Molecular Findings Before Vision Loss in the Streptozotocin-Induced Rat Model of Diabetic Retinopathy.

The streptozotocin-induced rat model of diabetic retinopathy presents similarities to the disease observed in humans. After four weeks following the induction of diabetes, the rats experience vision impairment. During this crucial four-week period, significant changes occur, with vascular damage standing out as a clinically significant factor, alongside neovascularization.

Anti-Tissue-Transglutaminase IgA Antibodies Presence Determination Using Electrochemical Square Wave Voltammetry and Modified Electrodes Based on Polypyrrole and Quantum Dots.

A novel electrochemical detection method utilizing a cost-effective hybrid-modified electrode has been established. A glassy carbon (GC) modified electrode was tested for its ability to measure electrochemical tTG antibody levels, which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring Celiac disease (CD). Tissue transglutaminase protein biomolecules are immobilized on a quantum dots-polypyrrole nanocomposite in the improved electrode.

Carboxylated Graphene: An Innovative Approach to Enhanced IgA-SARS-CoV-2 Electrochemical Biosensing.

Biosensors harness biological materials as receptors linked to transducers, enabling the capture and transformation of primary biorecognition signals into measurable outputs. This study presents a novel carboxylation method for synthesizing carboxylated graphene (CG) under acidic conditions, enhancing biosensing capabilities. The characterization of the CG was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

Batch Adsorption of Orange II Dye on a New Green Hydrogel-Study on Working Parameters and Process Enhancement.

A new green hydrogel consisting of cherry stone (CS) powder and sodium alginate (SA) was synthesized through physical crosslinking. The product had a mean diameter of 3.95 mm, a moisture content of 92.

Environmental and Wastewater Treatment Applications of Stimulus-Responsive Hydrogels.

Stimulus-responsive hydrogels have emerged as versatile materials for environmental and wastewater treatment applications due to their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This review highlights recent advances in the design, synthesis, and functionalization of such hydrogels, focusing on their environmental applications. Various synthesis techniques, including radical polymerization, grafting, and copolymerization, enable the development of hydrogels with tailored properties such as enhanced adsorption capacity, selectivity, and reusability.

Thermoresponsive Gels with Rosemary Essential Oil: A Novel Topical Carrier for Antimicrobial Therapy and Drug Delivery Applications.

This study investigates the development and comprehensive characterization of innovative thermoresponsive gels incorporating rosemary essential oil (RoEO) encapsulated in poly(lactic--glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles, with a focus on their potential applications in topical antimicrobial and wound healing therapies. RoEO, renowned for its robust antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, was subjected to detailed chemical profiling using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified oxygenated monoterpenes as its dominant constituents. PLGA microparticles were synthesized through an optimized oil-in-water emulsion technique, ensuring high encapsulation efficiency and structural integrity.

Hydrogel-Based Innovations in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Bridging Pathophysiological Complexities and Translational Therapeutic Gaps.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent neuropathic disorder caused by chronic compression of the median nerve, leading to sensory and motor impairments. Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroid injections, wrist splinting, and surgical decompression, often fail to provide adequate outcomes for chronic or recurrent cases, emphasizing the need for innovative therapies. Hydrogels, highly biocompatible three-dimensional biomaterials with customizable properties, hold significant potential for CTS management.

Utilisation of High Molecular Weight and Ultra-High Molecular Weight Hyaluronan in Management of Glioblastoma.

HA (hyaluronan) has been considered in recent years as a naturally occurring modifiable gel-like scaffold that has the capability to absorb and release drugs over an extended period of time making it suitable as a potential chemotherapeutic delivery agent. Considering the limited treatment options available in the treatment of glioblastoma, in this review, we discuss the novel utilisation of ultra-high molecular weight HA-originally identified as a mechanism for maintaining longevity in the naked mole-rat-as both a protective and extracellular matrix-optimizing colloidal scaffold, and a means to deliver therapy in resected brain tumours. The unique properties of this unique form of HA cross-linked gel indicate potential future use in the prevention and treatment of both proliferative-based and inflammation-driven disease.

