Timisoara Medical Journal

(1) Introduction: Information technology is seen as instrumental in shifting the paradigm of teaching and learning towards active learning. Students and young professionals have been suggested as being more prone to mobile technology addiction compared to the general population, with profession-characteristic patterns and possible consequences for long-term professional development. (2) Materials and methods: An original questionnaire was developed to assess the attitude towards mobile technology in active learning in a dental school in Romania. The study was conducted among 214 students in dentistry to identify any possible patterns of using mobile devices. Consistency analysis was conducted on the closed-ended questions by employing the reliability Cronbach’s alpha. Furthermore, inter-item correlation and principal components analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation was conducted to investigate the underlying motivational framework in the use of the internet. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test of sampling adequacy and Bartlett’s test of sphericity were applied to verify the data suitability for factor analysis. (3) Results: Principal component analysis and subsequent K-means clustering were applied on the data, leading to the conclusion that the underlying motivation of frequent use within these youngsters is mostly rooted in their professional interests, rather than compulsive or social pressure. For the two resulting clusters, the R-scores proved to be significantly different, with a median (IQR) of 43 (41–47) and 48 (44–54) for the first and the second cluster, respectively (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.001). Statistical analysis was conducted on de-identified data using SPSS v.20 and the R v.3.4 software packages, with a 0.05 level of significance. (4) Conclusion: The increasing need of constant network connection comes from the high pressure of the professional environment. This study results provide data grounds for diagnosing a possible behavioral addiction syndrome, which certainly is an intrinsic part of our ordinary life, both in professional and leisure activities. Full article

(1) Object: Our study aims to identify the common and diverging points in the superior attachment of the nasal uncinate process (SAUP) classifications and to draw attention to the pitfalls in these evaluation processes. (2) Material and Methods: This study was performed on 200 patients (males/females, 100/100; mean age/range: 37.13 ± 16.14/16–84), and 400 sides were bilaterally evaluated. Potential pitfalls were investigated. All UPs were classified according to the Landsberg and Friedman (LF) and Stammberger and Hawke (SH) classifications, and these two classifications were compared. (3) Results: There was a high statistically significant correlation between SH and LF. SH Type IV and LF Type 0 and SH Type III and LF Type 6 completely overlapped. SH Type I corresponded to LF Types 2 and 3 and SH Type II to LF Type 2, 3, 4, and 5 groups. There was no significant difference between genders or sides (right and left) in terms of the LF or SH classifications. (4): Conclusions: Following the thick band and paying attention to concavity and convexity helps to accurately evaluate the anatomical structure. Only two groups overlapped one to one. For SH Types II and III, and LF Types 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, knowing the SAUP group in one classification does not give an exact idea about the group of the other classification. Therefore, it is not possible to make comparisons between reports or studies using different classifications. Full article

(1) Background and Objectives: Responding to the need for more optimized biomarkers for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, a high number of studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) could serve as novel, more reliable diagnostic tools. The usefulness of these miRNAs in assessing the presence of PCa is still under debate, given the discrepancies in their diagnostic performances. In this respect, hsa-miR-141 is among the miRNAs of particular interest, being very much investigated in PCa biology. (2) Material and Methods: Here, we provide a meta-analysis of miR-141 data published until May 2019, whose diagnostic accuracy was assessed using the Quality Assessment for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool, by analyzing several parameters including sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and the area under the curve (AUC). The six studies that matched our selection and were included in our meta-analysis comprise 283 PCa patients, 114 healthy controls, with 84 patients suffering from benign prostate diseases. (3) Results and Conclusions: Our results indicate a very good diagnostic accuracy for miRNA-141 (0.78 sensitivity, 0.96 specificity, DOR of 89, LR+ of 21, LR- of 0.23 and AUC of 0.87), underlying its utility as a PCa diagnostic biomarker. Full article

This scientific paper aims to collect and analyze various digital technologies connected to pharmacies and Health 4.0. Thus, the goal is to give basic recommendations for actions for pharmacies to remain successful businesses in the digital future of healthcare. While the total health sector is growing continuously, the total number of pharmacies is shrinking. To be able to face the competitive pressure on the pharmaceutical market, pharmacies have to integrate more efficient digital technologies to be able to increase customers’ experience. Hence, the acceptance and attitude of the German society towards digital health solutions are examined using a short survey and a precise questionnaire. After a detailed analysis of the survey results and the questionnaire answered by a pharmacist, specific digital methods and technologies which make sense for pharmacies can be elaborated. As the future of pharmacies is still quite unexplored, while the health market is shifting to more efficient digital solutions, pharmacies have to adapt to current developments fast. Therefore, this paper can serve as a guideline for pharmacies in the rapid changes toward more digital markets. Full article

Open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) remains the standard approach for complex cardiac pathologies, such as advanced coronary heart disease and severe valvular defects. Platelet dysfunction has been widely reported, with both structural and functional changes being elicited by the CPB circuit. Succinate is a mitochondrial substrate that is metabolized through complex II (CII) but is impermeable to cellular membranes when given exogenously. Cell-permeable succinates are novel prodrugs developed to support mitochondrial electron transport (ET) and prevent energy depletion in various pathologies. The aim of the present pilot study was to investigate the role of NV118 (diacetoxymethyl succinate), a cell-permeable succinate, on platelet respiration in a pilot group of patients undergoing CPB. Blood samples (20 mL) were collected from participants before (prior to heparin administration) and after CPB (within 10 min after protamine sulphate administration). Platelets were isolated through a two-step centrifugation protocol. Mitochondrial respiration was analyzed by means of high-resolution respirometry in the presence of NV118 or its solvent (DMSO). The main respiratory parameters recorded were as follows: ROUTINE respiration, LEAK respiration, and maximal uncoupled respiration for both CI and CII (ET capacity) and for CII solely after CI inhibition (ET CII capacity). Here, we report that NV118 elicited a global increase in platelet respiration both pre- and post-CPB. In conclusion, NV118, a cell-permeable succinate, improved platelet bioenergetics in the setting of cardiopulmonary bypass. Whether the compound can support platelet function and/or provide organ protection at the mitochondrial level during CPB are clearly worthy and important areas for future investigation. Full article

(1) Background: The current practice in dental medicine aims to perform non-invasive treatments, which preserve as many hard tissues as possible. This trend is based on the final appearance, which should be as aesthetic and as close to natural teeth as possible. The use of Icon DMG can be considered revolutionary in the treatment of white spot lesions (WSLs) caused by various factors. (2) Methods: A diagnosis was established after clinical inspection, transillumination, or based on the patient’s medical history. Icon infiltration was followed according to the producer’s indications. Chromatic stability was assessed by two examinators with Vitapan 3D Master, and gum health improvement was assessed using the gingival index (GI). (3) Results: Ten dental units were observed for one year and showed chromatic stability. Gum health was improved. No side effects occurred. (4) Conclusions: An easy, non-invasive technique and painless treatment are the desired results from the use and implementation of resin in current practice. Following the infiltration protocol offers the desired aesthetic results. Full article