Protargol Research Articles

Deciphering the Intricate Relationship Between Macrophages, Pigmentation, and Prognosis in Uveal Melanoma

High pigmentation and the abundance of M2 macrophages have been identified as negative predictors in uveal melanoma (UM). Risk factors associated with UM that are prevalent in high-risk White populations are still present, although less common, in relatively low-risk Asian populations. Research indicates that proangiogenic M2 macrophages and monosomy 3 play significant roles in UM progression. Our aim was to investigate the impact of tumor-associated macrophages in UM and examine their correlation with monosomy 3 and pigmentation. Transmission electron microscopy was used to analyze the morphology of macrophages in UM. Forty UM samples underwent fluorescent in situ hybridization for monosomy 3 identification. Immunohistochemistry was done to assess M2/M1 macrophages on 82 UM tissue samples. IL-10 and IL-12 expressions were quantified in UM serum samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of all markers was correlated with pigmentation markers (tyrosinase-related protein 1, tyrosinase-related protein 2, silver protein, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor). Prognostic outcomes were determined using the Cox proportional hazard model and log-rank tests. Increased expression of M2/M1 macrophages was observed in 31 UM cases, which correlated with the high expression of pigmentation markers. IL-10 concentration was high in UM cases. Monosomy 3 was evident in 50% of UM cases and significantly associated with increased immunoexpression of M2/M1 macrophages and pigmentation markers. Reduced metastasis-free survival was observed in patients with UM with high M2/M1 macrophage expression (P = .001). High pigmentation and increased M2 macrophage density could impact the tumor microenvironment in UM. This could contribute to ineffective antitumor immune responses in patients with UM. Our findings suggest avenues for developing novel therapeutic approaches to counteract these immunosuppressive effects in UM.

The effectiveness of the use of the drug based on silver proteinate in acute and exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis

AbstractIntroduction. The presence of opportunistic pathogens within the nasal cavity is one of the important factors in the pathogenesis of acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis. On top of that, the frequently prescribed ill-founded and uncontrolled use of antibiotics leads to the development of immunoresistance, which contributes to the lack of effectiveness of conservative treatments. This article discusses the therapeutic option for patients with acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis in the form of a silver proteinate drug in the complex treatment.Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of the silver proteinate drug in the complex treatment of acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis.Materials and methods. A total of 60 adult patients of both sexes aged 20 to 50 years were included in the study. The first study group (a treatment group) included 30 patients (15 with acute rhinosinusitis and 15 with exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis). The second group (a comparison group) also included 30 patients (15 with acute rhinosinusitis and 15 with exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis). The treatment group received the silver proteinate drug + decongestants + irrigation therapy + topical corticosteroid therapy as part of the complex treatment. The comparison group received standard therapy: irrigation therapy (solutions to rinse nasal cavities) + decongestants + topical corticosteroid drugs.Results. Comparative analysis of re-assessment scores for the patients’ status against the timing of use of the silver proteinate drug (Sialor®, tablets for solution for topical use, 200 mg) in the complex treatment showed pronounced improvement in the form of rapid relief of symptoms of the disease and recovery in patients with acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis in both study groups.Conclusion. This brings us to the conclusion about the effectiveness and safety of the silver proteinate drug Sialor® in the complex treatment of patients with acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis, which allows us to recommend it for widespread use in otorhinolaryngological practice.

The study of the stability of silver proteinate solutions prepared in pharmacies

Today, medicines made in pharmacies are increasingly attracting consumers' attention and are in growing demand in Ukraine. Pharmacy production faces a number of problems, including the study of the stability of extemporaneous dosage forms and the determination of an optimal shelf life. 1 % and 2 % water silver proteinate solutions used in ophthalmology, otolaryngology and nephrology are produced in Ukrainian pharmacies both extemporaneously and as a reserve.
 The aim. The aim of the work is to develop methods for quality support and study the chemical stability of 1 % and 2 % water solutions of silver proteinate, and to study the microbiological purity to extend the storage time of nasal drops.
 Materials and methods. A study of the chemical stability of 1 % and 2 % water silver proteinate solutions of pharmaceutical production is carried out using chemical identification reactions (to silver and protein), quantitative determination by thiocyanatometric titrimetric method and determination of microbiological purity.
 Results. The validation characteristics of the method for the quantitative thiocyanatometric determination of silver proteinate were studied (the correlation coefficient r = 0.9995 and 0.9996; the systematic error – 0.26 % and 0.03 %, the relative confidence interval – 0.88 % and 0.74 % for 1 % and 2 % solutions, respectively), as well as its suitability for this purpose was proven. “Silver proteinate solution, 1.0 %” and “Silver proteinate solution, 2.0 %” prepared in the pharmacy were studied for 150 days by the “Microbiological purity” indicator and were biologically stable.
 Conclusions. The chemical identification reactions and methods for the quantitative determination of silver proteinate in an extemporaneous dosage form used to study the chemical stability of the drug have been proposed. The study results of the chemical stability and microbiological purity allow us to recommend pharmacies to extend the shelf life of nasal drops containing silver proteinate as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for 150 days

