Preparation and characterization of gold nanoparticles prepared with aqueous extracts of Lamiaceae plants and the effect of follow-up treatment with atmospheric pressure glow microdischarge

AbstractThe unique properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) make them attractive for use in a number of fields, ranging from cosmetology to medicine. If AuNPs are to be widely used in industrial and medical applications, it is necessary to develop environmentally friendly methods for their synthesis. This can be accomplished by replacing the traditional chemical compounds for the reduction of the Au(III) ions to Au0 during AuNPs synthesis with natural plant extracts or with atmospheric pressure plasmas. Here, the properties of three aqueous plant extracts (Mentha piperita, Melissa officinalis, and Salvia officinalis) in the synthesis of AuNPs were compared and optimized under standardized conditions. The effects of the type of plant extract, the reaction temperature, and the precursor concentration on the production and size of the obtained AuNPs were examined using UV–Vis absorption spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was observed that the size of the produced AuNPs was dependent on the aqueous plant extract used, and that under the optimized conditions, the aqueous leaf extract of M. piperita resulted in the production of AuNPs with the smallest volume-weighted diameter. Additionally, the bioactive compounds present in each extract were studied. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) indicated that different chemical groups could be involved in the AuNPs synthesis, while a Folin–Ciocalteu (FC) assay revealed a clear role of phenolic compounds. Finally, it was shown that the treatment of the synthesized AuNPs, which were obtained after bioreduction using the plant extracts, with atmospheric pressure glow microdischarge (μAPGD) resulted in their agglomeration and enlargement

Correcting for enzyme immunoassay changes in long term monitoring studies

Enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) are a common tool for measuring steroid hormones in wildlife due to their low cost, commercial availability, and rapid results. Testing technologies improve continuously, sometimes requiring changes in protocols or crucial assay components. Antibody replacement between EIA kits can cause differences in EIA sensitivity, which can hinder monitoring hormone concentration over time. The antibody in a common cortisol EIA kit used for long-term monitoring of stress in wildlife was replaced in 2014, causing differences in cross reactivity and standard curve concentrations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a method to standardize results following changes in EIA sensitivity. We validated this method using cortisol concentrations measured in the hair of brown bears (Ursus arctos). • We used a simple linear regression to model the relationship between cortisol concentrations using kit 1 and kit 2. • We found a linear relationship between the two kits (R2 = 0.85) and used the regression equation (kit2 = (0.98 × kit1) + 1.65) to predict cortisol concentrations in re-measured samples. • Mean predicted percent error was 16% and 72% of samples had a predicted percent error <20%, suggesting that this method is well-suited for correcting changes in EIA sensitivity.publishedVersio

The tobacco epidemic – pharmacological interventions for smoking cessation

Introduction: One of the biggest public health threats in the world is tobacco epidemic. According to WHO in the world cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use. In the 2018 report of the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking was recognized as one of the main risk factors responsible for premature mortality due to non-communicable diseases. According to the Global Burden of Disease, estimates smoking causes almost 8 million deaths in 2019 worldwide. In Poland about one-quarter of adults smoke cigarettes. As a result, scientists are constantly looking for medications that could help people quit smoking. The aim of the study: &nbsp;The aim of our study is to present medication which are used for treating nicotine dependence nowadays. Moreover, we give attention to social and economic consequences of tobacco use. Materials and methods: The literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar was reviewed using the words: “smoking”, “smoking cessation”, “nicotine”, “nicotine replacement therapy”. Description of the state of knowledge: Exposure to tobacco smoke is a dominant factor in the incidence of many cancers as well as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Therefore, improving smoking cessation interventions is critical to reducing tobacco use and helping to minimize the burden of cancer and other diseases for example chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Conclusions: Smoking cessation&nbsp; has a positive effect on health.&nbsp; Nicotine replacement therapy, Bupropion, Varenicline and Cytisine are used to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms in regular smokers who abstain from smoking

Assessing differences in connectivity based on habitat versus movement models for brown bears in the Carpathians

