Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Considerations On The Psychological Status Of The Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy, Mihai Dumitrache, Daniel Liviu Badescu, Stefan Rascu, Oana Denisa Balalau, Bogdan Popescu, Răzvan Valentin Scaunasu, Cristian Balalau

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The psychological impact on patients suffering radical cystectomy is twofold - (both that of the underlying neoplastic disease and that measured by the quality of life subsequent to surgery) and increases as the urinary derivation technique is less physiological and affects more the local anatomy.

Although there are numerous questionnaires that assess the quality of life of patients with cancer (HRQoL - health related QoL), not many probe bladder cancer morbidity or correlate the different types of urinary diversions’ impact on QoL (quality of life).

We analyzed 39 cases in our clinic who underwent radical cystectomy between August 2013 and …

Oral Manifestations In Acute Leukemia As The First Sign; The Interdisciplinary Approach Of Diagnosis And Treatment, Paunica Stana, Giurgiu Marina, Dumitriu Anca

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Systemic diseases often present associated oral signs and symptoms, which can occur either from the beginning of the disease or during its evolution. In some cases the oral manifestations reveal an undetected and severe disease, like leukemia. According to the encountered oral signs and symptoms and their response to topical/ dental treatment, the dentist and physician should take into account specific additional tests, which could highlight a possible associated systemic disease.

The most frequent oral manifestations associated with leukemia are represented by paleness of oral mucosa/ local abnormal colour of the gum, gingival petechiae, ecchymosis, bleeding associating painless gingival hyperplasia, …

Experimental Pharmacological Research Regarding The Potential Antidepressant Activity Induced By Some Newly Synthesised Dibenzo[A,D]Cycloheptene Compounds, Emil Ștefănescu, Corina Scutari, Ioana Păunică, Adrian Junghină

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Background. Depression is a relatively frequent encountered mental disorder in the general population, affecting both the quality of the individual life and its ability to perform the social tasks; it is generally accepted that new studies related to this pathologic condition are further necessary, in order to identify more adequate, efficient and accessible therapeutic compounds.

Materials and Methods. This study was performed on a sample of 60 white male mice, NMRI strain, who were divided into 6 groups of 10 animals and treated with 4 new derivatives of dibenzo [a, d] cycloheptene, amitriptyline as a reference substance, or with distilled …

Risk-Taking Behavior And Its Impact On Treatment, Vaccination And Diagnosing, Daniel Maxin

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

We present results from two recent mathematical biology studies that address the effect of risk-taking behavior on epidemic models. We show that when risk-taking prevails over riskavoidance, it is possible to show a detrimental and counterintuitive effect from increasing vaccination and treatment rates over certain critical time intervals. In addition, when risk-taking has a cumulative effect within the population, a lower transmission rate from diagnosed infected individuals may prevent the intended effect of vaccination.

Common Dermatoses In Patients With Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Mircea Tampa, Maria Isabela Sarbu, Clara Matei, Vasile Benea, Simona Roxana Georgescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic, debilitating syndrome, consisting of intrusive thoughts- which are experienced as inappropriate by the patient and are producing anxiety- and compulsions, defined as repetitive behaviours produced to reduce anxiety. While patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder typically have xerosis, eczema or lichen simplex chronicus, as a result of frequent washing or rubbing their skin, several other disorders which are included in the group of factitious disorders have also been associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A close collaboration between the dermatologist and the psychiatrist is therefore mandatory in order to achieve favourable outcomes for these patients. The aim of the …

Finasteride Side Effects And Post-Finasteride Syndrome In Male Androgenic Alopecia, Manea Mirela, Paunica Ioana, Puiu Gabriela Maria, Manea Costin Mihnea

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Finasteride is in present a relatively frequent prescribed drug for male androgenic alopecia. The adverse effects reported by some patients seem to be notable, consisting of various (physical, mental/ neurological, sexual, etc.) manifestations which are encountered both during Finasteride administration and after treatment cessation (in the form of `post-Finasteride syndrome`).

The pharmacological action and the corresponding adverse effects related to Finasteride administration were investigated and published in literature through several and successive studies. In respect to psychiatric disorders, the most notable concern is related to depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts among former users of finasteride with persistent adverse effects. Regarding …

Solving The Mind-Body Problem Through Two Distinct Concepts: Internal-Mental Existence And Internal Mental Reality, Ion G. Motofei, David L. Rowland

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

In a previous published paper, we initiated in this journal discussion about new perspectives regarding the organization and functioning of the mind, as a premise for addressing the mind-body problem. In this article, we continue focussing discussion on two distinct but interrelated concepts, internal-mental existence/ entity and internal-mental reality.

