{"title":"Optimizing a Natural Oil-Based Sertaconazole Nitrate Organogel: enhanced antifungal activity through <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> evaluation.","authors":"Piyush Jain, Shashikant Chandrakar, Pushpa Prasad Gupta, Ravindra Kumar Pandey, Bina Gidwani","doi":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.4.367","DOIUrl":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.4.367","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to develop and optimize a topical organogel formulation of Sertaconazole nitrate (SN) using Cinnamon oil (CO) to enhance antifungal activity and improve dermal drug delivery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A 3<sup>3</sup> Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize the formulation by varying three factors- Cinnamon oil, Carbopol-934 (CP), and Polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG) at three levels. Key responses measured were viscosity (VS), spreadability (SP), and drug content (DC). The formulations underwent physicochemical evaluations including homogeneity, pH, swelling index, moisture content, and extrudability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The organogels had a skin-friendly pH ranging from 6.11 to 6.99, VS between 0.39 and 0.49 Pa.s, and SP from 20.40 to 26.45 g.cm/s<sup>-1</sup>. DC was consistently high (91.66% to 99.33%). The optimized batch (C11) showed excellent <i>in vitro</i> and ex vivo drug release (97.98% and 86.14%, respectively). Zeta potential of -24.60 mV indicated good physical stability. Drug deposition studies confirmed efficient skin penetration, with 85.45% retained in skin layers. Antifungal tests demonstrated strong activity against <i>Candida albicans</i> and <i>Trichophyton rubrum</i>, outperforming plain organogels and marketed formulations. Skin irritation and histopathology studies confirmed the formulation's safety for topical use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The optimized Sertaconazole nitrate organogel (SNO) with CO is a stable, safe, and effective topical delivery system that enhances drug penetration and antifungal efficacy, making it a promising option for dermal antifungal therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":16769,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacopuncture","volume":"28 4","pages":"367-378"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12745368/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145878575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elaheh Mesdaghinia, Elham Khosravi, Hossein Akbari, Meysam Shirzad, Mohammad Mahdi Ahmadian-Attari, Mehrdad Mahdian, Mohammad Reza Memarzadeh, Mehdi Mehran, Alireza Hatami, Leila Mohammad Taghizadeh Kashani
{"title":"Efficacy of an Herbal Vaginal Tablet Containing Oregano and Lemon Balm on Bacterial Vaginosis in Comparison to Metronidazole: a non-inferiority triple-blind active-controlled trial.","authors":"Elaheh Mesdaghinia, Elham Khosravi, Hossein Akbari, Meysam Shirzad, Mohammad Mahdi Ahmadian-Attari, Mehrdad Mahdian, Mohammad Reza Memarzadeh, Mehdi Mehran, Alireza Hatami, Leila Mohammad Taghizadeh Kashani","doi":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.4.321","DOIUrl":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.4.321","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Bacterial vaginosis (BV) stands as one of the most prevalent causes of vaginal discharge and infection among women of reproductive age. Various medications, including metronidazole, are commonly recommended. Factors such as diminishing effectiveness and the emergence of new, resistant strains underscore the urgent need for research into alternative treatment options, including herbal remedies. This study aims to compare the efficacy of an herbal vaginal tablet (HVT) containing extracts of oregano and lemon balm to that of a metronidazole vaginal tablet.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A non-inferiority randomized triple-blind controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of HVT with metronidazole on BV. HVT was formulated using alcoholic extracts from the aerial parts of oregano and lemon balm leaves. The primary and secondary outcomes of the study were BV clinical manifestations and Amsel's criteria, respectively. Clinical and laboratory outcome measures for both groups were assessed at three time points the beginning of the study, and again on days 5 and 10.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 130 participants, 54 patients from the metronidazole group and 51 from the HVT group completed the 5-day treatment period. Subsequently, 28 patients in the metronidazole group and 31 in the HVT group completed the 10-day treatment period.Regarding the clinical signs and symptoms, as well as laboratory measurements observed at the onset and on days 5 and 10 of treatment, no significant differences were found between the two groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This trial demonstrated that HVT can alleviate the clinical manifestations of BV and normalize Amsel's criteria, equal to metronidazole. Therefore, HVT can be used as a complementary herbal medicament in the management of BV.</p>","PeriodicalId":16769,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacopuncture","volume":"28 4","pages":"321-334"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12745365/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145878014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Therapeutic Potential of Methanolic Extract of <i>Areca catechu</i> Nut in Treating Nicotine Use Disorder: evidence from preclinical mouse behavioral models.","authors":"Dnyaneshwari Dhananjay Vibhute, Pallavi Dorik, Anushri Jadhav, Vijayapandi Pandy","doi":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.4.335","DOIUrl":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.4.335","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Arecoline, the main bioactive compound in <i>Areca catechu</i> nut, interacts with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α4β2 and α7), suggesting potential in reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of methanolic <i>Areca catechu</i> nut extract (MAN) against nicotine dependence and withdrawal in C57BL/6J mice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A modified runway model assessed nicotine-seeking behavior. Antidopaminergic effects and locomotor activity were measured via the haloperidol-induced catalepsy model and actophotometer. Behavioral models were used to evaluate MAN's effects on nicotine withdrawal symptoms anxiety (elevated plus maze, open field, marble burying), depression (forced swim, tail suspension), social interaction, anhedonia (sucrose preference), memory (elevated plus maze), and hyperalgesia (hot plate assay).