A case of canine malignant histiocytoma

A 13 year-old mixed-breed male dog was presented for a second opinion at the veterinary clinic with a tumor of approximately 15 cm3 on its abdomen. Fine-needle aspiration and cytological examination revealed moderately and distinctly displastic mesenchymal cells. Abdominal radiographs showed the extent of the tumor, which had developed mostly inside the abdomen. Radiography and CT revealed possible metastasis to the lungs. A diagnosis of malignant histiocytoma was made. The tumor was surgically removed at the owner’s request, but the dog died 5 days later. We follow with a case discussion, as well as the treatment and prognosis for this type of tumor

Adaptive neural network fuzzy inference system for HFC processes

The paper presents the design and implementation of a fuzzy inference system (FIS) trained with adaptive neural networks for the generation of specification references in high frequency current (HFC) hardening processes. The specification references are then further used for the control of the process in obtaining the desired outcomes in terms of material hardening and resistance. The FIS is trained using data obtained from experimentation on an industrial HFC device. The trained FIS is then compared to a manually tuned FIS, resulting from expert and operator designs. The results led to the development of intelligent control interfaces in real time through the ANFIS method

Sex difference and intra-operative tidal volume: Insights from the LAS VEGAS study

BACKGROUND: One key element of lung-protective ventilation is the use of a low tidal volume (VT). A sex difference in use of low tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) has been described in critically ill ICU patients.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether a sex difference in use of LTVV also exists in operating room patients, and if present what factors drive this difference.DESIGN, PATIENTS AND SETTING: This is a posthoc analysis of LAS VEGAS, a 1-week worldwide observational study in adults requiring intra-operative ventilation during general anaesthesia for surgery in 146 hospitals in 29 countries.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Women and men were compared with respect to use of LTVV, defined as VT of 8 ml kg-1 or less predicted bodyweight (PBW). A VT was deemed 'default' if the set VT was a round number. A mediation analysis assessed which factors may explain the sex difference in use of LTVV during intra-operative ventilation.RESULTS: This analysis includes 9864 patients, of whom 5425 (55%) were women. A default VT was often set, both in women and men; mode VT was 500 ml. Median [IQR] VT was higher in women than in men (8.6 [7.7 to 9.6] vs. 7.6 [6.8 to 8.4] ml kg-1 PBW, P < 0.001). Compared with men, women were twice as likely not to receive LTVV [68.8 vs. 36.0%; relative risk ratio 2.1 (95% CI 1.9 to 2.1), P < 0.001]. In the mediation analysis, patients' height and actual body weight (ABW) explained 81 and 18% of the sex difference in use of LTVV, respectively; it was not explained by the use of a default VT.CONCLUSION: In this worldwide cohort of patients receiving intra-operative ventilation during general anaesthesia for surgery, women received a higher VT than men during intra-operative ventilation. The risk for a female not to receive LTVV during surgery was double that of males. Height and ABW were the two mediators of the sex difference in use of LTVV.TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01601223

Diversitatea speciilor de păsări în culturi energetice de plop cu ciclu scurt de producţie: o comparație cu alte categorii de folosinţă a terenurilor [Bird species diversity in poplar plantations: a comparison with different land use categories]

The energy poplar plantations are in expansion in the north-eastern Romania, so the aim of our study was to investigate the influence of these plantations on avian diversity. We carried out bird counts in two experimental blocks of 10 ha, where semi-natural forest vegetation, pastures, poplar plantations and agricultural land live in similar surface areas. The bird richness and abundance are the highest in forest vegetation, followed by agricultural lands, pastures and poplar plantations; the last ones are used by birds only for foraging, not for nesting and breeding. The landscape parameter analysis reveals for now a high variability due to relatively small size patches with different land uses, with complex edges and adequate connectivity, offering proper conditions for diverse bird species. The trend of extending the agricultural monocultures (especially colza) and poplar plantations observed in the last years will have a negative impact on local bird communities. If this going to be the case, in order to soften this effect, it is advisable to avoid large areas with simple edges of poplar or agricultural plantations, to maintain the hedgerows alongside plantations and the areas with different land use to alternate in space

