A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T Article history: Received: 14 December, 2020 Accepted: 19 January, 2021 Online: 05 February, 2021 A comparative analysis of formulas for blast wave overpressure is presented in the paper, and models were compared with available experimental data. The Kinney and Shin models show the best agreement with experimental data (Kingery-Bulmash) for free airburst, while for surface burst, Swisdak, Vanuci, and Jeon models predict test data most accurately. One of the novelties in the paper is introduction of new exponential and power functions for blast overpressure estimation, giving good agreement with experimental data. Also, several numerical simulations of free airburst explosions were performed to introduce methodology, and compare the data obtained with experimental data. A detailed description of the procedure for these simulations was provided – a contribution to numerical modeling of blast wave phenomena.

Reduced maintenance costs of concrete structures can be ensured by efficient and comprehensive condition assessment. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has been widely used in the condition assessment of reinforced concrete structures and it provides completely non-destructive results in real-time. It is mainly used for locating reinforcement and determining concrete cover thickness. More recently, research has focused on the possibility of using GPR for reinforcement corrosion assessment. In this paper, an overview of the application of GPR in corrosion assessment of concrete is presented. A literature search and study selection methodology were used to identify the relevant studies. First, the laboratory studies are shown. After that, the studies for the application on real structures are presented. The results have shown that the laboratory studies have not fully illuminated the influence of the corrosion process on the GPR signal. Also, no clear relationship was reported between the results of the laboratory studies and the on-site inspection. Although the GPR has a long history in the condition assessment of structures, it needs more laboratory investigations to clarify the influence of the corrosion process on the GPR signal.

Aim To report the results of a two-stage reconstruction of septic non-unions of the upper limb using the bone-and-strut technique with a follow-up of more than two years. Methods A total of 19 patients (12 males and seven females; age 27 to 85 years) were included in this cohort study. The evaluation endpoint was set at 24 months. Radiographic union, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores, pain and return to work were assessed. All patients were treated with debridement and antibiotic therapy. At a second stage, the nonunion focus was filled with a cancellous bone allograft. Stability was provided using a locking plate and a bone strut. Results After 24 months, the QuickDASH scores improved from a median of 28 (interquartile range, 13 - 35 points), to a median of 78 (interquartile range, 70 - 89 points). Mean pain scores improved from 8.1 (range, 0.3-10) to 0.6 (range 0-2). Radiographic and clinical union was seen in all patients. The majority of patients returned to work or previous activities when retired. A new neurological deficit, recurrence of infection, or other surgery-related adverse events were not observed. Conclusion The two-stage bone-and-strut technique is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of septic non-unions of the upper limb. The union rate is high, the complication rate is acceptable and return return-to-work is high. Recurrence of infectious sequelae during a follow-up period of at least two years was not seen. The patient-reported outcomes increased significantly.

Data on the immune response to West Nile virus (WNV) are limited. We analyzed the antiviral cytokine response in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of patients with WNV fever and WNV neuroinvasive disease using a multiplex bead-based assay for the simultaneous quantification of 13 human cytokines. The panel included cytokines associated with innate and early pro-inflammatory immune responses (TNF-α/IL-6), Th1 (IL-2/IFN-γ), Th2 (IL-4/IL-5/IL-9/IL-13), Th17 immune response (IL-17A/IL-17F/IL-21/IL-22) and the key anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Elevated levels of IFN-γ were detected in 71.7% of CSF and 22.7% of serum samples (p = 0.003). Expression of IL-2/IL-4/TNF-α and Th1 17 cytokines (IL-17A/IL-17F/IL-21) was detected in the serum but not in the CSF (except one positive CSF sample for IL-17F/IL-4). While IL-6 levels were markedly higher in the CSF compared to serum (CSF median 2036.71, IQR 213.82–6190.50; serum median 24.48, IQR 11.93–49.81; p < 0.001), no difference in the IL-13/IL-9/IL-10/IFN-γ/IL-22 levels in serum/CSF was found. In conclusion, increased concentrations of the key cytokines associated with innate and early acute phase responses (IL-6) and Th1 type immune responses (IFN-γ) were found in the CNS of patients with WNV infection. In contrast, expression of the key T-cell growth factor IL-2, Th17 cytokines, a Th2 cytokine IL-4 and the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α appear to be concentrated mainly in the periphery.

Background: The key considerations for healthy aging are diversity and inequity. Diversity means that there is no typical older person. Policy should be framed to improve the functional ability of all older people, whether they are robust, care dependent or in between. Objective: The aim of this article is to describe negative influence of Corona pandemic (COVID-19) for realization of the WHO project about Healthy Aging global strategy proposed in the targets "Health for all". Methods: Authors used descriptive model for this cross-sectional study based on facts in analyzed scientific literature deposited in on-line databases about healthy aging concept of the prevention and treatment of the people who will come or already came to the "third trimester of the life". Results and Discussion: Some 80-year-olds have levels of physical and mental capacity that compare favorably with 30-year-olds. Others of the same age may require extensive care and support for basic activities like dressing and eating. Policy should be framed to improve the functional ability of all older people, whether they are robust, care dependent or in between. Inequity reflects a large proportion (approximately 75%) of the diversity in capacity and circumstance observed in older age is the result of the cumulative impact of advantage and disadvantage across people’s lives. Importantly, the relationships we have with our environments are shaped by factors such as the family we were born into, our sex, ethnicity, level of education and financial resources. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic "celebrated" one year of existing in almost all countries in the world with very difficult consequences for whole population. But in the first risk group are old people who have in average 6 to 7 co-morbidities. WHO recommended some measures to improve prevention and treatment this category of population, but COVID-19 pandemic stopped full realization of Decade of Healthy Aging project.

