Search

The objective of this paper is to highlight the current state of the steel industry at the global and regional level, in terms of its level of important indicators, such as: production capacity, production volume, level of consumption, exports and imports. The data used are systemized on time intervals, resulting in that the steel industry remains an attractive sector for investors in terms of large profits generated, but extremely sensitive to economic fluctuations and measures taken by the authorities. In this regard, the disparities and trends of the analyzed periods at global and regional level highlight the different ways of managing the situation in the steel sector, overcapacity representing a highly controversial element nowadays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Surgery has lost a lot of ground as the main therapy of most prolactinomas as it is clear from the current guidelines in most prolactin secreting adenomas, even in the setting of optic compression. However, we believe that surgery is still an important part in the treatment of this type of adenomas. This study is aimed to define what is the role of pituitary surgery in the current setup of prolactinoma management. Material and methods. In this retrospective, single-center study we analyzed 12 consecutive patients who underwent primary endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for prolactinomas, between 2013 and 2022. Surgical indication, previous dopamine agonist (DA) treatment, remission rates, surgical complications, pituitary function and imagistic appearance are presented. Results. Of the 12 patients included, 4 had giant PRL and 8 macroadenomas, while 9 of them had previous DA treatment. The main surgical indication was pituitary apoplexy in 5 patients followed by CSF leak after DA treatment, 3 cases, and DA resistance in 3 cases. The main surgical complications were transitory diabetes insipidus in 7 cases. Normalization of prolactin levels was achieved in 2 patients. Conclusions. Surgical intervention should be strongly considered in all patients with neurologic symptoms referable to the lesion, resistance to medical therapy, other treatment failure or with complications after DA treatment. The endoscopic endonasal surgery offers good surgical outcomes with low rates of surgical complications and should remain an open option for specific cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The density ( ρ ) and the refractive index ( n ) have been experimentally determined for the ethylbenzene (1)–octane (2)–propylbenzene (3) ternary system in the entire variation range of the composition, at three temperatures: 298.15, 308.15 and 318.15 K and pressure 0.1 MPa. The excess thermodynamic properties that had been calculated based on the experimental determinations have been used to build empirical models which, despite of the disadvantage of having a greater number of coefficients, result in much lower standard deviations in comparison with the Redlich–Kister type models. The statistical processing of experimental data by means of the multiple linear regression method (MLR) was used in order to model the excess thermodynamic properties. Lower standard deviations than the Redlich–Kister type models were also obtained. The adjustment of the excess molar volume ( V E ) based on refractive index by means of the Multiple linear regression of the SigmaPlot 11.2 program was made for the ethylbenzene (1)–octane (2)–propylbenzene (3) ternary system, obtaining a simple mathematical model which correlates the excess molar volume with the refractive index, the normalized temperature and the composition of the ternary mixture: V E = A 0 + A 1 X 1 + A 2 X 2 + A 3 ( T /298.15) + A 4 n for which the standard deviation is 0.03. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the level and evolution of indicators for determining the degree of competitiveness in the metallurgical industry in Romania. For this purpose, were used aggregate data for a sample of 22 of the largest companies in Romania operating in metallurgy, for the period 2004 - 2013. The aim of the paper is to identify the factors that determined the negative trend in terms of economic and financial performance of the companies analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical injuries are a form of trauma with extreme gravity and a unique pathophysiology: they affect the entire organism. A wide range of voltages may cause electrical accidents. Complications should be anticipated and prevented in order to minimize the complication risk and assure a vital, functional and esthetic prognosis as good as possible. The article presents a case treated in our clinic together with the unique particular clinical situation and algorithm that led to a favorable result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a wide variety of local therapeutical methods for extensive burns. This article aims to be a general overview of the most common methods used in the local treatment for extensive burns, both in our clinic and globally. Clinical examples are shown from our clinic; cases of the last 8 years. None of the less there is no such thing as the "perfect method of treatment" but a thin balance between the clinical experience of plastic surgeons, every case particularities and specified characteristics, meaning advantages, disadvantages and limited indications of local topics or methods of skin covering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reading process takes