Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an appreciable public health threat, exacerbated by considerable inappropriate use of antibiotics including for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Whilst there have been high levels of inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in primary care in South Africa, study findings vary regarding the extent of dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription. Where this occurs, this is typically for patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Consequently, there is a need to update knowledge regarding antibiotic dispensing patterns in primary care in South Africa alongside key factors influencing this. The findings can provide future direction to key stakeholders in South Africa grappling with high AMR rates. Methods A previously piloted questionnaire was administered to patients leaving community pharmacies in a rural province using their preferred language. The questionnaire collected data on current antibiotic utilisation patterns alongside their knowledge and attitudes towards AMR. Results 465 patients were interviewed exiting community pharmacies with a medicine. 78.7% of patients who were dispensed antibiotics were dispensed these without a prescription. Perceived STIs were the most common infectious disease where this occurred, with 99.1% of antibiotics issued for this condition dispensed without a prescription. Only 1 out of 116 patients with a perceived STI, received an antibiotic from a prescription issued by an authorized prescriber. The reverse was seen with patients with URTIs where there was very little dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription for these patients. This may be because surveyed patients were prepared to take advice from community pharmacists, who typically offered symptomatic relief to patients with suspected URTIs. This situation contrasts with antibiotics from prescriptions where URTIs were the most common infection where antibiotics were prescribed (59.3%). Questioning patients in their own language enhanced their understanding of key issues. Conclusion There is an urgent need to re-consider community pharmacist activities in South Africa with some countries allowing them to prescribe antibiotics for UTIs. Trained community pharmacists can also potentially engage with patients to help prevent and manage STIs with patients appearing to preferentially seek assistance from community pharmacists for their perceived STIs. Community pharmacists can also potentially work with prescribers to improve their antibiotic use especially for URTIs.

Background/Objectives: Totally endoscopic mitral valve repair reduces surgical trauma and accelerates recovery but can be technically challenging, particularly for precise annuloplasty suturing. The VirtuoSEW® (LSI Solutions, Victor, NY 14564m, USA) automated annular suturing system was developed to standardize and simplify suture placement. This study was an early evaluation of this technology’s safety, efficacy, and feasibility in totally endoscopic microInvasive mitral valve repair (µMVr). Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 20 patients with severe mitral valve disease of various etiologies. All patients underwent mitral valve repair using the VirtuoSEW® system for automated placement of annuloplasty sutures, combined with leaflet resection or chordal management as appropriate. Postoperative outcomes were assessed at one month using echocardiography and clinical evaluation. Perioperative and postoperative complications and early mortality were systematically recorded. Results: VirtuoSEW®-assisted mitral valve repair was safe and effective, achieving complete elimination of severe mitral regurgitation in all patients (N = 20, 100%). Annuloplasty rings included Physio-ring (N = 12, 60%), Memo 3D (N = 4, 20%), and Memo 4D (N = 4, 20%), combined with leaflet repair techniques: leaflet plication (N = 5, 25%), neochordae implantation (N = 7, 35%), sliding plasty (N = 2, 10%), commissural repair (N = 1, 5%), and hemibutterfly repair (N = 1, 5%). Concomitant procedures included: tricuspid valve repair (N = 1, 5%) and atrial septal defect closure (N = 1, 5%). Mitral annulus diameter decreased from 42.0 ± 5.3 mm to 34.2 ± 2.2 mm (p = 0.001). Mean total surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass, and aortic cross-clamp times were 170.3 ± 21.3, 143.4 ± 21.5, and 80.4 ± 7.9 min, respectively. ICU stay was 1.0 ± 0.2 days, with a hospital stay of 8.0 ± 1.9 days. No perioperative complications—including bleeding (N = 0, 0%), stroke (N = 0, 0%), infections (N = 0, 0%), or 30-day mortality (N = 0, 0%)—occurred. Conclusions: µMVR invasive mitral valve repair using the VirtuoSEW® system is safe, effective, and reproducible, as well as compatible with almost all repair techniques, providing complete restoration of valve competence with no early device-related complications. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study reporting outcomes with this device, supporting its potential to streamline mitral repair and improve procedural efficiency.

