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Speleothem fluorescence may elucidate past vegetation dynamics, while microscale fluorescent laminations can provide annually resolved chronology. However, the origin of speleothem fluorescence and the mechanism responsible for the formation of micrometer scale fluorescent lamination in stalagmites, are not well constrained by monitoring studies. Here, we present results from a year-long monthly drip water monitoring from seven locations in La Vallina cave (Northwestern Spain). Fluorescence was quantified by excitation-emission matrices (EEM) spectrofluorometry. Five distinct components were resolved by parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) modeling, including previously described humic-like, and protein-like components as well as an additional component suggesting a contribution of indigenous fluorescence sourced from the bedrock. Variations in the overlying vegetation and in the water reservoir age contribute to differences in the fluorescent components among different drip sites. While some active stalagmites feature annual to sub-annual fluorescent laminae, the drip water does not support higher abundance of humic-like fluorescence during the rainy season as a primary cause for layer formation. The constancy in humic-like fluorescence, likely to arise due to abiotic interactions with the bedrock, highlights possible other mechanisms on fluorescent layer formation, such as growth rate control over the dilation of the fluorescence signal in the stalagmite.

Cave monitoring studies clarify the climatic, surface vegetation, and karst processes affecting the cave system and lay the foundation to interpreting geochemical stalagmite records. Here we report monitoring of cave air, bedrock chemistry, and drip water δ13CDIC, δ18O and δD as well as 16 trace elements covering a full annual cycle spanning 16 months between November 2019 and March 2021 in La Vallina cave in the Northwest Iberian Peninsula. While decreased rainfall and increased evapotranspiration in summer months lead to a strong reduction in drip rates, there is little seasonal variation of δ18O and δD in a given drip, likely reflecting discrete moderately- to well-mixed karst water reservoirs. Small differences in δ18O and δD between drip sites are attributed to variable evaporation intensity and/or transit times. The dissolved inorganic carbon composition of drip water (δ13CDIC) is likely driven by seasonal changes in temperature controlling biological processes (vegetation and microbial soil activity) resulting in minimum δ13CDIC in summer and autumn months. Increased bedrock dissolution due to higher soil pCO2 in summer and autumn results in increased trace element concentrations of congruently dissolved elements. Cave air measurements indicate seasonal ventilation (winter) and stagnation (summer) of cave air. The opposite effects of reduced cave air pCO2, seasonally variable biological activity and increased drip rate limit the extent of seasonal variation of degassing and prior calcite precipitation (PCP) supported by trace elements (Sr/Ca-index). Estimated stalagmite growth rates using monitoring data suggest calcite precipitation is restricted to certain seasons (summer and winter) at certain locations within the cave, which has important implications on proxy interpretation of stalagmite records.

The carbon isotopic signature inherited from soil/epikarst processes may be modified by degassing and prior calcite precipitation (PCP) before its imprint on speleothem calcite. Despite laboratory demonstration of PCP effects on carbon isotopes and increasingly sophisticated models of the governing processes, to date, there has been limited effort to deconvolve the dual PCP and soil/epikarst components in measured speleothem isotopic time series. In this contribution, we explore the feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages of using trace element ratios and δ44Ca to remove the overprinting effect of PCP on measured δ13C to infer the temporal variations in the initial δ13C of dripwater. In 8 examined stalagmites, the most widely utilized PCP indicators Mg/Ca and δ44Ca covary as expected. However, Sr/Ca does not show consistent relationships with δ44Ca so PCP is not universally the dominant control on Sr/Ca. From δ44Ca and Mg/Ca, our calculation of PCP as fCa, fraction of initial Ca remaining at the deposition of the stalagmite layer, yields multiple viable solutions depending on the assumed δ44Ca fractionation factor and inferred variation in DMg. Uncertainty in the effective fractionation of δ13C during degassing and precipitation contributes to uncertainty in the absolute value of estimated initial δ13C. Nonetheless, the trends in initial δ13C are less sensitive to these uncertainties. In coeval stalagmites from the same cave spanning 94 to 82 ka interval, trends in calculated initial δ13C are more similar than those in measured δ13C, and reveal a common positive anomaly initial δ13C during a stadial cooling event. During deglaciations, the trend of greater respiration rates and higher soil CO2 is captured in the calculated initial δ13C, despite the tendency of higher interglacial dripwater situation to favor more extensive PCP.

