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Dental anxiety is a prevalent psychosocial issue that significantly affects the quality of life for many individuals, influencing their willingness to seek dental care and ultimately affecting their oral health. The present narrative review aims to highlight some forms in which anxiety can manifest, including fear of pain, negative past experiences, and social factors, which collectively contribute to a cycle of avoidance and deteriorating oral health conditions. Moreover, the paper highlights the biological and psychological aspects of anxiety in dental treatment, describing also the main elements regarding the etiology of dental anxiety. The implications of dental anxiety extend beyond individual experiences; they can affect broader societal health outcomes. Effective management strategies, including non-pharmacological approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques, have been shown to alleviate anxiety and improve patient outcomes. Overall, dental anxiety is a significant psychosocial factor that adversely affects individuals’ quality of life by deterring them from seeking necessary dental care. Understanding the multifactorial nature of this anxiety, including its origins and consequences, is essential for developing effective management strategies that can improve oral health and overall well-being.

Abstract Background Pathological complete response (pCR) is an established surrogate marker for prognosis in patients with breast cancer (BC) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Individualized pCR prediction based on clinical information available at biopsy, particularly immunohistochemical (IHC) markers, may help identify patients who could benefit from preoperative chemotherapy. Methods Data from patients with HER2-negative BC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy from 2002 to 2020 (n = 1166) were used to develop multivariable prediction models to estimate the probability of pCR (pCR-prob). The most precise model identified using cross-validation was implemented in an online calculator and a nomogram. Associations among pCR-prob, prognostic IHC3 distant recurrence and disease-free survival were studied using Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses. The model’s utility was further evaluated in independent external validation cohorts. Results 273 patients (23.4%) achieved a pCR. The most precise model had across-validated area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84, sensitivity of 0.82, and specificity of 0.71. External validation yielded AUCs between 0.75 (95% CI, 0.70–0.81) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.78–0.87). The higher the pCR-prob, the greater the prognostic impact of pCR status (presence/absence): hazard ratios decreased from 0.55 (95% central range, 0.07–1.77) at 0% to 0.20 (0.11–0.31) at 50% pCR-prob. Combining pCR-prob and IHC3 score further improved the precision of disease-free survival prognosis. Conclusions A pCR prediction model for neoadjuvant therapy decision-making was established. Combining pCR and recurrence prediction allows identification of not only patients who benefit most from neoadjuvant chemotherapy, but also patients with a very unfavorable prognosis for whom alternative treatment strategies should be considered.

Abstract Background Nurses provide essential care for symptomatic chronic Chagas disease carriers, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, offering crucial support, symptom management, medication administration, and monitoring to enhance their health-related quality of life. Objective To increase healthcare professionals’ awareness of the critical role played by high-quality care in the management of patients with chronic Chagas disease. Methods This scoping review employed the PRISMA-ScR method as a framework for article selection. A comprehensive search was conducted in the Scielo Brazil, PubMed, and LILACS databases, using the keywords “Chagas disease,” “nursing,” “nursing care”, and “nursing assistance” in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The search covered the period from 1980 to 2022. The initial review identified a total of 633 studies, from which 17 studies were ultimately selected for analysis. These included two observational studies, two case series, and seven literature reviews. Results These studies underscored the crucial role of nurses in supporting patients with chronic Chagas disease, particularly those with cardiac and/or digestive manifestations. Additionally, interventions pertaining to neonates with the infection and users of pacemakers/implantable cardioverter defibrillators were examined. Conclusion Nurses play a critical role within a multidisciplinary care team in improving the health-related quality of life for individuals living with chronic Chagas disease, irrespective of the cardiac or digestive form of the disease. Therefore, it is essential to assess both the subjective and objective needs of infected individuals in order to develop tailored nursing care plans that address their individualized needs and clinical conditions.

Abstract Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR) are a well-established treatment option for children and young adults suffering from relapsed/refractory B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Bridging therapy is used to control disease prior to start of lymphodepletion before CAR infusion and thereby improve efficacy of CAR therapy. However, the effect of different bridging strategies on outcome, side effects and response to CAR therapy is still poorly understood. In this retrospective, multinational study, real-world data were collected from 14 different sites in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on 88 patients receiving 93 2nd-generation CAR therapies. Bridging therapy was classified into the categories 1) no systemic therapy (15/93 treatments), 2) low-intensity therapy (38/93 treatments) and 3) high-intensity therapy (39/93 treatments). We analyzed the impact of bridging regimens on clinical outcome. Patients receiving a high-intensity bridging therapy had a significantly higher tumor burden at time of eligibility compared to patients treated with a low-intensity or no systemic bridging therapy. They suffered significantly more from bacterial adverse events and mucositis. Overall survival was significantly better for patients who did not receive any bridging therapy in comparison to patients who had been treated with a low- or high-intensity bridging regimen. In conclusion, in this retrospective cohort, high-intensity bridging therapy has not improved the outcome in terms of overall and progression-free survival in comparison to a low-intensity therapy. Yet, high-intensity bridging therapy was associated with more adverse events. Our study suggests that a low-intensity bridging regimen may be preferred whenever tumor burden and disease kinetics allow this treatment strategy.

Abstract Purpose Women with breast cancer face a high degree of uncertainty. Trust between health providers and patients has been shown to improve patient quality of life and may enhance clinical outcomes. This study aimed to explore the meaning of trust along the treatment pathway. Methods The study followed a convergent mixed-methods design. We collected qualitative data longitudinally from diagnosis to follow-up using unstructured digital diaries and 45 semi-structured interviews with twelve women with breast cancer. To measure symptom burden and trust, we collected quantitative data by means of 57 questionnaires. Data analysis was based on phenomenology according to van Manen and on descriptive statistics. Data synthesis resulted in a conceptual model of trust. Results The women experienced trust as a dynamic phenomenon within the biomedical cancer care “machinery”. Their trust was strongly influenced by contextual factors, professionals’ expertise, and person-centeredness. The relevance of trust differed according to treatment phases. Conclusions Due to a high degree of uncertainty, trust was particularly important. Professionals positively influenced the women’s trust to a certain extent through a patient-centered approach and by demonstrating expertise within the biomedical cancer care “machinery”. The conceptual model of trust should receive attention to bring care closer to the women’s lived experience so that their care experience can be improved.

