The Impact of Inflammatory Markers and Obesity in Chronic Venous Disease.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) represents a significant health challenge, particularly in obese individuals. This study focuses on the interplay between inflammation, obesity, and CVD, by analyzing the role of inflammatory markers in the disease progression. Clinical and paraclinical data of 619 patients hospitalized and treated in the Phlebology Department (1stSurgical Department, "Pius Brînzeu" Emergency County Hospital Timișoara, Romania) between 2018 and 2024 were analyzed.

In silico splicing analysis of the PMS2 gene: exploring alternative molecular mechanisms in PMS2-associated Lynch syndrome.

Lynch syndrome (LS) is one of the most common hereditary cancer syndrome in human populations, associated with germline variants in MLH1, MSH2/EPCAM, MSH6 and PMS2 genes. The advent of next generation sequencing has proven a significant impact in germline variant detection in the causative genes; however, a large proportion of patients with clinical criteria still receive uncertain or negative results. PMS2 is the least frequent reported gene, associated with up to 15% of LS cases with late-onset disease and low penetrance phenotype; however, the proportion of PMS2-LS cases is considered to be highly underestimated.

Toward the improvement of vibronic spectra and non-radiative rate constants using the vertical Hessian method.

For the computation of vibrationally resolved electronic spectra, various approaches can be employed. Adiabatic approaches simulate vibronic transitions using harmonic potentials of the initial and final states, while vertical approaches extrapolate the final state potential from the gradients and Hessian at the Franck-Condon point, avoiding a full exploration of the potential energy surface of the final state. Our implementation of the vertical Hessian (VH) method has been validated with a benchmark set of four small molecules, each presenting unique challenges, such as complex topologies, problematic low-frequency vibrations, or significant geometrical changes upon electronic excitation.

Sticky Bone as a New Type of Autologous Bone Grafting in Schatzker Type II Tibial Plateau Fracture Case Report.

Background: Schatzker type II fractures usually need to be grafted. Autograft bone from the iliac crest represents the gold standard, but it comes with high rates of morbidity on the donor side. Sticky bone is one of the regenerative therapies that aims to find new solutions to treat bone defects and to overcome the limitation of conventional options regarding bone grafts, due to their content in growth factors, which offer osteo-induction and osteo-conduction properties.

Lipidomic Signature of Plasma and Synovial Fluid in Patients with Osteoarthritis: Putative Biomarkers Determined by UHPLC-QTOF-ESI+MS.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint condition causing pain and disability, especially in the elderly. Currently, OA diagnosis relies on clinical data and imaging, but recent interest in metabolomics suggests that early biochemical changes in biofluids, particularly synovial fluid (SF), could enable an earlier diagnosis and understanding of the disease.

Methods: In this regard, we conducted a lipidomics study in 33 plasma and SF samples from OA patients and 20 OA-free controls to assess the diagnostic value of various lipid metabolites, using UHPLC-QTOF-ESI+MS.

Simulating the full spin manifold of triplet-pair states in a series of covalently linked TIPS-pentacenes.

Combined density functional theory and multireference configuration interaction methods have been used to elucidate singlet fission (SF) pathways and mechanisms in three regioisomers of side-on linked pentacene dimers. In addition to the optically bright singlets (S and S ) and singly excited triplets (T and T ), the full spin manifold of multiexcitonic triplet-pair states ( ME, ME, ME) has been considered. In the ortho- and para-regioisomers, the ME and S potentials intersect upon geometry relaxation of the S excitation.

Enhanced Intersystem Crossing, Yet Still Fluorescence Upon Introduction of Intermediate Charge-Transfer States in Hemicaged [Zn(bpy)].

Photoactive zinc(II) complexes typically undergo fluorescence from the singlet excited state as the dominant radiative pathway, as the operative spin-orbit coupling is usually very small and phosphorescence from the triplet state is strongly forbidden. Although dicationic zinc(II) tris(bipyridine) strictly follows this scheme with fluorescence at λ = 326 nm, constructing the ligand sphere as a hemicage was reported to lead to quantitative intersystem crossing (ISC) and subsequent fast phosphorescence with λ = 485 and a short radiative lifetime of ca. 1 μs.

Analysis of the Level of Adiponectin and Selected Cytokines in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative disease that is continuously targeting people of different ages, but especially the elderly population, the number of which tends to increase continuously at the global level. Apart from age, excess weight can influence the evolution of the disease, with obesity being associated with a weak inflammation stage and an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The present work aimed to analyze specific biomarkers, namely ACRP-30, IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-6, in knee synovial fluid, and correlate them with KOA patients' clinical data, radiographic changes, and functional and pain scores.

