Information Geometry and Manifold Learning: A Novel Framework for Analyzing Alzheimer's Disease MRI Data.

: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological condition marked by a decline in cognitive abilities. Early diagnosis is crucial but challenging due to overlapping symptoms among impairment stages, necessitating non-invasive, reliable diagnostic tools. : We applied information geometry and manifold learning to analyze grayscale MRI scans classified into No Impairment, Very Mild, Mild, and Moderate Impairment.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Complicated with Intramural Descending Aorta Hematoma Followed by Aortic Wall Rupture.

: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) represents a rare autoimmune disease with granulomatous inflammation, tissue necrosis, and systemic vasculitis of the small and medium blood vessels. Although the clinical elements vary, aortic involvement is exceptional and it represents a challenge that requires a rapid intervention with the potential of displaying a fulminant evolution. : We report a 64-year-old male with an 18-year history of GPA who presented atypical low back pain.

Advancements in Hyaluronic Acid Effect in Alveolar Ridge Preservation: A Narrative Review.

: Tooth extraction induces significant alveolar ridge dimensional changes and soft tissue modifications, often leading to challenges in implant placement or conventional prosthetic rehabilitation. Alveolar Ridge Preservation (ARP) strategies aim to mitigate post-extraction resorption of the alveolar ridge, enhancing both the quality and quantity of bone and soft tissue during healing. Hyaluronic acid (HYA) has emerged as a promising biological agent for ARP due to its osteoinductive, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cephalometric and Photographic Evaluation of the Nasolabial Angle in Orthodontically Treated Patients: An Observational Cohort Study.

The nasolabial angle (NLA) is one of the most critical parameters of the soft tissue profile when orthodontic treatment is required. The primary aim of this prospective cohort study was to compare the differences in the evaluation made on lateral photographs and cephalograms. The secondary aim was to evaluate the modifications of the NLA (nasal and labial components) after orthodontic treatment, including upper first premolar extraction.

Influence of SARS-CoV2 Pandemic on Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis, Presentation, and Surgical Management in a Tertiary Center: A Retrospective Study.

: Oncological surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic was performed only in carefully selected cases, due to variation in the allocation of resources. The purpose of this study was to highlight the impact of the pandemic lockdown on the presentation, diagnosis, and surgical management of colorectal cancers as well as the post-pandemic changes in this area. : This single center, retrospective comparative study contained 1687 patients, divided into three groups with equal time frames of two years, consisting of a pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic period, in which preoperative and perioperative as well as postoperative parameters were compared.

Prediction Models of Severity in Acute Biliary Pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis is a common condition with a variable prognosis. While the overall mortality rate of acute pancreatitis is relatively low, ranging between 3 and 5% in most cases, severe forms can result in significantly higher morbidity and mortality. Therefore, early risk assessment is crucial for optimizing management and treatment.

In Vitro and In Ovo Evaluation of L. Oil as an Alternative Preservative for Oil-Based Products.

There is a growing need for safer alternatives to synthetic additives commonly used in lipophilic carriers for products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, personal care items, and cosmetics. Natural antioxidants, which prevent lipid peroxidation while providing additional health benefits, offer a promising solution. Evening primrose oil, a rich source of antioxidant compounds with numerous biological benefits, emerges as a potential natural preservative for oil-based products.

Composite Flours Based on Black Lentil Seeds and Sprouts with Nutritional, Phytochemical and Rheological Impact on Bakery/Pastry Products.

This paper aimed to study the nutritional, phytochemical and rheological properties of some composite flours based on wheat flour (WF) mixed with non-germinated (LF) and sprouted lentil flour (SLF), in order to fortify the wheat flour and to obtain functional bakery/pastry products. The composite flours based on wheat flour and bean lentil flour (BLWF) and sprouted lentil flour (SLWF) were analyzed from the point of view of proximate composition (proteins, lipids, total carbohydrates, and minerals), content of individual and total polyphenols (TPC), as well as the contents of macro and microelements. For use in baking/pastries, the composite flours were tested from the point of view of rheological behavior using the MIXOLAB system, and the profiles obtained were compared with those of bread and biscuit.

A Sustainable Approach: Repurposing Red Beetroot Peels for Innovative Meringue Products.

With the increasing global demand for sustainable and eco-friendly food items, it is imperative to investigate alternate sources of natural pigments. The red beetroot ( L.) is a traditional food in many countries and a rich bioactive compound known for its beneficial properties.

The Fatty Acid Content, Health Lipid Indices, and Instrumental, Histological, and Sensory Quality of Hare Meat ( Pallas).

The aim of this work was to characterize the quality of meat from hares ( Pallas), namely, the fatty acid content, health lipid indices, and instrumental, histological, and sensory profiles by gender and muscle type ( vs. ). The ΣPUFA/Σ SFA was higher for males, with an average value of 1.

Exploring Sensory Attributes in Spinach- and Offals-Filled Chicken Roulades: An Empirical Analysis.

One of the most significant industries in the world is the meat sector, and development into new goods is ongoing due to high customer demand and fierce market competition. Products made from chicken are widely favored. This phenomenon can be attributed to the lack of cultural or religious restrictions on this meat.

Perception, Trust, and Motivation in Consumer Behavior for Organic Food Acquisition: An Exploratory Study.

(1) Background: A sustainable healthy diet assures human well-being in all life stages, protects environmental resources, and preserves biodiversity. This work investigates the sociodemographic factors, knowledge, trust, and motivations involved in organic food acquisition behavior. (2) Methods: An online survey via Google Forms platform, with 316 respondents, was conducted from 1 March to 31 May 2024.

