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 ().

Machine Condition Monitoring System Based on Edge Computing Technology.

The core of this publication is the design of a system for evaluating the condition of production equipment and machines by monitoring selected parameters of the production process with an additional sensor subsystem. The main positive of the design is the processing of data from the sensor layer using artificial intelligence (AI) and expert systems (ESs) with the use of edge computing (EC). Sensor information is processed directly at the sensor level on the monitored equipment, and the results of the individual subsystems are stored in the form of triggers in a database for use in the predictive maintenance process.

Preconceptional and Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation in the Visegrad Group Countries for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are malformations of the central nervous system that represent the second most common cause of congenital morbidity and mortality, following cardiovascular abnormalities. Maternal nutrition, particularly folic acid, a B vitamin, is crucial in the etiology of NTDs. FA plays a key role in DNA methylation, synthesis, and repair, acting as a cofactor in one-carbon transfer reactions essential for neural tube development.

Synergistic Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Physical Activity on Oxidative Stress Markers and Antioxidant Mechanisms in Aged Rats.

Background: Aging induces degenerative processes in the body, contributing to the onset of various age-associated diseases that affect the population. Inadequate dietary habits and low physical activity are major contributors to increased morbidity during aging. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and physical activity on the markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms in aged male Wistar rats (23-24 months).

Theoretical Study of Antioxidant and Prooxidant Potency of Protocatechuic Aldehyde.

In this study, the antioxidant and prooxidant potency of protocatechuic aldehyde (PCA) was evaluated using density functional theory (DFT). The potency of direct scavenging of hydroperoxyl (HOO) and lipid peroxyl radicals (modeled by vinyl peroxyl, HC=CHOO) involved in lipid peroxidation was estimated. The repair of oxidative damage in biomolecules (lipids, proteins and nucleic acids) and the prooxidant ability of PCA phenoxyl radicals were considered.

Association of Gene Polymorphism and Serum Level of α Klotho Protein with Different Tumor Grades, Overall Survival and Cytokine Profile in Glioma Patients.

Gliomas are the most common and lethal forms of malignant brain tumors. We attempted to identify the role of the aging-suppressor gene and Klotho protein in the immunopathogenesis of gliomas. We examined genetic variants by PCR-RFLP and measured serum Klotho levels using the ELISA method.

Platelet Mitochondrial Function and Endogenous Coenzyme Q Levels Could Be Used as Markers of Mitochondrial Health in Infertile Men: A Pilot Study.

Fertility disorders are a worldwide problem affecting 8-12% of the population, with the male factor substantially contributing to about 40-50% of all infertility cases. Mitochondria, crucial organelles for cellular viability, play a pivotal role in the processes of spermatogenesis and significantly affect sperm quality and their fertilizing ability. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) dysfunction, reduced energy supply for sperm, reduced endogenous coenzyme Q (CoQ) levels, and oxidative stress are among the main factors that contribute to male infertility.

Flecainide Specifically Targets the Monovalent Countercurrent Through the Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor, While a Dominant Opposing Ca/Ba Current Is Present.

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a highly arrhythmogenic syndrome triggered by stress, primarily linked to gain-of-function point mutations in the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2). Flecainide, as an effective therapy for CPVT, is a known blocker of the surface-membrane Na channel, also affecting the intracellular RyR2 channel. The therapeutic relevance of the flecainide-RyR2 interaction remains controversial, as flecainide blocks only the RyR2 current flowing in the opposite direction to the physiological Ca release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR).

Non-Coding RNAs in Breast Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications.

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer globally, and has recently become the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. BC is a heterogeneous disease comprising various histopathological and molecular subtypes with differing levels of malignancy, and each patient has an individual prognosis. Etiology and pathogenesis are complex and involve a considerable number of genetic alterations and dozens of alterations in non-coding RNA expression.

Analysis of the Influence of Manufacturing Technology on Selected Static, Fatigue and Morphological Properties of CFRP Composites.

The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites produced using three popular technologies. The tests were performed on composites produced from prepregs in an autoclave, the next variant is composites produced using the infusion method, and the third variant concerns composites produced using the vacuum-assisted hand lay-up method. For each variant, flat plates with dimensions of 1000 mm × 1000 mm were produced while maintaining similar material properties and fabric arrangement configuration.

Analysis of Tool Wear in Finish Turning of Titanium Alloy Ti-6Al-4V Under Minimum Quantity Lubrication Conditions Observed with Recurrence Quantification Analysis.

Titanium alloys, particularly Ti-6Al-4V, are widely used in many industries due to their high strength, low density, and corrosion resistance. However, machining these materials is challenging due to high strength at elevated temperatures, low thermal conductivity, and high chemical reactivity. This study investigates Recurrence Plot (RP) and Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) to analyze tool wear during the finish turning of Ti-6Al-4V.

The Effect of the Addition of Silicon Dioxide Particles on the Tribological Performance of Vegetable Oils in HCT600X+Z/145Cr46 Steel Contacts in the Deep-Drawing Process.

Friction is an unfavourable phenomenon in deep-drawing forming processes because it hinders the deformation processes and causes deterioration of the surface quality of drawpieces. One way to reduce the unfavourable effect of friction in deep-drawing processes is to use lubricants with the addition of hard particles. For this reason, this article presents the results of friction tests of dual-phase HCT600X+Z steel sheets using the flat die strip drawing test.

A High-Quality Phased Genome Assembly of Stinging Nettle ( ssp. ).

Stinging nettles () have a long history of association with human civilization, having been used as a source of textile fibers, food and medicine. Here, we present a chromosome-level, phased genome assembly for a diploid female clone of from Romania. Using a combination of PacBio HiFi, Oxford Nanopore, and Illumina sequencing, as well as Hi-C long-range interaction data (using a novel Hi-C protocol presented here), we assembled two haplotypes of 574.

