Corneal endothelial dysfunction is a major cause of global blindness, with an estimated 12.7 million patients awaiting corneal transplantation, and the severe shortage of donor grafts underscores the urgent need for non-surgical therapies. Gene therapy offers a promising alternative, but is hindered by the limitations in existing delivery systems and the scarcity of validated molecular targets capable of reversing core pathophysiology. To address this, we first employed multi-omics analysis and identified FOXO1 as a central and under-explored therapeutic target for corneal endothelial dysfunction. In vivo FOXO1 overexpression effectively improved corneal endothelial function by preserving mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane integrity and mitochondrial Ca2 + homeostasis, yet its therapeutic potential was limited by low transfection efficiency. To overcome this, we engineered an AAV-Foxo1 delivery system using a viscous choline chloride-fructose-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) as the carrier. The DES-AAV-Foxo1 delivery system exhibited good biocompatibility, significantly prolonged anterior chamber retention, and enhanced transfection efficiency in corneal endothelial cells compared to conventional AAV delivery. Animal experiments confirmed that it effectively improved corneal endothelial pump activity and mitigates endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy mouse models. Our findings demonstrated the therapeutic potential of DES-AAV-Foxo1 delivery system for corneal endothelial disorders.
Arthritis has become a widespread global health issue with the aging population. Wearable transdermal drug delivery offers a promising treatment with high bioavailability and sustained drug concentrations. However, current technologies struggle with issues such as high cost, low comfort, risk of infection, or tissue pain and damage. Here, we present a breathable, stretchable electroporation patch (BSEP) that seamlessly integrates the traditional drug patch with electroporation-enhanced transdermal drug delivery technology in a low-cost manner. Conductive ink was patterned and deposited onto a breathable and stretchable non-woven fabric substrate using screen printing. A unique serpentine interdigitated design for stretchable electrodes was adopted to precisely localize the electric field within the superficial layers of the skin, reducing voltage in deep tissues by >50% and minimizing potential damage. Cytotoxicity tests and histological analyses confirmed the biocompatibility and safety of the materials and device. Finally, animal experiments validated the effectiveness of the BSEP in enhancing drug delivery, achieving a two-threefold increase in skin penetration compared to the control group. These findings collectively suggest that the developed BSEP holds significant promise for transdermal drug delivery applications.
Severe scoliosis with prior corrective spinal surgery poses significant anesthetic challenges in obstetric patients due to altered spinal anatomy and potential respiratory compromise. Conventional neuraxial or general anesthesia may be risky, making alternative approaches necessary for safe cesarean delivery. The Taylor paramedian technique provides an effective option by bypassing distorted midline anatomy. A 35-year-old primigravida (G1P0) at 37±1 week's gestation with surgically corrected thoracolumbar scoliosis and restrictive pulmonary disease, complicated by bronchopneumonia, was admitted for cesarean delivery. Preanesthetic assessment revealed limited cervical mobility, restricted mouth opening, and challenging spinal landmarks. Initial midline puncture at L3-L4 failed, so a paramedian Taylor approach at L5-S1 using anatomical landmarks was performed. Intrathecal 12 mg plain 0.5% bupivacaine with 20 µg fentanyl achieved complete sensory and motor block. Maternal hemodynamics remained stable with normal oxygenation. Cesarean section was completed uneventfully, delivering a healthy neonate weighing 3 kg with Apgar scores 8 and 9. Postoperative recovery was smooth, and the patient was discharged on day 3. Paramedian Taylor spinal anesthesia is a safe and effective alternative in parturients with severe scoliosis and restrictive pulmonary disease. Individualized planning, technical expertise, and careful execution allow complete sensomotor block, minimize respiratory risk, and ensure successful cesarean delivery in high-risk patients.