High-Performance Microcomputing Tomography of Chick Embryo in the Early Stages of Embryogenesis

X-ray contrast techniques were tested on the chick embryos in early periods of embryogenesis. For contrast stain, reagents with radiopacity in various concentrations were used: silver proteinate, eosin, Lugol’s solution (I2KI), phosphomolybdic acid and phosphotungstic acid under heating at 25 °C and 40 °C and exposure for 24 and 48 h. The use of silver proteinate, eosin and I2KI in various concentrations in the contrast of the chick embryo in the early period of embryogenesis did not make it possible to obtain microtomographic results that provide reliable microstructural analysis. The most optimal and effective method of embryo staining at the HH22–HH34 embryonic stages reliably determined the staining of 1% phosphotungstic acid at 40 °C heating and exposure for 24 h. Taking into account the size of the chick embryos and their structures at the HH22–HH34 embryonic stages, the features of the development, location of organs, and the minimum permissible parameters of microtomography for obtaining high-quality and reliable results were determined by the isometric spatial resolution of 8.87 μm, X-ray voltage 50 kV, X-ray current 500 μA, and the use of filters started from Al 0.5 mm. Microtomographic results were obtained, characterized by the appearance of the chick embryo at the HH22–HH34 embryonic stages, and they visualized the locations and structures of the chick embryo organs and provided calculation of their volume and X-ray density. The results of the work open up significant prospects for using the chick embryo at the early embryonic period of embryogenesis as an alternative model for screening teratogenicity.

Prognostic significance of melanogenesis pathway and its association with the ultrastructural characterisation of melanosomes in uveal melanoma

BackgroundPigmentation could be a relevant prognostic factor in uveal melanoma (UM) development. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) regulates melanin synthesis by activating tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TYRP2) and silver protein (SILV) that...

Role of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor in uveal melanoma and its association with clinicopathological parameters.

153 Background: High melanin content could lead to high metastatic potential in Uveal Melanoma (UM). In the Asian population, Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor (MITF) regulates the melanogenesis pathway and activates Silver Protein (SILV) for eumelanin synthesis. MITF also stimulates the hypoxia–inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) gene that regulates hypoxia around the tumor microenvironment. Although their oncogenic potential has been observed in a variety of malignancies, MITF and SILV have not been investigated in UM in the Asian population. Therefore, our study aimed to detect the prognostic significance of MITF, SILV, and HIF1-α gene/protein expression levels in UM patients. Methods: Immunohistochemistry of MITF, SILV & HIF-1 α was performed on 82 UM tissue samples. Western blot of all three markers was carried out on representative cases. The mRNA expression level was done by qRT-PCR in 70 fresh UM cases. Cox proportional hazard model and log-rank test were used to determine the prognostic outcome of these markers. Results: MITF and SILV proteins were expressed in 56% and 70% of cases, respectively. High pigmentation, BAP1 loss, and HIF-1α expression were statistically correlated with MITF and SILV protein expression. Upregulation of both genes was found in more than 50% of cases at the mRNA level. This was also statistically significant with high pigmentation and HIF-1α mRNA expression. High expression of MITF protein showed reduced disease-free survival. Conclusions: Our study highlighted the fact that MITF and SILV could be potential biomarkers in UM development. Hence, it might play a key role in future therapeutic target.

