The Impact of Stone Composition on Treatment Strategies for Patients with Urolithiasis: A Narrative Review.

Urolithiasis is a multifactorial condition where stone composition is critical in guiding treatment and prevention strategies. Advanced diagnostic techniques, such as infrared spectroscopy, provide precise stone analysis, enabling clinicians to tailor interventions based on specific stone types and associated metabolic abnormalities. Calcium oxalate monohydrate stones often require invasive approaches like percutaneous nephrolithotomy, while uric acid responds well to dissolution therapy.

The First Report of -1-Carrying , Isolated from a Clinical Sample in the North-East of Romania.

Colistin resistance poses a significant clinical challenge, particularly in Gram-negative bacteria. This study investigates the occurrence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance among isolates (, , and spp.) and non-fermentative rods ( and ).

Comparative Biomechanical Analysis of Kirschner Wire Fixation in Dorsally Displaced Distal Radius Fractures.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate and compare the biomechanical performance of two Kirschner (K) wire configurations-the intra-focal and interfragmentary techniques-for the fixation of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. The study also assesses the impact of K-wire diameter (1.6 mm vs.

Using AI in Optimizing Oral and Dental Diagnoses-A Narrative Review.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of oral and dental healthcare by offering innovative tools and techniques for optimizing diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management. This narrative review explores the current applications of AI in dentistry, focusing on its role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. AI technologies, such as machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision, are increasingly being integrated into dental practice to analyze clinical images, identify pathological conditions, and predict disease progression.

Sympathetic nervous system inhibition enhances cardiac metabolism and improves hemodynamics and glucose-insulin dynamics in obese and lean rat models.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic sympathoinhibition on glucose uptake by the myocardium and by the skeletal muscle in an animal model of obesity associated with leptin signaling deficiency. 6 obese Zucker rats (OZR) and 6 control Lean Zucker rats (LZR) were studied during basal conditions, chronic clonidine administration (30 days, 300 µg/kg), and washout recovery period. Glucose uptake in the myocardium and in the skeletal muscle was measured using positron emission tomography (PET) and 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([18F]FDG).

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.

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.

The Influence of Atorvastatin Treatment on Homocysteine Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in an Experimental Model of Diabetic Rats.

Objective: In our experimental study, we evaluated the influence of treatment with atorvastatin on the antioxidant activity of intracellular and extracellular systems factors, homocysteine levels (Hcy), and lipid profiles in obese and diabetic rats.

Method: Twenty-one male Wistar rats, aged 6 months, 450-550 g, were allocated into three groups. From the beginning of the study, the first group (G-I, control) received only standard food, while the second and third groups (G II-obese, G III-diabetic) were administered a high-fat diet (HFD) with 2% cholesterol.

High-Intensity Interval Training vs. Medium-Intensity Continuous Training in Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: A Narrative Review.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (ExCR) programs are essential for patients diagnosed with cardiac diseases. Studies have shown that they aid in the rehabilitation process and may even facilitate a return to previous cardiorespiratory fitness. Also, patients who enroll and follow such programs have shown a lower rate of complications and mortality in the long run.

Comparison of Craniofacial Anthropometric Measurement Accuracy of Manual Technique vs. Cone-Beam CT Scanning.

Background: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of linear measurements obtained using the classical (manual) method versus cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in craniofacial anthropometry, specifically targeting the infraorbital foramen (IOF).

Methods: This study involved two sample groups: one of 40 dry skulls measured manually using digital calipers, and the other of 40 CBCT 3D images digitally measured. Measurements included IOF height, distances between the IOF and nasion (N), IOF and frontomalar orbital (FMO), and between the two IOFs.

Cytokine Storm in COVID-19: Exploring IL-6 Signaling and Cytokine-Microbiome Interactions as Emerging Therapeutic Approaches.

IL-6 remains a key molecule of the cytokine storms characterizing COVID-19, exerting both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Emerging research underscores the significance of IL-6 trans-signaling over classical signaling pathways, which has shifted the focus of therapeutic strategies. Additionally, the synergistic action of TNF-α and IFN-γ has been found to induce inflammatory cell death through PANoptosis, further amplifying the severity of cytokine storms.

Antiphospholipid Antibodies as Key Players in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Relationship with Cytokines and Immune Dysregulation.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by an overproduction of cytokines, such as interleukins and interferons, contributing to systemic inflammation and tissue damage. Antiphospholipid syndrome is a thrombo-inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting a third of SLE patients. We performed an in-depth analysis of the available literature, and we highlighted the complex interplay between immunity, inflammation, and thrombosis, the three major pathogenic pathways that are trapped in a mutually reinforcing destructive loop.

Arterial Hypertension: Novel Pharmacological Targets and Future Perspectives.

Arterial hypertension (HTN) is one of the major global contributors to cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality, particularly due to its impact on vital organs and the coexistence of various comorbidities such as chronic renal disease, diabetes, cerebrovascular diseases, and obesity. Regardless of the accessibility of several well-established pharmacological treatments, the percentage of patients achieving adequate blood pressure (BP) control is still significantly lower than recommended levels. Therefore, the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of HTN is currently the major focus of healthcare systems.

