Peptide-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanocarriers represent a transformative approach to addressing the challenges of peptide-based therapies. These systems offer solutions to peptide instability, enzymatic degradation, and limited bioavailability by providing controlled release, targeted delivery, and improved stability. The versatility of PLGA nanocarriers extends across therapeutic domains, including cancer therapy, neurodegenerative diseases, vaccine development, and regenerative medicine. Innovations in polymer chemistry, surface functionalization, and advanced manufacturing techniques, such as microfluidics and electrospraying, have further enhanced the efficacy and scalability of these systems. This review highlights the key physicochemical properties, preparation strategies, and proven benefits of peptide-loaded PLGA systems, emphasizing their role in sustained drug release, immune activation, and tissue regeneration. Despite remarkable progress, challenges such as production scalability, cost, and regulatory hurdles remain.

Previous studies indicate that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have lower levels of glutathione. Nutritional interventions aim to increase glutathione levels suggest a positive effect on ASD behaviors, but findings are mixed or non-significant. A commercially available nutritional supplement comprising a cysteine-rich whey protein isolate (CRWP), a potent precursor of glutathione, was previously found to be safe and effective at raising glutathione in several conditions associated with low antioxidant capacity. Therefore, we investigated the effectiveness of a 90-day CRWP intervention in children with ASD and examined whether intracellular reduced and oxidized glutathione improvements correlated with behavioral changes. We enrolled 46 (of 81 screened) 3–5-year-old preschool children with confirmed ASD. Using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design, we evaluated the effectiveness of daily CRWP (powder form: 0.5 g/kg for children 20 kg), compared with placebo (rice protein mimicking the protein load in the intervention group), on glutathione levels and ASD behaviors assessed using different behavioral scales such as Childhood Autism Rated Scale, Preschool Language Scale, Social Communication Questionnaire, Childhood Behavioral Checklist and the parent-rated Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, 2nd edition (VABS-II). Forty children (CRWP, 21; placebo, 19) completed the 90-day treatment period. Improvements observed in some behavioral scales were comparable. However, the VABS-II behavioral assessment, demonstrated significant changes only in children receiving CRWP compared to those observed in the placebo group in the composite score (effect size 0.98; 95% confidence intervals 1.42–4.02;p= 0.03). Further, several VABS-II domain scores such as adaptive behavior (p= 0.03), socialization (p= 0.03), maladaptive behavior (p= 0.04) and internalizing behavior (p= 0.02) also indicated significant changes. Children assigned to the CRWP group showed significant increases in glutathione levels (p= 0.04) compared to those in the placebo group. A subanalysis of the VABS-II scale results comparing responders (>1 SD change from baseline to follow up) and non-responders in the CRWP group identified older age and higher levels of total and reduced glutathione as factors associated with a response. CRWP nutritional intervention in children with ASD significantly improved both glutathione levels and some behaviors associated with ASD. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.Clinical Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01366859, identifier: NCT01366859.

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a prevalent malignancy marked by molecular heterogeneity, which contributes to resistance to standard therapies and poor clinical prognosis. Advances in genomic and transcriptomic profiling have identified key drivers such as alterations in AR, TP53, PTEN, and RB1, which also enable cancer cells to circumvent therapies. Despite such advances, the underlying mechanisms involved in mCRPC drug resistance are complex, creating an urgent need for novel therapies to improve clinical outcomes. To address this clinical problem, strategies focused on targeting underlying molecular and metabolic supportive pathways using nano-delivery systems of diverse drugs could be promising in both CRPC and mCRPC therapy. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the genomic and microenvironmental landscape of mCRPC and explores emerging classification frameworks aimed at improving patient outcomes. We highlight the potential of integrative multi-omics approaches to inform precision oncology and guide the development of more effective, personalized treatments for prostate cancer therapy.

Research suggests that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit lower levels of glutathione. Although interventions targeting increased glutathione show promise in improving ASD behaviors, findings have been inconsistent. This study explored the efficacy of a 90-day intervention using a cysteine-rich whey protein isolate (CRWP), known to boost glutathione, in preschoolers (ages 3 to 5) with confirmed ASD. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 46 enrolled children, CRWP was administered daily in varying doses based on weight. The assessment encompassed glutathione levels and behavioral changes using multiple scales. Results showed that while some behavioral improvements were similar between groups, children receiving CRWP demonstrated significant enhancements in the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, notably in adaptive behavior, socialization, maladaptive behavior, and internalizing behavior, compared to the placebo group. Moreover, the CRWP group exhibited notable increases in glutathione levels. Analysis indicated that older age and higher initial glutathione levels were associated with positive behavioral responses to CRWP. The study suggests that CRWP intervention in children with ASD holds promise in enhancing both glutathione levels and specific ASD-related behaviors, warranting further investigation to confirm these findings. <!----> <!----> <!----> <!---->

Background: It is known that cyclic menstruation imposes significant burdens on a large portion of the female population with a plethora of symptoms, including pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and psychological distress. The effects are widespread, impacting the quality of life, ability to work and function, finances, and education. For the most part, previous studies have been surveys administered through social media channels such as pelvic pain and endometriosis societies, which, by definition, introduce bias. There is a need to evaluate the female population regarding female health issues in a less biased manner to assess the actual disease burden and response. Methods: A cross-sectional, IRB-approved study of the Nova Southeastern University undergraduate (2022) and graduate female population cohort was conducted using a self-administered, anonymous survey to assess the prevalence of menstrual pain and disability (menstrual burden). This included the use of prescription and non-prescription medications, self-help interventions, and cannabis use (either medicinal or recreational) for symptoms associated with menstruation. All students who identify as female at the university were invited via campus email to participate in this survey, hosted securely on the SurveyMonkey website. One initial invitation was sent, followed by two reminder invitations at 2-week intervals. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: 14,024 email invitations were sent to the entire university population that identified as female to the registrar, with a response rate of 15.8% (similar to the response rate in most university surveys at this institution). 18.23% of the cohort reported bleeding that restricted the student’s ability to function, and 13.2% were so severely affected by menstrual symptoms that bed rest was required to cope adequately. Primary symptoms of bloating/swelling/constipation were reported in over 77%, mood swings/moodiness in approximately 74%, and pelvic or back pain was noted in over 70% of the respondents. In an assessment of treatment regimens, approximately 80% used over-the-counter medications, 55% reported using heating pads, 25% used oral contraceptive products, 29.6% engaged in exercise or meditation, and fully 14.76% used cannabis in its various forms as treatment adjuncts (in addition to other regimens). In the evaluation of multiple efficacies, the respondents reported that 72% of those that used OTC medications for relief found them very or moderately effective, 66.2% of those that used a heating pad found it very or moderately effective, 54.2% of those that used exercise and meditation found it very or moderately effective, and cannabis was found to be very or moderately effective by 82% of the cohort that reported using it as an adjunct. Unexpectedly, there were some racial/ethnic differences in disease burden, the types of treatment modalities accessed, and perceived effectiveness. There were minimal differences between age groups. Conclusion: Menstruation in female college students represents a significant challenge for 40.2% of this South Florida population, causing moderately severe to extremely severe symptoms. This study supports previous findings by Schoep ² on the impact of menstruation on the quality of life of Dutch women and by Munro’s global systematic review ³ , which documented a significant menstrual burden and its implications for education. We found a high burden among college women when the entire female university population was invited to participate in this survey. This study’s emphasis on the menstrual burden and its impact on quality of life expands on previous studies. Our results should pave the way for a policy review of how the menstrual burden is approached in university settings, particularly regarding efforts to encourage gender equality.