Actionable Cytopathogenic Host Responses of Human Alveolar Type 2 Cells to SARS-CoV-2.

Human transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causative pathogen of the COVID-19 pandemic, exerts a massive health and socioeconomic crisis. The virus infects alveolar epithelial type 2 cells (AT2s), leading to lung injury and impaired gas exchange, but the mechanisms driving infection and pathology are unclear. We performed a quantitative phosphoproteomic survey of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived AT2s (iAT2s) infected with SARS-CoV-2 at air-liquid interface (ALI). Time course analysis revealed rapid remodeling of diverse host systems, including signaling, RNA processing, translation, metabolism, nuclear integrity, protein trafficking, and cytoskeletal-microtubule organization, leading to cell cycle arrest, genotoxic stress, and innate immunity. Comparison to analogous data from transformed cell lines revealed respiratory-specific processes hijacked by SARS-CoV-2, highlighting potential novel therapeutic avenues that were validated by a high hit rate in a targeted small molecule screen in our iAT2 ALI system.

Layer-By-Layer Designed Spark-Type AuCuPt Alloy with Robust Broadband Absorption to Enhance Sensitivity in Flexible Detection of Estriol by a Lateral Flow Immunoassay.

Excessive intake of estrogen poses significant health risks to the human body; hence, there is a necessity to develop rapid detection methods to monitor its levels of addition. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), commonly utilized as colorimetric signal labels, find extensive application in lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA). However, the detection sensitivity of traditional AuNPs-LFIA is typically constrained by low molar extinction coefficients and reliance on a single signal. Herein, in this work, unique spark-type AuCuPt nanoflowers modified with tannic acid (AuCuPt@TA) were precisely designed by reasonable layer-by-layer element composition and green modification. The obtained AuCuPt displays robust broadband absorption spanning the visible to near-infrared spectrum, showcasing a notable molar extinction coefficient of 2.38 × 1012 M-1 cm-1 and a photothermal conversion efficiency of 48.5%. Based on this, selecting estriol (E3) as a model analyte, colorimetric/photothermal dual-signal LFIA (CLFIA and PLFIA) was developed. Limits of detection (LOD) of the CLFIA and PLFIA were achieved at 0.033 ng mL-1 and 0.021 ng mL-1, respectively, which represent a 9.3- and 14.6-fold improvement compared to the visual LOD of AuNPs-LFIA. Moreover, the application feasibility of the immunoassay was further evaluated in the milk and pork with satisfactory recoveries ranging from 86.21% to 117.91%. Thus, this work has enhanced the performance of LFIA for E3 detection and exhibited enormous potential for other sensing platform construction.

Copper/Tin Nanocomposites-Loaded Exosomes Induce Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest at G0/G1 Phase in Skin Cancer Cell Line.

This study aims to explore the efficacy of Copper/Tin (CuS/SnS) nanocomposites loaded into exosomes against skin cancer A431 cell line. CuS/SnS nanocomposites (S1, S2, S3) were synthesized and characterized, then loaded into exosomes (Exo) (S1-Exo, S2-Exo and S3-Exo) and characterized. After that, the loaded samples were investigated in vitro against A431 using cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell cycle assays. CuS/SnS nanocomposites were indexed to hexagonal CuS structure and orthorhombic α-SnS phase and showed nano-rode shape. The exosomes loaded with nanocomposites were regular and rounded within the size of 120 nm, with no signs of broken exosomes or leakage of their contents. The cytotoxicity assay indicated the enhanced cytotoxic of S1-Exo versus the free nano-form S1 on A431. Interestingly, S1-Exo recorded 1.109 times more than DOX in its anti-skin cancer capacity. Moreover, S1-Exo recorded 40.2% for early apoptosis and 22.1% for late apoptosis. Furthermore, it displayed impact in arresting the cancer cell cycle at G0/G1 phase and reducing G2/M phase. Noteworthy, loaded nanocomposites were safe against normal HSF skin cells. In conclusion, the loaded CuS/SnS nanocomposites into the exosomes could be of great potential as anti-skin cancer candidates through induction of apoptosis and promotion of the cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase.

Dynamic remodeling of Escherichia coli interactome in response to environmental perturbations.

