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Multimodal in vivo imaging of pancreatic islets might improve monitoring of endocrine grafts upon implantation, helping clinical validation of new regenerative therapies based on the replacement of β-cells in type 1 diabetes affected patients. Herein, the generation of chitosan-based multimodal diagnostic nanoparticles (NPs) able to target β-cells is described. The NPs, composed of chitosan (CH) and γ-poly-glutamic-acid (γ-PGA) with different “clickable” functional groups were chemoselectively decorated at the surface with Exendin-4 (Ex4), a ligand of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) β-cell receptors, and with a DOTA containing linker, to chelate diagnostic radioisotopes. Furthermore, the NPs were conjugated with IRDye®800CW for multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT). The affinity of Ex4 decorated NPs towards GLP-1R was confirmed by competitive flow cytometry tests. The detectability of the NPs labeled with IRDye®800CW and Ex4 in MSOT experiments was demonstrated. In vivo biodistribution of Ex4 decorated NPs labelled with Ga-68 was studied with positron emission tomography (PET) experiments in mice. Specific binding to GLP-1 receptor expressing tissue was demonstrated in autoradiography experiments, showing potential of the multimodal NPs for specifically targeting β-cells.

Antibiotic resistance of the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its ability to form biofilm through the Quorum Sensing (QS) mechanism are important challenges in the control of infections caused by this pathogen. The extract of Myrtus communis (myrtle) showed strong anti-QS effect on Chromobacterium. violaceum 6267 by inhibiting 80 % of the production of violacein pigment at a sub-MIC concentration of 1/8 (31.25 μg/mL). In addition, the extract exhibited an inhibitory effect on virulence factors of P. aeruginosa PAO1 at half MIC (125 μg/mL), significantly reducing the formation of biofilms (72.02 %), the swarming activity (75 %), and the production of protease (61.83 %) and pyocyanin (97 %). The active fraction also downregulated the expression of selected regulatory genes involved in the biofilm formation and QS in the P. aeruginosa PAO1 strain. These genes included the autoinducer synthase genes (lasI and rhlI), the genes involved in the expression of their corresponding receptors (lasR and rhlR), and the pqsA genes. The analysis of the active fraction by HPLC/UV/MS and NMR allowed the identification of three phenolic compounds, 3,5-di-O-galloylquinic acid, myricetin 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (myricitrin), and myricetin 3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-ß-d-galactopyranoside. In silico studies showed that 3,5-di-O-galloylquinic acid, with an affinity score of −9.20 kcal/mol, had the highest affinity to the active site of the CviR protein (3QP8), a QS receptor from C. violaceum. Additionally, myricetin 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (myricitrin) and myricetin 3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-ß-d-galactopyranoside interact to a lesser extent with 3QP8. In conclusion, this study contributed significantly to the discovery of new QS inhibitors from M. communis leaves against resistant Gram-negative pathogens.

Supporting Ontario's diverse multilingual learners (MLs) requires more than "just good teaching" (de Jong & Harper, 2005, p. 102). MLs' success is tied to specific teacher knowledge, attitudes, and pedagogical moves based on linguistically responsive teaching (Lucas & Villegas, 2013). This study investigated the perspectives of teachers, curriculum leaders, and consultants regarding how MLs can best be supported, their challenges and successes in working with MLs, and what needs to change in teacher education to achieve the goal of supporting MLs across their curricula. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 teachers currently working with MLs in Ontario, organized around their personal and professional backgrounds and experiences, issues faced in supporting MLs, perspectives on how Ontario's policies impact their work, and opinions about how to enable future teachers to develop necessary skills to support MLs. Findings from an inductive thematic analysis of the interviews suggest the need for teachers to connect with MLs through shared language learning experiences, use asset-based, linguistically responsive and translanguaging approaches, and involve parents and communities. The findings also highlight issues around policy accessibility, the lack of specialized training, and inadequate resources. Finally, the study makes recommendations for preparing future teachers with practical strategies to support MLs in K-12 classrooms.

