Comparison of Craniofacial Anthropometric Measurement Accuracy of Manual Technique vs. Cone-Beam CT Scanning.

Background: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of linear measurements obtained using the classical (manual) method versus cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in craniofacial anthropometry, specifically targeting the infraorbital foramen (IOF).

Methods: This study involved two sample groups: one of 40 dry skulls measured manually using digital calipers, and the other of 40 CBCT 3D images digitally measured. Measurements included IOF height, distances between the IOF and nasion (N), IOF and frontomalar orbital (FMO), and between the two IOFs.

A Natural Carbon Encapsulated in Gellan-Based Hydrogel Particles Designed for Environmental Challenges.

This article reports the obtention of a new gellan-based hydrogel linked with Fe and loaded with a natural micro/nanostructured carbon designed as a contaminant's removal from wastewater. Hydrogels are known for their water-retaining properties, high binding capacity, and eco-friendly features. The new material is expected to behave as one cost-effective and efficient sorbent, including natural carbon structures with various functional groups.

Evaluation of epidemiological and pathological features of symptomatic spinal metastases in Romania - what could we learn from a retrospective study?

Metastases are the most common tumors of the spine. As an important increase in the annual incidence of spinal metastases (SMs) has been observed in the last decade, the aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology and histopathological types of SMs surgically treated in the Neurosurgery Clinics of a Regional Hospital in North-Eastern Romania over a period of five years, in order to define a certain tumor profile that would benefit from an early screening. We retrospectively evaluated 115 adult patients, searching for demographic data (gender and age of the patients), primary tumor characteristics (location and histological type), topography of the SMs, and the time interval between the diagnosis of the primary tumor and the surgery for the SMs.

A phenotypic comparison of the Romanian and French ATTRv cohorts: Glu54Gln founder pathogenic variant vs the most common variants in Western Europe.

Aim And Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of the ATTRv heterozygous mutation frequency, phenotype, and all-cause mortality at two cardiac amyloidosis centers in Romania and France.

Results: 291 patients were included: 26 Glu54Gln (all Romanian), 200 Val122Ile, 47 Val30Met and 18 Ser77Tyr. On diagnosis, Gu54Gln patients were younger than Val122Ile or late-onset Val30Met (median age: 46 [42-50], 76 [71-80] and 70 [61-76], respectively; p < 0.

Identifying, quantifying, and mitigating background with the time-resolved x-ray diffraction platform at the National Ignition Facility.

The time-resolved x-ray diffraction platform at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) fields electronic sensors closer to the exploding laser-driven target than any other NIF diagnostic in order to directly detect diffracted x rays from highly compressed materials. We document strategies to characterize and mitigate the unacceptably high background signals observed in this geometry. We specifically assess the possible effects of electromagnetic pulse, x-ray fluorescence, hot electrons, and sensor-specific non-x-ray artifacts.

Time resolved x-ray diffraction using the flexible imaging diffraction diagnostic for laser experiments (FIDDLE) at the National Ignition Facility (NIF): Preliminary assessment of diffraction precision.

The Flexible Imaging Diffraction Diagnostic for Laser Experiments (FIDDLE) is a new diagnostic at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) designed to observe in situ solid-solid phase changes at high pressures using time resolved x-ray diffraction. FIDDLE currently incorporates five Icarus ultrafast x-ray imager sensors that take 2 ns snapshots and can be tuned to collect X-rays for tens of ns. The platform utilizes the laser power at NIF for both the laser drive and the generation of 10 keV X-rays for ∼10 ns using a Ge backlighter foil.

Geometry-Tuned Optical Absorption Spectra of the Coupled Quantum Dot-Double Quantum Ring Structure.

We investigate the energy spectra and optical absorption of a 3D quantum dot-double quantum ring structure of GaAs/AlGaAs with adjustable geometrical parameters. In the effective mass approximation, we perform 3D numerical computations using as height profile a superposition of three Gaussian functions. Independent variations of height and width of the dot and of the rings and also of the dot-rings distance determine particular responses, useful in practical applications.

Triangular fossa of the third cerebral ventricle - an original 3D model and morphometric study.

Introduction: The triangular recess (TR), also called triangular fossa or represents the anterior extension of the diencephalic ventricle, located between the anterior columns of the fornix and the anterior white commissure. Over time, this structure of the third cerebral ventricle generated many disputes. While some anatomists support its presence, others have opposite opinions, considering that it only becomes visible under certain conditions.

Patient's satisfaction level with community pharmacies services in Romania: a questionnaire-based study.

Introduction: The patient satisfaction questionnaires in literature are according to the community pharmacies services in the authors' countries and not all have psychometric reports to support the results. We designed a questionnaire specific to the services of community pharmacies in Romania to evaluate the level of patient satisfaction.

Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study on voluntary patients.

Dental remains of Plio-Pleistocene Cercopithecidae (Mammalia: Primates) from Romania.

The superfamily Cercopithecoidea had a broad spatial distribution and occupied a wide variety of habitats across Europe from the Late Miocene until the Middle Pleistocene. Cercopithecines, such as macaques, showed more flexibility in habitat preferences, whereas colobines tended to be more sensitive to environmental differences. In Romania, only a few Pliocene and Pleistocene fossil sites have yielded primate remains.

Homonymous Hemiatrophy of Macular Ganglion Cell Layer as a Marker of Retrograde Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis-A Narrative Review.

