480 results match your criteria: "Research Institute of the University of Bucharest[Affiliation]"

Gene expression assays that are based on quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) method are still very popular, therefore, we developed qDATA, an open-source R-based bioinformatics application that offers a quick and intuitive analysis of raw cycle threshold (Ct) values. The application relies on a straightforward data input consisting in Ct values and on other mandatory fields specifying the experimental and control groups. qDATA automatically performs descriptive statistics, normality and statistical testing on 2 (or ΔCt) and 2 terms calculated with Livak's method.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Spatial data plays a vital role in archaeology, utilizing tools like orthophotos, digital elevation models, and 3D models for site mapping and monitoring, aided significantly by the rise of affordable UAVs for photogrammetry in the last two decades.
  • - The paper discusses data collected from various sensors at Chalcolithic archaeological sites in Romania and emphasizes the need for effective data storage and dissemination due to the large volumes created by laser scanning and photogrammetry.
  • - Over five summer campaigns, 19 archaeological sites were accurately mapped using techniques like airborne laser scanning and multispectral photogrammetry, with all data made publicly available on a dedicated website and open-data platform for broader access.
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Drinking and wastewater are to be treated for safe human consumption and for keeping surface waters clean. There are multiple water purification procedures, but the use of ion-exchange resins significantly enhances water purification efficiency. This review was targeted on highlighting the concept and classification of polymeric ion-exchange resins as well as pointing out their real-world applications.

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Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using a vortex microfluidic system and subsequently functionalized with a primary shell of salicylic acid, recognized for its ability to increase the stability and biocompatibility of coated materials. In the second stage, the vortex platform was placed in a magnetic field to facilitate the growth and development of a porous silica shell. The selected drug for this study was micafungin, an antifungal agent well regarded for its effectiveness in combating fungal infections and identified as a priority compound by the World Health Organization (WHO).

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The Potential of a Novel Cold Atmospheric Plasma Jet as a Feasible Therapeutic Strategy for Gingivitis-A Cell-Based Study.

Cells

November 2024

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050657 Bucharest, Romania.

Due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and pro-healing properties, the application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has emerged as a new and promising therapeutic strategy in various fields of medicine, including general medicine and dentistry. In this light, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a homemade plasma jet on the cellular behaviour of two important cell types involved in gingivitis, namely gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1 cell line) and macrophages (RAW 264.7 cell line), by the direct application of CAP in different experimental conditions.

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From rock to living systems: Lanthanides toxicity and biological interactions.

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf

December 2024

The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, Bucharest, Romania; Microbiology-Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest 050095, Romania.

Since the discovery of lanthanides, the expanding range of applications and the growing demand for lanthanides in different aspects of life have escalated their dispersion in the environment, raising concerns about their impact on the living world. This review explores the interaction between lanthanides and different groups of living organisms (bacteria, algae, lichens, plants, invertebrates, and low vertebrates), reflecting the current state of scientific knowledge. We have aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of relevant studies, highlight existing gaps, and suggest potential areas for future research to enhance the understanding of this topic.

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Enhancement of chlorpromazine efficacy in breast cancer treatment by 266 nm laser irradiation.

Sci Rep

December 2024

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest, 050095, Romania.

Breast cancer remains a global health challenge, prompting interest in the anticancer properties of other drugs, including chlorpromazine (CPZ). This study presents a novel approach in breast cancer treatment using laser irradiated CPZ. CPZ dissolved in distilled water, was exposed to 266 nm laser irradiation for varying durations, characterized by UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy, followed by drug-likeness and ADME-Tox predictions.

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Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRi) are approved for treating various cancers. Given that EGFR signaling is crucial for normal skin growth and repair, inhibiting this pathway can disrupt skin homeostasis and integrity. Although generally well tolerated, molecularly targeted therapies can lead to skin-related adverse effects that significantly impact patients' quality of life, often resulting in treatment interruptions.

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Article Synopsis
  • The Linearbandkeramik (LBK) Neolithic communities were pioneers in spreading agriculture across Europe and this study showcases genetic data from 250 individuals to understand their ancestry.
  • The findings reveal a notable difference in ancestry, with eastern LBK sites having a higher percentage of western hunter-gatherer genetics compared to western sites, indicating separate genetic paths for these groups.
  • Additionally, the research suggests a patrilocal social structure, featuring more genetic connections among males within sites, and points out that the massacre at Asparn-Schletz likely involved individuals from a large population rather than a small community.
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This study investigates the potential of combining Cerium-doped bioactive glass (BBGi) with Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to enhance the properties of titanium (Ti) implant surfaces using the Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique. The primary focus is on improving osseointegration, corrosion resistance, and evaluating the cytotoxicity of the developed thin films towards host cells. The innovative approach involves synthesizing a composite thin film comprising BBGi and PVP, leveraging the distinct benefits of both materials: BBGi's biocompatibility and osteoinductive capabilities, and PVP's film-forming and biocompatible properties.

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Influenza viruses continue to be an important public health threat. Vaccination is the most effective measure to control the influenza virus circulation. However, these viruses are continuously evolving through antigenic drift/shift, and thus the vaccine efficiency is affected.

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The primary aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize polyurethane (PUR) foams derived from the depolymerization products of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and MXenes (NbAlC). The depolymerized PET products were produced through a zinc acetate-catalyzed glycolysis process using diethylene glycol (DEG) as solvent. These glycolysis products were then reacted with 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), commercial polyols, and MXenes to produce the PUR foams.

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Social exclusion (SE) and its detrimental health outcomes are a key concern in European policies. This study investigates whether childless older adults face a higher risk of SE compared to those with children, how these potential differences have evolved, and whether SE among childless older men differs from that experienced by childless older women. Children are perceived in most cultures as an insurance of social integration in old age.

