Publications by authors named "Simona Elena Albu"

Our aim is to analyse the bone profile in adults with (non-functioning) adrenal incidentalomas (AIs), specifically addressing the impact of autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). This narrative review, based on a PubMed search from inception to February 2023 (case reports, non-ACS, and other secondary causes of osteoporosis were excluded), included 40 original studies, a total of 3046 patients with female prevalence (female:male ratio of 1921:1125), aged between 20.5 and 95.

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Article Synopsis
  • Beta-thalassemia (BTH) leads to serious health issues, including iron overload and various endocrine disorders collectively termed thalassemic endocrine disease (TED), affecting fertility, growth, and bone health.
  • Research shows that one in three children under 12 with BTH has an endocrine disorder, and up to 86% of adults are affected, with age increasing risk; however, prevalence rates vary based on demographics and study definitions.
  • Key issues include hypogonadism, growth hormone deficiencies, hypothyroidism, and decreased bone mineral density, often related to iron levels and treatment compliance, though some correlations remain debated among studies.
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Vitiligo, the discoloration of the skin, has different autoimmune mechanisms reflected by many biomarkers as shown by skin histology, staining for CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes, chemokine ligand 9 or circulating cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1 beta, interferon (IFN)-gamma, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, antibodies, markers of oxidative stress, chemokines, and others. In this narrative review, we aim to overview vitiligo in relationship with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. Regarding vitiligo, more than 50 different genetic loci have been associated with this disease, and the heritability is high.

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TBS (Trabecular Bone Score) is the latest tool for clinicians to evaluate bone micro-architecture based on a pixel greyscale, which is provided by lumbar dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Its use enhances fracture prediction in addition to DXA-BMD (Bone Mineral Density). This is independent of fracture risk assessment (FRAX) and DXA results.

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Glucagonoma is a hormonally active rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour causing an excess of glucagon. This is a narrative review based on a multidisciplinary approach of the tumour. Typically associated dermatosis is necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) which is most frequently seen at disease onset.

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Somatostatinoma is a tumour mainly originating from pancreas or duodenum; overall with an incidence of 1/40 million persons. We introduce a narrative review of literature of somatostatinoma including the relationship with neurofibromatosis type 1. Clinical presentation includes: Diabetes mellitus, cholelithiasis, steatorrhea, abdominal pain, and obstructive jaundice while papillary tumour may cause acute pancreatitis.

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One of the most controversial discussion topics in modern bioethics, science or philosophy is represented by the beginning of the individual human life. It is ethically, medically and scientifically correct that the human conception product to be born, so to gain personality and individuality, to be treated as a patient since the intrauterine life. Intrauterine foetal interventions, performed in various therapeutic purposes are still in the experimental stage even in centres with rich experience in perinatal medicine.

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In the last decades, functional Urology developed itself as a subspecialty, and, although is strongly linked to Urology, it has its own language, devices and dedicated people. The ice water test (IWT) was first described in 1957 and gained its place in the armamentarium of functional urologists for the coming years. Now, when urodynamic devices are more and more complex and sensitive, when neuromodulation and neurostimulation are gaining popularity and with the terminology changes of the last decade, one can wonder if a 50 years old test may still be of some use.

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