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based polymeric nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) have proven to be effective as potential drug delivery systems. The presence of carboxylate groups on their surface facilitates the development of multifunctional NPs enhancing therapeutic efficacy through synergetic effects. Our study describes the preparation of PLGA NPs using oil-in-water polymeric nano-emulsions, generated via a phase inversion composition low-energy emulsification method. Rosmarinic acid (RA), a phytochemical with neuroprotective effects, and an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) were selected respectively as a phytochemical to be entrapped and as a ligand to decorate the surface of PLGA nanoparticles respectively, aiming to enhance ASO delivery to neuronal cells. Physicochemical characterization confirmed that RA and ASO incorporation preserved colloidal stability, with no adverse effect on particle size, surface charge, or morphology. In vitro-controlled release experiments showed a cumulative RA release of ca. 12% over 24 h governed by a semi-Fickian diffusion mechanism after adjusting to different equation models. Importantly, RA entrapment displayed measurable radical scavenging capacity, leading to a EC50 of 76 ± 0.9 μg·mL-1. Cell culture experiments confirmed biocompatibility in both a non-cancer cell line (HEK293) and neuroblastoma cell model (SH-SY5Y). Uptake studies revealed efficient internalization of PLGA NPs by SH-SY5Y cells and primary murine neurons, promoting gene silencing of luciferase expression (53.7 ± 7.9%). Together, these results show a modular PLGA nanoplatform that enables the simultaneous incorporation of an antioxidant payload and a covalently grafted antisense oligonucleotide, allowing independent assessment of redox modulation and gene silencing in neuronal models.
This study examined the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnoses among pregnant women who delivered in hospitals in the United States between 2016 and 2020, and explored associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes, hospital length of stay, and hospital costs. This cross-sectional study utilised survey-weighted data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) to estimate sample characteristics and prevalence trends. Logistic regression models were used to analyse associations between PTSD and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Length of hospital stay and hospital costs were examined using negative binomial and generalised linear models with log link and gamma distribution, respectively. PTSD prevalence increased from 236.3 to 545.8 per 100,000 delivery hospitalisations between 2016 and 2020 (p < 0.001; average annual percentage change [AAPC] 23.0%). PTSD was associated with a higher prevalence of comorbidity, increased odds of preterm delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.13; 95% CI 1.08-1.18), and increased odds of fetal growth restriction (aOR 1.09; 95% CI 1.01-1.17, p = 0.03). Longer hospital stays and higher costs were also observed among women with PTSD. These findings highlight a rising prevalence of PTSD among pregnant women who delivered in hospitals in the United States over the study period. PTSD was associated with higher prevalence of comorbidity, and increased length of stay and hospital cost. Further research is warranted to investigate the reasons behind the trend, and to clarify the temporal relationship between prenatal PTSD and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Ferritins are vital macromolecules that have been widely used in a number of biotechnological fields. Ferritin-based hybrid nanoparticles, composed of different types of subunits and conjugates, represent a next generation of tools, which can significantly enhance their efficiency and expand the range of existing applications. This review outlines the application landscape of these hybrids in developing recombinant vaccines, drug delivery and imaging systems. We highlight the increasing trend towards the development of ferritin-based mosaic vaccines and some of them are already in the first or second phases of clinical studies. In comparison, drug delivery research, which is mostly focused on cancer theranostics, to our knowledge, has not progressed beyond the preclinical stage. Herein, we describe the key limitations and challenges of ferritin-based drug delivery systems development, suggest strategies that address these limitations and discuss promising future research directions. We conclude that engineered ferritin hybrids hold significant potential as useful tools for immunology, theranostics and other biomedical applications.
Neuropathic pain caused by spinal cord injury severely compromises patients' quality of life. The clinical application of ropivacaine is limited by its short duration of action and the significant side effects associated with repeated administration. In this study, we developed a Gelatin methacryloyl/hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel (Ropi-GelMA/HA) to enable localized and controlled delivery of ropivacaine by photo-crosslinking. In a rat model of spinal cord contusion, Ropi-GelMA/HA was associated with lower Nav1.3 and TNF-α expression and higher NGF and BDNF expression, together with improved motor recovery in rats with SCI. In vitro studies further supported the hydrogel's favorable biocompatibility and controlled release behavior during the early phase after administration. Under the tested dosing regimens, Ropi-GelMA/HA was associated with reduced hepatorenal toxicity and more durable analgesic efficacy compared with free ropivacaine, resulting in prolonged analgesic effects and improved functional outcomes under localized controlled delivery conditions. These findings highlight the potential clinical utility of Ropi-GelMA/HA in the treatment of neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury.
