Drug-induced Adverse Events

Vitamin D3 regulates PM-driven primary human neutrophil inflammatory responses
Sci Rep. 2023 Sep 22;13(1):15850. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-43252-1.
ABSTRACT
Recent evidence has demonstrated that both acute and chronic exposure to particulate air pollution are risk factors for respiratory tract infections and increased mortality from sepsis. There is therefore an urgent need to establish the impact of ambient particulate matter (PM) on innate immune cells and to establish potential strategies to mitigate against adverse effects. PM has previously been reported to have potential adverse effects on neutrophil function. In the present study, we investigated the impact of standard urban PM (SRM1648a, NIST) and PM2.5 collected from Chiang Mai, Thailand, on human peripheral blood neutrophil functions, including LPS-induced migration, IL-8 production, and bacterial killing. Both NIST and the PM2.5, being collected in Chiang Mai, Thailand, increased IL-8 production, but reduced CXCR2 expression and migration of human primary neutrophils stimulated with Escherichia coli LPS. Moreover, PM-pretreated neutrophils from vitamin D-insufficient participants showed reduced E. coli-killing activity. Furthermore, in vitro vitamin D3 supplementation attenuated IL-8 production and improved bacterial killing by cells from vitamin D-insufficient participants. Our findings suggest that provision of vitamin D to individuals with insufficiency may attenuate adverse acute neutrophilic responses to ambient PM.
PMID:37740033 | PMC:PMC10516903 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-43252-1
Is there any hepatic impact associated with rice bran arabinoxylan compound supplementation? A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2023 Oct;57:665-675. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.08.023. Epub 2023 Aug 22.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound (RBAC) results from an enzymatic modification of rice bran, which is reported to have immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the hepatic adverse effects of RBAC by assessing the effect through liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
METHODS: In the present study, the Medline (PubMed), Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases were searched for relevant publications from the beginning to October 2022. The meta-analysis was based on the Mixed effect model to generate the mean effect sizes in weighted mean differences (WMD) and the 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Chi-squared test, and the analysis of Galbraith plots was applied.
RESULTS: Subgroup meta-analysis on five eligible randomized controlled trials (n = 239) showed a significant decrease in serum AST regarding RBAC supplementation in powder form (WMD (95%CI) = -3.52 (-5.62, -1.42) U/L; P-value = 0.001, I2 (%) = 46.9; P heterogeneity = 0.170), three months and more supplementation duration (WMD (95%CI) = -3.71 (-5.95, -1.48) U/L; P-value = 0.001, I2 (%) = 29.9; P heterogeneity = 0.240) and studies with a good quality (WMD (95%CI) = -3.52 (-5.62, -1.42) U/L; P-value = 0.001, I2 (%) = 46.9; P heterogeneity = 0.170).
CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, RBAC supplementation seems to not have any hepatic adverse effects and its supplementation as powder or for three months and more may decrease serum AST levels. However, we need further studies to confirm the results.
REGISTRY NUMBER FOR SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS OR META-ANALYZES: CRD42022361002, registration time: 29/09/2022.
PMID:37739721 | DOI:10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.08.023
Functional yogurt, enriched and probiotic: A focus on human health
Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2023 Oct;57:575-586. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.08.005. Epub 2023 Aug 5.
ABSTRACT
The food industry has always sought to produce products enriched with vitamins, probiotics, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds to improve physiological function, enhance nutritional value, and provide health. These compounds are essential for human health, and their deficiency can lead to adverse effects. Therefore, food enrichment is an important strategy to improve the nutritional value and, in some cases, improve the quality of food. Recently, functional foods have been very popular around the world. Among food products, dairy products constitute a major part of people's diet, and due to the high consumption of dairy products, including yogurt, the enrichment of this product effectively reduces or prevents diseases associated with nutritional deficiencies. Most consumers generally accept yogurt due to its high nutritional value and low price. So, it can be considered a good candidate for enrichment with micronutrients and probiotics. In recent years, using functional foods to prevent various diseases has become a popular topic for research. In this study, the effect of fortified yogurt in preventing diseases and improving deficiencies has been investigated, and it has been proven that super healthy yogurt has a positive effect on human health.