We investigate the asymptotic behavior of a proposed ordinary differential equation (ODE) model for Genetic Toggle switches from Gardner et. al. and I. Rajapakse and S. Smale: dxdt=a1+ym−x and dydt=b1+xn−y where a,b,m,n>0 and x(t),y(t)≥0. We also investigate the asymptotic behavior of the Euler discretization of this system: xn+1=a1xn+b11+ynm=f(xn,yn) and yn+1=a2yn+b21+xnn=g(xn,yn), where 1−h=a1, 1−k=a2, ah=b1 and bk=b2, a1,a2∈(0,1) and h,k>0 are steps of discretizations. Here, x and y represent protein concentrations at a particular time in both genes and a,b,m,n>0, respectively, above. We will apply the theory of competitive maps to find the basins of attractions of different equilibrium points and period-two solutions of systems of difference equations.

Cell-Free Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (CF-MaMIMO) in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) promises high spectral efficiency but is limited by frequent Channel State Information (CSI) exchanges, which strain fronthaul/midhaul/backhaul (X-haul) bandwidth and exceed the capabilities of existing approaches relying on uncompressed CSI or heavy predictors. To overcome these constraints, we propose LITE, a lightweight pipeline combining a 1-D convolutional Autoencoder (AE) at the O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU) with a Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE)-enhanced Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) predictor at the Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT-RIC), enabling short-horizon trajectory-unaware forecasting under strict transport and processing budgets. LITE applies 50% CSI compression and an asymmetric SE-BiLSTM, reducing model complexity by 83.39% while improving accuracy by 5% relative to a baseline BiLSTM. With compression-aware training, the Lightweight Intelligent Trajectory Estimator (LITE) incurs only 6% accuracy loss versus the BiLSTM baseline, outperforming independent and end-to-end strategies. A TensorRT-optimized implementation achieves 147k Queries per Second (QPS), a 4.6x throughput gain. These results demonstrate that LITE delivers X-haul-efficient, low-latency, and deployment-ready channel-gain prediction compatible with O-RAN splits.

We study closed-loop stability and suboptimality for MPC and infinite-horizon optimal control solved using a surrogate model that differs from the real plant. We employ a unified framework based on quadratic costs to analyze both finite- and infinite-horizon problems, encompassing discounted and undiscounted scenarios alike. Plant-model mismatch bounds proportional to states and controls are assumed, under which the origin remains an equilibrium. Under continuity of the model and cost-controllability, exponential stability of the closed loop can be guaranteed. Furthermore, we give a suboptimality bound for the closed-loop cost recovering the optimal cost of the surrogate. The results reveal a tradeoff between horizon length, discounting and plant-model mismatch. The robustness guarantees are uniform over the horizon length, meaning that larger horizons do not require successively smaller plant-model mismatch.

Precision surgical interventions rely on accurate integration of preoperative and intraoperative imaging to guide clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Traditionally, most 3D imaging modalities capture the entirety of the target object, allowing for the segmentation of its entire volume. However, some medical imaging devices trade full field-of-view for other considerations, such as size and ability to access the target organ in unique ways. This is particularly true of ultrasound, where imaging deeper organs from outside the body is not viable due to attenuation, thus motivating the need for alternative imaging strategies. In scenarios such as image-guided intervention, it is often necessary to put this partial view of the object in its full anatomical context, such as alignment to a pre-operative MRI. We propose a method for jointly segmenting the portion of the object visible in the acquired image and estimating its full shape. We do this by combining a pre-trained shape prior with a patient-specific expectation of organ shape acquired via pre-operative imaging. In a simulated dataset for prostate MRI/US fusion, we show the ability to accurately estimate the prostate shape from ultrasound images capturing only a fraction of its total volume.

