Modern Approaches in Wounds Management.

Wound management represents a well-known continuous challenge and concern of the global healthcare systems worldwide. The challenge is on the one hand related to the accurate diagnosis, and on the other hand to establishing an effective treatment plan and choosing appropriate wound care products in order to maximize the healing outcome and minimize the financial cost. The market of wound dressings is a dynamic field which grows and evolves continuously as a result of extensive research on developing versatile formulations with innovative properties. Hydrogels are one of the most attractive wound care products which, in many aspects, are considered ideal for wound treatment and are widely exploited for extension of their advantages in healing process. Smart hydrogels (SHs) offer the opportunities of the modulation physico-chemical properties of hydrogels in response to external stimuli (light, pressure, pH variations, magnetic/electric field, etc.) in order to achieve innovative behavior of their three-dimensional matrix (gel-sol transitions, self-healing and self-adapting abilities, controlled release of drugs). The SHs response to different triggers depends on their composition, cross-linking method, and manufacturing process approach. Both native or functionalized natural and synthetic polymers may be used to develop stimuli-responsive matrices, while the mandatory characteristics of hydrogels (biocompatibility, water permeability, bioadhesion) are preserved. In this review, we briefly present the physiopathology and healing mechanisms of chronic wounds, as well as current therapeutic approaches. The rational of using traditional hydrogels and SHs in wound healing, as well as the current research directions for developing SHs with innovative features, are addressed and discussed along with their limitations and perspectives in industrial-scale manufacturing.

Secondary Metabolites from Artemisia Genus as Biopesticides and Innovative Nano-Based Application Strategies.

The Artemisia genus includes a large number of species with worldwide distribution and diverse chemical composition. The secondary metabolites of Artemisia species have numerous applications in the health, cosmetics, and food sectors. Moreover, many compounds of this genus are known for their antimicrobial, insecticidal, parasiticidal, and phytotoxic properties, which recommend them as possible biological control agents against plant pests. This paper aims to evaluate the latest available information related to the pesticidal properties of Artemisia compounds and extracts and their potential use in crop protection. Another aspect discussed in this review is the use of nanotechnology as a valuable trend for obtaining pesticides. Nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and nanocapsules represent a more efficient method of biopesticide delivery with increased stability and potency, reduced toxicity, and extended duration of action. Given the negative impact of synthetic pesticides on human health and on the environment, Artemisia-derived biopesticides and their nanoformulations emerge as promising ecofriendly alternatives to pest management.

Effects of perfluorocarbon emulsion in rheology.

AIM: To study effects of a perfluorocarbon emulsion on plasma and whole human blood viscosity in the presence of albumin or modified fluid gelatin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated the effects of several PFC concentrations on plasma and whole blood viscosity in the presence of human albumin solution (HAS) or modified fluid gelatine (MFG; Gelofusine) to obtain three PFC emulsion concentrations (4, 8 and 15 g/dL). Three hematocrit levels (Hct) were investigated: 30, 20 and 13%, corresponding to different clinical situations. Plasma and whole blood viscosity was measured at 37 degrees C, using a Couette viscometer for shear rates ranging from 0.2 to128 s(-1). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: All PFC concentrations increased plasma and whole blood viscosity for the same Hct. Viscosity values similar to physiological ones were observed at Hct 13%, with MFG - PFC 4, 8 g/dL and HAS - PFC 15 g/dL; at Hct 20%, with MFG - PFC 4g/dL and HAS - PFC 15 g/dL; at Hct 30%, and HAS - PFC 4, 8 g/dL. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that this PFC emulsion increases plasma and blood viscosity and that among the three studied volume expanders, the interaction with MFG can result in viscosity values above the physiological one even at low Hct values. Our results suggest that such increased blood viscosity could decrease skeletal muscle oxygen pressure.

Research on serum and saliva concentration of some bivalent cations in patient with suppurations of the oro-maxillo-facial area.

UNLABELLED: Bivalent cations, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese play important roles in some physiological and pathological processes on the human body. AIM: To determine possible modifications in serum and saliva concentration of total-Ca2+, total-Mg2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+ in patients with suppurative infections of the oro-maxillo-facial area and eventually their significance for the mentioned pathology. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Study included 47 patients with suppurative infections of the oro-maxillo-facial area, hospitalised during 2006-2008 in the oro-maxillo-facial clinic of "Sfântul Spiridon" Hospital Iasi and 43 healthy control volunteers. RESULTS: Results revealed decreased serum Zn2+ (0.94 +/- 0.21 vs. 1.39 +/- 0.14 mg/L, p < 0.01), decreased serum Zn2+/Cu2+ ratio and increased serum and saliva total-Mg2+ concentration (27.34 +/- 2.61 mg/mL in patients vs. 23.83 +/- 1.61 mg/L in healthy controls- serum, p < 0.05 and 3.79 +/- 0.41 mg/mL in patients vs. 3.21 +/- 0.40 mg/mL in healthy controls - saliva, p < 0.05) in patients with suppurative infections of the oro-maxillo-facial area vs. healthy controls. There were no statistically significant differences in total-Ca2+ concentrations in saliva and serum. Our data are in agreement with medical literature revealing zinc deficiency as a predisposition factor to infection. CONCLUSION: We consider that a significant increase in total-Mg2+ saliva concentration, as well as a decrease in Zn2+/Cu2+ serum ratio could be considered a marker for predisposition to oro-maxillar suppurations.

[Lead, nickel and manganese content in edible mushrooms]. / Continutul în plumb, nichel si mangan al ciupercilor comestibile.

The mushrooms accumulate from environmental different kind of pollutants depend by their species, growth phase, and ecological category. For this reason we analysed 55 samples of mushrooms (39 species) with different type of edible proprieties, harvested from Suceava and Iasi County. Samples dried to 105 degree C had been mineralised with nitric acid, by SAA in mineralised had been determined manganese, lead and nickel. From samples 52 (94.54%) contain manganese, 36 contain lead (65.45%) and 28 contain nickel (50.90%). Over 50% of samples contain the greatest quantity of metals in cap comparative with stalk. The highest quantity of metals had been determined in poor edible mushrooms. All samples contain lead over 3 mg/kg with maximum in Chalciporus piperatus (SV 3)--237.40, Clitopilus prunulus-(SV 2)--109.28. The most contaminated samples had been harvested from Rarau Mountainous-Valea Caselor and Bucium-Dobrovat Forest.