PMID:37739708 | DOI:10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.08.005
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and moderate to severe hepatic fibrosis: A retrospective study
Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2023 Oct;57:305-310. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.07.013. Epub 2023 Jul 13.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been shown to decrease hepatic transaminases, steatosis, and in some studies, hepatic fibrosis. However, the safety and efficacy of SGLT2i has not been tested in patients who have moderate to severe hepatic fibrosis.
METHODS: In a retrospective study of sixty patients with moderate to severe hepatic fibrosis (kPa estimated by Fibroscan > 10), SGLT2i were prescribed on top of other oral anti-hyperglycemic medications. The safety and efficacy of SGLT2i were evaluated. Using the Fibroscan, CAP scores (decibel/meter), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) (kPa, kilopascals) were examined before and after treatment.
RESULTS: The mean age of the T2DM patients was 54.7 ± 10.3 years, and the mean duration of T2DM was 8.3 ± 7.1 years. SGLT2i were given from 3 to 36 months. After treatment, a decrease in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and hepatic transaminases (SGOT and SGPT) was recorded. Upon follow up, CAP and kPa scores decreased significantly. Importantly, no adverse drug reaction, such as balanoposthitis, vulvovaginitis, urosepsis, and postural drop in blood pressure, were reported in any patient.
CONCLUSION: In this retrospective cohort study, patient with T2DM and moderate to severe hepatic fibrosis, use of SGLT2i is safe with respect to common adverse effects & may have contributed to improved hepatic profile.
PMID:37739673 | DOI:10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.07.013
Advances in the management of myeloma: an update
Br J Nurs. 2023 Sep 21;32(17):S4-S12. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2023.32.17.S4.
ABSTRACT
Myeloma is an aggressive B-cell malignancy resulting from an uncontrolled production of plasma cells in the bone marrow. A multitude of drugs and combinations of drugs are now approved for use to treat this complex disease and nurses require knowledge and skills in recognising and managing new side effects associated with these treatments. This article presents an overview of some of the newer and recently approved drugs and the important side effects that have been associated with them. Clinical nurse specialists and advanced nurse practitioners are at the forefront of patients' treatment journeys and play a central role in supporting patients and families to manage side effects. Through this support, patients can continue the treatments for as long as possible with the aim of maintaining a good quality of life.
PMID:37737854 | DOI:10.12968/bjon.2023.32.17.S4
Reply to "The nature and severity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines side effects are highly dependent on study design" and "Self-reported side effects following COVID-19 vaccination in athletes: Correspondence"
Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2023 Aug;19(2):2260534. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2260534. Epub 2023 Sep 22.
NO ABSTRACT
PMID:37737129 | DOI:10.1080/21645515.2023.2260534
Effect of intravenous dexamethasone on the duration of hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia in lower abdominal surgery, Randomized controlled trial
BMC Anesthesiol. 2023 Sep 22;23(1):323. doi: 10.1186/s12871-023-02282-y.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of intravenous (IV) dexamethasone on the duration of hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia.
METHODS: Two hundred patients between the ages of 18 and 60, of both sexes with ASA I- II classification scheduled for lower abdominal surgery under spinal anesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% were randomly divided into two groups: the dexamethasone group (Dexa group) and the control group, with 100 patients in each group. Before the administration of spinal anesthesia, the Dexa group received an intravenous infusion of 8 mg dexamethasone in 500 mL normal saline, while the control group received 500 mL normal saline only. The primary outcome of this study was to assess the effect of IV dexamethasone on the regression of hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia. Secondary outcome measures included the total duration of sensory and motor blocks, VAS score, time of first analgesic request, total analgesic consumption within the first 24 h, and the occurrence of any side effects.
