Electrochemical aptasensor for the selective detection of vancomycin based on nanostructured "in-lab" printed electrodes.

A label-free, flexible, and disposable aptasensor was designed for the rapid on-site detection of vancomycin (VAN) levels. The electrochemical sensor was based on lab-printed carbon electrodes (C-PE) enriched with cauliflower-shaped gold nanostructures (AuNSs), on which VAN-specific aptamers were immobilized as biorecognition elements and short-chain thiols as blocking agents. The AuNSs, characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), enhanced the electrochemical properties of the platform and the aptamer immobilization active sites.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Manuka Honey and Ohia Lehua Honey.

Unlabelled: Honey is abundant in bioactive compounds, which demonstrate considerable therapeutic effects, particularly on oxidative stress and inflammation.

Objectives: This work sought to evaluate the antioxidant mechanisms of Manuka honey (MH) and Ohia Lehua honey (OLH), correlating them with phytochemical analyses in a rat model of experimentally induced inflammation.

Methods: The identification of polyphenolic compounds in the extracts was carried out using HPLC-ESI MS.

Beyond BMI: Exploring Adolescent Lifestyle and Health Behaviours in Transylvania, Romania.

Background/objectives: This study aimed to investigate the lifestyle and the behavioral factors that influence the nutritional status of adolescents from Transylvania, Romania.

Methods: The Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) was used to collect data from 900 adolescents between 11 and 18 years old from the Transylvania region, Romania. This study assessed nutritional status by calculating BMI indicators adjusted to Z-Score, cut-off points according to the World Health Organization (WHO), using self-reported weight and height; perceived health status; food vulnerability; physical activity; addictive behaviors (cigarette, alcohol and drug consumption); number of hours spent in front of the computer/phone; hand and oral hygiene; sitting time/day; and sleep.

Synthesis and Characterization of PEGylated Liposomes and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers with Entrapped Bioactive Triterpenoids: Comparative Fingerprints and Quantification by UHPLC-QTOF-ESI-MS, ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy, and HPLC-DAD.

: Pentacyclic triterpenoids, as bioactive phytochemicals, have proven to exhibit significant bioactivity (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and anticancer) and low cytotoxicity. This study developed convenient methods for extracting and characterizing a birch bark extract enriched in pentacyclic triterpenoids (betulin, betulinic acid, and lupeol) and entrapped in two bioavailable nanoformulations. The performance of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as a cost-effective and non-destructive method was evaluated comparatively with accurate HPLC-based methods.

A Real-Life Study in Sequential Therapy for Severe Menopausal Osteoporosis.

Teriparatide (TPT) acts against severe primary (postmenopausal) osteoporosis (MOP), and it requires continuation with another anti-resorptive drug to conserve or enhance the effects on fracture risk reduction. To analyse the sequential pharmacotherapy in MOP who were treated upon a 24-month daily 20 µg TPT protocol (24-mo-TPT) followed by another 12 months of anti-resorptive drugs (12-mo-AR) amid real-life settings. 1.

Determinants of Social Activity Among Geriatric Patients in Northern Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aging population poses a significant challenge to global public health, impacting the physical, mental, and social health of older adults. Social activity has been widely acknowledged as a protective factor for both mental and physical well-being. Research indicates that consistent engagement in social activities can mitigate the risk of depression, prevent cognitive decline, and support physical functionality.

Beyond the Physical: Weight Stigma and the Bariatric Patient Journey.

Obesity represents a global epidemic associated with significant health risks, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Management strategies have evolved from focusing solely on weight reduction to emphasizing overall health improvements and mitigating associated risks. This narrative review analyzed the existing peer-reviewed literature across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to examine the outcomes of bariatric surgery and its interplay with weight stigma.

Functional Connectivity and MRI Radiomics Biomarkers of Cognitive and Brain Reserve in Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment Prediction-A Study Protocol.

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is frequently associated with long-term post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and dementia. While the mechanisms behind PSCI are not fully understood, the brain and cognitive reserve concepts are topics of ongoing research exploring the ability of individuals to maintain intact cognitive performance despite ischemic injuries. Brain reserve refers to the brain's structural capacity to compensate for damage, with markers like hippocampal atrophy and white matter lesions indicating reduced reserve.

Cabozantinib Cutaneous Toxicity-Comprehensive Review.

In the context of modern cancer therapy, the management of adverse effects of systemic therapies can lead to the avoidance of underdosing and withdrawal and increases in the quality of the therapeutic act and the quality of life. This review offers an overview of the skin-related toxicities associated with Cabozantinib, a multikinase inhibitor (MKI) that is approved for treating advanced kidney cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and medullary thyroid cancer. It covers the most common dermatological side effects, such as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, stomatitis, hair alterations, xerosis, scrotal erythema, and subungual splinter hemorrhages.

The Role of IL-6 and TNF-Alpha Biomarkers in Predicting Disability Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients.

Introduction: Inflammatory biomarkers, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), play a significant role in influencing stroke outcomes, particularly in the progression of post-stroke disability. While numerous studies have suggested a correlation between elevated levels of these cytokines and poor functional recovery, further investigation is needed to understand their prognostic value in acute ischemic stroke.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a prospective study on 56 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke, evaluating IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels on days 1 and 7 post symptom onset.

Role of miR-181 Family Members in Stroke: Insights into Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential.

Stroke is a major cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, making early diagnosis and effective treatment crucial for reducing its impact. In response to the limited efficacy of current treatments, alternative therapeutic strategies, such as novel biomarkers and therapies, are emerging to address this critical unmet medical need. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level.