The Tortonese’s stingray (Dasyatis tortonesei Capapé, 1975) is a poorly understood species, likely endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, where its distribution remains inadequately delineated due to historical taxonomic uncertainty and misidentification with its closely related congeners. The present study reports the first well-documented records of D. tortonesei in the Adriatic Sea, based on six specimens collected during systematic field surveys off Vlorë, Albania. All specimens were identified through a comprehensive assessment of diagnostic morphological features, and detailed biometric data are provided. Notably, one individual exhibited a fully healed traumatic loss of both the tail and stinging apparatus, suggesting a degree of resilience to sub-lethal injury. The present findings extend the range of D. tortonesei and establish a valuable baseline for future biodiversity assessments. In addition, this paper underscores the urgent need for integrative taxonomic approaches and regional capacity-building to improve species-level identification and inform effective conservation of Mediterranean elasmobranchs (sharks and rays).

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) occurs as a result of long term exposure to workplace noise. The aim of the study was to identify job positions with an increased risk of hearing impairment due to occupational noise exposure, by analyzing changes in audiometric findings over a six-month period of work under conditions with elevated noise levels. The study included participants exposed to workplace noise and participants working in a quiet environment, employed in the same companies but in different job positions. Audiometric examinations were conducted at baseline and after six months of follow-up. Paired and independent-samples t-tests were applied. A statistically significant difference in hearing loss was found among participants exposed to occupational noise during the six-month period (t = 4.84, df = 35, p < 0.001), while no significant difference was observed among participants working in a quiet environment (t = 1.64, df = 35, p = 0.109). A significant difference was also identified between the noise-exposed group and the control group in mean hearing threshold values at baseline and at the final assessment after six months (t = 4.13, df = 71, p < 0.001). Occupations with an increased risk of the development and progression of hearing impairment were identified. The results confirmed the need for continuous monitoring and implementation of preventive hearing protection measures in high-risk workplaces, including oil refineries, textile and metal industries, the wood-processing sector, and selected service industries.

The fruit of Rosa canina (rosehip) has long been used in traditional medicine, and recent studies confirm its health benefits due to its content of flavonoids, carotenoids, fatty acids, and high vitamin C levels. This study examined three preparations: infusion, ultrasound-assisted extract, and traditional jam. Total phenols were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant activity by the DPPH method. The highest total phenolic content was observed in the infusion of dried fruit (163.477 mg GAE/l), followed by the fruit extract (44.932 mg GAE/l), with the jam extract showing the lowest content (23.477 mg GAE/l). Antioxidant activity was assessed via DPPH inhibition percentage and IC50 values to identify the most effective form of compounds. The findings suggest that infusion of dried rosehip fruit provides the highest antioxidative capacity, highlighting its potential as a functional food ingredient.

We develop an asymptotic theory for strict minimum message length (SMML) estimators in regular parametric models with countable data spaces. We show that, asymptotically, the optimal SMML partition is induced by a weighted Fisher--Voronoi tessellation in parameter space, pulled back through the maximum likelihood estimator. We further show that each SMML codepoint is asymptotically a weighted average of the maximum likelihood estimates associated with observations in its cell. These results imply that the SMML estimator is consistent and converges at the usual parametric $n^{-1/2}$ rate under standard regularity conditions. We also give a Kullback--Leibler projection interpretation of SMML codepoints and a decomposition of the expected SMML codelength into an assertion entropy and an expected conditional cross-entropy. In exponential families, the theory simplifies further: SMML codepoints satisfy a moment-matching condition, and optimal SMML cells are induced by a polyhedral partition of the sufficient-statistic space.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies, driven by profound molecular heterogeneity and resistance to current therapy. To support systematic target identification, we established a proteomics-anchored knowledge discovery framework integrating cross-model proteomics harmonization, network topology, high-confidence structural modeling, and large-scale in silico docking. From 1,975 proteins consistently detected across murine and human PDAC models, 32 immunohistochemically confirmed candidates were prioritized for structure-based screening against 7,509 clinically characterized compounds. Blind docking, refined pose sampling, ligand-efficiency scoring, and ADME filtering identified EIF2A, STAM, ANXA2, and AHNAK2 as robustly druggable targets. These proteins exhibited high-affinity interactions with zavegepant (a clinically approved CGRP receptor antagonist), omilancor, bemcentinib, conivaptan, and APTO-253. Docking validation (RMSD 1.98 to 2.56 Å) confirmed methodological reliability, and network analyses placed the 4 proteins within modules linked to endosomal/membrane trafficking and invasive phenotypes. Survival analyses in 176 PDAC patients further supported their clinical relevance. Thus, we suggest a systems-level platform for nominating ligandable PDAC targets and clinically actionable compounds. The framework highlights opportunities for rational drug repurposing and motivates future mechanistic studies at the intersection of proteomics and structure-based screening for targets to PDAC.