Abstract Background Lebanon has experienced a series of devastating crises that continue to have significant adverse effects on the mental health of parents and their children, especially those who are unemployed, burdened with debt or financial difficulties, and have pre-existing mental health conditions. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the effect of financial insecurities on parents in Lebanon amid the multiple crises, and the impact of parents’ mental health on their children’s emotional and behavioral wellbeing. Methods A cross-sectional study including 589 parents in Lebanon was performed using convenience sampling of parents of any gender with children aged 4 to 18 from the five Lebanese governorates. The study collected the sociodemographic data of the participants and incorporated supplementary measures such as the Parental Stress Scale (PSS), Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), and the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being (IFDFW) scale. Statistical tests included bivariate analysis, ANOVA test, linear regression, and mediation analyses. Results A total of 589 parents, primarily mothers, participated in this study. Most children were males in elementary school. Bivariate analyses revealed that parents with non-Lebanese nationality, primary education, employment, or children in technical schools reported significantly higher PSS and PSC scores. Negative correlations were observed between the IFDFW scale and both PSS (r=-0.200, p

Aim of the study: This bibliometric analysis aims to explore the current research landscape on virtual reality (VR) therapy in stomatology, identifying key publication trends, influential contributors, research themes, and potential gaps in this evolving field. Materials and methods: Using the Web of Science database, publications from 2019 to 2024 were extracted with the keywords “virtual reality” and “dentistry” resulting in 32 articles. The analysis included publication trends, leading authors, journals, collaboration networks, and thematic categorization. Results: The study found a growing interest in VR therapy, especially in the last three years, with key themes including anxiety management, dental education, clinical training, and procedural simulations. Major contributors are primarily from the USA, China, and India, with limited representation from Romania. Collaboration networks highlight the field’s interdisciplinary nature. Identified gaps include the need for standardized protocols, cost-effectiveness, and understanding long-term impacts. Conclusions: This analysis provides insights into the evolving role of VR in stomatology, emphasizing its potential benefits. Addressing challenges such as implementation costs and standardization can guide future research to optimize VR’s use in dental care.

Aim of the study: Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining increasing and obvious implications in medical practice. The novelty of the research paper consists in evaluating the implicative relationship doctor-artificial intelligence (AI) in medical practice, a hot and current topic, with implications on physicians’ receptivity to the use and perspectives of AI in medicine, which derive from the mood, introverted and extroverted components of physicians. Materials and methods: The aim of the research is to reveal the challenges and prospects of using AI in medicine in relation to the mood of doctors, namely, the classification of emotions, feelings as part of the introvert and attitude, as the extrovert part of doctors, in practical interaction with AI. This includes providing an aesthetic and ethical experience in the doctor-AI relationship within medical practice. .Results: The holistic approach to the doctor-patient-AI relationship is identified as a solution for increasing the attention and involvement of doctors in the use of high-performance technologies. This approach supports medical practice outcomes and aims to improve the quality of life of patients. Conclusions: The findings suggest that enhancing the doctor-AI relationship through a focus on emotions and attitudes fosters receptivity among physicians, leading to better integration of AI technologies and improved patient care.

Aim of the study. In December 2020, the first two mRNA vaccines, developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, were approved by the FDA in the USA. Clarification about the safety, efficacy, and low rate of adverse reactions of COVID-19 vaccines was not sufficient to alleviate the level of hesitation against vaccination in the global community. Materials and methods. In medical practice in Romania, patients who presented to the gynecological consultation have blamed changes in the duration, appearance of menstruation and menstruation cycle, along with other new symptoms that they considered to be post-vaccination anti COVID-19. This aspect required a survey. The general principles of the strategy will continue to apply, namely, the continuation of screening by popularizing the survey with the aim of raising patient awareness and increasing timely addressability to avoid complications. Results Lowering the level of hesitation to the susceptibility to vaccination and increasing confidence in the vaccination campaigns against COVID-19 were identified as key outcomes. Conclusions The findings highlight the importance of addressing concerns regarding post-vaccination symptoms to improve public trust and participation in vaccination campaigns

Malabsorption syndrome encompasses a variety of gastrointestinal disorders that impair nutrient absorption in children, presenting wide range of clinical manifestations. This study focused on characteristics of the clinical manifestations and underlying etiologies of malabsorption syndrome in pediatrics population. Material and methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 29 children presenting with symptoms suggestive of malabsorption syndrome. Clinical data, including symptoms, growth parameters, and nutritional status, laboratory both at the time of admitting and during treatment were collected. Diagnostic investigations included serological tests, stool analysis, imaging studies, and histopathological examination. Results: The most frequent clinical manifestations were abdominal symptoms (85%), respiratory infections (65 %), anemia (45 %) and vitamin deficiencies (58%). Celiac disease (51%), cystic fibrosis (32%), and Cow’s milk protein allergy (17%) were the leading causes. Conclusions: Serological tests are important for celiac disease diagnosis, while stool analysis is used to identifying lactose intolerance and infections. Diarrhea and weight loss are prevalent clinical manifestations of pediatric malabsorption syndrome.

Diarrhea is a leading cause of illness and death in children under five years old. Severe cases of diarrhea, particularly those resulting in dehydration, are a major factor in high mortality rates. Rotavirus is a significant pathogen contributing to dehydrating diarrhea and hospitalizations in children under five. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of vaccination in preventing the progression of gastroenteritis, with a focus on rotavirus-induced gastroenteritis. Material and methods: The present study was conducted within the Pediatric Department of The Emergency Clinical Hospital “St. Apostle Andrew” in Constanța, including 307 patients diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis during the period of January 1 and December 31, 2023. Results: The prevalence declined with age: 183 infants, 67 patients were between 1 and 3 years old, 42 were aged 3 to 7, and the smallest group, 15 patients, were between 7 and 16 years old, and 201 of the 307 children did not receive the Rotarix or Rotateq vaccines, while 106 patients completed the full vaccination regimen. As for the etiology of the disease, 160 patients were diagnosed with acute viral enterocolitis, with 142 cases attributed to Rotavirus. An increase in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances was observed in subjects who had not received the preventive Rotavirus vaccine. Conclusion: The role of the vaccine in preventing the severe progression of gastroenteritis, particularly that caused by Rotavirus, is highlighted by the reduced frequency of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and shorter hospital stays in patients who received the Rotarix/Rotateq vaccine.

Aim of the study Mouth breathing syndrome (MBS) is a multifactorial condition where the patient breathes predominantly through the mouth instead of the nose, leading to negative consequences on facial development, oral and general health. Because of its complexity, MBS therapy requires close collaboration between different specialities. MBS is not just a respiratory problem; it also affects cranio-facial development, oral health, sleep and even some systemic functions of the body. An interdisciplinary approach ensures a complete evaluation and holistic treatment of the patient, addressing not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of MBS. Collaboration between specialists allows an individualized treatment, adapted to the specific needs of each patient preventing long-term complications. Involvement of both patient and family in the oral rehabilitation process, supported by the interdisciplinary medical team, is crucial for the success and maintenance of long-term results. Materials and methods The research undertaken aimed to identify the opportunities, challenges and barriers existing in the interdisciplinary approach to complete MBS rehabilitation. The study took into account the responses of 720 specialists from various fields of medicine involved in MBS therapy. Results Dentistry has only 14.5% of recommendation because it is the most represented among the specializations present in the study. Most often, the dentist recommends an ENT specialty or orthodontics. At the top of most frequent symptomatology was sleep disorders, with only 14 doctors specialised in somnology as classified itself as the newest type of the specialty. The most frequent symptomatology (484 responses) is speep apnea followed by 432 answers of orthodontic issues and with close values of dry mouth and halitosis. Conclusions Through collaboration between otolaryngologists, orthodontists, dentists, speech therapists, allergists and other specialists, optimal results can be achieved, improving the general health, craniofacial development and quality of life of patients.