The role of non-respiratory arousals in residual daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated with positive airway pressure: An analysis of the European Sleep Apnea Database registry.

Study Objectives: To assess the impact of the non-respiratory arousal burden at baseline polysomnography (PSG) on residual daytime sleepiness in positive airway pressure (PAP)-treated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods: We included OSA patients from the European Sleep Apnea Database registry with available arousal data who had at least 2 treatment follow-up visits. The primary outcome was the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score under PAP.

Exploring entrepreneurial intention among European Union youth by education and employment status.

The relatively high vulnerability of young Europeans in the labour market compared to other age groups has led many to seek alternative employment solutions, such as entrepreneurship. While not a comprehensive solution, entrepreneurial initiatives among youth can offer a valuable opportunity for their integration into stable and decent work. This research uses Flash Eurobarometer 513-Social Entrepreneurship and Youth to explore entrepreneurial intentions among European Union youth.

Accumulation of CD38 in Hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal Cells Promotes Immune Remodeling and Metastasis in Breast Cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly metastatic subtype of breast cancer. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is a nonbinary process in the metastatic cascade that generates tumor cells with both epithelial and mesenchymal traits known as hybrid EM cells. Recent studies have elucidated the enhanced metastatic potential of cancers featuring the hybrid EM phenotype, highlighting the need to uncover molecular drivers and targetable vulnerabilities of the hybrid EM state.

Assessing Pollution with Heavy Metals and Its Impact on Population Health.

Pollution is one of the most important issues currently affecting the global population and environment. Therefore, determining the zones where stringent measures should be taken is necessary. In this study, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Factor Analysis (FA), and t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) were utilized for dimensionality reduction and clustering of data series containing the concentration of 10 heavy metals collected at 14 locations.

Techniques and Methods for Toxic Agent Analysis and Removal.

In order to protect the environment and public health, this Special Issue's goal was to provide a platform for the discussion of emerging trends in the monitoring and removal of contaminants from soil, water, and air [...

Responses of an Coculture Alveolar Model for the Prediction of Respiratory Sensitizers (ALIsens) Following Exposure to Skin Sensitizers and Non-Sensitizers.

In recent years, a global increase in allergy incidence following chemical exposure has been observed. While the process of skin sensitization is well characterized through the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework, the immunological mechanisms underlying respiratory sensitization remain less well understood. Respiratory sensitizers are classified as substances of very high concern (SVHC) under the European Union (EU) regulation for the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals (REACH), emphasizing the importance of evaluating respiratory tract sensitization as a critical hazard.

Application of Minimally Invasive Oral Swab Samples for qPCR-Based Sexing in Neognathae Birds.

Birds are inherently social creatures that rely on pairing to enhance their well-being. Since many bird species lack obvious physical differences between females and males, sex identification is essential for ensuring their welfare. Additionally, early determination of the sexes of birds is crucial for their breeders, especially considering that most companion birds do not display clear sexual characteristics.

A Systematic Review of Medical Treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Dogs: Evaluating Strategies for Reproductive Function Preservation.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in intact male dogs and a leading cause of subfertility. While surgical and chemical castration are effective treatments for BPH, managing this condition in breeding dogs is challenging due to the desire to preserve reproductive function. This study systematically reviews medical treatments for BPH that maintain breeding potential.

Transient Third-Degree Atrioventricular Block in a Dog with Addisonian Crisis.

A 3-year-old spayed male mixed-breed Labrador presented to the Emergency and Critical Care Unit with lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, a recent history of presyncopal episodes, and severe exercise intolerance. On admission, the patient had bradycardia, low blood pressure, and mild abdominal pain. Serum biochemistry information revealed severe hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, and mildly increased liver and kidney parameters.

First Case of Respiratory Infection in Rabbits Caused by in Romania.

is a Gram-negative, obligate aerobic bacillus commonly found in environmental settings, particularly in soil and water, as well as within the intestinal microbiota of humans and various animal species. This bacterium has the potential to act as an opportunistic pathogen, capable of causing severe infections in both humans and animals, which can sometimes result in fatal outcomes. Notably, is often characterized by a high degree of antibiotic resistance, complicating treatment efforts.

Validation of a Questionnaire Assessing Pregnant Women's Perspectives on Addressing the Psychological Challenges of Childbirth.

Introduction: Pregnant women's experiences and concerns regarding childbirth are complex, necessitating a multidimensional and personalized approach in maternal care. This study explores the psychological and emotional factors influencing pregnant women's decisions regarding their mode of delivery. The results will provide valuable insights for the development of educational and counseling strategies designed to support pregnant women in making informed and conscious decisions about their childbirth.

Satisfaction Levels of Ambulatory Patients with the Quality of Nursing Care: Validation and Application of the Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire in Albania.

Background: In the last decades, there has been a growing demand for outpatient services; understanding the factors influencing patient satisfaction is critical for improving healthcare quality.

Objectives: This study evaluates patient satisfaction with nursing care and examines how satisfaction varies based on socio-demographic factors in ambulatory settings across five healthcare centers in the municipality of Vlora, Albania.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 246 patients were surveyed using the Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ), adapted for outpatient contexts, after assessing its validity and reliability.

Assessing Nutritional Knowledge and Physical Health Among Football Players: A Pilot Study from Three Sports Clubs in Western Romania.

Background: Football players require optimal nutrition and physical fitness to enhance their performance and maintain their health. Understanding the relationships among nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, physical health, and substance use in athletes is essential for developing effective strategies. This study investigates these factors in male football players aged 16-33 years.