bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE PTERIONAL APPROACH IN A CASE OF PLANUM SPHENOIDALE MENINGIOMA
Authors: Cazac Tabita Larisa , Ciotarla D. C. , Dărămuș Ioana Andreea , Dumitrescu B. C.
Published: March 2021

Meningiomas represent almost 15 percent of primary brain tumors and are the most common non-glial primary brain tumor. Parasellar meningiomas represent 5–10 percent of all intracranial meningiomas. They may arise from the diaphragma sella, tuberculum sellae, planum sphenoidale, medial lesser wing of sphenoid, anterior clinoid, clivus, and cavernous sinus (Smith 2005). Planum sphenoidale meningiomas are located anterior to and in proximity to the olfactory groove. For an optimal postoperative outcome planum, sphenoidale meningiomas must be diagnosed early, and the operative procedures performed promptly and with utmost care. Ideally, management is intended to preserve and improve vision and consists of total resection with no injury to the neighboring vital structures. We report the case of a 64-year-old woman who presented with progressive visual disturbance, impairment of visual acuity, visual field defects and diffuse headache. Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MR images showed a well-defined, suprasellar solid mass, measuring 30/35/40 mm. The lesion was hyperintense on T1-weighted imaging with homogenous enhancement and a broad dural attachment to the planum sphenoidale. The planum sphenoidale meningioma was successfully resected using a left pterional approach. The intraoperative and postoperative courses were uneventful with a total recovery. Improvement of visual acuity was noted and the postoperative computer-tomography investigation showed total surgical removal with no residual tumor.
AMBROISE PARÉ - FOUNDER OF MODERN SURGERY AND PIONEER OF MILITARY MEDICINE
Authors: Axioti Anna Maria , Geramani Eirini
Published: March 2021

Ambroise Paré is considered to be one of the fathers of surgery and a pioneer in surgical techniques. He was one of the first surgeons to encourage primary amputation for the treatment for gunshot wounds, he designed "bec du corbin", the predecessor to modern hemostats, he designed limb protheses and some ocular protheses and he also aimed for the progress of obstetrics. Besides from being an extraordinary scientist, Ambroise Paré had a compassionate character and he spent his whole life helping others. The motto that characterized his scientic personality and his life was "I treated him, but God healed him".
COMPLEX PELVIC FRACTURES ASSOCIATED WITH ANORECTAL LESIONS
Authors: Stoica B. , Păun S. , Tănase I. , Vartic Mihaela , Negoi I. , Gănescu Roxana , Beuran M.
Published: March 2021

Traumatic lesions of the rectum, perineum and anus are rare but difficult to treat, requiring experience in terms of trauma and colorectal surgery. Case report and electronic search of the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Knowledge, to identify original articles and reviews about the subject. Case 1 - Male patient, 31 years old, victim of a car accident, transferred to our hospital from a lower level trauma center, with cranial, abdominal and extremity trauma (ISS = 29). On FAST there was free peritoneal fluid. The patient was transported to the operating room. Abdominal exploration revealed a grade IV laceration of the sigmoid colon and upper rectum, with diffuse fecaloid peritonitis and middle hemoperitoneum. Hartmann type colorectal resection was performed. Postoperative whole body Computed Tomography detailed the complex type C pelvic fracture, immobilized with an external fixator during initial surgical approach. The clinical evolution was favourable, the patient being referred to a lower level local center for rehabilitation. Case 2 - Male patient, 27 years old, bicyclist victim of a car accident, admitted to our hospital in emergency setting for right inguinal open wound with extension to anorectal region and pelvis-subperitoneal space, complex pelvic trauma and lower limb fractures (ISS = 29). The patient was transported to the operating room. Perineal packing was performed with external pelvic fixation and lower limb fractures reduction along with external fixation. The clinical evolution was favourable, the patient being referred to a lower level local center for continuation of the therapy. Significant injuries to the pelvic ring, most commonly the result of high energy trauma, carry with them high rates of both morbidity and mortality, and only prompt diagnosis and treatment are the key to success.
PECULIARITIES OF DIAGNOSIS IN THE PHYLLODES TUMOR
Authors: Andronic O. , Ion D. , Marin Izabela , Radu Georgiana , Păduraru D. N.
Published: March 2021

Phyllodes tumor (PT) is an uncommon and distinct category of breast cancer, being a particular form of intracanalicular fibroadenoma. A definitive diagnosis is difficult to make just based on imaging investigations and fine needle biopsy; also PTs are frequently misinterpreted as breast fibroadenomas. In the case of of a 26-year old woman with a suspected PT (based on clinical investigation) which was first diagnosed as a fibroadenoma using ultrasonography and preoperative biopsy, further investigation was needed. A limited resection was performed and the postoperative histopathology confirmed the diagnosis as PT.
A RARE CASE OF A GIANT RETROPERITONEAL RECURRENT LIPOSARCOMA
Authors: Mateoiu1 Petronela Petronela , Dumitrache F. , Andronic O. , Bolocan Alexandra , Ion D.
Published: March 2021

