Irradiation of W and K-Doped W Laminates without or with Cu, V, Ti Interlayers under a Pulsed 6 MeV Electron Beam.

Small multilayered laminated samples consisting of stacks of W (or K-doped W) foils without an interlayer or with interlayers from Cu, V, and Ti were exposed to a pulsed electron beam with an energy of 6 MeV in several irradiation sessions. All samples maintained their macroscopic integrity, suggesting that the W-metal laminate concept is compatible with high heat flux applications. The surface of the samples was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) before and after each irradiation session. The experimental results indicate that electron beam irradiation induces obvious modifications on the surface of the samples. Morphological changes such as the appearance of nanodroplets, nanostructures, and melting and cracking, depending on the sample type and the electron beam fluence, are observed. The irradiation is carried out in a vacuum at a pressure of 2 to 4 × 10-2 torr, without active cooling for the samples. The structures observed on the surface of the samples are likely due to electron beam heating and vaporization followed by vapor condensation in the volume adjacent to the surface.

Fecal calprotectin - a valuable predictor of microscopic colitis.

OBJECTIVE: Microscopic colitis (MC) has been of major concern worldwide due to its relapsing and remitting nature of chronic diarrhea. Quality of life of patients suffering from this disease is quite debilitating. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In order to understand the role and importance of fecal calprotectin (FC) we performed a statistical analysis on the patients suffering from chronic diarrhea and admitted to our hospital from 2014 to 2020, and who were prescribed Loperamide (Imodium) or Budesonide or a combination of both and had undergone FC detection test. RESULTS: FC was found to be significantly correlated to the age, alcohol consumption and beta blocker use. A high level of the FC concentrations increases the chances of having flare-ups of diarrhea episodes making the quality of life of such patients worse. CONCLUSIONS: FC concentrations should be monitored frequently and precautionary measures to avoid a relapse should be aimed. Measures to improve quality of life, should be of prime concern. In-depth research is required to better understand MC and to find better treatment options which can be used on a long-term basis, instead of anti-motility drugs which are able to control the acute episodes, but when discontinued result in an increased tendency to have relapses.

CuBi2O4 Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in Sensitive Amperometric/Voltammetric Detection of Amoxicillin in Aqueous Solutions.

CuBi2O4 synthesized by thermolysis of a new Bi(III)-Cu(II) oxalate coordination compound, namely Bi2Cu(C2O4)4·0.25H2O, was tested through its integration within carbon nanofiber paste electrode, namely CuBi/carbon nanofiber (CNF), for the electrochemical detection of amoxicillin (AMX) in the aqueous solution. Thermal analysis and IR spectroscopy were used to characterize a CuBi2O4 precursor to optimize the synthesis conditions. The copper bismuth oxide obtained after a heating treatment of the precursor at 700 °C/1 h was investigated by an X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical behavior of CuBi/CNF in comparison with CNF paste electrode showed the electrocatalytic activity of CuBi2O4 toward amoxicillin detection. Two potential detections, with one at the potential value of +0.540 V/saturated calomel electrode (SCE) and the other at the potential value of -1.000 V/SCE, were identified by cyclic voltammetry, which were exploited to develop the enhanced voltammetric and/or amperometric detection protocols. Better electroanalytical performance for AMX detection was achieved for CuBi/CNF using differential-pulsed and square-wave voltammetries than others reported in the literature. Very nice results obtained through anodic and cathodic currents recorded at +0.750 V/SCE and -1.000 V/SCE in the same time period using a pseudo multiple-pulsed amperometry technique showed the great potential of the CuBi/CNF paste electrode for practical applications in amoxicillin detection in aqueous solutions.

Effect of Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, bone mineralization, and bacterial population of broilers fed with different protein sources.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of Bacillus subtilis (BS), ATCC 6051a strain, as a probiotic bacterium in broiler diets based of 2 protein sources (soybean meal [SBM] and cowpea seeds [CWP]), on growth performance (GP), carcass traits, bone mineralization, and microflora population (0 to 42 d age). The SBM and CWP starter, grower, and finisher diets were tested in the presence or absence of BS (5.0 × 1011 CFU spores g-1 feed) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized design. Broilers were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicate pens per treatment (20 chicks per pen). The results showed that broilers fed CWP had comparable GP (body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio) to the birds fed the SBM diet. Carcass, breast and legs' yield, organ size (i.e., gizzard, liver, pancreas, small intestine, cecum), and bone development were not affected by the protein source. The addition of BS in both types of diet improved BWG (P < 0.001) and feed efficiency, especially in the grower and finisher period (P = 0.047; P = 0.043, respectively). In addition, BS significantly decreased abdominal fat (P = 0.026) and cecum weight (P = 0.034) and increased tibia bone P concentration (P = 0.015). Furthermore, BS decrease cecal pH (P = 0.010) and reduced Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. from cecum and excreta broilers (P < 0.001; P < 0.0001, respectively). It is concluded that the BS significantly improved the GP of broilers and can beneficially affect the gut and excreta bacterial community in both SBM and CWP diets.

