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Background: High levels of homocysteine (Hcy) in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia [HHcy]) are associated with many pathologies, including atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, neurological disorders, and a decrease in muscle mass and strength. The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in skeletal muscle of rats with experimental HHcy. Methods: HHcy in rats of two age groups was induced by intragastric administration of D, L-thiolactone Hcy for 8 weeks. The criterion for the development of pathological conditions was a blood Hcy level above 15 mmol L−1. Cytokine and MMP levels in muscle homogenate were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The findings of the study on the content of pro-inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscles of rats with hyperhomocysteinemia indicated the following. For immature rats, the greatest reduction in tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-8 (IL-8) content was observed, whereas, for mature individuals, the most pronounced decline in IL-1b was evident in skeletal muscle tissue under the pathology state. The content of anti-inflammatory interferon-γ was also reduced in the muscles of both age groups by 30% compared to the control, besides a decrease in the content of collagenase MMP-1 was also observed. Conclusions: The presence of HHcy is associated with metabolic changes in skeletal muscles, which can result in a depletion of cytokines and a slowing down of proteolytic remodeling. This, in turn, can lead to the development of muscular abnormalities, including dysfunction, weakness, and muscle degeneration.

Purpose – The aim of the study is to highlight the perspectives of accounting professionals in Romania on adopting a single set of financial reporting standards for small and medium-sized entities (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – The study included a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. A qualitative approach was employed to examine the perspectives of accounting professionals on their inclination toward international standards for SMEs or national regulations. The quantitative approach involved doing content analysis on interviews to provide empirical support for the implementation of these standards in a national context. Findings – Romanian accounting professionals want an improvement in financial reporting, but not necessarily through the use of an international standard. And although the level of convergence between the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) for SMEs and national regulations is medium, it is not desirable to apply an international financial reporting standard for SMEs. Originality/value – This study stands out as one of the few papers that delve into the perspectives of accounting professionals about adopting IFRS for SMEs in a specific country, offering a unique and engaging perspective.

Deuterium (D) retention in tungsten (W) co-deposited layers, in the presence of neon (Ne) and argon (Ar), was investigated using the bipolar High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (BP-HiPIMS) technique. The deposited layers have a polycrystalline structure, with a preferential growth of W(110) phase. The concentration of D and noble gases (Ne and Ar) is almost constant throughout the depth of the layers. In a D2-Ar discharge, the deposited layers exhibit compressive stress, indicating that Ar is mostly incorporated into the interstitial sites of the W crystal lattice. D retention increases when Ne is added in the discharge, especially when the deposited layer is bombarded with highly energetic ions. Low energy Ne ions (below the W damaging threshold) induce compressive stress, indicating that Ne atoms occupy interstitial sites in the W crystal lattice. High energy Ne ions induce tensile stress, a sign that Ne is trapped in the grain boundaries as inert-gas-vacancy defects, leading to a grain-boundary relaxation. In the presence of Ne, the ion acceleration towards the layer from 0 V to 300 V results in an increase of the D content of about three times, from 3.2 at.% to 8.6 at.%.

