Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a prevalent health concern among the female population, with anatomical and physiological determinants such as a shorter urethra and its proximity to the rectum augmenting vulnerability. The presence of Escherichia coli and various other pathogens plays a significant role in the etiology of these infections, which can be aggravated by sexual intercourse and disturbances to the vaginal microbiome. The physiological alterations associated with pregnancy further elevate the likelihood of UTIs, with untreated cases potentially leading to severe complications such as pyelonephritis, preterm labor, and stillbirth. Furthermore, postmenopausal women encounter an augmented risk of UTIs attributable to estrogen deficiency and vaginal atrophy, as well as conditions including pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI), which hinder optimal bladder functionality. The aforementioned factors, in conjunction with the rising prevalence of cesarean deliveries and catheterization, complicate the management of UTIs. While precise diagnosis is paramount, it remains a formidable challenge, notwithstanding advancements in molecular diagnostic techniques. Management strategies encompass antibiotic-sparing therapies; however, the increasing incidence of multidrug resistance represents an alarming trend. Diverse guidelines from various medical specialties endeavor to standardize treatment approaches, yet significant inconsistencies continue to exist. This study systematically appraises the extant guidelines, evaluating the quality of evidence while identifying areas of agreement and discord to supply practitioners with effective strategies for UTI management.

Using free microorganisms for industrial processes has some limitations, such as the extensive consumption of substrates for growth, significant sensitivity to the microenvironment, and the necessity of separation from the product and, therefore, the cyclic process. It is widely acknowledged that confining or immobilizing cells in a matrix or support structure enhances enzyme stability, facilitates recycling, enhances rheological resilience, lowers bioprocess costs, and serves as a fundamental prerequisite for large-scale applications. This report summarizes the various cell immobilization methods, including several synthetic (polyvinylalcohol, polyethylenimine, polyacrylates, and Eudragit) and natural (gelatin, chitosan, alginate, cellulose, agar–agar, carboxymethylcellulose, and other polysaccharides) polymeric materials in the form of thin films, hydrogels, and cryogels. Advancements in the production of well-known antibiotics like penicillin and cephalosporin by various strains were discussed. Additionally, we highlighted cutting-edge research related to strain producers of peptide-based antibiotics (polymyxin B, Subtilin, Tyrothricin, varigomycin, gramicidin S, friulimicin, and bacteriocin), glusoseamines, and polyene derivatives. Crosslinking agents, especially covalent linkers, significantly affect the activity and stability of biocatalysts (penicillin G acylase, penicillinase, deacetoxycephalosporinase, L-asparaginase, β-glucosidase, Xylanase, and urease). The molecular weight of polymers is an important parameter influencing oxygen and nutrient diffusion, the kinetics of hydrogel formation, rigidity, rheology, elastic moduli, and other mechanical properties crucial for long-term utilization. A comparison of stability and enzymatic activity between immobilized enzymes and their free native counterparts was explored. The discussion was not limited to recent advancements in the biopharmaceutical field, such as microorganism or enzyme immobilization, but also extended to methods used in sensor and biosensor applications. In this study, we present data on the advantages of cell and enzyme immobilization over microorganism (bacteria and fungi) suspension states to produce various bioproducts and metabolites—such as antibiotics, enzymes, and precursors—and determine the efficiency of immobilization processes and the optimal conditions and process parameters to maximize the yield of the target products.