A Case-Study on the Photophysics of Chalcogen-Substituted Zinc(II) Phthalocyanines.

Singlet dioxygen has been widely applied in different disciplines such as medicine (photodynamic therapy or blood sterilization), remediation (wastewater treatment) or industrial processes (fine chemicals synthesis). Particularly, it can be conveniently generated by energy transfer between a photosensitizer's triplet state and triplet dioxygen upon irradiation with visible light. Among the best photosensitizers, substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanines are prominent due to their excellent photophysical properties, which can be tuned by structural modifications, such as halogen- and chalcogen-atom substitution.

Multiexcitonic and optically bright states in subunits of pentacene crystals: A hybrid DFT/MRCI and molecular mechanics study.

A hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics setup was used to model electronically excited pentacene in the crystal phase. Particularly interesting in the context of singlet fission (SF) is the energetic location of the antiferromagnetically coupled multiexcitonic singlet state, 1(TT), and the ferromagnetically coupled analog in relation to the optically bright singlet state. To provide photophysical properties of the accessible spin manifold, combined density functional theory and multi-reference configuration interaction calculations were performed on pentacene dimers and a trimer, electrostatically embedded in the crystal.

Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Roma Vulnerable Communities in Western Romania: Insights and Predictive Factors from a Retrospective Study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected vulnerable populations like Roma patients in Western Romania due to marginalization and limited healthcare access.

Methods: A retrospective study analyzed COVID-19 cases between March 2020 and August 2022 using data from the Directorate of Public Health in Timis county. Demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data were assessed, along with risk factors and biomarkers for ICU admission and mortality prediction.

HB-EGF Plasmatic Level Contributes to the Development of Early Risk Prediction Nomogram for Severe COVID-19 Cases.

(1) Background: Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-like Growth Factor (HB-EGF) is involved in wound healing, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart development processes. Recently, circulant HB-EGF was reported upregulated in severely hospitalized COVID-19 patients. However, the clinical correlations of HB-EGF plasma levels with COVID-19 patients' characteristics have not been defined yet.

Involvement of the Expression of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Schizophrenia.

The expression of GPCRs has been associated with schizophrenia, and their expression may induce morphological changes in brain regions responsible for schizophrenia and disease-specific behavioral changes. The articles included in this review were selected using keywords and databases of scientific research websites. The expressions of GPRs have different involvements in schizophrenia, some increase the risk while others provide protection, and they may also be potential targets for new treatments.

Total Antioxidant Capacity of Saliva and Its Correlation with pH Levels among Dental Students under Different Stressful Conditions.

(1) Background: This cross-sectional study conducted at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Timisoara, Romania, between December 2022 and February 2023 aims to assess salivary total antioxidant capacity and pH levels in dental students experiencing non-stressful and stressful situations and explore potential correlations between these factors. (2) Methods: Saliva samples were collected during two different periods: before an Oral Health course and before the Oral Health exam, under stressful conditions. Ethical principles were followed, and informed consent was obtained.

Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Phosphorescence Properties of Trigonal Zn(II) Carbene Complexes.

The sterically demanding -heterocyclic carbene ITr (,'-bis(triphenylmethyl)imidazolylidene) was employed for the preparation of novel trigonal zinc(II) complexes of the type [ZnX(ITr)] [X = Cl (), Br (), and I ()], for which the low coordination mode was confirmed in both solution and solid state. Because of the atypical coordination geometry, the reactivity of was studied in detail using partial or exhaustive halide exchange and halide abstraction reactions to access [ZnLCl(ITr)] [L = carbazolate (), 3,6-di--butyl-carbazolate (), phenoxazine (), and phenothiazine ()], [Zn(bdt)(ITr)] (bdt = benzene-1,2-dithiolate) (), and cationic [Zn(μ-X)(ITr)][B(CF)] [X = Cl (), Br (), and I ()], all of which were isolated and structurally characterized. Importantly, for all complexes , the trigonal coordination environment of the Zn ion is maintained, demonstrating a highly stabilizing effect due to the steric demand of the ITr ligand, which protects the metal center from further ligand association.

Structural Control of Highly Efficient Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence in Carbene Zinc(II) Dithiolates.

Luminescent metal complexes based on earth abundant elements are a valuable target to substitute 4d/5d transition metal complexes as triplet emitters in advanced photonic applications. Whereas Cu complexes have been thoroughly investigated in the last two decades for this purpose, no structure-property-relationships for efficient luminescence involving triplet excited states from Zn complexes are established. Herein, we report on the design of monomeric carbene zinc(II) dithiolates (CZT) featuring a donor-acceptor-motif that leads to highly efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) with for Zn compounds unprecedented radiative rate constants k =1.

