Retrospective Analysis of the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Retinopathy of Prematurity in a Single-Center Cohort in Romania and Comparison with National and European Data.

This study investigated and compared with European literature data the incidence, severity, and perinatal risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants admitted to the Premature Department of Mureş County Clinical Hospital over a two-year period (January 2022-December 2023). : ROP screening was performed in 96 infants (76.8%) according to professional guidelines.

Prenatal Detection of Silver-Russell Syndrome: A First Trimester Suspicion and Diagnostic Approach.

Silver-Russell Syndrome (SRS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by prenatal and postnatal growth restriction, distinctive facial features, and body asymmetry. Early suspicion during the first trimester remains challenging but crucial for optimizing clinical outcomes. This study aims to highlight a diagnostic approach to the early suspicion of SRS.

Endothelial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Severe Coronary Artery Disease: Does Diabetes Play a Contributing Role?

: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) and oxidative stress play major contributions in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Diabetes is a pathological state associated with endothelial damage and enhanced oxidative stress. This study evaluated endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, comparing those with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Sodium Butyrate: A Multifaceted Modulator in Colorectal Cancer Therapy.

: Sodium butyrate (NaB) is a potent modulator of cancer-related gene networks. However, its precise mechanisms of action and effects at elevated doses remain insufficiently explored. This study investigated the impact of NaB at physiologically relevant doses on key cellular metrics (viability, confluence, cell number, morphology, nuclear integrity) and a comprehensive set of apoptosis and proliferation regulators (including underexplored genes) in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.

Navigating Emergency Management of Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Study on First-Time, End-Stage, and Other Established Diagnoses in a High Turnover Emergency County Hospital.

: The incidence and prevalence of cancers are increasing worldwide, with special emphasis placed on prevention, early detection, and the development of new therapeutic strategies that strongly impact patient outcomes. Limited data are available about emergency care's role in treating patients with cancer. This study aims to determine the burden of end-stage and first-time diagnosis of cancer on emergency care in a high-turnover emergency care center.

Deep Neck Infections: The Effectiveness of Therapeutic Management and Bacteriological Profile.

: Deep neck infections (DNIs) are severe diagnoses that can cause serious complications. However, there are insufficient data to predict the evolution of this pathology. This study aims to review the microbiology of DNIs and to identify the factors that influence prolonged hospitalization.

Strategies for Optimizing Acute Burn Wound Therapy: A Comprehensive Review.

Recent advancements in acute burn wound therapy are transforming the management of burn injuries, with a focus on improving healing times, graft integration, and minimizing complications. However, current clinical treatments face significant challenges, including the difficulty of accurately assessing wound depth and tissue viability, which can lead to suboptimal treatment planning. Traditional closure methods often struggle with issues such as delayed wound closure, limited graft survival, inadequate tissue regeneration, and insufficient vascularization.

Probiotic Therapy as an Adjuvant in the Treatment of Periodontal Disease: An Innovative Approach.

: Periodontal inflammation, often linked to oral microbiota dysbiosis dominated by pathogenic bacteria, remains a significant challenge in periodontitis management. Traditional periodontal therapies primarily reduce the bacterial load but fail to restore the microbiota balance. Probiotics offer a promising therapeutic adjunct with their ability to enhance beneficial bacteria.

Lynch Syndrome-Impact of the Type of Deficient Mismatch Repair Gene Mutation on Diagnosis, Clinical Presentation, Surveillance and Therapeutic Approaches.

In today's world, with its continuing advancements in genetics, the identification of Lynch syndrome (LS) increasingly relies on sophisticated genetic testing techniques. Most guidelines recommend a tailored surveillance program, as well as personalized prophylactic and therapeutic approaches, according to the type of dMMR gene mutation. Carriers of path_MLH1 and path_MSH2 genes have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), despite intensive colonoscopic surveillance.

Impact of Microbiota on Irritable Bowel Syndrome Pathogenesis and Management: A Narrative Review.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, affecting 3-5% of the global population and significantly impacting patients' quality of life and healthcare resources. Alongside physical symptoms such as abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, many individuals experience psychological comorbidities, including anxiety and depression. Recent research has highlighted the critical role of the gut microbiota in IBS, with dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in microbial diversity, frequently observed in patients.

Long-Term Effects of Sinus Floor Elevation with and Without Bone Graft: A Systematic Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

The aim of this systematic review was to assess clinical trials on the efficiency of sinus lift techniques with and without bone grafting in the atrophic posterior maxilla. This article was written under the PRISMA and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were electronically searched until December 2023.

Etiological Aspects of Infectious Endocarditis in a Tertiary Hospital in Northeastern Romania.

: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe, life-threatening infection of the endocardial surface. Its incidence has shifted towards older, immunocompromised patients and those with cardiac devices. : This study was conducted at the "Sf.

Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma of Nasopharynx and Paranasal Sinuses in Children Diagnosis and Treatment-Review of the Literature and Case Report.

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS) is a rare pediatric malignant tumor with a poor prognosis, particularly when located in the rhinopharynx and sphenoidal floor, which complicates diagnosis and increases the risk of misclassification as benign growths. The specific genotype of aRMS is associated with a worse clinical outcome. In young children, especially those aged 4 to 12 years, rhinopharyngeal masses are often attributed to chronic adenoiditis; however, other benign (e.

Introducing the Index of Response to Stimulation (IRES): A Novel Metric for Assessing Vagus Nerve Stimulation Outcomes in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy.

