LTE Band Filtering Applications of a Fractal Based Frequency Selective Surface

In this paper we explore possibilities to tailor the transmittance of frequency selective surfaces (FSS’s) realized on printed circuit boards (PCB’s) to match design requirements by duplication of the metal pattern and fractalization. An FSS based on a novel unit cell structure is introduced, which is shown to exhibit angular stability up to 60 deg for TE and 45 deg for TM case. For the evaluation of the fine-tuning capabilities, a parametric study is performed. The configuration can be used for filtering in LTE, Wi-Fi and X band, commonly used in Automotive environment

Ultra-Wide Band Frequency Selective Surface: design and experimental verification of performances for wide incident angle

In the established UWB frequency range, for spatial filtering purposes a frequency selective surface is presented, simulated results showing a very large stopband between 1.78-14.32 GHz. Thus, strong polarization insensitivity is obtained with the structure and 45° angular stability for the pair: Transverse Magnetic (TM) and Transverse Electric (TE) incidence, respectively. Electromagnetic simulation was used to evaluate the performances of the structure, considering a 1.6 mm thick FR4 substrate with a 15 mm square-shaped unit cell edge. In an anechoic chamber, tests revealed an excellent match between simulation and experimental data, as well as proper device operation

Frequency Selective Surface for Ultra-Wide Band Filtering and Shielding

A frequency selective surface for spatial filtering in the standardized Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) frequency range is proposed. A very large stop-band of 1.75–15.44 GHz has been obtained, with good polarization insensitivity and an angular stability of more than 60∘ and more than 50∘ in TE and TM incidence, respectively. Circuit models have been devised. The structure has been assessed by electromagnetic simulation and implemented on an FR4 substrate of 1.6 mm thickness, with an edge of the square-shaped unit cell of 15 mm. Tests in an anechoic chamber demonstrated good matching between simulation and experimental results and proper operation of the device

Chronic wound management; surgical therapy and complementary nursing with Manuka honey

Objectives. This study aims to analyze the evolution of chronic wounds treated both surgically and by complementary nursing using Manuka honey. The parameters monitored were: presence/persistence of bacterial infection, the duration of healing, the recovery period and the patients\u27 quality of life. Materials and Methods. The study group and the control group each consisted of 10 patients, aged between 50-60 years, with chronic wounds of various etiologies but without other significant systemic pathologies. Data collection was carried out through anamnesis, physical examination and analysis of medical documents. Results. In the study group, the depth of the wound was reduced rapidly and significantly, with complete epithelialization after about four weeks. In the control group, the wound was completely healed by classical treatment, but in eleven weeks and in the form of an unaesthetic keloid scar. The recovery period of a chronic wound appears to be significantly influenced by the use of Manuka honey. Conclusions. Future studies on large groups of patients need to verify the potential therapeutic properties of this compound (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, autolytic debridement, etc.), as well as its adjunctive contribution to wound dressing (maintaining a moist environment and reducing trauma and unpleasant odors)

Acute lithiasis cholecystitis; particularities of diagnosis and treatment in the elderly

Objectives. The incidence of acute cholecystitis increases with age, when patients usually associate additional comorbidities. Such comorbidities and the late presentation to the doctor make the treatment more complex, associating higher rates of complications. The present study aims to evaluate the methods of diagnosis and treatment applied to a group of older patients with acute cholecystitis. Materials and Methods. 585 patients were enrolled in the study between 2019 and 2023. The inclusion criteria in the study were represented by the presence of the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis in patients over 65 years of age, while patients who presented complex locoregional pathologies (trauma, cancer, etc.) were excluded. Results. In about 91% of cases, acute cholecystitis was determined by gallstones. 61.19% of cases benefited from laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the rest of the patients requiring additional procedures or open surgery. Morbidity and mortality were not significantly influenced, but some of the patients required complex interventions and longer hospital stay. Conclusions. The clinical manifestations of acute cholecystitis can be diminished in some of the elderly patients (neurological disorders, diabetes, immunosenescence, etc.), being initially appreciated as mild forms. Later it is found (by imaging or intraoperatively) that these are much more severe forms, which often require a customized therapeutic approach

Diagnosis and management of colon cancer patients presenting in advanced stages of complications

