Hundred-Fold Enhancement in the Anomalous Hall Effect Induced by Hydrogenation.

The anomalous Hall effect (AHE) is one of the most fascinating transport properties in condensed matter physics. However, the AHE magnitude, which mainly depends on net spin polarization and band topology, is generally small in oxides and thus limits potential applications. Here, we demonstrate a giant enhancement of AHE in a LaCoO3-induced 5d itinerant ferromagnet SrIrO3 by hydrogenation. The anomalous Hall resistivity and anomalous Hall angle, which are two of the most critical parameters in AHE-based devices, are found to increase to 62.2 µΩ·cm and 3%, respectively, showing an unprecedentedly large enhancement ratio of ∼10000%. Theoretical analysis suggests the key roles of Berry curvature in enhancing AHE. Furthermore, the hydrogenation concomitantly induces the significant elevation of Curie temperature from 75 to 160 K and 40-fold reinforcement of coercivity. Such giant regulation and very large AHE magnitude observed in SrIrO3 could pave the path for 5d oxide devices.

Observation by SANS and PNR of pure Néel-type domain wall profiles and skyrmion suppression below room temperature in magnetic [Pt/CoFeB/Ru]10 multilayers.

We report investigations of the magnetic textures in periodic multilayers [Pt(1 nm)/(CoFeB(0.8 nm)/Ru(1.4 nm)]10 using polarised neutron reflectometry (PNR) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The multilayers are known to host skyrmions stabilized by Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions induced by broken inversion symmetry and spin-orbit coupling at the asymmetric interfaces. From depth-dependent PNR measurements, we observed well-defined structural features and obtained the layer-resolved magnetization profiles. The in-plane magnetization of the CoFeB layers calculated from fitting of the PNR profiles is found to be in excellent agreement with magnetometry data. Using SANS as a bulk probe of the entire multilayer, we observe long-period magnetic stripe domains and skyrmion ensembles with full orientational disorder at room temperature. No sign of skyrmions is found below 250 K, which we suggest is due to an increase of an effective magnetic anisotropy in the CoFeB layer on cooling that suppresses skyrmion stability. Using polarised SANS at room temperature, we prove the existence of pure Néel-type windings in both stripe domain and skyrmion regimes. No Bloch-type winding admixture, i.e. an indication for hybrid windings, is detected within the measurement sensitivity, in good agreement with expectations according to our micromagnetic modelling of the multilayers. Our findings using neutron techniques provide valuable microscopic insights into the rich magnetic behavior of skyrmion-hosting multilayers, which are essential for the advancement of future skyrmion-based spintronic devices.

The study presents a unique investigation of [Pt/CoFeB/Ru]₁₀ multilayers, revealing suppressed skyrmion phases, intricate magnetic domain structures, and Néel-type domain walls, providing crucial insights for spintronic applications.

Managing Fetal Ovarian Cysts: Clinical Experience with a Rare Disorder.

Background and Objectives: Fetal ovarian cysts (FOCs) are a very rare pathology that can be associated with maternal-fetal and neonatal complications. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of ultrasound characteristics on FOC evolution and therapeutic management. Materials and Methods: We included cases admitted to our perinatal tertiary center between August 2016 and December 2022 with a prenatal or postnatal ultrasound evaluation indicative of FOC. We retrospectively analyzed the pre- and postnatal medical records, sonographic findings, operation protocols, and pathology reports. Results: This study investigated 20 cases of FOCs, of which 17 (85%) were diagnosed prenatally and 3 (15%) postnatally. The mean size of prenatally diagnosed ovarian cysts was 34.64 ± 12.53 mm for simple ovarian cysts and 55.16 ± 21.01 mm for complex ovarian cysts (p = 0.01). The simple FOCs ≤ 4 cm underwent resorption (n = 7, 70%) or size reduction (n = 3, 30%) without complications. Only 1 simple FOC greater than 4 cm reduced its size during follow-up, while 2 cases (66.6%) were complicated with ovarian torsion. Complex ovarian cysts diagnosed prenatally underwent resorption in only 1 case (25%), reduced in size in 1 case (25%), and were complicated with ovarian torsion in 2 cases (50%). Moreover, 2 simple (66.6%) and 1 complex (33.3%) fetal ovarian cysts were postnatally diagnosed. All of these simple ovarian cysts had a maximum diameter of ≤4 cm, and all of them underwent size reduction. The complex ovarian cyst of 4 cm underwent resorption during follow-up. Conclusions: Symptomatic neonatal ovarian cysts, as well as those that grow in size during sonographic follow-up, are in danger of ovarian torsion and should be operated on. Complex cysts and large cysts (with >4 cm diameter) could be followed up unless they become symptomatic or increase in dimensions during serial ultrasounds.

