Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CDNSs) are complex macromolecular structures composed of individual cyclodextrins (CDs) and nanochannels created between cross-linked CD units and cross-linkers. Due to their unique structural and physicochemical properties, CDNSs can possess even more beneficial pharmaceutical features than single CDs. In this comprehensive review, various aspects related to CDNSs are summarized. Particular attention was paid to overviewing structural properties, methods of synthesis, and physicochemical analysis of CDNSs using various analytical methods, such as DLS, PXRD, TGA, DSC, FT-IR, NMR, and phase solubility studies. Also, due to the significant role of CDNSs in pharmaceutical research and industry, aspects such as drug loading, drug release studies, and kinetics profile evaluation of drug–CDNS complexes were carefully reviewed. The aim of this paper is to find the relationships between the physicochemical features and to identify crucial characteristics that are influential for using CDNSs as convenient drug delivery systems.

Bioavailability is the biggest obstacle to the effectiveness of biologically active compounds. Based on a set of physicochemical requirements we can determine if the compound fulfills the drug-like character and if it has the potential to become an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with confirmed and thoroughly examined activities. This practice is widely used in drug design of entirely new APIs, but also in search of pharmacological active substances in large compound bases such as plant-derived substances. The chemical structure diversity of plant-based compounds assures that some of them have to be well bioavailable due to good lipid membrane permeability. However, their efficiency is often limited by poor water solubility. Thus, there is a special need for bioenhancers of naturally derived compounds. In this review we present the potential of cyclodextrin nanosponges (CDNSs) as bioavailability enhancers of selected phytochemicals, namely curcumin, resveratrol, oxyresveratrol and quercetin whose very poor water solubility is the biggest obstacle to high efficiency.

Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CDNSs) are novel polymers composed of cross-linked cyclodextrin (CD) macrocyclic units, whose characteristics make them great candidates for drug delivery systems with adjustable properties for the drug release process. Examination of the molecular structure and dynamics of CDNSs is a necessary starting point in the first step toward their broad application. Spectroscopic methods are effective analytical tools for probing the structure–property relationships of polymer structures. Infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopies provide insight into the behavior of hydrogen bond (H-bond) networks influencing the properties of CDNS polymeric networks. Scattering techniques such as inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and Brillouin light scattering (BLS) probe elastic properties, while small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) examines the structural inhomogeneities and water sorption abilities of CDNS materials. Complete evaluation is possible using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), which can provide data on CDNS network dynamics. This article summarizes the results of a wide examination of CDNSs with the use of spectroscopic methods and reveals the links between the microscopic behavior and macroscopic properties of CDNSs, enabling the customization of their properties for various biomedical purposes.

Wstęp i cele. Zbieractwo patologiczne należy do kategorii zaburzeń obsesyjno-kompulsywnych i pochodnych. Choroba charakteryzuje się trudnością w wyrzucaniu przedmiotów przez chorego oraz silnym stresem i lękiem w sytuacji ich utraty. Rozpowszechnienie zbieractwa patologicznego wśród społeczeństw Europy oraz Stanów Zjednoczonych Ameryki oceniane jest na 2-6%. Podstawą leczenia zbieractwa patologicznego jest psychoterapia, głównie w postaci terapii poznawczo-behawioralnej. Farmakoterapia ma natomiast dyskusyjną skuteczność. Celem pracy jest przedstawienie powiązań między wybranymi schorzenia psychicznymi oraz zbieractwem patologicznym, a także możliwości terapeutycznych w przypadku ich współistnienia. Niniejsza praca stanowi przegląd literatury z lat 2013-2021. Opis stanu wiedzy. Przegląd piśmiennictwa pozwala na zauważenie wielu powiązań psychopatologicznych pomiędzy wybranymi schorzeniami psychicznymi a zbieractwem patologicznym. Objawy zbieractwa czasami występują w towarzystwie takich zaburzeń psychicznych jak depresja, zaburzenia ze spektrum autyzmu, zespół nadpobudliwości psychoruchowej z deficytem uwagi, zaburzenia psychotyczne oraz otępienia. Obecność objawów zbieractwa wpływa na przebieg tych schorzeń oraz ich leczenie. Podsumowanie. Zbieractwo patologiczne należy do jednostek rzadkich oraz opornych na leczenie, zwłaszcza jeżeli towarzyszy innym chorobom psychicznym. Pomimo istnienia pozytywnych doniesień w literaturze o sposobach leczenia w stanach ich współistnienia, wymagane są kolejne badania z większą ilością uczestników aby potwierdzić ich skuteczność.

Introduction. Brain tumours constitute approximately 1% of all newly diagnosed cancers. Their manifestation typically involves headache, neurological impairment, focal onset seizures and syndromes related to tumour location. Severe headache presents as a prevailing symptom and occurs in over 50% of patients. Brain tumour associated headache exerts significant effect on quality of life in cancer patients. The following article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of most common and promising brain tumour related headache treatment strategies. State of knowledge. Headache in brain tumour patients arises from traction or displacement of intracranial pain-sensitive structures, such as vascular tissue, dura mater or periosteum. This can be caused by tumour’s mass itself, by tumour associated oedema or as a sequela of anti-tumour treatment. Most common therapeutic modalities include tumour surgical resection, cerebral oedema management, radiotherapeutic interventions and administration of analgesic agents. Complete removal of the tumour stands as the most effective approach, often bringing substantial alleviation in majority of cases. Conclusion. Headache affects the majority of individuals afflicted by brain tumours. Not all patients are suitable candidates for the resection of the underlying neoplasm. In such instances, the application of alternative approaches might be beneficial. Ongoing and future investigations may enhance the development of novel treatment strategies, possibly influencing the well-being of cancer patients, especially within palliative care area.

Introduction and purpose: Fibromyalgia is a disease with many symptoms that are difficult to treat. The most troublesome element is muscle, bone or joint pain. Importantly, the diagnosis of this disease is based on the physical examination and the subjective examination, which shows that there are no laboratory tests to confirm its presence. Public awareness of fibromyalgia is negligible, while more research is needed on the treatment of this disease and the possible alternatives associated with it. The aim of this study was to analyze the available literature on the basis of the PubMed scientific database, considering only scientific articles that were published within the last 5 years. The following keywords were used: fibromyalgia and physiotherapy, fibromyalgia and cannabis, fibromyalgia and cytokines. Description of the state of knowledge: Treatments related to cannabinoids and physiotherapy are still developing fields of knowledge. More than 40 papers related to the topic of the study were used for the review. The need for further research is apparent, especially randomized studies in which allocation to an experimental or control group is completely random. The question of investigating the long-term effectiveness of a given treatment is also not negligible, as many studies do not have a so-called follow-up. Conclusion: Cannabinoids are effective in the treatment of complaints associated with fibromyalgia. Exercise, laser therapy and acupuncture reduce pain and improve quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. More research on this disease is needed, especially with larger patient groups.