Current possibilities of using silver proteinate in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses

The article evaluates the possibility of using silver proteinate to treat acute inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus mucosa, as well as their complications. Acute rhinitis and rhinosinusitis are among the most common upper respiratory diseases. Viral pathogens are the main agents that trigger the pathological process. At the same time, the bacterial superinfection in some cases may develop due to viral infection, which promotes further development of lingering clinical symptoms up to a complicated course of the disease. The course of rhinosinusitis with underlying COVID-19 infection can be complicated by fungal superinfection and postnasal drip. For these reasons, topical drugs that could be used in the early stages of these conditions should have a number of properties, such as activity against most respiratory viruses and aetiologically significant bacterial pathogens; lack of opportunity to evolute and implement rapid resistance mechanisms in microorganisms; additive effects with other antibacterial drugs; acceleration of regeneration of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus mucosa with underlying infectious alteration; vasoconstrictive and anti-inflammatory action, without causing an addictive effect, which enables repeated use of the drug in chronic diseases, as well as the absence of local and systemic toxic effects. Sialor (silver proteinate) has all the specified characteristics that were proved in various studies, and consistently demonstrated high clinical efficacy for many years.

Express method for particle size analysis in solid, liquid, and amorphous materials using 3D calibration curve and 2D-DLS dynamic light scattering

This study proposes a new method for particle size studying based on the use of topological descriptors for various media and types of matter. The sizes of supramolecular particles in water-lactose complexes were studied using the diffuse dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. Mist-Standart latex balls were used to generate a 3D calibration curve, followed by empirical particle size determination. In order to confirm the output, the resulting sizes were compared for a number of silver proteinate solutions, preliminary analyzed by laser light scattering (using ZetaSizer equipment by Malvern Instruments Ltd, UK). The new method uses a simplified procedure, provides a quick solution and may be used for both quality control of cloudy and opaque medicinal substances and excipients as well as in other fields of nanotechnology.
 Keywords: nanoparticles, particle size, silver proteinate, latex nanoparticles, dynamic light scattering

X-RAY FLUORESCENCE DETERMINATION OF SILVER IN COLLOIDAL SOLUTIONS

Objective. To develop the basics of technology for X-ray fluorescence determination of silver in colloidal solutions. Relevance. Silver preparations are interesting as an alternative to antibiotics. Сurrently on the pharmaceutical market there is a large number of silver-containing colloidal dietary supplements, 70% of which contain silver in ionic form. The energy dispersive method of X-ray fluorescence analysis is an express method without long-term sample preparation. Materials and methods. Silver proteinate (8% Ag), Sigma-Aldrich; ProtargolLor (P.J.S.C. “Pharmstandard”, Kursk); Sialor (J.S.C. RENEWAL®); Argitos colloidal silver (“Nanosphere”, Russia), Argent Colloidal (Nutri expert, France). Dual Laser Light Scattering 2D-DLS (Zetasizer Malvern). Energy dispersive spectrometer Shimadzu EDX-7000 (Japan); OriginLab Corporation, USA. Results. The technology of the X-ray fluorescence determination of silver in colloidal solutions from various companies was described in this paper. The present study has exploited the energy dispersive spectrometer Shimadzu EDX-7000 (Japan). The fluorescence intensity at AgKα = 22.105 keV depends linearly on the silver concentration in the range of 0.01% - 1% according to the equation I = (5.1 ± 0.1) · СAg for silver nitrate and I = (1.64 ± 0.03) · CAg for silver proteinate, which is due to the effect of the organic matrix. Conclusion. The new XRF method was applied for quality control of protargol and other Ag-containing drugs and parapharmaceuticals.

Radiothermal Emission of Nanoparticles with a Complex Shape as a Tool for the Quality Control of Pharmaceuticals Containing Biologically Active Nanoparticles.

