CHSJ

Current issue

Current Health Sciences Journal

vol. 50 no. 4, 2024

1. A Brief Review of Drugs and Supplements Testing in Induced Osteoarthritis Murine Models: Methodologies and Findings

G.Bica, O.C.Rogoveanu, I.A.Paliu, I.Mindrila

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex, progressive disorder that involves the gradual breakdown of articular cartilage, alteration of the subchondral bone, synovial inflammation, and joint space limitation, ultimately leading to stiffness, pain, and impaired balance and mobility. At this moment there is no cure to stop the evolution of the disease, only symptomatic treatment. This fact is due to the lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms, thus limiting the possibilities of developing disease-modifying drugs. This challenge arises from an incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms of disease, which limits the development of effective disease-modifying drugs due to the fact that human tissue samples are typically obtained in the advanced stages of the disease, usually when the patient is subjected to joint replacement surgery, making the study of early OA stages more difficult. For researchers, the murine animal model provides a useful tool for assessing the full evolution of the pathology and the study of the efficacy and safety of novel experimental drugs and supplements. The aim of our review is to present the diverse currently used murine models ranging from spontaneous to chemically and surgically induced OA and pharmacological results that were obtained on such models and are available for human use or represent a potential innovative therapy in the near future.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

2. Research Progress of EMR2 Receptor Function in Glioma and its Potential Application as Therapeutic Target

I.M.Buzatu, A.Costachi, A.O.Docea, E.V.Manea, O.Zlatian

The most frequent primary brain malignancy is glioma. Alterations in several adhesion G-protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) are present in cancer as they regulate adhesion, migration, and guidance. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) module-containing mucin-like receptor 2 (EMR2) is included in group II GPCRs and functionally in a family of brain angiogenesis inhibitor molecules (BAIs). Recent studies have shown that BAIs regulate phagocytosis and synaptogenesis, and their extracellular domain inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth. In neoplastic processes, EMR2 appears to play a role in disease aggressiveness, patient survival rates, and tumor grade. This review summarizes the EMR2 involvement in cellular mechanisms and pathologies, particularly in cancer. We searched the Pubmed Central, Google Scholar and Scopus databases for terms “EMR2” and “glioma”. The initial search yielded a total of 92 results. After excluding studies not written in English, based on design, and excluding duplicates and non-relevant studies, we included 38 studies in the review. EMR2 was shown to be expressed in various histologic grades of gliomas and to be linked to the PI3K pathway, as both are upregulated in glioblastoma after bevacizumab therapy. The PI3K-Akt pathway is involved in tumorigenesis, and upregulation of EMR2 may in turn upregulate PI3K, leading to increased tumor invasiveness. Indeed, overexpression of EMR2 was associated with the mesenchymal glioblastoma subtype, tumor invasiveness, and poor survival. EMR2 also regulates neutrophil function by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and degranulation. Possible therapeutic approaches have been studied, such as the stimulation of microglia and monocytes to inhibit tumor-initiating cells by down-regulating the EMR2 gene or through an antibody against EMR2. The current review summarizes the knowledge about the EMR2 receptor that can serve as motivation for future studies on its role in the clinical evolution and tumor biology of gliomas in order to find new modulator therapeutic approaches.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

3. The Comparative Effects of Cryotherapy and Music Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Vascular Access Procedures: A Randomized Clinical Trial

H.Jafarimanesh, S.Samiei, M.Zakerimoghadam, M.Zareie, A.N.Suuk

Purpose: The fear of vascular access procedures reduces patient cooperation, often resulting in unsuccessful venipuncture attempts and prolonging the overall treatment process. Because people getting venipunctures in medical and surgical settings usually feel pain and anxiety, the goal of this study was to look at and compare how cryotherapy (CT) and music therapy (MT) affected the levels of pain and anxiety (P&A) these people felt. Method: This research utilized a randomized controlled trial methodology. The target population consisted of patients hospitalized in the medical-surgical wards of Valiasr Hospital, Arak, Iran. One hundred twenty patients were purposively selected and then randomly assigned (using block randomization) to one of four groups: MT, CT, combination therapy (COBT), or control. P&A levels were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Visual Anxiety Intensity Scale (VAIS). Data were analyzed utilizing version 21 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage, along with inferential statistics, such as the analysis of variance test, paired t-test, and Chi-square, were employed for analysis. Findings: The findings revealed a statistically significant disparity in pain levels among the four groups (P<0.001). The mean pain score in the COBT group (1.66±1.66) was lower than that of the MT group (2.03±1.84) and the CT group (2.43±2.16). However, the three intervention groups (MT, CT, and COBT) showed no notable difference from a statistical perspective (P>0.05). Additionally, a statistically substantial distinction in anxiety levels was observed among the four groups after the study (P<0.05). Both the COBT and MT therapies markedly diminished anxiety severity in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: The study results demonstrated that MT, CT, and COBT are effective in alleviating P&A in patients having venipuncture procedures. These interventions may serve as valuable complementary or alternative approaches in clinical practice.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