Aim of the study The correct establishment of the therapeutic conduct in papillary thyroid cancer through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) models is essential in medical practice in diagnosing and establishing the prognosis of the disease, this aspect implies the most accurate and effective therapeutic approach. I aim to use AI models to obtain correct and favorable results for the diagnosis and prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer by conducting a clinical trial, in which we will use the diagnostic method optimized by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.The use of AI will avoid errors and increase performance in the interpretation of the doctor’s computed tomography (CT) scan and consequently, improve treatment planning. Materials and methods The optimization of the method will consist in the development and training of artificial intelligence models, using AI algorithms in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancererol by accurately identifying pathological lesions and adenopathy and generating 3D images from 2D CT images. use the transfer function for opacity and color, grayscale from DICOM images projected in a three-dimensional space. [1]; [2] We also use artificial intelligence (AI), through the Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) technique, which has proven to be effective in representing complex data distributions [2], as we do in this study. I will validate this method of diagnosis and prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer, optimized by the artificial intelligence algorithm, by conducting a randomized, controlled clinical trial over a period of 12 months. Results I will validate the diagnostic method by using AI. By using this method in medical practice, I aim to be able to avoid errors, to provide precision in diagnosing, staging and establishing the therapeutic plan in papillary thyroid cancer using AI models. Conclusions The use of the AI method can increase the quality of life by establishing the correct therapeutic plan and improving the prognosis.

(1) Background: Vaccination represents one of the most successful interventions worldwide in the field of public health. Immunization is one of the measures with the best results, being extremely efficient compared to all associated costs. Being a preventive measure, immunization relies entirely on the acceptance, understanding, and trust of those who use this service. The purpose of this study is to gather as much data as possible regarding the general opinion parents have regarding vaccines and the vaccination of their children; (2) Methods: For the purpose of this study, a cross-sectional survey was used through the application of a questionnaire employed as a research instrument, consisting of 35 questions. The questionnaires were physically distributed to family medicine cabinets for parents to complete, and the data collection period was throughout the months of May, June, and July of 2022. A total of 200 questionnaires were obtained, and their results were analyzed; (3) Results: The study was conducted on 200 respondents. Approximately two-thirds of the surveyed parents believe that all vaccines are necessary and of great importance. The reasons why parents do not accept certain vaccines were also evaluated within the questionnaire. Many respondents agreed that fear of possible severe adverse effects, as well as lack of correct information about vaccines, are the main issues leading to vaccine refusal. With the data we have gathered, we were able to track the general opinion of parents regarding vaccination, their level of information, the risks they express concern about, the relationship between parents and doctors regarding the vaccination process of their child, as well as their level of confidence in the effectiveness of vaccines; (4) Conclusions: From the general opinion on vaccines, it emerges that they are considered highly important and necessary by the majority of parents. Almost all respondents are interested in accumulating as much information as possible about vaccination. The majority of parents have adhered to vaccination norms, and their children either have received vaccines from the National Immunization Program (NIP) or are scheduled to receive them. The risk of adverse effects remains the primary concern of parents. Parents’ trust in vaccination continues to be a key element in understanding their attitude towards the entire immunization process.

Aim of the study For the accurate diagnosis and staging of precancers and cervical and thyroid cancer, we aim to create a diagnostic method optimized by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and validated by the notable positive results of a randomized, controlled, 17-month trial.. Materials and methods The optimization of the method will involve the development and training of artificial intelligence models using convolutive neural networks (CNN) to identify precancers and cancers in colposcopic images. We will use topologies that have demonstrated strong performance in similar image recognition projects, such as VGG16, Inception, MobilNet, ROI, U-Net, and KiU-Net. Additionally, the research includes a comparative study of various algorithms and tools employed in segmental volumetric constructions to generate 3D images from MRI/CT data. This study will also evaluate current advancements in DICOM image processing using techniques such as volume rendering, transfer functions for opacity and color, and shades of gray from DICOM images projected in a three-dimensional space. Validation of the proposed method will be achieved through a randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted over 17 months. Patients will be informed and recruited either via random presentation at the specialized medical centers participating in the trial or through a dedicated web platform. Selection criteria will adhere to inclusion and exclusion parameters defined in the clinical trial protocol, and all patient data will be handled ethically and in accordance with written and informed consent approved by the Ethics Committee. Results The optimized method, supported by AI algorithms and validated through clinical trials, aims to demonstrate concrete and favorable outcomes in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning for cervical and thyroid precancers and cancers.. Conclusions By implementing this AI-optimized diagnostic method, we seek to raise the quality standard in diagnosing and staging precancers and cancers, ultimately enhancing therapeutic decision-making and patient outcomes.

Abstract Breeding animals to produce more robust and disease-resistant pig populations becomes a complementary strategy to the more conventional methods of biosecurity and vaccination. The objective of this study was to explore the ability of a panel of genetic markers and immunity parameters to predict the survival rates during a natural PRRSV outbreak. Ten-week-old female Duroc pigs (n = 129), obtained from 61 sows and 20 boars, were naturally infected with a highly pathogenic PRRSV genotype 1 strain. Prior to infection, piglets were screened for immunity parameters (IgG levels in plasma and SOX13 mRNA expression in blood) and genetic markers previously associated to PRRSV immune response and immunity traits. Additionally, the 20 boars were genotyped with a panel of 132 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Survival analysis showed that mortality was significantly higher for animals with low basal IgG levels in plasma and/or high SOX13 mRNA expression in blood. The genotypes of sires for SNPs associated with IgG plasma levels, CRP in serum, percentage of γδ T cells, lymphocyte phagocytic capacity, total number of lymphocytes and leukocytes, and MCV and MCH were significantly associated with the number of surviving offspring. Furthermore, CD163 and GBP5 markers were also associated to piglet survival. The effects of these SNPs were polygenic and cumulative, survival decreased from 94 to 21% as more susceptible alleles were accumulated for the different markers. Our results confirmed the existence of genetic variability in survival after PRRSV infection and provided a set of genetic markers and immunity traits associated with PRRS resistance.

