The Judas Effect: Betrayal in Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless

This article revisits the ending of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless (1960) in an attempt to untangle the complicated relationship between the two main characters, and to claim that they are characters that belong to no identifiable genre. Instead, they come to life as characters at the intersection point of existentialism, creationism, and two radically different genres, film noir and neorealism. In essence, they are characters without a genre, always out of place, and their existential drifting generates a Judas effect—a trope that establishes betrayal and sacrifice as necessary narrative tools and that suspends the classical (cinematic) Oedipal cycle

Perinatology – the link between Obstetrics and Neonatology

Starting from the end of the XIXth century, a decrease in infant mortality was observed worldwide. Care of preterm infants became the domain of dedicated units inside hospitals and technology became more complex. Neonatal Intensive Care Units were created throughout the world, increasing infant survival chances regardless of age and pathology. Alongside Neonatology, better means of investigating the pregnancies were discovered. Ultrasound use during pregnancy improved the chances of identifying complex genetic syndromes, some incompatible with survival after birth. It is considered that Stéphane Tarnier (1828–1897) is the architect of Perinatology, many of his inventions had a major role in the evolution of Obstetrics and Neonatology (the Tarnier forceps, the basiotribe, intrauterine balloon for inducing the labor, gavage feeding of the preemies). But only in 1967 the term “perinatology” was mentioned for the first time in a german paper. Professor Emeritus Erich Saling is the father or perinatology. He introduced the evaluation of gas exchange for the fetus during labor and the examination of amniotic fluid during the last weeks of pregnancy. Today, Perinatology is a widely used concept, but the road to creating this concept was long and needed the work of many prominent doctors

The Judas Effect: Betrayal in Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless

This article revisits the ending of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless (1960) in an attempt to untangle the complicated relationship between the two main characters, and to claim that they are characters that belong to no identifiable genre. Instead, they come to life as characters at the intersection point of existentialism, creationism, and two radically different genres, film noir and neorealism. In essence, they are characters without a genre, always out of place, and their existential drifting generates a Judas effect—a trope that establishes betrayal and sacrifice as necessary narrative tools and that suspends the classical (cinematic) Oedipal cycle

Neuroendocrine tumours of the ampulla of Vater: clinico-pathological features, surgical approach and assessment of prognosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Neuroendocrine tumours occur very rarely in the ampulla of Vater and their clinical behaviour is unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the clinico-pathological features, surgical approach and prognosis of these patients. METHODS: Six patients with neuroendocrine tumours of the ampulla of Vater treated with curative intent surgery at a single centre were retrospectively analysed. A univariate analysis of potential prognostic factors was also performed (data provided from the present study and literature review). RESULTS: Pancreaticoduodenectomy was curative in all the patients. Overall and disease-free survival rates were significantly better for G1/G2 tumours (p = 0.006 and p = 0.004, respectively). Although frequent, lymph node metastases did not influenced both overall (p = 0.760) and disease-free survival rates (p = 0.745). No significant differences of survival were observed in patients with ENETS stage I/II disease, as compared to ENETS stage III disease (p = 0.169 and p = 0.137, respectively). No differences were observed according to UICC staging system (p = 0.073 and p = 0.177, respectively). Tumours that are less than 2 cm or limited to the ampulla appear to have a better prognosis. CONCLUSION: The WHO 2010 classification appear to accurately predict patient prognosis, while the ENETS or UICC staging systems have a limited value (especially in regard to lymph node metastases). Radical surgery (i.e. pancreaticoduodenectomy with lymphadenectomy) should be the standard approach in most patients with NET of the ampulla of Vater because this procedure removes all the potential tumour-bearing tissue

Research on Chemical Deposition of Silver with Antibacterial Role in Implantology

The paper presents a synthesis of the laboratory research on the conditions of achieving chemical deposition of silver on oral implants made of Ti base alloy (bioalloy Ti10Zr). There were used several chemical deposition regimes in which were modified deposition parameters (temperature, stirring time) for two types of implants (different screw thread geometry). Study of the influence of deposition conditions was performed through analysis at scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDX analyzer. The results revealed the presence of silver, microdispersed particles with morphologies and degrees of dispersion dependent on the factors and technological conditions of obtaining the chemical deposition

