A precise targeting of Staphylococcus aureus with phage RBP-decorated antibiotic-loaded nanoparticles.

Resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, which have emerged due to the excessive and indiscriminate use of antibiotics, have become one of the most significant causes of hospital-acquired infections, highlighting the necessity for specific and effective alternative methods in combating them. Leveraging the therapeutic potential of bacteriophage receptor binding protein (RBP), which occurs unique and irreversible binding of its host, in recognizing bacteria renders them valuable components in the development of targeted nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, and offers promising approach to combat antibiotic resistance. In this study, synthesis and characterization of rifampicin-loaded PLGA nanoparticle (RIF-NP) were conducted and for selective targeting of S.

Phage-inspired targeting of antibiotic-loaded polymeric micelles for enhanced therapeutic efficacy against monomicrobial sepsis.

The rapid increase in bacterial resistance to existing treatments underscores the critical need for novel therapeutic strategies. Here, an innovative approach using targeted nanocarrier systems that mimic phage-bacteria interactions through phage receptor binding protein (Gp45 from the ϕ11 lysogenic phage) or derived peptides (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5), are introduced. These nanodrugs, exhibited receptor-ligand specificity and strong binding affinity, for the first time, were employed for the precise delivery and targeting of antibiotics within living organisms.

Associations Between Upper Extremity Function, Activities of Daily Living, and Functional Capacity in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Objective: Limited information is available regarding the associations between upper extremity function, activities of daily living (ADLs), and functional capacity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This study aimed to investigate the associations between upper extremity function, ADLs, and functional capacity in patients with HFrEF.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 31 patients with HFrEF.

Reliability and validity of the Londrina activities of daily living protocol in individuals with systemic sclerosis.

Purpose: To investigate the validity and reliability of the Londrina ADL Protocol in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods: The study included 39 individuals with SSc and 30 healthy participants aged 18-70 years. Performance-related ADL assessment was performed with the Londrina ADL Protocol which was performed twice by the same rater and energy expenditure during the test with the Dynaport Move Monitor device.

Measurement Properties and Determinants of the 6-Minute Walk Test in Patients with Lower Limb Lymphedema.

The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability and identify determinants of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with lower limb lymphedema (LLL). The study included 28 patients with LLL and 28 healthy subjects. To investigate the convergent validity and determinants of the 6MWT, patients were assessed using the following measurements: circumference measurement for lymphedema severity, hand-held dynamometry for muscle strength, time up and go for functional mobility, five-time sit-to-stand test for functional lower extremity strength, Lower Extremity Functional Scale for lower extremity functionality, Lymphedema Life Impact Scale for quality of life, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form for physical activity level.

Manufacturing Radially Aligned PCL Nanofibers Reinforced With Sulfated Levan and Evaluation of its Biological Activity for Healing Tympanic Membrane Perforations.

The main objective of this study is to construct radially aligned PCL nanofibers reinforced with levan polymer and investigate their in vitro biological activities thoroughly. First Halomonas levan (HL) polysaccharide is hydrolyzed (hHL) and subjected to sulfation to attain Sulfated hydrolyzed Halomonas levan (ShHL)-based material indicating heparin mimetic properties. Then, optimization studies are carried out to produce coaxially generated radially aligned Poly(caprolactone) (PCL) -ShHL nanofibers via electrospinning.

RABV antigenic peptide loaded polymeric nanoparticle production, characterization, and preliminary investigation of its biological activity.

Nanoparticle-based antigen carrier systems have become a significant area of research with the advancement of nanotechnology. Biodegradable polymers have emerged as particularly promising carrier vehicles due to their ability to address the limitations of existing vaccine systems. In this study, we successfully encapsulated the G5-24 linear peptide, located between amino acids 253 and 275 in the primary sequence of the rabies virus G protein, into biodegradable and biocompatible PLGA copolymer using the double emulsion solvent evaporation method.

