The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in all medical fields is currently gaining popularity (1). PRP is a biological product that can be defined as a segment of the plasma fraction of autologous blood with a platelet concentration level above the baseline (2). The fact that it has uses in tissue regeneration and wound healing has caught the eye of orthopedic surgeons as well, as intra-articular treatments have continued to evolve. Its benefits in the treatment of different osteoarticular pathologies are of great interest in the evolving orthopedic community, targeting mostly knee osteoarthritis, meniscus and ligament injuries (3). The purpose of this review is to update the reader on the current uses of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis pathology and to provide clinical feedback on its uses in the fields of orthopedic and sports medicine practice (4). We proceeded in studying 180 titles and abstracts eligible for inclusion. Compared to alternative treatments, PRP injections greatly improve the function of the knee joint.

Background: Since periodontitis prevalence has increased globally and there is a bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus (DM), new methods of preventing and screening involving DM biomarkers could impact periodontitis management. We aimed to develop a fuzzy system to estimate the risk of periodontitis in patients with DM. Methods: Body mass index (BMI), glycemia (G), total cholesterol (C), and triglyceride (T) measurements were collected from 87 patients diagnosed with DM. Oral examinations were performed, and the number of the periodontal pockets (nrPPs) was determined. A fuzzy system was developed: BMI and G as inputs resulted in Periodontitis Risk 1 (PRisk1) output; C and T as inputs resulted in Periodontitis Risk 2 (PRisk2) output. From PRisk1 and PRisk2, the cumulative periodontitis risk (PCRisk) was assessed. Linguistic terms and linguistic grades (very small, small, medium, big, and very big) were assigned to the numerical variables by using 25 different membership functions. PCRisk and nrPP values were statistically processed. Results: In our developed fuzzy system, BMI, G, C, and T as input data resulted in periodontitis risk estimation. PCRisk was correlated with nrPP: when PCRisk increased by 1.881 units, nrPP increased by 1 unit. The fuzzy logic-based system effectively estimated periodontitis risk in type 2 diabetes patients, showing a significant correlation with the number of periodontal pockets. These findings highlight its potential for early diagnosis and improved interdisciplinary care.

Even though Pt(II)-based drugs represent the standard in cancer therapy, their use is seriously limited by severe side-effects (renal toxicity, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disorders, hemorrhage and hearing loss), drug resistance and a grim prognosis. This review presents the results of multiple studies showing different nanoparticle-based platforms as delivery agents in order to overcome these drawbacks. The approach of using nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems of Pt drugs and prodrugs is promising due to key advantages like specific targeting and thereby reduced toxicity to healthy cells; increased stability in the bloodstream; multiple mechanisms of action such as stimulating anti-tumor immunity, responding to environmental stimuli (light, pH, etc.), or penetrating deeper into tissues; enhanced efficacy by their combination with other therapies (chemotherapy, gene therapy) to amplify the anti-tumor effect. However, certain challenges need to be overcome before these solutions can be widely applied in clinics. These include issues related to biocompatibility, large-scale production, and regulatory approvals. In conclusion, using nanoparticles to deliver Pt-based drugs represents an advanced and highly promising strategy to make chemotherapy more effective and less toxic. Nonetheless, further studies are required for the better understanding of intracellular mechanisms of action, toxicity and the pharmacokinetics of nanoparticles, and physical–chemical standardization.

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is gaining popularity across various medical fields, including orthopedics, for its potential in tissue regeneration and wound healing. As intra‐articular treatments evolve, PRP has emerged as a promising option for managing knee osteoarthritis, meniscus, and ligament injuries. This review aims to provide an update on the current applications of PRP in treating knee osteoarthritis and its clinical implications in orthopedic and sports medicine. We reviewed 180 eligible studies, and our findings suggest that PRP injections significantly improve knee joint function compared to alternative treatments. The use of PRP across various medical fields has been growing in popularity recently. PRP is a biological product derived from the plasma portion of a patient’s own blood, containing a higher concentration of platelets than normal. Its potential for tissue regeneration and wound healing has drawn significant attention from orthopedic surgeons, especially as intra‐articular treatment options continue to evolve. The benefits of PRP in treating various osteoarticular conditions have sparked considerable interest within the orthopedic community, particularly for managing knee osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, and ligament injuries. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the current applications of PRP in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and to offer clinical insights into its use in orthopedic and sports medicine practices. We reviewed 180 relevant titles and abstracts that met the inclusion criteria. Compared to other treatment options, PRP injections significantly enhance knee joint function.

Background: Pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires reliable biomarkers for early detection and monitoring. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has emerged as a potential marker due to its responsiveness to renal impairment and involvement in mineral metabolism. Objectives: To evaluate serum NGAL levels in pediatric CKD patients and explore correlations with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), ferritin, calcium-phosphorus (Ca*P) product, and total serum protein. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 54 pediatric CKD patients and 29 healthy controls. Laboratory assessments encompassed serum NGAL, creatinine, ferritin, calcium, phosphorus, and total serum protein. eGFR was calculated using the Schwartz formula. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses determined associations between NGAL and other parameters. Results: NGAL levels were significantly higher in CKD patients compared to controls (median 453 ng/mL vs. 78 ng/mL, p < 0.001). A strong negative correlation existed between NGAL and eGFR (r = –0.81, p < 0.001). NGAL showed moderate positive correlations with ferritin (r = 0.56, p = 0.009) and CaP product (r = 0.57, p = 0.006) and a moderate negative correlation with total serum protein (r = –0.36, p = 0.225). Regression analysis confirmed NGAL as a significant predictor of eGFR, ferritin, and CaP product. Conclusions: Elevated serum NGAL levels are associated with decreased renal function and alterations in mineral metabolism in pediatric CKD patients. NGAL may serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing disease progression and guiding clinical management in this population.

Background: Patients with spinal cord injuries, in addition to rehabilitation in specialized facilities, often continue physical therapy at home. At that time, they become highly exposed to indoor pollutants, which can affect the effectiveness of the recovery program and human health. Methods: Thus, the present study presents the monitoring of indoor air quality in a residential facility where a patient with spinal cord injuries undergoes post-traumatic recuperative physical activity. Such a study is useful for ensuring good air quality for the optimal development of a rehabilitation program with the possibility of screening the indoor air quality of the home by the physiotherapist and even by the patient themselves, in the simplest way possible using low-cost equipment. Thus, 11 indoor air quality parameters were monitored for a period of 18 weeks, using low-cost equipment. An air purifier was put into operation for a period of one week to identify differences in the safety of the indoor environment for physical activities. Results: The results indicate an environment with frequent exceedances of the international standards in force for several indicators. After installing the purifier, the air quality stabilized and a much safer and more efficient environment for carrying out the recovery activities was established. Conclusions: Thus, the process of monitoring and optimizing indoor air quality stands as a fundamental requirement for home rehabilitation because it establishes a secure controlled environment that supports recovery in any residential setting.