Search

Abstract To date, little is known about the usefulness of ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHF-US, 50–70 MHz) in clinical practice for the diagnosis of dysimmune neuropathies. We present a prospective study aimed at comparing UHF-US alterations of nerves and fascicles in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), distal CIDP (d-CIDP) and anti-MAG neuropathy and their relationships with clinical and electrodiagnostic (EDX) features. 28 patients were included (twelve CIDP, 6 d-CIDP and 10 anti-MAG) and ten healthy controls. Each patient underwent neurological examination, EDX and UHF-US study of median and ulnar nerves bilaterally. UHF-US was reliable in differentiating immune neuropathies from controls when using mean and/or segmental nerve and/or fascicle cross-sectional area (CSA); furthermore, fascicle ratio (fascicle/nerve CSA) was a reliable factor for differentiating d-CIDP from other types of polyneuropathies. The fascicle CSA appears to be more increased in CIDP and its variant than in anti-MAG neuropathy. UHF-US offers information beyond simple nerve CSA and allows for a better characterization of the different forms of dysimmune neuropathies.

Scoliosis is one of the most frequent spine deformities encountered in children and is regularly discovered after 15 years of age with a girls to boys ratio of 2:1. Vertebral arthrodesis involves both short and long term complications. Neurological complications consist of nerve root injuries, cauda equina or spinal cord deficit. Traction is a good orthopaedic technique of progressive deformity correction which attempts to minimize complications. The purpose of this study is to assess the complications that arise during halo gravity traction and to evaluate the correction of the scoliotic curves under traction. A single centre prospective study was conducted on 19 paediatric patients suffering from scoliosis that were admitted between 2019–2022. Traction-related complications were encountered in 94.7% of patients, with the most frequent being cervical pain (89.5%). It was followed by back pain, in 36.8% of the cases, with just 5.3% of the cases having experienced vertigo or pin displacement. Neurological symptoms were present in 26.3% of the patients and pin pain and pin infection equally affected 26.3% of patients. Even though minor halo related complications are frequent, with proper patient monitoring they can be addressed, thus making traction a safe method for progressive curve correction.

Introduction. Struma ovarii represents a rare tumor, only 1% of the ovarian tumors, with an incidence of 0.3-0.7%. The positive diagnosis is obtained by microscopic examination; sometimes elevated serum levels of thyroid hormone, CA 125 and ultrasound aspects can suggest the preoperative diagnosis. Case presentation. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with unilateral struma ovarii and no clinical or paraclinical evidence of the diagnosis to come. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed polyfibromatous uterus and apparently normal adnexa. Partial hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (considering the patients’ age) through laparotomy was performed under spinal anaesthesia. The histopathological result showed an endometrial polyp, multiple intrauterine leiomyomas, left ovary with thyroid follicles, which looked like normal thyroid tissue. The evolution of the patient was favorable, with no complications at the 6 months’ follow-up. Conclusions. In the literature, there are only a few cases of benign struma ovarium, and even less cases of malignant struma ovarium or bilateral presentation of the tumor. The particularity of the case consists in the diagnosis of struma ovarii only after surgery, in a patient without clinical or paraclinical evidence of this diagnosis.

Background/Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition mediated by the immune system with various manifestations. The increased prevalence of subclinical joint involvement has led to the development of early diagnostic methods for psoriatic arthritis, including several instruments that have been validated and used in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to perform the Romanian translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of three assessment tools: the Early Arthritis for Psoriatic Patients (EARP) Questionnaire, Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST), and Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Screen 2 (TOPAS 2), which are designed to evaluate early-stage arthritis in patients with psoriasis. Methods: All the activities were carried out in accordance with the internationally recognized methodology recommended by the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcome Research (ISPOR), the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the translation process and the validation of instruments, and data from the international literature. These three questionnaires were administered to 29 patients with psoriasis diagnosed by biopsy. A descriptive study was conducted and the data were analyzed with appropriate statistical tests using the PSPP program. A reliability test was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: The obtained values were significant for the first two questionnaires, with a value of 0.89 for the EARP and 0.63 for the PEST, but the value was not as significant for ToPAS2, at 0.40. Conclusions: This pilot study revealed that the Romanian and original versions of the three questionnaires are similar.

Abstract Background miR-210 is one of the most evolutionarily conserved microRNAs. It is known to be involved in several physiological and pathological processes, including response to hypoxia, angiogenesis, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Recently, new roles of this microRNA are emerging in the context of eye and visual system homeostasis. Recent studies in Drosophila melanogaster unveiled that the absence of miR-210 leads to a progressive retinal degeneration characterized by the accumulation of lipid droplets and disruptions in lipid metabolism. However, the possible conservation of miR-210 knock-out effect in the mammalian retina has yet to be explored. Results We further investigated lipid anabolism and catabolism in miR-210 knock-out (KO) flies, uncovering significant alterations in gene expression within these pathways. Additionally, we characterized the retinal morphology of flies overexpressing (OE) miR-210, which was not affected by the increased levels of the microRNA. For the first time, we also characterized the retinal morphology of miR-210 KO and OE mice. Similar to flies, miR-210 OE did not affect retinal homeostasis, whereas miR-210 KO mice exhibited photoreceptor degeneration. To explore other potential parallels between miR-210 KO models in flies and mice, we examined lipid metabolism, circadian behaviour, and retinal transcriptome in mice, but found no similarities. Specifically, RNA-seq confirmed the lack of involvement of lipid metabolism in the mice’s pathological phenotype, revealing that the differentially expressed genes were predominantly associated with chloride channel activity and extracellular matrix homeostasis. Simultaneously, transcriptome analysis of miR-210 KO fly brains indicated that the observed alterations extend beyond the eye and may be linked to neuronal deficiencies in signal detection and transduction. Conclusions We provide the first morphological characterization of the retina of miR-210 KO and OE mice, investigating the role of this microRNA in mammalian retinal physiology and exploring potential parallels with phenotypes observed in fly models. Although the lack of similarities in lipid metabolism, circadian behaviour, and retinal transcriptome in mice suggests divergent mechanisms of retinal degeneration between the two species, transcriptome analysis of miR-210 KO fly brains indicates the potential existence of a shared upstream mechanism contributing to retinal degeneration in both flies and mammals.

