UVB radiation causes collagen loss due to increased oxidative stress, suppressing GPx levels through Nrf2. This study aims to analyze the effect of H-MSCs on Nrf2 gene expression and GPx levels in male Wistar rats with UVB-induced collagen loss. This experimental study employed a post-test-only control group design with a completely randomized arrangement. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups. Group 1 received no treatment, Group 2 was exposed to UVB and given 200μL NaCl, Group 3 was exposed to UVB and given 200μL HA, while Groups 4 and 5 were exposed to UVB and treated with H-MSCs at doses of 2.5x10^5 and 5x10^5 cells in 200μL NaCl, respectively. Groups 2 through 5 received UVB irradiation at a dose of 160 mJ/cm2, 5 times a week for 2 weeks on the dorsal skin. Treatments were administered on day 15, and Nrf2 gene expression was analyzed using qRT-PCR, while GPx levels were measured by ELISA on day 22. Data analysis included normality and homogeneity tests, followed by difference tests using SPSS. Administration of H-MSCs at doses 2.5x10^5 and 5x10^5 cells significantly induced Nrf2 gene expression ratios to 1.41±0.21 and 1.61±0.19, respectively, compared to the negative control group (0.80±0.21). The Nrf2 gene expression was increased on corresponded with elevated GPx levels, with the 5x10^5 cell H-MSCs group exhibiting the highest GPx level at 94.88±5.34 pg/mL, significantly different from the negative control group, which had the lowest GPx level at 36.88±3.22 pg/mL. H-MSCs administration can ameliorate UVB-induced collagen loss by increasing Nrf2 gene expression and GPx levels.
Three-dimensional (3D) printing represents a significant innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, enabling personalized dosage forms and on-demand drug production. Despite its growing global relevance, limited data exist regarding awareness of 3D printed medicines on individuals in health sector in emerging European countries. In this focus, our study aimed to assess and compare the level of knowledge and awareness regarding 3D printed medicines in Albania, taking in consideration the more interested and crucial pairs, such as pharmacy students and healthcare professionals.A cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured online questionnaires with a total of 218 participants, respectively 141 students and 77 healthcare professionals. A composite knowledge score (ranging 0 to 1) was calculated by coding responses to key awareness questions. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-coefficients, effect size calculation, and logistic regression analysis were performed.The overall knowledge level was low in both groups. Pharmacy students demonstrated a mean knowledge score of 0.160 ± 0.128, while healthcare professionals had a mean score of 0.146 ± 0.068. No statistically significant difference was observed between groups (p = 0.272; Cohen’s d = 0.14). However, logistic regression (OR = 3.06, p < 0.001) and χ²-test (χ² = 23.7, p < 0.001) analysis indicated that healthcare professionals were more likely to demonstrate higher knowledge levels. No significant association was found between gender and knowledge level.Despite growing awareness of pharmaceutical 3D printing, structured educational exposure remains limited between students and professionals. These findings show strong interest in further training, highlighting the need for curricular integration and continuing professional development initiatives to support future implementation of such a technique in Albania.
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a critical pathogen frequently encountered in healthcare environments and is associated with a range of severe infections, including urinary tract infections, septicemia, meningitis, pneumonia, and surgical site infections. Furthermore, this bacterium can impact healthy, young individuals globally, rendering it a significant public health concern. Bacteriophages, viruses that specifically infect bacteria, present a promising alternative for the treatment of bacterial infections. The synergy between bacteriophages and antibiotics represents an effective therapeutic strategy, as it enhances antimicrobial efficacy and diminishes the likelihood of resistance development. This study assessed the in vitro activity of antibiotics, both independently and in conjunction with an isolated, specific bacteriophage, against a clinical strain of K. pneumoniae. A clinical K. pneumoniae strain was employed to isolate lytic bacteriophages. The lytic bacteriophage Kp14, isolated from lake water, produced clear plaques. The effects of combined treatments involving four antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, amikacin, meropenem, and ceftazidime) and the isolated bacteriophage were evaluated utilizing the Time–Kill Curve method. Synergistic activity was observed for ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime at both 1×MIC and 4×MIC, whereas synergism was observed for meropenem and amikacin at 4×MIC. Our findings demonstrate that bacteriophage therapy, when used in conjunction with conventional antibiotics, may serve as an effective alternative treatment for K. pneumoniae infections.
In this study, a series of novel pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazin-4(5H)-one derivatives (8a-i) were synthesized. The moleculer structures of the synthesized compounds were determined by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and LC-MS/MS analyses. The inhibitory activities of the compounds against AChE and BuChE were evaluated. Compound 8e exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against AChE, with an IC50 value of 3.795 ± 0.057 µM, whereas compound 8h showed the highest inhibitory activity against BuChE, with an IC50 value of 15.484 ± 0.188 µM. The docking scores for compound 8e and donepezil were -8.39 and -11.06 kcal/mol, respectively. The selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor 8e exhibited interaction patterns comparable to those of donepezil within the active site of AChE.
This study aims to evaluate the compliance of lemon essential oil (LEO) samples available in pharmacies and online platforms in Türkiye with European Pharmacopoeia 10.0 (Ph. Eur. 10.0) standards and provide data regarding product quality in the market. Fourteen distinct commercial LEO samples (five from pharmacies and nine from online platforms) were subjected to physicochemical analyses as outlined in the European Pharmacopoeia (EP), including assessments of appearance, relative density, refractive index, optical rotation, and residue on evaporation. The phytochemical profile of the samples was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) techniques. The majority of the analyzed samples failed to meet the EP criteria for essential quality attributes, despite their labels as "100% pure." Significant variations detected in the quantities of principal components, such as limonene, citral (neral, geranial), sabinene, and γ-terpinene. Only one sample (A5) successfully passed all pharmacopoeial evaluations. Citropene was not detected in the HPTLC analysis across six samples. Sample A1 failed all GC-MS parameters. Furthermore, certain samples revealed fixed oil residue or post-evaporation residues indicative of possible adulterations. No substantial difference was observed between pharmacy and non-pharmacy channels regarding compliance with the pharmacopoeia. The results indicated inadequacies in quality control and non-adherence to pharmacopoeial requirements for lemon oil products marketed in Türkiye. This circumstance might endanger consumer safety and the possible therapeutic effectiveness of the products. The implementation of quality standards, national reference profiles, and mandated pharmacopoeia analyses might substantially enhance the production of reliable, effective, and verifiable herbal products.