We report the case of a giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma, with two rare histological subtypes: pleomorphic subtype at initial surgical resection, and dedifferentiated subtype at the recurrence. A 61-year-old male patient, presented at the University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, for progressive enlargement of the abdomen. The exploratory laparotomy found a deforming mass in the retroperitoneal area, with medial displacement of the left colon, from the splenic flexure to the recto-sigmoid junction. After assessing the resectability of the tumor, it was decided and performed an en-bloc excision of the tumor, without multiorgan resection and with macroscopic free safety margins. Due to the intersection with the genital vessels, their resection was imposed. The tumor was trefoil-shaped, with a diameter of 35 cm. After 7 months of chemotherapy, tumor recurrence occured, within the same location, confirmed as a dedifferentiated subtype. The same surgical procedure was performed, and the oncologist decided to continue with a more aggressive chemotherapy. Pleomorphic liposarcoma has a high rate of recurrence and has a high resistantce at chemotherapy. Due to its deep retroperitoneal location, the relations with the inferior vena cava, the aorta and the genital vessels are essential, in some cases multiorgan resections being necessary.The case presents a rare malignant tumor, a 35 cm diameter retroperitoneal liposarcoma, highly resistant to chemotherapy and with a high recurrence rate.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF TYPE B AORTIC DISSECTION AND PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA
Authors: Coțofană Ioana , Mirică Alexandra , Coțofană M. , Păduraru D. N. , Bobeica Elena , Beuran M. , Păun S. , Păun Diana Loreta
Published: March 2021

Arterial hypertension is the most important risk factor for aortic dissection. Arterial hypertension has been found in approximately 80% of aortic dissection patients. Typically, arterial hypertension is long-standing and poorly regulated in aortic dissection patients. A pheochromocytoma is a rare, catecholamine-secreting tumour that may precipitate life-threatening hypertension. The tumour is malignant in 10% of cases but may be cured completely by surgical removal. We present the case of a 49-year-old patient, heavy smoker, hypertensive, who addressed the hospital in the context of acute interscapulovertebral pain (November 2014). After a contrast agent CT scan of the thorax + upper abdomen + pelvis, a type B thoracic aortic dissection was observed, without subdiaphragmatic extension or extension to the supraaortic trunks, without mediastinal effraction, and a right adrenal tumour of approximately 3.6 cm was also detected. The patient was directed to the cardiovascular surgery service, where an endoprosthesis with Vaillant prosthesis of the descending aorta and subclavian carotid bypass were performed, with good postoperative evolution. The patient was then referred to The National Institute of Endocrinology "C.I. Parhon" for further investigations required prior to the adrenal surgery. The suspicion of pheochromocytoma was confirmed by urinary metanephrine and normetanephrine dosing, and adrenal surgery was recommended. The patient was placed under alpha and beta blocker treatment for the prevention of hypertensive flares and any potential arrhythmias. Surgical intervention was performed for adrenal tumour resection. Histopathological examination of the surgical sample confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. The particularity of the case is the discovery of an adrenal tumour due to an aortic dissection, the patient having no other symptoms and presenting a recorded history of hypertension.
ROBOTIC SURGERY IN THE ROMANIAN HEALTH SYSTEM
Authors: Slavu I. , Braga V. , Kraft A. , Kraft A. , Alecu L.
Published: March 2021

Robotic surgery appeared in the Romanian health system in 2008 with the purchase of the first twosurgical robots. One of them belonged to “Dan Setlacec” Center of General Surgery and LiverTransplantation - Fundeni and the second to Floreasca Emergency Clinical Hospital. Funding wasprovided by the Ministry of Health special program. Since the first year of operation by the roboticsystem, the Fundeni Center has performed about 200 interventions. A key objective of the programwas to identify the interventions that are cost efficient, i.e., around 9,000 RON for each surgicalintervention. Subsequently, another 7 robotic systems were put into operation, out of which threeare in urology and four in general surgery. Given the high cost of consumables and post-warrantymaintenance, the operation of these robotic systems could only be done through the national healthsystem, or private sector. The operation of the program allowed for an annual limited number ofcases, and since 2013 the program funding has ceased. During this period, a significant experiencewas gained using robotic surgery in general surgery, urology and gynecology as well.
LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP AFTER TRANSCRANIAL HYPOPHYSECTOMY IN MACROPROLACTINOMAS
Authors: Ghemigian Adina , Carsote Mara , Ghervan Cristina , Dumitrașcu Anda , Albu Simona Elena , Georgescu Carmen Emanuela , Valea Ana
Published: March 2021

