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The aim of this study was to detect the concentrations of PCSK9 in various subclinical stages of atherosclerosis and to highlight its relationship with inflammation. One hundred and fifty-nine healthy patients were divided into three groups, based on the extent of atherosclerotic changes in the carotid artery: a group without identifiable atherosclerosis, cIMT>75‰ and an asymptomatic plaque group. The PCSK9 was measured by ELISA and hsCRP by the immunoturbidimetric method. Vascular changes were identified by a carotid ultrasound. PCSK9 was elevated, when comparing the healthy group with the cIMT>75‰ group; however, no significant increase was detected between cIMT>75‰ and the asymptomatic plaque group. A positive linear correlation of the PCSK9 concentration and atherosclerotic changes was found; however, after the re-analysis in each group, this correlation persisted only in the group with still normal values. Additionally, a significant linear correlation was found between the PCSK9 concentrations and lipid parameters. However, no significant association was found with hsCRP. PCSK9 was found to be elevated only in cIMT>75‰, but not in the later plaque stage. A linear correlation of PCSK9 values was detected only in the group with still reference values. Based on this fact, we assumed the direct linear role of PCSK9 in initiating atherosclerosis; however, in the later phases, the relationship, which highlights other risk factors such as inflammation, is not linear.

Understanding the profound impact of a viral pandemic on the mental health of patients with autoimmune diseases undergoing biological treatment is crucial for future insights. This cross-sectional case-control study aimed to assess the mental health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Romania, spanning from November 2022 to March 2023. A specialized self-report questionnaire in the Romanian language was developed to measure the multifaceted effects of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of these patients. The findings revealed a significant decline in the mental health of patients with IBD during the pandemic compared to the control group. Patients with IBD exhibited elevated levels of anxiety and concern regarding the virus. Intriguingly, despite the challenges, the vaccination rate was notably higher among patients with IBD, indicating a proactive approach to safeguarding their health. The study also shed light on various coping mechanisms employed by patients with IBD to navigate the pandemic-related restrictions. Engaging in activities such as social media and computer games emerged as effective strategies for managing heightened stress and limitations. In conclusion, the emergence of a novel viral pathogen represents a significant distress factor for patients with autoimmune diseases. Recognizing and comprehending these consequences enhances our understanding of the intricate interplay between physical and mental health and equips authorities with valuable insights to better manage future epidemics or viral outbreaks. This study underscores the importance of tailored support systems and strategies for patients with autoimmune diseases during global health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infections in the Roma population in Cluj County, Romania. It mentions that the prevalence of HBV in the Roma population was much higher than in the general non-Roma Romanian population, while the prevalence of HCV was moderately higher. The authors emphasize the need to prioritize the Roma population in the management of viral hepatitis to achieve the World Health Organization's elimination targets for 2030.

This article focuses on the development of European institutional repositories web security in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). Since the first analysis in June 2016, we have been still using the same three independent online tools to measure the web security score of these repositories. In case of data transfer, the qualitative aspects of the secured HTTPS protocol are as important as implementing the protocol itself. Our analysis is directly related to the previously published article where we examined the selected group of LIS repositories. Now, we are focusing on the summarization of improvements made between 2016-2018. These are based on periodical annual measurements. These may contribute to increasing the security level of repositories not only in Europe, but also with respect to the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) regulation which came into force a few months ago. It is significant because the GDPR focuses, inter alia, on the ways of sensitive data transfer over the internet networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanostructuring of titanium and its alloys surfaces is used inter alia for increasing the medical implants osseointegration. Many papers about this topic were published. However, in most cases there were no informations about nanostructures adhesion to the surface, which is crucial from the application point of view. The aim of this study was to prepare nanostructures on titanium beta alloy and optimized its adhesion to the alloy surface. Nanotubes were formed by anodic polarization in electrolyte containing fluoride ions. The composition of the nanotubes was described by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Nanostructures adhesion was tested by pull-of method. The nanotubes on the Ti–36Nb–6Ta beta alloy surface were prepared by anodization. The nanostructures properties were modified by electrochemical process parameters. The adhesion of the nanotubes prepared in this work was satisfactory for implantological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A versatile isothermal glass apparatus provided with sintered glass on the bottom was designed for the bench scale adsorptive bleaching and deodorisation of vegetable oils. The stream of argon bubbles agitated the sample in both cases and protected the vegetable oil effectively against undesirable autoxidation and photooxygenation changes. However, a variable concentration of hexanal (27-30 μmol/kg) was always present in half-refined oils due to the heterolytic fragmentation of alkyl hydroperoxides. The colour on the Lovibond scale and the content of phosphorus (< 5 mg/kg) were efficiently decreased during the laboratory bleaching of rapeseed oil. It was found out that the adapted glass apparatus connected with a vacuum pump (1 hPa, a stream of argon gas instead of stripping steam) was able to reduce the content of carbonyl compounds below detectable concentration at 220-240°C. Furthermore, the extent of minor geometrical and positional isomerisation reactions was negligible (0.035-0.130 wt%). The results of the bench scale bleaching and deodorisation experiments were completely comparable with the industrial equipment under reduced pressure of the air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased risk of developing vascular calcifications, as well as bone dynamics impairment, leading to a poor quality of life and increased mortality. Certain vitamin K dependent proteins (VKDPs) act mainly as calcification inhibitors, but their involvement in the onset and progression of CKD are not completely elucidated. This review is an update of the current state of knowledge about the relationship between CKD and four extrahepatic VKDPs: matrix Gla protein, osteocalcin, growth-arrest specific protein 6 and Gla-rich protein. Based on published literature in the last ten years, the purpose of this review is to address fundamental aspects about the link between CKD and circulating VKDPs levels as well as to raise new topics about how the interplay between molecular weight and charge could influence the modifications of circulating VKDPs at the glomerular level, or whether distinct renal etiologies have effect on VKDPs. This review is the output of a systematic literature search and may open future research avenues in this niche domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]