Systemic inflammation factors as survival prognosis markers in ovarian neoplasm and the relationship with cancer-associated inflammatory mediators-a review

At the level of the genital system, ovarian neoplasm is the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality. In the specialized literature, the coexistence of an inflammatory process is admitted from the early stages of the evolution of this pathology. Starting from the importance of this process, both in determinism and in the evolution of carcinogenesis and summarizing the field of knowledge, for this study we considered two objectives: the first was the presentation of the pathogenic mechanism, through which chronic +ovarian inflammation is involved in the process of carcinogenesis, and the second is the justification of the clinical utility of the three parameters, accepted as biomarkers of systemic inflammation: neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio in the assessment of prognosis. The study highlights the acceptance of these hematological parameters, with practical utility, as prognostic biomarkers in ovarian cancer, based on the intrinsic link with cancer-associated inflammatory mediators. Based on the data from the specialized literature, the conclusion is that in ovarian cancer, the inflammatory process induced by the presence of the tumor, induces changes in the types of circulating leukocytes, with immediate effects on the markers of systemic inflammation.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Platelets-to-lymphocyte (PLR) Ratio in Patients with Exacerbation of Bronchiectasis

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR) are novel inflammatory markers used in evaluation of systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of NLR and PLR as inflammatory markers in patients with exacerbation of bronchiectasis. 100 patients with age between 23 and 88 years old with chest CT documentated bronchiectasis were included. Blood test were collected at admission in the hospital. There was a good correlation between classical markers such as CRP, ESR, white blood cells and NLR. PLR, however correlated only with ESR from the inflammatory markers and with the values og hemoglobin and hematocrit. We did not see higher values in patients with COPD and bronchiectasis when compared with patients with bronchiectasis alone, howevere patients with COPD GOLD stage 2 and bronchiectasis had higher values of NLR and PLR when compared with other stages. NLR, more than PLR can be safley used in evaluating inflammation in patients with exacerbation of bronchiectasis.

Morphometry of the Placental Vessels

The morphometry of the placental vessels was studied on a number of 51 normal term placentas, using plastic injection (Technovit 7143), followed by sodium hydroxide corrosion. In 51 cases, we found the diameter of the umbilical vein between 6.2-10.5 mm, most commonly, in 54.90% of cases, finding it between 8.0-8.6 mm. The trunk of the umbilical vein arised from a number of 2-4 branches, most commonly, in 41.18% of cases, being made of 2 branches. We observed the umbilical arteries on a number of 42 cases. The diameter of the umbilical artery 1, was between 2.5-6.0 mm, most frequently, in 45.24% of cases, having a diameter between 4.0-4.9 mm. The ratio between the diameter of the umbilical artery 1 and the diameter of the corresponding venous trunk was most commonly between 50.0-58.82%. The diameter of the umbilical artery 2, was between 3.0-8.5 mm, most frequently, in 53.66% of cases, having a diameter between 4.0-4.8 mm. The ratio between the diameter of the umbilical artery 2 and the diameter of the corresponding venous trunk, was most commonly between 40.0-46.51%, in one case, the diameter of the umbilical artery 2 was equal to the diameter of the venous trunk. Comparing the diameters of the two umbilical arteries on 41 placentas, we found in 56.10% of cases, the diameter of the umbilical artery 2 was larger then the diameter of the umbilical artery 1 by 0.2-2.5 mm and in 39.02% of cases, the diameter of the umbilical artery 1 was larger then the diameter of the umbilical artery 2 by 0.1-0.9 mm. In 8.20% of cases the umbilical arteries had the same diameter.

Lung Body Plethysmography: From Functional to Clinical Aspects for Prediction of Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Obstruction

We analyze the lung function using advanced measurement (body plethysmography) and standard measurement (spirometry) in stable COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) patients. Subjects and methods: 211 patients with stable COPD (88.6% males) age 61�5 years (mean � standard deviation), exsmokers 78.7%, underwent to: body pletysmography , spirometry, electrocardiography. Parameters obtained: residual volume (RV), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), were correlated with different parameters and also for prediction of quality of life in COPD patients. In assessing the quality of life we used the St. George�s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). According to BMI (body mass index) we classify patients in four groups: 1. underweight ([ 20, n = 34), 2. normal weight (20-24, n = 79), 3. overweight (25-29.9, n = 58), 4. obese ( ]30, n = 40), n = number of patients.