Proteins play an essential role in the vital biological processes governing cellular functions. Most proteins function as members of macromolecular machines, with the network of interacting proteins revealing the molecular mechanisms driving the formation of these complexes. Profiling the physiology-driven remodeling of these interactions within different contexts constitutes a crucial component to achieving a comprehensive systems-level understanding of interactome dynamics. Here, we apply co-fractionation mass spectrometry and computational modeling to quantify and profile the interactions of ∼2000 proteins in the bacterium Escherichia coli cultured under 10 distinct culture conditions. The resulting quantitative co-elution patterns revealed large-scale condition-dependent interaction remodeling among protein complexes involved in diverse biochemical pathways in response to the unique environmental challenges. The network-level analysis highlighted interactome-wide biophysical properties and structural patterns governing interaction remodeling. Our results provide evidence of the local and global plasticity of the E. coli interactome along with a rigorous generalizable framework to define protein interaction specificity. We provide an accompanying interactive web application to facilitate the exploration of these rewired networks.

Drug complexes: Perspective from Academic Research and Pharmaceutical Market.

Despite numerous research efforts, drug delivery through the oral route remains a major challenge to formulation scientists. The oral delivery of drugs poses a significant challenge because more than 40% of new chemical entities are practically insoluble in water. Low aqueous solubility is the main problem encountered during the formulation development of new actives and for generic development. A complexation approach has been widely investigated to address this issue, which subsequently improves the bioavailability of these drugs. This review discusses the various types of complexes such as metal complex (drug-metal ion), organic molecules (drug-caffeine or drug-hydrophilic polymer), inclusion complex (drug-cyclodextrin), and pharmacosomes (drug-phospholipids) that improves the aqueous solubility, dissolution, and permeability of the drug along with the numerous case studies reported in the literature. Besides improving solubility, drug-complexation provides versatile functions like improving stability, reducing the toxicity of drugs, increasing or decreasing the dissolution rate, and enhancing bioavailability and biodistribution. Apart, various methods to predict the stoichiometric ratio of reactants and the stability of the developed complex are discussed.

The Efficacy of Physical Therapy Modalities in Patients With Hemophilia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials With Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of different physical therapy interventions that could validate decisions taken by health care providers in the field of rehabilitation of patients with hemophilia according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), including body functions and structures, activity, and participation. DATA SOURCES: Seven databases-PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov-were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating any physical therapy modality to manage hemophilia. STUDY SELECTION: After abstract and full-text filtration, a methodological quality assessment was performed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale for the studies that met the eligibility criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Relevant data were extracted from eligible studies and outcomes were categorized according to the ICF. DATA SYNTHESIS: Using Review Manager and Microsoft Excel, a quantitative analysis using standardized mean differences with the 95% confidence interval was completed. Statistical heterogeneity between studies was explored using the I2 test. A fixed effect model was applied to all data analyses. If heterogeneity was statistically significant, the Der Simonian and Laird random effects models were used instead. RESULTS: 35 randomized controlled trials with 1216 participants were included in this systematic review; 13 of them dealt with pediatric patients. Most of the studies were of good quality; 12 studies were of low quality. Meta-analysis showed a significant difference in favor of manual therapy, laser, and therapeutic exercises on selected outcomes of body function and structure, activity, and participation categories of the ICF model. CONCLUSION: This systematic review recommends using manual therapy and therapeutic exercise modalities to improve join health status in combination with educational sessions to improve the quality of life of patients with hemophilic arthropathy. For pediatric patients with hemophilic arthropathy, using laser therapy is promising for improving functional capacity.

The Use of Combined Microplate And Miniplate in the Fixation of the Mandibular Fractures (A Randomized Clinical Trial).

The study group patients have been treated with 1.6 microplates at the superior border and 2.0 miniplate at the inferior border to evaluate its efficacy in the fixation of symphyseal and parasymphyseal fractures using this technique. The control patients were treated with two 2.0 plates. The stability was assessed using computed tomography immediately performed postoperatively and after 6 months. Assessment of the change in the intercanine distance using the Student T test was statistically Non Significant ( P value 0.34). The change of intercanine distance in the study was 0.04 ± 0.05 mm, compared with that of the control, which was 0.01 ± 0.03 mm. Assessment of change in intermental foramina distance was statistically NS ( P value = 0.06). The average difference in intermental foramina distance in the study was 0.04 ± 0.05 mm, compared with the control, which was 0.002 ± 0.004 mm. Based on the findings of the current study, the authors recommend the use of microplates combined with miniplates in the correction of both symphyseal and parasymphyseal fractures successfully.

