An application of a hybrid intelligent system for diagnosing primary headaches

[Abstract] (1) Background: Modern medicine generates a great deal of information that stored in medical databases. Simultaneously, extracting useful knowledge and making scientific decisions for diagnosis and treatment of diseases becomes increasingly necessary. Headache disorders are the most prevalent of all the neurological conditions. Headaches have not only medical but also great socioeconomic significance. The aim of this research is to develop an intelligent system for diagnosing primary headache disorders. (2) Methods: This research applied various mathematical, statistical and artificial intelligence techniques, among which the most important are: Calinski-Harabasz index, Analytical Hierarchy Process, and Weighted Fuzzy C-means Clustering Algorithm. These methods, techniques and methodologies are used to create a hybrid intelligent system for diagnosing primary headache disorders. The proposed intelligent diagnostic system is tested with original real-world data set with different metrics. (3) Results: First at all, nine of 20 attributes – features from International Headache Society (IHS) criteria are selected, and then only five most important attributes from IHS criteria are selected. The calculation result based on the Calinski–Harabasz index value (178) for the optimal number of clusters is three, and they present three classes of headaches: (i) migraine, (ii) tension-type headaches (TTHs), and (iii) other primary headaches (OPHs). The proposed hybrid intelligent system shows the following quality metrics: Accuracy 75%; Precision 67% for migraine, 74% for TTHs, 86% for OPHs, and Average Precision 77%; Recall 86% for migraine, 73% for TTHs, 67% for OPHs, Average Recall 75%; F1 score 75% for migraine, 74% for TTHs, 75% for OPHs, and Average F1 score 75%. (4) Conclusions: The hybrid intelligent system presents qualitative and respectable experimental results. The implementation of existing diagnostics systems and the development of new diagnostics systems in medicine is necessary in order to help physicians make quality diagnosis and decide the best treatments for the patients.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación; MINECO-TIN2017-84804-RGobierno del Principado de Asturias; FCGRUPIN-IDI/2018/000226Serbia. Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development; 451-03-68/2020-14/20015

Prediktori ranog nastupa depresije nakon moždanog udara

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a severe and frequent stroke complication and one of the crucial factors for the outcome of rehabilitation and life quality after stroke. However, mood disorders frequently remain unnoticed and therefore untreated. The aim of the study was to examine all the potential risk factors and determine the independent predictors of early-onset depression after first-ever stroke, which would help identify high-risk patients, establish early diagnosis and timely treatment that would improve the course and prognosis of this disorder. This prospective study included 60 patients treated for their first-ever stroke; there were 30 patients diagnosed with depression and 30 patients without depression. The study included collection and analysis of all socio-demographic and clinical risk factors for PSD. Testing was performed two weeks after stroke. Depression was diagnosed according to the Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview, DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, and depression severity was quantified by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Cognitive impairment was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination. Neurological deficit was assessed by the US National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Our results showed that the independent predictors of early-onset depression after stroke were previous depressive episodes, cognitive dysfunction, and more severe neurological deficit.Depresija nakon moždanog udara je teška i česta komplikacija moždanog udara i jedan od ključnih čimbenika za ishod rehabilitacije i kvalitetu života nakon moždanog udara. Međutim, poremećaji raspoloženja ostaju najčešće neprepoznati, a samim tim i neliječeni. Cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je ispitati sve potencijalne čimbenike rizika i utvrditi nezavisne prediktore depresije koja se javlja rano nakon moždanog udara, a koji bi omogućili identifikaciju visokorizičnih bolesnika, postavljanje rane dijagnoze i pravodobno liječenje, što bi unaprijedilo tijek i prognozu ove bolesti. Prospektivno istraživanje obuhvatilo je 60 bolesnika liječenih zbog klinički prvog moždanog udara, od toga 30 bolesnika s dijagnosticiranom depresijom i 30 bolesnika bez depresije. Istraživanje je obuhvatilo podatke o svim socio-demografskim i kliničkim čimbenicima rizika za nastanak depresije nakon moždanog udara. Testiranja su provedena dva tjedna nakon moždanog udara. Depresija je dijagnosticirana prema Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview, DSM-IV dijagnostičkim kriterijima, težina depresije kvantificirana je Hamiltonovom ljestvicom za procjenu depresivnosti (HDRS). Kognitivni status procjenjivao se pomoću Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Neurološki status se procjenjivao pomoću Ljestvice za moždani udar Nacionalnog instituta za zdravlje, SAD (NIHSS). Rezultati našega istraživanja ukazuju na to da su nezavisni prediktori ranog nastupa depresije nakon moždanog udara ranije depresivne epizode, kognitivne disfunkcije i teži neurološki deficit