The paper presents an interdisciplinary study based on an experimental model for investigating clay sources to identify prehistoric human behavior regarding resources. The study focuses on the Middle Bronze Age (1955/1773–1739/1614 cal. BC) settlement of Siliştea-Pe Cetățuie in eastern Romania, where archaeological materials from the Costișa and Monteoru cultures were discovered. Standard criteria for macroscopic analysis and analytical techniques, such as optical microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (µ-FTIR), and thermal analysis (DTA and TG), were used to investigate the ceramic material from multiple points of view. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the ceramics of the two communities. Putting together the data obtained from macroscopic and physico-chemical analyses helped in partially reconstructing ancient human behaviors related to the production and use of ceramic vessels.

The paper presents a wireless system integrated with a machine learning (ML) model for structural health monitoring (SHM) of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) structures, primarily targeting aerospace applications. The system collects data via carbon nanotube (CNT) piezoresistive sensors embedded within CFRP coupons, wirelessly transmitting these data to a central server for processing. A deep neural network (DNN) model predicts mechanical properties and can be extended to forecast structural failures, facilitating proactive maintenance and enhancing safety. The modular design supports scalability and can be embedded within digital twin frameworks, offering significant benefits to aircraft operators and manufacturers. The system utilizes an ML model with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.14 on test data for forecasting mechanical properties. Data transmission latency throughout the entire system is less than one second in a LAN setup, highlighting its potential for real-time monitoring applications in aerospace and other industries. However, while the system shows promise, challenges such as sensor reliability under extreme environmental conditions and the need for advanced ML models to handle diverse data streams have been identified as areas for future research.

Behavioral neuroscience requires precise and unbiased methods for animal behavior assessment to elucidate complex brain–behavior interactions. Traditional manual scoring methods are often labor-intensive and can be prone to error, necessitating advances in automated techniques. Recent innovations in computer vision have led to both marker- and markerless-based tracking systems. In this protocol, we outline the procedures required for utilizing Augmented Reality University of Cordoba (ArUco) markers, a marker-based tracking approach, to automate the assessment and scoring of rodent engagement during an established intracortical microstimulation-based nose-poking go/no-go task. In short, this protocol involves detailed instructions for building a suitable behavioral chamber, installing and configuring all required software packages, constructing and attaching an ArUco marker pattern to a rat, running the behavioral software to track marker positions, and analyzing the engagement data for determining optimal task durations. These methods provide a robust framework for real-time behavioral analysis without the need for extensive training data or high-end computational resources. The main advantages of this protocol include its computational efficiency, ease of implementation, and adaptability to various experimental setups, making it an accessible tool for laboratories with diverse resources. Overall, this approach streamlines the process of behavioral scoring, enhancing both the scalability and reproducibility of behavioral neuroscience research. All resources, including software, 3D models, and example data, are freely available at https://github.com/tomcatsmith19/ArucoDetection.

Scoliosis is one of the most frequent spine deformities encountered in children and is regularly discovered after 15 years of age with a girls to boys ratio of 2:1. Vertebral arthrodesis involves both short and long term complications. Neurological complications consist of nerve root injuries, cauda equina or spinal cord deficit. Traction is a good orthopaedic technique of progressive deformity correction which attempts to minimize complications. The purpose of this study is to assess the complications that arise during halo gravity traction and to evaluate the correction of the scoliotic curves under traction. A single centre prospective study was conducted on 19 paediatric patients suffering from scoliosis that were admitted between 2019–2022. Traction-related complications were encountered in 94.7% of patients, with the most frequent being cervical pain (89.5%). It was followed by back pain, in 36.8% of the cases, with just 5.3% of the cases having experienced vertigo or pin displacement. Neurological symptoms were present in 26.3% of the patients and pin pain and pin infection equally affected 26.3% of patients. Even though minor halo related complications are frequent, with proper patient monitoring they can be addressed, thus making traction a safe method for progressive curve correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of associating an optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) protocol with enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) in aqueous media, using the dried berries of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) as plant material. A specialized software was used for the determination of potential optimal extraction parameters, leading to the development of four optimized extracts with different characteristics (UAE ± EAE). For these extracts, buffered or non-buffered solutions have been used, with the aim to determine the influence of adjustable pH on extractability. As enzymatic solution, a pectinase, cellulase, and hemicellulase mix (2:1:1) has been applied, acting as pre-treatment for the optimized protocol. The highest extractive yields have been identified for non-buffered extracts, and the E-UAE combination obtained extracts with the highest overall in vitro antioxidant activity. The HPLC-MSn analysis demonstrated a rich composition in different types of isorhamnetin-O-glycosides, as well as some quercetin-O-glycosides, showing a high recovery of specific flavonol-type polyphenolic species. Moreover, we have tentatively identified two flavanols (i.e., catechin and epigallocatechin) and one flavone derivative (i.e., luteolin).

The introduction of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry opened the way for the use of numerous materials for prosthetic restorations: dental alloys, ceramic masses, zirconia, PMMA, etc. One of the materials suitable for CAD/CAM technology is zirconia, used either ceramic-plated or full-contour, through its mechanical and optical properties. Zirconia, proves to be a real competitor for dental alloys used in porcelain fused to metal technology, with great results on posterior and frontal areas of dental arches. Prosthetic restorations made of zirconia in transit areas (including canines and premolars) exemplify the perfect combination between mechanical resistance and aesthetics of this material.

Unintended shape distortions, such as spring-in, spring-back, and warping, commonly occur during the curing process of laminate composites. The source of dimensional changes at the macro-scale is residual stress. The main triggers for residual stresses at this scale are anisotropic behavior and the constraint effect of individual plies and tooling constraints. Thermoelastic residual stresses are quasi-reversible, whereas non-thermoelastic residual stresses are permanent, and the underlying mechanisms contributing to them are highly intricate. The challenges associated with simulating the curing of large-scale parts to obtain reliable engineering data are significantly influenced by factors such as thermal anisotropy, polymerization shrinkage, tool–part interaction, resin flow, and compaction. A comprehensive grasp of the involved phenomena can facilitate the creation and application of numerical tools that model the curing process, providing essential information on geometry distortion that is crucial for the overall manufacturing of structural components and assemblies. To ensure that a numerical prediction tool is dependable in terms of both accuracy and precision, it is essential to have significant experimental backing throughout the entire process, from selecting the appropriate mathematical models to calibrating the calculations of distortion values.

