The Intersection of Epigenetics and Senolytics in Mechanisms of Aging and Therapeutic Approaches.

The biological process of aging is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. Recent advancements in the fields of epigenetics and senolytics offer promising avenues for understanding and addressing age-related diseases. Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, with mechanisms like DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation playing critical roles in aging.

The Difference a Year Can Make: How Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms in Have Changed in Northwestern Transylvania.

This study examines the prevalence and the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in isolates collected from healthcare units in Northwestern Transylvania, Romania, between 2022 and 2023. Given the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance, the study screened 34 isolates for resistance to 10 antibiotics, 46 ARGs, and integrase genes using PCR analysis. The results reveal a concerning increase in multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) isolates over the two-year period.

Evaluation of the Bacterial Infections and Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in the Intensive Care Unit of a Clinical Hospital in Romania.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are associated with increased mortality, antimicrobial resistance, and high antibiotic use. : The characteristics of bacterial resistance and antibiotic consumption in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a clinical hospital in Romania were evaluated. Demographic data of patients, identified bacteria, antibiotics administered, and their sensitivity profiles were collected and analyzed.

Green Tea Extract (; L.): A Promising Antimicrobial, Anti-Quorum Sensing and Antibiofilm Candidate Against Multidrug-Resistant Species.

Background: Thermophilic species are among the main culprits behind bacterial gastroenteritis globally and have grown progressively resistant to clinically important antimicrobials. Many studies have been carried out to explore innovative and alternative strategies to control antibiotic-resistant campylobacters in animal reservoirs and human hosts; however, limited studies have been performed to develop efficient control schemes against biofilms.

Methods: This study investigated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of some herbal extracts against multidrug-resistant (MDR) species recovered from different sources using phenotypic and molecular techniques.

The Role of ChatGPT and AI Chatbots in Optimizing Antibiotic Therapy: A Comprehensive Narrative Review.

Antimicrobial resistance represents a growing global health crisis, demanding innovative approaches to improve antibiotic stewardship. Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots based on large language models have shown potential as tools to support clinicians, especially non-specialists, in optimizing antibiotic therapy. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the capabilities, limitations, and future directions for AI chatbots in enhancing antibiotic selection and patient outcomes.

Microbial Colonization and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles in Chronic Wounds: A Comparative Study of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Venous Ulcers.

: Chronic wounds, including hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and venous ulcers (VU), are commonly associated with complex microbial communities that may influence wound healing and treatment outcomes. Understanding microbial diversity and antibiotic resistance patterns is essential in order to optimize therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to investigate the microbial populations and antibiotic resistance profiles in HS and VU patients, comparing the prevalence of common pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance profiles.

Emerging Resistance and Virulence Patterns in : Insights into Silver Nanoparticles as an Antimicrobial Strategy.

Background/objectives: This study aims to characterize antibiotic resistance (AR) and virulence markers in spp. isolated from Romanian outpatients' stool samples.

Methods: In 2019, community-acquired strains were collected and identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, antibiotic susceptibility profiles have been determined with the MicroScan system, and soluble virulence factors were evaluated using specific culture media, while biofilm formation was quantified in 96-well plates.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Vancomycin in Hemodialysis Patients in a Hospital in North-East Romania.

: Vancomycin is a reserve antibiotic that is frequently prescribed for central venous catheter (CVC)-associated infections in hemodialysis patients. Hemodialysis patients are very fragile patients and the presence of CVCs increases the risk of sepsis. We conducted a prospective study, evaluating the needs of changes in vancomycin dosing for treatment based on the use of the new 2020 vancomycin dosing guidelines, to increase drug safety (preventing subtherapeutic or supratherapeutic doses and offering therapeutic concentrations of the drug) in a particular group of patients with sepsis caused by catheter infections and being on intermittent hemodialysis.

Mechanical Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Critical Challenge in the Intensive Care Units.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection encountered in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased mortality. We evaluated the causative pathogens involved and their resistance to the major classes of antibiotics in patients with VAP and assessed the differences between patients with and without coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). : This study was a single-center, cross-sectional, retrospective analysis involving 122 patients who were hospitalized in the ICU of Târgu Mureș County Clinical Hospital from 1 April 2021, to 1 April 2023.