Phytochemical Analysis and Profiling of Antitumor Compounds of Leaves and Stems of Calystegia silvatica (Kit.) Griseb.

Anti-tumor compounds from natural products are being investigated as possible alternatives for cancer chemotherapeutics that have serious adverse effects and tumor resistance. Calystegia silvatica was collected from the north coast of Egypt and extracted via methanol and n-hexane sub-fraction. The biologically active compounds of Calystegia silvatica were identified from the methanol and n-hexane extracts from the leaves and stems of the plant using GC-MS and HPLC. The antitumor properties of both parts of the plant were investigated against cancer and non-cancer cell lines using the MTT assay, and the IC50 in comparison to doxorubicin was calculated. The main compounds identified in the methanol extract were cis-vaccenic acid and trans-13-octadecenoic acid in the leaves and stems, respectively, and phenyl undecane and 3,7,11,15 tetramethyl-2-hexadeca-1-ol in the n-hexane extracts of the leaves and stems, respectively. Both parts of the plant contained fatty acids that have potential antitumor properties. The methanol extract from the stems of C. silvatica showed antitumor properties against HeLa, with an IC50 of 114 ± 5 µg/mL, PC3 with an IC50 of 137 ± 18 µg/mL and MCF7 with an IC50 of 172 ± 15 µg/mL, which were greater than Caco2, which had an IC50 of 353 ± 19 µg/mL, and HepG2, which had an IC50 of 236 ± 17 µg/mL. However, the leaf extract showed weak antitumor properties against all of the studied cancer cell lines (HeLa with an IC50 of 208 ± 13 µg/mL, PC3 with an IC50 of 336 ± 57 µg/mL, MCF7 with an IC50 of 324 ± 17 µg/mL, Caco2 with an IC50 of 682 ± 55 µg/mL and HepG2 with an IC50 of 593 ± 22 µg/mL). Neither part of the plant extract showed any cytotoxicity to the normal cells (WI38). Therefore, C. silvatica stems may potentially be used for the treatment of cervical, prostate and breast cancer.

Phytochemical Analysis and Profiling of Antioxidants and Anticancer Compounds from Tephrosia purpurea (L.) subsp. apollinea Family Fabaceae.

Tephorosia purpurea subsp. apollinea was extracted with methanol and n-hexane to obtain sub-fractions. The chemical compounds identified with GC-MS and HPLC in T. purpurea subsp. apollinea extracts showed antioxidant and anticancer properties. The antioxidant and anticancer activities were investigated using DDPH and ABTS assays, and MTT assay, respectively. Stigmasta-5,24(28)-dien-3-ol, (3 ß,24Z)-, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid methyl ester, phytol, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin were the major chemical compounds detected in T. purpurea subsp. apollinea. These compounds possessed antioxidant and anticancer properties. The methanol extract showed antioxidant properties with DDPH and ABTS radical scavenging of 84% and 94%, respectively, relative to ascorbic acid and trolox. The anticancer effects of T. purpurea subsp. apollinea against the cancer cell lines MCF7 (IC50 = 102.8 ± 0.6 µg/mL), MG63 (IC50 = 118.3 ± 2.5 µg/mL), T47D (IC50 = 114.7 ± 1.0 µg/mL), HeLa (IC50 = 196.3 ± 2.3 µg/mL), and PC3 (IC50 = 117.7 ± 1.1 µg/mL) were greater than its anticancer effects against U379 (IC50 = 248.4 ± 7.5 µg/mL). However, it had no adverse effects on the normal cells (WI38) (IC50 = 242.9 ± 1.8 µg/mL). Therefore, the major active constituents presented in T. purpurea subsp. apollinea can be isolated and studied for their potential antioxidant and anticancer effects against breast, cervical, and prostate cancers and osteosarcoma.

Correction: Youssef et al. Phytochemical Analysis and Profiling of Antitumor Compounds of Leaves and Stems of Calystegia silvatica (Kit.) Griseb. Molecules 2023, 28, 630.

There were errors in the original publication [...].

Hard Gelatin Capsules Containing Hot Melt Extruded Solid Crystal Suspension of Carbamazepine for improving dissolution: Preparation and In vitro Evaluation.