Proton irradiation induced reactive oxygen species promote morphological and functional changes in HepG2 cells.

The increased use of proton therapy has led to the need of better understanding the cellular mechanisms involved. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects induced by the accelerated proton beam in hepatocarcinoma cells. An existing facility in IFIN-HH, a 3 MV Tandetron™ accelerator, was used to irradiate HepG2 human hepatocarcinoma cells with doses between 0 and 3 Gy. Colony formation was used to assess the influence of radiation on cell long-term replication. Also, the changes induced at the mitochondrial level were shown by increased ROS and ATP levels as well as a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential. An increased dose has induced DNA damages and G2/M cell cycle arrest which leads to caspase 3/7 mediated apoptosis and senescence induction. Finally, the morphological and ultrastructural changes were observed at the membrane level and the nucleus of the irradiated cells. Thus, proton irradiation induces both morphological and functional changes in HepG2 cells.

Megahertz-rate ultrafast X-ray scattering and holographic imaging at the European XFEL.

The advent of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has revolutionized fundamental science, from atomic to condensed matter physics, from chemistry to biology, giving researchers access to X-rays with unprecedented brightness, coherence and pulse duration. All XFEL facilities built until recently provided X-ray pulses at a relatively low repetition rate, with limited data statistics. Here, results from the first megahertz-repetition-rate X-ray scattering experiments at the Spectroscopy and Coherent Scattering (SCS) instrument of the European XFEL are presented. The experimental capabilities that the SCS instrument offers, resulting from the operation at megahertz repetition rates and the availability of the novel DSSC 2D imaging detector, are illustrated. Time-resolved magnetic X-ray scattering and holographic imaging experiments in solid state samples were chosen as representative, providing an ideal test-bed for operation at megahertz rates. Our results are relevant and applicable to any other non-destructive XFEL experiments in the soft X-ray range.

A research of service quality perceptions and patient satisfaction: Case study of public hospitals in Romania.

The quality of medical services provided by public hospitals has become a crucial principle in health. Awareness and satisfaction of patients are increasing in pace with technological processes and therapeutic procedures. Therefore, Romania's public hospitals must provide quality to patients and assure medical staff's efficiency and professionalism, a high level of satisfaction, and patient safety. This paper aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction measures used in Romania's Healthcare System. Between January and February 2019, an exploratory study was conducted. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews based on a questionnaire only with patients who used the health system last year. The results showed that only 39.71% of Romanians are satisfied with the quality of medical services, which means that 61.29% of respondents are disappointed by the health system. Because it is free of charge, the public sector is the only option available for a wide range of patients. The study's results may be an essential basis in developing and successfully improving marketing research on the quality of medical services provided through public hospitals especially considering that Romania must improve the health care system perception. Findings suggest that traditional patient satisfaction measures fail, and new ways must be taken into consideration.

Multimodality imaging approach of patent foramen ovale: Practical considerations for transient ischemic attack/stroke.

A patent foramen ovale, which is present in up to 25% of the population, is a risk factor for cryptogenic stroke (which accounts for 15%-40% of strokes) and transient ischemic attack via paradoxical embolism. This narrative review focuses on the multimodality imaging approach of the diagnosis and periprocedural guidance of patent foramen ovale, with an emphasis on the use of agitated saline as contrast medium in echocardiography, starting from embryologic aspects. Therefore, we aimed to make a concise and complete presentation of the protocol used for this type of evaluation, along with multimodality imaging approach of the patent foramen ovale and practical considerations for transient ischemic attack/stroke.

The Additional Role of the 3-Vessels and Trachea View in Screening for Congenital Heart Disease.

