Numerous industrial parts, devices, and processes are designed to withstand the conditions that lead to cavitation erosion. Metallic, ceramic, and composite materials used for these conditions must achieve specific mechanical characteristics required to resist cavitation erosion. When molten metal or alloy flows and comes into contact with refractory material or coated furnace linings, cavitation erosion can occur. This phenomenon is particularly expected in metallurgy, especially in casting operations. Alumina-based refractories, specifically low cement castable (ALCC), are often used in furnace lining applications due to their superior properties, such as high refractoriness, thermal stability, and mechanical characteristics. Mullite is another refractory material frequently used in foundry lining applications. It can be utilized as a coating in casting processes, such as the Lost Foam process, which is a novel method for producing high-quality, cost-effective castings. These two refractory materials were chosen to study their behavior under cavitation conditions. An ultrasonic vibratory test with a stationary specimen (ASTM G-32) was used for experimental cavitation determination. The results of mass loss and surface morphological parameters of degradation revealed that ALCC samples eroded predominantly at the surface, while the mullite samples exhibited more significant degradation by depth.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common form of kidney cancer, but a comprehensive description of its genomic landscape is lacking. We report the whole genome sequencing of 778 ccRCC patients enrolled in the 100,000 Genomes Project, providing for a detailed description of the somatic mutational landscape of ccRCC. We identify candidate driver genes, which as well as emphasising the major role of epigenetic regulation in ccRCC highlight additional biological pathways extending opportunities for therapeutic interventions. Genomic characterisation identified patients with divergent clinical outcome; higher number of structural copy number alterations associated with poorer prognosis, whereas VHL mutations were independently associated with a better prognosis. The observations that higher T-cell infiltration is associated with better overall survival and that genetically predicted immune evasion is not common supports the rationale for immunotherapy. These findings should inform personalised surveillance and treatment strategies for ccRCC patients. The genomic landscape of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains to be comprehensively characterised. Here, whole genome sequencing of 778 ccRCC patients enrolled in the 100,000 Genomes Project was used to identify potential drivers and clinical correlations to inform the development of therapies.

BACKGROUND: Thanks to modern methods of assisted reproduction (ART), parenthood has become an attainable goal for couples in which the male partner has experienced spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine the success of the treatment of infertile patients with SCI with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of cryopreserved sperm obtained by the testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) procedure. METHODS: In this retrospective study 156 infertile couples were included, in which the male partner is primarily infertile due to azoospermia. Infertile couples were divided into two groups. The first group ( n = 82) includes men with SCI, and the second ( n = 74) men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) as the cause of infertility. All infertile men were examined and processed in the diagnostic procedure, and based on the urological findings, surgical extraction of sperm from the testicles was indicated. Exclusion criteria were the age of women over 40 and men over 45. RESULTS: We found that the quality of sperm was worse in the group with SCI, compared to the group with OA, but without statistical significance. Zenica and Johnsen score ( p = 0.001; p = 0.000) showed worse semen characteristics in the group with SCI. There were no significant differences in the average number of embryos ( p = 0.698), pregnancy rates per cycle ( p = 0.979) and pregnancy rates per embrio transfer (ET), clinical pregnancy rates per ET ( p = 0.987) and delivery rates per ET ( p = 0.804) in couples with SCI, compared to couples with OA. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this research, the TESA and ICSI procedures can be recommended as a successful method in the treatment of male infertility caused by azoospermia due to SCI.

This paper analyzes the distribution and size structure of settlements along the primary river courses of Bosnia and Herzegovina, considering both hypsometry and socioeconomic dimensions of space, which contribute to demographic transformations. Using GIS tools, an analysis was conducted on the number of settlements according to hypsometric levels in the river basins of the Black and Adriatic Seas, alongside demographic changes during the latest intercensal period. Spatial analysis methods in GIS enabled the identification of population changes, settlement sizes, and spatial distribution patterns. Analysis of buffer zones within 5 km of river streams reveals a predominant spatial clustering of settlements along these waterways, while a fragmentation of settlement networks is observed farther away from the main streams.

