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With the rise of the ecosystem services concept, urban nature has gained significant value. Numerous studies have been conducted to delineate both the dependent and independent variables to consider when evaluating the regulating, provisioning, and supporting ecosystem services. Concerning the provisioning of cultural ecosystem services, urban green spaces operate in accordance with the ways people engage with them. These interactions are shaped by the design of green spaces and the cultural backgrounds of the population. In this study, we aimed to identify the various interactions between urban residents and specific small public urban green spaces, to evaluate people's perceptions of the services they offer, and to determine which urban green spaces are deemed suitable by residents for enhancing ecosystem service provision. Employing a comparative approach, we assessed the same green spaces, i.e., pocket parks and street alignments, in the cities of Hamedan (Iran) and Bucharest (Romania), both of which have inhabitants with distinct cultural backgrounds. We administered similar surveys in the two cities and compiled a dataset of the responses. Employing cluster analysis and statistical analysis, we unveiled similarities and disparities in terms of interactions with green spaces in the two cities. Our findings demonstrate that although interactions with the chosen small public urban green spaces are comparable in Hamedan and Bucharest, the desires for future expansion of green spaces differ between the cities. These findings hold importance for practitioners and decision-makers, affirming that universal solutions for managing urban green spaces are non-existent, and that strategies should instead be tailored to the beneficiaries of such spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encoded by the CDX2 homeobox gene, the CDX2 protein assumes the role of a pivotal transcription factor localized within the nucleus of intestinal epithelial cells, orchestrating the delicate equilibrium of intestinal physiology while intricately guiding the precise development and differentiation of epithelial tissue. Emerging research has unveiled that positive immunohistochemical expression of this protein shows that the CDX2 gene exerts a potent suppressive impact on tumor advancement in colorectal cancer, impeding the proliferation and distant dissemination of tumor cells, while the inhibition or suppression of CDX2 frequently correlates with aggressive behavior in colorectal cancer. In this study, we conducted an immunohistochemical assessment of CDX2 expression on a cohort of 43 intraoperatively obtained tumor specimens from patients diagnosed with colon cancer at Colțea Clinical Hospital in Bucharest, between April 2019 and December 2023. Additionally, we shed light on the morphological diversity within colon tumors, uncovering varying differentiation grades within the same tumor, reflecting the variations in CDX2 expression as well as the genetic complexity underlying these tumors. Based on the findings, we developed an innovative immunohistochemical scoring system that addresses the heterogeneous nature of colon tumors. Comprehensive statistical analysis of CDX2 immunohistochemical expression unveiled significant correlations with known histopathological parameters such as tumor differentiation grades (p-value = 0.011) and tumor budding score (p-value = 0.002), providing intriguing insights into the complex involvement of the CDX2 gene in orchestrating tumor progression through modulation of differentiation processes, and highlighting its role in metastatic predisposition. The compelling correlation identified between CDX2 expression and conventional histopathological parameters emphasizes the prognostic significance of the CDX2 biomarker in colon cancer. Moreover, our novel immunohistochemical scoring system reveals a distinct subset of colon tumors exhibiting reserved prognostic outcomes, distinguished by their "mosaic" CDX2 expression pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to approach the way in which corporate governance influences the occurrence of financial fraud, as expressed by the M-Beneish score. In order to get further into the topic, we have first computed a corporate governance score based on the comply-explain statement and then selected a few elements that are part of the corporate governance reporting: equilibrium of board members (EQUIL), independence of board members (INDEP), selection of the board members (NOM), remuneration policy (REM), audit committee (AUDIT) and the proportion of female directors on boards (GenF). They were tested, one by one, using the financial fraud score to see the way in which they interact. Design/methodology/approach: The study is conducted on a sample of 65 companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BSE) for the 2016–2022 period. The data were processed using three-stage general least square [general least squares (GLS), with iteration, igls and option] with a common first-order panel-specific autocorrelation correction, so as to explain how a poor adoption of the corporate governance score and its elements has a negative implication for the M-Beneish score, controlling for the auditor opinion, type of auditing company and if the company is privately owned. Findings: The results support most of our research hypothesis, revealing that a poor adoption of the corporate governance score and its components – AUDIT, EQUIL, INDEP and GenF – negatively influences the M-Beneish score, i.e. a low corporate governance score will lead to an increase in financial fraud. This is an encouraging aspect, for an improved adoption of the corporate governance principles reduces the occurrence of financial fraud. Research limitations/implications: This is a study that concerns the relationship between corporate governance and financial fraud for the case study for Romania. Practical implications: The study highlights the importance of adopting the corporate governance code applied to the Romanian business environment. By measuring the presence of financial fraud appearance through the M-Beneish score, we have managed to outline the negative relationship between the two components. Thus, it is an important aspect of which companies should take account, so they will have long-term benefits and ensure the continuity of the business. Social implications: The policy implications of this project are for policymakers, so that they will understand how a good corporate governance mechanism will enhance high-performing businesses. Different aspects regarding corporate governance were validated and are in the process of being validated. Managers can extract and try to understand and apply the good characteristics of corporate governance for the well-being of their companies. At a broader level, the macroeconomic environment will increase its own well-being while encouraging market players to enhance qualitative corporate governance reporting. There is no doubt that corporate governance has a positive impact on businesses. Originality/value: The study highlights the importance of adopting the corporate governance code as applied to the Romanian business environment. By measuring the occurrence of financial fraud using the M-Beneish score, we have managed to outline the negative relationship between the two components. Therefore, this is an important aspect that companies should take into account in order to have long-term benefits and ensure the continuity of their business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