Background/Objectives: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a considerable challenge within the field of clinical medicine, as they are responsible for significant morbidity and intensify the operational pressures encountered by healthcare systems. Conventional diagnostic approaches, which include symptom evaluation, dipstick urinalysis, and standard urine culture, often demonstrate inadequacies in identifying atypical clinical manifestations, infections with low bacterial counts, or pathogens that show growth difficulties under typical laboratory conditions. These limitations undermine diagnostic accuracy and hinder timely therapeutic measures. Methods: The present manuscript is a systematic review conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A structured search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, yielding 573 records, of which 107 studies were included for qualitative synthesis. The primary aim of this systematic review is to evaluate both conventional and emerging diagnostic methods for UTIs, with specific objectives of assessing their clinical applicability, limitations, and potential to improve patient outcomes. Results: Recent progress in diagnostic technologies offers promising alternatives. Molecular-based assays, such as multiplex polymerase chain reaction, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, and next-generation sequencing, have substantially improved both the precision and efficiency of pathogen identification. Furthermore, contemporary techniques for evaluating antimicrobial susceptibility, including microfluidic systems and real-time phenotypic resistance assays, enable clinicians to execute targeted therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy. Results of this synthesis indicate that while conventional diagnostics remain the cornerstone for uncomplicated cases, innovative molecular and phenotypic approaches demonstrate superior performance in detecting low-count bacteriuria, atypical pathogens, and resistance determinants, particularly in complicated and recurrent infections. These innovations support antimicrobial stewardship by reducing dependence on empirical antibiotic treatment and lessening the risk of resistance emergence. Conclusions: Nonetheless, the incorporation of these technologies into clinical practice requires careful consideration of implementation costs, standardization protocols, and the necessary training of healthcare professionals. In conclusion, this systematic review highlights that emerging molecular diagnostics and resistance-profiling tools offer substantial promise in complementing or enhancing traditional methods, but their widespread adoption will depend on robust validation, cost-effectiveness, and integration into clinical workflows.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is one of the most common diseases in gynaecology, which is characterized by inflammatory lesions of the vaginal mucosa by yeast-like fungi of the Candida genus and develops on the background of a weakened immune system of the organism. Currently, despite the intensive development of the pharmacological industry and a wide range of antimycotic medicines, the problem of treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis and the production of new effective drugs has not lost its relevance for modern gynaecology and pharmacy. This review is devoted to the pharmacotherapy of vulvovaginal candidiasis, and the search for new agents and treatment methods. Вульвовагинальный кандидоз – одно из самых распространённых заболеваний в гинекологии, которое характеризуется воспалительным поражением слизистой оболочки влагалища дрожжеподобными грибами рода Candida и развивается на фоне снижения иммунного статуса организма. На сегодняшний день для современной гинекологии и фармации, несмотря на интенсивное развитие фармакологической индустрии и огромный арсенал антимикотических препаратов, проблема лечения вульвовагинального кандидоза и создания новых эффективных препаратов не теряет своей актуальности. Данный обзор посвящен фармакотерапии вульвовагинального кандидоза, поиску новых средств и методов лечения.

The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the research conducted on the chemical constituents and biological characteristics of Plantago major, Plantaginaceae. Methods: A comprehensive search of scientific databases, including Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Researchgate and other online collections were extensively utilized. For efficient re-trieval, specific keywords like “Plantaginaceae”, “Plantago major bio-active compounds ”, “Plantago major. phyto-chemicals”, “Plantago major L. pharmacological activities”, and “Plantago major’’ traditional uses”. Results: The medicinal benefits of herbal plants are recognized worldwide, and numerous scientific studies have been conducted to validate their effectiveness. Additionally, the emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms in recent years has prompted researchers to investigate the effects of medicinal plants on these pathogens. Plantago major one a such plant the healing properties have been acknowledged worldwide for numerous years. This particular plant contains various potent chemical compounds, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, fatty acids, polysaccharides, vitamins, phenolic acid derivatives, and iridoid glycosides. These constituents contribute to its therapeutic effects and its wide range of medicinal qualities, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-ulcer properties. The main objective of this review is to highlight the potential use of Plantago major extracts as herbal remedies and explore their extensive therapeutic capabilities. Conclusion: Plantago major plays a significant role in the treatment of various diseases and specific health conditions, including diarrhoea, ulcers, bacterial infections, inflammation, and cancer. Research has demonstrated that this plant contains multiple classes of essential bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, fatty acids, vitamins, iridoid glycosides, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds like caffeic acid. The therapeutic properties and biological activity of Plantago major are largely attributed to these active chemical components. However, further research is needed to fully understand the precise mechanisms and activities of the primary bioactive compounds responsible for treating specific diseases.