Magnetska rezonancija u dijagnostici ozljeda koljenskoga zgloba

The possibilities of MR diagnosing knee pathology on high field scanners of 1T and 1.5T are well known. A sensitivity of 87%-100% and specificity of 64%-100% in diagnosing meniscal pathology are quoted in the literature. The aim of this work was to define the sensitivity and specificity of evaluation of meniscal lesions and cruciate ligament tears with a 0.2T permanent magnet of low field strength, as well as of other associated lesions of the bone, cartilage and collateral ligaments. We wished to estimate the value of particular sequences and projections of scanning chosen for certain pathology, and to recommend the type of scanning. MR findings were correlated with arthroscopy as the "gold standard method" in evaluating knee pathology. Two radiologists of different clinical experience interpreted MR findings by the principle of "interobserver difference". A total of 40 patients were examined, 32 men and 8 women, aged 17-46, mean age 27±5 years. The following sequences were used always in three projections: SE 1500/38; SE 1500/25; SE 1700/40; SE 200/38; SR 550/25; SR 550/38; GE 100/23/45; GE 100/23/60; and GE 500/23/40. We conclude that low field MRI is as sensitive and specific as diagnostic arthroscopy for traumatic meniscal lesions, yet better due to its noninvasiveness. MRI 0.2 T is of a lower specificity and sensitivity in detecting anterior cruciate ligament and chondral lesions in comparison with arthroscopy.Mogućnosti MR dijagnostike patologije koljenskoga zgloba na uređajima 1 i 1.5 T su poznate. U literaturi se navodi osjetljivost od 87%-100% i specifičnost od 64%-100% u dijagnostici patologije meniska na tim uređajima. Cilj rada bio je ustanoviti osjetljivost i specifičnost, odnosno vrijednost MR-e u pregledu meniska i ukriženih ligamenata koljenskoga zgloba MR-om 0.2T, niske jačine magnetskog polja, kao i procijeniti pridružene ozljede MR-om (ozljede hrskavice, kosti, kolateralnih ligamenata). Dobiveni MR nalazi korelirani su s artroskopijom kao zlatnim standardom. MR nalaze provjerilo je dvoje radiologa po načelu među promatračima ("interobserver difference"). Pregledano je ukupno 40 bolesnika, od toga 32 muškarca i 8 žena, u dobi od 17-46 godina, prosječne životne dobi 27±5 godina. Sljedeće sekvence su bile napravljene uvijek u tri projekcije: SE 1500/38; SE 1500/25; SE 1700/40; SE 200/38; SR 550/25; SR 550/38; GE 100/23/45; GE 100/23/60; GE 500/23/40. U zaključku: MR 0.2T je jednako osjetljiva metoda kao dijagnostička artroskopija u procjeni traumatskih ozljeda meniska, no dajemo joj prednost zbog neinvazivnosti. MR niske jačine polja slabije je osjetljiva metoda od artroskopije u procjeni lezije prednjega ukriženog ligamenta te ozljeda hrskavice

The Polymorphisms of Genes Encoding Catalytic Antioxidant Proteins Modulate the Susceptibility and Progression of Testicular Germ Cell Tumor

The simultaneous analysis of redox biomarkers and polymorphisms encoding for regulatory and catalytic antioxidant proteins was performed in order to evaluate their potential role in the development of testicular germ cell tumor (GCT), as well as the progression of the disease. NRF2 (rs6721961), GSTM3 (rs1332018), SOD2 (rs4880) and GPX3 (rs8177412) polymorphisms were assessed in 88 patients with testicular GCT (52 with seminoma) and 88 age-matched controls. The plasma levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), thiol groups and the plasma activity of glutathione peroxidase were measured. A significant association between variant GPX3*TC+CC genotype and risk of overall testicular GCT, as well as seminoma development, was found. Moreover, carriers of variant SOD2*TT genotype were at almost 3-fold increased risk of seminoma development. Interestingly, combined SOD2*TT/GPX3*TC+CC genotype conferred a 7-fold higher risk for testicular GCT development. Finally, variant GSTM3*AC+CC genotype was associated with a higher risk for the development of advanced diseased. The presence of assessed genetic variants was not associated with significantly higher levels of redox biomarkers in both testicular GCT patients, as well as in those diagnosed with seminoma. In conclusion, the polymorphic expression of certain antioxidant enzymes might affect susceptibility toward testicular GCT development, as well as the progression of the disease

