Green Synthesis of Antibacterial CuO Nanoparticles Based on the Synergy Between Snail Mucus and Ascorbic Acid.

Many biologically active compounds have been identified in the mucus of the garden snail , which are effective in the treatment of several diseases such as cancer, ulcers, wounds, etc. The incorporation of these compounds into the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuONPs-Muc) was demonstrated in our previous study. Based on the synergistic effect of two reducing agents- snail mucus and ascorbic acid (AsA)-on CuSO.

Black Chokeberry () Juice Supplementation Affects Age-Related Myocardial Remodeling in Rats.

Background: Cardiac aging is associated with myocardial remodeling and reduced angiogenesis. Counteracting these changes with natural products is a preventive strategy with great potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fruit juice (AMJ) supplementation on age-related myocardial remodeling in aged rat hearts.

Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Thin Ceria and Phosphate Mono- and Multilayers Deposited on Technically Pure Al 1050.

Calcium phosphates are often used for biomedical applications. Hydroxyapatite, for example, has a wide range of applications because it mimics the mineral component of natural bone. Widespread interest in the catalytic properties of ceria is due to its use in automotive catalytic converters.

Benefits of Microwave-Assisted Heat Treatment for Sintered Diopside Glass-Ceramics.

Sinter-crystallization is a specific method of producing glass-ceramics that allows the manufacture of complexly shaped products, composites and solder. However, it usually is limited when the glass powders used are characterized by a high crystallization trend. This study proposes a new opportunity to improve the sinter-crystallization and demonstrates the benefits of microwave processing using diopside (CaMg(SiO)) glass-ceramics with an enhanced crystallinity of ~70%.

In and out of Replication Stress: PCNA/RPA1-Based Dynamics of Fork Stalling and Restart in the Same Cell.

Replication forks encounter various impediments, which induce fork stalling and threaten genome stability, yet the precise dynamics of fork stalling and restart at the single-cell level remain elusive. Herein, we devise a live-cell microscopy-based approach to follow hydroxyurea-induced fork stalling and subsequent restart at 30 s resolution. We measure two distinct processes during fork stalling.

Prenatal Detection of Silver-Russell Syndrome: A First Trimester Suspicion and Diagnostic Approach.

Silver-Russell Syndrome (SRS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by prenatal and postnatal growth restriction, distinctive facial features, and body asymmetry. Early suspicion during the first trimester remains challenging but crucial for optimizing clinical outcomes. This study aims to highlight a diagnostic approach to the early suspicion of SRS.

In Vivo and In Vitro Studies Assessing the Antiviral Efficacy of Double Combinations Against Coxsackievirus B Infection.

Coxsackievirus B (CVB) infections, ranging from mild to severe diseases, lack specific antiviral treatments, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Drug therapy is an important tool for controlling enterovirus infections, but clinically effective drugs do not currently exist, mainly due to the development of drug resistance. Combination therapy with two or more drugs has the potential to successfully inhibit viral infection more effectively than either drug alone as well as delay the development of resistance.

First Detection and Genomic Characterization of Linezolid-Resistant Clinical Isolates in Bulgaria.

Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic and is considered a last-resort treatment option for serious infections caused by problematic Gram-positive pathogens, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci. The present study aimed to explore the linezolid resistance mechanisms and genomic characteristics of two vancomycin-susceptible isolates from Bulgaria. The strains designated Efs2503-bg (inpatient from Pleven) and Efs966-bg (outpatient from Varna) were recovered from wounds in 2018 and 2023, respectively.

Characterization of Strains from Tonsillopharyngitis and Scarlet Fever Resurgence, 2023-FIRST Detection of M1 in Bulgaria.

Recently a resurgence of has arisen, with concerns around the highly virulent M1 lineage. Our aim was to characterize , the immune responses it causes, and to determine the presence of the M1 lineage in Sofia, Bulgaria. In our study, the infections were confirmed by culture testing or rapid antigen test.

Halophilic Fungi-Features and Potential Applications.