The enaminone derivatives of sulfonamides (1–11) were obtained in good yield and high purity. Choline esterase (ChE) inhibitory activities of the novel compounds against AChE and BChE were determined by Ellman’s method. Ki values of compounds for AChE and BChE enzymes were obtained in the ranges of 14.28˗160.17 µM, and 8.30˗324.27 µM, respectively. Compound, 9 presented good activity towards AChE and BChE with Ki values of 14.28 µM and 8.30 µM, respectively. Compounds 2 and 10 were found to be the most potent compounds showing cytotoxic effect (IC50 = 71.54 µg/mL and IC50 = 83.59 µg/mL), respectively, on lung cancer cell line (A549) and normal cells (Beas-2B) (IC50 = 164.62 µg/mL and IC50 = 155.64 µg/mL), respectively. The compounds have interacted with various proteins like AChE enzyme protein (PDB ID: 4M0E) and BChE enzyme protein (PDB ID: 5NN0). Finally, ADME/T analysis was performed to predict the movements of molecules in human metabolism. KEY WORDS: Sulfonamides, Enaminone, Enzyme inhibition, Molecular docking Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(5), 1351-1368.                                                      DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i5.13                                                      

Purpose: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection is common in children and is usually benign. In adults VZV infection can present as a severe primary viral pneumonia with acute respiratory failure. VZV infections in adult have a high mortality rate.Case report: A 32-year-old previously healthy male first presented to the emergency department with flulikesymptoms and no rash. Three days later he returned to the emergency department with a disseminatedskin rash and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome that required intubation and mechanical ventilation. A VZV infection was confirmed. Mechanical ventilation was insufficient and venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was introduced. In addition to supportive measures, he was treated with intravenousacyclovir. During hospitalisation he developed several complications, including severe cor pulmonale necessitating treatment with nitrous oxide and milrinone, disseminated intravascular coagulation necessitating an extracorporeal membrane change, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. He was discharged home in stable condition on hospital day 27.Conclusion: Primary VZV infection in adulthood is associated with several complications. Early recognition ofacute respiratory failure, ventilatory support, and early administration of acyclovir are crucial elements of VZVpneumonia treatment.

Sažetak: U radu se analiziraju zakonske odredbe unovčenja stečajne mase, odnosno modeli unovčenja imovine koja ulazi u stečajnu masu. Kroz odluke sudova daju su primjeri provedbe stečajnih postupaka koji pokazuju značaj skupštine vjerovnika i odbora vjerovnika koji donose ključne odluke u stečajnom postupku u sinergiji sa stečajnim upraviteljem i stečajnim sudcem. Posebno se analizira institut prodaje dužnika kao pravne osobe, daje se kritika zakonskog uređenja i predlažu rješenja de lege ferenda. Autori predlažu cjelovito i detaljno uređenje instituta prodaje imovine dužnika kao cjeline umjesto instituta prodaje dužnika kao pravne osobe. Ti prijedlozi su usmjereni na implementiranje unaprijed pripremljenih postupaka (pre-pack) koji su predviđeni Prijedlogom direktive o određenim aspektima o nesolventnosti. Ključne riječi: stečaj, stečajna masa, prodaja dužnika kao pravne osobe, prodaja imovine dužnika kao cjeline, pre-pack

Razvoj interneta i informacijsko-komunikacijskih tehnologija u suvremenome kontekstu trebao bi omogućiti mladim korisnicima učinkovito povezivanje te primanje informacija putem različitih kanala komunikacije radi kvalitetnije interakcije s budućim poslodavcima. Jedan od značajnijih kanala komunikacije za mlade u online prostoru zasigurno su društvene mreže putem kojih se mladi u isto vrijeme informiraju i komuniciraju. Društvene mreže posebno pridonose socijalizaciji i povezivanju korisnika u virtualne zajednice, pri čemu izmjenjuju iskustva i informacije koje mogu biti društveno korisne, pa tako i za pronalazak budućih poželjnih poslodavaca, što ujedno i potvrđuje istraživanje javnoga mnijenja iz 2022. godine o stavovima mladih i roditelja o zapošljavanju i zadržavanju u OS BiH, koji su za potrebe ovoga rada analizirani, s posebnim usredotočenjem na kanale informiranja. Kanali informiranja kojima mladi dolaze do (relevantnih) informacija veoma su bitna stavka u percepciji, identifikaciji i afirmacija vojnoga poziva radi dobivanja kvalitetnih lјudskih resursa. Pored uvjeta rada koje ispitanici navode kao ključne elemente za zapošljavanje u OS BiH, potrebno je i učinkovito unaprijediti medijsku promociju i percepciju OS BiH u javnosti, što se posebno ističe i navodi u nizu preporuka navedenih u zaključnome dijelu ovoga rada. Ključne riječi: odnosi s javnošću u OS BiH; društvene mreže; Connected – C-generacija; zapošljavanje mladih; vjerodostojnost informacija

