Retrospective study of the factors involved in the development of adenomyosis and the link between adenomyosis and breast cancer.

Background And Aims: Adenomyosis is a heterogeneous disease, which differs from patient to patient. The objective of our study was to evaluate the risk factors that influence the occurrence of adenomyosis, more precisely to highlight aspects that may be used in practice. In addition, the impact of levonorgestrel (a possible predisposing factor in the occurrence of adenomyosis) on MDA-MB-231 cells was evaluated, trying to obtain a link between adenomyosis and mammary cancer.

Controlling action potentials with magnetoelectric nanoparticles.

Non-invasive or minutely invasive and wireless brain stimulation that can target any region of the brain is an open problem in engineering and neuroscience with serious implications for the treatment of numerous neurological diseases. Despite significant recent progress in advancing new methods of neuromodulation, none has successfully replicated the efficacy of traditional wired stimulation and improved on its downsides without introducing new complications. Due to the capability to convert magnetic fields into local electric fields, MagnetoElectric NanoParticle (MENP) neuromodulation is a recently proposed framework based on new materials that can locally sensitize neurons to specific, low-strength alternating current (AC) magnetic fields (50Hz 1.

Novel Gas Sensing Approach: ReS/TiCT Heterostructures for NH Detection in Humid Environments.

Continuous monitoring of ammonia (NH) in humid environments poses a notable challenge for gas sensing applications because of its effect on sensor sensitivity. The present work investigates the detection of NH in a natural humid environment utilizing ReS/TiCT heterostructures as a sensing platform. ReS nanosheets were vertically grown on the surface of TiCT sheets through a hydrothermal synthetic approach, resulting in the formation of ReS/TiCT heterostructures.

Lignin-Based Platform as a Potential Low-Cost Sorbent for the Direct Air Capture of CO.

The urgent need to address the current climate crisis has led to concerted efforts to develop low-cost and sustainable methods to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and negative emissions technologies (NET's) offer the most promising paths forward to offsetting global emissions. In this study, we explore the potential of kraft lignin, a readily available biomaterial, as a low-cost alternative for the development of a CO sorbent.

Lignin-Based Nanospheres as Environmental Remediation Platforms for Anionic Dye Contaminants.

Modern manufacturing of textiles, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, plastics, paper, etc. involves the utilization of anionic and cationic dyes that lead to significant water contamination. Recent research has explored the use of nanomaterials toward developing nanoadsorbents for water decontamination caused by industrial pollution.

Size-Controlled CuVSe Nanocrystals as Cathode Material in Platinum-Free Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

In this work, we report the first single-step, size-controlled synthesis of CuVSe cuboidal nanocrystals, with the longest dimension ranging from 9 to 36 nm, and their use in replacing the platinum counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells. CuVSe, a ternary semiconductor from the class of sulvanites, is theoretically predicted to have good hole mobility, making it a promising candidate for charge transport in solar photovoltaic devices. The identity and crystalline purity of the CuVSe nanocrystals were validated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy.

Right Atrial Remodeling and Outcome in Patients with Secondary Tricuspid Regurgitation.

Background: In patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation (STR), right atrial remodeling (RAR) is a proven marker of disease progression. However, the prognostic value of RAR, assessed by indexed right atrial volume (RAVi) and reservoir strain (RAS), remains to be clarified. Accordingly, the aim of our study is to investigate the association with outcome of RAR in patients with STR.

Experimental Models for Rare Melanoma Research-The Niche That Needs to Be Addressed.

Melanoma, the tumor arising from the malignant transformation of pigment-producing cells-the melanocytes-represents one of the most severe cancer types. Despite their rarity compared to cutaneous melanoma, the extracutaneous subtypes such as uveal melanoma (UM), acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), and mucosal melanoma (MM) stand out due to their increased aggressiveness and mortality rate, demanding continuous research to elucidate their specific pathological features and develop efficient therapies. Driven by the emerging progresses made in the preclinical modeling of melanoma, the current paper covers the most relevant in vitro, in vivo, and in ovo systems, providing a deeper understanding of these rare melanoma subtypes.

