bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THERAPEUTIC CHALLENGES AND COMPLICATIONS IN A CASE OF ARTHRITIS MUTILANS
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Sf. Maria Clinical Hospital,  RCRD, Bucharest, Bojinca Violeta , Malitchi Raluca ,   Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Sf. Maria Clinical Hospital, RCRD, Bucharest, Duna Madalina ,   Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Sf. Maria Clinical Hospital,  RCRD, Bucharest, Capusa Cristina ,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Ionescu Ruxandra ,   Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Sf. Maria Clinical Hospital,  RCRD, Bucharest
Published: August 2021

The most dramatic and severe form of arthritis associated with psoriasis is arthritis mutilans (AM), which is a rare disorder, affecting very few patients with psoriasis. AM has a predilection for the small joints of the hands and feet. It is generally characterized by seronegative degenerative joint disease, leading to osteolytic changes in the carpal and digital bones. The bone and joint lesions rapidly and progressively cause bone lysis and joint ankylosis with loss of digits, soft-tissue deformities, telescoping of fingers and toes and the hallmark “la main en lorgnette” deformity (opera-glass hand). (1) Arthritis mutilans is characterized by an asymmetric pattern of peripheral joint involvement, with a predilection for the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand and small joints of the feet. (2) Characteristic features of AM are severe deformity of the hands, foreshortened fingers with excessive skin folds, hypermobile joints and digits that can be elongated by traction. (3) Radiologically, AM is characterized by severe resorption of the joint with an attendant loss of function, sometimes to a dramatic degree. (4) We present the case of a male patient who with psoriatic lesions onset from almost four decades, followed by involvement of hand and feet joint with important deformities. The treatment was difficult due to important comorbidities.
VASCULOPATHY IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS
Authors:   Department of Physiopathology and Immunology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Panaitiu Iolanda , Mihai Carina ,   Department of Physiopathology and Immunology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Sfrent-Cornateanu Roxana ,   Department of Physiopathology and Immunology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
Published: August 2021

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex, heterogeneous, multi-organ disease, the etiology of which is not yet fully understood. Although fibrosis of the skin and major organs is a well-known, characteristic sign of this condition, the primary dysfunctions contributing to the disease phenotype appear to be vascular and immune in nature. The mechanisms leading to vasculopathy in SSc include dysregulation of vascular tone and endothelial dysfunction, followed by vascular remodeling, as well as abnormal angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. In addition, coagulopathy also plays a role in the disease process. Together, these factors produce a form of vasculopathy specific to SSc, characterized by vascular intimal proliferation in the macro- and micro-circulation, as well as qualitative and quantitative capillary changes.
MANAGEMENT OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS IN CHILDREN
Authors:   Gr. T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania 2nd Pediatrics Clinic, Sf. Maria Children Emergency Clinical Hospital, Iasi, Romania, Murgu Alina , Moraru Evelina ,   Gr. T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania 2nd Pediatrics Clinic, Sf. Maria Children Emergency Clinical Hospital, Iasi, Romania, Ailioaie Constantin ,   Gr. T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania 2nd Pediatrics Clinic, Sf. Maria Children Emergency Clinical Hospital, Iasi, Romania, Ioniuc Ileana ,   Gr. T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania 2nd Pediatrics Clinic, Sf. Maria Children Emergency Clinical Hospital, Iasi, Romania, Alexoae Monica ,   Gr. T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania 2nd Pediatrics Clinic, Sf. Maria Children Emergency Clinical Hospital, Iasi, Romania, Stana Bogdan ,   Gr. T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania 2nd Pediatrics Clinic, Sf. Maria Children Emergency Clinical Hospital, Iasi, Romania
Published: August 2021

Psoriatic arthritis affects 15% of children with chronic rheumatic joint disease. Aim of the study. To evaluate articular prognosis in 9 children (6-16 years) diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and treated with different therapeutic agents, related to the degree severity of the cutaneous involvement. Results. Sex ratio in the study group was girls/boys = 3/6. 1st degree relatives with psoriasis were found in 5/9 cases. Poliarticular juvenile arthritis with multiple localizations (small distal hand and feet joints, radiocarpal, tibiotarsian joints) were found in 6 cases; the other 3 patients had extensive oligoarthritis (no identified HLA B27 association). None of the patients had ankyloses or severe functional motor deficiency. PASI score <10 was found in 4 children. Specific therapy consisted of methotrexate (2 patients) and association between methotrexate and etanercept (7 patients); All 9 children received local topical therapy. After 6-month treatment, the evaluation of patients who have received methotrexate associated with etanercept found ACR Pedi 30 response in 4 children and ACR Pedi 50 in 3 cases; PASI score was lower than 10 in 5 of these children. The 2 patients under methotrexate monotherapy showed neither ACR Pedi 30 response, nor improvement of the cutaneous symptoms after 6 months of treatment, so etanercept was added to methotrexate. The 12-month evaluation showed ACR Pedi 30 response in all 9 children; ACR Pedi 50 response in 6 children; PASI < 10 in 7 children. Conclusions. Early introduction of etanercept in addition to methotrexate seems to improve the prognosis of psoriatic arthritis, as well as skin disease, aspects that clearly ensure optimization of the quality of life of these patients.
PULMONARY NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA IN A PRIMARY SJÖGREN SYNDROME PATIENT
Authors:   Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Sfanta Maria Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Deaconu Claudia , Ionescu Ruxandra ,   Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Sfanta Maria Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Opris Daniela ,   Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Sfanta Maria Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
Published: August 2021

Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune condition that mainly targets exocrine glands where it produces lymphocytic infiltrates. The clinical display varies in severity and can include malignancy association such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Its incidence ranges from 5 to 8%, while the risk of occurrence is 16 to 44 times higher. This article aims to describe the evolution of a patient with primary SS who developed pulmonary lymphoma for which she received Rituximab as part of the oncological therapeutic scheme. During the course of the disease she developed membranous glomerulonephritis, rarely described in these patients and low complement levels cited as predictive factor for lymphoproliferation.
THE INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE ONSET OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors:   3rd Department, Ist Clinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University, Constanta, Suta Cristina ,   Rheumatology Department, 2nd Internal Medicine Clinic, Sf. Apostol Andrei Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Constanta, Ciocodei Sabina ,   Rheumatology Department, 2nd Internal Medicine Clinic, Sf. Apostol Andrei Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Constanta, Andronache Iulia ,   Rheumatology Department, 2nd Internal Medicine Clinic, Sf. Apostol Andrei Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Constanta, Craiu Elvira ,   3rd Department, Ist Clinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University, Constanta, Suta Maria ,   3rd Department, Ist Clinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University, Constanta,   Rheumatology Department, 2nd Internal Medicine Clinic, Sf. Apostol Andrei Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Constanta
Published: August 2021

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis, which is the most frequent inflammatory rheumatic disease, affecting between 0.5 and 1% of the general population, still remains unknown. However, as with all autoimmune disorders, it is assumed that rheumatoid arthritis is the consequence of the influence of environmental factors on a genetically predisposed host. Regional variations in disease prevalence support the environmental influence theory: geographical and climatic conditions, industrialization and pollution, socioeconomic status or lifestyle. For the time being, with a few exceptions, such as smoking, the vast majority of factors that can influence the onset of the disease remain unclear, although their contribution is most probably significant.
SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME IN A CASE OF CRITICAL DIGITAL ISCHEMIA. CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE ANALYSIS
Authors:   Rheumatology 2 Department, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Iasi, Pomirleanu Cristina ,   Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Strugariu Georgiana ,   Rheumatology 2 Department, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Iasi, Axinte Andreea ,   Rheumatology 2 Department, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Iasi, Resmerita Iulian ,   Rheumatology 2 Department, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Iasi, Ancuta Codrina ,   Rheumatology 2 Department, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Iasi,   Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi
Published: August 2021

Critical digital ischemia (CDI) remains a distinct, serious complication of peripheral vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis, macrovascular as well as microvascular disease, abnormal vascular remodeling, vasoconstriction-vasodilation imbalance and fibrosis being key underlying factors. Successful short- as well as long-term outcomes may arise from early diagnosis, broad assessment and prompt therapeutic intervention. However, current treatment options are far from ideal, indicating the need for a complex approach focused on pathobiologic issues. We report the case of a middle age postmenopausal woman with a recent onset of CDI and subsequent gangrene, evolving in a very early PM-Scl positive systemic sclerosis. Dramatic improvement with complete resolution of CDI as well as healing of digital gangrene with minimal tissue loss was rapidly achieved under vasodilating therapy, after two cycles of intravenous prostanoids.
CAPILLAROSCOPY – A VALUABLE TOOL FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF VASCULAR IMPAIRMENT IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS
Authors:   Department of Rheumatology, Emergency County Hospital, Craiova, Criveanu Cristina ,   Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmac, Craiova, Ciurea Paulina Lucia ,   Department of Rheumatology, Emergency County Hospital, Craiova,   Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmac, Craiova, Musetescu Anca Emanuela ,   Department of Rheumatology, Emergency County Hospital, Craiova,   Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmac, Craiova, Barbulescu Andreea ,   Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Firulescu Sineta ,   Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmac, Craiova, Florea M. ,   Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmac, Craiova, Vreju A.F. ,   Department of Rheumatology, Emergency County Hospital, Craiova,   Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmac, Craiova
Published: August 2021

