Effects of a L. Extract and Rosmarinic Acid in Improving Streptozotocin-Induced Aortic Tissue Damages in Rats.

Background/aim: L. () is an aromatic medicinal species with important nutraceutical potential, having rosmarinic acid (RA) as one of its main metabolites. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of an extract obtained from the leaves of this species and of its main metabolite in improving the streptozotocin-induced damage of hearts and aorta of diabetic rats.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of rPET/Cu-Alg Nanofibers for Anti-Infective Therapy.

With the growing interest in nanofibers and the urgent need to address environmental concerns associated with plastic waste, there is an increasing focus on using recycled materials to develop advanced healthcare solutions. This study explores the potential of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanofibers, functionalized with copper-enhanced alginate, for applications in wound dressings. Nanofibers with desirable antimicrobial properties were developed using chemical recycling and electrospinning techniques, offering a sustainable and effective option for managing wound infections and promoting healing.

Zinc Oxide-Loaded Recycled PET Nanofibers for Applications in Healthcare and Biomedical Devices.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely utilized synthetic polymer, favored in various applications for its desirable physicochemical characteristics and widespread accessibility. However, its extensive utilization, coupled with improper waste disposal, has led to the alarming pollution of the environment. Thus, recycling PET products is essential for diminishing global pollution and turning waste into meaningful materials.

Development of Solid Nanosystem for Delivery of Chlorhexidine with Increased Antimicrobial Activity and Decreased Cytotoxicity: Characterization and In Vitro and In Ovo Toxicological Screening.

The evaluation of chlorhexidine-carrier nanosystems based on iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IOMNPs), has gained significant attention in recent years due to the unique properties of the magnetic nanoparticles (NPSs). Chlorhexidine (CHX), a well-established antimicrobial agent, has been widely used in medical applications, including oral hygiene and surgical antisepsis. This study aims to report an in vitro and in ovo toxicological screening of the synthesized CHX-NPS nanosystem, of the carrier matrix (maghemite NPSs) and of the drug to be delivered (CHX solution), by employing two types of cell lines-HaCaT immortalized human keratinocytes and JB6 Cl 41-5a murine epidermal cells.

Comparing Quality of Life and Psychological Changes in Benign and Malignant Lung Resections.

Pulmonary resections are critical interventions for treating various lung pathologies, both benign and malignant. Understanding the impact of these surgeries on patients' Quality of Life (QoL) is essential for optimizing care. This study aims to compare the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and psychological well-being in patients who underwent pulmonary resections for benign versus malignant etiologies.

Colliding Challenges Part 2: An Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients with Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Versus SARS-CoV-2 Infection Alone.

: Coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (extraPTB) presents unique clinical challenges due to dual inflammatory responses and potential differences in patient profiles compared to those with SARS-CoV-2 infection alone. This study uniquely contributes to the underexplored interaction between extraPTB and SARS-CoV-2, focusing on systemic inflammation as a critical determinant of outcomes. This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 123 patients aged 19-91 years, hospitalized at Victor Babeș Hospital in Timișoara from March 2020 to March 2022.

Quercetin Enhances 5-Fluorouracil-Driven Cytotoxicity Dose-Dependently in A375 Human Melanoma Cells.

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) represents a severe skin cancer with a rising incidence at present and limited treatment options. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used, including for CM; however, the innate resistance of this cancer to conventional therapy remains problematic. Quercetin (QUE) is a flavonoid that can sensitize cancer cells to antitumor agents such as 5-FU.

The Interplay of Molecular Factors and Morphology in Human Placental Development and Implantation.

The placenta is a vital organ that supports fetal development by mediating nutrient and gas exchange, regulating immune tolerance, and maintaining hormonal balance. Its formation and function are tightly linked to the processes of embryo implantation and the establishment of a robust placental-uterine interface. Recent advances in molecular biology and histopathology have shed light on the key regulatory factors governing these processes, including trophoblast invasion, spiral artery remodeling, and the development of chorionic villi.

Exploring the Relationship Between Ejection Fraction, Arterial Stiffness, NT-proBNP, and Hospitalization Risk in Heart Failure Patients.

Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of hospitalization and morbidity. Arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the augmentation index (AIx), has been linked to HF severity and prognosis. This study investigates the relationship between clinical parameters, biochemical indicators, and arterial stiffness in hospitalized patients with HF, aiming to identify predictors of hospitalization and improve patient management.

Gender-Specific Insights into Depression in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease: Findings from a Pilot Study Using a Self-Developed Questionnaire.

Background/objectives: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) significantly affects mental health, with gender-specific differences being observed in psychological responses. This pilot study aimed to explore these differences in the demographic, clinical, psychological, psychiatric, and social profile of patients diagnosed with IHD.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used, recruiting 183 adult patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease and depression at the Psychiatry Department of Arad County Emergency Hospital, Romania, between May 2021 and May 2024.

Advances in Cellulose-Based Hydrogels: Current Trends and Challenges.

This paper provides a solid foundation for understanding the synthesis, properties, and applications of cellulose-based gels. It effectively showcases the potential of these gels in diverse applications, particularly in biomedicine, and highlights key synthesis methods and properties. However, to push the field forward, future research should address the gaps in understanding the environmental impact, mechanical stability, and scalability of cellulose-based gels, while also considering how to overcome barriers to their industrial use.