With the increasing burden of osteoarthritis worldwide, cost efficient and reliable models are needed to enable the development of innovative therapies or therapeutic interventions. Ex vivo models have been identified as valuable modalities in translational research, bridging the gap between in vitro and in vivo models. Osteocartilaginous explants from Osteoarthritis (OA) patients offer an exquisite opportunity for studying OA progression and testing novel therapies. We describe the protocol for establishing human osteocartilaginous explants with or without co-culture of homologous synovial tissue. Furthermore, a detailed protocol for the assessment of explanted tissue in terms of protein content using Western blot and immunohistochemistry is provided. Commentaries regarding the technique of choice, possible variations and expected results are inserted.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought tremendous changes in society. Universities were among the few organisations with some previous knowledge of online education, being able to rapidly adapt by transferring already known best practices to the new context. As teaching moved to online, students encountered less sustainable implementation by their universities. This allowed the development of previously planned sustainable strategies so that when face-to-face teaching resumed, universities could be even more sustainable. This paper aims to explore loyalty to the sustainable university during the later COVID-19 pandemic based on the university's efforts to manage a green campus. Design/methodology/approach: To investigate loyalty towards the sustainable university during the later COVID-19 pandemic, a conceptual model is proposed. This research is grounded in an empirical investigation using a quantitative online survey implemented with online interviews, the relations between all latent constructs being analysed with SmartPLS. Findings: The results show that university sustainability reflects student loyalty, outlining the image developed under the influence of green campus management. The results show that universities must intensify their efforts to support the sustainable agenda and create a sustainable academic brand, inducing student loyalty. The findings may attract the attention of other universities wishing to gain knowledge about the factors that students consider important in generating their loyalty. Research limitations/implications: As this research was carried out in the later COVID-19 pandemic context from 2021, the students already had experience of online teaching, so their assessment of the sustainability strategies implemented could be quite different from their perceptions in the first months of the pandemic. This research provides a comprehensive insight into the overall strategy that a sustainable university might apply in a crisis context. Social implications: Research has shown that green campus management has a positive impact on the sustainability of a university's image, on how students perceive the university at which they study and on the university's efforts to ensure efficient campus management. These factors contribute to the development of a strong and sustainable image of the university within the community. Originality/value: The originality of this paper lies in the research questions designed to conceptualise and operationalise the generation of students' loyalty towards their university by encouraging and implementing sustainable strategies on campus. This paper highlights a structural model that combines strategic practices to determine students' loyalty towards a sustainable university during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most facets of modern life are being transformed in the light of recent technological developments. Similarly, the accounting industry is going through a significant redesign under the influence of Industry 4.0, often known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which tackles issues of automation and intelligence and incorporates them into accountants’ daily activities. The present research assesses the impact of these changes on the requirements of a work-ready accountant by enclosing the skills relevant for the accounting profession, with a focus on technology relevant skills. The originality of the study lies in its attempt to provide a robust and comprehensive guide to the accounting skill set that ensures the capabilities necessary to thrive in the digitalized accounting workplace of the future. In this way, the research treats both technical (traditional accounting skills) and non-technical skills, but nonetheless, it emphasizes a new set of skills derived from the digital transformation in the context of Industry 4.0. The new skill set addresses the requirements of cyber, digital, and technology competences, which arose from the intensive digitalization of accounting organizations. The paper is a thematic literature review that performs quantitative and qualitative analysis on the literature on accounting and professional bodies in the attempt to define an updated accountant profile in the era of digital technologies. The investigation validates the importance of cyber, digital, and technology skill sets and encourages accountants to upskill their competencies to meet the demands of accounting in the digital era.

Aim. To determine factors influencing esthetic, functional and biologic criteria related to the status of the direct nanohybrid composite-based restorations. Materials and methods. The study group consisted of 45 patients (mean age: 24.88 ± 6.709 yr; gender: 24 males, 21 females) with dental caries in posterior dental group that were treated in Clinical Base of Faculty of Dental Medicine, U.M.F. Grigore T.Popa Iasi (Romania). The status of 241 direct nanohybrid composite-based restorations was analyzed by using FDI indices. Risk factors for unacceptable FDI scores (4-5) of nanohybrid composite-based direct occlusal and occlusal-proximal restorations were determined by using Pearson Chi-squared test and multivariate analysis. Results. 71,1% from all posterior composite resin restorations received scores FDI 1-3. Esthetic FDI scores 1-3 were recorded for 73,4% of all restorations, functional FDI scores 1-3 for 79,3% of all restorations, and biological FDI scores 1-3 for 86,25% of all restorations. Class II restorations had a 2.880 times higher risk of receiving FDI scores of 4-5 when compared to class I restorations, and composite restorations with an age of 3-5 years had a 2.081 times higher risk of receiving FDI scores of 4-5 when compared to restorations with an age of 1-2 years. Conclusions: Class II and age of restorations between 3-5 years are statistically significant predictors of unsatisfactory or unacceptable FDI scores for posterior composite resin restorations. Overall, high cariogenic risk is a risk factor for unsatisfactory or unacceptable FDI scores. Gender, class II, and restorations with age between 3-5 years are statistically significant predictors of unsatisfactory or unacceptable FDI esthetic scores. High cariogenic risk patients, class II, and restorations with age between 3-5 years are statistically significant predictors of unsatisfactory or unacceptable FDI functional scores. Class II and age of restorations between 3-5 years are statistically significant predictors of unsatisfactory or unacceptable FDI biological scores.

