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The natural product ginger (Zingiber officinale) has active constituents gingerol, Shogaol and Zerumbone, while turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains three active major curcuminoids, namely, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. They have the same scientific classification and are reported to have anti-inflammatory and many therapeutic effects. This article reviews the physiological and therapeutic effects of ginger and turmeric on some endocrine gland functions, and signal pathways involved to mediate their actions. With some systems and adipose tissue, ginger and turmeric exert their actions through some/all of the following signals or molecular mechanisms: (1) through reduction of high levels of some hormones (as: T4, leptin) or interaction with hormone receptors; (2) by inhibition of cytokines/adipokine expression; (3) acting as a potent inhibitor of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating enzymes, which play an essential role between inflammation and progression of diseases; (4) mediation of their effects through the inhibition of signaling transcription factors; and/or (5) decrease the proliferative potent by down-regulation of antiapoptotic genes, which may suppress tumor promotion by blocking signal transduction pathways in the target cells. These multiple mechanisms of protection against inflammation and oxidative damage make ginger and curcumin particularly promising natural agents in fighting the ravages of aging and degenerative diseases, and need to be paid more attention by studies.

To compare the long-term efficacy and safety of glycyrrhizic acid preparation and hormone treatment in patients with autoimmune hepatitis, we enrolled 377 patients in a study that lasted from January 2009 to January 2020. After performing propensity score matching, we included 58 patients in the hormone group and 58 in the glycyrrhizic acid preparation group in statistical analysis. We then compared the ratio of sustained biochemical responses at 48 weeks after treatment. Adverse events, including some incidence of decompensated liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, were evaluated. The results showed that a total of 61.8% of treated patients achieved complete biochemical remission. The cumulative biochemical remission rate in the hormone group and glycyrrhizic acid preparation group showed no significant difference (62.3% vs. 60.7%, ${\chi }^2=0.028$, $P=0.868$). At the end of follow-up, the total bile acid in the hormone group was significantly higher than that in the glycyrrhizic acid preparation group (8.9$\mu$mol/L vs. 5.6$\mu$mol/L, $Z=-2.3$, $P=0.049$). The incidence of adverse reactions in the hormone group was significantly higher than that in the glycyrrhizic acid preparation group (31.03% vs. 15.52%, ${\chi }^2=3.91$, $P=0.048$). In conclusion, compared with the hormone treatment, glycyrrhizic acid preparation might be a safe and effective treatment for autoimmune hepatitis.

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) on the mathematical model of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) endocrine cycle which regulates the production of the male hormone testosterone. Large amounts of total circulating testosterone are bound to SHBG making them. Standard analytical techniques are used to analyze the modified mathematical model which includes a delay to account for the time required for luteinizing hormone emitted by the pituitary gland to reach the testis, to determine the steady state, its stability and the critical delay needed for the bifurcation. Numerical simulation of the solutions of the model is performed to illustrate the possible behaviors.

INDONESIA – Quintiles expands patient access for clinical trials to Indonesia.

JAPAN – Legacy Healthcare announces breakthrough clinical results in hair re-growth.

SINGAPORE – iNova Pharmaceuticals relocates Regional HQ to Singapore as part of Asia-centric reorganization.

AUSTRALIA – Silencing the bird flu gene: scientists prep live hen trials.

AUSTRALIA – Helsinn grants Specialised Therapeutics Australia (STA) rights to Anamorelin, treat cachexia-anorexia.

NORTH AMERICA – To survive, genes pick up new skills.

NORTH AMERICA – Phase III study evaluates two investigational hormone-releasing IUDs for prevention of pregnancy for up to three years.

NORTH AMERICA – Agilent Technologies introduces SureDesign.

NORTH AMERICA – Progress made towards production of biosimilar products in tobacco plants.

NORTH AMERICA – FDA approves Aerospan for asthma.

EUROPE – New technology offers improved chances for couples undergoing IVF.

EUROPE – Phase IIa Laquinimod trial results show positive data for potential use in active Crohn's Disease.

EUROPE – Pfizer donates vials of Factor IX to the World Federation of Hemophilia.

EUROPE – nViso gets research grant to study 3D facial imaging technology for healthcare applications.

EUROPE – New evidence-based 3D cell culture web portal launched by Reinnervate Ltd.

EUROPE – The social side of vaccine effectiveness.

INDIA – Rice diplomacy in South Asia.

INDIA – Indian court's Novartis ruling keeps door to cheap drugs open.

INDONESIA – A blueprint for changing diabetes in Indonesia.

SINGAPORE – Understanding abnormal proteins in degenerative diseases.

SINGAPORE – Singapore scientist wins coveted Chen New Investigator Award 2013.

SINGAPORE – Singapore single-cell research center opens door for Asian biological discoveries.

