Experimental and Theoretical Design on the Development of Matrix Tablets with Multiple Drug Loadings Aimed at Optimizing Antidiabetic Medication.

Diabetes is a growing global health crisis that requires effective therapeutic strategies to optimize treatment outcomes. This study aims to address this challenge by developing and characterizing extended-release polymeric matrix tablets containing metformin hydrochloride (M-HCl), a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, and honokiol (HNK), a bioactive compound with potential therapeutic benefits. The objective is to enhance glycemic control and overall therapeutic outcomes through an innovative dual-drug delivery system.

The First Report of -1-Carrying , Isolated from a Clinical Sample in the North-East of Romania.

Colistin resistance poses a significant clinical challenge, particularly in Gram-negative bacteria. This study investigates the occurrence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance among isolates (, , and spp.) and non-fermentative rods ( and ).

Anti-Epileptic Activity of Mitocurcumin in a Zebrafish-Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) Epilepsy Model.

: Ongoing challenges in epilepsy therapy warrant research on alternative treatments that offer improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Designed to enhance mitochondrial targeting and increase bioavailability, mitocurcumin (MitoCur) was evaluated for the first time as an antiepileptic agent, with curcumin (Cur) and sodium valproate (VPA), a standard antiepileptic drug, included for comparison. This study investigated the effects on seizure onset, severity, and progression in a zebrafish model of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures and measured the concentrations of the compounds in brain tissue.

Clinical and Molecular Impact of Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Pain, Swelling, and Distal Periodontal Status of Mandibular Second Molars After Mandibular Third-Molar Extraction.

: This study aimed to evaluate the role of A-PRF (advanced platelet-rich fibrin) in the enhancement of wound healing and protecting the periodontal health of mandibular second molars after the extraction of mandibular third molars. Additionally, the study assessed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of mandibular second molars as markers of inflammation. : Twenty-five systemically healthy adult patients with bilateral removal of impacted mandibular third molars were included.

Challenges and Perspectives Regarding the Determination of Gingival Crevicular Fluid Biomarkers During Orthodontic Treatment: A Narrative Review.

Changes in the positions of teeth occur during orthodontic treatment due to the application of forces that cause restructuring of the periodontal tissue. In the last decade, substantial research has been conducted to detect different biomarkers in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) to obtain a better assessment of the periodontal status. The purpose of this review is to describe how the levels of certain biomarkers from the gingival fluid change during tissue remodeling throughout orthodontic treatment.

Power Spectral Density and Default Mode Network Connectivity in Generalized Epilepsy Syndromes: What to Expect from Drug-Resistant Patients.

Recent studies have described unique aspects of default mode network connectivity in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). A complete background in this field could be gained by combining this research with spectral analysis. An important objective of this study was to compare linear connectivity and power spectral densities across different activity bands of patients with juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE), juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone (EGTCSA), and drug-resistant IGE (DR-IGE) with healthy, age-matched controls.

Using AI in Optimizing Oral and Dental Diagnoses-A Narrative Review.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of oral and dental healthcare by offering innovative tools and techniques for optimizing diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management. This narrative review explores the current applications of AI in dentistry, focusing on its role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. AI technologies, such as machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision, are increasingly being integrated into dental practice to analyze clinical images, identify pathological conditions, and predict disease progression.

A Systematic Review of Virtual Reality's Impact on Anxiety During Palliative Care.

Background: Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging non-pharmacological treatment for anxiety in palliative care patients. Anxiety, a common symptom in this population, has a significant effect on living standards. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of VR interventions in reducing anxiety and improving quality of life in palliative care.

Can triad forestry reconcile Europe's biodiversity and forestry strategies? A critical evaluation of forest zoning.

Balancing increasing demand for wood products while also maintaining forest biodiversity is a paramount challenge. Europe's Biodiversity and Forest Strategies for 2030 attempt to address this challenge. Together, they call for strict protection of 10% of land area, including all primary and old growth forests, increasing use of ecological forestry, and less reliance on monocultural plantations.

Obesity, Osteoarthritis, and Myokines: Balancing Weight Management Strategies, Myokine Regulation, and Muscle Health.

Obesity and osteoarthritis (OA) are increasingly prevalent conditions that are intricately linked, with each exacerbating the other's pathogenesis and worsening patient outcomes. This review explores the dual impact of obesity on OA, highlighting the role of excessive weight in aggravating joint degeneration and the limitations OA imposes on physical activity, which further perpetuates obesity. The role of muscle tissue, particularly the release of myokines during physical activity, is examined in the context of OA and obesity.

Analysis of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Elderly Romanian Edentulous Patients: Implant-Supported Versus Conventional Complete Dentures.

The integration of quality of life (QoL) assessments into dental health evaluations acknowledges the profound impact of oral health on overall well-being. This study aims to compare the impact of implant-supported complete dentures versus conventional complete dentures on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in elderly Romanian edentulous patients. This longitudinal study involved 93 initially recruited edentulous patients, with 52 completing the study over an 18-month period.

Clinical and Microbiological Periodontal Biofilm Evaluation of Patients with Type I Diabetes.

The purpose of this study was to assess the microbial composition and density of subgingival plaque samples for periodontal pathogens while correlating the values with glycemic control levels via glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a type of hemoglobin that has chemically linked glucose, in type I diabetes individuals who will undergo complex oral rehabilitation through orthodontic treatment and implant surgery. A cohort of 42 adults with type I diabetes were included in this study. The subjects sustained a comprehensive periodontal clinical examination as well as microbiological assessments of their subgingival plaque samples through quantitative real-time PCR.

Intestinal Insights: The Gut Microbiome's Role in Atherosclerotic Disease: A Narrative Review.

