Synthesis and Characterization of PEGylated Liposomes and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers with Entrapped Bioactive Triterpenoids: Comparative Fingerprints and Quantification by UHPLC-QTOF-ESI-MS, ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy, and HPLC-DAD.

: Pentacyclic triterpenoids, as bioactive phytochemicals, have proven to exhibit significant bioactivity (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and anticancer) and low cytotoxicity. This study developed convenient methods for extracting and characterizing a birch bark extract enriched in pentacyclic triterpenoids (betulin, betulinic acid, and lupeol) and entrapped in two bioavailable nanoformulations. The performance of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as a cost-effective and non-destructive method was evaluated comparatively with accurate HPLC-based methods.

Exploring Zinc C295 as a Dual HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitor: From Strand Transfer to 3'-Processing Suppression.

: The global AIDS pandemic highlights the urgent need for novel antiretroviral therapies (ART). In our previous work, Zinc C295 was identified as a potent HIV-1 integrase strand transfer (ST) inhibitor. This study explores its potential to also inhibit 3'-processing (3'P), thereby establishing its dual-targeting capability.

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).

Genomic Insight into Isolates from Fresh Raw Mussels and Ready-to-Eat Stuffed Mussels.

Consuming raw or undercooked mussels can lead to gastroenteritis and septicemia due to contamination. This study analyzed the prevalence, density, species diversity, and molecular traits of spp. in 48 fresh raw wild mussels (FRMs) and 48 ready-to-eat stuffed mussels (RTE-SMs) through genome analysis, assessing health risks.

Identification of Potential Vectors and Detection of Rift Valley Fever Virus in Mosquitoes Collected Before and During the 2022 Outbreak in Rwanda.

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an emerging mosquito-borne arbovirus of One Health importance that caused two large outbreaks in Rwanda in 2018 and 2022. Information on vector species with a role in RVFV eco-epidemiology in Rwanda is scarce. Here we sought to identify potential mosquito vectors of RVFV in Rwanda, their distribution and abundance, as well as their infection status.

Comprehensive Insights into Monkeypox (mpox): Recent Advances in Epidemiology, Diagnostic Approaches and Therapeutic Strategies.

Monkeypox (mpox) is a viral infection closely related to smallpox, manifesting as a milder febrile rash in affected individuals. Over the past two decades, the incidence of mpox has surged, possibly linked to a declining immunity against the smallpox vaccine worldwide. Recent outbreaks of mpox in multiple countries have sparked concerns regarding altered transmission patterns and the potential for a global menace.

Early Autonomic Dysfunction in Traumatic Brain Injury: An Article Review on the Impact on Multiple Organ Dysfunction.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex condition and a leading cause of injury-related disability and death, with significant impacts on patient outcomes. Extracranial organ involvement plays a critical role in the outcome of patients following TBI. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and challenges in diagnosing patients with autonomic dysfunction after TBI.

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.

Supra-Normal Ejection Fraction at Hospital Admission Stratifies Mortality Risk in HFpEF Patients Aged ≥ 70 Years.

During the last few years, significant pathophysiological differences between heart failure (HF) patients with "normal" ejection fraction (EF) (50% to 64%) and those with supra-normal EF (≥65%) have been highlighted. However, these distinct EF phenotypes have been poorly investigated in elderly patients aged ≥70 y. Accordingly, the present study aimed at assessing the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of a retrospective cohort of elderly HFpEF patients (aged ≥ 70 y), categorized on the basis of "normal" EF (50 to 64%) or "supra-normal" EF (≥65%).

The Crucial Role of the Blood-Brain Barrier in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mechanisms of Disruption and Therapeutic Implications.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a crucial structure that maintains brain homeostasis by regulating the entry of molecules and cells from the bloodstream into the central nervous system (CNS). Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as ischemic stroke, compromise the integrity of the BBB. This leads to increased permeability and the infiltration of harmful substances, thereby accelerating neurodegeneration.

Partial Loss of NEMO Function in a Female Carrier with No Incontinentia Pigmenti.

: The nuclear factor (NF)-kB essential modulator (NEMO) has a crucial role in the NFκB pathway. Hypomorphic pathogenic variants cause ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency (EDA-ID) in affected males. However, heterozygous amorphic variants could be responsible for Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP) in female carriers.

Medical Digital Twin: A Review on Technical Principles and Clinical Applications.

The usage of digital twins (DTs) is growing across a wide range of businesses. The health sector is one area where DT use has recently increased. Ultimately, the concept of digital health twins holds the potential to enhance human existence by transforming disease prevention, health preservation, diagnosis, treatment, and management.

Analysis of Preventive Effect of Bisphosphonate for Osteoporotic Fracture in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Patient Mortality.

: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the older adult population and is often associated with reduced physical activity. Reduced activity and mechanical loading subsequently reduce bone mineral density and increase risk of osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates (BPs) offer preventative effects on osteoporotic fractures in the general population, but their effects on patients with AD are less known.