Tuberculosis is the primary cause of death due to infection in the world. Identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum is a diagnostic test, which can be used in screening programs—especially in countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis—to identify and treat those persons with the highest risk of disseminating the infection. We previously developed an algorithm which is able to automatically detect mycobacteria on tissue; in particular, our algorithm identified acid-fast bacilli on tissue with 100% specificity, 95.65% sensitivity, and 98.33% accuracy. We tested this algorithm on 1059 Ziehl–Neelsen-stained sputum smears to evaluate its results as a possible tool for screening. The results were displayed as a heat map of 32 × 32 pixel patches. Analysis of the positive patches revealed a good specificity (86.84%) and 100% sensitivity for patches with a level of confidence over 90; furthermore, the accuracy remained over 95% for all levels of confidence over 80, except the class (95–100]. The modest specificity is caused by the peculiarities of smears (uneven thickness, dust contamination, lack of coverslip). We will train the algorithm on sputum smears to increase the specificity to over 95%. However, as our algorithm showed no false negatives, it is suitable for screening.

Background: Stroke is the third leading cause of disability. Virtual reality (VR) has shown promising results in post-stroke rehabilitation. The VR TRAVEE system was designed for the neuromotor rehabilitation of the upper limb after a stroke and offers the ability to track limb movements by providing auditory feedback and visual augmentation. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), aligned with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) principles, is a valid tool for measuring disability regardless of its cause. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of the VR TRAVEE system in upper limb rehabilitation for stroke patients. Methods: A total of 14 stroke patients with residual hemiparesis were enrolled in the study. They underwent a 10-day program combining conventional therapy (CnvT) with VR rehabilitation. At baseline (T0), the upper limb was assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), active range of motion (AROM), and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain. These assessments were repeated after the 10-day rehabilitation program (T1). Additionally, disability was measured using WHODAS 2.0 at T0 and again 30 days after completing the program. Results: Significant improvements were observed in AROM and MAS scores for the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and metacarpophalangeal joints, as well as in the reduction in shoulder pain (p ˂ 0.001). WHODAS scores decreased across all six domains, with a statistically significant improvement in the Cognition domain (p = 0.011). Conclusions: Combining CnvT with VR as a rehabilitation approach enhances motor function in the upper limb. This method has the potential to reduce disability scores and promote neuroplasticity.

Overlap syndrome of systemic sclerosis and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies is an increasingly frequent entity, but the association with immune-mediated necrotizing myositis has rarely been described. While myositis or myopathy may be features of scleroderma, it is imperative to correctly diagnose an overlap syndrome of these two, since it can be considered a different entity with specific management and a worse prognosis. Anti-signal recognition particle (anti-SRP) antibodies target the striated muscle fiber and inhibit myoblast regeneration, resulting in myofiber atrophy and necrosis. Anti-SRP antibodies are specific in immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy characterized by myonecrosis and minimal inflammatory reaction, with proximal muscle weakness and typical extra-muscular manifestation. There are controversial data on the association of cardiac manifestations and the presence of these antibodies, and recent studies cannot prove a significant correlation between the two. Myocarditis is a complication with an unpredictable, potentially severe outcome from heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy to fatality. It can be difficult to diagnose, and a myocardial biopsy can be problematic in daily practice; thus, most practitioners rely on cardiac magnetic resonance with suggestive images for the correct diagnosis. This paper seeks to address the challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment of collagen diseases by evaluating the role of anti-SRP antibodies in the pathogenesis of cardiac involvement.

Machine learning-based predictions of heat transfer characteristics in lid-driven cavities are transforming the field of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Lid-driven cavities are a fundamental problem in fluid mechanics, characterized by the motion of a fluid inside a square cavity driven by the motion of one of its walls. The goal of this study was to develop multiple machine-learning regression models and highlight the discrepancies between the predicted and actual average Nusselt numbers. Additionally, the study utilized physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) to model the flow and thermal behavior at both low and high Reynolds numbers. The results were compared among actual data from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, PINN models trained with CFD data, and purely PINN models created without any prior data input. The findings of this study showed that the random forest model exhibited an exceptional stability in its predictions, consistently maintaining low errors even as the Reynolds number increased compared with other machine-learning regression models. Further, the results of this study in terms of flow and thermal behavior within the cavity were found to depend significantly on the PINN method. The data-driven PINN exhibited a much lower mean average errors at both Reynolds numbers, while the physics-based PINN showed lower physics loss.

Pulmonary diseases, including pneumonia, represent a significant health challenge and are often diagnosed using X-rays. This study investigates the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the diagnostic capabilities of X-ray imaging. Using Python and the PyTorch framework, we developed and trained several deep learning models based on DenseNet architectures (DenseNet121, DenseNet169, and DenseNet201) on a dataset comprising 5856 annotated X-ray images classified into two categories: Normal (Healthy) and Pneumonia. Each model was evaluated on its ability to classify images with metrics including binary accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The results demonstrated accuracy rates of 92% for Normal and 97% for Pneumonia. The models also showed significant improvements in diagnostic accuracy and reduced time for disease detection compared to traditional methods. This study underscores the potential of integrating convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with medical imaging to enhance diagnostic precision and support clinical decision-making in the management of pulmonary diseases. Further research is encouraged to refine these models and explore their application in other medical imaging domains.

The analysis of the mixed lubrication phenomena in journal and axial bearings represents nowadays the next step towards a better understanding of these devices, subjected to more and more severe operating conditions. While the theoretical bases required for an in-depth analysis of the mixed-lubrication regime have long been established, only small-scale numerical modeling was possible due to computing power limitations. This led to the appearance of averaging models, thus making it possible to generalize the trends observed in vein small contacts, and to include them in large-scale numerical analyses. Unfortunately, a lack of experimental or numerical validations of these averaging models is observed, so that their reliability remains to be demonstrated. This paper proposes a deterministic numerical solution for the hydrodynamic component of the mixed-lubrication problem. The model is applicable to small partial journal bearings, having a few centimeters in width and diameter. Reynolds' equation is solved on a very, thin mesh, and pad deformation due to hydrodynamic pressure is taken into account. Deformation due to contact pressure is neglected, which limits the applicability of the model in those cases where extended contact is present. The results obtained with this deterministic model are compared to the stochastic solution proposed by Patir and Cheng, in both hydroclynamic and elastohydrodynamic regimes. The rough surfaces used in this study are numerically generated (Gaussian) and are either isotropic or oriented, having different correlation lengths. It is shown that the stochastic model of Patir and Cheng correctly anticipates the influence of roughness over the pressure field, for different types of roughness. However, when compared to the smooth surface solution, the correction introduced by this model only partially compensates for the differences observed with a deterministic analysis. [DOI: 10.1115/1.2345404] Keywords: mixed lubrication, elastohydrodynamic lubrication, surface roughness effects, journal bearings