Vascular injury is the main change the pathogenesis of SSc and occurs earlier, before the appearance of fibrosis. The new scleroderma 2013 criteria increased diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, by including capillaroscopic changes, besides the clinical picture and serological disease. Peripheral microvascular changes in capillaroscopy correlate with the severity of the skin damage but also with systemic involvement. The objective of this paper is to review and describe the current knowledge on nailfold capillaroscopy, as an easy, non-invasive and low cost technique for evaluating the vascular microangiopathy.
INSULIN RESISTANCE AND ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors:   Victor Babes, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Caraba Alexandru , Crisan Viorica ,   Rheumatology Department, City Hospital, Timisoara, Romosan Ioan ,   Victor Babes, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Murariu Marius ,   Victor Babes, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara
Published: August 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease, in which, besides articular involvement, cardiovascular complications due to premature and accelerated atherosclerosis represent a serious problem. Endothelial dysfunction is the first step in the atherosclerosis development. Rheumatoid arthritis associated inflammation contributes to endothelial dysfunction through direct action of cytokines on endothelium, or via increased insulin resistance. The aim of this study was represented by the assessment of endothelial dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis patients, and correlation of this with impaired insulin sensitivity. Material and methods. The study was performed on a group of 35 patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. In all patients were assessed: rheumatoid arthritis activity (DAS28), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and endothelial dysfunction by means of flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Results. Inflammation was present in all patients, and the disease activity was high (DAS28: 6.41 ± 0.94). The studied patients showed high insulin resistance (HOMA-IR 5.97 ± 1.89) and endothelial dysfunction (FMD 7.94 ± 0.91%). There were significant correlations between endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance (p = 0.0174), respective disease activity (p = 0.0201). On the other hand, it was shown a correlation between insulin resistance and the disease activity (p = 0.0290). Conclusion. Endothelial dysfunction was present even in newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients, contributing to the development of later atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Insulin resistance represented an important factor involved in endothelial dysfunction appearance.
PROCALCITONIN, C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AND ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE IN PERIODIC FEVER, APHTHOUS STOMATITIS, PHARYNGITIS AND CERVICAL ADENITIS (PFAPA SYNDROME)
Authors:   Department Pediatrics I, Emergency Pediatric Hospital, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Lazea Cecilia , Manasia Rodica ,   Department Pediatrics I, Emergency Pediatric Hospital, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Lazar Calin ,   Department Pediatrics I, Emergency Pediatric Hospital, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Damian Laura ,   Department of Rheumatology, Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Cluj-Napoca
Published: August 2021

Aim. Although PFAPA syndrome is the most common cause of recurrent fever in children, the diagnosis is rarely established and it is a diagnosis of exclusion because there are no specific diagnostic tests. The aim of this study was to assess the value of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in diagnosis of febrile attacks in PFAPA syndrome. Material and methods. C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and procalcitonin were measured in 16 children with PFAPA syndrome during febrile attacks and in 12 children with bacterial pneumonia (control group A) and 18 children with bacterial tonsillitis (control group B). Results. No significantly statistic differences were recorded for CRP and ESR between the PFAPA group and control groups. Procalcitonin was undetectable in all children with PFAPA syndrome. Conclusion. Procalcitonin can be a useful marker for differential diagnosis between febrile attacks of PFAPA syndrome and acute bacterial infection in children.
CONCOMITANT FIBROMYALGIA IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: CHALLENGES IN DIAGNOSIS AND DISEASE ASSESSMENT
Authors:   Department of Rheumatology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Ghib Linda-Jessica , Muntean Laura ,   Department of Rheumatology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Tamas Maria-Magdalena ,   Department of Rheumatology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Rednic Simona ,   Department of Rheumatology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca
Published: August 2021

Fibromyalgia, characterized by chronic generalized pain and multiple somatic symptoms, is frequently associated with rheumatoid arthritis. This association causes worse disease outcomes and poses challenges in rheumatoid arthritis disease assessment. Recent studies found that fibromyalgia is a disease continuum. Varying degrees of symptoms can be present in patients with rheumatoid arthritis even if they do not satisfy diagnosis criteria for fibromyalgia. Classification criteria for fibromyalgia are recommended for use in research, but in clinical practice diagnosis should be based on physician judgment. Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity scores should be used with caution in patients with concomitant fibromyalgia because they are disproportionately high based on subjective variables, not inflammation. Other means of assessing disease activity such as ultrasonography or inflammation markers can be employed when trying to distinguish between inflammatory and non-inflammatory pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and concomitant fibromyalgia.
COMPARISON OF NON-RADIOGRAPHIC SPONDYLOARTHRITIS VERSUS ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS PATIENTS UNDERGOING BIOLOGICAL THERAPY – DATA FROM A ROMANIAN COHORT
Authors:   Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Sfanta Maria Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Deaconu Claudia , Opris Daniela ,   Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Sfanta Maria Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Ionescu Ruxandra ,   Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Sfanta Maria Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
Published: August 2021

