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1.
J Med Life ; 17(1): 50-56, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38737663

ABSTRACT

This study provides a conceptual exploration of an innovative telemedicine-enhanced team-based care (TETC) model, tailored to prenatal care, integrating a multidisciplinary team approach with advanced telemedicine technologies. The algorithm developed for TETC aims to optimize communication and coordination among healthcare professionals, including obstetricians, midwives, nutritionists, and mental health experts. This cohesive team structure ensures a comprehensive care plan encompassing all facets of maternal and fetal health. Leveraging telemedicine tools like video conferencing and digital health records, the model supports remote consultations and coordinated care, proving particularly advantageous during pandemics or in regions with limited healthcare access. Central to the TETC model is patient-centered care, focusing on personalized care plans attuned to the individual needs, health status, and socioeconomic backgrounds of pregnant women. This approach not only enhances accessibility and convenience by diminishing the necessity for physical consultations but also ensures continuity of care throughout pregnancy. This continuity is crucial for consistent health parameter tracking and early risk identification. The paper discusses the model's design, operational workflow, and ethical and legal considerations, providing implementation guidelines and potential applications. The TETC model, rooted in current technological capabilities and healthcare frameworks, underscores the need for close collaboration with healthcare professionals to adhere to medical standards and address real-world requirements effectively.


Subject(s)
Algorithms , Patient Care Team , Prenatal Care , Telemedicine , Humans , Telemedicine/methods , Female , Pregnancy , Prenatal Care/methods , Patient Care Team/organization & administration , Patient-Centered Care
2.
Rom J Morphol Embryol ; 65(1): 5-12, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38527978

ABSTRACT

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) is a general term used in scientific literature for a heterogeneous group of small round-cell malignant tumors primarily arising from neural crest cells. These are extremely aggressive neoplasms which usually occur within soft tissue or bone of young adults. Ovarian tumors composed of primitive neuroectodermal elements are extremely rare, with only few case reports in scientific literature. Due to being so exceedingly rare, PNETs are frequently misdiagnosed and there are no standard therapeutic guidelines. Young patients seem to have better prognoses and individualized strategy is recommended. Limited data suggests that various gene deletions as well as amplifications may be crucial factors for tumorigenesis and the aggressive behavior of PNET. In this paper, we performed a brief review of all cases of primary ovarian PNETs published in the scientific literature to date, in regard to their clinical, histopathological, and therapeutic aspects, with the aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this exceedingly rare pathology.


Subject(s)
Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive , Ovarian Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Young Adult , Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive/drug therapy , Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive/pathology , Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics
3.
Viruses ; 15(10)2023 09 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37896788

ABSTRACT

During pregnancy, hormonal and immune adaptations are vital for supporting the genetically distinct fetus during elevated infection risks. The global prevalence of HPV necessitates its consideration during pregnancy. Despite a seemingly mild immune response, historical gestational viral infections underscore its significance. Acknowledging the established HPV infection risks during pregnancy, our review explores the unfolding immunological changes in pregnant women with HPV. Our analysis aims to uncover strategies for safely modulating the immune system, mitigating adverse pregnancy consequences, and enhancing maternal and child health. This comprehensive narrative review delves into the existing knowledge and studies on this topic.


Subject(s)
Papillomavirus Infections , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Virus Diseases , Child , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Papillomavirus Infections/epidemiology , Papillomaviridae/genetics
4.
Life (Basel) ; 13(5)2023 May 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37240786

