Evaluating Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Pediatric CKD: Correlations with Renal Function and Mineral Metabolism.

Background: Pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires reliable biomarkers for early detection and monitoring. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has emerged as a potential marker due to its responsiveness to renal impairment and involvement in mineral metabolism.

Objectives: To evaluate serum NGAL levels in pediatric CKD patients and explore correlations with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), ferritin, calcium-phosphorus (Ca*P) product, and total serum protein.

Primary Iliopsoas Abscess and Drug-Induced Liver Injury in the Emergency Department: A Case Report.

Background And Objective: Iliopsoas abscess (IPA) is a rare condition with varied symptomology and etiology. Less than one-third of patients with IPA present in the emergency department (ED) with the traditional triad of fever, back pain, and restricted hip motion (or limp), leading to delays in diagnosis and management. Acute liver failure is also a rare clinical presentation in the ED, being associated with high morbidity and mortality.

ECMO in the Management of Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema with Increased Inflammatory Reaction After Cardiac Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema after cardiac surgery is a rare but severe complication. The etiology remains poorly understood; however, the issue may arise from multiple sources. Possible causes include a significant inflammatory response or an autoimmune process.

Association Between Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction, Systemic Inflammation, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in HIV-Positive Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy.

Background/objectives: Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-positive individuals face heightened risks of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal (GI) complications, often linked to persistent systemic inflammation. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), prevalent in HIV patients, exacerbates this inflammatory state and may contribute to worsened GI symptoms. This study aims to explore the association between LVDD, systemic inflammation, and gastrointestinal symptoms in HIV-positive patients undergoing ART.

Quality of Life Evaluation Before and After Pulmonary Lobe Resection for Benign Diseases: A Comparative Study Among Patients with Tuberculosis, Bronchiectasis, and Benign Lung Nodules.

Background: Pulmonary lobe resection is a common surgical intervention for various benign lung diseases, including tuberculosis (TB), bronchiectasis, and benign lung nodules. While immediate clinical outcomes are well documented, the impact on patients' quality of life (QoL) remains less explored. This study aims to evaluate QoL before and after pulmonary lobe resection over a 6-month period among patients with benign lung diseases.

Comparative Analysis of qSOFA, PRIEST, PAINT, and ISARIC4C Scores in Predicting Severe COVID-19 Outcomes Among Patients Aged over 75 Years.

Background: Elderly patients, particularly those over 75 years old, have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, exhibiting higher rates of severe outcomes, such as ICU admissions and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of various clinical scoring systems-qSOFA, PRIEST, PAINT, and ISARIC4C-in predicting ICU admission, the need for mechanical ventilation, and mortality among elderly COVID-19 patients.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study conducted at two tertiary care hospitals, 131 elderly patients (aged ≥ 75) and 226 younger controls (aged < 65) with confirmed COVID-19 were included.

Hydroxyapatite from Mollusk Shells: Characteristics, Production, and Potential Applications in Dentistry.

Modern dentistry is turning towards natural sources to overcome the immunological, toxicological, aesthetic, and durability drawbacks of synthetic materials. Among the first biomaterials used as endosseous dental implants, mollusk shells also display unique features, such as high mechanical strength, superior toughness, hierarchical architecture, and layered, microporous structure. This review focusses on hydroxyapatite-a bioactive, osteoconductive, calcium-based material crucial for bone healing and regeneration.

Quantitative analysis of the caloric restriction versus isocaloric diets models based on macronutrients composition: impacts on body weight regulation, anthropometric, and bioimpedance parameters in women with obesity.

Introduction: Obesity is a growing public health issue, especially among young adults, with long-term management strategies still under debate. This prospective study compares the effects of caloric restriction and isocaloric diets with different macronutrient distributions on body composition and anthropometric parameters in obese women during a 12-week weight loss program, aiming to identify the most effective dietary strategies for managing obesity-related health outcomes.

Methods: A certified clinical nutritionist assigned specific diets over a 12-week period to 150 participants, distributed as follows: hypocaloric diets-low-energy diet (LED, 31 subjects) and very low-energy diet (VLED, 13 subjects); isocaloric diets with macronutrient distribution-low-carbohydrate diet (LCD, 48 subjects), ketogenic diet (KD, 23 subjects), and high-protein diet (HPD, 24 subjects); and isocaloric diet without macronutrient distribution-time-restricted eating (TRE, 11 subjects).

Clinical Performance and Safety of Cerviron® Vaginal Ovules in the Management of Symptomatic Cervical Lesions: A National, Multicentric Study.

Background: Cervical ectropion is frequently associated with vaginal symptoms requiring therapeutic intervention. However, no scientific consensus has been reached regarding the use of local re-epithelialization therapy to prevent severe bleeding, wound inflammation, and infection of cervical lesions.

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the aspect of the cervix by colposcopy after a 3-month treatment with an intravaginal medical device in the context of postoperative care of the symptomatic ectropion.

A Comparative Study of Temperature Variations in Incisor Root Surfaces During Root Canal Preparation Using Various Rotary Systems and Irrigation Protocols.

This study investigates the temperature changes on the external root surface during root canal preparation using different rotary systems and assesses the impact of irrigation temperatures. Sixty extracted human maxillary incisors were divided into four groups based on the rotary system used: ProTaper Next (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), Reciproc Blue (VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany), WaveOne Gold (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), and TruNatomy (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland). These systems differ in cutting efficiency and design.

CT-Guided Transthoracic Core-Needle Biopsy of Pulmonary Nodules: Current Practices, Efficacy, and Safety Considerations.

