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Space flight modulates the functions of the cardiovascular system. The exposure to space conditions can alter the cerebral blood flow, as well as the venous return. Anemia, cardiac output changes, and increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system can also be seen. Understanding cardiac changes prepares astronauts for both better in-flight adaptations and long-term protection against cardiovascular diseases. The heart could undergo radio-degenerative effects when exposed to space radiation, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the long run. A high frequency of arrhythmias, such as ventricular/atrial premature complexes, have been reported during the Gemini and Apollo missions. Additionally, microgravity can lead to progressive degeneration of the myocytes and muscle atrophy with altered gene expression and calcium handling, along with impaired contractility. This review summarizes the potential cardiovascular effects of spaceflight and prevention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Oral cancer represents a main public health issue around the world due to the mortality rates associated with it, the lack of effective and potent drugs, the multitude of side effects and the expensive treatments. Until now, no natural alternative therapeutic methods have been found beneficial enough to replace conventional drugs. Thus, bioactive compounds with anticancer properties can represent a necessary alternative through a targeted molecular approach to the multiple pathways involved in carcinogenesis. This review explores how the therapeutic potential of natural compounds can be harnessed and how they can be used as adjuvant therapies for oral cancer treatment. The collected results focused only on plant extracts and biologically active metabolites known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor potential, which can be described as future chemopreventive agents against oral cancer, alone or in therapeutic combinations. Background: With a significant increase in both incidence and mortality, oral cancer—particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)—is one of the main causes of death in developing countries. Even though there is evidence of advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the overall survival rate for patients with OSCC has improved, but by a small percentage. This may be due, on the one hand, to the fact that the disease is diagnosed when it is at a too-advanced stage, when metastases are already present. Methods: This review explores the therapeutic potential of natural herbal products and their use as adjuvant therapies in the treatment of oral cancer from online sources in databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Scopus, Elsevier). Results: Even if classic therapies are known to be effective, they often produce many serious side effects and can create resistance. Certain natural plant compounds may offer a complementary approach by inducing apoptosis, suppressing tumor growth, and improving chemotherapy effectiveness. The integration of these compounds with conventional treatments to obtain remarkable synergistic effects represents a major point of interest to many authors. This review highlights the study of molecular mechanisms and their efficiency in in vitro and in vivo models, as well as the strategic ways in which drugs can be administered to optimize their use in real contexts. Conclusions: This review may have a significant impact on the oncology community, creating new inspirations for the development of more effective, safer cancer therapies with less toxic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although impactful scientific advancements have recently been made in cancer therapy, there remains an opportunity for future improvements. Immunotherapy is perhaps one of the most cutting-edge categories of therapies demonstrating potential in the clinical setting. Genetically engineered T cells express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which can detect signals expressed by the molecules present on the surface of cancer cells, also called tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). Their effectiveness has been extensively demonstrated in hematological cancers; therefore, these results can establish the groundwork for their applications on a wide range of requirements. However, the application of CAR-T cell technology for solid tumors has several challenges, such as the existence of an immune-suppressing tumor microenvironment and/or inadequate tumor infiltration. Consequently, combining therapies such as CAR-T cell technology with other approaches has been proposed. The effectiveness of combining CAR-T cell with oncolytic virus therapy, with either genetically altered or naturally occurring viruses, to target tumor cells is currently under investigation, with several clinical trials being conducted. This narrative review summarizes the current advancements, opportunities, benefits, and limitations in using each therapy alone and their combination. The use of oncolytic viruses offers an opportunity to address the existing challenges of CAR-T cell therapy, which appear in the process of trying to overcome solid tumors, through the combination of their strengths. Additionally, utilizing oncolytic viruses allows researchers to modify the virus, thus enabling the targeted delivery of specific therapeutic agents within the tumor environment. This, in turn, can potentially enhance the cytotoxic effect and therapeutic potential of CAR-T cell technology on solid malignancies, with impactful results in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrugated cardboard is widely used for packaging due to its sturdiness and lightweight properties. However, its ability to withstand lateral forces during handling, transportation, and storage is critical for maintaining its structural integrity. In this study, the problem of understanding and quantifying the strain experienced by corrugated cardboard boxes under shear stresses at various points in their lifecycle is addressed. Specifically, a precise methodology for testing shear stresses was developed and validated, enhancing the understanding of the material's behaviour. Several key problems are addressed in this research, including the quantification of the amount of strain experienced by cardboard boxes from a warehouse to the final delivery, the development of a reliable testing methodology to measure shear stresses, and the understanding of the mechanical behaviour and structural integrity of corrugated cardboard under these conditions. It is anticipated that the findings will improve the design and durability of corrugated cardboard packaging, ensuring better performance during transportation and storage. This research contributes to the optimisation of logistics, the improvement of packaging quality, and the support of sustainable development by enhancing the reuse and recyclability of corrugated cardboard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Both a real-world meta-analysis and our multicenter retrospective analysis suggest that omitting esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in specific hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is a safe and cost-effective strategy for those undergoing atezolizumab with bevacizumab (A+B), without leading to an elevated risk of bleeding complications. In our study, conducted in Canadian centers during the early access period of A+B, 30% of patients did not undergo pre-treatment EGD. This clinical decision was often based on the absence of cirrhosis, significant thrombocytopenia, or a low likelihood of portal hypertension, as assessed by their physicians. Despite the absence of standardized guidelines and the use of an individualized approach to EGD screening, patients did not experience negative treatment outcomes or worse survival. Our data also indicated that bleeding complications associated with A+B treatment are predominantly non-GI in nature. There may be several reasons not to use EGD routinely in this setting, which include a balance between patient risks and healthcare resources. EGD is an invasive procedure that requires sedation and carries a small risk of complications, along with potential discomfort and anxiety. The limited availability of expert endoscopists' time could also lead to significant delays in initiating effective therapy in the advanced HCC setting where A+B has been shown to prolong life. The IMbrave150 trial established atezolizumab with bevacizumab (A+B) as standard care for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), recommending an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) within 6 months of treatment initiation to prevent bleeding from esophagogastric varices. The necessity of mandatory EGD for all patients remains unclear. We retrospectively analyzed 112 HCC patients treated with A+B at five Canadian cancer centers from 1 July 2020 to 31 August 2022. A+B was the first-line therapy for 90% of patients, with median overall survival at 20.3 months and progression-free survival at 9.6 months. There was no survival difference between patients with bleeding and those without. Before A+B, 71% (n = 79) of patients underwent an EGD within 6 months, revealing varices in 41% (n = 32) and requiring intervention in 19% (n = 15). The overall bleeding rate was 15% (n = 17), with GI-specific bleeding occurring in 5% (n = 17). In the EGD group, GI-specific bleeding was 6% (n = 5) while in the non-EGD group, it