The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 calls for universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), which are crucial elements of health and well-being and fundamental for a life in dignity. Early childhood caries (ECC) is a preventable disease affecting health and quality of life of millions of young children worldwide. This scoping review aims to explore the connection between ECC and access to clean water and sanitation. This scoping review, registered on the Open Science Framework and following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, conducted a thorough search in databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, SciELO) and websites (via Google) in November 2023. The search, without date limitations, targeted studies in English and Spanish linking ECC to SDG6. Exclusions were made for studies solely focusing on ECC without a direct connection to clean water and sanitation. Descriptive statistics summarized the retrieved papers. The initial search yielded 303 articles. After removing duplicates, 264 articles remained for title and abstract screening after which 244 were excluded and one report was added through citation searching. The 21 remaining articles underwent full text review. There were no studies on a direct association between access to clean water and sanitation and the prevalence of ECC. There were nine studies that showed indirect associations between ECC and access to clean water and sanitation through the links of: water and sanitation access as a marker for poverty (n = 1), water consumption as a feeding practice (n = 4), and the effectiveness of water fluoridation (n = 4). These were used to develop a conceptual model. While it is conceivable that a direct link exists between ECC and access to clean water and sanitation, the available body of research only offers evidence of indirect associations. The exploration of potential pathways connecting water access to ECC warrants further investigation in future research.

Introduction Nutritional deficiency among the older adult is a widespread concern, significantly affecting their health. The prevalence of malnutrition increases with age, concurrent health conditions, and the level of care provided. Hospital stays can affect as 90% of the older adult. Malnutrition can hinder efforts to improve health and regain function in individuals undergoing rehabilitation. This study aims to assess the frequency of malnutrition among geriatric rehabilitation patients. Materials and methods A retrospective quantitative analysis was conducted on 357 patients admitted to the geriatric unit at Lucerne Cantonal Hospital Wolhusen in Switzerland. The patients’ nutritional status was evaluated using the standardized Mini Nutritional Assessment Long Form questionnaire. Results The initial analysis indicated a considerable prevalence of malnutrition among the geriatric population: 31.1% were identified as malnourished (MNA < 17), while an additional 35.8% were at risk of malnutrition (MNA 17–23.5), totaling 66.9% of patients. The Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test revealed a statistically significant difference in MNA scores among different age groups (p = 0.035). Statistical analysis also suggested a slightly higher prevalence of malnutrition among female patients. The duration of rehabilitation varied from 20.07 ± 6.93 to 22.20 ± 7.50 days, with longer durations associated with lower MNA scores. A correlation analysis between MNA values and body mass index (BMI) showed a positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.56), indicating that lower MNA scores were associated with lower BMI and vice versa. Conclusion Malnutrition is prevalent among individuals over 65 years old, highlighting the importance of regular and timely nutritional assessments for geriatric patients to mitigate the complications and enhance prognoses in both acute care and rehabilitation settings. Such assessments can also improve the efficacy of rehabilitation programs and potentially reduce the duration of rehabilitation, thus carrying significant economic implications.

