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Medicines
Volume 8
Issue 12
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Medicines, Volume 8, Issue 12 (December 2021) – 7 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): This article describes how the achievements of technology in the field of the multi-parameter monitoring of physical activity, in addition to data transfer and processing, can enable the organization of multi-station circular-reverberant systems to remotely manage patients during exercise therapy. The use of devices equipped with sensors allows information on the patient's condition as well as on the environment to be collected. These data can be used on-site through devices (e.g., a mobile phone or tablet) or transmitted to central units where they can be stored and processed through the use of artificial intelligence or data mining solutions. The system provides different possible outputs to healthcare professionals, companies that produce devices, and patients that use devices themselves, contributing to the management of the environment in which physical activity takes place. View this paper
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15 pages, 1391 KiB  
Article
Preclinical Trial of Traditional Plant Remedies for the Treatment of Complications of Gestational Malaria
by Peter Uchenna Amadi, Emmanuel Nnabugwu Agomuo, Chinyere Nneka Ukaga, Uche Chinedu Njoku, Joy Adaku Amadi and Chinweuba Godswill Nwaekpe
Medicines 2021, 8(12), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines8120079 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2224
Abstract
Background: Most pregnant women living in high malaria endemic regions of Nigeria use herbal remedies for the management of malaria-in-pregnancy, rather than the commonly prescribed drugs. Remedies common to this area involve a suspension of A. indica (AI) leaves and in some cases, [...] Read more.
Background: Most pregnant women living in high malaria endemic regions of Nigeria use herbal remedies for the management of malaria-in-pregnancy, rather than the commonly prescribed drugs. Remedies common to this area involve a suspension of A. indica (AI) leaves and in some cases, a suspension containing a mixture of AI and D.edulis (PS). Aim: This study examined the therapeutic efficacies of AI, PS, or a combination of AI and PS in a pregnant rat model for exoerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum parasite. Method: A predetermined sample size of 30 dams was used (for a power level and confidence interval of 95%), and divided equally into six groups made up of non-malarous dams, untreated malarous dams, and malarous dams either treated exclusively with 1 mL of 3000 mg/kg b.w AI, 1000 mg/kg b.w PS, AI + PS (50% v/v), or 25 mg/kg b.w CQ. Result: No maternal mortality was recorded. AI significantly improved maternal weight gain from 32.4 to 82.2 g and placental weight from 0.44 to 0.53 g. In the curative test, AI and AI + PS significantly reduced the average percentage parasitemia (APP) in the pregnant rats from >80% to <20%. No significant difference in the APP was found between the pregnant rats treated with any of CQ or AI during the suppressive test. Results for the prophylactic test of the study groups showed that the APP was significantly reduced from 24.69% to 3.90% when treated with AI and 3.67% when combined with PS. AI + PS reduced diastolic blood pressure from 89.0 to 81.0 mm/Hg and compared with that of the non malarous dams. AI or AI + PS significantly increased the platelet counts (103 µL) from 214.1 to 364.5 and 351.2, respectively. AI and AI + PS improved birth weight from 2.5 to 3.9 g and crown rump length from 2.6 to 4.1 cm. For biomarkers of preeclampsia, combining AI and PS led to the reversal of the altered levels of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, cardiac troponin, soluble Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1, and placental growth factor. Conclusions: This study validates the use of A. indica for the treatment of gestational malaria due to its antiplasmodial and related therapeutic effects and in combination with pear seeds for the management of malaria-in-pregnancy-induced preeclampsia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue PROTAC—From Bench to Bed)
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14 pages, 2159 KiB  
Article
Cytotoxic Tumour-Selective 1,5-Diaryl-3-Oxo-1,4-Pentadienes Mounted on a Piperidine Ring
by Praveen K. Roayapalley, Hiroshi Sakagami, Keitaro Satoh, Shigeru Amano, Kenjiro Bandow, Renato J. Aguilera, Karla G. Cano Hernandez, Austre Y. Schiaffino Bustamante, Stephen G. Dimmock, Rajendra K. Sharma, Umashankar Das and Jonathan R. Dimmock
Medicines 2021, 8(12), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines8120078 - 16 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2317
Abstract
A series of 3,5-bis(benzylidene)-4-piperidones 2a–u were prepared as candidate cytotoxic agents. In general, the compounds are highly toxic to human gingival carcinoma (Ca9-22), human squamous carcinoma-2 (HSC-2) and human squamous carcinoma-4 (HSC-4) neoplasms, but less so towards non-malignant human gingival fibroblast [...] Read more.