Abstract Background The scarcity of resources in long-term care demands more than ever that organizations in this sector are prepared for innovation to ensure affordable access to care for older adults. Organizations that are innovation ready are more capable of implementing innovations. Therefore, a better understanding of how stakeholders view innovation readiness in long-term care can provide actionable strategies to enhance their innovative capacities. ‘Innovation readiness’ indicates the level of maturity of an organization to succeed in any type of innovation. Our study explored perspectives among stakeholders on what they consider important for organizations in long-term care for older adults to be innovation ready. Methods Q-methodology, a mixed-methods approach, was used to investigate the perspectives of 30 stakeholders connected to long-term care for older adults in the Netherlands: academics, (top)management, innovation managers, client representatives, staff, and consultants. Stakeholders were asked to rank 36 statements on innovation readiness on importance. Statements were extracted from literature research and qualitative interviews. Thereafter in the post-interviews stakeholders explained their ranking and reflected on the statements. By-person factor analysis was used to identify clusters in the ranking data. Together with the qualitative data from follow-up interviews, these clusters were interpreted and described as perspectives of the stakeholders. Results Four distinct perspectives were identified on what they consider important for innovation readiness in long-term care: (1) ‘supportive role of management’ (2) ‘participation of the client (system) and employees’ (3) ‘setting the course and creating conditions’ and (4) ‘structuring decision-making, roles and responsibilities’. The 36 statements represented a complete overview of innovation readiness factors. No additional innovation factors to those previously identified in the literature emerged from the interviews. Conclusions Stakeholders agree that all factors contributing to innovation readiness of long-term care organizations for older adults are accounted for. The variety of perspectives on what is most important shows there is no agreement among stakeholders about a fixed route toward innovation readiness. However, stakeholders suggested a temporal order of the innovation readiness factors, preferably starting with formulating the innovation ambition. This study’s results could contribute to developing an assessment tool to deliver a structured approach for managers to assess the innovation readiness of their organization. Registration The study received ethical approval on April 13, 2022 from the Medical Ethics Board of Zuyderland Medical Center in the Netherlands with the number METCZ20220036.

Abstract Introduction Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is characterised by brittle bones, severe skeletal deformities, low sleep quality, and restricted breathing. We aimed to distinguish how disease and obesity affect these results. Methods According to BMI, we considered four groups of peer adults (median age: 35.0 years): 13 subjects affected by moderate or severe OI without obesity (OIno), 14 affected by moderate or severe OI with obesity (OIob), 10 without obesity not affected by OI (OB) and 10 without obesity not affected by OI. Results Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome was diagnosed in 4 OIno (30%) and 9 OIob (64%). Restricted lung pattern (z-score of total lung capacity

Abstract Background Long-acting injectable antiretrovirals (LAI-ARVs) for HIV prevention and treatment have been demonstrated in clinical trials to be non-inferior to daily oral medications, providing an additional option to help users overcome the challenges of daily adherence. Approval and implementation of these regimens in low- and middle-income settings have been limited. Method This study describes the anticipated barriers and facilitators to implementing LAI-ARVs in Vietnam to inform future roll-out. From July to August 2022, we conducted 27 in-depth interviews with healthcare workers and public health stakeholders involved in HIV programs at national, provincial, and clinic levels across four provinces in Vietnam. The interviews followed a semi-structured questionnaire and were audio recorded. Data were analyzed using a rapid thematic analysis approach to identify facilitators and barriers to the adoption of LAI-ARVs. Results In total, 27 participants from 4 provinces were interviewed including 14 (52%) men and 13 (48%) women. Participants median age was 48 years and they had 11.5 years of experience with HIV services and programs. Perceived user-level facilitators included the greater convenience of injectables in comparison to oral regimens, while barriers included the increased frequency of visits, fear of pain and side effects, and cost. Clinic-level facilitators included existing technical capacity to administer injections and physical storage availability in district health centers, while barriers included lack of space and equipment for administering injections for HIV-related services, concerns about cold chain maintenance for LAI-ART, and workload for healthcare workers. Health system-level facilitators included existing mechanisms for medication distribution, while barriers included regulatory approval processes and concerns about supply chain continuity. Conclusion Overall, participants were optimistic about the potential impact of LAI-ARVs but highlighted important considerations at multiple levels needed to ensure successful implementation in Vietnam. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Abstract Migratory animals rely on multiple sites during their annual cycles. Deteriorating conditions at any site can have population-level consequences, with long-distance migrants seen as especially susceptible to such changes. Reduced adult survival caused by persecution at non-breeding sites has been suggested a major reason for the catastrophic decline of a formerly abundant, long-distance migratory songbird, the Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola. However, it is unknown whether the ongoing extinction of this Eurasian species especially in the west of its range could be related to differences in survival or migration routes. We investigated survival rates of populations from both western and eastern parts of the breeding range and successfully tracked the migration of individuals from two eastern populations with light-level geolocators. We found moderate apparent local survival rates in eastern populations, but observed no returning birds in western populations. Our tracking data highlights (1) a joint migration corridor of eastern populations through eastern China, (2) long autumn stopovers likely used for moult and re-fuelling, and (3) very long occurrences at wintering sites. These areas should be given priority for future conservation measures. We call for an increased monitoring of adult survival and breeding output in multiple populations (including western ones) of this critically endangered species to determine (1) the causes for the observed differences in apparent local survival and (2) whether the current survival rates are sufficient to sustain viable breeding populations.

Abstract We consider the renormalization group equations within the Standard Model Effective Field Theory and compute two-loop contributions proportional to the top quark Yukawa coupling for the operator generating an effective Higgs-gluon coupling, focusing on the Yukawa-like operator. These two-loop running effects are relevant for processes where the effective Higgs-gluon coupling contributes at a lower loop order compared to the Standard Model contribution and where a dynamical scale choice is adopted. Such a situation arises, for instance, in the Higgs transverse momentum distribution and Higgs pair production. We investigate the phenomenological impact of our computations on these two processes and find that the two-loop contributions are significant and can lead to deviations of up to 20% in the scenarios we consider.

Currency Derivatives are very important financial instruments for speculation, hedging and arbitrage opportunities, and among them cross-country futures are one of the important types with a huge research gap. Studying them becomes very imperative. This paper studies the volatility of INR based cross country futures (USD, JPY and EUR) and performs forecasting using ML Algorithm and utilizes LSTM for prediction. The study proves to be a first of its kind study involving cross-country futures and is a beacon of hope for all future research on similar subjects. The study will also be helpful to investors and foreign exchange managers along with monetary and fiscal policymakers. The study consists of total of 674 data points of near-month expiry futures expiring on 29th October, 2024. The span of data was 1 year for JPY and EUR and nearly 11 months for USD. The data were downloaded from NSE website. The USD-INR futures were nearly stable and EUR-INR futures were most volatile. The JPY-INR futures had highest rise in price trends. Prediction of USD/INR future outperformed other two with least error. However, LSTM model that was trained, relatively underperformed in case of JPY-INR.

Critical raw materials (CRMs) represent essential resources for several strategic sectors in the European Union and strategies are necessary to reduce dependence on imports and improve the efficiency of their use. The European Union is facing significant challenges in diversifying supply chains, implementing effective sustainability standards, and reducing strategic dependencies on imports. Our study investigates the impact of critical raw material (CRM) imports on the competitiveness of the European market, addressing significant gaps in the existing literature regarding this relationship. Utilizing quarterly import values of CRMs for the EU during the period 2023-2024, the research employs a linear regression model to explore the correlation between CRM imports and economic competitiveness. The findings underscore the complexities of the relationship between CRM imports and EU competitiveness, highlighting the need for strategic policy frameworks that enhance recycling rates, promote research into alternative materials, and ensure sustainable practices in raw material extraction. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics between resource dependency and market competitiveness, providing insights for policymakers aiming to secure a sustainable and competitive European economy.

