Closing the Loop: Solid Oxide Fuel and Electrolysis Cells Materials for a Net-Zero Economy.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOECs) represent a promising clean energy solution. In the case of SOFCs, they offer efficiency and minimal to zero CO emissions when used to convert chemical energy into electricity. When SOFC systems are operated in regenerative mode for water electrolysis, the SOFCs become solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOECs).

Engineering Application of Hardbanding Technology in the Petroleum Industry.

The petroleum industry is essential for supplying crude oil, which is vital for fuel and chemicals and drives substantial investments in technologies, especially in regard to increasing the durability of the drill strings used in wellbore construction. This study aims to establish and to validate a hardbanding technology for reconditioning NC50 tool joints subjected to wear, thereby increasing drill pipe durability and reducing the risk of failure during drilling, which can lead to ecological pollution, human safety issues, and financial costs. The hardbanding of the tool joints was carried out using the gas metal arc welding process (GMAW) with two different wear-resistant wires, ARNCO 100XT and FLUXOFIL M58.

The Potential of Polymers and Glass to Enhance Hydrogen Storage Capacity: A Mathematical Approach.

This manuscript contributes to understanding the role of hydrogen in different materials, emphasizing polymers and composite materials, to increase hydrogen storage capacity in those materials. Hydrogen storage is critical in advancing and optimizing sustainable energy solutions that are essential for improving their performance. Capillary arrays, which offer increased surface area and optimized storage geometries, present a promising avenue for enhancing hydrogen uptake.

Exploring the Impact of IL-33 Gene Polymorphism () on Susceptibility to Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria and Its Association with Serum Interleukin-33 Levels.

Urticaria is a debilitating skin condition affecting up to 20% of the global population, characterized by erythematous, maculopapular lesions and significant quality of life impairment. This study focused on the role of interleukin 33 (IL-33) and its polymorphisms, particularly SNP , in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Using demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from CSU patients and controls, we estimated allele and genotype frequencies, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium condition, and serum IL-33 levels, using unconditional binomial logistic regression for association analysis.

Novel Dithiocarbamic Flavanones with Antioxidant Properties-A Structure-Activity Relationship Study.

The antioxidant properties of some 3-dithiocarbamic flavanones were investigated. Based on a previous study, we selected three frameworks that proved to be the most active ones. By varying the nature of the substituent at the para-position of flavanone ring , a structure-activity relationship study on radical scavenging activities was performed.

Modulating Autophagy in Osteoarthritis: Exploring Emerging Therapeutic Drug Targets.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and the subsequent inflammation of joint tissues, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Despite advancements in symptomatic treatments, disease-modifying therapies for OA remain limited. This narrative review examines the dual role of autophagy in OA, emphasizing its protective functions during the early stages and its potential to contribute to cartilage degeneration in later stages.

Epigenetic Biomarkers in Thrombophilia-Related Pregnancy Complications: Mechanisms, Diagnostic Potential, and Therapeutic Implications: A Narrative Review.

Pregnancy complications associated with thrombophilia represent significant risks for maternal and fetal health, leading to adverse outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, recurrent pregnancy loss, and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR). They are caused by disruptions in key physiological processes, including the coagulation cascade, trophoblast invasion, angiogenesis, and immune control. Recent advancements in epigenetics have revealed that non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying these RNAs, play crucial roles in the regulation of these biological processes.

Revolutionizing Neuroimmunology: Unraveling Immune Dynamics and Therapeutic Innovations in CNS Disorders.

Neuroimmunology is reshaping the understanding of the central nervous system (CNS), revealing it as an active immune organ rather than an isolated structure. This review delves into the unprecedented discoveries transforming the field, including the emerging roles of microglia, astrocytes, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in orchestrating neuroimmune dynamics. Highlighting their dual roles in both repair and disease progression, we uncover how these elements contribute to the intricate pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, cerebrovascular conditions, and CNS tumors.

Genomic Variability Survey in L., with Reference to Four Insular Populations from Eastern Europe.

