pH-sensitive phthalocyanine-loaded polymeric nanoparticles as a novel treatment strategy for breast cancer.

Novel pH-sensitive polymeric photosensitizer carriers from the phthalocyanine (Pc) group were investigated as potential photodynamic therapy drugs for the treatment of breast cancer. Their high antiproliferative activity was confirmed by photocytotoxicity studies, which indicated their high efficacy and specificity toward the SK-BR-3 cell line. Importantly, the Pcs encapsulated in the polymeric nanoparticle (NP) carrier exhibited a much better penetration into the acidic environment of tumor cells than their free form.

Adding colour to ion-selective membranes.

An idea of using ion-exchanger salt containing optically active cations to prepare ion-selective membranes is proposed. Although the presence of an ion-exchanger in the composition of neutral ionophore based sensors is necessary, the choice of available salts for cation-selective sensors preparation, is usually limited to sodium or potassium compounds. In this work we propose application of an alternative salt, using a cation optically active both in absorption and emission mode as a mobile one.

Antimicrobial agents in agricultural fertilizers produced from sewage sludge - A cause for concern?

The production of organic-mineral fertilizers from sewage sludge is one of the ecological options in their management. Though, pharmaceuticals and their derivatives, which accumulate in the sludge, could be a problem due to their impacts on the environment. This manuscript aimed at better understanding of risks posed by antimicrobial agents (AAs) in sludge-based fertilizers.

Foliar application of nitrates limits lead uptake by Cucumis sativus L. plants.

Lead is a toxic heavy metal, which accumulates in the soil and is readily absorbed by plant roots. The uptake of toxic elements by crops is a serious threat to human health. For this reason, it is important to prevent the incorporation of heavy metals into the food chain.

Wisdom comes after facts - An update on plants priming using phytohormones.

Currently, agriculture is facing the threat of climate change. Adaptation of plants to unfavorable growth conditions is undoubtedly a great challenge for scientists. A promising solution to this problem is priming, for which chemicals, microorganisms and phytohormones can be used.

Searching for nitroxyl modulators in Arabidopsis thaliana - a new paradigm of redox signaling in plant.

Through extensive research, nitroxyl (HNO) has emerged as a newly recognized redox signal in plant developmental and stress responses. The interplay between nitric oxide (●NO) and HNO entails a complex network of signaling molecules and regulatory elements sensitive to the environment's specific redox conditions. However, functional implications for HNO in cell signaling require more detailed studies, starting with identifying HNO-level switches.

Evaluating the effects of continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration on O and CO removal and energy expenditure measurement using indirect calorimetry.

Background: Continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) is used in critically ill patients, but its impact on O₂ and CO₂ removal, as well as the accuracy of resting energy expenditure (REE) measurement using indirect calorimetry (IC) remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effects of CVVHDF on O₂ and CO₂ removal and the accuracy of REE measurement using IC in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy.

Design: Prospective, observational, single-center study.

Projections of Public Spending on Pharmaceuticals: A Review of Methods.

Background: Forecasting future public pharmaceutical expenditure is a challenge for healthcare payers, particularly owing to the unpredictability of new market introductions and their economic impact. No best-practice forecasting methods have been established so far. The literature distinguishes between the top-down approach, based on historical trends, and the bottom-up approach, using a combination of historical and horizon scanning data.

Didemnins as marine-derived anticancer agents: mechanistic insights and clinical potential.

Didemnins, a class of cyclic depsipeptides derived from marine organisms exhibit notable anticancer properties. Among them, Didemnin B has been extensively researched for its strong antitumor activity and progression to clinical trials. Nonetheless, its clinical application has been impeded by challenges like poor bioavailability and dose-limiting toxicity.

Biocompatibility of Phosphorus Dendrimers and Their Antibacterial Properties as Potential Agents for Supporting Wound Healing.

Dendrimers are a wide range of nanoparticles with desirable properties that can be used in many areas of medicine. However, little is known about their potential use in wound healing. This study examined the properties of phosphorus dendrimers that were built on a cyclotriphosphazene core and pyrrolidinium (DPP) or piperidinium (DPH) terminated groups, to be used as potential factors that support wound healing ().

Gemcitabine and docetaxel for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: EuroGemDoce group results.

Objective: To evaluate the oncological efficacy and safety of sequential intravesical gemcitabine/docetaxel (Gem/Doce) therapy in a European cohort of patients with high-risk and very-high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after previous Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treatment.

Materials And Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from 95 patients with NMIBC, treated with Gem/Doce at 12 European centres between 2021 and 2024. Patients previously treated with BCG who had completed a full induction course and received at least one follow-up evaluation were included.

Hepatincolaceae (Alphaproteobacteria) are Distinct From Holosporales and Independently Evolved to Associate With Ecdysozoa.

The Hepatincolaceae (Alphaproteobacteria) are a group of bacteria that inhabit the gut of arthropods and other ecdysozoans, associating extracellularly with microvilli. Previous phylogenetic studies, primarily single-gene analyses, suggested their relationship to the Holosporales, which includes intracellular bacteria in protist hosts. However, the genomics of Hepatincolaceae is still in its early stages.

