The Langmuir Monolayer as a Model Membrane System for Studying the Interactions of Poly(Butyl Cyanoacrylate) Nanoparticles with Phospholipids at the Air/Water Interface.

Poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) nanoparticles have numerous applications, including drug and gene delivery, molecular imaging, and cancer therapy. To uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying their interactions with cell membranes, we utilized a Langmuir monolayer as a model membrane system. This approach enabled us to investigate the processes of penetration and reorganization of PBCA nanoparticles when deposited in a phospholipid monolayer subphase.

Gingival Margin Damage During Supragingival Dental Polishing by Inexperienced Operator-Pilot Study.

Background: Supragingival polishing is a crucial part of nonsurgical periodontal therapy. In recent years, air polishing has been used for this purpose, introducing different polishing powders. The purpose of the following study was to investigate the damage to the gingival margin during air polishing by an inexperienced operator.

Impact of Ultrasound- and Microwave-Assisted Extraction on Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of and .

This study represents the first investigation into the ultrasonic and microwave extraction of bioactive metabolites from (red seaweed) and () (brown seaweed), with a focus on their biological activities. The research compares ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) utilizing a hydromethanolic solvent to evaluate their effects on these seaweeds' bioactive compounds and biological activities. The assessment included a series of antioxidant essays: DPPH, ABTS, phenanthroline, and total antioxidant capacity, followed by enzyme inhibition activities: alpha-amylase and urease.

BDNF/Cyclin D1 Signaling System and Cognitive Performance After Perampanel and Lacosamide Treatment Singly or in Combination in an Experimental Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a common brain function disorder. The present study aims to evaluate the long-term effect of perampanel (PRM) and lacosamide (LCM), administered singly in a high-dose or in a low-dose combination of both, on comorbid anxiety, cognitive impairment, BDNF, and Cyclin D1 hippocampal expression in an experimental model of temporal lobe epilepsy with lithium-pilocarpine. PRM (3 mg/kg, p.

Development and Characterization of Dual-Loaded Niosomal Ion-Sensitive In Situ Gel for Ocular Delivery.

The study investigates the development and characterization of dual-loaded niosomes incorporated into ion-sensitive in situ gel as a potential drug delivery platform for ophthalmic application. Cannabidiol (CBD) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) simultaneously loaded niosomes were prepared via the thin film hydration (TFH) method followed by pulsatile sonication and were subjected to comprehensive physicochemical evaluation. The optimal composition was included in a gellan gum-based in situ gel, and the antimicrobial activity, in vitro toxicity in a suitable corneal epithelial model (HaCaT cell line), and antioxidant potential of the hybrid system were further assessed.

Bilateral Symmetry in the Aesthetic Area Achieved by Digital Smile Design on 3D Virtual Patient and Conventional Diagnostic Wax-Up-A Comparative Study.

: Digital diagnostic waxing is a contemporary alternative to the conventional wax-up method. This study aims to evaluate the impact of both techniques on the perceived frontal symmetry in aesthetic treatment planning. Dental symmetry significantly influences smile perception and, consequently, the acceptance of treatment outcomes, highlighting its clinical importance in restorative dentistry.

Kolařík L., Horáková D., Vlčková J., Matoušková I.: Epidemiological situation of Hodgkin's lymphoma with predictive modeling of global incidence and mortality in 2040.

The Aim Of The Work: The aim of our work was to describe the current epidemiological situation of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) with a possible global prediction for the year 2040.

Methods: We obtained data on incidence and mortality of HL using the GLOBOCAN database. The rating was done specifically for men and women and together, with an age range of 0-85+ years.

MULTIPLE MUSHROOM-LIKE GROWING CYLINDROMAS OF THE SCALP (TURBAN TUMOR) IN A PATIENT WITH BROOKE-SPIEGLER SYNDROME: UNIQUE MANIFESTATION IN A BULGARIAN PATIENT.

Cutaneous cylindromas are rare, slow-growing adnexal tumors commonly found on the capillitium or face. When located on the capillitium, they can cluster together, forming a headgear-like structure that gives the characteristic "turban" appearance. Brooke-Spiegler syndrome, an autosomal dominant condition, is typically benign, though malignant transformation can occur.