The general fault in our fault lines

Pervading global narratives suggest that political polarization is increasing, yet the accuracy of such group meta-perceptions has been drawn into question. A recent US study suggests that these beliefs are inaccurate and drive polarized beliefs about out-groups. However, it also found that informing people of inaccuracies reduces those negative beliefs. In this work, we explore whether these results generalize to other countries. To achieve this, we replicate two of the original experiments with 10,207 participants across 26 countries. We focus on local group divisions, which we refer to as fault lines. We find broad generalizability for both inaccurate meta-perceptions and reduced negative motive attribution through a simple disclosure intervention. We conclude that inaccurate and negative group meta-perceptions are exhibited in myriad contexts and that informing individuals of their misperceptions can yield positive benefits for intergroup relations. Such generalizability highlights a robust phenomenon with implications for political discourse worldwide

Ongoing strategies to improve the management of upper respiratory tract infections and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use particularly among lower and middle-income countries: findings and implications for the future

Introduction: Antibiotics are indispensable to maintaining human health; however, their overuse has resulted in resistant organisms, increasing morbidity, mortality and costs. Increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat, resulting in multiple campaigns across countries to improve appropriate antimicrobial use. This includes addressing the overuse of antimicrobials for self-limiting infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), particularly in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where there is the greatest inappropriate use and where antibiotic utilization has increased the most in recent years. Consequently, there is a need to document current practices and successful initiatives in LMICs to improve future antimicrobial use. Methodology: Documentation of current epidemiology and management of URTIs, particularly in LMICs, as well as campaigns to improve future antimicrobial use and their influence where known. Results: Much concern remains regarding the prescribing and dispensing of antibiotics for URTIs among LMICs. This includes considerable self-purchasing, up to 100% of pharmacies in some LMICs. However, multiple activities are now ongoing to improve future use. These incorporate educational initiatives among all key stakeholder groups, as well as legislation and other activities to reduce self-purchasing as part of National Action Plans (NAPs). Further activities are still needed however. These include increased physician and pharmacist education, starting in medical and pharmacy schools; greater monitoring of prescribing and dispensing practices, including the development of pertinent quality indicators; and targeted patient information and health education campaigns. It is recognized that such activities are more challenging in LMICs given more limited resources and a lack of healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Initiatives will grow across LMICs to reduce inappropriate prescribing and dispensing of antimicrobials for URTIs as part of NAPs and other activities, and these will be monitored

Marked seasonality and high spatial variation in estuarine ciliates are driven by exchanges between the ‘abundant’ and ‘intermediate’ biospheres

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons license and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The file attached is the Published/publisher’s pdf version of the article

Non-indigenous species refined national baseline inventories : A synthesis in the context of the European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Refined baseline inventories of non-indigenous species (NIS) are set per European Union Member State (MS), in the context of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The inventories are based on the initial assessment of the MSFD (2012) and the updated data of the European Alien Species Information Network, in collaboration with NIS experts appointed by the MSs. The analysis revealed that a large number of NIS was not reported from the initial assessments. Moreover, several NIS initially listed are currently considered as native in Europe or were proven to be historical misreportings. The refined baseline inventories constitute a milestone for the MSFD Descriptor 2 implementation, providing an improved basis for reporting new NIS introductions, facilitating the MSFD D2 assessment. In addition, the inventories can help MSs in the establishment of monitoring systems of targeted NIS, and foster cooperation on monitoring of NIS across or within shared marine subregions. Highlights • Refined MSFD baseline inventories of non-indigenous species (NIS) are set in EU. • The inventories are given per EU Member State (MS) and MSFD subregion up to 2012. • The NIS lists provide a basis for reporting new NIS introductions in EU after 2012. • Our work constitutes a milestone for the MSFD Descriptor 2 implementation

Non-indigenous species refined national baseline inventories: A synthesis in the context of the European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Refined baseline inventories of non-indigenous species (NIS) are set per European Union Member State (MS), in the context of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The inventories are based on the initial assessment of the MSFD (2012) and the updated data of the European Alien Species Information Network, in collaboration with NIS experts appointed by the MSs. The analysis revealed that a large number of NIS was not reported from the initial assessments. Moreover, several NIS initially listed are currently considered as native in Europe or were proven to be historical misreportings. The refined baseline inventories constitute a milestone for the MSFD Descriptor 2 implementation, providing an improved basis for reporting new NIS introductions, facilitating the MSFD D2 assessment. In addition, the inventories can help MSs in the establishment of monitoring systems of targeted NIS, and foster cooperation on monitoring of NIS across or within shared marine subregions.Henn Ojaveer and Maiju Lehtiniemi wish to acknowledge the project COMPLETE (Completing management options in the Baltic Sea region to reduce risk of invasive species introduction by shipping), co-financed by the European Union's funding Programme Interreg Baltic Sea Region (European Regional Development Fund). João Canning-Clode was supported by a starting grant in the framework of the 2014 FCT Investigator Programme (IF/01606/2014/CP1230/CT0001) and wish to acknowledge the support of Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), through the strategic project UID/MAR/04292/2019 granted to MARE

