THE EVOLUTION OF MARKETING METHODS IN A TOURISM ASSOCIATION FROM ROMANIA

The aim of this article is to present how to apply marketing methods, older and newer ones, to the action plan of a tourism association. I chose for this study the National Association of Rural, Ecological and Cultural Tourism from Romania (ANTREC), since I had available a series of chronological information on which I was capable to adapt the idea that I wanted to highlight. The conclusions that I reached from this analysis are closely related to the idea that, like other industries, the type of marketing practiced in a tourism association must adapt continually, to be innovative and to highlight by his unique style and his results. For the preparation work I used only the database of ANTREC Romania

CD163 receptor editing for resistance to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)

Doctor of PhilosophyDepartment of Diagnostic Medicine/PathobiologyMegan C. NiederwerderRaymond R. R. RowlandPorcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is one of the most economically destructive viruses affecting swine worldwide. In the U.S. alone, annual estimates indicate losses to national swine herds of $664 million. PRRSV isolates can be divided into two different genotypes, PRRSV-1 or PRRSV-2, which share only about 70% identity at the nucleotide level. Previous work showed that pigs lacking CD163 expression on macrophages are protected from PRRSV-2 infection (Whitworth et al., 2016). This receptor is composed of nine scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domains and two proline-serine-threonine (PST)-rich regions, one between SRCR6 and SRCR7, and one between SRCR9 and the transmembrane region and cytoplasmic tail. The purpose of the first study was to identify domains in CD163 that are necessary for infection with a PRRSV-2 isolate. The model system consisted of transfecting HEK cells with plasmids that expressed various CD163 domain deletions and an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) tag. After two days, the cells were infected with a P129 isolate expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP). The results showed that transfected cells possessing a deletion of the 101 amino acid SRCR5 or disruption of any of the conserved disulfide bonds within SRCR5 of CD163 were resistant to infection. Deletion of the 16 amino acid PSTII domain also has a negative impact on infection. The importance of both SRCR5 and PSTII domains in PRRSV infection indicates that the viral protein complex on the surface of the virion may form multiple contacts with CD163. A recent study showed that CD163 pigs containing a SRCR5 domain swap with the corresponding homolog SRCR8 from the hCD163L1 protein became resistant to PRRSV-1 but not PRRSV-2 (Well et al., 2017), showing that the viruses recognize different peptide sequences within SRCR5. An analysis of various studies that demonstrated the requirement of SRCR5 for PRRSV infection showed that some SRCR5 deletion constructs retained the ability to sustain a low-level of infection when retaining the SRCR4/5 inter-domain region, AHRK. Thus, the purpose of the second study was to identify the minimum changes in SRCR5 and the SRCR4/5 interdomain region sufficient to make HEK cells resistant to infection with both PRRSV genotypes. The results from this study showed that the insertion of proline-arginine (PR) after amino acids 57 and 99 inhibits infection with a PRRSV-1 isolate, whereas PR insertion after amino acids 8, 47, 54 and 99, inhibits PRRSV-2 infection. Furthermore, the deletion of the SRCR4/5 interdomain sequence, AHRK, also blocks infection. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2A10 was previously produced by immunizing pigs with porcine alveolar macrophages and has been used in various CD163-related experiments. There is currently no information regarding the location of the epitope recognized by this antibody, therefore, the goal of the last study was to determine this. By western blot analysis, immunofluorescence antibody assay and flow cytometry, we identified SRCR1 as the region recognized by the mAb 2A10. The data presented in this dissertation provided valuable tools for refinement of in vitro receptor editing approaches for prevention of PRRSV or other swine diseases

Foreign Trade in Agri-food Products - Current Approaches

The paper analyzes the external trade with agro-food products from several perspectives,namely: value for all commodity groups; the share of different groups in total exports and importsrespectively; of the evolution of its total values in the period 2012-2016. For the main groups ofagri-food products: live animals, vegetable products, fats and oils, food, beverages and tobacco,national databases on Free On Board (FOB) and Cost Insurance And Freight (CIF) values will beused; the Grubel Lloyd index values will also be calculated in order to determine the equilibriumratio between the two components of the trade balance, ie the value of the export and the import

Pheochromocytoma – clinical manifestations, diagnosis and current perioperative management

Pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor characterized by the excessive production of catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine). The diagnosis is suspected due to hypertensive paroxysms, associated with vegetative phenomena, due to the catecholaminergic hypersecretion. Diagnosis involves biochemical tests that reveal elevated levels of catecholamine metabolites (metanephrine and normetanephrine). Functional imaging, such as 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy (123I-MIBG), has increased specificity in identifying the catecholamine-producing tumor and its metastases. The gold-standard treatment for patients with pheochromocytoma is represented by the surgical removal of the tumor. Before surgical resection, it is important to optimize blood pressure and intravascular volume in order to avoid negative hemodynamic events

Can non-small cell lung cancer histologic subtypes predict survival? A single institution experience

Introduction. The latest histological classification of lung adenocarcinoma includes lepidic, acinar, papillary, micropapillary, and solid as subtypes. Testing these subtypes for their prognostic and predictive value is an ongoing scientific challenge. The present research article aims to describe the influence this classification has on patient survival. Materials and Methods. Thirty-three patients were included in the trial. The most important enrollment criterion was the clear specification of the adenocarcinoma subtype in the pathology report. Patients were stratified into three groups which included the adenocarcinoma pathological subtypes as follows: lepidic (LEP), acinar and papillary (ACN/PAP), and micropapillary/solid (MIP/SOL). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival. Other endpoints included overall survival. Results. The lepidic subtype of ADC had superior PFS and OS, regardless of stage. Papillary and acinar subtype showed an intermediate prognosis, whereas micropapillary and solid subtypes were the most aggressive. Conclusions. The experience of this single center confirmed data in the literature. Further studies are needed to demonstrate all the possible implications of this pathology classification

Importanța estetică a mâinii operate

Background. Traumatic hand injury represents one of the greatest distressing injuries. Severe hand injuries are related to high efforts for surgical and functional reconstructions to accomplish a satisfactory functional and aesthetic result. Objective of the study. The study was designed to mark the aesthetic importance in the practice of reconstructive surgery on the operated hand, in terms of the correlation between the severity of injuries and the postoperative aesthetic result. Material and Methods. In this retrospective study, we evaluated 175 patients with severe hand injuries in the Clinic of Plastic Surgery at IMU Hospital. The sample included 107 men, 68 women, aged between 15-60 years. Hand injuries were on the phalanges in 115 cases, in the metacarpal region 32, at the level of the carpus 23 and in 5 cases was extended on entire surface of the hand. Results. In the current study we examined the correlation between the hand injury severity scoring system and the quality of life of the pacient in terms of aesthetics associated with functional outcome and psychological impact. The study showed that psychological impact of the event, satisfaction of apperance and hand function were found to be correlated to low indicator of injury. Conclusion. The attempt to preserve both the function and the aesthetic aspect in each group of injuries with a high HISS score requires a lot of effort, time, major costs and technique. The increase of the quality of life, the integration in the society, as well as the desire for recovery rise gradually. Background. Traumatic hand injury represents one of the greatest distressing injuries. Severe hand injuries are related to high efforts for surgical and functional reconstructions to accomplish a satisfactory functional and aesthetic result. Objective of the study. The study was designed to mark the aesthetic importance in the practice of reconstructive surgery on the operated hand, in terms of the correlation between the severity of injuries and the postoperative aesthetic result. Material and Methods. In this retrospective study, we evaluated 175 patients with severe hand injuries in the Clinic of Plastic Surgery at IMU Hospital. The sample included 107 men, 68 women, aged between 15-60 years. Hand injuries were on the phalanges in 115 cases, in the metacarpal region 32, at the level of the carpus 23 and in 5 cases was extended on entire surface of the hand. Results. In the current study we examined the correlation between the hand injury severity scoring system and the quality of life of the pacient in terms of aesthetics associated with functional outcome and psychological impact. The study showed that psychological impact of the event, satisfaction of apperance and hand function were found to be correlated to low indicator of injury. Conclusion. The attempt to preserve both the function and the aesthetic aspect in each group of injuries with a high HISS score requires a lot of effort, time, major costs and technique. The increase of the quality of life, the integration in the society, as well as the desire for recovery rise gradually. Background. Traumatic hand injury represents one of the greatest distressing injuries. Severe hand injuries are related to high efforts for surgical and functional reconstructions to accomplish a satisfactory functional and aesthetic result. Objective of the study. The study was designed to mark the aesthetic importance in the practice of reconstructive surgery on the operated hand, in terms of the correlation between the severity of injuries and the postoperative aesthetic result. Material and Methods. In this retrospective study, we evaluated 175 patients with severe hand injuries in the Clinic of Plastic Surgery at IMU Hospital. The sample included 107 men, 68 women, aged between 15-60 years. Hand injuries were on the phalanges in 115 cases, in the metacarpal region 32, at the level of the carpus 23 and in 5 cases was extended on entire surface of the hand. Results. In the current study we examined the correlation between the hand injury severity scoring system and the quality of life of the pacient in terms of aesthetics associated with functional outcome and psychological impact. The study showed that psychological impact of the event, satisfaction of apperance and hand function were found to be correlated to low indicator of injury. Conclusion. The attempt to preserve both the function and the aesthetic aspect in each group of injuries with a high HISS score requires a lot of effort, time, major costs and technique. The increase of the quality of life, the integration in the society, as well as the desire for recovery rise gradually. Introducere. Traumatismele mâinii reprezintă una dintre cele mai mari suferințe. Reconstrucțiile chirurgicale sunt critice și necesită iscusința chirurgului pentru păstrarea structurii anatomice, funcției și importanța esteticului. Scopul lucrării. Studiul a fost conceput pentru a marca importanța estetică în practica chirurgiei reconstructive asupra mâinii operate din prisma corelației dintre gravitatea leziunilor și rezultatului estetic postoperator. Material și Metode. Studiu de tip observațional s-a desfășurat în Clinica de Chirurgie Plastică în Institutul de Medicină Urgentă. Eșantionul a cuprins 175 pacienți cu tramatisme mutilante. Bărbați 107, femei 68, cu vârsta de la 15-60 ani. Leziunile au fost pe falange în 115 cazuri, în regiunea metacarpiană 32, la nivelul carpului 23 și în 5 cazuri pe întreaga suprafață a mâinii. Rezultate. Studiul s-a exat pe examinarea relației dintre severitatea traumei la mâina operată și modificarea calității vieții pacientului prin prisma esteticului corelat cu impactul funcțional și psihologic. Studiul a demonstrat legătura atât dintre satisfacția imaginii, cât și a funcției mâinii operate, corelate cu indicatorul mic al injuriei. Concluzii. Încercarea de a păstra atât funcția, cât și aspectul estetic în fiecare grup de patologii necesită mult efort. Valoarea înaltă a scorului HISS solicită timp, costuri majore și tehnică de performanță. Sporirea calității vieții, integrării în societate și dorința de recuperare cresc gradual

