Role of multivesicular emulsions containing ceramides and moisturizers in the treatment of skin diseases

Human skin is a complex multilayered organ. It is the largest organ of the body. As a self-regulating barrier, the skin maintains life, preventing the entry of microorganisms and chemicals into the body and at the same time regulates the loss of heat and water from the body. It is composed of two main layers - epidermis and dermis.The epidermis is covered by a hydrolipid shell, which is maintained by the secretion of sweat and sebum glands. It helps maintain skin volume and acts as an additional barrier against bacteria and fungi.The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin, made up of cells whose cytoplasm has been replaced by keratin. Its proper function plays a key role in maintaining skin health, and improper function leads to skin diseases. The stratum corneum consists of corneocytes surrounded by intercellular lipids, including ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol.Disruption of the epidermal barrier is involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Recent data show its importance in other skin conditions, such as acne vulgaris and rosacea.In the treatment of these diseases should be properly selected medicinal products, dispensed with or without a prescription, therapeutic moisturizers and cleansers that help maintain the functional and structural integrity of the skin.The predominant ceramide moisturizers have become the basis for the treatment of skin diseases. New technologies for the delivery of ceramides with multivesicular emulsions delay the ceramides during release continuously and no rupture effect occurs.Multivesicular emulsion systems are a new patented technology for local delivery of medicinal products. It involves the creation of a two-phase oil-in-water emulsion system that produces concentric multilayer spheres of oil and water. The active ingredients can be released from their respective layers when applied to the skin. In addition to the controlled release of active substances, the multivesicular emulsion base improves the biophysical properties of the skin by reducing transepidermal water loss and improving skin hydration

Treatment With Exogenous Lung Surfactant

The presented literature review examines the structure of the endogenous pulmonary surfactant, as well as the use of exogenous surfactant (Curosurf®) in various pathological conditions of the respiratory system.The endogenous lung surfactant is a lipoprotein complex that is synthesized by type II alveolar cells. It supports the breathing process and is a major component of the lung's immune defenses.In clinical practice, about 80% of premature infants develop respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). This condition requires intrabronchial administration of poractant alfa (Curosurf®), which results in reduced respiratory stress and increased survival.Apart from RDS, lung surfactants are also used in the treatment of asthma. Various mechanisms have been identified by which the surfactant is important for the pathophysiological course of the disease. Synthetic and natural surfactants that suppress the immune response can be used to treat asthma. For example, Alveofact®, Survanta® and Exosurf® lead to concentration-dependent suppression of lymphocyte function and proliferation, and Curosurf® also inhibits neutrophil activation. It also reduces the production of superoxide anions and the release of proinflammatory mediators from monocytes.Curosurf® is also relevant for Covid 19 associated pneumonia. It is believed that its intrabronchial administration will lead to improved blood oxygenation levels. Also, administration of surfactant would reduce pulmonary edema and improve the excessive inflammatory response found in autopsies of patients with COVID-19

Aspects of Nanoparticle-Targeted Therapy

Conventional dosage forms often have disadvantages: high dose, low efficiency, toxicity, and unwanted side effects. Drug delivery systems (DDSs) are characterized by modified release and can overcome these drawbacks.In many diseases, controlling the delivery and release of drugs to target tissues and organs is a challenge. The utilization of nano-sized drug-delivery systems provides a much larger surface area, affects the rate of dissolution, increases bioavailability at the site of action, and leads to a decrease in the administered dose of the medicinal product and a reduction of adverse drug reactions.The term "nanoparticles" (NPs) refers to materials with a size between 1 and 1000 nm. Nanoparticles' ability to penetrate cells faster than other macromolecules makes them suitable carriers for drug delivery systems.Peptides are attracting great interest in biomedicine as a new material that can exhibit functionalities characteristic of proteins and a high degree of modularity in molecular design.According to many researchers, combining peptides with non-biological materials (e.g., low molecular weight compounds, metal chelates, polymers, and hydrogels) is a promising approach to overcome their drawbacks (their low metabolic stability to proteolysis in the gastrointestinal tract, low levels of absorption after oral administration, decreased penetration, and rapid excretion via the liver and kidneys). The potential of NPs to conjugate with them leads to improved functions and the manifestation of synergism. As a result, conjugates of peptides with nanoparticles represent a promising platform for use in biomedicine