place in a neuronal network comprising the inferior frontal, posterior dorsal and posterior ventral brain areas. It is suggested that developmental dyslexia is caused by a disruption of the two posterior network areas. What remains debatable is whether these areas are affected in their functionality or whether the neuronal networking (connectivity) of these areas suffer from a disturbed information transfer. Thus, it is of major interest to investigate the time flow of the directed information transfer (time variant connectivity) within the neuronal reading network of dyslexic subjects. We investigated adolescents with dyslexia and normal-reading controls with functional magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography (EEG) with a paradigm addressing basic visual, orthographic and phonological processing. EEG data were analyzed with the time variant Granger causality index (tvGCI) to investigate the temporal order of the directed information transfer (time variant causal connectivity: which network node passes when information to which network node) during reading in dyslexic readers. Results show that the reading network of dyslexic readers comprises the same brain areas as identified in normal-reading subjects. The tvGCI analysis of the network profiles of dyslexic readers indicates that dyslexics show a difference in timing and localization of connectivity within this reading network compared to normal readers. Dyslexic readers use right hemisphere language areas to counterbalance posterior left hemisphere processing deficits. The compensatory involvement of homologue right hemisphere brain areas for the reading process may be the neurobiological background for the significantly longer reading times by dyslexics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Time-variant Granger Causality Index (tvGCI) was applied to simulated and measured BOLD signals to investigate the reliability of time-variant analysis approaches for the identification of directed interrelations between brain areas on the basis of fMRI data. Single-shot fMRI data of a single image slice with short repetition times (200 ms, 16000 frames/subject, 64×64 voxels) were acquired from 5 healthy subjects during an externally-driven, self-paced finger-tapping paradigm (57–59 single taps for each subject). BOLD signals were derived from the pre-supplementary motor area (preSMA), the supplementary motor area (SMA), and the primary motor cortex (M1). The simulations were carried out by means of a Dynamic Causal Modelling (DCM) approach. The tvGCI as well as time-variant Partial Directed Coherence (tvPDC) were used to identify the modelled connectivity network (connectivity structure – CS – of the DCM). Different CSs were applied by using dynamic systems (Generalized Dynamic Neural Network — GDNN) and trivariate autoregressive (AR) processes. The influence of the low-pass characteristics of the simulated hemodynamic response (Balloon model) and of the measuring noise was tested. Additionally, our modelling strategy considered “spontaneous” BOLD fluctuations before, during, and after the appearance of the event-related BOLD component. Couplings which were extracted from the simulated signals were statistically evaluated (tvGCI for shuffled data, confidence tubes for tvGCI courses). We demonstrate that connections of our CS models can be correctly identified during the event-related BOLD component and with signal-to-noise-ratios corresponding to those of the measured data. The results based on simulations can be used to examine the reliability of connectivity identification based on BOLD signals by means of time-variant as well as time-invariant connectivity measures and enable a better interpretation of the analysis results using fMRI data. A readiness-BOLD response was only detected in one subject. However, in two subjects a strong time-variant connection (tvGCI) from preSMA to SMA was observed 3 s before the tapping was executed. This connection was accompanied by a weaker rise of the tvGCI from preSMA to M1. These preceding interrelations were confirmed in the other subjects by the dynamics of tvGCI courses. Based on the results of tvGCI analysis, the time-evolution of an individual connectivity network is shown for each subject. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A polyurethane elastomer made from a 1:5:6 mole ratio of poly(ethyleneadipate), ethylene glycol, and 4,4′-diphenylmethanediisocyanate was blended with flax soda lignin to form dimethylformamide-cast films containing between 4.2 and 23.2 wt.% lignin. The spectral, mechanical and thermal properties of this new type of blends were investigated in an attempt to establish their applicative potential. Films containing more than 9.3 wt.% lignin were heterogeneous, without relevance from the standpoint of potential applications, and were not tested for mechanical or thermal stability properties. The thermal degradation range of polyurethane and blends is quite similar, but the presence of lignin accelerates decomposition at lower temperatures. At 4.2 wt.% lignin, blends lost almost one half more weight until 300 °C, and almost twice at 9.3 wt.% lignin than pure polyurethane. The presence of 9.3 wt.