Currently, transcranial hypophysectomy is infrequently used since the trans-sphenoidal approach isvery effective and less invasive. Prolactinomas represent one of the rarest indications for pituitarysurgery due to the spectacular effects of dopamine agonists as cabergoline. A 66-year-old femalepresented at age of 52 with headache, low blood pressure. The investigations revealedpanhypopituitarism, high prolactin and a large pituitary mass with obstructive hydrocephalus at theleft lateral ventricle. Transcranial surgery was performed through a right approach withoutcomplications. The pathological report confirmed a pituitary adenoma with intense cellularpleomorphism. A 29-year-old male was admitted at the age of 28 for severe headache, multipleepisodes of vomiting, and hypotension. Pituitary insufficiency and hyperprolactinemia werecorrelated to the presence of an intrasellar tumor of 2/2 cm with extension to the right cavernoussinus, optic chiasm. The pathological report confirmed a pituitary adenoma. Transcranial pituitarysurgery represents an option only in selected large macroprolactinomas. After procedure, a goodoutcome is expected despite the potential secondary eye field defects or pituitary insufficiencywhich needs medication. Sometime the panhypopituitarism caused first by the tumor itself persistsafter surgery (as in our first case) or it is corrected (as adrenal insufficiency in the second case).The presence of a residual prolactin producing tumor requires long term specific therapy withdopamine agonists.
SNAKE BITE OF A DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE - CLINICAL CASE AND MANAGEMENT
Authors: Colcigeanu Anca , Ferariu Nicoleta , Unc Nicoleta , Lascăr I. , Chiș Roxana Gabriela , Sebe Ioana Teona
Published: March 2021

Rattlesnake envenomation incidence and its severity remain largely misunderstood in Europe. The evolution of cases reported in the few countries, where these accidents are correctly reported, proves to be unpredictable. Rattlesnake venom is mainly hemotoxic, affecting mainly the blood vessels, blood cells and the heart. The venom contains zinc metalloproteinases, cytotoxins and myotoxins. As an additional effect, the necrosis of skeleton muscles is produced by the venom through secondary ischemia and reduced perfusion. We will present the case of a 30-year-old lady, snake and tarantula breeder from Bucharest, presented at the emergency department on the 15Th of March 2015 after one of her pets, a diamondback rattlesnake had bitten her wrist.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING VERSUS ARTHROSCOPY IN EVALUATION OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT LESIONS
Authors: Soare Gabriela , Baciu C.C. , Vișoianu A. , Popescu G. I. , Barbilian G. A.
Published: March 2021

The knee joint is one of the most commonly injured joints, as an isolated injury or as a frequent component in a multiple trauma patient. Injury to the ligaments and menisci affects the stability and normal mechanics of the knee joint, resulting in an impairing unstable knee. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful diagnostic tool in the assessment of injuries to the knee joint, while anterior cruciate reconstruction is a common orthopedic procedure. We set to find in this paper the concordance between MRI and arthroscopic findings. We performed a retrospective analysis of 57 patients who underwent both MRI and arthroscopic intervention, in order to see the accuracy of the imagistic evaluation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) lesions. Our findings show that MRI and arthroscopy were in complete agreement in 94.7% of the cases. We also found 2 casesthat had normal ACL on MRI, but intraoperative we found a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. In only one case we found an intact ACL at arthroscopy although it looked ruptured on MRI. For the assessment of ligamentous and meniscal injuries, MRI is accurate and non-invasive modality. It can be used as a first line investigation, but arthroscopy remains the gold standard for definitive and accurate diagnostic for ACL and meniscal injuries.
CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL PROFILES OF EMERGENCY COLO-RECTAL CANCER SURGICAL CASES – PRELIMINARY REPORT OF A RETROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors: Andrei G. , Dumitriu B. , Beuran M.
Published: March 2021

We present a preliminary report of an observational retrospective study of clinical and pathological features of emergency colorectal cancer (CCR) aiming to identify specific profiles of patients according to gender, age, and residence. This analysis would contribute to better understanding surgical emergency presentation and for identification of those characteristics that are essential for both reducing emergency CCR incidence and for improving the management of such cases. A number of 159 patients that underwent surgery for obstructive, bleeding and perforated colorectal cancer between January 2015 and September 2017 were selected to be included in the study. The results obtained by analyzing available data collected from the observation charts, surgery protocols, histopathological protocols were then compared with those in the literature.
APPENDICULAR BAND SYNDROME: A RARE CAUSE OF INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION IN NEONATE WITH REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Authors: Chaudhary Gyanendra , Gupta Manish Kumar , Rijhwani Ashok
Published: March 2021

Acute appendicitis is a quite common condition in children, but it is very less common in neonatesand infants. Acute appendicitis has several ways of presentations but its presentation as mechanicalobstruction is very rare. We report a case of a 16 days old male patients who presented with acuteintestinal obstruction due to appendicular band syndrome, and had been treated successfully in ourinstitute
Laughing and Learning Together: Intersections of Socioemotional Activity with Science Talk
Authors:   Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies Department, College of Education, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA, Hagenah Sara
Published: March 2021