4. Clinical Features of SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients in a Large Population Cohort from the South-West Region of Romania

F.I.Buibas, A.R.Cercel, M.S.Serbanescu, A.Turcu, F.Dumitrescu, I.Pirici, L.Mogoanta

SARS-CoV-2 infection was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, in the last months of 2019 as an atypical pneumonia, from where it rapidly spread worldwide causing the most severe pandemic of the 21st century. The disease had a complex symptomatology, with clinical signs of pulmonary impairment, frequently accompanied by digestive, renal, cardiovascular or nervous signs. In the present study, we aimed at analyzing a group of 5649 patients, aged between 3 and 104 years old, diagnosed with Covid-19 and hospitalized within the Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Craiova between 2020-2022. In Romania, the first cases of COVID-19 started in the first quarter of 2020. Our study revealed that, in the first year of the pandemic, 1404 (24.85%) patients were hospitalized; in 2021, 3670 (64.97%) patients were hospitalized, and in 2022, as a result of prophylaxis measures and the introduction of the anti-COVID-19 vaccination, the number of hospitalized patients decreased to 575 (10.18%). SARS-CoV-2 infection affected all age groups, from children younger than 5 years of age to people over 100 years of age, but most patients (3060 patients, representing 54.17% of the whole investigated group) were aged between 55 and 75 years old. Regarding sex, we found that the disease affected both sexes equally. The most common clinical signs were: cough and temperature change, each present in 62% of the total group of patients and dyspnea present in 29% of patients. The most common comorbidities were cardiovascular disease (39%), diabetes mellitus (9%) and chronic lung disease (10.21%).

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

5. Immunoexpression of Claudin-4 In Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinomas

D.F.Grecu, M.V.Zorila, L.Stanca, A.F.Grecu, O.I.Cretu, A.E.Stepan

Non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) are the most common histological forms of lung cancer, lesions that by their incidence and associated mortality constitute a health problem worldwide. Alteration of the expression of claudins with a role in the stability of cell adhesion constitutes one of the complex biomolecular mechanisms involved in tumor initiation and progression. In this study, Claudin-4 immunoexpression was investigated in 52 cases of NSCLC in relation to epidemiological and histopathological prognostic parameters of the lesions. Although the staining scores were higher in patients in younger age groups, in women, in smokers and in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and large cell carcinoma (LLC) compared to adenocarcinomas (ADK), the aspects were not statistically significant. We found significantly higher differences in micropapillary, cribriform and solid ADK compared to other histological subtypes, in well and poorly differentiated lesions (G1/G3), with vascular invasion and in advanced tumor stages. Reaction analysis indicated translocation of Claudin-4 signals from the membrane level to the cytoplasm and nucleus in aggressive histological subtypes. The study indicated differences in Claudin-4 expression, which can be used to identify aggressive NSCLC and to stratify patients for specific therapy.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

6. Degree of Satisfaction among Patients Admitted to a Public Healthcare Facility in Romania

L.Mirescu,A.C.Popescu,I.M.Dragomir,

This paper aims to evaluate the general state of the medical services provided by the Craiova County Emergency Clinical Hospital (SCJU Craiova) and to compare the perceived quality of the services between 2016-2019 and 2022-2023. The method chosen to carry out the research was through the collection and analysis of data from the hospital’s questionnaire for quality assessment, voluntarily filled in by patients. We analyzed the trends and the variability of the satisfaction reports for each period, separately, and then between the 2016-2019 and 2022-2023 periods. As a comparison, we observed that the rating of the healthcare services and staff behavior is more polarized in the post-pandemic period as it was before, while the assessment of the hotel conditions shows that, even if the objective conditions have improved, the patients tend to be more critical

