Search Results (465)

The development of dressing materials mainly protects the wound, prevents infection, and assists in wound healing. Apart from the most common gauze on the market, different dressing materials can accelerate wound healing. Bacterial cellulose (BC) dressings have had many related studies and applications so far, and other natural or artificial compounds that are beneficial to tissue repair may also be added during the manufacturing process. This study compared the wound healing efficacies of BC dry membrane developed by our team, gauze, commercially available “Tegaderm^TM Hydrocolloid Dressing”, and “AQUACEL^® EXTRA Hydrofiber Dressing”. This study used rats as experimental animals and injured them by scalding. Moreover, Staphylococcus aureus was used to infect wounds to compare the effects on wound healing. We first used NIH-3T3 cells for an in vitro model to confirm that the BC membrane is not harmful to cells. In the animal experiment, wounds were created by scalding and then treated with different dressing materials and doses of S. aureus. After 10 days of treatment, the wound recovery in the BC membrane and AQUACEL^® groups was the most obvious, including angiogenesis in the dermal layer and regeneration of the epidermis layer. Especially without S. aureus infection, inflammatory markers such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression levels were reduced to those of healthy tissue. In conclusion, we confirmed that the BC dry membrane can accelerate wound healing. In the future, it may provide high-efficiency and less expensive options in the dressing market. Full article

Background: Immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) survivors exhibit increased rates of psychological comorbidities, cognitive impairment (CI), and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of CI and its association with reduced HRQoL and depression among iTTP survivors. Methods: iTTP survivors completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the SF-36 for evaluation of HRQoL, and the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. SF-36 scores and fluid cognition and crystallized cognition composite scores from the cognition battery were compared to the reference population. We examined associations of cognitive impairment with depression and HRQoL. Results: We enrolled 47 patients with iTTP; 76.6% were female, the median age was 51 (IQR 39, 60), and the median number of episodes was 2 (1, 3.5). Compared to the reference, iTTP survivors had significantly lower mean scores in seven SF-36 domains (physical function, physical limitation, general, mental health, vitality, social functioning, and emotional limitation) as well as the mental component score (MCS) (p < 0.0001) and physical component scores (PCS) (p < 0.0001). A lower physical HRQoL score was observed in those with mild (49.3 vs. 37.7, p = 0.005) and major (49.3 vs. 38.4, p = 0.007) CI compared to no CI. The fluid cognition composite score correlated strongly with the SF-36 Physical Component Summary (r = 0.548, p = 0.0002) but not the Mental Component Summary (r = 0.113, p = 0.489). Conclusions: Cognitive impairment in iTTP survivors is associated with reduced physical HRQoL. Identifying and addressing cognitive deficits in iTTP may improve HRQoL. Given that 40% of participants had depressive symptoms, which were associated with reduced mental HRQoL, iTTP survivors may also benefit from routine mental health screening t. Full article

Medicinal plants remain central to traditional healthcare, yet their increasing integration into modern pharmacology necessitates robust toxicological evaluation. Origanum majorana L. (sweet marjoram), widely used in culinary and folk medicine, contains diverse secondary metabolites with both therapeutic and potential genotoxic activities. Despite its popularity, systematic in vivo and in vitro safety assessments remain limited. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the acute oral toxicity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity of O. majorana methanolic extract, providing baseline toxicological data to support its safe traditional use and potential pharmaceutical applications. The methanol extract of O. majorana leaves was tested in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts for cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. In vivo acute oral toxicity was assessed in rats according to OECD Guideline 420, with animals monitored over 14 days for clinical signs, hematological and biochemical alterations, and histopathological changes. The extract preserved fibroblast viability above 90% across all tested concentrations (10–200 µg/mL), indicating absence of cytotoxicity. However, comet and micronucleus assays revealed dose-dependent DNA damage, suggesting genotoxic potential at higher exposures. In vivo, no mortality or overt systemic toxicity was observed at doses up to 2000 mg/kg. Hematological analyses showed immunomodulatory shifts (increased neutrophils and monocytes, reduced eosinophils), while biochemical profiles indicated hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effects, with reduced ALT, AST, and LDH levels. Histopathological evaluation revealed only mild, focal changes consistent with adaptive rather than irreversible responses. O. majorana extract demonstrates a favorable acute safety profile with preserved hepatic and renal function, hematological modulation, and absence of in vitro cytotoxicity. Nevertheless, dose-dependent genotoxicity warrants caution for concentrated formulations. According to GHS classification, the extract aligns with Category 5 (acute oral toxicity, lowest hazard) and Category 2 (germ cell mutagenicity). These findings underscore the importance of dose management and further long-term genotoxicity studies before translational applications in nutraceutical or biomedical fields. Full article

