Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences (BJBMS)
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Correction: Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro–in ovo toxicological screening of silibinin fatty acids conjugates as prodrugs with potential biomedical applications
Full text linkCorrected article: https://www.bjbms.org/ojs/index.php/bjbms/article/view/10600
The affiliation of the first author, Cristina Adriana Dehelean, was incomplete in the originally published version of this article. One of the authors asked to add her third institutional affiliation.
The correct affiliations for Cristina Adriana Dehelean are as follows:
1Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Timișoara, Romania2Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Timișoara, Romania3Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timișoara, Timișoara, Romania.
We apologize to the readership for any inconvenience caused
Melatonin and omega-3 neuroprotection in prenatal rat spinal cord exposed to 900 MHz electromagnetic field
Full text linkThe electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by electronic devices induces pathological changes in tissues, adversely affecting embryonic and pubertal development. This study investigates the effects of melatonin (Mel) and omega-3 fatty acids (ω3) on the spinal cord in rats exposed to EMF, employing stereological methods alongside light and electron microscopic evaluations. Pregnant Wistar albino rats were divided into seven groups: Control (CONT), sham-exposed (SHAM), EMF alone, EMF-Mel, EMF-ω3, Mel only, and ω3 only. The EMF, EMF-Mel, and EMF-ω3 groups were exposed to a 900 MHz EMF for two hours daily during the prenatal period (21 days). Mel and ω3 were administered via intragastric gavage prior to EMF exposure. Upon completion of the experiment (on the 35th day post-birth), spinal cord tissues of all male offspring were dissected and subjected to light and ultrastructural examinations. Stereological analyses calculated grey matter (GM) to total volume ratios, white matter (WM) to total volume ratios, GM to WM volume ratios, total spinal cord volume, and motor neuron counts. No significant differences were observed among the groups regarding GM/WM volume ratios, GM/total volume ratios, WM/total volume ratios, and total spinal cord volume (p > 0.05). However, a significant reduction in motor neuron numbers was noted in the EMF-ω3 group compared to the CONT group (p < 0.01). Light and ultrastructural examinations revealed marked motor neuron degeneration and axonal disruption in the EMF group, which were mitigated in the Mel and ω3-treated groups. These findings indicate that prenatal exposure to 900 MHz EMF exerts detrimental effects on spinal cord tissue and underscore the necessity for further studies exploring varying doses and durations to elucidate the potential effects of ω3 and Mel
The role of genome-wide DNA methylation and polymorphisms in periodontitis etiology: A narrative review
Full text linkPeriodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Recent advancements in genomic and epigenomic research have highlighted the role of genetic polymorphisms and genome-wide DNA methylation in its pathogenesis. DNA methylation regulates gene expression, affecting immune responses and inflammatory pathways, while genetic polymorphisms may predispose individuals to altered host-microbial interactions and increased susceptibility to periodontal destruction. Recent studies have identified promising periodontal biomarkers, including specific genetic and epigenetic markers, that may aid in early diagnosis, risk assessment, and monitoring of disease progression. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in the etiology of periodontitis, with a focus on genome-wide DNA methylation and genetic polymorphisms. It also explores their potential implications for disease pathogenesis, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies. Future research directions include integrative multi-omics approaches to better understand the complex interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Such efforts aim to support the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. Overall, this review underscores the critical role of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and emphasizes the need to translate these findings into clinical practice through molecular diagnostics and personalized treatment approaches
Frailty and survival of patients with renal cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis
Full text linkFrailty is a multidimensional syndrome reflecting decreased physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors, which may adversely affect cancer prognosis. However, its impact on survival outcomes in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between frailty and survival in RCC patients. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted for longitudinal studies assessing frailty in adults with RCC. Studies using validated frailty assessment tools and reporting overall survival (OS) and/or progression-free survival (PFS) were included. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity. Eight cohort studies involving 15,989 RCC patients were included. Frailty was associated with significantly poorer OS (HR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.45–2.20; I² = 30%) and PFS (HR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.54–3.04; I² = 0%). The association between frailty and OS remained robust across sensitivity analyses by excluding one study at a time and was consistent across subgroups stratified by cancer stage, treatment modality, patient age, frailty assessment method, follow-up duration, and analytic model (all p values for subgroup differences > 0.05). Subtype-specific data according to the histologic type of RCC were unavailable, which limits detailed prognostic interpretation. No significant publication bias was detected. Frailty may be significantly associated with poorer survival outcomes in patients with RCC. Incorporating frailty assessment into routine clinical evaluation may aid in prognostication and individualized treatment planning for this patient population