With the advent of digital pathology and microscopic systems that can scan and save whole slide histological images automatically, there is a growing trend to use computerized methods to analyze acquired images. Among different histopathological image analysis tasks, nuclei instance segmentation plays a fundamental role in a wide range of clinical and research applications. While many semi- and fully-automatic computerized methods have been proposed for nuclei instance segmentation, deep learning (DL)-based approaches have been shown to deliver the best performances. However, the performance of such approaches usually degrades when tested on unseen datasets.In this work, we propose a novel method to improve the generalization capability of a DL-based automatic segmentation approach. Besides utilizing one of the state-of-the-art DL-based models as a baseline, our method incorporates non-deterministic train time and deterministic test time stain normalization, and ensembling to boost the segmentation performance. We trained the model with one single training set and evaluated its segmentation performance on seven test datasets. Our results show that the proposed method provides up to 4.9%, 5.4%, and 5.9% better average performance in segmenting nuclei based on Dice score, aggregated Jaccard index, and panoptic quality score, respectively, compared to the baseline segmentation model.

In dental imaging, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a widely used imaging modality for diagnosis and treatment planning. Small dental scanning units are the most popular due to their cost-effectiveness. However, these small systems have the limitation of a small field of view (FOV) as the source and detector move at a limited angle in a circular path. This often limits the FOV size. In this study, we addressed this issue by modifying the source-detector trajectory of the small dental device. The main goal of this study was to extend the FOV algorithmically by acquiring projection data with optimal projection angulation and isocenter location rather than upgrading any physical parts of the device. A novel algorithm to implement a Volume of Interest (VOI) guided trajectory is developed in this study based on the small dental imaging device's geometry. In addition, this algorithm is fused with a previously developed off-axis scanning method which uses an elliptical trajectory, to compensate for the existing constraints and to further extend the FOV. A comparison with standard circular trajectory is performed. The FOV of such a standard trajectory is a circle of 11 cm diameter in the axial plane. The proposed novel trajectory extends the FOV significantly and a maximum FOV of 19.5 cm is achieved with the Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) score ranging between (≈98-99%) in different VOIs. The study results indicate that the proposed source-detector trajectory can extend dental imaging FOV and increase imaging performance, which ultimately results in more precise diagnosis and enhanced patient outcomes.

In this study, several professional cleaning products were analyzed for their impact on local air and sewage contamination. The products were first analyzed for their content of potentially harmful ingredients, their biodegradability, and the potential for the mobilization of hazardous substances from the floorings that were cleaned. The contribution of the cleaning products to sewage pollution with environmentally hazardous substances was studied at full scale. All commercially available cleaning products studied were declared to be environmentally friendly (labeled with the EU Ecolabel). However, despite being labeled as “green” products, between 16 and 24 volatile harmful ingredients were identified. An optimized experimental product, produced completely from natural raw materials, also contained several harmful substances originating from the herbal raw materials themselves. During the field study, we identified a range of trace substances in the sewage. Eight of these substances (e.g., p-cymene, butanone, eucalyptol) significantly originated from the cleaning products. Several others may have originated from the cleaning products, but other sources were also possible. The flooring materials that were cleaned contained several harmful substances themselves. The release of some substances (e.g., toluene) into the sewage significantly increased during the cleaning process.

Following the controls carried out by the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF), the income from unidentified sources of individuals will be taxed by 70% (not only by 16%), as of 1 July 2024, the measure introduced by Law 296/2023. The tax procedure code (FCP) in Article 138 regulates the verification of the personal tax situation by the central tax authority. This article requires the tax authority to carry out certain preliminary activities before the start of the control itself. Risk analysis, notification of compliance and selection are the preliminary tasks. Loans made to the company to which a person has the capacity of associate will attract the attention of the tax authority, if their value exceeds the declared revenues. The study proposes the analysis of situations in which, loans between different parties, revenues obtained from virtual currency trading and sponsorship under Article 6 of Law no. 32/1994, constitute facts with fiscal risk. To this end, the used research methodology involved the identification and interpretation of the nationally regulated texts. The study identified current tax risks related to the situations mentioned in the previous paragraph and also proposed certain solutions regarding the fiscal risk.

Global trends point to a shift from traditional VAT standards to real-time transactions with tax administrations, often based on electronic invoicing. What are the benefits of using electronic reporting systems in the Romanian tax space? The purpose of this study is to identify the legislative framework that regulates the main mechanisms regarding tax compliance in Romania, the way of implementation and operation as well as the advantages of using RO-e Invoice system, SAF-T, RO e-Transport, Ro e-TVA. The research methodology involved the qualitative analysis of the legislation in force on the aforementioned systems. Following the study, both benefits and some difficulties encountered in the implementation process in the national digital space were identified.

The study presents the design and implementation of team teaching in high school geography classes and analyzes the students' opinions regarding this type of teaching approach. The didactic activity was carried out in the 9th grade, at the Earth's Atmosphere learning unit. The participants in this activity were high school students, a geography teacher and a physics teacher. The research findings highlight the advantages and challenges of team teaching and suggest ways to improve this approach.

Abstract Background Limited information is available on electrolyte abnormalities in cats with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE). Hypothesis/Objectives Report the prevalence of electrolyte abnormalities in cats with CIE compared to other gastrointestinal disorders, and determine their association with disease and outcome variables in cats with CIE. Animals Three hundred twenty‐eight client‐owned cats from 2 referral hospitals: CIE (132), alimentary small cell lymphoma (29), acute gastroenteritis (48), and healthy controls (119). Methods Retrospective study comparing serum electrolyte concentrations at time of diagnosis among the 4 groups of cats, and associations with clinical signs, intestinal mucosal fibrosis scores, treatment subclassification and outcome in CIE. Results Cats with CIE had lower sodium and higher potassium concentrations and lower sodium: potassium ratios compared with healthy cats (P

Abstract The count of mitotic figures (MFs) observed in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides is an important prognostic marker, as it is a measure for tumor cell proliferation. However, the identification of MFs has a known low inter-rater agreement. In a computer-aided setting, deep learning algorithms can help to mitigate this, but they require large amounts of annotated data for training and validation. Furthermore, label noise introduced during the annotation process may impede the algorithms’ performance. Unlike H&E, where identification of MFs is based mainly on morphological features, the mitosis-specific antibody phospho-histone H3 (PHH3) specifically highlights MFs. Counting MFs on slides stained against PHH3 leads to higher agreement among raters and has therefore recently been used as a ground truth for the annotation of MFs in H&E. However, as PHH3 facilitates the recognition of cells indistinguishable from H&E staining alone, the use of this ground truth could potentially introduce an interpretation shift and even label noise into the H&E-related dataset, impacting model performance. This study analyzes the impact of PHH3-assisted MF annotation on inter-rater reliability and object level agreement through an extensive multi-rater experiment. Subsequently, MF detectors, including a novel dual-stain detector, were evaluated on the resulting datasets to investigate the influence of PHH3-assisted labeling on the models’ performance. We found that the annotators’ object-level agreement significantly increased when using PHH3-assisted labeling (F1: 0.53 to 0.74). However, this enhancement in label consistency did not translate to improved performance for H&E-based detectors, neither during the training phase nor the evaluation phase. Conversely, the dual-stain detector was able to benefit from the higher consistency. This reveals an information mismatch between the H&E and PHH3-stained images as the cause of this effect, which renders PHH3-assisted annotations not well-aligned for use with H&E-based detectors. Based on our findings, we propose an improved PHH3-assisted labeling procedure.