Luminescence, transmission, reflection, and wavelength modulation transmission and wavelength modulation reflection spectra of HgGaInS4 crystals were researched in the temperature range of 300-10 K. This article discusses the various features observed in the spectra of HgGaInS4 crystals. The dependence on temperature of the energy gap is shown. Spectra of wavelength modulation transmission have minima a1, a2, and a3, which vary with temperature and are caused by indirect transitions L-Г with phonon absorption and emission. Spectra of thicker crystals have more features caused by the same indirect transitions. The photoluminescence show a strong maximum at 2.43 eV, attributed to radiative recombination of free excitons. These various features have significant implications for the understanding of the electronic and optical properties of HgGaInS4 crystals.

Inherited cardiovascular diseases are rare diseases that are difficult to diagnose by non-expert professionals. Genetic analyses play a key role in the diagnosis of these diseases, in which the identification of a pathogenic genetic variant is often a diagnostic criterion. Therefore, genetic variant classification and routine reinterpretation as data become available represent one of the main challenges associated with genetic analyses. Using the genetic variants identified in an inherited cardiovascular diseases unit during a 10-year period, the objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate the impact of genetic variant reinterpretation, 2) to compare the reclassification rates between different cohorts of cardiac channelopathies and cardiomyopathies, and 3) to establish the most appropriate periodicity for genetic variant reinterpretation. All the evaluated cohorts (full cohort of inherited cardiovascular diseases, cardiomyopathies, cardiac channelopathies, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia) showed reclassification rates above 25%, showing even higher reclassification rates when there is definitive evidence of the association between the gene and the disease in the cardiac channelopathies. Evaluation of genetic variant reclassification rates based on the year of the initial classification showed that the most appropriate frequency for the reinterpretation would be 2 years, with the possibility of a more frequent reinterpretation if deemed convenient. To keep genetic variant classifications up to date, genetic counsellors play a critical role in the reinterpretation process, providing clinical evidence that genetic diagnostic laboratories often do not have at their disposal and communicating changes in classification and the potential implications of these reclassifications to patients and relatives.

Introduction: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the quality of marginal sealing at the cervical margins of indirect and direct composite resin restorations in mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities. Material and method: MOD preparations were performed on 30 extracted teeth. The mesial cervical margin of each tooth was relocated using a flow composite resin (Enamel Plus HRi Flow, Micerium, Avegno, GE, Italy), then the samples were divided into three groups. In group A, the cavities were directly restored using a nanohybrid composite resin (Miris 2 Coltène Whaledent, Altstaetten, Switzerland) and a universal adhesive (ScotchBond Universal, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) by the etch-and-rinse strategy, for group B, the restoration procedure was similar but the self-etch strategy was used, and the samples in group C were filled using the inlay technique. Each sample was stored for 48 h in a 2% methylene blue solution, then it was cut in a mesio-distal direction using a Struers Secotom 50 device (Cleveland, OH, USA). The marginal sealing and adhesive interface were assessed for each sample at the cervical margin by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Significant differences were recorded within groups A and C, between mesial and distal margins (p = 0.02 in group A and p = 0.043 in group C). Conclusions: The marginal sealing is more effective in MOD inlay restoration compared to direct restorations. Relocation of the cervical margin with flow composite resin and the use of different adhesive strategies do not improve the marginal sealing.

The article analyzes literature data on the development of aortic root abscess in patients with septic endocarditis, which is a frequent cause of this complication and requires immediate surgical treatment. At the same time, on the example of own clinical observation, it is shown that an aortic root abscess can also occur in patients with surgical sepsis as a manifestation of metastasis from an extracardiac septic focus in septicopyemia.

Acute mesenteric ischemia is a life-threatening disease that can be managed by surgery or endovascular therapy. Endovascular therapy shows great efficacy and good clinical outcomes even in technically demanding interventions, and it can become an alternative to surgery. After the revascularisation of mesenteric arteries, we should take into account the risk of reperfusion injury with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and worse clinical outcomes. We present a case of acute embolic mesenteric ischemia associated with acute left external iliac artery occlusion due to poorly anticoagulated atrial fibrillation, treated by a complex multiple stent-based angioplasty.

