Constipation and laxative herbs in Iranian traditional medicine

Context: Constipation is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders and is characterized by stiffness of waste and difficult defecation. In modern medicine, different laxative drugs are used for the treatment of constipation, but they are not without side effects. Nonetheless, the appropriate use of herbal medicines can be beneficial for treating this disorder. Therefore, this study attempted to draw together some pharmacological and medical insights into the management of constipation through the use of Iranian traditional medicine (ITM). Evidence Acquisition: In this review article, we initially researched constipation and laxative herbs using some of the most famous ancient medical and pharmacological textbooks pertaining to Iranian medicine written from the 10th to 18th century AD. This includes The canon of medicine by Avicenna (10th and 11th centuries, Beirut publication), Makhzan-ol-advie by Aghili (18th century, Tehran University of Medical Science Press), and Al-shamel by Gharashi (13th century, Caltural foundation Publication). Then we extracted the names and laxative mechanisms of some herbs prescribed for constipation through ITM. Finally, a search of scientific databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar was performed to find related works concerning laxative mechanisms. Results: In ITM doctrine, laxatives are weak purgatives that lead to the defecation of waste from the gastrointestinal tract. From this perspective, laxative herbs can be classified into two groups based on their nature: laxative herbs with a hot nature cause the dilution and flowing of humors, but herbs with a cold nature function as laxatives due to their mucilage properties. Each of the laxatives was used in accordance with the primary reason for constipation. Conclusions: This study presents medical and pharmacological approaches in ITM for dealing with complications arising from constipation. Considering the optimistic results, these herbs can be used as a means of constipation management and further investigation into this area can potentially lead to the formulation of new drugs. © 2016, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal

Selective CO₂ capture in metal-organic frameworks with azine-functionalized pores generated by mechanosynthesis

Two new three-dimensional porous Zn(II)-based metal-organic frameworks, containing azine-functionalized pores, have been readily and quickly isolated via mechanosynthesis, by using a nonlinear dicarboxylate and linear N-donor ligands. The use of nonfunctionalized and methyl-functionalized N-donor ligands has led to the formation of frameworks with different topologies and metal-ligand connectivities and therefore different pore sizes and accessible volumes. Despite this, both metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possess comparable BET surface areas and CO₂ uptakes at 273 and 298 K at 1 bar. The network with narrow and interconnected pores in three dimensions shows greater affinity for CO compared to the network with one-dimensional and relatively large pores-attributable to the more effective interactions with the azine groups

Postoperative intravenously administered iron sucrose versus postoperative orally administered iron to treat post-bariatric abdominoplasty anaemia (ISAPA): the study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Anaemia and iron deficiency are common complications following post-bariatric abdominoplasty. Given the low oral absorbability of iron resulting from bariatric surgery, it has been hypothesised that postoperative intravenously administered iron supplementation could be used to treat anaemia and to prevent the development of iron deficiency in these patients. METHODS/DESIGN: In this multicentre open-label randomised clinical trial, 56 adult women undergoing post-bariatric anchor-line abdominoplasty will be allocated at a ratio of 1:1 for postoperative supplementation with two intravenously administered applications of 200 mg of iron saccharate or postoperative supplementation with 100 mg of iron polymaltose complex administered orally, twice a day for 8 weeks. The primary outcome is the difference in mean haemoglobin levels between the two groups at eight postoperative weeks. Secondary outcomes evaluated at one, four and eight postoperative weeks include iron profile, reticulocyte count, overall quality of life measured using the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, fatigue measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Fatigue (FACIT-F), adverse effects and postoperative complications. DISCUSSION: This randomised clinical trial aims to evaluate the haematopoietic effectiveness of intravenously administered iron supplementation in patients undergoing post-bariatric abdominoplasty. A more effective recovery of haemoglobin levels could help improve the patients’ quality of life and could provide an improved haematological status in preparation for the subsequent and frequent plastic surgeries these patients undergo. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01857011 (8 May 2013), Universal Trial Number U111-1169-6223, Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC): RBR-2JGRKQ

Current trend in synthesis, Post-Synthetic modifications and biological applications of Nanometal-Organic frameworks (NMOFs)

Since the early reports of MOFs and their interesting properties, research involving these materials has grown wide in scope and applications. Various synthetic approaches have ensued in view of obtaining materials with optimised properties, the extensive scope of application spanning from energy, gas sorption, catalysis biological applications has meant exponentially evolved over the years. The far‐reaching synthetic and PSM approaches and porosity control possibilities have continued to serve as a motivation for research on these materials. With respect to the biological applications, MOFs have shown promise as good candidates in applications involving drug delivery, BioMOFs, sensing, imaging amongst others. Despite being a while away from successful entry into the market, observed results in sensing, drug delivery, and imaging put these materials on the spot light as candidates poised to usher in a revolution in biology. In this regard, this review article focuses current approaches in synthesis, post functionalization and biological applications of these materials with particular attention on drug delivery, imaging, sensing and BioMOFs

2013 WSES guidelines for management of intra-abdominal infections

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