Interleukin-1A and interleukin-1B gene polymorphisms in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Inflammation may play contradictory roles in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): gastritis decreases gastric output and reduces the risk of esophagitis, while interleukins may favor mucosal inflammation. The inflammation may cause esogastric motility changes and thus increase the risk of esophagitis. Considering the genetic influence of inflammatory response, we looked for the genetic polymorphisms of IL-1 in GERD manifested as reflux esophagitis. This is a prospective study carried out in GERD and healthy controls. We assessed in these groups the following single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): IL-1A (rs1800587), IL-1B (rs16944), IL-1B (rs1143634) and the VNTR for IL-1RN. Both groups were similar according to biographical data. Reflux esophagitis was confirmed by endoscopy and where necessary by pH-impedance monitoring. Reflux esophagitis was associated only with the polymorphism rs16944. No other correlations with the other three genetic polymorphisms were detected. These data suggest that the diverging effects of proinflammatory factors on the upper digestive tract may have deleterious effect on GERD. The IL-1B (rs16944) SNP correlates with reflux esophagitis.

Knowledge influences attitudes toward vaccination in Romania.

Despite proven effectiveness and safety of vaccinations, immunization rates are decreasing across Europe, most countries having suboptimal vaccination coverage, leading to an increase in the number of cases of preventable contagious diseases. In recent years, the number of parents who have refused to vaccinate their children in Romania has decreased substantially, while the number of fatal complications due to measles outbreak is one of the highest in Europe. Since healthcare professionals have been identified as the main advocates for immunization, knowledge and attitudes of medical students and nurses is of particular interest. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 278 participants, divided into three groups: 183 medical students, 54 nurses and 41 non-medical professionals. The questionnaire included questions on demographics of participants, personal experience with vaccines, knowledge and attitude toward vaccination. The data was collected, centralized and analyzed using statistical methods. The survey was given to the medical students at the beginning of the Immunology course and again at the end, to test whether information received influenced their responses. The study revealed that a great majority of participants were themselves vaccinated [N=262 (94%)] and had/or would vaccinate their children [N=247 (95%)]. Satisfactory overall knowledge about effectiveness and safety concerns was observed, with 98% (N=270) considering vaccines as useful and over 96% (N=276) correctly identified their usefulness. When asked about adverse effects, concerning numbers [N=32, (19%)] of medical students answered incorrectly. After the Immunology course, however, there was significant improvement in knowledge on this topic (P<0.001), correlating with a positive shift in attitude towards current and future vaccines. We predict that better knowledge about vaccines, their efficacy and safety would help build the health provider's confidence in recommending vaccination and thus increased coverage rates.

Greyscale and contrast enhanced ultrasonography for characterization of gastric malignant tumors.

AIMS: To evaluate the utility of grey scale ultrasonography (US) and contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for characterization of malignant gastric tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted prospectively and it included a number of 30 patients with malignant gastric tumors diagnosed through upper tract endoscopy and biopsy: 25 adenocarcinomas, 3 lymphomas, and 2 stromal tumors. All the patients were examined by US, followed immediately by CEUS, using both oral and intravenous contrast agents. CEUS assessed the dynamics of the contrast agent during the arterial phase and the venous phase. The distribution characteristics of the contrast agent inside the region of interest (ROI) were also evaluated. Twenty four patients underwent surgery. RESULTS: Adenocarcinomas presented heterogeneous enhancement with variable pattern, followed by a delayed wash-out in almost all of the situations. Lymphomas presented a variable pattern, intensity and homogeneity of the enhancement, followed by delayed wash-out. Stromal tumors showed early arterial intense and homogenous enhancement followed by moderate wash-out in venous phase. CONCLUSIONS: Grey scale US and CEUS are useful methods in characterizing gastric tumors and contribute to a more adequate evaluation of the lesions. The dynamics of the contrast agent may be suggestive for the anatomopathological nature of the tumor. Larger studies will be necessary in order to determine thepractical value of the method.

Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse quantitative elastography: a new noninvasive technique for the evaluation of parotid glands. A preliminary study in controls and in patients with irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

AIM: We aim to define the values of the shear wave velocity (SWV) in the normal parotid glands (PG) and to identify the modifications of tissue stiffness in patients with irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty normal parotid glands pertaining to 30 healthy volunteers and 40 pathological parotid glands pertaining to 20 patients who had had underwent radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma were included in this study. The patients underwent a B mode ultrasonography examination and the volume of the parotid gland was determined. A subsequent Acoustic Radiation Forde Impulse Imaging (ARFI) examination was performed and the SWV were determined for the central and the periphery of the glandular parenchyma. RESULTS: The mean volume of the gland in the volunteers' group (12.02+/-0.6 ml) was significantly higher than in the group of patients who underwent radiation therapy (10.3+/-0.74 ml) (p<0.0001). The SWV values in the normal group were lower compared to the patients group (1.54+/-0.6 m/s vs. 1.76+/-0.73 m/s, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Elastography using the ARFI technique constitutes an objective method used for the evaluation of glandular stiffness in both normal and post radiotherapy glands. The SWV values determined in patients who underwent head and neck radiotherapy are increased, indicating a greater tissue stiffness thereby implying a structural transformation of the glandular parenchyma.