CT-guided transthoracic core-needle biopsy (CT-TTNB) is a minimally invasive procedure that plays a crucial role in diagnosing pulmonary nodules. With high diagnostic yield and low complication rates, CT-TTNB is favored over traditional surgical biopsies, providing accuracy in detecting both malignant and benign conditions. This literature review aims to present a comprehensive overview of CT-TTNB, focusing on its indications, procedural techniques, diagnostic yield, and safety considerations.

Smoking and Health Profiles of Hypertensive Patients with COVID-19: An Exploratory Study of Key Physiological Markers.

: Smoking and hypertension are major contributors to cardiovascular diseases, with smoker hypertensives typically presenting with exacerbated health risks. These factors are associated with COVID-19 aggravation, but their cumulative impact in the context of this disease remains understudied. Our hypothesis was that hypertensive smokers display a more vulnerable health profile (versus non-smokers) upon hospital admission for COVID-19.

Risk Factors Influencing Mortality in Open Necrosectomy for Acute Pancreatitis: A Comparative Analysis.

: Patients undergoing open necrosectomy (ON) for acute pancreatitis (AP) often face high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aims to identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes by comparing survivors and non-survivors of ON. : A retrospective analysis was conducted on 74 patients who underwent ON for AP.

Predicting Severe COVID-19 Outcomes in the Elderly: The Role of Systemic Immune Inflammation, Liver Function Tests, and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio.

: Patients aged 80 years and above are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic utility of the derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), aspartate-aminotransferase-to-lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI), aspartate-aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) in predicting severe disease, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality among COVID-19 patients aged 80 years and older. : In this retrospective cohort study, 138 elderly patients (≥80 years) and 215 younger controls (<65 years) with confirmed COVID-19 were included.

Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Safety Profile of L. Extract Obtained from Romania.

L., also known as licorice, belongs to the family and is one of the most commercially valuable plants worldwide, being used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, both for its therapeutic benefits as well as for the sweetening properties of the extract. This study evaluates the phytochemical composition, the biological activities, and the safety profile of a methanolic extract of licorice root (LRE) obtained from Romania.

Nosocomial Bacterial Bronchopneumonia and SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia in Patients with Traumatic Injuries: Imaging Aspects and Macroscopic and Microscopic Findings of Lung Tissue.

Background: Patients with traumatic injuries often represent the best hosts for healthcare-associated infections, especially pneumonia or bronchopneumonia. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic raised serious problems in the diagnosis and treatment of patients that had a SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated nosocomial bacterial bronchopneumonia. In forensic medicine, these aspects need to be considered when establishing the cause of death and the distinction between the two types of bronchopneumonia is of particular importance.

Dual-task performance and balance in patients with severe COPD: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly impacts respiratory and motor function, balance, and cognition, leading to muscle weakness and impaired exercise capacity. The impairments often result in challenges with daily activities, particularly those requiring dual-tasking.

Objectives: The study investigated whether patients with severe COPD would exhibit more significant cognitive and motor performance decline during dual tasks compared to healthy controls.

Prospective and challenges of locally applied repurposed pharmaceuticals for periodontal tissue regeneration.

Periodontitis is a persistent inflammatory condition that causes periodontal ligament degradation, periodontal pocket development, and alveolar bone destruction, all of which lead to the breakdown of the teeth's supporting system. Periodontitis is triggered by the accumulation of various microflora (especially anaerobes) in the pockets, which release toxic substances and digestive enzymes and stimulate the immune system. Periodontitis can be efficiently treated using a variety of techniques, both regional and systemic.

Assessing the Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on Respiratory Infections in Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background And Objectives: Recent studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation and higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations may reduce the incidence of respiratory infections in children and adolescents. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between different concentrations of vitamin D supplementation, serum 25-OHD concentrations, and the frequency of respiratory infections among individuals aged 1 to 18 years, for a duration of 2 years.

Methods: Concerning sun exposure in relation to vitamin D, the study took place in Romania, at approximately 45-degree northern latitude.

CMV Retinitis in the Context of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Study and Comprehensive Review of Viral Interactions.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a sight-threatening condition predominantly affecting immunocompromised individuals, such as those with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). We aimed to present an observational case report on CMV retinitis following Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and to review the literature on the molecular and cellular changes in CMV and SARS-CoV-2 infections and how they may influence each other. A 32-year-old man with a history of AIDS presented with decreased vision and ocular pain exacerbated by movement, beginning a day prior.

Beyond Essential Oils: Diterpenes, Lignans, and Biflavonoids from L. as a Source of Multi-Target Lead Compounds.

Common Juniper ( L.) is a gymnosperm that stands out through its fleshy, spherical female cones, often termed simply "berries". The cone berries and various vegetative parts (leaves, twigs and even roots) are used in traditional phytotherapy, based on the beneficial effects exerted by a variety of secondary metabolites.

A Severe Case of Malaria in a 44-Year-Old Caucasian Woman on Return to Western Romania from a Visit to Nigeria.

Malaria is currently the most prevalent life-threatening infectious disease in the world. In this case report, we present a 44-year-old Caucasian woman with a low level of education and no significant past medical history who presented to the emergency room of the Emergency County Hospital of Arad, Romania, with a general affected state, a fever of 38.5 °C, chills, weakness, headache, muscle pain, nausea, icterus, and watery diarrheal stool.

Unlocking Better Asthma Control: A Narrative Review of Adherence to Asthma Therapy and Innovative Monitoring Solutions.

This review addresses the ongoing challenges in asthma management, particularly focusing on patient adherence to inhaler therapy. Asthma, a chronic condition characterized by variable respiratory symptoms and airflow obstruction, can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not properly managed. Despite advances in inhaler technology and therapeutic options, non-adherence remains a significant barrier to optimal asthma control.