303 results match your criteria: "Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB[Affiliation]"

This study investigates the synthesis of ZnSnO@SiO@5-FU nanoparticles as an additive for bone fillers in dental maxillofacial reconstruction. ZnSnO nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with a SiO shell, followed by the incorporation of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), aimed at enhancing the therapeutic properties of classical fillers. Structural analysis using X-ray diffraction confirmed that ZnSnO was the single crystalline phase present, with its crystallinity preserved after both SiO coating and 5-FU incorporation.

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With the growing interest in nanofibers and the urgent need to address environmental concerns associated with plastic waste, there is an increasing focus on using recycled materials to develop advanced healthcare solutions. This study explores the potential of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanofibers, functionalized with copper-enhanced alginate, for applications in wound dressings. Nanofibers with desirable antimicrobial properties were developed using chemical recycling and electrospinning techniques, offering a sustainable and effective option for managing wound infections and promoting healing.

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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely utilized synthetic polymer, favored in various applications for its desirable physicochemical characteristics and widespread accessibility. However, its extensive utilization, coupled with improper waste disposal, has led to the alarming pollution of the environment. Thus, recycling PET products is essential for diminishing global pollution and turning waste into meaningful materials.

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Novel 3-sulfonamide pyrrol-2-one derivatives containing two sulfonamide groups were synthesized via a one-pot, three-component method using trifluoroacetic acid as a catalyst. Structural confirmation was achieved using spectroscopic techniques. The compounds were tested against four selected human carbonic anhydrase isoforms (hCA I, hCA II, hCA IX, and hCA XII).

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Implications of Biomaterials for Chronic Wounds.

Mini Rev Med Chem

January 2025

University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, DAFAB Department, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, Bucharest, R-050095, Romania.

The use of biomaterials in treating and managing chronic wounds represents a significant challenge in global healthcare due to the complex nature of these wounds, which are slow to heal and can lead to complications such as frequent infections and diminished quality of life for patients. Chronic wounds, which can arise from conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, and pressure sores, pose distinct challenges in wound care, necessitating the development of specialized dressings. The pathophysiology of chronic wounds is thoroughly examined in this article, with particular attention paid to the cellular and molecular defects at work and the therapeutic guidelines.

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The Potential of TRPA1 as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer-A Study Using Bioinformatic Tools.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel)

December 2024

Department of Anatomy, Biophysics and Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.

The expression of the transient receptor potential 1 (TRPA1) gene is increased in many solid tumours, and its function relates to inflammation, oxidative stress or the presence of toxic substances. However, little is known about the correlation of clinical parameters with patients' cancer stages, metastases and the degree of tumour infiltration by immune cells. We performed a bioinformatic analysis, using databases and public resources to investigate TRPA1 for many available samples.

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(NS) is an annual herb belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, also known as black cumin or black seed. This plant has been used since ancient times due to its therapeutic properties and has proven effective in gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, infectious, and inflammatory conditions. In this review, the aim is to highlight the therapeutic effects of the plant known in Arab countries as "the plant that cures any disease", which are provided by the phytochemical compounds in its composition, such as thymoquinone, p-cymene, α-thujene, longifolene, β-pinene, α-pinene, and carvacrol.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Bone grafting in oral and maxillofacial surgery has evolved significantly due to developments in materials science, offering innovative alternatives for the repair of bone defects. A few grafts are currently used in clinical settings, including autografts, xenografts, and allografts. However, despite their benefits, they have some challenges, such as limited availability, the possibility of disease transmission, and lack of personalization for the defect.

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Since sarcopenia is a progressive condition that leads to decreased muscle mass and function, especially in elderly people, it is a public health problem that requires attention from researchers. This review aims to highlight drug delivery systems that have a high and efficient therapeutic potential for sarcopenia. Current as well as future research needs to consider the barriers encountered in the realization of delivery systems, such as the route of administration, the interaction of the systems with the aggressive environment of the human body, the efficient delivery and loading of the systems with therapeutic agents, and the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents into the muscle tissue without creating undesirable adverse effects.

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Gene therapy is one of the most potential therapeutic approaches in direct and specific regulation of biological functions of macrophages at the gene level for efficient cell therapy. However, the delivery of genetic material to macrophages is extremely challenging, because of low stability, specificity and inability of therapeutic genes to efficiently enter the cells. Here, we present a method that uses the hybrid electrospun architectures based on gelatin-alginate decorated with carboxylated graphene oxide (HAG/G) as efficient substrate for loading and local and controlled delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA) to macrophages as an alternative to systemic gene delivery carriers.

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Ulva lactuca blooms through the eyes of fishers: Threats to vulnerable coastal communities.

Mar Pollut Bull

November 2024

Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução de Crustáceos - LABEEC, Departamento de Biologia, Ecologia e Botânica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Campus Universitário Lagoa Nova, Caixa Postal 1524, CEP 59078-970 Natal, Brazil. Electronic address:

Eutrophication intensifies Harmful Macroalgae Blooms (HMBs) in coastal environments, reducing habitat suitability for organisms and creating significant challenges for small-scale artisanal fishers. Leveraging fishers' memories, we analyzed over 20 years of data on Ulva lactuca blooms and their effects on fishing activities and fish resources in a tropical semi-arid region of Brazil. We estimated the timing, seasonality, and impacts of these bloom episodes on fish catches, fishing gears, and fishery revenues.

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Latest Perspectives on Alzheimer's Disease Treatment: The Role of Blood-Brain Barrier and Antioxidant-Based Drug Delivery Systems.

Molecules

August 2024

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

There has been a growing interest recently in exploring the role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss that affects millions of people worldwide. Research has shown that the BBB plays a crucial role in regulating the entry of therapeutics into the brain. Also, the potential benefits of using antioxidant molecules for drug delivery were highlighted in Alzheimer's treatment to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and reduce oxidative stress in affected patients.

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Background: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of in aquatic environments and fish microbiota by integrating culture-dependent methods, 16S metagenomics, and antibiotic resistance profiling.

Methods: A total of 83 isolates were recovered using culture-dependent methods from intra-hospital infections (IHI) and wastewater (WW) and surface water (SW) samples from two southern Romanian cities in August 2022. The antibiotic susceptibility was screened using disc diffusion, microdilution, PCR, and Whole Genome Sequencing assays.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigated resistance and virulence markers in fungal strains isolated from community-acquired infections in Bucharest outpatient cases during 2021.
  • Among 62 strains analyzed, notable percentages showed different virulence markers and enzyme production, with some strains exhibiting varying adherence to HeLa cells.
  • Alternative solutions based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) demonstrated effectiveness in inhibiting microbial growth and virulence factor production, highlighting the need for epidemiological monitoring.
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Article Synopsis
  • * Nanomaterials can enhance immune responses by serving as precise carriers for drugs, antigens, or genetic material, which improves treatment effectiveness and minimizes damage to healthy cells.
  • * Despite the potential benefits of nanotechnology in immunology, there remain challenges related to the safety, biocompatibility, and scalability of these nanomaterials for clinical use.
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