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- Hypersexual Disorder: A Comprehensive Review of Conceptualization,
Etiology, Assessment and Treatment
Authors: Shashank Tiwari*
Abstract: Hypersexual disorder, also known as compulsive sexual behavior or sex addiction, is a complex and clinically significant condition characterized by intense and recurrent sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors that significantly disrupt an individual’s daily life and overall well-being. Despite its importance, hypersexual disorder remains a controversial and debated topic, lacking standardized diagnostic criteria in major classification systems.This review paper provides a comprehensive examination of hypersexual disorder, encompassing its definition, conceptualization, etiology, co-occurring conditions, effects on mental and physical health, assessment, treatment approaches, cultural and ethical considerations, and future research directions. By synthesizing information from existing literature and research, this review aims to deepen our understanding of hypersexual disorder and contribute to the development of evidence-based interventions.The review begins by exploring the evolution of the term “hypersexual disorder” and its current status in diagnostic classifications. It then delves into the potential etiological factors contributing to the development of hypersexual behaviors, including neurobiological, genetic, and psychosocial factors.Furthermore, the review discusses the common comorbidities associated with hypersexual disorder, emphasizing the importance of addressing co-occurring mental health conditions in treatment planning. The psychological and physiological effects of hypersexual behaviors on affected individuals are examined, underscoring the urgency of early intervention and comprehensive treatment.The assessment and diagnosis of hypersexual disorder are thoroughly examined, considering the challenges and methodologies involved in identifying and evaluating affected individuals. Cultural and ethical considerations are highlighted, stressing the significance of providing culturally sensitive and ethical care to diverse populations.In the context of treatment, the review discusses various therapeutic approaches, including psychotherapy, medication, support groups, and harm-reduction strategies. The need for evidence-based treatments tailored to hypersexual disorder is underscored while recognizing the challenges of developing standardized protocols in this evolving field.Finally, future research directions are outlined, focusing on the standardization of diagnostic criteria, prevalence studies, neurobiological investigations, and the integration of cultural competency in treatment approaches.In conclusion, this review paper aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of hypersexual disorder and its implications for affected individuals and society. By exploring the multifaceted aspects of the condition, this review seeks to provide insights into effective treatment approaches and inspire further research in the study of hypersexual disorder.
PubDate: 2023-09-06 17:51:16
- Significance and Prospect of Brf1 Overexpression
Authors: Liling Zheng*; Yongluan Lin, Zaifa Hong, Dongyan Shen, Shuping Zhong*
Abstract: Brf1 (TFIIB-related factor 1) is a transcription factor, which specifically modulates the transcription of RNA polymerase III-dependent genes (RNA Pol III genes), such as tRNAs and 5S rRNA. The products of tRNAs and 5S rRNA transcription will be changed with the alteration of Brf1 expression. Whereas deregulation of Brf1 and RNA Pol III genes are tightly associated with cell proliferation and transformation, and tumorigenesis. In recent years, emerging studies indicate that Brf1 expression is increased in patients with cancers. In this review, we summarize the progress of the abnormal expression of Brf1 in different human cancers to explore an underlying mechanism and its clinical implication, as well as to prompt its application prospect. With the depth of the Brf1 study and the progress of biotechnology, the status of Brf1 expression may be used as a universal indicator of the early detection and prognosis observation of human cancers.