Both non-radiographic spondyloarthritis (nr-SpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are medical conditions that belong to the axial spondyloarthritis spectrum; these two terms reveal the extent of sacroiliitis assessed by conventional x-ray or MRI. According to the latest classification criteria (ASAS, 2009), clinicians are able to differentiate patients with nr-SpA from AS and to follow their disease progression. The present study aims to compare the two patient categories undergoing biological therapy with an anti-TNF agent and indicate distinct disease features. We included 94 patients in treatment with IFX, ADL, ETA or GOL and monitored clinical, biological and disease activity parameters. The nr-SpA subgroup included a higher percentage of female patients; AS patients presented higher values of the CRP at follow-up visits; there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the HLA-B27 presence, uveitis history or smoking status. Patients with an inactive disease status had a lower BMI, shorter disease duration and an early initiation of biological therapy, so that we suggest a close and regular monitoring of these two entities.
BREASTFEEDING IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN ROMANIA
Authors:   Dr. Ion Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Bobirca Anca , Ancuta Ioan ,   Dr. Ion Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Bobirca Florin ,   Dr. Ion Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Tataru Cristina ,   Dr. Ion Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Comsa Cristina ,   Dr. Ion Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Mihai Carina ,   Dr. Ion Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Bojinca Mihai ,   Dr. Ion Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Stoica Victor ,   Dr. Ion Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest
Published: August 2021

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not a contraindication to pregnancy. It is only mandatory to observe several recommendations: planning pregnancy, adapting anti-rheumatic medication and monitoring disease activity every trimester. Postpartum, RA often relapses, therefore, breastfeeding can be exposed to anti-rheumatic drugs. Only Methotrexate, Leflunomide and Cyclophosphamide are fully contraindicated during lactation. TNF inhibitors are compatible with breastfeeding, while other biological therapies are not recommended, due to the lack of data. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate pregnancy outcomes among female patients with RA, who attended rheumatology clinics from different Romanian cities. Secondary objectives were disease course and anti-rheumatic medication post-partum, the occurrence of RA postpartum flares and the adherence to breastfeeding. Patients and methods. This is a pilot observational, multicentric study, performed between October 2012 and July 2016. We have analyzed 41 patients diagnosed with RA before conception and who had at least one pregnancy after diagnosis. We recorded the pregnancy outcome, and, regarding the postpartum period, the occurrence of disease relapse and the antirheumatic medication exposure during lactation. Results. The 41 patients had 72 pregnancies, with 39 deliveries resulting in 42 healthy infants; 30 patients chose to breastfeed. Postpartum, the disease relapsed in 23/30 patients after a mean of 9.56 weeks. Therefore, these infants were exposed to anti-rheumatic drugs during lactation (anti-inflammatory drugs, Sulphasalazine and Hydroxicloroquine). No biological therapy was administrated during breastfeeding. Conclusion. The data obtained regarding the relapse risk and breastfeeding while using antirheumatic drugs are generally within international recommendations. We need more experience to be able to manage difficult situations and to take the best decision for our female patients with RA.
PARRY ROMBERG SYNDROME
Authors:   Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Bucharest, Cochino Alexis-Virgil ,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Covaci Sigrid ,   Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Bucharest,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Farkas Oana-Maria ,   Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Bucharest
Published: August 2021

Parry-Romberg syndrome, which is also known as progressive facial hemiatrophy, is a variant of localized scleroderma. This is a rare condition (OMIM # 141300), characterized by a progressive but self-limited atrophy of the skin and subcutaneous tissue on one side of the face. We present the case of a 9 year old boy with a typical presentation of hemifacial atrophy, with Borrelia burgdorferi infection without any changes of the nervous system.
Immunity and its role in periodontal diseases
Authors:   Product Manager Prisum-Himalaya, Dumitrache Irina
Published: August 2021

Periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic disease, with a prevalence between 5% and 30% in adult population aged 25-75. In the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, the host immune response has a great importance and in the last years it has been underlined the role of immunomodulatory therapy in the management of periodontal disease. Septilin is a herbal immunomodulatory with clinical efficacy proven in the periodontal disease.
The role of virtual articulators in dental occlusion analysis
Authors:   Universitatea de Medicina şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, Chirilă Oana Cristina , Petre Alexandru Eugen ,   Universitatea de Medicina şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, Păuna Mihaela Rodica ,   Universitatea de Medicina şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti
Published: August 2021