Acute Kidney Injury after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography-A Hospital-Based Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) represents a major pivotal point in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Little is known about acute kidney injury (AKI) post-ERCP. This study analyses the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of post-ERCP AKI.

Measuring the Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Venous Disease before and Short Term after Surgical Treatment-A Comparison between Different Open Surgical Procedures.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common pathology that significantly affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Methods: QoL was assessed in 317 patients diagnosed with CVD who underwent surgeries, including cryostripping (n = 113), high ligation and stripping (HL&S, n = 96), and phlebectomies (n = 108). CVD symptoms and QoL were assessed before surgery and 2 weeks after surgery using the following questionnaires: CIVIQ-20, VAS, Eq-5D, PHQ-9 and GAD-9.

Colloidal Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of CuNbS and CuNbSe Sulvanite Nanocrystals.

Niobium sulvanites CuNbX (X = S, Se) have been theoretically predicted as promising candidates for solar photovoltaics and photocatalytic water splitting. This report outlines the first synthesis of CuNbS and CuNbSe in a nanocrystalline form. The crystal structures were investigated by X-ray diffraction, identity was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, and the optoelectronic properties and morphology of CuNbS and CuNbSe nanocrystals were examined by UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively.

Photocatalytic Deposition of Nanostructured CsPbBr Perovskite Quantum Dot Films on Mesoporous TiO and Their Enhanced Visible-Light Photodegradation Properties.

Herein, we report the in situ photocatalytic deposition of cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr) perovskite quantum dots on mesoporous TiO-coated fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO/TiO) electrodes. The mesoporous TiO layer is used as a photocatalyst to promote the following: (1) the Pb deposition from a Pb aqueous solution and (2) the in situ Pb conversion into CsPbBr perovskite in the presence of a CsBr methanolic solution without any organic capping agent. Both steps are carried out under ultraviolet light irradiation under ambient conditions without any post-treatment.

The Influence of Maternal Factors on Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Admission and In-Hospital Mortality in Premature Newborns from Western Romania: A Population-Based Study.

Background and Objectives: Neonatal mortality is a global public health issue, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income nations. Although Romania is a high-income nation, according to the European Union’s most recent demographic data, it had the second-highest infant death rate in 2019. Although significant progress has been made in the last three decades in lowering newborn mortality, more initiatives to accelerate progress are required to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) objective.

The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Advanced Cervical Cancer at a Romanian Academic Center: A Four-Year Retrospective Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems worldwide adapted to support COVID-19 patients while continuing to provide assistance to patients with other potentially fatal illnesses. While patients with cancer may be at an elevated risk of severe COVID-19-related complications, their oncologic therapies generally cannot be postponed indefinitely without a negative effect on outcomes. Taking this into account, a thorough examination of the therapy management of various cancers is necessary, such as cervical cancer.

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Surgical Treatment Methods for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: A Population-Based Study in Romania.

Being one of the most common malignancies in young women, cervical cancer is frequently successfully screened around the world. Early detection enables for an important number of curative options that allow for more than 90% of patients to survive more than three years without cancer relapse. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic put tremendous pressure on healthcare systems and access to cancer care, determining us to develop a study on the influence the pandemic had on surgical care of cervical cancer, and to assess changes in its management and outcomes.

Stand-Alone CuFeSe (Eskebornite) Nanosheets for Photothermal Cancer Therapy.

Two-dimensional CuFeSe nanosheets have been successfully obtained via solution-phase synthesis using a sacrificial template method. The high purity was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and the two-dimensional morphology was validated by transmission electron microscopy. The intense absorption in the 400-1400 nm region has been the basis for the CuFeSe nanosheets' photothermal capabilities testing.

A survey to assess the incidence of Down syndrome risk in rural southwestern Romania.

Despite the significant evolution in recent years in the medical field, many fetal conditions that can be detected in the early stages, remain a social and economic burden due to a lack of diagnostic and treatment programs. The main objective of the present study was to realize a screening program related to the early detection of Down syndrome, by analyzing biochemical and imaging markers, in women from the rural areas of Southwest Romania. Accordingly, data from 269 pregnant women were taken into evaluation for maternal age, maternal weight, smoking and diabetic statuses, along with ultrasound measurements that were performed to establish fetal nuchal translucency (FNT) and biochemical analysis of free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein (PAPP-A).

