Nanotechnology Involved in Treating Urinary Tract Infections: An Overview

Considered as the most frequent contaminations that do not require hospitalization, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are largely known to cause significant personal burdens on patients. Although UTIs overall are highly preventable health issues, the recourse to antibiotics as drug treatments for these infections is a worryingly spread approach that should be addressed and gradually overcome in a contemporary, modernized healthcare system. With a virtually alarming global rise of antibiotic resistance overall, nanotechnologies may prove to be the much-needed 'lifebuoy' that will eventually suppress this prejudicial phenomenon. This review aims to present the most promising, currently known nano-solutions, with glimpses on clinical and epidemiological aspects of the UTIs, prospective diagnostic instruments, and non-antibiotic treatments, all of these engulfed in a comprehensive overview.

The First Evaluation of Serum Levels of MGP, Gas6 and EGFR after First Dose of Chemotherapy in Lung Cancer

Simple Summary

Serum levels of MGP, Gas6, vitamin K₁, and EGFR were not significantly changed in response to the first cycle of chemotherapy. We found a strong correlation between MGP and VitK₁ serum values, and a moderate negative correlation between VitK₁ and EGFR in pre-treatment patients. The post-treatment value of EGFR is a strong independent factor that correlates positively with the Gas6 post-treatment values.

Abstract

Background: Vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are involved in lung cancer progression. Therefore, we aimed to study the serum concentration of Matrix Gla protein (MGP), Growth Arrest-specific 6 (Gas6), and EGFR before and after the first cycle of chemotherapy and to investigate how MGP, Gas6, and EGFR are modified after one cycle of chemotherapy. Methods: We performed an observational study on twenty patients diagnosed with lung cancer, by assessing the serum concentration of vitaminK₁ (VitK₁), MGP, Gas6, and EGFR using the ELISA technique before and after three weeks of the first cycle of chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated using RECIST 1.1 criteria. Results: Serum levels of MGP, Gas6, EGFR, and VK₁ before and after treatment were not changed significantly. Regarding the pre-treatment correlation of the MGP values, we found a strong positive relationship between MGP and VK₁ pre-treatment values (r = 0.821, 95%CI 0.523; 0.954, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a moderately negative correlation between VK₁ and EGFR pre-treatment values, with the relationship between them being marginally significant (r = −0.430, 95%CI −0.772; 0.001, p = 0.058). Post-treatment, we found a strong positive relationship between MGP and VK₁ post-treatment values (r = 0.758, 95%CI 0.436; 0.900, p < 0.001). We also found a moderate positive relationship between Gas6 and EGFR post-treatment values, but the correlation was only marginally significant (r = 0.442, p = 0.051).

Concurrent middle and inferior meatus antrostomy for the treatment of maxillary mucoceles

Background and aims

This study describes the technique of simultaneous middle and inferior antrostomy and outlines its usefulness in the management of maxillary mucoceles.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 12 consecutive patients with isolated maxillary mucocele operated on by means of middle and inferior antrostomy technique. We describe the clinical picture, details of the surgical technique and outcomes.

Results

There were 7 males and 5 females with ages ranging from 20 years to 65 years (mean 42 years). One patient had past trauma to the face and one had a long history of chronic sinusitis. Eight patients had undergone multiple previous sinus operative procedures including Caldwell-Luc approach. All patients underwent middle and inferior antrostomy without complications. Follow-up was between 12 months and 60 months (mean 36 months) with no recurrences to date.

Conclusion

In conclusion the results of our small series support the worth of using middle and inferior antrostomy when dealing with maxillary mucoceles.

ALLERGIC DISEASES IN TYPE 1 DIABETIC PATIENTS: A BRIEF REVIEW

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is considered an autoimmune disease mediated by Th1 lymphocytes, while allergic diseases are characterized by Th2-mediated immune response. Their incidence is rising in developed countries and the interaction between autoimmune and atopic diseases has been a subject of interest for decades. There are many controversies about the association or mutual exclusion of these diseases, but classical paradigm based on the assumption that diseases mediated by Th1 and Th2 should be mutually exclusive, has been revised considering both the role of regulatory T cells Threg, and the environmental factors involved. The aim of this review is to investigate the association of allergic diseases (rhinitis, asthma, dermatitis) in patient diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The studies that attempted to shed light on this topic had surprisingly varied results. These ranged from statistically significant proof of an inverse association between an autoimmune disease and one or several atopic ones to other implying positive associations. Although up to now studies on this subject present seemingly discordant results, each attempt raises new questions and sheds light on new factors involved in the interaction of these diseases. They present much needed stepping stones for future studies to learn from and adapt.