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Jerusalem artichoke grows underground tubers that store fructans, primarily inulin, which are considered as prebiotics and functional dietary fibre with positive physiological benefits on human health. The aim of this study was to assess the yield and nutritional quality of Jerusalem artichoke tubers according to different cropping systems on dry sandy soils from Southern Romania. The experiments were carried out during 2018-2020 at the Research and Development Station for Plant Culture on Sands Dăbuleni, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental combined factors applied were fertilization with plants density (5×2). After the tubers were harvested, their quality was evaluated using standard methods. The results suggest that Jerusalem artichoke crop has minimal requirements for fertilization and tolerates very well high plants density without affecting significantly the yield and the nutritional features analysed, respectively the contents in total dry matter, soluble dry matter, inulin, soluble carbo-hydrates and C vitamin. A significant positive correlation was determined between the soluble dry matter and soluble carbohydrates content. The assessed biochemical compounds displayed high values in both fertilized and unfertilized conditions and in both densities, showing that Jerusalem artichoke is a perennial crop with multifunctional high growing potential in marginal terrains usually improper for the conventional crops.

Many studies in the world showed that nitrogen fertilization, seeding rate, planting data and planting depth affect the yield and its components (Jonhson et. at.. 1988, Blue et al., 1990). The studies were performed at Agricultural Research and Development Station- Şimnic, on a brown-reddish soil. During three years (2004-2006) was performed an experiment with two factors and fifth graduations: like A factor was the variety with the graduations: a1=Simnic 30, a2=Dropia, a3=Flamura85, a4=Alex, a5=Rapid and like B factor was seeding rate with: b1=100 g.k/m², b2=200 g.k/m², b3=300 g.k/m², b4=400 g.k/m², b5=550 g.k/m². The yield was determinate in the field and 1000 kernels weight value in laboratory. On average, in three years, 300 g.k/m² and 400 g.k/m² assured yields at the same level with check variety suggesting that the losses (234 kg/ha, respectively 286 kg/ha) are not significant. Şimnic30, Dropia, Flamura85 and Alex varieties had a similarly behavior. Significant diminishes of the yield were recorded at 100 g.k/m² comparative with 550 g.k/m² as follow: 21%, 17%, 23% respectively 19%. The only variety that, on three years average, presented significant yield diminishes at 100 g.k/m² (25%) as well as at 200 g.k/m² (20%) was Rapid variety. An hypothetic calculation for seeding rate at varieties with 1000 kernel weight by 40 g and cultural value by 9800 (G=98%, P=-100%) show us that, practically, the amount of seeds for initiate a crop is half at 300 g.k/m² comparatively with 550 g.k/m² . Under ARDS-Simnic conditions, tested varieties presented the highest yields at 550 g.k/m² but these were statistically assured only against 100 g.k/m². The only exception was recorded by Rapid variety than recorded yield gain at 550 g.k/m² was superior against all others densities. Subsequently, we recommend for this variety only 550 g.k/m² seeding rate. Following obtained results we can recommend for Şimnic30, Dropia, Flamura85 and Alex to be planting at less than 550 g.k/m² this involving lower amount of seed and consequently lower price for initiate a crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1964 to present, there have been more than 33 cases of concomitant rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gout reported in the literature. The objective of this study is to present a case series of patients with coexistent rheumatoid arthritis and gout and to provide a review of the literature. A retrospective review of a rheumatology patient database at the University of Alberta was performed (2004-2017). Patient charts were reviewed and the 1987 ARA Revised Classification Criteria for RA and 1977 ARA Classification Criteria for gout were applied to each patient. For gout, positive monosodium urate crystals on synovial fluid analysis, synovial/node biopsy, or positive dual-energy CT-gout protocol were used to satisfy the diagnosis of gout if available. Thirteen patients were identified with both RA and gout (nine men and four women). The mean age was 68.6, while the mean age at the onset of first disease was 55.3 and onset of second disease was 64.4. Eight patients were initially diagnosed with RA and subsequently developed gout, while five patients were first diagnosed with gout and subsequently developed RA. Standard radiographs showed findings characteristic of RA and gout in affected joints. In joints affected by both diseases, the gout findings predominated and the RA changes were milder. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout do coexist in the same patient, contrary to popular belief. Understanding that both conditions can occur concomitantly is necessary for clinical awareness, especially in patients with polyarticular disease that is difficult to treat.

Purpose: To illustrate two cases of palpebral tumors that determined local complications, with consequences on the preoperative diagnosis and the surgical treatment (case 1) and on the functional prognosis of the eye (case 2)., Method: The history and evolution of the cases, the surgical techniques, the histopathological reports and the anatomical and functional results are described and analyzed., Results: In case 1, the extension of the tumor led to a considerable tissular defect that claimed for a long and hard surgery for the anatomical and functional repair of the region. In case 2, the vegetant evolution of the tumor determined the irritation of the cornea and consecutive corneal ulcer that perforated, with the functional loss of the eye., Conclusions: The two cases are revealing aspects that are less frequent in the ophthalmic practice. They signalize, besides the deffisient adresability of the patient, the problem of the "territorial dispute" over the palpebral surgery between different specialties.