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Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) are prevalent conditions that affect millions of women worldwide, encompassing a range of issues severely affecting women's quality of life. Pelvic floor muscle strength and function are fundamental to the management and prevention of PFD, and pelvic rehabilitation is a non-invasive approach that effectively improves symptoms, restores function, and prevents complications. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pelvic floor muscle training program using weighted vaginal cones, on pelvic floor muscle function and quality of life in women with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). Fifty-four women aged 26-62 years, with different type of urinary incontinence, cystocele, and prolapse participated in this pre-post intervention comparative analysis. Pelvic floor muscle function was assessed using the PC test, which measures strength, endurance and fatigability, while the impact on patients' quality of life was assessed with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire - Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7). A three-month vaginal cone training regimen was implemented, with as-sessments conducted before the intervention (T0), one month later (T1), and three months later (T2). Data analysis showed a change with significant differences between the PC test score values at the level of each parameter and at each assessment (p

The history of ancient sports shows us that sports practice was not a secular one but was closely linked to religious faith. Whether we are talking about ancient Greece (Athens, Sparta, etc.), whether we are talking about Latin America or the Far East, the presence of homage and respect towards the gods is seen as something sacred and no one could dispute it. We have researched the religious phenomenon in sports for more than 30 years, and the result is like religion. politics and the arts of war decided the history of the world and civilization. (Barbos, 2015). It is proven by ancient writings, but also by archaeological traces, from ancient temples and stadiums dedicated to gods and legendary heroes, such as Hercules, the most famous demigod of the ancient world, who remained in legends as one of those who achieved the most successful sports. This article summarizes some ancient sports competitions, which were strictly related to the respect for the gods, which was rewarded with sports games, such as the Olympic Games of Greece. Religia, politica si mistica in sportul antic. Istoria sporturilor antice ne arată că practica sportivă nu era una laică, ci era strâns legată de credința religioasă. Fie că vorbim de Grecia antică (Atena, Sparta etc.), fie că vorbim de America Latină sau Orientul Îndepărtat, prezența omagiului și a respectului față de zei este văzută ca ceva sacru și nimeni nu l-ar putea contesta. Este dovedit de scrierile antice, dar și de urmele arheologice, din templele și stadioanele antice dedicate zeilor și eroilor legendari, precum Hercule, cel mai faimos semizeu al lumii antice, care a rămas în legende ca unul dintre cei care au realizat cele mai multe. sporturi de succes. Acest articol rezumă câteva competiții sportive antice, care erau strict legate de respectul față de zei, care era recompensat cu jocuri sportive, precum Jocurile Olimpice din Grecia. Politica-religia si artele războiului erau inseparabile in toată istoria omenirii, au influențat și practica educației fizice, cat si a sportului. Cuvinte-cheie: hilozoism, antropologic, animism, ritual secular, ritual sacru, oracol, Delphi, ecoteologie, sumo, kyudo. Received 2024 February 08; Revised 2024 April 18; Accepted 2024 April 19; Available online 2024 May 10; Available print 2024 June 30.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the remineralization potential of primary teeth enamel after being exposed to different laser diode therapies. Methods: Ninety-six vestibular primary teeth enamel samples were divided into eight groups (n = 12) with varying treatments: control (G1), CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish (G2), diode lasers at 980 nm (G3), 808 nm (G4), 450 nm (G5), 980 nm + CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish (G6), 808 nm + CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish (G7), and 450 nm + CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish (G8). Each sample was assessed using a DIAGNOdent® (KaVo Dental, Biberach, Germany), at baseline, post-treatment, and post-pH cycle remineralization. SEM imaging was performed before and after treatment and following the pH cycle. Results: The results indicated that the 980 nm and 808 nm diode lasers, both alone and in combination with CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish, either maintained or increased the calcium (Ca) weight percentage (Wt%) in the enamel. The 980 nm diode laser combined with CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish (G6) showed a significant increase in Ca Wt%, suggesting a strong remineralization effect. Similarly, the 808 nm diode laser alone (G4) also promoted a substantial increase in Ca Wt%. In contrast, the 450 nm diode laser, whether applied alone or in combination with CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish, resulted in a lower Ca Wt% and an increase in phosphorus (P) Wt%. Most groups, except for the CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish alone (G2), demonstrated an increase in P Wt%, indicating a complex interaction between laser therapy and enamel remineralization. Conclusions: The combined use of laser therapy with CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish significantly enhanced the remineralization of temporary teeth enamel. The 980 nm diode laser + CPP-ACP-fluoride varnish showed the most pronounced improvement in remineralization, while the 808 nm diode laser alone also effectively increased calcium solubility. These findings suggest that higher-wavelength diode lasers, particularly when combined with remineralizing agents, can effectively enhance the mineral content of primary teeth and promote enamel remineralization.

