Biologically Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles with Enhanced Antioxidant and Catalytic Properties.

Increasing levels of reactive oxygen species generate oxidative stress in the human body that can lead to various medical conditions. The use of nanomaterials exhibiting antioxidant properties may prevent these effects. The biological synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant extracts with antioxidant properties can offer benefits due to their active compounds.

Reconnecting Anisometropic Amblyopic Eyes to the Cortex: VEP-Based Auditory Biofeedback.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a visual rehabilitation method for anisometropic amblyopia that uses visual evoked potential (VEP) parameters and sound biofeedback to increase objectiveness.

Design: an observational, case-controlled trial.

Setting: Ophthalmology Clinic, Emergency County Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Label-free electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver malignancy and is characterized by increasing incidence and high mortality rates. Current methods for the screening and diagnosis of HCC exhibit inherent limitations, highlighting the ever-growing need for the development of new methods for the early diagnosis of HCC. The aim of this work was to develop a novel electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of HepG2 cells, a type of circulating tumor cells that can be used as biomarkers for the early detection of HCC.

Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin for the Differentiation of Mucinous Pancreatic Cystic Lesions.

Undetermined pancreatic cystic lesion (PCL) differentiation benefits from endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) based on morphology and cyst fluid analysis, but room for new biomarkers exists. Our aim was to assess the intracystic and serum diagnostic value of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (Ngal) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) for differentiation of PCLs. This prospective study included patients from one tertiary hospital, evaluated between April 2018 and May 2020.

A Study of Hyaluronic Acid's Theoretical Reactivity and of Magnetic Nanoparticles Capped with Hyaluronic Acid.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has attracted much attention in tumor-targeted drug delivery due to its ability to specifically bind to the CD44 cellular receptor, which is widely expressed on cancer cells. We present HA-capped magnetic nanoparticles (HA-MNPs) obtained via the co-precipitation method, followed by the electrostatic adsorption of HA onto the nanoparticles' surfaces. A theoretical study carried out with the PM3 method evidenced a dipole moment of 3.

Caries Lesion Assessment Using 3D Virtual Models by Examiners with Different Degrees of Clinical Experience.

: Dental caries is a preventable, reversible disease in its early stages. This study evaluated the intra-rater agreement of International Caries Assessment and Detection System (ICDAS) scores with Medit i500 and Omnicam scanners versus traditional clinical examinations and the inter-rater agreement using the Omnicam among senior dentists and dental students and between these two groups. : A total of 24 patients aged between 21 and 34 years, randomly selected from dental students and interns, underwent four examinations (three intraoral scans and one clinical examination), and the corresponding ICDAS scores were recorded by a randomly selected rater out of the 31 available examiners.

Efficacy of Handheld Ultrasound in Medical Education: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Narrative Analysis.

Miniaturization has made ultrasound (US) technology ultraportable and, in association with their relatively low cost, made handheld devices attractive for medical education training programs. However, performing an ultrasound requires complex skills, and it is unclear whether handheld devices are suitable for the training of novices. Our study aimed to identify to what extent handheld US devices can be employed in medical undergraduates' and residents' education.

Visual Outcomes of Traumatic Lens Dislocations and Subluxations Managed by Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Lensectomy.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the visual outcome of lens dislocation and subluxation managed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and lensectomy in patients with open (OGIs) or closed globe injuries (CGIs).

Methods: Medical records of 70 consecutive patients treated by PPV and lensectomy over a period of 11 years (1 January 2010-31 December 2020) were retrospectively reviewed. We collected demographic data, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using a Snellen Chart pre- and postoperatively, associated ocular injuries and treatment strategy.

Ultrasensitive Electroanalytical Detection of Pb and HO Using Bi and Fe-Based Nanoparticles Embedded into Porous Carbon Xerogel-The Influence of Nanocomposite Pyrolysis Temperatures.