was 3% (n = 1). Non-GI bleeding was observed in 10% (n = 11) of patients. Outcomes for HCC patients treated with A+B in Canada were comparable to IMbrave150. There was no increase in GI bleeding in patients without pre-treatment EGD, possibly supporting a selective EGD approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As implant treatment cases increase, many cases of failure/side effects also occur. Generally, dental clinics determine the density of the jawbone using cone beam CT (CBCT). Considering the known potential role of this tool for bone assessment in primary osteoporosis, this study evaluated patients with secondary endocrine causes of low bone mass. Methods: The study included 83 patients with endocrine causes of osteoporosis who were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), trabecular bone score (TBS), and mental foramen (MF) region CBCT. The following CBCT indices were measured: anterior (A)—thickness of inferior mandibular cortex 10 mm anterior from MF; molar (M)—thickness of inferior mandibular cortex 10 mm posterior from MF; posterior (P)—thickness of inferior mandibular cortex 25 mm posterior from MF; symphysis (S)—thickness of inferior mandibular cortex equidistant from the centers of right and left MF. Results: The highest correlation coefficient in the secondary causes group was between the A index and the lumbar BMD (r = 0.375, p = 0.001) and the P index and the femoral neck BMD (r = 0.38, p = 0.001). Hypercortisolism seems to be the most predictable cause of secondary osteoporosis using the A, M, and P indices. The A, M, and P indices showed predictive values of the bone micro-architecture that was evaluated using TBS score, and were statistically significant. The symphysis index does not significantly predict osteoporosis or impaired bone micro-architecture. Conclusions: These findings support the potential usefulness of A, M, and P CBCT-derived radiomorphometric mandibular indices in secondary osteoporosis, underlining the well-known effects of these pathologies on bone micro-architecture rather than bone quantity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study examined the potential use of computed tomography radiomorphometric mandibular indices on cone beam CT (CBCT) for the assessment of bone density in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Methods: We included 104 postmenopausal women who received dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using a DXA scanner and mental foramen (MF) region CBCT using a NewTom VGi EVO Cone Beam 3D system. We assessed the relationships between the following DXA parameters: lumbar, femoral neck, and total hip T-scores, bone mineral density (BMD), lumbar trabecular bone score (TBS), and mandibular inferior cortical bone thickness at 4 sites. The cross-sectional images were obtained, as follows: anterior (A)—10 mm anterior from the MF; molar (M)—10 mm posterior from the MF; posterior (P)—25 mm posterior from the MF; symphysis (S)—equidistant from the centers of the right and left MF. Results: We found that A and M indices showed statistically significant moderate positive correlations with lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip BMD, as well as TBS. The P index demonstrated moderate positive correlations with these measurements, while the S index did not show significant correlations with BMD or TBS in postmenopausal women. Conclusions: These findings support the potential usefulness of CBCT-derived radiomorphometric mandibular indices for non-invasive bone health assessment in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is present in a latent state in 70–90% of the immunocompetent population, and its reactivation might be triggered by inflammatory conditions such as post-COVID multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) or by immunosuppression induced by steroids. The aim of this paper was to highlight the unexpected complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection that require a complex clinical approach for accurate diagnosis. Materials and Methods: We present the case of a 4-year-old male patient who, during an initially favorable course of PIMS, experienced symptoms of respiratory failure. Results: The patient initially presented with clinical and paraclinical signs of PIMS with cardiac involvement, for which high-dose corticosteroid therapy was initiated, followed by gradual tapering, along with immunoglobulins, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and symptomatic treatment. After 10 days of favorable progress, the patient's general condition deteriorated, showing tachypnea, desaturation, and a ground-glass appearance on thoracic CT. Negative inflammatory markers and favorable cardiac lesion evolution ruled out MIS-C relapse. The presence of anti-CMV IgM antibodies and viral DNA in the blood confirmed acute CMV infection, likely triggered by prior severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and secondary immunosuppression due to steroids. Non-specific immunomodulatory treatment was initiated but led to worsening of pulmonary lesions, prompting the initiation of specific antiviral treatment with ganciclovir, resulting in rapid clinical and imaging improvement. Conclusions: CMV infection can be reactivated by immunosuppression induced by corticosteroid therapy for MIS-C and may require specific etiological treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study examined the potential use of computed tomography panoramic mandibular indices on cone beam CT (CBCT) for assessing bone density in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Study design. The study enrolled 104 postmenopausal women who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using a DXA scanner and mental foramen region CBCT alongside the NewTom VGi EVO Cone Beam 3D system. We assessed the relationship between the following DXA parameters: lumbar, femoral neck, and total hip T score, bone mineral density (BMD), and lumbar trabecular bone score (TBS). The following panoramic mandibular indices were also considered: the computed tomography mandibular index superior (CTI(S)), computed tomography mandibular index inferior (CTI(I)), and computed tomography mental index (CTMI). Results. The study revealed moderate correlations between CBCT indices and BMD/TBS scores: CTMI showed the highest correlation with the femoral neck T-score (r = 0.551, p < 0.0001). TBS scores were also moderately correlated with CBCT indices: CTMI showed a moderate positive correlation with TBS (r = 0.431, p < 0.0001); CTI(S) had a similar moderate positive correlation with TBS (r = 0.421, p < 0.0001). AUC values ranged from 0.697 to 0.733 for osteoporosis versus the osteopenia/normal group and from 0.734 to 0.744 for low versus normal bone quality groups, p < 0.0001. The comparison of the values of the studied indices between low versus normal bone quality (quantified with TBS) groups showed high sensitivity but low specificity. Conclusions. CBCT-measured indices CTI(S), CTI(I), and CTMI are useful in assessing patients with low bone mass to improve, by specific treatment, the prognosis of dental implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of Neonatal Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is a critical concern in neonatal care. This study aimed to identify maternal laboratory parameters predictive of SIRS in newborns, focusing on the establishment of diagnostic cutoffs and evaluating the predictive power of these biomarkers. This prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2023 to January 2024 across several regional hospitals specializing in neonatal care. It included 207 mother-newborn pairs, divided into groups based on the neonatal development of SIRS (66 cases) or its absence (141 controls). Key maternal parameters measured included inflammatory markers and liver enzymes, analyzed using standard biochemical methods. The study applied receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to establish optimal cutoff values and conducted multivariate logistic regression to determine hazard ratios (HRs) for SIRS prediction, with adjustments for potential confounders. The study identified significant ROC/AUC values for several biomarkers. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) demonstrated an AUC of 0.926, with a cutoff value of 3.64, achieving 81.8% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity (p < 0.001). The systemic immune–inflammation index (SII) showed an AUC of 0.819 and a cutoff of 769.12, with 75.8% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis highlighted that neonates with maternal SII values above this cutoff were three times more likely to develop SIRS (HR 3.09, 95% CI 2.21–4.17, p < 0.0001). Other notable biomarkers included dNLR and ALRI, with respective HRs of 1.88 (p = 0.018) and 1.75 (p = 0.032). These findings confirm the significant predictive value of specific maternal inflammatory markers for neonatal SIRS. These findings support the utility of these biomarkers in prenatal screening to identify neonates at increased risk of SIRS, potentially guiding preemptive clinical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) constitute a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ertugliflozin, a Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, is hypothesized to confer cardiovascular protection; however, long-term follow-up studies are necessary to support the hypothesis. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of ertugliflozin in diabetic versus non-diabetic cohorts, focusing on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), hospitalizations for heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, the review encompassed studies indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to March 2024. Eligibility was restricted to studies involving T2DM patients undergoing ertugliflozin treatment with reported outcomes relevant to cardiovascular health. Out of 767 initially identified articles, 6 met the inclusion criteria. Data concerning hazard ratios (HR) and confidence intervals (CI) were extracted to compare the effects of ertugliflozin with those of a placebo or other standard therapies. The collective sample size across these studies was 8246 participants. Ertugliflozin was associated with a significant reduction in hospitalizations for heart failure relative to a placebo (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.54–0.90, p < 0.05). Furthermore, when combined with metformin, ertugliflozin potentially reduced MACEs (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.79–1.07), although this finding did not reach statistical significance. Importantly, for patients with pre-existing heart failure, ertugliflozin significantly decreased the exacerbations of heart failure (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33–0.84, p < 0.01). Overall, ertugliflozin markedly reduces hospitalizations due to heart failure in T2DM patients and may improve additional cardiovascular outcomes. These results endorse the integration of ertugliflozin into therapeutic protocols for T2DM patients at elevated cardiovascular risk and substantiate its efficacy among SGLT2 inhibitors. Continued investigations are recommended to delineate its long-term cardiovascular benefits in diverse patient populations, including the potential impact on arrhythmias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on the hunting practices and potentially pathogenic bacterial species among European fallow deer (Dama dama). Within a five-year period, three hunting grounds from Western Romania were examined. During this period, a total of 1881 deer were hunted, and 240 samples were collected by rectal and nasal swabbing from 120 carcasses. Bacterial strains were identified utilizing bacteriological assays and the Vitek® 2 Compact system. Notably, the Socodor hunting ground exhibited a significant difference in harvesting quotas between the bucks (Group M) and does/yearlings (Group F), favoring the latter. In the Chișineu Criș–Sălișteanca hunting ground, a likely correlation in harvesting quotas between the two groups was observed. The identified potentially pathogenic bacteria were Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Enterococcus faecium. These results highlight the importance of effectively managing the deer population and recognize the potential for Dama dama to spread zoonotic pathogens, emphasizing the necessity of adopting a One Health approach and maintaining ongoing surveillance of this game species' population dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a critical condition affecting pregnancies worldwide. Understanding its etiology, particularly the genetic factors, is vital. This study aims to investigate the association between ACE gene polymorphisms, specifically the ACE G2350A (rs4343) variant, and the predisposition to PE, offering insights into the genetic predisposition towards this complex condition. Methods: A case-control study was conducted with 140 participants without PE (Control Group) and 128 participants diagnosed with PE (PE Group). The study focused on comparing the prevalence of the rs4343 polymorphism between the groups. Results: The analysis identified a significantly reduced risk associated with the AG genotype and an insignificant increase in risk with the AA genotype. Statistically significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, such as BMI and marital status, were observed between the groups, suggesting a multifaceted risk profile for PE that includes genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors. Conclusions: The study highlight the significant role of genetic variations, specifically the ACE G2350A (rs4343) polymorphism, in influencing PE predisposition. It highlights the intricate interplay between genetic predispositions and other risk factors in the development of PE. Further research is encouraged to expand on these findings and explore a wider range of genetic polymorphisms and their interactions with environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the chemical characterization of a dry extract obtained from the species Ajuga chamaepitys (L.) Schreb, evaluating its antioxidant properties, toxicity, and in silico profile. Quantitative analysis of the dry extract revealed a notable amount of phytochemical compounds: 59.932 ± 21.167 mg rutin equivalents (mg REs)/g dry weight, 45.864 ± 4.434 mg chlorogenic acid equivalents (mg ChAEs)/g dry weight and, respectively, 83.307 ± 3.989 mg tannic acid equivalents (TAEs)/g dry weight. By UHPLC-HRMS/MS, the following were quantified as major compounds: caffeic acid (3253.8 μg/g extract) and kaempherol (3041.5 μg/g extract); more than 11 types of polyphenolic compounds were quantified (genistin 730.2 μg/g extract, naringenin 395 μg/g extract, apigenin 325.7 μg/g extract, galangin 283.3 μg/g extract, ferulic acid 254.3 μg/g extract, p-coumaric acid 198.2 μg/g extract, rutin 110.6 μg/g extract, chrysin 90.22 μg/g extract, syringic acid 84.2 μg/g extract, pinocembrin 32.7 μg/g extract, ellagic acid 18.2 μg/g extract). The antioxidant activity was in accordance with the amount of phytochemical compounds: IC50DPPH = 483.6 ± 41.4 µg/mL, IC50ABTS•+ = 127.4 ± 20.2 µg/mL, and EC50FRAP = 491.6 ± 2 µg/mL. On the larvae of Artemia sp., it was found that the extract has a low cytotoxic action. In silico studies have highlighted the possibility of inhibiting the activity of protein kinases CDK5 and GSK-3b for apigenin, galangin, and kaempferol, with possible utility for treating neurodegenerative pathologies and neuropathic pain. Further studies are warranted to confirm the predicted molecular mechanisms of action and to further investigate the therapeutic potential in animal models of neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis, a group of human illnesses that appear more frequently in countries with better-developed food supply systems. This review discusses the efficacy of actual biocontrol methods combined with the main types of food involved in illnesses. Comments on bacteriophages, lactic acid bacteria, bacteriocins, essential oils, and endolysins and derivatives, as main biological antilisterial agents, are made bearing in mind that, using them, food processors can intervene to protect consumers. Both commercially available antilisterial products and solutions presented in scientific papers for mitigating the risk of contamination are emphasized. Potential combinations between different types of antilisterial agents are highlighted for their synergic effects (bacteriocins and essential oils, phages and bacteriocins, lactic acid bacteria with natural or synthetic preservatives, etc.). The possibility to use various antilisterial biological agents in active packaging is also presented to reveal the diversity of means that food processors may adopt to assure the safety of their products. Integrating biocontrol solutions into food processing practices can proactively prevent outbreaks and reduce the occurrences of L. monocytogenes-related illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (J3–K1) transboundary aquifer is the most important groundwater body in southern–southeastern Romania, shared with Bulgaria and hosted in karstic–fractured carbonates. We conducted an integrated evaluation of this aquifer by analyzing three 700 m deep groundwater exploration–exploitation boreholes, which intercepted it in the Cernavodă area (South Dobrogea region). The evaluation was based on geophysical wireline logging, drilling information, and borehole production tests. A K-means clustering of the logging data was performed for lithology typing, formation boundaries identification, and the delineation of probable producing intervals associated with secondary porosity development. Petrophysical interpretation was carried out via depth-constrained (zonal) inversion, using multimineral models, the estimated formation boundaries, and variable uncertainties for the main input logs. The optimal interpretation models were correlated with borehole testing results to gain insight into the hydrogeological properties of the aquifer complex. The fractured–vuggy interval with the highest water-producing potential was identified in the lower section of the J3-age Rasova Formation (639–700 m depth), comprising mainly undolomitized limestones. A southeast-to-northwest trend of increasing productivity of the boreholes, correlated with an increasing lateral dolomitization intensity within the Rasova Formation, suggests a highly heterogeneous character of the aquifer. The differences in productivity are due not only to local porosity variations but also to various degrees of pore space connectivity that are related to the amount of fracturing or karstification. The novel findings of this study have important practical implications for the optimal placement, design, and drilling program of future groundwater exploitation boreholes in the Cernavodă area and neighboring sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis that frequently presents with a relapsing–remitting pattern. CNS involvement (Neuro-Behçet) is rare, affecting approximately 10% of patients. Its etiological mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The most commonly accepted hypothesis is that of a systemic inflammatory reaction triggered by an infectious agent or by an autoantigen, such as heat shock protein, in genetically predisposed individuals. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is known to be closely interconnected with BD, both affecting cell-mediated immunity to a certain extent and probably sharing a common genetic background. We present the case of a 34-year-old Caucasian woman who had been diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis 15 months prior, with significant neurological deficits and lesional burden on MRI with repeated relapses whenever treatment withdrawal was attempted. These relapses were initially considered as reactivation of tuberculous meningoencephalitis, and symptoms improved after a combination of antituberculous treatment and corticosteroid therapy. After the second relapse, the diagnosis was reconsidered, as new information emerged about oral and genital aphthous lesions, making us suspect a BD diagnosis. HLA B51 testing was positive, antituberculous treatment was stopped, and the patient was started on high doses of oral Cortisone and Azathioprine. Consequently, the evolution was favorable, with no further relapses and slow improvements in neurological deficits. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Neuro-Behçet's disease onset precipitated by tuberculous meningitis. We include a review of the available literature on this subject. Our case reinforces the fact that Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection can precipitate BD in genetically predisposed patients, and we recommend HLA B51 screening in patients with prolonged or relapsing meningoencephalitis, even if an infectious agent is apparently involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound generates cavities in liquids with high-energy behaviour due to large pressure variations, leading to (bio)chemical effects and material modification. Numerous cavity-based treatments in food processes have been reported, but the transition from research to industrial applications is hampered by specific engineering factors, such as the combination of several ultrasound sources, more powerful wave generators or tank geometry. The challenges and development of cavity-based treatments developed for the food industry are reviewed with examples limited to two representative raw materials (fruit and milk) with significantly different properties. Both active compound extraction and food processing techniques based on ultrasound are taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste has become an everyday subject, especially its efficient recycling due to the increasing decline in the planet's primary resources. Therefore, their recovery is intended to be total and with minimal energy consumption. Biomass waste is fully recoverable in raw or processed states and in combination with other compatible waste types (including wastewater from construction, polymers, and sunflower seeds). It represents the basic elements for obtaining synthetic wood to replace natural wood, which is very expensive and difficult to obtain (lasts for several years). This paper proposes three methods to determine the thermal conductivity of these new materials (synthetic wood) to guarantee and optimise their thermal characteristics. The determination of thermal characteristics in insulating materials is usually performed experimentally in a double climate chamber or more simply using a special instrument of the ISOMET type, but under these conditions, the sample must meet certain conditions imposed by the manufacturer to be tested. Thus, two experimental investigation methods are used to which a numerical method is added, which consists of modelling by the finite element method with an adequate programme of heat transfer through these materials. Four samples with variable content of recyclable waste obtained through combinations resulting from six different experimental design plans with two controlled factors were analysed to optimise synthetic wood recipes for the efficiency of their hygro-thermal characteristics. The content of the tested samples varied relative to the quantity and number of recyclable wastes included in the final recipe. Thus, the thermal conductivity obtained was different for each sample but close to that of similar synthetic wood-type materials and natural wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing the chemical composition of phosphorus cast iron for the manufacture of brake shoes, which are used in the rolling stock, is based on specific tests, and the results must be within the specified limits of railway standards. This paper presents the processing of data taken from an economic agent producing brake shoes—with chemical composition and hardness values determined through the Brinell method—as well as optimizing these data by obtaining optimal variation intervals. These technological intervals are useful in the case of foundries in order to obtain superior products from a qualitative point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered considerable attention, due to their unique physicochemical properties, that render them promising candidates for various applications in medicine and industry. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the most recent advancements in the manufacturing, characterization, and biomedical utilization of metal NPs, with a primary focus on silver and gold NPs. Their potential as effective anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents, drug delivery systems, and imaging agents in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of disorders is reviewed. Moreover, their translation to therapeutic settings, and the issue of their inclusion in clinical trials, are assessed in light of over 30 clinical investigations that concentrate on administering either silver or gold NPs in conditions ranging from nosocomial infections to different types of cancers. This paper aims not only to examine the biocompatibility of nanomaterials but also to emphasize potential challenges that may limit their safe integration into healthcare practices. More than 100 nanomedicines are currently on the market, which justifies ongoing study into the use of nanomaterials in medicine. Overall, the present review aims to highlight the potential of silver and gold NPs as innovative and effective therapeutics in the field of biomedicine, citing some of their most relevant current applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is widely used in the preoperative qualitative and quantitative assessment of dental implant sites, offering dimensional accuracy, spatial resolution, gray density, and contrast comparable to those of classical CT scan, yet with disputable ability to determine bone mass density. Materials and methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the PubMed and SCOPUS databases, with terms referring to low bone mass and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Results: Sixteen studies were included in the review. The results show different perspectives, but the evidence favors the use of CBCT, combined with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry bone density scan (DXA) evaluation, for the assessment of the osteoporosis status of the aging population and, more specifically, in postmenopausal women. Radiographic density (RD) values of the dens and the left part of the first cervical vertebra show the strongest correlation coefficients and the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for predicting osteoporosis (OP) in the lumbar vertebrae and the femoral neck. Conclusions: Our review suggests the potential of CBCT as a screening tool for patients with low bone mass using different radiomorphometric indices. Linear measurements of the inferior mandibular cortex were lower in osteoporotic individuals, indicating the perspective of CBCT also as a diagnostic tool for this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This theoretical study analyzes the possibility to use the classical Mott's hypothesis to model the natural fragmentation of cylindrical structures with two or more metal cylinders arranged coaxially. A critical analysis on the validity of the used hypothesis was conducted based on empirical relations and numerical simulations. The established algorithm allows the determination of a fragment mass scale parameter for each individual cylinder, which is why the cumulative distribution of fragments for the entire structure may be calculated. The results obtained for the structures with two and three cylinders, with equal masses or equal wall thicknesses, can be approximated using a modified Mott's distribution formula in which the number of cylinders is used as an additional parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of social media led to major changes in the manner in which retailers accomplish their daily profession, particularly since they provide traders with platforms for business development and brand improvement. In spite of this, little is known about their impact and influence on retail businesses. Research on retailers' perceptions concerning social media is scarce and fragmented, which justifies the current increasing focus of scholars and practitioners on this subject. In this study, a quantitative research design was utilized, aiming to identify the advantages of social media as perceived by retailers in Romania. The