It has recently been shown that the titer of the SARS-CoV-2 virus decreases in a cell culture when the cell suspension is irradiated with electromagnetic waves at a frequency of 95 GHz. We assumed that a frequency range in the gigahertz and sub-terahertz ranges was one of the key aspects in the "tuning" of flickering dipoles in the dispersion interaction process of the surfaces of supramolecular structures. To verify this assumption, the intrinsic thermal radio emission in the gigahertz range of the following nanoparticles was studied: virus-like particles (VLP) of SARS-CoV-2 and rotavirus A, monoclonal antibodies to various RBD epitopes of SARS-CoV-2, interferon-α, antibodies to interferon-γ, humic-fulvic acids, and silver proteinate. At 37 °C or when activated by light with λ = 412 nm, these particles all demonstrated an increased (by two orders of magnitude compared to the background) level of electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range. The thermal radio emission flux density specifically depended on the type of nanoparticles, their concentration, and the method of their activation. The thermal radio emission flux density was capable of reaching 20 μW/(m2 sr). The thermal radio emission significantly exceeded the background only for nanoparticles with a complex surface shape (nonconvex polyhedra), while the thermal radio emission from spherical nanoparticles (latex spheres, serum albumin, and micelles) did not differ from the background. The spectral range of the emission apparently exceeded the frequencies of the Ka band (above 30 GHz). It was assumed that the complex shape of the nanoparticles contributed to the formation of temporary dipoles which, at a distance of up to 100 nm and due to the formation of an ultrahigh strength field, led to the formation of plasma-like surface regions that acted as emitters in the millimeter range. Such a mechanism makes it possible to explain many phenomena of the biological activity of nanoparticles, including the antibacterial properties of surfaces.

Hypothetical Mechanism of Skin Argyria

Introduction. Argyria is an acquired skin condition that appears after the exposure or consumption of silver, leading to blue or grey coloration of the skin and mucosa. The aim of the present work was to draw researchers’ attention to two aspects of the argyria that until now have not received enough consideration. They are: (1) the process of delivering silver compound from the gastrointestinal tract to the skin and (2) the possibility for silver chloride to participate in this process along with the silver proteinates. Methodology. Illustrative experiments included the observation of color change (visual and using UV-Vis spectrometry) under different light exposure conditions of silver chloride sol in a sweat-simulating solution, in vials and under pig skin (in direct contact). Results and Discussion. A hypothetical mechanism based on a perspiration system for delivering the silver compounds from the gastrointestinal tract to the skin for argyria was proposed. It was also proposed not to completely exclude the partial participation of silver chloride along with the silver proteinates in this process.

Complex treatment of diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses at the present time

The search for rational treatment of diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is due to the high incidence among the world's population. Despite the absolutely clear recommendations that would seem to greatly facilitate the choice and scope of therapy, it is extremely important to have a differentiated approach to each patient, depending on age, concomitant pathology, the nature of the course of the disease, the severity of clinical, primarily pain symptoms, and the presence of rhinogenic complications. Differential diagnosis of viral and bacterial acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) allows to avoid unreasonable prescription of antibiotics in the former case and choose therapy in such a way as to help relieve clinical symptoms, timely cure the disease and prevent complications. A systematic review of the literature was conducted with the analysis of scientific research data on the evaluation of the effectiveness of protargol or silver proteinate in the local treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases. A review of studies shows that silver proteinate has astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. The spectrum of antimicrobial action of silver is much wider than many antibiotics and sulfonamides. At the same time, pathogenic microflora is more sensitive to silver ions than non-pathogenic microflora. The analysis of the works also demonstrates the absence of adverse reactions when using this drug. The obtained data allow us to recommend preparations based on silver proteinate as a complex therapy for acute and chronic diseases of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. The vasoconstrictive effect of protargol allows it to be used as an alternative to decongestants in order to avoid the development of drug-induced rhinitis and tachyphylaxis. Sialor® is a new, convenient, affordable, longer-shelf-life form of silver proteinate.

Synergistic Antibacterial Effect of Casein-AgNPs Combined with Tigecycline against Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a common and challenging pathogen of nosocomial infections, due to its ability to survive on inanimate objects, desiccation tolerance, and resistance to disinfectants. In this study, we investigated an antibacterial strategy to combat A. baumannii via the combination of antibiotics and silver protein. This strategy used a functional platform consisting of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) resurrected from silver-based calcium thiophosphate (SSCP) through casein and arginine. Then, the silver protein was combined with tigecycline, the first drug in glycylcycline antibiotic, to synergistically inhibit the viability of A. baumannii. The synergistic antibacterial activity was confirmed by the 96-well checkerboard method to determine their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and calculated for the combination index (CI). The MIC of the combination of silver protein and tigecycline (0.31 mg/mL, 0.16 µg/mL) was significantly lower than that of the individual MIC, and the CI was 0.59, which indicates a synergistic effect. Consequently, we integrated the detailed synergistic antibacterial properties when silver protein was combined with tigecycline. The result could make for a promising approach for the treatment of A. baumannii.

