The advent of nanotechnologies such as nanocarriers and nanotherapeutics has changed the treatment strategy and developed a more efficacious novel drug delivery system. Various drug delivery systems are focused on drug-targeting of brain cells. However, the manifestation of the brain barrier is the main hurdle for the effective delivery of chemotherapeutics, ultimately causing treatment failure of various drugs. To solve this problem, various nanocarrier-based drug delivery system has been developed for brain targeting. This review outlines nanocarrier-based composites for different brain diseases and highlights nanocarriers for drug targeting towards brain cells. It also summarizes the latest developments in nanocarrier-based delivery systems containing liposomal systems, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, polymeric nanocarriers, quantum dots (QDs), and gold nanoparticles. Besides, the optimal properties of nanocarriers and therapeutic implications for brain targeting have been extensively studied. Finally, the potential applications and research opportunities for nanocarriers in brain targeting are discussed.

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a growing major health problem with medical, social, and economic burden. The pathogenesis of osteoporosis involves excessive bone resorption by osteoclasts and decreased new bone formation by osteoblasts. Early diagnosis is the key to minimize the impact of osteoporosis on patients. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the hip or spine is the main standard test for measuring bone mineral density, and according to the World Health Organization, the T-score value of –2.5 or less determines osteoporosis. Aim: In this work, we aimed to study the risk factors associated with osteoporosis among a population sample of osteoporotic and controls in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and relate them to the T-score value. Material and Methods: Two hundred male and female participants were recruited in the study. A questionnaire was used and data were correlated with the T-score value of the participants. Results: Results showed a positive correlation between the T-score value of the patients with osteoporosis and their calcium intake, exercise duration, and the age at menopause of female patients, whereas a negative correlation was evident between the T-score value and both caffeine and nicotine consumption. Results also revealed that patients with osteoporosis have significantly low body mass index, low calcium intake, and shorter duration of exposure to the sun than the control group. Conclusion: In conclusion, more intervention should be directed toward changing the modifiable risk factors in patients with osteoporosis and more studies should be directed toward osteoporosis in the UAE.

Ciprofloxacin (CPX), is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a number of gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin can cause severe side effects, ranging from tendon problems, nerve damage, to serious mood or behavior changes.

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. To achieve and sustain remission, effective treatment strategies are necessary. Ustekinumab, a biologic agent targeting interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, has emerged as a significant therapeutic option for moderate to severe IBD. Aim: To gain insights into the utilization of Ustekinumab for IBD, we conducted a comprehensive review of the ClinicalTrials.gov registry. Methods: A comprehensive search of the ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted to find all clinical trials involving the use of Ustekinumab in IBD patients. As of December 30th, 2022, 69 clinical trials were identified that included IBD and Ustekinumab. The study list was saved, and those clinical trials that fitted the definition of targeted therapy were included in the review. Results: The results showed that Ustekinumab was associated with significant improvements in the clinical response and remission rates, in both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients. Additionally, the safety profile of Ustekinumab was generally favourable, with low rates of adverse events reported. In terms of study design, most of the relevant studies found in the database were interventional studies. The investigation focused on completed studies and found that there were a limited number of clinical trials with interventional measures. Conclusion: Ustekinumab appears to be a promising treatment option for patients with IBD, with the potential to provide significant clinical benefits and a favourable safety profile. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore optimal dosing and treatment regimens.

Long exposure to Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been complicated by some dangerous though infrequent cardiotoxicity. A total of 40 normal adult male albino rats dispersed into 4 groups were used. Group 1 (Control group), Group II (HCQ treated group), Group III (zinc [Zn]-treated group), and Group IV (HCQ and Zn treated group). Once the experimentation ended, rats were sacrificed and cardiac soft tissue sections were processed twenty-four hours at the end of the experiment for histological study. Cardiac-stained sections revealed that HCQ induced widespread necrosis, dilatation, and vacuolar degeneration. However, the combination of HCQ with Zn ameliorated these damaging effects. Cardiac enzyme parameters were also studied in the 4 groups and revealed CK-MB and troponin were considerably elevated in groups II associated to the control group. It was concluded that Zn revealed a protective role against HCQ cardiomyopathy in adult male albino rats. This might signify an appreciated means for Zn-based treatment in the upcoming subsequent clinical records to adjust doses and guarantee patient safeguard.