Recent advances have highlighted the gut microbiota as a significant contributor to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, which is an inflammatory cardiovascular disease (CVD) characterized by plaque buildup within arterial walls. The gut microbiota, consisting of a diverse collection of microorganisms, impacts the host's metabolism, immune responses, and lipid processing, all of which contribute to atherosclerosis. This review explores the complex mechanisms through which gut dysbiosis promotes atherogenesis.

New Perspectives in the Etiology of Chronic Rhinosinusitis-Haller Cells.

: Haller Cells (HCs) represent the abnormal migration of ethmoid cells that are located below the ethmoid bulla at the level of the upper wall of the maxillary sinus. Through their placement, the cells can exert a mass effect on the infundibulum of the maxillary sinus. The aim of our study is to investigate the prevalence of Haller cells in the Romanian population and to evaluate the relationship between this anatomical variation and chronic rhinosinusitis.

Impact of Infrabony Defects Treatment on Periodontal Markers and Glycated Hemoglobin Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin, Guided Tissue Regeneration, and Access-Flap Surgery.

: This study evaluated the outcomes of single open-flap debridement, open-flap debridement (OFD) plus resorbable membrane placement, and OFD with resorbable membrane placement plus platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in terms of periodontal clinical parameters and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in 24 adult patients with stage 3 grade C periodontitis and type II diabetes mellitus. : The primary outcome measure for this study was the clinical attachment level (CAL); secondary outcomes included additional periodontal parameters, such as the plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), as well as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels to evaluate the systemic impact of the treatments on glycemic control. The parameters were assessed before and at three and six months post-surgery.

In vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of bioactive compounds extracted from Streptomyces africanus strain E2 isolated from Moroccan soil.

This study aimed to isolate Streptomyces sp. from Moroccan terrestrial ecosystems and identify bioactive compounds through GC-MS analysis. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against various pathogenic microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Candida albicans ATCC 60193, and multi-drug resistant strains comprising Listeria monocytogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae 19K 929, Proteus sp.

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) and Obesity-Induced Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and, subsequently, decreased insulin secretion. This condition is closely linked to obesity, a major risk factor that boosts the development of chronic systemic inflammation, which, in turn, is recognized for its crucial role in the onset of insulin resistance. Under conditions of obesity, adipose tissue, particularly visceral fat, becomes an active endocrine organ that releases a wide range of pro-inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, and adipokines.

A Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Perspective on the Release of 5-Fluorouracil from Liposomes.

Liposomes, small bilayer phospholipid-containing vesicles, are frequently used to ensure slow drug release for a prolonged and improved therapeutic effect. Nevertheless, current findings on the membrane affinity and permeability of the anticancer agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are confounding, which leads to a lack of a clear understanding of how lipid composition impacts the distribution of 5-FU within liposomal structures and its delivery. In the current work, we report a comprehensive coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) investigation on the influence of cholesterol (CHOL) and the cationic lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) on the partitioning of 5-FU in 1,2-dipalmitoyl--glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) double-bilayer systems, as well as its in vitro release from liposomes with identical lipid compositions.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Temporomandibular Joint and Aortic Root Score in Fibrillinopathies.

Fibrillinopathies have different phenotypic expression: Marfan-like skeleton features, MLSF; mitral valve prolapse syndrome, MVPS; MASS phenotype, M = mitral valve prolapse, MVP, A = aortic root dilation, S = skeletal features, and the second S = (cutaneous) striae; Marfan Syndrome, MS. The study had the following main objectives: the correlation between disc displacement, DD (a major sign for temporomandibular joint dysfunction, TMDs) on magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, and aortic Z score (a major sign for aortic root dilation) on echocardiography; the predictive value of DD towards aortic Z score. DD had 2 types of severity: DD with reduction (the mild type, DDwR), and DD without reduction (the severe type, DDwoR).

Stabilization of Spruce Bark Extracts within Ice-Templated Porous Dextran Hydrogels.

Porous hydrogels have brought more advantages than conventional hydrogels when used as chromatographic materials, controlled release vehicles for drugs and proteins, matrices for immobilization or separation of molecules and cells, or as scaffolds in tissue engineering. Polysaccharide-based porous hydrogels, in particular, can address challenges related to bioavailability, solubility, stability, and targeted delivery of natural antioxidant compounds. Their porous structure enables the facile encapsulation and controlled release of these compounds, enhancing their therapeutic effectiveness.

Arterial Hypertension: Novel Pharmacological Targets and Future Perspectives.

Arterial hypertension (HTN) is one of the major global contributors to cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality, particularly due to its impact on vital organs and the coexistence of various comorbidities such as chronic renal disease, diabetes, cerebrovascular diseases, and obesity. Regardless of the accessibility of several well-established pharmacological treatments, the percentage of patients achieving adequate blood pressure (BP) control is still significantly lower than recommended levels. Therefore, the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of HTN is currently the major focus of healthcare systems.

Imaging and Biomarkers: The Assesment of Pulmonary Embolism Risk and Early Mortality.

: Pulmonary embolism (PE) incidence has been increasing in the last 10 years. Computed thoracic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) had a major role in PE diagnosis and prognosis. The main purpose of this study was as follows: the prognostic value of a CTPA parameter, pulmonary artery obstruction index (PAOI), in PE risk assessment and the predictive accuracy of biomarkers, D-dimer and cardiac Troponin T (c-TnT), in 7-day mortality.

Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Early Childhood Caries in Bihor, Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/objectives: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant global health issue, particularly affecting deciduous teeth in young children. ECC is prevalent in Romania, where nearly half of children experience dental caries. This study aimed to assess the influence of gender, age, and living environment on parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding ECC in Bihor County, Romania, using a KAP-type questionnaire.