Role of Ionizing Radiation Techniques in Polymeric Hydrogel Synthesis for Tissue Engineering Applications.

Hydrogels are widely utilized in industrial and scientific applications owing to their ability to immobilize active molecules, cells, and nanoparticles. This capability has led to their growing use in various biomedical fields, including cell culture and transplantation, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Among the available synthesis techniques, ionizing-radiation-induced fabrication stands out as an environmentally friendly method for hydrogel preparation.

Textural, Color, and Sensory Analysis of Cookies Prepared with Hemp Oil-Based Oleogels.

The amount of saturated fat in cookies can be reduced by replacing margarine with oleogel, resulting in healthier products. In this study, the rheological and textural profile of cookies formulated with oleogel as the main margarine substitute was evaluated. Hemp seed vegetable oil was oleogelized with four types of waxes: beeswax (BW), carnauba wax (CW), candelilla wax (DW), rice bran wax (RW), and three oleogeling agents, sitosterol (S), pea protein (PP), and xanthan gum (XG), respectively.

Kombucha Versus Vegetal Cellulose for Affordable Mucoadhesive (nano)Formulations.

Cellulose nanofibers gained increasing interest in the production of medical devices such as mucoadhesive nanohydrogels due to their ability to retain moisture (high hydrophilicity), flexibility, superior porosity and durability, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and biocompatibility. In this work, we aimed to compare the suitability of selected bacterial and vegetal nanocellulose to form hydrogels for biomedical applications. The vegetal and bacterial cellulose nanofibers were synthesized from brewer's spent grains (BSG) and kombucha membranes, respectively.

Synergistic Antibacterial Action of Norfloxacin-Encapsulated G4 Hydrogels: The Role of Boronic Acid and Cyclodextrin.

In this present study, we developed and characterized a series of supramolecular G4 hydrogels by integrating -cyclodextrin (-CD) and boronic acid linkers into a supramolecular matrix to enhance antibacterial activity against (). We systematically investigated how varying the number of free boronic acid moieties (ranging from two to six), along with guanosine and β-CD content, influences both the structural integrity and antimicrobial efficacy of these materials. Comprehensive characterization using FTIR, circular dichroism, X-ray diffraction, SEM, AFM, and rheological measurements confirmed successful synthesis and revealed that higher boronic acid content correlated with a stronger, more organized network.

Extract Loaded in Alginate Hydrogel Beads for Chronic Wound Healing.

Chronic wounds are a major health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. Resistance to treatment is frequently observed, requiring an extension of the wound healing time, and improper care can lead to more problems in patients. Smart wound dressings that provide a controlled drug release can significantly improve the healing process.

Hybrid Hydrogel Supplemented with Algal Polysaccharide for Potential Use in Biomedical Applications.

Hydrogels are a viable option for biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to incorporate various healing agents while maintaining their biological efficacy. This study focused on the preparation and characterization of novel hybrid hydrogels enriched with the natural algae compound Ulvan for potential use in wound dressings. The characterization of the hydrogel membranes involved multiple methods to assess their structural, mechanical, and chemical properties, such as pH measurements, swelling, moisture content and uptake, gel fraction, hydrolytic degradation, protein adsorption and denaturation tests, rheological measurements, SEM, biocompatibility testing, and scratch wound assay.

Natrium Alginate and Graphene Nanoplatelets-Based Efficient Material for Resveratrol Delivery.

In this study, alginate-based composite beads were developed for the delivery of resveratrol, a compound with therapeutic potential. Two formulations were prepared: one with sodium alginate and resveratrol (AR) and another incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (AGR) to improve drug release control. The beads were formed by exploiting alginate's ability to gel via ionic cross-linking.

