Dynamic programming (DP) is a fundamental algorithmic strategy that decomposes large problems into manageable subproblems. It is a cornerstone of many important computational methods in diverse fields, especially in the field of computational genomics, where it is used for sequence comparison. However, as the scale of the data keeps increasing, these algorithms are becoming a major computational bottleneck, and there is a need for strategies that can improve their performance. Here, we present Vectron, a novel auto-vectorization suite that targets array-based DP implementations written in Python and converts them to efficient vectorized counterparts that can efficiently process multiple problem instances in parallel. Leveraging Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) capabilities in modern CPUs, along with Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), Vectron delivers significant speedups, ranging from 10% to more than 20x, over the conventional C++ implementations and manually vectorized and domain-specific state-of-the-art implementations, without necessitating large algorithm or code changes. Vectron's generality enables automatic vectorization of any array-based DP algorithm and, as a result, presents an attractive solution to optimization challenges inherent to DP algorithms.

Background: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs), particularly preeclampsia (PE), in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)-affected pregnancies, and to evaluate whether a HDP significantly alters the prognosis of PPCM, with specific reference to the recovery of left ventricular function (LVEF) and mortality. Methods: A total of 5468 potentially eligible studies were identified, and 104 were included in the meta-analysis. For pooling proportions, the inverse variance methods with logit transformation were used. Complete recovery of LVEF (>50%) and mortality were expressed by odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The Peto OR (POR) was used in cases of rare events. Baseline LV function and baseline LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were summarized by the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The summary estimate of the prevalence of HDPs and PE in women with PPCM was 36% and 25%, respectively. Patients with HDPs and, more specifically, PE with PPCM had a higher chance of complete recovery (OR = 1.87; 95%CI = 1.64 to 2.13; p < 0.001 and OR = 1.98; 95%CI 1.69 to 2.32; p < 0.001, respectively), a higher baseline LVEF (MD, 1.42; 95% CI 0.16 to 2.67; p = 0.03 and MD, 1.69; 95% CI 0.21 to 3.18; p = 0.03, respectively), and a smaller baseline LVEDD (MD, −1.31; 95% CI −2.50 to −0.13; p = 0.03 and MD, −2.63; 95% CI −3.75 to −1.51; p < 0.001, respectively). These results, however, did not translate into a significant difference in 12-month mortality (POR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.57 to 1.13; p = 0.21 and POR = 1.56; 95% CI 0.90 to 2.73; p = 0.12, respectively). Conclusions: The findings of this study may contribute to evidence that can be utilized to aid in the risk stratification of patients with PPCM regarding their long-term prognoses.

Background A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and pathology of the maxillary sinus is paramount for precise diagnosis and effective planning of dental interventions. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) offers enhanced visualization of sinus structures, thus facilitating the identification of anatomical variations and pathological conditions which are critical for surgical and dental treatment strategies. Materials and Methods This retrospective descriptive study analyzed 200 CBCT scans, comprising 400 maxillary sinuses from patients treated at the Faculty of Dentistry University of Sarajevo. The study assessed sinus dimensions, volumes, anatomical features, their relationships with adjacent anatomical structures, and the occurrence of pathological alterations. Furthermore, the patient's gender and dental status were studied in relation to these features. The sinus measurements were performed with Sidexis 4 software (Dentsply Sirona, Germany), which is intended for precise linear measurements in three orthogonal planes. Results Significant differences were found in sinus width between patients with full dentition and those with partial or complete edentulism (p<0.01). Male participants exhibited larger mean sinus dimensions compared to females in all dimensions. The maxillary sinus floor was inferior to the nasal floor in 91.5% of cases. Various types of sinus membrane abnormalities were observed, with normal membrane thickness in 53.75% of cases. Sinus septa were most frequently located on the roof of the sinus, and their frequency varied significantly among patients with different dentition statuses. The study also identified 274 Haller cells and documented several pathological changes, with mucosal thickening exceeding 3 mm being the most common alteration. Conclusion This radiographic study of Bosnian and Herzegovian population revealed significant anatomical variations and pathological changes in maxillary sinuses, thus emphasizing the importance of careful preoperative evaluation using CBCT for surgical planning in the posterior maxillary area. The findings highlight gender-based differences in sinus volumes, the impact of dentition status on sinus anatomy, and the prevalence of various pathological conditions, thus contributing to valuable insights in the field of maxillofacial radiology.

