Category Archives: Original Research

Chromoendoscopy and Magnification for the Evaluation of the Intragastric Extent of Atrophic Gastritis and Intestinal Metaplasia

Boeriu Alina1, Dobru Daniela1, Pascarenco Ofelia2, Mocan Simona3, Onișor Danusia2

1 Internal Medicine VII, Gastroenterology Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
2 Gastroenterology Clinic, County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
3 Department of Pathology, County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania

Introduction: The detection of intragastric extent and progression of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are mandatory in order to quantify the risk of development of the gastric cancer. The aim of the study is to assess the clinical value of magnifying endoscopy and chromoendoscopy in the evaluation of the intragastric extent of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia.
Material and methods: We performed magnifying chromoendoscopy with methylene blue and we identified modified patterns corresponding to premalignant gastric lesions. We studied the intragastric extent of these lesions. Biopsy specimens were taken from modified areas in order to confirm the presence of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia.
Results: We identified specific pit patterns for atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. In 21 patients (30%) these lesions were confined to gastric antrum. In 7 cases (17.5%), lesions were extended in gastric corpus. These patients were selected for further endoscopic surveillance.
Conclusions: Magnifying endoscopy and chromoendoscopy allow the detection of intragastric extent of intestinal metaplasia and atrophic gastritis. This could help to a better selection of patients for surveillance endoscopy.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full text: PDF

A Comparison of Periodontal Health Status in Smoker, Former Smoker and Non-Smoker Patients

Benedek (Bukhari) Csilla1, Kovács Mónika1, Pop M1, Székely Melinda2, Dénes Hanga3, Miklós Zsuzsanna4

1 Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania
2 Department of Morphology of Teeth and Dental Arches, Technology of Dental Prosthesis and Dental Materials, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania
3 Dentist, S.C. Sanodent S.R.L., Cluj-Napoca, Romania
4 5th year student, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania

Objective: The aim of this case-control study was to assess the smoker, former smoker and non-smoker patients’ periodontal status.
Methods: The study was based on a clinical examination of 80 patients (46 female, 34 male) from Tîrgu-Mureș, aged between 16 and 78 years, who were questioned about their smoking habits and oral hygiene. Patients were classified in four groups: non-smokers, former smokers, occasional- and active smokers. The clinical examination evaluated the dental calculus index, papilla bleeding index, Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), probing depth and gingival recession. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson`s chi-square test.
Results: Statistically significant association between active smokers and non-smokers was found comparing the mean values of the papilla bleeding index and of the depth of periodontal pockets (p=0.0001). No statistically significant differences between active- and non-smokers were found regarding the dental calculus index (p=0.5483). Most of the active smokers (55%) and occasional smokers (65%) smoke less than 5 years. 60% of the active smokers and 35% of the occasional smokers tried to quit smoking.
Conclusions: In our study, most of the typical indicators for periodontal disease showed significantly increased values in investigated smokers compared to non-smokers. The results call for relevant measures for smoking prevention and cessation in Tîrgu-Mureș

Keywords: , , ,
Full text: PDF

Morphological Changes of the Fetal Hip Joint and Their Effect on the Stability of the Joint During Its Intrauterine Development

Baróti Beáta1, Pánti Z2, Pap Zsuzsanna3, Dénes L3, Pávai Z3

1 Department of Radiology and Imaging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania
2 Student, GM 5th year, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania
3 Department of Anatomy and Embryology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania

Background: Hip joint dislocation and dysplasia are frequent congenital malformations with a multifactorial etiology with a major role played by intrauterine mechanical forces during development. Our aim was to define the surface of the femur and acetabulum, and to study the changes in geometrical parameters and the relationships between them during development.
Material and method: In this study we dissected the hip joints of 10 post-mortem fetuses. Fetal age was determined using crown-rump length (CRL) (min. 8.5 cm, max. 30 cm). Then we performed morphological and geometrical measurements on the articular components. We calculated the area of the articular surfaces, then determined the femoral head coverage and compared the antetorsion (AT) of the femur with the AT of the acetabulum.
Results: in the 3 months fetus the surface areas of the femur and acetabulum are almost identical, the femoral head coverage is maximal, and later with age progression the head coverage decreases, as its growth is more intense than that of the acetabulum. During development the increase of femoral AT determines the increase of the acetabular AT.
Conclusions: The decrease in femoral head coverage during development results in a decrease in articular stability. The femoral head’s position and compression plays an important role in the development of the acetabulum.

