Publications by authors named "Romana Vulturar"

Article Synopsis
  • Hepatic disease is a major issue for children with cystic fibrosis (CF), but its link to specific genetic factors remains unclear; this study investigates these connections in a Romanian pediatric population.
  • The study involved 71 children with CF, comparing 25 with hepatic disease to 46 without, collecting data on CFTR genotypes and SERPINA1 alleles; results showed a common genotype (DF508/DF508) but no significant genetic associations with hepatic disease.
  • Although the study found no strong links between genetics and liver complications, children with hepatic disease showed higher fibrosis scores and a trend towards delayed CF diagnosis, highlighting the need for early identification and monitoring of liver health in CF patients.
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  • Macrocephaly is the condition of having an unusually large head, which can be linked to specific finger changes, making diagnosis tricky for clinicians.
  • This review highlights various genetic and acquired causes of macrocephaly and finger changes, including skeletal disorders, metabolic diseases, and autoimmune conditions.
  • Understanding the complex genetic and hormonal factors involved in human growth is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals with these conditions.
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The ubiquitous RNA-processing molecule TDP-43 is involved in neuromuscular diseases such as inclusion body myositis, a late-onset acquired inflammatory myopathy. TDP-43 solubility and function are disrupted in certain viral infections. Certain viruses, high viremia, co-infections, reactivation of latent viruses, and post-acute expansion of cytotoxic T cells may all contribute to inclusion body myositis, mainly in an age-shaped immune landscape.

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Cognitive behavioral therapy is based on the view that maladaptive thinking is the causal mechanism of mental disorders. While this view is supported by extensive evidence, very limited work has addressed the factors that contribute to the development of maladaptive thinking. The present study aimed to uncover interactions between childhood maltreatment and multiple genetic differences in irrational beliefs.

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() is a tropical tree native to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan; it is cultivated for its nutritious leaves, pods, and seeds. This scientific study was conducted to outline the anti-inflammatory properties and mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds from The existing research has found that the plant is used in traditional medicine due to its bioactive compounds, including phytochemicals: flavonoids and polyphenols. The compounds are thought to exert their anti-inflammatory effects due to: (1) inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes: quercetin and kaempferol inhibit the pro-inflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase); (2) regulation of cytokine production: isothiocyanates modulate signaling pathways involved in inflammation, such as the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) pathway; isothiocyanates inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor α) and IL-1β (interleukin-1β); and (3) antioxidant activity: contains flavonoids, polyphenols, known to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

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L., a plant from the family, is commonly used in Benin's traditional medicine due to its therapeutic benefits. This study aims to explore the medicinal efficacy of L.

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The involvement of serotonin in emotion and psychopathology has been extensively examined. Studies using acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) have found limited effects on mood and aggression, and one of the explanations suggests that serotonin may be involved in higher-order functions, such as emotion regulation. However, there is very limited evidence for this hypothesis.

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Hughes-Stovin syndrome is a rare disease characterized by thrombophlebitis and multiple pulmonary and/or bronchial aneurysms. The etiology and pathogenesis of HSS are incompletely known. The current consensus is that vasculitis underlies the pathogenic process, and pulmonary thrombosis follows arterial wall inflammation.

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The genus belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and is known for its many health benefits. Therefore, it is commonly available worldwide and includes more than 47 species, five species have been mainly reported, and has been one of the most widely used plants for thousands of years as a remedy for a wide range of ailments. In recent investigations, the essential oils of the genus have been examined for their antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties related to specific components such as terpenoid compounds that exhibit pharmacological activity.

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Objective: The aim of this study is to describe a group of Romanian children with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome.

Materials: This consisted of 39 children diagnosed with PFAPA syndrome according to Thomas' criteria (eight patients with an age at diagnosis <1 year and 31 patients with an age at diagnosis >1 year).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of the patients with PFAPA syndrome was focused on clinical features, laboratory findings and therapeutic methods.

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The coexistence of osteogenesis imperfecta and inflammatory arthritis has been very rarely described. Nevertheless, systemic inflammation has been found in osteogenesis imperfecta. The COL1A1 mutations may affect collagen synthesis as well as post-translational modifications, extracellular matrix interactions, and receptor-mediated signaling.

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Article Synopsis
  • Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) is a late-onset inflammatory muscle disease that combines inflammation and degeneration, typically diagnosed about 5 years after symptoms start, unlike paraneoplastic myositis which occurs closer in time to cancer.
  • Recent studies have highlighted a potential connection between IBM and large granular lymphocyte leukemia, suggesting a possible association with certain cancers.
  • The mechanisms behind IBM involve immune responses, particularly CD8+ T cells and interferon gamma, and share similarities with cancer processes, indicating the need for further research on their relationship to improve treatment and patient outcomes.
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Glucose transporter type 1 (Glut1) is the main transporter involved in the cellular uptake of glucose into many tissues, and is highly expressed in the brain and in erythrocytes. Glut1 deficiency syndrome is caused mainly by mutations of the gene, impairing passive glucose transport across the blood-brain barrier. All age groups, from infants to adults, may be affected, with age-specific symptoms.

