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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 s...

In the original publication, there was a mistake in Figure 6 [...]

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.

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.

The antitussive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of a walnut (Juglans regia L.) septum extract (WSE), rich in bioactive compounds were investigated using the citric acid aerosol-induced cough experimental model in rodents. Wistar male rats were treated orally for three days with distilled water (control), codeine (reference), and WSE in graded doses. On the third day, all rats were exposed to citric acid aerosols, the number of coughs being recorded. Each animal was sacrificed after exposure, and blood and lung tissue samples were collected for histopathological analysis and the assessment of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. The results of the experiment showed a significant antitussive effect of WSE, superior to codeine. This activity could be due to cellular protective effect and anti-inflammatory effect via the stimulation of the antioxidant enzyme system and the decrease of IL-6 and CXC-R1 concentration in the lung tissue of WSE-treated animals. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of WSE were confirmed by biochemical assays and histopathological analysis. This is the first scientific study reporting the antitussive effect of walnut septum, a new potential source of non-opioid antitussive drug candidates, and a valuable bioactive by-product that could be used in the treatment of respiratory diseases.

The antitussive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of a walnut (Juglans regia L.) septum extract (WSE), rich in bioactive compounds were investigated using the citric acid aerosol-induced cough experimental model in rodents. Wistar male rats were treated orally for three days with distilled water (control), codeine (reference), and WSE in graded doses. On the third day, all rats were exposed to citric acid aerosols, the number of coughs being recorded. Each animal was sacrificed after exposure, and blood and lung tissue samples were collected for histopathological analysis and the assessment of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. The results of the experiment showed a significant antitussive effect of WSE, superior to codeine. This activity could be due to cellular protective effect and anti-inflammatory effect via the stimulation of the antioxidant enzyme system and the decrease of IL-6 and CXC-R1 concentration in the lung tissue of WSE-treated animals. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of WSE were confirmed by biochemical assays and histopathological analysis. This is the first scientific study reporting the antitussive effect of walnut septum, a new potential source of non-opioid antitussive drug candidates, and a valuable bioactive by-product that could be used in the treatment of respiratory diseases.

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 ...

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 signa...

The current study aimed to develop carbomer based hydrogel dressings, incorporating ethanolic extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis aerial parts, Achillea millefolium and Calendula officinalis flowers. The pharmaceutical properties of the obtained hydrogels, as well as their texture and antimicrobial activity, were further evaluated. Five wound dressing formulations based on carbopol were prepared. The addition of the ethanolic extracts to the formulation slightly lowered the pH of the hydrogels, as expected. The Rosmarinus officinalis aerial parts extract loaded hydrogel proved to be the firmest one. In terms of consistency and viscosity, the behavior of the five hydrogels was relatively similar. Based on the texture analysis, the texture of the hydrogels has been affected to some extent by the addition of the ethanolic extracts, decreasing their consistency, firmness, and adhesiveness. The hydrogel loaded with Rosmarinus officinalis aerial parts extract and the one incorporating the blend of extracts (mixture of the three above-mentioned extracts) proved to have a good antimicrobial activity. The studied hydrogel formulations could serve as a basis for the development of novel wound dressing materials, although more extended in vivo studies would be needed in order to support current results.

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.

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&prime, deoxyguanosine detection. The graphene-modified electrode had a higher sensitivity in comparison with that of SPE, both in standard laboratory solutions (phosphate buffered saline&mdash, PBS) and in human saliva.

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 non-pharmacological option in the management of osteoporotic vertebral or hip fractures.

This research was conducted in order to reveal antimicrobial resistance patterns and the prevalence of genes encoding resistance in Escherichia 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.

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.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the significance of the training and mentoring of pharmacy students in order to improve these activities and to establish the adequate objectives in accordance with the changes concerning the concept of modern pharmacy. The study was conducted among pharmacist students enrolled in the introductory practice an online survey using Google Docs ® - Create Form extension. The results were analysed, systemised and presented using Microsoft Excel ®. The results show that students are aware of the usefulness of the practical stage and the majority appreciated that they were well integrated into pharmacy activity, this being due of preceptors’ teaching behaviours. The students considered that the preceptors require specific knowledge (in therapeutic and communication areas), experience (at least three to five years), skills, attitudes and responsibility. Based on the students’ feedback, future actions will focus on the training programmes proposed for preceptors in order to provide them with an opportunity to recognise and assume their role as models for the students.

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). 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). 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-lactamase-encoding gene (bla TEM, bla PSE-1, bla SHV or bla CTX-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. 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.

