Pregnancy and COVID-19: Comparing ICU Outcomes for Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women.

Background: This study compares organ dysfunction, treatment strategies, and unfavorable outcome rates between pregnant and nonpregnant women admitted to the ICU with severe COVID-19, highlighting the increased susceptibility of pregnant women to respiratory infections due to physiological changes.

Methods: A retrospective, age-matched study was conducted at a referral center specializing in critical care for pregnant women. Data from 14 pregnant/postpartum and 11 nonpregnant women were analyzed at ICU admission and on days 3, 5, and 7.

Difference in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Parameters After SARS-CoV-2 Infection During the Alpha and Delta Variant Dominance Periods.

The SARS-CoV-2 infection manifests with diverse clinical manifestations, with severity potentially influenced by the viral variant. COVID-19 has also been shown to impact ocular microcirculation in some patients, but whether this effect varies by viral lineage remains unclear. This prospective study compared clinical features and ocular parameters assessed via optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infections during the dominance of two distinctive viral lineages, Alpha (B.

The Promising Effect of Tocilizumab on Chronic Antibody-Mediated Rejection (cAMR) of Kidney Transplant.

: Chronic antibody-mediated rejection (cAMR) constitutes a serious challenge in the long-term success of organ transplantation. It is associated with donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) which activate a complement pathway in response to the presence of human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) on the graft, which results in chronic inflammation and leads to graft dysfunction. One of the recent promising methods of cAMR treatment is a recombinant humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) monoclonal antibody referred to as Tocilizumab (TCZ).

Ashwagandha: Optimizing the Extraction and Electrospun Nanofiber Production.

This study explores the development of electrospun nanofibers incorporating bioactive compounds from (Ashwagandha) root extract, focusing on optimizing extraction conditions and nanofiber composition to maximize biological activity and application potential. Using the Design of Experiment (DoE) approach, optimal extraction parameters were identified as 80% methanol, 70 °C, and 60 min, yielding high levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Methanol concentration emerged as the critical factor influencing phytochemical properties.

Riboflavin- and Hypericin-Mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy as Alternative Treatments for Oral Candidiasis: A Systematic Review.

Oral candidiasis, predominantly caused by , presents significant challenges in treatment due to increasing antifungal resistance and biofilm formation. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using natural photosensitizers like riboflavin and hypericin offers a potential alternative to conventional antifungal therapies. : A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of riboflavin- and hypericin-mediated aPDT in reducing Candida infections.

Application of the Box-Behnken Design in the Development of Amorphous PVP K30-Phosphatidylcholine Dispersions for the Co-Delivery of Curcumin and Hesperetin Prepared by Hot-Melt Extrusion.

Curcumin and hesperetin are plant polyphenols known for their poor solubility. To address this limitation, we prepared amorphous PVP K30-phosphatidylcholine dispersions via hot-melt extrusion. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the amounts of active ingredients and phosphatidylcholine, as well as the process temperature, on the performance of the dispersions.

Does Systematic Use of Small Doses of Vitamin D Have Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Effectively Correct Deficiency Among Healthy Adults?

Background: Calcitriol, beyond its well-established role in calcium and phosphate homeostasis, contributes to immunological processes. No known vitamin D dosage regimen effectively corrects the deficiency while accounting for immunoregulatory effects. Therefore, the purpose of this assessment was to determine whether regular administration of low doses of vitamin D might correct deficiency and have immunoregulatory effects.

Iron Deficiency Anemia Following Bariatric Surgery: A 10-Year Prospective Observational Study.

Background: The long-term follow-up studies investigating the risk of anemia and iron deficiency following bariatric procedures are scarce. This study aimed to determine the influence of body weight reduction and type of bariatric surgery on iron metabolism parameters.

Methods: We included 138 consecutive patients who underwent bariatric surgery (120 underwent sleeve gastrectomy and 18 underwent other types of bariatric surgery) between 2010 and 2016.

Effect of Chrysin, a Flavonoid Present in Food, on the Skeletal System in Rats with Experimental Type 1 Diabetes.

Background: It seems that some substances of plant origin may exert health-promoting activities in diabetes and its complications, including those concerning bones. Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), present in honey, some plants, and food of plant origin, has been reported to exert, among others, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chrysin on the skeletal system of rats with experimental type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Vitamin D: Evidence-Based Health Benefits and Recommendations for Population Guidelines.

Vitamin D offers numerous under-recognized health benefits beyond its well-known role in musculoskeletal health. It is vital for extra-renal tissues, prenatal health, brain function, immunity, pregnancy, cancer prevention, and cardiovascular health. Existing guidelines issued by governmental and health organizations are bone-centric and largely overlook the abovementioned extra-skeletal benefits and optimal thresholds for vitamin D.

Nutritional Status and Nutritional Support in Patients with Gastrointestinal Diseases.

Gastrointestinal diseases include a wide spectrum of functional and structural disorders of the alimentary system, involving hepatic, bile duct, and pancreatic diseases [...

The Impact of Social Media on Eating Disorder Risk and Self-Esteem Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Psychosocial Analysis in Individuals Aged 16-25.

Background/objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) result from complex interactions of biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors, disproportionately affecting adolescents and young adults. Social media, peer pressure, and self-esteem issues contribute to ED prevalence. This study examines ED risk, eating behaviors, and self-esteem among individuals aged 16-25, exploring differences by gender, age, and social media usage.

Role of Epigallocatechin Gallate in Selected Malignant Neoplasms in Women.

