THE VALUE OF SERUM-ASCITES ALBUMIN GRADIENT AS A PREDICTOR OF SPONTANEOUS BACTERIAL PERITONITIS IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS AND ASCITES.

Due to the high risk of adverse outcome, identifying predisposing factors for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is of paramount importance. Serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) has recently been included in the recommendations for the management of ascites in patients with cirrhosis by some associations. ; Aim - to determine the value of SAAG as a predictor of SBP and to compare the average values of SAAG in patients with SBP and non-SBP.

Cutting-edge communication and learning assistive technologies for disabled children: An artificial intelligence perspective.

In this study we provide an in-depth review and analysis of the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) components and solutions that support the development of cutting-edge assistive technologies for children with special needs. Various disabilities are addressed and the most recent assistive technologies that enhance communication and education of disabled children, as well as the AI technologies that have enabled their development, are presented. The paper summarizes with an AI perspective on future assistive technologies and ethical concerns arising from the use of such cutting-edge communication and learning technologies for children with disabilities.

Efficacy of the monocarbonyl curcumin analog C66 in the reduction of diabetes-associated cardiovascular and kidney complications.

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric that has potential beneficial properties for cardiovascular and renal diseases and is relatively safe and inexpensive. However, the application of curcumin is rather problematic due to its chemical instability and low bioavailability. The experimental results showed improved chemical stability and potent pharmacokinetics of one of its analogs - (2E,6E)-2,6-bis[(2-trifluoromethyl)benzylidene]cyclohexanone (C66).

Protective Effects of L-2-Oxothiazolidine-4-Carboxylate during Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats: In Vivo Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate (OTC) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced acute myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Results demonstrated that OTC treatments inhibited ISO-induced oxidative damage, suppressed lipid peroxidation, and increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in the hearts of the treated rats compared to those of the untreated controls. The ISO-related NF-κB activation was reduced due to the OTC treatment, and lower degrees of inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis in the hearts were observed.

C.845G>A: Pathogenic Variant in Patient with Dyskeratosis Congenita.

Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous, multisystem inherited syndrome with a very high risk for bone marrow failure (BMF) and cancer predisposition. The classical clinical form of DC is characterized by abnormal skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy, and oral leukoplakia. Bone marrow failure is considered to be an important and major complication of DC and the leading cause of death which develops in around 85% of cases.

Dimensionality and reliability of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 among adolescents in North Macedonia.

This study examined the structural validity and reliability of the DASS-21 in a large sample ( = 4,202) of secondary school students from North Macedonia (  = 16.43 ± 1.04, 65% girls).

Facial EMG sensing for monitoring affect using a wearable device.

Using a novel wearable surface electromyography (sEMG), we investigated induced affective states by measuring the activation of facial muscles traditionally associated with positive (left/right orbicularis and left/right zygomaticus) and negative expressions (the corrugator muscle). In a sample of 38 participants that watched 25 affective videos in a virtual reality environment, we found that each of the three variables examined-subjective valence, subjective arousal, and objective valence measured via the validated video types (positive, neutral, and negative)-sEMG amplitude varied significantly depending on video content. sEMG aptitude from "positive muscles" increased when participants were exposed to positively valenced stimuli compared with stimuli that was negatively valenced.

Electrode kinetics from a single experiment: multi-amplitude analysis in square-wave chronoamperometry.

The recently introduced technique of square-wave chronoamperometry (SWCA) is studied under conditions of progressively increasing height of potential pulses (square-wave amplitude) within a single experiment. In multi-amplitude square-wave chronoamperometry (MA-SWCA) a potential modulation consisting of square-wave forward and reverse potential pulses is imposed on a constant mid-potential; the amplitude of pulses increases progressively during the experiment. This allows the fast and reliable estimation of kinetic parameters at a constant pulse frequency in a single experiment, based on the resulting feature known as the amplitude-based quasireversible maximum.

Changes in body condition score from calving to first insemination and milk yield, pregnancy per AI, and pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows: A meta-analysis.

We determined the association of body condition score (BCS) at calving, at first postpartum artificial insemination (AI), and change in BCS between calving and first AI on pregnancy per AI (P/AI) at 30-45 d, pregnancy loss to 60-85 d, and milk yield in lactating dairy cows. Outcome data were included from 15 studies and 47 herd-year combinations. Additional variables included season of AI, herd, days in milk at first AI, parity, and of mean daily milk yield within 2 wk of first AI.

Paraoxonase 1 gene polymorphisms in lipid oxidation and atherosclerosis development.

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is calcium-dependent aryldialkylphosphatase, thought to possess; anti-oxidant, anti-adhesion, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombosis and anti-apoptosis effects, as well as lipid-modifying properties. Numerous clinical studies have shown associations between different PON1 polymorphisms and different cardiovascular pathologies. The rs622 (c.

CafeteriaFCD Corpus: Food Consumption Data Annotated with Regard to Different Food Semantic Resources.

Besides the numerous studies in the last decade involving food and nutrition data, this domain remains low resourced. Annotated corpuses are very useful tools for researchers and experts of the domain in question, as well as for data scientists for analysis. In this paper, we present the annotation process of food consumption data (recipes) with semantic tags from different semantic resources-Hansard taxonomy, FoodOn ontology, SNOMED CT terminology and the FoodEx2 classification system.

A Mark-Release-Recapture Study to Estimate Field Performance of Imported Radio-Sterilized Male in Albania.

