Revolutionizing biomedicine: advancements, applications, and prospects of nanocomposite macromolecular carbohydrate-based hydrogel biomaterials: a review.

Nanocomposite hydrogel biomaterials represent an exciting Frontier in biomedicine, offering solutions to longstanding challenges. These hydrogels are derived from various biopolymers, including fibrin, silk fibroin, collagen, keratin, gelatin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, carrageenan, and cellulose. While these biopolymers possess inherent biocompatibility and renewability, they often suffer from poor mechanical properties and rapid degradation. Researchers have integrated biopolymers such as cellulose, starch, and chitosan into hydrogel matrices to overcome these limitations, resulting in nanocomposite hydrogels. These innovative materials exhibit enhanced mechanical strength, improved biocompatibility, and the ability to finely tune drug release profiles. The marriage of nanotechnology and hydrogel chemistry empowers precise control over these materials' physical and chemical properties, making them ideal for tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, and biosensing applications. Recent advancements in the design, fabrication, and characterization of biopolymer-based nanocomposite hydrogels have showcased their potential to transform biomedicine. Researchers are employing strategic approaches for integrating biopolymer nanoparticles, exploring how nanoparticle properties impact hydrogel performance, and utilizing various characterization techniques to evaluate structure and functionality. Moreover, the diverse biomedical applications of these nanocomposite hydrogels hold promise for improving patient outcomes and addressing unmet clinical needs.

The energetic and physical concept of gold nanorod-dependent fluorescence in cancer treatment and development of new photonic compounds|review.

The optical features of gold nanorods (GNR) may be precisely controlled by manipulating their size, shape, and aspect ratio. This review explores the impact of these parameters on the optical tuning of (GNR). By altering the experimental conditions, like the addition of silver ions during the seed-mediated growth process, the aspect ratio of (GNR) may be regulated. The shape is trans from spherical to rod-like structures resulting in noticeable changes in the nanoparticles surface plasmons resonance (SPR) bands. The longitudinal SPR band, associated with electron oscillations along the long axis, exhibits a pronounced red shift into the (NIR) region as the aspect ratio increases. In contrast, the transverse SPR band remains relate unchanged. Using computational methods like the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) allows for analyzing absorption, scattering, and total extinction features of gold (G) nanoparticles. Studies have shown that increasing the aspect ratio enhances the scattering efficiency, indicating a higher scattering quantum yield (QY). These findings highlight the importance of size, shape, and aspect ratio in controlling the optical features of (GNR) providing valuable insights for various uses in nanophotonics and plasmonic-dependent fluorescence in cancer treatment and developing new photonic compound NRs.

Comparison of prognosis of five scoring systems in emphysematous pyelonephritis patients requiring intensive care.

INTRODUCTION: Our study aimed to evaluate the performance of Quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA), Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), National Early Warning Score (NEWS), Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), and Global Research in the Emphysematous Pyelonephritis group (GREMP) in predicting the need of admission in intensive care units (ICU) for emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) patient. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed 70 patients admitted to our department from January 2008 to October 2022. Data on clinical presentation and EPN management were noted. The five scoring systems were calculated by one investigator. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess predictive factors of severe sepsis and mortality. Statistical analysis was made using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: Mean age was 61.83 years with 65.7% diabetes. As per Huang and Tseng classification, 41 patients had class I EPN, 7 had class II EPN, 8 had class IIIa, 6 class IIIB EPN, and 8 had class IV EPN. Seventeen patients (24.28%) were admitted to ICU with an 18.57 mortality rate. Univariate analysis showed that ICU admission was significantly associated with higher respiration rate and heart rate, lower systolic blood pressure, confusion, CRP, lactate and creatinine serum (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.001, p = 0.007, p = 0.004, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). All five scores and Huang and Tseng classification were significantly predictive of admission to ICU. All five scores showed good results under the area curves to predict ICU entry with 0.915, 0.895, 0.968, 0.887, and 0.846 for qSOFA, MEWS score, NEWS score, SIRS, and GREMP score, respectively. CONCLUSION: NEWS score seemed to be the best performing physiologic score among the five scoring systems studied and may help with biological and radiological findings to quickly identify EPN patients that need intensive care unit.

Thrombosis of the superficial dorsal penile vein following aggressive sexual intercourse: A case report.

Penile Mondor's disease is a rare condition characterized by superficial dorsal vein thrombosis of the penis, whose pathogenesis remains unclear. Prolonged or aggressive sexual intercourse has been identified as a potential risk factor. We present a case of a 54-year-old man who developed a penile mass following aggressive sexual activity. Diagnosis of superficial dorsal vein thrombosis was made using ultrasound and confirmed by MRI. The patient underwent conservative treatment and abstained from sexual activity. After four weeks, complete resolution of the thrombus was observed. This case emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals, particularly urologists, in recognizing and managing Penile Mondor's disease.

Intrascrotal self insertion of foreign body: Form of entry to schizophrenia.

A 23-year-old boy was referred to Urology because of a nail self insertion on the scrotum. Examination revealed a visible big nail within the scrotum, lateralized to the right at 1 cm from the median raphe. Scrotal exploration and debridement of non-viable tissue was performed, and no testicular or surrounding structure injury was found. Referred to a psychiatrist the diagnosis of schizophrenia was retained in our patient in front of several arguments including the self-mutilation and his psychiatrist concluded that this was secondary to delusions.