Background: Alexithymia has been recognised as a predictor of negative outcomes in various chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, evidence concerning its role in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remains limited. This systematic review aims to explore the relationship between alexithymia and T1DM. Methods: In June 2025, following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Studies specifically addressing the relationship between alexithymia and type 1 diabetes mellitus were analysed. The search strategy included the keywords “Alexithymia” AND (“Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus” OR “T1DM”). The NIH Study Quality Assessment Tool was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of the selected studies. Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The systematic analysis of the literature highlighted three dominant themes: alexithymia was found to be associated with patients’ health status concerning weight and obesity, glycaemic control, and psychopathological symptoms. Moreover, alexithymia emerged as a potential predictor of adverse outcomes in T1DM self-management. Conclusions: Available evidence suggests that alexithymia has a clinically relevant impact on the management of T1DM. However, further research involving larger samples and longitudinal designs is needed to bridge the gap with other chronic conditions. Promoting evidence-based research in this area is aligned with the need for targeted psychological assessment, specific interventions, and improved care strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: To compare the radiographic, perioperative, and patient-reported outcomes between anterior vertebral body tethering (VBT) and posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was performed through May 2025. Studies directly comparing anterior VBT and PSF in skeletally immature patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were included. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis and expressed as mean differences (MDs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The NIH quality assessment tool was used to evaluate risk of bias. Results: Ten studies comprising 1168 patients (573 VBT, 595 PSF) were included. At 2 years, VBT showed a significantly greater main thoracic curve (MD = 5.03°; 95% CI: 1.87–8.20) and proximal thoracic curve (MD = 3.27°; 95% CI: 1.16–5.38), but no difference in lumbar or main curve Cobb angles. VBT was associated with significantly reduced thoracic kyphosis (MD = −2.68°), increased T1 tilt (MD = 1.50°), shorter operative time (MD = −99.23 min), less blood loss (MD = −405.44 mL), and shorter hospital stay (MD = −1.34 days). However, VBT had a significantly higher revision rate (OR = 5.54; 95% CI: 2.81–10.94). No significant differences were noted in SRS-22 domains, except for higher mental health scores in the VBT group (MD = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.07–1.06). Conclusions: Anterior VBT offers perioperative advantages and comparable radiographic correction to PSF in selected adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, but at the cost of higher revision rates. Full article

Although the anticaries properties of phosphate-based compounds have been extensively investigated in recent years, their potential cytotoxic effects remain underexplored. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of solutions containing sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP), sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP), or calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP). NIH/3T3 fibroblasts were cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and maintained at 37 °C, 100% humidity, and 5% CO₂. The cells were seeded in 96-well plates at a density of 10⁴ cells per well and incubated for 24 h. Subsequently, different dilutions of 10% TMP, HMP, or CaGP solutions were applied to the cells. Cell viability was assessed at 24/48 h using the MTT assay. The data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Fisher’s LSD test. Spearman’s rank correlation was performed. HMP dilutions led to significantly lower cell viability compared to the other compounds, regardless of the incubation period. TMP maintained higher cell viability from 1/8 dilution onwards, regardless of the incubation time. For CaGP, an increase in cell viability was observed at 1/8 dilution after 24 h. In conclusion, TMP and CaGP demonstrated reduced cytotoxicity at higher dilutions compared to HMP, suggesting their potential as promising candidates for the development of novel biomaterials. Full article

