Cyclodextrins (CDs) have traditionally been recognized as excipients that enhance solubility and stability of drugs. However, growing evidence shows that CDs themselves can act as active therapeutic agents. Their unique supramolecular properties enable them to interact with biological membranes, mobilize cholesterol, and modulate immune responses. This review highlights four therapeutic areas where CDs demonstrate particular promise. First, in gene and mRNA therapy, cationic CD derivatives form nanoparticles that protect nucleic acids, promote endosomal escape, and achieve targeted delivery. Second, in neurodegenerative disorders such as Niemann–Pick type C and Alzheimer’s disease, hydroxypropyl-β-CD facilitates cholesterol clearance and reduces pathological lipid accumulation. Third, in detoxification, the γ-CD derivative sugammadex exemplifies a clinically approved agent that encapsulates neuromuscular blockers to reverse anesthesia. Finally, CDs have emerged as safe vaccine adjuvants, inducing robust systemic and mucosal immunity with reduced IgE responses compared to alum. Together, these examples illustrate a paradigm shift: CDs are not only versatile excipients but also active molecules with direct therapeutic effects. Future translation will require careful optimization of safety, scalability, and regulatory compliance, but CDs are poised to contribute meaningfully to next-generation medicines.

Orthopedic implants have a critical role in modern medical practice, being useful in bone regeneration, joint arthroplasty, and healing fractures. The success of osseointegration depends on implant properties (composition, stability, geometry, biocompatibility) and host factors (local reactivity, comorbidities). Preclinical evaluation in animal models is essential before clinical application. In orthopedic implantology, the selection and real utility of a range of animals are important, with an emphasis placed on bone–implant interface, biomechanical function, and long-term integration. Smaller animals such as rabbits and rats have widespread use in early biocompatibility and osseointegration testing, but larger animals such as pigs, sheep, and canines have a larger physiological bone similarity and can, therefore, be utilized for bearing loads in testing. Considering the utility and disadvantages of certain species—including suitability for new biomaterials, coatings, and biomechanical function—this article discusses testing methodologies such as push-out/pull-out tests, histomorphometry, and micro-CT and their utility in testing the integration of implants and regeneration of bone. Conclusions confirm a multi-species model in use in preclinical testing for the development of implants and improvements in clinical success. Unlike previous reviews, this article emphasizes translational strategies, integrates ethical perspectives in model selection, and discusses the synergistic use of imaging modalities with biomechanical tests for comprehensive assessment.

Background/Objectives: This review evaluates the expanding contributions of artificial intelligence (AI) across biomedicine, focusing on cancer therapy and nanomedicine, cardiology and medical imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, and liver disease. Core AI concepts (machine learning, deep learning, artificial neural networks, model training/validation, and explainability) are introduced to frame application domains. Methods: A systematic search of major biomedical databases (2010–2025) identified English-language original studies on AI in these four areas; 203 articles meeting PRISMA 2020 criteria were included in a qualitative synthesis. Results: In oncology and nanomedicine, AI-driven methods expedite nanocarrier design, predict biodistribution and treatment response, and enable nanoparticle-enhanced monitoring. In cardiology, algorithms enhance ECG interpretation, coronary calcium scoring, automated image segmentation, and noninvasive FFR estimation. For neurological disease, multimodal AI models integrate imaging and biomarker data to improve early detection and patient stratification. In hepatology, AI supports digital histopathology, augments intraoperative robotics, and refines transplant wait-list prioritization. Common obstacles are highlighted, including data heterogeneity, lack of standardized acquisition protocols, model transparency, and the scarcity of prospective multicenter validation. Conclusions: AI is emerging as a practical enabler across these biomedical fields, but its safe and equitable use requires harmonized data, rigorous multicentre validation, and more transparent models to ensure clinical benefit while minimizing bias.

