Diagnosis and management of intracranial arterial aneurysm

Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Chisinau, the Republic of MoldovaBackground: Intracranial aneurysms are a major socio-economic and public health problem for the twenty-first century. Increasing incidence, mortality and morbidity from stroke, due to ruptured aneurysm, accessibility to diagnostic methods and permanently improved microsurgical approaches, which have revolutionized the surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms and obviously changed the evolution and prognosis of operated patients, warrants attention to the intracerebral aneurysms. Review article examines the contemporary literature on the prevalence, incidence, classification, morphological characteristics, location and natural history of intracranial aneurysms (undetected asymptomatic, symptomatic with signs of compression of the brain substance, aneurysmal rupture with subarachnoid, intraventricular or intraparenchymal hemorrhage). Article examines the effectiveness of contemporary diagnostic techniques for the intracranial aneurysms (multislice computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography), verified by the methods of conventional catheter angiography, the results of autopsy studies and intraoperative estimates. We evaluated treatment methods and tactics of this group of patients. Conclusions: Th e prevalence of intracranial aneurysms varies considerably depending on the pattern of study, population characteristics evaluated and type of aneurysm. In adult population without risk factors for subarachnoid hemorrhage, aneurysms are detected in about 2% of cases. Subarachnoid hemorrhage mortality in the first month after aneurysm rupture varies from 25% to 67%, including the death of 12.8% of patients before receiving medical assistance and aneurysmal rebleeding is associated with a mortality of 60%. About 50% of survived patients possess neurological deficiencies, including major and require long recovery, physical therapy, occupational and speech rehabilitation

Pharmacokinetics of praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate combination following oral administration in cats

Objectives The pharmacokinetics of praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate has never been reported in cats. The present study was designed to establish the plasma concentration-time profile and to derive pharmacokinetic data for a combined formulation of praziquantel and pyrantel in cats, after a single, oral administration. Methods Twenty-two clinically healthy adult cats were used, each receiving a single oral dose of praziquantel (8.5 mg/kg) and pyrantel (100 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected at regular time points up to 48 h post-dosing. Plasma concentrations of praziquantel and pyrantel were measured using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-high-throughput screening method. Results Clinical examination of all cats did not reveal any side effects after oral administration of these medications. The terminal half-life for praziquantel and pyrantel was 1.07 and 1.36 h, respectively. Praziquantel peak concentration (Cmax) was 1140 μg/ml, reached at 1.22 h. The plasma concentrations of pyrantel after oral administration were low with a mean Cmax of 0.11 μg/ml, reached at a Tmax of 1.91 h. Pyrantel showed a very limited absorption as pamoate salt, suggesting permanence and efficacy inside the gastrointestinal tract, where the adult stages of most parasitic nematodes reside. Conclusions and relevance Pyrantel showed a very limited absorption as pamoate salt. Praziquantel was rapidly absorbed following oral administration and the concentrations achieved suggest that praziquantel could be an effective and safe medication in cats. Although some resistance problems are arising as a result of their long use, these anthelminthic products can still play a major role in parasitic control, especially in geographical areas where the high cost of newer treatments or necessity of parenteral administration could decrease the number of treated animals

Study on the anthocyanin content of some sour cherry varieties grown in Iaşi area, Romania

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anthocyanin (AC) and phenolic compounds (TPC) content, and the description of anthocyanin profile obtained by HPLC-DAD technique (High- Performance Liquid Chromatography - Diode Array Detector), from hydroalcoholic extracts of four varieties of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) grown in experimental field of Research-Development Station for Fruit growing Iași, Miroslava area. Were also examined some physical-chemical properties of fruits, variety Mocăneşti 16 showing the highest moisture content (87.98%), titratable acidity (1.32 g malic/100g acid) and ascorbic acid (12 mg / 100g). AC, determined by pH differential method, had the highest value at Engleze timpurii variety (176.2 ± 0.97 mg/100g) and TPC, determined by the Folin-Ciocâlteu colorimetric method, had the maximum value at Mocăneşti 16 variety (446.89 ± 0.70 mg GAE/100g). Based on the chromatograms obtained, were identified four anthocyanins: cyanidin (cy)-3- glucoside, cy-3-rutinoside, cy-3- sophoroside, cy-3-glucosylrutinoside, expressed as a percentage of anthocyanins area. Anthocyanin profile obtained was not similar in varieties examined, and the ratio between anthocyanins differed from one variety to another. The data obtained confirm previous results on the sour cherries anthocyanin profile and can be used in food and pharmaceutical industry (functional foods) and as a basis of comparison for future studies

Harlequin Ichthyosis – Genetic and Dermatological Challenges: A Case Report and Literature Review

Harlequin ichthyosis (HI) is an extremely rare and severe genetic skin disorder characterized by thick, diamond-shaped scales covering the body, often giving the appearance of a harlequin costume. This paper provides an overview of the genetic and dermatological aspects of HI, delving into its etiology, clinical manifestations, and management. The genetic underpinnings of HI involve mutations in the ABCA12 gene, leading to impaired skin barrier function and abnormal keratinization. Understanding the molecular basis of the disorder is crucial for accurate diagnosis and potential therapeutic interventions. Clinically, HI presents challenges related to skin integrity, thermoregulation, and potential complications, such as infections. The management of HI requires a multidisciplinary approach involving dermatologists, geneticists, and other healthcare professionals. Supportive care, including emollients, careful bathing, and prevention of infections, is essential to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. Despite its rarity and severity, advancements in medical research and genetic therapies offer hope for improved treatments and interventions. This paper aims to contribute to the collective understanding of HI, fostering ongoing research and compassionate care for those living with this unique and challenging dermatological condition. We presented a premature eutrophic harlequin baby, born at 32+ weeks of gestation via emergency C-section. A clinical diagnosis was established minutes after birth, based on the typical features of HI, from scaly skin, marked fissures, and limbs in flexion contractures to prominent eclabium and bilateral ectropion