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Charge diffusion from an ion track and its collection by a biased contact in a semiconductor domain is modeled and analyzed within the framework of the so-called diffusion–collection approach. We successively examine the case of charge diffusion from a point source and from a linear distribution, introducing and discussing the concept of collection velocity at the point where the collection current is evaluated. Analytical formulations of the collected charge, collection current, and collection velocity are developed. Implications for the calculation of the soft error rate in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor circuits exposed to ionizing particles are derived. Finally, our model provides new insights into the correct definition of the charge collection velocity in collection–diffusion models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sex-based differences are common among diseases. We aimed to investigate the differences in colonoscopy indications and its findings between males and females. Methods: A large, multi-center, cross-sectional, retrospective study included all colonoscopies performed between 2016 and 2021 in seven endoscopy departments. The indications and findings of the procedures were compared between males and females. Results: A total of 151,411 (52.6%) women and 136,519 (47.4%) men were included, aged 56.54 ± 12.9 years and 56.59 ± 12.7. Cecal intubation was similar (95.6% vs 95.5%, p = 0.251). More females had excellent or good bowel preparation compared to males (71.4% vs 65.6%). Colonoscopy due to abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and anemia was higher in females compared to males (15% vs 9.9%, 3.9% vs 2.2%, and 7.6% vs 4.9%, p < 0.001, respectively), while positive FOBT, rectal bleeding and post-polypectomy surveillance and screening were more common indications among males (9.5% vs 7.8%, 10.7% vs 7.8%, and 10.8% vs 7.1%, respectively). On colonoscopy, males were found to have significantly higher colorectal cancer and polyps (0.5% vs 0.4% and 35.1% vs 24.6%). Polyp detection rates were lower in females across all indications, whereas diverticulosis rates were higher in males. However, a clinically significant difference regarding diverticulosis was observed only in patients with anemia as the indication. Conclusions: Notable differences exist between males and females in terms of the indications and findings on colonoscopy. This highlights the need for identifying the factors contributing to these differences and the developing sex-specific approaches for the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases.

Infective endocarditis is a rare disease in children. The etiology is mainly bacterial. However, viral infective endocarditis, possibly related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has also been reported. The pathophysiological principle of the connection between the two entities seems to be attributed to the transient immune deficiency of the body during the infection. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 is reported in the literature as a direct cardiopathic virus. Therefore, the new coronavirus seems to have the ability to affect both the intact cardiac tissue and the previously damaged one both during the acute episode and at a distance from it. Consequently, we propose to review the main pathophysiological aspects of pediatric cardiac damage caused by SARS-CoV-2. The ultimate goal is to deepen existing knowledge, broaden the horizon of understanding and analysis regarding the systemic damage induced by viral infections, and strengthen an information base from which to start a meta-analysis. Next, we performed a non-systematized screening of the specialized literature with reference to cases of endocarditis in the pediatric population, reported in the period 2020-2023. From the total of articles found, we chose to include in the review a number of 6 case reports, including a number of 7 patients (5 children and 2 adolescents). Analysis of reports suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection could play a role in the development of endocarditis, either directly through active infection or indirectly through a post-infectious immune response. Also, pre-existing conditions and complex medical history predispose to an increased risk of developing a severe, complicated form of endocarditis. Also, the lack of data on the vaccination history and the failure to categorize the infection depending on the type of antibodies (IgM or IgG) in some studies represent a major bias in the reports. The latter make it difficult to evaluate the influence of vaccination and the impact of acute versus chronic infection on the course of cases., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Lupu, Nedelcu, Budescu, Jechel, Starcea, Frasinariu, Ioniuc, Badescu, Salaru, Munteanu, Russu, Sascau, Statescu and Lupu.)