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>MAN (25 and 50 mg/kg, p.o.) showed antidopaminergic activity, reduced nicotine craving, and alleviated withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, depression, anhedonia, memory impairment, hyperalgesia) by enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MAN shows potential as a therapeutic candidate for nicotine use disorder.</p>","PeriodicalId":16769,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacopuncture","volume":"28 4","pages":"335-350"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12745371/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145878528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carla Marrassini, María Laura Barreiro Arcos, Laura Cogoi, María Rosario Alonso, Claudia Anesini
{"title":"Anti-Inflammatory Effect of <i>Urtica urens</i> on LPS-Challenged Keratinocytes.","authors":"Carla Marrassini, María Laura Barreiro Arcos, Laura Cogoi, María Rosario Alonso, Claudia Anesini","doi":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.4.311","DOIUrl":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.4.311","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Keratinocytes, the predominant cells in the uppermost layer of the skin, serve as theprimary protection against environmental threats. These cells exhibit activation in the presence of physical trauma, ultraviolet radiation, chemical agents, or allergenic substances. Once activated, keratinocytes release a variety of immunomodulatory soluble mediators that initiate and propagate the inflammatory response. However, dysregulation of this response and the consequent overactivation of pro-inflammatory mediators within the skin may contribute to the pathogenesis of diverse conditions, including cancer, psoriasis, chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, hyperpigmentation, and skin aging. Thus, downregulating pro-inflammatory mediators and recovering the physiological balance between factors that promote and those that counteract inflammation represent crucial steps in managing inflammatory skin disorders. Valued in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory effects, <i>Urtica urens</i> can be found across South America (Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Uruguay), Africa, Australia, Europe, and Asia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This investigation sought to determine the anti-inflammatory properties of an ethanolic extract of <i>U. urens</i> through the use of an <i>in vitro</i> model involving keratinocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In particular, the research examined the extract's effects on the generation of nitric oxide (NO), the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and its wound healing potential.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The extract's analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids, with chlorogenic acid identified as the predominant polyphenol. Notably, it effectively counteracted the LPS-induced elevation in NO production and also reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Additionally, the extract exhibited the potential to accelerate wound closure in an <i>in vitro</i> setting.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present findings suggest that <i>U. urens</i> extract may hold therapeutic potential as a topical treatment for chronic inflammatory skin conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":16769,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacopuncture","volume":"28 4","pages":"311-320"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12745363/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145878515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Taeseok Ahn, Daeook Lee, Jihyun Moon, Jiwoo Kim, Youngjo So, Hyeon-Gyu Cho, Sangho Ji, Sangkwan Lee, Myungjin Oh, Cheol-Hyun Kim
{"title":"Ultrasound-Guided Pharmacopuncture for Lateral Epicondylitis Initially Misdiagnosed Due to Incomplete Common Extensor Tendon Evaluation: a case report.","authors":"Taeseok Ahn, Daeook Lee, Jihyun Moon, Jiwoo Kim, Youngjo So, Hyeon-Gyu Cho, Sangho Ji, Sangkwan Lee, Myungjin Oh, Cheol-Hyun Kim","doi":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.248","DOIUrl":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.248","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lateral epicondylitis is a common musculoskeletal condition caused by repetitive strain, most frequently affecting the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle. Although musculoskeletal ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool, limited scanning of the common extensor tendon (CET) might result in missed diagnoses. Therefore, accurate evaluation requires a comprehensive assessment of both superficial and deep tendon fibers. A 45-year-old woman presented with persistent right lateral elbow pain that has worsened over eight weeks. Initial ultrasonography performed at an orthopedic clinic reportedly showed no abnormalities. Corticosteroid injections were administered for symptomatic relief; however, the pain persisted and interfered with the patient's daily activities. Upon visiting a Korean medicine clinic, ultrasonographic re-evaluation revealed pathological changes in the deep fibers of the ECRB, including thickening and fibrillar disruption. Ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture was performed three times over five days using a mixture of polydeoxyribonucleotide and 5% dextrose water. Pain intensity rapidly improved, with the Numerical rating scale decreasing from 7 to 0 and the Patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation score decreasing from 82 to 11. No recurrence was reported during follow-up. This case report underscores the diagnostic limitations of partial CET evaluation, and highlights the need for multilayered ultrasonographic assessment in cases of lateral epicondylitis. Additionally, ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture could offer an effective nonsurgical treatment option by targeting peritendinous inflammation. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and integrative therapeutic approaches could lead to improved clinical outcomes in patients with lateral epicondylitis.</p>","PeriodicalId":16769,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacopuncture","volume":"28 3","pages":"248-254"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12464084/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145186147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Quorum Sensing Inhibition and Virulence Factor Attenuation in <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> by Camphor.","authors":"Farah Khader Al-Helo, Nasser El-Banna, Haitham Qaralleh, Muhamad O Al-Limoun, Khaled Khleifat","doi":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.229","DOIUrl":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.229","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to assess the inhibitory effects of camphor on quorum sensing (QS), virulence factors, and biofilm formation in <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, a multidrug-resistant pathogen.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong><i>P. aeruginosa</i> was treated with sub-inhibitory concentrations of camphor (500, 250, and 125 µg/mL). Assays evaluated biofilm formation, surface hydrophobicity, swarming motility, cell aggregation, and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production. Inhibition of virulence factors-pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, protease, and chitinase-was also assessed. RT-PCR was used to quantify expression of QS-related genes (<i>LasR</i>, <i>LasI</i>, <i>RhlR</i>, and <i>RhlI</i>).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC50) ranged between 125 and 63 µg/mL. Camphor significantly reduced biofilm formation and virulence factor production at all tested concentrations. It also decreased EPS synthesis, swarming motility, hydrophobicity, and cell aggregation. Camphor suppressed acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) production and downregulated QS genes, reducing <i>LasR</i> and <i>LasI</i> expression by 5-fold and 4.6-fold, and <i>RhlR</i> and <i>RhlI</i> by 1.8-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Camphor demonstrates strong antibiofilm, antivirulence, and anti-QS activities against <i>P. aeruginosa</i> at concentrations as low as 125 µg/mL. These results suggest camphor is a promising candidate for alternative treatment strategies, warranting further investigation of its mechanisms and clinical safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":16769,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacopuncture","volume":"28 3","pages":"229-239"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12464080/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145186138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seoung-Woo Lee, Hee-Yeon Kim, Wansoo Kim, Su-Min Baek, Jin-Kyu Park, Song Park, Jee Eun Han, Anna Jo, Ethan Seah, Choonok Kim, Jiyeon Lee, Seong-Kyoon Choi, Sehyeon Han
{"title":"Veratramine Inhibits Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Growth by Inhibiting the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway.","authors":"Seoung-Woo Lee, Hee-Yeon Kim, Wansoo Kim, Su-Min Baek, Jin-Kyu Park, Song Park, Jee Eun Han, Anna Jo, Ethan Seah, Choonok Kim, Jiyeon Lee, Seong-Kyoon Choi, Sehyeon Han","doi":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.219","DOIUrl":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.219","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both males and females. Considering the growing impact of NSCLC on public health, there is an urgent need for additional treatment strategies. Veratramine, a natural steroidal alkaloid extracted from the roots of plants in the lily family, has recently garnered attention regarding its potential anti-cancer effects. However, to the best of our knowledge, the role of veratramine in the progression of lung cancer is unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The various concentration of veratramine were applied to the NSCLC cell lines (A549, NCI-H358 and NCI-H1299). The cell viability, apoptosis, and the cell cycle were evaluated using CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays. Phenotype of NSCLC cells were examined using an optical microscope and ImageJ software. Protein expression in veratramine-treated NSCLC cells was measured using immunoblotting.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Veratramine-treated NSCLC cells exhibited significantly reduced cell viability and migration ability. Flow cytometry (i.e., fluorescence-activated cell sorting) revealed that treatment with veratramine increased apoptosis and cell cycle delay. Immunoblotting indicated that the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway was significantly downregulated via inhibiting gli1 expression. Cell cycle-related proteins in NSCLC cells were decreased by veratramine treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Veratramine suppresses lung cancer cell growth by inhibiting the Hh signaling pathway, suggesting its potential applicability in the treatment of NSCLC.</p>","PeriodicalId":16769,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacopuncture","volume":"28 3","pages":"219-228"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12464083/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145186193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Properties of Kulim Bark (<i>Scorodocarpus borneensis</i> Becc.) Hydrogel on Polymicrobial Biofilms.","authors":"Rafika Sari, Sylvia Utami Tunjung Pratiwi, Yosi Bayu Murti, Ema Damayanti","doi":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.178","DOIUrl":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.178","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The study aimed to analyze the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of hydrogels from Kulim (<i>Scorodocarpus borneensis</i> Becc.) stem bark extract and fraction against polymicrobial biofilms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The stem bark extract and fraction of Kulim (<i>Scorodocarpus borneensis</i> Becc.) were formulated into a hydrogel (tween 80glycerin). Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were assessed using a microdilution test against polymicrobial growth and polymicrobial biofilms, while acute toxicity was evaluated using wader pari (<i>Rasbora lateristriata</i>) embryos.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Kulim extract hydrogel (4 μg/µL) showed 69.16% antibacterial activity and 61.25% biofilm inhibition, with 72.58% and 82.86% biofilm degradation at 24 and 48 hours, respectively. The fraction-based hydrogel (0.22 μg/µL) had 58.10% antibacterial and biofilm inhibition activity, with 81.14% and 79.64% degradation at 24 and 48 hours. MIC50 and MBIC50 values were 2.42 μg/µL (extract) and 0.15 μg/µL (fraction) as well as 2.83 μg/µL and 0.19 μg/µL, respectively. Based on observation, MBEC50 values were 1.09 μg/µL and 0.57 μg/µL (24 h), as well as 0.70 μg/µL and 0.03 μg/µL (48 h), respectively, while the extract's LC50 was 0.143 mg/mL.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The hydrogel made from Kulim stem bark extract exhibited stronger antibacterial and antibiofilm activities than the ethyl acetate fraction against polymicrobial.</p>","PeriodicalId":16769,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacopuncture","volume":"28 3","pages":"178-190"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12464082/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145186166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Han-Heom Na, Hee-Jeong Youk, In Bum Suh, Sang Hoon Lee, Yoonsung Kang, Keun-Cheol Kim
{"title":"Design, Optimization, and Analytical Performance Evaluation of LAMP-Based Rapid Detection Assay for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus.","authors":"Han-Heom Na, Hee-Jeong Youk, In Bum Suh, Sang Hoon Lee, Yoonsung Kang, Keun-Cheol Kim","doi":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.240","DOIUrl":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.240","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus (SFTSV), a tick-borne pathogen, presents a growing public health threat in East Asia. Although conventional RT-PCR methods are effective for detection, they are limited by the need for specialized equipment and time-consuming procedures. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a rapid, sensitive, and field-deployable diagnostic method for SFTSV using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twelve sets of LAMP primers were designed to target the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L segment) of the SFTSV genome. These primers were screened through stepwise colorimetric LAMP assays to identify the optimal set. The sensitivity and specificity of the selected primer set were evaluated using serial dilutions of SFTSV RNA and a panel of control pathogens.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The selected LAMP primer set demonstrated high amplification efficiency, successfully detecting as little as 10 attograms (ag) of SFTSV RNA. Moreover, the primer set showed no cross-reactivity with non-SFTSV samples, confirming its high specificity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The developed LAMP assay provides a rapid and reliable method for SFTSV detection, with potential for use in field settings. This diagnostic tool could enhance early detection and improve outbreak response for SFTSV infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":16769,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacopuncture","volume":"28 3","pages":"240-247"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12464079/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145186187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence of Traditional East Asian Medicine Patterns among Older Adults with Sarcopenia: a systematic review of observational studies.","authors":"Chan-Young Kwon","doi":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.165","DOIUrl":"10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.165","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Sarcopenia is a major geriatric syndrome that impairs quality of life. Traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM) offers a holistic diagnostic framework through pattern identification. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence of TEAM patterns in older adults with sarcopenia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched five electronic databases through May 25, 2025, for observational studies reporting TEAM pattern prevalence in adults aged ≥ 60 with sarcopenia. To ensure methodological homogeneity for quantitative synthesis, the meta-analysis was restricted to studies employing a mutually exclusive diagnostic approach. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for patterns reported in two or more of these studies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six observational studies were included in the systematic review. Five of these studies used a mutually exclusive diagnostic approach and were included in the meta-analysis. The most frequently reported patterns were liver-kidney deficiency, spleen-stomach deficiency, and spleen-stomach damp-heat. Pooled prevalence for liver-kidney deficiency (4 studies) was 39% (95% CI, 31-47%), for spleen-stomach deficiency (3 studies) was 32% (95% CI, 27-37%), and for spleen-stomach damp-heat (2 studies) was 34% (95% CI, 29-39%). The methodological quality of all included studies was assessed as low.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on a methodologically rigorous meta-analysis of studies with exclusive diagnoses, the predominant TEAM patterns in sarcopenia are liver-kidney deficiency, spleen-stomach damp-heat and spleen-stomach deficiency. These distinct patterns may reflect different pathophysiological characteristics and support individualized treatment approaches. The evidence is limited by the poor quality of primary studies, highlighting an urgent need for high-quality research with standardized diagnostic criteria.</p>","PeriodicalId":16769,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacopuncture","volume":"28 3","pages":"165-177"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12464081/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145186197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}