Sinapic-Acid-Loaded Nanoparticles Optimized via Experimental Design Methods: Cytotoxic, Antiapoptotoic, Antiproliferative, and Antioxidant Activity.

Nanoparticles are frequently investigated as carrier systems that increase the biological activities of hydrophobic molecules, especially by providing them with water solubility. Sinapic acid (Sa), commonly found in plants, is a phenolic compound with a wide spectrum of biological activities and extensive pharmacological properties. The aim of this study was the synthesis/characterization of optimized sinapic-acid-loaded poly(lactic--glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (SaNPs) to improve the solubility of sinapic acid (Sa) that limit its use in the biological system and investigate the biological activities of these nanoparticles in the breast cancer cell line.

Micelles of poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate] as delivery vehicles for zinc phthalocyanine photosensitizers.

Drug-loaded polymeric micelles have proven to be highly effective carrier systems for the efficient delivery of hydrophobic photosensitizers (PSs) in photodynamic therapy (PDT). This study introduces the micellization potential of poly(oligoethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) (pOEGMA) as a novel approach, utilizing the hydrophobic methacrylate segments of pOEGMA to interact with highly hydrophobic zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc), thereby forming a potential micellar drug carrier system. The ZnPc molecule was synthesized from phthalonitrile derivatives and its fluorescence, photodegradation, and singlet oxygen quantum yields were determined in various solvents.

Construction of recombinant Omp25 or EipB protein loaded PLGA nanovaccines for Brucellosis protection.

Safe and effective vaccine candidates are needed to address the limitations of existing vaccines against Brucellosis, a disease responsible for substantial economic losses in livestock. The present study aimed to encapsulate recombinant Omp25 and EipB proteins, knowledged antigen properties, into PLGA nanoparticles, characterize synthesized nanoparticles with different methods, and assessed their/immunostimulatory activities to develop new vaccine candidates. The recombinant Omp25 and EipB proteins produced with recombinant DNA technology were encapsulated into PLGA nanoparticles by double emulsion solvent evaporation technique.

The Intrarater and Interrater Reliability and Validity of Universal Goniometer, Digital Inclinometer, and Smartphone Application Measuring Range of Motion in Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the intrarater and interrater reliability and validity of range of motion measurements obtained with a universal goniometer, digital inclinometer, and smartphone application in patients with total knee arthroplasty.

Methods: Range of motion of the knee joint was measured by two examiners with a universal goniometer, digital inclinometer, and a smartphone application. Data were obtained from 51 knees of 27 patients at postoperative 6 months.

Targeted delivery of rifaximin using P6.2-decorated bifunctional PLGA nanoparticles for combating Staphylococcus aureus infections.

The emergence of antibiotic resistance makes the treatment of bacterial infections difficult and necessitates the development of alternative strategies. Targeted drug delivery systems are attracting great interest in overcoming the limitations of traditional antibiotics. Here, we aimed for targeted delivery of rifaximin (RFX) by decorating RFX-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) with synthetic P6.

Functional capacity, physical activity, and arterial stiffness in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objectives: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex immune-mediated connective tissue disease, involving skin manifestations, vascular features, and organ-based complications that may affect functional capacity and physical activity. Functional capacity and physical activity are associated with arterial stiffness; however, this relationship has not been evaluated in patients with SSc. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the association of functional capacity and physical activity with arterial stiffness in patients with SSc.

Propolis-Loaded Poly(lactic--glycolic Acid) Nanofibers: An Study.

Nanofibers have high potential through their high porosity, small pore sizes, lightweight materials, and their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix structure for use in the manufacture of wound dressings for wound treatment. In this study, poly(lactic--glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers were produced by electrospinning. Propolis was loaded into the PLGA nanofibers by the dropping method.

Host-Guest Interactions of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester with β-Cyclodextrins: Preparation, Characterization, and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity.