Sneathia infections and adverse perinatal outcomes – short communication

The influence of the maternal vaginal microbiome in vaginal birth is an important factor in the pathogenesis of early-onset neonatal sepsis. The incidence of Sneathia infection is hard to assess due to the difficulty in its detection, as special culture conditions are required. The laboratory methods used in its detection are based on molecular analysis. This emergent, anaerobic agent, by ascending from the female genital tract, can colonize and infect the amniotic fluid, fetal membranes, and placenta. Chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, stillbirth, spontaneous premature labor, and preterm prelabour rupture of the membrane are some of the adverse reactions that can be associated with the presence of Sneathia. In conclusion, Sneathia infection, although underestimated due to its virulence, represents an increased risk of maternal-fetal infections, with the risk of developing a series of neonatal complications. The detection and treatment of this infection will contribute to a decrease in neonatal morbidity and mortality

Transient neonatal myasthenia gravis: case report

Transient neonatal myasthenia gravis (TNMG) is a distinct type of myasthenia gravis (MG), a temporary autoimmune condition due to the mother’s antibodies crossing over the placenta and affecting the baby. Studies suggest that 10 to 15% of infants born to mothers suffering from MG will develop TNMG. Undoubtedly, if not diagnosed and treated in time, TNMG can be a serious condition, even life-threatening. Almost 80% of newborns will present symptoms in the first 24 hours of life that will last up to 4 weeks and a complete recovery is expected by 2 months of age. Only 10% of the affected infants may still be symptomatic at 4 months

Gestational periodontitis impact on the fetus and neonate

Maternal oral pathologies during pregnancy represent a controversial subject. The incidence of periodontal disease is approximatively 40% among pregnant women. Periodontal disease has been associated with several unfortunate outcomes; among them, the most important are cardiovascular disorders, respiratory infections, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Regarding mechanisms, bacteria enter the blood stream and cross the placenta or the inflammatory mediators can affect the fetoplacental unit or generate an increased inflammatory response with subsequent consequences on the fetus. The most disputed subjects concerning periodontal disease in pregnancy are related to the effects on the pregnancy outcome and the offspring, respectively the associations between maternal periodontal disease and small for gestational age, preeclampsia, arteriosclerosis, gestational diabetes and perinatal mortality. In order to improve neonatal outcome and ensure maternal oral health, we should assure that the necessary dental treatment is provided during the entire pregnancy, preferably between 14 and 20 gestational weeks. Moreover, women should be encouraged to received dental treatment preconceptionally

The role of spinal ultrasound in the diagnosis of spinal dysraphism – correlation with MRI examination

The paper presents the clinical, ultrasound and MRI appearances in the case of the closed spinal dysraphisms with a cutaneous/subcutaneous mass: lypomyelomeningocele, posterior meningocele and cervical meningocele. There is mentioned first the classification of these defects, then, for each type, a case example is presented, showing the clinical aspect of the lesion, the ultrasound features and the correlation of ultrasound with MRI images. The examples show a good correlation between ultrasound and MRI, entitling the ultrasound exam to be the first line of exploration in the case of this category of patients

Facing the outcome of prematurity – opinions from the general practitioner

Preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, affecting more than 15 million babies worldwide each year. Preterm infants also have higher rates of motor, functional, and cognitive deficits. Modern imaging has contributed significantly to a better understanding of the etiology of various forms of brain injury in neonates. The follow-up of premature newborns is essential to prevent and diminish neurological sequelae in time. A multi-disciplinary team is needed to adequately monitor this category of children, in which the family doctor has a significant role. The variety of adverse events that preterm infants can be exposed to before, during, and after birth poses significant obstacles to developing therapeutic interventions to prevent brain damage, including developmental vulnerability to injury during a particular gestational age. In addition, several procedures required for neonatal critical care, reduce mortality but increase the risk of brain injury. This review is aimed to update the reader about the complications of preterm birth, current therapeutic uses, imaging techniques, as well as present and future research on preterm birth