A series of 3,5-bis(benzylidene)-4-piperidones 2a–u were prepared as candidate cytotoxic agents. In general, the compounds are highly toxic to human gingival carcinoma (Ca9-22), human squamous carcinoma-2 (HSC-2) and human squamous carcinoma-4 (HSC-4) neoplasms, but less so towards non-malignant human gingival fibroblast (HGF), human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPLF) and human pulp cells (HPC), thereby demonstrating tumour-selective toxicity. A further study revealed that most of the compounds in series 2 were more toxic to the human Colo-205 adenocarcinoma cell line (Colo-205), human HT29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29) and human CEM lymphoid cells (CEM) neoplasms than towards non-malignant human foreskin Hs27 fibroblast line (Hs27) cells. The potency of the cytotoxins towards the six malignant cell lines increased as the sigma and sigma star values of the aryl substituents rose. Attempts to condense various aryl aldehydes with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone led to the isolation of some 1,5-diaryl-1,4-pentadien-3-ones. The highest specificity for oral cancer cells was displayed by 2e and 2r. In the case of 2r, its selective toxicity exceeded that of doxorubicin and melphalan. The enones 2k, m, o have the highest SI values towards colon cancer and leukemic cells. Both 2e,r inhibited mitosis and increased the subG1 population (with a transient increase in G2/M phase cells). Slight activation of caspase-3, based on the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) and procaspase 3, was detected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Antitumor Potential and Side Effects of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)
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9 pages, 1312 KiB  
Article
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cervical Spine: Frequency of Abnormal Findings with Relation to Age
by Ali Alghamdi and Abeer Alqahtani
Medicines 2021, 8(12), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines8120077 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 8882
Abstract
Background: Patients with neck pain are frequently encountered in cervical spine (C-spine) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) practice. However, the exact distribution and prevalence of cervical abnormalities are not known. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between age, gender, [...] Read more.
Background: Patients with neck pain are frequently encountered in cervical spine (C-spine) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) practice. However, the exact distribution and prevalence of cervical abnormalities are not known. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between age, gender, and prevalence of abnormal cervical MRI findings. Methods: Records of 111 cervical MRIs were collected in 12 months from January to December 2019 from adults aged 20–89 years who were referred from neurosurgery, neurology, and orthopedic clinics. Findings were classified and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 24.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The chi-square test was used to determine the association between demographics and abnormalities using a significance of p = 0.05. Results: The majority of patients were female (72.1%). The number of abnormal incidences increased with age until it reached a peak at ages 50–59. Spondylodegenerative changes were the most frequent finding, which was present in 52.2% of the total sample, and was followed by disc bulge (25.2%). Incidences increased in lower discs, with C5–C6 being the most frequent in 65% of the total sample. Younger males in their 20s had more injuries than females of the same age. However, this rate was reversed in patients over 40, as women were the dominant gender among patients in their 40s with cervical injuries, with a rate of 81.5%. Conclusion: In our study, we found that older patients developed more C-spine injuries. Gender may play a role in the rate of incidents. However, we did not find any significant differences between men and women or between different types of abnormalities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frailty Syndrome in the Elderly: A Real Challenge for Our Society)
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9 pages, 313 KiB  
Review
The Role of New Technological Opportunities and the Need to Evaluate the Activities Performed in the Prevention of Diabetic Foot with Exercise Therapy
by Piergiorgio Francia, Alessandra De Bellis, Giulia Iannone, Rosy Sinopoli, Leonardo Bocchi and Roberto Anichini
Medicines 2021, 8(12), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines8120076 - 02 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2562
Abstract
The diabetic foot (DF) is one of the most feared conditions among chronic complications of diabetes, which affects a growing number of patients. Although exercise therapy (ET) has always been considered a pillar in the treatment of patients at risk of DF it [...] Read more.