The aim of this study is to improve the solubility, chemical stability, and biological activity of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) by forming inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (Hβ-CD) using the solvent evaporation method. The CAPE contents of the produced complexes were determined, and the complexes with the highest CAPE contents were selected for further characterization. Detailed characterization of inclusion complexes was performed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS).

Ketoconazole-loading strategy to improve antifungal activity and overcome cytotoxicity on human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells.

Ketoconazole (KTZ), an antifungal agent used to treat localized or systemic fungal infections by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis, exhibits restricted efficacy within eukaryotic cells owing to its elevated toxicity and limited solubility in water. This study aims to improve the biological activity and overcome cytotoxic effects in the renal system of the hydrophobic KTZ by incorporating it into poly(lactic--glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) utilizing biomaterial nano-engineering techniques. KTZ-loaded PLGA NPs (KTZ-NPs) were prepared by single emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterized by using dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoretic light scattering (ELS), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning light microscopy (SEM).

Determinants of Six-Minute Walk Test Performance in Women with Systemic Sclerosis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of six-minute walk test (6MWT) distance in women with systemic sclerosis.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 36 women with systemic sclerosis were assessed using the Medsger Systemic Sclerosis Severity Scale (MSS), modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), University of California Scleroderma Clinical Study Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract Scale, quadriceps strength measurement, Milliken Activities of Daily Living Scale (MAS), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The 6MWT was performed to assess the participants' functional capacity and examine factors affecting functional capacity.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension.

The study aimed to examine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). A total of 24 patients with PH were included in the randomized controlled evaluator-blind study. IMT was performed at 40% to 60% of the maximal inspiratory pressure for 30 min/d, 7 d/wk (1 day supervised) for 8 weeks.

Effects of high intensity interval-based inspiratory muscle training in patients with heart failure: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Background: Given the promising effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT), determining the most appropriate IMT protocol will optimize the training benefits.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of high intensity interval-based inspiratory muscle training (H-IMT) on cardiovascular, pulmonary, physical, and psychosocial functions in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods: Thirty-four patients with HFrEF were randomly assigned to the H-IMT or control group for 3 days/week, 8 weeks training period.

Which field test should be used to compare the functional exercise capacities of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy? Cross-sectional study.

Background: The 6-minute step test (6MST) has begun to be used as a simple and effective alternative for assessing functional exercise capacity. There is no study using 6MSTs to evaluate the exercise capacities of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Objective: To compare the cardiorespiratory responses of the 6-minute walk test (MWT) and the 6MST exercise tests and to analyze the usability of the 6MST in Type 2 DM patients with and without neuropathy.

Comparison of physiological responses after incremental shuttle walking test and 6-minute walk test in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Background: The 6‑minute walk test (6MWT) is a commonly used to evaluate exercise capacity in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), but there was no study using the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) for assessing exercise capacity and comparing the patient's cardiorespiratory responses to these tests. The aim was to investigate the usability and determinants of the ISWT in patients with SSc and compare the physiological responses after the ISWT and 6MWT.

Methods: A total of thirty four female patients with SSc were included.

Determinants of gait speed in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Objective: Given the prognostic significance of gait speed, there is insufficient evidence about possible functional determinants of gait speed in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the functional determinants of gait speed in patients with HFrEF.

Methods: Fifty-nine patients with HFrEF participated in this cross-sectional study.

The comparison of physical fitness and anaerobic capacity in asthmatic and non-asthmatic children.

Introduction And Objective: Asthma, is the most common chronic inflammatory disease in childhood period. It can affect the daily life to an advanced level and may become vital. The purpose of this study is to compare physical fitness and anaerobic capacity in asthmatic children (AC) and non-asthmatic children (NC).

Assessment of psychometric properties, cross-cultural adaptation, and translation of the Turkish version of the ICU mobility scale.

Background/aim: The aim of the study was to carry out the cultural adaptation and translation of the ICU mobility scale (IMS) into Turkish and research the psychometric properties.

Materials And Methods: This study was based on methodological design. The IMS was translated from English to the Turkish through a regularised translation process.