Stimulus-responsive drug delivery systems have been widely explored to achieve controlled, site-specific drug release. Among various stimuli, ultrasound offers several advantages as an external trigger, including cost-effectiveness, deep tissue penetration, and precise spatiotemporal control. While hydrogel and microbubble associated systems have been extensively studied, reservoir-type implants remain underexplored despite their potential for long-term therapy. In this study, a biodegradable polymeric reservoir implant with porous rate-controlling membrane was developed, with systematically evaluated ultrasound-responsive behaviour. Biosafety was assessed through temperature monitoring, mechanical index calculations, and histological analysis, leading to the selection of 3 MHz, 3 W/cm2 ultrasound for 5 min with 9.13° C increase as a safe operating condition. Under the selected setting, ultrasound significantly enhanced drug release for around 9.7-fold by accelerating drug dissolution and diffusion, without altering the structural properties of the release membrane. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insight into ultrasound-responsive reservoir implants and support their potential application in managing chronic conditions, where controllable, on-demand drug release is highly desirable.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic condition characterized by persistent pain, necessitating sustained therapeutic interventions to manage symptoms effectively. In this study, we introduce a novel core-shell microneedle system for sustained release, termed Microneedle-based Integrated Release with Advanced Composite Layered Efficacy (MIRACLE). The design is a triple-layered microneedle (MN) patch engineered for the prolonged management of OA-associated pain. The patch consists of a 15 × 15 array within a 1 cm2 area, featuring a specialized three-level architecture. One core-layer of the MIRACLE is designed to provide sustained controlled release of multiple pain drugs. One sub-shell layer is designed to prevent premature burst release (over-dosing) of the encapsulated payloads and an outermost layer is designed to ensure sufficient mechanical strength for skin penetration regardless of the core-layer drug formulation which is often tuned to obtain different sustained release profiles. Within an hour of application, an integrated effervescent layer (between the needle tips and backing layer) is rapidly dissolved and facilitates implantation of the MNs into the skin. Subsequently, the system provides a controlled, co-delivery of Bupivacaine (BUP) and Meloxicam (MEL), which act synergistically to provide sustained anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effects for up to 10 days (for comparison, the only commercial long-acting Zynrelef™ drug for post-operational pain only has up to 3-day acting period) in OA rat models. Besides the analgesic efficacy, the MIRACLE system demonstrated a significant capacity to mitigate articular cartilage degradation. This multi-layered MNs platform could represent an excellent strategy for not only the treatment of chronic osteoarthritis pain but also the management of other types of neuromusculoskeletal pains, offering a significant and broad impact on modern medicine.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most significant global health concerns, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies for its effective management. Despite advances in treatment therapies, chemotherapy remains the mainstay of CRC treatment, with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) as a standard first-line agent. However, its clinical effectiveness is hindered by drug resistance, rapid clearance and systemic toxicity, underscoring the need for innovative drug delivery strategies. In this context, the current work involves engineering of a bioinspired nanocomplex (NX) comprising zein and a biological macromolecule, such as chitosan, using a Quality by Design (QbD) approach. The resulting NX was characterized for particle size (186.13 ± 8.61 nm), polydispersity index (0.194 ± 0.03), and %entrapment of 5-FU (54.39 ± 3.1%) and silibinin (97.44 ± 1.16%), respectively. SEM and TEM analysis revealed the smooth and spherical nature of NX. Thermal analysis was performed using TGA and DSC and XRD was employed for structural characterization. Subsequently, spectroscopic investigations were carried out using FTIR, Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy to examine the potential interactions between the drugs and polymers used in the formulation of the NX system. In vitro studies confirmed controlled drug release with Weibull release kinetic model. The dual-drug-loaded-NX exhibited a significant increase in cytotoxicity compared to individual 5-FU and silibinin, and achieving nearly a 5-fold increase in cytotoxicity compared to silibinin. The NX demonstrated apoptosis induction, S/G2 cell cycle arrest, and improved cellular uptake compared to control group. The current investigation suggests that QbD-engineered zein-chitosan-based-NX could be a promising therapeutic strategy for managing CRC.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-secreted phospholipid bilayer vesicles that play a key role in intercellular communication by transporting molecular cargo and engaging in surface-level signaling. Due to their intrinsic biological features, EVs not only reflect the functional attributes of their originating cells but also hold promise as both therapeutic agent and natural carriers for targeted delivery. In recent years, plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) containing bioactive molecules have attracted the attention of researchers because of their better biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, wide range of sources, and ability to act as natural therapeutic agents for diseases. PDNVs play an increasingly important role in human-plant interactions, as they are able to enter the human system and deliver effector molecules to cells, which in turn modulate cellular signaling pathways. PDNVs play a critical role in human health and disease. This review provides a comprehensive overview of PDNVs, encompassing their biogenesis, methods of isolation and purification, physicochemical characterization, stability, and storage strategies. It further explores their routes of administration, internalization, and biodistribution as therapeutic agents, highlighting their potential in the treatment of conditions such as inflammation, cancer, tissue regeneration, viral infections, liver and brain disorders, and osteoporosis. Lastly, the review examines current clinical applications of PDNVs and the key challenges hindering their broader implementation. We look forward to further exploration of the functions of PDNVs to facilitate their clinical translation and increase their benefits in humans.