ABSTRACT

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is generated by the PML-RARA fusion gene. In patients suffering from APL, the early diagnosis and treatment are essential in the successful management. We reported a case of a 27-year-old 17th-week pregnant patient diagnosed with APL. After an extensive hematological diagnostic panel, the acute promyelocytic leukemia was confirmed, and the patient received all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), idarubicin (IDA), and dexamethasone, following national guidelines. Due to ATRA-related differentiation syndrome, the therapy was adjusted, and hydroxycarbamide was added with a good outcome. The patient was admitted to the ICU secondary to hypoxemic respiratory failure on the 2nd day after hospital admission. Our patient received an individualized drug combination, adjusted by the clinical response. Furthermore, the drugs used in APL treatment are all teratogenic. Despite various major complications, including severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which needed mechanical ventilation; ICU-acquired myopathy; and spontaneous abortion, the patient had a good outcome and was transferred from the ICU after a total stay of 40 days. APL during pregnancy is a rare entity of intermediate-risk APL. Our study emphasized the need for individualized therapy in a rare case of a pregnant woman diagnosed with a potentially fatal hematologic disease.

5.
J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med ; 35(10): 1957-1961, 2022 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32498650

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect and represents the leading cause for mortality and morbidity in infants and young adults. Early fetal echocardiography is usually considered a highly specialized scan. The goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of operator's experience in assessing still images of the 4-chamber view and 3-vessels view and to evaluate the feasibility and the performance of a first trimester screening protocol for CHD. METHODS: An online questionnaire consisting of still images of the 4-camber view and 3-vessel view from 50 normal and abnormal cases was reviewed by an expert group made of seven obstetricians specialized in fetal medicine and a nonexpert group made of 13 obstetricians that are certified in ultrasound. After individually visualizing each image set made of the 4-chamber view and 3-vessel view, they had to conclude if the case was normal or abnormal and what images were abnormal. RESULTS: A total of 50 image sets of both normal and abnormal fetal hearts were examined by the 20 reviewers, resulting in 1000 evaluations. The expert group achieved a detection rate of 97.1% with a false positive rate of 5.7%. The nonexpert group achieved also a good detection rate of 91.3% but with a much higher false positive rate of 33.9%. The most frequently missed CHD involved the great arteries and had a normal 4-chamber view. In the majority of false positive cases the 3-vessel view was incorrectly interpreted as abnormal. CONCLUSIONS: A screening protocol for CHD, based on the 4-chamber view and 3-vessel view alone can offer a good detection rate for CHD with a small false positive rate, but only if it is implemented by highly specialized sonographers.


Subject(s)
Heart Defects, Congenital , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Female , Fetal Heart/abnormalities , Fetal Heart/diagnostic imaging , Heart Defects, Congenital/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimester, First , Prospective Studies , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods , Young Adult
6.
Viruses ; 13(12)2021 12 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34960724

ABSTRACT

The human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, caused by a ubiquitous virus typically transmitted through the direct contact of infected organs, either through the skin or mucosa, is the most common sexually transmitted infection, placing young women at a high risk of contracting it. Although the vast majority of cases spontaneously clear within 1-2 years, persistent HPV infection remains a serious concern, as it has repeatedly been linked to the development of multiple malignancies, including cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers. Additionally, more recent data suggest a harmful effect of HPV infection on pregnancy. As the maternal hormonal environment and immune system undergo significant changes during pregnancy, the persistence of HPV is arguably favored. Various studies have reported an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among HPV-positive women, with the clinical impact encompassing a range of conditions, including preterm birth, miscarriage, pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders (PIHD), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low birth weight, the premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and fetal death. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms employed by HPV that negatively impact pregnancy and assessing potential approaches to counteract them would be of interest in the quest to optimize pregnancy outcomes and improve child survival and health.


