Peptide-functionalized chitosan-based microcapsules for dual active targeted treatment of lung infections.

Lung infections, such as: pneumonia, chronic obstructive cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis are generally caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. As these infections are very difficult to treat, new therapeutic approaches are investigated in order to maximize the efficiency of the treatment and to reduce the major complications that can occur. The main objective of this study was focused on the preparation of drug-loaded peptides-functionalized microcapsules, obtained by a double emulsion, based on carboxylated chitosan (CMCS), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and an activator [4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium chloride] (DMT-MM), for the dual active targeting and treatment of pulmonary infections.

Pulmonary Embolism Risk Assessment Using Blood Copeptin Concentration and Pulmonary Arteries Thrombotic Burden Evaluated by Computer Tomography.

(1) Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) represents the third most important cardiovascular cause of death after myocardial infarction and stroke. The proper management of this condition is dependent on adequate risk stratification, due to the life-threatening complications of more aggressive therapies such as thrombolysis. Copeptin is a surrogate marker of vasopressin which is found increased in several cardiovascular conditions.

F-FDG PET/MRI Imaging in a Preclinical Rat Model of Cardiorenal Syndrome-An Exploratory Study.

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) denotes the bidirectional interaction of chronic kidney disease and heart failure with an adverse prognosis but with a limited understanding of its pathogenesis. This study correlates biochemical blood markers, histopathological and immunohistochemistry features, and 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography (F-FDG PET) metabolic data in low-dose doxorubicin-induced heart failure, cardiorenal syndrome, and renocardiac syndrome induced on Wistar male rats. To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the underlying mechanisms for CRS progression in rats using F-FDG PET.

Nanoporous Membranes for the Filtration of Proteins from Biological Fluids: Biocompatibility Tests on Cell Cultures and Suggested Applications for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

Background: Alzheimer's disease has a significant epidemiological and socioeconomic impact, and, unfortunately, the extensive research focused on potential curative therapies has not yet proven to be successful. However, in recent years, important steps have been made in the development and functionalization of nanoporous alumina membranes, which might be of great interest for medical use, including the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this context, the aim of this article is to present the synthesis and biocompatibility testing of a special filtrating nano-membrane, which is planned to be used in an experimental device for Alzheimer's disease treatment.

uNGAL Predictive Value for Serum Creatinine Decrease in Critically Ill Children.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs frequently in critically ill children, having an incidence of up to 26.9% and is associated with high morbidity and mortality in pediatric intensive care units (PICU). Currently, the decrease in the glomerular filtration rate is calculated using the serum creatinine levels.

In Vitro Anticancer Activity and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Status Determined by (L.) F.H. Wigg. Dry Extracts.

Lichens represent an important resource for common traditional medicines due to their numerous metabolites that can exert diverse pharmacological activities including anticancer effects. To find new anticancer compounds with fewer side effects and low tumor resistance, a bioprospective study of (L.) F.

Formulations Based on Drug Loaded Aptamer-Conjugated Liposomes as a Viable Strategy for the Topical Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma-In Vitro Tests.

Topical liposomal drug formulations containing AS1411-aptamer conjugated liposomes were designed to deliver in a sustained way the 5-fluorouracil to the tumor site but also to increase the compliance of patients with basal cell carcinoma. The 5-fluorouracil penetrability efficiency through the Strat-M membrane and the skin irritation potential of the obtained topical liposomal formulations were evaluated in vitro and the Korsmeyer Peppas equation was considered as the most appropriate to model the drug release. Additionally, the efficiency of cytostatic activity for targeted antitumor therapy and the hemolytic capacity were performed in vitro.

Paclitaxel-Loaded Magnetic Nanoparticles Based on Biotinylated -Palmitoyl Chitosan: Synthesis, Characterization and Preliminary In Vitro Studies.

A considerable interest in cancer research is represented by the development of magnetic nanoparticles based on biofunctionalized polymers for controlled-release systems of hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs targeted only to the tumor sites, without affecting normal cells. The objective of the paper is to present the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of the nanocomposites that include a magnetic core able to direct the systems to the target, a polymeric surface shell that provides stabilization and multi-functionality, a chemotherapeutic agent, Paclitaxel (PTX), and a biotin tumor recognition layer. To our best knowledge, there are no studies concerning development of magnetic nanoparticles obtained by partial oxidation, based on biotinylated -palmitoyl chitosan loaded with PTX.

Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Activity of the (L.) F. H. Wigg Dry Extract.