(1) Background: Pregnancy induces significant physiological adaptations with substantial impacts on the cardiovascular system. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) are connected to significant risks of maternal and fetal complications, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality across the globe. This study focuses on evaluating autonomic dysfunction by analyzing heart rate variability (HRV) and assessing cardiac performance through global longitudinal strain (GLS) using speckle tracking echocardiography, as well as examining diastolic function in pregnant women with HDP compared to healthy pregnant controls. (2) Methods: A case–control study was conducted involving pregnant women diagnosed with gestational hypertension (GH), preeclampsia (PE), or severe preeclampsia (SPE) as the case group, and healthy pregnant women as the control group. HRV was measured to evaluate autonomic function, GLS was assessed using speckle tracking echocardiography, and diastolic function was evaluated through standard echocardiographic parameters. Data were analyzed to compare cardiac performance and autonomic regulation between the HDP and control group, as well as among the different HDP subgroups. (3) Results: The HDP group exhibited significantly reduced HRV parameters compared to healthy controls, indicating notable autonomic dysfunction. Speckle tracking echocardiography revealed lower GLS among women with HDP, particularly in those with SPE, compared to the control group. Diastolic dysfunction was also present in the HDP group. (4) Conclusions: HRV and GLS are valuable non-invasive tools for detecting autonomic dysfunction and cardiac performance impairments in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders. These findings suggest that autonomic and cardiac dysfunctions are prevalent in HDP.

Background and Objectives: This retrospective analysis investigated the impact of preparation of the pelvic floor for childbirth with stretching balloons and perineal massage on the risk of pelvic floor injuries. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 150 primiparous women who accessed private clinics in Padua (Italy) in the period 2019–2023 regarding the rate of perineal trauma and postpartum dysfunction across three groups: the balloon stretching group (BSG, N = 50, 33.3%), the perineal massage group (PMG, N = 39, 26.0%), and the control group (CG, 61, 40.7%). Results: Prenatal perineal training had a significant impact on reducing the rate of perineal injury and episiotomy (27.5% in BSG vs. 48.7% in PMG and 68.3% in CG, p = 0.008, respectively, 9.8% vs. 26% and 40%, p = 0.046) and the duration of the second stage of labor (BSG and PMG had a shorter duration compared to CG with a mean difference of −0.97892 h, p < 0.001, respectively, −0.63372 h, p = 0.002). Patients who carry out the preparation with the stretching balloon are less likely to develop urinary and anal incontinence and pain during intercourse. Specifically, the rate of urinary incontinence in BSG stands at around 23.5% compared to 43.6% in PMG (p = 0.345) and 55% in CG (p = 0.034). Dyspareunia in BSG was detected in 11.8% of cases compared to 35.5% in PMG (p = 0.035) and 61.7% in CG (p < 0.01). Symptomatology inherent to the posterior compartment was reported in 9.8% of cases in BSG vs. 23.11% in PMG (p = 0.085) and 33.3% in CG (p = 0.03%). Conclusions: Stretching balloons and perineal massage can be chosen as tools to prevent and reduce the rates of obstetric trauma during childbirth and to reduce the use of episiotomies as well as protect against the development of dysfunctions of the pelvic floor.