% lignin also lowers the main degradation intensity corresponding to the polyurethane soft segment with about 120 °C (from 360 to 235–245 °C). The lignin concentration and polyurethane soft segment properties were shown to be the key degradation factors. The tensile strength increased up to 370%, toughness up to 470% and elongation at break up to 160% at blends compared to the pure polyurethane film. By increasing the strain rate from 4.6 to 120 mm/min the blends behavior generally improves, whereas the polyurethane elastomer is detrimental affected. Lignin contents up to about 10 wt.% were adequate to increase the polyurethane strength in detriment of elasticity. However, the better thermo-mechanical properties were found for the 4.2 wt.% lignin-containing blend. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Romania, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the community healthworkers faced high risks of infection in their efforts to protect communities, due to exposure to psychological distress, fatigue and stigma, especially as they are the grassroot healthcare delivery workers. No proper training had been delivered to community health workers. We describe an intervention aimed at increasing Romanian community health workers skills and competencies. The objective of the training was to increase the capacity of community health workers and health mediators to adequately 1manage the COVID-19 pandemic in their communities, through the delivery of online training sessions focused on managing their communities and themselves. The courses addressed up-to-date information on SARS-CoV-2 virus, transmission, symptoms and methods of prevention and treatment of COVID-19, to community case management and addressing cross-cutting issues such as: disability, immunization, violence against children. A total of 144 sessions were delivered, totaling 288 hours, divided between eight trainers. During these 288 hours, 1658 community health workers and health mediators were trained, accounting for 75% of the community health workers and health mediators in Romania. The overall feedback was extremely positive, as the training provided the participants very useful information. Nonetheless, several learning points have been made regarding the provision of more hands-on examples and cases, an increase in the length of the course and in the number of courses, the delivery of the course - on site courses were demanded. The training contributed to increasing the capacity of community health workers and health mediators to adequately manage the COVID-19 pandemic. The training offered the basic knowledge and skills for community healthworkers and it offered a basis for offering large scale, online training for the Romanian health workforce, which could be used as a case study for other European settings. Key messages: COVID-19 doesn’t affect everyone equally! We ought to equip our healthworkforce in the pandemic fight. Grass-root intervention for a better health - training the community health workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification and optimization of strains with high enzyme activity able to overcome constrains imposed by the cellulosic structure represents an important step in the development of new biotechnologies for bioethanol. this paper aims to reveal the advantages and disadvantages of the cellulase enzymes derived from two complet different microorganisms: Trichoderma ressei, a very known cellulase producers and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, a ruminal bacteria. Both organisms were inoculated under the same conditions (strict anaerobic, Sabouraud dextrose agar media, pH and temperature). The cellulose degradation was investigated by the time evolution of cellulase activity and the amount of reducing sugar released (glucose as standard) from carboxymethyl cellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both theoretical and experimental works give evidence that gallium exhibits solid phases labelled β, γ, δ, ε besides the stable α phase strongly dependent both on the size and the confinement conditions. An experimental technique was used based on capacitance and conductance measurements vs. temperature in the audiofrequency range. This technique is particularly sensitive to the conditions of the investigated particle surface that plays a fundamental role in the melting and more generally in the phase transition processes. In particular the strict relation between the derivative of the capacitance with respect to the temperature, dC/dT, and the entropy of the system is considered. In gallium nanoparticles 20 nm in radius, only the δ phase is shown to occur. Further the transition to liquid phase was detected. The melting process was found to start about 65 K below the full melting temperature value. In the case of particles 10 nm in radius, where different metastable phases may occur, the capacitance vs. temperature curve was found to display abrupt changes of the slope. The singularities are associated to a well defined transition temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 62 years old woman was diagnosed with multinodular toxic goiter and primary hyperparathyroidism/left parathyroid adenoma by hormonal assessment, ultrasound and nuclear thyroid/parathyroid scans. Cervical ultrasound illustrated a multinodular aspect of the thyroid with solid nodules and cystic-component nodules; the larger one represented a multinodular complex with necrosis areas in the left thyroid lobe, ACR TI-RADS score 4 (moderately suspicious). Functional nuclear imaging was performed for accurate differential diagnosis between thyroid vs. parathyroid localization, between cold vs. hot nodules, and eventually, for guiding the choice of a subsequent Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB). Scans