The target of this investigation was to obtain the composition of the optimized Fenticonazole nitrate(FCN)-loaded cubosomal formula that can prolong precorneal retention, increase corneal absorption, enhance corneal permeation, and anti-fungal efficacy of FCN. Cubosomes are bi-continuous structural vesicles fabricated using the hot emulsification technique in accordance with a 23-full factorial design. The selected fabrication factors were the concentration of the Lipid phase(X1), glyceryl monooleate: lipid phase stabilizer ratio(X2), and aqueous phase stabilizer types(X3). Whereas, the encapsulation efficiency percent(EE%), Mean particle size(PS), Polydispersity index(PDI), and Zeta potential(ZP) were chosen as measured responses. The numerical optimization criterion of the design expert software was utilized to select the optimized formula(Op) for extra investigations. The Op formula had EE% of 87.94±0.7%, PS of 249.75±1.48nm, and ZP of -34.25±0.64mV. The in vitro release study of the Op formula in comparison with FCN suspension showed a zero-order and controlled kinetic release behavior. Moreover, the results of the pH, refractive index, surface tension, and mucoadhesion study confirmed the superiority and the safety of the Op formula. Further, the ex vivo permeation study demonstrated a significant enhancement in the transcorneal permeation of the Op formula than FCN suspension by 2.69-fold. Besides, the in vivo corneal uptake confirmed the higher permeation of the Op formula in comparison with FCN suspension. Draize test and histopathological examination ensured the in vivo safety and tolerability of the Op formula. Overall, the previous findings ensured the efficacy of cubosomes in enhancing ocular retention, absorption, permeation, and bioavailability of FCN.

BACKGROUND: The pandemic presented unique challenges for individuals with autoimmune and rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) due to their underlying condition, the effects of immunosuppressive treatments, and increased vaccine hesitancy.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune diseases (COVAD) study, a series of ongoing, patient self-reported surveys were conceived with the vision of being a unique tool to gather patient perspectives on AIRDs. It involved a multinational, multicenter collaborative effort amidst a global lockdown.

METHODS: Leveraging social media as a research tool, COVAD collected data using validated patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The study, comprising a core team, steering committee, and global collaborators, facilitated data collection and analysis. A pilot-tested, validated survey, featuring questions regarding COVID-19 infection, vaccination and outcomes, patient demographics, and PROs was circulated to patients with AIRDs and healthy controls (HCs).

DISCUSSION: We present the challenges encountered during this international collaborative project, including coordination, data management, funding constraints, language barriers, and authorship concerns, while highlighting the measures taken to address them.

CONCLUSION: Collaborative virtual models offer a dynamic new frontier in medical research and are vital to studying rare diseases. The COVAD study demonstrates the potential of online platforms for conducting large-scale, patient-focused research and underscores the importance of integrating patient perspective into clinical care. Care of patients is our central motivation, and it is essential to recognize their voices as equal stakeholders and valued partners in the study of the conditions that affect them.

This extensive paper celebrates the incredible contributions of Loutfy Boulos to the Flora of Egypt. Boulos was considered an outstanding international Egyptian taxonomist. As a result of his extensive contribution to fieldwork, taxonomic expertise, and meticulous documentation and records, our understanding of Egypt's plant diversity has been significantly advanced. Through his botanical explorations across diverse regions, Boulos collected and identified numerous plant specimens, described new species, added new records, clarified taxonomic problems, and provided invaluable data for conservation efforts. Flora of Egypt's four volumes become an essential reference for researchers, educators, and conservationists. Later in 2009, an updated checklist of the native vascular flora of Egypt was published, with details on the occurrence at the regional level. Indeed, he provided invaluable information in our region's literature. This paper highlights Boulos' significant impact on the scientific community by expanding taxonomic knowledge, promoting conservation, and fostering international collaboration in the field of botany.

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a devastating complication caused by seeding malignant cells to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the leptomeningeal membrane. LMD is diagnosed in 5–15% of patients with systemic malignancy. Management of LMD is challenging due to the biological and metabolic tumor microenvironment of LMD being largely unknown. Patients with LMD can present with a wide variety of signs and/or symptoms that could be multifocal and include headache, nausea, vomiting, diplopia, and weakness, among others. The median survival time for patients with LMD is measured in weeks and up to 3–6 months with aggressive management, and death usually occurs due to progressive neurologic dysfunction. In melanoma, LMD is associated with a suppressive immune microenvironment characterized by a high number of apoptotic and exhausted CD4+ T-cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and a low number of CD8+ T-cells. Proteomics analysis revealed enrichment of complement cascade, which may disrupt the blood–CSF barrier. Clinical management of melanoma LMD consists primarily of radiation therapy, BRAF/MEK inhibitors as targeted therapy, and immunotherapy with anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA-4, and anti-LAG-3 immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review summarizes the biology and anatomic features of melanoma LMD, as well as the current therapeutic approaches.