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Medicines
Volume 7
Issue 9
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Medicines, Volume 7, Issue 9 (September 2020) – 11 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Intravascular catheters are ubiquitous in contemporary care, but issues of infection continue to pose significant hazards. The introduction of aseptic protocols, new prophylactic lock solutions, advanced polymers and the integration of sensors could provide a personalised medical portfolio to radically improve patient care in the future. View this paper
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5 pages, 226 KiB  
Editorial
How Are Medicinal Plants Useful When Added to Foods?
by Gema Nieto
Medicines 2020, 7(9), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7090058 - 14 Sep 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3713
Abstract
Consumers are concerned about the use of synthetic additives in foods and this has forced food processors to find ways to produce food products without the use of these additives [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants and Foods)
6 pages, 390 KiB  
Article
Cannabidiol Content and In Vitro Biological Activities of Commercial Cannabidiol Oils and Hemp Seed Oils
by Masashi Kitamura, Yuka Kiba, Ryuichiro Suzuki, Natsumi Tomida, Akemi Uwaya, Fumiyuki Isami and Shixin Deng
Medicines 2020, 7(9), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7090057 - 07 Sep 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7130
Abstract
Background: Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed contains high contents of various nutrients, including fatty acids and proteins. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound that can be extracted from C. sativa and used for treating epilepsy and pain. Industrial hemp products, including CBD [...] Read more.
Background: Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed contains high contents of various nutrients, including fatty acids and proteins. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound that can be extracted from C. sativa and used for treating epilepsy and pain. Industrial hemp products, including CBD and hemp seed oils, have become increasingly popular. Some products are marketed without a clear distinction between CBD and hemp seed oils. Herein, the CBD content and biological activities of commercial CBD and hemp seed oils were examined. Methods: CBD content was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. For in vitro antioxidant activity determination, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical-scavenging assays were performed. Results: The CBD concentrations in the two CBD oil samples were 18.9 ± 0.5 and 9.2 ± 0.4 mg/mL. Of the seven hemp seed oil samples, six samples contained CBD in concentrations ranging from 2.0 ± 0.1 to 20.5 ± 0.5 µg/mL, but it was not detected in one sample. Antioxidant activity was observed in both CBD oil samples. Conclusions: The results indicate that (1) CBD content varied by hemp seed oil sample and that (2) antioxidant activity could be a useful landmark for discriminating CBD oils from hemp seed oils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Applications of the Cannabis Plant)
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11 pages, 4697 KiB  
Case Report
Recurrent Superior Vena Cava Syndrome in a Patient with Sarcoidosis and Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
by Ganesh Shenoy, Yunsung Kim, Kyra Newmaster, Kathryn L. McGillen, Francesca Ruggiero and Nelson S. Yee
Medicines 2020, 7(9), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7090056 - 04 Sep 2020
Viewed by 3509
Abstract
Background: Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome may result from extravascular compression or intravascular obstruction such as thrombosis. Recurrent venous thrombosis is typically associated with a hypercoagulable state such as malignancy, and inheritable or acquired coagulopathy. Sarcoidosis is a derangement of the immune system, [...] Read more.
Background: Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome may result from extravascular compression or intravascular obstruction such as thrombosis. Recurrent venous thrombosis is typically associated with a hypercoagulable state such as malignancy, and inheritable or acquired coagulopathy. Sarcoidosis is a derangement of the immune system, and it has been associated with malignant diseases and hypercoagulation. The association of pancreatic cancer and sarcoidosis with SVC syndrome has not been reported previously. Here, we present a case of recurrent venous thrombosis causing SVC syndrome in a patient with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and underlying thoracic sarcoidosis. Methods: The patient’s electronic health record was retrospectively analyzed. Results: A 66-year-old woman with pancreatic adenocarcinoma was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by Whipple procedure, before developing tumor recurrence in the liver. Her treatment course was complicated with repeated incidents of venous thrombosis in the presence of a central venous catheter leading to recurrent SVC syndrome, which resolved with anti-coagulation. Conclusions: This case raises a plausible inter-relationship between sarcoidosis, pancreatic cancer, and hypercoagulable state. We suggest that patients with multiple risk factors for developing venous thrombosis should be carefully monitored for any thrombotic event, and they may benefit from prophylactic anti-coagulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Topics in Medicines and How Our Board Members Are Engaged in Them)
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16 pages, 1666 KiB  
Review
Pitolisant and Other Histamine-3 Receptor Antagonists—An Update on Therapeutic Potentials and Clinical Prospects
by Victoria Harwell and Pius S. Fasinu
Medicines 2020, 7(9), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7090055 - 01 Sep 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 9355
Abstract
Background: Besides its well-known role as a peripheral chemical mediator of immune, vascular, and cellular responses, histamine plays major roles in the central nervous system, particularly in the mediation of arousal and cognition-enhancement. These central effects are mediated by the histamine-3 auto receptors, [...] Read more.