Pocket-pads or steps are often used in journal bearing design, allowing improvement of the latter's dynamic behavior. Similar 'discontinuous' geometries are used in designing thrust bearing pads. A literature review shows that, to date, only isoviscous and adiabatic studies of such geometries have been performed. The present paper addresses this gap, proposing a complete thermohydrodynamic (THD) steady model adapted to threedimensional (3D) discontinuous geometries. The model is applied to the well-known geometry of a slider pocket bearing, operating with an incompressible viscous lubricant. A model based on the generalized Reynolds equation, with concentrated inertia effects, is used to determine the 2D pressure distribution. On this basis, a 3D field of velocities is constructed which, in turn, allows the resolution of the 3D energy equation. Using a variable-size grid improves the accuracy in the discontinuity region, allowing an evaluation of the magnitude of error induced by Reynolds assumptions. The equations are solved using the finite volume method. This ensures good convergence even when a significant reverse flow is present. Heat evacuation through the pad is taken into account by solving the Laplace equation with convective boundary conditions that are realistic. The runner's temperature, assumed constant, is determined by imposing a zero value for the global heat flux balance. The constructed model gives the pressure distribution and velocity fields in the fluid, as well as the temperature distribution across the fluid and solid pad. Results show important transversal temperature gradients in the fluid, especially in the areas of minimal film thickness. This further justifies the use of a complete THD model such as the one employed. [DOI: 10.1115/1.2162914] Keywords: hydrodynamic lubrication, thermal effects, pocket bearing, finite volume

Polyphenols were extracted from Thuja occidentalis L. bark and characterized in terms of phytochemical composition and biological activity. The optimization process investigated the impacts of extraction duration, ultrasound amplitude, and ethanol concentration on the total phenolic content in the extract. The antioxidant capacity was examined using DPPH and ABTS assays, and anti-enzyme activity against alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase, lipase, acetylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase was determined. The experimental model revealed optimal extraction parameters: a hydroethanolic solvent with 44% v:v ethanol, a 15-minute extraction time, and a 40% ultrasound amplitude. These parameters were validated and confirmed by reaching the target Total Phenolic Content (TPC) predicted by MODDE software. The resulting lyophilized extract exhibited a high polyphenolic content (161.84 ± 23.48 mg GAE/g dry extract) and demonstrated strong antioxidant properties. Notably, it showed significant inhibition of alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase, suggesting potential antidiabetic effects, though its inhibition of tyrosinase activity was relatively weak. These findings provide a foundation for further investigations to confirm the qualitative and quantitative presence of specific polyphenolic metabolites in the extract and elucidate the mechanisms underlying its bioactive properties.

About 70% of patients with Sjogren’s syndrome suffer from fatigue, and for a large proportion of patients, it is one of the most noticeable manifestations leading to disability. To date, no study has been conducted in Romania to determine the quality of life of patients and the impact of fatigue in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome. The present work proposes the translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of two questionnaires for the Romanian context, namely the ‘Profile of Fatigue and Discomfort–Sicca Symptoms Inventory’ (PROFAD-SSI-SF) and ‘Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome—Quality of Life’ (PSS-QoL), whose purpose is to assess quality of life and fatigue in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome. These two questionnaires were administered to 52 patients with Sjogren’s syndrome diagnosed according to the 2016 ACR-EULAR criteria. Subsequently, the conceptual, semantic, and operational analyses of the data were performed with the aim of cultural adaptation. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using indices of measurement accuracy such as internal consistency. Based on statistical analyses, this pilot study shows that the Romanian versions of the PROFAD-SSI and PSS-QoL questionnaires are as reliable as their English counterparts.

The aim of present work is a double one. On the first hand we tried to collect together the newest data concerning the enteroneurons’ morphology, their association in the parietal plexuses and their synaptic interconnections. All classes of enteroneurons were discussed in detail, but, despite their diversity, we have concluded that, essentially, they can be classified as motor, sensitive and interneurons, are disposed in layers and have the same functionality as the cerebral cortex neurons. According to their neurochemistry, we have imagined reflex circuits subserving motor and secretory functions, illustrated with original diagrams. Enteroglia and interstitial cells of Cajal are also assessed in interrelation with neurilema and myolema of gut muscles fibers. The second goal of our study was focussed on serotoninergic enteroneurons, their contribution to both motor and secretory gut functions and also on synuclein production in the enteroneurons, named by us extraparietointestinal. Their contribution to trigger the initial stages of Parkinson disease is proposed.

An imposing figure of Romanian science and culture, Ion Simionescu (1873–1944) devoted his entire life to the study of nature, thus greatly enhancing the geological studies. Due to the nature of his interests, he would travel across the country, coming to know the beauties of the landscapes and, equally, the people in place. Through his conferences and writings, he urged the nation, especially the youth, to become aware of its main purpose: Romania's evolution and growth. His scientific contributions remain of invaluable support for the researchers who followed in his footsteps.

Literature is limited regarding the potential use of the bark of Maclura pomifera as a source of bioactive compounds. The influence of different extraction methods was assessed for the chemical and biological properties of extracts obtained from the bark and periderm of M. pomifera. The extraction process was completed using three methods: microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and sonicator-assisted extraction (SAE). The extracts were characterized by total polyphenol content. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS methods, the antimicrobial effect was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, and the inhibition of enzyme activity was conducted using α-glucosidase, lipase, and α-amylase assays. The extracts obtained from the periderm exhibited a lower total polyphenolic content compared to those obtained from the bark. The highest antioxidant activity using the DPPH method was observed in the MAE bark extracts and when using the ABTS method, and the highest activity was observed in the UAE bark extracts. Enzymatic activity was most strongly inhibited by the SAE bark extract. The most pronounced antibacterial potential was observed in the MAE and UAE bark extracts, with minimum inhibitory concentration values obtained below 1 mg/mL.

With the increasing use of Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections in the masseter muscles for both medical and aesthetic purposes, there is a constant need to continually enhance the efficacy of these treatments and reduce the risk of potential adverse events. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the masseter muscle’s anatomical structure and essential landmarks and emphasizes the advantages of ultrasound (US) guidance in improving the precision of BoNT-A injections compared to conventional blind methods. The review is supplemented with comprehensive figures, including graphics, clinical images, and ultrasound visuals, to support the discussion. Potential complications such as paradoxical bulging, inadvertent injections into the risorius muscle or parotid gland, facial paralysis, and the risk of bone resorption are examined. Future research should aim at refining injection techniques and assessing the long-term effects of repeated treatments to ensure optimal patient care and safety.