Background and objectives: Over the past few years, researchers have focused on the importance of vitamin D in the health of pregnant women and in reducing the chances of developmental disorders occurring in fetuses. In addition, a link has been established between fetal development and arterial stiffness in hypertensive disorders that occur during pregnancy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the relationship between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) as the primary marker of vitamin D status and endothelial dysfunction, as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) in pregnant women with preeclampsia (PE) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (HTN), as well as its impact on fetal development. Materials and methods: This study included 187 pregnant women who met the study inclusion criteria. Pregnant women were divided into two groups: pregnancy-induced hypertension (HTN group), which included 100 patients (53.48%), and preeclampsia (PE group), which included 87 patients (46.52%). Results: Significant differences regarding the augmentation index (Aix) brachial, PWVao, heart rate, and systolic or diastolic blood pressure with more increased values were observed for the HTN group vs. the preeclampsia group in the current research (p < 0.001). Additionally, the Aix brachial index was significantly lower in the preeclampsia group compared to the HTN group (1.76 ± 0.71 for the HTN group vs. 0.62 ± 0.5 for the preeclampsia group, p < 0.001). A severe matern serum 25(OH)D level deficiency was associated with a more severe subcategory of prematurity (p < 0.001) and with increased chances of newborn preterm birth (p < 0.05). Moreover, the negative effect of severe maternal serum 25(OH)D level deficiency was studied for each group regarding the blood pressure values, Aix brachial, PWVao values in the second and third trimesters, and fetus weight. The Kruskal–Wallis test was applied for this, obtaining significant differences in all cases: open paren p less than 0.05 and closed. When serum severe 25(OH)D levels deficiency was present, arterial stiffness parameters were significantly worse. Conclusions: The findings of this research revealed notable connections between vitamin D deficiency and increased arterial rigidity in pregnant women with preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension. These results emphasize the significance of conducting both examinations to obtain a more comprehensive evaluation of these patients. Utilizing pulse wave analysis as a practical approach to assessing maternal arterial stiffness in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy may prove beneficial, particularly in cases of serum 25(OH)D level deficiency. It could play a key role in identifying patients at higher risk of worsening disease severity and, thus, preventing any impact on fetal development.

Background and Objectives: Maternal–fetal gestational pathology is one of the biggest challenges in the field of health at this moment. The current study is designed to determine the effects of vitamin D on pregnancy, starting with the idea that impairment of vitamin D status is thought to be correlated with impairment of the newborn’s health. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we tried to establish the link between vitamin D deficiency and maternal characteristics and also how it impacted the clinical status of the newborn. We analyzed a group of 260 patients: 130 pregnant women and 130 newborns, in whom vitamin D status was detected using the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D). Results: The results showed that vitamin D deficiency has a high incidence among pregnant women, as was presented in many important international studies. Our study also showed a positive, direct correlation between the mother’s and newborn’s vitamin D status. Conclusions: Taking into consideration that vitamin D deficiency has been correlated with many complications, both in maternal and newborn health, a serum level determination of 25-(OH)D is necessary in the first trimester of pregnancy, and after that, adequate supplementation is necessary in order to prevent any negative effects.

Introduction: In developed countries, heart disease is the primary cause of maternal mortality during pregnancy. Arterial stiffness, an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and a predictor of cardiovascular complications, can be assessed using the augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV). In this prospective study, we aimed to evaluate diverse hemodynamic parameters and arterial stiffness in pregnant women before and after participating in a structured, personalized exercise training program. Materials and methods: Forty healthy pregnant women, non-smokers, who agreed to participate daily for 12 weeks in a physical exercise training program under the supervision of a team made up of an obstetrician, a cardiologist, and a physiotherapist were included. Anthropometric characteristics, arterial function, and physical activity data were collected from the participants at two different time points: at the beginning of the exercise training program (T0) and at the end, after 12 weeks (T1). Results: Upon conducting a statistical analysis, it was discovered that there were noteworthy disparities (p = 0.05) in body mass index, brachial AIx, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure values between the two time points. The regression analysis for the AIx brachial values and the PWVao values from Trim II (T0) and Trim III (T1) showed major differences between these two time points; the association between the AIx brachial values in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy revealed a strong direct significant correlation (p < 0.001), and the correlation between the PWVao values in the second (T0) and third trimester (T1) of pregnancy was weak and insignificant (p = 0.12). Conclusions: The findings of our study indicate that a personalized exercise training program positively impacts the physical and psychological well-being of pregnant women, leading to a reduction in PWV.

Advanced and metastatic cervical cancer remains a formidable challenge in oncology, with immune checkpoint inhibitors such as the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab emerging as a potential therapeutic option. This systematic review rigorously assesses the effectiveness and outcomes of various nivolumab treatment regimens within this patient cohort, drawing from clinical trials and real-world evidence up to December 2023. Following a comprehensive search across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, four studies were deemed eligible, involving a collective total of 80 patients. One preliminary trial data were excluded from the final analysis, as well as four other proceedings and abstracts on the efficacy and safety of nivolumab on advanced cervical cancer. The patients’ average age across these studies was 48 years, with an average of 38% having an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 1. Notably, 64% of all patients were positive for high-risk HPV, and 71% exhibited PD-L1 positivity, indicating a substantial target population for nivolumab. The analysis revealed a pooled objective response rate (ORR) of 48%, with a disease control rate (DCR) averaging 71%. Moreover, progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months was observed at an average rate of 50%, reflecting the significant potential of nivolumab in managing advanced stages of the disease. The review highlights the influence of PD-L1 status on response rates and underscores the enhanced outcomes associated with combination therapy approaches. By delineating the variability in treatment efficacy and pinpointing key factors affecting therapeutic response and survival, this systematic review calls for further investigations to refine nivolumab’s clinical application, aiming to improve patient outcomes in advanced and metastatic cervical cancer.

