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Background: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) nowadays plays a major role in the treatment of infertility, with the most frequently used techniques being in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The objective of this study is to analyze pregnancies achieved using these ART techniques and their correlations with the prematurity and congenital malformations rates. Methods: This is an observational retrospective longitudinal study that includes 814 newborns conceived through an ART, namely IVF or ICSI. Results: Using a multivariate logistic regression analysis mode, there is a higher prematurity rate in twin pregnancies OR 16 (95% CI 10.7, 23.8), donor conception OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.1, 3.3) and PIH pregnancy OR 2.6 (95% CI 1.5, 4.5). The odds of malformations in these ART pregnancies are increased by the stage of the embryo (day 3) OR 2.6 (95% CI 1.3, 5.2), fresh embryo transfer OR 2 (95% CI 1.2, 3.4) and donor conception OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.2, 4.4). The ART used (IVF/ICSI) does not influence the prematurity or birth defects rate. Conclusions: Donor conception is found to increase the odds of both prematurity and congenital malformations. The ART used (IVF/ICSI) does not influence the prematurity or birth defects rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similar to other European countries, a measles epidemic dominated by D8 genotype strains is ongoing since 2022 in our country. Recent reports of liver involvement associated with new measles virus (MeV) strains are scarce. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical characteristics between hospitalized patients with measles from the current epidemic and those from the previous outbreak and to analyze the risk factors associated with hepatic involvement. Data were collected retrospectively for all consecutive adult (≥18 years old) patients admitted between October 2022–April 2024 and January 2018–December 2019. A number of 228 patients from the current and 130 from the previous MeV epidemic were included. The main statistically significant differences were those regarding hepatic involvement (77.2% vs. 45.4%, p < 0.001) and significant hepatocellular injury (23.6% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.003). Compared to cases without liver involvement (123), patients with hepatocytolysis (235) had a higher prevalence of keratoconjunctivitis (42.5% vs. 28.4%, p = 0.01), thrombocytopenia (47.6% vs. 34.9%, p = 0.02), severe lymphopenia (51% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.007) and high fibrinogen levels (58.7% vs. 47.1%, p = 0.04). MeV strains from the 2022–2024 epidemic were the strongest predictors of hepatic involvement in the multivariable analysis (odds ratio = 4.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.5–7.4, p < 0.001). The mortality rate of patients with hepatocellular injury was 1.2%. The current measles epidemic is dominated by high rates of hepatic involvement compared to the previous outbreak. Although not associated with a significant mortality, the potential change in MeV hepatotropism could have important clinical implications and warrants further monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Deoxyguanosine Kinase (DGUOK) deficiency is a very rare disorder characterized by liver dysfunction, neurological manifestations, and metabolic disorders secondary to severely reduced mitochondrial DNA content. These patients develop early-onset liver failure, and their liver transplantation (LT) indication remains debatable due to the possibility of neurological involvement. Case Report: We present the case of a 6-month-old female diagnosed with DGUOK deficiency who developed liver failure. At 9 months, she underwent a living-related LT with an initial favorable evolution under immunosuppression therapy with tacrolimus. Four months after LT, she presented two prolonged bacterial and Rotavirus enteritis episodes. She developed classical post-transplant complications (severe renal tubular acidosis type IV, secondary to the high tacrolimus level, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease) during these episodes. Her condition deteriorated progressively, with reversible hypotonia and significant weight loss. However, the neurological evaluation did not reveal any signs suggestive of the progression of the underlying disease. A few months later, her clinical features and laboratory parameters improved considerably. Conclusions: This case highlights the unpredictable evolution of children with LT for liver failure due to DGUOK deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acupuncture has shown promise as a therapeutic option in temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Its benefits include pain relief, reduction of muscle tension and improvement of jaw function. Several alternative approaches, including dry needling and laser acupuncture, were also reported to improve TMD symptoms. This review aims to summarise the most recent studies available on these alternative therapies for TMD. An electronic literature search was conducted in 3 databases, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, in order to identify articles on acupuncture, dry needling, or laser acupuncture. Search development, process, and two-step article selection were conducted by independent researchers. Data was extracted regarding study characteristics, population characteristics, acupuncture points or techniques used, and assessment methods for diagnosis and effects. Out of 431 identified results, 20 were selected for inclusion. We identified 11 studies on acupuncture, 3 studies on laser acupuncture and 6 studies on dry needling. Most studies showed improvement of TMD symptoms post-intervention, assessed by pain scales and maximum mouth opening. Overall, most studies showed promising results for acupuncture as an alternative, minimally invasive treatment method for TMD. When compared to controls or placebo, acupuncture, and related techniques result in significant relief of TMD symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past decade has seen increased interest in entrepreneurship education outside business schools, driven both by changes in market demand and governmental policies. This has led to an expansion of embedded entrepreneurship education, where entrepreneurship is included as part of existing, non-business courses. Using the context-intervention-outcome-mechanism framework, we systematically review 33 cases of embedded entrepreneurship education programs to understand where, how, and with what outcomes such initiatives were implemented. Our analysis identifies four mechanisms, which explain how embedded entrepreneurship education functions: individual, team-based, organizational, and multi-organizational. Our analysis points to three key recommendations for embedded entrepreneurship education practice and three related avenues for future research: considering program scalability, intended outcomes and misaligned pedagogical models, and contextual diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selected physico-chemical parameters, total polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of honeydew honey samples from Romanian were determined. Regarding the chemical composition, analysed honey samples framed in this type of honey, phenolic content, determined as gallic acid equivalents, presented a mean value of 116.45mg GAE/100 g honey. Total flavonoid content expressed as quercetin equivalents, was 1.53 mg in honeydew honey. Antioxidant activity expressed as % inhibition of a solution of DPPH, ranged between 47.84 and 62.99%. The concentration of honey that inhibit with 50% the DPPH solution was established to be 16.16%. 10 strains of Staphylococcus aureus presented different inhibition percentages when were treatred with a solution of honey. In conclusion, Honeydew honey could be recommended to complement other polyphenol source in human diet and also used in medical treatment.

