Relevance of diet in schizophrenia: a review focusing on prenatal nutritional deficiency, obesity, oxidative stress and inflammation.

Background/objectives: Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including dietary habits. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Emerging research suggests that diet may affect schizophrenia through different biological mechanisms beyond oxidative stress and inflammation.

Effectiveness of 8-week Treatment with Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir in Treatment-naïve or -experienced HCV Patients: Results from an Observational Retrospective Study in Real-life Settings (ODYSSEY).

Background And Aims: Pan-genotypic ribavirin-free oral direct-acting antivirals, including the glecaprevir/pibrentasvir combination, are recommended for the treatment of most patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In Romania, the HCV-infected patient population receiving glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is not well characterized and data on treatment effectiveness is lacking. The ODYSSEY study aimed to provide insights into the characteristics and treatment outcomes of HCV-infected Romanian patients receiving 8-week therapy with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir.

HLA Class I and II Alleles in Anti-Acetylcholine Receptor Antibodies Positive and Double-Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis Patients of Romanian Descent.

: Several significant associations between certain Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles and myasthenia gravis (MG) subtypes were established in populations from Western Europe and North America and, to a lesser extent, from China and Japan. However, such data are scarcely available for Eastern Europe. This study aimed to analyze the associations of HLA Class I and II alleles with MG and its serological subtypes (with anti-acetylcholine receptor autoantibodies, RAch+MG, and double-seronegative, dSNMG) in myasthenic patients of Romanian descent.

Cathelicidin: Insights into Its Impact on Metabolic Syndrome and Chronic Inflammation.

: LL-37 is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), a constellation of risk factors comprising obesity, insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, and hypertension, which elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. : In this narrative review, we analyzed the literature focusing on recent developments in the relationship between cathelicidin and various components of MetS to provide a comprehensive overview. : Studies have shown that LL-37 is linked to inflammation in adipose tissue (AT) and the development of IR in obesity.

Measuring Speech Intelligibility with Romanian Synthetic Unpredictable Sentences in Normal Hearing.

Background/objectives: Understanding speech in background noise is a challenging task for listeners with normal hearing and even more so for individuals with hearing impairments. The primary objective of this study was to develop Romanian speech material in noise to assess speech perception in diverse auditory populations, including individuals with normal hearing and those with various types of hearing loss. The goal was to create a versatile tool that can be used in different configurations and expanded for future studies examining auditory performance across various populations and rehabilitation methods.

Laser Technology in Dentistry: From Clinical Applications to Future Innovations.

This narrative review comprehensively synthesizes laser technology's clinical applications, advantages, and limitations in modern dentistry. The review of 67 articles published between 2018 and 2023 highlights the latest advancements, including photobiomodulation (PBM) for enhanced tissue healing and inflammation control, alongside innovative uses in implantology, endodontics, and teeth whitening. The findings underscore the transformative potential of lasers in improving dental treatment precision and patient outcomes while addressing the barriers to their widespread adoption, such as costs and training needs.

Metabolic syndrome therapy in pediatric age - between classic and modern. From diets to pipeline drugs.

The metabolic syndrome, made up of the sum of the entities that define it (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemias and non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis) has gained an important place in the research of the last decades. This aspect is mainly due to the complexity of management in pediatric practice. The main directions in his approach therefore bring together the concern of counteracting the noise or systemic, of the multiple intercurrents at the physiopathological level, as well as the negative imprint exerted on the quality of life.

Injuries to the lower limbs and associated injuries in children and adolescents resulting from road traffic incidents.

Background: Fractures occurring in the lower extremities as a result of road traffic accidents (RTAs) can lead to considerable morbidity and constitute a large proportion of nonfatal injuries that necessitate hospitalization. The present study aimed to examine the epidemiology of lower extremity fractures linked with RTAs in pediatric patients.

Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective research study carried out between 2015 and 2022 at St.

The correlation between the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease in patients with coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is a widely used tool for quantifying hepatic dysfunction, providing greater accuracy and a wider range of values compared to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score, being also used in prioritizing patients who are eligible for liver transplantation. This study assessed the correlation between the MELD score and the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II), a reliable system for categorizing risk levels in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. This retrospective study analyzed data from 589 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases 'Prof.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms as early indicators of brain tumors.

Brain tumors, despite the high mortality and morbidity, they are a rare type of heterogenous tumors that are highly dependent on sex, age, race, level of education, and socioeconomic status. Due to their high mortality rates, it is important to identify as many potential biomarkers for early detection as the earlier the tumor is discovered, the better the prognosis. One such early biomarker we propose in the current paper is the assessment of anxiety, depression, and cognitive changes.

Longitudinal Evaluation of Renal Function in Patients with Acquired Solitary Kidney-Urological Perspectives Post-Nephrectomy.

: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant global health challenge, affecting approximately 10% of the population. Patients with an acquired solitary kidney (ASK) from nephrectomy face elevated risks for CKD progression because of the increased functional demand on the remaining kidney. This study aims to identify risk factors for CKD progression in patients with a surgical ASK, highlighting the challenges faced by this population.

A Global Perspective on Transition Models for Pediatric to Adult Cystic Fibrosis Care: What Has Been Made So Far?