Introduction: Escherichia coli is usually a commensal bacterium of humans and animals. Pathogenic variants cause intestinal and extra intestinal infections, including gastroenteritis, urinary tract infection, meningitis, peritonitis and septicemia . Nowadays, the worldwide concern on the spread of this bacterium is mainly connected to the resistance phenomenon. Aims: This research was conducted in order to reveal antimicrobial resistance patterns in Escherichia coli , causing human illness. Materials and methods: A total of 30 Escherichia coli isolates were recovered from patients hospitalized with food-borne infections, during June 2013-May 2014. The majority of the patients declared the consumption of undercooked meat products (especially beef), raw milk and soft cheeses. The isolates were tested through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for identification and confirmation of pathogenicity and further, for antimicrobial susceptibility to 26 antimicrobials, using the classical disk diffusion method. Results: All isolates were Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). All isolates proved to be resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent. Resistance was most frequently observed to ampicillin, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, ceftazidime, cefepime and norfloxacin. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli recovered from hospitalized patients and presumably of animal origin is highly resistant to critically important antimicrobials for human medicine. These data support the ongoing concern regarding antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial use in veterinary and human medicine and nevertheless, the problem of antimicrobial resistance in the food chain.

In order to obtain modified electrodes with phenothiazines and to develop electrochemical methods for their determination in pharmaceutical formulations, promazine maleate, promethazine maleate and levomepromazine, were studied by linear sweep voltammetry using different types of working electrodes: carbon paste, solid carbon paste and glass-like carbon electrodes. A comparative electrochemical study of the above mentioned pheno- thiazines was performed in aqueous-alcoholic solutions, investigating the influence of pH, ionic strength and concentration on the current-potential curves. Linear sweep voltammetry in potential range from -0.1 to +1.3 V revealed that the oxidation potential and the current, strongly depend on the type of electrode and pH, the best results being obtained in acid buffer (pH 1.0). The current intensity depending linearly on the concentration in the range of 2.5·10-5-5·10-4 M promazine maleate, 2.5·10-5-2.5·10-4 M promethazine maleate and 6.2·10-5-1.2·10-3 M levomepromazine permits the development of electroanalytical methods to determine these phenothiazines in pharmaceuticals. The electrochemical determination yielded results comparable with spectrophotometric methods. Linear sweep voltammetry of carbon paste electrodes modified by incorporation of phenothiazines opens the possibility to use them as mediators in the design of some enzyme selective electrodes.

We proposed the analyses of polyphenolic coumpounds from the Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) leaves obtained from Medicinal Plant Collection of USAMV Cluj-Napoca.The study was performed by using spectrophotometric (I) and HPLC methods (II).The vegetal product contains 0.64% flavonoids expressed in rutoside and 8,962% phenyl-propane derivatives expressed in caffeic acid (I). HPLC analyses (II) were made after extraction of studied compounds from leaves with ethyl-ether, ethyl acetate and 1-buthanol. These extracts were analyzed before and after the hydrolysis of compounds. There were identified 6 polyphenolic compounds: caftaric acid, caffeic acid, p-cumaric acid, ferulic acid, luteolin and apigenin.The extracted amount of these compounds in chosen solvents depending of their polarity.

The electroanalytical study of ascorbic acid, acetaminophen and of several mixtures of these compounds in different ratios has been made by using a carbon paste electrode (CPE-graphite:solid paraffin 2:1) as working electrode and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The potential curves were recorded using different concentrations of ascorbic acid and acetaminophen by measuring samples between 10 and 50 microl. The oxidation reactions were studied in a potential range from -0.1 to +1.3 V with different sweep rates, at different current sensitivities, in stationary working conditions and stirring before each replicate. The oxidation of ascorbic acid occurs at +0.31 +/- 0.02 V and the oxidation of acetaminophen at +0.60 +/- 0.05 V; meanwhile, the current has a linear variation for the following concentration ranges: 10(-3)-10(-2) M for the ascorbic acid and 3 x 10(-6)-7.5 x 10(-3) M for acetaminophen (r2 = 0.999 for both ascorbic acid and acetaminophen). The mixtures of ascorbic acid and acetaminophen were made as follows: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:1, and 3:1. The studies revealed the alteration of the voltammograms processed according to the validation methodology. The best potential variation range for different current sensitivities, the influence of the sweep rate, of the solvent volume and of the pH were studied. The mutual interferences of the compounds in the mixtures and the electroactive compounds in the pharmaceutical dosage forms, especially effervescent ones, also made the object of the research. The same mixtures were studied using the direct spectrophotometric method that revealed a lot of spectral interferences. In order to solve this problem, an appropriate separation or an indirect spectrophotometric method (the apparent content curves method) were used. The spectrophotometric and voltammetric methods developed were used to determine ascorbic acid and acetaminophen in different dosage forms (vials, tablets, suppositories and effervescent dosage forms). The results were compared with those obtained by other techniques.