In this work, vitreous oxidic structures from the xAg2O×(100-x)[45ZnO55B2O3] system were prepared, with a high content of silver oxide 0≤x≤7 mol%. The start substances were mixed in appropriate proportions and melted at 1230 °C, then undercooled at room temperature. The samples were obtained in the form of disks with a width between 2 and 5 mm by pressure between two stainless steel plates. In this work, vitreous oxidic structures from the xAg2O(100-x)[45ZnO55B2O3] system were prepared, with a high content of silver oxide 0≤x≤7 mol%. The start substances were mixed in appropriate proportions and melted at 1230 C, then undercooled at room temperature. The samples were obtained in the form of disks with a width between 2 and 5 mm by pressure between two stainless steel plates. The capacity of interaction with bacterial culture was investigated in agar environment through the method of dilution for gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. in order to use them for medical purposes. The most intense effect was registered in the case of Staphylococcus aureus, and the samples which do not contain silver, turned out efficient against both investigated strains.

The breeding of dairy cows is an area of great importance to ensure the basic needs of people. Dairy cows are also subjected to the action of various factors of influence due to the feeding peculiarities. This research aims to reveal the influence of the dairy cows feeding use of based on conjugated linoleic acid -CLA and a mixture of plant extracts and micro-ZLL supplements. The study was carried out in Agrimat Matca farm, on a herd of 100 cows at the first lactation. The experiment consisted in the administration of 0.20 kg VILOMIL ZLL and 0.13 kg VILOMIX CLA for a period of 24 days. Observations were made on the quantity of daily milk, the milk quality and hygiene and the health of the dairy cows. We observed that at the beginning of the experiment the somatic cell contents was 800000/ml, and at the end of the experiment it decreased to 400000/ml. The quantity of milk increased between 4 and 12.5%, the fat contents decreased by 0.4 to 0.6% while the protein content was not influenced.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is one of the most common glomerulonephritis. Its clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic forms to cases with nephritic syndrome or nephrotic-range proteinuria. The prognosis depends on the level of proteinuria, decline of glomerular filtration rate and control of blood pressure. The pathognomonic histological changes are represented by the granular IgA deposits in the mesangium. The treatment consists of comprehensive support care and immunosuppressive therapy. We discuss the case of a 50-year-old man who presented microscopic hematuria, nephrotic-range proteinuria and decreased renal function, exacerbated in the last 6 months prior the admission. We performed a renal biopsy and granular deposits were present in the glomerular mesangium that were highly suggestive for IgA nephropathy. Immunosuppressive therapy was instituted immediately, but the decline of the renal function continued and renal replacement therapy was needed. Patients with poor prognosis have an unsatisfactory response to the immunosuppressants, especially those with a delayed diagnosis.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is an inflammatory, immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that usually appears in the first nine years of life, commonly following an infection or vaccination. We report the case of a middle-aged female, with history of recent perpetual infections, with neurologic symptoms masked by a severe septic shock and subsequent multiple organ failure. Although in adults the prognosis is more severe, and there are various reported cases with unfavorable evolution, following corticosteroid and physical therapy, our patient was able to recover an important part of her neurological deficits.

The negative impact of an elevated serum uric acid on the onset and/or progression of different diseases is well known. During the last decade, new forms of therapies were developed, with beneficial results on correcting hyperuricemia, but also with potential side effects that should not be overlooked as most of the hyperuricemic patients are presenting concomitant comorbidities that could influence the decision in prescribing a specific lowering serum uric acid drug. The review will describe recent treatment options, part of them available also in our country.

Art influences our lives and society. The forms acquired by art have evolved, making art a part of our everyday life. Before the second half of the 19th century, music and stories could only be heard live and seldom, but today it is difficult to imagine a day without them. With the increasing complexity of art forms, the complexity of artwork acquisition decision-making process has also increased. Personal choice is influenced by factors like the availability of artworks, the relationship between intermediaries and art producers, the economic and cultural contexts. This paper analyses the selection criteria of artworks from the perspective of art consumers. The analysed data were obtained through a survey with two waves carried out in the period preceding the COVID-19 pandemic and during the pandemic. The results show that the most important criterion in choosing an artwork is the subjective connexion that is created between the consumer and the artwork, and that this connexion is defined mainly by the emotions and feelings the artwork generates.

