Biomimetic nanocarriers, engineered to mimic the characteristics of native cells, offer a revolutionary approach in the treatment of various complex human diseases. This strategy enhances drug delivery by leveraging the innate properties of cellular components, thereby improving biocompatibility and targeting specificity. Biomimetic nanocarriers demonstrate significant advancements in drug delivery systems against cancer therapy, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections such as COVID-19. Here, we address the therapeutic applications of biomimetic nanocarriers and their promising strategy for personalized medicine.

This report presents the case of a 47-year-old male patient who worked as a mathematics teacher and experienced the sudden onset of disorientation, aphasia, and acalculia during an online class. The current study reveals the first documented case of HIV and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and human polyomavirus 2 (previously known as John Cunningham virus) in the cerebrospinal fluid. Furthermore, serum analysis revealed elevated concentrations of interleukin (IL) -6, IL-17, and IL-8, which are potential factors known to reduce the expression of tight junctions and adhe-sion molecules in the extracellular matrix, thereby affecting the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Finally, the study discusses whether SARS-CoV-2 triggers or exacerbates progressive multifocal leukoen-cephalopathy.(c) 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ )

Background/Objectives: Cytokine storm in severe COVID-19 is responsible for irreversible tissue damage and death. Soluble mediators from the TNF superfamily, their correlation with clinical outcome, and the use of TNF receptors as a potent predictor for clinical outcome were evaluated. Methods: Severe COVID-19 patients had the levels of soluble mediators from the TNF superfamily quantified and categorized according to the clinical outcome (death versus survival). Statistical modeling was performed to predict clinical outcomes. Results: COVID-19 patients have elevated serum levels from the TNF superfamily. Regardless of sex and age, the sTNFRI levels were observed to be significantly higher in deceased patients from the first weeks following the onset of symptoms. We analyzed hematological parameters and inflammatory markers, and there was a difference between the groups for the following factors: erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, neutrophils, band cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, CRP, IL-8, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-6, IL-4, IL-2, leptin MIF sCD40L, and sTNFRI (p < 0.05). A post hoc analysis showed an inferential capacity over 70% for some hematological markers, CRP, and inflammatory mediators in deceased patients. sTNFRI was strongly associated with death, and the sTNFRI/sTNFRII ratio differed between outcomes (p < 0.001; power above 90%), highlighting the impact of these proteins on clinical results. The final logistic model, including sTNFRI/sTNFRII and CRP, indicated high sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and an eight-fold higher odds ratio for an unfavorable outcome. Conclusions: The joint use of the sTNFRI/sTNFRII ratio with CRP proves to be a promising tool to assist in the clinical management of patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of global mortality, with 1.25 million deaths reported in 2023. Extended treatment duration contributes to poor patient adherence and treatment failure. Innovative drug delivery platforms are needed to improve therapeutic outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to develop nanoemulsions co-encapsulating quercetin and rifampicin and evaluate their physicochemical properties and in vitro biological activity relevant to TB therapy. Methods: Nanoemulsions (NEs) were prepared via hot solvent diffusion and phase inversion temperature techniques. Physicochemical characterization, stability, anti-inflammatory effects in BEAS-2B cells, and antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and resistant strains were assessed in vitro. Results: The quercetin-rifampicin nanoemulsion (QUE-RIF-NE) showed an average size of 24 nm, zeta potential of −27 mV, and drug recovery rates of 77% (quercetin) and 75% (rifampicin). The formulation was stable and non-cytotoxic at 10⁻⁸ M, reducing IFN-γ production by half and reactive oxygen species production by almost 75% in BEAS-2B cells. It also exhibited antimycobacterial activity against both susceptible and resistant M. tuberculosis strains (MIC ≤ 0.015 µg/mL). Conclusions: QUE-RIF-NE exhibits promising physicochemical stability and dual anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in vitro, demonstrating potential for optimized pulmonary or systemic TB therapy that integrates both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

The growth of the global population, combined with the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), intensifies the challenges of ensuring universal access to safe and nutritious foods, reinforcing the need for functional and sustainable dietary strategies. In this context, Cyperus esculentus tubers have emerged as a promising alternative. However, studies associating its metabolite profile with biological effects remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the metabolites and evaluate the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and immunomodulatory potential of C. esculentus tubers. The chemical Proximate composition was evaluated by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Cytotoxicity was assessed in VERO, HT-29, and THP-1-derived macrophage cells, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using ABTS and DPPH assays. Immunomodulatory effects were investigated through the analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cytokine levels (IL-10, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β). The tubers exhibited high levels of carbohydrates (34.89%), lipids (26.73%), insoluble fiber (23.12%), and moderate protein content (6.04%), in addition to relevant phenolic content (239.46 ± 18.38 mg.GAE.g⁻¹). A total of 35 compounds were annotaded including phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and lipid derivatives, with a predominance of lipid-related metabolites. The extracts showed significant antioxidant activity, low cytotoxicity, and modulated ROS production and cytokine levels in a manner dependent on cell type and extract concentration. These findings indicate that C. esculentus may represent a promising dietary alternative for the prevention and management of NCDs due to its nutritional composition and bioactive compounds.

The constant evolution of bacteria makes the search for new and effective bactericidal agents essential. In this context, developing antibacterial compounds with luminescent properties offers a promising strategy to investigate intracellular biochemical processes while simultaneously assessing the drug's effects. In the present work, coordination polymers of composition [{M(L1)2}{M(L1)(H2O)2}]n (M = Sm3+, Gd3+, and Yb3+) were obtained from reactions of their respective lanthanide salts with 1.5 equivalent of the ligand 1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diylidene)diisonicotinohydrazide (H2L1). The techniques used for characterization of the compounds included FTIR, UV-visible spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In addition, emission spectra were obtained at room temperature and at 77 K, along with emission spectra in the presence of oxygen or argon. The antibacterial activity of the compounds was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and their clinical resistant strains - MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). It was observed that, upon complexation, there was a general increase in the activity, particularly with a more pronounced percentage of inhibition against bacterial biofilms. Additionally, the complex [{Yb(L1)2}{Yb(L1)(H2O)2}]n was used for functionalization of Bi2O3/Bi2S3 nanoparticles, however, a fluorescence suppression was observed for the Yb-containing nanoparticles. Finally, cellular internalization studies demonstrated that the Ln³⁺ polymers alone could be detected inside Vero cells through their luminescence properties. Altogether, these lanthanide complexes present potential for dual-modality biological performance, combining significant antibacterial activity with the ability for intracellular detection.