The electrochemical study of some 2-mercapto-5-R-ammino-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives was made by cyclic and linear sweep voltammetry using a carbon paste electrode (CPE, graphite/solid paraffin ratio 2:1) as working electrode and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The current-potential curves were recorded in anodic polarisation in -0.1 and +1.3 V range using aqueous solutions and different buffers (between pH 1.2 and 10.0), with 20 or 50 mV s(-1) sweep rate. The oxidation peak appears between +0.65 and +0.70 V due to disulphides formation. The 5-phenyl derivative has two oxidation peaks, the first at +0.45 +/- 0.03 V and the second at +0.65 +/- 0.03 V. The oxidation potentials are pH dependent, decreasing from 0.9 +/- 0.1 V at pH 1.2 to 0.6 +/- 0.1 V at a pH between 8.0 and 10.0. In some potential ranges depending on pKa of molecules the oxidation potential and oxidation current are pH independent. Simple, precise and accurate voltammetric methods for the determination of these compounds were developed and validated in 2.5 x 10(-6)-7.5 x 10(-4) mol l(-1) concentration ranges. The detection limits were 2.3 micromol l(-1) for 5-ammino-, 12.3 micromol l(-1) for 5-acetylammino-, 11.6 micromol l(-1) for 5-allylammino-, and 1.2 micromol l(-1) for 5-phenylammino-2-mercapto-1,3,4 thiadiazole derivatives.

In order to establish the dissociation constants of organic compounds, the spectrophotometric and potentiometric methods are the most precise and useful ones. Comparing the results, we used both methods for three derivatives of 2-mercapto-5-R-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole. For the pKa determination by the spectrophotometric method we measured the ratio between the concentration of dissociated and undissociated forms. The ratio was calculated from spectral data. The potentiometric method for pKa consists of measuring the pH values within a potentiometric titration with 0.1 M NaOH. The results proved a very low acid character of the derivatives. The pKa values were influenced by the properties of the amino group substituents, and the results confirm the theoretical considerations. The study confirms the thion-thiolic tautometry of the 2-mercapto-5-R-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivates and their property of being ligands for the coordination of the cations of some representative and transitional metals, with application in the preconcentration, in the detection and the quantitative determination of polluting and toxic cations in environmental analysis.

The reactions of the cations with 2-mercapto-5-R-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives were studied conductometrically with the purpose of establishing a new conductometric method for the quantitative analysis of Pb(II) and Cd(II). Aqueous solutions of Pb(NO3)2 and Cd(CH3COO)2 were titrated with hidroalcoholic solutions of 2-mercapto-5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole (MATD), 2-mercapto-5-allylamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole (MA1ATD) and 2-mercapto-5-acetylamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole (MAcATD) and 2-mercapto-5-phenilamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole (MFATD) in different concentrations. The reactions takes place at pH 6.5 (realised with acetate buffer). A linear classical titration curves was obtained. In solutions more concentrated than 10(-2) M just one equivalence point can be noticed, corresponding to 1:2 Me:R stoechiometries. For concentration less than 10(-2) M two equivalence point were observed at 1:1 and 2:1 ratio of Me:R, indicating the step formation of the complex. Accurate conductometric determinations can be made using the second break points of the titration curves as equivalence points. The amounts of Cd(II) and Pb(II) taken and recovered are good, with an error less than 1%.

The method is based upon the reaction between fluoride ions and the coloured complex of Fe(III) with methyl salicylate to form the stable, colourless hexaflouride complex of iron. The conditions of the method (pH, time and combination ratio) were studied and a standard curve was obtained for 0.01-0.08 mg NaF ml-1, at 525 nm. A study was conducted on interference with complexing anions of Fe(III), cations that react with fluoride ions and with common ingredients of dosage forms and dental preparations. The method was validated and the results showed good precision (100.16 +/- = 2.33%) comparable with that of other analytical methods. Good results were obtained in the spectrophotometric determination of fluoride ions in a stomatological gel and in a toothpaste.