Segmental cavernous carotid ectasia in a patient with cluster-like headache

Introduction Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache with severe, unilateral periorbital or temporal pain lasting 15–180min, accompanied with various cranial autonomic features. A diagnosis of cluster-like headache can be made whenever underlying cause of CLH is present. Methods and results We report a case where an ectatic cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery triggered CHL, most probably due to compression of the ophthalmic nerve within cavernous sinus. The pathological substrate of a vessel ectasia is degeneration of the tunica intima as a consequence of atherosclerosis and hypertension. On the other hand, cavernous sinus is unique space where parasympathetic, sympathetic and nociceptive fibers are in intimate relationship which is of great importance for understanding of CH pathophysiology. Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging and MR angiography are mandatory imaging tools used for precise localization of pathological changes in the cavernous sinus, especially in the group of secondary headaches attributed to vascular disorders

Poboljšanje rasta lucerke, Medicago sativa L. - pomoću inokulacije preduseva rizosfernim bakterijama

In the greenhouse experiment, the possibility of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth promotion by inoculation of preceding barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) was examined. The aim of experiment was to select the effective strains as biofertilizer applied in plant rotation. Effects of inoculation with two Azotobacter and two Pseudomonas strains as well as one Sinorhizobium, Enterobacter and Bacillus strain on shoot dry weight and total N content of alfalfa were determined. The results pointed out significant plant growth promotion abilities of strains A1, A2 and P1 which increased alfalfa shoot dry weight over untreated control Ø, by 41, 39 and 35 %, respectively. These three strains increased total N content of alfalfa plants by 34.92 - 40.45% in respect to control Ø. The presented study showed a significant positive influence of preceding barley inoculation with rhizobacteria alone and their mixture on shoot yield and total N content of alfalfa. Results indicated that strains of Azotobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Enterobacter sp. alone can be investigated in further researches as potential agents of biofertilizer for plant growth promotion of alfalfa.U eksprimentu u sudovima ispitana je mogućnost poboljšanja rasta lucerke (Medicago sativa L.) pomoću inokulacije ječma (Hordeum vulgare L.) kao preduseva bakterijama koje poboljšavaju rast biljaka (PGPR). Cilj eksperimenta je bio odabiranje efikasnih sojeva koji bi se primenili u plodoredu u formi biološkog đubriva. U radu je korišćeno sedam sojeva koji pripadaju sledećim bakterijskim vrstama: Sinorhizobium meliloti, Bacillus megaterium, Enterobacter sp, Azotobacter sp, kao i vrsti Pseudomonas sp. Efekat inokulacije ječma primenjenim sojevima je određen na osnovu suve nadzemne mase (SDW) i sadržaja ukupnog azota (N) u biljnoj masi lucerke. Rezultati su ukazali na sposobnost nekih sojeva da poboljšaju rast biljaka. Značajno je povećan prinos lucerke u odnosu na kontrolu Ø (lucerka gajena posle neinokulisanog ječma kao preduseva) inokulacijom sojevima Azotobacter-a A1 (41%) i A2 (39%) i Pseudomonas-a P1 (35%). Sadržaj ukupnog N je bio u korelaciji sa vrednostima SDW. Rezultati su ukazali na uticaj inokulacije ječma kao preduseva na prinos lucerke i njen kvalitet kao i da sojevi Azotobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp. i Enterobacter sp. imaju PGPR potencijal što daje osnovu za dalja ispitivanja i mogućnost primene kao bio­đubriva

Biomass and Protein Yields of Field Peas and Oats Intercrop Affected by Sowing Norms and Nitrogen Fertilizer at Two Different Stages of Growth

In limited growing conditions, intercropped field peas and oats can represent a significant source of forage rich in protein. If applied correctly, factors such as nitrogen fertilizer, the mowing phase, and sowing norms can significantly increase the productivity of these mixtures. Field trials were conducted to examine their productivity under different nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80 kg ha−1 ), different sowing norms/mixtures (field peas: oats—100:15%; 100:30%), and two stages of growth (full flowering, full pod formation). Nitrogen fertilizer and different sowing norms had a significant effect on the biomass, hay, and crude protein yields. On average, the highest hay yields were achieved with 80 kg ha−1 N (4.96 t ha−1 ), followed by 40 kg ha−1 N (4.27 t ha−1 ). The highest protein yields were achieved with 40 kg ha−1 N (CP—704.1 kg ha−1 ), followed by 80 kg ha−1 N (CP—637.6 kg ha−1 ). Sowing norm 100:30% achieved higher hay yields: 100:30%—4.82 t ha−1; 100:15%—4.44 t ha−1, while 100:15% achieved higher crude protein yields: 100:15%—730.4 kg ha−1; 100:30%—692.7 kg ha−1 on average. The costs were not significantly increased with the nitrogen fertilizer, but the net profits were increased by as much as 163%, depending on the nitrogen level and the mixture. Nitrogen fertilizer also achieves higher economic efficiency for the mixture 100:15% compared to the 100:30% mixture. Mixtures of field peas and oats outperform single-grown crops and provide cost-effective feed for a short time. Using optimal seed ratios and nitrogen fertilizer can significantly increase the productivity and profitability of the feed with minimal impact on the overall production costs