Urbanization of cities demands efficient spatial management. The construction of utility lines significantly alters the spatial landscape. The subsurface space is often neglected, resulting in outdated or absent records of underground utility infrastructure. This clearly underscores the need and importance of maintaining accurate utility records. Modern non-destructive techniques for underground utility detection, such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), can enhance the documentation and mapping of subsurface infrastructure. The subject of this paper is the optimization of GPR survey and processing workflows to improve the accuracy of underground utility detection when using the Leica DS2000. The research comprises both theoretical and experimental analyses, including the application of various GPR data collection methods on test sites. The experimental component of the research was conducted using the Leica DS2000 GPR system. The geospatial data were processed using several software applications, including uNext Advanced, IQMaps, and Geolitix. Based on the multicriteria analysis of these results and an assessment of detection accuracy, an optimal workflow (decision diagram) was defined for the detection of underground utility infrastructure using Leica DS2000 under favorable soil conditions. This study explored the feasibility of efficiently updating the cadastral database of public utility infrastructure through non-invasive technologies, thereby contributing to the improvement of subsurface utility infrastructure management.

In this study, we analyze a discrete two-dimensional host–parasitoid model in which the host population follows logistic growth and is additionally subject to a strong Allee effect on the proportion of hosts that avoid parasitism. The parasitoid population dynamics are driven by host availability, attack success rate, and the number of parasitoids produced per successful attack. We classify the equilibrium points and explore the system’s local and global dynamics. Our analysis shows that, in certain parameter regions, an extinction equilibrium can be globally stable. For the boundary equilibrium, we prove the existence of transcritical and period-doubling bifurcations. Regarding interior equilibria, when multiple equilibria exist, their stabilities alternate. We prove the occurrence of codimension-1 period-doubling and Neimark–Sacker bifurcations, indicating the emergence of complex dynamics, including quasi-periodic and even chaotic behavior. Despite the possibility of complex dynamics, we prove that the system can exhibit uniform persistence and permanence under specific conditions, thereby ensuring the long-term coexistence of the host and parasitoid populations.

To support the high data rates for latency-critical applications, future wireless systems will employ fully digital beamforming multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) architectures at millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies. Moreover, mmWave MIMO deployments will coexist with conventional sub6 GHz MIMO systems, creating opportunities to exploit out-ofband sub- 6 GHz information to enhance channel estimation at mmWave frequencies. In this work, we analyze the pilot-aided channel estimation performance of mmWave MIMO systems under various pilot configurations in both static and dynamic environments. We evaluate the system performance in terms of spectral efficiency (SE) for line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight propagation conditions. Simulation results show that incorporating out-of-band sub- 6 GHz information yields notable SE gains in both static and dynamic scenarios.

This text is a review of the book: Nidžara Ahmetašević, Media as a Tool of International Intervention: House of Cards, Routledge, London and New York, 2024