Green synthesis, characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of silver nanoparticles using European black elderberry fruits extract.

This research aimed at reporting the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects of some new biomaterials based on silver nanoparticles and polyphenols rich natural extracts. A fast and eco-friendly extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), using European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra - SN, Adoxaceae family) fruit extracts was developed. The phytosynthesized nanoparticles exhibited an absorbance peak at 426nm, characteristic for AgNPs and their sizes were ranged from 20 to 80nm. The anti-inflammatory properties of AgNPs were assessed in vitro on HaCaT cells exposed to UVB radiation, in vivo on acute inflammation model and in humans on psoriasis lesions. In vitro, our results demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of functionalized AgNPs by the decrease of cytokines production induced by UVB irradiation. In vivo, the pre-administration of AgNPs reduced the edema and cytokines levels in the paw tissues, early after the induction of inflammation. The present study also demonstrated the possible use of synthesized AgNPs for the treatment of psoriasis lesions.

Quantitative assessment of the masseter muscle's elasticity using Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse.

AIMS: The study proposes Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) assessment of the masseter muscle elasticity in the healthy population and in patients who have undergone head and neck radiation therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five healthy controls constituted group A, and 13 patients who had underwent radiotherapy (35Gy minimum) formed group B. ARFI was performed bilaterally in the periphery (P) and the muscle center (C), in relaxation and contraction. Means and standard deviations were obtained for the recorded shear waves velocities (SWV). RESULTS: For group A: in the relaxed right muscle C = 1.87±0.52 m/s and P = 1.96 ±0.55 m/s and in the left muscle C = 1.66 +/- 0.47 m/s, P = 1.67 +/-0.53 m/s. For group B, in relaxation, the right side presented C = 1.67 +/-0.6 m/s, P 1.72 +/-0.56 m/s, the left muscle C = 1.6 +/-0.34 m/s, P = 1.73 +/-0.37 m/s. There were no differences (p> 0.05) between P and C of both groups, regardless of the muscle state. The values for relaxation and contraction in A and B (merged values of the right and left) presented no differences (1.79+/-0.52 m/s vs 1.72 +/-0.73 m/s, p = 0.72 and 1.70 +/-0.48 m/s and vs 1.59 +/-0.77 m/s, p = 0.98). All measurements of group A vs B were not different (1.79 +/-0.52 m/s vs 1.65 +/-0.63 m/s, p = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: ARFI with SWV measurement enables the quantification of normal and post irradiation elasticity of the masseter. Further studies on a larger population are required to validate the normal and pathologic values.

New nanomaterials for the improvement of psoriatic lesions.

The main purpose of the present paper is to emphasize the non-invasive effect of some new prepared nanomaterials on skin diseases (psoriasis) together with the procedures to obtain them. These new materials are based on gold nanoparticles and natural compounds extracted from native plants of the Adoxaceae family (European cranberrybush -Viburnum opulus L. and European black elderberry -Sambucus nigra L.) and possess a known anti-inflammatory activity mainly due to their high content of anthocyanins and other polyphenols. The nanomaterials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Studies in vivo and in vitro were made in order to determine the toxicity of the products. Based on the obtained nanomaterials, specific dermatological creams were prepared. Their effect on psoriatic lesions, in comparison with the hydrocortisone creams, was studied.

Multicriteria optimization model for the study of the efficacy of skin antiaging therapy.

The evolution of the cutaneous structure after topical treatment with P63 antiaging complex, assessed with high frequency ultrasound, is studied by means of multicriteria optimization model. Due to the fact that the impact of the treatment may influence the quality of life, a medical index which measures, from this point of view, the efficacy of the treatment is given, also taking into account medical and economical aspects.

The finite element method applied to a problem of blood flow in vessels.

We use the finite element method to solve a convection-diffusion equation when convection is dominating, a problem which describes the behavior of the concentration of a solute in a blood vessel. A new technique for computing the discrete problem is used.

Medicoeconomic index for photo-induced skin cancers.

Like in every type of cancer, in skin cancer the efficiency of the medical treatment is very important. In the present paper, a Bayesian model for the management of this disease is given, and a medical index to measure the effectiveness of treatment from medical, economical, and quality of life point of view is presented, taking into account some of the patients characteristics.