The diabetic foot (DF) is one of the most feared conditions among chronic complications of diabetes, which affects a growing number of patients. Although exercise therapy (ET) has always been considered a pillar in the treatment of patients at risk of DF it is not usually used. Several causes can contribute to hindering both the organization of ET protocols for Diabetes Units and the participation in ET programs for patients at different levels of risk of foot ulceration. The risk of favoring the occurrence of ulcers and the absence of clear evidence on the role played by ET in the prevention of ulcers could be considered among the most important causes leading to the low application of ET. The increased availability of new technologies and in particular of systems and devices equipped with sensors can enable the remote monitoring and management of physical activity performed by patients. Consequently, they can become an opportunity for introducing the systematic use of ET for the treatment of patients at risk. Considering the complexity of the clinical conditions that patients at risk or with diabetic foot ulcer can show, the evaluation of how patients perform the ET proposed can consequently be very important. All this can contribute to improving the treatment of patients and avoiding possible adverse effects. The aim of this brief review was to describe that the use of new technologies and the assessment of the execution of the ET proposed allows an important step forward in the management of patients at risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diabetic Foot Prevention and Physical Activity)
5 pages, 560 KiB  
Article
Mortality of Patients Infected by COVID-19 with and without Deep-Vein Thrombosis
by Jose Maria Pereira de Godoy, Gleison Juliano da Silva Russeff, Carolina Hungaro Costa, Debora Yuri Sato, Desirée Franccini Del Frari Silva, Maria de Fatima Guerreiro Godoy, Henrique Jose Pereira de Godoy and Paulo César Espada
Medicines 2021, 8(12), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines8120075 - 29 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2451
Abstract
Background: Current evidence points to a state of hypercoagulability (consequence of hyperinflammation) as an important pathogenic mechanism that contributes to the increase in mortality in cases of COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of deep-vein thrombosis on [...] Read more.
Background: Current evidence points to a state of hypercoagulability (consequence of hyperinflammation) as an important pathogenic mechanism that contributes to the increase in mortality in cases of COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of deep-vein thrombosis on mortality patient’s infected with SARS-CoV-2. Method: A clinical trial was conducted involving 200 consecutive patients with COVID-19—100 patients who were positive for deep-vein thrombosis (venous Doppler ultrasound) and 100 who were negative for deep-vein thrombosis at a public hospital. Results: The mortality rate was 67% in the group positive for DVT and 31% in the group negative for DVT. Conclusion: Deep-vein thrombosis is associated with an increase in mortality in patients with COVID-19 and failures can occur with conventional prophylaxis for deep-vein thrombosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19-Associated Diseases: The Uncertainty of Diagnosis and Treatment)
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11 pages, 7474 KiB  
Article
Erbium Laser for Skin Surgery: A Single-Center Twenty-Five Years’ Experience
by Steven Paul Nisticò, Giovanni Cannarozzo, Piero Campolmi, Federica Dragoni, Silvia Moretti, Cataldo Patruno and Luigi Bennardo
Medicines 2021, 8(12), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines8120074 - 24 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3885
Abstract
 (1) Introduction: The Erbium laser is a very versatile laser system used in dermatology. Its ability to be almost selectively absorbed by water makes it a perfect device for managing various cutaneous skin conditions. (2) Methods: In this paper, we report our twenty-five [...] Read more.
 (1) Introduction: The Erbium laser is a very versatile laser system used in dermatology. Its ability to be almost selectively absorbed by water makes it a perfect device for managing various cutaneous skin conditions. (2) Methods: In this paper, we report our twenty-five years’ experience with the Erbium laser. More than three thousand patients were treated for common skin disorders such as flat warts, seborrheic keratosis, xanthelasmas, and scars. (3) Results: A complete response was observed in 89.6%, without significant side effects. Local anesthesia was used in only a tiny percentage of patients. (4) Conclusions: This study confirms that the Erbium laser is a valuable and flexible procedure for laser surgery with excellent safety and short healing times. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telemedicine in the Elderly)
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4 pages, 279 KiB  
Brief Report
Zulfiqar Frailty Scale: Overview, Stakes, and Possibilities
by Abrar-Ahmad Zulfiqar and Ibrahima Dembélé
Medicines 2021, 8(12), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines8120073 - 23 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2288
Abstract
Very few frailty scales are used by general practitioners, as they are time consuming and cumbersome. We developed a frailty screening tool for use in primary care, referred to as the Zulfiqar Frailty Scale (ZFS). This scale was tested in multiple general practitioners’ [...] Read more.
Very few frailty scales are used by general practitioners, as they are time consuming and cumbersome. We developed a frailty screening tool for use in primary care, referred to as the Zulfiqar Frailty Scale (ZFS). This scale was tested in multiple general practitioners’ offices in France, and these studies were published. In this paper, we offer a summary of these results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frailty Syndrome in the Elderly: A Real Challenge for Our Society)
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