Hormone treatment and UVB exposure influences on female mice regarding skin physiological parameters, biochemical parameters and organ histology.

Females require at a certain period of life the administration or supplementation of specific hormones (estrogen, progesterone), for various needs, such as: prevention of unwanted pregnancies, decreased menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain in endometriosis, alleviation of symptoms associated with menopause, regulation of certain skin processes related to acne or aging and others. Also, hormones could act as oncogenes being known eloquent examples of estrogens labeled both as promoters of cell specific alteration or as mutagenic agents. The use of hormones and exposure to solar radiation is expected to cause a number of adverse changes to the body, especially due to their association with malignant processes.

Sulvanites: The Promise at the Nanoscale.

The class of ternary copper chalcogenides CuMX (M = V, Nb, Ta; X = S, Se, Te), also known as the sulvanite family, has attracted attention in the past decade as featuring promising materials for optoelectronic devices, including solar photovoltaics. Experimental and theoretical studies of these semiconductors have provided much insight into their properties, both in bulk and at the nanoscale. The recent realization of sulvanites at the nanoscale opens new avenues for the compounds toward printable electronics.

Cascade synthesis and optoelectronic applications of intermediate bandgap CuVSe nanosheets.

Two-dimensional (2D) ternary materials recently generated interest in optoelectronics and energy-related applications, alongside their binary counterparts. To date, only a few naturally occurring layered 2D ternary materials have been explored. The plethora of benefits owed to reduced dimensionality prompted exploration of expanding non-layered ternary chalcogenides into the 2D realm.

Synthesis and optoelectronic properties of Cu3VSe4 nanocrystals.

The ternary chalcogenide Cu3VSe4 (CVSe) with sulvanite structure has been theoretically predicted to be a promising candidate for photovoltaic applications due to its suitable bandgap for solar absorption and the relatively earth-abundant elements in its composition. To realize the absorber layer via an inexpensive route, printed thin-films could be fabricated from dispersions of nano-sized Cu3VSe4 precursors. Herein, cubic Cu3VSe4 nanocrystals were successfully synthesized via a hot-injection method.

Optimization of uranium soil decontamination in alkaline washing using mechanical stirring and ultrasound field.

The ex situ decontamination of uranium polluted soils was performed by alkaline washing using mechanical agitation and ultrasound field. Two types of polluted soils were considered in terms of texture and organic content. The tests were performed using experimental design: a 2 factorial plan for mechanical washing and Taguchi L orthogonal matrix for ultrasound (US)-assisted decontamination.

MiRNA Expression is Associated with Clinical Variables Related to Vascular Remodeling in the Kidney and the Brain in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

: The association of vascular remodeling in the kidney and the brain with a particular microRNAs (miRNA) profile is not well studied.: Seventy-six patients with Type 2 diabetes and 11 healthy subjects were assessed concerning urine albumin: creatinine ratio (UACR), biomarkers of podocyte injury and of proximal tubule (PT) dysfunction. MiRNA were quantified in blood and urine by a real-time PCR System.

Interleukins and miRNAs intervene in the early stages of diabetic kidney disease in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

The involvement of proinflammatory interleukins (IL) in diabetic kidney disease of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients was studied in relation to a particular miRNA profile. A total of 117 patients with Type 2 DM and 11 controls were enrolled in a case series study. Serum and urinary ILs and miRNAs were assessed.

High-efficiency solution-processed Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 thin-film solar cells prepared from binary and ternary nanoparticles.

A new solution-based method to fabricate Cu(2)ZnSn(S,Se)(4) (CZTSSe) thin films is presented. Binary and ternary chalcogenide nanoparticles were synthesized and used as precursors to form CZTSSe thin films. The composition of the CZTSSe films can be easily controlled by adjusting the ratio of the nanoparticles used.