Insights into self-evaluated stress, anxiety, and depression among dental students.

Stress, anxiety, and depression have a negative impact on students' learning and academic performances. In our longitudinal study conducted on dental students from Cluj-Napoca and Oradea, the most representative university centers in north-west of Romania, we evaluated the prevalence and effect of exams on stress, anxiety, and depression, in association with socio-demographic factors. The students self-administered the DASS-21R questionnaire at the beginning of the academic year 2022-2023, before the Christmas holiday, during the winter session, and after the winter session.

Distinguishing subclinical from clinical keratoconus by corneal measurements.

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the stability of topographic and tomographic indices measured with Pentacam and to evaluate the biomechanical parameters measured with Corvis ST in the diagnosis of subclinical keratoconus (sKCN) and clinical keratoconus (KCN).

Methods: This is a single-center cohort study with a retrospective review of topographic and tomographic indices and biomechanical parameters on adult patients with subclinical keratoconus (sKCN), clinical keratoconus (KCN), and healthy subjects (control group). The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was used to identify the cutoff values for evaluated indices able to distinguish between subjects with sKCN and those with KCN.

Advancing Precision Oncology with Digital and Virtual Twins: A Scoping Review.

Digital twins (DTHs) and virtual twins (VTHs) in healthcare represent emerging technologies towards precision medicine, providing opportunities for patient-centric healthcare. Our scoping review aimed to map the current DTH and VTH technologies in oncology, summarize their technical solutions, and assess their credibility. A systematic search was conducted in the main bibliographic databases, identifying 441 records, of which 30 were included.

ALSATION Study Protocol: Romanian Translation of Three Health Literacy Surveys.

Access to the internet and online resources changes the concept of health and increases people's autonomy. In this context, Health Literacy (HL) is a critical determinant of health-related choices. At World Health Organization (WHO) level, M-POHL (Action Network on Measuring Population and Organizational Health Literacy of WHO-Europe) created and validated on European population four questionnaires: digital HL (HLS19-DIGI), communication HL (with doctors from health care services - HLS19-COM-P-Q11 long version and HLS19-COM-P-Q6 short version), online navigation HL (HLS19-NAV), and vaccination HL (HLS19-VAC).

The role of inflammation biomarkers in carotid artery stenosis procedures.

Background: Carotid revascularization procedures, such as carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS), can lead to restenosis. Monitoring restenosis onset through biomarkers is crucial in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate inflammation biomarkers in CEA and CAS to determine their predictive value for restenosis risk postprocedure.

Dentists' stress level during the COVID-19 pandemic and their opinion on the oral health status of their patients.

Background And Aims: "Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2" (SARS-CoV-2) is the name of the etiological agent of the pandemic Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) which was declared on March 11, 2020 by the WHO and which affected all countries of the world, including Romania. Our study aimed to evaluate the psycho-affective implications and economic consequences for dentists in Romania during the COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease) pandemic state of emergency and their opinion on the patients' oral health impact.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational and analytical study based on a questionnaire was conducted.

Inside the Hospitalization Voyage of Schizophrenia Care: A Single-Center Journey.

Schizophrenia poses significant challenges for individuals and caregivers, often leading to recurrent hospitalizations. Limited information on patients with schizophrenia and multiple hospitalizations in Romania is available in the scientific literature. Our study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of patients with schizophrenia with multiple hospitalizations in a single center in Cluj-Napoca, analyzing if specific patterns exist between patients with two or more hospitalizations or between men and women.

A histopathological analysis of extrapulmonary lesions in fatal coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), presents diverse clinical manifestations and multi-organ involvement. This study aimed to evaluate the extra-pulmonary histopathological patterns underpinning COVID-19-induced lesions in cardiac, hepatic, renal, brainstem, and splenic tissues.

Materials And Methods: The research involved conventional forensic autopsies conducted between April 2020 and April 2021 on individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Immunohistochemical and Morphometric Analysis of Lung Tissue in Fatal COVID-19.

The primary targets of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the lungs are type I pneumocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells. We aimed to identify lung cells targeted by SARS-CoV-2 using viral nucleocapsid protein staining and morphometric features on patients with fatal COVID-19. We conducted a retrospective analysis of fifty-one autopsy cases of individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

In vivo assessment of the antiparasitic effects of Allium sativum L. and Artemisia absinthium L. against gastrointestinal parasites in swine from low-input farms.

Background: Ethno-veterinary practices could be used as a sustainable developmental tool by integrating traditional phytotherapy and husbandry. Phytotherapeutics are available and used worldwide. However, evidence of their antiparasitic efficacy is currently very limited.

Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin for the Differentiation of Mucinous Pancreatic Cystic Lesions.

Undetermined pancreatic cystic lesion (PCL) differentiation benefits from endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) based on morphology and cyst fluid analysis, but room for new biomarkers exists. Our aim was to assess the intracystic and serum diagnostic value of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (Ngal) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) for differentiation of PCLs. This prospective study included patients from one tertiary hospital, evaluated between April 2018 and May 2020.

