The role of ultrasound in the prognosis of adverse perinatal outcome in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction

University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Craiova, Craiova, Romania, The IVth Congress of Radiology and Medical Imaging of the Republic of Moldova with international participation, Chisinau, May 31 – June 2, 2018Background: Doppler ultrasound may indicate poor fetal prognosis by detecting abnormal blood flow waveforms. The study aimed to evaluate the Doppler ultrasound assessment on umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) as a predictive marker of perinatal outcome in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Material and methods: A total of 126 IUGR pregnancies with a birth weight <10 percentiles were ultrasonographically evaluated. Doppler velocity in UA and MCA, was performed at 30.6-32.6 weeks of pregnancy. We considered adverse perinatal outcome: Apgar score ≤7 to 1 and 5 minutes, admission to the Department of Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), gestational age <37 weeks at birth. Results: In the abnormal Doppler group, the newborns weight was 7±1.51 percentile, Doppler anomaly (absent/reversed end diastolic flow, UA-PI>95 percentiles, cerebro-placental ratio <1) determined the Apgar score of 6±0.75/1 minute and 7±0.64/5 minutes, a gestational age at birth of 36.2±1.01 weeks (premature birth), an admission to the NICU of 30.15% for neonates. Comparatively, in the normal Doppler group, the newborns weight was 9±1.03 percentile, the Apgar score was 8±0.95/1 minute and 9±0.76/5 minutes, the gestational age at birth was 37.4±0.99 weeks and admission to the NICU was required in only 12.69% of neonates of this group. Conclusions: Doppler antenatal monitoring may be a useful marker in the prognosis of perinatal evolution in fetuses with severe growth restriction

Aspects Regarding the Determination by Numerical Means of Dissipated Power by Joule-Lenz Effect of Eddy Currents

This paper presents aspects of using digital means in the analysis of electromagnetic and thermal phenomena coupled in processes of heating semifinished products made of non-ferous alloys

Using Minitab-Box Benken Software to Optimize the Induction Heating Process

This paper presents aspects on finding some optimal dependence between the inductor input parameters (frequency, air gap and current density) and its output parameters (spacing, power density, heating time). It also shows the results of coupling the numerical modeling of the inductive heating process, using Flux 2D, with a numerical model of optimization, using Minitab software

Using Some Coupled Numerical Models in Problems of Designing an Inductive Electrothermal Equipment

This paper focuses on the numerical modeling of coupling the electromagnetic and the thermal field, in the process of inductive heating, for inductive electrothermal equipments. Numerical results are carried out by using a FLUX2D application

Exploring Symptom Overlaps: Post-COVID-19 Neurological Syndrome and Post-Concussion Syndrome in Athletes

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges in managing neurological conditions, particularly among athletes. This paper explores the intersection of post-COVID-19 neurological syndrome (PCNS/PASC) and post-concussion syndrome (PCS), focusing on their implications in sports medicine. Our analysis covers the symptomatology, pathophysiology, and management strategies for PCNS/PASC and PPCS, with special attention paid to the unique challenges faced by athletes recovering from these conditions, including the risk of symptom exacerbation and prolonged recovery. Key findings reveal that both PCNS/PASC and PPCS present with overlapping symptoms such as cognitive difficulties, exercise intolerance, and mental health issues, but differ in specific manifestations like anosmia and ageusia, unique to COVID-19. Pathophysiological analysis reveals similarities in blood–brain barrier disruption (BBB) but differences in the extent of immune activation. Management strategies emphasize a gradual increase in physical activity, close symptom monitoring, and psychological support, with a tailored approach for athletes. Specific interventions include progressive aerobic exercises, resistance training, and cognitive rehabilitation. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of integrating neurology, psychiatry, physical therapy, and sports medicine to develop comprehensive care strategies. Our findings underscore the dual challenge of COVID-19 and concussion in athletes, necessitating a nuanced, interdisciplinary approach to effective management. Future research should focus on the long-term neurological effects of both conditions and optimizing treatment protocols to improve patient outcomes. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for advancing the management of athletes affected by these overlapping conditions and ensuring their safe return to sports

Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder: Recent Insights and Diagnostic Challenges

