SWISSSDC Open Repository and Archive Article Advances in traditional Chinese herbal medicine and their pharmacodynamic mechanisms in cancer immunoregulation: a narrative review Ruishan Wen, Xiulian Huang, Jinyu Long, Yuxin Guo, Yilun Wei, Ping Lin, Siting Xie, Zhongquan Zhao, Lei Zhang, Arthur Yin Fan, Sandra M. Barbalho, Valerio Nardone, Jawad Alzeer, Ying Chen, Zongyang Yu Background and objective: The cancer-immunity cycle (CIC) is defined as a series of progressive events that cause an anticancer immune response leading to the killing of the cancer cell. The concept of CIC has important guiding significance for the clinical and basic tumor immunotherapy research. As one of the methods of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has shown unique advantages in multitarget and multipathway immune regulation. However, the tumor immune circulation targeted by CHM is generally unclear at present. To provide reference for future clinical and basic research, we systematically reviewed the existing literature on CHM (including CHM monomers, CHM compounds, and CHM patent medicines) and the mechanisms related to its efficacy. Methods: We searched the PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for relevant Chinese-language and English-language literature published from January 1988 to October 2022. The literature was screened manually at three levels: title, abstract, and full text, to identify articles related to CHM and their mechanism of regulating tumor immunity. Key content and findings: By further classifying the CIC, it was confirmed that CHM can regulate the activation of dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages and promote the presentation of tumor antigens. Meanwhile, CHM can also reverse tumor-immune escape by enhancing T-cell proliferation and infiltration. In addition, CHM can also enhance the antitumor ability of the body by regulating the killing process of tumor cells. Conclusions: The theory of a CIC is of guiding significance to regulating tumor immunity via CHM. Article Synthesis of chemical tools to improve water solubility and promote the delivery of salinomycin to cancer cells Awad, Loay Chemotherapy and radiation are unable to eliminate all cancer cells, particularly apoptosis‑resistant cancer cells, despite their ability to kill cancer cluster cells. Thus, it is important to identify methods that eliminate all cancer cells in order to prevent relapse. Salinomycin has the ability to control and eradicate different types of cancer, including breast cancer; however, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. The main difficulty in testing salinomycin activity and understanding the governing mechanisms is its low solubility in water (17 mg/l), which can hinder convenient delivery of salinomycin to the protein receptor at the cell surface of stem cells. In the present study, salinomycin was conjugated to the trans‑activator of transcription‑protein in order to facilitate its delivery to the cancer cells. Conjugated salinomycin demonstrated improved solubility in both in vitro. Salinomycin was tested in breast cancer cells (MCF7 and JIMT‑1) by the cleavage of the linker through photolysis at l≥365 nm during in vitro analysis, in the present study. Review Article Holistic approach to personalised medicine: A focus on halalopathy Alzeer, Jawad Halalopathy, a revolutionary healthcare paradigm, aims to innovate personalised medicine by combining medical interventions with individual lifestyle choices, values and energy. This holistic approach recognises the multiple influences on health, including lifestyle factors and environmental aspects. The inadequacy of conventional medicine in addressing the impact of lifestyle and personal values often leads to suboptimal outcomes for patients. Halalopathy applies a comprehensive methodology that combines medical interventions, lifestyle changes and immune system activation to address the root causes of disease and improve overall well-being. Halal-Toyyib principles strengthen the therapeutic alliance and ensure customised interventions and optimal therapeutic results. The placebo effect, the compatibility effect and the synergy effect enhance the effectiveness of halalopathy and lead to remarkable healing results. In summary, halalopathy is an inspiring, personalised and holistic approach that harmonises medicine with lifestyle, optimises therapeutic outcomes and introduces a new era in healthcare. Review Article Harnessing the Power of Choice: How to Thrive in a Universe of Entropy Alzeer, Jawad; Hamid, Benmerabet Entropy, a fundamental concept rooted in the second law of thermodynamics, drives the universe towards disorder, influencing energy distribution within systems. This manuscript aims to enhance understanding of entropy’s principles and its broad impact across scientific domains, particularly within molecular dynamics and chemical reactions. Through exploration of entropy’s role in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and its effects on biological systems like protein folding and aging, we unveil its profound influence on spontaneity in reactions and overall well-being. Highlighting