CALIBRATION OF MATERIAL MODELS FOR THE HUMAN CERVICAL SPINE LIGAMENT BEHAVIOUR USING A GENETIC ALGORITHM

Research of biomaterials in loading conditions has become a significant field in the material science nowadays. In order to provide better understanding of the loading effects on material structures, complex material models are usually chosen, depending on their applicability to the material under consideration. In order to provide as accurate as possible the material behavior modeling of the human cervical spine ligaments, the procedure for calibration of two material models has been evaluated. The calibration of material models was based on the genetic algorithm procedure in order to make possible optimization of material parameters identification for the chosen models. The influence of genetic algorithm operators upon the results in evaluated procedure has been tested and discussed here and the simulated behavior of the material has been compared to the experimentally recorded stress stretch relationship of the material under consideration. Since various influential factors contribute to the genetic algorithm performance in calibration of complex material models and identification of material parameters, additional possible improvements have been suggested for further research

ETIOLOGY OF SPEECH DISORDERS IN “INSTITUTE FOR REHABILITATION OF HEARING, SPEECH AND VOICE” – SKOPJE

Significant number of the world population is faced with speech disorder problem. Speech disorders can be caused by numerous factors, which can be genetic, congenital or obtained. The knowledge of the etiology of speech disorders is of a great importance, because the early detection and diagnosis are of invaluable significance for successful rehabilitation of people with speech disorders. On the other hand, the establishment of etiology would mean early intervention with appropriate treatments, which can alleviate or prevent consequences of speech disorders. In other words it would mean successful prevention.This work is a contribution to the research of the etiology of speech disorders

OVARIAN CYSTECTOMY IN A SECOND TRIMESTER PREGNANT PATIENT WITH DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS

Prikazana je tridesetčetverogodišnja bolesnica kojoj je u devetom tjednu prve trudnoće postavljena dijagnoza ciste na jajniku i duboke venske tromboze. Pacijentica je inicijalno liječena terapijskim dozama niskomolekularnog heparina. Nakon što je kontrolni obojeni dopler nožnih vena u petnaestom tjednu gestacije pokazao prohodnost nožnih vena, započete su pripreme za operaciju. Uzevši u obzir dimenzije tumora odlučeno je izvesti laparotomiju. Anesteziološka skrb, kirurški postupak, kao i postoperativno razdoblje protekli su bez komplikacija. Antitrombotska profi laksa nastavljena je tijekom ostatka trudnoće. Pacijentica je imala nekomplicirani vaginalni porođaj u tridesetdevetom tjednu gestacije. Smatra se kako kirurško odstranjenje velikih adneksalnih masa za vrijeme trudnoće smanjuje rizik nedijagnosticiranog maligniteta, torzije, infekcije, rupture, krvarenja i opstrukcije porođaja. Uzevši u obzir dokazanu duboku vensku trombozu, inicijalno liječenje je započeto supkutanom primjenom terapijskih doza niskomolekularnog heparina. Ostale potencijalne terapijske mjere uključuju postavljanje fi ltera u donju šuplju venu, liječenje nefrakcioniranim heparinom te trombolizu/trombektomiju. Nekoliko studija navodi slične stope uspješnosti vaginalnog porođaja između pacijenata liječenih profi laktičkim dozama niskomolekularnog heparina i opće opstetričke populacije. U slučaju naše bolesnice odlučili smo nastaviti antitrombotsku profi laksu do kraja trudnoće što se pokazalo kao dobra odluka jer je bolesnica imala nekompliciran vaginalni porođaj u tridesetdevetom tjednu gestacije. Naše iskustvo pokazuje dobar terapijski odgovor na liječenje duboke venske tromboze niskomolekularnim heparinom za vrijeme trudnoće. Također, možemo potvrditi da je razdoblje drugog trimestra trudnoće, nakon završene organogeneze, idealno za kirurško zbrinjavanje adneksalnih masa. Potrebno je više studija za dokaz pravog značenja primjene intraoperacijskog pozitivnog tlaka na kraju ekspirija kao metode prevencije plućne embolije.This is a case report on a 34-year-old primigravida diagnosed with ovarian cyst and deep venous thrombosis in the 9th gestational week. The patient was initially treated with therapeutic values of low molecular weight heparin. When follow up ultrasonography scan in the 15th week of gestation showed deep vein patency of the leg veins, the patient was prepared for surgery. Considering dimension of the tumor, it was safer to perform laparotomy. Anesthetic management, surgical procedure and postoperative period were uneventful. Antithrombotic prophylaxis was continued throughout the rest of pregnancy. The patient had an uneventful vaginal delivery at the 39th week of gestation. Surgical removal of large adnexal masses during pregnancy is considered to reduce the risk of undiagnosed malignancy, torsion, infection, rupture, hemorrhage, and obstruction of labor. Considering the proven deep venous thrombosis, treatment for deep venous thrombosis was initiated with therapeutic values of subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin. Other potential therapeutic measures include placement of inferior vena cava fi lters, treatment with unfractionated heparin, and thrombolysis/thrombectomy. Several studies suggest similar vaginal delivery rates between the patients receiving prophylactic low molecular weight heparin and the general obstetric population. We decided to continue with antithrombotic prophylaxis throughout the rest of pregnancy, which also proved to be the right choice because the patient had uncomplicated vaginal delivery at 39th week of gestation. Our experience gained from this case suggests good response to treatment of deep venous thrombosis with low molecular weight heparin during pregnancy. We can also confi rm that adnexal masses during pregnancy are ideally managed in the second trimester after organogenesis has been completed. The true benefi t of intraoperative positive end expiratory pressure as a measure of prevention of pulmonary embolism is yet to be established

