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Silver antimicrobial dressings have been extensively used as therapeutic strategies in wound management. The present study sought to asses and to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of commercially available modern silver-wound dressings. The antimicrobial activity of the silver dressings has been evaluated by the disk diffusion method, including five common wound pathogens. The silver-release profile has been determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated different degrees of efficacy against the tested pathogens. Silver is released at different rates, within a very large range, depending on delivery medium test, but we could not establish a correlation between the silver content/silver-release profile and the antimicrobial activity of the evaluated dressings. Different factors such as the structural properties of support materials or the type of silver species contained may influence the effectiveness of silver dressings. The obtained results suggest that silver-based dressings act by a combination of antimicrobial activity and fluid handling properties and their overall characteristics should be taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in nanotechnologies have led to the development of nanoscale biosensors with exquisite sensitivity and versatility as their ultimate goal is to detect any biochemical and biophysical signals associated with a specific disease at the level of a single molecule or cell. The ability to detect disease-associated biomolecules is essential not only for disease diagnostics in the clinical settings but also for biomedical research involving drug discovery and development. Portable, faster, and low-cost devices are highly preferred for replacing time-consuming centralized laboratory analysis. The reduction in sensor size provides great versatility, but extreme miniaturization while keeping intact the selectivity and sensitivity characteristics to biosensors must be achieved. The sensitivity of biosensors can be increased using different nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes, graphene, and nanoparticles while the selectivity is gained when biomolecules are involved (enzymes, antibodies, aptamers). Several examples of tattoo, microneedle, and smartphone-based sensors as screening, diagnosing, and monitoring tools, representing the latest approaches for minimal invasive devices in this dynamic field of research, are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variety and multiple dimensions of pain (acute/chronic, mild/moderate/severe, nociceptive/neuropathic) requires different pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments in certain patients. A lot of topical formulation, from various therapeutic classes have been proposed in order to decrease systemic exposure and to reduce the risks of adverse events. Topical as well as transdermal drug delivery systems are proposed as medicated plasters with: anesthetics (lidocaine), analgesic or nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drugs (NSAIDs), alone or co-formulated. Capsaicin, salicylates, menthol and camphor represent the counterirritant class of topical analgesics used as patch active compounds. These compounds produce their analgesic effect by activating and desensitizing epidermal nociceptors. The most used topical treatment in order to decrease pain is the application of cold and heat patches - by acting directly on the affected tissue. In many cases there is a limited number of studies providing insufficient information to clinicians in order to evaluate the benefits of these products. This paper reviews the use and efficacy of available self-adhesing occlusive medicated plaster (pain patches) that might represent an alternative option for the management of patient pain, specially in the case of musculoskeletal and neuropathic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, osteoporosis is considered a widespread metabolic bone disease, vertebral fractures being probably one of the most common clinical manifestations encountered in osteoporotic patients. Non-pharmacologic therapies of osteoporosis include, among others, the use of different types of orthoses, such as spinal orthoses or hip protectors. To date there is a limited number of studies that evaluate the efficacy of spinal orthoses and hip protectors used in osteoporotic patients, therefore providing insufficient information to clinicians regarding these aspects. This article reviewed the use and efficacy of the most commonly prescribed spinal orthoses and hip protectors in osteoporotic patients. According to a significant number of studies, modern spinal orthoses proved to be effective in the management of vertebral fractures in osteoporotic patients. However, the efficacy of hip protectors in reducing the impact of falls onto the hip and preventing hip fractures still seems to be controversial. Osteoporosis is a condition that should be treated using a comprehensive approach that includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options. Orthoses, such as modern spinal orthoses or back braces and hip protectors might represent an efficacious nonpharmacological option in the management of osteoporotic vertebral or hip fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in the development of biomaterials have given rise to new options for surgery. New-generation medical devices can control chemical breakdown and resorption, prevent post-operative adhesion, and stimulate tissue regeneration. For the fabrication of medical devices, numerous biomaterials can be employed, including non-degradable biomaterials (silicone, polypropylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) or biodegradable polymers, including implants and three-dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering, which require particular physicochemical and biological properties. Based on the combination of new generation technologies and cell-based therapies, the biocompatible and bioactive properties of some of these medical products can lead to progress in the repair of injured or harmed tissue and in tissue regeneration. An important aspect in