Today, virtual reality has a broad spectrum of applications in fields as diverse as architecture, sports, arts or medicine. One of the applications of virtual reality in medicine is the virtual articulator, a digital instrument that was designed as a tool for comprehensive analysis of static and dynamic occlusal relations, the purpose being to substitute the use of mechanical articulators and consequently, of the mechanical errors involved by their use. This paper is a systematic review of the literature on published studies about the functionality and application of the virtual articulators in the analysis of dental occlusion. An electronic search was conducted based on a combination of keywords, using the search engines of Pubmed/Medline and ScienceDirect. Most of the identified studies show that the reproduction of occlusal contacts using virtual articulators has superior, or at least similar, fidelity compared to the conventional techniques, both in static or dynamic manners.
Oral candidiasis – A complication of dry mouth
Authors:   Disciplina de Prevenţie Oro-Dentară, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, UMF „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, Funieru Cristian , Gheorghe Carmen ,   Disciplina de Patologie Orală, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, UMF „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, Părlătescu Ioanina ,   Disciplina de Patologie Orală, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, UMF „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, Ţovaru Şerban ,   Disciplina de Patologie Orală, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, UMF „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Oral candidiasis is a complication of dry mouth witch is not present in all cases, but its prevalence remains high. Material and method. 29 patients aged 45 to 82 years suffering from dry mouth caused by various general conditions were selected for this study. Clinical examinations were performed and all the lesions of oral mucosa were counted. The accurate diagnosis of oral candidiasis was established by the mycological exam. Results. 66% of patients involved in this study presented oral candidiasis confirmed by the laboratory. The atrophic and hyperplasic oral candidiasis were the most common clinical types found in this study. Conclusions. The prevalence of oral candidiasis remains relatively high among patients suffering from dry mouth; therefore dentists should treat or guide them to a specialist.
Algorithm for dental caries risk assessment
Authors:   Disciplina de Prevenţie Oro-Dentară, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, UMF „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, Funieru Cristian
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Caries risk assessment in individual patients is mandatory as it becomes a starting point for developing patient-centered preventive strategies. Any method designed for caries risk assessment should be based on the risk and protection factors involved. Material and method. The first part of this study consists of a fundamental research based on a meta-analysis style study of a number of 128 articles present in the main online databases. The other part of the study is dedicated to the development of a mathematical algorithm of dental caries risk. Results. The caries risk is based on the algorithm presented in this study which takes into account 8 risk or protection factors, their frequency and coefficients being found in the main publications flow and assigned according to an evaluation scale. Conclusions. Although at first glance it seems to be a simple and easy to apply mathematical formula, this algorithm must be validated in a future and specially designed study before it could be used on a large scale.
Natural remedies in viral inflammations from stomatological scope
Authors:   S.C. Hofigal Export-Import S.A., Bucureşti, România, Raiciu Anca-Daniela , Hobeanu Iulia ,   Reţeaua privată de sănătate Regina Maria, Bucureşti, Manea Ştefan ,   S.C. Hofigal Export-Import S.A., Bucureşti, România
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the results of an observational case study on a group of 20 patients, regarding the anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory, immunomodulatory and reparative effects of natural supplements in various viral infections of the oral cavity.
Virtual simulation system for prosthodontics. Part I
Authors:   Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, Sandu Simona Andreea , Neamţu Călin Dan ,   Universitatea Tehnică Cluj-Napoca, Grigorescu Sorin Dan ,   Universitatea Politehnică, Bucureşti, Păvăloiu Ionel Bujorel ,   Universitatea Politehnică, Bucureşti
Published: August 2021

Current computerized technologies introduced into dental prosthetics use 3D imaging, simulation systems, virtual reality. The virtual reality system, based on haptic technology, is a new instrument in the teaching process, still developing. The necessity to implement virtual reality technology has emerged from the fact that medical practice has been restricted to patients in recent years. Virtual reality systems have been introduced in order to practice certain clinical maneuvers and to acquire specific skills. Actual, virtual technology is at the stage where offers advanced simulations to users by combining visual and tactile response. The efficiency of e-learning platforms is increased when including virtual reality technologies. Thus, a new, interactive concept is introduced.
Screening and prophylaxis of periodontitis in the prevention of oral cavity cancer and its complications
Authors:   Catedra de Parodontologie, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Iuliu Haţieganu“, Cluj-Napoca, Micu Iulia Cristina , Roman Alexandra ,   Catedra de Parodontologie, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Iuliu Haţieganu“, Cluj-Napoca, Şoancă Andrada ,   Catedra de Parodontologie, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Iuliu Haţieganu“, Cluj-Napoca, Condor Daniela ,   Catedra de Parodontologie, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Iuliu Haţieganu“, Cluj-Napoca, Candea Andreea ,   Catedra de Parodontologie, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Iuliu Haţieganu“, Cluj-Napoca
Published: August 2021