Presepsin as a diagnostic biomarker for sepsis across neonates, children, and adults: A meta-analysis
Full text linkSepsis remains a leading global health challenge, with delayed recognition and limited diagnostic accuracy of current tools contributing to high morbidity and mortality. Conventional clinical scores (SOFA/qSOFA), standard biomarkers (CRP, PCT), and blood cultures suffer from delayed responsiveness, insufficient specificity, or slow turnaround, underscoring the urgent need for more reliable early diagnostic strategies. Presepsin, a soluble CD14 subtype generated during pathogen recognition by innate immune cells, has emerged as a promising biomarker with potential to reflect infection status earlier and more specifically than traditional markers. This systematic review and meta-analysis quantitatively evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of presepsin across diverse populations. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Forty-seven studies involving 7,087 participants were included. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), area under the curve (AUC), and likelihood ratios (PLR/NLR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics, meta-regression, and subgroup analyses. Study quality was evaluated using QUADAS-2. Presepsin demonstrated excellent overall diagnostic performance: pooled sensitivity 0.84 (95% CI: 0.81–0.88), specificity 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80–0.90), DOR 32.23 (95% CI: 20.11–51.66), and AUC 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88–0.93). Subgroup analyses confirmed robust performance across settings and populations, with particularly high accuracy in neonates (sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.92, AUC 0.96), followed by children (sensitivity 0.84, specificity 0.81, AUC 0.88, NLR 0.20) and adults (sensitivity 0.81, specificity 0.82, AUC 0.87). Meta-regression identified year of publication, geographic region, specimen type, population, and diagnostic criteria as key contributors to heterogeneity, but sensitivity analyses confirmed result stability. No significant publication bias was observed (p = 0.33). In conclusion, presepsin is a valuable and highly promising biomarker for sepsis diagnosis, showing favorable diagnostic accuracy across populations, with strongest utility in neonates. Its application in pediatric and adult patients warrants further validation through large, prospective, multi-center studies
Prognostic impact of sleep-disordered breathing on mortality and cardiovascular events in renal dialysis: A meta-analysis
Full text linkSleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is prevalent among patients undergoing renal dialysis, yet its prognostic implications for mortality and cardiovascular outcomes remain unclear. This meta-analysis investigates the relationship between SDB and all-cause mortality as well as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) within this demographic. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted from inception to May 29, 2025, focusing on longitudinal observational studies that assessed SDB in adult dialysis patients. The primary outcome analyzed was all-cause mortality, while the secondary outcome was MACEs. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using random-effects models to account for heterogeneity. A total of eleven cohort studies encompassing 656,328 dialysis patients, of which 23,725 had SDB, were included. The results indicated that SDB was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.42–2.25; I² = 32%; p < 0.001). Notably, the association was more pronounced in Asian studies (HR: 2.07) compared to non-Asian studies (HR: 1.35; p for subgroup difference = 0.008) and in studies employing polysomnography or pulse oximetry versus those using ICD codes (HR: 2.57 and 2.00 vs. 1.35; p = 0.002). Furthermore, five studies indicated that SDB was linked to an elevated risk of MACEs (HR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.86–3.85; I² = 0%; p < 0.001). In conclusion, SDB is associated with heightened mortality and cardiovascular risk in patients on renal dialysis. These findings underscore the necessity for increased awareness and management of SDB in this population. However, further interventional studies are required to ascertain whether systematic screening and treatment can enhance clinical outcomes
Platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid in the treatment of acute ankle sprains: A review
Full text linkAnkle sprains are prevalent musculoskeletal injuries commonly encountered in the general population, particularly among athletes. While conventional treatments are widely practiced, regenerative therapies have emerged as potential adjunctive options. This narrative review aims to assess the role of regenerative therapy in the management of acute ankle sprains and evaluate its efficacy through an analysis of the literature. We focused on studies available in PubMed, restricting our search to English-language articles published between January 2005 and December 2024. Our review identified five studies on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and one on hyaluronic acid (HA). The PRP studies included four clinical trials and one case report. PRP injections demonstrated short-term benefits in pain reduction and functional recovery, particularly when administered early and in multiple doses. However, long-term outcomes were often comparable to standard treatments or placebo. The study on HA indicated consistent and sustained advantages over placebo in alleviating pain, expediting the return to sport, and reducing recurrence rates. Based on the current evidence, PRP and HA may function as adjunctive therapies for acute ankle sprains, especially for short-term symptom relief and functional recovery. Treatment efficacy appears to be influenced by factors such as injection timing, volume, immobilization protocols, and the concurrent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Nonetheless, the evidence base remains constrained by small sample sizes, heterogeneous protocols, and a lack of long-term follow-up. Therefore, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are essential to establish standardized protocols and ascertain the long-term efficacy of these regenerative therapies
