Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance Among Isolates of spp. and spp. in Wildlife and Their Environment from Portugal: A Positive Epidemiologic Outcome.

One of the significant challenges facing modern medicine is the rising rate of antibiotic resistance, which impacts public health, animal health, and environmental preservation. Evaluating antibiotic resistance in wildlife and their environments is crucial, as it offers essential insights into the dynamics of resistance patterns and promotes strategies for monitoring, prevention, and intervention. and genera isolates were recovered from fecal samples of wild animals and environmental samples using media without antibiotic supplementation.

Survey and Identification of Fusarium Head Blight Pathogens of Wheat in the Western Cape Region of South Africa.

head blight (FHB) is a major disease affecting wheat production worldwide, caused by multiple species. In this study, seven strains were isolated from wheat fields across the Western Cape region of South Africa and identified through phylogenetic analysis. The strains were classified into three species complexes: the species complex (FGSC), species complex (FIESC), and species complex (FTSC).

Clinical Characteristics, Laboratory Parameters, and Molecular Epidemiology of Neuroinvasive Flavivirus Infections in a Hotspot Region of Eastern Croatia.

Neuroinvasive flaviviruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are widely distributed in continental Croatian regions. We analyzed clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and molecular epidemiology of neuroinvasive flavivirus infections in eastern Croatia. A total of 43 patients with confirmed flavivirus infection hospitalized from 2017 to 2023 were included in the study.

Differentiation of and by Metabolite Profiles Obtained Using Gold Nanoparticles-Based Surface-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

and are challenging to differentiate using methods such as phenotyping, 16S rRNA sequencing, or protein profiling through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) due to their close relatedness. This study explores the potential for identifying and by incorporating reference spectra of metabolite profiles, obtained via surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI MS) employing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), into the Bruker Biotyper database. Metabolite extracts from and cells were prepared using liquid-liquid extraction in a chloroform-methanol-water system.

Relationship of Thyroid Volume and Function with Carotid and Femoral Intima-Media Thickness in Euthyroid People Aged 18-65 Taking into Account the Impact of Diabetes, Hypertension, and Excess Body Mass.

The interrelationship of thyroid volume and function with features of cardiovascular dysfunction has already been investigated but some aspects remain unclear, especially in terms of subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction in euthyroid patients. Intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement in ultrasound B-mode imaging in different vascular beds (most frequently within the common carotid artery) is one of the most important tools for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in both clinical practice and research. This article aimed to present the results of our research on the association between the thyroid evaluation parameters and the IMT measured in both the carotid and femoral arteries in euthyroid patients aged 18 to 65 years taking into account the influence of diabetes, hypertension, and excess body mass.

Activity of Selected Bone Formation and Angiogenesis Markers During the Treatment of Limb Length Discrepancy in Children Using Distraction Osteogenesis with the Circular Hexapod External Fixator.

Limb lengthening and deformity correction techniques, particularly distraction osteogenesis, have significantly evolved in pediatric orthopedics. This study examines the temporal changes of key biochemical markers-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1), and the propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP)-during the limb lengthening process. Twenty pediatric patients (aged 13-16) underwent distraction osteogenesis using the Circular Hexapod External Fixator.

Diagnostic Utility of Procalcitonin and Lactate Determination in Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Diagnosis of Neonatal Meningitis.

: The diagnosis of meningitis is based on microbiological analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid, and the evaluation of cytosis and biochemical parameters such as protein and glucose levels. Sometimes when there is a traumatic lumber puncture, the cerebrospinal fluid is bloody, which makes it difficult to diagnose. The objective of the study was to examine the performance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) procalcitonin (PCT) and lactate as potential markers for the diagnosis of meningitis in neonates.

Short Course of Systemic Steroids for Acute Respiratory Diseases During Infancy and Final Adult Height, Weight, and BMI: Preliminary Results from a Prospective Cohort Study.