RESULTS: The Dexa group had significantly delayed onset of 2 dermatomes regression (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. Additionally, the Dexa group had significantly longer duration of both sensory block (P = 0.01) and motor block (P < 0.001). The Dexa group had significantly longer duration until the first postoperative analgesic request (P < 0.001) and a lower incidence of side effects compared to the control group.
CONCLUSION: Although the intravenous administration of dexamethasone had a limited effect on the duration of hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia, it improved postoperative VAS scores compared to the control group and decreased overall postoperative analgesic consumption. Therefore, it can be considered a valuable addition to postoperative multimodal analgesia strategies, aiming to minimize total analgesic consumption.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ID: NCT04778189 (2/3/2021).
PMID:37736711 | PMC:PMC10515039 | DOI:10.1186/s12871-023-02282-y
The future of affordable cancer immunotherapy
Front Immunol. 2023 Sep 6;14:1248867. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1248867. eCollection 2023.
ABSTRACT
The treatment of cancer was revolutionized within the last two decades by utilizing the mechanism of the immune system against malignant tissue in so-called cancer immunotherapy. Two main developments boosted cancer immunotherapy: 1) the use of checkpoint inhibitors, which are characterized by a relatively high response rate mainly in solid tumors; however, at the cost of serious side effects, and 2) the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, which were shown to be very efficient in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, but failed to show high clinical effectiveness in solid tumors until now. In addition, active immunization against individual tumors is emerging, and the first products have reached clinical approval. These new treatment options are very cost-intensive and are not financially compensated by health insurance in many countries. Hence, strategies must be developed to make cancer immunotherapy affordable and to improve the cost-benefit ratio. In this review, we discuss the following strategies: 1) to leverage the antigenicity of "cold tumors" with affordable reagents, 2) to use microbiome-based products as markers or therapeutics, 3) to apply measures that make adoptive cell therapy (ACT) cheaper, e.g., the use of off-the-shelf products, 4) to use immunotherapies that offer cheaper platforms, such as RNA- or peptide-based vaccines and vaccines that use shared or common antigens instead of highly personal antigens, 5) to use a small set of predictive biomarkers instead of the "sequence everything" approach, and 6) to explore affordable immunohistochemistry markers that may direct individual therapies.
PMID:37736099 | PMC:PMC10509759 | DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1248867
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of temporary miller fisher syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination: a systematic review of case studies
BMC Neurol. 2023 Sep 21;23(1):332. doi: 10.1186/s12883-023-03375-4.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a subtype of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) which is characterized by the three components of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia. Some studies reported MFS as an adverse effect of the COVID-19 vaccination. We aimed to have a detailed evaluation on demographic, clinical, and para-clinical characteristics of subjects with MFS after receiving COVID-19 vaccines.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A thorough search strategy was designed, and PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched to find relevant articles. Each screening step was done by twice, and in case of disagreement, another author was consulted. Data on different characteristics of the patients and types of the vaccines were extracted. The risk of bias of the studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools.
RESULTS: In this study, 15 patients were identified from 15 case studies. The median age of the patients was 64, ranging from 24 to 84 years. Ten patients (66.6%) were men and Pfizer made up 46.7% of the injected vaccines. The median time from vaccination to symptoms onset was 14 days and varied from 7 to 35 days. Furthermore,14 patients had ocular signs, and 78.3% (11/14) of ocular manifestations were bilateral. Among neurological conditions, other than MFS triad, facial weakness or facial nerve palsy was the most frequently reported side effect that was in seven (46.7%) subjects. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) was the most frequently used treatment (13/15, 86.7%). Six patients received 0.4 g/kg and the four had 2 g/kg. Patients stayed at the hospital from five to 51 days. No fatal outcomes were reported. Finally, 40.0% (4/15) of patients completely recovered, and the rest experienced improvement.
CONCLUSION: MFS after COVID-19 immunization has favorable outcomes and good prognosis. However, long interval from disease presentation to treatment in some studies indicates that more attention should be paid to MFS as the adverse effect of the vaccination. Due to the challenging diagnosis, MFS must be considered in list of the differential diagnosis in patients with a history of recent COVID-19 vaccination and any of the ocular complaints, ataxia, or loss of reflexes, specially for male patients in their 60s and 70s.
