When the Jugular Bulb Contacts the Facial Nerve.

Dehiscences of the intrapetrous canal of the facial nerve (FN) and those of a high jugular bulb (HJB) have various incidences. However, the HJB-FN common dehiscent osseous wall is a scarce finding and rarely reported. Thus, this work aimed to study this peculiar intrapetrous morphology on computed tomograms (CTs).

Artificial Intelligence Algorithms in Predictive Factors for Hematologic Toxicities During Concurrent Chemoradiation for Cervical Cancer.

The most recent research conducted for the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics indicates that, depending on the stage of cervical cancer (CC), several therapies can provide similar overall survival and progression-free survival rates. To determine the hematologic toxicities during concurrent chemotherapy for cervical cancer, we evaluated these two therapies (cisplatin or carboplatin). Hematologic markers have been studied using statistical models and descriptive statistics.

Mini-open versus percutaneous surgical repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes and complications of mini-open (MOT) and percutaneous techniques (PT) in the surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR).

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Clinical Trials, and the Cochrane Library for studies comparing MOT with PT for AATR. We assessed functional outcomes, complication rates, and operation time.

Evaluating Quality of Life Changes over 12 Months Among Opiate Users from Romania and Associated Worsening Factors.

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in quality of life (QoL) over a 12-month period among opiate users in Romania, identifying factors that contribute to a worsening of their condition. By examining these dynamics, the research intended to inform targeted interventions and support mechanisms to mitigate the negative outcomes associated with opiate use. Conducted as a longitudinal cohort analysis, this study enrolled 74 participants diagnosed with opioid use disorders from multiple healthcare settings in Romania.

Short-Term Visual and Refractive Outcomes of Single-Step Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy with Amaris 750S and SmartSurf in Myopia and Astigmatism: A 6-Month Follow-Up Study.

Background: Single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TPRK) is a modern refractive surgery technique that offers a no-touch approach for correcting myopia and astigmatism. This study aims to evaluate the short-term visual and refractive outcomes of TPRK in patients with myopia and astigmatism over a 6-month follow-up period.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent single-step TPRK using the Amaris 750S laser platform with SmartSurf and SmartPulse technologies, targeting a plano refraction.

An Uncommon Overlap Syndrome Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Case Report.

This case report describes an uncommon overlap syndrome between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Initially, the patient was diagnosed with AS, for which he received various specific treatments, including TNF-α inhibitors. After five years of treatment with TNF-α inhibitor etanercept, the patient was referred for a full neurological assessment after he reported balance disturbances, postural instability, muscle weakness, and other neurological symptoms that indicated the presence of a neurological disorder.

New Insights into the Assessment of Peri-Operative Risk in Women Undergoing Surgery for Gynecological Neoplasms: A Call for a New Tool.

Existing tools for predicting postoperative complications in women undergoing surgery for gynecological neoplasms are evaluated in this narrative review. Although surgery is a very efficient therapy for gynecological tumors, it is not devoid of the possibility of negative postoperative outcomes. Widely used tools at present, such as the Surgical Apgar Score and the Modified Frailty Index, fail to consider the complex characteristics of gynecological malignancies and their related risk factors.

Automatic Segmentation of the Jaws Used in Guided Insertion of Orthodontic Mini Implants to Improve Their Stability and Precision.

With the goal of identifying regions with bicortical bone and avoiding root contact, the present study proposes an innovative technique for the simulation of the insertion of mini orthodontic implants using automatic jaw segmentation. The simulation of mini implants takes place in 3D rendering visualization instead of Multi-Planar Reconstruction (MPR) sections. The procedure involves utilizing software that automatically segments the jaw, teeth, and implants, ensuring their visibility in 3D rendering images.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors as Independent Predictors of Diabetic Retinopathy in Type II Diabetes Mellitus: The Development of a Predictive Model.

: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia, may play a crucial role in the development and progression of DR, though the evidence remains mixed. This study aimed to assess cardiovascular risk factors as independent predictors of DR and to develop a predictive model for DR progression in T2DM patients.

Immediate Loading Full-Arch 3D-Printed Implant-Supported Fixed Rehabilitation: A Case Report with 24-Month Follow-Up.