DERMATOFIBROSARCOMA PROTUBERANS: WIDE LOCAL EXCISION AS DERMATOSURGICAL APPROACH WITH FAVOURABLE FINAL OUTCOME-CASE PRESENTATION AND SHORT UPDATE ON THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, low-grade cutaneous sarcoma typically found on the proximal extremities and the trunk, characterized by infiltrative growth and low risk of metastasis. High rates of local recurrence or relatively large tumor sizes can significantly complicate therapeutic management, particularly when 1) surgical intervention is not adequately performed and /or 2 access to newer medications is limited or their high cost imposes a financial burden on patients. We present the case of a 63-year-old male with a histologically confirmed dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, measuring 6 cm in diameter, located on the right dorsal region, accompanied by several confluent multifocal nodules situated infralaterally to the primary formation.

Sutureless FOCUS harmonic scalpel versus clamp-and-tie techniques for thyroidectomy: A meta-analysis of 43 randomized controlled trials.

Background: One of the most important surgical steps during thyroidectomy is the safe ligation of vessels. In fact, it is crucial to avoid postoperative bleeding and nerves' injury. The "clamp and tie" technique was first introduced in the 19th century.

State-of-the-Art Synthesis of Porous Polymer Materials and Their Several Fantastic Biomedical Applications: a Review.

Porous polymers, including hydrogels, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and hyper crosslinked polymers (HCPs), have become essential in biomedical research for their tunable pore architectures, large surface areas, and functional versatility. This review provides a comprehensive overview of their classification and updated synthesis mechanisms, such as 3D printing, electrospinning, and molecular imprinting. Their pivotal roles in drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound healing, and photodynamic/photothermal therapies, focusing on how pore size, distribution, and architecture impact drug release, cellular interactions, and therapeutic outcomes, are explored.

Characterization of the binding of the globular domains of the complement component C1q to phosphatidylserine.

C1q, the key component of the classical pathway of the Complement system, is known for its vast functional activity including clearance of apoptotic cells. The binding of C1q to apoptotic blebs occurs via an interaction with the phosphatidylserine externalized on the cell surface. In this study, we characterized the interaction between C1q and phosphatidylserine, with emphasis on the structure of the phosphatidylserine-binding site within the globular domains of C1q and the nature of binding of C1q with phosphatidylserine, using both in vitro and in silico methods.

An update on access to novel treatment for metastatic melanoma in Europe - A 2024 survey of the European melanoma registry and the European association of dermato-oncology.

Advances in cancer treatments have significantly improved their effectiveness, yet access to first-line therapies remains limited. A 2017 survey revealed that over 25 % of metastatic melanoma patients in Europe lacked access to recommended therapies. To address this, the European Association of Dermato-Oncology and the European Melanoma Registry conducted a follow-up study on the registration and reimbursement of first-line treatments.

Resilience in the Face of War: a Collaborative Autoethnography of a Ukrainian Refugee Student's Journey through Europe Striving to Find Oneself.

Objective: This study presents the personal experience of a 19-year-old student who fled the war in Ukraine, journeyed across multiple countries, and ultimately enrolled in a university psychology program in Croatia.

Methods: A collaborative autoethnographic approach was employed to explore the student's experience as a war refugee, traversing Europe, and beginning university life in a foreign country. Data were collected through the student's reflective writing.

Indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cause-of-death analysis of life expectancy changes in 24 countries, 2015 to 2022.

Worldwide, mortality was strongly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, both directly through COVID-19 deaths and indirectly through changes in other causes of death. Here, we examine the impact of the pandemic on COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 mortality in 24 countries: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, England and Wales, Hungary, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Poland, Russia, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. Using demographic decomposition methods, we compare age- and cause-specific contributions to changes in female and male life expectancy at birth in 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 with those before the COVID-19 pandemic (2015-2019).

Fabrication of hafnium-based nanoparticles and nanostructures using picosecond laser ablation.

This work presents a unique and straightforward method to synthesise hafnium oxide (HfO) and hafnium carbide (HfC) nanoparticles (NPs) and to fabricate hafnium nanostructures (NSs) on a Hf surface. Ultrafast picosecond laser ablation of the Hf metal target was performed in three different liquid media, namely, deionised water (DW), toluene, and anisole, to fabricate HfO and HfC NPs along with Hf NSs. Spherical HfO NPs and nanofibres were formed when Hf was ablated in DW.

Spotlight on the 2024 ESC/EACTS management of atrial fibrillation guidelines: 10 novel key aspects.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) have recently released the 2024 guidelines for the management of AF. This review highlights 10 novel aspects of the ESC/EACTS 2024 Guidelines.