Introduction: In Romania, every year, there are 4,343 new cases of cervical cancer and 1,909 deaths caused by this disease. The screening program for early detection of cervical cancer has been running since 2012, but unfortunately not with the same impact on the population. When it reveals characteristic changes in cervical cells, HPV testing is further indicated. Material and method: This retrospective study, in the period 2013-2022 includes the screening Babes Papanicolau smear in all women aged 25-64 years. Through the descriptive statistics of the collected data, we analyzed the dynamics of the phenomenon of occurrence and spread of cervical cancer depending on the environment of origin. We observed a higher incidence in urban areas than in rural areas, registering several new cases: 496 (57% urban), 375 (43% rural), in total 871 (100%) of cases, respectively cases remaining: 5,843 (55% urban), 4,858 (45% rural), in total 10,701 from an eligible population of ~ 400,000, of which only 30% tested Babes Papanicolau test. Results: Thus, in 2019, less than 30% of Romanian women said they had done a Babes Papanicolau test in the last three years, the proportion being half the European average. The participation rate – calculated based on statements – was 45% among women with high incomes, compared to 13%, women with low incomes and 51% for women with a high level of education, versus 11% for women of low level of training. The study of the distribution of cervical cancer in the Northwest Region shows that over 30% of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages (III and IV). Conclusions: Unfortunately, Romania, due to the incidence of cervical cancer cases occupies the first place in Europe, both in incidence and mortality; the mortality rate is four times higher than the European Union average.

Acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2, mainly affects the vulnerable population, especially those with comorbidities, such as pregnant women. SARS-CoV-2 has been found to cause multiple manifestations, one of which is preeclampsia. In preeclampsia, uric acid is excessively produced in the ischemic placenta and is released into circulation by placental reperfusion. Another effect of uric acid is oxidative stress with the production of oxygen free radicals associated with severe preeclampsia and fetal hypoxia. In our case report, we present the situation of a 38-year-old pregnant woman who developed preeclampsia after infection with SARS-CoV-2 with rapid evolution and an increased level of uric acid. We discuss the option of Allopurinol treatment in the third trimester of pregnancy instead of premature birth, with excellent benefits for both the mother and newborn. Additional clinical correlations between antioxidant treatment with Allopurinol and placental findings are needed.

A thrombophilic woman is more likely to experience difficulties during pregnancy, difficulties that will also affect the development of the newborn. This study aims to compare maternal and newborn characteristics between healthy and thrombophilic pregnancy. The following characteristics were analysed: maternal characteristics (BMI- body mass index, haemostasis parameters, thrombophilia-specific treatment) and newborn characteristics (gestational period, birth weight, the Apgar score). This follow-up study spanning five years, from 2018 to 2022, focuses on a cohort of 500 women who underwent delivery hospitalization in the western region of Romania. The maternal characteristics influence the newborn: the greater the weight of the mother with thrombophilia, the more the chances that the fetus will have a lower birth weight; increasing the dose of LMWH (low molecular weight heparin), connected with the necessity to control the homeostasis parameters, the more likely the fetus will be born with a lower birth weight. A pregnant woman with thrombophilia, treated appropriately, having a normal weight, and not presenting other risk factors independent of thrombophilia, will have a newborn with characteristics similar to a healthy pregnant woman.

Abstract Constructing a large biological model is a difficult, error-prone process. Small errors in writing a part of the model cascade to the system level and their sources are difficult to trace back. In this paper we extend a recent approach based on Event-B, a state-based formal method with refinement as its central ingredient, allowing us to validate for model consistency step-by-step in an automated way. We demonstrate this approach on a model of the heat shock response in eukaryotes and its scalability on a model of the $$\mathsf {ErbB}$$ ErbB signaling pathway. All consistency properties of the model were proved automatically with computer support.

Abstract Control theory has seen recently impactful applications in network science, especially in connections with applications in network medicine. A key topic of research is that of finding minimal external interventions that offer control over the dynamics of a given network, a problem known as network controllability. We propose in this article a new solution for this problem based on genetic algorithms. We tailor our solution for applications in computational drug repurposing, seeking to maximize its use of FDA-approved drug targets in a given disease-specific protein-protein interaction network. We demonstrate our algorithm on several cancer networks and on several random networks with their edges distributed according to the Erdős–Rényi, the Scale-Free, and the Small World properties. Overall, we show that our new algorithm is more efficient in identifying relevant drug targets in a disease network, advancing the computational solutions needed for new therapeutic and drug repurposing approaches.