Immunotherapeutics offer promise for colon cancer treatment but are often limited by tumor heterogeneity. This study reports the development of mannose-functionalized (Mannosylated) liposomes co-encapsulating Levamisole (LEV) and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that targets M2-Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and enhance therapeutic efficacy. Liposomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method and optimized using Box-Behnken design. FT-IR analysis confirmed mannose conjugation at 1644 cm-1, indicating amide bond formation. The optimized formulation exhibited a particle size of 169.5 ± 0.71 nm, encapsulation efficiencies of 50.28 ± 2.64% (LEV) and 95.76 ± 0.10% (LPS) and demonstrated controlled drug release of LEV in vitro at pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4 conditions. In vivo evaluation in CT26 orthotopic colon tumor model showed enhanced tumor localization, significant tumor regression and improved survival outcomes in formulation treated group when combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). qRT-PCR analysis revealed downregulation of M2 macrophage markers (CD206, Arg1). Phagocytosis assay demonstrated significantly higher phagocytic clearance (p < 0.05). Although the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) assay showed a decline in % DTH response, histopathology of spleen and thymus implied enhanced lymphocyte cellularity with acute inflammatory infiltrations confirming elevated immune activation. The Mannosylated liposomal system effectively delivers immunomodulators to modulate the tumor microenvironment and enhance 5-FU based therapy in colon cancer.
Fetal complete atrioventricular block (f-CAVB) with ventricular bradycardia of ≤ 55 bpm is associated with increased perinatal mortality. With the goal of increasing perinatal survival of f-CAVB cases, we initiated a delivery room protocol to increase fetal heart rate (HR) and cardiac output using intramuscular and intravenous epinephrine given immediately before Cesarean delivery and prior to umbilical cord clamping. We tested the safety and efficacy of this concept of 'chronotropic rescue' in the delivery management of seven fetuses with f-CAVB meeting fetal HR criteria of ≤ 55 bpm in the 12 h prior to delivery. The combination of exogenous epinephrine and delayed umbilical cord clamping increased neonatal HR and stabilized the neonates who received an epicardial pacemaker < 24 h to 5 days after delivery. Based on the findings of this Case Series, chronotropic rescue with delayed umbilical cord clamping may improve survival and should be considered in the perinatal management of high-risk f-CAVB cases with very low fetal HR. © 2026 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Targeted delivery of drugs and hyperthermia in cardiovascular disease demand the accurate delivery of nanoparticles in complex arterial geometries. This paper introduces combined hybrid computational model that concomitantly examines the combined impact of nanoparticle radius and interparticle spacing on the thermal and mass transport characteristics of ternary bio-nanofluid flow under magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect. The ternary fluid is composed of blood fluid with suspended nanoparticles such as gold (Au), silver (Ag) silica (SiO2). The mathematical model accounts for geometric properties of nanoparticles such as nanoparticles radius and interparticle spacing for their practical utility for several medical interventions. The numerical analysis is based on hybrid computational strategy, where the solutions are determined through the bvp4c numerical solver and then a novel supervised multi hidden layers Artificial neural network (ANN) is integrated. The proposed model has a high predictive capability with an exceptionally high accuracy with the lowest Mean squared error and ideal regression coefficient MSE=9.6327×10-11, Gradient=9.5681e-08, Mu=1e-09, and R2=1.0. Some of the main findings indicate that less spacing between particles (h=0.1) leads to continuous networks of thermal percolation, which enhance the thermal conductivity by up to 35% to improve the efficiency of hyperthermia, whereas the larger nanoparticles (radius ≥1.5) offer a higher drug-loading capacity, yet the rate of heat transfer decreases by 15-20%. Optimization of the magnetic parameter (M=0.1-0.7) also decreases flow velocity by 28% and extends the nanoparticle residence time at the stenosis by 35% which allows sustained drug delivery, results directly applicable to clinical-strength (1.5-3T) MRI-guided interventions. Radiation parameter (Rd=0.5-2.5) increases temperature of the arteries by 15-20% giving controllable thermal modulation to applications of hyperthermia. The proposed model predicts that optimal nanoparticle preparations (50 nm radius, 20 nm spacing) have to potential to lower the rate of restenosis by 30-40% in relation to traditional drug-eluting stents. The purpose of such an integrated computational-machine learning systems is to give quantitative advice to stent coating design, nanoparticle formulation, and optimization of treatment protocols, and has been directly used in biomedical interventions. The results can be used to offer practical advice to stent manufactures, interventional radiologist and pharmaceutical developers to create evidence-based cardiovascular therapy of the next generation.