Maternal-Foetal/Infant Interactions-Gut Microbiota and Immune Health.

In recent years, the number of scientific publications on the role of intestinal microbiota in shaping human health, as well as the occurrence of intestinal dysbiosis in various disease entities, has increased dynamically. However, there is a gap in comprehensively understanding the factors influencing a child's gut microbiota. This review discusses the establishment of gut microbiota and the immunological mechanisms regulating children's microbiota, emphasising the importance of prioritising the development of appropriate gut microbiota in a child from the planning stages of pregnancy.

Antibacterial and Antimycotic Activity of L. Extracts: A Review.

The aim of this work was to provide an overview of available information on the antibacterial and antifungal properties of extracts. A literature search of Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2000 and June 2023 was undertaken. A total of 23 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review.

The Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation on Endothelial Function and Arterial Stiffness Markers in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Folic acid might improve endothelial function, but the results are inconclusive. This systematic review evaluated the effect of folic acid supplementation on endothelial parameters and arterial stiffness in adults. The study protocol was registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42021290195).

Time Perspective as a Mediator of Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic endocrinopathy characterized by oligo- or anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical markers of hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries, and it is associated with an increased prevalence of depression. Research conducted on psychiatric patients has shown correlations between depression and decreased cognitive function. The aim of this study was to examine the possible mediation of the time perspective (TP) in the development of depressive symptoms in patients with PCOS.

Muonic atom spectroscopy with microgram target material.

Muonic atom spectroscopy-the measurement of the x rays emitted during the formation process of a muonic atom-has a long standing history in probing the shape and size of nuclei. In fact, almost all stable elements have been subject to muonic atom spectroscopy measurements and the absolute charge radii extracted from these measurements typically offer the highest accuracy available. However, so far only targets of at least a few hundred milligram could be used as it required to stop a muon beam directly in the target to form the muonic atom.

Combined Effects of Methyldopa and Baicalein or Roots Extract on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Expression of Inflammatory and Vascular Disease-Related Factors in Spontaneously Hypertensive Pregnant Rats.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of baicalein or root extract interaction with methyldopa in pregnant spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at the pharmacodynamic, molecular, and biochemical levels. The rats, after confirming pregnancy, received baicalein (200 mg/kg/day, p.o.

Plant Preparations and Compounds with Activities against Biofilms Formed by spp.

Fungi from the genus are very important human and animal pathogens. Many strains can produce biofilms, which inhibit the activity of antifungal drugs and increase the tolerance or resistance to them as well. Clinically, this process leads to persistent infections and increased mortality.

Radioprotective Effects of Plants from the Lamiaceae Family.

Background: Edible and medicinal plants are still an interesting source of promising biologically active substances for drug discovery and development. At a time of increasing cancer incidence in the world, alleviating the bothersome side effects of radiotherapy in debilitated cancer patients is becoming an important challenge.

Objective: The aim of the study was to overview the literature data concerning the radioprotective activity of extracts, essential oils, and some chemical compounds obtained from 12 species belonging to the Lamiaceae family, gathering of numerous spice and medicinal plants rich in valuable phytochemicals.

Curcumin, a Natural Antimicrobial Agent with Strain-Specific Activity.

Curcumin, a principal bioactive substance of turmeric ( L.), is reported as a strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent. However, its antimicrobial properties require further detailed investigations into clinical and multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates.

Cerebral oxygenation and bioelectrical activity in preterm infants during surfactant replacement therapy with porcine and bovine preparations.

Introduction: Surfactant replacement therapy (SRT) might cause acute changes in cerebral oxygenation and alteration of brain bioelectrical activity. Varying physiologic responses and clinical outcomes were observed when different surfactant preparations were instilled to treat neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Material And Methods: Neonates born at 26-30 weeks of gestation with RDS requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation were randomized to SRT either with poractant alfa (A) or beractant (B).

Antibacterial Activity of Some Flavonoids and Organic Acids Widely Distributed in Plants.

Among natural substances widespread in fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants, flavonoids and organic acids belong to the promising groups of bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of 13 common flavonoids (flavones, flavonols, flavanones) and 6 organic acids (aliphatic and aromatic acids). The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of selected plant substances were determined by the micro-dilution method using clinical strains of four species of pathogenic bacteria.

Fucoxanthin-An Antibacterial Carotenoid.

Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid produced by brown algae and diatoms. This compound has several biological properties such as antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. Unfortunately, until now the latter effect has been poorly confirmed.

Anticancer Activity of Bacterial Proteins and Peptides.

Despite much progress in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, tumour diseases constitute one of the main reasons of deaths worldwide. The side effects of chemotherapy and drug resistance of some cancer types belong to the significant current therapeutic problems. Hence, searching for new anticancer substances and medicines are very important.

Comparison of cerebral tissue oxygenation values in full term and preterm newborns by the simultaneous use of two near-infrared spectroscopy devices: an absolute and a relative trending oximeter.

The aim of this study is to compare a two-wavelength light emitting diode-based tissue oximeter (INVOS), which is designed to show trends in tissue oxygenation, with a four-wavelength laser-based oximeter (FORE-SIGHT), designed to deliver absolute values of tissue oxygenation. Simultaneous values of cerebral tissue oxygenation (StO2) are measured using both devices in 15 term and 15 preterm clinically stable newborns on the first and third day of life. Values are recorded simultaneously in two periods between which oximeter sensor positions are switched to the contralateral side.

The impact of second-hand tobacco smoke exposure on pregnancy outcomes, infant health, and the threat of third-hand smoke exposure to our environment and to our children.

Smoking during pregnancy is associated with various adverse effects on pregnancy and fetal development, carries a lot of serious complications such as spontaneous abortion, placental abruption, and reduced birth weight of the newborn. Children of smoking mothers have an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome and respiratory diseases during infancy. Smoking also causes long-term risk of maternal health problems such as: heart disease, cancer, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and higher mortality rate.

Measurement of the resonant d(mu)t molecular formation rate in solid HD.

Measurements of muon-catalyzed dt fusion ( d(mu)t-->4He + n + mu(-)) in solid HD have been performed. The theory describing the energy dependent resonant molecular formation rate for the reaction (mu)t + HD-->[(d(mu)t)pee](*) is compared to experimental results in a pure solid HD target. Constraints on the rates are inferred through the use of a Monte Carlo model developed specifically for the experiment.

Resonant formation of d&mgr;t molecules in deuterium: An atomic beam measurement of muon catalyzed dt fusion.

Resonant formation of d&mgr;t molecules in collisions of muonic tritium ( &mgr;t) on D2 was investigated using a beam of &mgr;t atoms, demonstrating a new direct approach in muon catalyzed fusion studies. Strong epithermal resonances in d&mgr;t formation were directly revealed for the first time. From the time-of-flight analysis of 2036+/-116 dt fusion events, a formation rate consistent with 0.