This manuscript provides a brief review and analysis of the healthcare system in Romania. This study aims to comprehensively analyse the healthcare system in Romania, evaluating its strengths, weaknesses, and impact on the population’s access to quality healthcare services. Within the framework of the Romanian healthcare system, a multitude of pressing challenges endure. These encompass insufficient funding, shortages of medical personnel, and ineffectiveness in the provisioning of services. These impediments substantially hinder the accessibility of healthcare services, particularly in outlying and pastoral regions, thereby rendering the system susceptible and underserving certain demographics. Our investigation presents three hypotheses. The opening conjecture proposes that inadequate funding has a negative impact on the availability and standard of healthcare facilities in Romania. In addition, another hypothesis assumes that insufficient medical staff plays a considerable role in inequalities in access to and delivery of healthcare. Moreover, the existence of inadequacies in service provision serves as a significant barrier, obstructing the timely and efficient delivery of healthcare to those who need it. Our research encompasses a comprehensive analysis of key aspects of the Romanian healthcare system, ranging from healthcare infrastructure and financing mechanisms to service delivery and healthcare outcomes. Through a blend of qualitative and quantitative data sources, including government reports, academic studies, and statistical data, we have endeavoured to provide an in-depth evaluation. The analysis encompasses various aspects, including healthcare infrastructure, financing mechanisms, service delivery, and healthcare outcomes. Romania has a mixed healthcare system with both public and private providers. The primary level of care is delivered by family doctors, while hospitals and specialised medical centres provide secondary and tertiary care services. This research underlines the criticality of significant alterations being implemented in the healthcare system of Romania to address the issues arising from insufficient funding, a shortage of medical personnel, and shortcomings in service delivery. It is vital to tackle the obstacles presented by insufficient funding, the dearth of healthcare staff, and inadequacies in service delivery to attain impartial and reachable healthcare. By implementing these essential transformations, Romania can pave the way towards a healthcare system that efficaciously caters to the diverse requirements of its populace and guarantees the provision of prompt and superior healthcare services.

Primary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the breast are considered a rare and undervalued subtype of breast carcinoma that occur mainly in postmenopausal women and are graded as G1 or G2 NETs or an invasive neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) (small cell or large cell). To establish a final diagnosis of breast carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation, it is essential to perform an immunohistochemical profile of the tumor, using antibodies against synaptophysin or chromogranin, as well as the MIB-1 proliferation index, one of the most controversial markers in breast pathology regarding its methodology in current clinical practice. A standardization error between institutions and pathologists regarding the evaluation of the MIB-1 proliferation index is present. Another challenge refers to the counting process of MIB-1′s expressiveness, which is known as a time-consuming process. The involvement of AI (artificial intelligence) automated systems could be a solution for diagnosing early stages, as well. We present the case of a post-menopausal 79-year-old woman diagnosed with primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast (NECB). The purpose of this paper is to expose the interpretation of MIB-1 expression in our patient’ s case of breast neuroendocrine carcinoma, assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) software (HALO—IndicaLabs), and to analyze the associations between MIB-1 and common histopathological parameters.

Ovarian malignant germ cell tumors (OMGCTs) represent a rare type of malignant tumors composed of primitive germ cells that often originate from dysgenetic gonads and are frequently associated with hermaphroditism. Such tumors occur more frequently in adolescents or young adults, and their etiopathogenic mechanism is not well established. We report the case of a 20-year-old female with ovarian dysgenesis and female phenotype. A laparoscopic surgery was performed, and ovotestis was discovered. To achieve a histopathological examination, right oophorectomy was performed, which confirmed the diagnosis of dysgerminoma. In the case of hermaphroditism, mixed germ cell tumors can develop, leading to a more aggressive evolution with bilateral malignancy of the gonads, which requires the removal of both ovotestis. The patient was recalled. A histopathological examination revealed a seminoma, so laparoscopic left oophorectomy was performed. The management of this type of diagnosis primarily involves surgery, minimally invasive interventions being preferred. Not all pathologic conditions are readily identifiable by means of exploratory laparoscopy, as in our patient’s case. We consider that the optimal solution for these patients would be the preservation of fertility via egg donation and embryo transfer; the survival rate of such patients being 97–100%, if the tumor is diagnosed at an early age.