PMID:37735648 | PMC:PMC10512542 | DOI:10.1186/s12883-023-03375-4
Agomelatine augmentation of sertraline in the treatment of moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial
BMC Psychiatry. 2023 Sep 21;23(1):686. doi: 10.1186/s12888-023-05189-7.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: As 40-60% of the patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) do not adequately respond to the first-line treatment, finding an effective second-line treatment is required. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of agomelatine (a selective melatonin receptor agonist and a 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT)2 C antagonist) augmentation of sertraline in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe OCD.
METHODS: In this 12-week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial, 65 patients with moderate to severe OCD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth edition (DSM-5) criteria and a Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) score of over 21, were included. They were assigned with sertraline (100 mg/day for the first 4 weeks and 200 mg/day for the next 8 weeks) and either agomelatine (25 mg/day) or placebo. The primary outcome was OCD symptoms measured by the Y-BOCS.
RESULTS: Fifty patients (24 in agomelatine group and 26 in placebo group) completed the trial. The Y-BOCS scores in total (MD (95% CI) = 12.25 (11.00, 13.49) (P < 0.001) vs. MD (95% CI) = 12.46 (6.65, 15.74) (P < 0.001)), the obsession subscale (MD (95% CI) = 5.04 (4.19, 5.88) (P < 0.001) vs. MD (95% CI) = 5.00 (3.84, 6.16) (P = 0.0001)), and compulsion subscale (MD (95% CI) = 7.21 (6.34, 8.07) (P < 0.001) vs. MD (95% CI) = 7.460 (6.50, 8.42) (P < 0.001)) significantly decreased in both groups. Although, at the end of the trial, no significant difference was observed between the scores of the two groups in total (MD (95% CI) = 0.480 (-1.23, 2.19) (P = 0.78)), the obsession subscale (MD (95% CI) = 1.020 (-0.15, 2.19) (P = 0.38)), and the compulsion subscale (MD (95% CI) = 0.540 (-0.34, 1.42) (P = 0.54)). No major adverse effects were recorded, and the frequency of side effects was not significantly different between the groups.
CONCLUSION: Agomelatine in augmentation with sertraline is safe and tolerable in patients with moderate to severe OCD. However, our study does not support its efficacy in improving OCD symptoms, compared to placebo.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 14/07/2020 ( www.irct.ir ; IRCT ID: IRCT20170123032145N5).
PMID:37735631 | PMC:PMC10512611 | DOI:10.1186/s12888-023-05189-7
HU-based material conversion for BNCT accurate dose estimation
Sci Rep. 2023 Sep 21;13(1):15701. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-42508-0.
ABSTRACT
NeuMANTA is a new generation boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT)-specific treatment planning system developed by the Neuboron Medical Group and upgraded to an important feature, a Hounsfield unit (HU)-based material conversion algorithm. The range of HU values was refined to 96 specific groups and established corresponding to tissue information. The elemental compositions and mass densities have an important effect on the calculated dose distribution. The region of interest defined in the treatment plan can be converted into multiple material compositions based on HU values or assigned specified single material composition in NeuMANTA. Different material compositions may cause normal tissue maximum dose rates to differ by more than 10% in biologically equivalent doses and to differ by up to 6% in physically absorbed doses. Although the tumor has a lower proportion of BNCT background dose, the material composition difference may affect the minimum dose of biologically equivalent dose and physically absorbed dose by more than 3%. In addition, the difference in material composition could lead to a change in neutron moderation as well as scattering. Therefore, the material composition has a significant impact on the assessment of normal tissue side effects and tumor control probability. It is essential for accurate dose estimation in BNCT.