Hydroxyapatite from Mollusk Shells: Characteristics, Production, and Potential Applications in Dentistry.

Modern dentistry is turning towards natural sources to overcome the immunological, toxicological, aesthetic, and durability drawbacks of synthetic materials. Among the first biomaterials used as endosseous dental implants, mollusk shells also display unique features, such as high mechanical strength, superior toughness, hierarchical architecture, and layered, microporous structure. This review focusses on hydroxyapatite-a bioactive, osteoconductive, calcium-based material crucial for bone healing and regeneration.

The interplay between lung galectins and pro-fibrotic markers in post-COVID-19 fibrogenesis: A pilot study.

Aims: COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can lead to serious lung conditions, notably interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.

Main Methods: Our study tracked the progression of fibrosis markers in serial bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) measurements collected from 16 COVID-19 patients at 1, 3, and 6 months post-infection. Additionally, BAL samples from 10 healthy control subjects were included.

Correction: Brandão et al. Genotoxicity and Gene Expression in the Rat Lung Tissue following Instillation and Inhalation of Different Variants of Amorphous Silica Nanomaterials (aSiO NM). 2021, , 1502.

In the original publication [...

CMV Retinitis in the Context of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Study and Comprehensive Review of Viral Interactions.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a sight-threatening condition predominantly affecting immunocompromised individuals, such as those with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). We aimed to present an observational case report on CMV retinitis following Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and to review the literature on the molecular and cellular changes in CMV and SARS-CoV-2 infections and how they may influence each other. A 32-year-old man with a history of AIDS presented with decreased vision and ocular pain exacerbated by movement, beginning a day prior.

Developing and Characterizing a Biocompatible Hydrogel Obtained by Cross-Linking Gelatin with Oxidized Sodium Alginate for Potential Biomedical Applications.

The main goal of this research was to create biocompatible hydrogels using gelatin and a double cross-linking technique involving both covalent and ionic bonds to immobilize propolis. The covalent bonds were formed through Schiff base cross-links between protein-free amino groups (NH) from the lysine residue and aldehyde groups (CHO) produced by oxidizing sodium alginate with NaIO, while the ionic bonds were achieved using Mg ions. Hydrogel films were obtained by varying the molar ratios of -CHO/-NH under different pH conditions (3.

A Severe Case of Malaria in a 44-Year-Old Caucasian Woman on Return to Western Romania from a Visit to Nigeria.

Malaria is currently the most prevalent life-threatening infectious disease in the world. In this case report, we present a 44-year-old Caucasian woman with a low level of education and no significant past medical history who presented to the emergency room of the Emergency County Hospital of Arad, Romania, with a general affected state, a fever of 38.5 °C, chills, weakness, headache, muscle pain, nausea, icterus, and watery diarrheal stool.

The Influence of Atorvastatin Treatment on Homocysteine Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in an Experimental Model of Diabetic Rats.

Objective: In our experimental study, we evaluated the influence of treatment with atorvastatin on the antioxidant activity of intracellular and extracellular systems factors, homocysteine levels (Hcy), and lipid profiles in obese and diabetic rats.

Method: Twenty-one male Wistar rats, aged 6 months, 450-550 g, were allocated into three groups. From the beginning of the study, the first group (G-I, control) received only standard food, while the second and third groups (G II-obese, G III-diabetic) were administered a high-fat diet (HFD) with 2% cholesterol.

Oxidative Stress and Placental Pathogenesis: A Contemporary Overview of Potential Biomarkers and Emerging Therapeutics.

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role in placental pathogenesis and pregnancy-related complications. This review explores OS's impact on placental development and function, focusing on novel biomarkers for the early detection of at-risk pregnancies and emerging therapeutic strategies. We analyzed recent research on OS in placental pathophysiology, examining its sources, mechanisms, and effects.

Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Patients Hospitalized for Decompensated Heart Failure with Extremely High NT-proBNP Levels.

Background: NT-proBNP levels with a wide range at admission play both a diagnostic and a prognostic role in patients with HF. The differences regarding the clinical profiles and demography in decompensated HF patients according to NT-proBNP levels at admission are not clear.

Methods: This study aimed to analyze and compare clinical profiles and demographics in patients hospitalized for decompensated heart failure according to levels of NT-proBNP at admission.

Senolysis potentiates endothelial progenitor cell adhesion to and integration into the brain vasculature.

Background: One of the most severe consequences of ageing is cognitive decline, which is associated with dysfunction of the brain microvasculature. Thus, repairing the brain vasculature could result in healthier brain function.

Methods: To better understand the potential beneficial effect of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in vascular repair, we studied the adhesion and integration of EPCs using the early embryonic mouse aorta-gonad-mesonephros - MAgEC 10.

Effects of Phytotherapeutic and Homeopathic Formulations on Traumatic Injuries and Inflammatory Conditions: A Systematic Review.

L. genus (Asteraceae) comprises perennial herbs native to the temperate and boreal parts of the northern hemisphere. is the main species.