The effect of Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.) Jaub&Spach on some liver function biochemical parameters

Abstract Research on hepatoprotective effect from vegetables is increasingly focused on their potential on human health. In the present study, the effect of Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.

Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score (PI-RADS) and Glutathione S-transferase P1 methylation status (GST-P1) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer patients with borderline PSA values

Objectives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of Prostate Imaging – Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS) in combination with Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GST-P1) expression for an improved diagnosis of prostate cancer, in patients with inconclusive values of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on 80 patients for whom PSA values were evaluated and were found to be inconclusive (4-10 ng/ml). These patients underwent imagistic evaluation (PI-RADS), followed by transurethral prostate biopsy, with the evaluation of GST-P1 expression and histopathological examination (for diagnosis confirmation). Results. By combining the results of PI-RADS and GST-P1 the capacity of the tests to correctly identify healthy subjects, with an area under curve of 0,832 (95% CI 0.732–0.907), with a sensitivity of 73,25% and a specificity of 77,78%. Conclusions. PI-RADS lesions and GST-P1 methylation testing when PSA levels are in a “grey zone”, provide a better specificity and sensitivity by comparison through single testing. Testing patients with inconclusive PSA levels allows for a more accurate diagnosis and less over-diagnosis by non-invasive procedures, such as repeated biopsies

Colonization, Infection and Risk Factors for Death in an Infectious Disease ICU in Romania

Knowing the bacterial strains in the intensive care unit (ICU) is important for reducing the rate of bacterial transmission and the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), allowing for targeted interventions to reduce the risk of death by HAIs. We performed a retrospective case-control study in a single center that included 320 bacteriologically screened patients from the ICU of the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Constanta between September 2017 and March 2020. Sixty-five secondary bacterial infections were identified as the cause of hospital admission and 60 bacterial colonizations. There were 20 cases and 300 controls for the mortality rate and risk factors for death. Multivariate analysis identified that hospitalization of patients for HIV infection (OR 11.82, 95% CI: 1.69-83.62, P ≤0.05) and Clostridioides difficile infection (OR 7.38, 95% CI: 1.39 -39.22, P ≤ 0.05) were independent risk factors associated with death. We observed that the number of colonizations or secondary infections in the ICU was similar, and the mortality rate in the ICU was influenced by HIV infection or Clostridioides difficile infection

Study of Biochemical and Hematological Markers in Patients Diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma

In recent years, numerous scientific research papers have focused on the analysis of immunological, biochemical, ultrastructural, molecular and genetic factors that govern the clinical aspects of basal cell carcinomas. This retrospective study was carried out in the Clinical Department of Dermatovenerology at the County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Sf. Apostol Andrei”, Constanta. The research included a total of 140 patients treated in the clinic, with a diagnosis of basal cell epithelioma. We analyzed several biochemical and hematological markers including creatinine, male HDL cholesterol, female HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, urea, serum glucose. More than half of patients with BCC present data of possible hepatic impairment and high atherogenic risk

Effects of Complex Medical Rehabilitation Treatment on Ligament Instability in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis represents one of the most frequent conditions in the elderly population. This condition affects the whole joint, having an important impact on the patient’s quality of life

Early-Life Lead Exposure: Risks and Neurotoxic Consequences

Lead (Pb) does not have any biological function in a human, and there is likely no safe level of Pb in the human body. The Pb exposure impacts are a global concern for their potential neurotoxic consequences. Despite decreasing both the environmental Pb levels and the average blood Pb levels in the survey populations, the lifetime redistribution from the tissues-stored Pb still poses neurotoxic risks from the low-level exposure in later life. The growing fetus and children hold their innate high-susceptible to these Pb-induced neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral effects. This article aims to evaluate the cumulative studies and insights on the topic of Pb neurotoxicology while assessing the emerging trends in the field. The Pb-induced neurochemical and neuro-immunological mechanisms are likely responsible for the high-level Pb exposure with the neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral impacts at the initial stages. Early-life Pb exposure can still produce neurodegenerative consequences in later life due to the altered epigenetic imprints and the ongoing endogenous Pb exposure. Several mechanisms contribute to the Pb-induced neurotoxic impacts, including the direct neurochemical effects, the induction of oxidative stress and inflammation through immunologic activations, and epigenetic alterations. Furthermore, the individual nutritional status, such as macro-, micro-, or antioxidant nutrients, can significantly influence the neurotoxic impacts even at low-level exposure to Pb. The prevention of early-life Pb exposure is, therefore, the critical determinant for alleviating various Pb-induced neurotoxic impacts across the different age groups

The Association Between Vitamin D Values and Psoriasis: A Literature Review

The Vitamin D deficiency could be involved in the development of psoriasis, Vitamin D defficiency being considerd to be involved in the development of disorders related to cellular immune system. The aim of this study is to review the literature in order to find if there is an association between the Vitamin D level in the serum and psoriasis. A search for relevant articles was performed using PubMed, Web of Science and Springer databases. A total of 19 articles fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in this review. 14 studies revealed statistically significant lower levels of Vitamin D in psoriatic patients when compared to healthy controls. The other 5 studies did not found a statistically significant difference between 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels in psoriasis group and in control group