Vision Into Digital Era

Peyronies Disease Treatment Peyronie's disease is a connective tissue disorder involving the growth of fibrous plaque in the soft tissue of the penis. This results in abnormal curvatures and hardening or thickening of the penis which causes pain and affects sexual functions. The exact cause of Peyronies disease is still unknown but it is believed to be due to injury or inflammation in the penis. Non-Surgical Treatment Options Oral Medications Traditionally, oral medications like vitamin E, potassium para-aminobenzoate (Potaba), colchicine, or tamoxifen have been used to treat Peyronies disease but their efficacy has not been well established. Recently, oral collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) injections are gaining popularity for treating Peyronies disease. It dissolves the plaque and helps in reducing pain and curvature. Injections Intralesional injection of drugs like collagenase directly into the Peyronies Disease Treatment   plaque is the most effective non-surgical ...

Breast Cancer Therapeutics Chemotherapy Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. It remains one of the primary treatments for breast cancer even today. These drugs work by interfering with the cancer cell's ability to grow and divide. There are several types of chemotherapy drugs used to treat breast cancer depending on the stage and other factors. One of the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs is Doxorubicin (Adriamycin). It works by interfering with the cancer cell's ability to synthesize DNA and RNA, which are essential for cell division and growth. Another major chemotherapy drug is Paclitaxel (Taxol). It prevents cell division by interfering with the normal disassembly of microtubules in the cancer cells. Combination chemotherapy using two or more drugs has also shown to be more effective than single drug chemotherapy. The drugs are usually given intravenously through an IV line or orally as pills. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, hair loss,...

Fenbendazole Fenbendazole is an anthelmintic drug that is commonly used to treat parasitic worm infections in various animals including dogs, cats, cattle, and farmed fish. It belongs to the class of medications known as benzimidazole anthelmintics. They works by interfering with the energy metabolism process in worms, eventually killing them. How does it work? At a molecular level, it disrupts the microtubule construction inside worm cells and deprives them of energy. Microtubules are an important part of the cytoskeleton that helps in many cellular functions. When it binds to the microtubules, it prevents them from forming properly. This impairs important enzymes involved in the nematode's energy production. Deprived of energy, the worm dies within one to two days after medication. It has a broad spectrum of activity against various nematode parasites but does not harm microscopic intestinal roundworm eggs. Dosing and administration For dogs and cats, the standard dosage of fenbe...

U.S. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction The meibomian glands are oil-producing glands located in the eyelids. They secrete meibum, an oily and waxy substance that forms the outermost layer of the tear film and helps maintain a smooth tear film over the eye surface. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) refers to a chronic, diffuse abnormality of the meibomian glands commonly characterized by terminal duct obstruction and/or qualitative/quantitative changes in the glandular secretion. Causes and Risk Factors of MGD Some of the most common causes and risk factors for MGD include aging, rosacea or blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), chronic inflammation, allergies, excessive eye rubbing, underlying eyelid issues/anomalies, diabetes, thyroid disease, seborrheic dermatitis and dry eyes. Studies have shown that aging is a key risk factor as the glands atrophy and lose their ability to secrete as we grow older. Females are also at a significantly higher risk than males. Prevalence of MGD in the U...

Barth Syndrome Treatment Barth syndrome is a rare, X-linked genetic disorder primarily affecting males, characterized by a range of symptoms including dilated cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy, neutropenia, and growth delays. The disorder is caused by mutations in the  TAZ  gene, which is essential for the metabolism of cardiolipin, a phospholipid critical for mitochondrial function. This condition leads to significant health challenges, particularly in the cardiovascular and immune systems. Clinical Features Individuals with Barth syndrome often present with dilated cardiomyopathy, which can manifest at birth or in early childhood. This condition results in a weakened heart muscle, making it less effective at pumping blood, and can lead to heart failure. Additionally, affected individuals may experience muscle weakness, particularly in the proximal muscles, which can delay motor skill development. Neutropenia, or low white blood cell counts, is another common feature, increas...

Breathe in antibiotics are antibiotics that are administered directly into the lungs in gaseous or liquid form through nebulization or aerosolization. This method of antibiotic delivery allows for high concentrations of the drug to accumulate in the lungs while exposing the rest of the body to much lower amounts. The first inhaled antibiotic formulas date back to the 1990s but research and development in this area has accelerated in recent years as a promising new strategy for treating chronic and recurrent lung infections. How Inhaled Antibiotics Work When taking antibiotics orally, only a small fraction of the administered dose actually makes it to the lungs. Most of the drug is absorbed systemically and circulates throughout the body, which can increase the risk of side effects. Breathe in antibiotics get directly deposited into the small airways and alveoli of the lungs through small aerosol droplets. This localized drug exposure allows concentration levels in the lungs to be 200-1...

Veterinary Dermatology Drugs Skin problems in pets can be caused by a variety of factors including allergies, infections, parasites, genetics and environmental elements. Allergies are one of the most common causes and can manifest as itching, redness, scabbing, hair loss and infections. Common allergens include fleas, food, inhalants and contact allergens. Skin infections in pets are usually caused by bacteria, yeasts, viruses or parasites. Staphylococcal and streptococcal infections frequently affect the skin and cause pyoderma. Ringworm, sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange are fungal and mite infections that commonly involve the skin. Genetic conditions such as color dilution alopecia, sebaceous adenitis and follicular dysplasia can also lead to dermatological issues in some breeds. External factors like prolonged sun exposure, harsh chemicals, pooling water and inadequate grooming can damage the skin as well. Medications for Bacterial and Yeast Infections Bacterial skin infections ...

Human Platelet Lysate Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are cell fragments made in the bone marrow and found in circulating blood. They play a key role in blood clotting and wound healing. Recently, researchers have discovered that the contents of platelets released when they are broken down, known as human platelet lysate (HPL), support stem cell growth similar to fetal bovine serum (FBS). This has potential applications in cell therapy and regenerative medicine. What is in Platelets? Platelets contain over 300 proteins that are released when the platelets break open, or lyse. Some of the most important growth factors in platelets that support cell growth include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF). These growth factors mimic the environment around injuries and promote processes like cell migration...

Nutraceutical Excipients Nutraceutical excipients play a crucial supportive role in nutraceutical formulations by enhancing various physicochemical and biological properties of active ingredients. Excipients help to improve solubility, stability, bioavailability and facilitate targeted delivery of nutraceuticals. Understanding functional properties and selecting right type of excipients is important for developing effective and safe nutraceutical products. Role of Excipients in Absorption and Bioavailability Absorption and bioavailability of active compounds from nutraceutical formulations can be significantly influenced by excipients selection and properties. Excipients like solubilizers, surfactants, emulsifiers helps to enhance solubility and dissolution rate of poorly water soluble nutraceuticals. This facilitates their absorption from gastrointestinal tract into systemic circulation. For example, inclusion of lipids, mono- and di-glycerides in formulations helps to solubilize lipo...

Antiseptics The history of it dates back to ancient times when people began using herbs, oils and heat to prevent infection. However, it was not until the 19th century that modern antiseptics emerged. In 1860, British surgeon Joseph Lister published research demonstrating that carbolic acid, now known as phenol, could prevent infections in wounds when applied as a spray during surgery. This pioneering work established its principles and dramatically reduced surgical mortality rates. Other early it included alcohol, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate. Mechanisms of Its Action It work through various mechanisms to prevent or reduce the growth and reproduction of microbes like bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Most commonly, they disrupt the cell membranes or alter metabolic pathways in microbes. For example, phenol works by denaturing proteins within cells. Alcohol dehydrates microbes by drawing water out of their cells and disturbing their lipid membrane structu...