Exploratory Evaluation of Pre-Treatment Inflammation Profiles in Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

In light of the elevated incidence and consequential prognostic implications associated with colorectal cancer, a comprehensive investigation into the impact exerted by inflammatory status on patient management becomes imperative. A retrospective study spanning 7 years was conducted, involving the retrospective collection of data on colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgical intervention. We evaluated six inflammation ratios derived from complete peripheral blood counts.

The Effect of Polyphenols Extract in Induced Endometriosis in Rats.

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition with a complex physio-pathological background. This study aimed to assess the role of leaf extract (RiDE) as a potential therapeutic agent in reducing the size of the endometriotic lesions and modulate the plasma expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TGF-β1. The endometriotic lesions were induced in a rat model by the autologous transplant of endometrium.

Family doctors' and dentists' access and dissemination of medical information through social media.

Aim: The study purpose is to analyze how doctors in contract with the Health Insurance House in Romania use social media (SM) to access and disseminate medical information.

Method: Family doctors and dentists who had a contract with the Romanian National Health Insurance House during the year 2017 represented the targeted sample. Eight thousand four hundred ninety-seven e-mail addresses and 5,422 telephone numbers were identified and collected from the National Health Insurance House web page.

Root Capsule Extract Synergistically Enhance the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Diclofenac Sodium in Experimental Acute Inflammation.

The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger () root capsule extract (GRCE) in doses of 100 mg/kg b.w. (body weight) and 200 mg/kg b.

Intermediate monocytes are associated with the first major adverse cardiovascular event in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Background: Traditional risk stratification modestly predicts adverse cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Our aim was to investigate the association between monocyte subsets numbers and function, and the first major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) in patients with symptomatic stable CAD and angiographically documented coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods: Patients with stable CAD were screened for inclusion.

Efficacy of Handheld Ultrasound in Medical Education: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Narrative Analysis.

Miniaturization has made ultrasound (US) technology ultraportable and, in association with their relatively low cost, made handheld devices attractive for medical education training programs. However, performing an ultrasound requires complex skills, and it is unclear whether handheld devices are suitable for the training of novices. Our study aimed to identify to what extent handheld US devices can be employed in medical undergraduates' and residents' education.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of lavender oil in experimentally induced thrombosis.

Background: Lavender oil (LO) possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, sedative, cardio-protective, and antinociceptive properties. Thrombosis and inflammation are interplayed processes that interact and influence one another. Our research compared three routes of administration to assess the efficacy of pretreatment with LO on carrageenan-induced thrombosis in rat tail.

Identification of Histopathological Biomarkers in Fatal Cases of Coronavirus Disease: A Study on Lung Tissue.

We aimed to evaluate the primary lung postmortem macro- and microscopic biomarkers and factors associated with diffuse alveolar damage in patients with fatal coronavirus (COVID-19). We retrospectively analyzed lung tissue collected from autopsies performed in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, between April 2020 and April 2021 on patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We examined 79 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, ages 34 to 96 years, split into two groups using the cut-off value of 70 years.

The Effects of L. and L. against Gastrointestinal Parasites in Swine: An In Vivo Study.

Parasitic diseases are responsible for substantial losses in reproduction and productivity in swine, creating a major impairment to efficient and profitable livestock management. The use of phytotherapeutic remedies has notably increased over the past decade due to their bioavailability, decreased toxicity, non-polluting nature, and to some extent due to their antiparasitic effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiparasitic potential of L.

The Influence of the Learning Curve on Clinical Outcomes in Balloon-Expandable versus Self-Expandable Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Introduction: Balloon-expandable (BE) and self-expandable (SE) prostheses are the main types of devices currently used in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Despite the different designs, clinical practice guidelines do not make any specific recommendation on the selection of one device over the other. Most operators are trained in using both BE and SE prostheses, but operator experience with each of the two designs might influence patient outcomes.

Exploratory Evaluation of Neopterin and Chitotriosidase as Potential Circulating Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer.

Chronic inflammation is demonstrated to play a direct role in carcinogenesis. Our exploratory study aimed to assess the potential added value of two inflammation biomarkers, chitotriosidase and neopterin, in follow-up evaluation of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). An observational exploratory study was conducted.

Ginger () Root Capsules Enhance Analgesic and Antioxidant Efficacy of Diclofenac Sodium in Experimental Acute Inflammation.

Our study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and antioxidant effects of ginger () root capsule extract (GRCE) in addition to diclofenac (D) sodium treatment in carrageenan-induced acute inflammation (AI). Seven groups of eight Wistar-Bratislava white rats were included in the study. One group was the control (C), and AI was induced in the other six groups.

Handheld Echocardiography Measurements Concordance and Findings Agreement: An Exploratory Study.

The professional association has already developed guidelines on the appropriate use of handheld ultrasound devices, especially in an emergency setting. Handheld ultrasound devices are seen as the 'stethoscope of the future' to assist in physical examination. Our exploratory study evaluated whether the measurements of cardiovascular structures and the agreement in identifying aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valve pathology made by a resident with a handheld device (HH, Kosmos Torso-One) reach the results reported by an experienced examiner who used a high-end device (STD).