findings confirm the hypotheses, acknowledging that Romanian retailers perceive social media as offering great advantages for individuals employed in the retail sector. The practical implications of our research were grouped according to the analyzed aspects, as follows: gathering information, content creation, and customer communication, approached as advantages of adopting social media in retail. This study contributes to the limited literature on social media and the perceived advantages of Romanian retailers, which has implications for further research in this field of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an empirical analysis of e-commerce data obtained through Google Analytics (GA) from two small businesses' perspectives: an IT components company and a tourism agency website located within the same county in Romania. The objective of our study is to examine the enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and seasonal variations over the last four years. The data collection spanned from January 2019, predating the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, until mid-February 2023. To facilitate our analysis, we categorize the GA metrics into groups that encompassed website performance, site accessibility, and user behavior for the IT company. As for the tourism agency, we focus on website accessibility, user behavior, and marketing campaigns. Our goal is to empirically group or associate GA metrics according to their intrinsic meaning and check if each group reflects a certain latent concept (such as user behavior or site accessibility). Furthermore, our study aims to formulate and test five hypotheses regarding the immediate and long-lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operations of small businesses. Our contribution consists of formulating and verifying the five hypotheses by providing descriptive data from the results of the Pearson correlation test, empirically grouping the GA metrics and verifying whether they reflect certain latent factors or topics, interpreting the results from the application of the ANOVA technique and Scarpello's adaptation of the one factor test, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Web 3.0 is the basis on which the proposed metaverse, a seamless virtual world enabled by computers and interconnected devices, hopes to interact with its users, but beyond the high-level project overview of what Web 3.0 applications try to achieve, the implementation is still down to low-level coding details. This article aims to analyze the low-level implementations of key components of Web 3.0 using a variety of frameworks and tools as well as several JVM-based languages. This paper breaks down the low-level implementation of smart contracts and semantic web principles using three frameworks, Corda and Ethereum for smart contracts and Jeda for semantic web, using both Scala and Java as implementing languages all while highlighting differences and similarities between the frameworks used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustics is a field with significant application in wood science and technology for the classification and grading, through non-destructive tests, of a large variety of products from standing trees to building structural elements and musical instruments. In this review article the following aspects are treated: (1) The theoretical background related to acoustical characterization of wood as an orthotropic material. We refer to the wave propagation in anisotropic media, to the wood anatomic structure and propagation phenomena, to the velocity of ultrasonic waves and the elastic constants of an orthotropic solid. The acoustic methods for the determination of the elastic constants of wood range from the low frequency domain to the ultrasonic domain using direct contact techniques or ultrasonic spectroscopy. (2) The acoustic and ultrasonic methods for quality assessment of trees, logs, lumber and structural timber products. Scattering-based techniques and ultrasonic tomography are used for quality assessment of standing trees and green logs. The methods are based on scanning stress waves using dry-point-contact ultrasound or air-coupled ultrasound and are discussed for quality assessment of structural composite timber products and for delamination detection in wood-based composite boards. (3) The high-power ultrasound as a field with important potential for industrial applications such as wood drying and other applications. (4) The methods for the characterization of acoustical properties of the wood species used for musical instrument manufacturing, wood anisotropy, the quality of wood for musical instruments and the factors of influence related to the environmental conditions, the natural aging of wood and the effects of long-term loading by static or dynamic regimes on wood properties. Today, the acoustics of wood is a branch of wood science with huge applications in industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most prevalent neoplasia among women, with early and accurate diagnosis critical for effective treatment. In clinical practice, however, the subjective nature of histological grading of infiltrating ductal adenocarcinoma of the breast (DAC-NOS) often leads to inconsistencies among pathologists, posing a significant challenge to achieving optimal patient outcomes. Our study aimed to address this reproducibility problem by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). We trained a deep-learning model using a convolutional neural network-based algorithm (CNN-bA) on 100 whole slide images (WSIs) of DAC-NOS from the Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Invasive Carcinoma (TCGA-BRCA) dataset. Our model demonstrated high precision, sensitivity, and F1 score across different grading components in about 17.5 h with 19,000 iterations. However, the agreement between the model's grading and that of general pathologists varied, showing the highest agreement for the mitotic count score. These findings suggest that AI has the potential to enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of breast cancer grading, warranting further refinement and validation of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current context of concern for the improvement and protection of environmental conditions, emphasis is placed on the provision of non-toxic, eco-friendly, renewable biomaterials to replace established chemical substances. Lythri herba is the aerial part of the plant species Lythrum salicaria L., known in the scientific literature especially for its content of tannins and total polyphenols, which highlight its antioxidant, hemostatic, antibacterial and antidiarrheal properties. Chitosan is a biopolymer widely used in industry and medicine due to its abundance in nature, its biodegradability, lack of toxicity and the ease with which it can be transformed into several basic forms (hydrogel, membrane, sponge). The aqueous solutions and membranes obtained in this study by merging these two natural resources were biologically tested in terms of genotoxicity (SOS-Chromo assay), hemolytic activity, thrombin generation activity and bacterial adhesion to reveal outwardly the lack of these properties and their use for medical purposes. The results of the current study attest to the absence of mutagenic and slight hemolyzing properties, thus supporting the possibility of using this extract and membrane in medical and pharmaceutical therapeutic practice. The surface parameters of membranes were examined and important influences at thrombin activity were found. Also, bacterial adhesion results showed a correlation between Lythri herba and chitosan concentrations and membranes' appearances (swelling, stability). The results show that the membranes could be a promising material for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levamisole is an anti-helminthic drug with immunomodulatory properties that is added to cocaine to increase its potency and weight. Levamisole-adulterated cocaine (LAC) may cause an antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated systemic small vessel vasculitis (AAV). We aimed to characterize the phenotype of persons developing pulmonary-renal syndrome (PRS) in LAC-induced AAV and summarize its treatment and outcomes. Pubmed and Web of Science were searched (until September 2022). Reports that described co-existing diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and glomerulonephritis in an adult (age ≥ 18) with confirmed or suspected LAC exposure were included. Reports, demographics, clinical and serologic features, treatment and outcome characteristics were extracted. Of the 280 records identified, eight met the inclusion criteria, including eight unique cases. Persons were aged 22–58 years, and 50% were women. Cutaneous involvement occurred in only half of the cases. Other associated vasculitis findings and serologies were heterogeneous. All patients received immunosuppression with steroids, with cyclophosphamide and rituximab commonly added. We concluded that PRS could occur from LAC-induced AAV. Distinguishing LAC-induced AAV from primary AAV is challenging as clinical and serologic presentations overlap. Asking about cocaine use is requisite in persons presenting with PRS to guide diagnosis and appropriately counsel on cocaine cessation in conjunction with immunosuppression as treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meaning of technological progress is to produce economic development and to increase the level of personal comfort. Sustainability can only be achieved