively, the films of MZ and LF were successful tools for the management of periodontitis.
The number of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) cases is increasing in India. This study looks upon the geographic distribution of the virus clades and variants circulating in different parts of India between January and August 2020. The NPS/OPS from representative positive cases from different states and union territories in India were collected every month through the VRDLs in the country and analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Epidemiological analysis of the 689 SARS-CoV-2 clinical samples revealed GH and GR to be the predominant clades circulating in different states in India. The northern part of India largely reported the ‘GH’ clade, whereas the southern part reported the ‘GR’, with a few exceptions. These sequences also revealed the presence of single independent mutations—E484Q and N440K—from Maharashtra (first observed in March 2020) and Southern Indian States (first observed in May 2020), respectively. Furthermore, this study indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 variant (VOC, VUI, variant of high consequence and double mutant) was not observed during the early phase of virus transmission (January–August). This increased number of variations observed within a short timeframe across the globe suggests virus evolution, which can be a step towards enhanced host adaptation.
Abstract. The present study was performed to investigate potential of Eudragit RLPO-based nanosuspension of glimepiride (Biopharmaceutical Classification System class II drug), for the improvement of its solubility and overall therapeutic efficacy, suitable for peroral administration. Nanoprecipitation method being simple and less sophisticated was optimized for the preparation of nanosuspension. Physicochemical characteristics of nanosuspension in terms of size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency (% EE) and in vitro drug release were found within their acceptable ranges. The size of the nanoparticles was most strongly affected by agitation time while % EE was more influenced by the drug/polymer ratio. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies provided evidence that enhancement in solubility of drug resulted due to change in crystallinity of drug within the formulation. Stability study revealed that nanosuspension was more stable at refrigerated condition with no significant changes in particle size distribution, % EE, and release characteristics for 3 months. In vivo studies were performed on nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat models for pharmacokinetic and antihyperglycaemic activity. Nanosuspension increased maximum plasma concentration, area under the curve, and mean residence time values significantly as compared to aqueous suspension. Oral glucose tolerance test and antihyperglycaemic studies demonstrated plasma glucose levels were efficiently controlled in case of nanosuspension than glimepiride suspension. Briefly, sustained and prolonged activity of nanosuspensions could reduce dose frequency, decrease drug side effects, and improve patient compliance. Therefore, glimepiride nanosuspensions can be expected to gain considerable attention in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus due to its improved therapeutic activity.
Characterization of field isolates of viruses associated with pox-like outbreaks involving both cows (cattle) and buffaloes was carried out. PCR and electron microcopy of representative virus isolates from these animals, initially identified them as orthopoxviruses (OPXVs). Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of A-type inclusion and haemagglutinin (HA) genes of these isolates revealed a closer relationship with other OPXVs. Sequencing of the HA gene of these isolates revealed sequence identity of 96.2-99.8 and 94.6-98.7% at the nucleotide and deduced amino acid level, respectively, with VACVs, particularly with VACV-MVA, a vaccine strain. Further, C18L (ankyrin repeat protein)-gene-based BPXV-specific PCR confirmed them as BPXV. It is apparent from this study that pox-like outbreaks in cows and buffaloes in India are caused, in most cases, by BPXV. Considering the zoonotic implications of buffalopox, such outbreaks involving both buffaloes and cows in a mixed flock may pose a significant public health threat. Transmissibility of BPXV between different species including cows, buffaloes and human beings implies the potential reemergence of the virus in the subcontinent, similar to vaccinia-like outbreaks witnessed recently in other countries.
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