Revolutionizing neurotherapeutics: blood-brain barrier-on-a-chip technologies for precise drug delivery.

Introduction: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical neurovascular unit regulating substances' passage from the bloodstream to the brain. Its selective permeability poses significant challenges in drug delivery for neurological disorders. Conventional methods often fail due to the BBB's complex structure. Aim: The study aims to shed light on their pivotal role in revolutionizing neurotherapeutics and explores the transformative potential of BBB-on-a-Chip technologies in drug delivery research to comprehensively review BBB-on-a-chip technologies, focusing on their design, and substantiate advantages over traditional models. Methods: A detailed analysis of existing literature and experimental data pertaining to BBB-on-a-Chip technologies was conducted. Various models, their physiological relevance, and innovative design considerations were examined through databases like Scopus, EbscoHost, PubMed Central, and Medline. Case studies demonstrating enhanced drug transport through BBB-on-a-Chip models were also reviewed, highlighting their potential impact on neurological disorders. Results: BBB-on-a-Chip models offer a revolutionary approach, accurately replicating BBB properties. These microphysiological systems enable high-throughput screening, real-time monitoring of drug transport, and precise localization of drugs. Case studies demonstrate their efficacy in enhancing drug penetration, offering potential therapies for diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Conclusion: BBB-on-a-Chip models represent a transformative milestone in drug delivery research. Their ability to replicate BBB complexities, offer real-time monitoring, and enhance drug transport holds immense promise for neurological disorders. Continuous research and development are imperative to unlock BBB-on-a-Chip models' full potential, ushering in a new era of targeted, efficient, and safer drug therapies for challenging neurological conditions.

Five Ectopic Teeth in the Maxillary Sinus: A Rare Cause of Chronic Sinusitis.

Around 10-20% of sinusitis have a dental etiology. Odontogenic sinusitis is generally caused by periodontitis, peri-implantitis, periapical pathology, or oroantral communication. Ectopic teeth are a rare cause of chronic odontogenic sinusitis. We present a rare case of chronic sinusitis caused by five ectopic teeth. A 39-year-old-female patient presented to our clinic with complaints of facial pain over the left cheek, ipsilateral nasal obstruction, ipsilateral rhinorrhea, and coughing over the last five years. Physical examination revealed a febrile patient. There was an ipsilateral purulent nasal discharge of yellow color. Inspection of the oral cavity revealed the absence of the following maxillary teeth: left first and second premolars, in addition to the left first, second, and third molars. There was also tenderness upon palpation of the left maxillary sinus. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the maxillary sinus revealed hyperdense structures in the left maxillary sinus surrounded by soft tissue, representing the missing premolar and molar teeth. The patient was treated with amoxicillin-clavulanate and corticosteroid, which partially relieved her symptoms. Our case presents an unusual case of chronic sinusitis that was found to be a consequence of five ectopic teeth in the maxillary sinus. A careful physical examination and an appropriate imaging modality are indispensable for the diagnosis of such a rare phenomenon.