FIZIOLOGIA (PHYSIOLOGY) 2008; vol.18, nr. 1(57)
CONTENTS
1. REVIEW - The Psychoanalytical Theories from a Neuroscientific Perspective
Petru Derevenco
2. REVIEW - Normal and Pathologic Involvement of Copper Ions in Central Nervous System
Diana Ciubotariu, Mihai Nechifor
3. REVIEW - Stem Cells in Cutaneous Epithelium
Carmen Tatu, Gabriela Tanasie, Daniela Puscasiu, Corina Flangea, RF Tatu, Carmen Bunu
4. Correlations between Angiogenesis and Mean Tumor Diameter, Useful as Prognostic Factors in Renal
Cells Carcinoma
Daniela Puscasiu, Carmen Tatu, Corina Flangea, RF Tatu, Elena Potencz, Florina Mirea, Doina Verdes
5. Erythropoietin Responsiveness in Chronic Hemodialysys Patients with Low Values of Erythrocyte
Superoxid Dismutase
Anca Rusu, Delia Zalutchi, Simona Racasan, Doina Daicoviciu, Elena Craciun, Adriana Muresan, IM
Patiu, Mirela Gherman Caprioara
6. The Evolution of Antioxidant Erythrocyte Enzymes in Hemodialyzed Patients
Delia Zalutchi, Elena Cristina Craciun, Adriana Muresan, Ioan Mihai Patiu, Mirela Gherman Caprioara
7. Study on Ethical Issues Approach in the Research Projects of UMFVBT
Bucur Adina
8. Klebsiella Pneumoniae Strains Isolated from Nosocomial Urinary Tract Infections
Muntean D, Licker M, Berceanu-Vaduva D, Hogea E, Dragomirescu L, Pilut C, Popa M, Craciunescu M,
Dugaesescu D, Horhat F, Serban D, Lacatus R, Moldovan R
9. Endothelial Dysfunction in Relationship with Endotelin-1 and Lipid Parameters in Hypertension
Patients
Germaine Savoiu, Ovidiu Fira-Mladinescu, Lavinia Noveanu, Caraba A, Corina Gorun, Anca Tudor,
Danina Muntean, Georgeta Mihalas
10. BOOK REVIEW: Daniel David - A Critical Review of the Current Trends in Psychotherapy andClinical Psychology
Petru Derevenco

1. REVIEW: THE PSYCHOANALYTICAL THEORIES FROM A NEUROSCIENTIFICPERSPECTIVE
Petru Derevenco
Academy of Medical Sciences, Branch of Cluj, Romania
Address for correspondence: Dr. Petru Derevenco, Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

ABSTRACTThe perspectives of a realistic and fruitful dialogue between the psychoanalytical concept and theneurosciences remain controversial. This problem has been treated also by us (Derevenco, 1994); newer
issues justify to revise this topic. Several sharp critics of psychoanalysis keep up a vehement polemic andcounter any scientific value of this concept. On the other hand some outstanding scientists think thatmany of Freud's theoretical constructs could be integrated in the contemporary developments ofneurobiology. A champion of this view is Eric Kandel. He considers "that a unified discipline of
neurobiology, cognitive psychology, and psychoanalysis would forge a new and deeper understanding ofmind". A part of the main components of psychoanalysis can be studied by a neuroscientificmethodology. For instance, several investigations aiming to explore the neurobiological basis of cognitive
unconsciousness resort to cerebral imagery. The psycho-neuro-endocrinology of sexuality, with its genderdifferences and infancy peculiarities is in progress; the nowadays investigations of dreams, and memory
allow new interpretations. A topic of interest of the connection between psychodynamic and biologicalfactors concerns stress, particularly its mnestic processes, the role of limbic system, the posttraumaticstress disorder, and the therapeutic interventions. Despite the difficulties to achieve a throughconvergence proposed by Kandel the dialogue between the neurosciences and psychoanalysis isbeneficial for both disciplines.
Key words: psychoanalysis, neuroscience, unconsciousness, sexuality, dreams, memory, stress