Dysgerminoma represents a rare malignant tumor composed of germ cells, originally from the embryonic gonads. Regarding its incidence, we do not have precise data due to its rarity. Dysgerminoma occurs at a fertile age. The preferred treatment is the surgical removal of the tumor succeeded by the preservation of fertility. Even if a multidisciplinary team, founded in 2009 by a gynecologist, an oncologist, a pediatric oncologist and a pediatric surgeon, under the guidance of the Malignant Germ Cell International Consortium (MaGIC), studies this type of tumor, issues still remain related to the lack of a randomized study and to both the management and understanding of the concept of OMGCTs (ovarian malignant germ cell tumors). The aim of this review is to present from the literature the various approaches for this type of tumor, and, regarding innovative therapies or possible prevention, which can be applied in clinical practice. Multidisciplinarity and treatment in reference centers have proven their usefulness as well.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are very common as a method of birth control. By adding progesterone (levonorgestrel), a decrease in the risk of complications has been documented, including the risk of perforation. Even though only a few complications have been described, adjacent organs may be involved in the case of migration—a life-threatening situation. A 45-year-old G4P2 woman was seen in our clinic for LNg-IUD removal, according to the medical instructions. Her main complaints were abdominal discomfort, low back pain, and recurrent menorrhagia. A “lost” IUD was initially suspected; the patient confirmed the detection and removal of the control strings, and a subsequent discussion related to delayed transmural migration of the IUD being followed. The ultrasonography revealed the migration of the IUD to the uterine cervix and size-decreased uterine fibroids, confirming the effectiveness of the LNg-IUD. The MRI and ultrasonography being useless, a subsequent X-ray and CT scan were requested, both confirming a myometrium-positioned IUD, adjacent to the serosa and lumbosacral plexus. Even though the IUD is considered a safe device with reversible effect, it can be associated with severe morbidity, with an ultrasound follow-up being required. For more precise detection of the IUD, we strongly recommend an X-ray or CT scan examination, followed by safe removal.

Context: The Hatha-Yoga system aims to improve lung capacity and increase joint mobility. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to improve the mobility of the spine in students in year 1 of faculties, without a physical education and sports profile. This study involved 15 students (boys and girls), from the geography profile, first year of Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca. This study aims to assess the effects of 7 weeks of asane, with a number of 12 asane combined under the name Salute of the Sun (Surya Namaskara). Subjects and Methods: A total of 15 participants (age: 20.5 years) were divided into a yoga group asana (YA) and non-yoga (NY), who practiced only mobility exercises from the warm up gymnastics exercises in high school curricula. Participants participated in a 50-minute once-a-week session for 7 weeks. The YA Group practiced basic asane with specific breathing instructions (pranayama), while the NY group practiced exercises in the pre-university curriculum. All tests were evaluated at first and after 7 weeks of exercise. Statistical analysis: The changes in scores were analysed with the paired t-test for each group. Pre-post results were compared for the measured values. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in spine mobility after 7 weeks. However, group YA recorded values higher than that of the NY group. Conclusions: The introduction of yoga exercises, as a complementary form of training, in the 7 weeks, students, improved the mobility of the spine. REZUMAT. Influența unor posturi și respirații din yoga asupra mobilității la studenţii Universității Babeş-Bolyai. Context: Sistemul Hatha-Yoga are ca scop îmbunătățirea capacității pulmonare și mărirea mobilității articulare. Scop: Scopul acestui studiu a fost de a îmbunătății mobilitatea coloanei vertebrale la studenții din anul 1 a unor facultăți, fără profil de educație fizică și sport. În acest studiu au participat un număr de 15 studenți (băieți și fete), de la profilul geografie, anul I a Universității Babeș-Bolay, Cluj-Napoca. Acest studiu și-a propus să evalueze efectele a 12 asane combinate sub numele de Salutul Soarelui (Surya Namaskar) pe o perioada de 7 săptămâni. Subiecţi şi metoda: Un total de 15 de participanți (vârsta medie: 20,5 ani) au fost împărțiți într-un grup de yoga asana (YA) și non-yoga (NY), care practicau doar exerciții de mobilitate din încălzirea de gimnastică practicare în școlile de masă. Participanții au participat la o sesiune de 50 de minute, o dată pe săptămână, timp de 7 săptămâni. Grupul YA a practicat asane de bază cu instrucțiuni specifice de respirație (pranayama), în timp ce grupul NY a practicat exerciții aflate în programa școlară din sistemul preuniversitar. Evaluările au avut loc la început și după 7 săptămâni de exerciții. Analiza statistică: Modificările scorurilor au fost analizate cu testul t. Rezultatele pre-post program au fost comparate pentru toate valorile măsurate. Rezultate: Ambele grupuri au arătat îmbunătățiri semnificative ale mobilității coloanei vertebrale, după de 7 săptămâni. Cu toate acestea, grupa YA a înregistrat valori superioare celei din grupul NY. Cuvinte cheie: Yoga, asana, pranayama, Surya Namaskara.

