Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Antidepressants, Depression and Neurocognitive Disorders.

The coexistence of dementia and depression in older populations presents a complex clinical challenge, with each condition often exacerbating the other. Cognitive decline can intensify mood disturbances, and untreated or recurring depression accelerates neurodegenerative processes. As depression is a recognized risk factor for dementia, it is crucial to address both conditions concurrently to prevent further deterioration.

Differential Biological Effects of Extracts-In Vitro Studies on Breast Cancer Models.

The increasing popularity of herbal supplements emphasizes the need of scientific data regarding their health benefits and possible toxicological concerns. The complexity of botanical extracts, which include thousands of distinct compounds, contributes to the challenging nature of this endeavor. In this study, we explored the hormetic effects of two extracts on breast cell lines.

Shedding light on DNA methylation and its clinical implications: the impact of long-read-based nanopore technology.

DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic mechanism for regulation of gene expression, through which many physiological (X-chromosome inactivation, genetic imprinting, chromatin structure and miRNA regulation, genome defense, silencing of transposable elements) and pathological processes (cancer and repetitive sequences-associated diseases) are regulated. Nanopore sequencing has emerged as a novel technique that can analyze long strands of DNA (long-read sequencing) without chemically treating the DNA. Interestingly, nanopore sequencing can also extract epigenetic status of the nucleotides (including both 5-Methylcytosine and 5-hydroxyMethylcytosine), and a large variety of bioinformatic tools have been developed for improving its detection properties.

Bacterial products initiation of alpha-synuclein pathology: an in vitro study.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a prevalent and escalating neurodegenerative disorder with significant societal implications. Despite being considered a proteinopathy, in which the aggregation of α-synuclein is the main pathological change, the intricacies of PD initiation remain elusive. Recent evidence suggests a potential link between gut microbiota and PD initiation, emphasizing the need to explore the effects of microbiota-derived molecules on neuronal cells.

Single-Component Starch-Based Hydrogels for Therapeutic Delivery.

Hydrogels are interesting materials as delivery systems of various therapeutic agents, mainly due to the water-swollen network and the localized and sustained drug release. Herein, single-component starch-based hydrogels with enhanced degradation rates were produced by applying a facile synthesis and proposed for a novel delivery system of therapeutic molecules. Starch was oxidized with sodium periodate in water and mild conditions to generate aldehyde derivatives that, after a freeze-thaw procedure, were allowed to compact and stable hydrogels.

Review of structural neuroimaging and genetic findings in autism spectrum disorder - a clinical perspective.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in social relationships and communication and restrictive, repetitive behaviors and interests. ASDs form a heterogeneous group from a clinical and genetic perspective. Currently, ASDs diagnosis is based on the clinical observation of the individual's behavior.

Space Travel: The Radiation and Microgravity Effects on the Cardiovascular System.

Space flight modulates the functions of the cardiovascular system. The exposure to space conditions can alter the cerebral blood flow, as well as the venous return. Anemia, cardiac output changes, and increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system can also be seen.

Hybrid Albumin-Decorated Lipid-Nanocarrier-Mediated Delivery of Polyphenol-Rich L. in a Potential Multiple Antitumoural Therapy.

The current research attempted to address the suitability of bioactive extract entrapped in albumin-decorated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as a promising "adjuvant" in improving tumour penetration for multiple antitumour therapy. The new hybrid albumin-decorated NLCs were characterised based on, e.g.

Extracellular Matrix Components and Mechanosensing Pathways in Health and Disease.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) are essential components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) with pivotal roles in cellular mechanosensing pathways. GAGs, such as heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), interact with various cell surface receptors, including integrins and receptor tyrosine kinases, to modulate cellular responses to mechanical stimuli. PGs, comprising a core protein with covalently attached GAG chains, serve as dynamic regulators of tissue mechanics and cell behavior, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis.

New Insights into the Link Between Melanoma and Obesity.

The significant increase in the incidence of obesity represents a global health crisis. Obesity is actually a multi-organ disease affecting the entire organism; hence, skin is no exception. As the functional alterations in the adipose tissue are contributing factors to many diseases, including cancer, recently, the link between the development of melanoma skin cancer and obesity gains increased attention.

Understanding the Complex Dynamics of Immunosenescence in Multiple Sclerosis: From Pathogenesis to Treatment.

Immunosenescence, the gradual deterioration of immune function with age, holds profound implications for our understanding and management of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Traditionally diagnosed in young adults, advancements in disease-modifying therapies and increased life expectancy have led to a growing number of older individuals with MS. This demographic shift underscores the need for a deeper investigation into how age-related alterations in immune function shape the course of MS, influencing disease progression, treatment effectiveness, and overall patient outcomes.

Skin Telocytes Could Fundament the Cellular Mechanisms of Wound Healing in Platelet-Rich Plasma Administration.

For more than 40 years, autologous platelet concentrates have been used in clinical medicine. Since the first formula used, namely platelet-rich plasma (PRP), other platelet concentrates have been experimented with, including platelet-rich fibrin and concentrated growth factor. Platelet concentrates have three standard characteristics: they act as scaffolds, they serve as a source of growth factors and cytokines, and they contain live cells.