A new family of monothiooxalamide derived from 2-aminobenzothiazole was synthesized with the purpose of investigating its anticancer activity. The design of the compounds was focused on targeting the HDAC6 enzyme, a target for antineoplastic drugs. The in silico affinity of compounds to HDAC6 was performed and confirmed by docking simulation. The structures of monothiooxalamide–benzothiazole hybrids were characterized by 1D and 2D NMR experiments, as well as through mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy. In addition, the antiproliferative activity of compounds was assessed in human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB231) and non-malignant cells (MCF-10A and NIH/3T3). The most active compound was N-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-2-((4-methoxybenzyl)amino)-2-thioxoacetamide (1c), which inhibited breast cancer cell growth and invasiveness in vitro and induced late apoptosis in the MCF-7 cell line. The molecular structure of 1c was solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The supramolecular arrangement of benzothiazole and 4-methoxy-benzylamine moieties, present in the crystal structure of 1c, was consistent with the interactions on the docked DD2-HDAC6 catalytic site. Full article

Background/Objectives: Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is an ultra-rare, metastatic vascular sarcoma with limited therapeutic options. The hallmark of EHE is a chromosomal translocation that produces the WWTR1-CAMTA1 gene fusion, encoding the aberrant transcriptional regulator TAZ-CAMTA1. Given its central role in the EHE initiation and progression, TAZ-CAMTA1 represents a compelling therapeutic target. Methods and Results: In this study, we identified AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as one of several proteins capable of repressing the TAZ-CAMTA1 transcriptional activity in NIH3T3 and HEK293 cell lines. The pharmacologic activation of AMPK inhibited the proliferation of EHE cell lines without inducing apoptosis; however, in contrast to the NIH3T3 and HEK293 models, AMPK activation in EHE cells unexpectedly increased the TAZ-CAMTA1 expression and activity. Notably, elevated TAZ-CAMTA1 expression was also associated with reduced EHE cell growth, suggesting that the induction of TAZ-CAMTA1 may be one mechanism by which AMPK suppresses EHE growth. Additionally, we found that AMPK inhibits mTOR activity and that direct mTOR inhibition also suppresses EHE cell growth. Conclusions: Together, these findings demonstrate that AMPK activation impairs EHE viability through dual mechanisms: by promoting TAZ-CAMTA1 expression and by inhibiting mTOR signaling. This work highlights AMPK as a potential therapeutic target in EHE and supports the growing body of evidence favoring mTOR inhibitors as promising treatments for this rare cancer. Full article

The plants from the Ocimum genus, belonging to the Labiatae family, serve as important bioresources of essential oils (EOs) rich in biologically active secondary metabolites, widely used in medicine, food, and cosmetics. This study explored the volatile composition, enantiomeric distribution, and in vitro biological activities of EOs from three Ocimum species native to Nepal: O. tenuiflorum L., O. basilicum L., and O. americanum L. EOs were extracted via hydro-distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for chemical profiling and chiral GC-MS for enantiomeric composition. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed for major chemotypes. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays. Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using the microbroth dilution method, and cytotoxicity was tested on NIH-3T3 (normal) and MCF-7 (breast cancer) cell lines via the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. EO yield was highest in O. tenuiflorum (1.67 ± 0.13%) during autumn and lowest in O. americanum (0.35 ± 0.02%) during winter among all Ocimum spp. The major compounds identified in O. tenuiflorum were eugenol (32.15–34.95%), trans-β-elemene (29.08–32.85%), and β–caryophyllene (19.85–21.64%). In O. americanum, the major constituents included camphor (51.33–65.88%), linalool (9.72–9.91%), germacrene D (7.75–1.83%), and β–caryophyllene (6.35–3.97%). For O. basicilum, EO was mainly composed of methyl chavicol (62.16–64.42%) and linalool (26.92–27.05%). The oxygenated monoterpenes were a dominant class of terpenes in the EOs except for O. tenuiflorum (sesquiterpene hydrocarbon). A hierarchical cluster analysis based on the compositions of EOs revealed at least three different chemotypes in Ocimum species. Chiral GC-MS analysis revealed β-caryophyllene and germacrene D as enantiomerically pure, with linalool consistently dominant in its levorotatory form. O. tenuiflorum exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, particularly against Candida albicans, and showed notable anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ = 23.43 µg/mL), with lower toxicity to normal cells. It also demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 69.23 ± 0.10 µg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀ = 9.05 ± 0.24 µg/mL). The EOs from Ocimum species possess significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties, especially O. tenuiflorum. These findings support their potential application as natural agents in medicine, food, and cosmetics, warranting further validation. Full article

