Articles

Background: Nimodipine (NM), is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker with poor oral bioavailability (BA) of about 13% due to first-pass metabolism and P-gp efflux. Objective: The present work aimed to study the influence of the charge inducer and its combination with P-gp inhibitor to improve the oral bioavailability of NM by developing a suitable delivery system of Submicron Lipid Emulsion (SME). Methods: Five SME formulations of NM were prepared by homogenization followed by ultrasonication. Prepared SMEs were characterized for particle size, PDI, Zeta Potential (ZP), Entrapment Efficiency (EE), and drug content. In vitro, release studies were performed in 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer by open tube method. The physical stability of all NM–SMEs was tested by the individual effects of centrifugation, dilution (desorption stress), and storage. Bioavailability studies were conducted on male Wistar rats after oral administration of NM suspension and F1 to F5 SME formulations. Results and conclusion: Five NM- SMEs were developed with a mean size ranging from 93 - 137 nm, Zeta potential of – 26 ± 1 mV (negatively charged), +45.8 to +46.3 mV (positively charged), and PDI of 0.15 - 0.25. The in vitro release studies showed that relatively more cumulative percentage release of NM – SMEs in 0.1N HCl than in pH phosphate buffer during 24 hours. The physical stability of NM–SMEs indicated that they were stable to the effects of centrifugation, dilution, and storage. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies showed that the oral bioavailability of NM in F4 SME was significantly higher than that of all other formulations. Taken together, the results indicated the development of a stable lipid-based carrier, F4 SME to improve the oral bioavailability of this drug by minimizing first-pass metabolism due to lymphatic transport, reducing the efflux by P-gp inhibition, and further, by increased uptake of the positively charged F4 SME globules by enterocytes. Future: The research study findings increase the possibility of developing NM F4 SME by the pharmaceutical industry for the patient’s benefit.

Mesenchymal stem cells are heterogenous adult multipotent stromal cells that can be isolated from various sources including bone marrow, peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, dental pulp, and adipose tissue. They have certain regenerative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, immunosuppressive, antimicrobial, and other properties that enable them to have several therapeutic and clinical applications including treatment of various autoimmune disorders; role in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and regenerative medicine; treatment of skin, pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders; treatment of neurological and eye diseases; as well as treatment of various infections and their complications. Different factors including donor age, biological source, route of administration, and signaling pathways have an impact on the functions and consequently the clinical applications of mesenchymal stromal cells. The products of mesenchymal stem cells such as extracellular vesicles and exosomes reproduce the biological effects and most of the therapeutic actions of the parent stem cells. Genetic engineering and the use of specific mesenchymal stromal cell products have improved their clinical efficacy and decreased their adverse effects. However, despite the recent progress in the use of mesenchymal stem cells, the clinical application of these cells in the treatment of several diseases still faces real challenges that need to be resolved. The current status of mesenchymal stem cells and the controversies related to their clinical utilization in various disease conditions will be thoroughly discussed in this review.

A very unusual, interesting, and challenging case of a 24-year-old female who was born with three openings in the neck. The patient had chronic abdominal gaseous distention, recurrent abdominal pain, and constipation since early infancy. The patient presented in emergency with acute painful red, hot, and tender swelling in the left upper cervical area. Laboratory studies showed high inflammatory markers and a provisional diagnosis of abscess with a sinus was made. The patient underwent an emergency incision and drainage. Sinus recurred and a sinogram showed it to be a residual cyst in the left submandibular salivary gland. The total cyst excision was attempted with resultant recurrence and grade IV facial nerve palsy. Post-operatively recurrent infections caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) required several courses of oral and intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics with several hospital admissions with no resolution in sight. Subsequent ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging showed a residual infected cyst, cutaneous sinus, and a fistula opening in the left ear canal. A diagnosis of branchial cyst type II of the first brachial cleft remnant with a fistula was established with bilateral branchial fistulas of the second branchial remnants and the associated colorectal hypoganglionosis based on radiological studies. The patient refused any further operative interventions. Therefore, the option of conservative treatment of hypoganglionosis with holobiotics consisting of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, laxatives, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and dietary supplements started. All antibiotics were stopped. These therapies resulted in the resolution of residual first branchial remnants and recurrent MRSA infections with the improvement in the facial nerve palsy from grade V to grade III-IV together with an excellent cosmetic and functional result. The patient is doing well at follow-ups being infection-free for 18 months and repeat contrast-enhanced computed tomogram (CECT) has shown complete resolution of the residual cyst, sinus, and fistula with fibrosis.

The need to provide Long-Term Care (LTC) for growing elderly populations is a public policy issue in all industrialized countries. Unlike other OECD countries, the U.S. lacks a foundation for universal LTC benefits. Much can be learned by examining other industrialized countries. LTC systems. In this paper, we will examine how other countries' provide LTC services for their glowing elderly populations, finance the costs of LTC services, determine eligibility for services, and encourage and support informal caregivers.