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  • - The oral microbiome is a complex biofilm made up of microorganisms that form on oral structures, starting with the salivary pellicle, and plays a crucial role in maintaining oral and systemic health through constant interactions with the human host.
  • - Modern research utilizes advanced technologies like genomics and metabolomics to study oral microorganisms and their effects, along with the impact of pharmaceuticals such as prebiotics and probiotics on the microbiome.
  • - There is a significant association between oral dysbiosis and various systemic disorders, leading to a focus on using oral microbiome analysis for prevention and personalized treatment, emphasizing the need to restore a normal symbiotic relationship with these microbes.
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Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is a rare genetic condition of the myocardium, with a significantly high risk of sudden death. Recent genetic research and improved understanding of the pathophysiology tend to change the ARVD definition towards a larger spectrum of myocardial involvement, which includes, in various proportions, both the right (RV) and left ventricle (LV), currently referred to as ACM (arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy). Its pathological substrate is defined by the replacement of the ventricular myocardium with fibrous adipose tissue that further leads to inadequate electrical impulses and translates into varies degrees of malignant ventricular arrythmias and dyskinetic myocardium movements.

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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by an accumulation of hepatic fat, diagnosed histologically or radiologically (ultrasound), in the absence of a secondary cause of steatosis, especially alcohol consumption. Its prevalence is estimated to be approximately 25%. This high prevalence is correlated with the risk factors attributed to the metabolic syndrome.

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Recent years have brought about new understandings regarding the pathogenesis of anemia in sports. From hemodilution and redistribution considered to contribute to the so-called "sports anemia" to iron deficiency caused by increased demands, dietary restrictions, decreased absorption, increased losses, hemolysis, and sequestration, to genetic determinants of different types of anemia (some related to sport), the anemia in athletes deserves a careful and multifactorial approach. Dietary factors that reduce iron absorption (e.

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Pediatricians should be aware of the clinical presentation, emergency intervention, and long-term management of hyperammonemia. In Romania, there are many challenges regarding hyperammonemia: low awareness of the need for prompt diagnosis and adequate management, communication problems between different physicians, lack of knowledge and availability of diagnostic tools and medications, lack of dietitians trained in metabolic diseases. Urea cycle disorders (UCD) are severe diseases, with high mortality in neonates and possible neurologic complications in the survivors.

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  • - The COVID-19 pandemic has caused over 3.4 million deaths globally and is linked to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, affecting not just the lungs but also the cardiovascular system.
  • - The disease can vary from mild symptoms to severe respiratory failure due to lung damage, which is influenced by both acute respiratory distress syndrome and blood vessel complications.
  • - Recent studies indicate COVID-19 is primarily an endothelial disease, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and clotting issues, emphasizing the need for targeted therapies focusing on endothelial dysfunction.
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Thoracic aortic aneurysms may result in dissection with fatal consequences if undetected. A young male patient with no relevant familial history, after having been investigated for hypertension, was diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm involving the aortic root and the proximal tubular segment, associated with a septal atrial defect. The patient underwent a Bentall surgery protocol without complications.

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  • Donkey milk is a popular alternative to cow's milk for infants and those with cow's milk protein allergies due to its similarity to human milk and low allergenic properties.
  • It offers various health benefits, including antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and helps stimulate the immune system and regulate gut health.
  • The review focuses on the active proteins and peptides found in donkey milk compared to other milk types, showcasing their significance in health and food applications.
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Inflammation may play contradictory roles in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): gastritis decreases gastric output and reduces the risk of esophagitis, while interleukins may favor mucosal inflammation. The inflammation may cause esogastric motility changes and thus increase the risk of esophagitis. Considering the genetic influence of inflammatory response, we looked for the genetic polymorphisms of IL-1 in GERD manifested as reflux esophagitis.

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The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is significantly activated in rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, somatic activating mutations of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway may result in -related overgrowth spectrum diseases, including CLOVES (Congenital Lipomatous Overgrowth, Vascular malformation, Epidermal nevi, Skeletal abnormalities/Scoliosis) syndrome. We describe the case of a young female patient, with anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies-positive rheumatoid arthritis, referred for persistent finger pain and stiffness.

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Iron deficiency in the human body is a global issue with an impact on more than two billion individuals worldwide. The most important functions ensured by adequate amounts of iron in the body are related to transport and storage of oxygen, electron transfer, mediation of oxidation-reduction reactions, synthesis of hormones, the replication of DNA, cell cycle restoration and control, fixation of nitrogen, and antioxidant effects. In the case of iron deficiency, even marginal insufficiencies may impair the proper functionality of the human body.

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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequently encountered cancer type, and its alarming incidence is explained by genetic and epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic changes may represent diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of HCC. In this review we discussed deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hypomethylation, DNA hypermethylation, and aberrant expression of small non-coding ribonucleic acid (RNA), which could be useful new biomarkers in the early diagnosis of HCC.

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