In Vitro Investigation of Novel Peptide Hydrogels for Enamel Remineralization.

This study investigates the microstructure of dental enamel following demineralization and re-mineralization processes, using DIAGNOdent scores and images obtained via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and microhardness (Vickers). The research evaluates the effects of two experimental hydrogels, Anti-Amelogenin isoform X (ABT260, S1) and Anti-Kallikrein L1 (K3014, S2), applied to demineralized enamel surfaces over periods of 14 and 21 days. The study involved 60 extracted teeth, free from cavities or other lesions, divided into four groups: a positive group (+), a negative group (-) and groups S1 and S2.

Insights into the Multidisciplinary Approach for Metastatic Acinic Cell Lung Carcinoma: The Pathologist's Role in Romania Today.

: Acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare lung neoplasm that can affect both children and adults as a parenchymal or endobronchial mass. It is histologically similar to this kind of tumor described in salivary glands, but with a different immunophenotype. In general, it poses a reduced degree of malignancy, with indolent growth and a favorable prognosis, with exceptionally rare cases associated with recurring disease or lymph node metastases.

Vulvar Metastasis in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report Highlighting the Aggressive Nature of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Vulvar cancer is one of the rarest gynecological malignancies. The development of this condition can be associated with either dysplasia linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), primarily affecting younger women, or vulvar dermatoses such as lichen sclerosus, which predominantly affect older women. Over the last decade, the incidence of vulvar cancer has risen by 0.

Exploring Employee Perspectives on Workplace Technology: Usage, Roles, and Implications for Satisfaction and Performance.

In a dynamic context, where market requirements and needs change often, it is important for companies to adapt to new demands as quickly as possible to continue to be successful. To be able to face numerous challenges, however, organizations need to focus on the needs of their employees, with their satisfaction being an intermediate objective in achieving performance. Since technology is a pillar of each business field, the aim of this study is to explore employees' perspectives on the use of technology at work, analyzing its main roles within the company, the benefits it provides from the employees' viewpoint and its implications for satisfaction and performance.

The Particularities of Employees' Green Ethical Behavior in the Oil and Gas Sector.

The article aims to evaluate the particularities of the green, ethical behavior of employees from the oil and gas sector in light of climate change and sustainable development. We employed a quantitative research approach and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS4 software (version 4.1.

Psychological Distress and Online Academic Difficulties: Development and Validation of Scale to Measure Students' Mental Health Problems in Online Learning.

In the present study, a short instrument (eight-item self-report, five-point Likert scales) was developed and validated to assess self-perceived mental health problems in online learning. The participants were 398 Romanian university students from nine different faculties. The factor structure of the scale was assessed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (Principal Axis Factoring extraction method) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis.

Immunosuppression and Outcomes in Patients with Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Cutaneous squamous scell carcinoma (cSCC) is a frequent non-melanoma skin cancer that originates from keratinocytes with increased prevalence. cSCC can be either in situ, as in Bowen's disease, or extended. Advanced age, accumulated sun exposure, light pigmentation, and prior skin cancer diagnosis are all significant risk factors for cSCC.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Combined Intravaginal Estriol Therapy and Kegel Exercises in Managing Menopausal Atrophic Vulvovaginitis.

: This is a prospective study. Atrophic vulvovaginitis (VVA), a prevalent condition resulting from estrogen deficiency after the menopause, is characterized by symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, burning, dyspareunia, and urinary discomfort. Standard treatment involves systemic estrogen replacement therapy (HRT) and localized estrogen treatments, such as estriol.

The Relevance of the Virchow Node and Virchow Triad in Renal Cancer Diagnosis.

The purpose of this article is to overview the clinical significance of left supraclavicular adenopathy and review the etiology of inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis, starting from a presentation of a rare case of renal cell carcinoma (RCCs) with Xp11.2 translocation involving TFE3 gene fusion. This article also aims to review the literature to understand the characteristics of this rare type of renal tumor.