Systemic corticosteroids are frequently used to manage acute respiratory diseases in infancy, but concerns about the long-term impacts on growth remain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of short courses of systemic steroids administered exclusively during infancy on final adult height, weight, and BMI, adjusted by sex and cumulative steroid use. : A prospective cohort study was conducted including 257 participants (49.

Phenotypes, Genotypes, Treatment, and Outcomes of 14 Children with Sitosterolemia at Vietnam National Children's Hospital.

: Sitosterolemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diverse clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic cases to the development of xanthomas, hypercholesterolemia, premature atherosclerosis, or even sudden death during childhood. It results from homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in the or genes. Prompt detection and intervention are essential to managing this condition and preventing severe outcomes.

Colorimetric Detection of Dopamine Based on Peroxidase-like Activity of β-CD Functionalized AuNPs.

Catalytically active nanomaterials, or nanozymes, have gained significant attention as alternatives to natural enzymes due to their low cost, ease of preparation, and enhanced stability. Because of easy preparation, excellent biocompatibility, and unique optoelectronic properties, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have attracted increasing attention in many fields, including nanozymes. In this work, we demonstrated the applicability of beta-cyclodextrin functionalized gold nanoparticles (β-CD-AuNPs) as enzyme mimics for different substances, including TMB and DA.

Evaluation of Mechanochemically Prepared CePO∙HO Nanoparticles as UV Filter for Photoprotective Formulations.

Rhabdophane, CePO∙HO, nanoparticles were prepared by mechanochemical synthesis with different durations and thoroughly characterized by various characterization techniques. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the optimal synthesis duration was 15 min, since, in this case, pure rhabdophane is obtained, without traces of contamination by the vessel material. The size of the obtained nanoparticles, as determined from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images, was around 5 nm.

NMR and MD Simulations of Non-Ionic Surfactants.

Non-ionic surfactants are an important solvent in the field of green chemistry with tremendous application potential. Understanding their phase properties in bulk or in confined environments is of high commercial value. In recent years, the combination of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with multinuclear solid-state NMR spectroscopy and calorimetric techniques has evolved into the most powerful tool for their investigation.

Guanidines Conjugated with Cell-Penetrating Peptides: A New Approach for the Development of Antileishmanial Molecules.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania, which has visceral and cutaneous forms. The symptoms of leishmaniasis include high fever and weakness, and the cutaneous infection also causes lesions under the skin. The drugs used to treat leishmaniasis have become less effective due to the resistance mechanisms of the protozoa.

Extracellular Vesicles as Tools for Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier to Treat Lysosomal Storage Diseases.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized, membrane-bound structures that have emerged as promising tools for drug delivery, especially in the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. This review highlights the unique properties of EVs, such as their biocompatibility, capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and potential for therapeutic cargo loading, including that of enzymes and genetic material. Current therapies for LSDs, like enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), often fail to address neurological symptoms due to their inability to cross the BBB.

Investigation of the Effects of Fosfomycin in Kidney Damage Caused by CLP-Induced Sepsis.

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition characterized by dysregulated host responses to infection, often leads to multi-organ dysfunction, including kidney injury. Kidney damage in sepsis can have severe consequences and is associated with high mortality rates. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of fosfomycin (FOS), a broad-spectrum antibiotic with immunomodulatory properties, on kidney damage induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis in a rodent model.

Four-Dimensional Printing of β-Tricalcium Phosphate-Modified Shape Memory Polymers for Bone Scaffolds in Osteochondral Regeneration.

The use of scaffolds for osteochondral tissue regeneration requires an appropriate selection of materials and manufacturing techniques that provide the basis for supporting both cartilage and bone tissue formation. As scaffolds are designed to replicate a part of the replaced tissue and ensure cell growth and differentiation, implantable materials have to meet various biological requirements, e.g.

Design, Synthesis, Anticancer Screening, and Mechanistic Study of Spiro-N-(4-sulfamoyl-phenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-carboxamide Derivatives.

