pH-sensitive docetaxel-loaded chitosan/thiolated hyaluronic acid polymeric nanoparticles for colorectal cancer

Aim: This study aimed to develop and evaluate pH-sensitive docetaxel-loaded thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) nanoparticles (NPs) for targeted treatment of colon cancer. Materials & methods: HA-SH, synthesized via oxidation and subsequent covalent linkage to cysteamine, served as the precursor for developing HA-SH NPs through polyelectrolyte complexation involving chitosan and thiol-bearing HA. Results & conclusion: HA-SH NPs displayed favorable characteristics, with small particle sizes (184-270 nm), positive zeta potential (15.4-18.6 mV) and high entrapment efficiency (91.66-95.02%). In vitro, NPs demonstrated potent mucoadhesion and enhanced cytotoxicity compared with free docetaxel. In vivo assessments confirmed safety and biocompatibility, suggesting HA-SH NPs as promising pH-sensitive drug carriers with enhanced antitumor activity for colorectal cancer treatments.

Occurrence of GI parasites in ruminants of Kashmir and Ladakh

The study was conducted in Kashmir and Ladakh Divisions of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir to work out the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in ruminants. The qualitative faecal examination of 476 samples revealed an overall prevalence of GI parasites to the tune of 80.04% comprising of 80.61% in cattle, 96.70% in sheep and 66.27% in goats. In Kashmir overall prevalence of GI parasites was 88.33% comprising of 80.61% in cattle, 98.41% in sheep and 100% in goats. Highest prevalence was observed for strongyles (84.00%) followed by Eimeria spp. (31.67%), Moniezia spp. (20.00%), Ascaris spp. (5.33%) and Strongyloides spp. (1.67%). Mixed infection was observed in 37.67% samples. In cattle, the parasites observed were strongyles (68.37%) and Eimeria spp. (13.27%) with mixed infection in 1.02% samples. In sheep highest prevalence was observed for strongylid eggs (97.88%) followed by Eimeria spp. (43.38%), Moniezia spp. (31.74%), Ascaris spp. (8.47%) and Strongyloides spp. (2.64%) with mixed infection in 59.26% samples. Amongst goats, only strongylid eggs (100%) were observed. In Ladakh region overall prevalence of GI parasites was 65.91% with 82.61% in sheep and 63.40% in pashmina goats. Highest prevalence was observed for Eimeria spp. (63.64%) followed by strongyles (9.09%) Moniezia spp. (5.11%) and Thysanosoma spp. (1.14%). Mixed infection was observed in 13.07% samples. In sheep, highest prevalence was observed for Eimeria spp. (73.91%) followed by strongyles (17.39%) and Thysanosoma spp. (8.70%) with mixed infection in 17.39% samples. In pashmina goats, the prevalence of Eimeria spp. (62.09%) was observed highest followed by strongylid eggs (7.84%) and Moniezia spp. (5.88%) with mixed infection in 12.42% samples.

A critical analysis of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) complexities, emerging variants, and therapeutic interventions and vaccination strategies

Coronavirus is a family of viruses that can cause diseases such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The universal outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS coronaviruses 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global pandemic. The β-Coronaviruses, which caused SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), have spread in more than 213 countries, infected over 81 million people, and caused more than 1.79 million deaths. COVID-19 symptoms vary from mild fever, flu to severe pneumonia in severely ill patients. Difficult breathing, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute kidney disease, liver damage, and multi-organ failure ultimately lead to death. Researchers are working on different pre-clinical and clinical trials to prevent this deadly pandemic by developing new vaccines. Along with vaccines, therapeutic intervention is an integral part of healthcare response to address the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19. Despite the global efforts to understand and fight against COVID-19, many challenges need to be addressed. This article summarizes the current pandemic, different strains of SARS-CoV-2, etiology, complexities, surviving medications of COVID-19, and so far, vaccination for the treatment of COVID-19.

Optimization of Novel Naproxen-Loaded Chitosan/Carrageenan Nanocarrier-Based Gel for Topical Delivery: Ex Vivo, Histopathological, and In Vivo Evaluation

Naproxen (NAP) is commonly used for pain, inflammation, and stiffness associated with arthritis. However, systemic administration is linked with several gastrointestinal tract (GIT) side effects. The present work aims to prepare and evaluate NAP nanoparticulate shells of chitosan (CS) and carrageenan (CRG) loaded into a Carbopol 940 (Ca-940) gel system with unique features of sustained drug delivery as well as improved permeation through a topical route. Moreover, this study aims to evaluate its ex vivo, histopathological, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in albino Wistar rats. The percentage of ex vivo drug permeation patterns in the optimized formulation (No) was higher (88.66%) than the control gel (36.195%). Oral toxicity studies of developed nanoparticles in albino rabbits showed that the NAP-loaded CS/CRG are non-toxic and, upon histopathological evaluation, no sign of incompatibility was observed compared to the control group. A In Vivo study showed that the optimized gel formulation (No) was more effective than the control gel (Nc) in treating arthritis-associated inflammation. The sustained permeation and the absence of skin irritation make this novel NAP nanoparticle-loaded gel based on CS/CRG a suitable drug delivery system for topical application and has the potential for improved patient compliance and reduced GIT-related side effects in arthritis.

Dexamethasone: Therapeutic potential, risks, and future projection during COVID-19 pandemic

The current outbreak of novel COVID-19 challenges the development of an efficient treatment plan as soon as possible. Several promising treatment options stand out as potential therapy of COVID-19, including plasma-derived drugs, monoclonal antibodies, antivirals, antimalarial, cell therapy, and corticosteroids. Dexamethasone an approved corticosteroid medication, acting as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant agent. In the current pandemic, dexamethasone is declared a "major development" in the fight against COVID-19. Steroidal dexamethasone was presented as the recent advancement that significantly reduces the mortality rate among severe COVID-19 cases. This review summarizes the preliminary opinion about the dexamethasone outbreak, therapeutic potential, risks, and strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Novel nanoparticulate systems for lung cancer therapy: an updated review

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Conventional therapy for lung cancer is associated with lack of specificity and access to the normal cells resulting in cytotoxicity, reduced cellular uptake, drug resistance and rapid drug clearance from the body. The emergence of nanotechnology has revolutionized the treatment of lung cancer. The focus of nanotechnology is to target tumor cells with improved bioavailability and reduced toxicity. In the recent years, nanoparticulate systems have extensively been exploited in order to overcome the obstacles in treatment of lung cancer. Nanoparticulate systems have shown much potential for lung cancer therapy by gaining selective access to the tumor cells due to surface modifiability and smaller size. In this review, various novel nanoparticles (NPs) based formulations have been discussed in the treatment of lung cancer. Nanotechnology is expected to grow fast in future, and it will provide new avenues for the improved treatment of lung cancer. This review article also highlights the characteristics, recent advances in the designing of NPs and therapeutic outcomes.

Integrated parasite management with special reference to gastro-intestinal nematodes

Domestic animals are susceptible to a large number of parasitic diseases, which lead to severe economic losses to livestock industry. So, it is necessary to control parasitic infections in these animals. Control of these helminths is undertaken mostly by anthelmintics, but because of their widespread use there is development of resistance across the globe. However, total dependence on a single method of control has proved to be non-sustainable and cost ineffective in the long term. A combination of treatment and management is necessary to control parasitism so that it will not cause further economic losses to producer as well as to livestock industry. To become practically and ecologically sustainable, parasitic control schemes need to be based on integrated parasite management.