Retrograde axonal neurodegeneration along the visual pathway-either direct or trans-synaptic-has already been demonstrated in multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as in compressive, vascular, or posttraumatic lesions of the visual pathway. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can noninvasively track macular and optic nerve changes occurring as a result of this phenomenon. Our paper aimed to review the existing literature regarding hemimacular atrophic changes in the ganglion cell layer identified using OCT examination in MS patients without prior history of optic neuritis.

The mediating role of cognitive test anxiety on the relationship between academic procrastination and subjective wellbeing and academic performance.

Background: Promoting wellness as a predictor of sustainable development empowers schools to model healthy behavior. The multiple interactions in real and virtual environments that today's youth are subjected to force schools to explore effective educational strategies to provide a quality education for students and their families.

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between academic procrastination, assessment anxiety, subjective wellbeing, and academic performance.

Hand Motion Analysis Using Accelerometer-Based Sensors and Sheep's Head Model for Basic Training in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Introduction:  Motion analysis, the study of movement patterns to evaluate performance, plays a crucial role in surgical training. It provides objective data that can be used to assess and improve trainee's precision, efficiency, and overall surgical technique. The primary aim of this study is to employ accelerometer-based sensors placed on the wrist to analyze hand motions during endoscopic sinus surgery training using the sheep's head.

Morphological Aspects of the Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery-A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: The aberrant origin of the right subclavian artery (ARSA), also known as the lusoria artery, is a congenital malformation with an incidence of 0.5-4.4%.

Exploring the Ovine Anatomy: A Comprehensive Study of the Sheep's Head for Basic Training in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Introduction: Training young doctors in functional endoscopic sinus surgery requires dedicated centers for cadaveric dissections. However, ethical constraints have limited cadaver availability. Alternative anatomical models, like the ovine model, are being explored for effective training, offering easier procurement and resembling human head anatomy.

Time-resolved X-ray diffraction diagnostic development for the National Ignition Facility.

We present the development of an experimental platform that can collect four frames of x-ray diffraction data along a single line of sight during laser-driven, dynamic-compression experiments at the National Ignition Facility. The platform is comprised of a diagnostic imager built around ultrafast sensors with a 2-ns integration time, a custom target assembly that serves also to shield the imager, and a 10-ns duration, quasi-monochromatic x-ray source produced by laser-generated plasma. We demonstrate the performance with diffraction data for Pb ramp compressed to 150 GPa and illuminated by a Ge x-ray source that produces ∼7 × 1011, 10.

Photoluminescence of Argan-Waste-Derived Carbon Nanodots Embedded in Polymer Matrices.

In this work, photoluminescent (PL) carbon nano dots (CNDs) prepared from argan waste were embedded in highly optical transparent poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (PSA) and cyclo-olefin copolymer (COC) matrices, which were further processed into thin films. In the first step, the luminescent CNDs were prepared through thermal processing of fine-groundargan waste, followed, in the second step, by direct dispersion in the polymer solutions, obtained by solving PSA and COC in selected solvents. These two polymer matrices were selected due to their high optical transparency, resilience to various environmental factors, and ability to be processed as quality thin films.

Histological findings for the absorption of small and large liposomes - the basis of future drug delivery and contrast media systems.

Background And Objectives: The purpose of our study was to obtain and characterize carrier systems in different sizes that can affect oral absorption, since the mechanisms of liposome absorption are not yet fully understood. From stomach to the small intestine, liposomes can be gradually destroyed. Understanding the factors that affect oral absorption leads to developing safe and effective nanosystems to improve the oral delivery of therapeutics.

Healthcare Service Quality Evaluated Using the Degree of Satisfaction of Patients in Romanian Community Pharmacies.

Community pharmacy has evolved a lot in recent years in terms of pharmaceutical services and marketing policies applied in Romania. This study aimed to evaluate the degree of patient satisfaction in community pharmacies in Iași, Romania correlated with the frequency of returning to the pharmacy, level of education, gender, and stress level at the time when the pharmacist dispenses the medication. A total of 30 community pharmacies were involved, and in a period of three months, they issued questionnaires to patients.

The key role of the ophthalmologist in diagnosing botulism: two case reports.

Introduction: Botulinum toxin, the strongest known neurotoxin, is the cause of a rare fatal neuroparalytic disease characterized by the so-called "four Ds": diplopia, dysarthria, dysphagia, dry mouth. If left untreated, botulism may cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles, impairing the respiratory function which can ultimately lead to death.

Case Report: We describe the cases of two patients who presented, two years apart, with similar ocular symptoms such as blurred vision due to accommodation palsy, diplopia, accompanied by xerostomia and swallowing disorders, which were further confirmed as botulism.

Neuronal transcription of autism gene PTCHD1 is regulated by a conserved downstream enhancer sequence.

Patched domain-containing 1 (PTCHD1) is a well-established susceptibility gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). Previous studies have suggested that alterations in the dosage of PTCHD1 may contribute to the etiology of both ASD and ID. However, there has not yet been a thorough investigation regarding mechanisms that regulate PTCHD1 expression.

Sheep's Head as an Anatomic Model for Basic Training in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

: This study aims to establish the sheep head as a viable anatomical model for training in functional endoscopic sinus surgery through comprehensive anatomical examination and training-based assessment of participants' satisfaction. : Participants were divided into three groups according to their prior experience in endoscopic sinus surgery; in total, 24 participants were included. Each participant in the study was assigned to perform the designated procedures on a single sheep's head.