Turmeric: from spice to cure. A review of the anti-cancer, radioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric sourced compounds.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been extensively studied for its diverse pharmacological properties, including its potential role as an anticancer agent, antioxidant, and radioprotector. This review provides an overview of the chemical composition of turmeric, focusing on its main bioactive compounds, such as curcuminoids and volatile oils. Curcumin, the most abundant curcuminoid in turmeric, has been widely investigated for its various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the ability of curcumin to modulate multiple signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis, leading to inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and suppression of metastasis. Furthermore, curcumin has shown promising potential as a radioprotective agent by mitigating radiation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage. Additionally, turmeric extracts containing curcuminoids have been reported to exhibit potent antioxidant activity, scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. The multifaceted pharmacological properties of turmeric make it a promising candidate for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer prevention and treatment, as well as for the management of oxidative stress-related disorders. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of turmeric and its bioactive constituents in cancer therapy and radioprotection. This review consolidates the most recent relevant data on turmeric's chemical composition and its therapeutic applications, providing a comprehensive overview of its potential in cancer prevention and treatment, as well as in radioprotection.

Development and Functionalization of a Novel Chitosan-Based Nanosystem for Enhanced Drug Delivery.

Nowadays, infection diseases are one of the most significant threats to humans all around the world. An encouraging strategy for solving this issue and fighting resistant microorganisms is to develop drug carriers for a prolonged release of the antibiotic to the target site. The purpose of this work was to obtain metronidazole-encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles using an ion gelation route and to evaluate their properties. Due to the advantages of the ionic gelation method, the synthesized polymeric nanoparticles can be applied in various fields, especially pharmaceutical and medical. Loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency varFied depending on the amount of antibiotic in each formulation. Physicochemical characterization using scanning electron microscopy revealed a narrow particle size distribution where 90% of chitosan particles were 163.7 nm in size and chitosan-loaded metronidazole nanoparticles were 201.3 nm in size, with a zeta potential value of 36.5 mV. IR spectra revealed characteristic peaks of the drug and polymer nanoparticles. Cell viability assessment revealed that samples have no significant impact on tested cells. Release analysis showed that metronidazole was released from the chitosan matrix for 24 h in a prolonged course, implying that antibiotic-encapsulated polymer nanostructures are a promising drug delivery system to prevent or to treat various diseases. It is desirable to obtain new formulations based on drugs encapsulated in nanoparticles through different preparation methods, with reduced cytotoxic potential, in order to improve the therapeutic effect through sustained and prolonged release mechanisms of the drug correlated with the reduction of adverse effects.

Understanding How Minerals Contribute to Optimal Immune Function.

Sufficient mineral supply is vital not only for the innate immune system but also for the components of the adaptive immune defense, which encompass defense mechanisms against pathogens and the delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory regulation in the long term. Generally, a well-balanced diet is capable of providing the necessary minerals to support the immune system. Nevertheless, specific vulnerable populations should be cautious about obtaining adequate amounts of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium. Inadequate levels of these minerals can temporarily impair immune competence and disrupt the long-term regulation of systemic inflammation. Therefore, comprehending the mechanisms and sources of these minerals is crucial. In exceptional circumstances, mineral deficiencies may necessitate supplementation; however, excessive intake of supplements can have adverse effects on the immune system and should be avoided. Consequently, any supplementation should be approved by medical professionals and administered in recommended doses. This review emphasizes the crucial significance of minerals in promoting optimal functioning of the immune system. It investigates the indispensable minerals required for immune system function and the regulation of inflammation. Moreover, it delves into the significance of maintaining an optimized intake of minerals from a nutritional standpoint.

Laser in the Treatment of Atonic Wounds.

Atonic wounds represent a major health problem, being frequently encountered in medical practice with consequences that have a negative impact on the patient's daily life as well as their general condition. In this study, a brand laser with a 12-watt probe was used to stimulate patients' wounds. We involved in this study a group of 65 patients, which was compared with a group of 30 patients, the latter not receiving this laser therapy. The data were accumulated from the questionnaire of subjective assessment of the laser impact on patients' condition as well as from the local evolution. We noticed the improvement of the local symptomatology which was found to be more effective in the patients from the study group compared to the reference group. The beneficial and positive effects, mainly on the symptoms but also on the local evolution of atonic wounds, can be observed in our study. We consider that this therapy is of major importance considering the lower costs both from the shortening of hospitalization and the long-term use of various substances. The early reintegration of patients into daily life is an important benefit for them.

Platelets Rich Plasma (PRP) Procedure in the Healing of Atonic Wounds.