potential energy as a key counterforce to entropy, our findings underscore the significance of informed decision-making in combatting entropy and promoting vitality. By consciously enriching potential energy through lifestyle choices, individuals can mitigate entropy’s effects and maintain order within systems, fostering a healthier state and enhancing overall well-being. Review Article Exploring the Intersection of Quantum Mechanics and Human Psychology Alzeer, Jawad; Hamid, Benmerabet Understanding the complexities of human psychology and addressing mental health challenges require a multidimensional approach that transcends conventional boundaries. This manuscript explores the intersection between quantum mechanics and human science, proposing novel insights into the dynamics of human traits and behaviour. By examining the principles of quantum mechanics, particularly superposition, we hypothesize that human traits may exist in a state of potentiality, coexisting with their respective values. This perspective suggests that individuals possess a spectrum of traits, and deliberate effort plays a crucial role in determining their manifestation. Drawing inspiration from quantum mechanics, we advocate for a proactive approach to nurturing positive traits and addressing destructive tendencies. This involves recognizing the power of choice, fostering self-awareness, and actively engaging in personal growth initiatives. We discuss the implications of trait activation and highlight the importance of voluntary effort in shaping behaviour and character. Additionally, we explore practical strategies for navigating psychological challenges. This manuscript underscores the potential of interdisciplinary inquiry to inform innovative approaches to psychological intervention and therapy. Through further empirical research and theoretical exploration, we can unlock new perspectives and strategies for enhancing human flourishing and addressing the complexities of the human psyche. Review Article Beyond Disorder: A New Perspective on Entropy in Chemistry Alzeer, Jawad The concept of entropy, a fundamental principle in the field of chemistry, has traditionally been oversimplified as a mere measure of disorder. However, this simplistic perspective fails to capture the intricate and multifaceted nature of entropy, along with its profound influence on various phenomena. This paper seeks to delve deeper into the understanding of entropy by moving beyond the conventional disorder- centric viewpoint and adopting a more nuanced approach that integrates both disorder and energy considerations. Through the redefinition of potential energy and microstates as integral components of entropy, the study explores the intricate interplay between disorder, energy, and molecular transformations within chemical systems. The implications of this refined conceptualization extend beyond the boundaries of chemistry, impacting fields such as physics, biology, and medicine. The potential transformative effects of this enhanced understanding hold promise for advancing scientific knowledge and applications across diverse disciplines. Review Article Lifestylopathy: A Holistic Approach to Healthcare Alzeer, Jawad In response to ongoing challenges in achieving complete recovery from diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s, alternative medicine approaches such as Lifestylopathy have emerged, aiming to complement conventional treatments and address complex health issues holistically. Lifestylopathy integrates principles from physics, chemistry, and medicine to comprehend the body at molecular and quantum levels, emphasizing preventive measures and comprehensive recovery by striking a balance between entropy (disorder) and potential energy (order). Through maintaining equilibrium between anabolic and catabolic processes and modulating neurotransmitters, Lifestylopathy regulates homeostasis, enriching potential energy while preventing entropy accumulation, thereby activating the immune system’s fight mode and bolstering resilience against diseases. This transformative approach underscores holistic well-being and the intricate interplay between potential energy and entropy, suggesting that integrating Lifestylopathy principles into healthcare practices holds promise for fostering harmony and vibrant health across individuals and societies. Review Article Balancing potential energy and entropy: the foundations of lifestylopathy and homeostasis Alzeer, Jawad The manuscript explores the complex interplay of homeostasis and emphasizes the influential relationship between potential energy and entropy in the areas of prevention and treatment. It offers insights into the profound effects of entropy on physiological systems and unravels the intricate mechanisms that maintain homeostatic balance. The investigation extends to innovative strategies for harnessing these forces for optimal health and resilience. The manuscript emphasizes the vital role of maintaining the delicate balance between potential energy and entropy and highlights its fundamental importance in shaping health and resilience. It addresses the intricate relationship between genetic