Interest in the transition of care for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients has grown significantly over time, driven by advancements in treatment that have extended life expectancy. As more CF patients survive into adulthood, the need for structured transition strategies has become a priority for healthcare systems worldwide. Transition programs for CF differ globally, reflecting varying resources and healthcare systems.

Characterizing Managerial Decision Making in Public Hospitals: A Case Study from Romania.

Background/objectives: Our study investigates the primary characteristics of managerial decision-making processes in the public hospital units in Romania, particularly in the Northeast region. This research aims to delineate the decision-making model applied by managers in these units, considering the multitude of legislative, economic, technical, ethical, and organizational changes prompted by the pandemic.

Methods: A mixed-method research approach was utilized, combining semi-structured interviews and autoethnography, to capture experiences, attitudes, perceptions, motivations, and ethical considerations of decision-makers within the healthcare system.

The Involvement of Resolvins in Pathological Mechanisms of Periodontal Disease Associated with Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review.

Resolvins are specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) derived from omega-3 fatty acids that play a critical role in resolving inflammation and restoring tissues to a state of health after an immune response. Their role in chronic inflammatory conditions highlights their importance in maintaining a balance between an effective immune response and the resolution of inflammation to prevent tissue damage. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth, leading to gum damage and bone loss.

Chitosan-Electrospun Fibers Encapsulating Norfloxacin: The Impact on the Biochemical, Oxidative and Immunological Profile in a Rats Burn Model.

This study investigates the impact of chitosan-based nanofibers on burn wound healing in a rat model. Two formulations of chitosan nanofibers were prepared through electrospinning. The formulations were then incorporated with different amounts of norfloxacin and underwent surface modifications with 2-formylphenylboronic acid.

Accurate Multiplex qPCR Detection of Epstein-Barr Virus/Cytomegalovirus/BK Virus in Kidney Transplant Patients: Pilot Study.

Chronic kidney disease is a really important heath issue, and transplantation is an intervention that can greatly increase patient quality of life and survival. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the BK virus, CMV, and EBV in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs); to assess the prevalence of infections; and to test if our detection method would be feasible for use in follow-ups with KTRs. A total of 157 KTRs registered at the Clinical Hospital "Dr.

Novel Quaternary Ammonium Derivatives Based on Apple Pectin.

New quaternary ammonium derivatives (quats) based on apple pectin (PA) were synthesized by the chemical modification of native polysaccharides with various quaternization mixtures containing epichlorohydrin (ECH) and a tertiary amine. Pectin derivatives (QPAs) were studied by elemental analysis, conductometric titration, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and C nuclear magnetic resonance (C NMR). Viscosity measurements enabled the evaluation of the viscosity average molar mass (M) for the unmodified polysaccharide, as well as its intrinsic viscosity ([η]) value.

Combating Bacterial Resistance by Polymers and Antibiotic Composites.

(1) Background: Since the discovery of antibiotics in the first half of the 20th century, humans have abused this privilege, giving rise to antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Recent research has brought to light the use of antimicrobial peptides in polymers, hydrogels, and nanoparticles (NPs) as a newer and safer alternative to traditional antibiotics. (2) Methods: This review article is a synthesis of the scientific works published in the last 15 years, focusing on the synthesis of polymers with proven antimicrobial properties.

Obesity, Osteoarthritis, and Myokines: Balancing Weight Management Strategies, Myokine Regulation, and Muscle Health.

Obesity and osteoarthritis (OA) are increasingly prevalent conditions that are intricately linked, with each exacerbating the other's pathogenesis and worsening patient outcomes. This review explores the dual impact of obesity on OA, highlighting the role of excessive weight in aggravating joint degeneration and the limitations OA imposes on physical activity, which further perpetuates obesity. The role of muscle tissue, particularly the release of myokines during physical activity, is examined in the context of OA and obesity.

Bladder Outlet Obstruction Due to Recurrent Complete Labial Fusion in Postmenopausal Woman-Case Report.

Background: Labial fusion is a rare condition typically observed in prepubescent girls, but it can also occur in postmenopausal women due to estrogen deficiency.

Methods: Our case report presents a unique instance of recurrent complete labial fusion causing bladder outlet obstruction in a postmenopausal woman.

Results: The 84-year-old patient presented with dysuria and intermittent urine leakage.

Prognostic and Predictive Determinants of Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health burden, necessitating a thorough understanding of prognostic and predictive factors to enhance patient outcomes. This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate prognostic and predictive determinants in CRC, encompassing both traditional and emerging biomarkers. A systematic search of major electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published from 1995 up to 2024.

UTILITY OF THE RATIO BETWEEN THE SIZE OF THE RIGHT ATRIUM AND THE RIGHT VENTRICLE AT END-SYSTOLE TO DIAGNOSE ATRIAL SECONDARY TRICUSPID REGURGITATION.

Background: In the multiparametric framework for diagnosing atrial secondary tricuspid regurgitation (A-STR), an end-systolic (ES) right atrial (RA) to right ventricular (RV) volume or area ratio ≥1.5 supports the diagnosis of A-STR over the ventricular STR phenotype (V-STR). However, this threshold value has never been tested.