Phycocyanin-Loaded Alginate-Based Hydrogel Synthesis and Characterization.

Phycocyanin was extracted from using conventional extraction (CE), direct ultrasonic-assisted extraction (direct UAE), indirect ultrasonic-assisted extraction (indirect UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) methods at different temperatures, extraction intervals, stirring rate, and power intensities while maintaining the same algae to solvent ratio (1:15 ). The optimization of the extraction parameters indicated that the direct UAE yielded the highest phycocyanin concentration (29.31 ± 0.

Development of Novel Biocomposites with Antimicrobial-Activity-Based Magnesium-Doped Hydroxyapatite with Amoxicillin.

: A biocomposite based on magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite and enriched with amoxicillin (MgHApOx) was synthesized using the coprecipitation method and is presented here for the first time. : The stability of MgHAp and MgHApOx suspensions was evaluated by ultrasound measurements. The structure of the synthesized MgHAp and MgHApOx was examined with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Biomimetic Studies on the Antimicrobial Activity of Some Biocides Based on Garlic and Lavender in Surface Waters.

For a given aquatic ecosystem that will be used as a water source, it is necessary to establish the quality of the water from a microbiological point of view by identifying the pathogens present in the water. The aim of this study was to determine and analyze the antimicrobial activity of some biocides derived from garlic (garlic-methanol extract) and lavender (lavender-water extract). Their efficiency was evaluated at different concentrations and contact times.

Development, Optimization, and Evaluation of New Gel Formulations with Cyclodextrin Complexes and Volatile Oils with Antimicrobial Activity.

This study aimed to develop and evaluate hydrogels containing a cyclodextrin complex with clove essential oil and other free volatile oils with antimicrobial properties (tea tree and rosemary essential oils), focusing on their pharmaco-technical and rheological characteristics. The formulations varied in the Carbopol 940 (a hydrophilic polymer) and volatile oils' concentrations. Rheological analysis indicated that the gels displayed pseudoplastic behavior, with the flow index (n) values below 1, ensuring appropriate consistency and handling.

One Reaction: Two Types of Mechanism-SARA-ATRP and SET-LRP-for MMA Polymerization in the Presence of PVC.

This study presents for the first time the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) that takes place by both SARA-ATRP and SET-LRP mechanisms. The two types of polymerizations that occur in the system are PMMA grafting to the PVC backbone and the formation of a new PMMA polymer, both occurring in the presence of a Cuwire. The polymerizations were controlled as confirmed by the molecular weight evolution, polymerization kinetics, and variations in the dispersity value.

An Up-to-Date Review of Materials Science Advances in Bone Grafting for Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.

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.

Microplastics, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and Heavy Metals in Milk: Analyses and Induced Health Risk Assessment.

The current study aims to develop isolation protocols for several contaminants of emerging concern (i.e., microplastics (MPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals (HMs)) from different commercial brands and raw milk samples and also to quantify and characterize the risks of these contaminants pose to human health.

Advancements in Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Sarcopenia: An Updated Overview.

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.

Hybrid fibrous architectures-mediated gene transfer by pDNA nanoparticles into macrophages.

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.

Antimicrobial Hydroxyethyl-Cellulose-Based Composite Films with Zinc Oxide and Mesoporous Silica Loaded with Cinnamon Essential Oil.

: Cellulose derivatives are gaining much attention in medical research due to their excellent properties such as biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, non-toxicity, sustainability, and low cost. Unfortunately, cellulose does not exhibit antimicrobial activity. However, derivatives like hydroxyethyl cellulose represent a proper matrix to incorporate antimicrobial agents with beneficial therapeutic effects.

Genetic Diversity, Virulence, and Antibiotic Resistance Determinants of Isolates in Romania.

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant , a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, presents a significant public health challenge requiring vigilant surveillance and disease control. This study aimed to characterize strains isolated in Romania from 2017 to 2020, focusing on genetic diversity, virulence, and antibiotic resistance determinants. The isolates underwent phenotypical testing, PCR, and antibiotic resistance assessment using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method for ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and tetracycline.

Role of the BB2.A.1 and BB2.1.1 Bacterial Strains in Maize Trace Metal Stress Management.

Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), in addition to their well-known direct effects on plant growth and development, have been reported to be effective in plant abiotic (trace metal, drought, etc.) and biotic (phytopathogens, insects, etc.) stress management.

Antibacterial and Antitumoral Potentials of Phytosynthesized Silver/Silver Oxide Nanoparticles Using Tomato Flower Waste.

This study presents the phytosynthesis of silver-based nanoparticles using tomato flower waste extracts for the first time in the literature. The determination of total polyphenolic and flavonoid contents in the extracts showed high gallic acid equivalents (6436-8802 mg GAE/kg dm) and high quercetin equivalents (378-633 mg QE/kg dm), respectively, dependent on the extraction method. By the Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography technique, 14 polyphenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the tomato flower waste extracts.

Physicochemical Characterization of Ca- and Cu-Decorated TiO Microparticles and Investigation of Their Antimicrobial Properties.

Ca- and Cu-decorated TiO microparticles are titanium dioxide nanoparticles that have been decorated with calcium and copper ions. TiO, CaO, and CuO are low-cost, non-toxic, and non-hazardous materials. The aim of the present study was the physicochemical characterization of Ca- and Cu-decorated TiO microparticles and the evaluation of their antimicrobial activity.

Unraveling the Impact of COVID-19 on Rheumatoid Arthritis: Insights from Two Romanian Hospitals-Preliminary Results.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are at heightened risk of Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) complications due to immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and treatment with immunosuppressive therapies. This study aims to characterize the clinical and laboratory parameters of RA patients diagnosed with COVID-19, identify predictive risk factors for severe forms of this infection for RA patients, and determine if any RA immunosuppressive therapy is associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective observational case-control study included 86 cases (43 diagnosed with RA and 43 cases without any inflammatory or autoimmune disease) that suffered from SARS-CoV-2 in two Romanian hospitals between March 2020 and February 2024.

Novel Antimicrobial Agents Based on Zinc-Doped Hydroxyapatite Loaded with Tetracycline.

In this paper, we present for the first time the development of zinc-doped hydroxyapatite enriched with tetracycline (ZnHApTe) powders and provide a comprehensive evaluation of their physico-chemical and biological properties. Various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used for the sample's complex evaluation. Moreover, the biocompatibility of zinc-doped hydroxyapatite (ZnHAp) and ZnHApTe nanoparticles was evaluated with the aid of human fetal osteoblastic cells (hFOB 1.

Polyphenolic Screening and the Antioxidant Activity of Grape Pomace Extracts of Romanian White and Red Grape Varieties.

Due to its valuable organic compounds, grape pomace represents a valuable resource in the creation of value-added food products. In this study, we investigated grape pomace hydroalcoholic extracts obtained by ultrasonication from two white and two red Romanian grape varieties. The phytochemical parameters, i.

Fast screening of Milk for Deoxynivalenol.

A 2D platform was designed and validated for fast screening of milk for deoxynivalenol. The qualitative and quantitative assay of deoxynivalenol in the milk samples was done using a 2D stochastic sensor based on single walled carbon nanotubes modified with [N-(pyridine-4-yl-methyl)]octadec-9-enamide. The working concentration range was between 10 and 10 g mL, with a sensitivity of 5.

Epithelial‑derived head and neck squamous tumourigenesis (Review).

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), a heterogeneous group of cancers that arise from the mucosal epithelia cells in the head and neck areas, present great challenges in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis due to their complex aetiology and various clinical manifestations. Several factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, oncogenic genes, growth factors, Epstein‑Barr virus and human papillomavirus infections can contribute to HNSCC development. The unpredictable tumour microenvironment adds to the complexity of managing HNSCC.

Experimental Analysis of a Failed Gamma Nail: A Case Report and Literature Review.

The Gamma Nail represents one of the most popular and efficient implants for treating proximal femoral fractures. Our paper reports a case of a failed Gamma Nail which was used for the surgical treatment of a 69-year-old woman with a right femoral trochanteric fracture due to a car accident. After the surgical intervention, 6 months later, the patient presented to the hospital reporting pain and limited mobility of the right hip.