Functional neurological disorder (FND), formerly called conversion disorder, is a condition characterized by neurological symptoms that lack an identifiable organic purpose. These signs, which can consist of motor, sensory, or cognitive disturbances, are not deliberately produced and often vary in severity. Its diagnosis is predicated on clinical evaluation and the exclusion of other medical or psychiatric situations. Its treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary technique addressing each of the neurological symptoms and underlying psychological factors via a mixture of medical management, psychotherapy, and supportive interventions. Recent advances in neuroimaging and a deeper exploration of its epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation have shed new light on this disorder. This paper synthesizes the current knowledge on FND, focusing on its epidemiology and underlying mechanisms, neuroimaging insights, and the differentiation of FND from feigning or malingering. This review highlights the phenotypic heterogeneity of FND and the diagnostic challenges it presents. It also discusses the significant role of neuroimaging in unraveling the complex neural underpinnings of FND and its potential in predicting treatment response. This paper underscores the importance of a nuanced understanding of FND in informing clinical practice and guiding future research. With advancements in neuroimaging techniques and growing recognition of the disorder’s multifaceted nature, the paper suggests a promising trajectory toward more effective, personalized treatment strategies and a better overall understanding of the disorder

ETHICS AND MEDICAL LEGISLATION IN RETROSPECTIVE EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES. THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASPECT

Aim of the study Ethical problems most often arise in research. One of the most important ethical rules governing research on humans is that participants must give their informed consent before taking part in a study. Informed consent is therefore a vital part of the research process, and as such entails more than obtaining a signature on a form. Most researchers however, do not have the requisite knowledge of the importance of informed consent in research. This paper attempts a synopsis of the place of informed consent in research study. Materials and methods A review of literature on informed consent in research. Literature search was done using Google search engine as well as international and local journals. Results Informed consent as an aspect of medical ethics, balances autonomy and beneficence, and provides adequate assurance of voluntary and autonomous participation without negative repercussions on access to study benefits. The search showed that this if adhered to in research, will surely maintain the dignity of man and the integrity of research as a field of human endeavour. Conclusions Researchers must therefore ensure that potential research participants be given sufficient information about a study, in a format they understand, to enable them to exercise their right to make an informed decision whether to participate in a given research

IMAGING PRINCIPLES IN DIAGNOSIS OF NASOPHARINGEAL LESIONS USING COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Aim of the study The aim of the study is to showcase the importance of the CT an MRI examination in the correct diagnosis of nasopharyngeal tumors in paediatric patients. Although nasopharyngeal cancer is rarely suspected in paediatric patients, representing only 1% of all malign tumors for this group age, its early detection is crucial for the prognosis of the patient. Material and methods We present a study lot of 83 patients assessed retrospectively that were diagnosed with nasopharyngeal lesions (benign adenoidian hypertrophy, juvenile angiofibroma, nasopharyngeal cancer and inverted papilloma) evaluated between April 2021- April 2022 in the Emergency Clinical Hospital “Prof. Dr. N. Oblu” Iasi, Romania. Although the majority of the diagnoses were incidentals during brain scan or MRI, we aim to showcase the principals of a CT and MRI neck examination in order to assess it correctly. Results and conclusions The CT and MRI imaging shown to be unmistakably an asset in diagnosis of nasopharyngeal lesions and also an ally in facilitating patient-based care

Polysaccharides and Lectins: A Natural Complementary Approach against the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Infection with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the cause of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has emerged as a global pandemic, with a high toll on casualties, economic impact, and human lifestyle. Despite the recent approval of various vaccines against the virus, challenges remain, including the limited availability of these vaccines, the prevalent rejection of vaccination by a large proportion of the population, and the recurrent appearance of new variants of the virus due to mutations. This context raises the alarm for scientists and clinicians to seek alternative and complementary therapies. In this context, natural products and their derivatives serve as reservoirs for potential therapeutic compounds that can be exploited in the research and production of antiviral drugs against COVID-19. Among these substances, lectin and polysaccharides isolated from fauna and flora emerge as complementary strategies for treating coronavirus infection. The review objective is to cover and analyze the specific role of polysaccharides and lectins and their synergy in the fight against this deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus. For this purpose, a primary literature search was conducted on Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Sciences using relevant keywords like “SARS-CoV-2 Variants”; “Antiviral Strategies”; “Antiviral Polysaccharides”; “Antiviral Lectins”; and “Synergistic effect”. The results demonstrate that lectins and polysaccharides exhibit antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2 via mechanisms related to binding and steric blocking, the binding of glycan-based decoys, chemical reactions, virus particle disruption strategies, and steric blocking for competitive inhibition to block SARS-CoV-2 and its variants’ entry. In addition, this review analyzes the rationale behind combining polysaccharides and lectins, emphasizing complementary mechanisms of action. By simultaneously targeting multiple stages of the viral life cycle, this dual strategy aims to comprehensively inhibit viral propagation and enhance the durability of antiviral strategies over time