This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of hydrogels synthesized through the UV-pulsed laser photopolymerization of a polymer–photoinitiator–chlorpromazine mixture. Chlorpromazine was used for its known enhanced antimicrobial properties when exposed to UV laser radiation. The hydrogel was formed from a mixture containing 0.05% Irgacure 2959, 10% gelatin methacryloyl, and various concentrations of chlorpromazine (1, 2, and 4 mg/mL). Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy was employed to monitor the photoinduced changes of chlorpromazine and Irgacure 2959 during hydrogel formation, providing insight into the photodegradation dynamics. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the incorporation of irradiated chlorpromazine within the hydrogel matrix, while the release profiles of chlorpromazine showed sustained release only in hydrogels containing 1 mg/mL of CPZ. The hydrogel showed significant antimicrobial activity against MRSA bacteria when compared to that of penicillin. These findings highlight the potential of CPZ loaded during the photopolymerization process into hydrogels as effective antimicrobial agents with sustained release properties, making them suitable for combating resistant bacterial strains.

Background and Objectives: This research investigated the morphometric dimensions of the optic foramen (OF), superior orbital fissure (SOF) and inferior orbital fissure (IOF), using indirect measurement techniques such as laser scanning, making it likely the first study of its kind. This study aimed to identify the morphometric variability of the main orbit communications and to highlight the differences between genders. Materials and Methods: The anthropometric study was conducted on sixty dry skulls (120 orbits) of adults aged between 20 and 70 years. Measurements of orbital communications were made using the RS6 laser scanner. The orbital parameters that were investigated are as follows: length and width of the SOF and IOF, and height and width of the OF. Results: In males, the average height of the OF was 8.27 mm and 8.13 mm in females, while the average width of the OF was 6.34 mm in males and 5.83 mm in females. The SOF average length was 21.09 mm in males and 17.58 mm in females. The widths of the SOF in the three thirds (anterior, middle and posterior) in males were 5.14/4.77/7.11 mm and 2.28/3.48/5.80 mm in females. The average length of the IOF was 33.05 mm in males and 32.30 mm in females. The widths of the IOF in the three thirds (anterior, middle and posterior) were 5.61/3.92/4.70 mm in males and 7.24/4.68/4.08 mm in females. Conclusions: The OF height and width were higher in males compared to females. The SOF length and width were higher in males compared to females. The IOF length was higher in males for the right orbit and higher in females for the left orbit. The IOF width for both orbits was higher in females in the anterior and middle third, and higher for males in the posterior third. Evaluation of dry skulls using laser scanning is reliable and recommended for data accuracy. Laser scanning can become a usable method for all indented and hard-to-reach regions of the cranial skeleton.

The Inconel 718 superalloy, a precipitation-hardenable material, is of particular interest for applications involving components operating under extreme conditions due to its excellent mechanical properties, high corrosion resistance at temperatures up to 700 °C, and good workability. At high temperatures, thermal transfer processes are crucial for temperature distribution across the component’s section, structural transformations, and variations in the alloy’s properties. The history of accidental overheating events is critical for the microstructure and properties of the alloy. Studies on thermal transfer in the Inconel 718 alloy available in the literature typically focus on the alloy in its as-delivered state. The experimental research presented in this paper examines the influence of repeated overheating history on the thermal diffusivity of the alloy.

This paper aims to investigate using FOAM to analyze the dynamic instability in the APPR for ADFTV based on a dynamic model (DMADFTV). The DMADFTV considers the following aspects: AD kinematic nonuniformity (ADKN), AD geometric nonuniformity (ADGN) of inertial characteristics for the spinning movements (ICSM) of the AD elements (ADE), and the excitations induced by the gearbox–internal combustion engine modulations. The DMADFTV is considered the already-designed dynamic model developed by the first author of the ADFTV in a previous publication. This DMADFTV was used to compute the stationary frontiers of instability and the nonstationary spectral velocity amplitude (NSVA) versus nonstationary spectral amplitude (NSA) in the configuration space in transition through APPR, using the FOAM. The use of FOAM is much more versatile, from the analytical point of view, than the method of multiple scales and allows the computation of the NSA and the NSVA in the APPR. In contrast, these computations cannot be performed using the harmonic balance method. MATLAB Software R 2017 was developed based on DMADFTV and used the FOAM to compute the stationary frontiers of instability and the NSVA versus the NSA in transition through APPR for the ADFTV. The numerical results were compared with the experimental and numerical data published in the literature, finding agreements. The computation of the NSVA versus NSA in the configuration space using FOAM represents a method of detection of the chaotic manifestation of ADFTV.

Quercus species are utilized for their durable wood, providing sustenance for wildlife, conserving biodiversity, and contributing ecological, medicinal, and esthetic benefits to ecosystems and landscapes. In this study, we aimed to use the bark of three Quercus species (Q. dalechampi, Q. fraineto, and Q. petraea) for the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles (AgNPs and AuNPs). The aqueous extracts from the bark of Quercus sp. acted both as reducing and stabilizing agent, facilitating the rapid synthesis of AuNPs (AuQD, AuQF, and AuQP) and AgNPs (AgQD, AgQF, and AgQP). The obtained nanoparticles were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, TEM, DLS, and FTIR. Characterizations revealed that the nanoparticles exhibited a variety of shapes, such as polygonal, triangular, and spherical forms, with sizes ranging between 14 and 24 nm for AuNPs and 45–70 nm for AgNPs. The total phenolic content was assessed through spectroscopic methods, while several individual phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using UPLC-PDA. Furthermore, we assessed the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal capacities of AuNPs, AgNPs, and raw extracts. The highest antioxidant activity was observed for raw extracts, followed by AgNPs and AuNPs, while the most potent antibacterial and antifungal activity was observed in AgQP. Moreover, cytotoxicity was examined in a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). The results indicated no cytotoxic effects for AuNPs, while AgNPs and the raw extracts exhibited cytotoxic effects after 48 h of incubation. This research underscores the multifaceted utility of Quercus bark extracts in the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles and their subsequent bioactivity assessment, suggesting promising perspectives for their application in various fields while urging cautious consideration of their cytotoxic implications.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to approximately 3.5 million cases in Romania, causing systemic inflammation and over 200 symptoms affecting various body systems. This complexity has challenged rehabilitation systems, necessitating personalized plans tailored to each patient’s illness stage and impairment level. The ISPRM-developed ClinFIT COVID-19 instrument, aligned with the ICF categories, assists in assessing patients during acute, post-acute, and long-term phases. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and assess functional impairments in post-COVID-19 patients in Romania, with a secondary goal of generating rehabilitation directions. Methods: Data were collected from patients at two Bucharest medical centers, including those with persistent symptoms post-acute phase. Participants were assessed using the adapted ClinFIT COVID-19 instrument, and descriptive statistics were applied. Conclusions: Findings revealed diverse functional impairments in physical, psychological, and social domains among post-COVID-19 patients, with severe impairments more common in those with long-term COVID-19. Complete impairment in complex movement and paid work was noted, affecting one-third of salaried employees and forcing some to retire. In the acute phase, the most frequent functional impairments were sleep, attention, pain sensation, and exercise tolerance functions. In contrast, the most severely affected functions were exercise tolerance and mobility joint functions. Age did not positively correlate with any of the analyzed functions. In the post-acute phase, sleep, energy, and drive functions remained the most frequently affected functions, while the most severely affected was, by far, the moving around function. In the post-acute period, respiratory and respiratory muscle functions strongly correlated with all tasks related to physical activity. In the long COVID-19 phase, remunerative employment was the most severely affected function, while attention functions remained the most frequently affected, similar to the acute phase. The ClinFIT COVID-19 instrument effectively captured these impairments, underscoring the need for comprehensive rehabilitation strategies.