Culturally sustaining and science education theorists advocate that children need to have opportunities to use personal experiences and background knowledge in dialogue with peers as they make sense of phenomena in the natural world. Practically, this is a challenge to orchestrate—both in classrooms and in out-of-school learning spaces—as teachers and learners navigate the personal, interpersonal, and structural components of talk. What is not well understood, are the multitudes of social interactions that support rigorous and responsive talk. In this paper, I examine how a group of nineteen middle school young women fell into naturally occurring forms of friendship-talk as they learned science concepts and learned to take a stand against a toxic lake next door to their school. This multiple case study examined moment-to-moment discourse and interactions between students including facial expressions and body movements to explore the connection between everyday human social activity and productive science. Analysis revealed patterns of strangely familiar forms of friendship and how they were instrumental in constructing a nature walk and an animated film about saving the local lake for community members. This research indicates the need for structured opportunities in science classrooms to share ideas that are also linked to student social and emotional connections.
Impacto del cambio de uso del suelo en el potencial de inóculo de hongos micorrizógenos arbusculares en una selva húmeda en Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz
Authors: Cervantes Irma , Sánchez-Gallen Irene , Álvarez-Sánchez Javier
Published: March 2021

Antecedentes: Los hongos micorrizógenos arbusculares (HMA) pueden establecer una asociación mutualista hongo-planta, sin embargo, dada la complementariedad funcional es de esperarse que si el ambiente donde se desarrollan es alterado, también ellos cambiarán, lo cual se verá reflejado en su capacidad para formar la interacción. Esto puede ser evaluado a través del potencial de inóculo.
Objetivo: Estimar el número de propágulos de HMA en cuatro usos de suelo en Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, para las temporadas de secas y lluvias.
Métodos: Por temporada, se colectó suelo y se aplicó el método del número más probable y se determinó el porcentaje de colonización micorrícica.
Resultados y conclusiones: El porcentaje de colonización total fue mayor en secas (16.2 ± 1.4) y en el potrero (24.59 ±3.50). El número de propágulos siguió el siguiente orden: potrero > acahual > selva > cultivo. El potrero alcanzó el mayor número de propágulos tanto en lluvias como secas, mientras que el cultivo tuvo los menores valores. Las técnicas agrícolas tienen un efecto muy negativo en la capacidad de los HMA para establecer la relación mutualista y los potreros con el mayor número de propágulos pueden ser un reservorio de los HMA.
Word Detection in Individual Subjects Is Difficult to Probe With Fast Periodic Visual Stimulation
Authors: Barnes Lydia , Petit Selene , Badcock Nicholas A. , Whyte Christopher J. , Woolgar Alexandra
Published: March 2021

Measuring cognition in single subjects presents unique challenges. On the other hand, individually sensitive measurements offer extraordinary opportunities, from informing theoretical models to enabling truly individualised clinical assessment. Here, we test the robustness of fast, periodic, and visual stimulation (FPVS), an emerging method proposed to elicit detectable responses to written words in the electroencephalogram (EEG) of individual subjects. The method is non-invasive, passive, and requires only a few minutes of testing, making it a potentially powerful tool to test comprehension in those who do not speak or who struggle with long testing procedures. In an initial study, Lochy et al. (2015) used FPVS to detect word processing in eight out of 10 fluent French readers. Here, we attempted to replicate their study in a new sample of 10 fluent English readers. Participants viewed rapid streams of pseudo-words with words embedded at regular intervals, while we recorded their EEG. Based on Lochy et al. (2015) we expected that words would elicit a steady-state response at the word-presentation frequency (2 Hz) over parieto-occipital electrode sites. However, across 40 datasets (10 participants, two conditions, and two regions of interest–ROIs), only four datasets met the criteria for a unique response to words. This corresponds to a 10% detection rate. We conclude that FPVS should be developed further before it can serve as an individually-sensitive measure of written word processing.
The Associations of Cerebrospinal Fluid ApoE and Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Exploring Interactions With Sex
Authors: Liu Ying , Song Jing-Hui , Xu Wei , Hou Xiao-He , Li Jie-Qiong , Yu Jin-Tai , Tan Lan , Chi Song ,   and Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2021

Background

Sex-related difference in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been proposed, and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) isoforms have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of AD.

Objective

We aimed to explore whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ApoE is associated with AD biomarkers and whether the associations are different (between sexes).

Methods

Data of 309 participants [92 with normal cognition, 148 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 69 with AD dementia] from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were cross-sectionally evaluated with the multiple linear regression model and longitudinally with the multivariate linear mixed-effects model for the associations of CSF ApoE with AD biomarkers. Sex–ApoE interaction was used to estimate whether sex moderates the associations of CSF ApoE and AD biomarkers.

Results

Significant interactions between CSF ApoE and sex on AD biomarkers were observed [amyloid-β (Aβ):p= 0.0169 and phosphorylated-tau (p-tau):p= 0.0453]. In women, baseline CSF ApoE levels were significantly associated with baseline Aβ (p= 0.0135) and total-tau (t-tau) (p< 0.0001) as well as longitudinal changes of the biomarkers (Aβ:p= 0.0104; t-tau:p= 0.0110). In men, baseline CSF ApoE levels were only correlated with baseline p-tau (p< 0.0001) and t-tau (p< 0.0001) and did not aggravate AD biomarkers longitudinally.

