Timisoara Medical Journal

Background and objectives: Studies report a more precarious oral health status, with a higher prevalence of periodontal disease, in hemodialysis patients. Also, oral inflammation foci, mainly periodontal disease, are related to systemic inflammation and malnutrition which have a negative impact on morbidity and mortality in these patients. The aim of this study is to observe the influence of dental on the general status of these patients. Material and Methods: The study is a series of cases and was conducted in two phases: data collection and treatment phase and monitoring phase. Dental treatment was performed on 13 patients, with ages between 43-69 years of age, diagnosed with moderate or severe periodontal disease. Oral status parameters (plaque and gingival bleeding index, pocket depth, attachment level, DMFT and CPITN index) and general parameters (C-reactive protein, albumin, hemoglobin, calcium phosphate product, calcium and phosphate levels, erythropoietic-stimulating agents) were registered and monitored. Conventional periodontal treatment, dental extractions, endodontic treatments were performed. Results: Oral assessment showed a statistically significant improvement of oral parameters, at both 1 month and 3 months post-treatment. Mean values for albumin, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, calcium phosphate product and calcium levels had a slight improvement, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The oral status, characterized by the measured periodontal parameters, improved visibly and statistically significant after the dental treatment. The parameters of the general status did not change significantly following the intervention. Full article

In the conducted study, we investigated the total phenolic content of the alcoholic extracts from various vegetative organs of two plants of Romanian wild flora, Oltenia region: Dipsacus laciniatus and Armoracia rusticana. The antioxidant activities were determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging methods. We also determined total polyphenol and flavonoid content. The results showed significant differences among plant various vegetative organs, the highest content of polyphenols being found for the leaves extract of Dipsacus laciniatus species, followed by Armoracia rusticana leaves. The highest antioxidant reducing power was obtained for the Armoracia leaf extract (IC50= 101.94 µg/ml), followed by the leaves of Dipsacus (IC50= 77.86 µg/ml). Full article

(1) Background: This study examines the issue of malpractice accusations related to medical procedures in case of minor patients belonging to specific religious sects, focusing on both legal and ethical perspectives. The analysis particularly addresses the consequences of disregarding the refusal of legal guardians to consent to blood transfusions. (2) Methods: The present study is analyzing the opinion of doctors that practie in various hospital units regarding a series of aspects related to the refusal of blood transfusions in the case of minor patients who belong to certain religious sect. These aspects mainly targeted their level of awareness regarding the relevant legislation, the incidence rate of such cases in practice, and the risk of malpractice accusations. For this observational-prospective study, a questionnaire consisting of ten closed-ended questions was delivered to fifty doctors. Before starting to complete the questionnaire, the doctors were asked for their consent to participate in the study, being informed about its purpose. Doctors answers were analysed and interpredeted in order to revel if doctors are informed about the legal aspects, thei protection offered by the law and their attitude regarding the boold transfusions for this cathegory of patients. (3) Results: The results of this study show that most doctors are aware of the Romanian legislation regarding the rules on the expression of consent to the medical act in the case of minor patients by the latter's legal representatives, but they feel threatened by the danger of being exposed to accusations of malpractice when they are put in the situation of providing medical care to minor patients who belong to a certain religious cult, because they are faced with the vehement refusal of their family members who do not accept the idea of medicine based on blood transfusions. Although there is this rule from which the legal representatives of minor patients belonging to a particular religious cult do not deviate, the results showed that doctors believe that the best interests of those seeking medical services must be emphasised, prioritising the fundamental values that protect life or health. (4) Conclusions: Protecting the best interest of minor patients by prioritizing their health should be the main guideline for any legal representative when they need to make a decision regarding the medical care. From a legal perspective, however, it must be accepted that there is no unified viewpoint on this extremely delicate and complex issue, with voices condemning the physician's attitude of violating the will of the legal representatives of minor patients, adherents of a certain religious sect, by applying blood transfusion-based treatments. Full article

Epicardial and perivascular adipose tissues have gained significant attention in the past decade due to their involvement in complex metabolic shifts and inflammatory changes in cardiovascular diseases. Statins, the cornerstone of lipid-lowering therapy, have pleiotropic effects, including the potential of alleviating epicardial adipose dysfunction and inflammation, although their impact on local oxidative stress has received less scrutiny. This study was purported to assess the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in epicardial and perivascular fat samples harvested from patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery and who were treated or not with statins. Here, we report that patients chronically treated with statins (atorvastatin and rosuvastatin) exhibited significantly lower levels of ROS in their epicardial and perivascular adipose tissues. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between adipose tissue oxidative stress and the diameter of the right ventricle. Larger studies are required to provide mechanistic insights regarding the sources of epicardial ROS and signal transduction pathways activated by statins. Full article

This paper aims to study an adult population’s perception and knowledge of orthodontic treatment within the context of Romania, aiming to underscore the pivotal role of this kind of treatment in improving oral health and enhancing quality of life. Acknowledging malocclusion as a prevalent oral health issue, it is observed that while an increasing number of people seek orthodontic treatment, significant misperceptions remain, emphasizing the need for patient adherence to and knowledge of the effective planification of orthodontic treatment plans. Utilizing a cross-sectional methodology, the authors developed a questionnaire and disseminated it via social media platforms to examine the attitudes and awareness levels among 132 Romanian adults regarding orthodontic treatment. The findings reveal a strong awareness concerning orthodontic procedures. Most of the subjects (61.4%) were of the opinion that, during orthodontic treatment, patients look good and 80.3% assessed the treatment as being expensive. In total, 73.5% of the participants were aware that during orthodontic treatment patients have food restrictions and that neglect can affect the treatment, while 78% thought that brackets and wires can break if care is not taken. Notably, respondents with prior orthodontic treatment showed a higher level of comprehension of the process, including an acknowledgment of the necessity for augmented oral hygiene practices and the implications of non-compliance. The results show a generally affirmative opinion on orthodontic treatment, with a recognition of its long-term benefits for oral health and aesthetics. Nevertheless, the perceived economic and physical barriers to access, underscore a need for patient education. In summary, understanding patient perceptions and knowledge of orthodontic treatment not only fosters enhanced patient–orthodontist relationships but also empowers dental professionals to customize educational strategies that amplify treatment efficacy. The study advocates for sustained efforts to disseminate information related to orthodontic care, promoting its benefits as a key aspect of oral health. Full article