(1) Background: Patients suffering from chronic wounds report physical, mental, and social consequences due to their existence and care. There is a global need for tissue repair strategies and, in our case, for chronic wound healing. PRP therapy is based on the fact that platelet-derived growth factors (PGF) support the three phases of the wound healing and repair cascade (inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling); (2) Methods: A comparative study was carried out on two groups of patients with atonic wounds totaling a total of 80 cases as follows: a study group in which the PRP procedure was applied and a control group in which the biological product was not injected. The study was carried out in the surgery clinic of the Clinical Hospital C.F. Oradea City; (3) Results: A much faster healing was achieved in the case of patients who benefited from the platelet-rich plasma injection therapy compared to the group of patients in whom this therapy was not used. Three weeks after the plasma injection, a considerable reduction of the wound was evident, with some of the patients presenting with a closed wound; (4) Conclusions: The effect of PRP on the healing of chronic wounds is promising in most cases. A positive effect was also highlighted in terms of reducing treatment costs by considerably reducing the materials used as well as the number of hospitalizations for the same pathology.

Fertility Predictors in Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).

(1) Background: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is considered a first-line procedure for infertile or hypo-fertile couples among assisted reproductive techniques. In our retrospective study, we identified variables associated with a successful IUI and the probability of obtaining a pregnancy. This is useful to identify couples with a good chance of obtaining a pregnancy through an IUI procedure (2) Methods: The study was conducted at a university-level fertility clinic in Oradea, Romania. Patients eligible to participate in the study were infertile couples who underwent IUI treatment in the interval between January 2015 and October 2020. (3) Results: In our study, we found that duration of infertility, couple age, endometrium thickness, sperm concentration, and motility are important factors in determining the outcome of IUI. Several demographics were measured for each couple including maternal and paternal age, the type and duration of infertility, the number of procedures, the type of ovarian stimulation, number of follicles, endometrial thickness, the type and day of ovulation induction, associated pathology, tubal patency, and pre/post washes sperm count and progressive sperm motility. (4) Conclusions: Fertility prediction studies are necessary, and an individualized prognostic score should be applied for each couple for tailoring their expectations and better counseling.

Third-Generation Cephalosporin-Loaded Chitosan Used to Limit Microorganisms Resistance.

From their discovery, antibiotics have significantly improved clinical treatments of infections, thus leading to diminishing morbidity and mortality in critical care patients, as well as surgical, transplant and other types of medical procedures. In contemporary medicine, a significant debate regarding the development of multi-drug resistance involves all types of pathogens, especially in acute care hospitals due to suboptimal or inappropriate therapy. The possibility of nanotechnology using nanoparticles as matrices to encapsulate a lot of active molecules should increase drug efficacy, limit adverse effects and be an alternative helping to combat antibiotic resistance. The major aim of this study was to obtain and to analyze physico-chemical features of chitosan used as a drug-delivery system in order to stop the antibiotic resistance of different pathogens. It is well known that World Health Organization stated that multidrug resistance is one of the most important health threats worldwide. In last few years, nano-medicine emerged as an improved therapy to combat antibiotic-resistant infections agents. This work relies on enhancement of the antimicrobial efficiency of ceftriaxone against gram(+) and gram(-) bacteria by antibiotic encapsulation into chitosan nanoparticles. Physicochemical features of ceftriaxone-loaded polymer nanoparticles were investigated by particle size distribution and zeta potential, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TG/TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) characteristics techniques. The obtained results revealed an average particle size of 250 nm and a zeta potential value of 38.5 mV. The release profile indicates an incipient drug deliverance of almost 15%, after 2 h of approximately 83%, followed by a slowed drug release up to 24 h. Characteristics peaks of chitosan were confirmed by FTIR spectra indicating a similar structure in the case of ceftriaxone-loaded chitosan nanoparticles. A good encapsulation of the antibiotic into chitosan nanoparticles was also provided by thermo-gravimetric analysis. Morphological characteristics shown by SEM micrographs exhibit spherical nanoparticles of 30-250 nm in size with agglomerated architectures. Chitosan, a natural polymer which is used to load different drugs, provides sustained and prolonged release of antibiotics at a specific target by possessing antimicrobial activity against gram(+) and gram(-) bacteria. In this research, ceftriaxone-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were investigated as a carrier in antibiotic delivery.

EFFECT OF TRANEXAMIC ACID USE ON POSTOPERATIVE BLOOD LOSS IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY.