Colorectal cancer is an important health problem with a significant impact on the individual and society. Malignancy (including colorectal cancer) is usually slightly symptomatic in its initial stages. This causes cancer to be discovered in some patients accidentally (either through screening tests in predisposed individuals or during routine investigations for other diseases), while in other patients the colorectal cancer is discovered in late stages, when the symptoms are much more intense due to complications. Unfortunately, such advanced cases of the disease have high rates of morbidity and mortality even with treatment. Current treatment methods are usually complex, interdisciplinary, causing significant suffering (physical, mental) to the individual, while the cost of treatment per patient seems to be extremely high. Until finding therapeutic methods that are effective and accessible to most patients with advanced colorectal cancer, several methods of prophylaxis and early diagnosis should be considered, to reduce as much as possible the devastating impact of this disease. The purpose of this review is to present literature data regarding the current methods of diagnosis and treatment of patients presenting to the doctor with colorectal cancer in advanced stages of complications

The customized therapeutic approach of a giant pancreatic pseudocyst. A case report and literature review

Giant pancreatic pseudocysts are considered those cysts whose dimensions exceed 10 cm and are sporadically reported in the literature. Although there are multiple treatment modalities, there are currently no treatment guidelines or consensus on the best therapeutic approach for giant pancreatic pseudocysts. We report the case of a 32-year-old male patient with a giant pancreatic pseudocyst after an episode of acute pancreatitis, which was treated by internal surgical drainage through cyst-jejunal anastomosis. This surgical procedure was followed by the formation of a retroperitoneal abscess which was resolved by ultrasound-guided drainage. The subsequent evolution of the patient was favorable, without other complications. Given their complex anatomical relations, the treatment of giant pseudocysts requires strategies adapted to the local conditions. The optimal choice of the operative time and of the therapeutic strategy is based on clinical considerations and the effectiveness of the method used can be assessed by a long-term follow-up

Inflammatory bowel disease: pathogenesis, diagnosis and current therapeutic approach

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of conditions of unknown etiology, represented by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and characterized by the presence of intestinal wall inflammation. From the first cases described to date, several studies have been performed to elucidate the cause of inflammatory bowel disease. Generally, the genetic factors predispose to their occurrence while epigenetic and environmental factors trigger them. Genetic factors are mutations of the genes involved in the response and recognition of immune cells to different pathogens. The most studied epigenetic and environmental factors are smoking (which predisposes to Crohn’s disease and can be protective for ulcerative colitis), lack of vitamin D, a diet rich in sugars and low in flavonoids and fibers. The diagnosis is usually established by endoscopy and biopsy. Recent technologies can perform live biopsies such as endocytoscopy or confocal laser endomicroscopy, with an accuracy of 100% compared to classical methods. Therapy involves several classes of drugs, preferably in association with diet and lifestyle changes. In case of complications or in non-responsive diseases, surgery must be considered, as documented for ulcerative colitis that can be cured by removing the entire colon. The purpose of this review is to present recent findings on pathology, as well as modern diagnosis and treatment methods for IBD

Limb amputations; etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and the multidisciplinary therapeutic approach

Despite remarkable advances in medicine, limb amputations remain a therapeutic measure that saves the lives of many patients. Given the varied etiopathogenesis, such operations are performed both as an emergency and as an elective procedure. Such interventions address either only the distal segments of a limb, or even the entire limb, having a great psychological, functional and social impact on the patient. Due to these multiple implications, limb amputations must be performed by specialized teams, in order to achieve the best possible functional and aesthetic results to be compatible with the correction of the remaining deficit with a prosthesis. The main causes leading to amputations and the corresponding preventive measures are presented, as well as the general principles of amputations as a therapeutic solution of last resort. In conclusion, reducing the number of traffic/workplace accidents and effective treatment of chronic diseases affecting the vascular system can contribute to decreasing the need for amputations, a life-saving therapeutic solution, but with a devastating impact on the patient and society

Barrett\u27s esophagus as a premalignant condition; medical and surgical therapeutic management

Barrett\u27s esophagus (BE) represents a special clinical entity, which may have reduced symptoms, but an increased potential for malignant degeneration. The factors that lead to the appearance of Barrett\u27s esophagus are multiple, the most important being gastro-esophageal reflux, as well as smoking and obesity. BE occurs as a result of damage of the esophageal mucosa, caused by acid/basic gastroesophageal reflux and resulting in the transformation of the epithelium from squamous to intestinal type. The diagnosis of BE is primarily based on endoscopic examination. This method has not only a diagnostic role, but also a therapeutic one through the minimally invasive resection of the mucosa with suspicious dysplastic lesions, thus reducing the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Conservative therapeutic methods by administering chemoprotective agents (proton pump inhibitors, statins, etc.) are also useful. Surgical treatment of Barrett\u27s esophagus aims to both resect areas of high-grade esophageal dysplasia/adenocarcinoma and reduce the degree of gastroesophageal reflux through various surgical procedures. As a conclusion, the potential for malignant degeneration of BE should not be neglected, the form of treatment largely depending on the patient\u27s age and comorbidities