Subject(s)
Papillomavirus Infections/physiopathology , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/physiopathology , Pregnancy Outcome , Animals , Female , Humans , Papillomaviridae/classification , Papillomaviridae/genetics , Papillomaviridae/isolation & purification , Papillomavirus Infections/virology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology
7.
Biomedicines ; 9(6)2021 Jun 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34207450

ABSTRACT

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common causes of death in women as survival is highly dependent on the stage of the disease. Ovarian cancer is typically diagnosed in the late stage due to the fact that in the early phases is mostly asymptomatic. Genomic instability is one of the hallmarks of ovarian cancer. While ovarian cancer is stratified into different clinical subtypes, there still exists extensive genetic and progressive diversity within each subtype. Early detection of the disorder is one of the most important steps that facilitate a favorable prognosis and a good response to medical therapy for the patients. In targeted therapies, individual patients are treated by agents targeting the changes in tumor cells that help them grow, divide and spread. Currently, in gynecological malignancies, potential therapeutic targets include tumor-intrinsic signaling pathways, angiogenesis, homologous-recombination deficiency, hormone receptors, and immunologic factors. Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed in the final stages, partially due to the absence of an effective screening strategy, although, over the times, numerous biomarkers have been studied and used to assess the status, progression, and efficacy of the drug therapy in this type of disorder.

8.
Biomedicines ; 9(7)2021 Jun 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34209084

ABSTRACT

Melanomas of the skin are poorly circumscribed lesions, very frequently asymptomatic but unfortunately with a continuous growing incidence. In this landscape, one can distinguish melanomas originating in the mucous membranes and located in areas not exposed to the sun, namely the vulvo-vaginal melanomas. By contrast with cutaneous melanomas, the incidence of these types of melanomas is constant, being diagnosed in females in their late sixties. While hairy skin and glabrous skin melanomas of the vulva account for 5% of all cancers located in the vulva, melanomas of the vagina and urethra are particularly rare conditions. The location in areas less accessible to periodic inspection determines their diagnosis in advanced stages, often metastatic. Moreover, despite the large number of drugs newly approved in recent decades for the treatment of cutaneous melanoma, especially in the category of biological drugs, the mortality of vulvo-vaginal melanomas has remained almost constant. This, together with the absence of specific treatment guidelines due to the lack of a sufficient number of cases to conduct randomized clinical trials, makes melanomas with this localization a discouraging diagnosis, associated with a very poor prognosis. Our aim is therefore to draw attention to this oftentimes overlooked entity in order to encourage the community to employ various strategies meant to increase research in this area. By highlighting the main risk factors of vulvar and vaginal melanomas, as well as the clinical manifestations and molecular changes underlying these neoplasms, ideally novel therapeutic schemes will, in time, be brought into effect.

9.
Medicina (Kaunas) ; 57(5)2021 May 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34064607

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Sarcopenia is a recognized prognostic factor for both complications and survival in cancer patients. This study aims to analyze the relationship between sarcopenia measured by psoas muscle index on computer tomography scans and the presence of postoperative complications in colorectal cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: In a prospective study we recorded data from 51 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery in the Mures County Clinical Hospital, Romania. Total psoas muscle area and psoas density were measured at the level of the third lumbal vertebra (L3) for further index calculation. We also evaluated the general characteristics and laboratory analyses to obtain more information about status of the patients. Short-term postoperative complications were scored according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: The majority of the 51 patients were male (61%) and the median age was 65 years. More than half of the cancer was located in the rectum (56.9%), a quarter in the right colon (25.5%), the rest in the sigmoid (11.8%), and the left colon (5.9%). Twenty-one patients (41.2%) developed a complication, five (9.8%) of these were Clavien-Dindo grade 3, 4 or 5 (high grade) and sixteen (31.3%) grade 1 or 2 (low grade). The low- and high-grade groups showed a significantly lower right psoas muscle area, left psoas muscle area, total psoas muscle area, and psoas muscle index (p < 0.001 in all cases). Among laboratory analyses, a significantly lower perioperative hematocrit, hemoglobin, and albumin level were found in patients who developed complications. Furthermore we observed that an elevated serum C-reactive protein level was associated with a higher grade of complication (p < 0.043). Conclusions: The psoas muscle index (PMI) influence on the postoperative outcome is an important factor in our single center prospective study and it appears to be a good overall predictor in colorectal surgery. A lower PMI is directly associated with a low or high grade complication by Clavien-Dindo classification. Perioperative inflammatory and nutritional status evidenced by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin level influences the presence of postoperative complications.


Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms , Psoas Muscles , Aged , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Colorectal Neoplasms/surgery , Computers , Female , Humans , Male , Postoperative Complications/diagnostic imaging , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Prospective Studies , Psoas Muscles/diagnostic imaging , Retrospective Studies , Romania
10.
Exp Ther Med ; 21(5): 524, 2021 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33815597

ABSTRACT

Invasive breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, both in its histopathological classification and clinical course. Glycogen-rich clear cell carcinoma of the breast is an extremely rare subtype of invasive breast carcinoma, accounting for up to 3% of all breast carcinomas. The tumor is composed of polygonal cells with abundant clear cytoplasm containing glycogen and has a very controversial prognosis. Solid papillary pattern is an uncommon morphological variant of breast carcinoma which is associated with indolent behavior in the absence of an invasive component. To date, there are only three cases of glycogen-rich clear cell carcinoma with solid papillary pattern reported in the English literature. In this article, we present two cases of glycogen-rich clear cell carcinoma of the breast, encountered in our daily clinical practice over a period of 5 years (2015-2020) and perform a brief review of currently published literature. Unlike most cases of glycogen-rich clear cell carcinoma documented to date, follow-up of our case featuring solid papillary pattern revealed extremely favorable clinical outcome, suggesting a better prognosis for tumors with this morphology.

11.
Int J Mol Sci ; 22(6)2021 Mar 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33805594

ABSTRACT

MicroRNAs applications were vastly studied throughout the years, spanning from potential cancer biomarkers to targeted therapies for various diseases. Out of these utilizations, this paper focuses on their role in male infertility. Approximately 10-15% of worldwide couples are affected by infertility. Out of these, 50% are due to male determinants. The majority of cases still have an undetermined cause. Previous studies have found that the aberrant expression of microRNAs could be linked to certain reproductive dysfunctions in males. Further on, this study looked into the most recent literature published on this subject in order to assess the connection between the up-/down-regulation of various microRNAs and the roles they play in male infertility. MicroRNAs were found to be abundant and stable in the seminal liquid, which led to a facile identification using regular RNA detection methods. It was observed that the concentration of microRNAs in semen was modified in the case of patients suffering from asthenozoospermia and azoospermia. Moreover, idiopathic male infertility was associated with a single nucleotide polymorphism of the microRNA binding site. Future studies should focus their attention on discovering future treatments against male infertility targeting specific microRNAs and also on developing new and improved contraceptive methods.


Subject(s)
Argonaute Proteins/genetics , Asthenozoospermia/genetics , Azoospermia/genetics , Infertility, Male/genetics , MicroRNAs/genetics , RNA-Induced Silencing Complex/genetics , Adult , Argonaute Proteins/metabolism , Asthenozoospermia/metabolism , Asthenozoospermia/pathology , Azoospermia/metabolism , Azoospermia/pathology , Binding Sites , Gene Expression Regulation , Humans , Infertility, Male/metabolism , Infertility, Male/pathology , Male , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , RNA-Induced Silencing Complex/metabolism , Semen/cytology , Semen/metabolism , Spermatogenesis/genetics
12.
Int J Mol Sci ; 22(8)2021 Apr 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33918880

ABSTRACT

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small vesicles ranging from 20-200 nm to 10 µm in diameter that are discharged and taken in by many different types of cells. Depending on the nature and quantity of their content-which generally includes proteins, lipids as well as microRNAs (miRNAs), messenger-RNA (mRNA), and DNA-these particles can bring about functional modifications in the receiving cells. During pregnancy, placenta and/or fetal-derived EVs have recently been isolated, eliciting interest in discovering their clinical significance. To date, various studies have associated variations in the circulating levels of maternal and fetal EVs and their contents, with complications including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, ultimately leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, EVs have also been identified as messengers and important players in viral infections during pregnancy, as well as in various congenital malformations. Their presence can be detected in the maternal blood from the first trimester and their level increases towards term, thus acting as liquid biopsies that give invaluable insight into the status of the feto-placental unit. However, their exact roles in the metabolic and vascular adaptations associated with physiological and pathological pregnancy is still under investigation. Analyzing peer-reviewed journal articles available in online databases, the purpose of this review is to synthesize current knowledge regarding the utility of quantification of pregnancy related EVs in general and placental EVs in particular as non-invasive evidence of placental dysfunction and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and to develop the current understanding of these particles and their applicability in clinical practice.


