Category Archives: Number

The effect of postprandial in vivo and experimental in vitro hyperlipidemia on human peripheral blood monocytes

Ion Bogdan Manescu1, Mariuca Manescu1, Elena Cristina Preda2, Doina Ramona Manu1, Minodora Dobreanu1,3

1. George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania
2. County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Targu Mureș, Romania
3. Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, Targu-Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2022-0026

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of transient postprandial in vivo and prolonged experimental in vitro hyperlipidemia on human peripheral blood monocytes.
Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from seven healthy subjects after an overnight fast and three hours after a standardized high-fat meal. Both fasting and postprandial samples were stained for surface markers CD14/CD11b and intracellular lipids using BODIPY493/503. Postprandial samples only were used for isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells that were further incubated overnight with postprandial hyperlipidemic autologous plasma, then stained as described above. All samples were analyzed on a FACSAria III flow cytometer.
Results: Flow cytometric analysis revealed two monocyte populations (CD14+): CD14low and CD14high. In fasting, these populations show similar morphology (FSC/SSC), but different expressions of CD14, CD11b, and BODIPY493/503. At three hours postprandially, a moment of maximum hyperlipidemia, neither population suffered significant changes. After the 24-hour incubation, cell activation was observed in both populations: similar fold change increase in SSC, increase in FSC for CD14high cells only, similar foldchange increase in CD14, slightly higher foldchange increase in CD11b for CD14low monocytes, and significantly higher foldchange increase in lipid content for CD14high monocytes. CD14high monocytes appear to undergo a more intense activation than CD14low monocytes.
Conclusions: We conclude that all monocytes react after prolonged in vitro exposure to plasma lipids, each subset having its own activation pattern. All monocyte types may play a role in inflammation and the development of plaques. Monocyte assays are a valuable tool for the investigation of atherosclerosis at the cellular level.

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Artificial intelligence based model for establishing the histopathological diagnostic of the cutaneous basal cell carcinoma

Andrei Calin Dragomir1, Iuliu Gabriel Cocuz1, Ovidiu Simion Cotoi2, Leonard Azamfirei3

1. George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania
2. Department of Pathophysiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania
3. Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2022-0020

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI), a component of computer science, has the ability to process the multitude of medical data existing in the medical system around the world. The goal of our study is to build an AI model, based on Machine Learning, capable of assisting pathologists around the world in the diagnosis of the basal cell carcinoma of the skin.
Material and Method: Our study is represented by the development of a Mask-RCNN (Mask Region-based Convolutional Neural Network) model, for the detection of cells with typical basal cell carcinoma tumoral changes. A number of 258 digitized histological images were used. The images emerged from Hematoxylin&Eosin stained pathology slides, diagnosed with cutaneous basal cell carcinoma between January 2018 and December 2021, at the Pathology Service of the Mureș County Clinical Hospital.
Results: All the used images have the unique resolution of 2560×1920 pixels. For the learning process, we divided these images into two datasets: the learning dataset, representing 80% of the total images; and the test dataset, representing 20% of the total images. The AI ​​model was trained using 1000 epochs with a learning rate of 0.00025 and only one classification category: basal cell carcinoma.
Conclusions: The AI model successfully identified in 85% of the cases the areas with pathological changes present in the input images.

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Cannabidiol in the context of sleeping disorders-induced oxidative stress

George Jîtcă, Bianca Eugenia Ősz, Carmen Maria Rusz, Amalia Pușcaș, Amelia Tero-Vescan, Mădălina Georgiana Bătrînu, Ruxandra Emilia Ștefănescu

George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2022-0023

Sleep disorders can be the result of psychiatric or neurological conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorders, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease. At the same time, changes in sleep, known as sleep disorders, are closely related to various metabolic dysfunctions, which in turn are the result of the generation of reactive oxygen species, or otherwise known as oxidative stress. For this reason, cannabinoid derivatives are increasingly used for this purpose. Among the most used are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These agents interact with the endogenous endocannabinoid system, either by direct action on specific receptors, or by increasing the availability of endocannabinoids, modifying particular mental states (anxiety, depression). The results of the studies specified in this article provide promising evidence regarding the positive effects of CBD, which extend beyond the scope of sleep disorders, with possible applications also in the case of the accumulation of reactive oxygen species.