THE STATUS OF NEUTRALITY IN THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES OF SOVIET AND RUSSIAN AUTHORS

Abstract: The article elucidates the status of neutrality, which, as history has proven, was not always the guarantee of independence, autonomy or development of the state. For some countries, the status of neutrality has not been clearly defined and enshrined in official documents, which had created a favourable framework for interpretations both in political and academic environment. Some of these issues and others are amply elucidated, in an interdisciplinary manner, in theoretical and methodological approaches of Soviet and Russian scientists. The scientific works of Soviet and Russian researchers include a complex research on the status of neutrality in extensive appearance. Their scientific value constitutes equally an acceptable model of approach, but also it is criticized because of the authors’ subjectivity opposing the expansion of areas of major actors’ influence and affiliation to various geopolitical currents. The author considers that beyond the political choices that period remains to be addressed as one with a central role in mediating and maintaining a dialogue between the parts including regional conflicts, promoting a disarmament and peacekeeping process. The role of neutrality status depends on the conjuncture and the area of influence of neutral states. With reference to some countries of Western and Eastern Europe, the Soviet and Russian authors’ opinions are divided; the political aspect becomes the starting point in defining of this status. Accordingly, the conceptualization of the notion of neutrality in analytical and methodological approaches from USSR and Russia prints a theoretical significance, providing a broad interpretive framework

Perspectives for Quality Evaluation of Some Mineral Waters from Slanic Moldova

In the present study, using a combination of several analytical techniques such as conductometry/total dissolved solids (TDS), pH-metry, ICP-MS and UV-Vis spectrometry, 38 parameters (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Fe, B, Li, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr, Ag, Cd, Ba, Pb, Be, V, Co, Ga, As, Rb, Cs, Hg, Tl, U, F−, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, NO2−, HCO3−, CO2, electric conductivity (EC)/TDS and pH) for seven natural mineral waters (springs 1 bis, 5, 10, 14, 15, Sonda 2 and Sfantul Spiridon) from the Slanic Moldova area (Romania) were evaluated. Our data were compared with the historical chemical analyses records and also with the limits established by international and Romanian regulations for qualitative evaluation of natural mineral waters. In the case of the Evolution of the mineralization degree over time, it was observed that, in the interval 1933–2021, for all the studied sources, there were variations of mineralization that could be attributed to climatic and geological changes, mode of exploitation, as well as to analysis techniques used. Although decreases in mineralization were observed between 1981 and 2006 for water sources 1 bis, 10, 15 and S2, with a slight recovery and stability period between 2006 and 2021, they have retained their characteristics over time. Moreover, spring 14 retains its status as the most mineralized spring of the seven, although it also recorded a decrease in the mineralization degree between 2013 and 2018. Even if the concentration of major and minor ions showed some variation, highlighting the diversity of the water intakes and its changes over time for some of the springs, it is noticeable that these springs have kept their characteristics over time. It was identified that Sodium (Na+) was present in all natural mineral waters but predominated in sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and sodium sulfate. The concentration of potassium ion has shown a fairly significant fluctuation, in 2006 being registered the lowest values for most sources: 1 bis (88.00 mg/L), 5 (6.00 mg/L), 10 (81.00 mg/L), 14 (115.00 mg/L), 15 (45.20 mg/L), S2 (11.00 mg/L). By means of ICP-MS, trace elements that have never before been tested or reported were identified, thus completing the chemical fingerprint of these natural mineral waters to increase their value for routine or therapeutic uses or further sustainable exploitation

Perspectives for Quality Evaluation of Some Mineral Waters from Slanic Moldova

In the present study, using a combination of several analytical techniques such as conductometry/total dissolved solids (TDS), pH-metry, ICP-MS and UV-Vis spectrometry, 38 parameters (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Fe, B, Li, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr, Ag, Cd, Ba, Pb, Be, V, Co, Ga, As, Rb, Cs, Hg, Tl, U, F−, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, NO2−, HCO3−, CO2, electric conductivity (EC)/TDS and pH) for seven natural mineral waters (springs 1 bis, 5, 10, 14, 15, Sonda 2 and Sfantul Spiridon) from the Slanic Moldova area (Romania) were evaluated. Our data were compared with the historical chemical analyses records and also with the limits established by international and Romanian regulations for qualitative evaluation of natural mineral waters. In the case of the Evolution of the mineralization degree over time, it was observed that, in the interval 1933–2021, for all the studied sources, there were variations of mineralization that could be attributed to climatic and geological changes, mode of exploitation, as well as to analysis techniques used. Although decreases in mineralization were observed between 1981 and 2006 for water sources 1 bis, 10, 15 and S2, with a slight recovery and stability period between 2006 and 2021, they have retained their characteristics over time. Moreover, spring 14 retains its status as the most mineralized spring of the seven, although it also recorded a decrease in the mineralization degree between 2013 and 2018. Even if the concentration of major and minor ions showed some variation, highlighting the diversity of the water intakes and its changes over time for some of the springs, it is noticeable that these springs have kept their characteristics over time. It was identified that Sodium (Na+) was present in all natural mineral waters but predominated in sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and sodium sulfate. The concentration of potassium ion has shown a fairly significant fluctuation, in 2006 being registered the lowest values for most sources: 1 bis (88.00 mg/L), 5 (6.00 mg/L), 10 (81.00 mg/L), 14 (115.00 mg/L), 15 (45.20 mg/L), S2 (11.00 mg/L). By means of ICP-MS, trace elements that have never before been tested or reported were identified, thus completing the chemical fingerprint of these natural mineral waters to increase their value for routine or therapeutic uses or further sustainable exploitation