aim,3,4 Ioana Munteanu,2,3,6 Cristina Popa,2,3 Mădălina Burecu,2,3 Paula Rusu,3 Andreea Cioacată,2 Ioana Mădălina Moșteanu,2,7 Antonela Dragomir1– 31Pneumology II Department, Faculty of Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; 2Pneumology Clinic, "Marius Nasta" Institute of Pneumology, Bucharest, Romania; 3Tuberculosis Screening Program, "Marius Nasta" Institute of Pneumology, Bucharest, Romania; 4Research Department, "Marius Nasta" Institute of Pneumology, Bucharest, Romania; 5Faculty of Economic Cybernetics, Statistics and Informatics, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania; 6Faculty of Medicine, "Titu Maiorescu" University, Bucharest, Romania; 7Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Craiova, Romania Correspondence: Dragoș Băiceanu; Alexandru Stoichiță, "Marius Nasta" Institute of Pneumology, 90 Viilor Street, Bucharest, 050159, Romania, Tel +4 0749 574 412, Email [email protected] ; [email protected] Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, requiring enhanced active case finding (ACF) through screening strategies. This study assesses the effectiveness of such an approach in locating TB cases among vulnerable groups, such as homeless persons, injecting drug users, those detained in prison, and people living in rural areas. Methods: The study focuses on socio-economic characteristics and TB detection rates across Romanian counties using modern techniques including computer-aided detection of lesions on chest X-ray and GeneXpert tests. Results: The results highlight the disproportionate burden of TB in vulnerable groups, by revealing significant differences in TB detection rates between regions. Notably, the TB detection rates among these vulnerable groups (250.85 per 100,000 population) are five times higher than the national incidence rate (46.1). Discussion: These findings underscore the imperative integration of ACF into National TB Program to provide customized and efficient solutions for diverse vulnerable groups, thereby informing crucial public health initiatives and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment plants release substantial amounts of microplastics (MPs) into the environment. Various models and scenarios have been developed to estimate the sources and concentrations of MPs released by effluents. However, no model has included wastewater from washing machines. This study aims to estimate, in three scenarios, the number of MPs that are released by Bucharest households into the municipal wastewater treatment plant. The highest number of MPs has been estimated to be emitted by washing machines from synthetic clothing. From the category of cosmetics, the highest number of particles per year is potentially generated by face and hand creams. It has been estimated that the effluent of the wastewater treatment plant contains 48–4251 MP L−1 for the three proposed scenarios. The study shows that the population of Bucharest can generate high numbers of MPs, even in the minimum scenario. However, the use of MPs is expected to decrease, due to implementation of European Union policies, responsible consumer behavior, effective plastic waste management, and improved detection and separation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An estimation by simulation of the heating energy saving in the cold season due to heavily insulated exterior window shutters closed at night was performed for a low-rise to mid-rise office building in the following three major Romanian cities: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Iasi. All three locations are in a wet temperate continental climate region. The studied building, whose number of floors was varied from 3 to 22, has a rectangle-shaped floor surface. The considered shutters, covering at night only the pane of the window, were assumed to be EPS panels with various thicknesses. In addition to its height more parameters related to the building were varied: its orientation, the height of the windows, the width of the building and the internal gains produced by building lights and equipment. Finally, some short evaluations were performed for a low-U glazing. For the initial glazing used in the simulation, very good potential savings were found. As the assumed heavily insulated shutters do not exist in the Romanian market, three possible design ideas for such shutters have been sketched at the end, all involving a system of guide rails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The association between myasthenia gravis (MG) and depression is intricate and characterized by bidirectional causality. In this regard, MG can be a contributing factor to depression and, conversely, depression may worsen the symptoms of MG. This study aimed to identify any differences in the progression of the disease among patients with MG who were also diagnosed with depression as compared to those without depression. Our hypothesis focused on the theory that patients with more severe MG symptoms may have a higher likelihood of suffering depression at the same time. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty-two male and female patients (N = 122) aged over 18 with a confirmed diagnosis of autoimmune MG who were admitted to the Neurology II department of Myasthenia Gravis, Clinical Institute Fundeni in Bucharest between January 2019 and December 2020, were included in the study. Patients were assessed at baseline and after six months. The psychiatric assessment of the patients included the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 items (HAM-D), and neurological status was determined with two outcome measures: Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) and Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Life (MG-ADL). The patients were divided into two distinct groups as follows: group MG w/dep, which comprised 49 MG patients diagnosed with depressive disorder who were also currently receiving antidepressant medication, and group MG w/o dep, which consisted of 73 patients who did not have depression. Results: In our study, 40.16% of the myasthenia gravis (MG) patients exhibited a comorbid diagnosis of depression. Among the MG patients receiving antidepressant treatment, baseline assessments revealed a mean MG-ADL score of 7.73 (SD = 5.05), an average QMG score of 18.40 (SD = 8.61), and a mean Ham-D score of 21.53 (SD = 7.49). After a six-month period, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the MG-ADL (2.92, SD = 1.82), QMG (7.15, SD = 4.46), and Ham-D scores (11.16, SD = 7.49) (p < 0.0001). These results suggest a significant correlation between MG severity and elevated HAM-D depression scores. Regarding the MG treatment in the group with depression, at baseline, the mean dose of oral corticosteroids was 45.10 mg (SD = 16.60). Regarding the treatment with pyridostigmine, patients with depression and undergoing antidepressant treatment remained with an increased need for pyridostigmine, 144.49 mg (SD = 51.84), compared to those in the group without depression, 107.67 mg (SD = 55.64, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our investigation confirms that the occurrence of depressive symptoms is significantly widespread among individuals diagnosed with MG. Disease severity, along with younger age and higher doses of cortisone, is a significant factor associated with depression in patients with MG. Substantial reductions in MG-ADL and QMG scores were observed within each group after six months, highlighting the effectiveness of MG management. The findings suggest that addressing depressive symptoms in MG patients, in addition to standard MG management, can lead to improved clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and worldwide urbanization is one of the main tasks of local authorities and city managers. As a long-term solution, urban and periurban forests have the potential to mitigate the impacts of climate change by providing ecosystem services such as removing air pollutants, mitigating the urban heat islands, storing carbon, regulating local climate, limiting the risk of flooding, reducing noise levels, and improving the physical and mental health of citizens and their welfare. To promote, conserve, and enhance the benefits offered by the periurban forests, it is needed to adequately describe the forest ecosystems state, and understand well their structure and functionality. The objective of this study was to investigate the structure, diversity, and health status of one of the main periurban forest in Bucharest. In 2015 and 2020, biophysical measurements (diameter at breast height, total height, wood quality, cenotic class) and assessments of forest health status were conducted in a permanent sample monitoring network (PSMN). This PSMN consists of 46 sample plots located in the periurban Stefăneşti forest near Bucharest, Romania. The calculation included tree characteristics and stand volumes, while the tree species diversity was characterized using the Shannon (H) and Gini (G) indexes. Our study confirmed that higher diversity indexes of tree species and variability amongst the biometric characteristics at forest stand level sustain ecosystem resilience and adaptability to climate change, simultaneously bolstering their capacity to provide various ecosystem services. The gained insights are critical in helping forest managers, policymakers, and any stakeholders in the effort to evaluate and model the ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Romania is one of the European countries reporting very high antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates and consumption of antimicrobials. We aimed to