ECIS-based impedance biosensors have been extensively studied in various fields including cancer research, microbiology, and immunology. However, most studies have primarily focused on monitoring cellular behavior through impedance changes, with relatively less emphasis on interpreting the biological significance of impedance signals. In this study, we employed a multi-well array impedance biosensor to conduct IC₅₀ (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) analysis, a widely used metric for evaluating drug efficacy and toxicity in biological and pharmacological research. Specifically, we assessed the IC₅₀ values of puromycin, an aminonucleoside antibiotic known to inhibit protein synthesis. NIH/3T3 fibroblasts were exposed to various concentrations of puromycin, and real-time impedance monitoring was performed. Cell viability was assessed, and the IC₅₀ value of puromycin for NIH/3T3 cells was determined to be 3.96 µM using capacitance-based impedance analysis. Our findings demonstrate that the multi-well array impedance biosensor provides a rapid and quantitative method for drug toxicity evaluation, offering a valuable platform for drug screening and biocompatibility assessment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pompia is an ancient, endemic citrus ecotype native to Sardinia (Italy), characterized by distinctive morphology and high content of bioactive compounds. Despite increasing interest, several aspects of this fruit, including its histological characteristics, remain poorly understood. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the anatomical features and spatial distribution of secretory cavities involved in essential oil (EO) production and accumulation, while also evaluating the EO’s chemical profile and associated biological activity. Methods: Pompia peel (flavedo and albedo) was subjected to histological analysis through fixation, dehydration, resin inclusion and sectioning. Sections were stained with 0.05% toluidine blue and observed under a light microscope to measure different parameters of secretory cavities. Essential oil (EO) was obtained from Pompia peel by hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. The biological activity of Pompia EO was assessed in vitro using NIH/3T3 fibroblasts, where wound-healing was evaluated by scratch assay and anti-senescence effects by β-galactosidase and γH2AX activity. Results: Microscopic analysis of the peel revealed pronounced variability in depth and size of the secretory cavities, along with the presence of lenticel-like structures in the epidermis. GC–MS analysis showed that Pompia EO is dominated by limonene (89%), with minor compounds including myrcene, geranial and neral. In vitro biological assays demonstrated that the EO promotes cell migration in a wound-healing model at concentrations ≥ 12.5 µg/mL and reduces markers of cellular senescence, including β-galactosidase activity and γH2AX foci, in etoposide-induced senescent fibroblasts. Conclusions: Overall, this study provides the first histological characterization of Pompia peel and confirms the bioactive potential of its EO. These findings support future applications in skin regeneration and anti-aging strategies and contribute to the valorization of this underexplored Citrus ecotype. Full article

Chronic wounds disrupt natural healing and tissue regeneration, posing a major challenge in healthcare. Conventional wound care often lacks effective drug delivery, tissue integration, infection control, and patient comfort. However, injectable hydrogels offer localized, minimally invasive treatment and conform to irregular wound shapes. This study presents carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based injectable hydrogels, prepared via Diels–Alder click chemistry using highly furan functionalized CMC (45%) and a bismaleimide crosslinker. The hydrogels showed a rapid gelation time (<490 s) under physiological conditions. The hydrogel exhibited favorable physicochemical and mechanical properties, as well as sustained curcumin release (∼80% in 5 days). In vitro studies confirmed excellent biocompatibility with NIH3T3 fibroblasts and notable antibacterial activity against E. coli, supporting its potential for wound healing applications. Full article

