Aim: The aim of this study was to synthesize new coumarin-based compounds and evaluate their antibacterial and antitumor potential. Results: Using transition metal-catalyzed reactions, a series of ...

Streptococcus constellatus (SC) is a species of Streptococcus belonging to the Streptococcus anginosus group, along with Streptococcus anginosus and Streptococcus intermedius. Despite its commensal nature, underlying risk factors and medical conditions might lead to various anatomic site infections caused by this opportunistic pathogen. Although SC infections have mostly been associated with bacteremia, some case reports of abscess and empyema formation have been documented. Herein, we report a case of a middle-aged female patient who initially presented with radiculopathy symptoms. Subsequent neurologic imaging revealed a pyogenic abscess along paravertebral muscles, which was found to be caused by SC. The patient was successfully treated with abscess drainage from the lumbar zone and antibiotics, and the symptoms of radiculopathy have completely resolved.

Background: Pancreatic stone protein (PSP) has emerged as a promising biomarker for the early diagnosis of sepsis, infectious diseases, and chronic inflammatory conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. This review evaluates the role of PSP as a biomarker and functional protein, emphasizing its diagnostic and prognostic value. Methods: This review was conducted through a comprehensive literature search using the PubMed database, covering publications from the discovery of PSP in the 1980s up to 2025. The information was gathered into thematic sections to provide a comprehensive and structured review of PSP as a biomarker and functional protein in health and disease. Results: A total of 256 articles were reviewed and critically assessed, with 80 meeting the inclusion criteria and forming the basis of this review. The reviewed literature underscores PSP as a multifaceted protein involved in inflammation, immune modulation, tissue regeneration, and systemic infection. PSP shows promise as an early biomarker in critically ill patients. Conclusions: PSP is a clinically promising but not yet fully validated biomarker. To enable its routine clinical application, standardized diagnostic cutoffs, validation through multicenter trials, and integration with existing biomarker panels are required. Further research is warranted to fully establish its diagnostic and prognostic potential across diverse clinical settings.

Cationic surfactants are widely used in disinfectants, creating a need for rapid and reliable analytical methods for their determination in complex formulations. In this study, a new hydrophobic ion-pair, 1,3-didecyl-2-methylimidazolium tetrakis(perfluorophenyl)borate (DDMIm–TPFPhB), was developed and applied as an ionophore in a potentiometric sensor. The ion-pair was incorporated into a PVC membrane and evaluated by direct potentiometric measurements and titrations. The sensor exhibited near-Nernstian responses toward selected cationic surfactants (56.8–59.1 mV per decade), low detection limits (1.4–2.2 × 10⁻⁶ M), and stable signal behavior, along with good selectivity and stability over a pH range of 3–9. Application on commercial disinfectant samples showed good agreement with a commercial ion-selective electrode. According to the charge decomposition analysis performed using density functional theory calculations, the number of electrons donated from perfluorotetraphenyl borate to 1,3-didecyl-2-methylimidazolium is 0.25 e. In contrast, the back-donation from the cation to the anion is only 0.05 e, indicating a relatively substantial overall charge transfer of 0.20 e. This pronounced charge transfer, together with dominant dispersion interactions, contributes to enhanced ion-pair stability within the membrane phase, which is reflected in reduced signal drift and improved analytical performance. These findings establish a direct link between molecular-level interactions and sensor behavior, providing a rational basis for the design of potentiometric sensors for real-sample analysis.

Campylobacter jejuni remains a leading cause of foodborne gastroenteritis worldwide, yet the epidemiological role of wild birds as reservoirs remains poorly understood. This study investigated the genetic diversity, transmission dynamics, and virulome architecture of 396 C. jejuni isolates collected in Croatia (2021–2025) from human, yellow-legged gull, broiler, bovine, and turkey sources. Whole-genome sequencing revealed high genomic diversity ($\mathrm{S}\mathrm{I}>0.88$), encompassing 124 sequence types across 25 clonal complexes. While classical MLST clustered 17.01% (n = 25/147, 95% CI: 11.83–23.82%) of gull isolates with human-associated lineages, high-resolution cg/wgMLST refined this overlap, segregating the majority of yellow-legged gull strains into a distinct, host-adapted ST-1275 clade (51.02%, n = 75/147). Furthermore, cg/wgMLST identified shared multi-host genotypes, such as CT6518 (ST-353) and CT3006 (ST-443), across wild gulls, domestic livestock, and clinical human cases. Virulome screening revealed a conserved pathogenic core alongside a lineage-specific periphery; the Guillain-Barré-syndrome-associated wlaN gene showed strong restriction to the dominant ST-21 generalist lineage, whereas the Type IV Secretion System was exceptionally rare (<1.5%). These findings demonstrate that, while most yellow-legged gull isolates constitute host-adapted lineages, gulls also harbor overlapping genotypes shared with livestock and clinical human isolates (6.80%, 95% CI: 3.69–12.18%), compatible with shared ecological niches and common contamination sources rather than direct bird-to-human transmission. This highlights their role as environmental sentinels and potential bridge reservoirs within One Health transmission interfaces. This study provides an indispensable baseline for integrated One Health biosecurity and surveillance strategies that bring together poultry production, ecosystem management, and public health infrastructure.