Background. RTX, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, added to chemotherapy has proven to be effective in children and adolescents with high-grade, high-risk and matured non-Hodgkin lymphoma. RTX leads to prompt CD19+ B lymphocyte depletion. However, despite preserved immunoglobulin production by long-lived plasmablasts after treatment, patients remain at risk of prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia. Further, there are few general guidelines for immunology laboratories and clinical feature monitoring after B cell-targeted therapies. The aim of this paper is to describe B cell reconstitution and immunoglobulin levels after pediatric B-NHL protocols, that included a single RTX dose and to review the literature. Methods. A retrospective single-center study on the impact of a single RTX dose included in a chemotherapeutic pediatric B Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL) treatment protocols. Immunology laboratory and clinical features were evaluated over an eight hundred days follow-up (FU) period, after completing B-NHL treatment. Results. Nineteen patients (fifteen Burkitt lymphoma, three Diffuse large B cell lymphoma, and one Marginal zone B cell lymphoma) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Initiation of B cell subset reconstitution occurred a median of three months after B-NHL treatment. Naïve and transitional B cells declined over the FU in contrast to the marginal zone and the switched memory B cell increase. The percentage of patients with IgG, IgA, and IgM hypogammaglobulinemia declined consistently over the FU. Prolonged IgG hypogammaglobulinemia was detectable in 9%, IgM in 13%, and IgA in 25%. All revaccinated patients responded to protein-based vaccines by specific IgG antibody production increase. Following antibiotic prophylaxes, none of the patients with hypogammaglobulinemia manifested with either a severe or opportunistic infection course. Conclusion. The addition of a single RTX dose to the chemotherapeutic treatment protocols was not shown to increase the risk of developing secondary antibody deficiency in B-NHL pediatric patients. Observed prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia remained clinically silent. However interdisciplinary agreement on regular long-term immunology FU after anti-CD20 agent treatment is required.

Background: The use of diverse transparent Vacuum-Formed Retainers (VFR) is widespread. However, there is a lack of detailed instructions regarding the proper cleaning methods for patients to ensure optimal longevity and plaque removal from their retainers. The objective of our study was to investigate the alteration in surface roughness of polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G), and co-polyester (COP) materials exposed to different cleaning procedures. Methods: In the initial phase of our study, we distributed a questionnaire to individuals who utilize vacuum-formed retainers to gain insight into their cleaning practices. After consolidating the results, we established six different cleaning categories. A toothbrush simulator, designed and built by one of the authors (B.M.), was used to simulate brushing for 30 days. A profilometer was used to quantify the inner surface roughness (Ra). Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, Post hoc analysis and t-tests. Results: The findings of our study demonstrated that distinct cleaning protocols had varying effects on the retainer materials. TPU samples typically exhibited a reduction in surface roughness following most cleaning procedures, but PP samples demonstrated an elevation in roughness. COP proved to be the most resistant material, and TPU the least. Medium and electric toothbrushes and whitening toothpaste should be used with caution. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the significance of choosing the appropriate cleaning procedures to preserve the integrity and hygiene of VFR materials, ultimately enhancing patient satisfaction.

The co-occurrence of myasthenia gravis (MG) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is rare; only one case has been published so far. We report a 63-year-old Caucasian female patient who was diagnosed with MG at the age of 43. Thymoma was also detected, and so it was surgically resected, which resulted in reasonable disease control for nearly 20 years. Slight hemolysis began to emerge, and then myasthenia symptoms progressed, so immunosuppressive therapy was started. Due to progressive disease and respiratory failure, the patient underwent plasmapheresis, and ventilatory support was stopped. Marked hemolysis was present, and diagnostic tests confirmed PNH with type III PNH cells. Her myasthenia symptoms aggravated, mechanical ventilation had to be started again, and due to the respiratory acidosis, massive hemolysis occurred. After two plasmapheresis sessions, the patient received eculizumab at 600 mg, resulting in prompt hemolysis control. After the second dose of the treatment, the patient was extubated. Still, due to their inability to cough, she developed another respiratory failure and pneumonia–sepsis, resulting in the patient’s death. This case highlights the rare association between these two serious diseases and similar immune-mediated pathophysiology mechanisms involving the complement system.