if, at the microsystem level as well as at the macrosystem level, the secondary effects of the activities undertaken by people on the environment are in a state of neutrality compared to the impact they can produce on natural conditions. This neutrality can be intrinsic or can be achieved through coercive and compensatory measures. If we take into account the production of carbon dioxide that accompanies a product from the stages of conceptualisation, design, procurement of materials, execution, operation, maintenance, decommissioning and recycling the waste produced at the end of use, then nothing can be sustainable in pure form. Nevertheless, there are products whose production, both as a raw material and as a technological process, can be neutral in terms of carbon emissions. Moreover, they can even become carbon negative over time. This is also the case with eco-sustainable hemp concrete, whose capacity to absorb carbon dioxide starts from the growth phase of the plant from which the raw material is obtained and continues throughout the existence of the constructed buildings. Not only does it absorb carbon dioxide, but it also stores it for a period of at least 50 years as long as the construction is guaranteed, being at the same time completely recyclable. However, in order to obtain an optimal mixture from the point of view of raw material consumption, represented by industrial hemp wood chips and the binder based on lime and cement, multiple experiments are necessary. The study presented in this work is based on the use of an advanced method of experimental planning (design of experiments method), which makes possible the correlation between the values obtained experimentally and the algorithm that generated the matrix arrangement of the quantities of materials used in the recipes. This approach helps to create the necessary framework for parametric optimisation with a small number of trials. Thus, it is possible to obtain the mathematical law valid within the minimum and maximum limits of the studied domain that defines the characteristics of the material and allows the achievement of optimisation. The material is thus designed to satisfy the maximum thermal insulation requirements that it can achieve depending on a certain minimum admissible compressive strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular collagen remodeling is one of the central mechanisms responsible for the structural and compositional coherence of myocardium in patients undergoing myocardial infarction (MI). Activated primary cardiac fibroblasts following myocardial infarction are extensively investigated to establish anti-fibrotic therapies to improve left ventricular remodeling. To systematically assess vitamin C functions as a potential modulator involved in collagen fibrillogenesis in an in vitro model mimicking heart tissue healing after MI. Mouse primary cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from wild-type C57BL/6 mice and cultured under normal and profibrotic (hypoxic + transforming growth factor beta 1) conditions on freshly prepared coatings mimicking extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling during healing after an MI. At 10 μg/mL, vitamin C reprogramed the respiratory mitochondrial metabolism, which is effectively associated with a more increased accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) than the number of those generated by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS). The mRNA/protein expression of subtypes I, III collagen, and fibroblasts differentiations markers were upregulated over time, particularly in the presence of vitamin C. The collagen substrate potentiated the modulator role of vitamin C in reinforcing the structure of types I and III collagen synthesis by reducing collagen V expression in a timely manner, which is important in the initiation of fibrillogenesis. Altogether, our study evidenced the synergistic function of vitamin C at an optimum dose on maintaining the equilibrium functionality of radical scavenger and gene transcription, which are important in the initial phases after healing after an MI, while modulating the synthesis of de novo collagen fibrils, which is important in the final stage of tissue healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phospholipids are major components of cell membranes with complex structures, high heterogeneity and critical biological functions and have been used since ancient times to treat cardiovascular disease. Their importance and role were shadowed by the difficulty or incomplete available research methodology to study their biological presence and functionality. This review focuses on the current knowledge about the roles of phospholipids in the pathophysiology and therapy of cardiovascular diseases, which have been increasingly recognized. Used in singular formulation or in inclusive combinations with current drugs, phospholipids proved their positive and valuable effects not only in the protection of myocardial tissue, inflammation and fibrosis but also in angiogenesis, coagulation or cardiac regeneration more frequently in animal models as well as in human pathology. Thus, while mainly neglected by the scientific community, phospholipids present negligible side effects and could represent an ideal target for future therapeutic strategies in healing myocardial infarction. Acknowledging and understanding their mechanisms of action could offer a new perspective into novel therapeutic strategies for patients suffering an acute myocardial infarction, reducing the burden and improving the general social and economic outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3, BFO) is still widely investigated both because of the great diversity of its possible applications and from the perspective of intrinsic defect engineering in the perovskite structure. Defect control in BiFeO3 semiconductors could provide a key technology for overcoming undesirable limitations, namely, a strong leakage current, which is attributed to the presence of oxygen vacancies (VO) and Bi vacancies (VBi). Our study proposes a hydrothermal method for the reduction of the concentration of VBi during the ceramic synthesis of BiFeO3.Using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as part of the medium, p-type BiFeO3 ceramics characterized by their low conductivity were obtained. Hydrogen peroxide acted as the electron donor in the perovskite structure, controlling VBi in the BiFeO3 semiconductor, which caused the dielectric constant and loss to decrease along with the electrical resistivity. The reduction of Bi vacancies highlighted by a FT-IR and Mott—Schottky analysis has an expected contribution to the dielectric characteristic. A decrease in the dielectric constant (with approximately 40%) and loss (3 times) and an increase of the electrical resistivity (by 3 times) was achieved by the hydrogen peroxide-assisted hydrothermal synthesized BFO ceramics, as compared with the hydrothermal synthesized BFOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The resistance levels of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., etc., isolated from the nasal cavity and the rectum of Dama dama deer from three hunting grounds in Western Romania were assessed. (2) Methods: The analysis was completed using the diffusimetric method, compliant with CLSI reference standards, and with Vitek-2 (BioMérieux, France), on 240 samples. (3) Results: The results were statistically analyzed (by one-way ANOVA) revealing that in four of the ten E. coli strains isolated from animals, 87.5% (p < 0.001) resistance was found. E. coli strains were resistant to cephalexin (100%); seven strains were resistant to cephalothin and ampicillin; six were resistant to cefquinome and cefoperazone; five were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid; and four were resistant to ceftiofur. However, E. coli was sensitive to amikacin (100%). The most efficient structures were beta-lactams, amikacin, and imipenem, to which all 47 strains studied (100%) were sensitive, followed by nitrofurantoin, to which 45 strains (95.7%) were sensitive, neomycin, to which 44 strains (93.6%) were sensitive, ceftiofur, to which 43 strains (91.5%) were sensitive, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and marbofloxacin, to which 42 strains (89.4%) were sensitive. (4) Conclusions: In wild animal populations, where a human presence is frequently reported, including a constant presence of domestic animals, despite the perceived low risk of emerging resistance to antimicrobials, resistance is likely to develop frequently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic landscape transformations have promoted the provision of ecosystem services (ES) at the expense of other ES, biodiversity, and human well-being. We analysed the transformation portfolios of ES provisions, the costs of transformation, and the rivalry between ES categories and biodiversity conservation during the pre-communist and communist eras. We also examined EU influences in Romania's Danube River lowlands. The environmental history of social-ecological systems was used to: (1) map transformations of natural environments; (2) analyse the outputs of human modes of production, including crops, fish, timber, and livestock, using economic valuation methods and by appropriating the primary means of production; and (3) describe ideologies and values as drivers of ES transformations. During the communist era, the surface area of the agricultural land increased at the expense of natural ecosystems. This resulted in increased