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Digitally designed fixed dental prosthesis with stress breaking effect using non-rigid connector for pier abutment: A case report

Manu Rathee, Santhanam Divakar, Prachi Jain, Sandeep Singh, Sujata Chahal, Sarthak Singh Tomar

Department of Prosthodontics, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2022-0033

Rigid connectors between pontic and retainer are preferred way of fabricating fixed partial dentures for many decades as they provide desirable strength, retention and stability to the prosthesis. However, it is not ideal for cases such as lone-standing abutments (pier abutment), maligned teeth where occlusal stress can extrude the restoration. This may lead to marginal leakage and secondary caries on the abutment teeth. Conversely, it is recommended to use non-rigid connectors which act as a stress breaker, where the tensile stresses are concentrated on the surrounding bone and not on the connectors. With advancement in digital technology in dentistry, the non-rigid connectors can be fabricated using additive manufacturing technology. The present case report discusses the Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) designed fixed dental prosthesis with key and keyway (Tenon and Mortise) non-rigid connector for rehabilitation of pier abutment in maxillary posterior region.

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Alpha adrenergic receptors in clinical practice – Present and future

Patrick Lechsner, Erika-Gyongyi Ban

George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2022-0030

In this review we discuss the adrenergic pathways for alpha 1 and alpha 2 receptors and the current as well as potential future medication targeting these receptors. Overall, there is ongoing research into a multitude of directions with a promising outlook for alpha 1 and alpha 2 adrenergic receptors. The alpha 1-adrenergic receptor subfamily is currently modulating only a modest number of nervous system functions due the fact, that only a relatively small number of selective commercial products are available. Chronic stress can affect the long-term depression of alpha 1 receptors. Recent studies are searching for new molecular targets which might act on these receptors. Presynaptic alpha 2 receptors play an important role in modulating release of several neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. The future of alpha 2 adrenergic receptors in clinical practice looks even more promising and versatile than that of alpha 1 adrenergic receptors. Alpha 2 adrenergic receptors show different responses, especially regarding hypertension and heart failure treatment, and current research suggests a genetic component as a cause, which is being explored further.

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Nano-scale surface modification of dental implants – An emerging boon for osseointegration and biofilm control

Palekar Gouri Sachin, Ashita S. Uppoor, Sangeeta U. Nayak

Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2022-0029

Implant therapy is a commonly based method of replacing missing teeth. A range of physical, chemical, and biological modifications have been applied to the surface of titanium implants to improve their biological performance and osseointegration outcomes. Implant surface characteristics play an important function in several peri-implant cellular and molecular mechanisms. Clinicians are commonly placing dental implants with various surface roughness and modifications including plasma-sprayed, acid-etched, blasted, oxidized, hydroxyapatite-coated, or combinations of these procedures. Surface modifications are to facilitate early osseointegration and to ensure a long-term bone-to-implant contact without substantial marginal bone loss can be accomplished. It is apparent that different modifications have a range of beneficial effects, it is essential to consider at what time point and in what conditions these effects occur. This article reviews existing surface modification technologies of mainstream dental implants and the correlation between implant surface coatings and their performance of osseointegration or anti-bacterial ability it needs to be evaluated.

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An evaluation of concordance between linear measurements obtained from conventional, digital and reconstructed three-dimensional printed orthodontic models: an in vitro study

Shravan Shetty1, Srikant Natarajan2, Supriya Nambiar1, Prithvi Shetty3, Kavery Chengappa4, Mukul Shetty5

1. Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
2. Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
3. Department of Public Health Dentistry, A.J.Institute of Dental Sciences, N.H.17, Kuntikana, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
4. Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
5. Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences; NITTE Deemed to be University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2022-0028

Objective: To evaluate the potential use of digital and reconstructed three-dimensional printed models as an alternative to conventional plaster models by assessing the accuracy of their linear measurements.
Methodology: Pre-treatment plaster models of 45 patients were selected from the archives of the Department of Orthodontics. Each physical plaster model was scanned and digitized using a three-dimensional (3D) laser surface scanning system (inEOS X5, Dentsply Sirona, Bensheim, Germany). The scanned STL files were later used to reconstruct models by 3D printing using Figure4® standalone 3D printer (3D systems, Rock Hill, South Carolina). Measurements of teeth 11 and 16, the transverse width of the upper jaw between the first molars (MM – intermolar width) and canines (CC – intercanine width) were done manually using a digital vernier caliper (Mitutoyo, Kawasaki, Japan), and the CAD Assistant software (Open cascade, Guyancourt, France). Intra examiner data, Intraobserver variability, and measurement accuracy were evaluated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) analysis was done using SPSS 20.0.
Results: The intraclass correlation coefficients were >0.8 indicating high reproducibility and reliability. Significant differences were found between the physical and the digital models but to a small proportion which were deemed not clinically relevant.
Conclusion: Both the digital models and reconstructed three-dimensional printed models using Figure4® technology were clinically permissible in terms of accuracy and reproducibility. The digital storage, transmission, and treatment planning in an environmentally friendly manner should promote digital over conventional records.

