Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)

Eye diseases are common in veterinary clinical practice and are most often treated with topical ophthalmic preparations. Increasing resistance to antimicrobial agents is driving the search for safe and effective alternatives to traditional treatment methods. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate gel-based ophthalmic formulations based on poloxamer 407 and sodium carboxymethylcellulose, containing propolis extracts and diclofenac sodium, by assessing their physical and chemical properties, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity in vitro. Propolis extracts were prepared using a solvent consisting of ethanol and choline chloride, and the developed formulations were evaluated for pH, viscosity, refractive index, gelation temperature, SIRC cell viability and apoptosis, and antimicrobial activity against clinical and reference bacterial strains. The developed formulations exhibited physicochemical properties suitable for ophthalmic preparations and antimicrobial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. Most of the concentrations of the active ingredients tested were well tolerated by SIRC cells, although higher concentrations of the ethanol propolis extract caused a greater cytotoxic effect. The results obtained indicate that gelled ophthalmic formulations based on propolis extracts and diclofenac sodium are promising for the further development of topically acting ophthalmic preparations; however, their biological efficacy and safety must be confirmed. The results obtained indicate that gelled ophthalmic formulations based on propolis extracts and diclofenac sodium are promising for the further development of topical ophthalmic preparations; however, their bioavailability and safety must be confirmed by further in vivo studies.

A key distinction between open and laparoscopic surgery is the use of CO2 insufflation to create pneumoperitoneum and establish the operative field. This study compared the effects of laparoscopic and open ovariectomy (OVE) on plasma cortisol, oxidative stress (OS), systemic inflammation, and systemic CO2 dynamics in healthy dogs anesthetized under a standardized protocol. Thirty-eight healthy female dogs were enrolled in the study and allocated to the laparotomy (LPTOVE, n = 19) or laparoscopic (LAPOVE, n = 19) OVE group. OS was assessed using total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI). Systemic inflammation was evaluated by TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations, whereas systemic CO2 dynamics were assessed using plasma total CO2 (TCO2) and end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2). Blood samples were collected prior to sedation (T0), prior to surgical incision (T1), prior to surgical closure in the LPTOVE group or CO2 desufflation in the LAPOVE group (T2), and 2 h postoperatively (T3). Cortisol concentrations at T2 and T3 were significantly higher in the LPTOVE group than in the LAPOVE group. No significant intergroup differences were observed in TOS, TAS, OSI, or TCO2. In the LPTOVE group, TOS significantly decreased at T3, whereas in the LAPOVE group, TOS mildly increased at T1 and OSI significantly decreased at T2. No measurable TNF-α or IL-6 concentrations were detected at the evaluated time points. EtCO2 levels were higher in the LAPOVE group at the end of surgery. These findings suggest that laparoscopic OVE was associated with lower perioperative cortisol concentrations, while systemic redox status, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations, and carbon dioxide-related parameters remained largely comparable between surgical approaches.

Dementia care involves ethically complex situations across diverse clinical, social care, and policy contexts, yet practice-oriented ethical guidance remains limited. Existing ethical frameworks rarely capture the full complexity of practice across European contexts. This article presents the development and pilot external validation of an Ethical Framework for Decision-Making in Dementia Care, designed for professional caregivers.

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) has emerged as a pressing global health concern as cesarean delivery rates continue to rise. Once regarded primarily as a placental disorder, PAS is now understood as an abnormal implantation process occurring within uterine scars. Although cesarean hysterectomy remains the predominant management strategy, growing evidence suggests that individualized, uterine-sparing approaches may reduce morbidity and better align with patient preferences. Traditional histopathologic classifications neither correlate with prenatal imaging findings nor reflect surgical complexity, thereby limiting their clinical utility. The PAS topographic classification, developed from intraoperative observations, offers a practical framework for surgical staging and guides patient-specific management strategies. Standardized prenatal ultrasound can anticipate surgical challenges and facilitate preoperative counseling. Despite this, few hospitals currently use this classification.

Background: Transdermal films are promising dosage forms for controlled delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients through the skin. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based matrices are particularly attractive due to their biocompatibility, film-forming ability, and versatility. However, the development of films for volatile compounds such as menthol remains challenging due to high potential losses during processing and application. This study compares PVA-based transdermal films fabricated by 3D printing, solvent casting, and electrospinning, focusing on the effect of fabrication method on film properties, release behaviour, and skin delivery performance.

Problematic social media use among adolescents is increasingly recognized as a multidimensional phenomenon with distinct symptom profiles. While aggregate scoring approaches are common, examining individual symptoms may offer a more efficient entry point for identifying adolescents at higher risk. This study examined the prevalence of individual problematic social media use symptoms and their associations with health, mental well-being, and lifestyle indicators among Lithuanian adolescents.

Human platelet antigens (HPAs) are polymorphic structures on platelet membrane glycoproteins that may induce alloimmune responses after transfusion or pregnancy. Knowledge of HPA distribution in different populations is essential for improving transfusion practice and managing platelet transfusion refractoriness.

Pheochromocytoma is increasingly diagnosed at the extremes of age due to the availability of genetic screening in young patients and incidental detection on imaging in older patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of age on presentation and outcomes after adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.