Infection Prevention Associated with Medical Care in Cesarean Section

Public health encompasses a wide range of opportunities, including the possibility to influence and manage infectious agents, to influence the infectious process, and to implement anti-epidemic measures at the local and/or general structural levels. With particular emphasis are the activities related to the protection of maternal and child health at the maternity home level, as well as the care related to them until their discharge. In the conditions of a global pandemic, a number of events related to the protection of personal health, as well as activities at the level of medical institutions for strict disinfection and behavior protocols, were imposed. The volume of invasive treatment and diagnostic manipulations has increased, as has the diversity of patients and pathologies in the process of hospitalization and subsequent specific medical care. The subject of the study is the maternity ward at SHOGAT "Prof. Dr. D. Stamatov," Varna.The aim of the study is to define the prevention of infections associated with medical care in the context of an increased epidemiological risk. Results: In the period 2020–2021, 6,599 patients passed through the maternity ward at SHOGAT Varna, accounting for 54.76% of all patients at the hospital. In the years analyzed, there were no registered hospital infections (RHI) or infections related to medical care (IRMC), as well as incidents when dealing with sharp objects. A total of 18,201 microbiological studies were conducted on patients and the working environment in the hospital. All positive results for improved IRMC/RHI registration were operationally discussed at clinical-epidemiological and laboratory meetings. Infections related to medical care (IRMC) play a leading role in the organization of activities in the maternity ward and related structures (maternity and operating rooms, intensive care units, postpartum sectors, etc.), as well as with the accompanying human factor problems and in conducting hygiene and disinfection events

Use And Benefits Of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

Many patients have skin problems related to the production of an excessive amount of sebum. Various factors can cause this, such as ultraviolet rays, genetic predisposition, stress, hormonal imbalance, etc.It is particularly important to determine the type of skin in order to take the best possible care of it. Every skin type is different and undergoes changes over time.Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are of great interest today. They are a group of plant and animal products widely used in cosmetics.This article aims to summarize literature data on the effects of AHAs in photoaging skin.To achieve this goal, a literature review method was used. The reviewed literature sources were selected from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases.AHAs act delicately and gently, removing the upper layers of the skin in a non-invasive way, where dead skin cells and impurities accumulate. Then they penetrate downward and build a natural protective barrier on the lower layers of the skin, which strengthens its resistance to various external influences. As a result, the skin becomes clean and smooth, with a softened relief and increased absorption.AHAs are used for various skin problems, such as wrinkles, acne, dark spots, problem skin, and imperfections. They are used in combination with other active ingredients in cosmetics, in the composition of daily anti-aging products such as serums, toners, and creams, and in various preparations for chemical peeling

Vaccination Prophylaxis for Bacterial Infections

Introduction: Bacterial infections affect an increasing portion of the population and pose a significant threat to global health. Treatment has become more challenging due to bacterial resistance to various antibiotics, leading to the need for alternative methods to combat these infections. One such method is vaccination prophylaxis.Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze data from scientific publications and assess the effectiveness of vaccines against some of the most common bacterial pathogens.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a literature review approach, focusing on articles published in PubMed and Google Scholar from 2019 to 2024.Results: Our study found that vaccination prophylaxis is a widely used method for combating various bacterial pathogens. A strict vaccination program and adherence to it significantly reduce the spread of life-threatening infectious diseases. In Bulgaria, immunization begins in maternity wards, while in some European countries, it starts after the second month of life.Conclusion: The increasing spread of bacterial infections can be mitigated by developing new vaccines and optimizing the prophylaxis of existing ones. Adherence to immunization schedules significantly reduces the spread of serious infections and improves public health