Background: Besides its well-known role as a peripheral chemical mediator of immune, vascular, and cellular responses, histamine plays major roles in the central nervous system, particularly in the mediation of arousal and cognition-enhancement. These central effects are mediated by the histamine-3 auto receptors, the modulation of which is thought to be beneficial for the treatment of disorders that impair cognition or manifest with excessive daytime sleepiness. Methods: A database search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and clinicaltrials.gov was performed in June 2020. Full-text articles were screened and reviewed to provide an update on pitolisant and other histamine-3 receptor antagonists. Results: A new class of drugs—histamine-3 receptor antagonists—has emerged with the approval of pitolisant for the treatment of narcolepsy with or without cataplexy. At the recommended dose, pitolisant is well tolerated and effective. It has also been evaluated for potential therapeutic benefit in Parkinson disease, epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Limited studies have shown pitolisant to lack abuse potential which will be a major advantage over existing drug options for narcolepsy. Several histamine-3 receptor antagonists are currently in development for a variety of clinical indications. Conclusions: Although limited clinical studies have been conducted on this new class of drugs, the reviewed literature showed promising results for future additions to the clinical indications of pitolisant, and the expansion of the list of approved drugs in this class for a variety of indications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurology and Neurologic Diseases)
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14 pages, 1175 KiB  
Review
PARP Inhibitors in Biliary Tract Cancer: A New Kid on the Block?
by Angela Dalia Ricci, Alessandro Rizzo, Chiara Bonucci, Nastassja Tober, Andrea Palloni, Veronica Mollica, Ilaria Maggio, Marzia Deserti, Simona Tavolari and Giovanni Brandi
Medicines 2020, 7(9), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7090054 - 31 Aug 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7770
Abstract
Poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) represent an effective therapeutic strategy for cancer patients harboring germline and somatic aberrations in DNA damage repair (DDR) genes. BRCA1/2 mutations occur at 1–7% across biliary tract cancers (BTCs), but a broader spectrum of DDR gene alterations [...] Read more.
Poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) represent an effective therapeutic strategy for cancer patients harboring germline and somatic aberrations in DNA damage repair (DDR) genes. BRCA1/2 mutations occur at 1–7% across biliary tract cancers (BTCs), but a broader spectrum of DDR gene alterations is reported in 28.9–63.5% of newly diagnosed BTC patients. The open question is whether alterations in genes that are well established to have a role in DDR could be considered as emerging predictive biomarkers of response to platinum compounds and PARPi. Currently, data regarding PARPi in BTC patients harboring BRCA and DDR mutations are sparse and anecdotal; nevertheless, a variety of clinical trials are testing PARPi as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer agents. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview regarding the genetic landscape of DDR pathway deficiency, state of the art and future therapeutic implications of PARPi in BTC, looking at combination strategies with immune-checkpoint inhibitors and other anticancer agents in order to improve survival and quality of life in BTC patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Topics in Medicines and How Our Board Members Are Engaged in Them)
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8 pages, 270 KiB  
Article
Comorbidities Associated with Granuloma Annulare: A Cross-Sectional, Case-Control Study
by Erik Almazan, Youkyung S. Roh, Micah Belzberg, Caroline X. Qin, Kyle Williams, Justin Choi, Nishadh Sutaria, Benjamin Kaffenberger, Yevgeniy R. Semenov, Jihad Alhariri and Shawn G. Kwatra
Medicines 2020, 7(9), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7090053 - 28 Aug 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4610
Abstract
Background: Granuloma annulare (GA) is a cutaneous granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology. There are conflicting data on the association between GA and multiple systemic conditions. As a result, we aimed to clarify the reported associations between GA and systemic conditions. Methods: A retrospective, [...] Read more.
