Recent evidence suggests that, in some foci, elimination of onchocerciasis from Africa may be feasible with mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin. To achieve continental elimination of transmission, mapping surveys will need to be conducted across all implementation units (IUs) for which endemicity status is currently unknown. Using boosted regression tree models with optimised hyperparameter selection, we estimated environmental suitability for onchocerciasis at the 5 × 5-km resolution across Africa. In order to classify IUs that include locations that are environmentally suitable, we used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to identify an optimal threshold for suitability concordant with locations where onchocerciasis has been previously detected. This threshold value was then used to classify IUs (more suitable or less suitable) based on the location within the IU with the largest mean prediction. Mean estimates of environmental suitability suggest large areas across West and Central Africa, as well as focal areas of East Africa, are suitable for onchocerciasis transmission, consistent with the presence of current control and elimination of transmission efforts. The ROC analysis identified a mean environmental suitability index of 0·71 as a threshold to classify based on the location with the largest mean prediction within the IU. Of the IUs considered for mapping surveys, 50·2% exceed this threshold for suitability in at least one 5 × 5-km location. The formidable scale of data collection required to map onchocerciasis endemicity across the African continent presents an opportunity to use spatial data to identify areas likely to be suitable for onchocerciasis transmission. National onchocerciasis elimination programmes may wish to consider prioritising these IUs for mapping surveys as human resources, laboratory capacity, and programmatic schedules may constrain survey implementation, and possibly delaying MDA initiation in areas that would ultimately qualify.

Preeclampsia (PE) remains a significant obstetric challenge, having complex pathophysiology and limited early diagnostic and therapeutic options. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators in PE, offering insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying placental dysfunction and impaired maternal adaptation. Differentially expressed miRNAs in both placental tissue and maternal circulation, such as miR-155, play key roles in regulating angiogenesis, trophoblast invasion, and inflammatory pathways, all of which are central to the development of PE. Ongoing investigations increasingly highlight miRNAs as promising non-invasive molecular indicators for the early diagnosis and risk stratification of PE. Furthermore, therapeutic strategies targeting miRNA pathways using mimics or inhibitors show promise in correcting molecular dysfunctions and improving maternal and fetal outcomes. However, clinical translation faces several challenges, including targeted delivery, off-target effects, and the assessment of long-term efficacy. Overall, miRNAs hold significant potential as both diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents, marking a promising direction for improving care in PE pregnancies.

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with ischemic stroke (IS) accounting for approximately 85% of cases. Recent research has highlighted the critical role of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNA molecules, in the pathogenesis of stroke. Among these, the miR-17-92 cluster and its paralogs have emerged as key regulators in the development of stroke pathology and the subsequent recovery processes. We emphasize their regulatory roles in key pathological processes, including inflammation, apoptosis, neuroprotection, and tissue repair. We provide an overview of these mechanisms to support the identification of novel miRNA-based therapeutic targets and to improve stroke diagnosis, treatment, and recovery strategies. Specific miRNAs, such as miR-19a, miR-18a, and miR-92a, contribute to processes including neurogenesis, axonal growth, and a reduction in neuronal apoptosis. The miR-17-92 cluster also offers potential therapeutic applications by targeting injury-induced pathways, such as modulating apoptosis, promoting axonal elongation, or inhibiting neurodegeneration. Preclinical studies have suggested their potential to enhance neural regeneration and promote functional recovery. Future research should further elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of the miR-17-92 members and their therapeutic potential to enhance stroke treatment strategies.

This paper presents general relations for calculation of harmonic impedance seen along an AC transmission overhead line. This is modeled by a chain of two symmetrical passive quadripoles corresponding to the segments that are on either side of the section of interest. Chain matrices of the two quadripoles are written by considering uniformly distributed line parameters and on their base, the expressions for the input impedances of the two quadripoles fed in the common section are obtained. The equivalent impedance seen in the section of the line, obtained by placing in parallel the two impedances mentioned above, depends on both the position along the line and the frequency. The expression for its calculation is applied to the numerical study realized for overhead lines having a nominal voltage of 220 kV. The results allow the identification of line areas and the frequencies where the risk of parallel resonance occurrence is greatest..

Background: The global rise in obesity has been significantly influenced by shifts in dietary habits that have been exacerbated by external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to analyze the trends in Romanian dietary habits from 2015 to 2023, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of socio-economic factors, seasonality, and cultural practices. Methods: For dietary habits, we used nationally representative data from the Romanian Household Budget Survey provided by the Romanian National Institute of Statistics. The survey includes 30,000 households annually. From the same provider, we downloaded data about potential drivers of food consumption, such as income, the consumer price index, and the unemployment rate. The analysis mixes descriptive statistics and panel data analysis. Among the main drivers, the econometric models include seasonality and regional factors, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the changes in dietary behavior. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, daily calorie consumption increased to over 3000 calories per person, representing a 20% increase compared to the pre-pandemic period. Post-pandemic, food consumption remains elevated, averaging 2500–2600 calories per person daily. The pandemic also led to a shift in dietary composition, with significant changes. Thus, we mark an increase in fat (p < 0.001) and carbohydrate intake (p < 0.01) and a decrease in protein intake (p < 0.001). Beyond the presence of health disruptors, we confirm the significant impact of income (p < 0.001) and seasonality (p < 0.001). Other factors like unemployment, the consumer price index, and hidden regional factors have a minor role. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on Romanian dietary habits, reinforcing unhealthy eating patterns that were already prevalent. The sustained increase in calorie consumption, particularly of nutrient-poor, energy-dense foods, poses a significant public health challenge. The study also highlights significant seasonal variations, with a marked increase in food intake during the last quarter of the year, driven by cultural and religious traditions. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and policies that address economic factors and cultural and regional influences to promote healthier dietary behaviors in Romania.

Stroke is a major cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, making early diagnosis and effective treatment crucial for reducing its impact. In response to the limited efficacy of current treatments, alternative therapeutic strategies, such as novel biomarkers and therapies, are emerging to address this critical unmet medical need. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Due to their dysregulation, they have been implicated in the onset and progression of various diseases. Recent research highlighted the important role of miR-181 family members in the context of stroke. Polymorphisms such as rs322931 in miR-181b are associated with increased stroke risk. miR-181 family members are aberrantly expressed and related to various aspects of stroke pathology, affecting inflammatory responses or neuronal survival. We provide a comprehensive overview of how alterations in miR-181 expression influence stroke mechanisms and their potential as therapeutic targets.