The present study aims to create spiro-N-(4-sulfamoyl-phenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-carboxamide derivatives with anticancer activities. The in vitro anticancer evaluation showed that only the novel spiro-acenaphthylene tethered-[1,3,4]-thiadiazole (compound ) exhibited significant anticancer efficacy as a selective inhibitor of tumor-associated isoforms of carbonic anhydrase. Compound demonstrated considerable efficacy against the renal RXF393, colon HT29, and melanoma LOX IMVI cancer cell lines, with IC values of 7.

Proteins and DNA Sequences Interacting with Tanshinones and Tanshinone Derivatives.

Tanshinones, biologically active diterpene compounds derived from , interact with specific proteins and DNA sequences, influencing signaling pathways in animals and humans. This study highlights tanshinone-protein interactions observed at concentrations achievable in vivo, ensuring greater physiological relevance compared to in vitro studies that often employ supraphysiological ligand levels. Experimental data suggest that while tanshinones interact with multiple proteomic targets, only a few enzymes are significantly affected at biologically relevant concentrations.

Alcohol Consumption and Autoimmune Diseases.

Alcohol is the second-most misused substance after tobacco. It has been identified as a causal factor in more than 200 diseases and 5.3% of all deaths and is associated with significant behavioral, social, and economic difficulties.

MK-8776 and Olaparib Combination Acts Synergistically in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells, Demonstrating Lack of Adverse Effects on Liver Tissues in Ovarian Cancer PDX Model.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells critically depend on PARP1 and CHK1 activation for survival. Combining the PARP inhibitor (PARPi) olaparib with a CHK1 inhibitor (MK-8776, CHK1i) produced a synergistic effect, reducing cell viability and inducing marked oxidative stress and DNA damage, particularly in the HepG2 cells. This dual treatment significantly increased apoptosis markers, including γH2AX and caspase-3/7 activity.

Resilience of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats to Secondary Insults After Traumatic Brain Injury: Immediate Seizures, Survival, and Stress Response.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the primary causes of mortality and disability, with arterial blood pressure being an important factor in the clinical management of TBI. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), widely used as a model of essential hypertension and vascular dementia, demonstrate dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which may contribute to glucocorticoid-mediated hippocampal damage. The aim of this study was to assess acute post-TBI seizures, delayed mortality, and hippocampal pathology in SHRs and normotensive Sprague Dawley rats (SDRs).

The Role of Nutrition, Oxidative Stress, and Trace Elements in the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, alongside repetitive behaviors, and atypical sensory-motor patterns. The growing prevalence of ASD has driven substantial advancements in research aimed at understanding its etiology, preventing its onset, and mitigating its impact. This ongoing effort necessitates continuous updates to the body of knowledge and the identification of previously unexplored factors.

Re-Sensitization of Resistant Ovarian Cancer SKOV3/CDDP Cells to Cisplatin by Curcumin Pre-Treatment.

A major challenging problem facing effective ovarian cancer therapy is cisplatin resistance. Re-sensitization of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin (CDDP) has become a critical issue. Curcumin (CUR), the most abundant dietary polyphenolic curcuminoids derived from turmeric (), has achieved previously significant anti-cancer effects against human ovarian adenocarcinoma SKOV-3/CDDP cisplatin-resistant cells by inhibition the gene expression of the antioxidant enzymes (, , , and ), transcription factor and signaling pathway (//).

A Senescent Cluster in Aged Human Hematopoietic Stem Cell Compartment as Target for Senotherapy.

To identify the differences between aged and young human hematopoiesis, we performed a direct comparison of aged and young human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Alterations in transcriptome profiles upon aging between humans and mice were then compared. Human specimens consist of CD34+ cells from bone marrow, and mouse specimens of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs; Lin- Kit+ Sca1+ CD150+).

Charge Reversal of the Uppermost Arginine in Sliding Helix S4-I Affects Gating of Cardiac Sodium Channel.

Several mutations of the uppermost arginine, R219, in the voltage-sensing sliding helix S4 of cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5 are reported in the ClinVar databases, but the clinical significance of the respective variants is unknown (VUSs). AlphaFold 3 models predicted a significant downshift of S4 in the R219C VUS.