These two psycho-physiological subunits of the mind interact each other in the form of an internal-mental interaction, having no sense if one is isolated/ studied separately from the other. In other words, the mind (as a dynamic psycho-physiological construction) has no sense in the absence of this internal mental interaction that …

Toxicological Analysis Of Some Drugs Of Abuse In Biological Samples, Anne Marie Ciobanu, Daniela Luiza Baconi, Cristian Bălălău, Carolina Negrei, Miriana Stan, Maria Bârcă

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Consumption of drugs of abuse is a scourge of modern world. Abuse, drug addiction and their consequences are one of the major current problems of European society because of the significant repercussions in individual, family, social and economic level. In this context, toxicological analysis of the drugs of abuse in biological samples is a useful tool for: diagnosis of drug addiction, checking an auto-response, mandatory screening in some treatment programs, identification of a substance in the case of an overdose, determining compliance of the treatment.

The present paper aims to address the needs of healthcare professionals involved in drugs addiction …

Differences Between Men And Women With Total Laryngectomy, Bogdan Popescu, Serban Vifor Bertesteanu, Alexandra Oana Paun, Cristian Radu Popescu, Oana Denisa Balalau, Panaiota Dumitrache, Răzvan Valentin Scaunasu, Cristian Balalau

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The larynx is one of the organs that is usually involved in the tumor growth in the head and neck region and it is the second site of malignant neoplasia of the respiratory tract after the lungs. It is a well-known fact that larynx cancer is more often present in male population, with a ratio of 3:1 male/female because of the higher rate of tobacco and alcohol use. The issues related to total laryngectomy are the loss of voice, swallowing rehabilitation, reeducation of breathing through the tracheostomy, psychological alterations and social pressure. Women tend to be more affected by the …

Cutaneous Manifestations In Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Simona Roxana Georgescu, Cristina Iulia Mitran, Madalina Irina Mitran, Monica Costescu, Vasile Benea, Maria Isabela Sarbu, Mircea Tampa

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Inflammatory bowel diseases have a high frequency in Europe. They are chronic disorders that evolve with relapses and remissions. Clinical features include the signs of underlying inflammatory bowel disease and also signs of extraintestinal manifestations. Cutaneous disorders are the most common extraintestinal manifestations associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, which can be dependent on or independent of gastrointestinal disease activity. The main cutaneous disorders are erythema nodosum and pyodermagangrenosum. The pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood but it seems that related mechanisms are involved in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases and extraintestinal manifestations. Treatment should be aimed at both the …

Pathological Skin Picking: Case Presentation And Review Of The Literature, Maria Isabela Sarbu, Mircea Tampa, Diana Leahu, Cristina Raileanu, Vasile Benea, Simona Roxana Georgescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Pathological skin picking is a condition in which patients induce skin lesions through repetitive, compulsive excoriations of normal skin or skin with minor surface irregularities and they admit their role in the production of the lesions, but are unable to stop their behavior. Psychiatric comorbidities most often associated with skin picking include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, mood disorders, body dysmorphic disorders, trichotillomania and compulsive-buying disorder. We report the case of a 17 year old female patient who addressed the dermatology department of our hospital with an eruption consisting of erythematous papules and plaques. The local examination revealed several clues …

Management Of A Case Of Colovesical Fistula With Fecaluria As First Sign, C. Gingu, A. Dick, I. Ianiotescu, C. Baston, M. Crasneanu, A. Andresanu, L. Domnisor, V. Brasoveanu, A. Martiniuc, I. Sinescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. Fecaluria and pneumaturia are the patognomonic signs of an abnormal communication between the bladder and the intestinal tract. Therefore, when a history of digestive signs, symptoms or digestive diseases is missing, this borderline pathology leads the patients in the care of urologists. From diagnosis to treatment the management of these cases can be difficult and challenging.