PMID:37735580 | PMC:PMC10514297 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-42508-0
A Phase I Study of TRK-250, a Novel siRNA-Based Oligonucleotide, in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv. 2023 Sep 22. doi: 10.1089/jamp.2023.0014. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: TRK-250 is a novel single-stranded oligonucleotide carrying a human Transforming growth factor-beta 1-targeting siRNA motif tethered by two proline linkers. Nonclinical studies have shown that TRK-250 may have potency to prevent the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Herein, a phase I study was conducted to investigate the safety and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of TRK-250 in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Method: In the phase I study, 34 IPF patients were partially randomized to receive a placebo or TRK-250 in 4 single doses of 2, 10, 30, and 60 mg or multiple rising doses of 10, 30, and 60 mg once per week for 4 weeks by oral inhalation. For both the single- and multiple-dose studies, the primary endpoint was safety, and the secondary endpoint was PKs. Result: In all IPF patients who orally inhaled TRK-250, no significant drug-related adverse events (AEs) were observed. The AEs were mild or moderate, except for one severe case with acute exacerbation. One of the more common AEs was coughing. One patient discontinued treatment before the last dose because of coughing. There were no medically important findings related to safety endpoints based on clinical laboratory data (clinical chemistry, hematology, or urinalysis), vital signs data, electrocardiogram data, physical examination findings, pulse oximetry data, spirometry data, or diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide data. All the bioanalytical results of PKs in the blood were below the lower limit of quantification. Conclusions: Both the single and multiple doses of TRK-250 were safe and well tolerated in this first study done in IPF patients. Furthermore, TRK-250 was not detected in the systemic circulation following inhalation, indicating low or virtually nonexistent systemic exposure. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier number NCT03727802.
PMID:37738329 | DOI:10.1089/jamp.2023.0014
Transient Complete Atrioventricular Block Associated With Herbal Supplement Use
S D Med. 2023 Jul;76(7):311-313.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Increasing and easy availability of so-called natural/herbal supplements pose the unique challenge of identifying associated side effects, including arrhythmias in otherwise-healthy individuals.
CASE PRESENTATION: A 25-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with fatigue and lightheadedness. The electrocardiogram showed complete AV block with a junctional escape rhythm at 55 beats per minute with QT prolongation (542ms). One week ago, she started to use a herbal medication (Muscle Eze Advanced) for muscle cramps after workouts. Extensive cardiac testing, including complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, TSH, transthoracic echocardiography, urine drug analysis, Lyme antibody were negative. Normal sinus rhythm was restored spontaneously within 1 day of discontinuing the herbal medication. PR and corrected QT intervals returned to baseline over the next two weeks.
CONCLUSION: Muscle Eze Advanced consists of seven ingredients, including Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis that have negative chronotropic, negative dromotrophic and QT prolonging effects. Recognizing the association between certain over-the-counter supplements and brady-arrhythmias may circumvent need for permanent pacemakers - an important consideration especially in the young.
PMID:37733962
CYP450 Genetic Polymorphisms: Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure after Intentional Fluoxetine and Melatonin Overdose
S D Med. 2023 Jul;76(7):305-308.
ABSTRACT
Cytochrome P450 polymorphisms have gathered much attention regarding personalized psychopharmacological care. It is well documented that these drug metabolizing enzymes lead to interpatient variability in pharmacokinetic profiles. It appears that less functional genotype may increase of risk of higher side-effect burden. Here we highlight the importance of genetic polymorphisms to potentially predict a toxicity related phenotype after an intentional overdose. Genotyping may have a role in predicting serious side effects to help clinicians educate patients and their families, and implement more intensive monitoring and institute prophylactic treatment as needed.
PMID:37733961
Manipulating mitochondrial electron flow enhances tumor immunogenicity
Science. 2023 Sep 22;381(6664):1316-1323. doi: 10.1126/science.abq1053. Epub 2023 Sep 21.