Background: Granuloma annulare (GA) is a cutaneous granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology. There are conflicting data on the association between GA and multiple systemic conditions. As a result, we aimed to clarify the reported associations between GA and systemic conditions. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional, case-control study was performed in which the medical records of biopsy-confirmed GA patients ≥18 years of age, who presented to the Johns Hopkins Hospital System between 1 January 2009 and 1 June 2019, were reviewed. GA patients were compared to controls matched for age, race, and sex. Results: After adjusting for confounders, GA patients (n = 82) had higher odds of concurrent type II diabetes (odds ratio (OR) = 5.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.73–16.07; p < 0.01), non-migraine headache (OR = 8.70; 95% CI, 1.61–46.88; p = 0.01), and a positive smoking history (OR = 1.93; 95% CI, 1.10–3.38; p = 0.02) compared to controls (n = 164). Among GA patients, women were more likely to have ophthalmic conditions (p = 0.04), and men were more likely to have cardiovascular disease (p < 0.01) and type II diabetes (p = 0.05). No differences in systemic condition associations were observed among GA subtypes. Conclusions: Our results support the reported association between GA and type II diabetes. Furthermore, our findings indicate that GA may be associated with cigarette smoking and non-migraine headache disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Topics in Medicines and How Our Board Members Are Engaged in Them)
11 pages, 2024 KiB  
Article
Effects of Lonicera japonica Flower Bud Extract on Citrobacter rodentium-Induced Digestive Tract Infection
by Masaaki Minami and Toshiaki Makino
Medicines 2020, 7(9), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7090052 - 27 Aug 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4326
Abstract
Background: Although antibiotic therapy is currently a gold standard for bacterial infections, it is not used for severe diseases like enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, in which the Shiga toxin is overproduced by antibiotic action. The Lonicera japonica flower bud (LJF) is an herbal [...] Read more.
Background: Although antibiotic therapy is currently a gold standard for bacterial infections, it is not used for severe diseases like enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, in which the Shiga toxin is overproduced by antibiotic action. The Lonicera japonica flower bud (LJF) is an herbal component used against purulent diseases in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine. We investigated the effects of LJF extract (LJFE) on Citrobacter rodentium-induced digestive tract infection in a mouse model. Methods:Citrobacter rodentium and LJFE were orally administered to C57BL/6 mice. The survival rate and bacterial colonization in the large intestine, mesenteric lymph node, and blood of mice were evaluated. Cytokines secreted from intraperitoneal macrophages of LJFE-treated mice were measured using ELISA. Moreover, the phagocytic activity of intraperitoneal macrophages against Citrobacter rodentium was compared between LJFE- or chlorogenic acid (CGA)-treated mice. Results: LJFE significantly increased the survival rate and decreased Citrobacter rodentium colonization in mice. Moreover, the values of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interferon-γ secreted from macrophages were increased following LJFE treatment. While macrophages of LJFE-treated mice showed a significant phagocytic activity, macrophages of CGA-treated mice only showed a phagocytic tendency. Conclusions: LJF may be useful for treating Citrobacter rodentium-induced digestive tract infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Basic Studies on Therapeutic Efficacy of Medicinal Plants against Bacterial Infections)
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17 pages, 13032 KiB  
Case Report
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography for Screening and Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
by Kathryn L. McGillen, Syeda Zaidi, Amer Ahmed, Shantell Harter and Nelson S. Yee
Medicines 2020, 7(9), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7090051 - 27 Aug 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4634
Abstract
Background: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a safe and noninvasive imaging technique that can characterize and evaluate liver lesions, and has been approved for this use in the Unites States since 2016. CEUS has been shown to be similar in accuracy to computed tomography [...] Read more.
Background: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a safe and noninvasive imaging technique that can characterize and evaluate liver lesions, and has been approved for this use in the Unites States since 2016. CEUS has been shown to be similar in accuracy to computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for noninvasive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and offers several advantages in certain patient populations who have contraindications for CT or MRI. However, CEUS has inherent limitations and has not been widely employed for evaluation of HCC. Methods: We present three retrospective cases of liver lesions in patients with cirrhosis, who underwent screening for HCC using concurrent, well-timed CT and CEUS. Results: In these cases, the liver lesions were better visualized and then diagnosed as malignancy via CEUS, whereas the lesions were best appreciated on CT only in retrospect. Conclusions: In some cirrhotic patients, a focal lesion may be more easily identifiable via CEUS than on CT and thus accurately characterized, suggesting an important and complementary role of CEUS with CT or MRI. Further studies are indicated to support the use of CEUS for the diagnosis and characterization of liver lesions in screening patients at risk for developing HCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Topics in Medicines and How Our Board Members Are Engaged in Them)
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18 pages, 2251 KiB  
Review
Development of Newly Synthesized Chromone Derivatives with High Tumor Specificity against Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
by Yoshiaki Sugita, Koichi Takao, Yoshihiro Uesawa, Junko Nagai, Yosuke Iijima, Motohiko Sano and Hiroshi Sakagami
Medicines 2020, 7(9), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7090050 - 26 Aug 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4350
Abstract
Since many anticancer drugs show severe adverse effects such as mucositis, peripheral neurotoxicity, and extravasation, it was crucial to explore new compounds with much reduced adverse effects. Comprehensive investigation with human malignant and nonmalignant cells demonstrated that derivatives of chromone, back-bone structure of [...] Read more.