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumors, largely due to the restrictive nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This barrier significantly limits the efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to the tumor site, thereby reducing treatment efficacy. This review evaluates the potential of dextran (Dex)-based nanoparticles (NPs) as an advanced platform for enhancing BBB penetration and enabling targeted GBM therapy. Dex, a biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide, offers key advantages including ease of functionalization, high drug-loading capacity, and improved systemic stability. Recent studies demonstrate that Dex-based nanocarriers enhance drug transport across the BBB via receptor-mediated and adsorptive transcytosis mechanisms, resulting in improved accumulation at tumor sites. Furthermore, surface engineering strategies facilitate active targeting of GBM cells, thereby increasing therapeutic efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. Comparative evidence indicates that Dex-based nanocarriers outperform conventional delivery systems in terms of targeting efficiency, biocompatibility, and tailored drug release. These systems also show potential for co-delivery of multiple therapeutic agents, supporting combination treatment approaches for improved clinical outcomes. Emerging preclinical studies highlight improved survival outcomes and enhanced pharmacokinetic profiles associated with Dex-based nanocarriers, reinforcing their therapeutic relevance. Despite these promising findings, challenges related to large-scale manufacturing, reproducibility, and regulatory approval remain significant barriers to clinical translation. Future research should focus on clinical validation, scalable synthesis approaches, and long-term safety assessment to facilitate successful translation into clinical practice. Overall, Dex-based NPs represent a versatile and highly promising strategy to overcome existing limitations in GBM treatment and advance targeted nanomedicine approaches for brain cancer therapy.
Modelling approaches that consider system-wide delivery platforms rather than single diseases can be instrumental in economic evaluation and forward-looking policy formulation. This study develops a costing approach tailored to the Thanzi La Onse (TLO) model of Malawi's healthcare system, with general applicability to other health system models. We developed a mixed-method costing approach to estimate the total cost of healthcare delivery (excluding high-level administrative costs) in Malawi using the TLO model, from a healthcare provider perspective. Through iterative adjustments of key parameters, we aligned model-based estimates as closely as possible with real-world expenditure and budget data. Costs were projected for 2023-2030 under alternative scenarios of health system capacity. A comparison with expenditure and budget data suggests our costing method is broadly reliable for the conditions captured by the model, though some mismatches remain owing to data limitations and definitional inconsistencies. Under current system capacity, total healthcare delivery costs for 2023-2030 were estimated at 2.83 billion US dollars [95% uncertainty interval (UI), $2.80-$2.87 billion], excluding non-medical infrastructure and administrative costs, averaging $390.98 million [$385.92-$396.71 million] annually or $16.89 [$16.75-$17.08] per capita. Scenario analysis highlighted strong interdependencies within the health system. Improving consumable availability alone increased consumables costs by 4.63%, while expanding human resources for health (HRH) alone increased them by 1.43%. When both HRH and consumable availability were expanded together, consumable costs rose by 5.93%, a combined effect larger than either change alone, illustrating how bottlenecks in one component constrain the impact of improvements in another. Mixed-method costing using health system models is a feasible and robust method to estimate and forecast healthcare delivery costs. Clarifying assumptions and limitations can improve their utility for economic analyses and evidence-based planning in the health sector.
