Kalanchoe blossfeldiana was found to interfere with AHL production, which in turn may be responsible for downregulating QS-mediated production of biofilm and virulence. This first report on the antibiofilm and anticytokine properties of this plant may open up new vistas for future exploration of this plant for combating biofilm-related resistant infections.

From this study it may be concluded that the root extract of B. lanzan revealed significant wound healing potential, which was supported and well correlated with pronounced antibacterial activity of the tested plant parts.

<p class="abstract">Pilomatrixomas are benign adnexal tumours, commonly occurring in the head and neck region. We present a unique case of giant pilomatrixoma on the posterior triangle of the neck, its diagnosis and subsequent treatment and its potential to become a primary differential diagnosis of slow-growing, benign masses. We report a case of 10×10 cm slow-growing painless mass in the nape of the neck with overlying ulcerations and conflicting radio-pathological pre-operative reports and its subsequent diagnosis as pilomatrixoma. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of ghost cells and basaloid cells, confirming the diagnosis. We stress the importance of recognizing this pilomatrixoma variant, whose clinical picture is confusing and obscure<strong>. </strong>We also reiterate the need for close follow up of small lesions due to the small but grave risk of malignant transformation and recurrence. Pilomatrixoma has variable presenting features and poses a diagnostic dilemma. Surgical planning can be done with the help of proper radiological features, and complete excision of the mass is required to achieve a cure.</p>

No abstract

<p><strong>Background: </strong>With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an urgent need to formulate guidelines for safety during aerosol-generating surgeries like cochlear implantation. Although elective, these procedures are crucial to prelingually deaf children so they can develop speech and language skills. Our study is based on guidelines we formulated for cochlear implantation during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for utilizing reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), isolation, and proper protective equipment that is safe yet practical.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: This study was carried out between February 2020 and December 2021. Forty-nine cochlear implantations were carried out at our center following our guidelines during three safe windows when the R factor was &lt;1. All patients underwent serial RT-PCR testing, proper isolation, and were operated on by surgeons who used effective and practical protective equipment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>None of the 49 patients who underwent cochlear implant surgery or the health care workers involved in their care developed clinical features or tested positive for COVID-19 postoperatively. There were also no cases of readmission for COVID-19 after the patients’ discharge from the hospital.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Cochlear implantation is an essential procedure that can be safely carried out during a pandemic if guidelines are followed ardently and personal protective equipment is used effectively.</p>