The pathogen transmitting mosquito is spreading rapidly in Europe, putting millions of humans and animals at risk. This species is well-established in Albania since its first detection in 1979. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is increasingly gaining momentum worldwide as a component of area-wide-integrated pest management.

The triple helix in developed countries: when knowledge meets innovation?

This paper deals with innovation viewed through the triple helix model as a milestone in the contemporary society of knowledge-based economies. Our goal is to empirically investigate the (in)efficient utilisation of academia, industry and government as three helices in order to boost innovations. Therefore, we construct a sample of 30 developed OECD countries with data covering the period from 2006 to 2018 and set up an input-oriented BCC data envelopment analysis that employs variables with non-negative average values over the entire period to calculate their efficiency scores.

Air Pollution in Kosovo: Short Term Effects on Hospital Visits of Children Due to Respiratory Health Diagnoses.

The Republic of Kosovo is a small country in the Balkans. The capital city of Pristina hosts most of its population and is situated in a mountain basin with poor air exchange, especially during winter. Domestic heating, road transport, industry and coal-fired power plants contribute to high levels of air pollution.

Community lung health service design for COPD patients in China by the Breathe Well group.

COPD is increasingly common in China but is poorly understood by patients, medications are not used as prescribed and there is no access to recommended non-pharmacological treatment. We explored COPD patients' and general practitioners' (GPs) knowledge of COPD, views on its management and the acceptability of a flexible lung health service (LHS) offering health education, exercise, self-management, smoking cessation and mental health support. Using a convergent mixed methods design, data were collected from patients and GPs using focus groups (FGs) in four Chinese cities, questionnaires were also used to collect data from patients.

Collodion phenotype remains a challenge for neonatologists: A rare case of self-healing collodion baby.

We report a unique case of self-healing collodion baby (CB) that was successfully managed despite the risk of potentially serious complications. Self-healing CB is a rare and distinct outcome of collodion phenotype occurring in approximately 10% of the cases. The outcome depends on the initial assessment and adequate multidisciplinary approach.

Determination of Veterinary Drug Residues, Mycotoxins, and Pesticide Residues in Bovine Milk by Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionisation -tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Introduction: Multi-class and multi-residue analyses are very complex procedures because of the physico-chemical properties of veterinary drug residues and other contaminants. The purpose of the study was to develop an analytical method for the sensitive determination of 69 analytes in bovine milk by liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry.

Material And Methods: Antimicrobial, anabolic hormone, lactone, β-agonist, mycotoxin and pesticide residues were analysed in 120 raw milk samples from different dairy farms in North Macedonia.

The value of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in occupational diseases - a systematic review.

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a non-invasive biomarker of respiratory tract inflammation, originally designated to identify eosinophilic airway inflammation and to predict steroid response. The main field of application of this biomarker is asthma, but FeNO has also been used for other allergic and non-allergic pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and interstitial lung disease. A substantial part of respiratory diseases are related to work, and FeNO, a safe and easy measure to conduct, is a potential valid examination in an occupational setting.

Gaucher disease in North Macedonia: Unexpected prevalence of the N370S GBA1 allele with attenuated disease expression.

The majority of Gaucher Disease (GD) cases result from pathologic mutations in the GBA1 gene. A rich mutational spectrum of about 500 identified variants has been recognized. The disease is characterized by phenotypic diversity.

Benefits of Contralateral Patent Processus Vaginalis Closure During Laparoscopic Surgery for Inguinal Hernia in Female Children.

After more than a decade, an accurate description of the current state of pediatric inguinal hernia repair still an issue of contention. Improvement of techniques together with patient-entered intervention that account for the experiences related to individual disease characteristics have become an important factor of which the surgeon must be aware. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze a potential treatment for metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) in children during laparoscopic assisted percutaneous internal inguinal ring suturing (PIRS).

Ultrasound-guided Biopsy of Musculoskeletal Soft-tissue Tumors: Basic Principles, Usefulness and Limitations.

The aim of this article is to provide a short review of the literature concerning the basic principles, usefulness and limitations of ultrasound-guided biopsy of musculoskeletal soft-tissue tumors, with particular focus on core needle biopsies. Musculoskeletal soft-tissue tumors represent a rare and complex group of heterogeneous lesions. Prompt diagnosis of these uncommon lesions can improve the outcome and increase the patient survival rate.

Neonatal lupus erythematosus-a rare syndrome of transient autoimmunity.

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is a rare autoimmune disease due to a passive transfer of maternal autoantibodies to the fetus. The clinical spectrum is variable and includes skin lesions, cardiac, hematological, or hepatobiliary disorders. We report an NLE case presenting with skin eruption that was initially considered as tinea.

Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in intracerebral hemorrhage: Relevance as prognostic markers for quantification of the edema volume.

We aimed to analyze the inflammatory and oxidative stress (OS) markers after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and their temporal changes, interaction effects, and prognostic values as biomarkers for the prediction of the edema volume. Our prospective, longitudinal study included a cohort group of 73 conservatively treated patients with ICH, without hematoma expansion or intraventricular bleeding, which were initialized with the same treatment and provided with the same in-hospital care during the disease course. Study procedures included multilevel comprehensive analyses of clinical and neuroimaging data, aligned with the exploration of 19 inflammatory and five OS markers.

Personalised Gait Recognition for People with Neurological Conditions.

There is growing interest in monitoring gait patterns in people with neurological conditions. The democratisation of wearable inertial sensors has enabled the study of gait in free living environments. One pivotal aspect of gait assessment in uncontrolled environments is the ability to accurately recognise gait instances.