Cenobamate, a New Promising Antiseizure Medication: Experimental and Clinical Aspects.

About 40-50% of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy do not properly respond to pharmacological therapy with antiseizure medications (ASMs). Recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency as an add-on drug for focal seizures, cenobamate is an ASM sharing two basic mechanisms of action and exhibiting a promising profile of clinical efficacy. The drug preferably inhibits persistent sodium current and activates GABA-mediated events via extrasynaptic, non-benzodiazepine receptors.

The Oxidative Stress in Epilepsy-Focus on Melatonin.

Oxidative stress develops when there is an excess of oxidants leading to molecular and cellular damage. Seizure activity leads to oxidative stress and the resulting increased lipid peroxidation. Generally, antiseizure medications reduce oxidative stress, although the data on levetiracetam are ambiguous.

5-PC as a Lipid Probe Molecule and as a Second Phospholipid in Binary Phospholipid Mixtures: Saturation Recovery EPR Studies.

Mixtures of two phospholipids (PLs) with different main phase transition temperatures were investigated. Host PLs (HPLs) were represented by DMPC, DPPC, DSPC, and DMPE. The admixed PL was the spin-labeled phosphatidylcholine 5-PC(1-palmitoyl-2-(5-doxylstearoyl)phosphatidylcholine), with a unique opportunity to monitor the properties and the local environments of all admixed PL molecules using saturation recovery EPR methods.

Effects of an Innovative High-Fat Diet on Intestinal Structure, Barrier Integrity, and Inflammation in a Zebrafish Model of Visceral Obesity.

High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity is a global health concern associated with gastrointestinal disorders. While mammalian models have elucidated the effects of a HFD on intestinal structure and function, its impact on zebrafish, a crucial model for studying diet-induced obesity and gastrointestinal dysfunction, remains inadequately characterized. This study investigated the influence of a HFD on zebrafish intestinal morphology, tight junction (TJ) protein expression, and inflammatory markers.

Efficacy and Safety of Agomelatine in Depressed Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) remain among the most prevalent diseases and the most significant challenges faced by medicine in the 21st century. The frequent co-occurrence and bidirectional relationship between the two conditions necessitates the identification of treatment strategies that benefit both. The purpose of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyze data on the efficacy and safety of agomelatine (AGO) in the treatment of patients with depression with comorbid diabetes to explore its potential mechanism of action in both diseases and its impact on diabetic parameters.

The GPR39 Receptor Plays an Important Role in the Pathogenesis of Overactive Bladder and Corticosterone-Induced Depression.

Despite the close and clinically confirmed association between depression and overactive bladder, it remains unclear whether this affective disorder is a factor causing overactive bladder or whether overactive bladder is a specific symptom of psychosomatic disorders. This study examined the effects of repeated corticosterone administration on the occurrence of symptoms associated with depression and overactive bladder. Additionally, we examined whether administering TC-G 1008, an antidepressant that selectively activates the GPR39 receptor, could alleviate corticosterone-induced depression-like behavior and detrusor overactivity-related changes in cystometric measurements.

Protective, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Aging Effects of Soy Isoflavones on Skin Cells: An Overview of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Isoflavones are found in numerous plant species within the Leguminosae family; however, soy isoflavones are particularly significant in practice and have been extensively studied in recent years. The health-promoting potential of orally administered soy isoflavones is widely documented in the scientific literature, and many review articles have been developed to highlight their significance. However, it should be noted that soy-isoflavone-rich extracts and isolated soy isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, are also often applied topically as ingredients in many formulations, including face creams, tonics, and emulsions.

Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activity of the Ethanol Extracts from the Aerial Parts of (Adolf.) Lipsch. Growing in Kazakhstan.

is a lesser-known plant species belonging to the genus that grows in Kazakhstan. The aim of this study was to characterize the composition of the ethanolic, water, and hydroethanolic extracts from the aerial parts of by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS to isolate the major compound isoquercitrin by HSCCC (High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography) and to determine the cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts produced with this plant. Fingerprinting of the analyzed extracts showed the presence of a multitude of metabolites comprising polyphenols, organic acids, and coumarins, and only trace quantities of cardiac glycosides in the analyzed samples.

