Learning Analytics Mobile Application for the Bucharest University of Economic Studies’ Students

Learning analytics refers to improving the educational process by providing feedback and in-volving all the stakeholders. It is a very useful method with positive effects on both students and teachers. In ASE, the idea of learning analytics is not very well shaped, so development is needed on this side. This article proposes a learning analytics app for better exploitation of SIMUR database content in order to improve the educational processes in the university

Global solutions of semilinear heat equations in Hilbert spaces

The existence, uniqueness, regularity and asymptotic behavior of global solutions of semilinear heat equations in Hilbert spaces are studied by developing new results in the theory of one-parameter strongly continuous semigroups of bounded linear operators. Applications to special semilinear heat equations in L 2(ℝn) governed by pseudo-differential operators are given

The Involvement of Epigenetic Mechanisms in HPV‐Induced Cervical Cancer

High‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes infection associates with cervical dysplasia and carcinogenesis. hr‐HPV transforming potential is based on E6 and E7 viral oncoproteins actions on cellular proteins. A persistent infection with hr‐HPV leads to progression from precursor lesions to invasive cervical cancer inducing changes in host genome and epigenome. Pathogenesis and development of cancer associated with both genetic and epigenetic defects alter transcriptional program. An important role for malignant transformation in HPV‐induced cervical cancer is played by epigenetic changes that occur in both viral and host genome. Furthermore, there are observations demonstrating that oncogenic viruses, once they integrated into host genome, become susceptible to epigenetic alterations made by host machinery. Epigenetic regulation of viral gene expression is an important factor in HPV‐associated disease. Gene expression control is complex and involves epigenetic changes: DNA methylation, histone modification, and non‐coding RNAs activity. Persistent infection with hr‐HPV can cause viral DNA integration into host genome attracting defense mechanisms such as methylation machinery. In this chapter, we aim to review HPV infection role in chromatin modification/remodeling and the impact of HPV infection on non‐coding RNAs in cervix oncogenesis. The reversible nature of epigenetic alterations provides new opportunities in the development of therapeutic agents targeting epigenetic modification in oncogenesis

Cetuximab-Taxanes-Platinum-Fluorouracil/Capecitabine (C-TPF/C-TPX) – a Feasible Option for Recurrent HNSCC with Negative Prognostic Factors. Literature Review with a Case Presentation

Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy with Cisplatin is the standard treatment for locally advanced non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC), but induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by chemo-irradiation, even controversial is a widely accepted option, especially in high-risk cases. A regimen including triple association (platinum-taxanes-fluorouracil) is generally considered superior in efficacy, but may be associated with severe toxicity. In the case of recurrence, the options are limited and the prognosis is generally unfavorable. Chemotherapy alone or in combination with an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (Cetuximab), immunotherapy or re-irradiation for selected cases are feasible options in loco-regional or metastatic relapse. We present a case of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), with negative prognostic and predictive factors multimodally treated with an intensive chemotherapy regimen associating Cetuximab with a median survival higher than the median value reported in most studies. Replacing 5 Floururacil with Capecitabine and Cisplatin with Carboplatin may be an option to increase treatment tolerance and should be evaluated in randomized trials. The use of induction chemotherapy as a “new standard” before radio-chemotherapy for cases with negative prognostic factors should also be the subject of future studies. Re-challenge with platinum is also an option that needs to be re-evaluated

Skin Cancers of the Head and Neck Region: the Real World Epidemiological and Therapeutic Data from the Cancer Registry of Dolj County

The majority of skin cancers of the head and neck are represented by basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamosal cell carcinoma (CSCC), both non-melanoma skin cancers. Identified in the early stages, the cure rate is considered high. Sun protection and early identification of suspicious lesions are the optimal strategies for these cancers to be associated with higher response rates and favorable cosmetic results. Even if the incidence is lower, 10% to 25% of melanomas could also be identified in the head and neck region. For advanced stages or for cases ineligible for optimal surgical treatment, the multimodal approach including adjuvant radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy or immunotherapy must be decided in a multidisciplinary team. We set out to retrospectively evaluate the data of patients with skin tumors in the head and neck region included in the cancer registry of Dolj county between January 2000 and December 2019. Seventy-three patients were subsequently identified who met the inclusion criteria. The median age of the patients was 73 years (46 to 98). Forty-six cases of these were BCC, 15 CSCC cases, 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma case, 1 malignant melanoma case and one case without histopathological confirmation. The ratio between BCC and CSCC in our study is 3:1, in concordance with the ratio identified in the literature. The vast majority of cases come from the urban environment, surgery being the main treatment, especially for the early stages. Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered both in cases of BCC and epidermoid carcinoma. Adjuvant polychemotherapy, interferon therapy and re-irradiation have also been used. Considering the main risk factor, exposure to the sun, it is possible that the predominance of cases from cities is caused by underreporting of these types of cancer in rural communities where the main occupation is agriculture, associated with sun exposure, but also by a lower addressability or non-compliance with the inclusion in the oncological monitoring programs. The current existence of some modern oncological therapies, including immunotherapy for CSS and malignant melanoma, justifies a better monitoring and inclusion of these cases in multidisciplinary evaluation. Superficial radiotherapy, which has now become less accessible in our country, due to the implementation of radiological safety rules and the conversion of equipment from the former Soviet Union cobalt and superficial X-ray radiotherapy device to modern liniac accelerators focused on modern techniques radiotherapy is necessary to reduce the risk of recurrence in the case of resection with inadequate margins of non-melanoma skin tumors