The ever-increasing frequency of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is still a major challenge of the public health care system, worldwide. In recent years, researchers have been drawn to the uncommon (at first look) link between skin illnesses and MetS. Because of the pro-inflammatory mechanisms and insulin resistance (IR) that are upregulated in metabolic syndrome, many skin disorders are correlated to metabolic dysfunctions, including acne vulgaris. A comprehensive understanding of the link between MetS and acne vulgaris may contribute to the development of new treatment strategies. The current review focuses on dietary and therapeutic interventions and assesses the effect of various approaches such as improving diet by avoiding certain food products (i.e., milk and chocolate) or increasing the intake of others (i.e., food products rich in omega-3 fatty acids), metformin administration, therapy with plant extracts, plant essential oils, and probiotic supplementation on the improvement of certain acne vulgaris severity parameters. These therapeutic approaches, when combined with allopathic treatment, can improve the patients' quality of life.

The control of the viral infections requires efficient, rapid and safe testing procedures. We tested the efficiency of a quick and reliable alternative assay to the standard plaque assay (PA) in the detection of viral inhibition. Using MS-2 and FX-174 phages, the developed assay was used to evaluate the potential of cyanobacterial phycobiliproteins (PBS) as natural antiviral bioactive molecules against HIV and HCV. The antiviral activity was examined by mixing the phage with crude aqueous extracts in a 1:1 (v/v) ratio for 1hr at 4oC. The viral titer of MS-2 and FX-174 was reduced by 0.92 LR and 1.19 LR, respectively. In the case of the crude PBS extract of Spirulina platensis, similar result trends were obtained by virion titration which indicated that a strong correlation between the two assays was verified (�90 %). The morphological characteristics of both phages were severely affected when treated with the extract, whereas the characteristic features of their hosts seem unaffected. The PBS was found to affect the adsorption of the phages on their bacterial hosts and consequently viral reproduction. In conclusion, MS-2 and FX-174 can be used in drug evaluation by the well standardized method developed in this study.

The electrochemical chlorate reduction at the Pt electrode in 0.5 M H2SO4 deaerated solutions has been studied using potentiostatic steady-state voltammetry. The kinetics parameters (Tafel slope, charge transfer coefficient, current density, and reaction order) were evaluated in function of chlorate concentration (1x10-4 � 0.2 M KClO3). The process of chlorate reduction is a complex one that implies two charge transfer controlled steps with formation of free radicals and an extent potential region controlled by the concentration polarization. The current density dependence of chlorate concentration tends to an exponential growth at concentration � 0.1 M KClO3 and becomes exponential in the conditions of the catalyst system presence. In the second charge transfer, a surface reaction between free radical �Cl-2 and platinum electrode with formation of complex anions PtCL42- and PtCL62- is responsible for the rapid increase of the reaction rate.

Cutaneous melanoma is the most severe skin neoplasia with an increased incidence in the recent decades, particularly due to the intense exposure to sunlight. Our study analyzed the characteristics of malignant melanoma and the role of sentinel node biopsy in the diagnosis and prognosis of the patients with cutaneous melanoma by identifying the regional metastasis. The small or large clusters of circulating cancer cells are expressing epitops identified by some chemical reaction. These reagents are usually monoclonal antibodies with high sensitivity and specificity which are matching with the right receptor from the melanoma cells. The result is an antibody-antigen complex high-light in the microscopic examination by 3,3`-diaminobenzidine (DAB). The study was conducted on a sample of 151 patients diagnosed with melanoma in different developmental stages: 62 had Breslow index between 1-4 mm, 71 patients had Breslow index � 4 mm and 18 patients had Breslow index [ 1 mm. 45 patients (out of 62) with Breslow index between 1-4 mm had SLN positive. The mortality rate was 5% in the case of the patients with SLN positive. Comparing the rate of mortality by considering the Breslow index, 65% of the patients with Breslow index � 4 mm died. The correct identification of the patients with negative sentinel node or positive sentinel node improves staging and can facilitate the subsequent therapeutic decision, which is useful for early identification of the micro metastases and of the patients who require regional complete lymph node dissection.