Background and Objectives: Although frequent and associated with high mortality and morbidity rate, congenital heart disease (CHD) has a suboptimal prenatal detection rate, with significant variation according to the scanning protocol. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the 3-vessels and trachea view (3VT) in detecting CHD, with or without the use of Color Doppler, with an emphasis on major CHD. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study on 1596 unselected pregnant patients presenting at 11-37 weeks of gestation for a routine anomaly scan. We selected all CHD cases, and we analyzed the performance of the 4-chamber (4C) and 3VT view in detecting CHD. Results: A total of 46 fetuses with CHD were identified, yielding a 2.86% overall incidence, and 0.87% for major CHD. Grayscale 4C detected 47.8% of all CHD, going up to 71.7% by adding grayscale 3VT, with no major CHD remaining undetected by combining grayscale 4C and 3VT. Conclusions: Grayscale 4C and 3VT views are effective in detecting major CHD, thus proving their utility even in a low resource setting.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on food waste behaviour of young people.

The aim of this research is to analyse the way young people perceive the food waste process, as well as the determinants and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the responsible behaviour of young people towards food waste. The research design involves a study on a sample of 375 students from Romanian universities and the development and validation of a model using SEM-PLS. Our findings show that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to more people exhibiting food waste reduction behaviour, an increased awareness for the ethics of food waste among young people, and increased awareness of the environmental consequences of food waste. The limits of the paper refer to non-probability sampling technique and sampling structure that is limited to a single country. The practical implications of the study highlight that this pandemic is a good moment to raise awareness among young people about food waste and we discuss possible strategies on this matter. Our research offers a new perspective on food waste in the conditions of current health crisis, and possible anticipated economic recession, in the future.

Serological Parameters and Vascular Investigation for a Better Assessment in DVT during Pregnancy-A Systematic Review.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period represent a condition characterized by a thrombotic predisposition. The majority of pregnant women do not face acute or severe thrombotic events. In general, mild inconveniences such as leg swelling or moderately painful thrombotic events (phlebitis) are encountered. However, when pregnancy is associated with inherited or acquired deficits that affect homeostasis, the risk of acute or even life-threatening events can increase significantly. The major consequence is the loss of the fetus or the venous thromboembolism that endangers the mother's life. Venous thromboembolism is caused by deep vein thrombosis, therefore timely detection and especially the assessment of the extent of the thrombotic event are crucial. In this paper we have summarized the most important paraclinical investigations. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting the methods of investigation. The right choice allows establishing a correct diagnosis and individualizing the treatment.

Enhanced Internalization of Nanoparticles Following Ionizing Radiation Leads to Mitotic Catastrophe in MG-63 Human Osteosarcoma Cells.

This study aims to investigate whether ionizing radiation combined with doxorubicin-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles (NP-DOX) improves the internalization and cytotoxic effects of the nano-carrier-mediated drug delivery in MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells. NP-DOX was designed and synthesized using the co-precipitation method. Highly stable and crystalline nanoparticles conjugated with DOX were internalized in MG-63 cells through macropinocytosis and located in the perinuclear area. Higher nanoparticles internalization in MG-63 cells previously exposed to 1 Gy X-rays was correlated with an early accumulation of cells in G2/M, starting at 12 h after treatment. After 48 h, the application of the combined treatment led to higher cytotoxic effects compared to the individual treatment, with a reduction in the metabolic capacity and unrepaired DNA breaks, whilst a low percent of arrested cells, contributing to the commitment of mitotic catastrophe. NP-DOX showed hemocompatibility and no systemic cytotoxicity, nor histopathological alteration of the main organs.

Microfluidic study of effects of flow velocity and nutrient concentration on biofilm accumulation and adhesive strength in the flowing and no-flowing microchannels.

Biofilm accumulation in porous media can cause pore plugging and change many of the physical properties of porous media. Engineering bioplugging may have significant applications for many industrial processes, while improved knowledge on biofilm accumulation in porous media at porescale in general has broad relevance for a range of industries as well as environmental and water research. The experimental results by means of microscopic imaging over a T-shape microchannel clearly show that increase in fluid velocity could facilitate biofilm growth, but that above a velocity threshold, biofilm detachment and inhibition of biofilm formation due to high shear stress were observed. High nutrient concentration prompts the biofilm growth; however, the generated biofilm displays a weak adhesive strength. This paper provides an overview of biofilm development in a hydrodynamic environment for better prediction and modelling of bioplugging processes associated with porous systems in petroleum industry, hydrogeology and water purification.

All-Electric Access to the Magnetic-Field-Invariant Magnetization of Antiferromagnets.

