480 results match your criteria: "Research Institute of the University of Bucharest[Affiliation]"
Biotechniques
December 2024
Drosophila Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFData Brief
December 2024
Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta 4-13, Bucharest 030018, Romania.
Materials (Basel)
December 2024
National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology-ECOIND, 57-73 Drumul Podu Dambovitei, 060652 Bucharest, Romania.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMaterials (Basel)
November 2024
Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania.
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).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCells
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEcotoxicol 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
November 2024
Oncologic Dermatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, ROU.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNat Hum Behav
November 2024
Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Biomed Mater
December 2024
National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, PO Box MG 36, 077125 Magurele, Romania.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicroorganisms
November 2024
National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Bals", 021105 Bucharest, Romania.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEur J Ageing
November 2024
NOVA - Norwegian Social Research, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPolymers (Basel)
October 2024
National Institute for Lasers, Plasma, and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Bucharest, Romania.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPolymers (Basel)
October 2024
Faculty of Material Science and Engineering, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei Street, 060042 Bucharest, Romania.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Public Health
October 2024
Research Institute for Quality of Life, Bucharest, Romania.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGels
October 2024
"Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGels
September 2024
Laser Department, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor, Magurele, 077125 Ilfov, Romania.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Mater Chem B
November 2024
Institute of Functional Materials Chemistry of State Scientific Institution "Institute for Single Crystals" of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, 61072, Ukraine.
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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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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFACS Omega
October 2024
Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, Bucharest 011061, Romania.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt 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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