Capsaicin: Emerging Pharmacological and Therapeutic Insights.

Capsaicin, the most prominent pungent compound of chilli peppers, has been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries; it already has a number of established clinical and industrial applications. Capsaicin is known to act through the TRPV1 receptor, which exists in various tissues; capsaicin is hepatically metabolised, having a half-life correlated with the method of application. Research on various applications of capsaicin in different formulations is still ongoing.

Chrysin-loaded calixarene-cyclodextrin ternary drug delivery system inhibits TGF-β and galectin-1 mediated pathways in diabetic liver fibrosis.

This study investigated the efficacy of a new chrysin-loaded calixarene-cyclodextrin ternary drug delivery system (DDS) in reversing liver fibrosis in a mouse model of chronic diabetes. The system was designed to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of chrysin (CHR) and calixarene 0118 (OTX008). Adult male CD1 mice received streptozotocin (STZ) injections to induce diabetes.

Multiplexed spatial transcriptomics methods and the application of expansion microscopy.

While spatial transcriptomics has undeniably revolutionized our ability to study cellular organization, it has driven the development of a great number of innovative transcriptomics methods, which can be classified into sequencing (ISS) methods, hybridization (ISH) techniques, and next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based sequencing with region capture. These technologies not only refine our understanding of cellular processes, but also open up new possibilities for breakthroughs in various research domains. One challenge of spatial transcriptomics experiments is the limitation of RNA detection due to optical crowding of RNA in the cells.

Neuroplasticity in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disorder, affecting millions of people and rapidly increasing over the last decades. Even though there is no intervention yet to stop the neurodegenerative pathology, many efficient treatment methods are available, including for patients with advanced PD. Neuroplasticity is a fundamental property of the human brain to adapt both to external changes and internal insults and pathological processes.

Visual Outcomes in Ectopia Lentis in Marfan Syndrome: A Study of Four Surgical Techniques in Children and Adults.

: To evaluate how the surgical technique and type of implanted intraocular lens influence the postoperative visual acuity and complications in ectopia lentis associated to Marfan syndrome patients. : The medical records and videos of ectopia lentis surgeries in patients (children and adults) with Marfan syndrome, were retrospectively reviewed and compared. The study included 33 eyes that underwent four different intraocular lens implantation (IOL) techniques: IOL in conjunction with a simple capsular tension ring, IOL in conjunction with a Cionni modified capsular tension ring (m-CTR), two-point scleral IOL fixation and IOL with one haptic in the bag and one haptic sutured to the sclera.

Skin Test Reactivity Patterns in Patients Allergic to Iodinated Contrast Media: A Refined View.

Background: Two-dimensional (2D) classifications of iodinated contrast media (ICM) are insufficient to explain the observed skin test (ST) reactivity patterns in patients with drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) to ICM.

Objective: To refine the current view on allergic DHRs to ICM by analyzing ST reactivity patterns in patients with previous reactions to ICM.

Methods: Patients with a history of DHR to ICM and positive STs, who presented at the University Hospital of Montpellier between 2004 and 2022, were included in the study.

Oral Hygiene Profile of Schoolchildren from Bucharest, Romania-How It Can Be Used and Improved for Better Prevention of Oral Diseases.

Background: Oral hygiene is essential for low caries or gingivitis prevalence in children. This study aimed to determine the oral hygiene profile of children from secondary schools (10-17 years) in Bucharest, Romania, and to explore options for preventing their future oral diseases.

Methods: The study was cross-sectional, with a sample of n = 1595 pupils.

In Silico and In Vitro Studies on an Asymmetrical Porphyrin Derivative with Therapeutic Potential in Skin Disorders.

For developing novel photosensitizers with therapeutic potential in non-malignant and malignant cutaneous disorders, the unsymmetrical porphyrin, 5-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-10, 15, 20--(4-carboxymethylphenyl) porphyrin, was evaluated and The cellular uptake of the investigated porphyrin and its ability to perform photodynamic therapy were investigated in terms of the viability, proliferation, and necrosis of human HaCaT keratinocytes and human Hs27 skin fibroblasts, in correlation with the predictions regarding diffusion through cell membranes, ADMET profile (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, toxicity), and potential pharmacological mechanism. Molecular docking and 250 ns molecular dynamics simulations revealed that P5.2 has the potential to form a relatively stable complex with the carbonic anhydrase IX catalytic site, the lowest predicted free energy of binding (MM/PBSA) being -39.

Management of SARS-CoV-2 Prevention Methods in Dental Offices-A Cross-Sectional Study in Bucharest, Romania.

We compared the managing of prevention methods for SARS-CoV-2 infections in dental offices before and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to find out the varieties of infection prevention methods used by dentists before and during the pandemic and compare them. We designed a digital transversal questionnaire with 15 closed questions that was sent to 150 dentists in Bucharest, Romania.