Multifunctional materials based on carbon xerogel (CX) with embedded bismuth (Bi) and iron (Fe) nanoparticles are tested for ultrasensitive amperometric detection of lead cation (Pb) and hydrogen peroxide (HO). The prepared CXBiFe-T nanocomposites were annealed at different pyrolysis temperatures (T, between 600 and 1050 °C) and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, N adsorption, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and electron microscopies (SEM/EDX and TEM). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWV) performed at glassy carbon (GC) electrodes modified with chitosan (Chi)-CXBiFe-T evidenced that GC/Chi-CXBiFe-1050 electrodes exhibit excellent analytical behavior for Pb and HO amperometric detection: high sensitivity for Pb (9.

Roman Republican coarse ware from , Southern Lazio (Italy): a multi-analytical study of production technology and trade.

The first objective of this paper is to reconstruct the production technology of fourth-first centuries BCE coarse ware from surveys near the ancient town of in the Lepini Mountains of Southern Lazio, Italy, adopting a multi-analytical method, combining macroscopic observation with polarised light optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The second objective of this study is to gain insight into 's integration in broader production and distribution networks in Southern Lazio between the fourth-first centuries BCE, by comparing the results with previous data for coarse ware prevalent in the region at that time. The results indicate that the coarse ware from was produced with Fe-rich, Ca-poor, and illite-muscovite clays and fired in an oxidising atmosphere between 750 and 900 °C.

Phytochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Several Extracts.

Microbial infections affect both the human population and animals. The appearance of more and more microbial strains resistant to classical treatments led to the need to develop new treatments. plants are known for their antimicrobial properties due to their high content of thiosulfinates, especially allicin, polyphenols or flavonoids.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Imaging with Two Different Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomographs: Normative Data for Romanian Children.

The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare pediatric normative data for the retinal nerve fiber layer of Romanian children using two different spectral domain optical coherence tomographs. Due to different scanning speeds and axial and transverse resolution, the results of the measurements of scans cannot be transposed. A total of 140 healthy children aged 4 to 18 were enrolled in the study.

Polydopamine conjugated SiO nanoparticles as potential drug carriers for melanoma treatment.

Silica nanoparticles (SiO) are increasingly investigated for biomedical applications. This study aimed to analyze the potential use of a SiO nanoparticles coated with biocompatible polydopamine (SiO@PDA) as a potential chemotherapeutic drug carrier. SiO morphology and PDA adhesion was analyzed by dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance.

In Vitro Degradation of Mg-Doped ZrO Bioceramics at the Interface with Xerostom Saliva Substitute Gel.

Zirconia-based bioceramics, one of the most important materials used for dental applications, have been intensively studied in recent years due to their excellent mechanical resistance and chemical inertness in the mouth. In this work, the structural, morphological and dissolution properties of the ZrMgO (x = 0.05, 0.

Visual Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Traumatic Endophthalmitis Treated by Pars Plana Vitrectomy: 11 Years Retrospective Analysis.

Aim: To evaluate the visual outcome of traumatic endophthalmitis and describe the risk factors associated with poor visual acuity and retinal detachment (RD) development over an 11-year period. Methods: Medical records of 34 patients with traumatic endophthalmitis who underwent PPV over a period of 11 years (1 January 2010−31 December 2020) were reviewed. We extracted details regarding demographic data, initial and final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using a standard Snellen chart, wound and IOFB characteristics, ocular associated lesions, and treatment.

Mechanical Properties of Orthodontic Cements and Their Behavior in Acidic Environments.

The present research is focused on three different classes of orthodontic cements: resin composites (e.g., BracePaste); resin-modified glass ionomer RMGIC (e.