Materials and Methods. A 48 year old patient, without any significant medical history, presented to the emergency room for fecaluria, pneumaturia and an episode of haematuria. He had no prior digestive symptoms. The contrast enhanced abdominal and pelvic CT scan revealed a pelvic …

Psychological Barriers In Long Term Non-Operative Treatment Of Retroperitoneal Hematoma, Bogdan Socea, Alexandru Carȃp, Simona Bobic, Vlad Denis Constantin

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The retroperitoneal hematoma can have, mainly, a traumatic etiology - blunt abdominal trauma (falls from height, road accidents, aggression of any kind, etc.), or open (incised wounds, puncture, penetration or gunshot wounds). Ruptured arterial aneurysms can cause hemorrhage in the retroperitoneal space. There is also spontaneous retroperitoneal trauma in patients with chronic treatment with anticoagulant or antiaggregant drugs (1). Hemorrhage in the retroperitoneal space can be iatrogenic, after surgical, open or laparoscopic, interventions (2, 3). A particular type of retroperitoneal hematoma is the psoas muscle hematoma in patients with chronic oral anticoagulant treatment (Acenocumarol, Warfarin).

Metoclopramide Neurological Side Effects Screening; A Pharmacovigilence Study In Romanian Community Pharmacies, Emil Ștefănescu, Mihaela Pleșu, Corina Scutari, Adrian Junghină, Horațiu Mireșan

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Background. Metoclopramide is a pharmacological agent frequently used in therapy against nausea and vomiting that can occur in indigestion, motion sickness, gastric ulcer, pyloric spasm and after surgery as a side effect of some anesthetics. Knowing the frequency and intensity of metoclopramide neurological side effects is essential for an efficient management of the dysfunctions it addresses.

Material and method. Based on a standard questionnaire containing questions regarding metoclopramide therapy, we analyzed the answers given by 1000 patients or patient tutors in 20 open circuit pharmacies situated all over Bucharest. All subjects freely consented to participate in this study that was …

Alcohol Withdrawal – Therapeutical Management In Surgical Patients With Upper Intestinal Bleeding, Bălălău Cristian, Cobani Oana Denisa, Trambitasu Gloria, Popescu Bogdan, Carolina Negrei, Scăunașu Răzvan Valentin

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Psychological dependence involves a desire to use a drug to avoid the unpleasant withdrawal syndrome that results from cessation of exposure to it. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is one of the most feared complications of alcohol addiction and sometimes can be fatal if not treated properly. Withdrawal syndrome is characterized by neurological hyperexcitability, which can lead to severe psychological and neurological symptoms. A survey was conceived in order to monitor the efficiency of several drug associations (Clonidine, Midazolam, IV ethanol), which were administered at the beginning of intensive therapy admission of achohol addicts. By comparing the postoperative evolution parameters and complications …

Clinical Data Related To Breast Reconstruction; Looking Back On The 21th Century And Forward To The Next Steps, Jecan Cristian Radu, Hernic Alexandru Daniel, Filip Iulia Cristina, Răducu Laura

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery represents a positive step in restoring a women’s idea of self by reestablishing her feminine features and confidence, thus improving essential aesthetic and emotional aspects. Regarded as the cornerstone in breast cancer management, the surgical treatment has come a long way since 1884 when W.S. Halsted performed the first radical mastectomy- a disfiguring procedure which was conducted until the late 70s when owing to contemporary advancements it was surpassed by modified radical mastectomies and other far less invasive approaches.

Either performed in an immediate or a delayed fashion breast reconstruction can be achieved not …

Current Concepts On Drug Abuse And Dependence, Daniela Luiza Baconi, Anne-Marie Ciobanu, Ana Maria Vlăsceanu, Oana Denisa Cobani, Carolina Negrei, Cristian Bălălău

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Drug addiction is a complex disease characterized by compulsive and uncontrollable desire to seek and consume the drug. In time, drug-related terminology has undergone many changes, arising from the deepening of the mechanisms of action, but also about the need for a greater precision in the definition.

Drug dependence can be assigned not only to pharmacological effects of the drugs of abuse, but also to their interaction with each particular neurological and psychological constitution. The research on the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction processes allows both a better understanding of current pharmacotherapy and the development of new treatment strategies in drug …

Genital Male Piercings, Mircea Tampa, Maria Isabela Sarbu, Alexandra Limbau, Monica Costescu, Vasile Benea, Simona Roxana Georgescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Body piercing has been practiced for thousands of years all over the world for beautification, religion, initiation rites or status reasons. Genital piercings also have a significant background and have been practiced for enhancing sexual pleasure, chastity, shocking or as a protest against a conservative society. As the popularity of genital piercings increased in the last years, the number of complications is also on the rise. It is therefore important for the medical professionals to have at least basic knowledge regarding this practice, as it might be required in the management of unpredictable complications.