ABSTRACT
Although tumor growth requires the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC), the relative contribution of complex I (CI) and complex II (CII), the gatekeepers for initiating electron flow, remains unclear. In this work, we report that the loss of CII, but not that of CI, reduces melanoma tumor growth by increasing antigen presentation and T cell-mediated killing. This is driven by succinate-mediated transcriptional and epigenetic activation of major histocompatibility complex-antigen processing and presentation (MHC-APP) genes independent of interferon signaling. Furthermore, knockout of methylation-controlled J protein (MCJ), to promote electron entry preferentially through CI, provides proof of concept of ETC rewiring to achieve antitumor responses without side effects associated with an overall reduction in mitochondrial respiration in noncancer cells. Our results may hold therapeutic potential for tumors that have reduced MHC-APP expression, a common mechanism of cancer immunoevasion.
PMID:37733872 | DOI:10.1126/science.abq1053
Efficacy of copper nanoparticles encapsulated in soya lecithin liposomes in treating breast cancer cells (MCF-7) in vitro
Sci Rep. 2023 Sep 20;13(1):15576. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-42514-2.
ABSTRACT
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death, which has attracted the attention of the scientific world to the search for efficient methods for treatment. With the great development and regeneration of nanotechnology over the last 25 years, various nanoparticles in different structures, shapes and composites provide good potential for cancer therapy. There are several drugs approved by FDA used in breast cancer treatment like Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin Hydrochloride, Femara, Herceptin, etc. Each has several side effects as well as treatment, which limits the use of drugs due to heart failure, pulmonary dysfunction, or immunodeficiency. Recently, such side effects are greatly reduced by using innovative delivery techniques. Some drugs have been approved for use in cancer treatment under the concept of drug delivery, such as Doxil (liposomal loaded doxorubicin). The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) as a drug model for cancer treatment, either in their free form or encapsulated in Soy lecithin liposomes (SLP) from plant origin as a cheap source of lipids. CuNPs were prepared by the chemical reduction method and loaded onto SLP through the thin film hydration method. The drug model Cu/SLP was successfully combined. The characteristics of the free CuNPs, liposomes, and the combined form, zeta potential, size distribution, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE%), drug release profile, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were checked, followed by an in vitro study on the breast cancer cell line Mcf-7 as a model for cytotoxicity evaluation. The optimal Cu/SLP had a particle mean size of 81.59 ± 14.93 nm, a negative zeta potential of - 50.7 ± 4.34 mV, loaded CuNPs showed an EE% of 78.9%, a drug release profile for about 50% of the drug was released after 6 h, and FTIR analysis was recorded. The cytotoxicity assay showed that the IC50 of Cu/SLP is smaller than that of free CuNPs. These results give clear evidence of the efficacy of using the combined Cu/SLP rather than CuNPs alone as a model drug carrier prepared from plant origin against cancer, both medically and economically.
PMID:37730859 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-42514-2
Pro-ecological and conservation activities are not always beneficial to nature: a case study of two lowland streams in Central Europe
Sci Rep. 2023 Sep 20;13(1):15578. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-42555-7.
ABSTRACT
Since 1990 and in particular, after the implementation of the Water Frame Directive, many positive effects of pro-ecological projects are evident; unfortunately, examples of adverse effects have also been observed. This study aims to indicate how some ill-considered actions, called "pro-ecological", may lead to habitat degradation and the disappearance of valuable hydrobiont species. Two watercourses, representing the lowland gravel stream and sandy stream type, were selected for the study. Literature indicated that in the past, these watercourses were characterized by an excellent ecological status and the presence of valuable rheophilic fauna and flora. Environmental parameters were recorded, macroinvertebrates and ichthyofauna were sampled and analyzed, and finally, indexes were calculated. The results were compared with literature data. In the course of studies conducted in 2011-2015, drastic habitat deterioration and extensive changes in the species structure of ichthyofauna and aquatic invertebrates were observed. Changes in the Smolnica stream have been caused by the three retention basins constructed in 2000, along the lower and middle course; while in Kiszewko, however, the factor for habitat deterioration was connected with the excessive expansion of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber), which created a beaver pond 20 m in width, with impoundment elevations of up to 2 m.
PMID:37730846 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-42555-7
Oral adverse events following COVID-19 and influenza vaccination in Australia
Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2023 Aug;19(2):2253589. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2253589. Epub 2023 Sep 21.