Abstract Background Immune dysregulation is a hallmark of autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by an excessive immune response, and primary CNS tumors (pCNS-tumors) showing a highly immunosuppressive parenchymal microenvironment. Methods Aiming to provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of CNS autoimmunity and cerebral tumor immunity, we analyzed the peripheral blood (PB) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 81 autoimmune limbic encephalitis (ALE), 148 relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), 33 IDH-wildtype glioma, 9 primary diffuse large B cell lymphoma of the CNS (CNS-DLBCL), and 110 controls by flow cytometry (FC). Additionally, an in-depth immunophenotyping of the PB from an independent cohort of 20 RRMS and 18 IDH-wildtype glioblastoma patients compared to 19 controls was performed by FC combined with unsupervised computational approaches. Results We identified alterations in peripheral and intrathecal adaptive immunity, mainly affecting the T cell (Tc) but also the B cell (Bc) compartment in ALE, RRMS, and pCNS-tumors compared to controls. ALE, RRMS, and pCNS-tumors featured higher expression of the T cell activation marker HLA-DR, which was even more pronounced in pCNS-tumors than in ALE or RRMS. Glioblastoma patients showed signs of T cell exhaustion that were not visible in RRMS patients. In-depth characterization of the PB revealed differences mainly in the T effector and memory compartment between RRMS and glioblastoma patients and similar alterations in the Bc compartment, including atypical Bc, CD19+CD20− double negative Bc, and plasma cells. PB and CSF mFC together with CSF routine parameters could reliably differentiate ALE and RRMS from pCNS-tumors facilitating early diagnosis and treatment. Conclusions ALE, RRMS, and pCNS-tumors show distinct but partially overlapping changes mainly in HLA-DR+ Tc, memory Tc, exhausted Tc, and Bc subsets providing insights into disease pathogenesis. Moreover, mFC shows diagnostic potential facilitating early diagnosis and treatment. Graphical Abstract

Historic buildings represent an ensemble of related to architecture, materials and technology of the era in which they were built and contribute to the knowledge of contemporary ones. Materials resulting from the demolition of old buildings, such as: bricks, wood and vegetal materials, concrete, gravel, stone and sand, masonry and rubble, metals, plastic, glass, drywall, cardboard and paper, sanitary fixtures, fibers (asbestos, glass, steel, natural), can get a new life, becoming part of a new building, streets, facades or even a city, in the context of circular architecture and the Smart City concept. The case of the specimens based on polyurethane waste will be discussed in this paper, as partial substitutes in the composition of new building structures. Also, methods for characterization and testing of these new compositions will be discussed and evaluated.

Background/Objectives: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant threat to people with persistent infections. In recent years, the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has been transformed significantly with the use of Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs). Hematological changes are seen in patients suffering from CHC due to both the disease and its therapy. This study aims to address the gaps in knowledge by thoroughly evaluating the hematological parameter alterations in CHC patients treated with Mavyret. Methods: This study reported that it took place over six months in 2024 on 101 patients observed at the gastroenterology department of Pitesti County Hospital in Romania, who had confirmed diagnoses of CHC and who were receiving the DAA Mavyret. Results: The values of leukocytes significantly decreased after treatment (8.69 ± 2.96 vs. 7.93 ± 1.78, p = 0.009). Similarly, neutrophils showed a statistically significant decrease after using Mavyret (5.45 ± 2.06 vs. 4.91 ± 1.29, p = 0.018). In the case of lymphocytes, the values slightly increased from 2.14 ± 0.69 before treatment to 2.20 ± 1.19 after it, but without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.320). The values of monocytes and eosinophils significantly decreased after antiviral therapy (0.81 ± 1.02 vs. 0.59 ± 0.15, p = 0.020; 0.21 ± 0.15 vs. 0.14 ± 0.09, p < 0.001). For basophils, the mean values remained almost unchanged after DAA therapy (0.09 ± 0.08 vs. 0.09 ± 0.15, p = 0.433). Conclusions: Mavyret has proven to be a safe medication for administering to patients with CHC, but its minor adverse effects on red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets require constant monitoring, mainly when used for an extended period and in patients who are vulnerable in this regard.

Abstract The COVID-19 epidemic has made a serious threat to the world. It had a terrible effect on human physical and mental health resulting in massive death, hospitalization, etc. All societies and industries were extremely involved during the COVID-19 pandemic as well including the food industry. In other words, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the functioning of food systems globally. All over the world, food businesses have been disturbed by the isolation, strict lockdowns, suspension of nearly all activities, and other protectionist practices have been taken to restrain coronavirus spread. The issue of COVID-19 is significant in various research fields as it presents both opportunities and important challenges. This review article deals with the limitations that the pandemic causes for food systems, food insecurity, food waste and loss, consumers’ different demands, and food quality and safety. Also, this paper brings up some opportunities created during the pandemic time like creative food packaging, the adaptation of food technology, enhancing functional food production, and enhancing food resilience.

Abstract Background Primary health care professionals are held accountable for various quality measures in the treatment of patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains a considerable health problem; thus, further studying patients with this condition is important for delivering effective interventions. Social determinants of health (SDoH) have been shown to affect various aspects of diabetes care in different subpopulations. We studied the association of SDoH with uncontrolled T2D in a population of adult primary care patients. Methods We retrospectively searched our electronic health record for adult patients (≥18 years) with a diagnosis of T2D and a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 8% or higher. Patients were empaneled to 2 primary care clinic sites between January 1, 2021, and January 31, 2022. Patients were grouped by HbA1c level to stratify patients according to the extent of uncontrolled T2D. Patient characteristics were compared among groups. Unadjusted and adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds of various SDoH factors among patient groups with different levels of uncontrolled T2D. Results The study cohort included 1,596 patients. Most patients were White (79%), and the median age was 58.8 years. The median HbA1c level was 8.9%, and approximately 68% of patients were obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥30). When the study population was grouped by HbA1c level (8% to