Chronic stress resulting from stressful life events and its role in the onset of primary Sjögren's syndrome: a comparative analysis using the modified Holmes-Rahe stress scale.

Recent years brought considerable attention to the connection between chronic stress and the development of autoimmune diseases. However, little is still known about the impact of prolonged stress reactions on the onset and course of primary Sjögren Syndrome (pSS). This study aimed to seek for associations between chronic stress, resulting from stressful life events, and pSS.

Removal of Spontaneously Fractured Leads with Their Proximal Ends in the Heart and Vasculature-Description of Different Approaches and Tools.

Removal of spontaneously fractured leads with their proximal ends migrated into the vascular space has not been analysed in detail thus far. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different approaches and auxiliary tools for removing fractured leads with migrated proximal ends. Retrospective analysis of 72 cases from a database containing 3847 TLEs (transvenous lead extraction).

Limited Changes in Red Blood Cell Parameters After Probiotic Supplementation in Depressive Individuals: Insights from a Secondary Analysis of the PRO-DEMET Randomized Controlled Trial.

: Depression often coexists with anemia, potentially sharing common pathways, highlighting the need for treatments addressing both conditions simultaneously. This study evaluated the effect of probiotics on red blood cell (RBC) parameters in adults with depressive disorder. We hypothesized that probiotics would positively influence RBC parameters, potentially modulated by baseline inflammation or dietary intake, with improved RBC function correlating with better antidepressant outcomes.

Limb Axis Disorder During Leg Length Discrepancy Treatment with Temporary Epiphysiodesis Using Eight-Plate Implants.

: A common problem in pediatric orthopedics is leg length discrepancy (LLD). In adulthood, this may result in overload and degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, hip, and knee joints of the longer limb, and the fixed equinus position of the foot of the shorter limb. Surgical treatment using temporary epiphysiodesis with eight-plate implants is a minimally invasive, safe, and patient-tolerated procedure in LLD.

Retinal Displacement Following Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Systematic Review of Surgical Techniques, Tamponade Agents, and Outcomes.

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a severe condition that may lead to permanent vision loss if untreated. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) has become a preferred surgical intervention, particularly in complex cases. Objective: Retinal displacement (RD) following PPV for RRD can lead to visual distortions and can negatively impact patient quality of life.

Successful Switch to Obinutuzumab in a Rituximab-Intolerant Child with Difficult-to-Treat Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome.

: Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children. A hallmark of the disease is the rapid remission of proteinuria following a high dose of steroids. Recurrent disease or steroid dependence are common, leading to a high steroid burden and the introduction of steroid sparing therapy.

Assessing the Long-Term Effectiveness of Fractional CO Laser Treatment in Perimenopausal Women with Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause-Single Center Preliminary Study.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a prevalent condition in postmenopausal women characterized by symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, and urinary tract issues due to declining estrogen levels. Despite its widespread impact on quality of life, GSM often remains underdiagnosed and without effective treatment. This study assessed the long-term efficacy of fractional CO laser treatment in alleviating GSM symptoms in perimenopausal women.

Comparison of a Scheimpflug Camera and Optical Coherence Tomography in Evaluating Keratoconic Eyes Post Keratoplasty.

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare corneal parameters and compliance using a Pentacam HR-Scheimpflug (Pentacam HR) and a swept-source OCT Casia (Casia) in keratoconus (KC) patients post penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and KC patients without PKP, as well as a control group. Pachymetry measurements were also analyzed using a spectral domain OCT Solix (OCT Solix), Pentacam HR, and Casia. The study included 71 patients (136 keratoconic eyes; group A), 86 eyes with KC post-PKP (group B), 50 eyes with KC without PKP (group C), and 52 control participants (104 eyes).

Resistant and Apparently Resistant Hypertension in Peritoneally Dialyzed Patients.

Hypertension in chronic kidney disease patients is very common. The definition of resistant hypertension in the general population is as follows: uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) on three or more hypotensive agents in adequate doses, or when patients are on four or more hypotensive agent categories irrespective of the BP control, with diuretics included in the therapy. However, these resistant hypertension definitions do not apply to the setting of end-stage kidney disease.

Exploring Maternal Challenges: A Pilot Study of Pain, Fatigue, and Anxiety in Newborn Care Within Rooming-in Settings.

In the rooming-in system, mothers and their healthy newborns stay together for 24 h a day; however, many women in the early postpartum period often find it challenging to balance their recovery from childbirth with the demands of caring for their newborns. This study aims to investigate the need for postpartum women to entrust their newborns to medical staff for care, and the relationship of this need with perceived pain, fatigue, and anxiety. The study uses the Need to Entrust a Newborn under the Care of the Staff (NEN) scale and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) to assess participants' levels of pain, fatigue and anxiety.

A Narrative Review of Fungal Periprosthetic Joint Infections of the Hip and Knee: Risk Factors, Microbiological Profiles, and Treatment Challenges.

Fungal periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are rare but increasingly recognized complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). While remains the most common pathogen, non-albicans species and other fungi, such as , have gained prominence. These infections often present with subtle clinical features and affect patients with significant comorbidities or immunosuppression.