The Evolution of Measles in Romania Between 2016 and 2018. A comprehesive overview

Measles is an ever-growing threat, a major public health issue, being responsible for a large number of deaths, especially in children. This paper aims to study all cases of measles in Romanian hospitals, cases reported by National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest on a two year period of time; the study focuses on frequency and pattern territorial distribution of cases, temporal evolution, complication rates and the social pressure the such an infectious disease is putting onto the national health system. Data gathered shows a total number of 2,985 for 2016, 10,181 for 2017 and 8,364 for the entire 2018, with a grand total of 21,530 patients analyzed by our study. The analysis clearly shows, on one hand, a descending rate in vaccination coverage, compared with the national assigned target and, on the other hand, a continuous drop in vaccination rates with the first dose of Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR), both being in equal manner dangerous situations for the entire health system in Romania.

The Characteristics of Microbiome in Newborns and Children and the Effects of Antibiotic Use

The acquisition of the infant�s microbiota is a vastly researched subject and of high interest. As more information is gathered, scientists prove the link between an unbalanced microbiome and certain afflictions. Antibiotics are widely used drugs and one of the factors that can shape the composition of the infant�s gut bacterial colonization. In this paper we aim to present the natural history of the child�s microbiome and the way it can be influenced by the use of antibiotics.

Neuroactive Molecules in the Etiology of Postpartum Depression. An overview

Postpartum depression is a serious and frequent condition that affects a significant proportion of new mothers in developed countries. Despite its high prevalence and proven deleterious outcomes for both mother and child, there remains an increasing need to expand our knowledge regarding new methods that ensure the discovery of at-risk patients. Many theories have been developed over the years, mainly focusing on hormonal imbalances that occur after childbirth. This review has the purpose to analyze the existing literature and to summarize the latest findings on neuroactive molecules which may predict postpartum depression in new mothers.

Maternal Iodine Deficiency and Late Outcomes in Child�s Development

Iodine is a fundamental component of thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroid hormones which are essential for the natural growth and development of the child. Pregnant women are required to generate higher amounts of thyroid hormones in order to meet both their own and their children�s needs, therefore iodine intake should be enhanced by over 50% during this period. The normal neurodevelopment of the fetus is made possible through sufficient amounts of T3 available in the fetal brain, which are derived from the mother�s own free T4. Low levels of maternal free T4 that can be witnessed in iodine deficiency contribute to the poor neurodevelopment of the fetus. The most severe outcome of maternal iodine deficiency is, without doubt, cretinism. This review is therefore meant to highlight the necessity for more rigorous investigations into the extent and importance of maternal iodine deficiency in the child�s development.

Serum Interleukin 4 and 6 Levels Measured Using the ELISA Method in Patients with Acquired Bronchiectasis Compared to Healthy Subjects. An anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory relation

Evaluation of the inflammatory response based on the Interleukin 4 and Interleukin 6 levels in patients with acquired bronchiectasis (non-cystic fibrosis) and healthy controls. The study was conducted on a group of 77 subjects, divided into 2 lots: the first lot consisting of 57 patients with acquired bronchiectasis objectified by Computed Tomography and 20 healthy individuals. The serum Interleukins 4 and 6 levels were measured using the ELISA biochemical spectrophotometry test. The results are significant from a statistical point of view, especially when it comes to the mean value of Interleukin 4 that was much higher in the control lot. Interleukin 4 is a proinflammatory cytokine and therefore we can draw the conclusion that to some extent bronchiectasis can be associated with an immunodeficiency disorder prior to the pathology itself or it can be caused by the pathology. Future research is open in this field for the analysis of interleukin levels in bronchioloalveolar lavage compared to serum levels.