Distinct soluble immune checkpoint profiles characterize COVID-19 severity, mortality and SARS-CoV-2 variant infections.

Introduction: Over the past four years, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed serious global health challenges. The severe form of disease and death resulted from the failure of immune regulatory mechanisms, closely highlighted by the dual proinflammatory cytokine and soluble immune checkpoint (sICP) storm. Identifying the individual factors impacting on disease severity, evolution and outcome, as well as any additional interconnections, have become of high scientific interest.

Advancements in Diagnosis and Management of Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability: A Comprehensive Review Including a New Classification for DRUJ Injuries.

Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability is a complex condition that can severely affect forearm function, causing pain, limited range of motion, and reduced strength. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on the diagnosis and management of DRUJ instability, emphasizing a new classification system that we propose. The review synthesizes anatomical and biomechanical factors essential for DRUJ stability, focusing on the interrelationship between the bones and surrounding soft tissues.

Rethinking Mitral Annular Calcification and Its Clinical Significance: From Passive Process to Active Pathology.

Background: Mitral annulus calcification is a chronic degenerative condition affecting the fibrous base of the mitral valve. Historically viewed as an age-related phenomenon, recent studies suggest it is driven by active mechanisms involving systemic inflammation, hemodynamic stress, abnormal calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and lipid accumulation. Despite often being asymptomatic and incidentally detected, its clinical relevance stems from its strong association with increased cardiovascular disease risk, higher cardiovascular mortality, and elevated overall mortality.

Hepatitis B Prevalence and Referral Rates in Vulnerable Populations Undergoing Community-Based Screening-Results from the LIVE(RO)2 Program.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains a major global health challenge, with significant morbidity and mortality associated with chronic infections. This study examines the epidemiology, screening, and risk factors associated with HBV in Romania, focusing on a comprehensive national screening program, LIVE(RO)2, involving 320,000 individuals (majority of them considered vulnerable population). A questionnaire was used to collect information on the potential risk factors for HBV transmission.

The Prognostic Role of the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocytes Ratio in the Most Frequent Cardiovascular Diseases: An Update.

Given the continuous changes in the world, with an increasing trend of unhealthy lifestyles, metabolic comorbidities, and increased susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), researchers change their attention to improve not only the therapeutic platform but also current CVD predictive and prognostic tools to improve disease outcomes. As CVD is characterized by an inflammatory paradigm involving, to some degree, the innate and adaptative immune systems, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) emerged as a potential low-cost, rapidly available, and reliable inflammatory marker, with substantial recent evidence showing its potential utility in clinical practice. Thus, in this literature review, we will present an up-to-date discussion of the prognostic role of NLR in the most frequent CVDs, such as acute and chronic coronary disease, atherosclerotic disease, heart failure, cardiac valvopathies, and cardiac arrhythmias with predilection to atrial fibrillation.

Enhancing Comprehensive Assessments in Chronic Heart Failure Caused by Ischemic Heart Disease: The Diagnostic Utility of Holter ECG Parameters.

: Chronic heart failure (CHF) caused by ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and presents significant health challenges. Effective management of IHD requires prevention, early detection, and treatment to improve patient outcomes. This study aims to expand the diagnostic utility of various 24 h Holter ECG parameters, such as T-wave alternans (TWA), late ventricular potentials (LVPs), and heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with CHF caused by IHD.

Correction: Zamfir et al. Trends in Coronary Artery Anomalies Detection by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA): A Real-Life Comparative Study before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 2024, , 1091.

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Heart Rate Variability in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Results of the HeaRt-V-AMI Single-Center Cohort Study.

(1) Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) has been investigated in the context of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study contributes to the field by assessing short-term HRV during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using wearable technology, providing real-time insights into autonomic function. (2) Methods: This single-center, observational cohort study included 104 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

A scoping review regarding reproductive capacity modulation based on alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation.

In Brief: Alpha-ketoglutarate is a common metabolite in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and is central in modulating the reproductive potential in animal models. The present scoping review systematically covers the spectrum of a wide range of evidence from different viewpoints, focusing on the underlying processes and mechanisms of the developmental framework, aiming to fill the gaps within the existing literature.

Abstract: Alpha-ketoglutarate is an important intermediate molecule in the tricarboxylic acid cycle with a prominent role in distinct biological processes such as cellular energy metabolism, epigenetic regulation, and signaling pathways.

In Vitro Biological Evaluation of an Alginate-Based Hydrogel Loaded with Rifampicin for Wound Care.

We report a biocompatible hydrogel dressing based on sodium alginate-grafted poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) prepared by encapsulation of Rifampicin as an antimicrobial drug and stabilizing the matrix through the repeated freeze-thawing method. The hydrogel structure and polymer-drug compatibility were confirmed by FTIR, and a series of hydrogen-bond-based interactions between alginate and Rifampicin were identified. A concentration of 0.