Subserosal hematoma of the sigmoid colon after vaginal delivery.

Postpartum hemorrhage is an obstetrical emergency that represents the leading cause of maternal mortality. Severe hemorrhagic complications that could appear postpartum are the abdomino-pelvic hematomas, which result from the rupture of the pelvic vessels. We reported a very rare case of puerperal retroperitoneal subserosal hematoma of sigmoid colon following vaginal delivery, which was successfully managed by conservative methods. As far as we know, there are only a few case reports of intramural hematoma of sigmoid colon in literature, having other etiologies than vaginal delivery trauma. The particularities of the case consisted in the association of hemangiomas and the low risk thrombophilia. Diagnosis was based on the clinical exam and the paraclinical founding. Laparotomy is generally considered the last choice, in life threatening cases with hemodynamic instability, compression signs, and presence of contrast leakage on noninvasive imaging methods, but avoiding colonic resection after dissection represented the true challenge of the case.

Fallopian tubes--literature review of anatomy and etiology in female infertility.

RATIONALE: Around 30% of the infertile women worldwide have associated Fallopian tubes pathology. Unfortunately, for a long time, this aspect of infertility has been neglected due to the possibility of bypassing this deadlock through IVF. OBJECTIVE: Up to date free full text literature was reviewed, meaning 4 major textbooks and around 100 articles centered on tubal infertility, in order to raise the awareness on this subject. METHODS AND RESULTS: The anatomy of the Fallopian tube is complex starting from its embryological development and continuing with its vascular supply and ciliated microstructure, that is the key to the process of egg transport to the site of fertilization. There are many strongly documented causes of tubal infertility: infections (Chlamydia Trachomatis, Gonorrhea, and genital tuberculosis), intrauterine contraceptive devices, endometriosis, and complications after abdominal surgery, etc. DISCUSSIONS: Although there are still many controversies about the etiology of tubal sterility with the advent of molecular diagnosis of infections there has been cleared the pathway of infection through endometriosis or through ciliary immobility towards the tubal obstruction.

Current management of tubal infertility: from hysterosalpingography to ultrasonography and surgery.

RATIONALE: The development of IVF techniques has diminished the importance of tubal infertility but recent discoveries shed a new light on reproductive tubal surgery prior to any IVF cycle. OBJECTIVE: To adapt current state of the art recommendations concerning tubal factor infertility to actual possibilities in Romanian healthcare system and to grow the awareness of fellow fertility specialists and general practitioners to the improved outcomes of novel management and treatment modalities. METHODS AND RESULTS: 67 free full text articles centered on the subject of management in tubal infertility were identified in international databases. Four articles described general diagnosis using data from medical history, 21 works approached the diagnosis through hysterosalpingography, 14 papers introduced the use of different sonographic procedures, 8 files analyzed the importance of exploratory laparoscopy and 20 articles reviewed different treatment modalities. DISCUSSIONS: Current data show that active implementation of the large scale use of tubal surgery prior to any IVF cycle will reduce up to 30% the costs associated with obtaining a viable pregnancy in cases with tubal factor sterility.

The incidence and risk factors for occurrence of arm lymphedema after treatment of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The arm lymphedema is reported as being the most frequent late reaction and complication that influences breast cancer patients'€™ quality of life after lymph node dissection and radiotherapy. The aim of the study is to identify the risk factors in arm lymphedema occurrence in breast cancer patients who performed radical conservatory surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed 305 breast cancer patients who underwent treatment in the "Sf. Ap. Andrei"€ Emergency Clinical Hospital, Galati, Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, between the 1st of January 2010 and 31st of December 2012. We tried to find the risk factors for arm lymphedema development after treatment of breast cancer: the association of adjuvant radiotherapy with surgery, chemotherapy,hormonal therapy, number of removed lymph nodes,and number of lymph nodes with metastases, the co-morbid illnesses (obesity, diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure). RESULTS: Our study evidences that the association of adjuvant radiotherapy, including the lymph node regions, with radical or conservatory surgery with lymph node dissection represents a statistically significant risk factor, with relative risk, RR =1.87, 95%C.I.=1.39-€3.51, p<0.001. The number of removed lymph nodes was found to be a risk factor with statistical significance. For more than 25 removed lymph nodes, the relative risk for arm lymphedema development was RR=1.95(95%C.I. =1.79-4.51) and for 16-25 removed lymph nodes the relative risk, RR = 1.78, 95% C.I. = 1.46 - 3.23. Other analysed risk factors, which did not influence lymphedema development, were: associated chemotherapy or hormonal therapy,presence of co-morbid illnesses. CONCLUSIONS: The development of arm lymphedema is an unpredictable occurrence that can happen years after axillary surgery.Breast and arm oedema continue to be late reactions that can be reduced by use of biopsy sentinel technique with avoiding of axillary lymph node dissection, when the sentinel lymph node is negative, knowing that lymphedema risk after sentinel lymph node is 5% comparative with lymphedema risk after axillary lymph node dissection which is 16%, by avoiding obesity, and performing modern therapy techniques.