changes, the build-up of disorder and the entropic environment and emphasizes the need to reduce entropy and enrich potential energy for disease management in line with the principles of lifestylopathy. The delicate balance between potential energy and entropy, coupled with excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, plays a crucial role in mental stability and overall homeostasis. Disturbances in this balance can lead to imbalances, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance for optimal well-being. Maintaining a delicate balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters is essential for overall well-being. Focusing on the delicate balance between anabolism and catabolism in the body’s metabolic processes is important for physical stability and homeostasis. Anabolism builds vital molecules and cells that are rich in potential and information. In contrast, catabolism breaks down molecules from ingested food and releases energy in the process. Catabolic conversion leads to a decrease in potential energy, increased entropy and further disorganization, which contributes to aging and susceptibility to disease. Balancing anabolism and catabolism is essential for optimizing energy utilization. Homeostasis is sustained through the continual interplay of potential energy and entropy, wherein living organisms employ intricate mechanisms to restore energy and minimize entropy. This dynamic equilibrium is more than a physical phenomenon; it represents the essence of life, controlling biological processes and enabling adaptation to the environment. Those who understand these concepts can make informed decisions to promote overall well-being and resilience. Review Article Lifestylopathy: Unlocking Potential by Embracing Duality and Homeostasis for Improved Healthcare Alzeer, Jawad The article explores the integration of duality and homeostasis in healthcare to enhance health outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance and stability in both physical and non-physical aspects of the body for optimal well-being. The rationalization of the duality concept is discussed, drawing analogies from various natural systems and phenomena. The role of duality in homeostasis, including mental stability, metabolic processes, and energy forms, is explored. The article also highlights the significance of embracing duality in personal balance, lifestyle choices, and immune system activation. Furthermore, it discusses the implications of incorporating duality in disease prevention and treatment, emphasizing the integration of physical and non-physical aspects in personalized medicine. The synergy between medicine and lifestyle is highlighted in the context of lifestylopathy, emphasizing the need for compatibility and personalized approaches. Overall, the article concludes by highlighting the potential of embracing duality and homeostasis to revolutionize healthcare and improve patient outcomes. Review Article Integrating medicine with lifestyle for personalized and holistic healthcare Alzeer, Jawad Personalized medicine has become a groundbreaking approach to healthcare that aims to tailor medical decisions and treatments to each individual’s unique needs. It goes beyond a narrow focus on genetic predisposition to encompass a comprehensive understanding of various factors such as personality, cognition, social interactions, goals, and values. The human genome is subject to both endogenous and exogenous factors that can lead to mutations and enhance susceptibility to disease. However, personalized medicine recognizes that genetic predisposition alone does not determine a person’s state of health. It recognizes that personality, which encompasses a range of psychological traits and behavioral patterns, is shaped to a significant degree by the information individuals receive and process, as well as the organization of vital forces and the values they seek to achieve. Review Article Exploring the Dynamics of Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions: Understanding the Role of Entropy and Potential Energy in SN1 and SN2 Pathways Alzeer, Jawad The fundamental interplay between potential energy and entropy is a key facet of chemical reactions. Potential energy signifies stored energy in a chemical system, while entropy quantifies disorder. Understanding this connection is pivotal for comprehending reaction dynamics. This manuscript delves into the intricate relationship between potential energy and entropy, investigating their influence on chemical reactions. Potential energy arises from atomic and molecular positions, while entropy reflects molecular arrangement randomness. The equilibrium of these factors impacts reaction feasibility and kinetics. Through analysis, we explore how nucleophilic substitution reactions, essential for organic synthesis, showcase the potential energy-entropy interplay. Excessive potential energy with low entropy and excessive entropy both impede reactions. Favorable alignment of potential energy and entropy promotes reactions, yielding diverse energy states. Understanding potential energy and entropy interaction provides insights into reaction