Gold Nanoparticles and Chitosan as Innovative Compounds in Medicine and Cosmetology:A Review of Current Applications.

The medical and cosmetic industries have developed in recent years, there has been a growing demand for new materials. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and chitosan (CS) have been known and used for many years. Unfortunately, despite their numerous advantages and possible applications, such materials may possess certain disadvantages and limitations that constitute a problem in medical or cosmetic applications.

Studying the Effect of Reducing Agents on the Properties of Gold Nanoparticles and Their Integration into Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels.

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are a promising target for research due to their small size and the resulting plasmonic properties, which depend, among other things, on the chosen reducer. This is important because removing excess substrate from the reaction mixture is problematic. However, Au NPs are an excellent component of various materials, enriching them with their unique features.

The Optimization of the One-Pot Synthesis of Au@SiO Nanostructures: Modification with Dansyl Group and Their Fluorescent Properties.

This work describes the optimization of the one-pot synthesis of fine nanostructures based on nanogold (Au NPs) and silica (SiO). The obtained nanomaterials were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM and by the method of spectroscopes such as UV-Vis Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). In addition, the measurement of the zeta potential and size of the obtained particles helped present a full characterization of Au@SiO nanostructures.

Medical Applications of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles and Core-Shell Nanostructures Based on Silver or Gold Core: Recent Progress and Innovations.

Nanoparticles (NPs) of noble metals such as silver (Ag NPs) or gold (Au NPs) draw the attention of scientists looking for new compounds to use in medical applications. Scientists have used metal NPs because of their easy preparation, biocompatibility, ability to influence the shape and size or modification, and surface functionalization. However, to fully use their capabilities, both the benefits and their potential threats should be considered.

Novelty Cosmetic Filters Based on Nanomaterials Composed of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles.

The following work describes the synthesis of new physical filters based on TiO/SiO and TiO/Ag nanostructures. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO NPs) were applied as control material and a popular physical UV filter. The advantage of using materials on the nanometer scale is the elimination of the skin whitening effect that occurs when using photoprotective cosmetics containing titanium dioxide on a macro scale.

Effects of Early versus Standard Central Line Removal on the Growth of Preterm Infants with Very Low Birth Weight: A Non-Inferiority, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Very preterm infants are usually supported by parenteral nutrition delivered through central lines (CLs) while progressing with enteral intake, although the optimal time point for their removal is unclear. This study evaluated the impact of the CL discontinuation time on the short-term growth outcomes of preterm infants. A non-inferiority, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted in four neonatal intensive care units in Poland.

Diversity Patterns of Macrofungi in Xerothermic Grasslands from the Nida Basin (Małopolska Upland, Southern Poland): A Case Study.

Macrofungal communities were investigated in seven plant associations of xerothermic grasslands in the Nida Basin located in the Małopolska Upland of southern Poland. Designation of associations at selected study sites was based on phytosociological relevés using the Braun-Blanquet method. During the years 2010-2013, we studied the diversity and distribution of macrofungi in dry grasslands, where 164 species of basidio- and ascomycetes were recovered.

New Core-Shell Nanostructures for FRET Studies: Synthesis, Characterization, and Quantitative Analysis.

This work describes the synthesis and characterization of new core-shell material designed for Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies. Synthesis, structural and optical properties of core-shell nanostructures with a large number of two kinds of fluorophores bound to the shell are presented. As fluorophores, strongly fluorescent rhodamine 101 and rhodamine 110 chloride were selected.

Fungi and Algae as Sources of Medicinal and Other Biologically Active Compounds: A Review.

Many species of fungi including lichenized fungi (lichens) and algae have the ability to biosynthesize biologically active compounds. They produce, among others, polysaccharides with anticancer and immunostimulatory properties: (1) Background: This paper presents the characteristics of the most important bioactive compounds produced by fungi and algae; (2) Methods: Based on the example of the selected species of mushrooms, lichens and algae, the therapeutic properties of the secondary metabolites that they produce and the possibilities of their use are presented; (3) Results: The importance of fungi, especially large-fruited mushrooms, lichens and algae, in nature and human life is discussed, in particular, with regard to their use in the pharmaceutical industry and their nutritional value; (4) Conclusions: The natural organisms, such as fungi, lichenized fungi and algae, could be used as supplementary medicine, in the form of pharmaceutical preparations and food sources. Further advanced studies are required on the pharmacological properties and bioactive compounds of these organisms.

Characterization and Cytotoxicity Comparison of Silver- and Silica-Based Nanostructures.

Core-shell structures are the most common type of composite material nanostructures due to their multifunctional properties. Silver nanoparticles show broad antimicrobial activity, but the safety of their utilization still remains an issue to tackle. In many applications, the silver core is coated with inorganic shell to reduce the metal toxicity.

Angular momentum generation in nuclear fission.

When a heavy atomic nucleus splits (fission), the resulting fragments are observed to emerge spinning; this phenomenon has been a mystery in nuclear physics for over 40 years. The internal generation of typically six or seven units of angular momentum in each fragment is particularly puzzling for systems that start with zero, or almost zero, spin. There are currently no experimental observations that enable decisive discrimination between the many competing theories for the mechanism that generates the angular momentum.