Aqueous solubility is one of the key parameters for achieving the desired drug concentration in systemic circulation for better therapeutic outcomes. Carbamazepine (CBZ) is practically insoluble in water, is a BCS class II drug, and exhibits dissolution-dependent oral bioavailability. This study explored a novel application of hot-melt extrusion in the manufacture and development of a thermodynamically stable solid crystal suspension (SCS) to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of CBZ. The SCSs were prepared using sugar alcohols, such as mannitol or xylitol, as crystalline carriers. The drug-sugar blend was processed by hot melt extrusion up to 40 % (w/w) drug loading. The extruded SCS was evaluated for drug content, saturation solubility, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in vitro release, and stability studies. The physicochemical characterization revealed the highly crystalline existence of pure drug, pure carriers, and extruded SCS. FTIR analysis did not reveal any physical or chemical incompatibilities between the drug and sugar alcohols and showed a homogeneous CBZ distribution within respective crystalline carriers. The SEM micrographs of the solidified SCS revealed the presence of approximately 100 µm crystalline agglomerates. In vitro dissolution and solubility studies showed that the CBZ dissolution rate and solubility were improved significantly from both crystalline carriers for all tested drug loads. The SCSs showed no significant changes in drug content, in vitro release profiles, and thermal characteristics over 3 months of storage at accelerated stability conditions (40±2°C/75±5% RH). As a result, it can be inferred that the SCS strategy can be employed as a contemporary alternative technique to improve the dissolution rate of BCS class II drugs via HME technology.

Screening for polystyrene nanoparticle toxicity on kidneys of adult male albino rats using histopathological, biochemical, and molecular examination results.

Polystyrene Nanoparticles (PS-NPs) used for packaging foam, disposable cups, and food containers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate PS- NPs toxic effects on kidney of adult male albino rats. A total of 30 rats divided into three groups (n = 10): group I negative control group; group II orally administered 3% PS-NPs (3 mg/kg body weight/day) and group III orally administered 3% PS-NPs (10 mg/kg body weight/day) for 35 days. Blood and kidney samples collected and processed for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations. Results showed that low and high doses PS-NPs had significantly increased serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, malondialdehyde, significantly further reduced glutathione, downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and glutathione peroxidase, upregulation of caspase-3 and Cytochrome-c. Histopathological examination revealed several alterations. Low dose of PS-NPs exhibited dilated glomerular capillaries, hypotrophy of some renal corpuscles significantly decreases their diameter to 62 µm. Some proximal convoluted tubules and distal convoluted tubules showed loss of cellular architecture with pyknotic nuclei. Hyalinization and vacuolation in renal medulla. In high dose PS-NPs, alterations increased in severity. A significant increase in percentage area of cyclooxygenase-2 in low and high-doses. In conclusion, PS-NPs are a nephrotoxic causing renal dysfunction.

Virulence and antimicrobial-resistance of shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) Isolated from edible shellfish and its public health significance.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are an important cause of foodborne illness in humans with infections ranging from mild non-bloody diarrhea to bloody diarrhea (BD) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This study aimed to investigate the distribution of STEC in shellfish from coastal shores of Lake Timsah in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt and its probable hazard to seafood consumers. Samples from the external surface and tissues of shrimp (n = 45), crabs (n = 45), and oysters (n = 45) batches were examined bacteriologically for the presence of STEC and tested for their antibiotic sensitivity. Moreover, occurrence of virulence genes was determined via detection of stx1, stx2 and eaeA genes using PCR. Overall, E. coli and presumptive STEC isolates (from CHROMagar) were identified from the surface (55.6 and 5.9%) and tissues (42.2 and 8.9%) of the examined shellfish batches, respectively. Five STEC isolates had been confirmed and found belonging to O26:H11, O125:H6, O146:H21, and O159 serogroups, those were 4 isolates from tissues of the three shellfish species and one isolate from the crab surface. The STEC isolates were multi-drug resistant, showing complete resistance to; penicillins, amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, colistin, fosfomycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline, however, they were sensitive to gentamycin except O159 serogroup. The current study revealed low level of contamination of shellfish from coastal shores of Lake Timsah with STEC, however, it also highlights the extreme level of antimicrobial resistance exhibited by the presumptive and confirmed STEC isolates which is very hazardous for seafood consumers in the study area.

Lysophosphatidylcholine induces adenosine release from macrophages via TRPM7-mediated mitochondrial activation.