The present treatments for bronchiectasis, which is defined by pathological dilatation of the airways, are confined to symptom relief and minimizing exacerbations. The condition is becoming more common worldwide. Since the disease's pathophysiology is not entirely well understood, developing novel treatments is critically important. The interplay of chronic infection, inflammation, and compromised mucociliary clearance, which results in structural alterations and the emergence of new infection, is most likely responsible for the progression of bronchiectasis. Other than treating bronchiectasis caused by cystic fibrosis, there are no approved treatments. Understanding the involvement of the microbiome in this disease is crucial, the microbiome is defined as the collective genetic material of all bacteria in an environment. In clinical practice, bacteria in the lungs have been studied using cultures; however, in recent years, researchers use next-generation sequencing methods, such as 16S rRNA sequencing. Although the microbiome in bronchiectasis has not been entirely investigated, what is known about it suggests that Haemophilus , Pseudomonas and Streptococcus dominate the lung bacterial ecosystems, they present significant intraindividual stability and interindividual heterogeneity. Pseudomonas and Haemophilus -dominated microbiomes have been linked to more severe diseases and frequent exacerbations, however additional research is required to fully comprehend the role of microbiome in the evolution of bronchiectasis. This review discusses recent findings on the lung microbiota and its association with bronchiectasis., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Azoicai, Lupu, Alexoae, Starcea, Mocanu, Lupu, Mitrofan, Nedelcu, Tepordei, Munteanu, Mitrofan, Salaru and Ioniuc.)

The growing interest in advancing microfluidic devices for manipulating fluids within micrometer-scale channels has prompted a shift in manufacturing practices, moving from single-component production to medium-size batches. This transition arises due to the impracticality of lab-scale manufacturing methods in accommodating the increased demand. This experimental study focuses on the design of master benchmarks 1-5, taking into consideration critical parameters such as rib width, height, and the relative width-to-height ratio. Notably, benchmarks 4 and 5 featured ribs that were strategically connected to the inlet, outlet, and reaction chamber of the master, enhancing their utility for subsequent replica production. Vat photopolymerization was employed for the fabrication of benchmarks 1-5, while replicas of benchmarks 4 and 5 were generated through polydimethylsiloxane casting. Dimensional investigations of the ribs and channels in both the master benchmarks and replicas were conducted using an optical technique validated through readability analysis based on the Michelson global contrast index. The primary goal was to evaluate the potential applicability of vat photopolymerization technology for efficiently producing microfluidic devices through a streamlined production process. Results indicate that the combination of vat photopolymerization followed by replication is well suited for achieving a minimum rib size of 25 µm in width and an aspect ratio of 1:12 for the master benchmark.

Portal hypertension often precedes the development of advanced fibrosis in patients with Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and may accelerate disease progression to cirrhosis. We aimed to evaluate whether prioritization tools accurately predict survival in patients with MASLD and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). We retrospectively identified patients diagnosed with esophageal or gastric varices (EGV). Laboratory results, endoscopy reports and outcomes of patients with MASLD were compared to patients with advanced stage chronic liver disease (CLD) of other etiologies. During the study period 326 patients were diagnosed with EGV. 88 (26.9%) had MASLD, 113 (34.6%) viral hepatitis (VH), 63 (19.3%) alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and 62 (19%) both VH and ALD (VHALD). EGV bleeding events were significantly more frequent in patients with MASLD (36.3%), compared to VH (28.3%), ALD (30.1%) and VHALD (25.8%), respectively (p < 0.01). Mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)-Na score surrounding 1 year of first event of EGV bleeding was significantly lower in MASLD patients compared to all other etiologies (p = 0.02). At a MELD-Na score of 11-20, cumulative survival rate was significantly lower in MASLD patients compared to all other etiologies (log rank p < 0.01). MASLD patients present with EGV bleeding at lower MELD-Na scores compared to other etiologies of CLD. MELD-Na score may therefore underestimate disease severity and risk of death in patients with MASLD and CSPH., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Asthma and adolescence are two sensitive points and are difficult to manage when they coexist. The first is a chronic respiratory condition, with frequent onset in early childhood (between 3 and 5 years), which can improve or worsen with age. Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood (12-19 years), marked by various internal and external conflicts and a limited capacity to understand and accept any aspect that is delimited by the pattern of the social circle (of the entourage) frequented by the individual. Therefore, the clinician is faced with multiple attempts regarding the management of asthma encountered during the adolescent period, starting from the individualization of the therapy to the control of compliance (which depends equally on the adverse reactions, quality of life offered and support of the close circle) and the social integration of the subject, communication probably having a more important role in the monitoring and evolution of the condition than the preference for a certain therapeutic scheme. Current statistics draw attention to the increase in morbidity and mortality among children with bronchial asthma, an aspect demonstrated by the numerous hospitalizations recorded, due either to an escalation in the severity of this pathology or to faulty management. The purpose of this article is to review the delicate aspects in terms of controlling symptoms and maintaining a high quality of life among teenagers.

