Biofilms on Voice Prosthesis - Challenges and Therapeutic Insights.

After a total laryngectomy, voice rehabilitation is essential for a patient to successfully reintegrate into society. The implantation of a voice prosthesis (VP) is the gold standard to achieve this goal. Thus, the primary disadvantage of using VP is the fluid blockage and degradation caused by biofilm colonization, which requires frequent replacements, associated with a poor quality of life for the patient.

Magnetite Nanoparticles Functionalized with Therapeutic Agents for Enhanced ENT Antimicrobial Properties.

In the context of inefficient antibiotics, antibacterial alternatives are urgently needed to stop the increasing resistance rates in pathogens. This study reports the fabrication and characterization of four promising magnetite-based antibiotic delivery systems for ENT (ear, nose and throat) applications. Magnetite nanoparticles were functionalized with streptomycin and neomycin and some were entrapped in polymeric spheres.

PEG-Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles for Modulation of Microbial Biofilms on Voice Prosthesis.

This study reports the fabrication of nanostructured coatings based on magnetite, polyethyleneglycol, and biologically active molecule (polymyxin B-PM) for producing biofilm-resistant surfaces (voice prosthesis). Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been synthesized and functionalized using a co-precipitation method and were further deposited into thin coatings using the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. The obtained nanoparticles and coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis with differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (TEM-SAED), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and infrared microscopy (IRM).

Correlations between ultrasonography performed by the ENT specialist and pathologic findings in the management of three cases with thyroglossal duct cyst.

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) has an increasing incidence. We present a series of three cases that benefited from the use of ultrasonography performed first hand by the ENT specialist. All cases underwent Sistrunk procedure and the diagnosis was confirmed by pathology results: one uncomplicated TDC, a thyroglossal duct carcinoma, and an infected TDC with the risk of becoming a diffuse cervical suppuration.

Ultrasonographic anatomy of head and neck--a pictorial for the ENT specialist.

An increased pressure on ENT departments has evolved as head and neck pathology is showing a higher incidence and prevalence. Therefore, the ENT specialist should develop good skills in ultrasonographic examination of patients with head and neck masses. The aim of this paper is to enable the ENT specialist to identify anatomical landmarks on ultrasonographic images in order to expedite the diagnosis with a higher degree of certainty.

Treatment Options for Severe Epistaxis, the Experience of Coltea ENT Clinic.

Objectives: The study presents the experience of the Coltea ENT Clinic with the most common emergency in ENT pathology.

Results: The study group comprises 51.24% women and 48.

MAPLE fabricated Fe3O4@Cinnamomum verum antimicrobial surfaces for improved gastrostomy tubes.

Cinnamomum verum-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles of 9.4 nm in size were laser transferred by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique onto gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes) for antibacterial activity evaluation toward Gram positive and Gram negative microbial colonization. X-ray diffraction analysis of the nanoparticle powder showed a polycrystalline magnetite structure, whereas infrared mapping confirmed the integrity of C.

Biohybrid nanostructured iron oxide nanoparticles and Satureja hortensis to prevent fungal biofilm development.

Cutaneous wounds are often superinfected during the healing process and this leads to prolonged convalescence and discomfort. Usage of suitable wound dressings is very important for an appropriate wound care leading to a correct healing. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the influence of a nano-coated wound dressing (WD) on Candida albicans colonization rate and biofilm formation.

Modified wound dressing with phyto-nanostructured coating to prevent staphylococcal and pseudomonal biofilm development.

This paper reports a newly fabricated nanophyto-modified wound dressing with microbicidal and anti-adherence properties. Nanofluid-based magnetite doped with eugenol or limonene was used to fabricate modified wound dressings. Nanostructure coated materials were characterized by TEM, XRD, and FT-IR.

In vitro evaluation of anti-pathogenic surface coating nanofluid, obtained by combining Fe3O4/C12 nanostructures and 2-((4-ethylphenoxy)methyl)-N-(substituted-phenylcarbamothioyl)-benzamides.

In this paper, we report the design of a new nanofluid for anti-pathogenic surface coating. For this purpose, new 2-((4-ethylphenoxy)methyl)-N-(substituted-phenylcarbamothioyl)-benzamides were synthesized and used as an adsorption shell for Fe3O4/C12 core/shell nanosized material. The functionalized specimens were tested by in vitro assays for their anti-biofilm properties and biocompatibility.

Magnetite nanoparticles for functionalized textile dressing to prevent fungal biofilms development.

The purpose of this work was to investigate the potential of functionalized magnetite nanoparticles to improve the antibiofilm properties of textile dressing, tested in vitro against monospecific Candida albicans biofilms. Functionalized magnetite (Fe3O4/C18), with an average size not exceeding 20 nm, has been synthesized by precipitation of ferric and ferrous salts in aqueous solution of oleic acid (C18) and NaOH. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and differential thermal analysis coupled with thermo gravimetric analysis were used as characterization methods for the synthesized Fe3O4/C18.