Subject(s)
Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism , Placenta/metabolism , Animals , Biomarkers , Cell-Derived Microparticles/metabolism , Disease Susceptibility , Exosomes/metabolism , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications/diagnosis , Pregnancy Complications/epidemiology , Pregnancy Complications/etiology
13.
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) ; 12: 614679, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33679617

ABSTRACT

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder that affects around 5% to 10% of women of childbearing age worldwide, making it the most common source of anovulatory infertility. PCOS is defined by increased levels of androgens, abnormal ovulation, irregular menstrual cycles, and polycystic ovarian morphology in one or both ovaries. Women suffering from this condition have also been shown to frequently associate certain cardiovascular comorbidities, including obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and vascular disease. These factors gradually lead to endothelial dysfunction and coronary artery calcification, thus posing an increased risk for adverse cardiac events. Traditional markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine, along with more novel ones, specifically microRNAs (miRNAs), can accurately signal the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in PCOS women. Furthermore, studies have also reported that increased oxidative stress (OS) coupled with poor antioxidant status significantly add to the increased cardiovascular risk among these patients. OS additionally contributes to the modified ovarian steroidogenesis, consequently leading to hyperandrogenism and infertility. The present review is therefore aimed not only at bringing together the most significant information regarding the role of oxidative stress in promoting CVD among PCOS patients, but also at highlighting the need for determining the efficiency of antioxidant therapy in these patients.


Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism , Oxidative Stress/physiology , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/metabolism , Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology , Female , Humans , Insulin Resistance/physiology , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/complications
14.
In Vivo ; 35(1): 533-539, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33402506

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: The incidence of early pregnancy loss widely varies according to age, being considerably higher in older women. Severe congenital malformations play an important role in pregnancy loss, having a high risk of recurrence. Congenital heart defects are the most common congenital abnormalities, thus the diagnosis of such malformations in aborted embryos is important for establishing both a possible cause for pregnancy loss and for correctly counseling the parents. Pathologic examination of the heart that is only a few millimeters in size, is very challenging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A pathologic examination protocol using transverse microscopic sections at the level of the 4-chamber and 3-vessel planes is proposed for heart evaluation. RESULTS: Two 9-10 gestational weeks embryos were microscopically examined using transverse slides of the thorax. The 4-chamber and 3-vessel slides were analyzed and compared to 11-13 weeks ultrasound images of the 4-chamber and 3-vessel views from 10 cases. The pathologic examination provided a detailed view of the ventricles, atria and great vessels, sometime surpassing even the ultrasound examination that was performed at a later gestational age. CONCLUSION: We consider our proposed pathologic examination protocol feasible for evaluating normal heart structures and ruling out severe congenital heart disease.


Subject(s)
Fetal Heart , Heart Defects, Congenital , Aged , Echocardiography , Female , Fetal Heart/diagnostic imaging , Gestational Age , Heart Defects, Congenital/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Pregnancy , Ultrasonography, Prenatal
15.
Chirurgia (Bucur) ; 115(6): 747-755, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33378633