Genetic factors play a significant role in the complex etiology of non-syndromic tooth agenesis. However, little is known about the genetic components that affect frequently occurring dental variations. Our objectives were to examine the correlation between different morphometric characteristics of the upper first permanent molars and genetic variants of the MSX1 gene in subjects with known genetic changes. Morphometric measurements were made for 31 individuals with non-syndromic tooth agenesis and 69 controls, with known genetic background. A total number of 167 upper permanent molar teeth were examined. To determine the morphological changes of the upper first permanent molars, the dental cast of each participant was examined. We observed statistically significant results at the level of the MSX1 rs12532 and MSX1 rs8670 genes when we examined the presence and the size of the cusp of Carabelli. Variations in morphological results were linked to the MSX1 rs8670 mutation and our results demonstrate that patients without hypodontia have more frequent Carabelli cusps than subjects with hypodontia.

Aim of the study Orthodontic mini-implants, are devices that are temporarily attached to the jaws bones in order to improve orthodontic anchorage and to facilitate tooth movements. The aim of this study is to evaluate the biomechanical properties, namely, the insertion torque of 2 types of orthodontic mini-implants used intraorally for different periods of time. The secondary objective is to compare their properties with the new, unused mini-implants of same type and to correlate the intraoral use time with changing parameters. Material and methods The present study included a total of 51 orthodontic mini-implants, from two different manufacturers, Yesanchor OrlusTM (conical) and Link MIS TM (cylindrical), both having the same dimension 1.6 x 8 mm. These two types of mini-implants were divided into GC-control group: GCY (n=5), GCM (n=5) and GI-group used intraorally, the latter was divided according to the period of intraoral use in: GIY1 ≤ 12 months (n=10), GIY2≥ 12 months (n=15), GIM1 ≤ 12 months (n=7), GIM2 ≥ 12 months (n=9). In order to test the insertion torque, all the samples from the GI groups (n=41) were inserted in high-density artificial bone. Results The maximum insertion torque values for Yesanchor mini-implants varied from 35.58 Ncm to 42.34 Ncm and for MIS mini-implants from 19.44 Ncm to 25.36 Ncm. Significant decrease of the intraorally used mini-implants maximum insertion torque was demonstrated both for the Yesanchor group (p

Background: The nasolabial angle (NLA) is one of the most critical parameters of the soft tissue profile when orthodontic treatment is required. The primary aim of this prospective cohort study was to compare the differences in the evaluation made on lateral photographs and cephalograms. The secondary aim was to evaluate the modifications of the NLA (nasal and labial components) after orthodontic treatment, including upper first premolar extraction. Methods: The pre- and post-treatment lateral radiographs and profile photographs of 60 subjects (18 male and 42 female) treated with upper premolar extraction and fixed orthodontic appliances were evaluated. The nasolabial angle was measured in both investigations, while cephalometric parameters (skeletal, dental, and soft tissue parameters) were evaluated using lateral radiographs. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the results of the two types of measurements on the photographs and radiographs. The soft tissue parameters (ULT and UL-e) showed significant changes after orthodontic treatment, with ULT changing from 21.4 mm ± 4.07 mm to 22.9 mm ± 4.06 mm (p = 0.03) and UL-e changing from 8.42 mm ± 4.84 mm to 10.35 mm ± 4.23 mm (p < 0.001). In patients with thinner lips, the upper lip repositioning was more significant (p = 0.001). No statistically significant difference (p = 0.67) was found between the two evaluation methods. Conclusions: Both cephalometric and photographic evaluations of the nasolabial angle were similar. The soft tissue parameters (ULT and UL-e) showed significant changes after the orthodontic treatment. The repositioning of the upper lip was more acute when the lip thickness decreased.