Comprehensive Overview of Molecular, Imaging, and Therapeutic Challenges in Rectal Mucinous Adenocarcinoma.

Rectal cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies worldwide. The most common histological type is adenocarcinoma, followed by mucinous adenocarcinoma. The outcome is less favorable for the mucinous type, yet the treatment course is the same.

Impact of Microbiota on Irritable Bowel Syndrome Pathogenesis and Management: A Narrative Review.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, affecting 3-5% of the global population and significantly impacting patients' quality of life and healthcare resources. Alongside physical symptoms such as abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, many individuals experience psychological comorbidities, including anxiety and depression. Recent research has highlighted the critical role of the gut microbiota in IBS, with dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in microbial diversity, frequently observed in patients.

Long-Term Effects of Sinus Floor Elevation with and Without Bone Graft: A Systematic Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

The aim of this systematic review was to assess clinical trials on the efficiency of sinus lift techniques with and without bone grafting in the atrophic posterior maxilla. This article was written under the PRISMA and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were electronically searched until December 2023.

Cardiovascular Profile and Cardiovascular Imaging After Bariatric Surgery: A Narrative Review.

: Up until now, behavioral interventions and pharmacological therapies were the main approach available for the management of obesity. Diet and exercise, when used as a singular therapeutic method, are inadequate for a successful outcome. Research shows promising results for the surgical treatment of obesity, especially in the area of bariatric surgery (BaS).

Original Personalized Reconstruction Method for Certain Large Tumors of the Lower Lip (Not Including Oral Commissures).

: Surgical treatment of extensive tumors of the lower lip generates important defects in its structure and functions. Over time, a multitude of reconstruction options for these defects have been imagined. Unfortunately, the majority involve the use of both local and regional flaps, which either lack labial structure or disorganize the oral commissures as nodal oral function points.

Clonality and the Phenotype-Genotype Correlation of Antimicrobial Resistance in Isolates: A Multicenter Study of Clinical Isolates from Romania.

Antibiotic resistance is on the WHO's top 10 list of global public health threats due to its rapid emergence and spread but also because of the high morbidity and mortality associated with it. Amongst the main species driving this phenomenon is , a member of the ESKAPE group of medical assistance-associated infections causing species famous for its extensively drug-resistant phenotypes. Our findings note a 91.

The Difference a Year Can Make: How Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms in Have Changed in Northwestern Transylvania.

This study examines the prevalence and the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in isolates collected from healthcare units in Northwestern Transylvania, Romania, between 2022 and 2023. Given the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance, the study screened 34 isolates for resistance to 10 antibiotics, 46 ARGs, and integrase genes using PCR analysis. The results reveal a concerning increase in multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) isolates over the two-year period.

Evaluation of the Bacterial Infections and Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in the Intensive Care Unit of a Clinical Hospital in Romania.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are associated with increased mortality, antimicrobial resistance, and high antibiotic use. : The characteristics of bacterial resistance and antibiotic consumption in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a clinical hospital in Romania were evaluated. Demographic data of patients, identified bacteria, antibiotics administered, and their sensitivity profiles were collected and analyzed.

Evaluating Offspring After Pregnancy-Associated Cancer: A Systematic Review of Neonatal Outcomes.

Pregnancy-associated cancer (PAC) presents significant challenges for maternal and neonatal health, and yet its impact on neonatal outcomes remains poorly understood. This systematic review aims to evaluate the neonatal risks associated with PAC. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and other databases was conducted up to 1 November 2024, identifying observational studies and randomized controlled trials assessing neonatal outcomes in pregnancies affected by PAC.

Vi-PLUS: Pioneering Plane-Wave Ultrasound to Assess Breast Glandular Tissue in Healthy Women-A Pilot Study.

Background/objectives: This study pioneers the application of the ViPLUS module, utilizing plane-wave ultrasound to measure breast tissue viscosity and elasticity. The primary goal was to establish normal reference values for viscosity in healthy women. Secondary objectives included exploring correlations between breast tissue viscosity and breast density categories, hormonal influences, and menstrual cycle phases.

Oral Breathing Effects on Malocclusions and Mandibular Posture: Complex Consequences on Dentofacial Development in Pediatric Orthodontics.

: Oral breathing is a common condition, particularly in children, and it is associated with significant changes in craniofacial development, dentomaxillary anomalies, and overall health. Despite extensive research, the role of oral breathing in the development of malocclusion remains controversial, with debates on whether it is a causative factor or a secondary adaptation to existing craniofacial issues. : This narrative review synthesizes studies published in the last 15 years, focusing on the impact of oral breathing on dentofacial development and mandibular posture.

The Evaluation of Serum KIM-1 in a Pediatric Cohort of Renal Transplantation-A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Renal transplantation ensures particular advantages for patients with end-stage kidney disease. However, in some cases, early complications may result in allograft dysfunction, which can ultimately lead to the loss of the graft. Creatinine is a poor biomarker for kidney injury due principally to its inability to help diagnose early acute renal failure and complete inability to help differentiate among its various causes.

Advances in Cell and Immune Therapies for Melanoma.

The incidence rate of cutaneous melanoma is on the rise worldwide, due to increased exposure to UV radiation, aging populations, and exposure to teratogen agents. However, diagnosis is more precise, and the increased number of new cases is related to the improved diagnosis tools. Despite better early diagnosis and better therapies, melanoma has remained a significant public health challenge because of its aggressive behavior and high potential for metastasis.