Abstract Background Peer support workers provide support for people experiencing mental health conditions based on their own lived experience of mental health problems. Assessing fidelity to core ingredients of peer support is vital for successful implementation and intervention delivery. Modifications to its implementation are needed when scaling up to different socio-economic settings, raising further uncertainty about fidelity. As part of a large multi-centre study on peer support called Using Peer Support In Developing Empowering Mental Health Services (UPSIDES), we developed and evaluated the psychometric properties of the UPSIDES Fidelity Scale. Methods We constructed the fidelity scale based on an initial item pool developed through international expert consultation and iterative feedback. Scale refinement involved site-level expert consultation and translation, resulting in a service user-rated 28-item version and a peer support worker-rated 21-item version assessing receipt, engagement, enactment, competence, communication and peer support-specific components. Both versions are available in six languages: English, German, Luganda, Kiswahili, Hebrew and Gujarati. The scale was then evaluated at six study sites across five countries, with peer support workers and their clients completing their respective ratings four and eight months after initial peer support worker contact. Psychometric evaluation included analysis of internal consistency, construct validity and criterion validity. Results For the 315 participants, item statistics showed a skewed distribution of fidelity values but no restriction of range. Internal consistency was adequate (range α = 0.675 to 0.969) for total scores and all subscales in both versions. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable fit of the proposed factor structure for the service user version (χ2/df = 2.746; RMSEA = 0.084) and moderate fit for the peer support worker version (χ2/df = 3.087; RMSEA = 0.093). Both versions showed significant correlations with external criteria: number of peer support sessions; perceived recovery orientation of the intervention; and severity of illness. Conclusions The scale demonstrates good reliability, construct and criterion validity, making it a pragmatic and psychometrically acceptable measure for assessing fidelity to a manualised peer support worker intervention. Recommendations for use, along with research and practical implications, are addressed. As validated, multi-lingual tool that adapts to diverse settings this scale is uniquely positioned for global application. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN26008944. Registered on 30 October 2019.

Abstract Recovery Colleges (RCs) are learning-based mental health recovery communities, located globally. However, evidence on RC effectiveness outside Western, educated, industrialised, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) countries is limited. This study aimed to evaluate associations between cultural characteristics and RC fidelity, to understand how culture impacts RC operation. Service managers from 169 RCs spanning 28 WEIRD and non-WEIRD countries assessed the fidelity using the RECOLLECT Fidelity Measure, developed based upon key RC operation components. Hofstede’s cultural dimension scores were entered as predictors in linear mixed-effects regression models, controlling for GDP spent on healthcare and Gini coefficient. Higher Individualism and Indulgence, and lower Uncertainty Avoidance were associated with higher fidelity, while Long-Term Orientation was a borderline negative predictor. RC operations were predominantly aligned with WEIRD cultures, highlighting the need to incorporate non-WEIRD cultural perspectives to enhance RCs’ global impact. Findings can inform the refinement and evaluation of mental health recovery interventions worldwide.

Abstract The generation of tailored supercontinua is essential for studying ultrafast light-matter interactions and for a variety of practical applications requiring broadband light. Liquid-core fibers (LCFs) have emerged as an innovative nonlinear photonic platform, demonstrating high efficiency in nonlinear frequency conversion. In this study, we showcase that LCFs provide a stable platform for ultrafast supercontinuum generation in a selected higher-order vector mode at $$1.55\;\upmu \hbox {m}$$ 1.55 μ m . Specifically, we demonstrate soliton fission and double-dispersive wave generation using a radially polarized mode in a $$\hbox {CS}_{2}$$ CS 2 -silica liquid-core fiber. The experiments were performed in a temperature-controlled laboratory, showing excellent stability with no evidence of fiber degradation, material degradation, or drift-induced changes in mode excitation over extended periods under standard environmental conditions. Our results confirm that liquid-core fibers are a reliable platform for nonlinear photonics, suitable for applications such as computationally tailored supercontinuum generation, single pulse spxectroscopy, and tailored light sources, all of which rely on consistent and stable nonlinear frequency conversion.

Abstract Systemic vaccination of macaques with V1-deleted (ΔV1) envelope immunogens reduce the risk of SIVmac251 acquisition by approximately 60%, with protective roles played by V2-specific ADCC and envelope-specific mucosal IL-17+NKp44+ innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). We investigated whether increased mucosal responses to V2 benefit vaccine efficacy by delivering oral nanoparticles (NPs) that release V2-scaffolded on Typhoid Toxin B (TTB) to the large intestine. Strikingly, mucosal immunization of male macaques abrogated vaccine efficacy with control TTB or empty NPs, but vaccine efficacy of up to 47.6% was preserved with V2-TTB NPs. The deleterious effects of NPs were linked to preferential recruitment of mucosal plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), reduction of protective mucosal NKp44+ ILCs, increased non-protective mucosal PMA/Ionomycin-induced IFN-γ+NKG2A-NKp44-ILCs, and increased levels of mucosal activated Ki67+CD4+ T cells, a potential target for virus infection. V2-TTB NP mucosal boosting rescued vaccine efficacy, likely via high avidity V2-specific antibodies mediating ADCC, and higher frequencies of mucosal NKp44+ ILCs and of ∆V1gp120 binding antibody-secreting B cells in the rectal mucosa. These findings emphasize the central role of systemic immunization and mucosal V2-specific antibodies in the protection afforded by ΔV1 envelope immunogens and encourage careful evaluation of vaccine delivery platforms to avoid inducing immune responses favorable to HIV transmission.

Abstract Background This study investigates the impact of financial insecurity on the mental well-being and stress levels of parents in Lebanon amid the country’s severe economic crisis. The context of Lebanon’s economic collapse, coupled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beirut port explosion, has exacerbated financial and psychological distress among the population. This research aims to understand the correlation between financial instability and parental stress, identifying key factors contributing to mental health challenges in this demographic. Methods Employing a quantitative research approach, data was collected through an online survey from 785 parents from different backgrounds in Lebanon. The survey incorporated sociodemographic questions, the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale (IFDFW), and the Arabic version of the Parental Stress Scale (PSS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25. Results Findings showed significant correlations between high levels of parental stress and factors such as age (r = 0.071, p = 0.047) and lower education levels. Notably, refugees residing in Lebanon exhibited higher stress levels compared to Lebanese parents (mean stress score: 51.73 vs. 45.71, p

An outbreak of influenza A (H5N1) virus was detected in dairy cows in the United States. We detected influenza A virus sialic acid -α2,3/α2,6-galactose host receptors in bovine mammary glands by lectin histochemistry. Our results provide a rationale for the high levels of H5N1 virus in milk from infected cows.

Abstract Reward processing dysfunctions e.g., anhedonia, apathy, are common in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders including depression and schizophrenia, and there are currently no established therapies. One potential therapeutic approach is restoration of reward anticipation during appetitive behavior, deficits in which co-occur with attenuated nucleus accumbens (NAc) activity, possibly due to NAc inhibition of mesolimbic dopamine (DA) signaling. Targeting NAc regulation of ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neuron responsiveness to reward cues could involve either the direct or indirect—via ventral pallidium (VP)—pathways. One candidate is the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR52, expressed by DA receptor 2 NAc neurons that project to VP. In mouse brain-slice preparations, GPR52 inverse agonist (GPR52-IA) attenuated evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents at NAc-VP neurons, which could disinhibit VTA DA neurons. A mouse model in which chronic social stress leads to reduced reward learning and effortful motivation was applied to investigate GPR52-IA behavioral effects. Control and chronically stressed mice underwent a discriminative learning test of tone-appetitive behavior-sucrose reinforcement: stress reduced appetitive responding and discriminative learning, and these anticipatory behaviors were dose-dependently reinstated by GPR52-IA. The same mice then underwent an effortful motivation test of operant behavior-tone-sucrose reinforcement: stress reduced effortful motivation and GPR52-IA dose-dependently restored it. In a new cohort, GRABDA-sensor fibre photometry was used to measure NAc DA activity during the motivation test: in stressed mice, reduced motivation co-occurred with attenuated NAc DA activity specifically to the tone that signaled reinforcement of effortful behavior, and GPR52-IA ameliorated both deficits. These findings: (1) Demonstrate preclinical efficacy of GPR52 inverse agonism for stress-related deficits in reward anticipation during appetitive behavior. (2) Suggest that GPR52-dependent disinhibition of the NAc-VP-VTA-NAc circuit, leading to increased phasic NAc DA signaling of earned incentive stimuli, could account for these clinically relevant effects.