Radiological diagnostics of overuse injuries in children and adolescents

Danas je veliki broj djece i adolescenata uključen u različite oblike organiziranog sporta, što pridonosi i porastu broja ozljeda, pa tako i sindroma prenaprezanja sustava za kretanje u djece. Dječji muskuloskeletni sustav ima specifičnosti koje ga razlikuju od odraslog, a to je prije svega sposobnost rasta. Strukture koje omogućuju rast i razvoj su ploče rasta, epifize i apofize, a upravo se na tim hrskavičnim strukturama najčešće pojavljuju sindromi prenaprezanja. Ono što djecu i adolescente sportaše ne razlikuje od odraslih jest činjenica da su dijagnostika i liječenje sindroma prenaprezanja isti kao i u odraslih. Uz temeljne dijagnostičke postupke kao što su anamneza i nezaobilazni klinički pregled, ispravno dijagnosticiranje ozljede sportaša temelji se i na radiološkoj obradi. Ona nam daje precizne podatke o ozlijeđenim strukturama. Danas su nam na raspolaganju brojne radiološke dijagnostičke metode: konvencionalna radiografija, kompjutorizirana tomografija, ultrasonografija, magnetska rezonancija, a katkad radiološku dijagnostiku nadopunjujemo i scintigrafijom. Svaka od spomenutih metoda ima svoju važnost, odnosno ima svoje prednosti, nedostatke i ograničenja kojima se razlikuje od drugih metoda. Metode su međusobno komplementarne, nadopunjuju se u stvaranju konačne dijagnoze. Ispravan odabir metode najbrže dovodi do ispravne dijagnoze.The number of musculoskeletal overuse injuries in children and adolescents is on the rise as children\u27s participation in sports activities increases. The main difference between children and adults is that the former are still growing and developing. Sites of overuse injury are the sites of rapid growth: the epiphysis, apophasis, and growth plates. However, the diagnostic and treatment principles of overuse injuries in children correspond to those in adults. Today, in evaluation of overuse injuries different radiological methods are available: conventional radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, but sometimes we use scintigraphy in addition. Each of these radiological methods has its own importance, i.e. advantages, disadvantages and limitations. They are supplementary methods in creating a final diagnosis. Correct selecting of radiological method is the fastest way to an accurate diagnosis

Radiological diagnostics of overuse injuries in children and adolescents

Danas je veliki broj djece i adolescenata uključen u različite oblike organiziranog sporta, što pridonosi i porastu broja ozljeda, pa tako i sindroma prenaprezanja sustava za kretanje u djece. Dječji muskuloskeletni sustav ima specifičnosti koje ga razlikuju od odraslog, a to je prije svega sposobnost rasta. Strukture koje omogućuju rast i razvoj su ploče rasta, epifize i apofize, a upravo se na tim hrskavičnim strukturama najčešće pojavljuju sindromi prenaprezanja. Ono što djecu i adolescente sportaše ne razlikuje od odraslih jest činjenica da su dijagnostika i liječenje sindroma prenaprezanja isti kao i u odraslih. Uz temeljne dijagnostičke postupke kao što su anamneza i nezaobilazni klinički pregled, ispravno dijagnosticiranje ozljede sportaša temelji se i na radiološkoj obradi. Ona nam daje precizne podatke o ozlijeđenim strukturama. Danas su nam na raspolaganju brojne radiološke dijagnostičke metode: konvencionalna radiografija, kompjutorizirana tomografija, ultrasonografija, magnetska rezonancija, a katkad radiološku dijagnostiku nadopunjujemo i scintigrafijom. Svaka od spomenutih metoda ima svoju važnost, odnosno ima svoje prednosti, nedostatke i ograničenja kojima se razlikuje od drugih metoda. Metode su međusobno komplementarne, nadopunjuju se u stvaranju konačne dijagnoze. Ispravan odabir metode najbrže dovodi do ispravne dijagnoze.The number of musculoskeletal overuse injuries in children and adolescents is on the rise as children\u27s participation in sports activities increases. The main difference between children and adults is that the former are still growing and developing. Sites of overuse injury are the sites of rapid growth: the epiphysis, apophasis, and growth plates. However, the diagnostic and treatment principles of overuse injuries in children correspond to those in adults. Today, in evaluation of overuse injuries different radiological methods are available: conventional radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, but sometimes we use scintigraphy in addition. Each of these radiological methods has its own importance, i.e. advantages, disadvantages and limitations. They are supplementary methods in creating a final diagnosis. Correct selecting of radiological method is the fastest way to an accurate diagnosis