Periodontitis is a complex, multifactorial infectious disease, which affects a high proportion of the global population. Recent studies show that periodontal disease has strong negative impact on the homeostasis of the oral cavity but has also been associated with several systemic diseases. Although some correlation mechanisms between periodontitis and certain systemic disease have been described further extensive investigations are needed to establish causality. Periodontitis could be involved in the onset and progression of some types of cancers, especially oral cancer due to chronic inflammation. The release of citokines and inflammatory markers at a local level and in the blood stream can disregulate the variables of the body and can be directly involved in the mechanim of tumorigenesis. Another hypothesis relies on the role of disbiosis of the oral microbiome and the structural and functional alterations of the subgingival flora which define periodontitis in the oral cancer development. The prevalence of oral cancer is very high and continous increase at an alarming rate globally. The rapid progression and aggressive behavior of oral cancer, the high mortality rate, the comorbidities and negative effect on the quality of life after cancer treatment but most importantly the low survival rate on the long term highlight the need to supress all the potential risk factors in order to prevent this disease. Periodontal status evaluation and periodontal therapy should be initiated in patients undergoing cancer therapy in order to lower the risk of complications associated with radiation- and chemotherapy. Also on the long run treatment of periodontal disease could prevent the development of a new oropharyngial carcinoma.
The prevalence of dento-maxillary disharmony with dental crowding in Craiova area in infants aged 6 to 14-15
Authors:   Disciplina de Ortodonţie, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie, Craiova, Dascălu Ionela Teodora , Ţîrcă Tiberiu ,   Disciplina de Morfologie şi Semiologie a Sistemului Stomatognat, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie, Craiova, Stanciu Adina Magdalena ,   Disciplina de Prevenţie Oro-Dentară, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie, Craiova, Coleş Evantia ,   Disciplina de Tehnologie a Protezelor Dentare, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie, Craiova, Mărăşescu Felicia ,   Disciplina de Ortodonţie, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie, Craiova, Gheorghiţă Lelia Mihaela ,   Disciplina de Endodonţie, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie, Craiova, Mărăşescu Petre ,   Disciplina de Tehnologie a Protezelor Dentare, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie, Craiova, Nicola Andreea Gabriela ,   Disciplina de Prevenţie Oro-Dentară, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie, Craiova, Funieru Cristian ,   Disciplina de Prevenţie Oro-Dentară, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti
Published: August 2021

The dento-maxillary disharmony with crowding is defined in the specialized literature as a mismatch between the mesio-dental dimension of permanent teeth and the alveolo-dental arches. We identified the prevalence of dento-maxillary disharmony with crowding to a group of 1,188 children from Craiova, aged 6 to 14/15. The research based on two age groups: 6 to 10 and 11 to 14/15 year-old boys and girls. We found a prevalence of 28.37% of dento-maxillary disharmonies with crowding.
Specific aspects of the dental restorative treatments in premolars
Authors:   Disciplina de Odontoterapie Restauratoare, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, Gheorghiu Irina-Maria , Perlea Paula ,   Disciplina de Endodonţie, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, Iliescu Alexandru A. ,   Disciplina de Reabilitare Orală, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Craiova, Scărlătescu Sânziana ,   Disciplina de Endodonţie, Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, Temelcea Anca-Nicoleta ,   Disciplina de Tehnică Dentară, Facultatea de Moaşe şi Asistenţă Medicală, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti
Published: August 2021

This article reviews the therapeutic approaches of the premolars and highlights the special aspects of the dental restorative treatments in premolars. The direct restoration of the coronal hard tissues loss in premolars is conditioned by several aspects involved, such as: topographic localization on the dental arches, aesthetical requirements, the association of different coronal dental lesions. A characteristic aspect of the premolars direct resin composite restorations is the phenomenon of cuspal flexure; the causes, consequences, as well as the ways of its prevention are presented in the article.
The unexploited potential of medical databases used in dentistry
Authors:   Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, Mateiaş Claudia-Gabriela , Babiuc Iuliana ,   Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, Farcaşiu Alexandru-Titus ,   Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, Păuna Mihaela ,   Facultatea de Medicină Dentară, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti
Published: August 2021

Electronic databases used in dentistry are mainly found in electronic medical records held by dentists. Paper is still used in most clinics and institutions, but, with the digital revolution, it will be gradually replaced by electronic methods of storing information. There is, on the other hand, an unexploited part of electronic health records: they can be used in epidemiology studies, for the creation of decision support systems and in a new branch of medicine, in teledentistry. This paper presents, in short, the different possibilities of using medical databases in different contexts and proposes a modern aproach of solving the problems.
Thyroid Hormone Profile and Its Prognostic Impact on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Korean Patients
Authors: Ahn Jiyeon , Lee Min Kyung , Lee Jae Hyuk , Sohn Seo Young
Published: August 2021