Considered to be of greater complexity than the human genome itself, the microbiome, the structure of the body made up of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, has proven to play a crucial role in the context of the development of pathological processes in the body, starting from various infections, autoimmune diseases, atopies, and culminating in its involvement in the development of some forms of cancer, a diagnosis that is considered the most disabling for the patient from a psychological point of view. Therefore, being a cornerstone in the understanding and optimal treatment of a multitude of ailments, the body's microbiome has become an intensively studied subject in the scientific literature of the last decade. This review aims to bring the microbiome-asthma correlation up to date by classifying asthmatic patterns, emphasizing the development patterns of the microbiome starting from the perinatal period and the impact of pulmonary dysbiosis on asthmatic symptoms in children. Likewise, the effects of intestinal dysbiosis reflected at the level of homeostasis of the internal environment through the intestine-lung/vital organs axis, the circumstances in which it occurs, but also the main methods of studying bacterial variability used for diagnostic purposes and in research should not be omitted. In conclusion, we draw current and future therapeutic lines worthy of consideration both in obtaining and maintaining remission, as well as in delaying the development of primary acute episodes and preventing future relapses.

Alarming statistics show that the number of people affected by excessive weight has surpassed 2 billion, representing approximately 30% of the world's population. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of one of the most serious public health problems, considering that obesity requires an integrative approach that takes into account its complex etiology, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Only an understanding of the connections between the many contributors to obesity and the synergy between treatment interventions can ensure satisfactory outcomes in reducing obesity. Mechanisms such as oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of obesity and its associated complications. Compounding factors such as the deleterious effects of stress, the novel challenge posed by the obesogenic digital (food) environment, and the stigma associated with obesity should not be overlooked. Preclinical research in animal models has been instrumental in elucidating these mechanisms, and translation into clinical practice has provided promising therapeutic options, including epigenetic approaches, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. However, more studies are necessary to discover new compounds that target key metabolic pathways, innovative ways to deliver the drugs, the optimal combinations of lifestyle interventions with allopathic treatments, and, last but not least, emerging biological markers for effective monitoring. With each passing day, the obesity crisis tightens its grip, threatening not only individual lives but also burdening healthcare systems and societies at large. It is high time we took action as we confront the urgent imperative to address this escalating global health challenge head-on.

Celiac disease (CD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are two diseases intensively studied in all age groups, with an increasing incidence at the global level, possibly due to the increased awareness of the diseases and their accurate diagnosis and as a consequence of the new research and innovation technologies that have appeared in medicine. The first is a controllable condition found in approximately 1% of the entire population in the form of a reaction to environmental stimuli affecting individuals with genetic susceptibility, causing gluten intolerance, gastrointestinal and extradigestive symptoms, starting from subclinical stages and culminating in severe malabsorption. On the other hand, lupus is an autoimmune disease with chameleon-like symptoms and found mainly in the female sex, which leaves its clinical mark on most organs, from the skin, eyes, and kidneys to the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, osteoarticular, and hematological systems. Current studies focus on the correlation between celiac disease and other autoimmune pathologies such as autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto and Graves-Basedow), type I diabetes, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The current review aims to present a summary of the data from the specialized literature regarding the intercurrents between celiac disease and lupus by analyzing the most recent studies published on PubMed.