2. REVIEW: NORMAL AND PATHOLOGIC INVOLVEMENT OF COPPER IONS IN
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Diana Ciubotariu, Mihai Nechifor
Pharmacology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa” Iasi
Address for correspondence: Diana Ciubotariu, Garii Street no. 21, Bl. L1, Sc A, Et. 2, Ap. 5, 700089 Iasi, Romania,e-mail:dianaciubotariu@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
Copper is a bivalent metal with lots of action at cerebral level. An important number of enzymes which
are essential for neurotransmitter metabolism are dependent on copper. Copper is also involved inallosteric modulation of some receptor systems (e.g. P2x receptors). In case of several neurodegenerative
diseases (such as Alzheimer and Wilson disease etc), misbalances of this cation homeostasis are
considered a key element of the pathogenic mechanisms. Copper deficiency of associated with someprionic encephalopaties. Other cerebral pathological states, such as opiate addiction are not significantly
influenced by this cation. The multiple actions of copper, as well as of other bivalent cations in thefunctioning of central nervous system strongly states that metaloneurobiology should be considered an
important branch of medicine and biology and it opens perspectives to new therapies.
Keywords: copper, pharmacodependence, neurodegenerative disease, metaloneurobiology

3. REVIEW: STEM CELLS IN CUTANEOUS EPITHELIUM
Carmen Tatu, Gabriela Tanasie, Daniela Puscasiu, Corina Flangea, RF Tatu, Carmen Bunu
“Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania
Address for correspondence: Dr. Carmen Tatu, Department of Physiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine andPharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2A, 300041, Timisoara, e-mail: carmentatu@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Self-renewal of human epithelial stem cells versus their commitment to differentiation and/or cancer
development are closely linked (17). Understanding this process is of great potential impact for new
therapeutic approaches to human tumors, which are mostly of epithelial origin (16). Keratinocytes
provide an attractive experimental system to study the connection between growth/differentiation
potential of epithelial cells and transformation. The multipotential nature and developmental flexibility ofadult cutaneous epithelial cells have been well documented, and reflect the high demands that nature has
placed on a tissue with a relatively invariant architecture.
Key words: epithelial stem cells, skin, keratinocytes, hair follicle, markers

4. CORRELATIONS BETWEEN ANGIOGENESIS AND MEAN TUMOR DIAMETER, USEFULAS PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN RENAL CELLS CARCINOMA
Daniela Puscasiu, Carmen Tatu, Corina Flangea, FR Tatu, Elena Potencz, Florina Mirea,
Doina Verdes“Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara
Address for correspondence: Dr. Daniela Puscasiu, Department of Cellular Biology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2A, 300041, Timisoara, e-mail: danielapuscasiu@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Angiogenesis represents one of the most important factors of the tumor proliferation. An intense
neovascularization allows a tumoral expansion, and the diminishing of this process reduces or even stops
neoplastic growth. The significance of angiogenesis in tumoral growth varies as an intense
microvascularization is highly suggestive for a sever prognosis though other researchers do not consider itof prognostic importance. Knowing numerous quantification systems of tumor angiogenesis we used a
simple one, the appreciation of the relative microvascular density. We used angiogenesis and tumoral
dimension as prognosis factors in renal cell carcinoma.
Key words: angiogenesis, renal carcinoma, tumor dimension, microvascular density

5. ERYTHROPOIETIN RESPONSIVENESS IN CHRONIC HEMODIALYSYS PATIENTSWITH LOW VALUES OF ERYTHROCYTE SUPEROXID DISMUTASEAnca Rusu1, Delia Zalutchi1, Simona Racasan2, Doina Daicoviciu3, Elena Craciun4, AdrianaMuresan3, IM Patiu2, Mirela Gherman Caprioara1
1
Nephrology department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca
2
Nefromed Dialysis Center, Cluj Napoca
3
Physiology department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca
4Biochemistry department, University of Medicine and Pfarmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca
Address for correspondence: Dr. Anca Rusu, Department of Nephrology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu
Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca, Clinicilor Street No. 1, 400006, Romania

ABSTRACT
It was postulated that chronic hemodialysis patients have enhanced oxidative stress and a variety of tissue
damages are due to free oxygen species. The aim of this study was to examine de relationship between
markers of oxidative stress and erythropoietin responsiveness in chronic hemodilaysis patients. 65 chronic
hemodialysis patients treated with erythropoietin and 21 healthy volunteers were included.
Malonyldialdehide, carbonyl proteins, erythrocyte superoxid dismutase (SOD), ceruloplasmin and serum
antioxidant capacity were measured. Erythropoietin doses were noted and erythropoietin responsivenessindex was calculated. Chronic hemodialysis patients had high values of malonyldialdehide and carbonylproteins and low levels of ceruloplasmin and SOD and as compared to the controls. A positive correlation
between SOD and initial hemoglobin was found as well as between SOD and erythropoietin
responsiveness. Moreover, patients with normal values of SOD required lower doses of erythropoietin
and maintained a stable hemoglobin after tree month of follow as compared with patients with low values
of SOD who significantly decreased their hemoglobin and required higher doses of erythropoietin. We
concluded that low levels of erythrocyte SOD correlates with low hemoglobin, high doses oferythropoietin and erythropoietin hyporesponsiveness in chronic hemodialysis patients.
Keywords: oxidative stress, erythrocyte superoxid dismutase, anemia, erythropoietin responsiveness,
chronic hemodialysis patients