Background: Data on the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and thyroid have been reported, including overt thyrotoxicosis and suppression of thyroid function. We aimed to evaluate the thyroid hormone profile and its association with the prognosis of COVID-19 in Korean patients.Methods: The clinical data of 119 patients with COVID-19, admitted in the Myongji Hospital, Goyang, South Korea, were retrospectively evaluated. The thyroid hormone profiles were analyzed and compared based on disease severity (non-severe disease vs. severe to critical disease). Clinical outcomes were analyzed according to the tertiles of thyroid hormones.Results: Of the 119 patients, 76 (63.9%) were euthyroid, and none presented with overt thyroid dysfunction. Non-thyroidal illness syndrome was the most common manifestation (18.5%), followed by subclinical thyrotoxicosis (14.3%) among patients with thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels were significantly lower in patients with severe to critical disease than in those with non-severe disease (P<0.05). Patients in the lowest T3 tertile (<0.77 ng/mL) had higher rates of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit admission, and death than those in the middle and highest (>1.00 ng/mL) T3 tertiles (P<0.05). COVID-19 patients in the lowest T3 tertile were independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 5.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 25.32; P=0.038) compared with those in the highest T3 tertile.Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction is common in COVID-19 patients. Changes in serum TSH and T3 levels may be important markers of disease severity in COVID-19. Decreased T3 levels may have a prognostic significance in COVID-19 related outcome.
MIT SPR spreads its wings in Volume II
Authors: Petri Yana
Published: August 2021

The MIT Science Policy Review (MIT SPR) has established itself as a crucial platform for fostering open dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and the public on current science-policy issues. Volume II of the journal explores a range of topics including quantum technology, space debris, and mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, while also featuring interviews with prominent scientists and perspectives from young contributors.
Preventing the next pandemic
Authors: Matzko Michelle E. , Floryan Marie , Loyo Christian L. , O'Leary Colin N. , Stout Alison E.
Published: August 2021

Scientists have increasingly sounded the alarm about insufficient global pandemic preparedness, messaging which has appropriately escalated in the past two decades after the SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome), MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome), and Ebola outbreaks [1]. This global lack of readiness was revealed during the most recent COVID-19 pandemic via slow threat recognition, early mixed public health messaging, supply chain disruptions, and vaccine rollout challenges [2]. This article reviews how pandemic pathogens originate and describes methods of early pathogen detection. It also details how multi-level interventions such as public health messaging, widespread accessible testing, and international cooperation, including funding, are critical tools for mitigating the spread of disease. Finally, we discuss how advancements in biotechnology help counter widespread outbreaks, including the use of early molecular diagnostics, application of therapeutics, and the development of “plug and play” vaccines. The world demands early and strong preparation to prevent the next pandemic.
On the (Mis)Interpretation of the Scattering Polarization Signatures in the Ca ii 8542 Å Line through Spectral Line Inversions
Authors: Centeno Rebecca , de la Cruz Rodríguez Jaime , del Pino Alemán Tanausú
Published: August 2021

Scattering polarization tends to dominate the linear polarization signals of the Ca ii 8542 Å line in weakly magnetized areas (B ≲ 100 G), especially when the observing geometry is close to the limb. In this paper, we evaluate the degree of applicability of existing non-LTE spectral line inversion codes (which assume that the spectral line polarization is due to the Zeeman effect only) at inferring the magnetic field vector and, particularly, its transverse component. To this end, we use the inversion code STiC to extract the strength and orientation of the magnetic field from synthetic spectropolarimetric data generated with the Hanle-RT code. The latter accounts for the generation of polarization through scattering processes as well as the joint actions of the Hanle and the Zeeman effects. We find that, when the transverse component of the field is stronger than ∼80 G, the inversion code is able to retrieve accurate estimates of the transverse field strength as well as its azimuth in the plane of the sky. Below this threshold, the scattering polarization signatures become the major contributors to the linear polarization signals and often mislead the inversion code into severely over- or underestimating the field strength. Since the line-of-sight component of the field is derived from the circular polarization signal, which is not affected by atomic alignment, the corresponding inferences are always good.
Spatial Decorrelation of Young Stars and Dense Gas as a Probe of the Star Formation–Feedback Cycle in Galaxies
Authors: Semenov Vadim A. , Kravtsov Andrey V. , Gnedin Nickolay Y.
Published: August 2021