Background With the expanding eligibility for endovascular therapy (EVT) of patients presenting in the late window (6–24 hours after last known well), we aimed to derive a score to predict favorable outcomes associated with EVT versus best medical management. Methods and Results A multinational observational cohort of patients from the CLEAR (Computed Tomography for Late Endovascular Reperfusion) study with proximal intracranial occlusion (2014–2022) was queried (n=58 sites). Logistic regression analyses were used to derive a 9‐point score for predicting good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2 or return to premorbid modified Rankin Scale score) at 90 days, with sensitivity analyses for prespecified subgroups conducted using bootstrapped random forest regressions. Secondary outcomes included 90‐day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2), poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 5–6), and 90‐day survival. The score was externally validated with a single‐center cohort (2014–2023). Of the 3231 included patients (n=2499 EVT), a 9‐point score included age, early computed tomography ischemic changes, and stroke severity, with higher points indicating a higher probability of a good functional outcome. The areas under the curve for the primary outcome among EVT and best medical management subgroups were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.70–0.74) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84–0.90), respectively, with similar performance in the external validation cohort (area under the curve, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.66–0.76]). There was a significant interaction between the score and EVT for good functional outcome, functional independence, and poor outcome (all P interaction<0.001), with greater benefit favoring patients with lower and midrange scores. Conclusions This score is a pragmatic tool that can estimate the probability of a good outcome with EVT in the late window. Registration URL: https://www.Clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04096248.

Experimental and theoretical properties of amino acids as building blocks of peptides and proteins have been extensively researched. Each such method assigns a number to each amino acid, and one such assignment is called amino-acid scale. Their usage in bioinformatics to explain and predict behaviour of peptides and proteins is of essential value. The number of such scales is very large. There are more than a hundred scales related just to hydrophobicity. A large number of scales can be a computational burden for algorithms that try to define peptide descriptors combining several of these scales. Hence, it is of interest to construct a smaller, but still representative set of scales. Here, we present software that does this. We test it on the set of scales using a database constructed by Kawashima and collaborators and show that it is possible to significantly reduce the number of scales observed without losing much of the information. An algorithm is implemented in C#. As a result, we provide a smaller database that might be a very useful tool for the analyses and construction of new peptides. Another interesting application of this database would be to compare the artificial intelligence construction of peptides having as an input the complete Kawashima database and this reduced one. Obtaining in both cases similar results would give much credibility to the constructs of such AI algorithms.

Sažetak: U ovom radu autorice obrađuju dokazivanje kroz prizmu načela nesposrednosti kod izvođenja i ocjene dokazne snage dokaza pred drugostupanjskim sudom u zakonodavstvu Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine i Republike Hrvatske. Razmatraju se različite mogućnosti ocjene dokaza u sjednici vijeća i uz održavanje glavne rasprave pred drugostupanjskim sudom. Analiziraju se odluke drugostupanjskog suda o ocjeni dokaza u sjednici vijeća i na raspravi te predlažu određene zakonodavne izmjene. Ključne riječi: ocjena dokaza, načelo neposrednosti, odluke drugostupanjskog suda o ocjeni dokaza

Oxidative stress status, as a disruption of redox homeostasis, in the blood sera of Wistar rats caused by repeated application of selected acetylcholinesterase reactivators - asoxime, obidoxime, K027, K048, K074, and K075 were evaluated. Throughout this study, each oxime in a dose of 0.1 of LD50/kg im was given 2x/week for 4 weeks. Then, seven days after the last oximes' application, markers of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA), and protein oxidation (advanced oxidation protein products, AOPP), as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, CAT, superoxide dismutase, SOD, reduced glutathione, GSH, and oxidized glutathione, GSSG), were determined. Oxidative stress parameters, MDA and AOPP were significantly highest in the K048-, K074- and K075-treated groups (p < 0.001). The activity of CAT was significantly elevated in the obidoxime-treated group (p < 0.05), while treatment with K027, K048, and K074 induced high elevation in SOD levels (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Interestingly, the activity of GSH in each oxime-treated group was significantly elevated. Unlike, treatment with obidoxime caused elevation in GSSG levels (p ˂ 0.01). As a continuation of our previously published data, these results assure that applied oximes following subacute treatment ameliorated the oxidative status and further adverse systemic toxic effects in rats.