The rich physics of thin film antiferromagnets can be harnessed for prospective spintronic devices given that all-electric assessment of the tiny uncompensated magnetic moment is achieved. On the example of magnetoelectric antiferromagnetic Cr2O3, we prove that spinning-current anomalous Hall magnetometry serves as an all-electric method to probe the field-invariant uncompensated magnetization of antiferromagnets. We obtain direct access to the surface magnetization of magnetoelectric antiferromagnets providing a read-out method for ferromagnet-free magnetoelectric memory. Owing to the great sensitivity, the technique bears a strong potential to address the physics of antiferromagnets. Exemplarily, we apply the method to access the criticality of the magnetic transition for an antiferromagnetic thin film. We reveal the presence of field-invariant uncompensated magnetization even in 6-nm-thin IrMn films and clearly distinguish two contributions, of which only the minor one is involved in interfacial magnetic coupling. This approach is likely to advance the fundamental understanding of the anomalous Hall and magnetic proximity effects.

Serum anti-inflammatory cytokines for the evaluation of inflammatory status in endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a frequent gynecologic disease with a severe impact on the quality of life in the affected women; its pathogenesis is yet to be fully understood, with an altered immunity as a possible key factor. The present study aimed to investigate the serum anti-inflammatory cytokine profile in the patients with endometriosis compared with the healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty women were included, divided into two study groups (Group I - endometriosis; Group 2 - healthy women). We evaluated the serum levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-2, IL-2R, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-15 with the use of Human multiplex cytokine panels. Statistical analyses (normality distribution analysis, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test) were performed using IBM SPSS software (version 22.0) and GraphPad Prism (version 5.00); receiver operating characteristic curve were used to demonstrate the diagnostic performance of the studied markers. RESULTS: The mean serum level of IL-1Ra, IL-4, and IL-10 were significantly higher in women with endometriosis compared to women free of disease from the control group (30.155, 138.459, and 1.489, respectively, compared to 14.109, 84.710, and 0.688, respectively; P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.002, respectively.). No significant differences in the mean serum levels of IL-2, IL-13, and IL-15 were observed between the studied groups and IL-2R had a very low detection rate. CONCLUSION: Endometriosis is associated with elevated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1Ra, IL-4, and IL-10, markers that have a potential role as a prognostic factor for endometriosis.

Helicobacter Pylori Prevalence in Communities from Southern Regions of Romania with Limited Access to Health Services: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has an unknown prevalence in certain Romanian regions. We aimed to estimate it in communities from Southern regions of Romania with limited access to health services. METHODS: We designed a cross-sectional study to include adult voluntary participants in the "Health in the neighborhood" medical assistance program. This was offered in villages with deprived healthcare availability from Southern regions of Romania. An immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of H. pylori stool antigen was used for testing. RESULTS: We included 708 adult voluntary participants in 10 villages, 6 from Muntenia and Oltenia Regions (Southern Romania), 2 from Dobrogea and 2 from Moldova (2.4% of all village inhabitants). H. pylori prevalence in Romanian Southern regions was 28.2%, (95%CI: 24-32.6%), and overall was 27.1%, (95%CI: 23.9-30.6%). There were no significant differences of H. pylori infection pertaining to regions distribution (p=0.711), gender ratio (p=0.779), age distribution (p=0.471) and hemoglobin value (p=0.503). CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori prevalence in communities from Southern regions of Romania with limited access to health services was 28.2%, 95%CI: 24-32.6%.

Transient grating spectroscopy on a DyCo5 thin film with femtosecond extreme ultraviolet pulses.

Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) are excited by femtosecond extreme ultraviolet (EUV) transient gratings (TGs) in a room-temperature ferrimagnetic DyCo5 alloy. TGs are generated by crossing a pair of EUV pulses from a free electron laser with the wavelength of 20.8 nm matching the Co M-edge, resulting in a SAW wavelength of Λ = 44 nm. Using the pump-probe transient grating scheme in reflection geometry, the excited SAWs could be followed in the time range of -10 to 100 ps in the thin film. Coherent generation of TGs by ultrafast EUV pulses allows to excite SAW in any material and to investigate their couplings to other dynamics, such as spin waves and orbital dynamics. In contrast, we encountered challenges in detecting electronic and magnetic signals, potentially due to the dominance of the larger SAW signal and the weakened reflection signal from underlying layers. A potential solution for the latter challenge involves employing soft x-ray probes, albeit introducing additional complexities associated with the required grazing incidence geometry.