Chemical Profile and Biological Properties of Methanolic and Ethanolic Extracts from the Aerial Parts of L. Growing in Central Asia.

The genus has been used in folk medicine for centuries; however, the data concerning L. are scarce. This study aimed at investigating the chemical composition of methanolic and ethanolic extracts from the aerial parts of collected in Kazakhstan and evaluating their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, with special attention being paid to polyphenols.

Efficient Method of ()-Nicotine Synthesis.

Improved methods for the synthesis of nicotine are of great importance due to the wide range of applications of synthetic nicotine, which is free from contamination with nitrosamines. Herein, we present a four-step chemical synthesis of ()-nicotine, involving the reduction in myosmine, enantiomeric separation of nornicotine, and subsequent methylation of the appropriate enantiomer of nornicotine obtained. The reduction in myosmine was investigated using both electrochemical and chemical approaches, achieving up to 90% yields of pure nornicotine.

Raspberry Pomace as a Good Additive to Apple Freeze-Dried Fruit Bars: Biological Properties and Sensory Evaluation.

This study investigated the impact of adding raspberry pomace to the phenolic content and biological properties of freeze-dried apple/raspberry bars. The bars were prepared by replacing apple puree with raspberry pomace (5-50%), and their phenolic compounds were assessed using ethanol and buffer extracts. This work also explored the potential bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in enriched bars through a simulated digestion process (digest).

Synergism of Specific Maca Phenotypes () in Combination with Saw Palmetto () Extract for Chemoprevention of Prostate Cancer as Determined in In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assays on Human Epithelial and Prostate Cancer Cells.

Selected phenotypes of dried maca () hypocotyls and supercritical CO extract (USPlus) of saw palmetto () were used to determine their targeted, cytotoxic action in prostate cancer cells. Fingerprinting by HPLC-MS and PCA analysis showed compositional differences in glucosinolates, amides, macamides, and other alkaloids, which varied based on the color and the size of hypocotyls. These phytochemical differences translated into a higher antioxidant potential of red maca than black maca samples.

Optimizing Green Extraction Methods for Maximizing the Biological Potential of Dandelion, Milk Thistle, and Chamomile Seed Extracts.

This study investigates the underutilized potential of agri-crops from the family by employing sustainable and green technologies (supercritical fluid, ultrasound, and Soxhlet extractions) to enhance the recovery of bioactive compounds. A total of 21 extracts from native and waste seeds of dandelion, milk thistle, and chamomile were systematically compared utilizing a combination of solvents (supercritical CO and absolute or aqueous ethanol). Supercritical CO extraction yielded up to 281 mg/g of oils from native seeds, while conventional techniques with ethanol recovered an additional 142 mg/g of extracts from waste seeds.

Biological Markers of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal hematopoietic cancers characterized by hyperproliferation of the myeloid lineages. These clonal marrow disorders are extremely rare in pediatric patients. MPN is reported to occur 100 times more frequently in adults, and thus research is primarily focused on this patient group.

A Global Regional Comparison of the Risk of Breast Cancer in Woman Using Oral Contraceptives-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

: Incidence of breast cancer (BrCa) may be correlated with country development, with a rise in cases anticipated in regions of the world that are currently undergoing an economic transformation. Herein, differences with regard to the occurrence of breast cancer between individual countries may depend on the distribution of risk factors, the level of early detection, also ethnicity and race, as well as clinical characteristics. The aim of our study was to identify and then investigate observational studies in which the risk of breast cancer was associated with the use of oral hormonal contraceptives (OCs), with particular emphasis on geographic region, and to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the obtained data.