characterize the AMR profiles and clonality of 304 multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) strains isolated during two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) from hospital settings, hospital collecting sewage tanks and the receiving wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in the main geographical regions of Romania. Methods: The strains were isolated on chromogenic media and identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and confirmation of ESBL- and CP- producing phenotypes and genotypes were performed. The genetic characterization also included horizontal gene transfer experiments, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), assembling, annotation and characterization. Results: Both clinical and aquatic isolates exhibited high MDR rates, especially the Ab strains isolated from nosocomial infections and hospital effluents. The phenotypic resistance profiles and MDR rates have largely varied by sampling point and geographic location. The highest MDR rates in the aquatic isolates were recorded in Galați WWTP, followed by Bucharest. The Ab strains harbored mostly blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaSHV, blaTEM and blaGES, while Pa strains blaIMP, blaVIM, blaNDM, blaVEB, blaGES and blaTEM, with high variations depending on the geographical zone and the sampling point. The WGS analysis revealed the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to other antibiotic classes, such as aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, sulphonamides, fosfomycin, phenicols, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as well as class 1 integrons. The molecular analyses highlighted: (i) The presence of epidemic clones such as ST2 for Ab and ST233 and ST357 for Pa; (ii) The relatedness between clinical and hospital wastewater strains and (iii) The possible dissemination of clinical Ab belonging to ST2 (also proved in the conjugation assays for blaOXA-23 or blaOXA-72 genes), ST79 and ST492 and of Pa strains belonging to ST357, ST640 and ST621 in the wastewaters. Conclusion: Our study reveals the presence of CP-producing Ab and Pa in all sampling points and the clonal dissemination of clinical Ab ST2 strains in the wastewaters. The prevalent clones were correlated with the presence of class 1 integrons, suggesting that these isolates could be a significant reservoir of ARGs, being able to persist in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The financing of the activity represents an important part of the company's financial policy. The working capital represents the resources that the company needs to finance its current production activity. Maintaining a balance between working capital and needs is a goal that supports the smooth running of the activity, which suggests that financial balance influences profitability, so the purpose of this paper is to verify this. In this sense, 20 tourism companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange were selected, using a data set for the period 2008-2022, processed through regression analysis. The results obtained indicate a correlation between the net profit margin (dependent variable) and the working capital ratio (independent variable). Also, the dependent variable is explained to the extent of 46.4% by the independent variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Practical engineers should gain confidence in base isolation as an alternative to stiffening, a possible design approach for new as well as for existing buildings even under rare seismic conditions (in large corner period areas and for pulse-type seismic records). This article presents the structural benefits of curved surface sliders on a specific, existing building application. Moreover, authorities should be encouraged by the information included in this article, to emphasize alternatives to the stiffening design approach even under such special seismic conditions. Southern Romania is a geographic region with alluvial deposits. This soil type leads to rather long corner periods and provides as a particularity of the response spectrum an enlarged plateau. These conditions produce large displacement demands. Moreover, pulse-type ground acceleration records make this seismic area more unique. Research on the seismic behaviour of structures built under such unusual conditions is limited and Romanian engineers are not confident to apply alternative solutions such as base isolation. Although capacity design is still the regular design method applied in Romania, modern base isolation solutions may overcome the large displacement demand expectation produced by seismic events and fulfil immediate occupancy requirements. This study presents the seismic performance of an existing hospital from Bucharest, for which two seismic design solutions were applied: (i) classical approach based on capacity design and (ii) base isolation. Both approaches are compared in terms of drift, acceleration and base shear values. Static as well as non-linear dynamic analysis methods were applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of INMATEH - Agricultural Engineering is the property of INMATEH - Agricultural Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Within the current hemp cultivation technologies, the use of high-performance technical equipment is required for all applied works, and following the concerns regarding diversified and efficient ways of harvesting, INMA Bucharest has created and experimented an innovative technical equipment for harvesting and tying the stalks into sheaves. In order to demonstrate the efficiency of this equipment, the paper presents the experimental results obtained by INMA Bucharest regarding hourly fuel consumption and fuel consumption per hectare. These energetic indices are important in the evaluation of expenses per surface unit, constituting the basis of the economic efficiency evaluation. At the same time, at ARDS Secuieni, in 2021, research was carried out on the influence of the cuttings application and different sowing norms on the agro-productive capacity of the Ratza monoecious hemp variety for stalks and fibre. The obtained results constitute premises in order to optimize some technological links of cultivation at hemp for stalks and fibre, but they also confirmed the fact that fuel consumption per hectare recorded at hemp stalks harvesting was influenced both by the technical characteristics of the equipment used and by the characteristics of the experimented crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown the importance of gender diversity for good corporate governance, although in developing countries a gap is observed in correlating compliance with corporate governance principles and board composition. Our study examines the influence of the board composition, including female executives, on compliance with the corporate governance code of companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. By analysing data collected from the annual reports (corporate governance statements, financial statements) of 63 companies listed on the Romanian capital market between 2016 and 2019 (divided into two panels depending on the listing tier -- Premium and Standard), we identified a positive relationship between female executive and the degree of compliance with the Corporate Governance Code. The national majority capital positively and significantly influences the compliance of companies with female executives listed in the Standard Tier with the Code, while the private majority capital negatively influences the compliance of the companies regardless the listing tier. Our study highlights the importance of female executives in the corporate governance of listed companies on the Romanian capital market and brings empirical contribution to the literature development on a newly declared emerging market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the influence of the executive board of directors' gender diversity on the financial performance of listed companies on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, for the period 2011 to 2019. The analysis of the composition and different characteristics of the board and the executive directors proved to be effective tools for corporate governance in countries with an emerging capital market. Therefore, a disclosure index on directors' characteristics was used to moderate the interaction between gender diversity and financial performance, based on the theoretical framework provided by upper echelon theory. The study contributes to the enrichment of the literature both by using the composite