Pancreatic pseudocyst mimicking a left kidney abscess: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic pseudocyst are fluid filled sacs that develop as a result of dissection of pancreatic enzyme tissue. While most commonly found near the pancreas, they can also rarely occur in other areas such as the perirenal region. CASE PRESENTATION: This study reports a new case of an infected perirenal pancreatic pseudocyst mimicking a left kidney abscess in a 46-year-old North African patient with history of recurrent acute pancreatitis, who presented with left lumbar region pain and fever. Computed tomography revealed a left perirenal collection that turned out to be an infected pancreatic pseudocyst, The diagnostic was first suspected based on the medical history of the patient and confirmed by biochemical examination detecting a high level of pancreatic enzymes in the computed tomography-guided percutaneous drainage fluid. The patient evolved well after early resuscitation, rapid and effective antibiotic therapy, and computed tomography-guided percutaneous drainage of renal collection. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic pseudocyst is an uncommon disorder, which may present at a complicated stage and that must be considered in patients with a history of pancreatitis.

Bilateral adrenal myelolipoma revealing an adrenal insufficiency: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Once mostly discovered on autopsy, adrenal myelolipomas are now increasingly diagnosed due to the frequent use of modern imaging methods. However, bilaterality remains quite rare. We present the case of a 31 years old female patient treated in our department for a bilateral adrenal myelolipoma which revealed an unknown peripheral adrenal insufficiency. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 31-year-old woman in apparent good health with no medical history who was explored for recurrent right lumbar pain by a computed tomography scanner which showed a large right adrenal mass and a smaller lesion in the left adrenal gland. Preoperative biology revealed an unknown peripheral adrenal insufficiency. Right open sub-costal adrenalectomy was performed, Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral adrenal myelolipomas and radiological surveillance was planned for the left tumor. DISCUSSION: Adrenal myelolipoma (AML) is a rare, benign and typically non-functional tumor of the adrenal gland, usually unilateral and asymptomatic, incidentally detected on CT. Commonly diagnosed between the fifth and seventh decades of life. It can affect both sexes our patient is a 31-year-old female and presented with bilateral AML. Unlike previous reported cases, our patient has a previously unknown peripheral adrenal insufficiency, which could be incriminated in the development of his bilateral adrenal myelolipomas. The optimal management depends on both clinical presentation and tumor characteristics. CONCLUSION: Adrenal myelolipoma is a rare tumor. Endocrinological investigation should be performed to detect and treat endocrine disorders. The therapeutic attitude depends on tumor size complications and clinical complaints. METHODS: This is a case report from our urology department, and has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria.

Unusual presentation of an intra-abdominal testicular seminoma in an adult.

Intra-abdominal testicular tumors are characterized by their rarity and insidious progression. They are often revealed in adulthood in the form of a pelvic mass. This study reports a new case of an intra-abdominal seminoma in a 57-year-old patient which presented with isolated left flank pain, which is an unusual symptom. CT scan revealed a large pelvic mass along with a second retroperitoneal mass that was responsible for left hydronephrosis. Surgical excision of the pelvic mass was performed and the diagnosis of seminoma was confirmed by histopathology.

Is gold a hedge or safe haven against oil and currency market movements? A revisit using multifractal approach.

We investigate gold's role as a hedge or safe haven against oil price and currency movements across calm and extreme market conditions. For the empirical analysis, we extend the intraday multifractal correlation measure developed by Madani et al. (Bankers, Markets & Investors, 163:2-13, 2020) to consider the dependence for calm and extreme movement periods across different time scales. Interestingly, we employ the rolling window method to examine the time-varying dependence between gold-oil and gold-currency in terms of calm and turmoil market conditions. Based on high frequency (5-min intervals) across the period 2017-2019, our analysis shows three interesting findings. First, gold acts as a weak (strong) hedge for oil (currency) market movements, across all agent types. Second, gold has strong safe-haven capability against extreme currency movements, and against only short time scales of oil price movements. Third, hedging strategies confirm the scale-dependent gold's role in reducing portfolio risk as a hedge or safe haven. Implications for investors, financial institutions, and policymakers are discussed.

Improvement of In Vitro Dissolution of the Poor Water-Soluble Amlodipine Drug by Solid Dispersion with Irradiated Polyvinylpyrrolidone.

The aim of this study was to increase both the rates of dissolution and bioavailability of the amlodipine (Amlo) drug. Due to the low cost, high solubility, and amorphous state, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has been used as a drug carrier in the solid dispersion process. Through applying an irradiation technique, powder of (PVP) is irradiated with six 0-50 kGy irradiation doses. The six irradiated (PVP) samples were characterized using gel permeation chromatography, electron spin resonance, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The formulation of six (PVP/Amlo) samples at a ratio of 2:1 wt/wt were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. In vitro dissolution of (Amlo) drug was assessed in a water solvent at pH 1.2 and pH 7. Results demonstrated that there is a change in the physicochemical properties of irradiated (PVP). FT-IR confirmed that there is an intermolecular H bond between the (Amlo) drug and (PVP) polymer. XRD confirmed that (PVP) changes the crystalline (Amlo) to amorphous amlodipine. Irradiated (PVP) at a dose of 20 kGy released approximately 89% from 40 mg of (Amlo) in 60 s. The in vitro rate of amlodipine dissolution depends on the drug-polymer intermolecular H bond. The rate of (Amlo) dissolution is increased due to the drug-drug intramolecular hydrogen bonding replaced with the drug-polymer intermolecular hydrogen bonding, which reduces the crystal packing. Irradiated (PVP) improved the rate of (Amlo) dissolution compared to unirradiated (PVP).

[Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the bulbar urethra]. / Carcinome transitionnel primitif de l'urètre bulbaire: a propos d'un cas.

The authors report a case of low-grade primary papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the bulbar urethra in a 61-year-old man treated by endoscopic resection with a favourable outcome and no recurrence with a follow-up of 11 years.