Establishing a unified global framework for studying dementia knowledge: insights from a narrative review.

Background: With the global population aging rapidly, dementia has become a pressing public health challenge, affecting the cognitive functions and daily activities of older adults worldwide. Enhancing literacy about dementia is a proactive prevention strategy, yet the effectiveness of educational programs can vary based on the target population's background. Thus, understanding dementia knowledge levels across different communities and countries is essential for successful educational interventions.

Discontinuation of biologic and target-specific therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease that requires continuous treatment. Despite the excellent results, treatment with biologics and target-specific disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs often has to be interrupted due to insufficient therapeutic effectiveness, toxicity, or side effects.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the reasons and factors influencing treatment discontinuation with biologic and target-specific drugs among the Bulgarian patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

An attempt to integrate information from young children into parent/teacher-based mental health evaluation of child internalizing disorders in epidemiological surveys.

Background: To date, most large surveys on the mental health of children under 11 years old have relied exclusively on data collected from parents and teachers, with no information from children themselves. However, these children are valuable informants despite their young age.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of adding young children's self-evaluation of internalizing disorders to a combined teacher/parent-based algorithm using data from a European survey carried out in Italy, Bulgaria, and in the Netherlands.

Compliance and associated factors of personal protective equipment among sanitary workers in selected public hospitals, Eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study design.

Background: Adherence to the proper use of protective personal equipment (PPE) in health care facilities including public hospitals is challenging among sanitation workers(SWs) across the world in general and in developing countries in particular. Despite the emphasis inline up on various policies and guidelines for PPE use implementation, inconsistent use of PPE, disobedience to PPE regulations, negligence, ignorance, discomfort, and lacking infection prevention and control (IPC) practice have been identified as main associated factors. All these and other factors contributing for the non-compliance of PPE practice among SWs within the hospitals in nations with limited resources such as Ethiopia, as well as study regions.

Differential impact of impaired steryl ester biosynthesis on the metabolome of tomato fruits and seeds.

Steryl esters (SE) are a storage pool of sterols that accumulates in cytoplasmic lipid droplets and helps to maintain plasma membrane sterol homeostasis throughout plant growth and development. Ester formation in plant SE is catalyzed by phospholipid:sterol acyltransferase (PSAT) and acyl-CoA:sterol acyltransferase (ASAT), which transfer long-chain fatty acid groups to free sterols from phospholipids and acyl-CoA, respectively. Comparative mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analysis between ripe fruits and seeds of a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv Micro-Tom) mutant lacking functional PSAT and ASAT enzymes (slasat1xslpsat1) shows that disruption of SE biosynthesis has a differential impact on the metabolome of these organs, including changes in the composition of free and glycosylated sterols.

Model organisms for investigating the functional involvement of NRF2 in non-communicable diseases.

Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) are most commonly characterized by age-related loss of homeostasis and/or by cumulative exposures to environmental factors, which lead to low-grade sustained generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), chronic inflammation and metabolic imbalance. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NRF2) is a basic leucine-zipper transcription factor that regulates the cellular redox homeostasis. NRF2 controls the expression of more than 250 human genes that share in their regulatory regions a cis-acting enhancer termed the antioxidant response element (ARE).

Comparing immunogenicity and safety following transition from reference rituximab to biosimilar rituximab (DRL_RI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, phase 3 study.

Objectives: To assess immunogenicity and safety in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) transitioning from rituximab [US-licensed rituximab: Reference Product (RP); EU-approved rituximab: Reference Medicinal Product (RMP)] to DRL_RI (proposed rituximab biosimilar), in comparison to those continuing on RP/RMP.

Methods: This double-blind, randomized, Phase 3 study included 140 RA patients having prior exposure to RP/RMP; transitioned to DRL_RI (n = 70) or continued with RP/RMP (n = 70) for two 1000 mg infusions on Days 1 and 15. Assessments included Time-matched Rituximab Concentration (TMRC), anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and ADA titre over 12 weeks, and safety follow-up till 26 weeks.

Factors associated with placebo response rate in randomized controlled trials of antiseizure medications for focal epilepsy.

Objective: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of novel treatments for epilepsy. However, there have been concerning increases in the placebo responder rate over time. To understand these trends, we evaluated features associated with increased placebo responder rate.