Background/Objectives: Microorganisms are the leading cause of infections in the root canal system, contributing to the failure of endodontic treatments. This in vitro study aimed to compare the antimicrobial effects of four different endodontic sealers: Endomethasone N (Septodont, Saint Maur-des-Fossés, France), Sealapex (Kerr Corporation, Orange, CA, USA), AH Plus Jet (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany), and MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil). Methods: The sealers were tested against common oral pathogens, including Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Streptococcus mutans, using the agar diffusion method. Inhibition zones were measured at 24, 48, and 72 h to assess antimicrobial efficacy. Results: The results showed that Endomethasone was the most effective sealer against all tested microorganisms, demonstrating consistent inhibition across all time intervals. MTA Fillapex also exhibited a significant antimicrobial effect, particularly against Streptococcus mutans, with its efficacy increasing over time. AH Plus Jet displayed limited effectiveness, showing significant results only against Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: Overall, this study confirms the superior antimicrobial performance of Endomethasone, while the other materials, particularly MTA Fillapex and Sealapex, also showed notable effects in experimental conditions. The antimicrobial activity of all materials, except AH Plus Jet, increased over the 72-h period.

Background: Polymerization shrinkage of composite resins affects the marginal closure of direct dental restorations. It is responsible for developing secondary caries and indirectly affects the survival rate of restorations. This study aims to investigate the null hypothesis, which states that there are no significant differences in the marginal microleakage of Class II restorations when examined in vitro using different dental adhesives, whether the restoration material used is a composite with glass fiber reinforcement or not. Methods: Class II cavities were prepared on both proximal surfaces of thirty-six extracted human molars. A single-component (Universal VivaPen) and a two-component (Futurabond DC) self-etch adhesive system were used for the restorations in the control group (Charisma Classic) and the experimental group (Charisma Classic with Interlig glass fiber strip). An oblique layering technique and a 40-s soft-start light-curing polymerization were used. After selective pre-isolation, the specimens were placed in a 0.2% methylene blue solution and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. The teeth were sectioned in the mesiodistal direction, and two examiners examined and graded the extent of dye penetration. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann–Whitney U and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: All the composite restorations reinforced with glass fiber showed significantly reduced dye infiltration compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was also observed between the two adhesives. Conclusions: The null hypothesis was rejected. Glass fiber strips significantly reduced composite restoration microleakage regardless of the adhesive. The marginal fit of the restoration was also influenced by the adhesive system used.

In Hungary, little attention has been devoted to the secondary level of music education, even though it is not only a transition between primary and tertiary education but also has predictive power regarding the future of music education. In our research, we surveyed students in their final year at a vocational secondary school with music specialisation using open-ended questions to investigate the factors influencing their career choice, their vision of the future, and the external and internal professional motivational factors. The questions focused on music-related career choice, practising, the attraction of a career in music, motivations for persevering, and the factors and people strengthening self-confidence. According to the respondents, healthy self-confidence and adequate motivation constitute an inevitable basis and source of professional success. Motivation is best derived from the positive feedback of the environment and the experience of success. Due to the individualised instruction in music education, the main subject teacher plays a decisive role, often influencing not only students’ professional career but also their personal path. In our research, we also examined students’ perception of the ideal main subject teacher. Students’ recognition of a main subject teacher is enhanced by personalised attention, setting realistic expectations to the student, exemplary professional knowledge, and interpersonal skills. Based on their professional experience and perceptions, students also commented on the qualities required from a musician and the personal meaning of music. According to the responses, the best characteristics of a musician are perseverance, humility, and diligence, whereas music is a means of self-expression, which provides relaxation, serenity, and refuge.