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

7. Particularities of Variation of the Dental Wear in Subjects with Cardiovascular Diseases Compared to Subjects without Systemic Diseases

M.Mihart, V.Mercu, S.M.Popescu, D.E.Vladutu, A.M.Pirgaru, M.Scrieciu

Aim of the study: analysis of dental wear variation in subjects with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), compared to subjects without systemic diseases (SDs). Method: the study included 84 hospitalized subjects with CVDs and 84 without SDs subjects, who presented to the Dental Emergency Department of the Emergency Clinical Hospital in Drobeta Turnu Severin. The subjects' data were processed descriptively, by analysis of variance and simple and multiple linear regression. Results: Subjects with CVDs had a mean age±SD:69.49±10.09, and subjects without SDs had a mean age±SD:58.98±5.61. In subjects with CVDs, out of 504 sextants, 360 (174 maxillary and 186 mandibular) were included in the dental wear assessment, and in subjects without SDs, out of 504 sextants, 480 (242 maxillary and 238 mandibular) were evaluated. The number of remaining teeth (NRT) ranged between 2 and 25 (mean±SD 15.54±5.43) for subjects with CVDs, and between 16 and 27 (mean±SD 22.64±2.47) for subjects without SDs. Analysis of variance of the wear score values assigned to the indicated the highest value F (2, 249) =71.09768707, with F (2, 249)> F crit. (3.032064916) for mandibular sextants in the CVDs subjects. Regression models adjusted independently with gender, age, residence and NRT, revealed a coefficient with values between 11.97%-28.72% for CVDs subjects and between 11.90%-20.88% for subjects without SDs. Conclusion: dental wear varied for both categories of subjects in the mandibular arch, compared to the maxillary arch, in their frontal area, compared to the lateral areas, depending on age, residence and NRT.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

8. Depressive-Like behavior and Liver Damage Generate Behavioral and Cortical Microglial Morphological Differences in Mice

G.Nedelea, M.I.Musat, A.C.Buican-Chirea, M.C.Ciorbagiu, B.Catalin

Introduction: The correlation between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and depression has already been established, but the relation between the two is insufficiently studied. Various murine models have proven effective in evaluating the mechanisms involved in these pathologies. Material and Methods: In this study we aimed to assess how the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) protocol impacts the behavior of mice with liver damage induced by a methionine choline deficient (MCD) diet, and also to evaluate the changes in microglial morphology in the cortex of animals with depressive-like behavior and liver injury. Thus, the cortical region was analyzed using confocal microscopy. Results: Sucrose preference test and open field test revealed induced anhedonia and anxiety-like behavior, but short-term memory was not impaired, as assessed by novel object recognition test. Administration of the MCD diet led to an increase in total branch length and the number of terminal branches, revealing a hyperactivated microglia. The CUMS protocol in combination with MCD diet induced a reduced branching complexity, with fewer tertiary and terminal branches. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of microglial morphology at the cortical level in coexisting depression and liver injury.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

9. Association Between Oxidative Stress Markers and Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Oncologic Surgery

A.D.Stanculescu, P.O.Dragoescu, M.Andrei, L.Chiutu, N.A.Dragoescu

Introduction: Postoperative delirium is a frequent complication associated with various types of surgery, particularly among older adults. It is thought that postoperative delirium is the result from an imbalance caused by the overproduction of free oxygen radicals. Objective: To determine an oxidative stress marker that can predict the onset of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing laparoscopic urological surgery for malignant conditions. Materials and Methods: The study involved 29 male and female patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic radical surgery for localized kidney cancer between 2021 and 2024. Blood samples were collected at three intervals: before general anesthesia induction, immediately after surgery, and 24 hours postoperatively. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. The occurrence of postoperative delirium was evaluated using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU). Results: All cases of postoperative delirium emerged within the first seven days after surgery. Out of 29 patients, 11 developed postoperative delirium. Patients in the delirium group exhibited significantly higher malondialdehyde levels at the end of surgery compared to those without delirium (p<0.05). Additionally, superoxide dismutase levels measured before anesthesia induction differed significantly between the delirium and nondelirium groups (p<0.05). Also, glutathione peroxidase (GSH) at the end of surgery significantly decreased in delirium group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The likelihood of developing postoperative delirium in patients undergoing laparoscopic urological surgery for malignant conditions can be anticipated by evaluating oxidative stress markers levels.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