The primary objective of this study was to detect the success and short-term survival rate of dental implant prosthetic therapy. The valuation of a possible relationship between the general and local clinical conditions of the patients (presence of risk factors and type of dental implant-supported prosthesis) and the satisfaction perceived by the patient, with success and survival of implant devices was investigated.The sample trial consisted of 23 patients, for a total of 50 dental implants supporting a prosthetic therapy. Preliminarily, an analysis of averages and frequencies of the anamnestic data was presented, as numbers and percentages. The implant success rate was calculated by assessing whether the implants fulfilled the success criteria defined by the Pisa Consensus Conference. The ANOVA test was used to check whether there was an association between the success of the implant device, the anamnestic data collected, and the type of prosthesis supported by the implants. Finally, the survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan - Meier method.The 2-year success rate of 50 implants was assessed at 98%. The 2-year survival rate was 97%. Finally, sex, age, compensated diabetes, a smaller and equal number of cigarettes per day (10 per day), the BOP, and the type of titanium dental implants supported by prosthesis, do not determine a change in success and are therefore not adequate parameters to predict the outcome of implant success. Following the results obtained, it is appropriate to continue the research by expanding the clinical observation times in order to obtain more solid scientific and clinical evidence.

This study delves into the forensic examination of textile fibers for identification through the application of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. With the textile industry producing an array of materials, both natural and man-made fibers, the need to distinguish between them for forensic purposes becomes paramount. The primary objective of this research is to identify unique characteristics in fiber samples, differentiating between branded and non-branded company textiles. The focus is placed on fresh, unused cloth fibers obtained directly from shops. The study encompasses two broad categories of fibers: natural (such as cotton, silk, and wool) and man-made (including nylon, rayon, and polyester). Samples from both branded and non-branded textiles undergo analysis using XRD, a sophisticated method capable of revealing the crystallographic structure of materials. Results obtained from the XRD analysis unveil intensity peaks at various levels and degrees, providing distinctive patterns for individualization. Even within the same fiber category, such as polyester and cotton, discernible differences in intensity peaks facilitate the identification process. This research contributes to the advancement of forensic techniques by offering a reliable means of identifying textile fibers. The utilization of XRD not only allows for the differentiation between natural and man-made fibers but also enables discrimination among textiles produced by different companies. The implications of this study extend to forensic investigations, where the ability to precisely identify fibers can provide valuable evidence in criminal cases involving textiles.

Proteinuria is an easily quantified biomarker of kidney disease and often a sign of glomerular pathology. Significant proteinuria is uncommon in cystic kidney diseases and should be further evaluated to exclude the presence of another simultaneous kidney disease. While renal biopsy is a valuable part of the diagnostic evaluation of proteinuria, careful consideration of risks and benefits is necessary before proceeding in a patient with bilateral renal cysts. We report the case of a man with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) who was found to have nephrotic-range proteinuria. An ultrasound-guided kidney biopsy revealed evidence of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), which was attributed to hyperfiltration-related injury in the context of extensive kidney cysts. Genetic testing did not reveal a cause of FSGS and showed a variant of uncertain significance in PKD1. We use this case to highlight three important issues that are applicable to patients with PKD: the role of diagnostic evaluation for proteinuria in cystic kidney disease, the feasibility of kidney biopsy despite the presence of bilateral renal cysts, and the roles and limitations of genetic testing in cystic kidney disease and FSGS.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has seen the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, resulting in the emergence of various concerning variants with unique biological characteristics. As the pandemic continues, it will be crucial to promptly evaluate the potential of any new variant to cause severe illness. The severity of the latest Omicron sublineages, including BA.5, XBB, BQ.1.18, BA.2, BA.2.75, and EG.5.1, is currently under assessment. This system provides valuable and essential information for rapidly assessing the threat posed by new versions of the virus.

Staphylin dermatitis is an acute, irritant, contact dermatitis caused by Pederin, a haemolymphatic fluid released when staphilinidae are crushed against the skin [1]. This is a serious condition, with epidemics and certain localizations, especially in the eyes, which can lead to blindness. 

Intraovarian injection of autologous Platelet Lysate (PL) can be considered a potential therapeutic strategy for ovarian function rejuvenation. Especially, in women diagnosed with Poor Ovarian Response (POR) or Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), the exogenous administration of the autologous platelet-derived growth factors, influence positively the regulation of the serum Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and Estradiol (E2). Therefore, the evaluation of the serum levels of the aforementioned hormones was performed on 10 participants with a mean age of 43 ± 4 years diagnosed with POR or POI, who received intraovarian PL injection monotherapy. The monitoring of the serum hormone levels was performed for 3 months. The results of this study clearly showed that all participants were characterized by elevated levels of FSH and LH and reduced levels of E2 and AMH, prior to the PL injection. However, the levels of all hormones started to change after the 1st month of follow-up monitoring. Moreover, 40% of the participants conceived successfully either by natural way or after in vitro Fertilization (IVF). Considering these, the intraovarian injection of autologous PL exhibited promising evidence regarding the altering of hormone levels at physiological values. Moreover, the contained PL growth factors were implicated in angiogenesis promotion and also in toleration of the inflammatory microenvironment, regulating positively ovarian function. In conclusion, the intraovarian autologous PL injection is considered a safe, effective, and tolerable therapeutic strategy in women with POR or POI. Moreover, the results of this study were very encouraging, especially for the women with infertility issues, who want their genetic offspring.