Modern approaches to the treatment of rhinopharyngitis in the practice of a district pediatrician

Introduction. In outpatient practice, acute nasopharyngitis in children is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical attention. The local pediatrician, as a rule, is the first to examine the child and determine the tactics of treatment. A competent approach to the choice of drugs avoids polypharmacy.The article presents the published scientific evidence on the modern approach to the treatment, as well as the author’s own clinical observation.Objective. To study the effectiveness of modern methods for the treatment of rhinopharyngitis, including the use of silver proteinate to treat acute respiratory infections in a group of frequently ill children.Materials and methods. The study involved 38 children aged 3 to 4 years, included in the group of frequent illnesses. The children were divided into 3 groups. In the first group (12 people), for four months (October-December 2019), children received symptomatic treatment of an acute respiratory infection; between episodes of acute respiratory infection, daily prophylactic irrigation of the child’s nose and throat with saline was used. In the second group (13 people), symptomatic treatment and nasal instillation of a preparation of silver proteinate were used at each episode of acute respiratory infection. In the third group (13 people), children received only symptomatic treatment for acute respiratory infection.In the first and third groups, children received symptomatic treatment of an acute respiratory infection without the use of silver proteinate.Results. The chosen approach to the ARVI treatment such as nasal instillation of silver proteinate into the bilateral nasal cavities has shown its effectiveness without having to carry out preventive measures between episodes of the disease.Conclusion. The application of elimination and antiseptic therapy with the use of Sialor for each episode of ARVI in the group of frequently ill children can reduce polypharmacy and incidence of morbidity.

Клиническая эффективность лекарственного средства 200 мг протеината серебра в комплексной терапии острого инфекционного ринита у детей, возникшего как часть острой респираторной инфекции

The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy of acute infectious rhinitis in children by means of drugs from the list of medicines of the J00 Standard and in addition to this pharmacotherapy with the drug silver proteinate – 200 mg nasal spray Sialor® (manufacturer of JSC «Production Pharmaceutical Company “Obnovlenie”, Russia) was evaluated in a multicenter randomized comparative study. A higher quality of treatment was demonstrated when using 200 mg silver proteinate (Sialor®) in the form of a nasal spray in complex therapy. The article presents evidence of the feasibility of including the drug 200 mg silver proteinate in the list of medicines of the J00 Standard.

BIOPOLYMER ANTISEPTIC SYSTEMS BASED ON POLYHYDROXYALKANOATES FOR SOFT TISSUE RECONSTRUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Biopolymer matrices based on poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) with a copolymer poly (3-hydroxyvalerate) (P (3HB) -co-P (3HV) with a deposited local antiseptic Brilliant Green and covalently attached type 1 collagen and silver proteinate have been developed.

The efficacy of silver proteinate in the treatment of acute nasopharyngitis

Acute nasopharyngitis is the most common reason for visit a doctor, usually benign, self-limited disease. It is also characterized by a high frequency of complications in children and nonspecific symptoms that require special care from the doctor when examining patients. The clinical and social significance of acute nasopharyngitis is due to their high prevalence, and inadequate treatment leads to a protracted course or to a transition to a chronic one. The relevance of this problem adds to the presence of a large number of various drugs, but not many drugs have evidence-based effectiveness. In the treatment of acute nasopharyngitis local drugs are very important. The drug is a silver proteinate agent with broad antibacterial anti-inflammatory activity. The drug is used to treat infectious rhinitis. This article evaluates the use of a new form of the silver proteinatedrug, the drug is available in the pharmacy, easy to use, long shelf life. This article describes the place of silver proteinate among drugs that help to relieve the symptoms of acute nasopharyngitis and provides data on its effectiveness, safety and features of use in children. The drug can take a worthy place among topical drugs due to its high efficiency in the treatment of acute rhinitis and its possible use at any age.