The Curious Case of the Choledochal Cyst-Revisiting the Todani Classification: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Choledochal cysts (CCs) are rare occurrences presenting as dilatations of biliary structures, which can present as single or multiple dilatations and can appear as both intra- and extrahepatic anomalies. The most widespread classification of CCs is the Todani classification, but there have been numerous reports of cysts that do not fall into any of the types described. We present such a case-a male patient 36 years of age who underwent preoperative CT, MRCP, and ERCP, which mistakenly indicated a type II Todani CC, and intraoperatively was found to be located at the confluence of the hepatic ducts and encompassed the origin of the common bile duct. Complete resection of the cyst and the proximal segment of the common bile duct was performed, and reconstruction was carried out by Roux-en-Y double-tutorized hepaticojejunostomy. Considering the risk of malignant transformation, the frequent preoperative misdiagnosis, as well as the technically challenging surgery required in such cases, we advocate for a revision of the classification and raise awareness of the need for guidelines regarding the proper short-term and long-term management of this disease to ensure adequate quality of life and disease-free survival for patients.

Assessment of tumoral and peritumoral inflammatory reaction in cutaneous malignant melanomas.

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with an increasing worldwide incidence in recent decades. The main risk factor for increasing the skin cancer incidence is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Of the two major forms of skin cancer (melanomas and non-melanotic cancers), the cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most aggressive form, causing about 80% of the deaths resulted from this type of tumor. Malignant melanoma develops through malignant transformation of melanocytes in the skin because of prolonged exposure to solar or artificial UV. The malignant transformation of the melanocytes in the skin is accompanied by the presence of a local inflammatory reaction that, in the initial stages of carcinogenesis, would oppose to tumor development. Chronic exposure to UV or other etiopathogenic factors induces chronic inflammation, which, by producing inflammatory molecules (cytokines, chemokines, prostaglandins), constitutes a tumoral microenvironment that favors carcinogenesis, tumor invasion, metastasis, and the presence of neoplastic "mutant cells" that avoid the protective action of the immune system. Using immunohistochemistry techniques, we assessed the intra- and peritumoral inflammatory infiltrate cells in CM. The chronic inflammatory infiltrate presented more intense in the peritumoral stroma compared to the intratumoral one, heterogenous, more intensely composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, and mast cells (MCs), the most numerous cells in the inflammatory infiltrate being T-lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages; B-lymphocytes and MCs were in a small number, especially intratumorally. Inflammatory cells had a direct contact with tumor cells, blood vessels, connective matrix, suggesting that the inflammatory microenvironment plays an important role in carcinogenesis, tumor invasion, local angiogenesis, and tumor metastasis.

Mechanisms of Altered Immune Response in Skin Melanoma.

Melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, poses significant challenges to the host immune system, allowing tumor cells to evade immune surveillance and persist. This complex interplay between melanoma and the immune system involves a multitude of mechanisms that impair immune recognition and promote tumor progression. This review summarizes the intricate strategies employed by melanoma cells to evade the immune response, including defective immune recognition, immune checkpoint activation, and the role of regulatory T-cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and exosomes in suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, we discuss potential therapeutic targets aimed at reversing immune evasion in melanoma, highlighting the importance of understanding these mechanisms for developing more effective immunotherapies. Improved insights into the interactions between melanoma and the immune system will aid in the development of novel treatment strategies to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and improve patient outcomes.

Atomic Displacements Enabling the Observation of the Anomalous Hall Effect in a Non-Collinear Antiferromagnet.

Antiferromagnets with non-collinear spin structures display various properties that make them attractive for spintronic devices. Some of the most interesting examples are an anomalous Hall effect despite negligible magnetization and a spin Hall effect with unusual spin polarization directions. However, these effects can only be observed when the sample is set predominantly into a single antiferromagnetic domain state. This can only be achieved when the compensated spin structure is perturbed and displays weak moments due to spin canting that allows for external domain control. In thin films of cubic non-collinear antiferromagnets, this imbalance is previously assumed to require tetragonal distortions induced by substrate strain. Here, it is shown that in Mn3 SnN and Mn3 GaN, spin canting is due to structural symmetry lowering induced by large displacements of the magnetic manganese atoms away from high-symmetry positions. These displacements remain hidden in X-ray diffraction when only probing the lattice metric and require measurement of a large set of scattering vectors to resolve the local atomic positions. In Mn3 SnN, the induced net moments enable the observation of the anomalous Hall effect with an unusual temperature dependence, which is conjectured to result from a bulk-like temperature-dependent coherent spin rotation within the kagome plane.