Functional Analysis of Durum Wheat GASA1 Protein as a Biotechnological Alternative Against Plant Fungal Pathogens and a Positive Regulator of Biotic Stress Defense.

Plants are frequently challenged by a variety of microorganisms. To protect themselves against harmful invaders, they have evolved highly effective defense mechanisms, including the synthesis of numerous types of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Snakins are such compounds, encoded by the (Gibberellic Acid-Stimulated Arabidopsis) gene family, and are involved in the response to biotic and abiotic stress.

Laser Desorption-Ion Mobility Spectrometry of Explosives for Forensic and Security Applications.

Background: The detection of explosives in crime scene investigations is critical for forensic science. This study explores the application of laser desorption (LD) ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) as a novel method for this purpose utilising a new IMS prototype developed by MaSaTECH.

Methods: The LD sampling technique employs a laser diode module to vaporise explosive traces on surfaces, allowing immediate analysis by IMS without sample preparation.

Revealing the Complexity of Host-Parasite Relationships Between Syringophilid Mites and Sunbirds in Their Global Range.

This article emphasises the importance of parasitological research in understanding ecological dynamics and biodiversity conservation through a global analysis of quill mites (Syringophilidae) parasitising Sunbirds (Nectariniidae). Data from 764 Sunbird individuals across seventy-six species revealed twelve quill mite species, including three newly described species: Sikora and Unsoeld sp. n.

Factor structure and psychometric characteristics of the City birth Trauma Scale- Slovak version.

Objective: The City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS) is a questionnaire designed to assess the posttraumatic symptoms after birth. This study aimed to explore the factors structure, internal consistency, known-groups validity, and convergent validity of the City Birth Trauma Scale in Slovakia.

Methods: Cross-sectional Slovak national data from the INTERSECT study were analyzed in this study.

An Early-Stage Economic Evaluation of Superabsorbent Wound Dressings for the Management of Moderately to Highly Exuding Leg Ulcers in Slovakian Settings.

Background: The management of chronic leg ulcers, including venous leg ulcers (VLUs), causes a considerable economic and clinical burden to healthcare systems. Factors such as nursing time, hospital care, and wound dressings account for approximately 85% of the total cost. Superabsorbent dressings (eg, superabsorbent polymers [SAPs]) are recommended as a first-line treatment for moderately to highly exuding VLUs.

Unraveling Antimicrobial Resistance Dynamics in Mycoplasma gallisepticum: Insights Into Antibiotic and Disinfectant Interactions.

A major risk to the poultry industry is antimicrobial resistance (AMR), specifically with regard to Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infections. The sensitivity patterns of 100 MG isolates to biocides and antibiotics were examined in this study to clarify the interactions between antimicrobial agents and resistance mechanisms. The antimicrobial activity against MG was assessed using broth microdilution, and the results are shown as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each strain, the MIC distribution (range), the MIC, and/or the MIC.

Correction: Baláž et al. Mechanochemistry as an Alternative Method of Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Antibacterial Activity: A Comparative Study. 2021, , 1139.

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A computer vision model for the identification and scoring of calcium in aortic valve stenosis: a single-center experience.

Background: Echocardiography is widely used to assess aortic stenosis (AS) but can yield inconsistent results, leading to uncertainty about AS severity and the need for further diagnostics. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate a novel echocardiography-based marker, the signal intensity coefficient (SIC), for its potential in accurately identifying and quantifying calcium in AS, enhancing noninvasive diagnostic methods.

Methods: Between May 2022 and October 2023, 112 cases of AS that were previously considered severe by echocardiography were retrospectively evaluated, as well as a group of 50 cases of mild or moderate AS, both at the Eastern Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Kosice, Slovakia.

The effects of regular exercise on cognitive and cardiometabolic health in testicular cancer survivors subjected to platinum-based chemotherapy.

Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy provides curative treatment to more than 95% of patients with testicular germ cell tumor but it has negative cardiometabolic and neurological effects. Regular exercise can alleviate late chemotherapy-related toxicities. We examined the impact of a 6-month supervised aerobic-strength training on cognitive and cardiometabolic health and residual level of platinum in cancer survivors.

The prediction model of academic achievement based on cardiorespiratory fitness and BMI status for ninth-grade students.

The purpose of this study was to predict an academic achievement model based on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body mass index (BMI) in ninth-graders. The study sample included 6 530 adolescents from 341 public schools in Slovakia. Criterion-referenced competency tests measuring academic performance in mathematics and mother language (Slovak), CRF, and BMI were assessed in the academic year 2022-2023.

Coupling mechanisms of plasmon resonance and Bi3+ emission in YAG: Bi, Ce, Yb epitaxial films at low temperatures.

This paper is devoted to the investigation of the plasmonic effect of metal nanoparticles (NPs) formed on the surface of the YAG: Bi, Ce, Yb phosphors in a temperature range between 4 and 300 K. Combination of a thin conversion layer with silver plasmonic nanostructures leads to increase of sensitizer absorption and emission efficiency. Enhancement of Bi luminescence in YAG epitaxial films with Ag NPs was observed upon cooling the samples below 200 K.

Combination of dapagliflozin and pioglitazone lacks superiority against monotherapy in streptozotocin-induced nephropathy.

Oxidative stress and apoptosis are highly engaged in development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). In monotherapy, dapagliflozin and pioglitazone positively modulate target organ damage even independently of their hypoglycaemic effect. This study evaluated whether a simultaneous PPARγ activation and SGLT cotransporter inhibition offer superior protection against DN-related oxidative and apoptotic processes in a T1DM rat model.