Celiac disease (CD) is a multifactorial disorder, defined by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Both genetic predisposition and dietary exposure to gluten are essential factors in triggering CD. However, there is proof that their presence is necessary, but not sufficient, for disease development. Through gut microbiota modulation, several additional environmental factors have shown their potential role as co-factors in CD pathogenesis. The aim of this review is to illustrate the possible mechanisms that stand behind the gut microbiota's involvement in CD pathogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss microbiota manipulation's potential role as both a preventative and therapeutic option. The available literature provides evidence that even before CD onset, factors including cesarean birth and formula feeding, as well as intestinal infection exposure, amplify the risk of CD in genetically predisposed individuals, due to their influence on the intestinal microbiome composition. Active CD was associated with elevated levels of several Gram-negative bacterial genera, including Bacteroides , Escherichia , and Prevotella , while beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were less abundant. Viral and fungal dysbiosis has also been described in CD, evidencing specific taxa alteration. A gluten-free diet (GFD) may improve the clinical symptoms and duodenal histopathology, but the persistence of intestinal dysbiosis in CD children under a GFD urges the need for additional therapy. Probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbial transplant have demonstrated their efficacy in restoring gut microbiota eubiosis in adult CD patients; however, their efficacy and safety as adjunctive therapies to a GFD in pediatric patients needs further investigation., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

(1) Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease. Aims: We aimed to investigate the frequency of comorbidities and malignancies among NAFLD patients compared to the general population. (2) Methods: A retrospective study included adult patients with a NAFLD diagnosis. A control group was matched for age and gender. Demographics, comorbidities, malignancies, and mortality were collected and compared. (3) Results: 211,955 NAFLD patients were analyzed in comparison to 452,012 matched general population controls. Significantly higher rates of diabetes mellitus (23.2% vs. 13.3%), obesity (58.8% vs. 27.8%), hypertension (57.2% vs. 39.9%), chronic ischemic heart disease (24.7% vs. 17.3%), and CVA (3.2% vs. 2.8%) were found among NAFLD patients. Patients with NAFLD had significantly higher rates of the following malignancies: prostate cancer (1.6% vs. 1.2%), breast cancer (2.6% vs. 1.9%), colorectal cancer (1.8% vs. 1.4%), uterine cancer (0.4 vs. 0.2%), kidney cancer (0.8% vs. 0.5%), but a lower rate of lung cancer (0.9% vs. 1.2%) and stomach cancer (0.3% vs. 0.4%). The all-cause mortality rate among NAFLD patients was significantly lower in comparison to the general population (10.8% vs. 14.7%, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Higher rates of comorbidities and malignancies among NAFLD patients were observed, but a lower rate of all-cause mortality was found.

The attachment or entrapment of microbial cells and enzymes are promising solutions for various industrial applications. When the traps are beads, they are dispersed in a fluidized bed in a vessel where a pump guarantees fresh liquid inflow and waste outflow without washing out the cells. Scientific papers report numerous types of cell entrapment, but most of their applications remain at the laboratory level. In the present research, rigid polymer beads were manufactured by two different additive manufacturing (AM) techniques in order to verify the economy, reusability, and stability of the traps, with a view toward a straightforward industrial application. The proposed solutions allowed for overcoming some of the drawbacks of traditional manufacturing solutions, such as the limited mechanical stability of gel traps, and they guaranteed the possibility of producing parts of constant quality with purposely designed exchange surfaces, which are unfeasible when using conventional processes. AM proved to be a viable manufacturing solution for beads with complex shapes of two different size ranges. A deep insight into the production and characteristics of beads manufactured by AM is provided. The paper provides biotechnologists with a manufacturing perspective, and the results can be directly applied to transit from the laboratory to the industrial scale.

In the context of new geopolitical tensions due to the current armed conflicts, safety in terms of navigation has been threatened due to the large number of sea mines placed, in particular, within the sea conflict areas. Additionally, since a large number of mines have recently been reported to have drifted into the territories of the Black Sea countries such as Romania, Bulgaria Georgia and Turkey, which have intense commercial and tourism activities in their coastal areas, the safety of those economic activities is threatened by possible accidents that may occur due to the above-mentioned situation. The use of deep learning in a military operation is widespread, especially for combating drones and other killer robots. Therefore, the present research addresses the detection of floating and underwater sea mines using images recorded from cameras (taken from drones, submarines, ships and boats). Due to the low number of sea mine images, the current research used both an augmentation technique and synthetic image generation (by overlapping images with different types of mines over water backgrounds), and two datasets were built (for floating mines and for underwater mines). Three deep learning models, respectively, YOLOv5, SSD and EfficientDet (YOLOv5 and SSD for floating mines and YOLOv5 and EfficientDet for underwater mines), were trained and compared. In the context of using three algorithm models, YOLO, SSD and EfficientDet, the new generated system revealed high accuracy in object recognition, namely the detection of floating and anchored mines. Moreover, tests carried out on portable computing equipment, such as Raspberry Pi, illustrated the possibility of including such an application for real-time scenarios, with the time of 2 s per frame being improved if devices use high-performance cameras.