BACKGROUND This paper describes pharmacoeconomic analysis of ethanol and benzalkonium chloride disinfectants used in dental institutions to prevent infections. Pathogens can be transmitted to patients via air, items, contact or vectors. The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of both disinfectants. METHODS For pharmacoeconomic assessment, cost minimization analysis, cost benefit analysis (CBA), cost effectiveness analysis and cost utility analysis were performed. The cost of disinfectants used in hand disinfection of dental professionals is estimated to be 50 times higher when using ethanol. Compared monthly costs for disinfectants in surface disinfection are 18 times higher when using ethanol. RESULTS Results of CBA imply 12 hours as annual time needed for performance of benzalkonium chloride disinfection, and 720 hours for ethanol. Reduction of pathogens on the examined surface after application of benzalkonium chloride was 99-99% for all tested pathogens. The application of the amount of benzalkonium chloride analogous to the cost of ethanol in dental facilities could eliminate the chance of nosocomial infections. CONCLUSIONS The cost-effectiveness of benzalkonium chloride leads to more agile recovery of the patient. Performed assessments lead to the conclusion that benzalkonium chloride is more efficient in dental facilities than ethanol. Utilization of benzalkonium chloride improves quality of life, significantly decreasing time spent for application and frequent reapplications of the disinfectant.

This paper presents research related to segmentation based on supervisory control, at multiple levels, of optimization of parameters of segmentation methods, and adjustment of 3D microscopic images, with the aim of creating a more efficient segmentation approach. The challenge is how to improve the segmentation of 3D microscopic images using known segmentation methods, but without losing processing speed. In the first phase of this research, a model was developed based on an ensemble of 11 segmentation methods whose parameters were optimized using genetic algorithms (GA). Optimization of the ensemble of segmentation methods using GA produces a set of segmenters that are further evaluated using a two‐stage voting system, with the aim of finding the best segmenter configuration according to multiple criteria. In the second phase of this research, the final segmenter model is developed as a result of two‐level optimization. The best obtained segmenter does not affect the speed of image processing in the exploitation process as its operating speed is practically equal to the processing speed of the basic segmentation method. Objective selection and fine‐tuning of the segmenter was done using multiple segmentation methods. Each of these methods has been subject to an intensive process of a significant number of two‐stage optimization cycles. The metric has been specifically created for objective analysis of segmenter performance and was used as a fitness function during GA optimization and result validation. Compared to the expert manual segmentation, segmenter score is 99.73% according to the best mean segmenter principle (average segmentation score for each 3D slice image with respect to the entire sample set). Segmenter score is 99.49% according to the most stable segmenter principle (average segmentation score for each 3D slice image with respect to the entire sample set and considering the reference image classes MGTI median, MGTI voter and GGTI).

Background: Myocardial injury (MI) is characterized by an increased level of at least one cardiac troponin. Experimental MI can be induced by isoprenaline, a β-adrenergic agonist, and it can lead to heart failure (HF). Liraglutide is glucagon-like 1 peptide receptor agonist used in diabetes management, but it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, which can be beneficial in treatment of HF. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of liraglutide on isoprenaline-induced MI and prevention of HF. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Con—received saline the first 2 days + saline the next 7 days; Iso—isoprenaline the first 2 days + saline the next 7 days; Lir—saline the first 2 days + liraglutide the next 7 days; Iso + Lir—isoprenaline the first 2 days + liraglutide the next 7 days. On day 10, blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis and oxidative stress marker evaluation, and hearts were isolated for pathohistological analysis. Cardiac function was assessed by electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography (ECHO). Results: Liraglutide treatment significantly attenuated oxidative stress, repaired ECG and ECHO parameters, and mitigated myocardial morphological changes induced by isoprenaline. Conclusions: Liraglutide restores cardiac function in isoprenaline-induced HF.

Geophysical measurements, such as seismic experiments, are a key target for scientific activities on planetary surfaces. Dense spatial sampling of such measurements is often desirable, and acquisition is traditionally performed at regular intervals. However, achieving regular and dense spatial sampling is made difficult by obstacles and operational constraints of a planetary surface mission. Here, we present an application of compressive sensing (CS) in the design of seismic surveys on planetary surfaces for imaging the shallow subsurface. This approach is based on more flexible, randomized subsampling and requires fewer sources or receivers compared to traditional methods. We illustrate the potential of CS on synthetic data and measurements made along an active seismic transect across a lunar analog site. We then explore the use of CS‐assisted seismic acquisition at a terrestrial analog site in the San Francisco Volcanic Field. We show how irregularly acquired data can be interpolated to reconstruct data at finer spatial sampling and yield seismic images comparable to those from regularly acquired high‐density data. Finally, we apply our approach to reanalyze the legacy data collected by the Active Seismic Experiments during the Apollo 14 and 16 missions. The results show that the CS method can recover missing data and increase the amount of data available for refraction analysis. Our study highlights the potential of CS in future planetary surface exploration missions for (a) an order‐of‐magnitude improvement in survey efficiency and (b) improved imaging quality to gain a deeper understanding of the geologic processes of planetary bodies.