Conclusion

The associations between CSF ApoE and AD biomarkers were sex-specific. Elevated CSF ApoE was associated with longitudinal changes of AD biomarkers in women, which indicates that CSF ApoE might be involved in the pathogenesis of AD pathology in a sex-specific way.
Hormonal Regulation of Stem Cell Proliferation at the Arabidopsis thaliana Root Stem Cell Niche
Authors: García-Gómez Mónica L. , Garay-Arroyo Adriana , García-Ponce Berenice , Sánchez María de la Paz , Álvarez-Buylla Elena R.
Published: March 2021

The root stem cell niche (SCN) ofArabidopsis thalianaconsists of the quiescent center (QC) cells and the surrounding initial stem cells that produce progeny to replenish all the tissues of the root. The QC cells divide rather slowly relative to the initials, yet most root tissues can be formed from these cells, depending on the requirements of the plant. Hormones are fundamental cues that link such needs with the cell proliferation and differentiation dynamics at the root SCN. Nonetheless, the crosstalk between hormone signaling and the mechanisms that regulate developmental adjustments is still not fully understood. Developmental transcriptional regulatory networks modulate hormone biosynthesis, metabolism, and signaling, and conversely, hormonal responses can affect the expression of transcription factors involved in the spatiotemporal patterning at the root SCN. Hence, a complex genetic–hormonal regulatory network underlies root patterning, growth, and plasticity in response to changing environmental conditions. In this review, we summarize the scientific literature regarding the role of hormones in the regulation of QC cell proliferation and discuss how hormonal signaling pathways may be integrated with the gene regulatory network that underlies cell fate in the root SCN. The conceptual framework we present aims to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms by which hormonal pathways act as integrators of environmental cues to impact on SCN activity.
Development and Validation of a Measure of Birth-Related PTSD for Fathers and Birth Partners: The City Birth Trauma Scale (Partner Version)
Authors: Webb Rebecca , Smith Ann M. , Ayers Susan , Wright Daniel B. , Thornton Alexandra
Published: March 2021

Research suggests that some fathers and birth partners can experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after witnessing a traumatic birth. Birth-related PTSD may impact on many aspects of fathers’ and birth partners’ life, including relationship breakdown, self-blame and reducing plans for future children. Despite the potential impact on birth partners’ lives there is currently no measure of birth-related PTSD validated for use with birth partners. The current study therefore adapted the City Birth Trauma Scale for use with birth partners. The City Birth Trauma Scale (Partner version) is a 29-item questionnaire developed to measure birth-related PTSD according to DSM-5 criteria: stressor criteria (A), symptoms of re-experiencing (B), avoidance (C), negative cognitions and mood (D), and hyperarousal (E), as well as duration of symptoms (F), significant distress or impairment (G), and exclusion criteria or other causes (H). A sample of 301 fathers/birth partners was recruited online and completed measures of birth-related PTSD, bonding, and demographic details. Results showed the City Birth Trauma Scale (Partner version) had good reliability (α = 0.94) and psychometric and construct validity. The fathers/birth partners version has the same two-factor structure as the original scale: (1) general symptoms and (2) birth-related symptoms, which accounted for 51% of the variance. PTSD symptoms were associated with preterm birth and maternal and infant complications. Overall, the City Birth Trauma Scale (Partner version) provides a promising measure of PTSD following childbirth that can be used in research and clinical practice.
Feeding Habits in the Cultural Domains of Child Care: Elements for Health Promotion
Authors: Martínez-López Yolanda , Salvador-Moysén Jaime , Alfaro-Alfaro Noé
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Family eating behavior is determined by the meaning that the caretaker gives to food and the act of eating in the domestic environment, as well as the beliefs and perceptions around those concepts.

Objective: Identify the place that nutrition has within the dimensions of child care, the specific weight that the caregiver gives to it within the range of actions deployed and if there are differences when the child exhibits neurodevelopmental disorders, as a contribution to the design of interventions in health promotion.

Methodology: Qualitative, exploratory, two-stage study, with the approach of cognitive anthropology; proposal sampling of maximum differences, 121 informants participated in three groups, caregivers of: (1) healthy children, (2) children who had been hospitalized between 3 and 6 months prior to the time of the interview, and (3) children with a diagnosis of permanent neurological injury and that express some type of neurodevelopmental disorder.

Results: Nourishment is the element that reaches the highest values of cultural relevance in the three groups, is located in different domains according to the condition of the care receiver.

Conclusion: The common domains are Well-being, Health Maintenance, Coexistence, and Security, in the 3rd group the domain of Socialization emerges, the elements that make up the conceptual dimensions were identified, the comparative design allowed to identify differences. The description of the domains can represent the cognitive spaces of educational intervention and the elements that configure them are the triggers of the interaction, due to the importance they are given in everyday life.
Complementary Medicine and Self-Care Strategies in Women with (Recurrent) Urinary Tract and Vaginal Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study on Use and Perceived Effectiveness in The Netherlands
Authors: Witteman Louise , van Wietmarschen Herman A. , van der Werf Esther T.
Published: March 2021

