Chemical Modification of Acrylonitrile-Divinylbenzene Polymer Supports with Aminophosphonate Groups and Their Antibacterial Activity Testing.

Bacterial contamination is a major public health concern on a global scale. Treatment resistance in bacterial infections is becoming a significant problem that requires solutions. We were interested in obtaining new polymeric functionalized compounds with antibacterial properties.

Hybrid Materials-MgAl-LDH/Ionic Liquids/Chitosan Used in the Recovery Process of Pd Ions from Aqueous Solutions.

The recovery of palladium from aqueous solutions is important due to its critical role in various industrial applications and the growing demand for sustainable resource management. This study investigates the potential of hybrid materials composed of MgAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs), chitosan, and ionic liquids (methyl trialchil ammonium chloride) for the efficient adsorption of palladium ions from low-concentration aqueous solutions. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (RX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG), were employed to elucidate the structural and compositional properties of the hybrid materials.

Assessment of Corrosion and Cavitation Resistance of Laser Remelted GX40CrNiSi25-20 Cast Stainless Steel.

This paper explores the enhancement of cavitation and corrosion resistance in cast stainless steel through laser beam surface remelting. The influence of laser treatment on material properties was assessed by analyzing the microstructure using optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Cavitation erosion was evaluated in tap water using an ultrasonic vibration setup, following ASTM G32-2016 standards.

Impact of Vaccination Status on COVID-19 Severity and Pulmonary Involvement.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global health, with serious outcomes, such as lung damage, being major determinants of patient morbidity and mortality. Immunization has been essential in attenuating these outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on disease severity, particularly focusing on pulmonary involvement, among hospitalized patients.

Unveiling the Dynamics of Antimicrobial Resistance: A Year-Long Surveillance (2023) at the Largest Infectious Disease Profile Hospital in Western Romania.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This study aimed to identify the most common bacterial pathogens and their resistance profiles from 2179 positive clinical cultures from inpatients at "Victor Babes" Hospital of Infectious Disease and Pneumoftiziology Timisoara in 2023. Samples were collected from sputum, bronchial aspiration, hemoculture, urine, wound secretions, catheter samples, and other clinical specimens.

Fracture toughness of cancellous iliac bone.

Background: Cancellous bone mechanical properties are directly linked to structural integrity, which is a result of bone quantity, the quality of its bone matrix, and its microarchitecture. Several studies highlighted the bone behavior under specific loads, contributing to understanding risk factors and developing more effective therapeutic strategies. The anatomy and stability of iliac bone fractures, providing insight into pelvic trauma management.

CT-Guided Transthoracic Core-Needle Biopsy of Pulmonary Nodules: Current Practices, Efficacy, and Safety Considerations.

CT-guided transthoracic core-needle biopsy (CT-TTNB) is a minimally invasive procedure that plays a crucial role in diagnosing pulmonary nodules. With high diagnostic yield and low complication rates, CT-TTNB is favored over traditional surgical biopsies, providing accuracy in detecting both malignant and benign conditions. This literature review aims to present a comprehensive overview of CT-TTNB, focusing on its indications, procedural techniques, diagnostic yield, and safety considerations.

Dual-task performance and balance in patients with severe COPD: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly impacts respiratory and motor function, balance, and cognition, leading to muscle weakness and impaired exercise capacity. The impairments often result in challenges with daily activities, particularly those requiring dual-tasking.

Objectives: The study investigated whether patients with severe COPD would exhibit more significant cognitive and motor performance decline during dual tasks compared to healthy controls.

CMV Retinitis in the Context of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Study and Comprehensive Review of Viral Interactions.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a sight-threatening condition predominantly affecting immunocompromised individuals, such as those with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). We aimed to present an observational case report on CMV retinitis following Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and to review the literature on the molecular and cellular changes in CMV and SARS-CoV-2 infections and how they may influence each other. A 32-year-old man with a history of AIDS presented with decreased vision and ocular pain exacerbated by movement, beginning a day prior.

Beyond Essential Oils: Diterpenes, Lignans, and Biflavonoids from L. as a Source of Multi-Target Lead Compounds.

Common Juniper ( L.) is a gymnosperm that stands out through its fleshy, spherical female cones, often termed simply "berries". The cone berries and various vegetative parts (leaves, twigs and even roots) are used in traditional phytotherapy, based on the beneficial effects exerted by a variety of secondary metabolites.

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Puerarin: Characterization, Antimicrobial Potential, Angiogenesis, and Safety Profile Assessment.

Background: Zinc oxide nanobiocomposites were successfully synthesized using a green synthesis approach. The process involves the utilization of the isoflavone puerarin, resulting in the formation of PUE-ZnO NPs.

Methods: Physico-chemical and biological characterization techniques including X-ray dif-fraction (XRD), UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and in ovo methods were employed to study the main characteristics of this novel hybrid material.

Design of High-Performance Electrospun Membranes for Protective Clothing Applications.