Novel Germline c.105_107dupGCT Mutation in a Family with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1.

In multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), the causative gene mutations lead to the reduced expression of menin, which is a tumor suppressor protein. In this study, we present a case of a 16-year-old woman with severe primary hyperparathyroidism and a non-functioning pituitary microadenoma. Genetic testing demonstrated a novel germline heterozygote variant c.

Evaluation of Vela Diagnostics HIV-1 genotyping assay on an automated next generation sequencing platform.

Background: Antiretroviral drug resistance testing is an integral part of the management of patients infected with HIV. The traditional Sanger sequencing method is capable of detecting drug resistant mutations (DRMs) that make up at least 10-15% of the viral quasispecies population. Newer next generation sequencing technologies have a greater sensitivity for the detection of minority variant DRMs down to around 1% of the population.

Evaluating the aptima HIV-1 quant Dx, HCV quant Dx and HBV quant assays against the Abbott HIV-1, HCV and HBV RealTime assays.

Background: Viral load measurement is routine for the management of patients infected with HIV, HCV or HBV, using sensitive, quantitative, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). However, platforms are not equivalent in terms of turnaround time, random access capability and operator hands-on time.

Objectives And Study Design: We compared the performance of the Hologic Panther transcription-mediated amplification based Aptima assays for HIV, HBV and HCV viral load measurement with the corresponding Abbott m2000 RealTime assays.

Intake of Meals Containing High Levels of Carbohydrates or High Levels of Unsaturated Fatty Acids Induces Postprandial Dysmetabolism in Young Overweight/Obese Men.

Postprandial metabolic response depends on the meals' components and can be different in normal weight and obese people. However, there are some discrepancies between various reports. The aim of this study was to determine the metabolic response after intake of standardised meals with various fat and carbohydrate contents and to determine the differences among normal weight and overweight/obese individuals.

CE-MS-based serum fingerprinting to track evolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is preceded by insulin resistance (IR), which may evolve to impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). IFG and IGT are considered as prediabetic states (PD). Prediabetes indicates the high risk for the future development of diabetes, it is estimated that up to 70% of prediabetics eventually develop T2DM.

The rs340874 PROX1 type 2 diabetes mellitus risk variant is associated with visceral fat accumulation and alterations in postprandial glucose and lipid metabolism.

Large-scale meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies have recently confirmed that the rs340874 single-nucleotide polymorphism in PROX1 gene is associated with fasting glycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, the mechanism of this link was not well established. The aim of our study was to evaluate the functional/phenotypic differences related to rs340874 PROX1 variants. The study group comprised 945 subjects of Polish origin (including 634 with BMI > 25) without previously known dysglycemia.

The role of gastrointestinal hormones in the pathogenesis of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Obesity, influencing the increase of incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular complications and cancer is a growing medical problem worldwide. The feelings of hunger and satiety are stimulated by the "gut-brain axis", where a crucial role is played by gastrointestinal hormones: glucagon-like peptide 1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, pancreatic polypeptide, peptide YY, oxyntomodulin, cholecystokinin and ghrelin. These hormones affect not only the functioning of the digestive tract, but also might have effects on insulin secretion and are mediators which affect brain areas involved in the regulation of food intake.

Effect of diet and other factors on serum adiponectin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Unlabelled: BACKGROUND. Adiponectin is a protein specific to visceral adipose tissue where its concentrations are reduced in type 2 diabetes and obesity. Many factors also determine serum levels of adiponectin such as gender, BMI, as well as diet.

Effect of nutrition and atherogenic index on the occurrence and intensity of insulin resistance.

Introduction: Diet is one of the factors that can stimulate genetic predisposition and, in consequence, lead to insulin resistance. An adequate supply of nutrients and energy-rich diet as well as increased physical activity are the most effective methods to prevent metabolic disorders.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine whether there are any associations between nutrition and the occurrence of insulin resistance.

Convenient and efficient syntheses of N(6)- and N(4)- substituted adenines and cytosines and their 2'-deoxyribosides.

Convenient and efficient methods of the synthesis of N(6)- and N(4)-substituted derivatives of adenine and cytosine and their 2'-deoxyribosides were developed. The reactions of either unprotected nucleobases (adenine, cytosine) or unprotected 2'-deoxyribosides with aryl or alkyl aldehydes give corresponding Schiff bases that can be reduced to the target title compounds with high overall yields. In the case of aryl aldehydes the imine derivatives are obtained in the presence of methoxides in methanol and reduced with sodium borohydride.

The usefulness of glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) for identifying dysglycemic states in individuals without previously diagnosed diabetes.

Purpose: We investigated HbA1c's validity as a screening parameter for excluding dysglycemic states in the studied population.

Material/methods: Sensitivity and specificity of HbA1c in some cut-off points were compared with diagnoses based on the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in individuals diagnosed between 2009-2010. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for HbA1c was conducted.

New cytosine derivatives as inhibitors of DNA methylation.

DNA cytosine methylation catalyzed by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is an epigenetic method of gene expression regulation and development. Changes in methylation pattern lead to carcinogenesis. Inhibition of DNMT1 activity could be a good strategy of safe and efficient epigenetic therapy.