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Since breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women, silicone mammary implants have been extensively employed in numerous breast reconstruction procedures. However, despite the crucial role they play, their interaction with the host's immune system and microbiome is poorly understood. Considering this, the present work investigates the immunomodulatory and bacterial mitigation potential of six textured surfaces, based on linear step-like features with various regular and irregular multiscaled arrangements, in comparison to a flat PDMS surface.

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Given the constant increased number of nosocomial infections in hospitals, especially associated with prolonged usage of inserted medical devices, our work aims to ameliorate clinical experience and promote faster healing of patients undergoing urinary catheterization by improving the properties of medical devices materials. Within this research, nine different composites were prepared based on polyvinyl chloride, using three different plasticizers (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Proviplast 2646, and Proviplast 2755), and two different antimicrobial additives containing silver nanoparticles. The prepared materials were analyzed, and their physicochemical properties were determined: water absorption, relative density, plasticizer migration, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity by contact angle measurement, Shore A hardness, tensile strength, and elongation at break.

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Unlocking the potential of biocompatible chitosan-hyaluronic acid nanogels labeled with fluorochromes: A promising step toward enhanced FRET bioimaging.

Int J Biol Macromol

December 2024

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania. Electronic address:

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide widely used in medical formulations as nanoparticles due to their special properties. Our work aimed to assess the biocompatibility of chitosan-hyaluronic acid nanogels labeled with fluorochromes for use in biomedical applications, based on the FRET effect. The preparation method included the ionic gelation, grafting rhodamine or fluorescein isothiocyanate molecules onto the chitosan backbone.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study explores how loneliness and social isolation affect the 20-year mortality rates of older adults, using data from the Norwegian Life Course, Ageing, and Generation study (NorLAG).
  • It analyzed responses from nearly 10,000 participants, finding that social isolation increased mortality risk by 15-16% and was influenced by factors like having no partner and little contact with family.
  • For men, feeling lonely when asked directly was linked to higher mortality risk, but loneliness assessed indirectly didn't show a significant impact once social isolation was considered.
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Insights into the effects of lanthanides on mammalian systems and potential applications.

Environ Res

December 2024

The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.

Lanthanides, a group of elements with unique chemical properties, have garnered significant attention for their varied biological effects, ranging from cytotoxic to protective, depending on concentration, cell type, and exposure conditions. This review provides a detailed examination of the biological interactions of lanthanides with mammalian systems, including humans, by exploring their impact on different cell lines and organisms. Through a systematic assessment of current research, this work highlights the dual nature of lanthanides, identifying them as both potential therapeutic agents and environmental toxins.

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Online Media Use and COVID-19 Vaccination in Real-World Personal Networks: Quantitative Study.

J Med Internet Res

October 2024

Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.

Background: Most studies assessing the impact of online media and social media use on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy predominantly rely on survey data, which often fail to capture the clustering of health opinions and behaviors within real-world networks. In contrast, research using social network analysis aims to uncover the diverse communities and discourse themes related to vaccine support and hesitancy within social media platforms. Despite these advancements, there is a gap in the literature on how a person's social circle affects vaccine acceptance, wherein an important part of social influence stems from offline interactions.

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Dynamic chitosan-based hydrogels with enhanced antioxidant activity were synthesized through the formation of reversible imine linkages with 5-methoxy-salicylaldehyde. These hydrogels exhibited a porous structure and swelling capacity, influenced by the crosslinking degree, as confirmed by SEM and POM analysis. The dynamic nature of the imine bonds was characterized through NMR, swelling studies in various media, and aldehyde release measurements.

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This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of hydrogels synthesized through the UV-pulsed laser photopolymerization of a polymer-photoinitiator-chlorpromazine mixture. Chlorpromazine was used for its known enhanced antimicrobial properties when exposed to UV laser radiation. The hydrogel was formed from a mixture containing 0.

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Understanding the intricate interactions of molecular dyes with nucleic acids is pivotal for advancing medical and biochemical applications. In this work, we present a comprehensive study of the interplay between a novel series of bis-acridine orange (BAO) dyes and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). These BAO dyes were intentionally designed as two acridine orange units connected by neutral linkers featuring a 2,5-disubstituted thiophene moiety.

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Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to paclitaxel efficacy in triple negative breast cancer treatment.

Sci Rep

October 2024

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, 050095, Romania.

Chronic inflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation are among the determining factors of breast malignancies. Paclitaxel (PTX) is a drug used in breast cancer treatment which sustains prolonged inflammation, reducing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Considering the impact of inflammatory processes in cancer progression, there is a strong concern to develop therapeutic strategy targeting NLRP3 inflammasome for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment.

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This study presents for the first time the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) that takes place by both SARA-ATRP and SET-LRP mechanisms. The two types of polymerizations that occur in the system are PMMA grafting to the PVC backbone and the formation of a new PMMA polymer, both occurring in the presence of a Cuwire. The polymerizations were controlled as confirmed by the molecular weight evolution, polymerization kinetics, and variations in the dispersity value.

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Cold plasma irradiation of chitosan: A straight pathway to selective antitumor therapy.

Int J Biol Macromol

November 2024

Center for Low-temperature Plasma Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.

Plasma-activated chitosan (PAC) colloids for cancer treatment were obtained by using the cold atmospheric plasma technique. Chitosan solutions were irradiated by plasma ignited in argon gas and in a mixture of argon with nitrogen and oxygen gases in certain ratios. The structural modifications of chitosan and the chemical species generated in plasma were investigated by EPR, LC-MS/MS, XRD, DLS, and TGA methods.

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