Unveiling Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Hepatitis D Among Vulnerable Communities in Romania.

Background: Hepatitis B (HBV) and Delta (HDV) virus infections pose critical public health challenges, particularly in Romania, where HDV co-infection is underdiagnosed.

Methods: This study investigates the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of HBV/HDV co-infection in vulnerable populations, leveraging data from the LIVE(RO2) program. Conducted between July 2021 and November 2023, the program screened 320,000 individuals across 24 counties, targeting socially disadvantaged groups such as rural residents, the Roma community, and those lacking health insurance.

Vitamin D Deficiency as a Risk Factor for Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a significant microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), remains a major cause of vision loss worldwide. Vitamin D, recognized for its role in bone health, has also been implicated in various non-skeletal conditions, including DR. This systematic review analyzed data from 20 studies involving 22,408 participants to explore the relationship between vitamin D levels and DR.

Risk Factor Analysis in Vascular Access Complications for Hemodialysis Patients.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal failure remain critical global health challenges, with vascular access complications posing significant obstacles in hemodialysis management. This study investigates the early and late complications associated with vascular access procedures in a cohort of 1334 patients from Timiș County Emergency Clinical Hospital. Patients were categorized into early complications, occurring within 30 days postoperatively, and late complications, developing beyond this period.

CT-Guided Transthoracic Core-Needle Biopsy of Pulmonary Nodules: Current Practices, Efficacy, and Safety Considerations.

CT-guided transthoracic core-needle biopsy (CT-TTNB) is a minimally invasive procedure that plays a crucial role in diagnosing pulmonary nodules. With high diagnostic yield and low complication rates, CT-TTNB is favored over traditional surgical biopsies, providing accuracy in detecting both malignant and benign conditions. This literature review aims to present a comprehensive overview of CT-TTNB, focusing on its indications, procedural techniques, diagnostic yield, and safety considerations.

CMV Retinitis in the Context of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Study and Comprehensive Review of Viral Interactions.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a sight-threatening condition predominantly affecting immunocompromised individuals, such as those with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). We aimed to present an observational case report on CMV retinitis following Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and to review the literature on the molecular and cellular changes in CMV and SARS-CoV-2 infections and how they may influence each other. A 32-year-old man with a history of AIDS presented with decreased vision and ocular pain exacerbated by movement, beginning a day prior.