Keywords: , ,
Full text: PDF

The Prognostic Impact of the Karyotype in Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Bănescu Claudia1, Benedek I2, Duicu Carmen3, Demian Smaranda4, Macarie I4, Voidăzan S5, Dobreanu Minodora6

1 Department of Genetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
2 Hematology Clinic 2, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
3 Pediatric Clinic, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
4 Hematology Clinic 1, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
5 Department of Epidemiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
6 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania

Background and Objective: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), is characterized by uncontrolled precursor lymphocyte proliferation. Chromosomal abnormalities have been found in 60–85% of ALL patients. The aim of our work was to determine the chromosomal abnormalities and to evaluate the prognostic value of cytogenetic findings in a cohort of ALL patients.
Method: The study included 36 patients with ALL from Hematology Clinics Tg. Mures, Romania. Cytogenetic analyses were done on bone marrow cultures according to standard methods.
Results: We identified 22 cases (71%) with cytogenetic abnormalities. In our study, the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities was 50% in children and 85% in adults. The most common clonal karyotype aberration in ALL patients was numerical chromosomal abnormalities, detected in 62% of cases. Structural chromosomal abnormalities were found in 38% of our cases and were represented by translocations and deletions. We included our patients in different cytogenetic risk groups: 2 patients in low cytogenetic risk group, 23 in intermediate cytogenetic risk and 6 in severe cytogenetic risk group. We did not find a statistically significant difference in the median overall survival (OS) between the three cytogenetic risk groups (p = 0.863).There was a significantly better OS in patients who had a normal karyotype compared to those who had chromosomal abnormalities (p = 0.008).
Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of cytogenetic analysis as an important prognostic factor in ALL

Keywords: , ,
Full text: PDF

Simultaneous Determination of Atorvastatin and Amlodipine in Industrial Tablets by Apparent Content Curve and HPLC Methods

Imre Silvia, Kacsó Klára, Muntean Daniela-Lucia

Department of Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2013-0010

Introduction: This study proposes the simultaneous determination of atorvastatin and amlodipine in industrial tablets by a quantitative spectrophotometric method, named the apparent content curve method, test method, and by an HPLC method with UV detection as reference method.
Materials and methods: A synthetic mixture and two fixed medicinal combinations containing amlodipine and atorvastatin were investigated by the apparent content curve method, a simple and relatively inexpensive UV-VIS spectrophotometric method based on a mathematical approach derived from the Lambert-Beer law. The results were compared with those obtained by an HPLC method.
Results: A good correlation of the results was obtained, the difference between the pair results was not significant (p >0.05).
Conclusions: The proposed spectrophotometric method is an easier and cheaper alternative for the quantitative determination of amlodipine and atorvastatin in industrial fixed-dose combinations.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full text: PDF

Lower Lip Reconstruction Using Unilateral Nasolabial Gate Flap (Fujimori Technique)

Iacob Alina, Bögözi B

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, România

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2013-0009

Background: In the medical literature there are multiple reconstructive procedures for small and medium size defects of the lower lip, but only a few methods for larger defects involving the whole lower lip. Choosing the repairing procedure for larger lower lip defects must take into account two aspects: flap or flaps used should be local flaps, and suture lines should correspond to the natural facial creases or follow the functional lines of different facial aesthetic units. Finally, the flap or flaps should be large enough to restore the entire postexcisional defect.
However, the more tissue is lost from the lower lip, the more challenging the reconstruction is from a functional and cosmetic point of view.
Material and methods: During the last 2 years in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital in Tîrgu Mureş, the unilateral Fujimori technique has been successfully used for the reconstruction of large lower lip defects in 4 patients with extended, neglected squamous cell carcinomas involving almost the whole lower lip tissue. These patients underwent complex surgical and oncological treatment. Surgery was performed in two stages: first, excision of the tumor and immediate lip reconstruction, and then removal of submandibular lymph nodes (level I), in the second stage.
Results: The aesthetic and functional recovery of these patients was very good, with no need of other subsequent surgical corrections.
Conclusions: The postoperative reconstruction of large defects of the lower lip is far from optimal, but it is very important to restore an adequate muscle function, the lip continence and a satisfactory facial appearance.

Keywords: , , ,
Full text: PDF

Household Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Risk of Allergic Sensitization Among Children with Asthma

Căpîlna Brîndușa, Baghiu Maria Despina

Pediatric Clinic 1, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2013-0008