Due to the excessive use of antibiotic and antimycotic treatments, the risk of resistant microbes and fungi is rapidly emerging. Previous studies have demonstrated that many women with (recurrent) urinary tract infection (UTI) and/or vaginal infections (VIs) welcome alternative management approaches to reduce the use of antibiotics and antifungals and avoid short- and long-term adverse effects. This study aims to determine which complementary medicine (CM) and self-care strategies are being used by women suffering from (recurrent) UTI and VI in The Netherlands and how they perceive their effectiveness in order to define directions for future research on safety, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of best practices. A cross-sectional online survey was performed among women, ≥18 years old, with a history of UTIs; 162 respondents were included in the data analysis, with most participants aged between 50 and 64 years (36.4%). The women reported having consulted a CM practitioner for UTI-specific symptoms (23.5%) and VI-specific symptoms (13.6%). Consultations of homeopaths, acupuncturists, and herbal physicians are most often reported. Overall, 81.7% of the women suffering from UTI used complementary or self-care strategies besides regular treatment, and 68.7% reported using CM/self-care strategies to treat vaginal symptoms. UTI- related use of cranberries (51.9%), vitamin C (43.8%), and D-mannose (32.7%) were most reported. Perceived effectiveness was mostly reported for homeopathic remedies and D-mannose. The results showed a substantial burden of UTI and VI on daily and sexual activities. Besides the frequency of use, the indication of perceived effectiveness seems to be an important parameter for further and rigorously designed research to encourage nonantibiotic/antifungal treatment implementation into daily clinical practice.
Analysis of Low Probability of Detection Capability for Chaotic Standard Map-Based FH-OFDMA System
Authors: Jung Junwoo , Lim Jaesung , Park Sungyeol , Kang Haengik , Kwon Seungbok
Published: March 2021

A frequency hopping orthogonal frequency division multiple access (FH-OFDMA) can provide low probability of detection (LPD) and anti-jamming capabilities to users against adversary detectors. To obtain an extreme LPD capability that cannot be provided by the basic symbol-by-symbol (SBS)-based FH pattern, we proposed two FH patterns, namely chaotic standard map (CSM) and cat map for FH-OFDMA systems. In our previous work, through analysis of complexity to regenerate the transmitted symbol sequence, at the point of adversary detectors, we found that the CSM had a lower probability of intercept than the cat map and SBS. It is possible when a detector already knows symbol and frame structures, and the detector has been synchronized to the FH-OFDMA system. Unlike the previous work, here, we analyze whether the CSM provides greater LPD capability than the cat map and SBS by detection probability using spectrum sensing technique. We analyze the detection probability of the CSM and provide detection probabilities of the cat map and SBS compared to the CSM. Based on our analysis of the detection probability and numerical results, it is evident that the CSM provides greater LPD capability than both the cat map and SBS-based FH-OFDMA systems.
Global Proteomics to Study Silica Nanoparticle-Induced Cytotoxicity and Its Mechanisms in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Lee Sun Young , Kim In Young , Heo Min Beom , Moon Jeong Hee , Son Jin Gyeong , Lee Tae Geol
Published: March 2021

Silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) are commonly used in medical and pharmaceutical fields. Research into the cytotoxicity and overall proteomic changes occurring during initial exposure to SiO2 NPs is limited. We investigated the mechanism of toxicity in human liver cells according to exposure time [0, 4, 10, and 16 h (h)] to SiO2 NPs through proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry. SiO2 NP-induced cytotoxicity through various pathways in HepG2 cells. Interestingly, when cells were exposed to SiO2 NPs for 4 h, the morphology of the cells remained intact, while the expression of proteins involved in mRNA splicing, cell cycle, and mitochondrial function was significantly downregulated. These results show that the toxicity of the nanoparticles affects protein expression even if there is no change in cell morphology at the beginning of exposure to SiO2 NPs. The levels of reactive oxygen species changed significantly after 10 h of exposure to SiO2 NPs, and the expression of proteins associated with oxidative phosphorylation, as well as the immune system, was upregulated. Eventually, these changes in protein expression induced HepG2 cell death. This study provides insights into cytotoxicity evaluation at early stages of exposure to SiO2 NPs through in vitro experiments.
Antimyostatin Treatment in Health and Disease: The Story of Great Expectations and Limited Success
Authors: Nielsen Tue L. , Vissing John , Krag Thomas O.
Published: March 2021

In the past 20 years, myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle mass, has attracted attention as a potential therapeutic target in muscular dystrophies and other conditions. Preclinical studies have shown potential for increasing muscular mass and ameliorating the pathological features of dystrophic muscle by the inhibition of myostatin in various ways. However, hardly any clinical trials have proven to translate the promising results from the animal models into patient populations. We present the background for myostatin regulation, clinical and preclinical results and discuss why translation from animal models to patients is difficult. Based on this, we put the clinical relevance of future antimyostatin treatment into perspective.
Predicting Fraud Victimization Using Classical Machine Learning
Authors: Lokanan Mark , Liu Susan
Published: March 2021