There have been discussions as to the time of elective induction of labour to curb the continuation of pregnancy that might endanger the lives of both the mother and child. This research was conducted to assess foetal and maternal consequences of planned delivery at 40 and 41weeks in women with low-risk singleton pregnancy. A randomised controlled trial with equal allocation of participants (96 pregnant women in each arm) into 40weeks and 41weeks. Participants were randomised at the antenatal clinic at 39 weeks for induction of labour. The main outcome was the caesarean section rate. Secondary outcomes were maternal (genital tract laceration rate) and foetal (rates of meconium staining of amniotic fluid, SCBU admission, perinatal mortality, birth trauma, birth weight, and neonatal APGAR score at 1 and 5 minutes). Student t-test and chi-square test were used for inter-group comparison. Incidence of caesarean delivery (26.6% vs. 21.3%; p=0.406), and genital laceration (2.1% vs. 5.6%; p=0.268) did not differ between groups. Significantly higher birth weight was noted among women induced at 41weeks (3.41 ± 0.37kg) than 40weeks (3.28 ± 0.46kg) (p=0.043). Also, there was significant variation in meconium staining of amniotic fluid between 40weeks (11.7%) and 41weeks (25.8%) (p=0.014). Other foetal outcomes showed no significant difference. Inducing labour at 40weeks is safe for low-risk women as it does not significantly increase the cesarean delivery rate and adverse perinatal outcomes. Therefore, elective induction of labour at 40weeks should be recommended and introduced into obstetric practice without the fear of adverse outcomes.
Appropriate nutrition during the first 1,000 days from pregnancy to a child's second birthday is a critical window for optimal growth, cognitive development, and long-term health, with proper complementary feeding practices playing a pivotal role. Despite this, evidence on the magnitude of appropriate complementary feeding practices and their associated factors remains limited at the local level in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed the Complementary Feeding Practices and Associated Factors among Mothers of Children Aged 6-23 Months in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia, in 2021. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to August 30, 2021, using a cluster sampling technique in four randomly selected kebeles, including all eligible mothers. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, and appropriate complementary feeding practice was assessed based on WHO-recommended indicators. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with appropriate complementary feeding practice at p < 0.05. The prevalence of appropriate complementary feeding practice was 43.7%, and factors significantly associated included being a housewife (AOR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.05-6.08), attending postnatal care (AOR = 3.18; 95% CI: 2.03-4.97), institutional delivery (AOR = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.11-4.14), and child vaccination (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.15-3.12). The level of appropriate complementary feeding practice in Debre Berhan Town (43.7%) remains suboptimal compared with WHO recommendations for children aged 6-23 months. Postnatal care attendance, being a housewife, institutional delivery, and child vaccination were significantly associated with appropriate complementary feeding practice. Strengthening postnatal counseling and integrating appropriate infant and young child feeding messages into routine vaccination services may help improve complementary feeding practices.
In the current study, an optimum formulation of alginate-functionalized and PEGylated niosomes (Nio) co-encapsulated with letrozole (Let) and berberine (Ber) was observed for potential preclinical treatment of breast cancer to combat multidrug resistance and reduce drug doses. The incorporation of alginate (AL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) enabled tunable network architecture, improved colloidal stability, and sustained release behavior of the formulated system. Nio-Let/Ber@PEG and Nio-Let/Ber@AL formulations showed desired entrapment efficiencies of 86.12 and 91.34 for Let and 71.32 and 75.12 for Ber, respectively. Drug release profiles showed that sustained and slower release rates were observed for coated niosomes (Nio-Let/Ber@PEG and Nio-Let/Ber@AL) compared to uncoated niosomes (Nio-Let/Ber). MTT assay showed the IC50 of coated niosomes was much lower than the uncoated formulation and free drugs for MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Moreover, coated niosomal formulations significantly increased the rate of apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest compared to uncoated niosomes. Also, gene expressions of Bax and caspase 3/8/9 increased while the gene expression of Bcl2 (anti-apoptotic) decreased after treatment with coated niosomes compared to uncoated ones. Taken together, this preliminary research indicated that the co-delivery of Let and Ber through coated niosomal formulations (Nio-Let/Ber@PEG and Nio-Let/Ber@AL) was an efficient controlled dual-drug delivery system to increase the effectiveness of breast cancer therapy.
DNA hydrogels that integrate programmable DNA into three-dimensional networks offer unique advantages in precise target recognition and efficient signal transduction. These properties enable them to overcome critical limitations of conventional platforms, such as poor stability, matrix interference, and high cost, thereby making them highly attractive for biomedicine. Recent research has focused on customizing DNA hydrogels to enhance sensing performance and expand therapeutic potential. This review systematically summarizes recent advances of DNA hydrogels in biosensing and drug delivery. We first introduce major synthesis routes and design principles. These include crosslinking density regulation and stability protection. Then, we analyze the mechanisms of DNA hydrogels in biosensing and drug delivery. Next, we review their applications in medical detection, disease treatment, and theranostic platforms. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future directions. This review aims to provide a reference for rational design and translational application of DNA hydrogel systems.