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Background/Objectives: The intranasal (IN) route of administration is a promising non-invasive approach for brain targeting, bypassing the blood–brain barrier and enhancing bioavailability. Citalopram hydrobromide (CT), a widely prescribed sparingly water-soluble selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), faces challenges with oral and intravenous administration, including delayed onset, adverse effects, and patient compliance issues. Methods: This study aimed to develop a novel thermoresponsive polymeric micelle (PM) system based on Pluronic® copolymers (Pluronic F127 and Poloxamer 188) improving CT’s solubility, stability, and nasal permeability for enhanced antidepressant efficacy. A preliminary study was conducted to select the optimized formulation. The preparation process involved using the thin-film hydration method, followed by freeze-drying. Comprehensive evaluations of optimized formulation characteristics included Z-average, polydispersity index (PdI), thermal behavior (lower critical solution temperature, LCST), encapsulation efficiency, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), thermodynamic solubility, and biological stability. Additionally, in vitro CT release and CT permeability in nasal conditions were studied. Stability under storage was also evaluated. Results: The optimized CT-PM formulation showed nanoscale micelle size (Z-average of 31.41 ± 0.99 nm), narrow size distribution (polydispersity index = 0.241), and a suitable thermal behavior for intranasal delivery (lower critical solution temperature (LCST) ~31 °C). Encapsulation efficiency reached approximately 90%, with an amorphous structure confirmed via XRPD, leading to a 95-fold increase in CT solubility. The formulation demonstrated appropriate biological and physical stability. In vitro studies showed a 25-fold faster CT release from optimized formulation compared to the initial CT, while CT-PM permeability in nasal conditions increased four-fold. Conclusions: This novel nanoscale thermosensitive formulation is a value-added strategy for nasal drug delivery systems, offering enhanced drug solubility, rapid drug release, stability, and improved permeability. This smart nanosystem represents a promising platform to overcome the limitations of conventional CT administration, improving therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance in depression management.

Fulminant myocarditis is a rare but life-threatening complication of influenza A infection that can result in acute biventricular failure leading to cardiogenic shock. Here, we present the case of a young patient who developed acute bilateral heart failure secondary to influenza A and was successfully stabilized using both right and left-sided Impella devices. This case highlights the critical role of early and aggressive mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in managing fulminant myocarditis and emphasizes the utility of Impella in cases of severe cardiac dysfunction. Our patient showed a remarkable recovery, with significant improvement in ejection fraction within days of initiating MCS. Notably, a strong family history of myocarditis was present, raising the possibility of a genetic predisposition to developing fulminant myocarditis in response to viral infections. This case underscores the potential for serious and potentially fatal cardiogenic complications of a common viral illness in genetically susceptible individuals.

One of the relatively common anatomical variants of coronary vessels that is often overlooked in clinical practice is coronary artery tortuosity (CAT). CAT can have a significant impact on coronary blood flow and procedural outcomes during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). It is defined by bends, curves, or loops within the coronary vasculature that can lead to increased vascular resistance. These structural changes can impair myocardial perfusion even in the absence of obstructive coronary disease. From an interventional perspective, tortuosity can present considerable technical difficulties, particularly in advancing guidewires, balloons, and stents through the affected segments. We describe the case of a patient whose PCI was complicated by extensive tortuosity involving the right coronary artery. She had high amounts of thrombosis that were impacting the blood flow, but the tortuosity of her vessel was making it hard to make the lumen patent again. Multiple attempts had to be made before adequate blood flow was achieved. This case highlights the often-underestimated impact of CAT on both coronary perfusion and interventional success. Recognizing this anatomical feature early and adapting the procedural strategy accordingly can significantly improve the chances of success and reduce the risk of complications in patients undergoing PCI.

Backscattered electron microscopy was used to analyze the inclusions within twelve different samples from dunes (Recent) and the Dibdiba Formation (Miocene to Pleistocene) sediments. The twelve aeolian samples were collected from a line transect across the main wind corridor, representing the downwind, mid, and upwind areas (three in each set). All examined samples are noted in the major elements within minerals. The most dominant elements detected elements within aeolian samples are iron, aluminum, calcium, and zirconium, respectively. On the other hand, some differences were observed. Generally, lower inclusion counts were noted within quartz and feldspars in the downwind samples in comparison with other samples. The aluminum percentages gradually increase upwind. The mid-area samples show more sodium compared with up and downwind. The average percentages of detected barium within inclusions in quartz and feldspar particles show gradual increases downwind. The Dibdiba Formation samples show uniformity between major elements in all samples. The variations between samples are very limited. Titanium, for example, through natural solubility in smectite is concentrated in cracks, fractures, or borders of quartz particles to form rutile (TiO2) with needle-like or lath-like crystals. The military tanks and missiles that were used in Kuwait Liberation War (1990–1991) are believed to be the main source of titanium that forms inside particle cavities, cracks, and borders. Furthermore, no further changes were noticed during the comparison between the barium inclusions within quartz that are found in both the Dibdiba Formation (4.7%) and the aeolian (4.8%) samples. Other elements show nearly the same trend of similarities during the comparison between samples.

Atopic dermatitis often begins in infancy and follows a chronic course of exacerbations and remissions. The etiology is complex and involves numerous factors that contribute to skin barrier defect and inflammation. In the Middle East, the burden of atopic dermatitis is understudied. Epidemiological data specific to the Gulf region are scarce but reveal a prevalence of up to about 40% in the United Arab Emirates. Region-specific factors, such as the climate and the frequency of consanguineous marriages, may affect atopic dermatitis incidence, prevalence, and evolution over time. A panel of experts predominantly from the United Arab Emirates analyzed the evidence from published guidelines, and considered expert guidance and local treatment practices to develop clear recommendations for the management of atopic dermatitis in the United Arab Emirates. They encourage a systematic approach for the diagnosis and treatment, using disease severity scores and quality-of-life measurement tools. Treatment recommendations take into consideration both established therapies and the approved systemic biologics dupilumab and tralokinumab, and the Janus kinase inhibitors baricitinib, upadacitinib, and abrocitinib.

Background The bacterial resistance is an increasing obstacle against the global health that necessitates innovation of new approaches. Targeting bacterial resistance is one of the promising approaches. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a clinically significant opportunistic pathogen and causes wide diverse of illness. The P. aeruginosa virulence is regulated by several systems as quorum sensing (QS) systems. Additionally , P. aeruginosa could employ membranal sensors to sense the neurotransmitters enhancing the virulence. Fluoxetine (FLU), an antidepressant, functions by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This study aimed to assess the anti-virulence activity of FLU against P. aeruginosa . The effect of FLU at sub-inhibitory concentration was evaluated on the biofilm formation, removal of preformed biofilms, production of virulence factors such as protease, hemolysins, elastase, rhamnolipids, motility, pyocyanin, and pyoverdine. The impact of FLU on the expression of virulence-related genes was estimated. An invasion assay and mice protection assay were conducted to assess the FLU’s diminishing effect on P. aeruginosa pathogenesis. Results The results showed significant ability of FLU to inhibit the biofilm formation, bacterial motility, and production of virulence factors. These antibiofilm and anti-virulence activities of FLU were owed to the downregulation of genes involved in expression of QS systems and bacterial espionage. FLU significantly lowered the bacterial invasion and protected mice from P. aeruginosa. Additionally, synergistic outcome was obtained when FLU was combined with antibiotics. Conclusion FLU exhibits potent antibiofilm and anti-virulence effects at sub-MIC levels, likely mediated by its inhibition of QS systems. These results position FLU as a promising candidate for adjuvant therapy against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa infections.