In the global context of climate change and carbon neutrality, this work proposes a strategy to improve the light absorption of photocatalytic water-splitting materials into the visible spectrum by anion doping. In this framework, reactive high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) of a pure Zr target in Ar/N2/O2 gas mixture was used for the deposition of crystalline zirconium oxynitride (ZrO2-xNx) thin films with variable nitrogen doping concentration and energy band-gap. The nitrogen content into these films was controlled by the discharge pulsing frequency, which controls the target surface poisoning and peak discharge current. The role of the nitrogen doping on the optical, structural, and photocatalytic properties of ZrO2-xNx films was investigated. UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy was employed to investigate the optical properties and to assess the energy band-gap. Surface chemical analysis was performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, while structural analysis was carried out by X-ray diffraction. The increase in the pulse repetition frequency determined a build-up in the nitrogen content of the deposited ZrO2-xNx thin films from ∼10 to ∼25 at.%. This leads to a narrowing of the optical band-gap energy from 3.43 to 2.20 eV and endorses efficient absorption of visible light. Owing to its narrow bandgap, ZrO2-xNx thin films obtained by reactive HiPIMS can be used as visible light-driven photocatalyst. For the selected processing conditions (pulsing configuration and gas composition), it was found that reactive HiPIMS can suppress the hysteresis effect for a wide range of frequencies, leading to a stable deposition process with a smooth transition from compound to metal-sputtering mode.

Water-based bio-sourced resists are promising candidates as alternatives for deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography by replacing current photoresists issued from petro-chemistry for microelectronics application. Chitosan films produced from seafood industry wastes enable patterning processes free of organic solvent and alkali-based developers, by substitution with water. After demonstrating high-resolution patterning at lab-scale after transfer into silica 10 mm wafer, we investigate here the industrial pre-transfer chitosan-based photoresist on the 300 mm pilot line scale at CEA-Leti for 193 nm DUV lithography.

Endometriosis and adenomyosis behave similarly to cancer. No current treatments represent a cure, even if there are several options, including hormonal and surgical therapy. In advanced or recurrent pathologies, however, personalized treatment is necessary. We have found that due to the multiple common features, various therapeutic options have been used or studied for all three pathologies, with varying results. The objective of this review is to extract from the relevant literature the compounds that are used for endometriosis and adenomyosis characterized by malignant behavior, with some of these drugs being studied first in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Special attention is needed in the pathogenesis of these pathologies. Despite the multiple drugs that have been tested, only a few of them have been introduced into clinical practice. An unmet need is the cure of these diseases. Long-time treatment is necessary because symptoms persist, and surgery is often followed by postoperative recurrence. We emphasize the need for new, effective, long-term treatments based on pathogeny while considering their adverse effects.

Nanotechnology is the science of creating materials at the nanoscale by using various devices, structures, and systems that are often inspired by nature. Micro- and nanoparticles (MPs, NPs) are examples of such materials that have unique properties and can be used as carriers for delivering drugs for different biomedical applications. Chitosan (CS) is a natural polysaccharide that has been widely studied, but it has a problem with low water solubility at neutral or basic pH, which limits its processability. The goal of this work was to use a chemically modified CS with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PEGA) to prepare CS micronic and submicronic particles (MPs/NPs) that can deliver different types of antibiotics, respectively, levofloxacin (LEV) and Ciprofloxacin (CIP). The particle preparation procedure employed a double crosslinking method, ionic followed by a covalent, in a water/oil emulsion. The studied process parameters were the precursor concentration, stirring speeds, and amount of ionic crosslinking agent. MPs/NPs were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, light scattering granulometry, and Zeta potential. MPs/NPs were also tested for their water uptake capacity in acidic and neutral pH conditions, and the results showed that they had a pH-dependent behavior. The MPs/NPs were then used to encapsulate two separate drugs, LEV and CIP, and they showed excellent drug loading and release capacity. The MPs/NPs were also found to be safe for cells and blood, which demonstrated their potential as suitable drug delivery systems for biomedical applications.