feasibility, rate, and control. This enriches foundational chemistry comprehension, facilitating efficient, predictable reaction design. Review Article The Role of Buffers in Establishing a Balance of Homeostasis and Maintaining Health Alzeer, Jawad Homeostasis is the body’s ability to self-regulate biological processes. There are several buffer systems in the body that operate cooperatively to maintain health. A buffer system consists of two components, one that acts on its counterpart. In acid-base homeostasis, almost all physiological processes in the body occur as a result of a buffer that allows a solution to tolerate pH changes. Buffers can be used beyond the concept of hydrogen ion donors or acceptors. A body consists of numerous components and their counterparts, such as excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, entropy and potential energy, and anabolic and catabolic metabolic processes. As for values, they can be material and non-material; behaviours can be permitted or prohibited. Buffers play an important role in maintaining balance, but their capacity needs to be improved in order to handle stress more effectively. It is appropriate to evaluate buffering systems by analogy to acid- base buffers, and the results can be interpreted in terms of maintaining balance. A well-coordinated and compatible system helps maintain a balance between matter and its counterpart, enabling the immune system to function effectively and maintain homeostasis. Review Article Directionality of Chemical Reaction and Spontaneity of Biological Process in the Context of Entropy Alzeer, Jawad Chemical and biochemical reactions are carried out either to generate energy or to produce useful macromolecules. Entropy is a well-applied concept in many fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. Various perspectives have been used to describe the concept, creating confusion and misconceptions. In chemical and biochemical reactions, entropy plays a significant role in the directionality and spontaneity of the reactions. Potential energy can be used to better understand the concept of entropy. Potential energy represents order, while entropy represents disorder; therefore, they are inversely proportional and intimately linked. Molecules with high potential usually have rich sets of functions and information, which is due to the enrichment of their constitutions, configurations, and conformations. In molecules with low potential, there are greater vibrational, rotational, and translational motions associated with decreased order in their constitution, configuration, and conformation. Distribution of electronic charge changes in macromolecules over time, increasing the rotation of side-chain residues and thus increasing entropy and affecting potential in terms of structure, function, and information. Entropy can thus be defined as a state of spontaneous change, bound to time and constantly increasing, which causes structural changes in the form of constitution, configuration, and conformation, and functional changes in the form of the ability to do work as well as informational changes in the form of the transmission of commands. Review Article Recognizing Limitations: Overcoming Challenges in Enhancing Health and Preventing Disease Alzeer, Jawad; Hamid, Benmerabet The advancement of human progress hinges on the ability to identify limitations and develop innovative solutions, particularly in the field of healthcare. While modern medicine has made significant strides in treating various illnesses, it often fails to address the root causes of diseases, impeding the recovery process for many patients. To overcome this challenge, healthcare professionals require a more comprehensive and integrative approach to healthcare that combines rational and logical thinking. Rationality offers a systematic and evidence-based method for understanding and treating diseases, providing healthcare professionals with a strong foundation for developing treatment plans. However, rational thinking has limitations in terms of our observational abilities, which can lead to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments. On the other hand, logical thinking provides a more creative and flexible approach to problem-solving, which is particularly useful in addressing complex and multifaceted health issues. This approach enables healthcare professionals to think outside the box, consider alternative solutions, and tailor treatment plans to individual needs. By combining rational and logical viewpoints, healthcare providers can enhance their comprehension of a patient’s condition, resulting in more favourable treatment results. Halalopathy, which employs a merged thought process, has been introduced to tackle the challenges and limitations of modern medicine. Halalopathy is a holistic healthcare approach that integrates rational and logical thinking, providing a more comprehensive understanding of illness prevention and disease at a physicopsychological level. Review Article The Development of Human Personality: A Comprehensive Overview Alzeer, Jawad; Hamid, Benmerabet The complex relationship between physical and