Extremophiles are of significant scientific interest due to their unique adaptation to harsh environmental conditions and their potential for diverse biotechnological applications. Among these extremophiles, filamentous fungi adapted to high-salt environments represent a new and valuable source of enzymes, biomolecules, and biomaterials. While most studies on halophiles have focused on bacteria, reports on filamentous fungi remain limited.

Characterization and Probiotic Potential of DPL5: A Novel Strain Isolated from Human Breast Milk with Antimicrobial Properties Against Biofilm-Forming .

Lactobacillus is a key genus of probiotics commonly utilized for the treatment of oral infections The primary aim of our research was to investigate the probiotic potential of the newly isolated DPL5 strain from human breast milk, focusing on its ability to combat biofilm-forming pathogens such as . Employing in vitro approaches, we demonstrate DPL5's ability to endure at pH 3 with survival rates above 30%, and withstand the osmotic stress often found during industrial processes like fermentation and freeze drying, retaining over 90% viability. The lyophilized cell-free supernatant of DPL5 had a significant antagonistic effect against biofilm-producing nasal strains of , and it completely eradicated biofilms at subinhibitory concentrations of 20 mg·mL.

The Impact of Targeted Therapies on Red Blood Cell Aggregation in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Evaluated Using Software Image Flow Analysis.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common type of leukemia, remains incurable with conventional therapy. Despite advances in therapies targeting Bruton's tyrosine kinase and anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2, little is known about their effect on red blood cell (RBC) aggregation in blood flow. In this study, we applied a microfluidic device and a newly developed Software Image Flow Analysis to assess the extent of RBC aggregation in CLL patients and to elucidate the hemorheological effects of the commonly applied therapeutics Obinutuzumab/Venetoclax and Ibrutinib.

Recovery Analysis of Sequentially Irradiated and NBT-Stressed VDMOS Transistors.

This study investigates the effects of negative bias temperature (NBT) stress and irradiation on the threshold voltage () of p-channel VDMOS transistors, focusing on degradation, recovery after each type of stress, and operational behavior under varying conditions. Shifts in (Δ) were analyzed under different stress orders, showing distinct influence mechanisms, including defects creation and their removal and electrochemical reactions. Recovery data after each type of stress indicated ongoing electrochemical processes, influencing subsequent stress responses.

An Evaluation of Rare Cancer Policies in Europe: A Survey Among Healthcare Providers.

Rare cancers, defined as those with an annual incidence of fewer than six cases per 100,000 individuals, are associated with significant health inequalities. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of healthcare providers with expertise in rare cancers regarding the effectiveness of enacted or planned rare cancer policies across Europe. Between 25 March 2023 and 5 March 2024, we conducted an online survey targeting 738 healthcare providers affiliated with the European Reference Networks and the Organization of European Cancer Institutes, yielding 92 complete responses from 28 European countries (response rate: 12.

Foreign Bodies in Lower Airway in Children: Brief Review and Clinical Experience.

Background: Foreign body aspiration is a preventable occurrence that carries a high risk of mortality in the pediatric population. Clinically, foreign body aspiration manifests as cough, followed by choking, which might not be given any consideration by the caregivers of the child. An episode of sudden wheezing can also raise the suspicion of a foreign body in the lower respiratory tract.

Evaluation of Individual Cardiovascular Risk in Pre-Dialysis CKD Patients by Using the Ratio of Calcium-Phosphorus Product to Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (Ca × P/eGFR).

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), necessitating effective risk assessment methods. This study evaluates the calcium-phosphorus product (Ca × P) to estimated glomerular filtration rate (Ca × P/eGFR) ratio as a potential biomarker for predicting CV risk in pre-dialysis CKD patients.

Methods: Eighty-four CKD patients in stages G1-G4, according to the KDIGO criteria, were classified into CVD ( = 43) and non-CVD ( = 41) groups.