Nutritional support and immunonutrition in esophageal cancer – From perioperative care to long-term survivorship: A review
Full text linkEsophageal cancer is recognized as one of the most aggressive malignancies within the digestive system, with global survival rates typically falling below 20%. Malnutrition impacts up to 80% of patients, significantly affecting treatment tolerance, postoperative outcomes, and overall quality of life. Recent advancements in clinical nutrition and immunometabolism have transformed the perception of nutrition from a mere supportive measure to a vital therapeutic component in cancer care. This review synthesizes evidence from studies published between 2010 and 2025, exploring the effects of various nutritional strategies—including enteral, elemental, parenteral, immuno-nutritional, behavioral, and prehabilitative interventions—on metabolism, immune response, and clinical outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer. The findings demonstrate that targeted approaches such as immune-enhancing enteral formulations, omega-3-enriched parenteral nutrition, and structured dietary counseling can mitigate inflammation, preserve muscle mass, enhance treatment adherence, and improve psychological well-being. Overall, the literature supports the perspective of nutrition as a precision-based, integral component of multidisciplinary cancer management. Incorporating nutritional optimization throughout all stages of care—ranging from prehabilitation and perioperative support to survivorship and palliative management—can enhance metabolic resilience, promote faster recovery, and significantly improve the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with esophageal cancer
Letter regarding “Sugammadex vs neostigmine in post-anesthesia recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis”
Full text linkThis correspondence comments on the systematic review and meta-analysis by Zhu and Li comparing sugammadex with neostigmine for neuromuscular block reversal and postoperative outcomes. While the authors provide a useful synthesis suggesting faster recovery and less residual blockade with sugammadex, several issues may limit the validity and clinical generalizability of the pooled conclusions. Many key outcomes show extreme heterogeneity (I² frequently >90%), raising concerns that combined estimates may obscure clinically important variation in anesthetic technique, blockade depth, monitoring, and recovery protocols. In particular, emergence safety depends not only on neuromuscular indices (e.g., TOF ≥0.9) but also on hypnotic depth at the time of reversal; evidence indicates that volatile anesthetic concentration (MAC) can meaningfully modify airway obstruction risk after sugammadex. Additionally, inconsistencies in the reporting of time-based effect sizes, specifically between standardized mean differences (SMD) and mean differences (MD) with identical values, necessitate clarification to enhance interpretability. We highlight the need for more cautious interpretation, targeted subgroup analyses incorporating anesthetic depth and other effect modifiers, and more robust meta-analytic methods to strengthen precision and applicability of the findings
Artificial intelligence driven innovations in biochemistry: A review of emerging research frontiers
Full text linkArtificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool in biochemistry, greatly enhancing research capabilities by enabling the analysis of complex datasets, predicting molecular interactions, and accelerating drug discovery. As AI continues to evolve, its applications in biochemistry are poised to expand, revolutionizing both theoretical and applied research. This review explores current and potential AI applications in biochemistry, with a focus on data analysis, molecular modeling, enzyme engineering, and metabolic pathway studies. Key AI techniques—such as machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and AI-based molecular modeling—are discussed. The review also highlights emerging research areas benefiting from AI, including personalized medicine and synthetic biology. The methodology involves an extensive analysis of existing literature, particularly peer-reviewed studies on AI applications in biochemistry. AI-driven tools like AlphaFold, which have significantly advanced protein structure prediction, are evaluated alongside AI’s role in expediting drug discovery. The review also addresses challenges such as data quality, model interpretability, and ethical considerations. Results indicate that AI has expanded the scope of biochemical research by facilitating large-scale data analysis, enhancing molecular simulations, and opening new avenues of inquiry. However, challenges remain, particularly in data handling and ethical concerns. In conclusion, AI is transforming biochemistry by driving innovation and expanding research possibilities. Future advancements in AI algorithms, interdisciplinary collaboration, and integration with automated techniques will be crucial to fully unlocking AI’s potential in advancing biochemical research