selenium, selenoproteins, ADHD, depression, COVID-19, oxidative stress

In the pharmaceutical industry, more and more nutritional supplements are entering the market, the composition of which contains the trace element selenium, which has scientifically proven benefits for the human body.It is important for the proper implementation of human processes as well as for the maintenance of human systems. It has been proven that with an insufficient intake of selenium, the development of chronic degenerative diseases is possible. The trace element is known for its protection against oxidative stress in the human body, thanks to selenoproteins that break down hydrogen peroxide.Over 5.9% of the world's population suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Millions of people suffer from depression or have experienced it at some point in their lives. It is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of inadequacy, despondency, decreased activity, pessimism, and sadness.The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide and resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths. Currently, much research is focused on supportive nutritional therapies that can mitigate the susceptibility as well as the long-term complications of COVID-19. Selenium plays a key role in strengthening immunity, preventing viral infections, and supporting therapy in critical illnesses. In addition, its deficiency can affect the severity of the disease.The conditions listed above can be influenced by selenium, thanks to selenoproteins and their influence on oxidative stress

The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Drug Design

Artificial intelligence (AI) aims to simulate human thought and actions. It is an effective tool for various functions, including problem-solving and data classification.In recent years, AI has found numerous applications in the pharmaceutical sector. It is utilized in drug design, optimization of the manufacturing process, adherence to correct drug intake, prediction of treatment outcomes, processing of biomedical and clinical data, analysis of gene expression patterns, and detection of pandemic outbreaks. In modern drug design, AI plays a crucial role in creating molecular libraries, identifying new drug candidates with optimal properties, and predicting the biological functions of drugs with a protein structure.This article aims to present opportunities for optimizing the drug design process through the use of AI.To achieve this goal, a literature review method was used. Articles reviewed were selected from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases.AI enables a more systematic search model and allows for the estimation of its parameters. The application of AI in drug design provides opportunities for process optimization, reducing the use of toxic reagents in synthesis. Additionally, AI can address key challenges in traditional drug design methods, such as low success rates, limited target options, poor transition from preclinical to clinical trials, lengthy processes, and high costs

Mechanisms of resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative microorganism and a member of the ESKAPE pathogen group. It poses a significant threat to public health due to its association with nosocomial infections and high mortality rates. In recent years, there has been an increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, a phenomenon linked to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, including their use in livestock farming.This study aims to provide a detailed description of the resistance mechanisms in Acinetobacter baumannii against tetracyclines, beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones.To achieve these aims, we conducted a literature review of scientific articles published in PubMed and Google Scholar.The development of resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii is associated with alterations in cell membrane permeability, the presence of efflux pumps, protection of antibiotic targets within the bacterial cell, and direct inactivation of antibiotics. Understanding the resistance mechanisms of Acinetobacter baumannii and other ESKAPE pathogens is crucial for safeguarding public health

Analysis of the Results of a Survey Among Healthcare Professionals Working with Electronic Medicine Lists

In the current information society, electronic communication technologies are the basis of the most successful economic, administrative, health, and other organizations. A number of countries in Europe and around the world have successfully implemented the model of electronic management and the large-scale use of electronic services. Already in 2017, based on detailed analysis and technological recommendations, the project for the implementation of the first two parallel stages of the construction of the National Health Information System (NHIS) was launched. It covers all participants and main flows of information in the healthcare sector, including: -          Electronic health record (patient file);-          Eluctronic recipe (e-recipe);-          Electronic referrals (e-referrals); The aim of this study is to summarize the opinions of healthcare professionals about working with an electronic medicine list. 87 health professionals (midwives) from a total of 128 states who were directly engaged in the activities of the hospital wards of SHOGAT Prof. Dr. D. Stamatov, Varna, were interviewed during the period May–June 2022. More than half of the respondents (66.7%) prefer the electronic form for prescribing drug therapies. 57.5% believe that the process of work is facilitated by the introduced amendments regarding the work with electronic databases compared to paper media. In conclusion, in the current information society, electronic communication technologies are the basis of the most successful economic, administrative, and health activities that support the processes of diagnosis and treatment in hospital structures. They save time and resources, ensure patient safety, and improve the quality of service