Abstract Background Network controllability focuses on discovering combinations of external interventions that can drive a biological system to a desired configuration. In practice, this approach translates into finding a combined multi-drug therapy in order to induce a desired response from a cell; this can lead to developments of novel therapeutic approaches for systemic diseases like cancer. Result We develop a novel bioinformatics data analysis pipeline called NetControl4BioMed based on the concept of target structural control of linear networks. Our pipeline generates novel molecular interaction networks by combining pathway data from various public databases starting from the user’s query. The pipeline then identifies a set of nodes that is enough to control a given, user-defined set of disease-specific essential proteins in the network, i.e., it is able to induce a change in their configuration from any initial state to any final state. We provide both the source code of the pipeline as well as an online web-service based on this pipeline http://combio.abo.fi/nc/net_control/remote_call.php. Conclusion The pipeline can be used by researchers for controlling and better understanding of molecular interaction networks through combinatorial multi-drug therapies, for more efficient therapeutic approaches and personalised medicine.

Introduction: Endometriosis is a disease that affects between 10 and 15% of women in reproductive age. In Romania, approximately 70% of patients with chronic pelvic pain and 50% of patients with infertility have endometriosis. Endometriosis, an incompletely elucidated inflammatory disease, is defined as: the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus and it is associated with subfertility and chronic pelvic pain. The links between this disease and infertility are a much debated topic in the literature today. Once you detect some predictive factors in the occurrence of endometriosis, it could prove useful in early diagnosis and more efficient and personalized management of the disease. Material and Method: The aim of the study was to look for a correlation between endometriosis and infertility and to detect the possible existence of predictive factors regarding these two entities. We included in the study all the patients who were hospitalized between 01.01.2019 - 31.12.2019 in the Obstetrics and Gynecology departments I and II of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital "Pius Brînzeu" Timişoara. The main inclusion criterion was the diagnosis of endometriosis. Patient data were collected from observation sheets, provided by the clinic's archive. Results and Discussion. A total of 45 patients were diagnosed with endometriosis. In the correlation and regression analysis we observed a week association between the studied variables, which can be attributed to the small number of samples in the study group, especially given the incompletely elucidated multifactorial character of the disease. There are several associations that are worth mentioning. The positive association between the number of pregnancies and the volume of the lesion (r = 0.22, p = 0.2) can be explained by the association of these two variables independently with the age of the patients. The negative association between the number of pregnancies and the Ca-125 value (|r| = 0.24, p = 0.2) is interpreted as an increase in Ca-125 is correlated with a low number of pregnancies in a patient. Last but not least, the strongest positive association in our study was between the size of the lesion and the value of Ca-125 (r = 0.36, p = 0.01) - the larger the size of the lesion, the greater the value of Ca-125 is higher. Conclusion: Our group of patients showed that there are clinical and paraclinical links between endometriosis and infertility, but the exact pathophysiology of this link remains unclear and a global approach to the diagnosis and management of infertility in endometriosis it is necessary. So, we can say that although the link between infertility and endometriosis exists, the view today is that infertility in endometriosis is multifactorial.

We plan to develop a systematic framework for assembling large-scale computational biological models by reusing and combining already existing modelling efforts. Our goal is to build a software platform that will compile large-scale biomodels through successive integrations of smaller modules. The modules can be arbitrary executable programs accompanied by a set of (I/O) interface variables; they may also have an internal structure (such as a metabolic network, interaction network, etc.) that yields its executable part in a well defined way. Firstly, wherever possible, modules with the compatible internal structure will be joined by combining their structure and by producing new larger executable modules (like, combining two metabolic networks, etc.). Then, irrespective of the underlying internal structure and modelling formalisms, all the modules will be integrated through connecting their overlapping interface variables. The resulting composed model will be regarded as an executable program itself and it will be simulated by running its submodules in parallel and synchronizing them via their I/O variables. This composed model in its turn can also act as a sub-module for some other even large composite model. The major goal of this project is to deliver a powerful large-scale modeling methodology for the primary use in the fields of Computational Systems Biology and Bioinformatics.