Cellular senescence can occur with similar phenotypes in normal cells, during aging, and in tumor cells, spontaneously or after cytostasis. The fall or increase in proliferative activity are key aspects of the respective conditions, in which the levels of reactive oxygen species can vary, affecting the cellular redox homeostasis. This work aimed to study the relationships between senescence and transformation by comparing cells with different proliferative activities and phenotypes attributable to transformation (NIHs cultures) or senescence (NIHv cultures), before and after incubation with hydrogen peroxide. Both cultures were derived from the NIH/3T3 cell line, which was used here as a reference (NIHb), after the serum starvation. Our experimental model can be representative of the heterogeneity of cell subpopulations, with different degrees of transformation and senescence, found in some tumors. The characterization of the functional properties of NIHb, NIHs, and NIHv cells was performed by a morphocytometric analysis of the cell cycle progression, mitochondrial and lysosomal content/activity, and superoxide anion production. The efficiency of the lysosomal compartment was also assessed by estimating the autophagic activity and measuring lipofuscin autofluorescence. Comparisons of nuclear and cytoplasmic parameters before and after the incubation with hydrogen peroxide revealed differences in the expression and modulation of cellular senescence patterns. The treatment effects were very limited in the NIHb culture; the senescence condition was essentially maintained in the NIHv cells, while the most relevant changes were found in the NIHs cells. In the latter, the acquisition of the senescent phenotype, also demonstrated by the positivity of SA-β-galactosidase, was correlated with a decrease in proliferative activity and a change in the content/activity of the mitochondria and lysosomes, which showed similarities with the basal senescence conditions of NIHv cells. In NIHs cells, increased autophagy events and lipofuscin accumulation also indicate the establishment of cytoplasmic dynamics typical of senescence. The variable responses to hydrogen peroxide, besides depending on the different basal cytokinetic activity of the cultures examined, appeared to be related to the specific cell redox state resulting from the balance between endogenous ROS and those produced after treatment. Especially in NIHs cells, the slowing down of the cell cycle was linked to dynamic interconnections between the mitochondrial and lysosomal compartments. This would indicate that transformed cells, such as NIHs, may express morpho-functional aspects and markers typical of cellular senescence, as a consequence of the modulation of their redox state. Full article

Objectives: This study analyzed the antiproliferative potential of Eugenia uniflora L. leaf extracts against cervical cancer and non-cancerous cell lines. Methods: The extracts were prepared by maceration using hexane (EUH), dichloromethane (EUD), and ethyl acetate (EUA). Their cytotoxic potential was evaluated through MTT assays, wound healing assays, and flow cytometry. To identify classes of secondary metabolites, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using spectrophotometric methods, and individual metabolites were tentatively identified by LC-MS/MS. Results: EUH, EUD. and EUA exhibited cytotoxicity in HeLa cells, with IC₅₀ values of 63.03 μg/mL, 33.79 μg/mL, and 38.38 μg/mL, respectively. Due to their lower IC₅₀ values, the EUD and EUA fractions were selected for further investigation. EUA and EUD inhibited cell migration at all the time points tested and altered the cell cycle. Twenty-eight compounds were tentatively identified in E. uniflora L. leaf extracts based on the interpretation of their fragmentation patterns and molecular formulas obtained from mass spectrometry. Conclusions: The EUD and EUA extracts appear to modulate the metabolism of cervical cancer cells, leading to cell cycle arrest and inhibition of cell migration. Flavonoids and other phenolic compounds are likely responsible for these observed biological effects. Full article

As a continuation of our research on the synthesis and study of biological properties of new derivatives of 3-aminopyridin-2(1H)-ones, we investigated the Leuckart–Wallach and Eschweiler–Clarke reactions with selected 3-aminopyridin-2(1H)-ones and 3-(arylmethyl)pyridin-2(1H)-ones. It was found that under the conditions of the Leuckart–Wallach reaction with aromatic aldehydes in formic acid, mainly formamides of the indicated 3-aminopyridones are formed. The Eschweiler–Clarke reaction of 3-aminopyridin-2(1H)-ones and 3-(arylmethyl)pyridin-2(1H)-ones with an aqueous solution of formaldehyde result in the formation of tertiary N–benzyl(methyl)amino)-pyridin-2(1H)-ones in almost quantitative yield. The 3-aminopyridin-2(1H)-ones derivatives synthesized by us were used for the biological screening of cytoprotective activity in the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test to determine the viability of fibroblast cells isolated from the NIH/Swiss mouse embryo (NIH/3T3, Gibco). It was found that many of the studied compounds under the conditions of our experiment exhibited significant cytoprotective effects, thereby enhancing cell survival. Full article