indicator built by applying the multiway PCA method on panel data to express financial performance and by designing the ten EGLS panel models involving five financial indicators and two proxies for gender diversity. The results showed that there is a positive impact of the proportion of women on the executive board of directors on financial performance, measured through the composite index, ROA, ROE, and SOL. A statistically significant impact of gender diversity on financial performance was found only for SOL, in the case of the Blau index. Also, using the random-effects model to perform the panel data analysis, the results showed that a higher executive board size can be associated with better financial performance measured through the composite index, ROA, ROE, and EPS. Practical implications are significant for the board of executives' composition, the complexity of the relationship with the board, and reshaping governance practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The act of fraud has been practiced since ancient times and manifests itself in different ways. The aim of the study is to apply the Beneish score on Romanian firms and to identify which indicators are sensitive to the state of fraud. The sample was selected from the Bucharest Stock Exchange and consists of 66 companies traded on the main market for the years 2016-2021. The collected data were analyzed year-by-year and crosssectional methods (panel data) using manually collected information extracted from financial statements downloaded from the Bucharest Stock Exchange. Based on this data, the Beneish score was calculated and then statistical tests were performed. Using the obtained results from the Beneish Score calculation, we were able to divide the companies into two groups. The obtained scores, clearly underlines the two states: fraud and non-fraud. The ones in the fraud state have a decreased score, while the companies with no likelihood of fraud risk have lower scores. To further investigate our results, we identified sensitive items in both states such as DSRI (Days Sales Receivable Index) and GMI (Gross Margin Index). In conclusion, several theories or hypotheses are offered to explain the underlying motivations for fraud appearance. Romanian companies listed on regulated markets can be classified into risk groups in terms of fraudulent financial statements by applying the Beneish score. The results of the present study are in the interests of the policy makers, management team, business analysist and as well for the general use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in children is a glomerular disease who often fails to respond to immunosuppressive treatment and is a leading cause for progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and dialysis. Some risk factors, that appear to be common in patients with SRNS and progression to ESRD, have been identified and reported: focal and segmental glomeruloslerosis on kidney biopsy, high range persistent proteinuria, microscopic hematuria, hypertension, episodes of acute kidney injury (AKI) and resistance to immunosuppressive agents. The challenge is to identify these risk factors and improve patients' management, because children with ESRD have many associated complications and a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Objective: The aim of our study is to observe the incidence of SRNS in our patients and identify the presence of common risk factors in those progressing to ESRD with requirement for dialysis or kidney transplant. Materials and methods: We studied a total number of 125 pacients who were diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in the Department of Pediatric Nephrology of "M. S. Curie" Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Bucharest, Romania, from January 2013 to December 2020. Twenty six patients diagnosed with SRNS were included in our study; all of them underwent clinical examination and laboratory tests and were regularly monitored to assess the progression of kidney disease to ESRD. Discussion and results: Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome is associated with an increased risk for developing ESRD with requirement for dialysis and transplant. Resistance to immunosuppressive agents was associated with ESRD in our patients. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), the most common histopathologic lesion, had no value for progression to ESRD in our study. Hematuria, persistent high value proteinuria, hypertension and episodes of AKI were found in our patients with SRNS and progressed to ESRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Romanian Archives of Microbiology & Immunology is the property of Institutul Cantacuzino and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Closed lakes located in urban parks act as sinks of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), which have been used, for decades, as insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. The closed lakes from Bucharest, Romania, are periodically managed to prevent eutrophication and accumulation of pollutants. However, it is not known if these practices reduce or enhance the legacy pollution with OCPs. The aim of this study was to explore the spatial variation of OCPs in closed lakes. The total concentration of OCPs in water and sediments ranged between 0.0176 and 37.1 µg/L, and between 122 to 1,890 ng/g, respectively. The concentrations of OCPs were compared with the consensus-based sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) in order to evaluate the ecological risks of sediments. The highest potential adverse effects were associated with γ-HCH exposure. Periodical draining and dredging of lakes lead to the resuspension of contaminants, increasing pesticide bioavailability and accumulation in sediments. In addition, we observed that fluorescent dissolved organic matter (DOM) might influence the OCPs cycle. The quantity and character of fluorescent DOM can provide further insight into OCPs degradation. Also, this study may help urban planners to determine the state of urban waters and to find the best solution for water management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban lakes represent the most extensive water bodies in cities and provide blue ecosystem services, by retaining pollutants, offering cultural services, and mitigating climate change. Human activities threaten to decrease the supply of ecosystem services associated with urban lakes. Exorheic lakes play an essential role in reducing and changing the characteristics of pollutants and organic matter along the environmental continuum. This study aims to gain further understanding on the distribution and fate of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in relation to fluorescent dissolved organic matter (DOM) within an exorheic lake system, located along Colentina river, Bucharest. Results indicated a historical usage of HCHs, which were present in lake water and sediment samples, in concentrations exceeding the regulatory limits, with potential eco-toxicity on aquatic biota. Decades of intense applications along the river, before OCPs ban, led to their accumulation in sediments and their re-mobilization, each year, after the lakes were drained, dredged, and refilled. Fluorescence measurements revealed that DOM accumulated in certain lakes due to wastewater discharges, and surface runoff, but decreased towards the end of the exorheic lakes through dilution, sedimentation, and biodegradation. The results also showed that fluorescent DOM may have a substantial impact on OCPs cycle in urban lakes and may help to determine the conditions and effectiveness of removing OCPs from water and sediments. These issues contribute to the decrease of ecosystem services supply associated with urban lakes, having multiple hidden consequences on the urban environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present case study was represented by a captive, adult, female Spheniscus humboldti penguin submitted for post mortem investigations at the Pathological Anatomy Department, from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest. The diagnostic methods included necropsy, microbiology, cytology, histopathology and PCR examination. Necropsy revealed poor body condition and obvious thickened air sacs along with multifocal, coalescing, yellow nodules in multiple organs. Cytology revealed necrotic and inflammatory cells, detritus, bacteria and fungal hyphae and microbiologic examination isolated Aeromonas hydrophila and Candida krusei. Histopathology revealed old and developing multifocal granulomas