OVARIAN CYSTECTOMY IN A SECOND TRIMESTER PREGNANT PATIENT WITH DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS

Prikazana je tridesetčetverogodišnja bolesnica kojoj je u devetom tjednu prve trudnoće postavljena dijagnoza ciste na jajniku i duboke venske tromboze. Pacijentica je inicijalno liječena terapijskim dozama niskomolekularnog heparina. Nakon što je kontrolni obojeni dopler nožnih vena u petnaestom tjednu gestacije pokazao prohodnost nožnih vena, započete su pripreme za operaciju. Uzevši u obzir dimenzije tumora odlučeno je izvesti laparotomiju. Anesteziološka skrb, kirurški postupak, kao i postoperativno razdoblje protekli su bez komplikacija. Antitrombotska profi laksa nastavljena je tijekom ostatka trudnoće. Pacijentica je imala nekomplicirani vaginalni porođaj u tridesetdevetom tjednu gestacije. Smatra se kako kirurško odstranjenje velikih adneksalnih masa za vrijeme trudnoće smanjuje rizik nedijagnosticiranog maligniteta, torzije, infekcije, rupture, krvarenja i opstrukcije porođaja. Uzevši u obzir dokazanu duboku vensku trombozu, inicijalno liječenje je započeto supkutanom primjenom terapijskih doza niskomolekularnog heparina. Ostale potencijalne terapijske mjere uključuju postavljanje fi ltera u donju šuplju venu, liječenje nefrakcioniranim heparinom te trombolizu/trombektomiju. Nekoliko studija navodi slične stope uspješnosti vaginalnog porođaja između pacijenata liječenih profi laktičkim dozama niskomolekularnog heparina i opće opstetričke populacije. U slučaju naše bolesnice odlučili smo nastaviti antitrombotsku profi laksu do kraja trudnoće što se pokazalo kao dobra odluka jer je bolesnica imala nekompliciran vaginalni porođaj u tridesetdevetom tjednu gestacije. Naše iskustvo pokazuje dobar terapijski odgovor na liječenje duboke venske tromboze niskomolekularnim heparinom za vrijeme trudnoće. Također, možemo potvrditi da je razdoblje drugog trimestra trudnoće, nakon završene organogeneze, idealno za kirurško zbrinjavanje adneksalnih masa. Potrebno je više studija za dokaz pravog značenja primjene intraoperacijskog pozitivnog tlaka na kraju ekspirija kao metode prevencije plućne embolije.This is a case report on a 34-year-old primigravida diagnosed with ovarian cyst and deep venous thrombosis in the 9th gestational week. The patient was initially treated with therapeutic values of low molecular weight heparin. When follow up ultrasonography scan in the 15th week of gestation showed deep vein patency of the leg veins, the patient was prepared for surgery. Considering dimension of the tumor, it was safer to perform laparotomy. Anesthetic management, surgical procedure and postoperative period were uneventful. Antithrombotic prophylaxis was continued throughout the rest of pregnancy. The patient had an uneventful vaginal delivery at the 39th week of gestation. Surgical removal of large adnexal masses during pregnancy is considered to reduce the risk of undiagnosed malignancy, torsion, infection, rupture, hemorrhage, and obstruction of labor. Considering the proven deep venous thrombosis, treatment for deep venous thrombosis was initiated with therapeutic values of subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin. Other potential therapeutic measures include placement of inferior vena cava fi lters, treatment with unfractionated heparin, and thrombolysis/thrombectomy. Several studies suggest similar vaginal delivery rates between the patients receiving prophylactic low molecular weight heparin and the general obstetric population. We decided to continue with antithrombotic prophylaxis throughout the rest of pregnancy, which also proved to be the right choice because the patient had uncomplicated vaginal delivery at 39th week of gestation. Our experience gained from this case suggests good response to treatment of deep venous thrombosis with low molecular weight heparin during pregnancy. We can also confi rm that adnexal masses during pregnancy are ideally managed in the second trimester after organogenesis has been completed. The true benefi t of intraoperative positive end expiratory pressure as a measure of prevention of pulmonary embolism is yet to be established

Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of methanol extracts of two Athamanta turbith subspecies

The methanol extracts of fruits and leaves of Athamanta turbith subsp. hungarica (Borbas) Tutin (Umbelliferae) and A. turbith subsp. haynaldii (Borbas & Uechtr.) Tutin were analyzed for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids) of the extracts were examined using HPLC. All the extracts were characterized by the presence of caffeic acid derivates, luteolin and its glycosides, with luteolin 7-O-glucoside as one of the main compounds. Luteolin 7-O-rutinoside was detected only in A. turbith subsp. haynaldii extracts. Investigation of antimicrobial activity was performed against six bacteria and two fungal strains, using the agar diffusion technique and broth microdilution assay. The extracts of investigated A. turbith subspecies exerted similar antimicrobial activity, whereas the best activity was detected against Candida albicans. In order to investigate antioxidant properties, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), radical scavenging capacity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical (HO.), and the effect on lipid peroxidation (LP) were examined. All the examined extracts showed moderate antioxidant capacity, whereas the fruit extracts were more active than the extracts of leaves. Also, the extracts of A. turbith subsp. hungarica exerted higher antioxidant capacity than corresponding A. turbith subsp. haynaldii extracts. The relationship between estimated activity and chemical composition of the extracts is discussed

Developing the Silver Economy and Related Government Resources for Seniors: A Position Paper

The precarious rights of senior citizens, especially those who are highly educated and who are expected to counsel and guide the younger generations, has stimulated the creation internationally of advocacy associations and opinion leader groups. The strength of these groups, however, varies from country to country. In some countries, they are supported and are the focus of intense interest; in others, they are practically ignored. For this is reason we believe that the creation of a network of all these associations is essential. The proposed network would act as a support for the already-existing policies of the United Nations' High Commission for Human Rights, of independent experts, and of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People. All three have long ago recommended the creation of a recognized instrument for uniting presently scattered efforts. The proposed network, therefore, will seek to promote the international exchange of relevant expertise, and it will reinforce the commitments and actions that single countries are currently taking to meet these objectives. For example, informative public events can be organised to promote particular support initiatives and to provide an opportunity for new members of the network to be presented. The network will promote health for senior citizens, disease prevention, senior mobility, safe free time for seniors, alimentary education, protection against new risks and dangers, as well as equity in the services necessary for seniors to adopt new information and communication technologies. In the case of retired academic members, the network will promote equality with respect to continuing use of digital technologies (particularly email), continuing access to research libraries, and the guaranteed ability for seniors to fund their own research programs and to deliver free seminars