ABSTRACT
Vaccine hesitancy, spurred by misinterpretation of Adverse Events (AEs), threatens public health. Despite sporadic reports of oral AEs post-COVID-19 vaccination, systematic analysis is scarce. This study evaluates these AEs using the Australian Database of Adverse Event Notifications (DAEN). A secondary analysis of DAEN data was conducted, with the analysis period commencing from the start of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in February 2021 and the inception of the influenza vaccine database in 1971, both through until December 2022. The focus of the analysis was on oral AEs related to COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. Reports were extracted according to a predefined schema and then stratified by vaccine type, sex, and age. Oral paresthesia was the most common oral AE after COVID-19 vaccination (75.28 per 10,000 reports), followed by dysgeusia (73.96), swollen tongue (51.55), lip swelling (49.43), taste disorder (27.32), ageusia (25.85), dry mouth (24.75), mouth ulceration (18.97), oral hypoaesthesia (15.60), and oral herpes (12.74). While COVID-19 and influenza vaccines shared most oral AEs, taste-related AEs, dry mouth, and oral herpes were significantly more common after COVID-19 vaccination. mRNA vaccines yielded more oral AEs than other types. Females had higher oral AE incidence. Most oral AEs did not differ significantly between COVID-19 and influenza vaccination. However, specific oral AEs, particularly taste-related, dry mouth, and oral herpes, were more prevalent after COVID-19 vaccination compared with seasonal influenza, especially in females and mRNA vaccine recipients.
PMID:37734344 | DOI:10.1080/21645515.2023.2253589
Missing information in US accelerated approval drug labels
Drug Ther Bull. 2023 Sep 21:dtb-2023-000047. doi: 10.1136/dtb.2023.000047. Online ahead of print.
NO ABSTRACT
PMID:37734922 | DOI:10.1136/dtb.2023.000047
Efficacy and Safety of Esaxerenone in Hypertensive Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Treatment with Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors (EAGLE-DH)
Adv Ther. 2023 Sep 21. doi: 10.1007/s12325-023-02633-8. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The EAGLE-DH study assessed the efficacy and safety of esaxerenone in hypertensive patients with diabetes mellitus receiving sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.
METHODS: In this multicenter, open-label, prospective, interventional study, esaxerenone was started at 1.25 or 2.5 mg/day and could be gradually increased to 5 mg/day on the basis of blood pressure (BP) and serum potassium levels. Oral hypoglycemic or antihypertensive medications prior to obtaining consent was continued. Data were evaluated in the total population and creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) subcohorts (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 [G1-G2 subcohort] and 30 to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 [G3 subcohort]).
RESULTS: In total, 93 patients were evaluated (G1-G2, n = 49; G3, n = 44). Morning home systolic/diastolic BP values (SBP/DBP) were significantly reduced from baseline to week 12 (- 11.8 ± 10.8/- 5.1 ± 6.3 mmHg, both P < 0.001) and week 24 (- 12.9 ± 10.5/- 5.7 ± 6.3 mmHg, both P < 0.001). Similar results were observed in both eGFR subcohorts. The urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio significantly decreased from baseline to week 24 in the total population (geometric percentage change, - 49.1%, P < 0.001) and in both eGFR subcohorts. The incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and drug-related TEAEs were 45.2% and 12.9%, respectively; most were mild or moderate. Serum potassium levels increased over the first 2 weeks of esaxerenone treatment, gradually decreased by week 12, and remained constant to week 24. One patient in the G1-G2 subcohort had serum potassium levels ≥ 5.5 mEq/L. No patients had serum potassium ≥ 6.0 mEq/L.
CONCLUSION: Esaxerenone effectively lowered BP, was safe, and showed renoprotective effects in hypertensive patients with diabetes mellitus receiving treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors. Esaxerenone and SGLT2 inhibitors did not interfere with either drug's efficacy and may reduce the frequency of serum potassium elevations, suggesting they are a compatible combination.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: jRCTs031200273.
PMID:37733211 | DOI:10.1007/s12325-023-02633-8