Aim To investigate the effect of intermittent traction therapy (ITT) on pain in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods A total of 81 patients with CLBP were included: experimental group received ITT (n=40) and control group received conservative physical treatment (n=41) 10 times for two weeks. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for measuring low back pain. Results In the experimental group, 26 (out of 40; 65.0%) patients were females, in the control group 20 (out of 41; 48.8%) were females (p=0.141). In a within-group comparison, median of VAS value was significantly decreased in both groups after ITT. A comparison of pre-intervention and post-intervention VAS value showed no statistically significant difference. Females from the experimental group had a significantly greater decrease of VAS compared with females from the control group. Patients in the ITT group with L5/S1 level of hernia had lower estimated marginal mean of VAS scale compared to the control group, as well the patients with left side of leg pain. Conclusion: Intermittent traction therapy is an effective treatment for pain reduction in patients with chronic low back pain.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic incurable disease, and patients develop associated diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia. Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the frequency of comorbidities (obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure) in men with psoriasis, and the relationship between the duration of psoriasis and the occurrence of comorbidities. Methods: A prospective study was conducted and included 88 male subjects, mean age 52,70 (SD=± 14,05) years, mean psoriasis duration 15,13 (SD=±12,43) years. Results: The incidence of obesity was 30,68%, high blood pressure 29,55%, dyslipidemia 22,73%, diabetes 13,64%. There was a weak correlation between the duration of psoriasis and the occurrence of obesity (r=0,11), dyslipidemia (r=0,18), diabetes (r=0,01), and high blood pressure (r=-0,02). Conclusion: Comorbidities occur in men with psoriasis, and their occurrence is not related to the duration of the disease.

Aim There are more and more herbal preparations that are used for the purpose of treatment and improvement of the clinical manifestation of vaginitis not only by patients themselves, but also by healthcare professionals. Plant species, St. John's wort, chamomile, calendula, yarrow, shepherd's purse and tea tree oil are all well known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound healing activity. This paper presents the results of a clinical study in which three herbal formulations/vagitories, based on extracts of St. John's wort, chamomile, calendula, yarrow, shepherd's purse and tea tree oil, were investigated for their effectiveness on vaginitis. Methods This was a randomized controlled clinical study that included 210 women with diagnosed vaginitis. Patients were divided into two basic groups, women in reproductive period and postmenopausal period. Three subgroups including 30 patients each received one of the three vagitorie formulations for 5 days, after which the effects on subjective and objective symptoms were monitored. Results Three types of vagitories based on plant extracts had a positive effect in the treatment of vaginitis. Vagitories based on tea tree oil showed better efficiency compared to vagitories with St. John's wort and vagitories based on extracts of five plants. Women in postmenopausal group reported better tolerability of St. John's wort-based and five herbs-based vagitories compared to tea tree oil based vagitories. Conclusion Investigated vagitories showed a positive effect on both objective and subjective symptoms of vagitnis. No serious side effects were reported.

Aim To evaluate modalities of extensor tendons repair of hand and forearm in specific anatomical zones with regard to etiological factors and presence of associated injuries of adjacent anatomical structures. Methods This cross-sectional study included 279 patients referred for extensor tendon repair of hand and forearm in specific anatomical zones. Available treatment modalities were evaluated concerning etiological factors, anatomical zones, and associated injuries. Statistical significance was analysed in the occurrence of early and late postoperative complications according to anatomical zones. Results Direct repair of extensor tendon lesions was found to be the most common modality of reconstruction, 230 (93.5%), of which blade injuries were predominant, 120 (48.7%). Direct tendon repair was mostly indicated in Zone VI and Zone III, in 55 (23.9%) and 42 (18.3%) patients, respectively. Statistically, a significant correlation was confirmed between treatment modalities, injuries in specific anatomical zones, and type of etiological factor (p<0.0001). Statistical correlation was confirmed between zones of injuries and the occurrence of early and late complications (p=0.002). Conclusion Successful postoperative recovery was correlated with the recognition of functional failure in specific zones, assessment of potential associated injuries, and selection of the most optimal modality of reconstruction.

Aim To determine the effect of the load on the meniscus in relation to a different angle, and to present the impact of force on eventual injury of menisci. Methods Research included 200 males with average height of 178.5 cm, mass 83.5 kg, and average age of 22 years. The simulation of treadmill that was used in the evaluation of ischemic heart disease was made. Effects on the knee were evaluated by measuring at different inclinations (5°70', 6°80', 7°90', 9°10', 10°20', 11°30' and 12°40'). Results With increasing ascent of treadmill the load on the meniscus also increased. Each increase in ascent after 22% (which corresponded to the angle of 12°40' and seventh degree of load according to the Bruce protocol) at given anthropological values was an etiological factor for meniscus injury. Conclusion The seventh degree of load according to the Bruce protocol can lead to the meniscus injury.