Withaferin A (WFA) was identified as the most active phytocompound of the plant Withania somnifera (WS) and as having multiple therapeutic/ameliorating properties (anticancer, antiangiogenic, anti-invasive, anti-inflammatory, proapoptotic, etc.) in case of various diseases. In drug chemistry, WFA in silico approaches have identified favorite biological targets, stimulating and accelerating research to evaluate its pharmacological activity—numerous anticancer effects manifested in various organs (breast, pancreas, skin, colon, etc.), antivirals, anti-infective, etc., which are not yet sufficiently explored. This paper is a synthesis of the most relevant specialized papers in the field that are focused on the use of WFA in dermatological diseases, describing its mechanism of action while providing, at the same time, details about the results of its testing in in vitro/in vivo studies.

International audience; The products used in cosmetic formulations are continuously diversifying as a result of researches in the field, which combine the healing and prevention of many skin conditions with the use of natural products such as vegetable extracts and essential oils. Testing the stability andcompatibility of new or modified cosmetics is required to ensure that quality standards are met when stored in proper conditions for functionality and aesthetics, to preserve their chemical, microbiological and physical properties. In this study, the stability and compatibility of a newcosmetic product containing lavender essential oil in plastic container-plastic jar 100 mL PPH Polypropylene homopolymer (Moplen HP648T) is tested against the glass receptacle used as a control. The monitored parameters were organoleptic characteristics (appearance, color,fragrance), physicochemical (pH, density), under controlled temperature conditions, and the microbiological ones. The results of this study showed that the tested cosmetic product is compatible with the plastic container; data obtained were comparable with the organoleptic and physicochemical test results obtained in the case of the control sample stored at room conditions.

International audience; Stroke is the main cause of disability after age 65, leaving survivors with sequels that require care and recovery treatment lasting years. It is estimated that by the year 2030 this pathology will be leading cause of mortality. To determine the efficacy of Lokomat training combined with neurotrophic medication and balneo-physiotherapeutic treatment in rehabilitation of post-stroke patients, a prospective study of 3 parallel groups was conducted: Group I (n = 22) – Lokomat, balneo-physiotherapy, and Cerebrolysin; Group II (n = 18) – Lokomat associated with balneo-physiotherapy; and Group III (n = 30) – balneo-physiotherapy alone (Control group). Patients were evaluated physically, neurologically, and functionally, according to the evolution of their motor deficiency, spasticity, functional independence and health-related quality of life.Patient improvement is significantly better (p b 0.05) in the group with associated therapies, especially during the first 6 months. Evolution was significantly better in all groups at 12 months than initially (p b 0.05), for all studied parameters and with the best effects in Group I (the three therapies combined). Association of Lokomat training with neurotrophic factors and classic recovery techniques improves the rehabilitationprocess in stroke patients.

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is on the rise among the population, and is frequently associated with patients with acne vulgaris, especially females aged between 18–55 years old. The connection between the two is not fully elucidated. In this study, 236 patients diagnosed with acne in the dermatological office of the private Pelican Hospital and in few private dermatological offices from Oradea, Romania, during January 2018–December 2020, aged between 12 and 55 years old, were endocrinologically investigated to determine AIT and its influence on the severity of the acne. The values for the thyroid antibodies and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were determined for all of the subjects. The frequency of AIT in the study group was 72% and was associated with severe acne (p &lt, 0.001). Patients with AIT with normal or hypofunction had more frequent severe acne than those with hyperfunction (p &lt, 0.001, p = 0.002). The TSH and anti thyroidperoxidase (TPO) values did not influence the severity of the acne (p = 0.494, p = 0.111), while the anti-TG values were associated with severe acne (p = 0.007). The risk analysis indicated that raised values of anti-TPO (2.91 times greater) correlated with high anti-thyroglobulin (TG) values (4.36 times greater) doubled the risk of developing severe acne in patients. In acne evolution, the existence of AIT involves significant modifications.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is the most common form of osteoporosis and one of the major public health problems in developed countries. The prevalence of this condition, associated with the physiological stage of menopause, is continuously increasing. This study evaluated the effectiveness of soy isoflavones as compared to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in low doses, on the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, by determining bone mineral density (BMD) and urinary deoxypyridinoline (D-pyr) in physiological postmenopausal women. The study was conducted over a period of 12 months, on three parallel groups, which included a total of 325 postmenopausal women (HRT group: n = 95, phytoestrogens group: n = 124, control group: n = 106). At the one-year evaluation, we observed T-score normalization in a small number of cases (5.26%, 2.42% and 0.00%, respectively). The average values of D-Pyr decreased by 11.38% in the group treated with phytoestrogens (p &lt, 0.05) and by 15.32% in the group that followed HRT (p &lt, 0.05), it increased by 4.38% in the control group (p &gt, 0.05). Both therapies have beneficial effects on bone metabolism, leading to a significant decrease in the evolution of bone resorption and there are no major differences between the efficacy of HRT and phytoestrogens in terms of the effects on BMD and bone resorption.