Morphological, Morphometrical and Radiological Features of the Pelvic Limb Skeleton in African Green Monkeys () from Saint Kitts and Nevis Islands.

The paper presents a detailed gross anatomical description of the elements of the pelvic limb in the African green monkey and provides comparative and differential elements on pelvic limb monkey osteology. The osteometric investigation adds value to the gross morphological and radiological investigation, adjoining metric data to the gross descriptive data set. The main methodology used was the gross morphological investigation, doubled by regular osteometrical and radiographical assessments.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis and Pregnancy-Do We Have All the Answers for a Woman Who Desires to Conceive?-Literature Review.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, progressive, and poor-prognosis systemic disorder that primarily affects women of reproductive age, with a higher prevalence among individuals of Caucasian origin. However, there are limited reliable data on the prevalence of LAM during pregnancy. The fulminant respiratory clinical presentation that often includes progressive dyspnea on exertion, cough, or hemoptysis, frequently complicated by pneumothorax, and the increased risk of spontaneous abortion due to increased estrogen and progesterone production during gestation, are arguments that most often make the diagnosed woman avoid pregnancy.

Evaluating Offspring After Pregnancy-Associated Cancer: A Systematic Review of Neonatal Outcomes.

Pregnancy-associated cancer (PAC) presents significant challenges for maternal and neonatal health, and yet its impact on neonatal outcomes remains poorly understood. This systematic review aims to evaluate the neonatal risks associated with PAC. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and other databases was conducted up to 1 November 2024, identifying observational studies and randomized controlled trials assessing neonatal outcomes in pregnancies affected by PAC.

Vi-PLUS: Pioneering Plane-Wave Ultrasound to Assess Breast Glandular Tissue in Healthy Women-A Pilot Study.

Background/objectives: This study pioneers the application of the ViPLUS module, utilizing plane-wave ultrasound to measure breast tissue viscosity and elasticity. The primary goal was to establish normal reference values for viscosity in healthy women. Secondary objectives included exploring correlations between breast tissue viscosity and breast density categories, hormonal influences, and menstrual cycle phases.

Evaluating Tech Neck: A Pilot Study Using a Self-Developed Questionnaire on Symptoms, Posture, and Preventive Measures.

Background/objectives: Musculoskeletal symptoms, such as neck pain, back pain, and eye strain, are prevalent in modern work environments, particularly among individuals engaged in prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of these symptoms and the impact of ergonomic tool usage, break frequency, posture awareness, and proactive measures on symptom intensity and daily functioning.

Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study used a self-developed questionnaire to assess the prevalence and intensity of musculoskeletal symptoms among participants aged 6-18 years.

Oral Breathing Effects on Malocclusions and Mandibular Posture: Complex Consequences on Dentofacial Development in Pediatric Orthodontics.

: Oral breathing is a common condition, particularly in children, and it is associated with significant changes in craniofacial development, dentomaxillary anomalies, and overall health. Despite extensive research, the role of oral breathing in the development of malocclusion remains controversial, with debates on whether it is a causative factor or a secondary adaptation to existing craniofacial issues. : This narrative review synthesizes studies published in the last 15 years, focusing on the impact of oral breathing on dentofacial development and mandibular posture.

Evaluating the Nolla Method for Dental Age Estimation in Children from Northwestern Romania.

Background/objectives: Dental age estimation plays a critical role in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and forensic medicine. The Nolla method, widely applied globally, has shown variable accuracy across different populations. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability and accuracy of the Nolla method in estimating the dental age of Romanian children and to identify potential discrepancies between dental and chronological ages.

The Evaluation of Serum KIM-1 in a Pediatric Cohort of Renal Transplantation-A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Renal transplantation ensures particular advantages for patients with end-stage kidney disease. However, in some cases, early complications may result in allograft dysfunction, which can ultimately lead to the loss of the graft. Creatinine is a poor biomarker for kidney injury due principally to its inability to help diagnose early acute renal failure and complete inability to help differentiate among its various causes.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Girls and the Risk of Unplanned Pregnancies.

