Timisoara Medical Journal

(1) Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common disorder of the parathyroid glands and the third most frequent endocrinopathy, especially among elderly women. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a common complication of chronic kidney disease, associated with high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In both primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, the need to correctly identify the parathyroid glands is mandatory for a better outcome. Elastography can be an effective tool in the diagnosis of parathyroid lesions, by differentiating possible parathyroid lesions from thyroid disease, cervical lymph nodes, and other anatomical structures. There are currently no guidelines or recommendations and no established values on the elasticity of parathyroid lesions. (2) Material and Methods: In our studies, we have evaluated, by Shear Wave elastography (SWE), both primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, determining that parathyroid glands have a higher elasticity index than both thyroid tissue and muscle tissue. (3) Results: For primary hyperparathyroidism, we have determined, using 2D-SWE, the parathyroid adenoma tissue (mean elasticity index (EI) measured by SWE 4.74 ± 2.74 kPa) with the thyroid tissue (11.718 ± 4.206 kPa) and with the surrounding muscle tissue (16.362 ± 3.829 kPa). For secondary hyperparathyroidism, by SWE elastographic evaluation, we have found that the mean EI in the parathyroid gland was 7.83 kPa, a median value in the thyroid parenchyma of 13.76 kPa, and a mean muscle EI value at 15.78 kPa. (4) Conclusions: Elastography can be a useful tool in localizing parathyroid disease, whether primary or secondary, by correctly identifying the parathyroid tissue. We have determined that an EI below 7 kPa in SWE elastography correctly identifies parathyroid tissue in primary hyperparathyroidism, and that a cut-off value of 9.98 kPa can be used in 2D-SWE to accurately diagnose parathyroid disease in secondary hyperparathyroidism. Full article

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(1) Background: Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus belong to a group of pathogens entities called TORCH agents. TORCH represents an acronym which derives from the name of a series of certain pathogenic agents (Toxoplasma gondii, Other agents, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes virus). They could cross the placenta barrier and cause serious damage to the fetus if a primary infection occurs in a pregnant woman. Immunized women are relatively protected against a reinfection and the risk of a materno-fetal infection in these categories of pregnant women is considered low. (2) Aim of the study: To analyze changes in the percentage of pregnant women seronegative to Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus along a period of ten years, from 2008 to 2018. (3) Material and Methods: We studied the changes in percentage of seronegative Toxoplasma gondii and Cytomegalovirus pregnant women along two periods: 2008–2010 and 2015–2018. Only pregnant women with declared medium of provenience and unequivocal results were enrolled in the study. (4) Results: In urban areas, we found an increase in the percentage of pregnant women seronegative to Toxoplasma gondii (RR = 1.488, p < 0.0001), respectively to cytomegalovirus (RR = 1.985, p < 0.0001), from 2008–2010 to 2015–2018. A similar increasing trend was found also in rural areas: Toxoplasma gondii (RR = 1.136, p < 0.0322), respectively cytomegalovirus (RR = 1.088, p < 0.8265) but it did not reach a significant threshold for cytomegalovirus. (5) Conclusion: Our study showed that the percentage of women seronegative to Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus antibodies increases along a period of ten years, from 2008–2010 to 2015–2018, in both urban and rural areas. Probably, the main cause of this trend is represented by the improvement in hygienic condition and food quality control. These results present an argument for continuing the TORCH screening of pregnant women. Full article

(1) Background: Both open surgery and endovascular strategies are accepted methods for the treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI) due to superficial femoral artery disease (SFA). There is currently only one randomized trial results (BASIL-1) that compared open vs. endo procedures for SFA treatment. In this study, we wanted to compare two treatment strategies for superficial femoral artery vascular disease. (2) Material and methods: A study was conducted on 235 patients (part of a national project—“Development of the public infrastructure research and development and creation of new infrastructure”) in which the open vs. endovascular strategy was compared in patients with critical limb ischemia and SFA disease. (3) Results: Primary outcomes are the time elapsed until major events related to the index leg or death. Secondary outcomes are amputation-free survival rate, reintervention on the index leg, major cardiovascular events and postoperative complications. (4) Conclusion: After 6 months, we had an overall mortality rate of 7.23% and an amputation-free survival of 89.36%. Full article

Although it recorded a breakthrough for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in the last decade, this disease remains a challenge in terms of finding an efficient treatment, reducing secondary resistance to treatment, and understanding the complexity of the molecular mechanisms involved in its development, progression and metastasis. This study aims to verify the multitarget effect of a natural compound, betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpene, as antimelanoma agent by applying two experimental models: a human melanoma cell line—A375 and the chick chorioallantoic membrane model. The methods applied in this study were: MTT cell viability assay for cytotoxicity assessment and the chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) for antiangiogenic evaluation. The results indicated a significant decrease of A375 cells viability after a 72 h BA treatment even at the lowest concentration tested—1 µM (61.95% viable cells), with a calculated IC50 of 9.437 µM. In addition, BA inhibited not only the in ovo A375-induced tumor growth but also the angiogenesis on the primary site at 72 h post application. These data highlight the potential antimelanoma effect of BA by targeting the tumor cells via multiples pathways as inducing cell death and suppressing the angiogenic process, a must have for tumor development. Full article

