Incidence of Urinary Infections and Behavioral Risk Factors

This evaluation of the impact of behavioral risk factors on the incidence of urinary infections was based on a questionnaire in which 1103 respondents, predominantly women (883), participated. From the statistical processing of the data, it was observed that 598 of the respondents were of normal weight; the rest, more than half, were underweight or overweight (χ2 = 32.46, p < 0.001), with male respondents being predominantly overweight or obese (169 out of a total of 220). Most of the respondents were young (χ2 = 15.45, p < 0.001), under the age of 45 (840). According to the processed data, it was found that respondents in the age group of 26-35 years showed the greatest vulnerability to recurrent urinary infections, while the age group of 18-25 years recorded the highest number of responses related to the rare presence or even absence of episodes of urinary infections. A body weight-related vulnerability was also noted among the respondents; the majority of obese people declared that they face frequent episodes of urinary infections. Regarding diet quality, 210 respondents reported an adherence to an unhealthy diet, 620 to a moderately healthy diet, and 273 to a healthy diet. Of the respondents who adhered to a healthy diet, 223 were women (χ2 = 2.55, p = 0.279). There was a close connection between diet quality and the frequency of urinary infections: from the statistical processing of the data, it was observed that the highest percentage of respondents who rarely (57.14%) or never got urinary infections (29.30%) were among those who adhered to a healthy diet, and the highest percentage of those who declared that they often got urinary infections were among those with increased adherence to an unhealthy diet (χ2 = 13.46, p = 0.036). The results of this study highlight a strong impact of obesity, reduced consumption of fruit and vegetables, and sedentary lifestyle on the risk of recurring urinary infections.

Evaluation of Junk Food Consumption and the Risk Related to Consumer Health among the Romanian Population

Premature aging and degradative processes are mainly generated by unhealthy habits and an unbalanced diet. Quality of food and lifestyle are important factors in sano-genesis. Many imbalances and ailments have their origin in the adoption of an unbalanced diet and a disordered lifestyle. With the help of a transversal study carried out on the basis of a questionnaire, the consumption of junk food products among the population of Romania was evaluated; at the same time, an evaluation of the characteristics of the associated diet, as well as a series of lifestyle components (quality of rest, physical activity, evaluation of the state of health) was carried out. The data collected and processed indicate an increased tendency to consume junk food products in the 18-23 age group, and especially among obese respondents. Female respondents show a lower tendency toward an increased consumption of junk food products (OR = 0.703, 95% CI)-0.19-0.95, p = 0.011) compared to male respondents. The most consumed junk food products are fried potatoes (46.2%) and pastries (41.4%). Junk food products that show an increased tendency toward consumption addiction are fried potatoes (13.8%), sweets (12.4%), pastry products (11.1%), and sweetened drinks (11.2%). The poor quality of food from a nutritional point of view, and reduced physical activity, are reflected in the varied range of problems faced by the respondents: states of fatigue (62.4%), nervousness (37.5%), depression, anxiety, emotional eating, etc.

Semperivium Ruthenicum Koch Extract-Loaded Bio-Adhesive Formulation: A Novel Oral Antioxidant Delivery System for Oxidative Stress Reduction

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the oral cavity and can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Oxidative stress has been identified as a key factor in the development of periodontitis. In recent years, natural polyphenols have gained attention for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study aims to evaluate the potential of a bio-adhesive patch loaded with Semperivium ruthenicum Koch extract, rich in polyphenols, as a novel oral antioxidant delivery system for reducing oxidative stress in periodontitis. The plant extracts were prepared by maceration and were subjected to HPLC analysis for the identification and quantification of polyphenols. The bio-adhesive patches were prepared using a solvent-casting technique and characterized for their technical characteristics and release kinetics. The patches demonstrated satisfactory technical characteristics and followed Korsmeyer-Peppas release kinetics, with the active ingredients diffusing non-Fickian from the polymer matrix as it eroded over time. The bio-adhesive strength of the patches was comparable to other similar formulations, suggesting that the obtained patches can be tested in vivo conditions. The results suggest that treating oral periodontitis with natural polyphenols may effectively scavenge free radicals and regulate cytokine activity, leading to a reduction in oxidative stress. The non-smoking group had a mean saliva antioxidant activity of 7.86 ± 0.66% while the smoking group had a mean value of 4.53 ± 0.15%. Furthermore, treating oral oxidative stress may also contribute to overall gut health, as studies have shown a correlation between oral and gut microbiomes. Therefore, the use of bio-adhesive patches containing polyphenols may provide a promising approach for the treatment of periodontitis and its associated complications.