Peptide with Dual Roles in Immune and Metabolic Regulation: Liver-Expressed Antimicrobial Peptide-2 (LEAP-2).

Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP-2) was originally discovered as an antimicrobial peptide that plays a vital role in the host innate immune system of various vertebrates. Recent research discovered LEAP-2 as an endogenous antagonist and inverse agonist of the GHSR1a receptor. By acting as a competitive antagonist to ghrelin, LEAP-2 influences energy balance and metabolic processes via the ghrelin-GHSR1a signaling pathway.

The Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Modification, and Cytotoxic Activity of α-Hydroxy-Alkylphosphonates.

A series of α-hydroxy-alkylphosphonates and α-hydroxy-alkylphosphine oxides were synthesized by the Pudovik reaction of acetaldehyde and acetone with dialkyl phosphites or diarylphosphine oxides. The additions were performed in three different ways: in liquid phase using triethylamine as the catalyst (1), on the surface of AlO/KF solid catalyst (2), or by a MW-assisted NaCO-catalyzed procedure (3). In most of the cases, our methods were more efficient and more robust than those applied in the literature.

Effect of Glycoconjugation on Cytotoxicity and Selectivity of 8-Aminoquinoline Derivatives Compared to 8-Hydroxyquinoline.

Numerous emerging chemotherapeutic agents incorporate -heterocyclic fragments in their structures, with the quinoline skeleton being particularly significant. Our recent works have focused on glycoconjugates of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ), which demonstrated enhanced bioavailability and solubility compared to their parent compounds, although they fell short in selectivity. In this study, our objective was to improve the selectivity of glycoconjugates by replacing the oxygen atom with nitrogen by substituting the 8-HQ moiety with 8-aminoquinoline (8-AQ).

New Insights on Quality, Safety, Nutritional, and Nutraceutical Properties of Honeydew Honeys from Italy.

Honeydew honey is less studied than nectar honey, although it is characterized by peculiar nutritional properties. This is mainly due to its challenging production, which leads to easy counterfeiting and difficult valorization. This contribution aims to provide a comprehensive characterization of the physico-chemical, palynological, functional, and food safety properties of a large sampling of honeydew honeys collected throughout Italy.

New Long-Term Use Solid Bismuth Microelectrode Arrays for Rapid and Sensitive Determination of Sunset Yellow in Isotonic Beverages and Water Samples by Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry.

This article reports on the long-term use, solid bismuth microelectrode arrays for the first time. The presented working microelectrode is characterized by particular advantages compared to bismuth film electrodes and solid single bismuth microelectrodes; these advantages include environmentally friendly properties and the amplification of recorded currents, which are subsequently more resistant to interference. The proposed solid bismuth microelectrode array was applied to develop an adsorptive stripping voltammetric procedure for Sunset Yellow determination.

Synthesis of Alkyl α-Amino-benzylphosphinates by the Aza-Pudovik Reaction; The Preparation of the Butyl Phenyl--phosphinate Starting P-Reagent.

Butyl phenyl--phosphinate that is not available commercially was prepared from phenyl--phosphinic acid by three methods: by alkylating esterification (i), by microwave-assisted direct esterification (ii), and unexpectedly, by thermal esterification (iii). Considering the green aspects, selectivity and scalability, the thermal variation seemed to be optimal. However, there was need for prolonged heating.

Green Chemistry Within the Circular Bioeconomy to Harness Chestnut Burr Extract's Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity Against .

Green chemistry principles are pivotal in driving sustainable and innovative solutions to global health challenges. This study explores a hydroalcoholic extract from (chestnut) burrs, an underutilized natural resource, as a potent source of antimicrobial compounds against (). The extract demonstrated significant bactericidal activity, synergizing effectively with clarithromycin and showing additive effects with metronidazole.

The Role of Polarizability in Isoelectronic Ions: The Case of Pseudohalides.

Specific ion effects are widespread and have been studied for over a century, yet they remain poorly understood. Terms like "kosmotropes" and "chaotropes" are convenient rules of thumb but the frequent reversal of the Hofmeister series implies their limitations. Polarizability is often used to classify ions, with kosmotropes considered low in polarizability and chaotropes high.

Autophagy-Enhancing Properties of Extracts in HaCaT Keratinocytes: Potential as an Anti-Photoaging Cosmetic Ingredient.

The decline in autophagy disrupts homeostasis in skin cells, leading to oxidative stress, energy deficiency, and inflammation-all key contributors to skin photoaging. Consequently, activating autophagy has become a focal strategy for delaying skin photoaging. Natural plants are rich in functional molecules and widely used in the development of anti-photoaging cosmetics.

UV-C and Nanomaterial-Based Approaches for Sulfite-Free Wine Preservation: Effects on Polyphenol Profile and Microbiological Quality.

Controlling the microorganisms employed in vinification is a critical factor for successful wine production. Novel methods aimed at lowering sulfites used for wine stabilization are sought. UV-C irradiation has been proposed as an alternative for reducing the viable cell count of microorganisms in wine and grape juice.