Tea is a significant source of flavonoids in the diet. Due to different production processes, the amount of bioactive compounds in unfermented (green) and (semi-)fermented tea differs. Importantly, green tea has a similar composition of phenolic compounds to fresh, unprocessed tea leaves.

A Preliminary Study of Nutrients Related to the Risk of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) in Top-Performing Female Amateur Triathletes: Results from a Nutritional Assessment.

As an endurance multi-sport race, triathlon places significant energy demands on athletes during performance and training. Insufficient energy intake from food can lead to low energy availability (LEA) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). We aimed to measure symptoms related to LEA, examine the risk of RED-S, and find how diet relates to the risk of RED-S in highly trained female amateur triathletes.

An Overview of Potential Applications of Environmentally Friendly Hybrid Polymeric Materials.

The applications of polymeric materials are being constantly reviewed and improved. In the present world, the word hybrid, and the general idea of combining two or more inherently different approaches, designs, and materials is gaining significant attention. The area of sustainable materials with a low environmental impact is also rapidly evolving with many new discoveries, including the use of materials of a natural origin and countless combinations thereof.

Active Polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) Films Loaded with Olive Leaf Extract for Food Packaging-Antibacterial Activity, Surface, Thermal and Mechanical Evaluation.

As the demand for sustainable and innovative solutions in food packaging continues to grow, this study endeavors to introduce a comprehensive exploration of novel active materials. Specifically, we focus on characterizing polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA/PEG) films filled with olive leaf extract (OLE; ) obtained via solvent evaporation. Examined properties include surface structure, thermal degradation and mechanical attributes, as well as antibacterial activity.

Cavitation and Other Deformation Instabilities in Plastic Deformation of Semicrystalline Polyethylene Modified with Paraffin Wax.

The deformation behavior and instabilities occurring during the drawing of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were investigated using wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS and SAXS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in plain HDPE and paraffin wax- and/or chloroform-modified samples. In contrast to neat HDPE, the modified materials demonstrated strongly suppressed cavitation. However, regardless of cavitation, the tensile deformation of all samples was found to be governed by crystallographic mechanisms active in the crystalline lamellae, supported by shear in the amorphous layers, i.

Ternary Epoxy Nanocomposites with Synergistic Effects: Preparation, Properties Evaluation and Structure Analysis.

The objective of the present work was to prepare hybrid epoxy composites with improved mechanical and thermal properties. The simultaneous use of two different modifiers in an epoxy resin was motivated by the expected occurrence of synergistic effects on the performance properties of the matrix. Such a hybrid composite can be used in more severe conditions and/or in broader application areas.

The Influence of Iron Particles and Polyethylene Glycol on Selected Properties of Polylactide-Based Composites.

This article presents the characteristics of composites comprising polylactide combined with iron powder, from 1 to 10 wt.%, and nanoiron powders with a mass fraction from 0.1 to 1.

Opioid System and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition.

Opioids are a challenging class of drugs due to their dual role. They alleviate pain, but also pose a risk of dependency, or trigger constipation, particularly in cancer patients, who require the more potent painkillers in more advanced stages of the disease, closely linked to pain resulting from general inflammation, bone metastases, and primary or secondary tumour outgrowth-related nerve damage. Clinicians' vigilance considering treatment with opioids is necessary, bearing in mind extensive data accumulated over decades that have reported the contribution of opioids to immunosuppression, tumour progression, or impaired tissue regeneration, either following opioid use during surgical tumour resection and post-surgical pain treatment, or as a result of other diseases like diabetes, where chronic wounds healing constitutes a challenge.

Antibiotic Resistance of Strains-Searching for New Antimicrobial Agents-Review.

Inappropriate and excessive use of antibiotics is responsible for the rapid development of antimicrobial resistance, which is associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality. There is an urgent need to explore new antibiotics or alternative antimicrobial agents. a commensal microorganism but is also responsible for numerous infections.

Optimization and Evaluation of -Based Magistral Formulations: A Path to Personalized Therapy.

Introduction: The official implementation of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis raw materials for medicinal use has permitted doctors to prescribe and pharmacists to prepare cannabis-based formulations. The objective of the pharmaceutical development and manufacturing process optimization work was to propose a suppository formulation containing doses of 25 mg and 50 mg of tetra-hydrocannabinol (∆-9-THC) as an alternative to existing inhalable or orally administered formulations. The formulation could be used for rectal or vaginal administration, thereby providing dosage control in the treatment of endometriosis and other conditions involving pain.

The Gut Microbiota-Related Antihyperglycemic Effect of Metformin.

It is critical to sustain the diversity of the microbiota to maintain host homeostasis and health. Growing evidence indicates that changes in gut microbial biodiversity may be associated with the development of several pathologies, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin is still the first-line drug for treatment of T2DM unless there are contra-indications.

Sirtuins and Their Implications in the Physiopathology of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) imposes serious short- and long-term health problems for the mother and her child. An effective therapeutic that can reduce the incidence of GDM and improve long-term outcomes is a major research priority and is very important for public health. Unfortunately, despite numerous studies, the molecular mechanisms underlying GDM are not fully defined and require further study.

Heart Failure in Elderly Patients: Medical Management, Therapies and Biomarkers.

Heart failure (HF) is a common condition and one of the main morbidity and mortality factors in elderly patients. The incidence of HF progressively increases with age, reaching >10% in those aged 70 years or over. In the elderly population, both the diagnosis and the management of HF prove challenging, often requiring specialized care and a multidisciplinary approach.