Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Effect Of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy On Serum Levels Of Inflammatory Cytokines/Interleukin-17 In Severe Acute Pancreatitis, Diana Iosif, Adrian Paul Suceveanu, Marius Prazaru, Iulia Cindea, Viorel Gherghina, Anca Mihaela Pantea Stoian, Laura Mazilu, Dragos Serban, Alina Nicoara, Andra Iulia Suceveanu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Despite continuous investigations in the diagnosis and treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), this disease still remains a critical condition with a mortality rate of up to 35%. The pathophysiology of SAP involves an important inflammatory reaction of the pancreas (mediated by inflammatory cytokines and immune system activation), causing severe local tissue damage as well as important systemic imbalances. IL-17 is an inflammatory mediator that have a pivotal role in SAP evolution, generating multiple interactions between inflammatory cytokines and significantly influencing the immune system response. Consequently, continuous renal replacement therapy/CRRT was added to the conventional therapy, leading to improved treatment …

Prostate Imaging Reporting And Data System Score (Pi-Rads) And Glutathione S-Transferase P1 Methylation Status (Gst-P1) In The Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer Patients With Borderline Psa Values, Marius Stan, Vladimir Botnarciuc, Andra Iulia Suceveanu, Andreea Cristina Costea, Adrian Paul Suceveanu, Laura Mazilu, Ciprian Iorga, Tony Hangan, Corneliu Tudor, Dragos Epistatu, Sergiu Chirila, Viorel Gherghina, Felix Voinea

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Objectives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of Prostate Imaging – Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS) in combination with Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GST-P1) expression for an improved diagnosis of prostate cancer, in patients with inconclusive values of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on 80 patients for whom PSA values were evaluated and were found to be inconclusive (4-10 ng/ml). These patients underwent imagistic evaluation (PI-RADS), followed by transurethral prostate biopsy, with the evaluation of GST-P1 expression and histopathological examination (for diagnosis confirmation). Results. By combining the results of …

Periaortic Venous Necklace And Renal Right Double Arteries; Case Report, Petru Bordei, Constantin Andrei Rusali, Constantin Ionescu, Dragos Serban, Valeriu Ardeleanu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The case was found on an organic sample consisting of the two kidneys with the renal pedicles and the corresponding segments of the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. From the inferior face of the left renal vein, on the lower side of the aorta, a venous branch with an upward path of 8.02 mm was detached, passing on the anterior face of the aorta, passing before its right side, in order to end on the left side of the inferior vena cava, 13.9 mm above the end of the left renal vein in the inferior vena cava, this branch …

Modern Approaches For Antiandrogen-Resistant Prostate Cancer Therapy, Felix Voinea, Laura Mazilu, Ioan Sergiu Micu, Adrian Paul Suceveanu, Madalina Iliescu, Andrada Dumitru, Vlad Denis Constantin, Ioana Paunica, Andra Iulia Suceveanu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Prostate cancer represents the leading malignant tumor in men over 50 years of age with 400,000 new cases being diagnosed yearly in Europe. Even if the incidence rate is higher than the mortality rate, still there is an increasing trend when speaking of its mortality. The increasing incidence of the metabolic syndrome, the unhealthy lifestyle, the high lipid and Calcium intake, the high spread of infections with Human Papilloma Virus, Human Herpes Virus, the excess of androgen consumption and the longer life expectancy, are few of the main causes of prostate cancer increasing incidence. The new systemic therapies such as …

The Analysis Of Risk Factors Associated With Women's Urinary Incontinence; Literature Review, Denisa Oana Balalau, Octavian Gabriel Olaru, Nicolae Bacalbasa, Stana Paunica, Daniela Gabriela Balan, Anca Daniela Stanescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition among women. Approximately 50% of them had an involuntary loss of urine at least once in their lifetime. It can be present during sexual activity, contributing to sexual dysfunction and often associated with anxiety or even depression, thus having a negative impact on the quality of life. The incidence of UI is related to the existence of predisposing factors. The best known are: age, weight, family history, race/ ethnicity, number of pregnancies and mode of birth, history of genitourinary interventions and factors related to ordinary habits: smoking, caffeine consumption, oral contraceptives. Studies on …