Background: Exposure to cigarette smoke is causing health problems, its components are known to possess carcinogenic, mutagenic, cytotoxic or irritant properties. Prevalence of smoking in pregnant women is between 17% and 35% worldwide. Passive smoking is identified as a factor with negative impact on health, and children are especially vulnerable. Children raised in families with smokers have a higher incidence of respiratory infections, recurrent wheezing, bronchitis, nocturnal cough and asthma. The aim of this study was determination of sensitization to various allergens in children exposed to cigarette smoke compared with children not exposed to cigarette smoke.
Material and method: One-hundred eighty children treated in Pediatric Clinic 1 of Tîrgu Mureș were included in the study between 2008–2011. The patients were divided into two groups: 50 children exposed to cigarette smoke and 130 children not exposed. Measurement of lung function was performed in children over 4 years using a spirometer. Serum specific IgE was analyzed to inhalatory and food allergens. Wheezing phenotype was determined in children younger than 4 years and exposure to cigarette smoke was evaluated based on parents’ responses to questionnaires.
Results: There was a significantly greater likelihood of developing sensitivity in children exposed to tobacco smoke than in those not exposed to dermatophagoides pteronissimus, dermatophagoides farinae, milk and grass pollen.
Conclusions: During early childhood both pre- and postnatal tobacco smoke exposure has an adjuvant effect on allergic sensitization inhalatory and food allergens.

Keywords: , ,
Full text: PDF

Serum Interleukin Profile in Patients with Graves Orbithopathy

Réti Zsuzsánna, Kun IZ, Radu Pop Corina Cristina

University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2013-0007

Background: Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is considered an autoimmune condition in close relationship with Graves’ disease (GD) affecting the thyroid. Several similarities exist between the two conditions, sharing the common antigen and the characteristics of the inflammation mediated by a number of cytokines. The result of the immune reactions will lead to the expansion of adipose tissue, production of glycosaminoglycans and soft tissue inflammation.
Material and methods: In our study we examined the serum level of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in correlation with the activity of disease and smoking habits in 25 patients with GD and GO.
Results: We found that smokers had higher serum IL-6 and lower serum MCP-1, IL-8 and TNF-α level compared to non-smokers. Also, we found a weak positive correlation between serum IL-10, IFN-γ and disease activity (clinical activity score, CAS) and negative correlation between serum IL-1 and activity.
Conclusion: Our findings support the fact that some cytokines (IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-1) play a role in active disease, while others are influenced by environmental factors, such as smoking (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α). The discrepancy of cytokine profiles may reflect different patient characteristics, such as disease stage and disease activity and determination of serum cytokines would be useful in selecting patients who need more aggressive treatment protocols.

Keywords: , , ,
Full text: PDF

Research Concerning the Correlations Between Urinary Tract Infections and Congenital Malformations of the Renourinary System

Moréh Zsuzsanna, Voicu Lucia Sanda

Department of Pediatry 2, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2013-0006

Introduction: Congenital malformations of the urinary system are risk factors for the development of urinary tract infections (UTI). Besides the severity of the malformation, urinary infection is always associated with poor prognosis for these patients. Late discovery of the malformation background, after several urinary tract infection episodes, contributes to the development of chronic pyelonephritis that may lead to chronic renal failure.
Material and method: The study involved patients with renal and urinary tract congenital malformations treated at the Pediatric Nephrology Department from Tîrgu Mureș over a period of 6 years, who associated urinary tract infection.
Results: Out of the total of 432 patients with congenital malformations of the urinary system, 270 had had at least one or several episode(s) of urinary tract infections in their medical history. Vesico-ureteral reflux and obstructive lesions of the urinary tract were most frequently associated with urinary infections. During the time when no ultrasound screening had been performed, the malformation background was usually diagnosed at the time of the first urinary infection episodes.
onclusions: The incidence of urinary tract infections in patients with renal and urinary tract congenital malformations depends on the type of the underlying malformation, and the time of diagnosis of the malformation background. Prevention of irreversible complications requires early diagnosis of the urinary system malformations that can be performed through ultrasound screening in the neonatal period.

Keywords: , ,
Full text: PDF

Aesthetic Principles of the Upper Front Teeth: Application of Golden Proportion (Levin) and Golden Percentage (Snow)

Markovics Emese Rita1, Jánosi Kinga1, Biriș Carmen1, Cerghizan Diana1, Horga C1, Bögözi B2, Iacob Alina2

1 Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Oral Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania
2 Department of Oro-Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2013-0005

Objective: The objective of our work is to examine the presence of the much-discussed golden proportion provided by Levin, and of the golden percentage (Snow), on the widths of maxillary anterior teeth, by measurements made on digital images.
Material and method: The material of this study consists of digital photographs taken of subjects with natural and esthetic teeth. We took photos of 68 subjects (35 women and 33 men), between 19 and 26 years. Using a computer program, we made the necesarry measurements, then we made the appropriate calculations of the above theories.
Results: The golden proportion between the lateral and central incisor occurs in a higher proportion than between the canine and the lateral incisor. The values obtained by analyzing the golden proportion differ slightly from those proposed by Snow.
Conclusions: The frequency of the golden proportion is not significant for the groups of teeth mentioned. With small modifications and taking into consideration ethnic differences, Snow’s golden percentage is more valid and applicable than Levin’s golden proportion is.

Keywords: , ,
Full text: PDF