PubDate: 2023-08-22 16:37:38
- Evaluation of the Antihyperglycaemic Activities, Safety and Phytochemical
Profile of Celtis zenkeri Engl
Authors: Marcus Durojaye Ayoola*; Moyinoluwa Oluwagbemi, Akintunde Samuel Odediran, Farouk Adedeji Oladoja, Oluwabusayo Emmanuel Kasumu
Abstract: Objective: The study evaluated the hyperglycaemia-lowering effects, safety, and phytochemical profile of Celtis zenkeri leaf extract in order to justify its antidiabetic folkloric usage. Methods: Modified OECD test guidelines were used to assess its acute and sub-acute toxicity while its effect on blood parameters such as blood glucose, and haematological and biochemical levels were evaluated using appropriate assays. Both in vitro and in vivo antihyperglycaemic assays were used for the antidiabetic studies while histology of the pancreas, liver, and kidney of the rats was examined after treatment with the extract at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for 21 days. GC-MS analysis was used to determine the chemical constituents of the extract. Results: The results obtained showed that the leaf extract of C. zenkeri was not toxic in rats at 5000 mg/kg. It elicited a significant decrease in the blood glucose levels of the animals but did not affect the haematological and biochemical components of normal rats. It significantly inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase actions and gave comparable activity to glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) at all time points at 200 and 400 mg/kg. The extract comparably reduced blood glucose levels with glibenclamide at 100 and 200 mg/kg on days 10 and 14 in drug-induced diabetic rats and maintained the histoarchitecture of the liver, kidney, and pancreas at 250 and 500 mg/kg.Conclusion: The study justified the ethnomedicinal use of C. zenkeri in diabetes management.
PubDate: 2023-07-14 10:16:12
- Identification and Infrared Spectroscopic Study of Lapachol, β-Lapachone
and Hydroxy-hydrolapachol
Authors: Miquéias Ferreira Gomes; Ginandrya Rodrigues Araújo, Ziom Drak Souza Silva, Raquel Maria Ferreira de Sousa, Herbert Júnior Dias*
Abstract: Metabolites of Brazilian Cerrado species are considered an immense font of biologically active compounds The diversity of organic compounds generated by the secondary metabolism of various Cerrado plants draws attention especially because many of these compounds have the capacity to be structurally modified and, consequently, produce other very interesting derivatives for pharmacological purposes. Despite this, little is described in the literature about fast, easy, and accessible identification methods for any laboratory, such as infrared spectroscopy. In this sense, this work demonstrates the synthesis and elucidation through spectroscopic techniques of lapachol and its synthetic derivatives. Through quick and simple extractions or reactions, lapachol, β-lapachone, and hydroxy-hydrolapachol were obtained with adequate yields. From this, the main FTIR absorptions of the mentioned naphthoquinones are described, which facilitates the identification of these metabolites with high biological potential. The present work contributes could become a simpler source of data for extraction, synthesis, and spectroscopic characterization by FTIR of the compounds.
PubDate: 2023-07-06 11:20:33
- Cytotoxic Effects of Aminotriles with Bioactive Potential: An Integrative
Review
Authors: Paola da Costa Vieira; Lettícia Tenório Cavalcanti, Hélida Maravilha Dantas e Sousa Almeida, Igor de Sousa Oliveira Sávio Benvindo Ferreira*
Abstract: Aminonitriles are pharmacological-interest bioactive due to their promising antimicrobial and antitumor activity. Since cytotoxicity tests are inherent to the new drug development process, this work aimed to verify reports in the scientific literature on the cytotoxic effects of aminonitriles. The method adopted was an integrative review of works published in the last 10 years in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases. Three articles that matched the selection and eligibility criteria were included in this review. A total of 33 aminonitriles were used in the cytotoxicity experiments, and of the nine molecules based on pyridine, two exerted moderate cytotoxic activity, of the twelve synthesized from benzimidazole, none showed cytotoxic activity, and of the twelve derived from renieramycins, all showed considerable cytotoxic activities. The studies used in this research evaluated the cytotoxic effects of aminonitriles with evident anticancer and antimicrobial activity. The importance of evaluating the cytotoxicity of aminonitriles is emphasized, as well as the need for investigative research that explores other evaluation methods in pre-clinical tests that may corroborate the existing findings, with a view to the development of therapies against emerging health problems.
