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While standardized assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to gestational diabetes and hypertension is possible with a valid tool, existing research remains limited. This prospective validation study aimed to develop and validate a novel tool to assess the KAP of midwives and obstetric nurses. We included 125 midwives and obstetric nurses who routinely care for patients with gestational diabetes and hypertension. The tool demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha): knowledge (0.729, 95% CI, 0.654-0.776), attitude (0.756, 95% CI, 0.690-0.814), and practices (0.925, 95% CI, 0.905-0.943). Difficulty indices (d) ranged from 0.38 to 0.99 (knowledge), 0.41 to 0.99 (attitudes), and 0.41 to 0.93 (practices), indicating appropriate item difficulty. Discrimination indices (D) confirmed items could differentiate between respondents with low and high knowledge levels (D range: 0.02-0.77 for knowledge, 0.06-0.64 for attitudes, 0.20-0.84 for practices). The robust psychometric properties of this tool support its use in future research on KAP related to diabetes and gestational hypertension management in midwives and nurses. This instrument has the potential to be valuable in various settings, including baseline assessment before educational programs or evaluation of learning outcomes after interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the results and information revealed by in-depth physicochemical investigations carried out on an 18th-century polychrome wooden pedestal of the holy relics of Saint Demetrius Basarabov preserved at the Romanian Patriarchy of Bucharest. The preliminary stylistic observations and examinations on its present state of conservation were followed by optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) analysis performed in order to adopt an appropriate restoration treatment for bringing the artifact, as close as possible, to its original appearance as well as for dating/attributing the artifact and assessing its state of conservation. It was revealed that several interventions were subsequently undertaken on the original gilded surface consisting of a gypsum support layer with an iron oxide layer of bolus on which a silver foil or a gold foil and a natural resin on top of it as a protective layer were applied. The regilding and later restoration interventions consisted in applying, over the original, layers of a copper–zinc alloy foil (Dutch metal as an imitation of gold) with a resin layer of vernis over it. The final decision on the restoration intervention was taken based on the scientific analysis outcome. This work attempts also to highlight the importance of the interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, conservation scientists, restorers/conservators, and curators for the preservation and valorization of the historical religious Romanian heritage artifacts, largely unknown worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a comparative study on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) software in orthodontic treatment planning. The study found that the AI-based software, called ORTHO AI, outperformed the traditional software in terms of accuracy, adaptability, and facial analysis. The AI software also allowed for verbal communication, which was found to be helpful and convenient. However, the article emphasizes the need to consider cost and security aspects when implementing AI-based software in orthodontic treatments. Overall, the study suggests that AI has the potential to improve orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. [Extracted from the article]

The use of assisted reproductive technology has increased in Romania in the past several years. Although most of these pregnancies are uncomplicated, in vitro fertilization is associated with an increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes primarily caused by the increased risks of prematurity, gestational diabetes mellitus, and hypertensive disorders. Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including both male and female factors, and in some cases, the cause remains unknown. In our clinic, the etiology of infertility was known in most cases and was equally distributed between male and female factors. Women with gestational hypertension were significantly older. Patients with twin pregnancies were significantly younger than those with a single pregnancy. The prevalence of preterm newborns was 2.5 times higher than the global prevalence for prematurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disorder with an imminent risk of blindness, in cases where early diagnosis and treatment are not performed. The doctors' constant motivation to give these fragile beings a chance at life with optimal visual acuity has never stopped, since Terry first described this condition. Thus, throughout time, several specific advancements have been made in the management of ROP. Apart from the most known risk factors, this narrative review brings to light the latest research about new potential risk factors, such as: proteinuria, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and blood transfusions. Digital imaging has revolutionized the management of retinal pathologies, and it is more and more used in identifying and staging ROP, particularly in the disadvantaged regions by the means of telescreening. Moreover, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and automated diagnostic tools based on deep learning offer new perspectives on the ROP diagnosis. The new therapeutical trend based on the use of anti-VEGF agents is increasingly used in the treatment of ROP patients, and recent research sustains the theory according to which these agents do not interfere with the neurodevelopment of premature babies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes an exploration system for large image databases. The system, which consists of three stages, allows user to interpret and annotate an image in the context in which that image appears, dramatically reducing the time taken to annotate a large collection of images. Includes 25 figures and two tables. (AEF)

Midwives (M) and obstetric nurses (ON) play a critical role in providing healthcare for pregnant patients at all stages of pregnancy, and ongoing training and education are essential to ensure the best outcomes. This longitudinal quantitative research study aimed to assess the impact of an educational program on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of 125 midwives and obstetric nurses regarding care for patients with gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension. The original questionnaire consisted of 56 items grouped into 3 subscales assessing knowledge (15 items), attitudes (18 items), and practices (23 items). The questionnaire was administered at three distinct intervals during the educational program: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up at three months. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficients to determine the significance of the differences between the 3 moments of the administration of the questionnaire. There was a significant increase in the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of midwives and obstetric nurses following the training module, which was sustained at 3 months after completion compared to pre-training. The comparative analysis of the total scores for every 3 sets of items revealed the positive impact of the educational program on the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of midwives and obstetric nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, the authors publish a bimetallic double loop bow fibula found at Lipia - Movila Oilor (Buzău county) in 2018. The fibula belongs to the type of double loop bow fibulae with an hourglass catch-plate and can be dated in the 8th-7th centuries BC. The fibula was analysed through X-Ray Fluorescence to determine the main components of the bronze alloy employed and through X-Ray Computed Tomography, which yielded results concerning the manufacturing of the fibula. The bow fibula was most likely manufactured through lost-wax casting, over an iron core; most likely, the loops, the catch-plate and the needle were also manufactured of iron, today no longer preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]