Cosmopolitan in the western areas of Europe as well as on other continents, the Ilex genus is interesting for its genetic, phenotypic, and biogeographic variabilities. Its insular/local distribution, according to existing data on the periphery of the central and southern European areas, represents a suitable case study with reference to the adaptive plasticity or acclimatization of the L. species to new climatic conditions.

Vasculo-Protective Effects of Standardized Black Chokeberry Extracts in Mice Aorta.

Black chokeberry ( Elliot) represents a rich source of dietary polyphenols and other bioactive phytochemicals with pleiotropic beneficial cardiovascular effects. The present study was aimed at evaluating the ex vivo effects of two black chokeberry extracts (BChEs), obtained from either dry (DryAr) or frozen (FrozAr) berries, on oxidative stress and vascular function in mice aortic rings after incubation with angiotensin 2 (Ang 2), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and glucose (GLUC) in order to mimic renin-angiotensin system activation, inflammation and hyperglycemia.

The Study of Ropivacaine Pharmacokinetics in a Clinical Setting: A Critical Scoping Review from the Perspective of Analytical Methodologies.

Ropivacaine, a widely used regional anesthetic also used for pain management, has been increasingly used in recent years due to its increased efficacy and improved safety compared to similar anesthetics. Biomonitoring of ropivacaine and its metabolites during and after anesthesia is an essential process for ensuring therapeutic efficacy and safe usage for patients. The most useful biomonitoring tool in recent years has been liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which offers selectivity, sensitivity, as well as accuracy of measurements.

: A Comprehensive Review of Its Therapeutic Potential, Pharmacological Properties, and Clinical Applications.

(NS) is an annual herb belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, also known as black cumin or black seed. This plant has been used since ancient times due to its therapeutic properties and has proven effective in gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, infectious, and inflammatory conditions. In this review, the aim is to highlight the therapeutic effects of the plant known in Arab countries as "the plant that cures any disease", which are provided by the phytochemical compounds in its composition, such as thymoquinone, p-cymene, α-thujene, longifolene, β-pinene, α-pinene, and carvacrol.

Molecular Docking and Experimental Analysis of Essential Oil-Based Preparations on Biofilm Formation on Orthodontic Archwires.

Good oral hygiene is crucial during treatment with fixed appliances, emphasising the need for additional or alternative oral health methods during orthodontic treatment. This study investigates the effect of essential oil (EO)-based preparations on biofilm adhesion to orthodontic archwires. Five identical-sized orthodontic archwires of different materials were tested using therapeutic and preventive applications of essential oils.

Ketoconazole-Fumaric Acid Pharmaceutical Cocrystal: From Formulation Design for Bioavailability Improvement to Biocompatibility Testing and Antifungal Efficacy Evaluation.

Development of cocrystals through crystal engineering is a viable strategy to formulate poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients as stable crystalline solid forms with enhanced bioavailability. This study presents a controlled cocrystallization process by cooling for the 1:1 cocrystal of Ketoconazole, an antifungal class II drug with the Fumaric acid coformer. This was successfully set up following the meta-stable zone width determination in acetone-water 4:6 (/) and pure ethanol.

Nanoparticle Strategies for Treating CNS Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Drug Delivery and Theranostic Applications.

This review aims to address the significant challenges of treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, strokes, spinal cord injuries, and brain tumors. These disorders are difficult to manage due to the complexity of disease mechanisms and the protective blood-brain barrier (BBB), which restricts drug delivery. Recent advancements in nanoparticle (NP) technologies offer promising solutions, with potential applications in drug delivery, neuroprotection, and neuroregeneration.

Correction: Enciu et al. Is Complete Excision Always Enough? A Quality of Sexual Life Assessment in Patients with Deep Endometriosis. 2024, , 1534.

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Craniocervical Posture and Malocclusion: A Comprehensive Literature Review of Interdisciplinary Insights and Implications.

: The impact of craniocervical posture on malocclusion has long intrigued researchers in dentistry, orthodontics, and physical therapy. This research aims to elucidate the relationship between craniocervical posture and both dental and skeletal malocclusions and to explore the potential for integrated multidisciplinary therapeutic approaches. : We analyzed peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2023 from PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus.