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: Pandora’S Box?, Mihnea Alexandru Găman, Iulia Ursuleac, Daniel Coriu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired non-malignant hematological disorder which affects the pluripotent hematopoietic stem cell. The cause of PNH development is the occurrence of somatic mutations in the phosphatidylinositol glycan-A gene which encodes a protein necessary for the biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors. The diagnosis of PNH requires the presence of signs of intravascular hemolysis, thrombosis, and (or) bone marrow failure. Case Report. We report the case of a 42-year-old female, diagnosed with PNH at the age of 27, whose evolution was initially characterized predominantly by hemolytic attacks and whose disease pattern evolved towards thromboembolic episodes …

Underactive Bladder - An Underestimated Entity, Spinu Arsenie Dan, Ovidiu Gabriel Bratu, Dragos Radu Marcu, Adina Elena Stanciu, Florentina Gherghiceanu, Florentina Ionita-Radu, Simona Bungau, Ana Maria Alexandra Stanescu, Dan Mischianu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. The concept of underactive bladder is relatively new. Currently there is no generally accepted definition of this pathology. Diagnosis depends on urodynamic findings, and symptoms are usually rare and intricated with the symptoms of other urinary pathology.

Matherials and methods. This review examines the current literature on underactive bladder regarding pathology, definition, diagnosis, current guidelines, and any further potential medical developments.

Conclusions. Underactive bladder is a poorly understood pathologic condition. Only since 2002 has there been any consensus regarding the definition. The diagnosis relies only on urodynamics; clinical diagnosis is a challenge even for a consultant; and treatment does …

Anorexia Nervosa And Reproduction: Connecting Brain To Gonads, Mihaela Poterasu, David L. Rowland, Corina Ciobanu, Simona Fica

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric disorder that predominantly affects young women and is characterized by low caloric intake and a major dissatisfaction with one’s body image. It is often overlooked and, while patients and family seek medical help, emaciation and nutritional misbalances may become extreme and potentially life threatening. Among the many somatic complications, an accumulation of early endocrine adaptations occurs, leading to functional amenorrhea and impaired reproduction as a result of dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Even though these conditions are reversible, long-term consequences may affect the fertility of women with AN and can lead to maternal and …

Conservative Surgical Treatment In Cervical Dysplastic Lesions Associated With Cystorectocele, Bogdan Marian Puca, Anca D. Braila, Cosmin V. Obleaga, Mihai Braila, Hany Saad, Cristian Lungulescu, Mihai Deca

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia aims at removing the squamocolumnar junction area, including abnormal tissues, up to the healthy tissue. Old postpartum perineal tears associated with cystorectocele, hypertrophic cervical elongation, and first and second degree uterine prolapse are pelvic static disorders. Particular aspects of pelvic-genital static disorder are related to the vulnerability of the pelvic-perineal floor during birth. On the occasion of birth, especially when there are different forms of dystocia during labor, the degradation of soft pelvic, genital, and vaginal-perineal tissues can occur. The objective of this study was to re-evaluate the conservative treatment of cervical dysplasia, depending …

Microbiota Signatures In Type-2 Diabetic Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease - A Pilot Study, Gratiela P. Gradisteanu, Roxana A. Stoica, Laura Petcu, Ariana Picu, Adrian P. Suceveanu, Teodor Salmen, Diana S. Stefan, Cristian Serafinceanu, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Anca P. Stoian

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The human microbiota is paramount for normal host physiology. Altered host-microbiome interactions are part of the pathogenesis of numerous common ailments. Currently, much emphasis is placed on the involvement of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), impaired glucose tolerance, and other metabolic disorders (i.e. obesity). Several studies found highly significant correlations of specific intestinal bacteria with T2DM. A better understanding of the role of the microbiome in diabetes and its complications might provide new insights in the development of new therapeutic principles.

Our pilot study investigates the microbiota patterns in Romanian type-2 diabetic patients with diabetic …

Primary Renal Hydatid Cyst – A Review, Lucian Iorga, Radu Anghel, Dragos Marcu, Bogdan Socea, Camelia C. Diaconu, Ovidiu G. Bratu, Liliana F. Andronache, Stana Paunica, Dan Liviu Dorel Mischianu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of primary renal hydatidosis. A thorough review of the literature was made using the PubMed database. Cystic echinococcosis is a disease that results from infection with the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, a tiny tapeworm found in dogs (definitive host), sheep, cattle, goats, foxes and pigs, amongst others (intermediate hosts).