Development and Validation of Hplc-Dad Method for Diclofenac Sodium Assay from New Orodispersible Tablets with Co-Processed Excipients

The aim of this study is to develop and validate a reliable, fast, and precise High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the assay of diclofenac sodium (DIC) from previously optimized new orodispersible tablets (ODTs) developed with co-processed excipients.The method was conducted on an HPLC Agilent 1200, Zorbax C18 column, mobile phase of orthophosphoric acid solutions 0.1%, acetonitrile and methanol in the ratio (40:50:10 v/v/v) with a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min with isocratic elution and a total run time of 5 min. Detection of diclofenac sodium was carried out at 276 nm. The method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness as per international guidelines. The developed method was found to be accurate, precise, fast, without interference from the co-processed excipients and can be useful for routine quality control analysis of diclofenac sodium in ODTs.

Phytochemical Profile and Total Antioxidant Capacity of Sempervivum ruthenicum Koch Hydroethanolic Extract

The scope of this work is a phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity assay of a Sempervivum ruthenicum Koch hydroethanolic extract. The hydroethanolic extract was prepared from the dried leaves of the plant by maceration in a water and methanol mixture (50:50 v/v). The total phenolic content of the extract was calculated to be 3.0501�0.0272 mg/mL and the total flavonoid content was determined in a concentration of 3.113�0.0394 mg/mL. The HPLC-DAD analysis revealed phenolic acids and flavonoids, which were quantified. The most prevalent phenolic acids in the extracts were gallic and ellagic acids, with concentrations of 1.2443�0.0475 mg/mL, respectively 0.6339�0.0026 mg/mL. The heteroside astragalin was present in high concentration of 1.1934�0.0754 mg/mL. The DPPH free radical scavenging assay revealed the EC50 value of the extract to be 2.5788�0.003 mg/mL. These results suggest a good scavenging ability of the extract, which is due to the abundance of polyphenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity of the extract demonstrates a high scavenging ability at low doses. Sempervivum ruthenicum Koch shows a promising phytochemical profile that suggests it�s use in pathological conditions that involve high oxidative stress.

Multicenter clinical trial on the performance and tolerability of the Hyaluronic acid-collagenase ointment for the treatment of chronic venous ulcers: a preliminary pilot study

BACKGROUND

Bed debridement is important to treat chronic wounds. Effective agents should remove the necrosis but protect the granulation tissue. We evaluated the performance and tolerability of a new composite ointment containing collagenase and hyaluronic acid for chronic venous ulcers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Subjects with class 6 venous ulcers (CEAP classification) of at least 6 months duration were prospectively recruited. The ointment was administered daily and follow-up visits were conducted on the fifth, 10th, 15th and 20th days. On each visit the necrotic area was measured with a grid. The moisture balance, odour, viability of non-necrotic areas and the presence of erythema were also assessed. Primary outcome was the percentage of subjects with complete debridement, secondary outcomes the time to complete healing, reduction of the lesion area, absence of necrotic tissue, presence of odor, erythema, hydration, any adverse events.

RESULTS

One hundred subjects were enrolled in four centres. All patients achieved complete debridement of the necrotic area and a significant reduction of the total ulcer area by day 20, while other parameters improved significantly over time. Only two patients experienced a transient leg oedema.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of collagenase and hyaluronic acid is safe and effective for chronic venous ulcers.