The integration of nanomaterials into the textile industry has significantly advanced the development of high-performance fabrics, offering enhanced properties such as UV blocking, fire resistance, breathability, hydrophobicity, antimicrobial activity, and dust rejection. In this context, our research explores the development and characterization of electrospun membranes composed of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and various polyimides (PIs (1-6)), focusing on their application in protective clothing. The combination of phosphorus-containing polyimides and PEEK, along with the electrospinning process, enhances the distinctive properties of both PEEK and polyimides, leading to composite membranes that stand out according to key parameters essential for maintaining physiological balance.

Pill Dispenser with Telecare Extension.

The existing pill dispenser systems help elderly people to improve their quality of life, and medication adherence. But these systems lack interactive capabilities with caregivers, a crucial element in comprehensive home care management. The suggested CareConnect aims to bridge this gap by introducing a Telecare extension that not only manages medication adherence but also facilitates interaction between the patient and their caregivers.

Digital Applications Supporting Speech Therapy: Speech Therapists and Parents Insights.

The paper presents perceptions and feedback from speech therapists and parents embracing the idea of using digital tools in improving the language of the children with speech disorders. The authors investigated the perception of speech therapists and parents and their readiness to use digital tools in speech therapy starting from several digital applications from the domain. The feedback was positive, 88.

COVID-19 and Its Potential Impact on Children Born to Mothers Infected During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review.

Pregnancy is a vulnerable period of time during which pregnant people are prone to infections like COVID-19, which can increase risks for both the mother and fetus. These infections may lead to complications such as preterm birth, developmental delays, and congenital abnormalities. While COVID-19 poses additional risks like placental dysfunction and neonatal infections, studies on long-term effects remain limited.

Enhancing Syslog Message Security and Reliability over Unidirectional Fiber Optics.

Standard log transmission protocols do not offer a robust way of segregating the log network from potential threats. A secure log transmission system and the realization of a data diode using affordable components are proposed. Unidirectional data flow prevents unauthorized access and eavesdropping, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive log data.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors as Independent Predictors of Diabetic Retinopathy in Type II Diabetes Mellitus: The Development of a Predictive Model.

: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia, may play a crucial role in the development and progression of DR, though the evidence remains mixed. This study aimed to assess cardiovascular risk factors as independent predictors of DR and to develop a predictive model for DR progression in T2DM patients.

Measurement and performance evaluation of triple band differential integrated extraoral rectifying antenna for data transfer and RF energy harvesting for tongue drive system.

Wearable assistive devices are vitally important for tetraplegic individuals to provide valuable insights into their intended directives tailored to tongue motions in wireless healthcare industries. The flexible differentially driven extraoral antenna and rectenna measurement system are developed to enable differential sensing and monitoring of the set of unique tongue gestures for extraoral tongue drive system (eTDS) applications in three frequency bands of Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) (915.0 MHz, 2400 MHz, and 5800 MHz).

Thyroid Eye Disease and Glaucoma: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Clinical Characteristics and Disease Severity.

: This study investigates the relationship between thyroid eye disease (TED) and open-angle glaucoma (OAG), focusing on disease severity and clinical features. : Conducted at the Timis County Emergency Clinical Hospital, the research included 106 patients, with 53 having both conditions and 53 having only OAG. Key metrics analyzed included intraocular pressure (IOP) using a Goldmann applanation tonometer, the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and optic nerve head (ONH) characteristics evaluated using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Retinal Imaging-Based Oculomics: Artificial Intelligence as a Tool in the Diagnosis of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of mortality globally, emphasizing the need for early detection and effective risk assessment to improve patient outcomes. Advances in oculomics, which utilize the relationship between retinal microvascular changes and systemic vascular health, offer a promising non-invasive approach to assessing CVD risk. Retinal fundus imaging and optical coherence tomography/angiography (OCT/OCTA) provides critical information for early diagnosis, with retinal vascular parameters such as vessel caliber, tortuosity, and branching patterns identified as key biomarkers.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Populations in a Suburb of the Largest City in Western Romania.

: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major public health issue worldwide, disproportionately affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged populations due to the social determinants of health (SDOHs). In Western Romania, these populations are particularly vulnerable to CVD. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and impact of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) among socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals in Western Romania and identify the primary CVRFs contributing to the high incidence of CVD within this population.

Surface and Mineral Changes of Primary Enamel after Laser Diode Irradiation and Application of Remineralization Agents: A Comparative In Vitro Study.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the remineralization potential of primary teeth enamel after being exposed to different laser diode therapies.

Methods: Ninety-six vestibular primary teeth enamel samples were divided into eight groups ( = 12) with varying treatments: control (G1), CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish (G2), diode lasers at 980 nm (G3), 808 nm (G4), 450 nm (G5), 980 nm + CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish (G6), 808 nm + CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish (G7), and 450 nm + CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish (G8). Each sample was assessed using a DIAGNOdent (KaVo Dental, Biberach, Germany), at baseline, post-treatment, and post-pH cycle remineralization.