Humans are accidentally intermediate hosts, who become infected by direct contact with infected dogs, by ingesting contaminated raw or undercooked vegetables or by drinking contaminated water. Renal involvement by hydatid disease is uncommon (less than 3-4%), …

A Brief Review Of The Literature On The Malignant Ureteral Obstruction, Sorin Lupu, Adrian Brînză, Bogdan Socea, Dragos Marcu, Ileana Peride, Ana Maria Alexandra Stanescu, Tiberiu P. Neagu, Laurian Maxim

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) caused by a primarily urological tumor or secondary to a late-stage malignancy can be difficult for the urologist to manage. Due to a lack of clinical data on the management of MUO, every case is particular and should be aborted individually.

Lack of specific treatment, either palliative or definitive, can severely damage renal function and lifetime expectancy in patients, causing even more damage that could otherwise be avoided.

Prompt management directed at the recovery of renal function is the main goal in such cases. Even after urinary flow is restored, life threatening post-obstructive diuresis needs to …

Pelvic Floor Disorders In Gynecological Malignancies. An Overlooked Problem?, Oana M. Bodean, Radu D. Marcu, Dan A. Spinu, Bogdan Socea, Camelia C. Diaconu, Octavian Munteanu, Nicoleta Taus, Monica Cirstoiu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vulvar, and vaginal cancers affect women of a broad age spectrum. Many of these women are still sexually active when their cancer is diagnosed. Treatment options for gynecological malignancies, such as gynecological surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, are proven risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunction. The prevalence of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction before cancer treatment is still unclear. Hypotheses have been raised in the literature that these manifestations could represent early symptoms of pelvic cancers, but most remain overlooked even in cancer surviving patients.

The primary focus of therapy is always cancer eradication, but as …

Positive Surgical Margins In Nephron-Sparing Surgery; The Great Unknown, Dan Spinu, Oana M. Bodean, Bogdan Socea, Dan Mischianu, Ioana Oprea, Radu D. Marcu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

There is a currently a general trend towards organ-preserving surgery, and urology is no exception. Specifically, nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) has gained general acceptance for T1a renal cell carcinoma (guidelines recommendations). Moreover T1b, T2 and even T3 stage tumors have been included on the nephron sparing list at some centers. An unresolved issue is that of positive surgical margins (PSM), not only their detection but also the implications for follow up and treatment. This paper highlights data available on risk factors for PSM, their clinical relevance, and possible therapeutic consequences.

From the surgeon’s viewpoint, NSS is a daring and risky surgical …

The Current Treatment Of Erectile Dysfunction, Maria Isabela Sarbu, Mircea Tampa, Mădălina I. Mitran, Cristina I. Mitran, Vasile Benea, Simona R. Georgescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. It is the most frequent sexual dysfunction in elderly men and its prevalence increases with age.

Ever since ED was recognized as a real health problem, several treatment options became available and some of them proved to be very efficient. PDE5 inhibitors are the mainstay treatment of ED.

However, other treatment options such as intracorporal injections, surgery, vacuum devices and prosthesis are also available for patients who are unresponsive to PDE5 inhibitors. Since none of the treatment options available so far has proven …

The Postfinasteride Syndrome; An Overview, David L. Rowland, Ion G. Motofei, Florian Popa, Vlad D. Constantin, Adriana Vasilache, Ioana Păunică, Cristian Bălălău, Georgeta P. Păunică, Petrisor Banu, Stana Păunică

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

As a 5-α reductase inhibitor, Finasteride has proven effective in ameliorating two conditions documented to be androgen dependent, namely male androgenic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Therapeutic results are maintained as long as the drug is administered, with treatment cessation generally leading to the return of symptomatology for each condition. In addition, during the therapeutic phase, several adverse effects have been reported, some of which persist long or indefinitely after treatment cessation, known as “post-finasteride syndrome.”

Herein we present and discuss the most common finasteride side effects, along with a psycho-neuroendocrine rationale that could explain the persistence of many adverse …

The Mind Body Problem, Part Three: Ascension Of Sexual Function To Cerebral Level, Ion G. Motofei, David L. Rowland

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Physiologically, the somatic nervous system intervenes in external interaction between the body and environment, while autonomic nervous system ensures the functioning of internal organs. We present in this paper a psycho-physiological perspective suggesting that mental function (somatic in nature, because coordinates environmental interaction) is closer to and more aligned with the physiologic functioning of autonomic nervous system (due to autonomy, duality, etc.). At opposite end, sexual function (autonomic in nature, erection for example being a parasympathetic vasodilatory reflex) seems to be compatible and even dependent by a somatic participation (erectile response is rather induced by environmental stimuli than internal visceral …