Cucumis metuliferus E. Meyer ex Naudin belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is an annual vegetable species known as horned melon or kiwano. Fruits are recommended for the daily diet because they provide vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals to alleviate malnutrition and improve human health. In this study, kiwano was cultivated in the climatic conditions of Southwestern Romania, which is characterized by warm summers, lower precipitation, and high temperatures, ensuring optimal conditions for growth and development. The fruits were harvested at three stages of consumption: immature stage (green), intermediate stage (white–yellow) or the mature stage (yellow–orange). They were also subjected to analysis on the productive yield and physical–chemical properties. The results showed that the number of fruits ranged from 13.9 to 15.3 fruits/plant, and their average weight had values from 204 g to 234 g, depending on the harvest stage. The results obtained for bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity indicated significant differences (p ≤ 0.05), depending on the harvesting stage. The highest values for the antioxidant capacity (140.90 μM TE/100g DPPH) and total polyphenols (48.78 TPC mg/100 g) were recorded in the immature fruit phase, as well as for the carbohydrate content (3.56%), total protein (1.98%), ascorbic acid (4.3 mg/100 g f.w.), and carotene (0.98 mg/100 g) in the mature fruit phase. These results may stimulate interest in the introduction of this species as a niche crop and for consumption as a source of natural antioxidants for the prevention of diseases due to oxidative stress.

In order to determine the effects of frontal sinus morphology on the morpho-functionality of the dento-maxillary apparatus and the therapeutic management of pathologies in the orthodontic or maxillofacial surgery area, paraclinical evaluation is extremely important. During time, radiography – a relatively old method, allowed complex explorations of the extreme cephalic area, providing details of cephalometric and facial indexes and information regarding the pneumatization and neuro- and viscera-cranium at the same time. Aim: This manuscript focuses on the correlation of elements related to craniofacial anomalies, in which frontal sinus malformations hold a particularly important place, with various dental anomalies which are particularly important aspects in optimizing the diagnostic and therapeutic protocol in both, orthodontic and orthognathic surgical approaches. Materials and methods: We set out to examine the frontal sinus, including a number of 112 patients, aged 4 to 78 years old, with malocclusions, the research being performed in the Radiology Clinic of Emergency Clinical Hospital “Sf. Spiridon” Iasi, during 2018-2020. We used in our research the landmarks represented by the frontal median septum and the upper orbital margin, on the basis of which we calculated the dimensions of the frontal sinus. The cases were as follows: 66 women (58,9%) and 46 men (41,1%), and age distribution was as follows: •4 – 9 years (20 cases – 17,9%); •10 – 19 years (22 cases – 19,6%); •20 – 45 years (31 cases – 27,7%); •46 – 60 years (19 cases – 17,0%); •over 60 years (20 cases – 17,9%). Results and discussions: The data obtained in our study are superimposable on those found in the literature, noting a frequency of absence of bilateral frontal sinus in 9,8% of cases, the elements of specificity belonging to the percentage of 6,1% for women and 15,2% for men, all cases being between 5-15 years. There are not significant differences between the planimetric measurements at patients with sinusitis compared with the others; instead, we found statistically significant differences between the planimetric measurements concerning the right sinus as well as the left sinus at the 3 classes of malocclusion – the patients in the I-st class have the smallest sinuses, the patients in the II-nd class have intermediary mesurements, while the patients in the III-rd class have the biggest measurements of the sinuses. Conclusions: In dental practice, cascading effects are extremely important, starting from frontal sinus malformations, which lead to different types of dento-dental anomalies, the implications being found in specific orthodontic therapy and orthognathic surgery.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283604.].

BackgroundInfluenza and corona viruses generate vaccine preventable diseases and have pandemic potential, frequently dramatic. A co-infection with these viruses, may be a new worldwide threat, researchers name it flurona. The aim of our study is to assess flu and COVID-19 Romanian vaccination for 2022-2023 season and the factor associated with higher odds to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccine.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional observational survey was conducted in the general population; a self-administered questionnaire was used.Results1056 responders were analyzed, mean age 32.08 ±13.36 years (limits:18-76), majority, 880 (83.33%), from urban areas, 608 (57.58%), high school graduated, 400 (37.88%) parents. More than half of the responders were healthcare workers, 582 (55.11%), also considered study population. In the study group, 796 (73.37%) responders consider flurona vaccination useful; and 872 (82.57%) responders consider that no sanctions are needed for not flurona vaccinating. In the 2022-2023 season, 162 (15.34%) responders vaccinated against the flu and 300 (28.41%) against COVID-19. The factor associated with higher odds to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccine was the habit of flu vaccination: for flu (OR = 58.43; 95% CI: (34.95-97.67)) and for COVID-19 (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: (1.21-2.31)). Other factors such as having university degree (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: (1.08-1.98)) and being a healthcare worker, (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: (1.07-1.87)) were influencing factors only for adult COVID-19 vaccination in the 2022-2023 season. In the parents' group, in 2022-2023 season, only 48 (12%) vaccinated their children against the flu and 68 (17%) against COVID-19, mostly parents that vaccinated themselves, pConclusionsIn the season 2022-2023, in Romania, the vaccination against flu and COVOD-19 is low, in adults and children as well. More efforts must be done to increase flurona vaccination, public health educational programs are strongly needed. Children, that are at greater risk when co-infecting with these viruses, must be vaccinated, school vaccination programs should be considered.