with a central oxyphilic material and circular disposition surrounded at the periphery by multinucleated giant cells and cellular reactivity. Other lesions identified were interstitial nephritis with glomerulosclerosis, lymphohistiocytic hepatitis. and splenic lymphocyte depletion. Also, protozoan cysts (50-80μ in diameter) were identified in all major tissues, but PCR examination was negative for Toxoplasma gondii. The case of the Humboldt penguin presented multifocal granulomatous inflammations, associated with emaciation, immunosuppression and parasitism and the cause of the death was respiratory insufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose and objectives. Peritoneal complications of acute appendicitis are inevitable and require a firm attitude both in terms of reducing intraoperative risks but especially in choosing the appropriate therapeutic approach. Material and method. The paper presents a retrospective biostatistical study of appendicular peritonites operated laparoscopically in the General Surgery Clinic of “Sf. Ioan” Emergency Clinical Hospital of Bucharest between January 2008 and December 2016. Results. There were 1,275 cases with various forms of acute appendicitis, of which 278 (21.80%) were complicated forms. Among them, 94 cases (7.37%) presented generalized peritonitis with different degrees of severity and 184 (14.43%) cases were localized peritonitis. Generalized peritonitis of appendicular cause was operated laparoscopically in almost 71.27% of the cases (67 out of 94 generalized peritonitis of appendicular cause). The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly lower in the case of the laparoscopic approach of appendicular peritonitis (p < 0.0001), compared to conventional operations. Conclusions. The indications and limits of the laparoscopic approach in the treatment of appendicular peritonitis are largely dictated by the severity of the lesions, but the experience of the operating team also has an important role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose and objectives. The purpose of this paper was to compare the “outcomes” of patients with peritonitis according to the surgical method selected (laparoscopic vs. conventional/open), in the treatment of such a severe pathology, in order to obtain an efficient management of postoperative morbidities and the reduction of the mortality rate (currently estimated at 5% - 40%). Material and method. We carried out a retrospective, observational, non-randomized study on a sample of hospitalized patients, based on a descriptive and analytical epidemiological investigation, supported by the laparoscopic experience of the General Surgery Clinic in “Sf. Ioan” Emergency Clinical Hospital of Bucharest in the last decade (01.01.2009-31.12.2018). Results. We identified a sample of 378 patients with peritonitis, of which 109 were operated laparoscopically (i.e. 28.84%), and 269 patients (i.e. 71.16%) were operated traditionally. Following a rough analysis, it was observed that patients who underwent open surgery were hospitalized on an average 4.73 days longer than those operated laparoscopically (11.67 days vs. 6.94 days), the effect being statistically significant (p < 0.01). In the traditionally operated group of patients, the average duration of surgery was 46.31 minutes longer than those operated laparoscopically (113.92 vs. 67.60), the effect being also statistically significant (p < 0.01). Conclusions. The conventional surgical approach is statistically significantly associated with an increased duration of operative time and hospitalization in patients with peritonitis and can be considered a factor of severe evolutive prognosis in the therapeutic management of this pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are interested in the hierarchy of the main Romanian companies in the manufacturing industry by considering eight financial and seven non-financial indicators. Thirty three listed companies, that are non-financial institutions, were selected for the study and in order to control the reliability of the data we used the Bucharest Stock Exchange database, official data published by the Romanian Ministry of Public Finance, and the annual reports released by the companies on their websites, collecting information for the years 2011-2015. Because the human thinking is subjective and ambiguous we prefer linguistic variables, converted afterwards in triangular fuzzy numbers, to represent the importance of indicators. Our method involves the calculation of the weights of individual or categories of indicators based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process. Then, the level of performance for each company, separately for financial, non-financial and all indicators is obtained by TOPSIS method. We deduce an objective hierarchy of the companies on a rigorous basis, which is however dependent from the choice of indicators and the conversion scale of linguistic variables into triangular fuzzy numbers. Also, following the obtained results we concluded that the overall performance of companies for the analyzed period is significantly influenced by non-financial indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Marisiensis. Seria Oeconomica is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by the acquisition of several genetic lesions in the lymphoid progenitors with subsequent proliferation advantage and lack of maturation. Along the years, it has been repeatedly shown that minimal residual disease (MRD) plays an important role in prognosis and therapy choice. The aim of the current study was to determine the prognostic role of MRD in childhood ALL patients in conjunction with other relevant patient and disease characteristics, thus showing the real-life scenario of childhood ALL. Patients and Methods: The retrospective study includes childhood ALL patients that were treated according to the BFM ALL IC 2009 between January 2016 and December 2018 at the Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania. Results: None of the variables significantly influenced the induction-related death in our study. None of the variables independently predicted relapse-free survival (RFS) with the highest tendency for statistical significance being represented by poor prednisone response. Non-relapse mortality (NRM) was independently predicted by age, prednisone response, and day 33 flow cytometry-MRD (FCM-MRD). Overall survival (OS) was independently predicted by prednisone response and day 33 FCM-MRD. Event-free survival (EFS) was independently predicted by age, prednisone response, and day 33 FCM-MRD. Conclusion : Prednisone response, day 15 FCM-MRD, day 33 FCM-MRD, and the risk group represent the most important factors that in the current study independently predict childhood ALL prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ginecologia.ro is the property of MEDICHUB MEDIA, S.R.L. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A qualitative and comparative analysis is performed regarding the possible consequences of the introduction in the school curriculum of 10-12 years old children, of Robotics and Applied Mathematics in Movement Transmission (AMMT) courses, respectively. The research has been done at the Gymnazial School Number 195, from Bucharest, during two scholar years (2017-2019). Each class had 36 students and the two hours Robotics / AMMT courses had a weekly frequency. Direct observation, interviews of the children and parents, together with the class and individual journals, where children noted their opinions during the two years, are analyzed and interpreted. The results show better scholar performances of the children following Robotics courses, in respect to the ones following AMMT ones and a greater attraction of the children in Robotics. Further, a quantitative evaluation regarding the improvement of mathematical performances of children is presented, given a very similar level of the two classes at the beginning of the research in respect to their average Maths scores. The analysis involved several statistical parameters, like the average scores obtained at Math tests, their variances, the evolution of the children with the lowest performances and the number of the maximum scores in each class. All of them suggest the Robotics course efficiency in increasing mathematical performances level of young children is superior to the one of the AMMT course, recommending the introduction of such courses in the school curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decorative apple species are used in different fields: breeding, landscape architecture, feeding