Assessing the Efficiency of Triangular Gold Nanoparticles as NIR Photothermal Agents In Vitro and Melanoma Tumor Model.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is gaining a lot of interest as a cancer treatment option with minimal side effects due to the efficient photothermal agents employed. They are based on nanomaterials that, upon laser irradiation, absorb photon energy and convert it into heat to induce hyperthermia, which destroys the cancer cells. Here, the unique light-to-heat conversion features of three different gold nanotriangular nanoparticles (AuNTs) are evaluated with respect to their absorption properties to select the most efficient nanoheater with the highest potential to operate as an efficient photothermal agent.

Strategies for Improving Bioavailability, Bioactivity, and Physical-Chemical Behavior of Curcumin.

Curcumin (CCM) is one of the most frequently explored plant compounds with various biological actions such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antineoplastic, and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties. The laboratory data and clinical trials have demonstrated that the bioavailability and bioactivity of curcumin are influenced by the feature of the curcumin molecular complex types. Curcumin has a high capacity to form molecular complexes with proteins (such as whey proteins, bovine serum albumin, β-lactoglobulin), carbohydrates, lipids, and natural compounds (e.

Clinical Utility of the Contrast-Enhanced Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration in the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cyst.

Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) cytology from an intracystic fluid is useful in the differentiation of pancreatic cysts, with low sensitivity, which increases when the solid component is targeted. The clinical utility of contrast-enhanced guided EUS-FNA (CH-EUS-FNA) in the solid component is not known. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of CH-EUS-FNA in enhanced mural nodules and discrimination between different cysts using contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound (CH-EUS).

Outcomes and Prognostic Factors Following Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Intraocular Foreign Bodies-11-Year Retrospective Analysis in a Tertiary Care Center.

Aim: To evaluate the visual outcome of penetrating ocular injuries with a retained intraocular foreign body (IOFB) managed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and to describe the risk factors associated with poor visual acuity and retinal detachment (RD) development. Methods: Medical records of 56 patients with IOFB that were removed by PPV over a period of 11 years (1 January 2010−31 December 2020) were reviewed. We extracted the demographic data, initial and final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using standard Snellen chart, IOFB characteristics, complications and surgical details.

Interdisciplinary Research to Advance Digital Imagery and Natural Compounds for Eco-Cleaning and for Preserving Textile Cultural Heritage.

The old fibers that make up heritage textiles displayed in museums are degraded by the aging process, environmental conditions (microclimates, particulate matter, pollutants, sunlight) and the action of microorganisms. In order to counteract these processes and keep the textile exhibits in good condition for as long as possible, both reactive and preventive interventions on them are necessary. Based on these ideas, the present study aims to test a natural and non-invasive method of cleaning historic textiles, which includes the use of a natural substance with a known antifungal effect (being traditionally used in various rural communities)-lye.

Mammal extinction facilitated biome shift and human population change during the last glacial termination in East-Central Europe.

The study of local extinction times, together with the associated environmental and human population changes in the last glacial termination, provides insights into the causes of mega- and microfauna extinctions. In East-Central (EC) Europe, groups of Palaeolithic humans were present throughout the last glacial maximum, but disappeared suddenly around 15,200 cal BP. In this study cave sediment profiles dated using radiocarbon techniques and a large set of mammal bones dated directly by AMS C were used to determine local extinction times.

Climate change perception in Romania.

Unlabelled: In the last decades, anthropogenic drivers have significantly influenced the natural climate variability of Earth's atmosphere. Climate change has become a subject of major interest for different levels of our society, such as national governments, businesses, local administration, or citizens. While national and local policies propose mitigation and adaptation strategies for different sectors, public perception is a key component of any implementation plan.

Aspartic Acid Stabilized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications.

Aspartic acid stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles (A-IONPs) with globular shape and narrow size distribution were prepared by the co-precipitation method in aqueous medium. A quantum-mechanical approach to aspartic acid optimized structure displayed negative charged sites, relatively high dipole moment, and hydrophilicity, which recommended it for interaction with iron cations and surrounding water electrical dipoles. A-IONPs were characterized by TEM, XRD, ATR-FTIR, EDS, DSC, TG, DLS, NTA, and VSM techniques.