The fortress of Legio V Macedonica from Potaissa started functioning around the year 170 A.D., and continued its existence until the Roman withdrawal from Dacia under Emperor Gallienus or Aurelian. Starting with the year 1971, the archaeological investigations continued without interruption until 2016. The headquarters (principia) and the roman baths (thermae) have been fully researched and published. The main defensive elements were investigated, the western gate (porta decumana), the corner bastions and the main roads of the fortress; some of the cohortes quingenariae situated in the praetentura sinistra, praetentura dextra and latus praetorii sinistrum, as well as the horrea complex and palaestra have been partially investigated. All of this research has been published. This paper presents unpublished research from 1987-1992 and 2011. Research West of principia did not detect any constructions (figures 1 and 2). In the retentura sinistra (figures 3 and 4, a-e) and retentura dextra (figures 5 and 6) the barracks of some cohortes quingenariae were partially investigated. The garrisons of cohors miliaria situated in latus praetorii dextrum have been partially researched. According to the space it occupies (132 x 107 m), the cohors miliaria seems to have had eight contubernia arranged in four groups of two (C 1 – C 8, figures 1 and 7-9). Contubernia 4 (figure 8), better researched, have 12 rooms. At the eastern end of contubernia, towards the via principalis, there are eight spaces (Sp. 1 – Sp. 8), with an unclear destination (the residences of the centurions or tribunes ?, figure 10). In Sp.1 a surface laid out with bricks was discovered (figure 4, f-g), which could indicate a latrine (?). We do not know how the eight contubernia were distributed to the five centuriae. At Potaissa, in the cohors miliaria, the soldiers have approx. 4,600 m2, while in a cohors quingenaria soldiers have 2,100 – 2,500 m2. With this article we conclude the presentation of all the archaeological research carried out until now in the legionary fortress of Potaissa.

Digital media, and especially the widespread use of the internet, challenge our experience of embodied presence and consequently force us to rethink the definition of the ‘human’ body that informs our social practices. Starting from the online documentations of Guy Ben-Ary’s bio-artwork cellF (2015), Alvin Lucier’s seminal experimental music piece Music for Solo Performer (1965), and Stelarc’s performance RE-WIRED / RE-MIXED (2015) the present article participates in this debate by asking: what type of embodied identity is contoured in online specta(c)torship? From a methodological point of view, the article resonates with Mieke Bal’s insistence on the importance of the case study in art theory and in the philosophy of art. It aims at performing a philosophical intervention with respect to the contemporary understanding of embodiment starting from the experience proposed by the encounter with specific artworks. Drawing on the case studies mentioned above and on theories of embodiment formulated in a diversity of contexts — such as affect theory (Seigworth and Greg, Clough), feminist critique (Grosz, Butler), performance studies (Salazar Sutil) and the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze —, the article contends that the problematic of the embodied subject, such as it appears in online specta(c)torship, is that of an ongoing misrecognition: an ongoing decentring of the thinking subject (of the cartesian cogito) in a continuous renegotiation of the bio-techno-logical ‘self’ that grounds the ‘I’ and is in turn grounded by it.

Psoriatic arthritis is a heterogeneous chronic autoimmune disorder characterized principally by skin lesions, arthritis, dactylitis and enthesitis. The exact etiology of the disease is yet to be discovered, with genetic predisposition alongside environmental factors being a well-known theory. In recent years, new discoveries have emphasized the role of gut microbiome in perpetuating inflammation in spondylarthritis. The exact mechanism through which dysbiosis underlies the pathophysiology of psoriatic arthritis is not defined. One of the current areas of focus in rheumatic research with new studies emerging annually is the link between microbiome and psoriatic arthritis. In this review, we synthesized the recent knowledge on intestinal microbiome and psoriatic arthritis. We screened two databases for articles, PubMed and Medline, using the following keywords: “microbiome”, “microbiota” and “psoriatic arthritis”. We described the current expertise on diversity and composition of gut microbiome in psoriatic arthritis, comparing the results with other inflammatory diseases. In the future, preventing the dysbiosis process that leads to the development of psoriatic arthritis could open the door to new therapeutic modalities. Moreover, fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics’ benefits in modulating the gut microbiome are being intensively researched at the moment.

Biopolymers exhibit a large variety of attractive properties including biocompatibility, flexibility, gelation ability, and low cost. Therefore, especially in more recent years, they have become highly suitable for a wider and wider range of applications stretching across several key sectors such as those related to food packaging, pharmaceutic, and medical industries, just to name a few. Moreover, biopolymers’ properties are known to be strongly dependent on the molecular arrangements adopted by such chains at the nanoscale and microscale. Fortunately, these arrangements can be altered and eventually optimized through a plethora of more or less efficient polymer processing methods. Here, we used a space-confined solvent vapor annealing (C-SVA) method to subject various biopolymers to rich swelling in solvent vapors in order to favor their further crystallization or self-assembly, with the final aim of obtaining thin biopolymer films exhibiting more ordered chain conformations. The results obtained by atomic force microscopy revealed that while the gelatin biopolymer nucleated and then crystallized into granular compact structures, other biopolymers preferred to self-assemble into (curved) lamellar rows composed of spherical nanoparticles (glycogen and chitosan) or into more complex helix-resembling morphologies (phytagel). The capability of the C-SVA processing method to favor crystallization and to induce self-assembly in various biopolymeric species or even monomeric units further emphasizes its great potential in the future structuring of a variety of biological (macro)molecules.

Our study aimed to examine how care centers for older persons acted and adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic period by considering the opinions of the beneficiaries, employees, and managers of such centers. The research was conducted between February and June 2022, and we used a mixed-methods approach. For the quantitative research, we applied a questionnaire to 430 institutionalized older persons from Timis County, Romania. For the qualitative analysis, we conducted interviews with 31 institutionalized older persons, 7 employees, and 4 managers. Most institutionalized older persons were mainly satisfied with their lives in the care centers. The main difficulties they faced were the impossibility of being close to loved ones and the difficulty of adapting to the living conditions within the center. Additionally, the older persons were satisfied with their interactions with the staff of the care centers. The conducted research provides a view of the lifestyle of older persons in care centers during the pandemic. It highlights their struggles and can be used as a reference point for further improvement of the lifestyle of older persons within care centers.