the use of these prosthetic devices is the associated infection risk, due to the medical complications and socio-economic impact. This paper provides the latest achievements in the field of antimicrobial surgical meshes for hernia repair and discusses the perspectives in the development of these innovative biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the latest approaches in the pharmaceutical field and personalized medicine have begun to use new technologies and nanodevices for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Nanodevices such as nanorobots and nanomachines are used in heterogeneous domains such as environmental monitoring and remediation, imaging, energy, food security, drug delivery, sensing, detoxification, and even in nanosurgery and lab on chip devices, in order to improve health care and to address issues difficult to solve by conventional methods currently in use. The growing interest toward those nanotechnologies is justified by the performances reported so far. This review will present the latest achievements in nanodevices design targeting pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Carboplatin (CBP) is a chemotherapeutic drug widely used in the treatment of a variety of cancers. Despite its efficiency, CBP is associated with side effects that greatly limit its clinical use. To mitigate these effects, CBP can be encapsulated in targeted delivery systems, such as liposomes. Ensuring the adequate loading and release of CBP from these carriers requires strict control in pharmaceutical formulation development, demanding modern, rapid, and robust analytical methods. The aim of this study was the development of a sensor for the fast and accurate quantification of CBP and its application on proof-of-concept CBP-loaded nanosomes. (2) Methods: Screen-printed electrodes were obtained in-lab and the electrochemical behavior of CBP was tested on the obtained electrodes. (3) Results: The in-lab screen-printed electrodes demonstrated superior properties compared to commercial ones. The novel sensors demonstrated accurate detection of CBP on a dynamic range from 5 to 500 μg/mL (13.5–1350 μM). The method was successfully applied on CBP loaded and released from nanosomes, with strong correlations with a spectrophotometric method used as control. (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrates the viability of electrochemical techniques as alternative options during the initial phases of pharmaceutical formulation development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the predicted rise in the incidence of cancer, there is an ever-growing need for new cancer treatment strategies. Recently, magnetic nanoparticles have stood out as promising nanostructures for imaging and drug delivery systems as they possess unique properties. Moreover, magnetic nanomaterials functionalized with other compounds can lead to multicomponent nanoparticles with innovative structures and synergetic performance. The incorporation of chemotherapeutic drugs or RNA in magnetic drug delivery systems represents a promising alternative that can increase efficiency and reduce the side effects of anticancer therapy. This review presents a critical overview of the recent literature concerning the advancements in the field of magnetic nanoparticles used in drug delivery, with a focus on their classification, characteristics, synthesis and functionalization methods, limitations, and examples of magnetic drug delivery systems incorporating chemotherapeutics or RNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multielemental content of the Lactuca sativa (lettuce) was monitored during 7 weeks of growth in order to identify the optimal harvest period from the maximum nutritional point of view. Spring and tap water, having a slight difference in terms of element content, were used for plant growth. The most important accumulation of macrominerals, in leaves, is reached during the first stage of growth, which leads to a maximum nutritional contribution, corresponding to immature plants. From the third week, the maximum elemental accumulation was concentrated in roots. This study highlights the variation of the elemental content of Lactuca sativa among growing stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the present study, a Quality by Design (QbD) approach was applied in order to develop and optimize a chitosan film formulation loaded with bioactive compounds, intended for further use as an aid in the acceleration of wound healing. Chitosan was chosen as film forming polymer, polyethylene glycol was used as plasticizer, while polyvinyl alcohol was added to improve the bioadhesive properties of the films. Risk assessment strategy was applied to identify the critical formulation variables, which were further introduced as factors of a 3 level Box Behnken design of experiments. The optimal film formulation registered a film thickness of 0.09 mm, solubility in water of 44.9% and a high swelling degree of 2157.4%. The optimized formulation, as well as a placebo formulation without bioactive compounds proved to have a good antibacterial activity. We conclude that in the current study, the QbD approach was successfully applied in order to ensure a good understanding of the manufacturing process, as well as to optimize the formulation of chitosan films. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time when a QbD approach has been applied in order to develop and optimize a film formulation as a novel wound dressing material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastroenteritis attributable to Salmonella enterica and the continuous increase in antimicrobial resistance of this gut pathogen, which compromises the use of previously effective treatments, is of great concern for public health. This study was conducted in order to investigate the presence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants and β-lactamase-encoding genes, in S. enterica, isolated from humans, one companion animal and food. Moreover, the study aimed to identify potential vehicles of transmission of resistant strains to humans, with focus on food products (meat). Methods: A total of 20 S. enterica isolates recovered from food (chicken and pork meat), one companion animal and humans (stool samples), were examined for their serotype, antimicrobial susceptibility and the presence of PMQR and β-lactamase-encoding genes. Moreover, the genetic relatedness of nine Salmonella Infantis and ten Salmonella Enteritidis isolates was analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results: Among all isolates, 15 (75%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and the majority of them proved to be resistant to nalidixic acid and fluoroquinolones (FQs) (ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin). Twelve isolates (60%) harboured at least one PMQR gene [qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, aac (6')-Ib-cr or qepA] while seven isolates (35%) carried at least one β-lactamaseencoding gene (blaTEM, blaPSE-1, blaSHV or blaCTX-M). Moreover, two or more PMQR or β-lactamase-encoding genes co-existed in a single S. enterica isolate. A number of nine Salmonella Infantis, as well as the majority of Salmonella Enteritidis isolates analyzed by PFGE proved to be closely related. Conclusions: The study demonstrated the co-existence of PMQR and β-lactamase-encoding genes among the Salmonella isolates recovered and confirmed that multiple mechanisms might be involved in the acquisition and spread of resistance determinants. The close genetic relatedness between the clinical and foodborne S. enterica isolates, suggested that chicken meat might be a possible cause of human salmonellosis in our country, during the study period. Results of this study might improve understanding of the antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and transmission dynamics of Salmonella spp. Here, we report for the first time the presence of PMQR and β-lactamase-encoding genes in S. enterica isolates, recovered from humans, one companion animal and food, in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted in order to reveal antimicrobial resistance patterns and the prevalence of genes encoding resistance in E scherichia coli isolated from raw poultry meat. One hundred samples of poultry meat were collected, and 51 isolates of E . coli were recovered and further tested for antimicrobial susceptibility to 11 antimicrobials, using the classical disk diffusion method. Fifteen isolates, showing a high degree of resistance among the collection were examined for antimicrobial resistance genes by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Resistance was most frequently observed to tetracycline (84.26%), ampicillin (73.03%) and sulfamethoxazole (66.29%). The tetracycline resistance genes TetA and TetB and beta-lactam TEM gene were frequently detected in the tested isolates. Genes responsible for resistance to sulfonamides (33.33%) and trimethoprim (26.66%) were also found. E . coli isolates recovered from raw poultry meat are highly resistant to antimicrobials and carry antimicrobial resistance genes that could be transferred to other microbes in the food chain, even important human pathogens. Practical Applications The findings from this work provide baseline data for further antimicrobial resistance studies especially in our country, were antimicrobial resistance epidemiology needs constant improvement. To our knowledge, this is one of the first reports regarding the identification of various resistance genes identified in E . coli meat isolations in Romania. Moreover, the work contributes to the risk assessment concerning the possible E . coli threat in food products and draws a warning signal for further actions that can assist the implementation of efficient measures to prevent possible adverse public health consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed wound healing is a major complication of diabetes and the medical treatment of such wounds still remains a challenge. Among the modern wound dressings, film dressings are considered to be one of the major advances in wound management. In the current study, the feasibility of using a previously developed and optimized bioactive compounds-loaded chitosan film formulation as a functional wound dressing material for diabetic wounds was investigated. The antioxidant capacity, as well as the effect of the chitosan films on cell viability was assessed in vitro. Furthermore, the in vivo performance of the films was further evaluated, by using a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. The chitosan film formulation provided a beneficial moist wound environment, reducing the risk of dehydration and favouring the closure of the wounds. Also, it exhibited good antioxidant activity, as well as a proliferative effect and adequate biocompatibility. The in vivo evaluation of the bioactive compounds-loaded chitosan film formulation confirmed that the biofilm stimulated wound contraction and accelerated the wound healing process. The results strongly support that the above mentioned chitosan film seems to be a promising formulation, as well as a potential and novel biomaterial used for wound healing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we present the preparation of graphene material by exfoliation of graphite rods via pulses of current in electrolyte, containing a mixture of boric acid (0.05 M) and sodium chloride (0.05 M). The material was morphologically and structurally characterized by SEM/TEM/HR-TEM, XRD and FTIR techniques. TEM investigation of graphene flakes deposited onto carbon-coated grids allowed the visualization of thin and transparent regions, attributed to few-layer graphene (FLG), as well as thick and dark regions attributed to multi-layer graphene (MLG). The mixed composition of the material was additionally confirmed by XRD, which further indicated that the amount of FLG within the sample was around 83%, while MLG was around 17%. The performance of a screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with graphene (SPE-Gr) was tested for 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine detection. The graphene-modified electrode had a higher sensitivity in comparison with that of SPE, both in standard laboratory solutions (phosphate buffered saline—PBS) and in human saliva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]