(1) Background: Many studies suggest that Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) infection is associated with a higher prevalence of anemia. The aim of this study is to explore this fact for a pediatric population from the northeast of Romania; (2) Methods: A correlational retrospective study between infection with H. pylori and anemia was performed on a group of 542 children in a pediatric gastroenterology regional center in Northeast Romania; (3) Results: Out of 542 children with confirmed H. pylori infection, microcytic hypochromic anemia was present in 48 children, of whom 7 (14.5%) also had iron deficiency.; (4) Conclusions: The study results demonstrate a significant association of H. pylori infection with iron-deficiency anemia and iron deficiency in children in accordance with the results established in the published literature. Although the direct relationship between them it is not clear yet, prevention represents one of the first clinical measures that need to be implemented when encountering a refractory moderate to severe iron-deficiency anemia and, especially, when associated with gastrointestinal tract symptoms.

The study investigates the influences of gender, area of origin and age stage variables and also of the interaction between them, on the free time behavior of the students at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports from Galati. The questionnaire applied in the academic year 2019-2020 had 85 items and was structured on 4 factors: leisure budget, leisure limiting factors, preferred leisure activities, and leisure sports activities. The multivariate/MANOVA analysis showed statistically significant data for some of the analyzed items, with values of F associated with thresholds p < 0.05. The results support longer screen time for urban areas and for those <25 years and time limitation for the favorite activities of students >25 years, while reading had higher stress scores for men and students <25 years. Men tended to limit their free time working overtime and women limited their free time due to housework. Students from rural areas and men >25 years were more stressed by socializing on the internet and shopping. Financial limitations for preferred activities were higher for women and students <25 years-women read more and visited their friends more often while men had higher scores in relation to involvement in physical activities throughout the week, an aspect also reported for those <25 years. Students >25 years spent more time with their family, while those <25 years socialized more on the internet and had better scores when going out with friends. Those in urban areas did more jogging, men had better scores in relation to playing sports games, higher indicators for the satisfaction generated by sports activity, and women preferred jogging and cycling/rollerblading. Sports games and different types of fitness were the most common variants practiced at the level of the studied group. Conclusion: There was no dominant orientation of the investigated group towards forms of passive leisure and there were no cases of sedentariness, even if the use of technologies (video games, socializing on the Internet and TV) were forms of leisure often used by students.

Abstract: Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when gastric contents flow back into the esophagus and produce symptoms. Recurrent wheezing affects the quality of life for the patient and family. The association of gastroesophageal reflux with recurrent wheezing is suggested by different studies. The purpose of this study was to explore this relationship and to evaluate the outcome after appropriate treatment.A retrospective study on 85 children with recurrent wheezing, admitted in a pediatric gastroenterology regional center in Romania was performed. 24-hour continuous esophageal pH monitoring was used to evaluate the presence of gastroesophageal reflux and the results were interpreted using the Boix Ochoa score. All patients with positive score received treatment with proton pump inhibitors and they were evaluated again after 2 months.Gastroesophageal reflux was present in 71 children (83.5%), while 14 (16.5%) had a negative score, with a statistic significance (χ2 = 6.88, P = .0086, 95% confidence interval). After 2 months treatment with proton pump inhibitors, the Boix Ochoa score was still positive in 15 patients (21.13%).Recurrent wheezing is a solid reason for evaluating the presence of gastroesophageal reflux by 24-hour continuous esophageal pH-metry. Adequate treatment of gastroesophageal reflux solves also the recurrent wheezing in the majority of patients., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interests to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)