Surgical intervention can lead to blood loss either through perioperative complications, or through disease severity until surgery. For this reason, mastering the main strategies to improve surgical patients’ haematological status, to reduce transfusion rate, and to correct haemoglobin level represent the state of art in surgical patient management. In the last period, due to COVID-19 pandemic and the blood shortage crisis across hospitals, applying principles meant to reduce blood loss, and therefore the rate of blood transfusion, have become even more important.

Impaired renal function artificial support development massively contributed to increased life expectancy and quality of life improvement. The first steps in this direction were made in the beginning of the 1900s, nowadays existing a variety of methods of renal replacement therapies that could be customized to each patient depending on the associated complications and comorbidities. Considering these aspects and that acute kidney injury (AKI) could represent a life-threatening condition, the present review will present different options of renal replacement therapies suitable to be initiated in emergency.

Alcohol abuse is one of the leading health problems, with subsequent alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) affecting around 50% of hospitalized patients, varying from mild to severe forms. Rapid recognition of AWS symptoms, along with prompt therapeutic management in the first 24 hours, can lead to better outcome. Improper treatment is correlated with seizure or delirium tremens, requiring specific intensive care management, and being the cause of with various complications, high mortality, and increased costs. Some studies reported possible predictive factors that may help clinicians identify patients at risk of developing severe or resistant forms.

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients often develop acute kidney injury (AKI), leading to increased mortality. In order to improve patients’ survival rate, it is important to understand the pathophysiology mechanism of AKI. In this brief review, we highlight the most important elements of the etiology and pathophysiology of COVID-19 associated AKI. Acute tubular injury seems to be more frequent than prerenal azotemia in COVID-19 patients and collapsing glomerulopathy is the most encountered form of glomerular disease. Another important role in acute kidney injury seems to play immune cell infiltration, inflammation, endothelial injury and microvascular thrombi. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is also important in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 associated AKI.

INTRODUCTION: The anti-psychiatric movements that emerged in the early 1960s led to the appearance of stigma in psychiatry. The misunderstanding of the concept of mental disorder, the negative way in which associated hospitalization was perceived, the inclination to treat patients through psychological therapies, and the criticism of pharmacological treatment led to the discrediting of psychiatry. AIM: The current paper aims to review the available literature regarding the impact of stigma on the quality of life of people diagnosed with mental disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A narrative review of relevant literature published between 1999 and 2021 was conducted. The authors analysed studies found on PubMed and the Web of Science electronic databases. The search terms combined two overlapping areas with keywords such as "stigma" and "mental disorders". A descriptive analysis was employed to synthesize the obtained data. RESULTS: Stigma continues to be an important challenge to the management of health conditions in people with mental disorders. A lack of comprehension may give the impression that all psychiatric patients are aggressive and are unable to function adequately. Such stigmatizing beliefs and habits have proven to be very difficult to change. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the stigmatization and repulsive attitudes in society, patients are reluctant to be linked to any form of mental disorder or to be seen as having any contact with mental health professionals. This undermines the beneficial effects of treatment, resulting in a poor quality of life and diminished socio-occupational functioning.

Much has been discussed about the issue of symbolic geography in negative utopias. I aim to prove within this paper that in the case of many authors, we are dealing with a symbolic dichotomy between nature and reason connected with a gendering of space that splits the texts' geography into feminine and masculine areas. On the one hand, we thus have central urban environments that always seem to be associated with reason and ruled by a patriarchal father figure (Big Brother, The World Controller, the Benefactor, etc.) These are spaces gendered as masculine and are subject to the direct critique of the authors. On the other hand, we can also observe in a multitude of negative utopias, too many to ignore from the perspective of a critical analysis of the genre, peripheral geographic spaces associated with nature, and the feminine characters that inhabit/make use of them). These alternative geographic locations can be viewed as heterotopian in a Foucauldian sense, having in mind the philosopher's definition in his essay “Des espaces autres”. The aim of this paper is thus to highlight these peripheral spaces and then comment on the source of this type of spatial construction, which in the case of negative utopias I believe to be 19th Century literary spatiality. The gendering of space often employed by the Romantics, the direct association between nature and a feminine symbolic principle seems to have also influenced the construction of the marginal geographic locations present in negative utopias. These locations seem to allude to a type of symbolic geography gendered as feminine that directly opposes the way the dystopian city is constructed. To achieve my goal, I have made use of theoretical arguments such as those presented in works such as Lowy and Sayre’s “Romanticism Against the Tide of Modernity”, Nicole Pohl and Brenda Tooley’s “Gender and Utopia in the Eighteenth Century” as well as Philip E. Wagner’s “Utopia, the Nation and the Spatial Histories of Modernit”.