Implant-supported immediate loading full-arch rehabilitation has been documented in the literature. More recently, computed surgical guides have frequently been used since they facilitate planning and performing surgical treatment without the need to raise a flap, thus reducing trauma and morbidity. This case report describes an immediate full-arch, fixed rehabilitation with full loading placed on four commercially available 3D-printed implants, with a 24-month follow-up.

Plants' Impact on the Human Brain-Exploring the Neuroprotective and Neurotoxic Potential of Plants.

Background: Plants have long been recognized for their potential to influence neurological health, with both neuroprotective and neurotoxic properties. This review explores the dual nature of plant-derived compounds and their impact on the human brain.

Discussion: Numerous studies have highlighted the neuroprotective effects of various phytoconstituents, such as those found in , , , , and .

One-Year Visual and Refractive Outcomes of SmartPulse Technology in Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy for Myopic and Astigmatic Patients.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and predictability of Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy (TPRK) using the SmartPulse technology excimer laser for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism, assessing visual and refractive outcomes over a one-year follow-up period. This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from patients who underwent TPRK at the Ophthalmology Department-"Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara (Romania), between January 2019 and June 2023. The procedure was performed using the SmartPulse Technology of the SmartSurf AMARIS 750S excimer laser (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions, Kleinostheim, Germany).

Circulating miR-18a and miR-532 Levels in Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive cancer of the bile ducts with a poor prognosis and limited diagnostic markers. This study aims to investigate the potential of miR-18a and miR-532 as biomarkers for CCA by exploring their correlations with clinical parameters and traditional tumor markers such as CA19.9, CEA, and AFP.

Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life in Laryngeal Cancer Patients across Tumor.

Laryngeal cancer significantly impacts patients' psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL). This study aims to evaluate the psychological impact and QoL in patients with laryngeal cancer, focusing on differences based on tumor stage and treatment. This longitudinal study included 75 patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer.

Three-Dimensional Planimetry Assessment of Dental Plaque-Covered Area Reduction after Rinsing with 0.2% Sodium Hypochlorite Solution as Part of a Guided Biofilm Therapy Protocol-Pilot Longitudinal Study.

: Less often employed as a rinsing solution for controlling oral biofilms, NaOCL was used in oral rinses at various concentrations in steps 1 and 4 of periodontal therapy. The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the biofilm-disruptive properties of a 0.2% NaOCl solution in standardized oral rinses using dedicated plaque-disclosing agents and 3D scanning methods in patients undergoing the regular Guided Biofilm Therapy protocol.

Identification of Specific Plasma miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Major Depressive Disorder.

Backround: Depression is a significant concern in clinical and preclinical psychoneurobiological sciences due to its high prevalence and its individual and collective consequences. Identifying efficient biomarkers for accurate diagnosis is crucial, with ideal biomarkers having detectable serum levels and conformational and thermal stability. This study aims to identify stable plasma biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of major depressive disorder, as the pathogenesis of the disorder remains incompletely understood, affecting diagnosis accuracy.

Stabilometry in Relation to Hip and Knee Muscle Force in Children with Surgically Treated Unilateral Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis.

Background/objectives: The main aim of our study was to analyze the stabilometric parameters in relation to hip and knee muscle force in children with unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) who had undergone surgical treatment. Another objective was to compare the stabilometry in three testing situations (eyes open, eyes closed, and head retroflexed).

Methods: In total, 26 patients with unilateral right SCFE treated via in situ fixation with one percutaneous screw performed stabilometry assessments under three different situations (with their eyes open, with their eyes closed, and with their head retroflexed) and isometric muscle force assessment of the bilateral hip flexors, extensors, abductors and adductors and bilateral knee flexors and extensors.

Emerging Nanomedicine Approaches in Targeted Lung Cancer Treatment.

Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, is characterized by its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. As traditional chemotherapy has the disadvantage of non-specificity, nanomedicine offers innovative approaches for targeted therapy, particularly through the development of nanoparticles that can deliver therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells, minimizing systemic toxicity and enhancing treatment efficacy. VEGF and VEGFR are shown to be responsible for activating different signaling cascades, which will ultimately enhance tumor development, angiogenesis, and metastasis.