This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts obtained from Arnica montana L., Melissa officinalis L., and Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik., as well as their ternary mixtures. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of several phenolic compounds, including luteolin, apigenin, acacetin, and phenolic acids, while rutin and hyperoside were previously reported as dominant constituents in Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik. The extracts and their mixtures exhibited significant antioxidant activity in different radical scavenging and reducing power assays, with the highest activity observed for the ACM4 mixture. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, showing inhibitory effects with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from below 100 mg/L for Melissa officinalis L. extracts to above 250 mg/L for Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik. extracts. These findings suggest that the phenolic compounds identified in the studied plants contribute to their antioxidant and antibacterial properties and support the potential use of these extracts and their combinations as natural sources of bioactive compounds.

Background: Centaurium erythraea Rafn. (C. erythraea) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in European folk medicine for the treatment of wounds, skin inflammations, and other dermatological conditions, in addition to its well-documented systemic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its topical applications remain insufficiently investigated, particularly using plant material collected from Romania. The purpose of this study was to prepare different ointment formulations containing C. erythraea Rafn. extract obtained from the aerial parts of the plant, using various excipients, and to evaluate their in vitro and in vivo efficacy. Methods: The phytochemical profile of C. erythraea extract was characterized using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The lyophilized extract was pre-dissolved in different solubilizing agents—Transcutol^® P (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether), Capryol^® 90 (propylene glycol monocaprylate), or a combination of both—and then incorporated into five ointment formulations. Texture analysis and an in vitro membrane diffusion study were performed. The antioxidant capacity of the formulations was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total phenolic content (TPC) assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro using tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) production in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, and in vivo using a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. Results: LC–MS/MS identified 18 polyphenolic compounds, with hyperoside (3.78 ± 0.05 µg/mL), protocatechuic acid (1.13 ± 0.06 µg/mL), chlorogenic acid (1.07 ± 0.06 µg/mL), and quercetin (0.53 ± 0.03 µg/mL) as the principal constituents. The formulation containing both Transcutol^® P and Capryol^® 90 exhibited the most pronounced antioxidant activity (65% DPPH inhibition; 69.71 ± 0.83 mg gallic acid equivalent/mL) and significantly reduced IL-1β levels by 45.7% compared to the inflamed control. In vivo, this formulation showed comparable anti-edematous effects to a methylprednisolone ointment. Furthermore, it demonstrated the highest skin permeation efficiency, with a quercetin diffusion coefficient of 35.12 × 10⁻⁵ cm²/min. Conclusions: These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of C. erythraea extract from aerial parts in topical formulations and underscore the enhancing role of Transcutol^® P and Capryol^® 90 in improving both the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of bioactive compounds.

Background: Aging is associated with increased adiposity, sarcopenia risk, and metabolic vulnerability. Digital tools may enhance adherence to nutritional strategies, but their impact on detailed body composition remains insufficiently explored. Methods: This 6-month prospective controlled longitudinal intervention study included 60 middle-aged and older adults. All participants received a smart watch and smart scale for self-monitoring. The control group attended evaluations only at baseline and study completion, while the intervention group received monthly follow-up and remote feedback. Body composition was assessed using multi-frequency BIA. Statistical analyses included paired tests, effect sizes, correlations, and linear mixed-effects models. Results: Significant reductions were observed in BMI (p < 0.001), fat mass (p = 0.003), and visceral fat (p = 0.003; Cohen’s d = 0.41). The sarcopenic index improved (p = 0.001), while skeletal muscle mass remained stable. ECW increased significantly (p = 0.010). Age was inversely associated with the magnitude of improvement. Mixed-effects modeling confirmed a time-dependent reduction in visceral fat independent of age and sex. Conclusions: A 6-month digitally assisted nutritional monitoring program was associated with favorable changes in adiposity, muscle quality, and hydration status. Multi-frequency BIA provides valuable integrative markers for monitoring nutritional interventions in aging populations.

The digital transformation of healthcare requires stronger digital competencies among pharmacists, yet evidence on the effectiveness of structured training remains scarce. This study examines the impact of a blended digital health training programme delivered to practicing pharmacists in Bihor County, Romania, as part of the Romanian pilot of the EU-funded European Health Professionals’ and the DigitAl team SkillS (H-PASS) project. A single-group pre–post educational design was applied to pharmacists from Bihor County, Romania, participating in a modular digital health training programme delivered between May and July 2025. A total of 84 pharmacists completed both pre-training and post-training self-reported competency assessments comprising 18 items across three modules: digital innovation and change management, communication and collaboration, and data management and digital literacy. Paired samples t-tests, Cohen’s d effect sizes, Cronbach’s alpha, moderator analyses, and ceiling effect analyses were conducted using Python-based statistical workflows. Statistically significant improvements were observed across all three modules (all p < 0.0001), with large effect sizes (d = 1.04–1.30). Post-training internal consistency increased substantially, with overall Cronbach’s alpha reaching 0.74. The greatest item-level gains were recorded in adaptive communication, cultural adaptation of care, and data protection ethics. No significant moderation effects were found for age, gender, or years of experience. Course satisfaction showed a moderate positive correlation with competency gains (r = 0.528), while perceived improvement was not significantly associated with observed score change. A ceiling effect indicated greater gains among participants with lower baseline competencies. The Romanian implementation of the H-PASS training programme was associated with improved self-reported digital health competencies among practicing pharmacists, high-lighting its potential as a scalable model for digital upskilling in healthcare.

Background and Objectives: Wearable health technologies have become increasingly important in the remote management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); however, their successful implementation depends not only on technical performance but also on patient usability and technology acceptance. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived usability and technology acceptance of a wearable monitoring system among patients with CVDs and to investigate whether demographic and clinical characteristics influenced these outcomes. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 60 patients with CVDs enrolled in a six-month wearable monitoring program at the Medical Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic of the Avram Iancu Clinical Hospital, Oradea, Romania. Participants used a Garmin vívosmart^® 5 fitness tracker to continuously monitor physiological and behavioral parameters. At the end of the monitoring period, perceived ease of use (PEU) was assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS), while technology acceptance was evaluated using a Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)-based questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, Spearman’s rank correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: The wearable monitoring system demonstrated high PEU, with a median SUS score of 82.5 (IQR = 23.1) and a mean score of 75.5 ± 17.6. Overall, 75.0% of participants rated the system as having good or excellent usability. The SUS questionnaire demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.730; McDonald’s ω = 0.741). Technology acceptance was generally favorable, with an overall median TAM-based score of 1.33 (IQR = 0.78). Age and comorbidity burden were not associated with PEU, and no participant characteristics independently predicted SUS scores. Although the overall regression model was not statistically significant, age showed a statistically significant association with the overall TAM-based score (β = 0.328, p = 0.037). Significant positive correlations were observed between PU, self-efficacy (SE), and reverse-scored technology anxiety (TA) measure (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with CVDs reported high PEU and favorable acceptance of wearable monitoring technology. While usability appeared independent of demographic and clinical characteristics, technology acceptance showed an exploratory association with age, although the overall regression model was not statistically significant. These findings support the integration of wearable monitoring systems into routine cardiovascular care and highlight the importance of patient-centered implementation strategies to promote long-term engagement.