Even though macrophages have the potential to harm tissues through excessive release of inflammatory mediators, they play protective roles to maintain tissue integrity. In this study, we hypothesized that lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), via G2A and A2B receptors, puts brakes on macrophages by the induction of adenosine release which could contribute to termination of inflammation. Mechanistically, LPC-induced PGE2 production followed by the activation of cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway which results in the activation of LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway leading to increasing Mg2+ influx concomitantly with an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, Δψm) and ATP production. Then, ATP is converted to adenosine intracellularly followed by efflux via ENT1. In a parallel pathway, LPC-induced elevation of cytosolic calcium was essential for adenosine release, and Ca2+/calmodulin signaling cooperated with PKA to regulate ENT1 permeation to adenosine. Pharmacological blockade of TRPM7 and antisense treatment suppressed LPC-induced adenosine release and magnesium influx in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Moreover, LPC suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of connexin-43, which may counteract TLR4-mediated inflammatory response. Intriguingly, we found LPC increased netrin-1 production from BMDMs. Netrin-1 induces anti-inflammatory signaling via A2B receptor. In the presence of adenosine deaminase which removes adenosine in the medium, the chemotaxis of macrophages toward LPC was significantly increased. Hypoxia and metabolic acidosis are usually developed in a variety of inflammatory situations such as sepsis. We found LPC augmented hypoxia- or acidosis-induced adenosine release from BMDMs. These results provide evidence of LPC-induced brake-like action on macrophages by adenosine release via cellular magnesium signaling.

Genotyping of enterotoxigenic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) among commensal rodents in North Sinai, Egypt.

AIM: This study aimed to identify genotype enterotoxigenic antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus species, mainly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) among commensal rodents. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 280 samples were collected from nasal and mouth swabs, heart blood, intestinal content and lung tissues of 56 commensal rodents trapped from North Sinai, Egypt. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed to bacteriologically identified S. aureus isolates against 15 antimicrobial agents by disc diffusion method. Detection was conducted for identifying coagulase gene (coA), antimicrobial-resistant genes (mecA and vanA/B), enterotoxigenic and virulence determinant genes (hlg, seb, sed and see) among the MRSA and VRSA isolates. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus species were isolated from 24 (42.86%) out of 56 rodents. Phenotypic examination revealed that all the isolates were multidrug-resistant, whereas two isolates were multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR). Out of 33 examined isolates, 33 (100%) were resistant to oxacillin and amoxicillin, 31 (93.93%) to cefoxitin and 12 (36.36%) to vancomycin. PCR assay revealed that 24 isolates revealed (100%) positivity to coA gene, 17 (70.83%) to mecA gene and 12 (50%) to vanA/B genes. Enterotoxin genes and haemolysin genes were detected among MRSA and VRSA isolates. There was a strong positive correlation between the tested antimicrobial-resistant genes and virulence genes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the occurrence of MRSA and VRSA strains among commensal rodents in North Sinai, Egypt. The detection of enterotoxigenic and virulence genes of the isolated MRSA and VRSA strains indicated the health hazards of food contamination and zoonotic infections. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACTS OF THE STUDY: This study emphasizes the role of commensal rodents in maintaining and disseminating multidrug-resistant MRSA and VRSA strains to the environment, animals and human beings.

Regenerative endodontic procedures for the treatment of necrotic mature teeth: A preliminary randomized clinical trial.

AIM: This preliminary randomized, prospective, controlled trial aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of two regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs), revitalization and a platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)-based technique, in the treatment of mature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps. METHODOLOGY: The trial has been reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Randomized Trials in Endodontics 2020 guidelines. The study protocol was registered at the clinical trial registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) with identifier number NCT04158232. Twenty patients with mature necrotic anterior teeth with large periapical lesions were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 10): group I, treated with revitalization with the blood clot (BC) technique and group II, treated with a PRF-based technique. The follow-up was for 12 months. Periradicular healing was assessed using standardized radiographs taken at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months after treatment. An electric pulp tester was used to assess whether pulp sensibility had been regained during the follow-up period. Statistical analysis was conducted using Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon test for non-parametric data. For parametric data, repeated measures analysis of variance was used. The significance level was set at p ≤ .05. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in periradicular healing in both groups at 6 and 12 months, compared to that at baseline, with no significant difference between the studied groups after 12 months (p = .143). There was a significant difference between the tooth sensibility readings at baseline, 6-month and 12-month follow-up timepoints (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this preliminary trial indicate the potential for using REPs, such as revitalization or PRF-based techniques, as treatment options for mature teeth with necrotic pulps. A higher level of evidence obtained through adequately powered clinical trials and longer follow-up periods are required to conclusively validate the different outcomes of REPs.