Influence of Various Carbon Sources on Growth and Biomass Accumulation of Some Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are among the most important group of bacteria, with a critical role in food, pharmaceutical and medical industry. The fast-growing characteristics of LAB strains, their metabolic activity associated with production of many beneficial compounds and most of all, their GRAS status (Generally Recognized As Safe) recommends them as starter cultures for food biotechnology processes. During last decades, LAB strains have also an extensive prophylactic or therapeutic use as probiotics. Due to the fact that there are current limitations in the use of standard MRS media (de Man Rogosa Sharpe), which is selective especially for lactobacilli and enterococci, the aim of the present study was to optimize the growth medium composition for isolating a wide range of LAB strains with biotechnological potential and to improve the biomass accumulation. For this purpose, it has been evaluated the growth of Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus ATCC� 9595�, Streptococcus (S.) salivarius subsp. thermophilus ATCC� 19258�, Pediococcus (P.) acidilactici ATCC� 8042�, Lactococcus (L.) lactis 28 and Enterococcus (E.) faecium FFb CMGB L-18 on MRS broth with various carbon sources (glucose, lactose, galactose, maltose, mannose, ribose, arabinose, sucrose, fructose). The results of the study showed that there are interesting differences in the requirements of each analyzed species. The optimization of standard medium composition will be very useful for growth studies as well as metabolic flux studies.

The Possible Serum Complex-Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis of Diastolic Dysfunction with Preserved Systolic Function

The present study looks at serum concentration levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and high-sensibility C Reactive Protein (hs-PCR) concentrations in 91 patients who presented thoracic pain localised on the sub-clavicular left side, which bothered them several times a day, where an episode lasted up to 30 minutes. Additional preclinical investigations revealed normal resting state/effort electrocardiograms, and the cardiac ultrasound revealed a diastolic cardiac dysfunction with a conserved ejection fraction. The conclusion of our study is that undertaking the exploratory tetrad (electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, serum dosage of MPO and hs-PCR) in patients who present anterior left pain, regardless of the degree of intensity, allows stratifying risks, at least through early detection of an existent diastolic cardiac dysfunction with conserved ejection fraction, which recommends changes in diet and lifestyle along with therapy.

Nitrous Oxide - a Viable and Modern Alternative for Inhalation Analgesia in Labor

Pain in labor is an important factor in establishing the prognosis of birth and the quality of the conception product, painful uterine contractions being the main physical and psychological stress factor for the pregnant woman that can be decisive for the birth plan. In the management of labor, individualized analgesic therapy is needed to ensure anesthetic comfort as well as cooperation of the pregnant woman in the last part of labor. Analgesia is not supposed to interfere with the mechanisms that are essential during the expulsion, namely with the intensity and duration of the uterine contraction. The last two decades have consecrated natural birth with controlled pain, which allowed the keeping of a limited incidence of caesarean surgery, attitude recommended by the World Health Organization. However, in Romania the trend towards caesarean births has spiked, including due to little promotion of analgesic techniques for natural birth. One of the most used techniques of analgesia, administration of nitrous oxide - N2O and oxygen - O2 50-50% gaseous mixture represents a viable possibility of pain modulation. Our paper is a descriptive study, examining objective changes of pain perception in a sample of pregnant women with low obstetrical risk, aiming to analyze the quality of analgesia offered by the N2O and O2 50-50% gaseous mixture.

PON-1, Possible Biomarker for Diagnosis But Also for Risk in Diastolic Dysfunction with Preserved Ejection Fraction

The determined values of paraoxonase-1 serum concentration in 91 patients with cardiac insufficiency with a preserved ejection fraction with etiology of ischemic cardiopathy showed that this as an antioxidant enzyme may be accepted as a diagnostic biomarker, the assessment of the response to therapy, but also risk in this condition. Reporting circulating values of isozyme to the sex of patients revealed a very good correlation for males, which would confer PON1 specificity of sex to such a condition.