Protecting financial consumers from investment fraud has been a recurring problem in Canada. The purpose of this paper is to predict the demographic characteristics of investors who are likely to be victims of investment fraud. Data for this paper came from the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada’s (IIROC) database between January of 2009 and December of 2019. In total, 4575 investors were coded as victims of investment fraud. The study employed a machine-learning algorithm to predict the probability of fraud victimization. The machine learning model deployed in this paper predicted the typical demographic profile of fraud victims as investors who classify as female, have poor financial knowledge, know the advisor from the past, and are retired. Investors who are characterized as having limited financial literacy but a long-time relationship with their advisor have reduced probabilities of being victimized. However, male investors with low or moderate-level investment knowledge were more likely to be preyed upon by their investment advisors. While not statistically significant, older adults, in general, are at greater risk of being victimized. The findings from this paper can be used by Canadian self-regulatory organizations and securities commissions to inform their investors’ protection mandates.
Machine Learning Methods for Preterm Birth Prediction: A Review
Authors: Włodarczyk Tomasz , Płotka Szymon , Szczepański Tomasz , Rokita Przemysław , Sochacki-Wójcicka Nicole , Wójcicki Jakub , Lipa Michał , Trzciński Tomasz
Published: March 2021

Preterm births affect around 15 million children a year worldwide. Current medical efforts focus on mitigating the effects of prematurity, not on preventing it. Diagnostic methods are based on parent traits and transvaginal ultrasound, during which the length of the cervix is examined. Approximately 30% of preterm births are not correctly predicted due to the complexity of this process and its subjective assessment. Based on recent research, there is hope that machine learning can be a helpful tool to support the diagnosis of preterm births. The objective of this study is to present various machine learning algorithms applied to preterm birth prediction. The wide spectrum of analysed data sets is the advantage of this survey. They range from electrohysterogram signals through electronic health records to transvaginal ultrasounds. Reviews of works on preterm birth already exist; however, this is the first review that includes works that are based on a transvaginal ultrasound examination. In this work, we present a critical appraisal of popular methods that have employed machine learning methods for preterm birth prediction. Moreover, we summarise the most common challenges incurred and discuss their possible application in the future.
Interoperability of Modular Multilevel and Alternate Arm Converters in Hybrid HVDC Systems
Authors: Wickramasinghe Harith R. , Sun Pingyang , Konstantinou Georgios
Published: March 2021

This paper demonstrates the interoperability of an emerging alternate arm converter (AAC) with the state-of-the-art modular multilevel converter (MMC) in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems based on a hybrid VSC-HVDC system. The paper also showcases the parameter derivation of the hybrid HVDC system and its detailed control structure. The study provides preliminary steps towards detailed analysis of AAC interoperability in complex hybrid dc grid configurations. A detailed set of results based on the 800 MVA hybrid voltage source converter (VSC)-HVDC system showcases the interoperability performance of the AAC under different operating scenarios and verifies its associated control functions.
Modeling of CO Accumulation in the Headspace of the Bioreactor during Organic Waste Composting
Authors: Sobieraj Karolina , Stegenta-Dąbrowska Sylwia , Koziel Jacek A. , Białowiec Andrzej
Published: March 2021

Advanced technologies call for composting indoors for minimized impact on the surrounding environment. However, enclosing compost piles inside halls may cause the accumulation of toxic pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO). Thus, there is a need to assess the occupational risk to workers that can be exposed to CO concentrations > 300 ppm at the initial stage of the process. The objectives were to (1) develop a model of CO accumulation in the headspace of the bioreactor during organic waste composting and (2) assess the impact of headspace ventilation of enclosed compost. The maximum allowable CO level inside the bioreactor headspace for potential short-term occupational exposure up to 10 min was 100 ppm. The composting was modeled in the horizontal static reactor over 14 days in seven scenarios, differing in the ratio of headspace-to-waste volumes (H:W) (4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4). Headspace CO concentration exceeded 100 ppm in each variant with the maximum value of 36.1% without ventilation and 3.2% with the daily release of accumulated CO. The airflow necessary to maintain CO < 100 ppmv should be at least 7.15 m3·(h·Mg w.m.)−1. The H:W > 4:1 and the height of compost pile < 1 m were less susceptible to CO accumulation.
Reduced-Order Modelling with Domain Decomposition Applied to Multi-Group Neutron Transport
Authors: Phillips Toby R. F. , Heaney Claire E. , Tollit Brendan S. , Smith Paul N. , Pain Christopher C.
Published: March 2021

Solving the neutron transport equations is a demanding computational challenge. This paper combines reduced-order modelling with domain decomposition to develop an approach that can tackle such problems. The idea is to decompose the domain of a reactor, form basis functions locally in each sub-domain and construct a reduced-order model from this. Several different ways of constructing the basis functions for local sub-domains are proposed, and a comparison is given with a reduced-order model that is formed globally. A relatively simple one-dimensional slab reactor provides a test case with which to investigate the capabilities of the proposed methods. The results show that domain decomposition reduced-order model methods perform comparably with the global reduced-order model when the total number of reduced variables in the system is the same with the potential for the offline computational cost to be significantly less expensive.
Probabilistic Modeling and Equilibrium Optimizer Solving for Energy Management of Renewable Micro-Grids Incorporating Storage Devices
Authors: ElSayed Salah K. , Al Otaibi Sattam , Ahmed Yasser , Hendawi Essam , Elkalashy Nagy I. , Hoballah Ayman
Published: March 2021