10. A Comparative Observational Study of Late-Onset Colorectal Cancer Patients in a Tertiary Surgery Unit

E.Savu, C.V.Lungulescu, R.C.Statie, B.Stancu, S.S.Mogoanta

We conducted a retrospective observational study over a 6-year period (2018-2023) on patients aged over 50 with colorectal cancer (CRC), admitted to the Third Department of General Surgery, Clinical Emergency County Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups corresponding to two time periods: 2018-2020 and 2021-2023. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the profile of CRC patients over time through a comparative analysis of the two groups in terms of demographic, clinical, and therapeutic parameters. The study revealed a consistent increase in the incidence of CRC cases over the 6 years we analyzed. At the same time, we observed a more favorable profile of patients with CRC over 50 years old in the second group regarding admission type, a higher proportion of cases diagnosed at earlier stages, and a lower complication rate associated with CRC. These factors were reflected in better adherence to oncologic resection principles, a reduction in postoperative complications, and a shorter hospital stay. The direct consequence is an improvement in long-term prognosis and a decrease in the burden on healthcare systems. Furthermore, to tilt the balance towards early diagnosis of colorectal cancer, the implementation of a national screening program becomes imperative.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

11. Correlation between HbA1c Levels and Periodontal Bacterial Load in Diabetic Patients with Fixed Retainers

M.Maris, S.M.Bucur, M.Maris, M.Pacurar, M.Chibelean, D.Nenovici, K.Earar

Background: Fixed orthodontic retainers can promote biofilm accumulation, increasing periodontal risks in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study examines the relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and bacterial load before and after oral hygiene intervention. Methods: Forty diabetic patients (HbA1c: 6.5%-9%) were divided into Group I (18-30 years, n=18) and Group II (>30 years, n=22). Periodontal samples were analyzed using micro-IDent® PCR tests. Pearson’s correlation and linear regression assessed associations between HbA1c and bacterial load. Results: Pre-intervention bacterial loads were 66 (Group I) and 128 (Group II). Post-intervention, they decreased significantly to 34 and 93 (p?0.05). HbA1c showed a strong pre-intervention correlation with bacterial load (r=0.78, p=0.002), decreasing post-intervention (r=0.42, p=0.08). Each 1% HbA1c increase correlated with a 20.3-unit rise pre-intervention (R²=0.61) and 8.2 units post-intervention (R²=0.18). Conclusion: Fixed retainers facilitate bacterial colonization, worsening periodontal inflammation in diabetic patients. Glycemic control and regular oral hygiene interventions are essential for reducing bacterial load and preventing complications.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

12. Morphological Differences in Hippocampal Microglia in C57BL/6N Mice with Liver Injury and Depressive-Like Behavior

G.Nedelea, M.I.Muat, S.I.Mitran, M.C.Ciorbagiu, B.Catalin

Introduction: Microglia, one of the most important cells of the central nervous system, undergo specific changes depending on the pathology. It has been reported that both depressive disorders and liver diseases generate hippocampal changes and neuroinflammation. However, the combined effects of the two pathologies on microglia morphology in the hippocampus have not been sufficiently explored. Material and methods: In this study, we analyzed the morphological changes of the hippocampal microglia using confocal microscopy and a semi-manual method of quantification. We focused on total branch length, the branch number and the mean branch length. C57BL/6N mice were used and subjected to a methionine and choline deficient diet (MCD) to induce liver damage, and a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) procedure for depressive-like behavior. Results: We were able to show that CUMS protocol and MCD diet led to a reduction in total branch length, branch number and mean branch length. Also, CUMS alone was associated with a decrease in the number of secondary and terminal branches. Conclusion: Our study showed that depressive-like behavior and liver damage influence microglial morphology in the hippocampus, and it may be considered in future research of these intricate pathologies.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

13. Imaging Assessment of the Response to Neoadjuvant Treatment in Rectal Cancer in Relation to Postoperative Pathological Outcomes