The efficacy of the Peginterferon treatment in chronic hepatitis HDV and compensate liver cirrhosis.

AIM: To evaluate the efficiency of the treatment with Peginterferon alfa 2a 180 mcg/week, 48 weeks in patients with chronic hepatitis or compensated liver cirrhosis HDV and predictive factors of response to treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study that enrolled 50 patients with chronic hepatitis or compensated cirrhosis HDV between the 1st of January 2011 - 3st of December 2011. The diagnosis of chronic HDV infection was made based on the presence of detectable anti HDV IgG antibodies and HDV-RNA. Patients were evaluated at baseline by CBC, liver function tests, HBV profile, HDV RNA, and by liver biopsy/Fibrotest for evaluating fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity. At 24 weeks CBC (count blood cells), liver function tests, quantitative HBsAg and at 48 and 72 weeks biochemical tests, HDV RNA, HBV DNA, quantitative HBsAg, were performed. Adverse reactions to the treatment were recorded. RESULTS: SVR (sustained virologic response) was recorded in 12 patients (24%) and biochemical response in 28 patients (56%). SVR was correlated with low-grade fibrosis, age, the aminotransferase value and the value of HBsAg at the beginning of the treatment. In week 48 HDV RNA was undetectable in 20 patients (40%). The therapy was well tolerated, except two patients for whom the discontinuation of the treatment was decided for severe exacerbation of cytolysis, respectively hepatic decompensation. CONCLUSIONS: In a representative group of patients, the treatment with Peginterferon once again proves its efficacy in treating chronic HDV.

The use of gastrostomy procedures in HNC patients.

PURPOSE: To analyse the gastrostomy procedures performed in HNC patients admitted to Coltea Clinical Hospital in order to underline the similarities and differences to the data published worldwide. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our retrospective study contains 64 HNC cases that met the inclusion criteria between 2008 and 2011. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: The study group presents numerous specific characteristics (a larger number of cases aged over 55 than younger patients; elective use of classic gastrostomy instead of newer techniques; approximately two thirds of the gastrostomies were performed in patients with laryngeal carcinoma; only one third approximately of the cases benefited from prophylactic gastrostomy; etc.). CONCLUSIONS: 22% of the gastrostomies were made after the appearance of a pharyngocutaneous fistula. Therefore we will begin a future prospective study in order to ascertain the value of prophylactic PEG in preventing the appearance of pharyngocutaneous fistulas.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma -- analysis of risk factors and immunological markers.

PURPOSE: To analyze the risk factors associated with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC)in patients admitted to the ENT Department at Coltea Clinical Hospital in order to assess the similarities and differences as compared to the epidemiological data internationally reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study on 178 cases that met the inclusion criteria from 2003 to 2011. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: There are a number of specific characteristics noticed in our study group: a larger number of cases aged over 60 than younger patients; a linear fall in number of the cases aged between 30-39 years; approximately one third of the cases did not have any of the traditional risk factors; more than 10% of the cases were associated with lymphoma, etc. CONCLUSIONS: The immunologic pattern of our patients presenting undifferentiated NPC is the following: MNF116, CK19, S100, CD34betaE12, Ki67, EBV positive. The rest of the markers were negative (CerB2, EGFR, COX2, p53, CK7, CD117, VGFR, PCNA, L26/CD20, UHCL1, CD15, CD30, VIM, TTF1, CLA, CK17, CEA, LMP, CD79a, EMA).

Diagnostic hysteroscopy in endometrial hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the reproducibility of hysteroscopic diagnosis in the various types of endometrial hyperplasias and to compare different classifications of endometrial hyperplasia from this point of view. STUDY DESIGN: 109 endometrial hyperplasias, diagnosed in the last 5 years with hysteroscopy, were all biopsied and had a pathological examination. We tried to estimate the accuracy of hysteroscopy comparing the various classifications of endometrial hyperplasia to the final pathologic diagnosis. RESULTS: Using older endometrial hyperplasia classification, the overall diagnostic accuracy of hysteroscopy was 76% as for the correct type of hyperplasia. Classifying them at hysteroscopy into two categories only, i.e. hyperplasias and neoplasias, gave a more accurate result (90.26%). CONCLUSIONS: The newer classification is better from the hysteroscopist's point of view.

[Electrocardiographic modifications of chronic ischaemic cardiopathy in aged and old patients (author's transl)]. / Modifications électrocardiographiques dans la cardiopathie ischémique chronique chez le patient âgé et le vieillard

The author presents the results of an electrocardiographic investigation in a group of 160 inpatients, aged from 65 to 95 years (80 females and 80 males). Coronary ischaemia due to atherosclerosis produces in elderly people distinct clinical features and important ECG abnormalities. In this group, absence of correlation between clinical status and ECG modifications of myocardial ischaemia was found much more frequently than in non-elderly adults. In the aged, paroxysmal arrhythmias, by their metabolic and haemodynamic disturbances, determine in most cases the poor prognosis in these patients.