Publications by authors named "Petrescu S"

Background: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a frequent malignancy with a poor survival rate. HBV infection results in significant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling, a contributing factor to carcinogenesis. As part of the UPR, the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway is responsible for removing the burden of misfolded secretory proteins, to re-establish cellular homeostasis.

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Bimetallic (Ta/Ti, V, Co, Nb) mesoporous MCM-41 nanoparticles were obtained by direct synthesis and hydrothermal treatment. The obtained mesoporous materials were characterized by XRD, XRF, N adsorption/desorption, SEM, TEM, XPS, Raman, UV-Vis, and PL spectroscopy. A more significant effect was observed on the mesoporous structure, typically for MCM-41, and on optic properties if the second metal (Ti, Co) did not belong to the same Vb group with Ta as V and Nb.

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Although the microwave-assisted sol-gel method is quite frequently used for the preparation of oxide nanostructures, the synergism of the reaction pathways is not fully explained. However, state-of-the-art theoretical and practical results of high novelty can be achieved by continuously evaluating the as-synthesized materials. The present paper presents a comparative study of Mn-doped ZnO nanopowders prepared by both sol-gel and microwave-assisted sol-gel methods.

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The development of the finite element method (FEM) combined block polynomial interpolation with the concepts of finite difference formats and the variation principle. Because of this combination, the FEM overcomes the shortcomings of traditional variation methods while maintaining the benefits of current variation methods and the flexibility of the finite difference method. As a result, the FEM is an advancement above the traditional variation methods.

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(1) Background: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, highlighting the pressing need for effective antioxidant interventions. (2) Methods: In this study, we aimed to develop and characterise two novel antioxidant formulations, F3 and F4, as therapeutic interventions for oxidative stress-related conditions. (3) Results: The physicochemical characterisation, preformulation analysis, formulation, preparation of filling powders for capsules, capsule content evaluation, and antioxidant activity assessment of the two novel antioxidant formulations were assessed.

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Article Synopsis
  • Malocclusions are becoming more common across generations, influenced by climate change and pollution, which impact nutrition and overall development, particularly of the head and face.
  • The study involved 4,147 children from Vâlcea County, Romania, exploring the prevalence of malocclusions based on Angle's classification, age, gender, and urban versus rural backgrounds.
  • Results showed that Angle class I malocclusions were most prevalent (48.78%), followed by class II (45.85%) and class III (5.37%), with higher occurrences in females and urban areas.
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Background And Purpose: The TRPM8 ion channel is involved in innocuous cold sensing and has a potent anti-inflammatory action. Its activation by lower temperature or chemical agonists such as menthol and icilin induces analgesic effects, reversing hypersensitivity and reducing chronic pain. On the other hand, prostacyclin (PGI) enhances pain and inflammation by activating the IP receptors.

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A major clinical challenge today is the large number of bone defects caused by diseases or trauma. The development of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds with adequate properties is crucial for successful bone repair. In this study, we prepared biomimetic mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG)-based scaffolds with and without ceria addition (up to 3 mol %) to explore the biological structure and chemical composition of the marine sponge Spongia Agaricina (SA) as a sacrificial template.

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Pancreatic beta cells produce and secrete insulin as a response to rises in blood glucose. Despite the advances in understanding glucose-regulated insulin transcription and translation the mechanisms triggering the synthesis of new insulin molecules are still incompletely described. In this report, we identify EDEM1 as a new modulator of insulin synthesis and secretion.

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Zeolite Y samples with microporous and hierarchical structures containing Ti-Ni and Ti-Co oxides were obtained as active photocatalysts. Different Ti amounts (5, 10% TiO) were supported, followed by the loading of Ni or Co oxides (5%). X-ray diffraction evidenced the presence of TiO as an anatase.

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The excess of free radicals causes numerous imbalances in the body that lead to premature aging, the degradation of internal structures, and the appearance of numerous pathologies responsible for the increased risk of premature death. The present work aims to evaluate the physical, chemical, pharmacotechnical, and antioxidant activity of newly achieved capsule formulations. These two formulations were , which contains melatonin:biotin:coenzyme Q10 (weight ratio of 1:2:60), and which contains quercetin:resveratrol:biotin:coenzyme Q10 (weight ratio of 10:10:1:10).

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The impact of the peptide amino acids side-chain modifications on the immunological recognition has been scarcely explored. We investigate here the effect of methionine oxidation on the antigenicity of the melanoma immunodominant peptide 369-YMDGTMSQV-377 (YMD). Using CD8 T cell activation assays, we found that the antigenicity of the sulfoxide form is higher when compared to the YMD peptide.