Exploring the Molecular Modalities in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Kidney Disease with a Focus on the Potential Therapeutic Implications.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease worldwide, affecting approximately 40% of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and 30% of those with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, the burden of DKD is expected to grow correspondingly. This review explores the roles of key molecular pathways, including the apelinergic system, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor (VEGFR) axis, and nitric oxide (NO)/nitric oxide synthase (NOS) signaling, in DKD pathogenesis and potential therapeutic applications.

Tumor Markers in Pleural Fluid: A Comprehensive Study on Diagnostic Accuracy.

: Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) pose a significant challenge in clinical practice and exert a considerable socio-economic burden on the healthcare system, affecting approximately 1 million individuals annually. These effusions are a leading cause of debilitating dyspnea and a diminished quality of life among cancer patients, with distant metastasis to the pleural layers occurring in about 20% of cases during treatment. : A cross-sectional, observational case-control study was conducted on 151 Bulgarian patients with a hydrothorax.

Betalain-Chickpea Protein Particles Produced by Freeze Drying and Spray Drying: Physicochemical Aspects, Storage Stability, and In Vitro Digestion.

Beetroots are one of the primary sources of betalains, nitrogenous pigments with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, due to their chemical instability, betalains have limited use in food applications. This work investigated whether betalains encapsulated in chickpea protein could be stabilized and delivered in a shelf-stable format.

Comparative Study of Bulgarian Linden Honey ( sp.).

The present study aims to evaluate and compare some of the main indicators characterizing Bulgarian linden honey depending on the geographical origin. A total of 18 samples were collected from the six regions of Bulgaria, with 3 samples from each region taken from different producers during the 2023 harvest. The physicochemical indicators: hydroxymethylfurfural content, diastase activity, pH, color, water content and electrical conductivity, as well as organoleptic and pollen characteristics, were analyzed.

Curcumin enhances the anti-obesogenic activity of orlistat through SKN-1/NRF2-dependent regulation of nutrient metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Background: Metabolic dysregulation, a defining feature of obesity, disrupts essential signalling pathways involved in nutrient sensing and mitochondria homeostasis. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2) serves as a pivotal regulator of the cellular stress response, and recent studies have implicated it in the pathogenesis of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric, has been identified as a potent activator of NRF-2.

Comparison of Hernia Sac Transection and Full Sac Reduction for the Treatment of Inguinal Hernias: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.

Background: The history of inguinal hernia repair has been marked by the description of several therapies over ages, each with its own approach to managing the hernial sac. An analysis of hernia sac transection (with or without high ligation) versus reduction (invagination) in adults who underwent Lichtenstein open tension-free inguinal hernia repair and in adult and pediatric patients who underwent suture repair has been the primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: The authors conducted a comprehensive review and meta-analysis.

Plant secondary metabolites against biotic stresses for sustainable crop protection.

Sustainable agriculture practices are indispensable for achieving a hunger-free world, especially as the global population continues to expand. Biotic stresses, such as pathogens, insects, and pests, severely threaten global food security and crop productivity. Traditional chemical pesticides, while effective, can lead to environmental degradation and increase pest resistance over time.

POLYPHARMACY AND CANCER: А NEW VISION FOR SKIN CANCER PATHOGENESIS-PHOTOTOXICITY AND PHOTOCARCINOGENICITY DUE TO NITROSAMINE CONTAMINATION DURING TELMISARTAN/ TAMSULOSIN INTAKE.

The toxicokinetics of nitrosamines remain a mystery to this day, though it appears that the role of nitrosamines in potentiating the generation of mutations required for the onset of skin cancer continues to be a significant concern. Nitrosamines are mutagens, genotoxic substances, and mediators of phototoxicity/carcinogenicity, whose long-term daily usage, in the context of polypharmacy, can result in the parallel appearance of heterogeneous forms of skin cancer: keratinocytic and melanocytic. But a number of clinical observations suggest that it is the nitrosamines that potentiate the multiple occurrences of skin cancer over the years, or recurrences of skin cancer localized in areas exposed to solar radiation.

Correction: SARS-CoV-2 reinfections during the first three major COVID-19 waves in Bulgaria.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.