provisions being made for crops and timber at the expense of the fish supply; it also caused a reduction in livestock. The costs of land reclamation, hydrotechnical works, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides, resulted in a net annual loss of EUR 36 million for the entire case study area, disregarding the losses of other ES. Achieving a balanced portfolio of ES requires a discussion about the need for nature restoration, transdisciplinary social-ecological research, and the identification of key leverage points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditions of vine cultivation and wine production have been formed in Moldova over centuries. According to folk traditions, wine is an integral part of any event organized by the locals. Wine tourism is a particularly significant sector for the country's economy. Although it only emerged at the end of the 20th century, it is growing in importance every year. To contribute to this area of scientific discourse, a study on consumers' perception of wine products and wine tourism in the Republic of Moldova was conducted. The main respondents who participated in the survey were citizens of the country, but respondents from Romania and Ukraine also participated. The results obtained indicate that wine products are consumed by the majority of the respondents participating in the survey and that wine tourism has continuity in its development and is of clear interest among citizens. The diversity of the tourist offers of the wineries and the recreational areas in which they are located are of course of particular importance when selecting a wine tour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sebaceous adenoma is an extremely rare tumor located in the parotid gland. In the English literature, less than 10 cases have been reported. Sebaceous adenoma represents 0.5% of all monomorphic adenomas. The authors are presenting a case of sebaceous adenoma of the parotid gland in a 65-year-old female who presented a mass on the left parotid area that had been gradually enlarging for one year without symptoms of pain. On imaging (ultrasound), a well-defined mass lesion in the left parotid area was seen. Histopathological findings were consistent with sebaceous adenoma. Surgical excision is curative. The prognosis is excellent, with a low recurrence rate. The present case report will increase the awareness and possibility of this rare tumor occurring at an unusual site, thereby avoiding any chance of misdiagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyse the bioaccumulation of heavy metal ions in plants of spontaneous flora. An urban area was established from which soil samples were taken and analyses were performed on the content of heavy metal ions. The soil samples were collected from Iasi's urban area to determine the heavy metal concentrations, obtain maps of sensitive land, and determine the content of heavy metals in spontaneous flora and transfer these into an aqueous extract. The investigation of heavy metal ion levels in certain plants revealed the following: (i) all plants from the Brassicaceae accumulate heavy metals, and B. juncea has a great ability to accumulate and transfer Cu, Cr(VI), Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn towards the shoots; (ii) heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn) were present in variable concentrations, with mint and nettle being notable for their increased level of iron and thyme, and rattle for its zinc levels; (iii) toxic metals (Pb, Cd, Ni) are present in low concentrations in plants as well as in infusions, except for in primula and plantain, which do not have high levels of Pb and Cd. The results showed that values exceeded the maximum recommended values in areas with industrial pollution. Taking into account the potential for the bioaccumulation of heavy metal ions by plants from spontaneous flora and their use as medicinal plants, it is recommended, based on the studies conducted, to harvest and use plants from soils that do not contain heavy metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metropolitan areas provide many opportunities to spend quality outdoor leisure time as well as to discover many cultural attractions. Sprawl occurs in Romania quite rapidly, encouraged by the construction of ring roads around many cities and their expansion into metropolitan areas. The current paper aims to identify metropolitan tourism models based on which tourist flows can be sustainably reoriented within rural Oradea Metropolitan Area (OMA) given their the tourist potential level (i.e., very low, low, average, high). The tourist potential was scaled based on the Methodology for the Analysis of a Territory's Tourist Potential, which stands as a law published in the Official Monitor of the 14th of June 2016. The study indicates that most tourist activity develops in the OMA southern part in Sânmartin commune, thus unsustainably capturing all tourist flows of the rural OMA. Natural and man-made tourist attractions' territorial concentrations were emphasized in the communes from the south and northern OMA, but there are major territorial dysfunctions in terms of technical endowment and tourist infrastructure supply. The three emerged models refer to the medical–recreational and eco–residential wellness network, discovery eco-holiday, and co-visit and marginal community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creativity offers new, interesting, and valuable things that can be intangible (ideas, a theory, songs, etc.) or physical objects (a painting, invention, machine). Creativity implies a lot of qualities of the creator such as imagination, creative work, and innovation and it also improves learning and memory. Many of history's most important discoveries are the results of creative activity. Repetition leads to mastery of a concept through understanding and produces increased self-confidence. Confidence increases the willingness to act on creativity—to explore, discover, and learn. This positive cycle of learning is fueled by the curiosity and enjoyment that comes from discovery and understanding. We are social creatures, so the greatest reward and pleasure comes from the admiration and support received from loved and respected people. Stimulating children's interest through play also defines solving through exploration regarding the accumulation of new essential information for knowing values and other useful information, by stimulating curiosity and creativity as well as discovering new resources that generate creative ideas, allowing the acquisition of practical skills. All these aspects are oriented and define the premises for the harmonious development of children towards a new existential stage. Thus, taking these aspects into account will have future effects on self-confidence, work strategies, school results, as well as the desire to study and the ability to store and organize accumulated information. The approach of the case study presents through the game, a motivational alternative, staged regarding the generation of creative ideas in the development and materialization of the concept. It is well known that during childhood, many things are acquired by children through selective association and depending on the sensory perception of objects, namely preferred colors, functions, and predefined shapes, proportional to the anthropometric dimensions specific to preschool age. The article proposes the creative approach and generation of ideas on the design of children's toys; namely, a case study is presented: children's toy set—teacup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is associated with aging, cancers, and numerous metabolic and chronic disorders, and phenolic compounds are well known for their health-promoting role due to their free-radical scavenging activity. These phytochemicals could also exhibit pro-oxidant effects. Due to its bioactive phenolic secondary metabolites, Usnea barbata (L.) Weber ex. F.H. Wigg (U. barbata) displays anticancer and antioxidant activities and has been used as a phytomedicine for thousands of years. The present work aims to analyze the properties of U. barbata extract in canola oil (UBO). The UBO cytotoxicity on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) CLS-354 cell line and blood cell cultures was explored through complex flow cytometry analyses regarding apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, the enzymatic activity of caspase 3/7, cell cycle, nuclear shrinkage (NS), autophagy (A), and synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). All these studies were concomitantly performed on canola oil (CNO) to evidence the interaction of lichen metabolites with the constituents of this green solvent used for extraction. The obtained data evidenced that UBO inhibited CLS-354 oral cancer cell proliferation through ROS generation (316.67 × 104), determining higher levels of nuclear shrinkage (40.12%), cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 (92.51%; G0 is the differentiation phase, while during G1 phase occurs preparation for cell division), DNA fragmentation (2.97%), and autophagy (62.98%) than in blood cells. At a substantially higher ROS level in blood cells (5250.00 × 104), the processes that lead to cell death—NS (30.05%), cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 (86.30%), DNA fragmentation (0.72%), and autophagy (39.37%)—are considerably lower than in CLS-354 oral cancer cells. Our work reveals the ROS-mediated anticancer potential of UBO through DNA damage and autophagy. Moreover, the