Biochemical and ultrastructural changes in the liver of European perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) in response to cyanobacterial bloom in the Gruža reservoir

We investigated the biochemical and ultrastructural changes in the liver of the freshwater fish, European perch (Perca fluviatilis), in response to Aphanizomenon flos-aquae bloom in the Gruža Reservoir, Serbia. The activities of total manganese- and copper zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (Tot SOD, Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) and biotransformation phase II enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as concentrations of total glutathione (GSH) and sulfhydryl (-SH) groups were examined before and during the bloom period. Mn-SOD activity was significantly higher, while the activities of Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT and GSH-Px and the concentration of the -SH groups were significantly lower during the bloom. The ultrastructure of the liver revealed necrotic and apoptotic damage to the hepatocytes during the bloom period. Our work represents the first study to report the influences of an Aphanizomenon flos-aquae bloom in the Gruža Reservoir on antioxidant biomarkers and on histopathological alterations in the liver of the freshwater fish European perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Biochemical and ultrastructural changes in the liver of European perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) in response to cyanobacterial bloom in the Gruža reservoir

We investigated the biochemical and ultrastructural changes in the liver of the freshwater fish, European perch (Perca fluviatilis), in response to Aphanizomenon flos-aquae bloom in the Gruža Reservoir, Serbia. The activities of total manganese- and copper zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (Tot SOD, Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) and biotransformation phase II enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as concentrations of total glutathione (GSH) and sulfhydryl (-SH) groups were examined before and during the bloom period. Mn-SOD activity was significantly higher, while the activities of Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT and GSH-Px and the concentration of the -SH groups were significantly lower during the bloom. The ultrastructure of the liver revealed necrotic and apoptotic damage to the hepatocytes during the bloom period. Our work represents the first study to report the influences of an Aphanizomenon flos-aquae bloom in the Gruža Reservoir on antioxidant biomarkers and on histopathological alterations in the liver of the freshwater fish European perch (Perca fluviatilis).Projekat ministarstva br. 173041 i br. III 4300

Biochemical and ultrastructural changes in the liver of European perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) in response to cyanobacterial bloom in the Gruža reservoir

We investigated the biochemical and ultrastructural changes in the liver of the freshwater fish, European perch (Perca fluviatilis), in response to Aphanizomenon flos-aquae bloom in the Gruža Reservoir, Serbia. The activities of total manganese- and copper zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (Tot SOD, Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) and biotransformation phase II enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as concentrations of total glutathione (GSH) and sulfhydryl (-SH) groups were examined before and during the bloom period. Mn-SOD activity was significantly higher, while the activities of Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT and GSH-Px and the concentration of the -SH groups were significantly lower during the bloom. The ultrastructure of the liver revealed necrotic and apoptotic damage to the hepatocytes during the bloom period. Our work represents the first study to report the influences of an Aphanizomenon flos-aquae bloom in the Gruža Reservoir on antioxidant biomarkers and on histopathological alterations in the liver of the freshwater fish European perch (Perca fluviatilis).Projekat ministarstva br. 173041 i br. III 4300

Approaching the socialist factory and its workforce: considerations from fieldwork in (former) Yugoslavia

The socialist factory, as the ‘incubator’ of the new socialist (wo)man, is a productive entry point for the study of socialist modernization and its contradictions. By outlining some theoretical and methodological insights gathered through field-research in factories in former Yugoslavia, we seek to connect the state of labour history in the Balkans to recent breakthroughs made by labour historians of other socialist countries. The first part of this article sketches some of the specificities of the Yugoslav self-managed factory and its heterogeneous workforce. It presents the ambiguous relationship between workers and the factory and demonstrates the variety of life trajectories for workers in Yugoslav state-socialism (from model communists to alienated workers). The second part engages with the available sources for conducting research inside and outside the factory advocating an approach which combines factory and local archives, print media and oral history