Recently, micro-grids (MGs) have had a great impact on power system issues due to their clear environmental and economic advantages. This paper proposes an equilibrium optimizer (EO) technique for solving the energy management problem of MGs incorporating energy storage devices concerning the emissions from renewable energy sources (RES) of MGs. Because of the imprecision and uncertainties related to the RESs, market prices, and forecast load demand, the optimization problem is described in a probabilistic manner using a 2m + 1 point estimation approach. Then, the EO approach is utilized for solving the probabilistic energy management (EM) problem. The EM problem is described according to the market policy on the basis of minimizing the total operating cost and emission from RESs through optimal settings of the power generated from distributed generators (DGs) and grids connected under the condition of satisfying the operational constraints of the system. The proposed EO is evaluated based on a grid-connected MG that includes energy storage devices. Moreover, to prove the effectiveness of the EO, it is compared with other recently meta-heuristic techniques. The simulation results show acceptable robustness of the EO for solving the EM problem as compared to other techniques.
The Power Losses in Cable Lines Supplying Nonlinear Loads
Authors: Rozegnał Bartosz , Albrechtowicz Paweł , Mamcarz Dominik , Rerak Monika , Skaza Maciej
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the skin effect impact on the active power losses in the sheathless single-core cables/wires supplying nonlinear loads. There are significant conductor losses when the current has a distorted waveform (e.g., the current supplying diode rectifiers). The authors present a new method for active power loss calculation. The obtained results have been compared to the IEC-60287-1-1:2006 + A1:2014 standard method and the method based on the Bessel function. For all methods, the active power loss results were convergent for small-cable cross-section areas. The proposed method gives smaller power loss values for these cable sizes than the IEC and Bessel function methods. For cable cross-section areas greater than 185 mm2, the obtained results were better than those for the other methods. There were also analyses of extra power losses for distorted currents compared to an ideal 50 Hz sine wave for all methods. The new method is based on the current penetration depth factor calculated for every considered current harmonics, which allows us to calculate the precise equivalent resistance for any cable size. This research is part of our work on a cable thermal analysis method that has been developed.
Experimental Investigation of Detonation Propagation Modes and Thrust Performance in a Small Rotating Detonation Engine Using C2H4/O2 Propellant
Authors: Han Hyung-Seok , Lee Eun Sung , Choi Jeong-Yeol
Published: March 2021

A small rotating detonation engine (RDE) model and the corresponding experimental setup were constructed for the experimental investigation of the detonation propagation characteristics and thrust performance of a circular RDE. Experiments were conducted at a range of 0.3–2.5 equivalence ratio with a total mass flow rate of less than 180.0 g/s using a C2H4/O2 mixture. Irregularly unstable detonative combustion occurs immediately after the detonation initiation, which includes initiation, propagation, decaying, and the merging of detonation waves. Following this, periodically unsteady detonative combustion occurs in the circular channel, resulting in the stable operation of the RDE. During stable operation, two detonation waves are predominant, rotating along the wall at a speed lower than the Chapman–Jouguet (CJ) detonation speed. The characteristic velocity efficiency is approximately 73% on average. The low characteristic velocity efficiency is presumed to be caused by the unoptimized combustion channel and the poor mixing efficiency owing to the two-dimensional injector configuration. The effect of the RDE component design and the RDE flow field characteristics need to be further investigated for improving the performance of the RDE.
Characterizing Spatial and Temporal Variability of Lightning Activity Associated with Wildfire over Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Nampak Haleh , Love Peter , Fox-Hughes Paul , Watson Christopher , Aryal Jagannath , Harris Rebecca M. B.
Published: March 2021

Lightning strikes are pervasive, however, their distributions vary both spatially and in time, resulting in a complex pattern of lightning-ignited wildfires. Over the last decades, lightning-ignited wildfires have become an increasing threat in south-east Australia. Lightning in combination with drought conditions preceding the fire season can increase probability of sustained ignitions. In this study, we investigate spatial and seasonal patterns in cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in the island state of Tasmania using data from the Global Position and Tracking System (GPATS) for the period January 2011 to June 2019. The annual number of lightning strikes and the ratio of negative to positive lightning (78:22 overall) were considerably different from one year to the next. There was an average of 80 lightning days per year, however, 50% of lightning strikes were concentrated over just four days. Most lightning strikes were observed in the west and north of the state consistent with topography and wind patterns. We searched the whole population of lightning strikes for those most likely to cause wildfires up to 72 h before fire detection and within 10 km of the ignition point derived from in situ fire ignition records. Only 70% of lightning ignitions were matched up with lightning records. The lightning ignition efficiency per stroke/flash was also estimated, showing an annual average efficiency of 0.24% ignition per lightning stroke with a seasonal maximum during summer. The lightning ignition efficiency as a function of different fuel types also highlighted the role of buttongrass moorland (0.39%) in wildfire incidents across Tasmania. Understanding lightning climatology provides vital information about lightning characteristics that influence the probability that an individual stroke causes ignition over a particular landscape. This research provides fire agencies with valuable information to minimize the potential impacts of lightning-induced wildfires through early detection and effective response.