CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs), the artificial versions of unmethylated CpG motifs that were originally discovered in bacterial DNA, are demonstrated not only as potent immunoadjuvants but also as anticancer agents by triggering toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) activation in immune cells. TLR9 activation triggered by CpG ODN has been shown to activate plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), enhancing T cell-mediated antitumor immunity. However, the extent of antitumor immunity carried by TLR agonists has not been optimized individually or in combinations with cancer vaccines, resulting in a decreased preference for TLR agonists as adjuvants in clinical trials. Although various combination therapies involving CpG ODNs have been applied in clinical trials, none of the CpG ODN-based drugs have been approved by the FDA, owing to the short half-life of CpG ODNs in serum that leads to low activation of natural killer cells (NK cells) and CTLs, along with increases of pro-inflammatory cytokine productions. This review summarized the current innovation on CpG ODNs that are under clinical investigation and explored the future direction for CpG ODN-based nanomedicine as an anticancer monotherapy.

BACKGROUND:Cosmetics are applied topically to enhance appearance and are commonly used by women of all ages. Cosmetics contain many chemical agents, but the incidence of adverse reactions is low, possibly due to underreporting. This questionnaire-based study included 392 women to evaluate information on the types of cosmetics purchased between December 2018 and March 2019, their use by the women surveyed, and their associated adverse events. MATERIAL AND METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 women in Abbottabad, Pakistan, using a pre-structured and validated questionnaire to evaluate information on the types of cosmetics, their use, and their associated adverse events. Part 1 of the study collected information about demographics. Part 2 contained a total of 11 items, and collected the frequency of use of cosmetic on skin and hair care products. Part 3 consisted of 4 items and collected information about problems encountered due to the use of cosmetics. RESULTS:In the winter season, 47.7% (n=187) of women preferred chemical-based cosmetic products, while 30.9% (n=121) preferred Ayurvedic products. Among commonly used cosmetic products, 26.9% (n=106) of women used foundations. The most frequently used skin care product was face wash 39.5% (n=155). The most prevalent adverse events related to cosmetics were pimples (19.9%, n=78), redness (17.6%, n=69), and eye discomfort (15.8%, n=62). Furthermore, 51.3% (n=201) strongly agreed that cosmetics aid in getting a whiter complexion. CONCLUSIONS:The survey concluded that most women preferred cosmetics with a chemical base, which are associated with rashes, redness, and acne. It is important to encourage cosmetovigilance and awareness campaigns among cosmetic product sellers and users.

Honey is a viscous, hygroscopic liquid in nature. It has the ability to treat wounds, wrinkles, aging, and inflammation. This study’s objective was to create and characterize a nanoemulsion containing honey and evaluate its stability.

Antiepileptic drugs (AED) are progressively utilized for off-label conditions other than epilepsy, like bipolar disorder and migraine. The objective of this study was to evaluate current prescribing patterns and utilization of AED in pediatric, neurosurgery, and psychiatry wards and to compare them to the standard treatment guidelines. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Ayyub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from December 1st, 2018 to April 2019. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics, utilization patterns of AED, adherence to standard treatment guidelines, and frequency of potential drug–drug interactions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Among 410 patients, 54.3% (n = 223) were male, 45.6%(n = 187) were female, and 63.7% (n = 261) were from the 1 to 18 years’ age group. The majority 47.3% (n = 194) were from the pediatric ward followed by neurosurgery 28.7%(n = 118). Among the studied patients, 96.1% of them had comorbid conditions other than epilepsy alone. With regards to types of seizures unclassified seizures were the most common seizure type (59.8%; n = 245) followed by generalized tonic clonic seizures 23.4% (n = 96). In this study, the most frequently utilized AED was sodium valproate 59.0% (n = 242) followed by antiepileptic first-generation medicines were commonly used (76.3%). Although a total of 77.6% of the patients showed nonadherence to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines and 87.6% of them showed drug interactions. Findings from this study showed prescription patterns and utilization of AED in patients with epilepsy and non-epilepsy disorders which may help healthcare providers in making accurate clinical decisions.