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Lymph node metastasis is regarded as an important prognostic factor for predicting disease recurrence and survival in patients with colorectal cancer. Several studies suggest that the lymph node ratio has a greater importance in survival than the number of metastatic lymph nodes. The scope of this study is to examine the 5-year survival of rectal cancer patients, examining several prognostic factors with emphasis on lymph node status. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at single surgical clinic from Romania, using data from patients who have been treated for rectal cancer between January 2009 and December 2014. Patient present status and regarding the multimodal treatment was assessed through telephonic method, data was extracted from the electronic database of the clinic and histopathological reports. Results: A total number of 144 patients affected by rectal cancer were assessed. Statistical analysis of the variables showed that age (p=0.001), T stage(p=0.049), N stage (p=0.005), LNR (p=0.006), type of surgery (p 0.001), presence of vascular invasion (p 0.001), metastases (p 0.001), to be significant prognostic factors for survival. Conclusions: The 5-year survival of the patients we included in the study was 63,9%. Nodal status, expressed by lymph node ratio proved to be a significant prognostic factor of patient survival.


Subject(s)
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Rectal Neoplasms , Databases, Factual , Humans , Lymph Node Excision , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Lymph Nodes/surgery , Neoplasm Staging , Prognosis , Rectal Neoplasms/mortality , Rectal Neoplasms/pathology , Rectal Neoplasms/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Romania/epidemiology , Treatment Outcome
16.
Front Oncol ; 10: 591181, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33194751

ABSTRACT

Accumulated evidence on the clinical roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer prevention and control has revealed the emergence of new genetic techniques that have improved the understanding of the mechanisms essential for pathology induction and progression. Comprehension of the modifications and individual differences of miRNAs and their interactions in the pathogenesis of gynecological malignancies, together with an understanding of the phenotypic variations have considerably improved the management of the diagnosis and personalized treatment for different forms of cancer. In recent years, miRNAs have emerged as signaling molecules in biological pathways involved in different categories of cancer and it has been demonstrated that these molecules could regulate cancer-relevant processes, our focus being on malignancies of the gynecologic tract. The aim of this paper is to summarize novel research findings in the literature regarding the parts that miRNAs play in cancer-relevant processes, specifically regarding gynecological malignancy, while emphasizing their pivotal role in the disruption of cancer-related signaling pathways.

17.
Front Med (Lausanne) ; 7: 567199, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33015111

ABSTRACT

Background: The SARS-CoV2 infection has rapidly spread throughout the world, particularly affecting those with underlying conditions. Objective: To assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the most prevalent comorbidities, among people who died of COVID-19 in Romania. Methods: The study comprised 814 deaths caused by COVID-19 between 22nd March and 8th May, 2020 as reported by the Ministry of Health. WHO data regarding deaths of the general population of Romania was used for comparison. The study analyzed the demographics, number and prevalence of comorbidities and calculated the relative risk for each comorbidity. Results: The study sample consisted of 61.4% males and 38.6% females; the mean age was 68.2 y; 90.9% of deaths occurred in people 50+ years. The mean number of pre-existing conditions was 2.73 (SD = 1.521), with 97.4% of the patients having at least one. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (43.1%), diabetes (33.2%), and coronary heart disease (26.0%). The calculated relative risk of death due to COVID-19 was divided into 3 risk categories: high impact comorbidities (RR > 3) included diabetes RR = 6.426 (95% CI, 4.965-8.318), chronic renal disease RR = 4.338 (95% CI, 3.556-5.292) and hypertension RR=3.261 (95% CI, 2.687-3.958). The medium impact (RR = 2-3) group comprised chronic pulmonary disease RR = 2.615 (95% CI, 2.061-3.319) and chronic liver disease RR = 1.577 (95% CI, 1.183-2.104) and the low impact group (RR<2) -coronary heart disease RR = 0.664 (95% CI, 0.581-0.758), cancer RR = 0.515 (95% CI, 0.416-0.637) and stroke RR = 0.468 (95% CI, 0.370-0.593). Conclusion: In the studied sample, SARS-CoV-2 had a greater impact on people with diabetes, chronic renal disease and hypertension and a lesser impact on those with coronary heart disease, cancer and stroke. Therefore, future policies in Romania should focus on shielding people in the high-risk group and prioritizing them for vaccination, whilst encouraging those in the low risk group to continue seeking treatment for their underlying diseases.