Developing the Silver Economy and Related Government Resources for Seniors: A Position Paper

The precarious rights of senior citizens, especially those who are highly educated and who are expected to counsel and guide the younger generations, has stimulated the creation internationally of advocacy associations and opinion leader groups. The strength of these groups, however, varies from country to country. In some countries, they are supported and are the focus of intense interest; in others, they are practically ignored. For this is reason we believe that the creation of a network of all these associations is essential. The proposed network would act as a support for the already-existing policies of the United Nations’ High Commission for Human Rights, of independent experts, and of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People. All three have long ago recommended the creation of a recognized instrument for uniting presently scattered efforts. The proposed network, therefore, will seek to promote the international exchange of relevant expertise, and it will reinforce the commitments and actions that single countries are currently taking to meet these objectives. For example, informative public events can be organised to promote particular support initiatives and to provide an opportunity for new members of the network to be presented. The network will promote health for senior citizens, disease prevention, senior mobility, safe free time for seniors, alimentary education, protection against new risks and dangers, as well as equity in the services necessary for seniors to adopt new information and communication technologies. In the case of retired academic members, the network will promote equality with respect to continuing use of digital technologies (particularly email), continuing access to research libraries, and the guaranteed ability for seniors to fund their own research programs and to deliver free seminars

A novel approach to measuring muscle mechanics in vehicle collision conditions

The aim of the study was to evaluate a novel approach to measuring neck muscle load and activity in vehicle collision conditions. A series of sled tests were performed on 10 healthy volunteers at three severity levels to simulate low-severity frontal impacts. Electrical activity-electromyography (EMG)-and muscle mechanical tension was measured bilaterally on the upper trapezius. A novel mechanical contraction (MC) sensor was used to measure the tension on the muscle surface. The neck extensor loads were estimated based on the inverse dynamics approach. The results showed strong linear correlation (Pearson\u27s coefficient $overline{r}_P$ = 0.821) between the estimated neck muscle load and the muscle tension measured with the MC sensor. The peak of the estimated neck muscle force delayed 0.2 ± 30.6 ms on average vs. the peak MC sensor signal compared to the average delay of 61.8 ± 37.4 ms vs. the peak EMG signal. The observed differences in EMG and MC sensor collected signals indicate that the MC sensor offers an additional insight into the analysis of the neck muscle load and activity in impact conditions. This approach enables a more detailed assessment of the muscle-tendon complex load of a vehicle occupant in pre-impact and impact conditions

A Novel Approach to Measuring Muscle Mechanics in Vehicle Collision Conditions

The aim of the study was to evaluate a novel approach to measuring neck muscle load and activity in vehicle collision conditions. A series of sled tests were performed on 10 healthy volunteers at three severity levels to simulate low-severity frontal impacts. Electrical activity—electromyography (EMG)—and muscle mechanical tension was measured bilaterally on the upper trapezius. A novel mechanical contraction (MC) sensor was used to measure the tension on the muscle surface. The neck extensor loads were estimated based on the inverse dynamics approach. The results showed strong linear correlation (Pearson’s coefficient = 0.821) between the estimated neck muscle load and the muscle tension measured with the MC sensor. The peak of the estimated neck muscle force delayed 0.2 ± 30.6 ms on average vs. the peak MC sensor signal compared to the average delay of 61.8 ± 37.4 ms vs. the peak EMG signal. The observed differences in EMG and MC sensor collected signals indicate that the MC sensor offers an additional insight into the analysis of the neck muscle load and activity in impact conditions. This approach enables a more detailed assessment of the muscle-tendon complex load of a vehicle occupant in pre-impact and impact conditions