described an early intense 99mTc-sestaMIBI uptake with no 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake in the left thyroid lobe larger nodule. Due to the suspicion of malignancy for this nodule, we performed an additional scan (1 hour before the classical 2 hours parathyroid delayed scan). The intense uptake persists in both delayed scans suggesting no malignant phenotype and which was confirmed after surgery by benign histology. In conclusion, using a 99mTc-sestaMIBI personalized protocol, related to the radiotracer cellular uptake mechanisms: 1 hour scan (supplementary image, corresponding to the maximum uptake pattern of 99mTc-sestaMIBI for cancer cells) and 2 hours scan (for parathyroid washout evaluation) may avoid unnecessary extensive thyroid surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A negative capacitance (NC) effect in a low-frequency range (4–8×105 Hz), previously shown to take place mainly in semiconductor structures, is evidenced in a nanometric system constituted by metallic (Ga) nanoparticles embedded in an insulating (SiOx with x~1) matrix. The dependence of the NC phenomenon on the time-dependent transient current through the system is evidenced. A remarkable enhancement of the effect with size reduction of the nanoparticles is manifested. The physical mechanism responsible for the current inertia appears to be related to the space charges located at the multiple insulator–metal interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. If not diagnosed at birth, congenital hypothyroidism (CH) can cause deleterious, irreversible neurodevelopmental sequels. The importance of thyroid newborn screening (NBS) is therefore well established. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of NBS for CH in North-East Romania. Methods. Retrospective, descriptive study involving 271662 newborns screened between 2010 and 2019 for CH and phenylketonuria in maternities from six Romanian North- Eastern counties by measuring neonatal TSH (neoTSH) in the whole blood extracted from the heel between days 3 and 5 after birth. Values found higher than a cut-off level of 10 mIU/L were followed by serum evaluation of TSH and fT4 for the confirmation of CH. Thyroid ultrasound was further performed at children found with CH. Results. NeoTSH was found elevated in 417 newborns, but CH was subsequently confirmed in only 57 cases (1/4766 newborns). Mean age at the time when diagnosis was communicated was of 37.2 ± 15 days (between 9 and 157 days). Mean age when therapy was started was of 44.2 ± 17.9 days (between 13 and 160 days) with a mean delay of one week from diagnosis (between 0 and 62 days). Thyroid ultrasound revealed athyreosis in only 3 cases, atrophic thyroid gland in other 10 cases, whereas the thyroid was described as present in the remnant 44 cases. The number of first year follow-up visits greatly varied from 0 to 5, with an average of 2. Conclusions. NBS allowed rapid diagnosis of CH in North East Romania. The communication of diagnosis to families and therapy onset were however often delayed. Diagnosis and therapy onset before the age of two weeks, as well as a tighter follow-up should be assured by the healthcare system. Etiological diagnosis should be more accurate, for a better prognosis of disease severity, as well as the possibility of genetic advice in selected cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare workers face high pressures and new threats during the COVID-19 pandemic, and health systems and governance are key to improve preparedness and protection. This study aims to introduce a tool for rapid assessment based on an integrated multi-level governance approach and to empirically explore preparedness and protection. Methods: The study is explorative in nature and applies a comparative approach. The assessment tool comprises four major dimensions of governance: system, sector, occupational and sociocultural issues (focus on gender issues and migrant healthcare workers) of protection and preparedness. Secondary sources and expert information serve the empirical exercise, using material from Denmark, Germany, Portugal and Romania. Results: We revealed similar developments across countries: action has been taken to improve physical protection, vaccination of healthcare workers and digitalisation, while social and mental health support programmes were poor or lacking. Developments were more diverse in relation to occupational/ organisational preparedness: some ad-hoc transformations of work routines and tasks were observed in all countries, yet skill-mix innovation and collaboration were strong in Demark and weak in Portugal and Romania. We are able to identify major governance gaps in relation to integration of education and health systems, social and mental health support programmes, gendered issues of health workforce capacity, integration of migrant healthcare workers, and comprehensive surveillance and monitoring. Conclusions: There is a need to step up efforts and make health systems more accountable to the needs of healthcare workers during global public health emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of hydatid disease of the thyroid gland diagnosed in a 26-year old woman. The patient was referred to surgery for a nodular goiter with moderate compression symptoms. Cervical ulltrasound has revealed an enlarged right thyroid lobe containing a large cystic nodule and a homogeneous left lobe. The patient undergone a total thyroidectomy.