Oculomotor nerve palsy can be a strong indicator of an internal carotid artery aneurysm, specifically of the posterior communicating artery, due to the anatomical positioning within the basal cisterns of the subarachnoid space, which allows for nerve compression. This condition can predict an acute subarachnoid haemorrhage, associated with a high mortality rate, often presenting with sudden, severe headaches, with or without deficits. The pathophysiology theories include direct mechanical compression by the aneurysmal sac, arterial pulsations, and nerve tissue oedema from venous obstruction. In cases of unruptured aneurysms, nerve irritation is less common. This palsy occurs in about one-third of cases. Aneurysmal orientation can vary (lateral, superior, inferior, medial, posterior), and due to the nerve’s anatomical position, aneurysms in the postero-lateral-inferior position are more likely to cause nerve damage. Treatment opinions vary from observation to intervention, with options including traditional neurosurgery and endovascular embolization. The latter is increasingly preferred due to its efficacy and lower risk profile. A clinical case involves a 56-year-old female presenting with ptosis, diplopia, and ipsilateral mydriasis. Imaging confirmed a posterior communicating artery aneurysm with a maximum diameter of 5.3 mm and a 3 mm bleb. Endovascular coiling was performed successfully, excluding the aneurysm from circulation without complications. Post-treatment, the patient was discharged in good condition with recommendations for periodic monitoring. In conclusion, while no single best treatment exists for posterior communicating artery aneurysms with oculomotor nerve palsy, early intervention (surgical or endovascular) and patient monitoring are crucial for preventing complications and ensuring quality of life.

Plant lectins have garnered attention for their roles as laboratory probes and potential therapeutics. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of Cucumis melo agglutinin (CMA1), a new R-type lectin from melon. Our findings reveal CMA1’s unique glycan-binding profile, mechanistically explained by its 3D structure, augmenting our understanding of R-type lectins. We expressed CMA1 recombinantly and assessed its binding specificity using multiple glycan arrays, covering 1,046 unique sequences. This resulted in a complex binding profile, strongly preferring C2-substituted, beta-linked galactose (both GalNAc and Fuca1-2Gal), which we contrasted with the established R-type lectin Ricinus communis agglutinin 1 (RCA1). We also report binding of specific glycosaminoglycan subtypes and a general enhancement of binding by sulfation. Further validation using agglutination, thermal shift assays, and surface plasmon resonance confirmed and quantified this binding specificity in solution. Finally, we solved the high-resolution structure of the CMA1 N-terminal domain using X-ray crystallography, supporting our functional findings at the molecular level. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of CMA1, laying the groundwork for further exploration of its biological and therapeutic potential.

This study uses photoluminescence (PL) and other carrier-recombination sensitive probes in combination with spreading resistance profiling (SRP), SIMS and IMSIL MC-calculations to monitor the ion range and damage levels in highly-channeled and random beam orientation 7.5 MeV B and 10 MeV P and As profiles and various combinations of co-implants with 50 keV Phosphorus implants in Silicon(100). The effects of annealing on the 10 MeV profiles showed the strong shifts in PL data from implant damage in the as-implanted and annealed samples. Curious “intermittencies” were seen in the PL signals from MeV implant defect centers.

Abstract Background We retrospectively analyzed serum level of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) as a pulmonary inflammatory biomarker in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in association with disease severity and outcome. Methods Ninety-nine (40 critically ill, 40 severe and 19 mild) COVID-19 patients and as controls 25 age- and sex-matched non-COVID-19 bacterial sepsis subjects were included. Serum HE4 was measured by an immunoassay (Architect® i1000SR, Abbott) in the baseline samples of all study participants obtained at intensive care unit (ICU) admission or during outpatient clinic visit and follow-up sera were available in case of 30 COVID-19 subjects with life-threating conditions. Associations were studied between serum HE4, routinely available laboratory parameters, clinical characteristics, and disease progression. Results Baseline HE4 level was significantly higher (P

This paper explores the intricate relationship between technology and law, specifically delving into the legal regulation of technology. The author addresses the challenges posed by cybercrime in the context of IoT devices and blockchain technology. The research focuses on digital financial strategy, particularly its connection to blockchain technology. Employing a descriptive and comparative methodology, the study then introduces the technology underlying cryptocurrencies and subsequently examines the issues about the Digital Financial Package of the European Union. The findings highlight that the digital finance strategy represents one of the most significant and comprehensive legislative packages in recent years.