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Single-plaque psoriasis: a single-clue diagnostic challenge

Luminita Emilia Decean1, Roxana Flavia Ilies2, Andreea Sasu3, Iulia Barsan4, Adriana Mihai1

1. George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania
2. Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
3. First Psychiatric Clinic, Targu Mures County Hospital, Romania.
4. Elitemed Anatomical Pathology Laboratory, Targu Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2022-0019

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic, common immune inflammatory condition of the skin, affecting 2-3% of the population, with regional variability. Classically, psoriasis presents as one of the following types: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis. Typically, the patient will present with several symmetric psoriatic plaques on typical areas of the body, leading the clinician towards the diagnosis of psoriasis.
Case report: The present case report series focuses on an atypical presentation of psoriasis noted in 2 patients who presented to our office with a single large, erythematous plaque located on the lower leg. Due to poor response to previous treatment, a biopsy was performed and upon analysis, revealed a diagnosis of psoriasis. The lesions showed significant improvement under local therapy.
Conclusion: In spite of significant research on such a common and seemingly well-understood dermatosis, the present case reports plead for further study with regards to atypical presentations of psoriasis.

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Clear or White? A RT-PCR plate comparison for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis

Elena Cristina Preda1, Valeriu Moldovan1, Oana Roxana Oprea2

1. County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Târgu Mureș, Romania
2. George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2022-0024

Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, laboratories have used various extraction and amplification kits, associated with different auxiliary materials. This study aims to investigate how different types of plates may affect RT-PCR performance.
Methods: Data on the positive controls (PCs) of RT-PCR runs for SARS-CoV-2 detection between December 2020 and April 2022 was collected retrospectively in the Molecular biology department of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Târgu Mureș’s clinical laboratory. The materials used consisted in MOLgen SARS-CoV-2 (Adaltis) and EliGene COVID19 CONFIRM 500 R amplification kits, 96-well full-skirted white and clear plates, and clear films. Microsoft Excel was used for the database and it included information about Cycle threshold (Ct) and maximum fluorescence. Statistical analysis, performed in MedCalc, consisted of Grubbs test, Kolmogorov–Smirnov Test, F test, T student test, and Mann-Whitney test to compare central tendencies. The significance threshold was set at p<0.05.
Results: The Ct comparison for MOLgen kit white plates vs clear plates: FAM channel- U=1052.5, Z=2.07, p=0.038, medians for white plates and clear plates were 22.80 and 23.25, respectively; ROX channel- U=784, Z=3.21, p=0.001, medians 21.93 and 21.43, respectively; Cy5 channel- U=1028.5, Z=1.95, p=0.518, medians 22.12, 21.75, respectively. For EliGene kit: U=848.5, Z=3.27, p=0.001, medians 28.26 (white plates) and 28.0 (clear plates). Comparison of the maximum fluorescence reached on both kits with white and clear plates computed p values <0.0001.
Conclusions: Between white and clear plates there are statistically significant differences considering Ct values and maximum read fluorescence, but with no impact on test outcome.

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Is the pulmonary microbiome involved in lung cancer pathophysiology?

Corina Eugenia Budin1, Iuliu Gabriel Cocuz1, Hédi Katalin Sárközi1, Adrian Horatiu Sabau1, Bianca Liana Grigorescu2

1. George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania
2. Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2022-0021

Bronchopulmonary cancer represents the neoplasms associated with the highest mortality rate, despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances in recent decades. Early diagnosis is often difficult due to the paucity of symptoms or superinfections. Screening subjects at risk of developing lung cancer include clinical, bacteriological, inflammatory status, and genetic profile assessment. The personal microbiome has an essential role in the physiology of the human body. The gut-lung axis plays an essential role in carcinogenesis, being involved in various pathways. The lung microbiome can contribute to the development of lung cancer either directly by acting on tumor cells or indirectly by modulating the tumor-associated immune response. The gut microbiome can directly affect the response to immunotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

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