of the birds during winter, etc. This paper presents the physicohemical characteristics of some ornamental apple genotypes grown and developed in the Northern area of Bucharest and the degree of pollen germination, according with area’s climatic conditions. The results show that some fruits have a high total soluble content, up to 26.98% and dry matter up to 33.18%, these ornamental apple genotypes can be recommended to be used in breeding to obtain new types of fruits for human consumption that have certain characteristics. The maximum percentage of pollen germination was 54.90% for the studied period, when during the efflorescence and blooming period massive rainfall occurred, but important for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze (Lophanthus anisatus (Nutt.) Benth.) is an aromatic plant used for its medicinal and nutritive properties. It is also is a melliferous and ornamental plant. For the first time, the acclimatization of new species, such as Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze, was made in 2010 at the Buzău Institute for Research and Development in Vegetable Growing, Romania. In 2019, Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze was studied at the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest. The current study is dealing with the leaf and stem anatomy of Agastache foeniculum specimens obtained from seeds provided by the Buzău Institute. The anatomical analyses were made at different parts of the specimens. The leaf analyses showed the presence of glandular and nonglandular trichomes in the upper and lower epidermis. The trichomes were observed in the epidermis of the stem, as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the present, risks are always present, but this thing doesn't mean that the society can't carry on the economic activity in conditions of a favorable result. Through the risks to which the entity is subject, an important place is the risk of bankruptcy. The level of this risk can be determined by using of large number of liquidity and solvability indicators on the base of dates from the balance of accounts and from the profit and loosing cont. In this paper is analyzed by comparison the risk of bankruptcy of companies listed at Bucharest Stock Exchange from three sectors of activity: production, commerce and tourism. It is analyzed the evolution of score Z, indicator representative for the risk of bankruptcy, on a period of 14 years (2002-2015), enough for every society and sector. The sample of 15 enterprises has been formed on basis of information available for this research. After analysis of results, we notice that the best results concerning the risk of bankruptcy are recorded in the commerce sector and on the last place is situated the tourism sector. In an future approach we will continue the research on a larger number of enterprises, and we will analyze the cause that lead to bankruptcy of societies, emphasizing to elaborate a systems which lead to a lower level the risk of bankruptcy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Craniopharyngiomas (CPH) are benign tumours with a rare presence in children, representing 5-6% of all intracranial tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors study a total of 152 cases (children 0-17 years old) treated over a 25-year period (1 January 1994 - 1 January 2019) in two neurosurgical centres from Bucharest, Romania: "Bagdasar- Arseni" Emergency University Hospital and Sanador Clinical Hospital. CPH cases operated in other centres were excluded. Visual and endocrine symptoms were the main elements of onset. The most affected age group was 7-10 years old 66 cases (43.4%). No special gender distribution: 79 cases boys (52.2%), in 73 cases girls (47.7%). At admission, 114 (75%) of cases had complete intracranial hypertension. 118 cases (78%) endocrine dysfunction, 104 cases (69%) visual impairment, 19 cases (13%) ataxia, 24 cases (16%) intellectual performance decrease. All cases were investigated according to a standard protocol: neurology, ophthalmology, CT-scan and MRI with all facilities. RESULTS Multiple neurosurgical approaches were tried: bilateral subfrontal, unilateral subfrontal, pterional interemispheric, transcallosal and combined approaches. The approaches were adapted considering the size and location of the tumor. The authors advocate for pterional approach 39 cases (25.6%). Total removal of the tumour was achieved in only 83 cases (54.4%) with immediate postoperative CT / MRI control; in 13 cases (9%) we performed a near-total resection (residual tumour <5mm), in 51 cases (33.3%) and partial resection (residual tumour> 5mm) while 5 cases (3.2%) were biopsies. Pathological findings: preponderant adamantinoma 138 cases (90.7%), papillary type 14 cases (9.2%). Gamma Knife Surgery (GKS) was performed in 10 cases (6.5%), all CPH recurrences. Total number of recurrences 17 cases (19.7%) (of all cases with total removal); regrowth after residual tumour 25 cases (36.6%). The postoperative complications: insipid diabetes 135 cases (89.3%); hypopituitarism phenomena 101 cases (66.4%); hypothalamic damage 27 cases (17.7%); visual deterioration 28 cases (18.4%); other complications: transient oculomotor nerve palsy 14 cases (9.2%), seizures 13 cases (8.5%), and secondary obstructive hydrocephalus 26 cases (17.1%). Cases were followed-up between 12 months and 18 years through a complete clinical, neurological, endocrinological, ophthalmological and psychological protocol with a repeated MRI scan. At 6 months GOS revealed: Good Recovery 70 cases (46.2%), Moderate Disability 62 cases (40.7%), Severe Disability 13 (8.5%), Vegetative State 2 cases (1.3%), Deceased 5 cases (3.2%). CONCLUSIONS Surgical treatment remains the main option, but the important number of complications in total removal proves the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach. Total or partial removal depends on the tumoral volume and hypothalamic infiltration. Outcome predicting factors (personal experience) are: age (under 5years), size of the tumor (intracranial compartments involved), degree of hydrocephalus, signs of hypothalamic dysfunction. MRI is gold standard in investigative imagistics, follow-up and recurrences assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is a part of an ample research concerning the genetic analysis (history) of Gidran horses from Tuluceşti studfarm. The genetic analysis studies are a part of Animal Genetic Resources Management because just start of them we elaborate the strategies for inbreeding management. This study has as purpose to present two important aspects of genetic analysis: reproductive isolation level and age structure. This parameters has a capital importance in animal breeding because there has a directly influence in animal population evolution. The reproductive isolation situation was quantified using the relation elaborated by S. Wright in 1921. The age structure situation is based on the age distribution histogram. The analysis showed that the Gidran horse from Tuluceşti stud is not a reproductively isolated population with its own evolutionary path. Age structure is not balanced with negative repercussions on generation interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While major urban areas are expanding, becoming more crowded, vegetated lands areshrinking. Built-up densification limits the planning of large urban green spaces,depriving urban dwellers of the benefits provided by such structures. In this context,small public urban green spaces (SPUGS) become of high value for urban landscapes,and their distribution throughout the city should aim to compensate the lack of largergreen areas. The driving forces of SPUGS distribution may be linked to the urbanfunctions they are usually paired with.The current study aimed to determine which are the urban functions that benefit ofhigher amounts of SPUGS in their proximities and to map the distribution and densityof SPUGS within Bucharest, helping us expose the green deprived communities.Results revealed that multi-dwelling residential areas are the ones with higher share ofSPUGS within walking distance. Nevertheless, analysis on SPUGS deprivation withinthe city showed that communist planned residential neighbourhoods are greener thanthe ones developed in the past three decades. Healthcare and commercial functionswithin the city recorded smaller shares of SPUGS in their proximity, highlighting thatvulnerable groups (such as ill people) are exposed to less vegetation, and that publicplanning documents are not encouraging developers to allocate more land for greenfeature