Context. Connectivity assessments typically rely on resistance surfaces derived from habitat models, assuming that higher-quality habitat facilitates movement. This assumption remains largely untested though, and it is unlikely that the same environmental factors determine both animal movements and habitat selection, potentially biasing connectivity assessments. Objectives. We evaluated how much connectivity assessments differ when based on resistance surfaces from habitat versus movement models. In addition, we tested how sensitive connectivity assessments are with respect to the parameterization of the movement models. Methods. We parameterized maximum entropy models to predict habitat suitability, and step selection functions to derive movement models for brown bear (Ursus arctos) in the northeastern Carpathians. We compared spatial patterns and distributions of resistance values derived from those models, and locations and characteristics of potential movement corridors. Results. Brown bears preferred areas with high forest cover, close to forest edges, high topographic complexity, and with low human pressure in both habitat and movement models. However, resistance surfaces derived from the habitat models based on predictors measured at broad and medium scales tended to underestimate connectivity, as they predicted substantially higher resistance values for most of the study area, including corridors. Conclusions. Our findings highlighted that connectivity assessments should be based on movement information if available, rather than generic habitat models. However, the parameterization of movement models is important, because the type of movement events considered, and the sampling method of environmental covariates can greatly affect connectivity assessments, and hence the predicted corridors

Wide range applications of botulinum toxin in medicine - literature review

Introduction and purpose : Botulinum toxin is one of the most dangerous natural toxins. Botulinum toxin poisoning causes botulism. Botulism is a set of systemic symptoms resulting from flaccid muscle paralysis. The first symptomatology of toxin poisoning was described at the beginning of the 19th century. After more than 200 years, botulinum toxin is associated primarily with aesthetic medicine treatments, where it is used to temporarily improve the appearance, mainly by reducing mimic wrinkles. Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to collect information available in PubMed, Google Scholar, academic textbooks and characteristics of botulinum toxin medicinal products, especially regarding its wide use, mechanism of action, adverse events and contraindications. As a result, the presentation of the versatile use of botulinum toxin as a medicinal product in many fields of medicine. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Botulinum toxin is produced by the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Its mechanism of action consists in flaccid muscle paralysis. Most preparations with botulinum toxin are only registered for strictly defined aesthetic medicine treatments. Other registered indications for the use of medicinal products with botulinum toxin include overactive bladder, various types of spasticity and prevention of headaches. In addition, in medicine, botulinum toxin is commonly used off-label. Summary: Botulinum toxin is widely used not only in aesthetic medicine. Intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin are successfully used in various fields of medicine, such as: urology, neurology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, dermatology, gynecology, otolaryngology, dentistry and even psychiatry

Total hip arthroplasty; indications, historical overview, surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes

Introduction and purpose Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has revolutionized the treatment of various hip pathologies. This method of treatment leads to significant pain relief, improved function, and enhanced quality of life for patients worldwide. The following article provides an extensive overview of THA; covering indications, historical overview, surgical techniques, complications, as well as outcomes. Material and method The authors had analyzed both PubMed, as well as Google Scholar databases using the following key words: ‘THA’; ‘total hip replacement’; ‘total hip arthroplasty’;  ‘hip’; ‘direct anterior approach’; ‘direct lateral approach’; ‘posterior approach’; ‘THA outcomes’. Conclusion THA is considered to be one of the most clinically successful and cost-effective medical procedures, which were developed during the last century. What is worth mentioning, the world’s highest-impact academic journal, The Lancet, called THA ‘the operation of the century’ in the year 2007. The historical perspective of total hip arthroplasty reveals the remarkable journey of medical pioneers who paved the way for modern techniques and materials. From the early days of simple hemiarthroplasty to the development of innovative prosthetic components and minimally invasive approaches, the field has undergone substantial progress, resulting in improved patient outcomes and longevity of the implants. Despite these advancements, the review highlights several challenges and complications associated with total hip arthroplasty. Through continued investment in research, and collaboration among orthopedic surgeons, engineers, and researchers, addressing these challenges can lead to further improvements and enhanced patient experiences