The present study encounters the long-term process of a linguistic ethnographic research. The research took place in a primary school in Hungary, with students being Hungarian-Romani speaking bilingual Roma children and Hungarian as the language of instruction. The research, initiated in 2016, developed an educational approach in the school based on a translanguaging stance through multiple sub-projects and a three-year Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership Program. The applied translanguaging approach involved the Roma children’s home ways of speaking into the children’s learning. Translanguaging was first introduced at the macro level of the school with the cooperation of the school’s management, participant researchers, teachers, parents, teacher trainees and university students. The Erasmus program terminated in 2021. This study details the process of how, following the completion of this macro-level project, translanguaging can be sustained at the micro level within the school. It also discusses the difficulties and challenges faced by teachers when implementing translanguaging at the micro level, after macro-level planning and strategy have concluded.

The eradication of bacterial biofilms remains a persistent challenge in medicine, particularly because an increasing number of biofilms exhibit resistance to conventional antibiotics. This underscores the importance of searching for novel compounds that present antibacterial and biofilm inhibition activity. Various types of honey and essential oil were proven to be effective against a number of biofilm-forming bacterial strains. The current study demonstrated the effectiveness of the relatively unexplored fennel honey (FH), fennel essential oil (FEO), and their combination against biofilm-forming bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, with a series of in vitro experiments. The authenticity of FH and FEO was checked with light microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined using the microdilution method, and antibiofilm activity was assessed with crystal violet assay. Structural changes in bacterial cells and biofilms, induced by the treatments, were monitored with scanning electron microscopy. FEO and FH inhibited the biofilm formation of each bacterial strain, with FEO being more effective compared to FH. Their combination was the most effective, with inhibitory rates ranging between 87 and 92%, depending on the bacterial strain. The most sensitive bacterium was E. coli, while P. aeruginosa was the most resistant. These results provide justification for the combined use of honey and essential oil to suppress bacterial biofilms and can serve as a starting point to develop an effective surface disinfectant with natural ingredients.

The enzyme-assisted approaches for plant phenolics extraction are more eco-friendly methods compared to acid or alkaline hydrolysis. Carbohydrase enzymes can release free phenolics from plant materials by cleaving the glycosidic bonds between phenolic compounds and cell wall polymers. In this study, the efficiency of carbohydrase-assisted treatment approaches was evaluated to extract bioactive phenolics from hawthorn (Crataegus orientalis) fruit residues. Enzymatic treatment of the fruits was operated by using a crude cellulolytic enzyme cocktail from Rhizomucor miehei NRRL 5282 and a pectinase preparate from Aspergillus niger. Both cellulase and combined cellulase–pectinase treatments improved the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of extracts. The TPC increased to 1899 ± 27 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g dry matter during the combined enzyme treatment, showing a strong correlation with the average antioxidant capacity determined by ferric-reducing antioxidant power (1.7-fold increment) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (1.15-fold increment) reagents. The major phenolics in enzyme-treated extracts were vanillic and ferulic acids, the concentrations of which increased 115.6-fold and 93.9-fold, respectively, during carbohydrase treatment. The planktonic growth of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Chromobacterium violaceum was slightly inhibited by the extracts with minimum inhibitory concentration values between 15.0 and 77.9 mg/mL, while the yeasts tested were quite resistant to the samples. B. subtilis and yeast biofilms were sensitive to the enzyme-treated extracts, which also showed quorum-sensing inhibitory effects against C. violaceum. The obtained bioactive hawthorn extracts hold potential as a natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobials.

Abstract Background Appendiceal tumors represent a range of histologies that vary in behavior. Recommendations for treatment with appendectomy versus right hemicolectomy (RHC) for different tumor types are evolving and sometimes conflicting. This study sought to characterize variation in the United States around surgical treatment of major appendiceal tumor types over time and describe differences in outcomes based on procedure. Methods Patients diagnosed with appendiceal goblet cell adenocarcinoma (GCA), mucinous adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN), or non-mucinous adenocarcinoma from 2004–2017 were identified in the National Cancer Database. Trends in RHC over time and predictors of RHC were identified. Surgical outcomes for each histologic type and stage were compared. Results Of 18,216 patients, 11% had GCAs, 34% mucinous adenocarcinoma, 31% NENs, and 24% non-mucinous adenocarcinoma. Rate of RHC for NEN decreased from 68% in 2004 to 40% in 2017 (p = 0.008) but remained constant around 60–75% for other tumor types. Higher stage was associated with increased odds of RHC for all tumor types. RHC was associated with higher rate of unplanned readmission (5% vs. 3%, p