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Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) protein is a multimembrane spanning protein of the lysosome limiting membrane that facilitates intracellular cholesterol and sphingolipid transport. Loss-of-function mutations in the NPC1 protein cause Niemann-Pick disease type C1, a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol and sphingolipids within lysosomes. To investigate whether the NPC1 protein could also play a role in the maturation of the endolysosomal pathway, here, we have investigated its role in a lysosome-related organelle, the melanosome.

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A new series of nanostructured materials was obtained by functionalization of SBA-15 mesoporous silica with Ru(II) and Ru(III) complexes bearing Schiff base ligands derived from salicylaldehyde and various amines (1,2-diaminocyclohexane, 1,2-phenylenediamine, ethylenediamine, 1,3-diamino-2-propanol, N,N-dimethylethylenediamine, 2-aminomethyl-pyridine, and 2-(2-aminoethyl)-pyridine). The incorporation of ruthenium complexes into the porous structure of SBA-15 and the structural, morphological, and textural features of the resulting nanostructured materials were investigated by FTIR, XPS, TG/DTA, zeta potential, SEM, and N physisorption. The ruthenium complex-loaded SBA-15 silica samples were tested against A549 lung tumor cells and MRC-5 normal lung fibroblasts.

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The finite element method (FEM) is a computational method that can solve all biomechanical problems, including the field of orthodontics. The purpose of this virtual experimental study is to determine the behavior of a real orthodontic system subjected to different systems of loads. To analyze the real orthodontic system, we studied the case of a 21-year-old female patient.

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Using the microwave-assisted sol-gel method, Zn- and Cu-doped TiO nanoparticles with an anatase crystalline structure were prepared. Titanium (IV) butoxide was used as a TiO precursor, with parental alcohol as a solvent and ammonia water as a catalyst. Based on the TG/DTA results, the powders were thermally treated at 500 °C.

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Background: Circular stapler anastomosis is a common surgical procedure. Despite technological advancements, anastomotic leak remains a postoperative concern. Assessment of new technologies is impeded by variations in test methods and analysis, precluding outcome reproducibility and direct comparisons of results across studies.

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Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that can rapidly invade distant organs. A distinctive feature of melanomas is their pigmentation status, as melanin is present in most skin melanomas, whilst many metastatic tumors could become amelanotic. Besides the obvious malfunction of the key genes of the melanin pathway, the amelanotic tumors could bear a characteristic molecular signature accounting for their aggressivity.

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N-glycosylation is a key process for various biological functions like protein folding, maturation and sorting for the conventional secretory compartment, cell-cell communication and immune response. This is usually accomplished by a complex system of mannosidases in which those from class I have an outstanding role, commonly involved in the early protein sorting associated to the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) in the N-glycan dependent quality control (ERQC) and ER-associated degradation (ERAD). Although these are vital processes in maintaining cellular homeostasis, large-scale analysis studies for this pool of molecules, further denoted as proteins from the early secretory pathway (ESP), were limited addressed.

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Malocclusions negatively influence dental function, physical well-being, and quality of life. According to data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), malocclusions represent the third most widespread oral health problem, after dental caries and periodontal diseases. In recent years, more and more people call for orthodontic treatment with fixed braces that aim at establishing a dental, aesthetic, and functional balance, compatible with a normal life.

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Background And Objectives: COVID-19-related inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulopathy may increase the bleeding risk and lower the efficacy of revascularization treatments in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We aimed to evaluate the safety and outcomes of revascularization treatments in patients with AIS and COVID-19.

Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients with AIS receiving intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or endovascular treatment (EVT) between March 2020 and June 2021 tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.

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Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral malignancy, with a high death rate and an inadequate response to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. Medical research explores plant extracts' properties to obtain potential nanomaterial-based anticancer drugs. The present study aims to formulate, develop, and characterize mucoadhesive oral films loaded with (L.

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For environmental applications, nanosized TiO-based materials are known as the most important photocatalyst and are intensively studied for their advantages such as their higher activity, lower price, and chemical and photoresist properties. Zn or Cu doped TiO nanoparticles with anatase crystalline structure were synthesized by sol-gel process. Titanium (IV) butoxide was used as a TiO precursor, with parental alcohol as a solvent, and a hydrolysing agent (ammonia-containing water) was added to obtain a solution with pH 10.

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Medical research explores plant extracts' properties to obtain potential anticancer drugs. The present study aims to formulate, develop, and characterize the bioadhesive oral films containing (L.) dry ethanol extract (F-UBE-HPC) and to investigate their anticancer potential for possible use in oral cancer therapy.

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The oral cavity's common pathologies are tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral cancer; oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral malignancy, with a high mortality rate. Our study aims to formulate, develop, characterize, and pharmacologically investigate the oral mucoadhesive patches (F-UBE-HPMC) loaded with (L.) F.

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