Background/objectives: Although ADHD in adults has become visible and inclusive in recent years in diagnostic manuals, research is still limited regarding the long-term outcomes of patients with this disorder. The main objective of this research was to address the many facets of predictor variables in girls with ADHD facing unplanned pregnancies at young ages in order to improve the management of pre-, peri-, and postnatal complications that may occur, as well as for early psychiatric diagnosis and effective intervention.

Methods: PubMed and Web of Science Databases were used to perform literature research, and a total of 27 records were selected and used for data extraction.

Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Acute Drug Intoxications: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background/objectives: Acute drug intoxications (ADIs) are a significant concern in pediatric healthcare, contributing to both accidental and intentional morbidity. This study aimed to analyze the demographic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of pediatric ADI cases to identify trends and inform preventive strategies.

Methods: This retrospective study included 120 cases of pediatric ADI admitted to the Second Pediatric Clinic of Craiova County Emergency Clinical Hospital in 2022 and 2023.

Cerebral Ultrasound at Term-Equivalent Age: Correlations with Neuro-Motor Outcomes at 12-24 Months Corrected Age.

Our research aimed to assess if correlations could be found between items evaluated at the cerebral ultrasound performed at term-equivalent age (TEA) and neuro-motor outcomes evaluated at 12 and 24 months of corrected age in a group of preterm infants. The following were assessed: the Levine Index, the diagonals of the lateral ventricles, the size of the ventricular midbody, the sinocortical distance, the width of the basal ganglia, the cortical depth at the level of the cingular sulcus and the maturation of the gyral folding. The neurologic evaluation was performed at 12 and 24 months of corrected age, according to the Amiel Tison neurologic examination, and the items from the calendar of motor acquisitions were used as outcome measures of the study-gross and fine motor subsets.

Inflammatory Markers and Severity in COVID-19 Patients with Clostridioides Difficile Co-Infection: A Retrospective Analysis Including Subgroups with Diabetes, Cancer, and Elderly.

Background And Objectives: The interplay of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and infection (CDI) poses a critical clinical challenge. The resultant inflammatory milieu and its impact on outcomes remain incompletely understood, especially among vulnerable subgroups such as elderly patients, those with diabetes, and individuals with cancer. This study aimed to characterize inflammatory markers and composite inflammatory severity scores-such as Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Confusion, Urea, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, and age ≥ 65 years (CURB-65), National Early Warning Score (NEWS), and the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII)-in hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with and without CDI, and to evaluate their prognostic implications across key clinical subgroups.

To Hemoadsorb or Not to Hemoadsorb-Do We Have the Answer Yet? An Updated Meta-Analysis on the Use of CytoSorb in Sepsis and Septic Shock.

Unlabelled: Severe inflammation leading to organ dysfunction is the cornerstone of the pathophysiology of sepsis. Thus, from a theoretical point of view, rebalancing inflammation has the potential to improve patient outcomes.

Methods: To better understand the clinical effectiveness of hemoadsorption in managing inflammation, we conducted an updated meta-analysis on the effects of CytoSorb in critically ill septic patients.

Malnutrition and Its Influence on Gut sIgA-Microbiota Dynamics.

In the current era, malnutrition is seen as both undernutrition and overweight and obesity; both conditions are caused by nutrient deficiency or excess and improper use or imbalance in the intake of macro and micronutrients. Recent evidence suggests that malnutrition alters the intestinal microbiota, known as dysbiosis. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) plays an important role in maintaining and increasing beneficial intestinal microbiota populations and protecting against pathogenic species.

Differentiating Liver Metastases from Primary Liver Cancer: A Retrospective Study of Imaging and Pathological Features in Patients with Histopathological Confirmation.

This study aimed to identify and analyze imaging and pathological features that differentiate liver metastases from primary liver cancer in patients with histopathological confirmation, and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of imaging modalities. This retrospective study included 137 patients who underwent liver biopsy or resection between 2016 and 2024, comprising 126 patients with liver metastases and 11 patients with primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Imaging features on contrast-enhanced MRI were evaluated, including lesion number, size, margins, enhancement patterns, presence of capsule, T1/T2 signal characteristics, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) signal, and portal vein thrombosis.