Social isolation and loneliness greatly contribute to negative health consequences in older adults. Technological solutions can be an asset in promoting social connections and healthy behaviours. This paper presents an innovative structure for an Internet of Things (IoT) platform specifically tailored for older persons. The framework utilises a supervised learning algorithm to classify users into four identified profiles to facilitate the adoption and engagement of technology. The platform incorporates wearables, such as socks and smart bands, to track physical activity, and a messaging module to encourage social interaction. The platform processes the acquired data to quantify steps and deliver tailored interventions remotely to the older adults through the AGAPE Assistant, the mHealth solution of the platform. Furthermore, the AGAPE Assistant has a user interface design for older adults, with a focus on their specific needs. Additionally, improving digital literacy among older adults is crucial for maximizing the long-term compliance and benefits of such technological solutions. On the other hand, AGAPE Monitor is a web application used by formal caregivers to configure the tailored interventions. The platform’s usability was assessed using different usability scale questionnaires, which revealed a mild level of user satisfaction and acceptance. The proposed framework is currently being deployed on more than 112 older adults across three countries: Italy, Romania, and Portugal. The proposed framework provides a holistic solution to encourage active ageing by adopting technology, implementing hybrid interventions, and promoting social interactions.

Certain biomarkers in exhaled breath are indicators of diseases in the human body. The non-invasive detection of such biomarkers in human breath increases the demand for simple and cost-effective gas sensors to replace state-of-the-art gas chromatography (GC) machines. The use of metal oxide (MOX) gas sensors based on thin-film structures solves the current limitations of breath detectors. However, the response at high humidity levels, i.e., in the case of exhaled human breath, significantly decreases the sensitivity of MOX sensors, making it difficult to detect small traces of biomarkers. We have introduced, in previous work, the concept of a hybrid gas sensor, in which thin-film-based MOX gas sensors are combined with an ultra-thin (20–30 nm) polymer top layer deposited by solvent-free initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). The hydrophobic top layer enables sensor measurement in high-humidity conditions as well as the precise tuning of selectivity and sensitivity. In this paper, we present a way to increase the hydrogen (H2) sensitivity of hybrid sensors through chemical modification of the polymer top layer. A poly(1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane) (PV4D4) thin film, already applied in one of our previous studies, is transformed into a silsesquioxane-containing top layer by a simple heating step. The transformation results in a significant increase in the gas response for H2 ~709% at an operating temperature of 350 °C, which we investigate based on the underlying sensing mechanism. These results reveal new pathways in the biomedical application field for the analysis of exhaled breath, where H2 indicates gastrointestinal diseases.

The present work aims to investigate the newly modified transfer matrix method (MTMM) to predict an automotive exhaust muffler’s transmission loss (AEMTL). The MTMM is a mixed method between a 3D-CFD (Computation Fluid Dynamics in 3D), namely AVL FIRETM M Engine (process-safe 3D-CFD Simulations of Internal Combustions Engines), and the classic TMM for the exhaust muffler. For all the continuous and discontinuous sections of the exhaust muffler, the Mach number of the cross-section, the temperature, and the type of discontinuity of the exhaust gas flow were taken into consideration to evaluate the specific elements of the acoustic quadrupole that define the MTMM coupled with AVL FIRETM M Engine for one given muffler exhaust. Also, the perforations of intermediary ducts were considered in the new MTMM (AVL FIRETM M Engine linked with TMM) to predict the TL (transmission loss) of an automotive exhaust muffler with three expansion chambers. The results obtained for the TL in the frequency range 0.1-4 kHz agree with the experimental results published in the literature. The TMM was improved by adding the AVL FIRETM M Engine as a valuable tool in designing the automotive exhaust muffler (AEM).

Taking into account the rising demand for organic wheat and the need to guarantee both high productivity and quality of the crops, the choice of cultivar plays a crucial role. These intended objectives may solely be attained by employing the most appropriate cultivars for organic agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of 15 wheat cultivars for cultivation in organic farming according to three important parameters for organic farmers and processors, namely grain yield, test weight and protein content. The field experiment took place over two consecutive growing seasons, in the center of the Oltenia region (southwest of Romania) under organic farming conditions. The results showed significant effects of the climatic conditions in the year of study, but also of the cultivar on all studied parameters. The effect of genotype-environment interactions was significant only for test weight and protein content. On average, over the two years of study, the grain yield was 3899 kg ha-1, the test weight was 70.8 kg hl-1, and the protein content was 10.1%. The recently released cultivar ‘Voinic’ obtained the maximum grain yield (4755 kg ha-1) and also a maximum test weight and protein content (73.9 kg hl-1, respectively 10.7%). In conclusion, it follows that by using cultivars suitable for organic farming, good and quality yields can be obtained that can be a suitable raw material for baking industry.

Soft skills are the elementary management, personal, and interpersonal abilities that are vital for an individual to be efficient at workplace or in their personal life. Each work place requires different set of soft skills. Thus, in addition to scientific/technical skills that are easier to access within a short time frame, several key soft skills are essential for the success of a researcher in today’s international work environment. In this paper, the trainees and trainers of the EU-CardioRNA COST Action CA17129 training school on soft skills present basic and advanced soft skills for early career researchers. Here, we particularly emphasize on the importance of transferable and presentation skills, ethics, literature reading and reviewing, research protocol and grant writing, networking, and career opportunities for researchers. All these skills are vital but are often overlooked by some scholars. We also provide tips to ace in aforementioned skills that are crucial in a day-to-day life of early and late career researchers in academia and industry.

The Silver gene is at the origin of the special coat color of the Trait Comtois Horse breed, but also predisposes carriers to Multiple Congenital Ocular Anomalies syndrome. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of Comtois owners about this topic through their response to a questionnaire. After completing it, we offered documentation for them to keep and to refer to when they feel the need. The majority of the owners were aware about the gene, but still many are confused with its issues. Genetic testing is not systematically done when ocular problems are noticed, but willingness to pay more attention to genotypes is present in the common spirit. By developing a proper reproduction management and a proper genotyping of the Comtois horse breed population, conservation and enhancement of the breed will be possible. In this regard, Silver homozygous equines should not be discriminated, as they may possess desirable traits and may be able to perform as any other horse in their domain of activity. They should instead be encouraged to be mated with their bay peers, in order to obtain heterozygous foals. Genetic testing campaigns are increasingly offered during competitions and open to all categories of horses. This problematic should not divide breeders, but rather motivate them to work altogether to be able to perpetuate the Trait Comtois horse breed, flagship of the Franche-Comté region.

In dental practice, the fidelity of a model is given by the quality and type of material used, the technique by which it is made, and last but not least by the experience and skill of the dental technician. But, the emergence of CAD-CAM technology has led to a major change in the stages of making the working model, through the development of the virtual model. Thus, the purpose of this material is to perform a comparative study between several techniques for obtaining sectional working models, with or without pins, compared to the virtual model obtained by CAD-CAM technique.