THE PHILIPPINES – Wild parent spawns super salt-tolerant rice.

AUSTRALIA – Women: Hormone therapy won't harm your head.

AUSTRALIA – QLD government's removal of "green tape" will achieve results for all.

AUSTRALIA – Chinese herbs help cut diabetes symptoms.

AUSTRALIA – iSonea launches new Asthmasense™ cloud technology.

EUROPE – Bone Therapeutics and Erasme University Hospital start Phase IIa trial in osteoporosis.

NORTH AMERICA – Medicago and IDRI reports positive results for its Phase I clinical trial for an H5N1 vaccine.

NORTH AMERICA – Civitas Therapeutics announces positive Phase II clinical results an inhaled L-dopa for Parkinson's disease.

NORTH AMERICA – Impel NeuroPharma completes industry's first nose-to-brain human imaging study.

NORTH AMERICA – A new treatment option for alcohol dependence: Reduced consumption rather than abstinence.

NORTH AMERICA – Targacept completes recruitment in Phase IIb schizophrenia trial.

UNITED KINGDOM – ID deadly pathogens without growing bacteria.

INDIA – Oral chlorea vaccine ‘offers protection for five years’.

JAPAN – Gene discovery leads way to more rice.

MALAYSIA – Top international hospitals to hold summit in Asia to address efficiency, patient safety issues.

SINGAPORE – Study led by NUS scientists provides new insights into cause of human neurodegenerative disease.

SINGAPORE – Recycled plastic proves effective in killing drug-resistant fungi.

SINGAPORE – Singapore scientists engineer human stem cells and move closer to mastering regenerative medicine.

SINGAPORE – A*STAR scientists discover novel hormone essential for heart development.

SINGAPORE – New discovery on how skin cells form “bridges” paves the way for advances in wound healing and tissue engineering.

AUSTRALIA – Pathogen study explores blocking effect of E. coli protein on immune system.

CANADA – Alzheimer's risk gene may begin to affect brains as early as childhood.

EUROPE – Simple blood test detects 85% of colorectal cancers and over 50% of polyps.

JERUSALEM – New compound for slowing the aging process can lead to novel treatments for brain diseases.

US – Older mice fed wolfberries show reduced risk for flu virus with vaccine diseases.

US – Molecular sensor detects early signs of multiple sclerosis, Gladstone study finds.

US – Scripps Research Institute scientists achieve detailed picture of key part of Hepatitis C virus.

US – Researchers discover promising new treatment to help people with spine injuries walk better.

US – Personalized vaccine for most lethal type of brain tumor shows promise.

Understanding Diabetes

Prediabetes: The Gap between the Onset of Disease and Initiation of Treatment.

Diabetes: A Dietitian’s Perspective.

Use of Modelling for Better Diabetes Care.

No More Highs and Lows with Toujeo®: A New and Improved Insulin Injection.

Stress detection and monitoring have attracted substantial research interests due to stress being a risk factor for health disorders and economic burdens. In particular, the steroid hormone cortisol plays an important role both as an indicator of stress and a coordinator of downstream physiological responses. Recent years have witnessed a flourishing of cortisol biosensors and bioassays based on various physical principles. In this review, we first provide an overview of cortisol function and its presence in different biological matrices. Next, we discuss the existing range of cortisol biosensors, from their sensing principles (i.e. chromogenic, nanoparticle-based colorimetric and fluorometric, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, surface plasma resonance spectroscopy, and electrochemical sensors), performances (sensitivity, selectivity, portability, etc.), and applications. We particularly correlate the sensing performances and their suitability for point-of-care diagnostics with sensor principles and the use of different affinity ligands, such as antibodies, aptamers, molecular imprint, and even 2D materials such as MXenes. Finally, we discuss the challenges and perspectives of future high-performing cortisol sensors for a wider range of applications in human and animal stress monitoring.

Stress detection and monitoring have attracted substantial research interests due to stress being a risk factor for health disorders and economic burdens. In particular, the steroid hormone cortisol plays an important role both as an indicator of stress and a coordinator of downstream physiological responses. Recent years have witnessed a flourishing of cortisol biosensors and bioassays based on various physical principles. In this review, we first provide an overview of cortisol function and its presence in different biological matrices. Next, we discuss the existing range of cortisol biosensors, from their sensing principles (i.e. chromogenic, nanoparticle-based colorimetric and fluorometric, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, surface plasma resonance spectroscopy, and electrochemical sensors), performances (sensitivity, selectivity, portability, etc.), and applications. We particularly correlate the sensing performances and their suitability for point-of-care diagnostics with sensor principles and the use of different affinity ligands, such as antibodies, aptamers, molecular imprint, and even 2D materials such as MXenes. Finally, we discuss the challenges and perspectives of future high-performing cortisol sensors for a wider range of applications in human and animal stress monitoring.