The Mind And Sexuality: Introduction To A Psychophysiological Perspective, David L. Rowland, Ion G. Motofei

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Cognition and sexuality are two distinct relational functions that are partially interconnected through our mind. Even though medical sciences have progressed substantially over the past decades, the current understanding of the mind psycho-physiology is yet at an early stage. As an example, the “mind-body problem” draws attention to the fact that fundamental aspects related to the understanding of the mind are still unresolved. Thus, it continues to be unclear how abstract ideas and thoughts (which are immaterial in nature, unfolding in an intangible realm) interface (and in some cases, interfere) with the more concrete brain and body (which are physical …

Pancreatic Encephalopathy- A Rare Complication Of Severe Acute Biliary Pancreatitis, Vlad Denis Constantin, Alexandru Carȃp, Bogdan Socea, Simona Bobic

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Background. Pancreatic encephalopathy is a rare complication of severe acute pancreatitis, with high mortality, being difficult to diagnose and treat, thus requiring continuous research regarding its management.

Materials and Methods. Of 20 patients diagnosed with severe acute pancreatitis on admission at Department of Emergency and Admission (DEA), from January 1st 2010 to March 31st 2014, 5 cases complicated by pancreatic encephalopathy were analyzed using a descriptive observational, retrospective, single-centre study.

Results. The study shows different types of diagnostic algorithm and therapeutical approaches, in correlation with morbidity and mortality rates.

Conclusions. Our study highlighted the fact that speed is critical, early …

New Insights Into Cannabis Consumption; Abuses And Possible Therapeutic Effects, Daniela Luiza Baconi, Robert Daniel Vasile, Cristian Bălălău

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Cannabis is one of the oldest psychotropic drugs known to humanity. The paper assesses the current knowledge on the cannabis, including the mechanisms of action and the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids.

Three varieties of Cannabis plant are recognised: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The variety indica is used predominantly to obtain the drugs. Cannabis herb is usually named marijuana, while the cannabis oleoresin secreted by the glandular hairs found mainly on the flowering or fruiting tops of the plant is known as hashish. More than 400 known chemicals are present in cannabis, at least 70 of which are …

Sexual Dysfunctions In Psoriatic Patients, Maria Isabela Sarbu, Mircea Tampa, Alexandra Elenda Sarbu, Simona Roxana Georgescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder with a worldwide occurrence characterized by well-defined infiltrated erythematous papules and plaques, covered by silvery white or yellowish scales. It is a physically, socially and emotionally invalidating disorder that affects 1-2% of the population. Sexual health is an important part of general health and sexual dysfunctions can negatively affect self-esteem, confidence, interpersonal relationships and the quality of life. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) and the Impact of Psoriasis on Quality of Life (IPSO) questionnaire are all questionnaires used to assess the quality of life of patients with psoriasis and each …

Gay-Related Smartphone Applications: Potential And Risk- A Review Of The Medical Literature In The Field, Mircea Tampa, Maria Isabela Sarbu, Simona Roxana Georgescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

In the setting of difficulty in finding inter-relational partners for the individuals belonging to the LGBT community, a number of mobile phone applications provided with geo-tracking system have appeared in the last years, facilitating communication between gay individuals located in the nearby geographic areas, free applications which protect the identity of the users and indicate the relative distance between users and allow the sharing of information regarding physical characteristics (age, height, weight) as well as image-type files. At present, it is worth acknowledging that all those applications addressed to the LGBT persons in search for partners are sex-specific, being polarized …

Genital Skin Diseases And Their Expression In Sexual Functionality, Gabriela Albu, Mircea Tampa, Maria Isabela Sarbu, Simona Roxana Georgescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Sexual functionality acts as an important function of the individual, acting both physically and mentally to create a state of well-being and permitting procreation. A large number of mucosal and cutaneous ailments may affect the genial areas in both males and females, generally leading to local symptoms that impede the sexual act. Genital diseases, sometimes even without impairing the sexual function, may still alter the dynamics just because of the enormous psychological impact that occurs in these situations. We aim to review main dermatological disorders that alter normal function of the genitalia, as well as their physical mechanism by which …

Mental And Medical Sciences Today, David L. Rowland, Ion G. Motofei

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences is designed as a free online, open access, interdisciplinary and peer-reviewed journal. The JMMS mission is to address ideas and issues related to mind and medicine, publishing scientific review and empirical papers regarding mental and medical health and disease. Our goal is to stimulate constructive debates among scholars, researchers, physicians, scientists and health professionals with respect to the latest discoveries and trends in the field. The journal pays special attention to interdisciplinary and integrative perspectives, focusing primarily on papers approaching mind and body as a unitary domain of study.

Our supposition is that the …