Restorative dentistry is based on a continuous development of materials that make the best possible connection with dental tissues. Thus, dental adhesives have been researched with increasing interest. A successful adhesive system depends very much on its chemistry, as well as on the clinical procedures that must be appropriate for that type of dental adhesive. This review presents a retrospective of dental adhesives focusing on research into new types of adhesive systems that involves the use of nanoparticles. Dental adhesive systems are used in most clinical procedures related to restorative dentistry and can be classified into “etch-and-rinse” adhesives and “self-etch” adhesives. Recently, both types of adhesive systems have been modified, being loaded with different types of nanoparticles to try to improve them in terms of the thickness of the adhesive layer, but also to induce other special qualities. Therefore, in order to avoid compromising the restorative procedures by losing the restorations or by affecting the dental pulp due to cytotoxicity, several factors must be considered in choosing the adhesive system. Full article

The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) has been recognized as a key player in the complex scenario of cardiovascular regulation. Aside from its role in the cardiovascular diseases, RAAS dysregulation has emerged as a central pathomechanism in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV1) epidemic, dating back to 2002–2004, and the current COVID-19 pandemic with SARS-CoV2, with the latter involving the interaction with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is the enzyme responsible for Ang 1-7 production that partly counteracts the RAAS effects and promotes nitric oxide synthase activation; moreover, it has also been reported to act as a receptor for both SARS viruses. In the setting of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the SARS–ACE2 interaction is highly debated with respect to both viral infectivity and usage/discontinuation of RAAS medication—ACE inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs)—in diagnosed or suspected SARS-CoV2 patients. Since ACE inhibitors and ARBs are largely prescribed in cardiovascular pathology, a better understanding of the interaction between SARS-CoV2 and RAAS is urgently needed. In this review, we will briefly discuss the SARS-CoV2 and ACE2 interaction and why the discontinuation of RAAS medication is unsafe for either diagnosed or suspected SARS-CoV2 patients. Full article

(1) Background: In the current clinical practice of the COVID-19 infection, the focus should not be placed on the positive RT-PCR results, but rather on the epidemiological, clinical, and imaging aspects specific to the disease. (2) Case Report: We present the case of a 34-year-old female, who had contacts with both her parents, both of whom were confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR testing. She presented for about one week symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 infection, determining her to repeatedly go to the emergency room, where she had three negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests. The blood tests revealed leukopenia with lymphocytopenia, with increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Moreover, the chest X-ray showed modifications specific for COVID-19, and the diagnosis of COVID-19 was set. Drug treatment with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, cephalosporins, systemic corticosteroids, anticoagulants, bronchodilators, and interleukin-6 inhibitors was initiated, together with oxygen therapy. (3) Discussion: SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing may give false negative results due to inadequate biological sampling, or to the accuracy of the test methods. A significant contribution to the diagnosis is made by the specific computed tomography (CT) criteria of COVID-19. (4) Conclusions: A priority for COVID-19 diagnosis accuracy is epidemiological investigation, together with clinical criteria and CT imaging, even in the presence of a negative RT-PCR test. Full article

In this paper, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drug tacrine was investigated by two complementary instrumental techniques, namely infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis, as pure drug and in solid binary mixtures with nine excipients frequently used in the pharmaceutical industry, namely starch, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone K30, fumed silica (Aerosil), talc, anhydrous lactose, magnesium stearate, mannitol and calcium lactate pentahydrate. The corroboration of obtained data by the two complementary methods confirmed the incompatibility of this drug with anhydrous lactose, mannitol, magnesium stearate and calcium lactate under both ambient conditions and thermal stress, and thermally induced interactions between tacrine and silica. In the development of new generic solid formulations, four of the investigated excipients (i.e., starch, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 and talc) can be used, since they are compatible with tacrine under ambient conditions as well as under thermal stress. Full article

(1) Background: To determine the association between patient-reported outcome measures and return to work after knee arthroscopy. (2) Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of data on patients scheduled for knee arthroscopy in 2019 for which symptom severity was available using International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee evaluation form (IKDC), Knee Disability And Osteoarthritis Outcome Score For Joint Replacement (KOOS JR), Tegner Lysholm scale and Euroqol EQ5D5L. Paid sick leave was retrieved from electronic patient records. (3) Results: 61 patients (mean age 46.44 ± 7.61 years, 28 (45.9%) males) met the inclusion criteria. All patients ultimately returned to work. Forty-six (75.41%) received a mean of 28.5 (range 7–68) days of paid medical leave after surgery. Of those, three patients were already on medical leave. There were no differences in demographics and clinical scores between patients who received paid sick leave and those who did not. No significant correlation was found between days of absence and clinical scores. (4) Conclusions: There was no association between absence from work and commonly used clinical scores in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. Full article

The prevention of heart failure (HF) development in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) represents one of the greatest challenges to date. Several studies have shown that targeting a very strict HbA1c does not reduce cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, concluding that there are additional factors that contribute to the risk of HF, as well as mechanisms possibly related to the therapeutic agents used to lower glycemic values. All these findings led to the reconsideration of T2D management. SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), a new generation of antihyperglycemic drugs, have gained the attention of cardiologists, since they proved cardioprotective effects by reducing three-point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and heart failure hospitalizations in T2D patients. The mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular protection of SGLT2 inhibitors in T2D are complex and multifactorial, but not fully understood. This review discusses the onset and prognosis of heart failure in T2D patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors. Full article