BACKGROUND Friendship quality is crucial for psychological well-being, yet is often lower in persons with intellectual disabilities compared to their peers. This study explores the predictors of friendship quality among adults with mild intellectual disability, focusing on age, gender, living setting, psychiatric traits, and social cognition. METHOD The sample comprised 62 adults with mild intellectual disability (32 males, 30 females; ages 19-53), and 30 with significant psychiatric traits. Tools included the Friendship Quality Scale, Edinburgh Social Cognition Test, MINI PAS-ADD scale, and a demographic questionnaire. RESULTS Social cognition and age were the strongest predictors of friendship quality, with higher social cognition scores and younger age correlating with better quality. Gender, living setting, and psychiatric traits had less impact. CONCLUSIONS Social cognition and age are primary determinants of friendship quality in adults with mild intellectual disability, suggesting that interventions to enhance social cognition may benefit this population's social well-being.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that extends beyond musculoskeletal and dermatologic involvement to elevate cardiometabolic risk. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of systemic inflammation in metabolic dysregulation, accelerating insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress, all of which contribute to the increased burden of cardiovascular disease in PsA. This review explores the intricate interplay between inflammatory mediators—such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-17 (IL-17),—adipokine imbalances, and lipid metabolism abnormalities, all of which foster endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The dysregulation of adipokines, including leptin, adiponectin, and resistin, further perpetuates inflammatory cascades, exacerbating cardiovascular risk. Additionally, the metabolic alterations seen in PsA, particularly insulin resistance and lipid dysfunction, not only contribute to cardiovascular comorbidities but also impact disease severity and therapeutic response. Understanding these mechanistic links is imperative for refining risk stratification strategies and tailoring interventions. By integrating targeted immunomodulatory therapies with metabolic and cardiovascular risk management, a more comprehensive approach to PsA treatment can be achieved. Future research must focus on elucidating shared inflammatory and metabolic pathways, enabling the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to mitigate both systemic inflammation and cardiometabolic complications in PsA.

Pancreatic cancers have high mortality and rising incidence rates which may be related to unhealthy western-type dietary and lifestyle patterns as well as increasing body weights and obesity rates. Recent data also suggest a role for the gut microbiome in the development of pancreatic cancer. Here, we review the experimental and observational evidence for the roles of the oral, gut and intratumoural microbiomes, impaired gut barrier function and exposure to inflammatory compounds as well as metabolic dysfunction as contributors to pancreatic disease with a focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma initiation and progression. We also highlight some emerging gut microbiome editing techniques currently being investigated in the context of pancreatic disease. Notably, while the gut microbiome is significantly altered in PDAC and its precursor diseases, its utility as a diagnostic and prognostic tool is hindered by a lack of reproducibility and the potential for reverse causality in case-control cohorts. Future research should emphasise longitudinal and mechanistic studies as well as integrating lifestyle exposure and multi-omics data to unravel complex host-microbiome interactions. This will allow for deeper aetiologic and mechanistic insights that can inform treatments and guide public health recommendations.

BACKGROUND During human placentation extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), arising from cell column trophoblasts (CCT) invade the highly differentiated uterine mucosa, called decidua, where they erode blood vessels and replace vascular endothelial cells. Maternal platelets have been detected in intercellular gaps of CCTs but their physiological role remained unclear so far. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to elucidate the impact of platelet-derived factors on trophoblasts that are exposed to maternal platelets through erosion of decidual blood vessels. METHODS Trophoblast cell line ACH-3P spheroids were incubated either with platelet-derived factors or isolated platelets obtained from pregnant women, and afterwards subjected to RNA sequencing, and validation by qPCR, ELISA and in situ padlock hybridization. Amongst deregulated genes, LAIR2 expression was confirmed in first trimester placenta and primary trophoblast organoids. The functional role of LAIR2 in trophoblast invasion and platelet activation was studied. RESULTS Platelet-derived factors altered the transcription profile of ACH-3P spheroids, including deregulation of genes linked to embryonic development. Amongst them, LAIR2 was exclusively detected in CCTs and invaded EVTs of first trimester decidua. Histology showed extravasated maternal erythrocytes within interstitial gaps of highly invaded decidua samples, coinciding with LAIR2 positive EVTs. LAIR2 inhibited type 1 collagen -induced platelet activation and enhanced invasiveness of trophoblasts. CONCLUSION This study suggests that maternal platelet-derived factors affect the transcription profile of trophoblasts, including upregulation of LAIR2, which may be involved in fine-tuning the coagulation of maternal blood leaking from eroded decidual blood vessels and could increase the invasiveness of EVTs into the decidua through an autocrine mechanism.

The peritrophic matrix (PM) is a non-cellular, glycan-rich structure that lines the gut epithelium of most invertebrates, including arthropod vectors that transmit diseases of public health and veterinary concern. This semipermeable barrier, functionally analogous to the vertebrate mucosal layer, separates the gut lumen from epithelial cells and provides protection against invading pathogens and their toxins. Beyond its mechanical protective role in the gut, the PM plays a crucial part in arthropod innate immunity. Here, we summarize the most recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of vector-pathogen interactions in blood-feeding arthropods and discuss the significance of the PM in modulating vector competence. This knowledge could contribute to the development of novel strategies to control vector-borne infections.