L.D.Bratu, A.M.Ciurea, P.O.Stovicek, M.Schenker, I.O.Gheonea, M.A.Ene, S.Paitici, T.C.Berisha, A.M.Mehedinteanu, B.Oprian, S.S.Mogoanta

Background and objective: Rectal cancer remains a global health challenge with significant morbidity and mortality. Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is critical for downstaging tumors and improving surgical outcomes. This study aimed to compare the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) in evaluating tumor response to NAT in rectal cancer patients, focusing on imaging accuracy and correlation with histopathological findings. Materials and methods: This retrospective study analyzed 201 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer who underwent NAT followed by surgery. Imaging evaluations were conducted pre-NAT and post-NAT using MRI or CT. Tumor responses were categorized into complete response, downstaging, stable disease, and upstaging. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Z-tests to assess differences in imaging performance and concordance with pathological outcomes. Results: Both imaging modalities identified significant downstaging post-NAT, with CT demonstrating a higher sensitivity for detecting complete responses (12.5% vs. 6.61% for MRI) and better local staging accuracy. CT showed superior performance in systemic metastasis detection but had limitations in distinguishing fibrosis from residual tumors. Overall diagnostic accuracy was 42.29%, with MRI having a statistically significant edge in detecting favorable tumor responses (p=0.043). The combined use of CT and MRI provided complementary insights, enhancing clinical decision making. Conclusions: MRI excels in local tumor evaluation post-NAT, offering detailed imaging crucial for surgical planning and conservative strategies like "watch-and-wait" in complete responders. CT remains indispensable for systemic staging and metastasis detection. Integrating both modalities within a standardized protocol can optimize staging accuracy and treatment outcomes in rectal cancer.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

14. Unveiling the Uncommon: A Case Series on Rare Germ Cell Tumors

A.Chakrabarti, S.Kumari, M.Maiti, C.Das, G.Barui

Introduction: Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are heterogeneous group of neoplasms that arise from primordial germ cells and can occur in various locations, most commonly in the ovaries and testes but can also be found in extra-gonadal sites like retroperitoneum due to developmental errors. These tumors are relatively rare but clinically significant due to their potential for malignancy and association with developmental anomalies. Case presentation: This case series presents four rare and unusual cases of germ cell tumors encountered in both paediatric and adult patients, each with distinctive clinical, radiological, and histopathological features. These cases are unique in their clinical presentation and histomorphological findings, reflecting the diverse spectrum of GCTs across different age groups. Conclusion: These cases underscore the complexity of diagnosis, the role of radiological and histopathological examinations, and the varied management strategies for rare conditions like gonadoblastoma, dysgerminoma, struma ovarii, and fetus-in-fetu.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

15. A Perfect Storm: Case of Chronic Albumin Loss, Multi-Morbidity and Antibiotic Resistance

N.Snehasis, S.Zafar

Comorbidity is described as the presence of many health disorders in one individual, which may be connected or arise independently. We report a 61-year-old male patient with a complex history of recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and chronic hypoalbuminemia presenting to the emergency department due to sudden left lower limb swelling, pain, coldness, and bluish discoloration of the foot, leading to a severe infection necessitating a below-knee amputation. Even after extensive workup, the etiology behind hypoalbuminemia remained unknown with Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) suspected, but not confirmed. This is a very peculiar case and highlights the challenges in managing such patients while emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach in long-term care.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF

16. Pediatric Erythema Leprosum Necroticans Presenting as Emergency

G.Ahmed, N.Chhabra, A.G.Chirayath, R.Choudhary

Lepromatous leprosy is considered rare in children owing to the immature immune system. Lepra reaction, although not uncommon, type-2 lepra reaction in childhood is scarcely reported. We report five such cases, all presented in our institutes' emergency department with severe type-2 lepra reaction as the presenting entity. They had multiple classical features of leprosy, like ulcero-necrotic lesions, deformity, neuritis, and high slit smear bacillary index, which are otherwise usual in adult leprosy and not seen in childhood leprosy. Childhood leprosy being an indicator of active transmission in the community, these cases are crucial from the rarity viewpoint but also a pointer of recrudescence in the post-elimination era, highlighting the need for more aggressive case detection and better active surveillance.

View online - Abstract - Download PDF
current issue cover Download cover
Download contents

Journal archive