Polymers play a crucial role in multiple industries; however, surface modification is necessary for certain applications. Exposure to non-thermal plasma provides a viable and environmentally beneficial option. Fused deposition molding utilizes biodegradable polylactic acid, although it encounters constraints in biomedical applications as a result of inadequate mechanical characteristics. This study investigates the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma generated by a dielectric barrier discharge system using helium and/or argon on the modification of polylactic acid surfaces, changes in their wettability properties, and alterations in their chemical composition. The plasma source was ignited in either He or Ar and was tailored to fit the best operational conditions for polymer exposure. The results demonstrated the enhanced wettability of the polymer surface following plasma treatment (up to 40% in He and 20% in Ar), with a marginal variation observed among treatments utilizing different gases. The plasma treatments also caused changes in the surface topography, morphology, roughness, and hydrophilicity. Plasma exposure also resulted in observable modifications in the dielectric characteristics, phase transition, and structure. The experimental findings endorse the utilization of plasma technologies at normal air pressure for environmentally friendly processing of polymer materials, specifically for applications that necessitate enhanced adhesion and have carefully selected prerequisites.

Organic fractions assessment in influent wastewater is essential for designing the biological wastewater treatment plant. The characteristics of the influent organic load (readily biodegradable, biodegradable, or inert) and form of distribution (soluble/suspended) may induce the design and operational parameters of primary settlers and biological treatment step. The current work presents the comparative assessment of organic fractions in three wastewater samples evaluated experimentally through three different fractionation methodologies, respectively modified ATV-A131 guidelines, IWA methodology, and the Łomotowski-Szpindor methodology. The wastewater samples were collected from the influent of two municipal wastewater treatment plants. In all wastewater samples tested the biodegradable fractions SS or XS had the highest share in the total COD. This is consistent with the biodegradable character of municipal influents and the suitability for organic and advanced nutrient removal through biological processes. The amount of non-biodegradable fractions SI and XI, varied from 18 to 54% of total organic load, on momentary grab samples of studied influents.

The crisis situations that have affected the oil and gas market have had a significant impact on the companies’ performance from this sector and especially on their customers. In these circumstances, many companies faced increasing difficulties and in some cases, in order to survive, they had to restructure their business or even leave the market. Considering this context, this kind of situations are also manifesting in Romania where we can identify companies facing the erosion of their competitive position, with economic, financial and capital consequences, while other companies still managed to react positively to the crisis generated by the energy sector through innovation and internationalization. This article analyses the sustainability of the operational activity of oil and gas extraction companies from Romania, based on financial and economic data and information, having the aim of investigating the way in which the performance of different markets has influenced the economic and financial results and consequently, the implications of this influence for the structure of the activity and on the financial-economic sustainability. The research methodology is specific to a quantitative research, based on a sample of financial and economic data reported by all 29 oil and gas extraction companies from Romania over the period of 2008–2022. The data collected from the financial reports formed the basis for the calculation of the financial indicators and ratios considered relevant in forecasting the economic and financial sustainability of these companies. The results obtained are materialised in the development of a model whose aim is to assess the financial and economic sustainability, its independent variables being grouped into performance, activity and risk indicators. The usefulness of the results obtained is relevant both for the companies concerned and for their customers and suppliers who will show a visible dependence on energy costs, but also for investors and financiers directly interested in performance and sustainability information, on the basis of which they will determine the value of their own economic benefits.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic baffled the traditional educational system and the face-to-face educational process, shifting to the online environment. Almost all university activities were carried out online for a period of time, which put pressure on university strategies, including sustainability. To maintain the international ranking of universities applying a sustainability strategy, the largest and most representative university in Romania continued to implement the principles of sustainability in its activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, thus fostering a positive, strong, and trustworthy image amongst its main group of stakeholders, namely students. Objective/Aim: The aim of this paper is to determine to what extent students related to the university's sustainable strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess whether students could rely on their university to integrate sustainability-related strategies into the overall university strategy. Methods/Instruments: The authors propose a conceptual model to generate trust in the sustainable practices, which is analyzed with the help of structural equations in SmartPLS. Results: The results highlight the fact that the students continued to adopt sustainability principles during the pandemic, expressing their preference that the university continue to implement its sustainability strategy, although the focus was on the safety measures generated by the new context. This strategy focusses on sustainable practises, green mobility, and consumption, and, of course, on the sustainable initiatives that address them. Conclusions/implications: The article presents research based on stakeholder theory, emphasizing the numerous implications for higher education institutions, which can adopt different good practices with a view to improving stakeholder trust and satisfaction.