present study suggests that UBO pharmacological potential could result from the synergism between lichen secondary metabolites and canola oil phytoconstituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial infarction is remains the leading cause of death in developed countries. Recent data show that the composition of the extracellular matrix might differ despite similar heart function and infarction sizes. Because collagen is the main component of the extracellular matrix, we hypothesized that changes in inflammatory cell recruitment influence the synthesis of different collagen subtypes in myofibroblasts, thus changing the composition of the scar. We found that neutrophils sustain the proliferation of fibroblasts, remodeling, differentiation, migration and inflammation, predominantly by IL-1 and PPARγ pathways (n = 3). They also significantly inhibit the mRNA expression of fibrillar collagen, maintaining a reduced stiffness in isolated myofibroblasts (n = 4–5). Reducing the neutrophil infiltration in CCR1−/− resulted in increased mRNA expression of collagen 11, moderate expression of collagen 19 and low expression of collagen 13 and 26 in the scar 4 weeks post infarction compared with other groups (n = 3). Mononuclear cells increased the synthesis of all collagen subtypes and upregulated the NF-kB, angiotensin II and PPARδ pathways (n = 3). They increased the synthesis of collagen subtypes 1, 3, 5, 16 and 23 but reduced the expression of collagens 5 and 16 (n = 3). CCR2−/− scar tissue showed higher levels of collagen 13 (n = 3), in association with a significant reduction in stiffness (n = 4–5). Upregulation of the inflammation-related genes in myofibroblasts mostly modulated the fibrillar collagen subtypes, with less effect on the FACIT, network-forming and globular subtypes (n = 3). The upregulation of proliferation and differentiation genes in myofibroblasts seemed to be associated only with the fibrillar collagen subtype, whereas angiogenesis-related genes are associated with fibrillar, network-forming and multiplexin subtypes. In conclusion, although we intend for our findings to deepen the understanding of the mechanism of healing after myocardial infarction and scar formation, the process of collagen synthesis is highly complex, and further intensive investigation is needed to put together all the missing puzzle pieces in this still incipient knowledge process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar and zeolite, due to their porous structure, are supposed to be appropriate soil amendments especially in agricultural areas with a lack of water or unsuitable soils with coarse texture. Two soil additions that are intended to assist an increase soil water content (AWC) are biochar and zeolite. With this aim, the effects of biochar and zeolite at two levels of 5 and 10 t ha−1 (known as B5, B10, Z5, and Z10) on soil hydrological properties and consequently corn growth were investigated in this study. The results showed that the application of B5 and B10 significantly improved AWC by 76% and 48% due to increasing soil micro- and meso-pores. The application of Z5 and Z10, associated with an increase of macro-pores in soil, enhanced saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) up to 174% and 303% and caused losses. The highest specific surface area and mean weight diameter in soil obtained from B10 had an increase of 171% and 197% over the control. Biochar treatments considerably affected plant growth features and shoot nutrient content, whilst zeolite treatments had an impact that is much less apparent than that of biochar. Observations indicate that biochar greatly boosted nutrient availability and water retention in the soil by raising the share of micro- and mezzo-pores, respectively, and as a result, has benefited plant growth. Increasing the level of biochar application from 5 to 10% would have more positive effects on the water available in the soil and on plant root systems. In contrast, the high rate of application of zeolite particles due to coarseness and adding Na+ ions to the soil caused the dispersion of soil particles, the destruction of soil structure, increasing Ks and water loss and consequently a reduction in plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with increasing numbers of new cases each year. For the vast majority of cancer patients, surgery is the most effective procedure for the complete removal of the malignant tissue. However, relapse due to the incomplete resection of the tumor occurs very often, as the surgeon must rely primarily on visual and tactile feedback. Intraoperative near-infrared imaging with pafolacianine is a newly developed technology designed for cancer detection during surgery, which has been proven to show excellent results in terms of safety and efficacy. Therefore, pafolacianine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 29 November 2021, as an additional approach that can be used to identify malignant lesions and to ensure the total resection of the tumors in ovarian cancer patients. Currently, various studies have demonstrated the positive effects of pafolacianine's use in a wide variety of other malignancies, with promising results expected in further research. This review focuses on the applications of the FDA-approved pafolacianine for the accurate intraoperative detection of malignant tissues. The cancer-targeting fluorescent ligands can shift the paradigm of surgical oncology by enabling the visualization of cancer lesions that are difficult to detect by inspection or palpation. The enhanced detection and removal of hard-to-detect cancer tissues during surgery will lead to remarkable outcomes for cancer patients and society, specifically by decreasing the cancer relapse rate, increasing the life expectancy and quality of life, and decreasing future rates of hospitalization, interventions, and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our statistical study included 344 participants selected from the patients of the Pedodontics–Orthodontics Discipline of the Tîrgu-Mureş University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The patients' age was between 6 and 18 years, with an average of 13.70 and a standard deviation of 4.62. The study participants were informed and agreed to complete two questionnaires of our conception regarding their health status, oral hygiene, and motivation for pedodontics or orthodontic treatment. The results of the two questionnaires were interpreted according to the gender and age of the patients. Data processing was performed with NCSS/PASS Dawson Edition statistical software, using the CHI2 test, considering a p of less than 0.05 as significant for comparative results. Results showed that girls were more motivated than boys in addressing pedodontic services due to dental, periodontal, and articular problems. Children, aged between 11 and 14 years, were less intrinsically motivated to solve oral health problems due to their low frequency. The intrinsic motivation for a more beautiful dentition was very strong, regardless of age and sex. Girls were more intrinsically motivated for orthodontic treatment than boys. There was a linear increase together in the age of those who wanted to improve their smile and facial appearance. Children between 11 and 14 years had the best self-perception of the appearance of their teeth, mouth, smile, and facial harmony. The strongest extrinsic motivation for orthodontic treatment came from parents or another doctor. The most important reason for orthodontics was dental malpositions, the last one was the improvement of masticatory efficiency. The extrinsic motivation from parents for orthodontics decreases linearly with age, along with the increase in motivation from the person with whom the participants relate emotionally and from the group of friends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annually, antimicrobial-resistant infections-related mortality worldwide accelerates due to the increased use of antibiotics during the coronavirus pandemic and the antimicrobial resistance, which grows exponentially, and disproportionately to the current rate of development of new antibiotics. Nanoparticles can be an alternative to the current therapeutic approach against multi-drug resistance microorganisms caused infections. The motivation behind this work was to find a superior antibacterial nanomaterial, which can be efficient, biocompatible, and stable in time. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of ZnO-based nanomaterials with different morphologies, synthesized through the solvothermal method and further modified with Au nanoparticles through wet chemical reduction. The structure, crystallinity, and morphology of ZnO and ZnO/Au nanomaterials have been investigated with XRD, SEM, TEM, DLS, and FTIR spectroscopy. The antibacterial effect of unmodified ZnO and ZnO/Au nanomaterials against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was investigated through disc diffusion and tetrazolium/formazan (TTC) assays. The results showed that the proposed nanomaterials exhibited significant antibacterial effects on the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, ZnO nanorods with diameters smaller than 50 nm showed better antibacterial activity than ZnO nanorods with larger dimensions. The antibacterial efficiency against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus improved considerably by adding 0.2% (w/w) Au to ZnO nanorods. The results indicated the new materials' potential for antibacterial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]