6. THE EVOLUTION OF ANTIOXIDANT ERYTHROCYTE ENZYMES IN HEMODIALYZEDPATIENTS
Delia ZaluŃchi 1, Elena Cristina Craciun2, Adriana Muresan3, Ioan Mihai Patiu4, Mirela Gherman
Caprioara1
1
Departament of Nephrology “Mihai Manasia” Clinical Hospital, Cluj Napoca
2
Departament of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca
3
Departament of Physiology, UMF Cluj Napoca
4
Nefromed Dialysis Center Cluj Napoca
Address for correspondence: Dr. Delia Zalutchi, Department of Nephrology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu
Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca, Clinicilor Street No. 1, 400006, Romania, e-mail: deliazalutchi@yahoo.com

ABSTRACTIn chronic kidney diseases, after initiating haemodialysis there is an imbalance bee twin the production ofreactive oxygen species and antioxidant defence mechanism. Haemodialysis influences the evolution ofantioxidant erythrocyte enzymes.
The aim of the study is to evaluate the levels of antioxidant erythrocyte enzymes on hemodialyzed
patients (HD), their evolution in time, before and after haemodialysis session.
The study was designed to evaluated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione
peroxidase (GPx) in 70 haemodialized patients-group A and 30 healthy volunteers –group B. After one
year we investigated the same antioxidant enzymes on distinct group of 30 haemodialized patients fromgroup A, before and after hemodialisis. In HD patients-group A were found enhanced activities of both
enzymes SOD (1514 ± 392.35 vs 1261.14 ± 124.48, p = 0.0012) as well as GPx (4146 ± 18.8 vs 716 ±15.43, p = 0.004) compared with group B. After one year, both of enzymes levels were lower comparedwith the first levels, from the beginning of the study (1514 ± 392.35 vs1353 ± 485.93 p = 0.07)
respectively (66.8 ± 18.82 vs 43.9 ± 21.89 p = 0.003).There were significant differences in the levels ofantioxidant enzymes before and after hemodialysis (1353 ± 485.93 vs 1120 ± 335.72 p = 0.0006)
respectively (43.9 ± 21.89 vs 38.5 ± 12.03 p = 0.02).
Key words: hemodialysis, oxidative stress, antioxidant erythrocyte enzymes

7. STUDY ON ETHICAL ISSUES APPROACH IN THE RESEARCH PROJECTS OF UMFVBT
Adina I. Bucur“Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara
Address for correspondence: Adina Ioana Bucur, MD, PhD, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara,
Public Health and Sanitary Management Department, 14 Spl. Tudor Vladimirescu, 300173, Timisoara, Romania, Phone / Fax:
+40-256-490 507, e-mail: bucuradina@yahoo.com

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to identify current ethical issues in the research projects conducted by the researchers of
the Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara. We have used the Delphi technique as
research design, constructing a panel of 30 researchers who answered three questionnaires. Consensus
lists on three main ethical aspects were defined: ethical issues on human subjects use for research, ethicalissues on animal use for research, professional ethical issues. Given that this study might have been
omitted some ethical aspects important in the practice, further studies on each of the above mentioned
issues should be conducted.
Key words: bioethics, research ethics, Delphi technique, questionnaire design

8. KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE STRAINS ISOLATED FROM NOSOCOMIAL URINARY
TRACT INFECTIONS
Muntean D, Licker M, Berceanu-Vaduva D, Hogea E, Dragomirescu L, Pilut C, Popa M, Craciunescu
M, Dugaesescu D, Horhat F, Serban D, Lacatus R, Moldovan R
Microbiology Department-University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babeş” Timişoara
Address for correspondence: Dr. Muntean D, Microbiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Timisoara

ABSTRACT
Aims: The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, isolated
from patients hospitalized in Urology Department, and their resistance patterns.
Methods: Identification of germs was performed by the API system (ID 32 E) and susceptibility tests by
disk-diffusion tests (Kirby-Bauer) and the API system (ATB G- 5) too. For ESBL producing strains wealso used disk synergy tests. Results: From 1231 urines samples we isolated 126 microbial strains withnosocomial potential, from which, 56 strains (44.44%) were Klebsiella pneumoniae. The highest
percentage was noticed in the case of ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (54 from 56 strains). Allthese strains associated other resistance phenotypes as well. Conclusions: The high prevalence of ESBL
producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains is explained by prolonged antibiotic therapy of patients withinvasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Keywords: urocultures, resistance phenotype, Klebsiella pneumoniae

9. ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION IN RELATIONSHIP WITH ENDOTELIN-1 AND LIPID
PARAMETERS IN HYPERTENSION PATIENTS
Germaine Savoiu1, Ovidiu Fira-Mladinescu1, Lavinia Noveanu2, Caraba A3, Corina Gorun1, Anca
Tudor4, Danina Muntean1, Georgeta Mihalas2
1
Department of Pathophysiology
2
Department of Physiology
3
The 4th Internal Medicine Department
4
Medical Informatics Department
Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
Address for correspondence: Dr. Germaine Savoiu, Pathophysiology Department, Tudor Vladimirescu St. 14A, University of
Medicine and Pharmacy Victor Babes Timisoara, e-mail: savoiugema@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide originally isolated from endothelial cells and it is
an important factor in the development of vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. The aim of
this study was to evaluate non-invasive endothelial dysfunction in patients with hypertension and tocharacterize some specific factors which can contribute to its appearance. The study was done on 78
subjects with hypertension. The mean age of the patients was 57.16 ± 9.69 years. Total cholesterol,
triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C were determined in all patients. The endothelial function was quantified
by flow mediated dilation (FMD) on brachial artery, using B – mode ultrasonography and bydetermination of endothelin-1 using Enzyme Immunometric Assay (EIA). The mean value for FMD was
8.00 % ± 3 % and the mean value for ET-1 was 14.36 pg/ml, between them we observed a moderatecorrelation (r = -0,471, p < 0.05). We found a weak but statistical significant association between anddiastolic arterial hypertension (r = -0.237, p < 0.05), triglycerides (r = - 0.325, p < 0.01) and HDLcholesterol (r = 0.368, p < 0.05) and also a moderate correlation between FMD and LDL cholesterol (r = 0.403, p < 0.05) and total cholesterol (r = - 0.511, p < 0.01). In conclusion, endothelial dysfunction ispresent in hypertensive patients and it looks like that the metabolic factor play a much more importantrole then the mechanical factor.
Keywords: endothelial dysfunction, SAH, endothelin-1

10. BOOK REVIEW: Daniel David - A critical Review of the Current Trends in Psychotherapy andClinical Psychology, Nova Science Publishers, 2006, VIII + 79 pages
Petru Derevenco
Besides the editor the book comprises eight contributors (six from the U. S. A. and two from Romania).
The editor is Professor Daniel David from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, BabeşBolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology andPsychotherapy he is an outstanding expert in several areas of psychology, in bioethics and management of
academic performance.
In the introduction the editor points out that the “present book is designed to provide a forum, guided by acritical rationalist perspective, for leading scholars, researchers, and practitioners to share theirperspectives and empirical findings on the current state and the future of the clinical field”. In the firstchapter Th. Dowd analyses some recent books dealing with behavior therapy. There follows a review of
H. Schloss and D. Haaga of other books and articles concerning evidence and new directions of mental
health care. In chapter three B. Deacon and T. Fawzy report the contribution of David Barlow and hiscolleagues to the understanding and treatment of panic disorders. J. Mc Mahon covers in the next chapter
the marriage and family therapy, compared to scientifically based interventions, pointing out the work ofJohn Gottman. In chapter five, D. David and A. Szentagotai analyze critically the rational emotive
behavioral therapy with its misinterpretations and distortions. In chapter six S. Trip presents an interview
with Albert Ellis – one of the initiators of the “cognitive revolution” in psychotherapy, where Dr. Ellisdescribes the rational emotive behavioral therapy. The last chapter contains an interview of D. David with
Donald Meichenbaum, one of the founders of cognitive behavior therapy. We learn about the techniques
employed to help traumatized patients to cope and change their behaviors. In the Conclusion D. David
shows that many professionals, who call themselves cognitive behavioral therapists, often neglect thetheoretical basis of the procedures involved.
This book on some current views in psychology is important for physiologists in their interdisciplinary
research, focused for instance on stress. The opinions of Dr. Meichenbaum, the founder of stressinoculation training turns out very useful in this respect. Those concerned with stress will also avail
themselves of the table on page 49 showing the relations among rational and irrational beliefs in a
stressful situation. The detailed index and the rich references in most chapters are also worth considering.