Background/Objectives: Hydroxyapatite (HAp)-based implants and HAp–titanium (HApTi) composites are widely used in orthopedic and dental applications, but their long-term success is limited by peri-implant bone loss. Local delivery of osteoactive molecules from implant surfaces may enhance osseointegration and reduce periprosthetic osteolysis. This study combined in silico modeling and experimental assays to compare calcium fructoborate (CaFb), sodium alendronate, and calcium alendronate as functionalization agents for HAp and HApTi implants. Methods: Molecular docking (AutoDock 4.2.6) and 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (AMBER14 force field, SPC water model) were performed to characterize ligand–substrate interactions and to calculate binding free energies (ΔG_binding) and root mean square deviation (RMSD) values for ligand–HAp/HApTi complexes. HAp and HApTi discs obtained by powder metallurgy were subsequently functionalized by surface adsorption with CaFb or alendronate salts. The amount of adsorbed ligand was determined gravimetrically, and in vitro release profiles were quantified by HPTLC–MS for CaFb and by HPLC after FMOC derivatization for alendronates. Results: CaFb–HAp and CaFb–HApTi complexes showed the lowest binding free energies (−1.31 and −1.63 kcal/mol, respectively), indicating spontaneous and stable interactions. For HAp-based complexes, the mean ligand RMSD values over 100 ns were 0.27 ± 0.17 nm for sodium alendronate, 0.72 ± 0.28 nm for calcium alendronate (range 0.35–1.10 nm), and 0.21 ± 0.19 nm for CaFb (range 0.15–0.40 nm). For HApTi-based complexes, the corresponding RMSD values were 0.30 ± 0.15 nm for sodium alendronate, 0.72 ± 0.38 nm for calcium alendronate and 0.26 ± 0.14 nm for CaFb. These distributions indicate that CaFb and sodium alendronate maintain relatively stable binding poses, whereas calcium alendronate shows larger conformational fluctuations, consistent with its less favorable binding energies. Experimentally, CaFb exhibited the greatest chemisorbed amount and percentage on both HAp and HApTi, followed by sodium and calcium alendronate. HApTi supported higher loadings than HAp for all ligands. Release studies demonstrated a pronounced burst and rapid plateau for both alendronate salts, whereas CaFb displayed a slower initial release followed by a prolonged, quasi-linear liberation over 14 days. Conclusions: The convergence between in silico and adsorption–release data highlights CaFb as the most promising candidate among the tested ligands for long-term functionalization of HAp and HApTi surfaces. Its stronger and more stable binding, higher loading capacity and more sustained release profile suggest that CaFb-coated HApTi implants may provide a favorable basis for future in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at improving osseointegration and mitigating periprosthetic osteolysis, although direct evidence for osteolysis prevention was not obtained in the present work.

Background/Objectives: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare but significant hematologic disorder in children. While most pediatric ITP cases resolve spontaneously, some require intervention, and treatment responses with platelet recovery patterns can vary widely. We conducted a retrospective, three-year observational cohort study including 100 children (aged 5 months–17 years) diagnosed with ITP at a single tertiary center (January 2022–December 2024). The primary objective of this study was to characterize the clinical presentation, coexisting conditions, and short-term platelet response to first-line therapy in hospitalized children with newly diagnosed ITP. Methods: Clinical data (demographics, presentation, and laboratory results) were collected at admission and throughout hospitalization, and outcomes were assessed at discharge. Results: Our analysis showed a balanced urban–rural distribution overall; however, sex distribution differed by residence, with a slight female predominance in rural areas and an overwhelming male predominance in urban areas. Over 40% of patients were under 5 years old. Platelet counts at presentation ranged from 3 × 10⁹/L to 30 × 10⁹/L, yet nearly all children showed substantial platelet count recovery by hospital discharge under first-line therapy. Most patients had additional minor clinical findings at admission, but these were considered concurrent rather than causative factors, in accordance with current hematology guidelines. These conditions were considered coexisting clinical conditions or concurrent findings rather than definitive secondary causes of ITP, in accordance with established hematological guidelines. These findings reflect only short-term, in-hospital outcomes and may not be generalizable to all children with ITP, particularly milder or outpatient cases. Conclusions: Our three-year cohort study underscores that pediatric ITP often presents in very young children with concurrent conditions, but standard first-line treatment leads to robust platelet recovery by discharge. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive initial evaluation and supportive care in managing pediatric ITP.

Background/Objectives: Pediatric infectious-disease admissions are common but heterogeneous. We characterized clinical, microbiological, and therapeutic patterns and identified high-risk subgroups relevant to antimicrobial stewardship. Methods: In an observational cohort of 136 children stratified by age, we recorded symptoms, diagnoses, culture results, pathogens, antibiotic therapy, and outcomes. A composite risk score integrating age and clinical/microbiological parameters was assessed. Results: Outcomes were generally favorable: intensive care unit (ICU) transfer 8.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.6–15.1), mortality 0.7% (95% CI: 0.1–3.9), and median length of stay (LOS) 10 days (interquartile range [IQR] 8–12). Pneumonia was the leading diagnosis (44.9%; 95% CI: 36.3–53.6). Among isolates, Escherichia coli (47.1%) and Klebsiella species (spp.) (27.9%) predominated. Pneumonia correlated with prolonged LOS (p = 0.006), and gastroenteritis with ICU transfer (p = 0.038) and longer LOS (p = 0.018). Mixed E. coli + Klebsiella infections were linked to prolonged stay (p = 0.021). The composite score identified a high-risk stratum with higher ICU transfer (p = 0.004) and prolonged stay (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Although overall outcomes were favorable, risk was not uniform. An age-stratified, multifactorial assessment—integrating clinical presentation, microbiology, and a composite score—identified pediatric subgroups with worse prognoses, supporting targeted monitoring and stewardship-aligned, age-aware empiric therapy. External validation is warranted.