Topical therapy drugs containing silver in acute adenoiditis sinusitis in children

The article presents the results of Russian authors’ research aimed at studying the clinical efficacy of topical drugs containing silver in treating acute serous adenoiditis and sinusitis in children. The authors noted the efficacy and safety of the drug (silver proteinate and polyvinyl-N-pyrrolidone) in the complex treatment of inflammatory diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses in children. Clinical observation was carried out – comparison of two groups of 30 patients aged from 5 to 14 years, average age 6 years 3 months, the groups included: 17 boys (56.7%) and 13 girls (43.3%), all children had adenoid vegetations of the 1st-2nd degree. To assess the clinical efficacy of the drug, a control group of children with similar pathology was recruited, comparable in age and sex (14 boys and 16 girls). The main group received the drug Sialor and irrigation therapy. The control group received local antibacterial drugs and decongestants according to age. At the beginning of treatment normal values of mucociliary transport were not observed in any patient (0%) of the main and control groups. Disorder of the 1st degree mucociliary transport function was determined in 6 children (20%) of the main group and 7 children (23.3%) of the control group, 2nd degree – in 21 children (70%) of the main group and 19 children (63.3%) of the control group, 3rd degree – in 3 (10%) patients of the main group and 4 children (13.4%) of the control group. In 7 days from the beginning of treatment normal values of MCT were observed in 28 patients (93.3%) of the main group and 9 patients (30%) of the control group, the disorder of MCT function of the 1st degree had 3 patients (9%) of the main and control groups, the 2nd degree was not in the main group and was revealed in 18 patients (60%) of the control group, no disorder of MCT function of the 3rd degree was revealed (neither in the main nor control groups). The average time of MCT was: before treatment – 49 minutes (main group) and 47 minutes (control group), the 3rd day of treatment – 28 minutes (main group) and 36 minutes (control group). On the 7th day of the drug intake – 14 minutes (main group) and 21 minutes (control group). Thus, normalization of MCT time was noted only in patients of the main group. On the 7th day of treatment with Sialor in the main group of children under examination, nasal mucosa edema, nasal excretion and adenoid tissue size decreased, mucociliary transport parameters normalized, nasal breathing improved. Sialor has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effect, is well tolerated by patients and can be recommended for inclusion in standard treatment protocols of patients with diseases of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses.

Protein corona formation and its constitutional changes on magnetic nanoparticles in serum featuring a polydehydroalanine coating: effects of charge and incubation conditions

The inevitable formation of a protein corona upon contact of nanoparticles with different biological fluids is of great interest in the context of biomedical applications. It is well established that the surface chemistry of the respective nanomaterial has tremendous impact on protein adsorption, both in terms of the actual amount as well as the type of proteins adsorbed. In that regard, especially polyzwitterions are discussed as coating materials as they are known to partially inhibit protein adsorption. We herein present comparative incubation studies on iron oxide nanoparticles (either single core (SPION) or multicore nanoparticles (MCNP)) after coating with either polyanionic or polyzwitterionic polymeric shells based on polydehydroalanine (PDha). Apart from varying surface charge and chemistry, also the influence of incubation time and temperature on the formation and composition of a protein corona upon exposure to fetal calf serum was investigated. The amounts of adsorbed biomolecules were determined using thermogravimetric analysis. SDS-PAGE experiments revealed information on protein composition as major components of the biomolecule corona. Our results show that distinctly lower amounts of proteins are adsorbed onto polyzwitterionic hybrid nanoparticles in general, but also the corona composition varies as indicated by elevated relative ratios of medium molecular weight proteins (i.e. proteins 25–100 kDa) estimated by non-specific silver protein staining. In addition, increasing relative amounts of albumin (67 kDa) via specific Western blot assays on PDha-coated MCNP are detected.

Efficacy of combined treatment of acute rhinosinusitis in children

The article presents the results of the study of clinical efficacy of treatment of acute rhinosinusitis in 80 children aged 3–15 years using Sialor® as an adjunct to comprehensive treatment. The children of group 1 (active treatment group) received Sialor® in addition to the standard treatment without use of decongestants. group 2 (comparison group) received decongestants in addition to the standard treatment without use of Sialor®. The efficacy of treatment was assessed according to clinical examination findings. The study showed that the inclusion of Sialor® (silver proteinate) in the combined treatment improves the clinical efficacy of treatment of acute rhinosinusitis. On Day 4 after the first examination, group I showed a decrease in nasal congestion that was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) by more than 4 points as compared with group 2. On Day 4 of treatment, presentations of rhinorrhea in the active treatment group of children decreased by more than 2 points on VAS scale compared with the control group. The children who received Sialor also demonstrated an improvement in the quality of sleep. The results showed that the inclusion of Sialor (silver proteinate) in the treatment regimen of ARS allows to achieve a more rapid relief of symptoms of intoxication, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, restoration of smell, improvement in the quality of sleep of patients by Day 4 from the start of treatment.