Transition Readiness in Pediatric Chronic Digestive Diseases: A Regional Perspective from North-Eastern Romania.

: The transition from the pediatric to the adult healthcare system is a challenging process involving adolescents, parents, and pediatric and adult specialists. For a successful approach for an organized transition program, we must assess the level of training of adolescents facing transition. : We applied a clinic-based questionnaire measuring perceived self-management skills, adherence to health-related tasks, medication knowledge, and social adjustment to pediatric patients with chronic digestive diseases from North-East Romanian medical units, including a tertiary center and private practice offices.

Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Hemodialysis Patients in the Era of Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment: Observational Study and Narrative Review.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global public health concern, particularly in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study aims to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of HCV-positive patients undergoing HD and assess the long-term impact of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on patient outcomes. Moreover, a narrative review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding HCV treatment in HD patients.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Patients-The Relationship with Platelets Indicators.

: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an important chronic liver disease with major health risks, especially in the presence of T2DM, but the pathophysiology of this condition is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the platelet hematometric indices in patients with T2DM and MASLD. : Demographic and medical (including anthropometric) data were collected from 271 participants, from whom blood samples were also drawn in fasting conditions for complete blood count, liver and metabolic panel, ferritin, haptoglobin, creatinine, and fibrosis markers.

Non-Invasive Cardiac and Vascular Monitoring in Systemic Sclerosis: Impact of Therapy on Subclinical Dysfunction.

: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) causes myocardial and microvascular impairment, with subclinical dysfunction and eventually permanent cardio-vascular damage. The long-term influence of SSc therapies on subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction is insufficiently investigated. We aimed to assess 2D and 4D cardiac ultrasound parameters of heart function in patients with different forms of SSc versus controls and to determine the evolution of cardiac function and arterial stiffness parameters under therapy.

Surgery for an Uncommon Pathology: Pancreatic Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma-Indications, Type of Pancreatectomy, and Outcomes in a Single-Center Experience.

: The role of surgery in pancreatic metastases of renal cell carcinoma (PM_RCC) is highly controversial, particularly in the context of modern systemic therapies and the conflicting results of studies published so far. This study aims to explore a single surgical center experience (including mainly pancreatic resections) regarding the indications, the type of pancreatectomies, and early and long-term outcomes for PM_RCC. : The data of all patients with surgery for PM_RCC (from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2023) were retrospectively assessed, and potential predictors of survival were explored.

Colliding Challenges Part 2: An Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients with Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Versus SARS-CoV-2 Infection Alone.

: Coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (extraPTB) presents unique clinical challenges due to dual inflammatory responses and potential differences in patient profiles compared to those with SARS-CoV-2 infection alone. This study uniquely contributes to the underexplored interaction between extraPTB and SARS-CoV-2, focusing on systemic inflammation as a critical determinant of outcomes. This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 123 patients aged 19-91 years, hospitalized at Victor Babeș Hospital in Timișoara from March 2020 to March 2022.

Interventions Targeting Insulin Resistance in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: A Narrative Review.

Insulin resistance (IR) is the most important factor involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes but may also develop in type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Developing IR in patients with T1DM may generate a burden in achieving glycemic targets and may deteriorate the overall prognosis. This review aims to describe the pathogenesis of IR in T1DM, summarize the common associations of IR with other conditions in patients with T1DM, describe the consequences of developing IR in these patients, and present the interventions that target IR in people with T1DM.

Clinical and Molecular Impact of Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Pain, Swelling, and Distal Periodontal Status of Mandibular Second Molars After Mandibular Third-Molar Extraction.

: This study aimed to evaluate the role of A-PRF (advanced platelet-rich fibrin) in the enhancement of wound healing and protecting the periodontal health of mandibular second molars after the extraction of mandibular third molars. Additionally, the study assessed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of mandibular second molars as markers of inflammation. : Twenty-five systemically healthy adult patients with bilateral removal of impacted mandibular third molars were included.