Conventional and biological therapies in atopic dermatitis – a literature review

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing disease with a multifactoral etiology. The basic disorder of the atopic dermatitis is the disruption of the epidermal barrier. The family history of atopy is a high risk factor of the development of the disease. The clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and vary depending on patient’s age, disease duration and current disease activity according to the SCORAD scale. &nbsp; Objective: The aim of the review is to analyze the latest information on the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis, including new biological medications. &nbsp; Methods and materials: The sources available in PubMed database have been analyzed using the keywords: „atopic dermatitis”, „epidermal barrier”, „SCORAD index”, „topical treatment”, „biological therapy”, „Janus kinase inhibitors”. &nbsp; Current state of knowledge: Atopic dermatitis is only treated symptomatically. The greatest therapeutic challenge is to reduce the pruritus which significantly impairs the quality of life. Topical corticosteroids may cause local side effects. The most severe cases of the disease require systemic treatment with immunosuppressants. &nbsp; Conclusions: The complex pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is the object of research. Understanding the immunological mechanisms responsible for the development of the disease allows to introduce new therapeutic options. Previous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of biological medications in reducing disease activity, which is a chance to improve the quality of live of the patients suffering from atopic dermatitis

Effect of red rice on the lipid profile and risk of cardiovascular diseases

Red yeast rice (RRY) and its ingredient, monacolin K, are increasingly being studied for their potential effects on the lipid profile and risk of cardiovascular diseases. This article presents an overview of the latest research on this topic, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, Analysis of medical standards, that RRY supplementation can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which can prevent development of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have also seen beneficial changes in other parameters, including levels of total cholesterol, endothelial funciton and arterial stiffness. Substantially, additional and larger studies are needed to confirm long-term safety of RRY. All of this indicates, that RRY can be a tool in the fight against dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases, especially in people who cannot tolarate statins

Effect of green tea on the cardiovascular system

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, causing significant public health concerns. Flavonoids, abundant in green tea, have been found to play a pivotal role in their prevention and treatment. These compounds exert beneficial effects on vascular endothelium through various mechanisms, including enhancing nitric oxide production, reducing LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting platelet aggregation. Dietary principles tailored to individual risk factors are also vital for individuals with CVD. Studies suggest that green tea may be a promising tool for preventing CVD due to its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and antiplatelet effects. Catechins in green tea have been demonstrated to modify various risk factors, thereby reducing overall CVD risk. Epidemiological studies have reported an inverse association between green tea consumption and mortality from CVD. The beneficial properties of green tea, especially among non-smokers and rural residents, underscore its potential role in managing CVD risk. Further research on the effect of green tea on vascular health is warranted

Endometriosis as very common cause of chronic pelvic pain – overview of actual knowledge

Introduction and purpose of the study: Endometriosis is a prevalent condition that affects women in their reproductive years. Diagnosing the condition and determining its manifestations can be complex and uncertain, as they vary among individuals. The symptoms of endometriosis have a detrimental impact on the overall quality of life for patients, leading to decreased well-being, limitations in physical activity, and impaired social functioning. The available treatments for endometriosis are determined based on the primary symptom (chronic pelvic pain or infertility) and are primarily focused on surgical interventions, hormonal therapies, and analgesic medications. These treatments often come with numerous side effects and rarely offer long-term relief. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge regarding endometrosis, including its pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, and the existing treatment options. &nbsp; Materials and methods: The analysis relied on examining materials obtained from both the "PubMed" database and books. The search was performed using the keywords: "endometrosis diagnosis", "endometrosis therapy", "dysmenorrhea", "combined oral contraceptive", "laparoscopy". &nbsp; Summary: Endometriosis poses a significant health concern due to its correlation with compromised daily functioning and infertility. Appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic management of endometriosis contributes to a significant improvement in the wellbeing of patients, including a reduction in pain and improved ability to function both physically and socially. Conservative treatment consists of hormonal therapy, which regulates the menstrual cycle, reduces the severity of pain symptoms and inhibits the development of endometrial foci outside the uterus. In situations of advanced endometriosis, pharmacological treatments may not be sufficient and surgical therapy is required