The secondary metabolites of lichens have proven to be promising sources of anticancer drugs; one of the most important of these is usnic acid, which is a phenolic compound with dibenzofuran structure that is responsible for the numerous biological actions of lichens of genus . As a result, in this study, we related to this phenolic secondary metabolite. The aim of the present study is the evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of (L.

Challenges and Opportunities in Preclinical Research of Synthetic Cannabinoids for Pain Therapy.

Cannabis has been used in pain management since 2900 BC. In the 20th century, synthetic cannabinoids began to emerge, thus opening the way for improved efficacy. The search for new forms of synthetic cannabinoids continues and, as such, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive tool for the research and development of this promising class of drugs.

Terahertz Spectroscopy and Imaging: A Cutting-Edge Method for Diagnosing Digestive Cancers.

The Terahertz's wavelength is located between the microwave and the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because it is non-ionizing and non-invasive, Terahertz (THz)-based detection represents a very attractive tool for repeated assessments, patient monitoring, and follow-up. Cancer acts as the second leading cause of death in many regions, and current predictions estimate a continuous increasing trend.

Contributions of Mass Spectrometry to the Identification of Low Molecular Weight Molecules Able to Reduce the Toxicity of Amyloid-β Peptide to Cell Cultures and Transgenic Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease affects approximately 33 million people worldwide and is characterized by progressive loss of memory at the cognitive level. The formation of toxic amyloid oligomers, extracellular amyloid plaques and amyloid angiopathy in brain by amyloid beta peptides are considered a part of the identified mechanism involved in disease pathogenesis. The optimal treatment approach leads toward finding a chemical compound able to form a noncovalent complex with the amyloid peptide thus blocking the process of amyloid aggregation.

Performances of Pichia kudriavzevii in decolorization, biodegradation, and detoxification of C.I. Basic Blue 41 under optimized cultural conditions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performances of Pichia kudriavzevii CR-Y103 yeast strain for the decolorization, biodegradation, and detoxification of cationic dye C.I. Basic Blue 41, a toxic compound to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Medicinal Plants of the Family Lamiaceae in Pain Therapy: A Review.

Recently, numerous side effects of synthetic drugs have lead to using medicinal plants as a reliable source of new therapy. Pain is a global public health problem with a high impact on life quality and a huge economic implication, becoming one of the most important enemies in modern medicine. The medicinal use of plants as analgesic or antinociceptive drugs in traditional therapy is estimated to be about 80% of the world population.

A novel synthetic flavonoid with potent antibacterial properties: In vitro activity and proposed mode of action.

The emergence of pathogenic multidrug-resistant bacteria demands new approaches in finding effective antibacterial agents. Synthetic flavonoids could be a reliable solution due to their important antimicrobial activity. We report here the potent in vitro antibacterial activity of ClCl-flav-a novel synthetic tricyclic flavonoid.

Effects of air transient spark discharge and helium plasma jet on water, bacteria, cells, and biomolecules.

Atmospheric pressure DC-driven self-pulsing transient spark (TS) discharge operated in air and pulse-driven dielectric barrier discharge plasma jet (PJ) operated in helium in contact with water solutions were used for inducing chemical effects in water solutions, and the treatment of bacteria (Escherichia coli), mammalian cells (Vero line normal cells, HeLa line cancerous cells), deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA), and protein (bovine serum albumin). Two different methods of water solution supply were used in the TS: water electrode system and water spray system. The effects of both TS systems and the PJ were compared, as well as a direct exposure of the solution to the discharge with an indirect exposure to the discharge activated gas flow.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields cause DNA strand breaks in normal cells.

Background: Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields aren't considered as a real carcinogenic agent despite the fact that some studies have showed impairment of the DNA integrity in different cells lines. The aim of this study was evaluation of the late effects of a 100 Hz and 5.6 mT electromagnetic field, applied continuously or discontinuously, on the DNA integrity of Vero cells assessed by alkaline Comet assay and by cell cycle analysis.

Synthesis and in vitro analysis of novel dihydroxyacetophenone derivatives with antimicrobial and antitumor activities.

Herein we report a feasible study concerning the design, syntheses and in vitro antimicrobial and antitumoral activities of some novel compounds with dihydroxyacetophenone (DA) moiety. An efficient and general method for the preparation of diazine with dihydroxyacetophenone (DDA) skeleton under conventional thermal heating (TH), microwave (MW) and ultrasounds (US) irradiation is presented. Antimicrobial and antitumoral tests prove that some dihydroxyacetophenone compounds (the brominated derivatives BrDA 3) have a significant biological activity.