Functionalization of cotton fabrics with titanium oxide doped silver nanoparticles: Antimicrobial and UV protection activities.

The target of our current work was designed to prepare titanium oxide doped silver nanoparticles (Ag/TiO2 NPs) and their impact on the functionalization of cotton fabrics. Additionally, the effect of Ag/TiO2 NPs was compared with the individually prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). In this work, AgNPs were prepared in the solid state using arabic gum as efficient stabilizing and reducing agent. Then, two concentrations of the as-synthesized nanoparticles were used to functionalize the cotton fabrics by pad-dry-cure treatment in the presence of fixing agent to increase the durability of treated cotton fabrics against vigorous washing cycles. The findings implied that the as-prepared nanoparticles were successfully synthesized in nano-size with spherical shape and homogeneity. The efficacy of the functionalized cotton fabrics with those nanoparticles were evaluated in terms of multifunctional properties including antimicrobial and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) and the mechanical features before and after many washing cycles; 10, 15 and 20 times. The resultant also proved that Ag/TiO2 NPs-treated cotton fabrics exhibited the greater values of both antimicrobial and UPF properties with enhancement in the tensile strength and elongation features. Thus, the combination between these two nanoparticles through doping reaction is suitable for imparting superior antimicrobial properties against the four tested microbial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger) and good UPF properties. Depending on the promising obtained results of the multi-finishing fabrics, these nanoparticles of Ag/TiO2 NPs can be applied for the production of an efficient medical clothes for doctors, nurses and bed sheets for patients in order to kill and prevent the spread of bacteria and then, reduce the transmission of infection to others.

Microvascular compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve.

PURPOSE: Vascular compression of cranial nerves has been widely accepted as a cause for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. In contrast, vascular compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve remains controversial. METHOD: A comprehensive literature review including 175 articles between 1960 and 2020 was performed in an attempt to summarise the published hypotheses of the pathophysiological mechanisms of vascular compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve and their management strategies. RESULTS: Vascular loops in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and internal auditory meatus (IAM) are very common and should be regarded primarily as a normal variant. Advances in anatomical understanding with the development of models for the tonotopy of the vestibulocochlear nerve help explain the complexity of symptoms created by possible neurovascular interaction. CONCLUSION: Widely accepted, validated and sensitive diagnostic criteria and outcome measures need to be established in order to evaluate the role of surgery in vestibulocochlear nerve vascular compression.

Second branchial cleft fistula/sinus tract endoscopy: a novel intraoperative technique assisting complete surgical resection.

PURPOSE: Second branchial cleft (BC) sinus/fistula anomalies usually present in children. Their definitive management requires complete tract surgical excision, which necessities accurate extension assessment. Our aim is to propose and describe a novel intraoperative endoscopic technique that can help in evaluating the exact BC anomaly tract extension and overcome disadvantages of currently used methods including imaging and intraoperative methylene blue tract injection. METHODS: The innovative intraoperative endoscopic technique involves performing BC sinus/fistula tract intraluminal endoscopy utilizing miniature 1.3 or 1.6 mm all-in-one semi-rigid endoscopes as well as other accessory equipment currently available and used for sialendoscopy for delineation of exact tract extension followed by a complete standard surgical excision tailored to and assisted by the endoscopic procedure. RESULTS: This novel endoscopic technique was used successfully in five children (age range 8-16 years) presenting with unilateral or bilateral congenital second BC discharging fistula/sinus tracts in the neck. Intraoperative endoscopic assessment took 10-15 min and confirmed the exact tract extension and nature in all patients without complications. Five fistulas and two sinuses were identified and completely surgically resected. No recurrence has been observed after a median follow-up of 29 (range 13-45) months. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative second BC fistula/sinus tract endoscopy could help in accurately assessing anomaly extension, thereby assisting in complete surgical excision. This innovative novel endoscopic technique could avoid disadvantages of currently used methods, especially regarding radiation exposure required for imaging children in whom this anomaly usually presents.