EXPLORING SURGICAL OPTIONS AND THEIR IMPACT ON DUPUYTREN’S DISEASE: OUTCOMES AND CONSIDERATIONS

Universitatea de Stat de Medicină şi Farmacie „Nicolae Testemiţanu”, Chişinău, Republica MoldovaIntroducere. Maladia Dupuytren este o afecțiune caracterizată prin contractura progresivă a fasciei palmare, conducând la afectarea funcționalității mâinii. Diversele tehnici chirurgicale utilizate și eficacitatea lor rămân a fi subiect de cercetare. Scopul lucrării. Acest studiu a avut ca scop analiza diferitor tehnici chirurgicale utilizate în maladia Dupuytren, evaluând ratele de recurență, îmbunătățirea funcțională și satisfacția pacientului. Material și metode. A fost realizat un reviu sistematic prin căutarea în bazele de date electronice: PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier și Embase, pentru studii publicate între 2010 și 2023, care au inclus tehnici chirurgicale și rezultatele acestora, rata de recurență, îmbunătățirea funcțională a mâinii, rezultate raportate de pacienți și rata de complicații. Rezultate. Reviul a inclus 25 de studii, cuprinzând diverse tehnici chirurgicale: fasciectomie deschisă, fasciectomie limitată, aponeurotomie percutană cu ac și injectare de colagenază. Rata de recurență a variat în funcție de tehnicile utilizate, fasciectomia deschisă fiind asociată cu rate mai scăzute de recurență. Ratele de satisfacție ale pacienților au fost, în general, crescute, majoritatea persoanelor experimentând ameliorarea simptomelor și îmbunătățirea funcției mâinii. Ratele de complicații au fost relativ scăzute, cel mai frecvent întâlnindu-se probleme legate de vindecarea plăgilor. Concluzii. Tehnicile chirurgicale utilizate în maladia Dupuytren oferă rezultate variate. Fasciectomia deschisă rămâne o opțiune de încredere pentru obținerea rezultatelor favorabile, cu rate reduse de recurență. Studii comparative suplimentare și urmărirea pe termen lung sunt necesare pentru a optimiza ghidurile de tratament și a optimiza abordările chirurgicale.Background. Dupuytren’s disease is a common hand condition characterized by progressive contracture of the palmar fascia, leading to impaired hand function. Various surgical techniques are employed to treat Dupuytren’s disease, but their comparative outcomes and effectiveness remain a subject of investigation. Objective of the study. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze different surgical techniques for Dupuytren’s disease, evaluating recurrence rates, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction. Material and methods. A systematic review was conducted by searching electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier and Embase for studies published between 2010 and 2023, including studies reporting on surgical techniques and their outcomes, recurrence rates, hand function improvement, patient-reported outcomes, and complication rates. Results. The review encompassed 25 studies involving various surgical techniques: open fasciectomy, limited fasciectomy, needle aponeurotomy, and collagenase injection. The recurrence rates varied across the techniques, with open fasciectomy generally associated with lower rates compared to other approaches. Functional improvement was observed across all techniques, although the extent varied. Patient satisfaction rates were generally high, with most individuals experiencing relief from symptoms and improved hand function. Complication rates were relatively low, with the most common being wound healing issues. Conclusion. Surgical techniques in Dupuytren’s disease offer varying outcomes. Open fasciectomy remains a reliable option for achieving favorable outcomes with lower recurrence rates. Further comparative studies and longterm follow-up are necessary to refine treatment guidelines and optimize surgical approaches