Aim of the study Eugenol, a phenolic compound commonly found in plants like clove and bay leaves, has garnered significant attention in the field of dentistry due to its diverse pharmacological properties. In dentistry, eugenol is frequently employed in various forms, such as in polymerized cement with zinc oxide for restorative purposes. Its applications extend to endodontic cements like zinc oxide-eugenol formulations, which are commonly used in dental procedures. So far, according to our knowledge, no study in the literature has approached formulations based on iron oxide nanoparticles and eugenol, this study being the first. Materials and methods In the present study, it was developed for the first time a formulation based on iron oxide nanoparticles obtained through the combustion method, embedded on its surface with eugenol. The prepared formulation was characterized through electron microscopy investigations, followed by further in vitro evaluation as concerned with their biosafety use on a healthy murine epidermal cell line. Results The results obtained showed that the naked iron oxide nanoparticles are biocompatible and safe to use on the healthy murine epidermal cell line, while the eugenol compound exhibits a dose-dependent cytotoxicity reaching until a value of ~17% at the highest tested dose (100 μg/mL). In addition, the cytotoxicity of eugenol decreased when this was embedded on the iron oxide nanoparticles surface, recording a value of 11% at the highest concentration tested. Conclusions In conclusion, the in vitro studies on such type of formulation in dentistry and dental medicine highlight their multifaceted applications of iron oxide nanoparticles as well as eugenol, emphasizing their potential for advancing dental treatments and diagnostics.

Abstract The red-legged partridge Alectoris rufa plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of southwestern Europe, and understanding its genetics is vital for conservation and management. Here we sequence, assemble, and annotate a highly contiguous and nearly complete version of its genome. This assembly encompasses 96.9% of the avian genes flagged as essential in the BUSCO aves_odb10 dataset. Moreover, we pinpointed RNA and protein-coding genes, 95% of which had functional annotations. Notably, we observed significant chromosome rearrangements in comparison to quail (Coturnix japonica) and chicken (Gallus gallus). In addition, a comparative phylogenetic analysis of these genomes suggests that A. rufa and C. japonica diverged roughly 20 million years ago and that their common ancestor diverged from G. gallus 35 million years ago. Our assembly represents a significant advancement towards a complete reference genome for A. rufa, facilitating comparative avian genomics, and providing a valuable resource for future research and conservation efforts for the red-legged partridge.

Abstract Background Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most challenging viral diseases that cause substantial economic losses in the pig industry worldwide. The clinical signs of PRRS depend on, among others, the immunomodulatory properties of the PRRS virus strain, farm health status, herd immunity, and host genetics. The high virulence and mutation rate of PRRS virus limit the efficacy of vaccination programs. In recent years, several candidate genetic markers associated with PRRS resilience have been identified, and selective breeding was suggested as an additional approach to control PRRS under field conditions. Even so, it is essential to investigate the effects of these genetic markers on pigs’ productivity. Our study aimed to assess the association between seven previously reported candidate genetic markers for host response to PRRS (rs80800372 in GBP1, rs340943904 in GBP5, rs322187731 in GBP6, rs1107556229 in CD163, rs338508371 in SGK1, rs80928141 in TAP1, and a 275-bp insertion in the promoter of MX1) and production traits in pigs under non-challenging conditions. Results About 600 high-health Duroc pigs were genotyped for the selected genetic markers and their effects on production traits (live body weight, carcass weight, backfat thickness, intramuscular fat content and composition) were assessed using a linear model. The genetic markers GBP5_rs340943904, GBP6_rs322187731, CD163_rs1107556229, and the 275-bp insertion at the promoter of MX1 showed no relevant associations with growth and carcass traits at slaughter. Regarding GBP1_rs80800372 (WUR1000125), the favourable G allele for PRRS resilience displayed significant additive effects on backfat thickness (+ 1.18 ± 0.42 mm; p = 0.005) and lean content (-1.72 ± 0.56%; p ≤ 0.01) at slaughter. In addition, the genetic markers SGK1_rs338508371 and TAP1_rs8092814 were associated with the palmitoleic content in gluteus medius, without affecting the total of the monounsaturated fatty acids. Conclusions Our results indicate that genetic markers for PRRS resilience have no relevant effects on growth and carcass traits in pigs reared under non-challenging conditions, except for GBP1_rs80800372 where the favourable allele for PRRS response has a negative impact on lean content. Therefore, since the effects of GBP1_rs80800372 were attributed to the causal variant GBP5_rs340943904, it seems beneficial to select pigs for the genetic marker at GBP5 instead of GBP1. Overall, pigs might be selected for enhanced PRRS resilience without compromising their overall productivity.

In this paper we tried to analyze the aspects found in the specialized literature and the main objective was to identify the level of institutionalization of ethics within the central public administration in Romania. Using the questionnaire, I was able to analyze structured data resulting from the information obtained from the people employed in the central public administration. The result that emerges from the analysis is the following: at the level of the central public organization, the institutionalization of ethics is in an open process of transition that targets both the individual and the organizational level.

The preparation of the change process involves concerns in the direction of the clarification of some aspects related to the identification of the problem and the definition of the conditions, the specification of the goals, and the elimination of false goals, as well as the verification of the feasibility of the change. Through multiple research methods, structured observations, survey techniques, and systematic analysis of documents, norms, and legislation specific to the quality of educational organizations, the present study offers, as an answer, implementation models of change. The result that emerges from the analysis is the following: at the level of educational organizations, the adaptation process has a multi-determined character (by the internal needs of the organization, which may concern the administrative, instructional-educational, managerial level or the requirements of the social environment), multidimensional (the change having strong psychological, educational, social, strategic influences), multilevel (targets both the individual and the organizational level).

Abstract The red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) is a popular game bird species that is in decline in several regions of southwestern Europe. The introduction of farm-reared individuals of a distinct genetic make-up in hunting reserves can result in genetic swamping of wild populations. Here we present a de novo genome assembly for the red-legged partridge based on long-read sequencing technology. The assembled genome size is 1.14 Gb, with scaffold N50 of 37.6 Mb and contig N50 of 29.5 Mb. Our genome is highly contiguous and contains 97.06% of complete avian core genes. Overall, the quality of this genome assembly is equivalent to those available for other close relatives such as the Japanese quail or the chicken. This genome assembly will contribute to the understanding of genetic dynamics of wild populations of red-legged partridges with releases of farm-reared reinforcements and to appropriate management decisions of such populations.