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, as well as a source of long-term disabilities and huge socioeconomic costs. This study investigates the effects of resveratrol, an antioxidant supplement, on blood pressure, weight status, glucose, and lipid profile in patients who had a stroke in the last 12 months. Two hundred and twenty-eight patients were divided into three groups: group I received only allopathic treatment (control group), while groups II and III received allopathic treatment with a daily supplementation of oral resveratrol (100 and 200 mg, resp.) for 12 months. In all groups, the changes of the studied parameters were monitored at 6 and 12 months from the initial evaluation. In groups II and III, resveratrol induced significant changes (p<0.05) in the blood pressure, body mass index, as well as all parameters of the lipid profile, and glucose (in nondiabetic patients), compared to the control group. The supplementation of the allopathic treatment with resveratrol had a beneficial effect on all monitored parameters, which serve as major risk factors for stroke.

The spreading of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) through lymphohematogenous pathways with multi-organ damage is disseminated tuberculosis (DT). The case of a child presenting disseminated tuberculosis and who had an acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection at the onset of the disease is described in this study. Patient aged 2 presented to Municipal Clinical Hospital of Oradea, Oradea, Romania area with high fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, multiple abscesses of the skin, poor growth, having a background with numerous hospitalizations for respiratory infections in the paediatric department. Chest and head radiography and computed tomography of the same areas show bilateral pleural effusion and osteolytic lesions. The presence of MT was determined from cultures of gastric aspirate and skin lesions. Serology for CMV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies was positive. The treatment of the patient was recommended following the National Tuberculosis Protocol precisely. The patient`s response to treatment was slow. In order to diagnose DT in children (where this disease is severe and rare), a multidisciplinary approach combined with complex and sometimes invasive paraclinical investigations is required.

The reduction of Cr(VI) ion in 0.5 M H2SO4 deaerated solutions with different concentrations of K2CrO4 on nickel and 18Cr-10Ni stainless steel electrodes have been studied by potentiostatic polarisation technique depending on the chromate concentration in solution. The kinetic parameters -Tafel slope, charge transfer coefficient and limiting current density -were evaluated comparatively. For the solutions containing �5 mM K2CrO4 the Tafel slopes are higher on stainless steel than on nickel (around -135 mV�dec-1 for nickel and -165 mV�dec-1 for stainless steel). Moreover, by increasing the chromate concentration the Tafel slopes increase on nickel and decrease on stainless steel. The low Tafel slope values of -75 mV�dec-1 obtained on stainless steel electrode in the potential region -0.5� -0.75V vs. SCE could be due to a decrease of the charge transfer process rate because of the presence of a physical barrier. The values for the reaction rates are slightly higher for nickel than for stainless steel electrodes on all the studied potential range. The reaction product is soluble trivalent chromium, excepting the solution with 500 mM K2CrO4, when a Cr(OH)3 film may cover the electrode surface that determines the decrease of the reaction rate.

We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin (product of CDH1 gene) and its correlation with clinical-pathological parameters and survival rate in the molecular groups of breast cancer. Our study included female breast cancer patients diagnosed at the Municipal Emergency Clinical Hospital Timisoara followed up five years since diagnosis using formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue. The traditional prognostic factors (age, tumor size, histological type, histological grade, anatomical status of the lymph nodes) were abstracted from histopathology reports and we set prognostic index (the Nothingham and lymph-node prognosis index). Molecular classification on selected cases was performed in agreement with data from the literature: luminal A, B, HER2+, triple-negative. We noted positive (membranar) expressions in 43 cases (70.49 %). Negative immunoreactions for E-cadherin have been observed in all cases of lobular carcinomas (4 cases), as well as 6 cases of mixed carcinomas. A significant correlation was found between E-cadherin expression and hormonal status, tumor size, histologic type, tumor grade and molecular subtype. Most of the luminal A and B tumors were E-cadherin positive, while more than half of non-luminal tumors were E-cadherin negative. Survival rates are different in the negative and positive E-cadherin tumor groups respectively and between luminal and non-luminal groups. E-cadherin expression may be a useful prognostic marker for classifying other subgroups of breast cancer.

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