A Debate on Surgical and Nonsurgical Approaches for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Comprehensive Review

Regular and unobstructed breathing during the night is the prerequisite for an undisturbed and restful sleep. The most prevalent nocturnal breathing disturbance with morbid consequences is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasing, and a significant number of patients with OSA are undiagnosed. On the other hand, the “obesity epidemic” is a growing concern globally. A sleep test is required to diagnose sleep apnea and to individualize therapy. A multidisciplinary approach is the key to success. This narrative review presents a debate on whether surgery is a friend or a foe in the treatment of sleep apnea. Depending on the type and severity of the apnea, the causal factor, and the presence of obesity and hypercapnia as well as the associated pathologies, the optimal therapeutic method is determined for each individual case. The article concludes that each case is unique, and there is no ideal method. Positive pressure ventilation, although a therapeutic gold standard, has its disadvantages extensively discussed in this paper. Nevertheless, it is necessary prior to any surgical intervention, either for the curative treatment of the causal factor of apnea or for elective surgery for another condition. The anesthetic risks associated with the presence of apnea and obesity should not be neglected and should form the basis for decision making regarding surgical interventions for the treatment of sleep apnea

Polydopamine-Assisted Surface Modification of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy with Anti-Biofilm Activity for Dental Implantology Applications

Coating the surfaces of implantable materials with various active principles to ensure inhibition of microbial adhesion, is a solution to reduce infections associated with dental implant. The aim of the study was to optimize the polydopamine films coating on the Ti-6Al-6V alloy surface in order to obtain a maximum of antimicrobial/antibiofilm efficacy and reduced cytotoxicity. Surface characterization was performed by evaluating the morphology (SEM, AFM) and structures (Solid-state 13C NMR and EPR). Antimicrobial activity was assessed by logarithmic reduction of CFU/mL, and the antibiofilm activity by reducing the adhesion of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans strains. The release of NO was observed especially for C. albicans strain, which confirms the results obtained for microbial adhesion. Among the PDA coatings, for 0.45:0.88 (KMnO4:dopamine) molar ratio the optimal compromise was obtained in terms of antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity, while the 0.1:1.5 ratio (KMnO4:dopamine) led to higher NO release and implicitly the reduction of the adhesion capacities only for C. albicans, being slightly cytotoxic but with moderate release of LDH. The proposed materials can be used to reduce the adhesion of yeast to the implantable material and thus inhibit the formation of microbial biofilms

Decomposing drivers in avian insectivory: large‐scale effects of climate, habitat and bird diversity

Aim Climate is a major driver of large-scale variability in biodiversity, as a likely result of more intense biotic interactions under warmer conditions. This idea fuelled decades of research on plant-herbivore interactions, but much less is known about higher-level trophic interactions. We addressed this research gap by characterizing both bird diversity and avian predation along a climatic gradient at the European scale. Location Europe. Taxon Insectivorous birds and pedunculate oaks. Methods We deployed plasticine caterpillars in 138 oak trees in 47 sites along a 19° latitudinal gradient in Europe to quantify bird insectivory through predation attempts. In addition, we used passive acoustic monitoring to (i) characterize the acoustic diversity of surrounding soundscapes; (ii) approximate bird abundance and activity through passive acoustic recordings; and (iii) infer both taxonomic and functional diversity of insectivorous birds from recordings. Results The functional diversity of insectivorous birds increased with warmer climates. Bird predation increased with forest cover and bird acoustic activity but decreased with mean annual temperature and functional richness of insectivorous birds. Contrary to our predictions, climatic clines in bird predation attempts were not directly mediated by changes in insectivorous bird diversity or acoustic activity, but climate and habitat still had independent effects on predation attempts. Main Conclusions Our study supports the hypothesis of an increase in the diversity of insectivorous birds towards warmer climates but refutes the idea that an increase in diversity would lead to more predation and advocates for better accounting for activity and abundance of insectivorous birds when studying the large-scale variation in insect-tree interactions