18.
Medicina (Kaunas) ; 56(9)2020 Sep 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32916976

ABSTRACT

Endometriosis represents a frequently diagnosed gynecological affliction in the reproductive timespan of women, defined by symptoms ranging from pelvic pain to infertility. A complex interplay between the genetic profile, hormonal activity, menstrual cyclicity, inflammation status, and immunological factors define the phenotypic presentation of endometriosis. To date, imaging techniques represent the gold standard in diagnosing endometriosis, of which transvaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging bring the most value to the diagnostic step. Current medical treatment options for endometriosis-associated infertility focus on either stimulating the follicular development and ovulation or on inhibiting the growth and development of endometriotic lesions. Techniques of assisted reproduction consisting of superovulation with in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination represent effective treatment alternatives that improve fertility in patients suffering from endometriosis. Emerging therapies such as the usage of antioxidant molecules and stem cells still need future research to prove the therapeutic efficacy in this pathology.


Subject(s)
Endometriosis , Infertility, Female , Diagnostic Tests, Routine , Endometriosis/complications , Endometriosis/therapy , Female , Fertilization in Vitro , Humans , Infertility, Female/etiology , Infertility, Female/therapy , Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
19.
Cancers (Basel) ; 12(8)2020 Aug 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32785177

ABSTRACT

Calcium levels have a huge impact on the physiology of the female reproductive system, in particular, of the ovaries. Cytosolic calcium levels are influenced by regulatory proteins (i.e., ion channels and pumps) localized in the plasmalemma and/or in the endomembranes of membrane-bound organelles. Imbalances between plasma membrane and organelle-based mechanisms for calcium regulation in different ovarian cell subtypes are contributing to ovarian pathologies, including ovarian cancer. In this review, we focused our attention on altered calcium transport and its role as a contributor to tumor progression in ovarian cancer. The most important proteins described as contributing to ovarian cancer progression are inositol trisphosphate receptors, ryanodine receptors, transient receptor potential channels, calcium ATPases, hormone receptors, G-protein-coupled receptors, and/or mitochondrial calcium uniporters. The involvement of mitochondrial and/or endoplasmic reticulum calcium imbalance in the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in ovarian cancer is also discussed, since Ca2+ channels and/or pumps are nowadays regarded as potential therapeutic targets and are even correlated with prognosis.

20.
Front Cell Dev Biol ; 8: 143, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32211411

ABSTRACT

The study of miRNAs started in 1993, when Lee et al. observed their involvement in the downregulation of a crucial protein known as LIN-14 in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Since then, great progress has been made regarding research on microRNAs, which are now known to be involved in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes in both animals and humans. One such example is represented by their interaction with various signaling pathways during viral infections. It has been observed that these pathogens can induce the up-/downregulation of various host miRNAs in order to elude the host's immune system. In contrast, some miRNAs studied could have an antiviral effect, enabling the defense mechanisms to fight the infection or, at the very least, they could induce the pathogen to enter a latent state. At the same time, some viruses encode their own miRNAs, which could further modulate the host's signaling pathways, thus favoring the survival and replication of the virus. The goal of this extensive literature review was to present how miRNAs are involved in the regulation of various signaling pathways in some of the most important and well-studied human viral infections. Further on, knowing which miRNAs are involved in various viral infections and what role they play could aid in the development of antiviral therapeutic agents for certain diseases that do not have a definitive cure in the present. The clinical applications of miRNAs are extremely important, as miRNAs targeted inhibition may have substantial therapeutic impact. Inhibition of miRNAs can be achieved through many different methods, but chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides have shown the most prominent effects. Though scientists are far from completely understanding all the molecular mechanisms behind the complex cross-talks between miRNA pathways and viral infections, the general knowledge is increasing on the different roles played by miRNAs during viral infections.

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