Diabetes Mellitus and Prostate Cancer Risk-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed malignant tumor worldwide and poses a significant challenge to public health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the association between diabetes mellitus and the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Methods: We conducted a search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from 1998 to 2024.

Potential Use of Exosomal Non-Coding MicroRNAs in Leukemia Therapy: A Systematic Review.

Leukemia is a heterogeneous group of hematological malignancies. Despite the enormous progress that has been made in the field of hemato-oncology in recent years, there are still many problems related to, among others, disease recurrence and drug resistance, which is why the search for ideal biomarkers with high clinical utility continues. Research shows that exosomes play a critical role in the biology of leukemia and are associated with the drug resistance, metastasis, and immune status of leukemias.

Synthesis of spherical and rods-like titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO NPs) and evaluation of their cytotoxicity towards colon cells in vitro.

Titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO NPs) are currently used as ingredients in medicines and sunscreens. Unfortunately, recent information about TiO NPs indicates their undesirable biological effect on colon cells. Therefore, the aim of this work was to synthesize and evaluate the physicochemical characterization of spherical (TiO NSs) and rods-like (TiO NRs) NPs, followed by assessment their cytotoxicity.

Prime suspect or collective responsibility: Impact of specific lymph node station dissection on short- and long-term outcomes among locally advanced gastric cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Background: Lymphatic route is the main pathway for gastric cancer (GC) spread, and lymph node (LN) involvement is a major prognostic factor after curative resection. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of specific LN station dissection.

Methods: Patients with locally advanced (cT2-4N0-3M0) GC who underwent multimodal treatment between 2013 and 2023 were included in the study.

Damsin and neoambrosin: Two sesquiterpene lactones with affinity and different activity for PPAR and TRPA1 receptors.

Ambrosia maritima L. (family Asteraceae) is an annual herb widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean region and Africa. The herb is employed in folk medicine for the treatment of many ailments.

Prevalence and associations of neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders with academic and well-being challenges among nursing and midwifery students: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: This study highlights the significant stress faced by nursing and midwifery students stemming from the rigorous requirements of their curriculum, which includes both demanding theoretical and practical elements. This study aims to identify the causes and manifestations of learning environment stress among midwifery and nursing students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study in Lithuania, Poland and Latvia was employed to evaluate students' learning challenges and neurodiversity using 40 different questions assessed on a Likert scale.

The usefulness of botulinum toxin injections in oncology - Clinical and laboratory perspectives.

The use of botulinum toxins in various oncological conditions brings long-term results in the treatment of chronic pain without burdening internal organs, as is the case with the use of opioids. Numerous reports indicate a possible apoptotic effect achieved in vitro and in vivo. Most literature data suggest that using botulinum toxins to support oncological treatment gives positive results, and in most cases, it is free of side effects.

Increased EBNA1-specific antibody response in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis.

Background And Objectives: The impact of viral infections on disease susceptibility and progression has predominantly been studied in patients with relapse-onset MS (RMS). Here, we determined immune responses to ubiquitous viruses in patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS).

Methods: Antibody responses to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), specifically to the latent EBV nuclear antigen 1 and the lytic viral capsid antigen VCA, human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and measles virus were determined in a cohort of 68 PPMS patients with a mean follow-up of 8 years and compared with 66 healthy controls matched for sex and age.

A rapid parallel increase in the incidence and mortality of head and neck cancer among the Polish elderly over the last two decades and upward trends until 2035.

<b>Introduction:</b> Head and neck cancer (HNC) incidence and mortality have increased significantly among the elderly in Poland over the last two decades. This trend reflects the challenges of an aging population and underscores the need for specialized cancer care for seniors.<b>Aim:</b> The study aimed to analyze the morbidity and mortality of HNC among the elderly (ages 60-69, 70-79, and 80+) in Poland between 1999 and 2021, and predict trends until 2035, emphasizing the dynamics in the 80+ age group.