Background/Objectives: The health benefits of honeybee products and herbs are well known, and their appropriate combination may enhance their biological efficacy. This study investigated the biological properties of a combined barberry root and propolis extract (PBE) in comparison to a propolis extract (PE), a barberry root extract (BE), and pure berberine (BN). Methods: The antioxidant properties were evaluated using DPPH and FRAP methods and total phenolic contents (TPC) were assessed by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. HPTLC was used to quantify the BE in the tested samples. Their effect on HEK293T cells was monitored in real-time by using the xCELLigence system which recorded changes in the proliferative activity (PA). The metabolic activity (MA) was evaluated using an MTS test and cell migration was analyzed via a scratch assay. Results: The PE exhibited a higher TPC (198.67 mg/g) than the BE (119.3 mg/g). The PBE exhibited a comparable antioxidant effect to that of the PE. In the cell assays, the PE, the BE, and BN significantly reduced the proliferative activity at higher concentrations (p < 0.0001) while the PBE demonstrated a lower cytotoxicity and proved to be safer for the tested cells. The highest IC₅₀ value was determined for the PBE (130 µg/mL), suggesting that this combination has a reduced cytotoxicity. However, the scratch test did not confirm a significant supportive effect of the PBE on cell migration. Conclusions: Although the PBE did not show enhanced antioxidant properties, it may mitigate cytotoxicity and support proliferation at lower concentrations. This suggests that extraction of raw propolis with a previously prepared barberry extract results in a safer preparation, but its therapeutic potential requires further studies using biological models.

Endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) are a novel and biologically potent source of multipotent stromal cells with potential beyond reproductive medicine. This study explored their phenotypic profile, trilineage differentiation, and the cytoprotective effects of their conditioned media (eMSCCM) on oxidatively stressed neonatal and adult chondrocytes. Canine eMSCs displayed typical fibroblast-like morphology and expressed high levels of mesenchymal surface markers CD29 and CD44, low hematopoietic markers CD34/CD45, and variable CD90, confirming a mesenchymal identity. Differentiation assays revealed osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation, whereas adipogenic activity was limited. Using eMSCCM at 25% and 50% concentrations, chondrocyte viability was assessed after exposure to 200 µM H₂O₂. eMSCCM significantly enhanced the viability of H₂O₂-stressed chondrocytes in a dose-dependent manner, particularly at 50%, with marked effects at 24 and 48 h. Although metabolic activity declined at 72 h, the treated cells remained more metabolically active than untreated controls. These findings suggest that eMSCCM offers promising cytoprotective effects for cartilage-related oxidative stress conditions.

Background: Freezing and thawing methods are critical to the final quality of food products. Methods: Our work focuses on evaluating the effect of five thawing protocols (in the refrigerator, at room temperature, in the microwave, and in a water bath at water temperatures of 20 and 40 °C) on the physicochemical properties, color, sensory properties, content of bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity in frozen fruits of Fragaria spp. from different retail chains (n = 7) and from diverse countries of origin. Results: We found that although thawing at room temperature is a slow process, it best preserved the original quality of the strawberries when compared with other methods. Different thawing protocols had various effects on the color, sensory properties, polyphenol profile (TPC, TFC, TPA, and anthocyanins determined spectrophotometrically), and antioxidant activity (DPPH method) of strawberries. Our results indicate that each evaluated thawing method was viable. Conclusions: This study can provide a basis for selecting appropriate thawing processes in the strawberry processing industry based on the intended use of the food for further processing.

Background: Calciphylaxis (calcific uremic arteriolopathy), is a rare disease characterized by subcutaneous vascular thrombosis and necrotic skin lesions, which mainly affects patients with kidney disease. This condition often has a poor prognosis, unclear pathophysiology, and lacks standardized treatment. Case Description: We present a case of calciphylaxis in a 53-year-old female patient who reported gradually worsening unbearable pain in her lower limbs and thighs, persisting for approximately 18 months. After appropriate examinations and biopsy of non-healing wounds, histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of calciphylaxis. The wounds were treated with dermo-epidermal (DE) grafts. Followingly, the patient underwent treatment in a hyperbaric chamber, after which the wounds decreased in size. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to therapy are necessary to improve the management of calcification, a rare disease, and complications such as non-healing wounds.