Healthcare Workers' Vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 in Western Romania: A Study on Incidence and Risk Factors for Non-Vaccination and Reinfection.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted healthcare workers, a professional category at risk of infection in both hospital and community settings. The aim of the study was to compare morbidity among hospital staff and that in general population, as well as the factors predicting non-vaccination and reinfection.

Patients And Methods: The present study is a retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Clinical Variables Influence the Ability of miR-101, miR-150, and miR-21 to Predict Ventricular Remodeling after ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Left ventricle remodeling (LVR) after acute myocardial infarction (MI) leads to impairment of both systolic and diastolic function, a significant contributor to heart failure (HF). Despite extensive research in the field, predicting post-MI LVR and HF is still a challenge. Several circulant microRNAs have been proposed as LVR predictors; however, their clinical value is controversial.

Electron affinities and lowest triplet and singlet state properties of -oligophenylenes ( = 3-5): theory and experiment.

We apply photodetachment-photoelectron spectroscopy to measure the electron affinities and the energetics of the lowest excited electronic states of the neutral molecules -terphenyl (p3P), -quaterphenyl (p4P) and -quinquephenyl (p5P), including especially the triplet states below S. The interpretation of the experimental data is based on the comparison to calculated 0-0 energies and Dyson norms, using density functional theory and multireference configuration interaction methods, as well as Franck-Condon patterns. The comparison between calculated and experimental vibrational fine-structures reveals a twisted benzoid-like molecular structure of the S ground state and nearly planar quinoid-like nuclear arrangements in the S and T excited states as well as in the D anion ground state.

The First Identification of in the Raccoon Dog ( in Romania.

spp. are nematodes distributed throughout the world that affect an impressive number of host animals (mammals, birds, and reptiles) involved in the evolution of two cycles, the domestic and the sylvatic. The raccoon dog () is an omnivorous mammal with great ecological plasticity.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Assessing the Significance of Lp(a) and ApoB Concentrations in a Romanian Cohort.

: This research delves into the association between altered lipid profiles and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), shedding light on cardiovascular implications in maternal health. : A cohort of 83 pregnant women was studied, with 48.19% diagnosed with HDP.

Lipid Profile Variations in Pregnancies with and without Cardiovascular Risk: Consequences for Both Mother and Newborn.

: Maternal cardiovascular risk and its implications can have significant repercussions for both the mother and the child. This study compares the lipid profiles of two distinct groups of pregnant women, those with and without cardiovascular risk, to shed light on its effects on maternal and outcomes for newborns. : This study enrolled 86 pregnant women, dividing them into two groups: Group 1 ( = 46, healthy pregnancies) and Group 2 ( = 40, pregnancies with cardiovascular risk factors).

Polarity-Tunable Luminescence and Intersystem Crossing of a Zinc(II) Diimine Dithiolate Complex.

Combined density functional theory and multireference configuration interaction methods including spin-orbit interactions have been employed to investigate the photophysical properties and deactivation pathways of a zinc diimine dithiolate complex involving the phenanthroline derivative bathocuproine and the dianionic dithiosquarate as chelating ligands. Zn(batho)(dtsq) is one of the few luminescent zinc complexes for which triplet emission had been reported in the solid state [Gronlund, P. 1995, 234, 13-18].

Plasma hsa-miR-22-3p Might Serve as an Early Predictor of Ventricular Function Recovery after ST-Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Left ventricle remodeling (LVR) after acute myocardial infarction (aMI) leads to impairment of both systolic and diastolic function, a major contributor to heart failure (HF). Despite extensive research, predicting post-aMI LVR and HF is still a challenge. Several circulant microRNAs have been proposed as LVR predictors; however, their clinical value is controversial.

Plasma miR-195-5p predicts the severity of Covid-19 in hospitalized patients.

Predicting the clinical course of Covid-19 is a challenging task, given the multi-systemic character of the disease and the paucity of minimally invasive biomarkers of disease severity. Here, we evaluated the early (first two days post-admission) level of circulating hsa-miR-195-5p (miR-195, a known responder to viral infections and SARS-CoV-2 interactor) in Covid-19 patients and assessed its potential as a biomarker of disease severity. We show that plasma miR-195 correlates with several clinical and paraclinical parameters, and is an excellent discriminator between the severe and mild forms of the disease.