PubDate: 2023-05-09 16:00:52
- Expanding human-based predictive models capabilities using organs-on-chip:
A standardized framework to transfer and co-culture human iPSCs into
microfluidic devices
Authors: Jessica Rontard; Benoît GC Maisonneuve*, Thibault Honegger
Abstract: There is an urgent need for predictive preclinical models to enhance the success rate of clinical trial outcomes. One of the main reasons for drug attrition is the lack of translational models, methods using human cells are particularly in the spotlight of regulatory bodies as they offer an alternative to in vivo studies and have the potential to improve the translational of preclinical trials. Organs-on-Chips (OoCs) are sensible candidates to reduce the cost and the ethical burden of animal models while accelerating and de-risking drug development. The innovation of such systems is based on both the increased relevance of the cells used and the ability to build precise, yet physiologically relevant, complex architectures. The use of microfluidic technologies with human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) opens new routes to create relevant in vitro approaches as they will soon be able to reproduce clinical characteristics of donors or specific populations. The adoption of OoC models by pharmaceutical industries, and in fine by regulatory agencies, still requires: (i) establishing standardized, reproducible, robust, and replicable cell culture protocols with specific validation and characterization criteria, (ii) evidence that the technology predicts human responses, thus allowing to contribute efficiently and reliably to clinical trials success of novel therapeutics, and (iii) evidence that the models refine and reduce animal testing without compromising with the quality and the pertinence of the data generated.
PubDate: 2023-04-13 16:39:03
- Design and optimization of mRNAs encoding an Anti-TIGIT antibody with
therapeutic potential for cancer in TIGIT-humanized BALB/c Mice
Authors: Jingmin Cui; Gulisaina Qiaerxie, Hui Qin, Feng Long, Xi Wang, Zhixin Yang, Peng Du*, Yong Cui*
Abstract: mRNA drugs are synthesized using cell-free systems without complex and stringent manufacturing processes, which makes their preparation simple, efficient, and economical. Over the past few years, mRNAs encoding antibodies have been one of the research frontiers of antibody drug development. In cancer immunotherapy, mRNAs encoding immune checkpoint antibodies may be advantageous regarding antibody persistence and durability of the anti-tumor immune response of patients. In our previous study, a candidate antibody—AET2010—targeting the novel immune checkpoint TIGIT was reported. Its anti-tumor activity was also investigated using adoptive transfer of NK-92MI cells in a xenograft mouse model, but the limitations of the model did not facilitate precise evaluation. In the present study, we further investigated the therapeutic potential of AET2010 for cancer in TIGIT-humanized BALB/c mice. Next, we explored the design, synthesis, and optimization of mRNAs encoding AET2010 and ultimately obtained a candidate mRNA (mRNA-BU) with favorable in vitro and in vivo expression levels of active AET2010. Particularly, lipid-nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA-BU delivered to mice produced AET2010 with significantly higher peak concentration and expression duration than an equivalent dose of original AET2010. This study provides a sound basis for developing novel drugs targeting TIGIT.
PubDate: 2023-04-07 16:32:08
- Hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic use in a geriatric hospital: a
point prevalence study
Authors: Vittorio Marconi; Corinna Fortunato, Davide Mengarelli detto Rinaldini, Lidia Pascucci, Daniele Arsego, Letizia Ferrara
Abstract: Background: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are the most common healthcare-associated complications, particularly in elderly patients. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of HAIs and associated risk factors in the IRCCS INRCA of Ancona.Methods: A cross-sectional study has been carried out. Data has been collected in accordance with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Point Prevalence Survey 2022-2023 (PPS3) protocol in the IRCCS INRCA of Ancona in November 2022.Results: Out of the 128 patients included in our study, 75.0% were over 78 years old and 9.1% presented an active HAI on the day of the survey. The prevalence of HAIs varied based on the length of the hospital stay (OR 1.1, CI 95% 1.05 - 1.17, p < 0.001) and hospitalization > 7 days (OR 5.9, CI 95% 1.2 - 28.7, p = 0.02).Conclusion: It is clear from our findings that HAIs are associated with advanced patient age, prolonged hospital stay, and use of medical devices, especially in those patients that, due to their clinical situation, are more vulnerable. Although some of these infections can easily be treated, it is important to develop effective infection control strategies thanks to antimicrobial stewardship programs.
PubDate: 2023-03-03 11:44:35
- Knowledge of diabetic patients regarding diabetes management, diet,
lifestyle modification and blood glucose monitoring
Authors: Zarmeena Qazi; Hafiz Muhammad Dawood
Abstract: Hyperglycemia due to abnormalities in insulin production, insulin action, or both characterizes the metabolic disorders known collectively as diabetes [1].
PubDate: 2023-02-14 16:45:19
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