: The Index of Response to Stimulation (IRES) is a new index that we introduce in this study to grade the effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. We assessed 76 patients at 6, 12, and 18 months after VNS evaluating improvement with the IRES in four key dimensions: seizure duration decrease, seizure intensity decrease, improvement in quality of life, and seizure frequency decrease. This scale goes from 0, meaning no improvement, to 8, meaning maximal improvement, making the scale a really good measure of clinical utility.

The Influence of Osteoporosis and Diabetes on Dental Implant Stability: A Pilot Study.

: Dental implants are a reliable solution for tooth loss; however, systemic conditions like osteoporosis and diabetes, which affect bone quality, healing, and stability, underline the importance of understanding their impact on enhanced outcomes. This study evaluated the comparative effects of osteoporosis and diabetes on dental implant stability over 12 months, utilizing objective implant mobility and stability measures. : This prospective cohort study involved 50 patients, divided into 21 with type 2 diabetes and 29 with osteoporosis, with implant stability assessed at 6 and 12 months using Osstell ISQ and Periotest M devices and statistical analysis identifying differences between groups and time intervals at a significance level of < 0.

Cardiovascular Profile and Cardiovascular Imaging After Bariatric Surgery: A Narrative Review.

: Up until now, behavioral interventions and pharmacological therapies were the main approach available for the management of obesity. Diet and exercise, when used as a singular therapeutic method, are inadequate for a successful outcome. Research shows promising results for the surgical treatment of obesity, especially in the area of bariatric surgery (BaS).

Beyond the Scalpel: Addressing Communication and Distress in ENT Cancer.

: Effective communication in oncology is crucial, but challenging due to the complex information and emotional burden associated with a cancer diagnosis. This cross-sectional study investigated the communication preferences of 155 Romanian adults diagnosed with ENT cancers and explored the relationship between these preferences, their levels of psychological distress, and sociodemographic factors. : Participants completed the KOPRA questionnaire, assessing communication preferences, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to measure psychological distress.

Non-Anatomic Reconstruction in Multiligament Knee Injuries: A Functional Approach.

: Multiligament knee injuries, involving damage to multiple stabilizing structures, present a significant challenge in orthopedic surgery, often resulting in knee instability and compromised function. While anatomic ligament reconstruction has been traditionally advocated, non-anatomic techniques may provide effective alternatives, particularly for patients with moderate functional demands who do not require high-level athletic performance. : In this study, we assessed the outcomes of a non-anatomic, hybrid surgical approach involving combined arthroscopic and open non-anatomic ligament reconstruction in 60 patients with multiligament knee injuries.

Challenges in the Management of Giant Carcinoma Ex-Pleiomorphic Adenoma of the Parotid Gland in a Single Tertiary Center.

: Carcinoma ex-pleiomorphic adenoma (CXPA) is a carcinoma derived from a primary or recurrent pleiomorphic adenoma. Microscopically, non-invasive CXPA (intracapsular and carcinoma in situ), minimally invasive CXPA (extracapsular invasion less than 1.5 mm), and invasive CXPA (extracapsular invasion more than 1.

Diabetes and Cataracts Development-Characteristics, Subtypes and Predictive Modeling Using Machine Learning in Romanian Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Diabetes has become a global epidemic, contributing to significant health challenges due to its complications. Among these, diabetes can affect sight through various mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of early identification and management of vision-threatening conditions in diabetic patients. Changes in the crystalline lens caused by diabetes may lead to temporary and permanent visual impairment.

Emerging Strategies in Cartilage Repair and Joint Preservation.

Cartilage repair remains a critical challenge in orthopaedic medicine due to the tissue's limited self-healing ability, contributing to degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA). In response, regenerative medicine has developed advanced therapeutic strategies, including cell-based therapies, gene editing, and bioengineered scaffolds, to promote cartilage regeneration and restore joint function. This narrative review aims to explore the latest developments in cartilage repair techniques, focusing on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, gene-based interventions, and biomaterial innovations.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training vs. Vaginal Vibration Cone Therapy for Postpartum Dyspareunia and Vaginal Laxity.

Pelvic floor dysfunction and sexual health issues are common postpartum due to weakened pelvic muscles, significantly impacting women's quality of life (QoL). Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is a widely used approach to address these issues. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two rehabilitation methods-vibrating vaginal cones (VCG) and PFMT exercises (CG)-in improving pelvic floor muscle strength, reducing dyspareunia, and enhancing sexual function in postpartum women.

Challenges and Innovations in Alveolar Bone Regeneration: A Narrative Review on Materials, Techniques, Clinical Outcomes, and Future Directions.

This review explores the recent advancements and ongoing challenges in regenerating alveolar bone, which is essential for dental implants and periodontal health. It examines traditional techniques like guided bone regeneration and bone grafting, alongside newer methods such as stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and 3D bioprinting. Each approach is considered for its strengths in supporting bone growth and integration, especially in cases where complex bone defects make regeneration difficult.

Multimodal Screening for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Scleroderma: Current Methods and Future Directions.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immuno-inflammatory rheumatic disease that can affect both the skin and internal organs through fibrosis. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one of the most severe secondary complications. Structural changes in the vascular bed lead to increased pressures in the pulmonary circulation, severely impacting the right heart and significantly affecting mortality.

Integrated Insights into Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Improving Life Quality and Reducing Mortality in Obesity.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an effective intervention for patients with severe obesity and metabolic comorbidities, particularly when non-surgical weight loss methods prove insufficient. MBS has shown significant potential for improving quality of life and metabolic health outcomes in individuals with obesity, yet it carries inherent risks. Although these procedures offer a multifaceted approach to obesity treatment and its clinical advantages are well-documented, the limited understanding of its long-term outcomes and the role of multidisciplinary care pose challenges.