Search

Given the recurrent nature of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), the restricted availability of effective antifungal agents, and the recent rise in drug resistance, this study sought to assess the antifungal efficacy of carvacrol-thymoquinone delivered via a nanocarrier on Candida isolates obtained from patients with VVC. Isolates were identified using phenotypic and genotypic methods. Nanocarriers were synthesized using the thin-film hydration method. The antifungal activity of carvacrol-thymoquinone was evaluated using the broth microdilution method (CLSIM27-A3). The impact of nanocarriers on the biofilm formation capabilities of Candida isolates was assessed using the MTT assay. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The nanocarrier exhibited a spherical morphology with a diameter measuring 50 nm. The nano-formulated drug combination could inhibit biofilm formation in C. albicans at half the minimum inhibitory concentration and in C. glabrata at the minimum inhibitory concentration. Our results suggest that the carvacrol-thymoquinone nanocarrier can be studied further in vivo for potential use in the treatment of recurrent VVC., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.

Headache is one of the most common presentations to the paediatric emergency department. Although challenging, it is important to differentiate serious secondary headaches requiring emergency treatment from primary headache disorders. A detailed history and neurological examination can be used to identify children at higher risk of serious underlying pathology. Neuroimaging decisions should be taken carefully, weighing risk versus benefit in each case. This article will discuss five patient scenarios highlighting red flags and differential diagnoses in children presenting with headache in the emergency department., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)