AIM: To monitor the effect of tranexamic acid use (Exacyl) on postoperative bleeding (aspiration), autologous blood transfusion (autotransfusion), allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative anemia (difference between preoperative and immediate postoperative hemoglobin levels) in total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted on a sample of 457 patients who underwent endoprosthetic knee arthroplasty in the interval January 1, 2008-July 3O, 2014 at the Traumatology-Orthopedics Clinic of the Iasi Rehabilitation Hospital. The mean age of the study group was 66 years (range 32-84 years), 74.4% were female, 39.8% presented varus and 6.1% valgus malalignment. The study group was subdivided into two groups: Group 1 served as controls and underwent surgery without the administration of tranexamic acid and Group 2 received tranexamic acid. RESULTS: In group 1 the average amount of blood lost was significantly higher than in group 2, 1168.94 ml vs. 452.9 ml (p < 0.001). The use of a cell saver was required in 70% of group 1 patients with an average amount of auto transfused blood of 480.70 ml, significantly more frequent and in greater amounts than in group 2 (below 10%) with an average of 15.05 ml (p < 0.001). In this study tranexamic acid had not a statistically significant favorable effect on blood transfusion requirements and anemia syndrome. CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid has a favorable effect on postoperative blood loss and its associated complications, with a favorable impact on both early clinical and functional recovery.

Pre-operative radiological measurement of femoral rotation for prosthetic positioning in total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: This study outlines the benefits of the seated view radiograph of the knee in evaluation of the pre-operative individual distal femoral torsion (DFT) and for the follow-up of the post-operative rotational positioning of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Study on 20 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty and the correlation between the DFT measured before surgery with this radiology view, the intra-operative external rotation (ER) necessary for the parallel positioning of the femoral component with the transepicondylar axis (TEA) and the post-operative femoral rotational alignment of the prosthesis on the same view. RESULTS: In 90 % of cases the values of internal DFT were between -1(0) and -8(0), while the mean value of the internal rotation (IR) was -4.45(0). The mean value of the ER applied to the posterior bone resection was 4.25(0) (0(0)-7(0)), showing a statistically significant correlation between the pre-operative measurement and the intra-operative one of the posterior condylar angle (PCA) (r = 0.890, p = 0.000). Residual internal femoral malrotation has been identified in four cases, its mean value being 0.4(0). In three patients the pre-operative value of the PCA was higher than the intra-operative one and an internal malrotation of the post-operative femoral component was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results are encouraging for the further use of this pre-operative view with the premises of increasing the accuracy of prosthetic positioning and reducing the mechanical complications.

Blood Loss Management in Primary Hip Surgery: Is Reinfusion drain A Feasible Option in Maintaining Hemoglobin Levels?

The management of blood loss in primary hip arthroplasty is a controversial topic. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of reinfusion drains in terms of hemoglobin levels and volume of red blood cell transfused postoperatively. Material and Methods: 295 patients who underwent primary hip arthroplasty were retrospectively assessed. After applying the exclusion criteria, 94 patients were included in the study and were divided into two groups: 45 patients received a reinfusion drain and 49 a suction drain. The following were analyzed: demographic characteristics of patients, preoperative hemoglobin level, 12-h and 24-h postoperative hemoglobin levels and their variations, number of transfused units of packed red blood cells, and postoperative complications. Results: Kruskal Wallis analysis revealed the homogeneity of the study groups (Chi-square=2.40, df=2, p=0.301). A statistically significant lower decline in mean Hb24 was found in suction drain group (p=0.001). Kruskal Wallis test revealed a significantly more frequent postoperative use of a higher number of packed red blood cell units in the suction drain group (Chi-square=28.70, df=2, p=0.001) compared to reinfusion drain group. Conclusions: We failed to demonstrate the superiority of reinfusion drains versus suction drains in maintaining hemoglobin levels.

Adult multifocal pigmented villonodular synovitis--clinical review.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare, benign proliferative disease of the synovial tissue that affects a single joint or a tendon sheath. Data from the literature present only a few cases of multifocal PVNS. This paper presents multifocal PVNS in the adult. This disease can affect bilateral shoulders, hips and knees. The diagnosis may be delayed by the slow evolution of the disease (up to ten years); some patients may be seen with late-stage degenerative joints, serious complications, painful and functionally uncompensated, with significant locomotion deficit. PVNS requires a radical treatment with prosthetic arthroplasty associated with synovectomy. Complex imaging (X-Rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound) and macroscopic appearance of the lesions during surgery confirms the clinical diagnosis of multifocal PVNS with secondary bone lesions. Histology marks the final diagnosis of multifocal PVNS. The postoperative results are good, with recovery in functional parameters of the joints with endoprosthesis.

Correlative study of PMA scoring in a group of Romanian patients submitted to total hip replacement.

UNLABELLED: Elective hip and knee prosthetic surgery represent the ultimate treatment option for pain and disabilities caused by arthrosis with these particular localizations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a preliminary retrospective study on a series of 47 patients investigated and operated at the Orthopedic Clinic of the lasi Rehabilitation Hospital in the interval March 1, 2009 - March 1, 2010. RESULTS: A good correlation between the general preoperative and 3 month-postoperative PMA scores (r=0.746) was found, even though the correlations between individual parameters were only moderate. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results show that mean preoperative PMA scores statistically differ from the scores recorded 3 months after surgery.