psychological disorders can pose challenges for effective treatment. Both aspects often require a multidisciplinary approach to address their interconnectedness. An individual’s personality is shaped by their mentality, psyche, and values, which must be in harmony for a well-ordered and disciplined personality. While medical interventions are important, incorporating non- medical interventions can be crucial for managing and treating these disorders. This includes lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet, as well as incorporating values that promote overall well-being. Neglecting our psyche can lead to negative traits and mental health issues. Therefore, nurturing our personality through positive experiences, healthy relationships, self-care and self-reflection is necessary to promote mental and emotional health. It is important to create a balance between material and non-material values to have a harmonious and stable life. Choosing a lifestyle that aligns with our values and needs allows us to create a compatible system, which in turn allows us to make informed decisions and realize our full potential. Review Article Halalopathy: Stimulation of the Immune System Through Enrichment of Potential Energy Alzeer, Jawad The human mind is highly exposed to different sources of information. According to halalopathy, supportive information enriches potential, while distracting information increases entropy. Potential energy and entropy are inversely proportional. The enrichment of potential energy creates favourable circumstances for prevention and recovery, while the accumulation of entropy accelerates aging and the development of diseases. The availability of potential energy plays a crucial role in how the immune system can exist and behave. Fight mode i.e., high potential energy mode where errors and defects are detected and corrected simultaneously. Fright mode in which potential energy is dispersed and entropy is accelerated, causing the immune system to respond randomly and attack indiscriminately. The flight mode, in which potential energy is suppressed, leads to a slowing down of the immune response, thereby bypassing many defects and mutations. The main objective of halalopathy is to develop methods and strategies to enrich the potential, keep the fight mode active and thus stimulate the immune system for better prevention and recovery. Review Article Halalopathy: Anxiety and Depression from Logic and Energetic Perspectives Alzeer, Jawad The thoughts/concepts that people acquire dictate our behavior and influence our thinking. The human mind is the core where all thinking processes take place. The information the brain receives, whether it is supportive or distractive, can affect our attitude. Anxiety and depression are essentially the most common mental health disorders, often manifesting as complex psychological and behavioral challenges that can lead to serious disease. In halalopathy, potential energy and entropy are presented as the most important elements of prevention and healing. Understanding these elements would allow us to control and manage anxiety and depression more effectively. The dispersion of potential energy may cause anxiety, and the suppression of potential energy may provoke depression. The enrichment of potential energy and the reduction of entropy would activate the fight mode of the immune system, which in turn would create favorable circumstances for the activation of the calm mode, and thereby reduce anxiety and depression. Review Article Halalopathy: Role of Entropy in the Aging Process Alzeer, Jawad Many diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer, are often referred as age-related diseases. The main causes of these diseases are remarkably similar to the causes that can lead to aging. Consequently, one would think that aging should be considered as a health problem rather than a natural process that needs to be monitored and cured. The literature indicates that there are many factors that are likely to cause aging, but efforts to reverse, stop, or slow aging may be completely misguided. Aging is a natural, spontaneous process that can be better understood by focusing on a natural, spontaneous process that occurs in a living system. Spontaneous processes, such as catabolic processes, are mainly driven by entropy, suggesting that entropy formation and accumulation may play a key role in understanding and controlling the aging process. Entropy is a dispersed or suppressed form of potential energy that tends to generate heat. The accumulation of heat creates very unbalanced conditions that can promote the development of diseases or accelerate the aging process. Entropy is inversely proportional to potential energy, and any enrichment of potential energy or reduction of entropy can contribute to healthy aging. Potential energy can be used to fight entropy. Activating anabolic processes, growth hormones, and maintaining an anabolic mindset can enrich potential energy. Resisting fear and grief, reducing food intake, minimizing stress, maintaining a balanced heat flow, and avoiding a catabolic mindset can reduce the formation and accumulation of entropy.