Exploring Vitamin D Deficiency and IGF Axis Dynamics in Colorectal Adenomas.

(1) Colorectal cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, with colorectal adenomas (CRAs) serving as precursors. Identifying risk factors such as vitamin D deficiency and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis is crucial for prevention. (2) This case-control study included 85 participants (53 CRA patients and 32 controls) who underwent colonoscopy.

The Usefulness of Vitamin K-Dependent Proteins in the Diagnosis of Colorectal Carcinoma.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common neoplasms in developed countries, with increasing incidence and mortality, even in young people. A variety of serum markers have been associated with CRC (CEA, CA 19-9), but neither should be used as a screening tool for the diagnosis or evolution staging of CRC. The sensitivity and specificity of these markers are not as good as is required, so new ones need to be found.

Delta Variant in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study on Clinical Outcomes Based on Vaccination Status.

Background: As the global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic endures, the spread of the Delta variant has introduced nuanced challenges, prompting a nuanced examination.

Materials And Methods: We performed a multilevel logistic regression analysis encompassing 197 patients, comprising 44 vaccinated individuals (V group) and 153 unvaccinated counterparts (UV). These patients, afflicted with the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, were hospitalized between October 2021 and February 2022 at the COVID-19 department of a University Centre in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Personalizing Sleep Quality through Gentle Rocking Motion.

Introduction: Achieving restorative sleep is crucial for overall well-being, yet sleep difficulties affect a substantial portion of the adult population. Sleep disturbances are associated with diminished quality of life, physical complaints, cognitive impairment, and emotional regulation challenges.

Objective: This study explores the influence of an innovative experimental bed designed to generate rocking motions on sleep parameters.

Change in Neuroticism and Extraversion among Pre-University Education Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Since the first reports of SARS-CoV-2 infection cases in China, the virus has rapidly spread to many countries, including Romania. In Romania, schools were closed in March 2020 to prevent the virus from spreading; since then, they have been sporadically opened, but only for a short time. Teachers had to adopt online education methods, experiencing real difficulties in their attempts to maintain high-quality teaching, as a result of social distancing from students and colleagues.

Increased Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Serum Level and the Role of +936C/T Gene Polymorphism in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a debilitating disease, with rising morbidity and mortality. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and airway remodeling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between VEGF serum levels and VEGF +936 C/T gene polymorphism (rs3025039) with COPD, for the first time in a Romanian population.

Modification of exhaled air nitric oxide in patients with asthma - cortisone monotherapy or dual inhalation therapy?

Introduction: Asthma, a chronic lung disease, is a major health challenge worldwide with increased addressability to health services. There are different asthma phenotypes, which have different evolution and can be specifically tracked. The measurement of fractional expired nitric oxide (FeNo) with different devices reflects the eosinophilic inflammation of the airways, and can be used to evaluate the allergic phenotype and predict the treatment responses.

Polymorphism of the Serotonin Transporter Gene and the Peripheral 5-Hydroxytryptamine in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: What Do We Know and What are We Looking for? A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent disease with substantial public health burden. In most of the cases, there is a genetic predisposition to OSA. Serotonin/T-HydroxyTriptamine (5-HT) plays a key role in ventilatory stimulation, while the polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene (STG) leads to alterations in serotonin level, making it important in OSA.

The Effects of Flavonoids in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Flavonoids are metabolites of plants and fungus. Flavonoid research has been paid special attention to in recent times after the observation of their beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. These favorable effects are exerted by flavonoids mainly due to their antioxidant properties, which result from the ability to decrease the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, thus improving the lipid profiles.

Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index-Biomarkers in Interstitial Lung Disease.

The aims of the study were to evaluate the utility of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) as inflammation markers and prognostic factors in patients with known interstitial lung disease secondary to connective tissue diseases (CTD-ILD) compared with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Forty-two patients with known interstitial lung disease (21 with IPF and 21 with CTD-ILD) and 42 control matched healthy patients were included. The NLR was calculated as the absolute neutrophil count divided by the absolute lymphocyte count, and the SII was calculated as follows: SII = platelets × neutrophils/lymphocytes, with the data being obtained from the patients data charts at admission, before any treatment.

Cardiac Changes in Overweight and Obese Patients.

Background: Obesity and overweight are two pathologies that are more and more frequent in the XXIst century diagnosis and are causing high morbidity and mortality rates in the general population, especially through cardiovascular complications.

Aims: Identification and early diagnosis of cardiac changes in overweight and obese patients.

Material And Method: We carried out a sectional, analytical and observational study on 111 subjects: 27 normal weight subjects and 84 overweight and obese patients, which were submitted to a clinical exam, biochemical exams and 2D ultrasound.