Since many anticancer drugs show severe adverse effects such as mucositis, peripheral neurotoxicity, and extravasation, it was crucial to explore new compounds with much reduced adverse effects. Comprehensive investigation with human malignant and nonmalignant cells demonstrated that derivatives of chromone, back-bone structure of flavonoid, showed much higher tumor specificity as compared with three major polyphenols in the natural kingdom, such as lignin-carbohydrate complex, tannin, and flavonoid. A total 291 newly synthesized compounds of 17 groups (consisting of 12 chromones, 2 esters, and 3 amides) gave a wide range of the intensity of tumor specificity, possibly reflecting the fitness for the optimal 3D structure and electric state. Among them, 7-methoxy-3-[(1E)-2-phenylethenyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (compound 22), which belongs to 3-styrylchromones, showed the highest tumor specificity. 22 induced subG1 and G2 + M cell population in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line, with much less keratinocyte toxicity as compared with doxorubicin and 5-FU. However, 12 active compounds selected did not necessarily induce apoptosis and mitotic arrest. This compound can be used as a lead compound to manufacture more active compound. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Topics in Medicines and How Our Board Members Are Engaged in Them)
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23 pages, 3086 KiB  
Review
Minimising Blood Stream Infection: Developing New Materials for Intravascular Catheters
by Charnete Casimero, Todd Ruddock, Catherine Hegarty, Robert Barber, Amy Devine and James Davis
Medicines 2020, 7(9), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7090049 - 26 Aug 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 10627
Abstract
Catheter related blood stream infection is an ever present hazard for those patients requiring venous access and particularly for those requiring long term medication. The implementation of more rigorous care bundles and greater adherence to aseptic techniques have yielded substantial reductions in infection [...] Read more.
Catheter related blood stream infection is an ever present hazard for those patients requiring venous access and particularly for those requiring long term medication. The implementation of more rigorous care bundles and greater adherence to aseptic techniques have yielded substantial reductions in infection rates but the latter is still far from acceptable and continues to place a heavy burden on patients and healthcare providers. While advances in engineering design and the arrival of functional materials hold considerable promise for the development of a new generation of catheters, many challenges remain. The aim of this review is to identify the issues that presently impact catheter performance and provide a critical evaluation of the design considerations that are emerging in the pursuit of these new catheter systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Topics in Medicines and How Our Board Members Are Engaged in Them)
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9 pages, 441 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Changes in Continuous Sedentary Behavior in Community—Dwelling Japanese Adults: A Pilot Study
by Chiaki Uehara, Nobuyuki Miyatake, Shuhei Hishii, Hiromi Suzuki and Akihiko Katayama
Medicines 2020, 7(9), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7090048 - 25 Aug 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3439
Abstract
Background: Sedentary behavior (SB) is associated with adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to clarify seasonal changes in SB including continuous SB (CSB) in community-dwelling Japanese adults. Methods: In this secondary analysis, a total of 65 community-dwelling Japanese adults (7 [...] Read more.
Background: Sedentary behavior (SB) is associated with adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to clarify seasonal changes in SB including continuous SB (CSB) in community-dwelling Japanese adults. Methods: In this secondary analysis, a total of 65 community-dwelling Japanese adults (7 men and 58 women, 69 (50–78) years) were enrolled. SB (%), including CSB (≥30 min) as well as physical activity, were evaluated using a tri-accelerometer. The differences in these parameters between baseline (summer) and follow-up (winter) were examined. Results: %CSB and %SB at baseline were 20.5 (4.0–60.9) and 54.0 ± 11.5, respectively. CSB was significantly increased (6.6%), and SB was also increased (5.1%) at follow-up compared with baseline. In addition, there were positive relationships between changes in CSB and SB, and body weight and body mass index. Conclusions: These results suggest that there were significant seasonal changes in CSB and SB in community-dwelling Japanese adults. Full article
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