THE SUPPLY TENDENCY OF ROMANIAN AGRITOURISM

In this paper, we will examine the Romanian agritourism from the perspectives of supply for agritourism in comparison with those of Romanian tourism markets in general. In Romania, a rural tourist infrastructure with small dimension accommodation functions (agritourist and tourist guesthouses) was developed with priority. If we compare the evolution of the number of agritourist guesthouses to that of the total number of tourist structures in Romania, the significant rhythm of growth (+2472.13 %) is noticeable in the case of agritourist guesthouses compared to the growth (+96.32%) registered by the total number of tourist accommodation structures existent in Romania. Following only the agritourist guesthouses by comparison of their number to the accommodation capacity, in the analyzed dynamics it is apparent that rhythms of growth decreased in the number of units, but increased in accommodation capacities. Thus, the number of units increases by +2472.13 %and the accommodation capacity existent increases by +8168.96% respectively +9302.73%

Nanofluid with Colloidal Magnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles and Its Applications in Electrical Engineering

In this study, we propose a new type of a cooling agent based on magnetic nanofluid for the purpose of replacing the classical cooling fluids in electrical power transformers. The magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method from an aqueous medium of salts FeCl3x6H2O and FeSO4x7H2O in the molar ratio Fe3+/Fe2+ = 2:1, by alkalization with 10% aqueous solution of NaOH at 80°C, for 1 h. The size of the magnetite nanoparticles, as measured by X-ray diffraction method, was 14 nm and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), they are between 10 and 30 nm. Magnetite powder was placed in oleic acid as a surfactant to prevent agglomeration of nanoparticles. The resulting mixture was dispersed in transformer oil UTR 40, with the role of carrier liquid. The magnetic, rheological, thermal and electrical characteristic properties of the obtained Fe3O4 transformer oil-based nanofluid were determined. A mathematical model and numerical simulation results are very useful for investigating the heat transfer performances of the magnetic nanofluid. Based on this study, it was tested the cooling performance of this magnetic nanofluid for two types of electrical power transformers as compared to classical methods. We also presented a microactuator based on the same magnetic nanofluid

The importance of early arthritis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disorder that manifests predominantly in the synovial joint, where it causes a chronic inflammatory process, leading to early osteoarticular destructions. These destructions are progressive and irreversible, generating a significant functional deficiency. During the last years, the diagnostic approach of RA has focused on early arthritis. Early arthritis can develop into established RA or another established arthropathy, like systemic lupus erythematosus or psoriatic arthritis. It can have a spontaneous resolution or may remain undifferentiated for indefinite periods of time. The management of early arthritis has changed considerably in the past few years, under the influence of new concepts of diagnosis and new effective therapies. The treatment goal of early arthritis should now be the clinical remission and prevention of joint destruction. Methotrexate is the first line of therapy, used to treat early arthralgia and to reverse or limit impending exacerbation to RA. Biological treatment is used as a second line therapy in patients with severe disease who do not respond or have a contraindication to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Patients with early arthritis should usually be identified and directed to rheumatologists to confirm the presence of arthritis, and to establish the correct diagnosis plus to initiate the proper treatment strategies