Extracurricular activities serve as a valuable complement to the formal educational system in terms of their goals, content, and practical execution. These activities adopt a student-centric approach, tailoring their content, methodologies, and tools to individual students' abilities and interests. They offer flexibility, remain optional, and rely on voluntary participation, augmenting the formal educational process while nurturing the development of individual personalities, creativity, and essential competencies (Bocoș, 2017). Technical-scientific activities place a strong emphasis on the formative aspect of learning by identifying effective methods to structure and guide students' engagements (Albulescu, 2008). Through these activities, students amass knowledge, cultivate skills and abilities, and foster attitudes that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application. This questionnaire seeks to investigate the role and significance of technical-scientific activities in skill development. By analyzing the responses, we aim to establish a correlation between students' performance in national assessments and the practical knowledge acquired through extracurricular pursuits. These activities also aid in nurturing students' creativity, problem-solving capabilities, and offer insights into their perspectives on the interactive methodologies employed in organizing extracurricular events. This study was conducted among a cohort of high school students who completed an online questionnaire (N=445). The findings underscore the complementary nature of technical-scientific activities, which, in conjunction with formal education, contribute significantly to the enhancement of competencies in science and technology. The study affords an opportunity to scrutinize the strengths and weaknesses of specialized extracurricular programs, shedding light on students' demands within the realm of science and technology activities and the extent to which these supplementary initiatives can mitigate school dropout rates.

A 5-year-old intact female Shih Tzu was presented with acute onset of hind leg paralysis. The neurologic examination revealed severe T3-L3 myelopathy. The differential diagnoses included degenerative, anomalous, traumatic, inflammatory, vascular, metabolic, and neoplastic changes. The results of the paraclinical examinations and diagnostic imaging narrowed the list of differential diagnoses and, along with the patient's deteriorating condition, led to the owner's decision to euthanise the dog. The histologic findings of the spinal cord specimens indicated a tumour of the blood vessels formed by the proliferation of endothelial cells, which may present as either capillary or cavernous structures. In this case, the tumour was a capillary-type haemangiosarcoma. The primary site of proliferation could not be determined in this case because no mass formation was noted while performing the necropsy.

Abstract Background E. coli O83 (Colinfant Newborn) is a Gram-negative (G-) probiotic bacterium used in the clinic. When administered orally, it reduces allergic sensitisation but not allergic asthma. Intranasal administration offers a non-invasive and convenient delivery method. This route bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and provides direct access to the airways, which are the target of asthma prevention. G- bacteria such as E. coli O83 release outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) to communicate with the environment. Here we investigate whether intranasally administered E. coli O83 OMVs (EcO83-OMVs) can reduce allergic airway inflammation in mice. Methods EcO83-OMVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterised their number, morphology (shape and size), composition (proteins and lipopolysaccharide; LPS), recognition by innate receptors (using transfected HEK293 cells) and immunomodulatory potential (in naïve splenocytes and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells; BMDCs). Their allergy-preventive effect was investigated in a mouse model of ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation. Results EcO83-OMVs are spherical nanoparticles with a size of about 110 nm. They contain LPS and protein cargo. We identified a total of 1120 proteins, 136 of which were enriched in OMVs compared to parent bacteria. Proteins from the flagellum dominated. OMVs activated the pattern recognition receptors TLR2/4/5 as well as NOD1 and NOD2. EcO83-OMVs induced the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in splenocytes and BMDCs. Intranasal administration of EcO83-OMVs inhibited airway hyperresponsiveness, and decreased airway eosinophilia, Th2 cytokine production and mucus secretion. Conclusions We demonstrate for the first time that intranasally administered OMVs from probiotic G- bacteria have an anti-allergic effect. Our study highlights the advantages of OMVs as a safe platform for the prophylactic treatment of allergy. Graphical Abstract Video Abstract