development.These results are relevant for projecting the quality of outdoor environmentsthroughout Romania's capital and for assessing potential future managementchallenges. The outcomes of this research provide local policy makers and plannerswith the vulnerable areas in which immediate action for expanding the greeninfrastructures should take place. At the same time, the methodological approachdescribed in the study proved to be efficient in assessing the distribution of SPUGSthroughout the city and the determinants of this distribution. It can be easily replicatedin other cities by scholars and planners. • Small public urban spaces are essential for sustainability in overcrowded cities. • We used remote sensing and GIS to assess the distribution of small public green spaces. • Built-up areas developed since 1990 in the outskirts of Bucharest lack small public green spaces. • Small public green spaces are mainly paired with residential units planned during communism. • Results can help planners to address efficiently green deprivation within cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Romanian Journal of Civil Engineering / Revista Română de Inginerie Civilă is the property of Matrix Rom and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The importance of urban green spaces in providing ecosystem services to the population is increasingly being recognised by scientists, policy makers and the general public. Across cities, urban planners are seeking to reconcile the location of urban green spaces and accessibility of the public. The main aim of our paper is to assess the accessibility of urban green spaces and to identify perceived benefits along the travel route to urban green spaces, starting from a selected case study in Romania. We started from a spatial analysis of a service area for an urban park in Bucharest (Tineretului). With the help of network analyst in ArcGis Pro we established the boundaries of the service area (using urban park boundaries, street network, traffic restrictions) and applied two methods of travel to the park (walking and cycling). We applied a survey to 202 respondents, collecting information on the routes and methods of reaching the park, as well as the perceived benefits and disservices of selecting the preferred method and route. The main results revealed different patterns delimited by a number of criteria: age (elder population preferred public transport and shaded routes), income (people with higher incomes selected travelling by car and accessing elements with parking facilities), group structure (people with children selected routes perceived as safe). This type of analyses can represent useful instruments for urban planners in developing and managing urban green spaces in close relation with neighbouring spaces and facilities. • Most of the visitors walk to the Tineretului Park. • Shade, low temperatures and aesthetics are the most felt benefits on the route. • Green streets might enhance green space benefits for well-being. • Our results can inspire rational planning of urban green areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During daily consultations of asymptomatic women, all gynecologists have to make decisions regarding the prevention or management of cervical precancers, either by recommending further investigations, performing colposcopy themselves or acting upon various testing results brought in by their patients. Choosing the appropriate attitude and adapting the international protocols are often demanding tasks throughout the current transition time from the free conventional cytology to a broader range of new screening and triage assays and technologies. Despite these significant recent developments in screening testing, colposcopy still represents the core and basis of cervical precancer management. The accuracy of the histological diagnosis depends on the expertise of the colposcopist in providing punch, endocervical or excisional biopsy specimens. A multidisciplinary team specialized in cervical pathology from Micomi Clinic, Bucharest, will debate and illustrate alternative answers to the clinical dilemma “What to do when...”, covering several common practical management issues, like unsatisfactory cytology and HPV results, HPV positive/negative cytology, HPV negative/positive cytology, positive cytology/negative colposcopy with type 1, 2, 3 TZ, endocervical brushing, the significance of the “test of cure”, and triage of HPV positives by biomarkers. Several colposcopy cases will be also presented to allow the clinical and pathological contexts, like new versus persistent HPV infections, immunomodulatory treatment versus non-treatment in productive HPV infections, and conservative followup versus interventional management in HPV-positive women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The surgical treatment of umbilical hernia in cirrhosis patients raises special management challenges. The attitude upon Ihe repair of these hernias varies from expectancy or elective treatment in early stages of the disease to the surgical treatment only if complications occur. Material and Method: We have assessed 22 consecutive cases of cirrhosis patients treated for complicated umbilical hernia in the Surgical Department of "Sf. Pantelimon" Emergency Hospital in Bucharest between January 2008 and December 2012. The patients' stratification was done in stages of liver disease based upon Child-Pugh classification. Complications that required emergency repair were the following: strangulation, incarceration and hernia rupture. The postoperative complications were ordered in five grades of severity based upon Clavien classification. Results: The severity of the complications was higher in advanced stages of liver cirrhosis, Child B and C. There were 5 deaths representing 22,7%, four of them in patients with Child C disease stage. Condusion: The incidence of morbidity and mortality after umbilical hernia repair in emergencies increases in advanced stages of liver cirrhosis, It is advisable to prevent complications occurrence and perform surgical repair of umbilical hernia in elective condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface water quality study and was done well in county Teleorman, saw basin, along the altitude gradient of the river which crosses the county from west to south-east. Localities studied were selected to limit entry, respectively on the river trip limit Teleorman County (Stejaru respectively Bujoru) and the city Plosca is located relative to the middle of the county, is a town with a tradition of gardening and animal husbandry. From each site were made operational by 6 samples (3 and 3 surface water from wells, during the same month). The three surface water samples were performed in the region of entry of water in the village, a middle region of the water course (mid-village) and the region the river out of town. The determinations made in the study, concentrations of biogenic elements: ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, phosphorus, have been reported to maximum allowable concentrations supported legislation. Nitrite ion concentration of nitrogen in surface water, along the gradient altitude increases, the accompanying trend ammonium ion. The biggest focus of this element is in the sampling points downstream, which means most likely that along the river, it collects and tributaries with organic load. The highest concentration of nitrates in the water fountain was located in the village Plosca, probably because this area is present and historical vegetable in primary and secondary livestock. We recommend close monitoring of the area saw the basin, especially in the localities where they are agro-livestock activities in subsistence farming (animal or vegetable). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the built patrimony in urban environment supposes to affect the existing buildings. The rush for higher and higher buildings, with deeper basements, leads to deeper and deeper excavations in the vicinity of the existing buildings. Retaining structures for protecting the existing built patrimony are, therefore, mandatory. The technical solutions are various and they are taking into account a lot of factors: the site, the vicinities, the soil, the groundwater, the excavation depth, the state of the neighbouring buildings etc. The paper emphasizes the influence of the deep excavations on the neighbouring buildings, by giving examples on such works from Bucharest. Values issued from in situ measurements performed during the excavation works are included and comparisons between these ones and the calculated values are also shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A young female 18 years old was admitted in ‟Victor Babes„ Infectious Disease Hospital in Bucharest complaining of occipital headache that started 10 days ago. She also had fever, nausea, photophobia, neck stiffness in the last 3-4 days. A month ago she received unspecified antibiotic treatment for medium right otitis, followed by clinical improvement. The lumbar puncture performed at admission showed increased level of proteins with pleocytosis. In hospital she received antibiotics, corticosteroids and symptomatic therapy. Her status improved, therefore after 10 days she was discharged by request. At home her condition worsened with mental status alteration and generalized headache. She was readmitted in hospital 2 weeks after, with altered consciousness, decreased reactivity, but without fever. Emergency CT scans showed firstly subdural empyema, with brain abscess that formed nearby in a few days. Finally the patient was transferred in neurosurgical department and operated with spectacular outcome, both clinically and imagistic, also receiving antibiotics according with the antibiogram. The authors discuss several features of the localized intracranial infections. They emphasize the major role of taking a good history in diagnosis, also the importance of a complete investigation, including neuroimagistic exams, for patients with meningitis syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution has become the most important issue concerning human evolution in the last century, as the levels of toxic gases and particles present in the air create health problems and affect the ecosystems of the planet. Scientists and environmental organizations have been looking for new ways to combat and control the air pollution, developing new solutions as technologies evolves. In the last decade, devices able to observe and maintain pollution levels have become more accessible and less expensive, and with the appearance of the Internet of Things (IoT), new approaches for combating pollution were born. The focus of the research presented in this paper was predicting behaviours regarding the air quality index using machine learning. Data were collected from one of the six atmospheric stations set in relevant areas of Bucharest, Romania, to validate our model. Several algorithms were proposed to study the evolution of temperature depending on the level of pollution and on several pollution factors. In the end, the results generated by the algorithms are presented considering the types of pollutants for two distinct periods. Prediction errors were highlighted by the RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) for each of the three machine learning algorithms used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longitudinal studies have indicated an association between thyroid function and insulin resistance (IR) or a neutral relationship. Both the lowest tertile of free thyroxine (fT4) and the highest tertile of free triiodothyronine (fT3) were found to be associated with IR in cross-sectional studies. The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between IR and subclinical hypothyroidism in a female adult population from Bucharest, Romania. This is a retrospective pilot case-control study that included female patients examined by two endocrinologists and a diabetologist in an outpatient clinic. The retrospective follow-up had a one-year duration and included the evaluation of thyroid function tests and IR indices based on fasting insulinemia and C-peptide. The study included 176 women, 91 with subclinical hypothyroidism, with a median age of 60±17 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 27.79±4.76 kg/m2. The majority of the population (50%) was diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis, and 17.05% with goitre. The univariate logistic regression using hypothyroidism as the explaining variable found no evidence of a significant relationship between a decreased thyroid function and IR (OR 1.32; P=0.36). Metabolic syndrome was probably the most important determinant of IR in the population group studied. Thus, it was not the thyroid function per se, but the coexistence of other elements of this syndrome that prevailed in determining IR. Advantages to the study are the design that permitted evaluation of IR and the thyroid function at different moments in time as well as the uniformity of the blood tests. The multivariate analyses were adjusted for age, lipid profile and treatment; however, one limiting factor was the absence of other hormonal blood tests. In summary, there was no association between the thyroid function tests (TSH, fT4) and IR indices in adult Romanian women in a case-control study with one-year retrospective follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we analyzed the link between companies' performance, in terms of cash and income, and the labor productivity or management rates, in case of the companies from the energy sector listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. We focused on the energy sector because of the impact that its expansion has on the evolution of economies around the world and because of its dynamics in the sense of gradually shifting to the use of energy from renewable sources. We have used panel regression models to analyze the operating cash flow and the profitability rates and the determination of a causal or dependency relationship with labor productivity or management rates. The results of this study show a significant negative correlation between operating cash flows and the average duration of stock rotation, and no correlation between productivity and the operating cash flow. Instead, the average duration of stock turnover does not at all influence the profitability rates, and productivity is always significant for the return on assets, ie forthe return on equitywith a positive coefficient, as expected. The gap between the average duration of payment of suppliers and the average duration of receivables does not significantly influence neither the cash flow nor the rates of return. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer, as the leading cause of death in oncology is one of the most challenging diseases nowadays. Even after the implementation of checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy as a standard of therapy for metastatic disease, the chemotherapy backbone remains essential in the treatment of these patients. This study aimed to evaluate how administration particularities in chemotherapy and toxicity management can influence the outcome. We conducted a retrospective single-institution study, at Elias University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, between 2014 and 2018, in a heterogeneous patient population with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer that received combination chemotherapy. The inclusion criteria for this trial were—histological proof of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), stage IV disease, ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance status of a maximum of two, treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy for at least four courses (patients with fewer courses were excluded). All patients received combination chemotherapy. The main focus was on the effect of dose reduction and treatment delay on overall survival and progression-free survival. A total of 129 patients were enrolled. The response rate in the studied population was 69% and 62.8% had no toxicity greater than grade 2. Chemotherapy regimens used had the following distribution—paclitaxel + carboplatin 41.9%, paclitaxel + carboplatin + bevacizumab 12.4%, pemetrexed + carboplatin 12.4%, gemcitabine + carboplatin 26.4% and other regimens 7%. Mean PFS (Progression Free Survival) was 9.1 months and the mean OS (Overall Survival) was 14 months. OS was not significantly different in the treatment delay group versus the no delay one, p < 0.25 but dose- reduction significantly impacted OS, p < 0.03. Administration particularities, like febrile neutropenia prophylaxis, treatment of chemotherapy-related anemia, respecting the details of chemostability and preparation rules and emesis prophylaxis, were considered reasons for the good outcome. Details regarding cytotoxic chemotherapy administration remain of paramount importance for a good outcome and the benefit for survival they convey is crucial. Sometimes the benefit the patient derives from these details is comparable to the one newer therapies convey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]