The spatial decorrelation of dense molecular gas and young stars observed on ≲1 kpc scales in nearby galaxies indicates rapid dispersal of star-forming regions by stellar feedback. We explore the sensitivity of this decorrelation to different processes controlling the structure of the interstellar medium, the abundance of molecular gas, star formation, and feedback in a suite of simulations of an isolated dwarf galaxy with structural properties similar to NGC 300 that self-consistently model radiative transfer and molecular chemistry. Our fiducial simulation reproduces the magnitude of decorrelation and its scale dependence measured in NGC 300, and we show that this agreement is due to different aspects of feedback, including H2 dissociation, gas heating by the locally variable UV field, early mechanical feedback, and supernovae. In particular, early radiative and mechanical feedback affects the correlation on ≲100 pc scales, while supernovae play a significant role on ≳ 100 pc scales. The correlation is also sensitive to the choice of the local star formation efficiency per free fall time, ϵ
ff, which provides a strong observational constraint on ϵ
ff when the global star formation rate is independent of its value. Finally, we explicitly show that the degree of correlation between the peaks of molecular gas and star formation density is directly related to the distribution of the lifetimes of star-forming regions.
On the Origin of the Multi-GeV Photons from the Closest Burst with Intermediate Luminosity: GRB 190829A
Authors: Fraija N. , Veres P. , Beniamini P. , Galvan-Gamez A. , Metzger B. D. , Barniol Duran R. , Becerra R. L.
Published: August 2021

Very high energy (VHE) emission is usually interpreted in the synchrotron self-Compton scenario and expected from the low-redshift and high-luminosity gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), such as GRB 180720B and GRB 190114C. Recently, the H.E.S.S. telescopes reported VHE emission from one of the closest bursts, GRB 190829A, which was associated with the supernova 2019oyw. In this paper, we present a temporal and spectral analysis from optical bands to the Fermi-LAT energy range over multiple observational periods beginning after the trigger time and extending for almost 3 months. We show that the X-ray and optical observations are consistent with synchrotron forward-shock emission evolving between the characteristic and cooling spectral breaks during the early and late afterglow in a uniform-density medium. Modeling the light curves together with the spectral energy distribution, we show that the outflow expanded with an initial bulk Lorentz factor of Γ ∼ 30, which is high for low-luminosity GRBs and low for high-luminosity GRBs. The values of the initial bulk Lorentz factor and the isotropic-equivalent energy suggest that GRB 190829A is an intermediate-luminosity burst; consequently, it becomes the first burst of this class to be detected in the VHE gamma-ray band by an imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope and, in turn, the first event to not be simultaneously observed by the Fermi-LAT instrument. Analyzing the intermediate-luminosity bursts with z ≲ 0.2, such as GRB 130702A, we show that bursts with intermediate luminosities are potential candidates to be detected in VHEs.
Photospheric Radius Expansion and a Double-peaked Type-I X-Ray Burst from GRS 1741.9–2853
Authors: Pike Sean N. , Harrison Fiona A. , Tomsick John A. , Bachetti Matteo , Buisson Douglas J. K. , García Javier A. , Jiang Jiachen , Ludlam R. M. , Madsen Kristin K.
Published: August 2021

We present an analysis of two type-I X-ray bursts observed by NuSTAR originating from the very faint transient neutron star (NS) low-mass X-ray binary GRS 1741.9–2853 during a period of outburst in 2020 May. We show that the persistent emission can be modeled as an absorbed, Comptonized blackbody in addition to Fe Kα emission, which can be attributed to relativistic disk reflection. We measure a persistent bolometric, unabsorbed luminosity of

L

bol

=

7.03

−
0.05

+
0.04

×

10

36

erg

s

−
1

, assuming a distance of 7 kpc, corresponding to an Eddington ratio of 4.5%. This persistent luminosity combined with light-curve analysis leads us to infer that the bursts were the result of pure He burning rather than mixed H/He burning. Time-resolved spectroscopy reveals that the bolometric flux of the first burst exhibits a double-peaked structure, placing the source within a small population of accreting NSs that exhibit multiple-peaked type-I X-ray bursts. We find that the second, brighter burst shows evidence for photospheric radius expansion (PRE) and that at its peak, this PRE event had an unabsorbed bolometric flux of

F

peak

=

2.94

−
0.26

+
0.28

×

10

−
8

erg

cm

−
2

s

−
1

. This yields a new distance estimate of d = 9.0 ± 0.5 kpc, assuming that this corresponds to the Eddington limit for pure He burning on the surface of a canonical NS. Additionally, we performed a detailed timing analysis that failed to find evidence for quasi-periodic oscillations or burst oscillations, and we place an upper limit of 16% on the rms variability around 589 Hz, the frequency at which oscillations have previously been reported.