The statistic of procedures scores to the great international judo competitions in 2016. Current Judo has many difficulties in approaching for most coaches. What do we start with (what techniques do we approach at first)? What is the optimal age to participate in competitions? From what age do we begin the first weaknesses? But especially, what are the best tactics to resist higher-level competitions (J.O, World Championship, European Championship). In order to better understand the evolution of the current judo, related to the technical, tactical and psychological level, the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, UBB-Cluj, in collaboration with Universitatea Dinamo-Cluj, conducted a study at two major international competitions: Grand Prix Havana 2016 held on January 22 and Cadet European Cup - Cluj-Napoca, Romania from 7-8 May. For the first competition we used the images and data taken from the International Judo Federation, as well as TV-JUDO, a television station of the Romanian Judo Federation. For the second competition we used the data collected by the team of veterans within the "Universitatea-Dinamo-Cluj" club, compared to the ones made by the International Judo Federation. Every weight category, both boys and girls were made statistical estimates for the number of points accumulated (Ippon, Wazari, Yuko) and statistical estimates on the number of penalties obtained by each category. After completing the data, the graphical presentation of the data was presented as a column diagram. REZUMAT. Statistica scorului procedeelor de judo la marile competiții internaționale în 2016. Judo-ul actual prezintă numeroase dificultăți de abordare pentru majoritatea antrenorilor. Cu ce începem judo (ce tehnici abordăm la început)? Care este vârsta optimă de a participa la competiții? De la ce vârstă începem primele slăbiri? Dar mai ales, care sunt tacticile cele mai bune pentru a da față unor competiții de nivel superior (J.O, Campionat Mondial, Campionat European). Pentru a înțelegere mai bună a evoluției judo-ului actual, raportat la nivelul tehnic, tactic și psihologic, Facultatea de Educație Fizică și Sport UBB-Cluj, în colaborare cu „Universitatea-Dinamo-Cluj” a desfășurat un studiu la două mari competiții internaționale: Grand Prix Havana 2016 desfășurat în 22 ianuarie şi Cadet European Cup – Cluj-Napoca, Romania din 7-8 mai. Pentru prima competiție ne-am folosit de imaginile și date preluate de la Federația Internațională de Judo, precum și de la TV-JUDO, post de televiziune al Federației Romane de Judo. Pentru cea de-a doua competiție ne-am folosit de datele culese de echipa de veterani din cadrul clubului „Universitatea-Dinamo-Cluj”, comparate cu cele realizate de Federația Internaționala de Judo. S-a urmărit fiecare categorie de greutate, atât de băieți, cât și de fete, și s-au făcut estimări statistice legate de: numărul de puncte acumulate (Ippon, Wazari, Yuko) și estimări statistice legate de numărul de penalizări obținute de fiecare categorie în parte. În urma finalizărilor datelor s-a trecut la prezentarea grafică a acestora, sub formă de diagrama coloană. Cuvinte cheie: Ippon, Wazari, shido, koka, Gold Score, Judo, Hansokumake, O-Goshi, Uchi-Mata, Ko-uchi-Gari, statistic, procedures, Judo, International Judo Federation, Grand Prix Havana 2016.

A reaction system is a modeling framework for investigating the functioning of the living cell, focused on capturing cause−effect relationships in biochemical environments. Biochemical processes in this framework are seen to interact with each other by producing the ingredients enabling and/or inhibiting other reactions. They can also be influenced by the environment seen as a systematic driver of the processes through the ingredients brought into the cellular environment. In this paper, the first attempt is made to implement reaction systems in the hardware. We first show a tight relation between reaction systems and synchronous digital circuits, generally used for digital electronics design. We describe the algorithms allowing us to translate one model to the other one, while keeping the same behavior and similar size. We also develop a compiler translating a reaction systems description into hardware circuit description using field-programming gate arrays (FPGA) technology, leading to high performance, hardware-based simulations of reaction systems. This work also opens a novel interesting perspective of analyzing the behavior of biological systems using established industrial tools from electronic circuits design.

We survey in this paper the main differences among three variants of an intramolecular model for gene assembly: the general, the simple, and the elementary models. We present all of them in terms of sorting signed permutations and compare their behavior with respect to: (i) completeness, (ii) confluence (with the notion defined in three different setups), (iii) decidability, (iv) characterization of the sortable permutations in each model, (v) sequential complexity, and (vi) experimental validation.