Drug delivery to the anterior or posterior segments of the eye is a major challenge due to the protection barriers and removal mechanisms associated with the unique anatomical and physiological nature of the ocular system. The paper presents the preparation and characterization of drug-loaded polymeric particulated systems based on pre-emulsion coated with biodegradable polymers. Low molecular weight biopolymers (chitosan, sodium hyaluronate and heparin sodium) were selected due to their ability to attach polymer chains to the surface of the growing system. The particulated systems with dimensions of 190–270 nm and a zeta potential varying from −37 mV to +24 mV depending on the biopolymer charges have been obtained. Current studies show that particles release drugs (dexamethasone/pilocarpine/bevacizumab) in a safe and effective manner, maintaining therapeutic concentration for a longer period of time. An extensive modeling study was performed in order to evaluate the drug release profile from the prepared systems. In a multifractal paradigm of motion, nonlinear behaviors of a drug delivery system are analyzed in the fractal theory of motion, in order to correlate the drug structure with polymer. Then, the functionality of a SL(2R) type “hidden symmetry” implies, through a Riccati type gauge, different “synchronization modes” (period doubling, damped oscillations, quasi-periodicity and intermittency) during the drug release process. Among these, a special mode of Kink type, better reflects the empirical data. The fractal study indicated more complex interactions between the angiogenesis inhibitor Bevacizumab and polymeric structure.

Aim of the study Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles containing genetic material, proteins and lipids. They function as potent signaling molecules between cancer cells and the surrounding ones, contributing to the formation of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Exosomes derived from tumor and stromal cells are involved in all stages of cancer progression and play a crucial role in the development of resistance to treatments. Also, because of their function as mediators in cell-to-cell communication, they constitute an essential part of the therapeutic resistance mechanism associated with TME. In this article, we aimed to analyze the current techniques for the isolation and profiling of exosomes, as well as their contribution to TME interactions and therapeutic resistance. We also discuss the emerging clinical applications of exosomes, considering them as biomarkers, direct therapeutic targets, and artificial nanocarriers. A deep understanding of the TME requires a detailed analysis of exosomes and their contents, which is a promising direction for the development of effective clinical applications.

Aim of the study The goal of our study was represented by the analysis of the effects of different concentrations of platelet-rich plasma extracts on the degree of senescence of dermal fibroblasts (by evaluating β-galactosidase) in the presence of metformin and rapamycin. Material and methods Rat dermal fibroblasts from storage were cultivated using conventional laboratory protocols and subsequently assessed for β-galactosidase expression. Then, we used PRP gel in a concentration of 1% and 5%, administered in the culture medium of fibroblasts for 5 cell passages. Moreover, the pharmacologic active substances we used for the various experiments and protocols were metformin (1 µM) and rapamycin (1 µM). Results The results obtained demonstrate that PRP 1% has the effect of transforming fibroblasts into younger cells, especially in the presence of metformin, a programmer of energy metabolism, and then rapamycin, an autophagy stimulator and mTOR pathway activator. It should be noted that a concentration of 5% PRP in the culture medium of fibroblasts for 5 passages has the opposite effect, of their biochemical aging. Conclusions The results obtained demonstrate that PRP 1% has the effect of transforming fibroblasts into younger cells, especially in the presence of metformin and then rapamycin. Moreover, the hormetic effects were demonstrated in the case of platelet-rich plasma concerning cultured fibroblasts.

Maxillary expansion, including rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME), is an effective intervention for addressing airway obstruction and improving respiratory function. This systematic review evaluates the anatomical and functional impacts of maxillary expansion on airway health, with a focus on nasal cavity dimensions, airway resistance, and sleep-disordered breathing. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of studies published between 1970 and 2019 was conducted. Inclusion criteria targeted studies evaluating the effects of RME and SARME using advanced diagnostic tools such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), rhinomanometry, and polysomnography (PSG). Both pediatric and adult populations were analyzed to assess outcomes in nasal cavity expansion, reductions in airway resistance, and improvements in sleep-related breathing disorders.Results: Maxillary expansion significantly increased nasal cavity dimensions, with width increases ranging from 2.5 to 5.8 mm. Pediatric patients undergoing RME demonstrated a 28% increase in nasal volume and reduced nasal resistance by 30% to 45%, reflecting improved airflow. PSG results showed reductions in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by 50% to 70% in children and 30% to 50% in adults, alongside improved oxygen saturation levels. Longitudinal studies confirmed the stability of these outcomes, with minimal relapse observed over 1–3 years.Conclusion: Maxillary expansion effectively enhances nasal airflow, reduces airway resistance, and improves sleep-disordered breathing, particularly in pediatric populations. The integration of advanced imaging and functional assessments underscores its role as a multidisciplinary solution for respiratory dysfunctions. Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and explore long-term outcomes, particularly in adult populations.

Background/Objectives Light-assisted in-office whitening procedures are widely used in clinical practice; however, comparative clinical data remain limited, particularly when evaluated using objective outcome measures. This exploratory pilot randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the immediate objective performance of two light-assisted in-office whitening protocols using standardized digital spectrophotometry. Materials and Methods Twelve healthy adult participants (18–45 years) presenting extrinsic or mixed-type tooth discoloration (baseline shade VITA A3 or darker) were randomly allocated into two parallel groups (n = 6 each). One group received whitening with a 35% hydrogen peroxide gel activated by a diode laser device, while the other group underwent whitening with a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel activated by an LED-based device. Tooth color was measured before and immediately after treatment using a digital spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade V, VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany), and color differences (ΔE) were calculated based on CIE L*a*b* coordinates. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Both light-assisted interventions resulted in clinically perceptible whitening outcomes (ΔE > 3.3). The LED-assisted group showed a slightly higher mean ΔE value (11.62 ± 5.93) compared with the laser-assisted group (10.96 ± 3.27); however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.818). Given the limited sample size, the study was not powered for definitive comparative inference. No adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this exploratory pilot randomized clinical trial, both light-assisted in-office whitening protocols produced immediate clinically perceptible color changes. Although no statistically significant difference was detected, the limited sample size precludes definitive conclusions regarding relative efficacy. Larger, adequately powered randomized studies incorporating longitudinal follow-up and patient-reported outcomes are required to confirm these preliminary findings.

Light-assisted in-office whitening procedures are widely used in clinical practice; however, comparative clinical data remain limited, particularly when ev